The Fire Inside

20. Black Metal

Julien could've sworn he heard voices behind him. Isadora hadn't looked back once, but then again, she wasn't in her dog form either. He looked around to see if they were making any progress, but all he could see was rock, rock, and more rock. He grumbled at the sight.

"What's got your tail in a twist?" Izzy asked.

"Really? Dog puns?"

"Well it was pretty pawsome..."

Julien glared at Isadora.

"Ok, I'm sorry. What's up?" She laughed.

"I just keep hearing noises behind us and wanted to know if you were hearing it too?"

"Actually no. My hearing when I'm a puppy is pretty strong, but as a human, I'm practically deaf in comparison."

"Well, that's a harsh way of putting it."

"What? I'm used to my puppy form..."

"Excuses," Julien shook his head before chuckling.

Jimin stirred on his back, "What? What happened?"

Julien looked back at Jimin. Her hair was disheveled and her eyes were barely open. She was still holding onto Julien, but began frantically looking around when she realized that it was still dark.

"Why are we here again?"

Julien and Isadora laughed at Jimin's stupor. She whined and slapped Julien's back. He bounced her a bit, making her squeal and hold on tighter.

"Can you not!" She exclaimed.

Julien laughed, "But that was adorable! Don't you think, Izzy?"

"Why're you asking me? I was stuck in her mind for so long I don't know what to think!"

"My mind was not corrupted!" Jimin huffed.

"Actually..." Isadora came to a stop and looking behind them.

"Julien. I think we are being followed..."

They peered into the darkness. Three distinct figures came into view.

"Oh my god! I told you it was Jimin's flame!" Maria hooted and clapped.

Varun gasped while Emmalynn stood still.

"Lynn? You ok?" Jimin asked slowly.

Emmalynn shot forward and hugged Isadora, "You're ok, right? It wasn't too hard for you?"

Isadora raised an eyebrow, "You're asking me? How about worrying about the one who's not even walking on her own two feet."

Emmalynn looked to Jimin, who was hiding her face behind Julien.

"So is she ok?" Varun asked, concern written all over his face.

"She's fine. Just tired herself out," Julien said.

"Put me down," Jimin commanded.

"No way."

"Put. Me. Down."

"Uh-uh"

"Julien whatever your last name is, put me down!"

"Anderson."

"What?!"

"That's my last name. Anderson. Julien Anderson."

"Alright then. Julien Anderson, put me the hell down!"

"Ok princess."

Julien dropped Jimin who collapsed on the ground with a groan.

"I'm gonna kill you."