INTO

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Never in their wildest dreams had any of them ever imagined they would once manage to find themselves in a totally different one than the one they lived in. Or even worse, go over to hangout at night with a bunch of kids that so desperately wanted to get rid of them.

Gwen, Miranda and Tina found themselves in their rooms, searching for what exactly to wear for their hangout. It wasn't like it was a party or anything memorable but for some reason they couldn't collectively decide on an outfit.

After minutes and minutes of deliberation, they all finally chose their outfits- Gwen going with a black skirt with a crop top, Miranda, plain t-shirt and shorts and Tina, surprisingly going with a thigh length gown with almost no sleeves.

They stepped out of their room, heading to the living room to meet Adam. They had assigned the job of telling Bernard about their destination to him and as such, waited for a while before going to join him and Bernard.

"Oh you're all here," Bernard said as they all walked into the living room. "Took you long enough."

They exchanged glances with Adam and he flashed them a sympathetic smile.

"What are you all looking at him for?" Bernard said to them as they all immediately shifted their gaze to him. "To ask him if I agreed already? No, I didn't!"

"Uncle Bernard-"

"Don't try to make me understand anything, Miranda," Bernard cut her off. "None can do. It's way too risky."

"Dad-"

"You too, Adam," he shook his head. "Not another one from you about this. I made that clear already."

Taking deep exhales, they watched Bernard fold his arms, stretch backwards and shut his eyes.

"Bernard," Gwen spoke up. "Try to understand us here. She invited us over so we could get closer."

"You don't need to get closer."

"I thought we already talked about this yesterday," Miranda rolled her eyes. "We're doing this to find a way to get out of here. She needs to trust us."

"Whatever trusting or bonding you guys need to do should be done at school or in other public places," he said in a final tone. "Not in her house at night. You should all just give up trying to convince me otherwise. Go to your rooms and tell her something came up so you couldn't make it."

"And what exactly would that be?"

"Anything," his expression was cold. "You could tell her you all ate something bad and had diarrhea or something."

Groans followed by silence filled the air for a while.

"I understand if you don't want us going cause you're worried," Gwen spoke up after a short lived silence. "And I'm sorry in advance if this makes you angry but I really don't like being told what to do and what not."

Gwen's words took them all by surprise and they all shifted their gaze towards her. Bernard sat up, blinked severally then laughed. "What?"

"I appreciate your care but I'm not your son like Adam or your niece like Miranda," she continued. "I'm simply someone who was dragged here against my own will because of the results of the collective bad decisions of you and your son."

"Gwen-"

"Stop," Miranda stopped Adam from saying anything further. "Just let her talk."

"And as such, you can't blame me for wanting to get out of here as soon as possible," Gwen resumed talking. "And if I see a possible way, you also shouldn't blame me for wanting to dive into it whether it's risky or not. Bernard, I'm trying my best to be polite here but you don't get to tell me what to do. I'm going to find a way to get out of here and if that involves me going over to Petal's, I will. With or without your permission."

Bernard looked stunned. He stared at Gwen for a while longer then shook his head. "Wow, Gwen. You really have a sharp tongue."

Miranda snickered loud enough for everyone to hear. "Told y'all she's crazy."

"Fine," he said with a deep sigh. "You're right. I have no right to tell you what to do so go if you want to. Just understand I'm trying to keep you safe so stay safe. All of your lives would be on the line with even a slightest mistake."

"I know," she nodded. "I'll be safe."

"Huh-uh, with that being said," Miranda dramatically raised her hand. "Uncle Bernard, you're my uncle not my dad and even if you were my dad, I'll still disobey you so well, I'm going to."

"Miranda-"

"Yes yes," she bowed. "I'll stay safe knowing all of our lives could be at risk with even the slightest mistake."

He looked done with her as he shook his head.

"Dad-"

"Oh, Adam, you too," he could have cried. "Fine, you should all go. Just go and do whatever you want to."

"Thanks, dad."

He sighed for the millionth time that night. "Just stay safe, all of you. Please."

They nodded at him and exchanged glances. "We will."

---

It was dark already by the time they got to Petal's.

Her house looked totally different from Bernard's, taking all of them by surprise. It was exciting and surprising to know that such houses with different and seemingly complicated architecture existed in that world.

They knocked on the door and almost immediately, it was opened to reveal Petal.

"You are here," she said as she opened the door. "I was almost beginning to think you weren't going to show up."

"Why would that happen?" Miranda asked, lightening her question with a laughter. "Come on."

"I know right," Petal smirked. "Anyways, come in. Stefan and Tyler are waiting."

One after the other, they stepped into the house, noticing how different it looked compared to its exterior. As they walked and they made their way to Petal's room, their path was lit up by candles and fire burning subtly by corners of the house.

"So they're finally here."

Petal stepped into her room and announced their arrival. She sat on her bed, Stefan and Tyler taking seats on the floor while she gestured for them to sit.

"Hi."

"Hey."

"Oh, hi."

Their greetings were awkward as they say around the floor and waited for what we next.

"So without wasting much time, I'll go straight to the point, our plan," Petal spoke up. "We'll be going back to Clover's to see if he has changed his mind and is ready to help us. If he's still the same, we'll have to resort to sorcery."

"Sorcery?"

"Yep," she nodded. "We'll get some witches and wizards to be on our side and then we'll get a new way to open the portal."

"Are you sure we'll be able to open the portal without Clover's help?"

"Of course, Gwen," Petal replied. "I only needed him to help us make things faster. But if he decides to not help, it's only going to make things a bit more complicated."

"Oh, okay."

"But before then," she folded her arms. "You're all Drezpires, right? So what are your special strengths? You already know ours. Stefan can wipe your memory, Tyler can

They all exchanged quick glances, Miranda quickly speaking up. "We haven't all figured it out yet."

"What?" Stefan spoke up. "All for of you?"

"Of course not, silly," she flashed him a sarcastic smile. "Just Tina and Gwen are yet to figure out theirs."

"You've figured yours out already?" Adam couldn't help but ask. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Miranda shrugged. "I don't know."

"So what are you guys'?"

"Adam has the ability to have his strong desires come true," she said and they all seemed impressed. "He pretty much still sucks at using it but yeah, the strength is in him."

"That's so cool," Petal clapped her hands. "You just need to practice it well and it'll honestly be to our advantage."

"Yeah, I guess," he gave Petal a quick glance then shot Miranda a glare. He still didn't believe his powers actually existed and it didn't make him feel exactly settled having Miranda tell them about it.

"And I," Miranda continued. "I can pretty much shape shift."

"What?!"

"Yeah," she nodded. "You know what I mean, right? I can easily take the form of anyone I want to."

They all turned to look at her, wide eyed. They were all extremely surprised but it took Gwen, Tina and Adam by even more surprise. They had all been made to believe she didn't figure out her powers yet and here she was saying something different.

"That's," Gwen muttered, unable to take her eyes off her. She found it hard to believe her and secretly hoped she wasn't just making it up to gain their trust. "Interesting."

"Yeah it is," Stefan said. "But how is it that the rest of you didn't know about it?"

"Yeah," Petal joined in. "Aren't you all like a family or something?"

"Actually, I just figured it out recently," Miranda quickly said. "Wanted it to be a big surprise but I guess it happened this way. Surprise!"

"Can you demonstrate it?" Petal said, excitedly. "I want to see."

Gwen gulped, fear immediately gripping her. She looked at Miranda and she strangely still looked calm. Was she really telling the truth? Did she really figure out her strength already?

"Whose form should I take then?" She rested her chin on her palm and she looked at them all one after the other. "I'll take yours then, Petal. Since you're the curious one."

All eyes on her, Miranda stood up and walked towards Petal. Aware of their undivided attention on her she smirked and then gently placed her hand on Petal's shoulder.

"Well," she flashed them a smile."Surprise."

Gasps filled the air.

Their mouths all fell to the ground as right next to Petal where Miranda was, was an exact replica of her, smiling at them.