Keri's PoV

My head had stopped throbbing but now the ache was in my heart. Dan. Of course. I mean, what was I expecting, we go to the same fricking school? But it wasn't just him, it was the way Zoe was watching him.

"God," I sneered under my breath. "She's obsessed." What I didn't get was why she wasn't sinking her claws all the way into him. Why she wasn't openly with him. I mean she liked him, he liked her. The only thing I could see that was keeping them apart was… well me. I knew Dan wouldn't want to hurt my feelings, but it just hurt me more. I wished he'd just move on from me to make it easier for me to move on from him.

I was trailing behind the rest of the group; this stupid assault was stupid. I would have given anything to get out of it although getting kidnapped was still a bit of a surprise.

It all happened rather suddenly. A hand appeared out of the bushes and clamped over my mouth and then… darkness.

When I woke up, it was still dark and the throbbing in my head was back. I blinked slowly trying to get my bearings.

"And the little Birdie awakes." I froze. An image of the dark shadow of a figure on the screen back at HQ threatening to kill the PM's sister flashed through my mind.

"You're the Ringmaster aren't you!"

"That's correct, Keri, and I have a proposal for you."

"Where am I? Is this your new base?"

"No, Keri." A short chuckle. "We're still at the assault course your school brought to you. Are you having fun?"

"How did you know I'm here?" I demanded. Another chuckle.

"I'd love to tell but it's besides the point. I'd like you to join us."

"Are you insane? I'd never join Phantom!"

"Hear me out, Keri." The Ringmaster laughed again before continuing. "I want to help you."

I scoffed. "Why would I need your help?"

"I seem to have noticed something… a sort of wedge between you and your team?"

"What do you mean?"

"I mean Zoe, of course!"

"What…? I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh Keri, please, don't try and make up excuses. You don't think that we haven't noticed?"

"Noticed what?"

"How Zoe coming back is tearing apart you team! Not only has she split up you and Dan she's also put pressure on Tom and Aneisha to get together and that has resulted in the boys falling out."

"You think Zoe's responsible for that? I mean, yeah she's messed up me and Dan but you can't blame everything else on her."

"You don't think so?"

"I mean… No I don't…"

"Then allow me to put it like this. Have you noticed the relationship Aneisha and Tom have?"

"Yeah they're best friends."

"No, Tom and Dan are best friends. Almost like brothers. Tom has feelings for Aneisha. Tell me you didn't know that."

"I didn't."

"And neither did he. But when Zoe came back it brought the memories of the romantic relationship Dan and Zoe and suddenly Tom realised that he was jealous that the other two could be so openly in love while he was forced to hide the feelings he didn't even know he had. The same would go for Aneisha."

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that your team was perfect, you defeated my older brother which is no small feat. But you did it and you did it together. You were the dream team and then Zoe was back and she ruined you and Dan, she ruined Tom and Aneisha and now she's ruined Tom and Dan. It's only a matter of time before she ruins you and Aneisha then the dream team is destroyed and soon after the world."

"Destroyed by you!"

"Indeed. But you can stop us."

"You're damn right I can. Let me out of these ropes and I'll show you."

"Keri, I admire your spirit. However, I have a better idea. Perhaps you would like to listen to what I have to say?" He didn't wait for an answer. "It has occurred to me that maybe you can help us out."

"Why would I help you?"

"Because it would get rid of Zoe. This entire thing has been about Zoe. We want to her. Not you, not the PM or his fluffbrain sister. We need her to fulfil our plan."

"And what is your plan?"

"Ooh I'm not saying. But believe me you'll have a much better chance of stopping us once she's out of the picture."

"Out of the picture and into your hands!" I cried indignantly. The Ringmaster chuckled.

"Do we have a deal?"

"No!"

"Keri, take a minute to think. I believe you'll come around soon."

"Then you're crazy."

"Five… Four… Three…"

He continued his countdown but suddenly everything slowed. Maybe the Ringmaster was right about Zoe. Maybe she was the wedge that was tearing everything apart. Maybe if I went along with the Ringmaster's plan, it would turn out fine. The dream team would be back together. Me, Dan, Aneisha and Tom, working together like we used to before Zoe came back. Maybe that was the right thing to do. Maybe it the best option we had.

Or maybe I was just trying to get rid of her so I could have Dan back. Maybe I was putting the world in danger by listening to my heart instead of my head. Maybe I should turn down the offer and learn to work with Zoe so we could take down the Ringmaster and the rest of Phantom.

"Keri?" He had finished counting. "I need your answer."

"I'm in."