Oliver watched as she shifted her mind into the place needed to summon her powers.

Whoa, she stammered, beads of sweat appearing instantly on her brow. This is not going to be easy.

She reached out with her hands. It looked like she was trying to pry apart two magnets, or rip fabric in half with her bare hands.

Im not strong enough to open this on my own, she told him.

Let me help, Oliver said.

He summoned his own powers, this time transforming one of his hands into a crowbar. He reached forward, finding the gap Esther had managed to rip through the shield, and wrenched it further open. The resistance was powerful, but they kept at it, working together until theyd made a space big enough for Oliver to squeeze through.

There, Esther said, stepping back.

But the moment she let go, the gap instantly sealed up.

Esther looked over at Oliver, realization dawning on her face, turning her skin pallid.

The shield is so strong it can heal itself, she said. It wont stay open.

Oliver let out a heavy exhalation. Once Im through, Ill be trapped the other side.

Esther shook her head vigorously as if the idea of Oliver being trapped the other side was inconceivable to her. Im just going to have to hold it open until you get back.

You cant, Oliver said. It will drain you.

Im strong, Esther countered. You said so yourself.

Oliver shook his head. Its too huge an undertaking. I cant ask you to do that.

Youre not asking, she argued. Im offering.

Oliver took her by the shoulders. Then I dont accept your help.

Esther remained fiercely stubborn. Im going to do it anyway, with your permission or without it.

Oliver sighed with frustration. I dont want you to risk your health for me.

And I dont want you to have no chance of getting back. I can do it. She gave him a decisive nod. I am doing it.

Oliver realized there was no arguing. Esther was not backing down.

Okay, he relented. But only while the timetables are off. Once theyre back online tomorrow youll be out of bounds. You could make the dimension unstable.

Esther looked distraught as she grappled with the reality of their situation. Professor Amethyst said theyd come back on after forty-eight hours. That gives you less than eight hours.

Oliver nodded gravely. He understood the stakes.

They turned back to the wall, both silent as they worked together to create a new opening. Esther ripped a seam through which Oliver used his crowbar hand to wrench it apart. Then Esther adjusted her position so that shed be able to keep the sides of the opening apart. Oliver could see the strain on her already.

Esther, he said, his voice barely a whisper. You dont have to do this.

Yes I do, she replied. Then she looked over briefly, her beautiful emerald eyes glittering with tears. GO.