The smoke still rose from the remnants of the building, waiting for the pain to end. The fire attacked relentlessly, sparing no precious fragment. Sturdy stakes stood firm, whispering hope of a second chance. Inside, surrounded by flames, she dared not believe in anything. She was waiting the fate to make its game, ready to transport her in another world, gripping the fear of the unknown. Now, in the light, she couldn't formulate any explanation. The information she possessed delved deeper, far from the truth. The ghost informed her the fire erupted on the upper floor, where she had spoken with Alison. Doubt lingered that they were alone at that moment. She suspected the involvement of superiors more than ever and knew a summons awaited her. They hated her, and she had no choice but to let them lead. As long as she breathed, she'd tread on their tails as best she could. No retreat was planned, even if it meant searching through the building's remains. Aware of the enemy lurking, she aimed to obstruct her, to plunge her into the mud. One day, she would unravel the mystery. Moreover, the clan needed a new headquarters, and she recalled a place. With the members, they approached the ruins, where she opened a trapdoor. Each descended into the underground, covered by darkness, guarded by light. The brief expedition lasted days, but they were grateful. The new location resembled an old building used as a warehouse, perfectly camouflaged. The interior resembled an abandoned place, walls covered in spiderwebs, resembling a cage. A single movement raised dust before a sneeze could occur. Many things threatened to crumble, challenging repair. They put everything in order within weeks, fearing their efforts would turn to ashes. Mey hoped they wouldn't be found again. All she found was a summons from the superiors. Before them, she stood tall, accused of the fire. They didn't stop there, stating she was responsible and guilty. Fury and the desire for justice surged in her, screaming in revolt. She approached their table, drew her weapon, waving it under their noses.

–I tell you, hand on heart, I wasn't involved in this. And as for you? You incited the war for what?!

–We hope for some evidence from you, and our decisions won't change.

–Typical! Follow the rules instead of considering the city's safety.

–It's none of your concern, you're weak. You couldn't protect Neverland, let alone the city.

—And you dream of saving everyone while sitting in your chairs? But I doubt that's what you really want.

-Enough! The meeting is over.

Mey left the room, regretting she hadn't killed them for their stupidity. Outside, she took a breath, observing autumn fading. The decor turned to shades of gray and dirty white. Winter, a bit later, gracefully installed its realm, ready for tranquility. From autumn, occasional rains, cricket songs, the warm coolness of the wind. Time flowed with the ticking of the clock. The slightly cracked dial worried her, but she was distracted by the sound of someone's footsteps. From a distance, she unmistakably sensed their presence. Only when she turned toward them did she lose balance. His gaze held her, slightly concerned.

–My mission is to take care of you?

–If I fall a thousand times, I don't know what I'll do.

–I'll be around to save you.

–You better show up on time.

–I'm sorry about the fire.

–What do you mean?

With bated breath, he whispered the culprit's name. Mey froze, expecting it, but burst into laughter. She couldn't believe him, it was absurd. The world inside her took the form of the clan's building, engulfed in flames. It hurt to experience the amalgam of emotions shaken at once. She knelt on the ground where dead leaves had fallen. Her feelings followed the same path but killed themselves. She didn't know how to process, how to handle. She wanted to absorb power, to have a way to crush him. She understood why they called her weak, but they didn't know she could defend herself. Despite her naive appearance, she hesitated not to seek revenge, to leave a deep wound. No one would forget her, not even in the afterlife. Unfortunately, all remained in the realm of the past. Even good things die and burn because they never truly were. His words shattered her, stealing every will, motivation, throwing her into emptiness.

–Leave, don't come back.

–Is this how our story ends?

–You didn't care about the heart connected to your universe. What are you waiting for?

–Do you leave or not?

–If that's your last wish...

–You don't even have the courage to fight for us, not to tear us apart.

–You push me away when I come to you, how am I supposed to react?

–Calm down, you idiot!

–Mey, please...

–Don't call me that, just be quiet.

Devon takes her shoulders, pulling her into an embrace. Mey struggles, wanting to push him away, but she gives in. She's tired of creating storms, tired of seeing him thunder. He asks her to listen for a moment, to explain his actions. In the end, she gives in and refrains from killing him with her bare hands, using only her thoughts for now. He begins by revealing how things escalated. On the upper floor, he sensed something abnormal, luring him there. With a few steps, he found himself face to face with Max. He recognized him immediately, knowing he was searching for him. Max had fled his clan with a valid reason, and Devon couldn't provide peace. Max's hand threw him to the ground, whispering that he was a ruthless worm, deserving to be buried alive. His words were worthless, and they engaged in a fight. Devon knew he didn't have the strength to beat him with his fists, but he could use his brain. He let himself roll and be stabbed from all sides until he felt exhausted. At that moment, he pushed him down the stairs. The impact with the gas pipe caused a chandelier to fall on Max's head. The flame grew into a tsunami of fire with the smell of gas. Devon managed to distance himself and trigger the fire alarm, but he had to hurry. Smoke entered his nostrils, making him dizzy, but he used his sleeve to continue a bit longer. He reached a hole in the floor, where he saw a small light and then a hand with a watch. He descended quickly, removing planks and pieces of collapsed walls. He pulled her out, making sure not to leave her behind. He would never forgive himself, and now he was beside her, not regretting anything. When he finished telling the story, tears streamed down his face, and he wiped them away. Muddled as she was, she didn't know what to believe. Perhaps she was naive again, but she couldn't deny anything anymore.

–Am I forgiven or...?

–We'll see, but I should've done him in...

–Not him, but you would bury me.

–The offer still stands, haha!

–You're impossible!

They both burst into laughter, even though their souls were wounded, somehow reconciled.

© BlairAmy
#pain #fire #love #mystery #action