Growing Fires with Old Ashes

15 - Knives

Sage.

The noise of the gunshot echoed through the entire surrounding area, making shivers go down my spine. My instinct instantly went to grabbing one of my knives which I carried with me at all times, in case of times like these.

I knew I was able to protect myself, but Atlas on the other hand risked a lot more danger than I did. Although I was wrong about that one.

It was like he had been trained on how to react to moments like these. His hand immediately went to reach for something in his pocket. I frowned at the sight of it as he grasped my hand with his free one, shoving me away so I'd be standing right behind him.

With one swift movement, he took his gun out, pointing it at some random direction as he fired the firearm. The whole situation was fucking my mind up, but the only thing that was really on my mind was; why did Atlas carry a gun with him? And how was he able to fire it so well?. Any person could see he was an experienced shooter just by taking a look at his gestures.

He shot into the distance a couple more times as he then grabbed my hand, my gaze instantly going back to meet his. He was breathing heavily, I could feel his body was tense. I was almost collapsing from all the adrenaline in me as well.

''We should go, it isn't safe to stay here any longer'' his voice didn't have much emotion in it, but the look in his eyes said differently. He almost looked like he was furious about something.

Before I could respond, he tightened his grip around my hand. He turned around to look around the sight once more, just to be sure. He then dragged me along with quite a lot of force, back home.

I had so many unanswered questions, but the only I could get out of my throat was; ''How did you-'' but he cut me off before I even got the chance to receive an explanation. Any hint of his playfulness was gone and so was the vibe around us. Did this shit happen a lot in Phoenix nowadays? What the hell happened to this town?

''Don't ask, Sage''

''No, shut up Atlas. Does this shit happen a lot nowadays?'' I didn't mean for my voice to lash out like that, but my night just got ruined by some motherfucker who shot at us.

He waved the question off and continued walking in a quick pace. It was hard keeping up with him but we managed to make it back to my house. He stood like a stick in the mud in front of my front door while he watched me walk in.

The whole situation was still so off to me. How the hell was he able to hold a gun like that? Why was there even a fucking shooter aiming at us in the first place? Why did he carry a weapon with him?

He cleared his throat and watched me for a moment. ''Are you gonna let me in or what?'' he then broke the silence. Fuck. As much as I wanted to get my answers now, I already had things I needed to get done tonight.

I shook my head and sighed a bit. ''I already have some stuff planned for tonight, I'm sorry'' he smiled and shook his head to reassure me.

''Don't tell me you have plans with Douggie boy hmm'' he teased, making a giggle escape from my lips.

''Dad wants to watch this documentary, don't worry'' I responded as a grin appeared on his face before he nodded.

''Sweet dreams, ma fraise'' he spoke with a wink. I blew a kiss at him and then shut the door. Ma fraise..

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4:06 am, Route 20.

''Ella está aquí todavía?'' [ Is she here yet? ] I whispered, my crew was able to hear me through my earpiece. I fixed my mask one last time, checking my voice changer as my eyes then continued to look at my surroundings.