The Chosen Phoenix III

Chapter 8- Forgiveness in Sorrow

The way the forest seemed as Jyn neared Elliot Village, she didn't like the way the environment was, and that one thing she noticed got her feet to move quicker and quicker: smoke. Ben also noticed it and caught up with Jyn. Soon before they knew it they were running. And the next moment, Jyn's eyes showed it all. 

Before her, the place she knew she had to protect, but didn't, was Elliot Village. But the Village wasn't as Jyn hoped. It had gone far beyond she had ever imagined. Flames prickled as the roofs slowly started to break apart. The entire surroundings was so smoky than Jyn couldn't even see her own cottage, which she suddenly realised how much she missed it. The farms were so dry it looked as though nothing had been planted there. Villagers were covered in ash, coughing hoarsely as they made their way towards the little group. Jyn looked around in horror.

' What caused this? ' Ben asked, his voice showed that he was just as shocked as Jyn. Before Jyn could answer, Anthony Elliot, Leader of Elliot Village, stepped forward. He was wounded from head to toe, his left eye was swollen and his right leg was bleeding. His face looked sallow and tired. 

' We tried, ' he said weakly, ' I'm sorry, Jyn. But we tried. They were just too strong. '

' Who? ' Jyn asked, looking around wildly at the villagers and their destroyed homes. Even Elliot House seemed to be making its way down to ruins. Her voice was shaking at the same rate of her heartbeat. ' Who were they? Where did they come from? When did they attack— '

' Ms. Lesley I feel uncomfortable interrupting you but it isn't safe here. You must leave now! ' Anthony said sternly.

' Why? I came all the way here because I knew there was something wrong! And whenever there is something wrong, I need to be there, that's my job. It's my job as the Chosen Phoenix to make sure no trouble occurs... and I let it happen— '

Her words were interrupted again by the rustling of leaves and panting behind. Zac appeared with Hunter, both looked extremely tired but slightly determined. 

' Zac? ' Jyn turned around, amazed.

' Jyn we really need to get out of here. ' Zac said as he dismounted Hunter, who then fell back with a thump and rolled over, trying to get every bit of his temporary rest.

' Oh so now you're on his side! ' Jyn said, raising her voice again as she indicated Anthony. ' You know I wondered if you actually even cared! These people need protection! '

' They do have protection— '

' But look at them now! '

' Jyn, just because you're the Chosen Phoenix doesn't mean you must put everything under your own responsibility. Your people need time for their own protection too... '

' You don't understand, Zac! '

' No, Jyn you don't understand! ' for the first time Zac was raising his voice.

' I'm not letting you risk yourself! ' he said firmly.

' You don't know what it's like to be the Chosen Phoenix! ' Jyn said, finally losing slight control of her temper.

' You're right I don't! ' said Zac. ' But I do know what it's like to be a protector! Jyn, please listen, you're caring too much, you're putting too much pressure on your shoulders... this doesn't even seem right. Why did they attack Elliot Village? Maybe it was to lure you here, Jyn this could be a trap! Honestly, I need to get you back to Fort Village... '

' I don't care anymore, Zac! ' Jyn yelled. ' You're just a coward who doesn't even care and thinks innocent people can protect themselves when they can't! '