Ignite

Chapter Seven

"The Pyro Association, also known as the P.A.'s, have been attacking us for years. They're the reason we moved underground in the first place. But since the factories are still above ground..." The lady in the navy military jacket explained to us as we walked down the hall.
"Many people don't survive an attack. They burn to death or die because no one comes to help them," she stopped, scanning her hand on a glistening key pad. It glowed green.
"Welcome, Ms. Heatherson. Permitted," the group walked into the room.
A woman with dark grey hair pulled into a tight, professional bun sat at a long desk. She had beautiful dark skin and was wearing a red military jacket and black slacks. She also had a key on a chain looped around her neck. Lilian, easily intrigued by shiny objects, stared at the key as it swished as the woman stood up.
"Cool key," Lilian spoke out loud, still staring at it.
"Lili! Act professional! You're talking to your president!" Kendall hissed in her ear. The woman just seemed to stand there, a knowing smile plastered on her lips.
"Uh... Sorry Madam President," Lilian corrected herself, curtsying.
The woman let out a chuckled and curtsied back.
"That's quiet alright, my child,"she smiled, and her kind eyes crinkled at the end, "call me Summer."
"I can see why we chose her as our president," Reye whispered to Sabine, a little bit in awe.
"Yeah, she reminds me of Kendall," Sabine responded. Kendall must have overheard, because she blushed a little and stood up straighter.
"Now, I'm sure you're all wondering why I've called you here," Madam President looked at each of the girls in turn.
"As I said, most people don't survive an attack. Amber did, and she would've died if it hadn't been for Bryan."
"Bryan?" All of the girls echoed unanimously.
"Ah, here he is now," Summer motioned to the door, and they turned around.
"Door: allow access of Bryan Barry," the president spoke clearly, and the door opened.
A scrawny man stood in the door way. He was tall and lean, with muscular legs and arms. He wore rags, and had a blue bandana wrapped around his head, mashing his stringy black hair down. The man had deeply tanned skin, like he spent most of his time above ground - most people had pale skin because of the lack of sunlight underground.
"Where are your shoes?" Lilian, nosy as usual asked.
"I don't have any," Bryan answered, his expression unchanging.
"This is Bryan, the man who saved Ms. Amber," Madam President said.
Without saying any words, and with tears in her eyes, Sabine ran and hugged him.
"Thank you..." She whispered.
Bryan looked taken for surprise, and his body went rigid. "Uhhh... You're welcome?" He attempted to pull her arms off him.
"In return for his service, he will be staying with you for a while, and be taken paid-vacation days from the factories," even Summer couldn't help but smile at Sabine's reaction.