Halo: Heroes Awakening

9. You All Hate Me Don't You?

Malia

It took Malia forever to run all the way home as she lived on the complete other side of Kahele, where the wealth and luxury did not reside. Without the Prince's compass and map, she probably would have wandered into some nobleman's yard.

Her nerves and blood were spiked with adrenaline, breaths heaving out heavily. She had to be quick. Show her mother that she was still alive and then she'd have to find Sina. But she couldn't stay.

As soon as the King realized her cell was empty, there would be Hell to pay. She had to vanish.

When the dirt road of the forest transitioned to the cobblestone path of the town, Malia kept to the alleyways and shady corners of Kiribati. There was always an overwhelming amount of Kaua police lurking, as if constantly spying on the Sai people.

She didn't know how fast news had travelled, but she didn't want to find out on the spot that she was a fugitive.

Malia climbed over the walls of about three houses before she reached her own. Without knocking she entered, quickly closing the door behind her. She braced herself for anything, but there were already people in her home.

She walked out into the living room, seeing boxes upon boxes stacked next to each other. Her eyes met that of Aira Lin's son, Terran. He was putting her family pictures into a box, pausing mid-action when seeing her.

"What on earth are you doing here?" His face twisted in confusion. "They said they were going to kill you!"

"Well, I lived. Now what are you doing in my house?" Malia asked defensively, moving in on Terran with her fist ready. Where was her mother?

"Did you escape the Royal Guard?" Terran asked, his face still on the ground. "Oh, you're screwed! Do you have any idea what you're in for?"

"Don't ask me more questions while I'm asking you questions!" She said, frustrated.

"He is helping me move out," a familiar voice said. Malia turned around to see her mother rolling in from another room.

Malia immediately shot at her mother with a hug. Lucia barely retured it, but she didn't care. Malia just needed to feel her warmth, she didn't know when it would be her last.

"You owe everyone an apology," her mother said as soon as she pulled away. Lucia's eyes were disappointed. "They burned down General Faatu's statue after you were arrested. Why did you lie to me, Lia?"

"Why couldn't you listen to me just once in your whole life!"

Her raised voice made Malia's stomach and heart sink. "I'm sorry," she said, sorrowful. "I'm sorry for everything. I escaped so I can't stay here too long. I'll come back for you I promise."

"Your promise is a futile one," a cool and authoritative voice said. Malia whirled around and saw Aira Lin stroll into the living room, accompanied by two of her helpers. Malia frowned when she noticed they had more boxes.

"What are you doing?" Malia asked, puzzled. Her mother smacked her in the arm, making her yelp.

"Why don't you greet Aira Lin? It is the least you can do!" She reprimanded, but Malia's head wasn't there.

Aira Lin was a middle-aged woman with sleek long silver hair and happened to be the most important Elder of Kiribati.

Being an Elder and the daughter of a warhero, she had control over the neighborhood affairs and punished those who misbehaved. Malia was always on her list, even as a child.

Malia swallowed hard, giving Aira Lin a stoney look. "Where are you taking my mother?" Were they expelling her from the district because of what Malia had done?