Alfinians Rise

Dawn

The first signs of daybreak streak the sky, painting it a sickly green as I push myself up from the ground, scorched sand sticking to my bare body as I pull myself into a sitting position. I take note of my surroundings, seeing the blackened sand surrounding the sand beneath me, and the semi scorched trees that once were covered in vibrant foliage, are now barren and grey with soot. 

"Oh God, what did I do?" I ask myself aloud as I climb to my feet, checking my hands to make sure my disguise remained intact. It's only then that I feel it. A wave of peace, of relief. My body tingles all over with the sudden use of power, power beyond what I believed I was capable of. Never before have I generated this much fire. A fire that consumed me inside and out. I feel like a million pounds have been removed from my shoulders as I wipe the sand from my face where it clung to tears. 

I have to get out of here before I'm found out. I quickly cross across the sandy shore towards the car, popping open the trunk and rummaging through what I think to be Sidoli's spare bag and pulling out a pair of pants and an oversized shirt. Getting dressed quickly, I hop in the vehicle, grateful for the fact that I had left the keys in the ignition the night before as I turn the engine over, sighing in relief as it purrs to life. 

Taking one last look at the carnage of my actions, I take it in. Scorching it to my memory. This was dangerous. I can't afford to allow this to happen again, it's a wonder that I let it go this long in the first place. I'm exhausted. My body is tired from the overuse and the surpassing of limitations that I had once set on myself. I need to learn how to control my power in a more efficient way. It's now obvious to me that simply suppressing it won't work anymore. I need a better plan if I'm going to survive. I got lucky this time, being so close to the forest where I could be in the middle of nowhere. I won't find the same luck where I'm going. Where we, my team and I, are going. 

The engine roars as I turn to leave, abandoning the scorched earth with the knowledge of the power I possess, and the relief of released emotions. I feel heavenly. 

The first streaks of grey light streak across the sky as I pull into the Inn parking lot. Turning off the engine, I remain seated for a few minutes, composing myself and my thoughts before climbing out of the car. I head to the door, silently praying that nobody is up yet so I can sneak upstairs and shower off the sand and smell of burning before I meet up with the team. 

However, my prayers and hopes are dashed the second I open the door only t be confronted by not one, not two but all five of my team members who start shouting at once, surrounding me with energy no one should have in the morning.

"Evi! Where the hell have you been?" Says Zuili, jumping from the staircase and followed by Sidoli who follows with "We've been trying to reach you all night!"

Next comes Shaheen and Myeela who start bickering with one another as they take in my appearance, crowding me as Myeela reaches out to pick a clump of burnt sand out of my hair. "What is this?" She asks, "Sand? W- Why do you smell like charcoal?" While Shaheen asks, "What did you do, sleep in a furnace?"

"Evi, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," Daxt says repeatedly, his eyes sorrowful as he tries to push to the front of the group, only to be stopped by Zuili who whips around and shoves him back before sneering and practically hissing the words "Don't you think you've done enough already?"

"That's enough!" A deep voice rumbles, instantly silencing the chatty group, for which I'm grateful. I look up to find Xayben watching me intensely, his beautiful violet eyes darkened with either worry or rage. Maybe both. "Tushinosa," he starts and I cringe at him using my last name. It's rage. Definitely rage. "Go upstairs and get cleaned up, I'll be there momentarily. As for the rest of you, go eat. It's been a long night and we have to leave soon. Hop to!"