The Spark of an Angel

Chapter 5 - Chasing Shadows

Patrick opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was Welt crouching over him, the rest of the crew was encircling them, still muttering among themselves, "he's okay, go and prepare for a jump." Welt informed the crew, he sighed, "the ship is damaged, we can't make it all the way to the safe haven. Tell me a little more about your friend, Alex. Nova informed me that the same thing happened when you were in the tunnel."

"Well, for starters... he was bullied in high school, I wish I stood up for him. I wish I'd put myself between him and the bullies." Patrick's voice dipped down, "from his accent to the way he dressed, they'd find whatever to tease him about."

Welt's face changed to understanding, his eyebrows shifted upwards, his lips weren't in a frown, "Which is why you put yourself between me and the beast?"

Patrick nodded, "yes. I wish I'd done that for Alex." He sighed, "what the hell happened? Why do I feel so dizzy?"

"It's natural to feel that, don't worry we've all felt it." Welt sighed, he removed his glasses.

Patrick held his gaze, "What do you see? As a blind person?"

"Fire catching wherever heat is formed." He answered grimly, "you're made out of fire, so is everyone else I see. It's just something that came with my accident. I have the hearing of an elf now, apparently, maybe even better."

"I understand you don't want to talk about it."

Welt rose to his full height, sliding the glasses onto his head, "Get some rest, Patrick, you'll need it for the journey ahead. We aren't going to make it to the safe haven, but I can protect you the best I can." He sighed, before walking away, "alright, let's prepare for a jump!" He shouted.

Patrick pushed himself off the ground, holding a hand to his throbbing head, he stumbled towards the front of the ship, standing by the edge, he saw the world for the first time, he was above it, more importantly he was in space, shouldn't he be crushed to nothing right now? He didn't know how he was surviving, but he knew that some things were weird about the crew of the ship.

He watched as a dazzling array of colors formed around the ship, a wave of dizziness hit him as he was watching, he stumbled towards the staircase. Then down the stairs, almost falling, he made his way towards the room he'd woken up in, opening the door, he pulled his sweatshirt out his head because he was sweating, his head throbbed and he fell into the bed. His eyes shut and he was dreaming.

He was at his apartment, sitting on the bed. His phone buzzed, it was a call, "hello, this is Patrick speaking."

"Patrick." The voice panted.

It took a second for him to recognize the voice, "Alex? What's wrong? You sound out of breath."

"I'm being chased. I don't know what they want... probably my wallet or summat," Alex said, "they have a car and I'm on foot."

"Where? Where are you?" Patrick panicked, he was already putting his shoes on and rushing out the door.

Alex paused, "I don't know, mate! I was on my way back from one of the bars. I took many wrong turns seeing if they'd follow me! They're still following me!"

"You're drunk then?"

"No!" Alex shouted, "I'm running from them, Paddy! If I was drunk, how would I be able to run or even walk in a straight line?"

Patrick scoffed, running towards the door, "Alex, can you tell me what street you're on? What happened? Why are they mad at you? Why are they chasing you?"

"It was a disagreement. I didn't know it would go this far. I'm on Killyon Road. I don't even know where I am! It's three in morning Patrick, I sorry if I woke you! I'm scared, it's a one way road, so I think I'm safe, for now."