The Protectors

Chapter 9 - Heartbreak

The protectors had just returned to the headquarters in Spain after a grueling mission where they had defeated all the ashenclaw. However, the victory came at a heavy cost. Renay had tragically lost her life, leaving a deep sorrow in the hearts of all the protectors. Max, Sonya, and Emile were severely injured, while Izumi, though she tried to hide it, was also hurting. Now, gathered in the medical tent, emotions ran high. Izumi, Sonya & Max were all in a bed each, Max, overcome with tears, expressed his frustration and anguish to Izumi. "I can't believe it, Izumi. What is happening? This is the second time I couldn't save anyone!" His voice trembled with pain, anger, and disappointment. Izumi, her voice soft and defeated, responded, "Don't shout at me, Max. We're all hurting here." Exhausted and with her leg in a cast, she continued, "But we have to get stronger, smarter, and learn from this. We can't bear this pain in our hearts anymore. We have to take responsibility and ensure it never happens again. I can't take it anymore either. I'm going to learn, get stronger, and I won't rest until every single ashenclaw is eradicated of this earth, I swear." As Izumi's words filled the air, her energy surged, fueled by raw emotion. But as she finished speaking, exhaustion washed over her once more. Max, now sobbing, curled up on his bed, feeling helpless and vulnerable. Trying to offer comfort, Izumi said, "We'll get through this, Max. I promise." However, her conviction seemed uncertain.

Lola entered the room, her appearance shattered and it seemed like she had been weeping relentlessly. However, she managed to put on a smile, as if trying to reassure everyone that she was fine. Taking a seat beside Emile on the bed, she gazed at him intently. "I almost lost him too, can you believe it?" she uttered. The room fell into silence, all eyes fixed on Lola as she continued to look at Emile. "We need to be stronger, guys. I hope you all understand that. I can feel it now, the change. I believe this was destined to happen," she spoke softly. Max questioned her, "What do you mean?" Lola replied, "I believe this is exactly how it was meant to be. It's a lesson." Max's face twisted with anger, "You think Renay was meant to die? Are you out of your fucking mind, Lola?" Max's rage was palpable. Izumi intervened, shouting at Max, and Lola glanced up at him. "I lost my mind the moment I lost my sister, Max. But yes, I believe there's a bigger picture here. The ashenclaw we captured mentioned Rak. He recognized Emile and claimed he was on the wrong side. Mrs. Hemley also said he was going to save us. I believe it all now, he's our hero." Tears streamed down Lola's face as she spoke, her gaze returning to Emile. Max exchanged a glance with Izumi, who responded with a stern look, urging him to remain silent. Sonya remained quiet, simply observing. "I know I sound insane, but-" Lola was interrupted by Izumi. "You're not crazy, Lola. I'm with you. Let's hope for a miracle because right now, it feels like we need one."

Several hours later, Emile woke up in the late hours of the night. He was taken aback to find Lola asleep on the bed beside him. As he shifted and sat up, the pain coursing through his body became apparent. Instantly, he sensed that something was amiss. Lola, her eyes welling up with tears, spoke, "You're awake." Emile, confused and with no recollection of recent events, asked, "What's wrong? What happened?" Lola's tears began to flow, and she replied, "Is it that obvious?"

Did he fail? Was Skylar captured? Emile couldn't believe the news as tears streamed down Lola's face. Sitting on the edge of his bed, she delivered the heartbreaking truth - Renay was dead. Emile's heart sank, overwhelmed by the weight of loss. But at that moment, he knew he had to be there for Lola. He pulled her into a comforting embrace, assuring her that it was okay to cry.

As Emile grappled with the reality of being a protector, he couldn't help but question his own abilities. Could he handle the constant pain of losing those he cared about? However, amidst his doubts, he remembered that Lola had saved his life. Grateful for her bravery, he acknowledged her role in his survival.

"You saved me," Emile whispered, his voice filled with gratitude. Lola nodded, a hint of a smile on her tear-stained face. "Just in time, apparently...sorry about the crying" she giggled, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere. Emile shook his head, dismissing any notion of Lola needing to apologize for her emotions. "Lola, you're human. Don't ever apologize for that," he reassured her, his eyes filled with sincerity. There was a palpable tension in the air, as Emile couldn't help but be captivated by Lola's beauty at this moment. But now was not the time for romantic thoughts. Before he could even consider creating distance by letting go of the embrace he had created, Lola leaned forward and kissed him. Emile's heart raced as he kissed her back, a moment he had fantasized about but never thought would come true. Yet, the circumstances surrounding their kiss dampened his joy. He couldn't fully enjoy it, knowing the pain they both carried.