Blumen Fire

Chapter 5 ***

Oliver knelt beside Maya in a dimly lit living room. He winced as his neck ached, still sore from the tranquilizer dart. He had only woken up several hours ago from the second dart, which Virgnia herself had taken when she saw his demonic figure. She only let him go after he swore he would never hurt Maya, and even then there was a guard–Finn–posted outside the living room door.

Maya's eyes blinked open, and she hissed in pain as she felt her neck wound. Tears sprung into her eyes. "Infected..?"

Oliver jumped. His eyes were alight with violence. "You're not infected," he snarled. His eyes softened. "You're perfect." He cringed at his cringey pick-up line.

Maya jumped back in slight fear after seeing Oliver. "Oh- uhm.." She chuckled after he said that. She glanced over at his neck. "Are.. you okay?"

Oliver shrugged, then winced. "I'll be better," he growled.

She motioned for him to lean down, so she could see it. It was a red welt, slightly swollen at the edges, but with no real damage. It was more of a nuisance than anything.

Maya brushed her fingers over the wound. Oliver leaned closer, brushing her hair out of her eyes. "Do you fell alright?" he blustered. "I mean feel." Maya laughed, and kissed him on the head. "I'm fine. She hugged him. "I'm just happy that you're okay."

Suddenly, Finn walked in, and Oliver leapt off of Maya like she was on fire.

"Virginia says someone is coming on the mission with us, to fill in for her," he muttered uncomfortably. "She, uh, wants you to meet her."

Oliver growled. "We're having a moment, blind boy."

Maya coughed slightly, blushing profoundly. "We're both tired.."

Finn shook his head. "Code 92 has come in from position 3," he gabbled, expecting the two teenagers to understand. "The mission must begin the day after tomorrow, and you must meet her."

She stood, sighing. "What??" She put her hands on her hips. "What the heck are you talking about?"

Finn nodded. "Virginia is out on another urgent mission," he said somberly. "We need Elsie to take her place. She's about your age."

Maya gave Finn a look. Can we have, like, 15 minutes?" Then she stopped. "Elsie??"

Finn nodded uncertainly. Maya stood quickly. "I need to see her. Now."

"All clear," Finn called. A man in a bodyguard suit trooped in, followed by a girl who looked the same age and height as Maya. She was thin, with almond porcelain skin and long, wavy locks of caramel-colored hair. Her eyes, a shining silverfish green, glitter like stars even in the dim light.

Maya strode over, and held the girl's shoulders. "Is.. your father a policeman?"

Elsie flinched. "He is a guard," she replied eventually in a thickly accented voice.

Maya winced. "Well, your father tried to take me and put me in jail for money."

Elsie moved away from Maya's hands, although she held Maya's eyes. "He is a brave strong man," Elsie said in a low voice, flicking a caramel lock over her shoulder where it cascaded to her elbows. "He did not arrest you for money. He arrested you for our safety."

Her retort made Maya's eye's blaze angrily. "He told me himself that it was for money."

Oliver stepped in before Elsie could say anything else. "I'm sure it was just for her family, Maya," he said in a gentle voice, something burning in his eyes as he looked away from her.

Maya stepped back. "I'm going on a walk." She quickly attempted to walk out.

Finn blocked her with his broad shoulders. "You can't go out without a weapon," he said gruffly. "You have one?"