A Promise Unbroken, A Life Not Lost

It was a promise they'd made a year ago when discussing the crime rate, especially arson, increase around the city. They were joking about it, innocent at the time, but now it meant so much more.

"I solemnly swear that if anyone ever attempted to kill you I will go after them until my last breath."

Both had kept straight faces when uttering the words, breaking into peals of laughter afterwards. It seems like an eternity since they had last laughed together, although it had only been a week.

Now they both stood with a simple door between them, one with a gun; the other bound with a gag in their mouth. Only one other person was in the immediate vicinity and both were sure he wouldn't be around long anyway.

The first loads the gun and gets ready to kick the door down. The second is ready, knowing it will be over soon. The man; the kidnapper; the traitor; enters, wearing a mask that exposes the lower half of his face and the scent of alcohol is heavy on his breath. It's a wonder he made it this far.

The rescuer swings their leg and with a solid kick the door escapes its hinges. The hostage blinks, the light a welcome-but-painful introduction. The man looks up, an expression of surprise evident and reaches for his own weapon.

It's too late.

Later, the two realise how scary it is that the gun was shot that quickly. How the man's actions add up. And how much a life truly weighs.

But in the present moment none of the musings-to-come matter. All that matters is safety, and those who violate it. And as far as both are concerning themselves, with adrenaline running through their veins, this man deserves to die.

The bullets are unforgiving. Almost ironically so. They hit the target with both milliseconds and millimetres of each other, creating four perfect holes in his chest. He remains still for a lifetime, as if nothing is happening; as though life is still perfect. But then time catches up, as it always does and his corpse crumples to the floor, with the likeness of a piece of paper.

The gun drops and there's a short rush of feet as the two are together again, like Yin and Yang. There are hugs, fussing and the untying of bonds. One helps the other to their feet and the exit is stealthy yet joyful.

But choices have been made and consequences are ever-looming.

The next day a pair makes their way through a sea of crowds to an airborne escape. Smiles are shared, but they are quiet, save for a short exchange.

"You came. I knew you would."

The other inclines their head at the statement.

"A promise unbroken, a life not lost."

AN: Inspired By: Prayer Of The Refugee - Rise Against, Apologize - One Republic and a conversation with my friend.

Thank you for reading

xx Uta