Dragon Rings

Chapter 11: Red (Unedited)

I fiddled with my new ring as I hopped onto my motorbike. The ring was a decorated silver band with a ruby center. I was surprised a ring as pretty as this was at some lowly resale shop, but hey, can't look a gift horse in the mouth.

The inside of the band still freaked me out a bit. Star didn't read the name on the inside, but it felt weird seeing my real name, Rachel, on the ring. I almost forgot that was my name. Red just felt more comfortable than Rachel ever could.

I turned to face Hana as she put on her helmet. "So," I started, "What's up with these freaky rings? Star didn't see mine, but it says 'Rachel.' Feels weird seeing that name again." I pulled off my ring and handed it to Hana to inspect. "And yours says 'Sulia.' Seems like some kinda creepy Twilight Zone kinda shit."

Hana turned my ring over in her hands and kept silent for a minute. "I don't know, just feels like an invasion of privacy to me." She finally said.

Hana fiddled with my ring before handing it back to me. "Here you go." I took the ring and put it on before handing over Hana's. Hers was pretty much the same as mine, except there was an emerald in place of my ruby.

I started up the engines of my bike and take off towards Hana's house. We drive for a bit 'til I stop and pull over at a convenience store that I got to a lot.

"What are we doing here?" Hana asks as she takes off her helmet and I start walking towards the store.

"I need a cream soda and Juicy Fruit. You can get something too." I pull open the door as a bell jingles overhead. The cool air in the store envelopes me as we step inside. The cashier waves at me and I smile back as I head for the candy aisle.

Hana grabs a bag of chips and some Starburst as I look around and end up taking two cream sodas, some Butterfingers, and a few Kit Kat bars. Hana brings her stuff to the counter and I pull out my wallet to pay. Hey, sucky job or not, at least working at the Café paid well.

We gathered our spoils and hung outside for a bit on the steps by the door. As we sat Hana pointed at a sign that said 'No Loitering' and said "Um, are we allowed to sit our here?"

I shrugged and took out the cream soda, handing one to Hana. "I come by a lot so the people here know me. They won't bother us." I took out the Butterfingers and Kit Kats and passed the first one over. Hana smiled and took a Butterfinger, devouring it in record time.

We sat for a few more minutes, just talking about everything and anything before my phone buzzed.

"Who is it?" Hana asked, looking over to sneak a glance at my phone.

"Just Star." I answered as I read the text. My eyes widened as I scrolled through what Star sent me. "Yo, what the fuck? Hana we gotta go, right now."

"What happened? Let me see." Hana grabbed my phone.

"S-Sammi's in the hospital, a hit and run, she was walking down the street and someone ran a red light. Lunima's in jail and Star said to meet her at the police station." I grabbed my soda and chugged it before packing up and grabbing my helmet and keys.

Hana looked like she was about to panic, so I took and phone back and shook her gently by the shoulders. "Hey, hey, Hana. Look at me. It's gonna be okay, let's just get down there and see what's going on."

Hana took a deep breath and nodded before putting on her helmet and following after me as I headed for my bike.

I sped through the streets, probably breaking a few laws in the process as I headed for the police station. Hana gripped tight around my waist and my knuckles were white against the handlebars of the motorbike. We were both worried for Sammi. She was like the little sister of the group; sometimes annoying, but still lovable and sweet. None of us wanted anything bad to happen to her.