Fallen Angel

Preparations

The weather in Incendia that day was peculiar. Dark clouds had rolled in, blotting out the sun and the azure sky. Rain fell at an even pace. It rarely rained in Incendia or the badlands outside it, so the rain made some citizens nervous. Excited children squealed with delight as they splashed in the puddles formed in the streets. Of course, even if it was not raining, the smog from the factories would have covered the sky. It was the Incendian day of rest, however, so no one was working.

 Mt. Ignis loomed in the distance, the rain cooling it down. It had not erupted since Leira had been there, much to the Incendian’s relief. A foggy mist had appeared around the summit of the mountain. From below, the mist just made the mountain look even grander.

The town had been surprised to see Maximillian. Most did not know what to make of him, and just blankly watched Marissa and Will bring him to the infirmary. Marissa’s brother, Alexander, watched with disapproval. The Incendians had then begun to whisper amongst themselves about Maximillian’s return. Only Marissa and Mr. Octavius knew where he had been all these years; the other people who knew him assumed he had disappeared.

 Marissa never left his bedside. She helped the nurses tend to his wounds. When he was conscious, they would reminisce on old times, much to Max’s delight.

 Leira was happy to be back in her uniform and out of that horrible dress. She and Marissa had burned their formal wear, deeming them too tattered to be repaired. It added some positivity to the otherwise grim atmosphere that followed Kyle wherever he went.

 They buried Cora at the foot of Mt. Ignis. The world’s flames would blanket her with comforting warmth for her eternal rest. Max, who insisted he join them despite his condition, picked some flowers to put on her grave. Marissa had a simple tombstone made. It had to be made of metal to survive the harsh Incendian climate, but to everyone, it was perfect.

 That evening, Leira had sat with Kyle on Mr. Octavius’s porch. Her arm was wrapped around his shoulders and she tried her best to ease his sorrow. She had never seen him cry since Ethan’s death, but even then, he had not cried this hard. Kyle was like a brother to her, and it killed her inside to see him so sad. Eventually, she decided to give him some time to grieve alone. She gently draped a blanket over his shoulders, for Incendian evenings were chilly, and then ventured inside.

 Will was sprawled on the couch, skimming through one of Mr. Octavius’s books. He did not seem too interested in it. It was something to keep him occupied. The moment Leira stepped inside, he slammed the book shut and said, “Well? How is he?”

 Leira sighed. “An emotional wreck; I’ve never seen him like this.”

 “I don’t blame him. Poor guy…”he said as he stood and shelved the book.

 Leira sat on the couch, feeling happy to finally be able to relax. “I have to say I’m a bit sad too. I wasn’t too fond of Cora, but it’s unfortunate what happened to her…” That Minerva’s going to pay for what she’s done… she thought angrily.

 Will sat next to her, looking uneasy. “What’s going to happen now that Minerva has the full crystal?” he wondered aloud.

 Leira shrugged. “I’m not sure. If what Mr. Octavius told us is true, that crystal has immense power. Minerva will surely bring destruction with it…”

 “What can we do? Is there any way to defeat her?”

 “I-I don’t know. There might not be anything we can do, Will.” Just saying it made her feel hopeless, which in turn made her feel angry. Leira hated not being able to take action. Now, the whole world was in danger, and there was nothing she could do to stop it.