Trouble Times Three

Chapter 10

 Liam POV

Flashback a 2 years

 I stood staring into nothing. A violent reverie was welcomed into my forlorn mind as I watched the fires begin to cocoon my sister. Screams filled my head and amber glows cloaked everyone's fear filled faces. I was desperately  searching for my family. Lianne's hand was encased by my own as I pulled her onto my back running towards home. As soon as I was close enough I could already tell something was amiss. My home was the only one not burning. Cautiously I entered the apartment, my eyes darting from corner to corner. 

A floorboard creaked and my head whipped to the staircase. Whoever was in the house was on the first landing. I hid behind the kitchen counter gently laying Lianne onto her feet. Her eyes were so wide as she stared at me. Anger welled in my chest as I thought of all the things she may have seen. I gently placed my hand on her head clearing her mind of the day's transgressions. Her eyes stared blankly for a few seconds until she stared back at me with confusion.

"Why are we hiding Liam?"

Oops guess I didn't think of her inquisitive mind.

"Who's there?" a gruff voice yelled.

I squatted next to Lianne and whispered for her to stay where she was. Her large eyes showed her fear yet she tried to mask it with a look of determination. I smiled slightly, ruffling her hair. I kissed her forehead, straightening I glared at the intruder as he descended the stairs. Imagine my shock when I saw my father standing there with my mother unconscious in his arms.

"Liam...I can expl-" He started.

I looked at him coldly.

"Explain what? That you want to kidnap my mother and then leave your children high and dry with no sort of help what-so-ever? What are you gonna do with her anyway? Bid her? Sell her to the enemies? Have you ever actually cared about us?"

My father  stood dejectedly. He placed my mother down and walked towards me. I tensed when he came nearer.

"Just know that I care about you all and I'm sorry." 

He walked to the door then turned to look at me. He stared into my eyes for a long time. What ever he saw there must've been good because he nodded stiffly and walked out the house.

I stood there for a long time until I remembered the fire. It was gone and nothing was harmed. Had it even been real? How could I tell anything for sure?

Well I could definitely say that, that day I lost my father; and it wasn't even his fault.

"Liam..." 

That one voice broke the spell holding me captive and my eyes bled back to seeing what was right in front of me. 

Reality.

Nylah was standing in the middle of a tornado of fire. She needed my help. Her knees were already buckling. Just in time I shut her power off by calming her down and placing my hands on her head. Her head was so warm compared to my hands. I held her bridal style and walked towards Lianne and Leonis. 

Leo was already waking up. He sat and stared right at me, his eyes wide in panic.

"Am I dead? Are you death? Like in the Book Thief; you know stealing people's souls and stuff." He punched his stomach and groaned," Are you supposed to still feel injuries in the LTD?"

"What's LTD?"

"LAND OF THE DEAD! But that's too long to say so. Hey can we be best friends? You know sugar coat my life in front of the Judge. I mean I killed people for the greater good but I am or I was like a soldier only way better."

I rolled my eyes then moved to Lianne.

"Hey Leo can you walk?"

He nodded. I then passed Nylah to him. He looked at Nylah suspiciously and opened his mouth.

"No she's not dead. I'm Liam okay? Fix the hell up man. You're acting like a baby."

"Whatever Liamonis."

I glared at him.

"Don't call me that," then muttering to myself," Only my mum does."

"Aww is wittle Liam missing mawmmy?" 

I didn't even answer him. Walking to Lianne I passed a hand over her body checking for injuries. She was cleared except for a broken wrist. I thanked God that she only walked away with a minimal injury. I didn't know what I would do if she hadn't made the crash.

I carried her body to the car. Leo was standing outside it stretching his limbs. I heard a few cracks. Those must be his broken bones realigning themselves. I guess his manticore genes were good for something other than his capability to eat a village full of food and still be fit without even working out. I honestly hated him, but we were bros so obviously I could just beat him up, without apologising, any time I wanted. Being friends with people often had its perks.

Nylah was in the back seat lying against the side of the car. She looked beyond tired. I placed Lianne next to her separating them with the middle seat. I already knew they didn't like each other. I applied  a gel to Lianne's hand to ease any pain she would feel then wrapped her hand up with a bandage. 

I sat in the driver's seat closing my eyes and letting out a sigh. When I opened my eyes Leo was staring at me. 

"Sooo you gonna tell me why a pretty light skin is in this car."

I gave him an annoyed look. Nylah wasn't pretty she was beauti-

Wait Leo can read thoughts.

I mentally face palmed my face

Leo began to chuckle, "You're whipped man."

"What about Ria?" I snorted.

He began to scowl, "Just shut up and drive."

I grinned then. 

At least... I know I'm not the only one.