Hybrid Theory: A [Linkin Park] Spinoff.

Inside The Fires of A Thousand Suns.

I look around as I stand in the middle of at least four lanes of carnage and destruction.
Behind me, I can barely make out the faint screaming of sirens.
Chester comes up beside me,"What should we do?"
I look at him,"Go help Mike and the guys. I'm small enough. I'll help the rescue squad."
"Okay. Be careful." He runs off towards where Mike and Brad are struggling under what looks to be a piece of the steel frame for the stage.
Over to my right, a flash of fluorescent green catches my attention, as well as two voices.
"Don't worry, Miss Nelson. I'll get you out of there."
"Please. My daughter is trapped in the back!"
I run over to where there is an overturned minivan,"My name is Eren Antonio-Wakefield. Do you guys need any help?"
The rescue worker nearest the back of the van speaks up,"Chief. I can smell gas."
The worker nearest me casts an icy glance in my direction,"You're pretty scrawny, can you get the kid out?"
I nod slightly,"Yes. Although I'm not certified to do this. I'm just a kid."
"I ain't looking for certified. I'm looking for someone small enough. Take my helmet. You need some protection." She unclips the strap under her chin.
I look at her,"Wait. You look familiar..."
She smiles as she hands me her helmet,"Alyssa Hashimoto."
"Hashimoto!? You were the one who came to my house the night my dad died!!!"
"Yes. I was." She fits the helmet onto my head.
I clear my mind and walk over to the van, "Miss Nelson, my name is Eren. I'm not a rescue squad worker. Unfortunately, I'm the only one small enough. But don't worry. I'll get your daughter out. What's her name?"
"Eliza."
I smile and drop to my knees,"Okay. How old is she?"
"Four."
"Okay. Please stay calm." I crawl into the back, careful not to cut myself on the broken glass and exposed steel, my voice taking on a calming edge,"Eliza. My name is Eren. I'm going to help you. Okay?"
Eliza's soft, fearful cry.
"Okay. My head hurts."
I move closer to her,"Don't worry. The rescue squad is right out there." I fight for a moment with the buckle on her booster seat, then smile as I hear the satisfying click,"Ready, Eliza? I'm going to take you out now."
She looks at me,"I'm cold."
I nod,"That's your body's way of saying that you are scared." I set her down and fight out of my red shirt,"I'm going to put this around you, okay?"
She nods.
I wrap my shirt around her and pick her up before backing out of the van.
Alyssa clears her throat,"Hurry up. I smell gas."
I place my left arm wrong, cutting myself on a jagged piece of steel,"Ouch!"
Eliza whimpers,"Are you okay?"
I smile through the pain,"Yes, Eliza. I'm okay. My main concern is whether you are or not." I continue backwards until I feel multiple hands gripping my undershirt, pulling me to my feet.
I breathe heavily, unaware of the blood streaming down my arm.
Alyssa looks at me,"Wakefield. Your arm is bleeding. Go get it wrapped." She smiles,"And kid, keep the helmet. There's something under the headband that I want you to have."
I smile,"Thanks." I turn and run towards the nearest ambulance.
Horrid scent fills the air.
I stop, halfway to the ambulance.
An explosion rocks the ground, sending dirt and debris in all directions.
I drop, using my body to shield Eliza.
She cries softly,"Miss Eren? What happened?"
I swallow hard,"Eliza.... your mom.....she went to go play with God, sweetie."
"So that means I won't get to see her again?"
I nod stiffly,"yes, Eliza. But don't worry. I'll help you find someone who will love you just as much."
Chester runs over,"Eren? Are you okay?"
I slowly stand up,"Yes. But we have a problem."
"What is it?"
"Her mother is dead..."
"Eren. She's four. Don't be so blunt."
I stand there, the edges of my field of vision starting to blacken,"S-sorry..."
"Like... seriously....at least don't be so insensitive!!"
My knees start to tremor,"What was I supposed to say?"
"Something along the lines of 'I'm sorry your mother is dead' would work perfectly!"
I struggle to stay on my feet,"Chester....take her.. I'm losing blood...." My knees buckle, my vision going black.
"Eren!?"
Everything is distant. Sound, feeling... everything is distant.