The Fire Guardians

Chapter 6

Chapter 6: 

                “What are you doing?” He asked. The fire was formed right in his hands. It was just like what Vic had done. For a second, I became mesmerized by the fire. Mesmerized about every aspect; how the fire started, how it flickered against the night sky, how easily it could be tamed in ways I could never imagine.

                “Are you alright?” My murderer questioned as he took a step closer. I pressed my back against the other wall.

                “Get away,” I hissed through clenched teeth. My murderer took a step back.

                “I…I-I’m sorry,” my murderer stammered. Okay, so my murderer didn’t really seem like a murderer, but I still decided to label him as that.

                “I just wanted to help,” my murderer continued, “I’m searching for strays. Those who are on the streets and have had family members killed. Those who have had their home destroyed and have nowhere to go.”

                “I’m perfectly fine without your help,” I spat. I bit my tongue, wondering if I might chase off my only possible chance of safety. Follow him you idiot! Take his help! I couldn’t bring myself to the complete mercy of a stranger –or anyone for that matter- even in a situation this dire. The last thing I wanted was pity.

                “You don’t seem perfectly fine,” my murderer said, interrupting my thoughts. 

                “Well I am,” I lied. There was silence for a minute.

                “I haven’t seen you before,” my murderer said moving closer toward me. I could reach out and touch the fire. It was so close. Its warmth reached my skin, and the smell of smoke clung to it. Or perhaps the smoke scent was the smell of my murderer.

                “I’m Everett,” my murderer said, “and who would you be?”

                “That’s none of your business.”

                “Alright, alright. No need for the attitude,” my murderer (he is still a murderer in my mind, and that is what I will continue to call him) said.

                “Normally I’d expect a bit more respect considering I’m a guardian, but these days guardians aren’t the most loved,” my murderer laughed quietly and hollowly.

                “So you’re a guardian,” I said observing my murderer, “which one?”

                “How do you know about the guardians, but not which one I am?”

                I sighed, “Supposedly I’m a guardian, myself. I was brought her by Vic, Claire, and Sarah. I think their last name was Marino or something like that.”

                “Milano. Victor Milano and his family are messengers. I appointed them myself. How much have they told you?”

                “Too much.” My murderer smiled. At this point, I decided he most likely wasn’t going to murder me. So I thought I might as well refer to him as his real name. Plus, it’s probably not the best idea to call someone who is a high ranked official in this society a murderer.

                Everett said, “Well if you are a guardian, you need to get out of this alley. Everyone has been waiting for the replacement and if something was to happen to you unknowingly… There would have to be a completely new search. It could take years.”