FIRE

FIRE 12

"Where had you gone to?!"

The man stilled, slumping as she neared him with the worry of a mother. "Yin! I asked you, where were you?!"

Frustrated at his silence, the old woman unconsciously raised her hand on him. She slapped him. For the first time since she found him, she hurt him.

"How many times had you done this?! Had you lost your mind?! Yani is in turmoil now! So many people had died! Why would you leave our home knowing that you could be killed?!" She shouted, repeatedly hitting his shoulder with all her might. "Why would you leave the house without telling me?! Did you know how terrified I was?! I thought you'll never get back!"

"Mother..."

"They'd kill anyone... Yani's not safe anymore, Yin. Why couldn't you understand? The Queen and the Crown Prince only care about defeating each other now. None would bother to care for the people in times like this. We are easily disposable, don't you understand? Everyone is scared and desperate. The whole of Yani is a dangerous place to be now. Why can't you see? Yani's in ruins. It's not safe anymore, Yin. We're not safe anymore."

"It doesn't have to be that way." He croaked out, pulling her in his arms to soothe her. She resisted at first, only to slowly succumb to his comfort and allowed herself to be embraced. "I know of a way... Someone... Who can stop this madness and save Yani."

She gasped. "You're talking about someone from your past, aren't you? But won't you be in danger then? You made me vow to never ask about your previous life and you seemed intent to bury your identity... Why would you risk your new life reaching out to someone from your past now? You barely survived!"

"Mother, calm down. I had no intention of revealing myself." He sounded genuinely heartbroken and pained. "Even if I do, I have neither courage nor confidence to unveil my misfortune to them."

"Oh Yin... my poor child..." She weeped, reminiscing of his scarred and broken self. She had saved his life but she knew, a part of him had died that day he woke up and realized his fate.

"I am fine Mother." He comforted her with a terrible smile due to the reddish flesh of half his face. The sight made him even more pitiful. Not that she would ever tell him that. She only want him to be safe and happy. "I have to try, Mother. I need to protect you and Mia. Yani can still be saved if he can see reason and stop everything before it's too late."

She sighed, knowing what was done is done. "I am curious now. You talked of this someone as if he have Heaven by his side."

To her surprise, the appearing smile was the gentlest and most fond he'd ever shown her. It was his eyes. They sparkled, bright with pride and adoration that the surrounding burnt on his face paled in comparison. She was mesmerized.

"Maybe... It doesn't really matter. Even if he doesn't, he's someone I believe can even win the Heaven, Mother. Have no doubt."