Underneath The Hidden Stars

Chapter XIII

Mira's mind became an absolute mess. She saw the ruins of the Level Hall getting engulfed in flames, and watched people trying to get out, with bad burns all over their bodies. Mira was waiting for the sirens to start shrieking, but they didn't. The only sounds she could hear were the screams of people who just happened to be at the wrong place, at the wrong time. She started to move. She didn't exactly want to go to the site, knowing there's no help she could possibly provide, but her feet didn't listen. At first she walked, but realized it was to slow. Mira started running, as fast as she could, just in case someone needed her help. With every step she took, the agony from the people in pain grew louder.

As she got closer, she noticed, that it wasn't only the Level Hall that was damaged in the primary explosion. Numerous restaurants and shops had been blown up, only leaving a pile of rubble behind. Mira froze in place when a short sentence started ringing in her head.

"I'm meeting him in a few hours in that fancy restaurant next to the Level Hall."

Mira's eyes turned away from the Level Hall and looked right. She saw the sign "Philippe's" immediately, but the restaurant itself was engulfed in flames. She ran towards it, hoping her friend was all okay.

She stopped in front of the building and tried to see something through the fire. Although she stood a few good meters away from the building, she could feel the absurd amounts of heat coming out. As much as she wanted to go inside and look for her friend, Mira knew that if she went in, she would not make it out alive, no matter how lucky she was. Moments later, she noticed a small gap between the buildings, that was just big enough for her to get through. On the other side, she saw multiple doors that lead to the employee part of the building. Without giving it a second thought, she went through the door that lead to the restaurant.

The backside of the building did not seem like it was part of the same building as the front part - it was incredibly cool. However, the further in she went, the more heat she felt. She quickly sneaked into the bathroom and took a napkin out of her bag. She placed in under the tap for a few moments, and, once it was fully soaked, placed it over her mouth and nose. Mira then left the restroom and make her way further into the building.

It took her only a few steps to notice the heat was overwhelming. In order to have a bigger chance of survival, she went down on the floor and continued moving on all fours. As she left the staff area and entered the kitchen, she took a few towels that were hanging on a rack and soaked them in water as well. After taking them with, she went to the door. She placed one of the towels on the door handle lowered it, pushing the door open slightly. Mira felt a sudden heatwave enter the room and felt it sting on her skin. Despite that, she went in and looked around for any survivors. Only a few steps into the room that was unbearably hot, she felt a sudden grab on her leg. She looked down and saw a young man who was gasping for air. Without even missing a beat, she placed one of the damp towels on his face and helped him exit the room. When she came back in, she went a little further and saw a little girl that was lying seemingly unconscious. Mira immediately lifted her up and took her out of the building. After she went in again, the heat has gone from unbearable to lethal. Covering herself in damp towels, she knew she could only help one more person before this room was to be completely covered in flames. She walked passed the bar and heard a familiar voice shout out her name.

"Mira!"

She looked at the direction, but after seeing no one, kept moving.

"Mira, help me, I'm stuck under this rubble, my leg is stuck I can't move!"

She looked back again, but knowing there's no rubble here, turned back and went on.

"Please, Mira... wait, you're not Mira... Who are you? What did you do to my sister? What did you-"