Scarlet Flame

Chapter 2

The next day went by kind of slow. Even though I was excited to go outside of my family's land, I was also frightened. I knew hardly anything about the outside world.

"Scarlet? Are you ready?" Xavier knocked on my door.

"Uh, just a sec!" I called out, tying a ribbon in my ponytail. I looked in the mirror one last time, then opened my door.

"Scarlet, you look lovely," Xavier smiled at me.

"Thanks."

He walked in front of me and to the front doors. I followed him closely. We walked outside and got into a limousine. Xavier gave the driver instructions, and we drove off.

Once we got there, my eyes widened in awe. There were all kinds of people dancing, bands singing, lanterns floating. It was amazing.

"Remember, don't go too far and stay cautious," Xavier told me as we climbed out of the car. I nodded in response.

Some people walked over to us and talked to Xavier. I noticed they were in deep conversation, so I decided to look around.

"Hey! You don't look like you're from here," a voice called out to me. I turned around to face someone unfamiliar. He looked about my age.

"Yeah, I don't really get out much..." I held my arm nervously. The boy chuckled.

"I'm Mason. If ya want, I can show you around," it was hard to hear him over everyone singing and cheering.

"Okay. I'm Scarlet," I looked behind me at Xavier. He hadn't even noticed I left. Just as I turned back around, Mason grabbed my arm and led me around the festival.

After about thirty minutes, we walked up to a stage. A man stood up there, doing a bunch of fighting moves. My eyes widened in shock as I watched him. Flames literally shot from his fists. Everyone around us gasped.

"How does he do that?" I looked at Mason.

"You haven't seen people control fire before?" he asked, obviously surprised.

"To be honest, I haven't seen any people other than the ones who work for me," I looked at the ground.

"Oh...Well, its a unique gift many people have. But the Aqua Raiders hate them. Mainly because they're jealous," Mason explained.

My eyes widened. The Aqua Raiders were the ones that invited me.

Somebody beside us screamed. I felt Mason tense up beside me. A bunch of people started fighting, and smoke was everywhere.

"C'mon. It's the Aqua Raiders! They must of seen that man controlling fire," Mason grabbed me and ran.

I knew I needed to find Xavier.

"Xavier!" I called, unable to see him through the smoke.

"Scarlet! Let go of her!" I heard Mason being shoved beside me.

"Xavier, stop! He's with me!" Grabbing my butler's arm, I pulled him away from Mason. Xavier examined me.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," I assured him. He nodded and sighed.

"I knew coming here was a bad idea. Scarlet, listen. Don't let the Aqua Raiders find you," Xavier spoke quickly.

"W-why? Why would they want to find me?" I said, absolutely terrified. Crowds ran past us, screaming in horror.

"Because, Scarlet. You have the ability to control fire. That is enough to drive them insane. If they get to you, they will destroy you," Xavier gave me a worried expression. I gaped at him, astonished. All these years he knew I had a special power that not even I knew about, and he didn't tell me.

"I'll take care of her, sir. My brother has the same power," Mason spoke up.

Xavier nodded. "Alright, then. Go find somewhere safe to stay. I will find you, Scarlet."

Just as Xavier finished, something sharp pierced through him. I stood there in shock. Mason picked me up and ran.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!" I screamed. Jumping out of Mason's arms, I ran to Xavier. Someone behind him laughed and pulled a sword out of Xavier's chest.

Rage burned inside me and hot tears trickled down my face. Running at the man full speed, I threw my fist at him.

I shrieked at what I saw. Flames shot out from my hand, burning the attacker. If he didn't have a mask on, his face would have been fried. The man fell to the ground, screaming in agony.

"X-Xavier?!?!" I knelt down to his side. He looked at me, blood pouring from his chest.

"Go, Scarlet. Now, before the Aqua Raiders get you. I promise you I will find you ," he repeated. Xavier gave me a small smile, then closed his eyes.