Project Renegade : Invasion (Book 2)

Salty Streams of Tears

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Ryan was met with a mouthful of sand as Levi threw him to the ground. The boy got up slowly, spitting out the sand as Levi floated down behind him. From the city, loud sirens blared as purple Project Orchid helicopters flew towards the boardwalk. Levi scoffed as he looked into the sky. He turned to scold Ryan, cursing under his breath. Ryan sighed and took on the barrage of insults and harsh words as he told him about his issues with Project Orchid. Levi turned his back to the boy and sighed.

" You call yourself a hero?" Levi scoffed.

" You could at least be thankful, I saved those guys. "

" Seven. "

" What? "

" Seven people dead. "

"I- I saved a lot more- "

" You tore through the buildings and streets. "

" I- Look...buddy...I'm not in the mood..." Ryan coughed, " I gotta deal with Project Orchid-

" I'll deal with them. You go and talk to Sapphire. " Levi muttered.

" Wait, you know, Lady Sapphire-?! " Ryan asked before sand flew in his eyes as Levi rocketed away.

WHOOSH!!

Commander Levi flew past the helicopters, grabbing their attention. Project Orchid followed the streak of red energy he left behind as Ryan stood on the beach alone. The loud sound of the crashing waves mixed with his rapid breathing made his fists shake. Suddenly the door of the Vertex flew over Ryan's head and crashed into the sand behind him. Ryan turned to see Sapphire wading in the water, holding her bloody side. All except Ray and Amy, the teens followed her as the Scorbi peeked out of the ship. Sapphire's eyes widened as she saw Ryan, making her stumble towards him. She flung her body onto Ryan and gave him a warm embrace, looking at his injuries.

" Ryan! I'm so glad you're okay! Don't worry. Everything is gonna be okay; Angelina contacted me a while ago. We beat The Queen, and...she figured out a spell to SEND THEM BACK. We don't have to fight anymore! " Sapphire smiled, " What happened to you? "

The words struggled to escape his mouth. In the background, Ray groaned, making Ryan turn his attention to him. He saw Ray and Amy hold a body in their hands, carefully carrying it to the shore. Sapphire sighed as Ryan noticed Nichole in their arms. Lady Sapphire explained the events that lead to the ship's crash. Ryan could no longer look her in the face. " No...no no no no no no no! I...this can't be- "Ryan's thoughts were all over the place.

" Lady Sapphire. " Ryan muttered, " I have something to-- to...tell you. "

" What is it? " She asked as Ray gasped.

" She's barely breathing! " Ray yelled while Amy tried to heal Nichole with her powers.

" Ryan can this wait?- " Sapphire started.

" NO! " He yelled, shocking her, " I mean...no...I--"

The guilt felt like gasoline in his guts. He looked at Nichole's body. She was almost completely unrecognizable. Her skin was scorched as lightning sparked throughout the remains of her hair. Her outfit practically wholly burnt to a crisp, and her body looked so still. Almost lifeless. That was the spark that set the guilt inside Ryan's stomach ablaze. As he looked at the ground, Ryan mumbled.

" It was my Blazing Thunder that hit the ship. " 

" W-what? " Sapphire's eyes twitched.

" Well-- It all started when Robin Thorne kept making me work for her- "