Survival Mode

Chapter 3

I scream and jump back before realizing that the flames aren't in my part of the tube, they're in Etan's. I gasp as I see him in the middle. He doesn't even seem in pain. His clothes are starting to burn but he seems bored.

After a while all the flames start to get sucked through him. It's like he's feeding on them. In a few seconds the flames are gone and all that's left is him, his clothes have been burned a bit but the skin under them seems fine, and finally, his wings. Yes he has wings. They're so big and majestic, with a purple colored flame in the middle and parts closer to his body, fading into orange and then red at the ends. They're truly beautiful.

"That's what a Phoenix looks like girl. Now it's your turn." I turn to Doc, horrified.

I'm not immune to fire like Etan is. Trust me I've burnt myself more times than I can count. The way Etan just stood there when the flames swallowed him whole... I don't think I can do that.

"Um... Can I not do that? I don't want to get burned," I say slowly. I don't want to die. I'm still young.

Doc frowns and seems to be thinking for a while before he suddenly jumps up from his seat in front of the tube and runs to the back of the room.

Meanwhile I keep stealing glances at Etan's wings. I wish I had powers like that. His wings are absolutely gorgeous. I would like to have wings like that, or to be able to control fire.

Amber and April keep talking in hushed voices, their backs turned to me.

"You ok over there?" I hear Etan say from the other side.

I look at him. "I should be asking you that. You're the one who just swallowed all those flames."

He laughs at me like I just said a joke. "Don't worry. I'm fine. I'm a Phoenix. Phoenixes don't take damage from fire." He smirks and points to his wings as if they're his prized trophy.

I give him a look before shaking my head and turning away. The sound of his laughter carries on.

"Doc said you're my sister and I still don't even know your name." I turn to look at Etan again. He looks like he actually believes Doc.

I sigh. "I'm Evin. Evin Tales."

His eyes widen. "Tales?" I nod slowly, unsure. "I'm Etan Tales." My eyes widen.

What?

Wait a second. "How old are you?" I ask suspiciously.

"I turned 22 last month. You?" My eyes start to tear up. His birthday was last month and he would've turned 22 if he was still alive.

"I turn 20 in a month or so." He seems to notice my eyes tearing up and a look of realization passes in his eyes.

It's him. It's really him!

"Where's Elon?" It's really really him!

"He... disappeared." He frowns but doesn't say anything.

"Mom? Dad?"

"Gone."

His shoulders sag. "Oh"

"They're not dead though!" I say quickly. "At least I don't think they are. I hope they're not." I sigh and drop down on the floor, suddenly feeling tired. Etan does the same on his side, his wings starting to burn dimmer until they're gone completely.

"So you're my "dead" brother."

"So you're my long lost sister."

"I guess."

"Then I guess so too."

I just stare at him until Doc appears out of nowhere again and we both turn our attention to him.