Scarlet Flame

Chapter 22

"The name's Chloe," she smiled, sitting down. It was amazing she could live in such a...Small place. There was hardly any room.

"So, if I might ask...Chloe, why are you out here?" I looked at her, confused. Chloe sighed and looked at the ground.

"I ran away from home..." she spoke softly. What I didn't understand was why. Of course, there were plenty of reasons. "Why? I'm sorry, I don't mean to be-"

"It's fine. I just wanted to get away. There weren't any major problems at home, but...I dunno. I just wanted to see what it'd be like. My plan was to leave and come back in a few days, but..."

Chloe stopped. Looking at her face, I could tell she was tired. But, she continued.

"My mom had the same ability you have. We were a perfect family. Until my older sister changed. She signed up to be an Aqua Raider, and spilt my mom's secret. When I got back home, they were all gone. Knowing my sister would be looking for me, I left again. Kept running til I arrived here." Chloe sighed and looked up at me.

"I'm sorry." This girl shouldn't of had to go through that. Losing your parents wasn't easy. Especially if it was due to someone you thought you could trust.

"Don't be. Now, you hungry? I got some fruit." Chloe handed me a few berries. I thanked her and ate them, grateful for food.

"We should probably get some rest. I know you must of had a long day," Chloe leaned back and closed her eyes. Repeating her motion, I quickly fell asleep.

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For the first time in a long time, I got to sleep in. It felt wonderful to do so, but I still worried about Xavier and Mason. Not seeing them made me sort of lonely. But, I did have Chloe.

"Want to go for a walk?" Chloe asked. Standing up, I responded with a "yes." We grabbed some berries and left the hut.

"It's beautiful out here," I spoke, looking around us.

"It really is," Chloe agreed.

"So where are we going? Anywhere specific?" I asked.

"Not really. I just usually take a walk on this path. It's really peaceful, and helps me get my mind straight." Chloe smiled at me.

"It must be nice to stay away from 'civilization,' " I motioned air quotes with my hands. "I'm sick of the Aqua Raiders."

"Me too. They've taken everything. It seems like everyone is miserable now. Just think, all of this because some people have a unique gift..." Chloe shook her head.

"Tell me about it." We continued to walk down the path. Chloe was right, it really was peaceful. The trees swayed softly with the breeze. Leaves flew around us. Birds sang sweetly. I would never get enough of this.

We had been walking a good thirty minutes when Chloe spoke up.

"Maybe we should head back. I'm kinda thirsty."

"Mmmmhmmm!" I agreed, loving the idea of having cool water down my throat. But, we shouldn't of gone back. What we returned to find was no better than my mansion, which was now ash.

"NO!" Chloe screamed, running to her hut. The entire place was covered in flames.

"Chloe! It's gone!" I yelled, trying my best to prevent her from running to the flames. "We need to get out of-"

Of course, I was interrupted by a sharp pain in my side. Someone had hit me. I spun around to face an Aqua Raider.

It only took one kick to knock him off his feet. Quickly, I grabbed Chloe's arm and began to run.

"Scarlet! You have to go! Leave me. I know another place to go. I'm sure you have some sort of family out there. They must be worried. I will find you again!" Chloe yelled, moving in the opposite direction.

The familiar words stuck in my head as I watched Chloe leave, and I ran.

Hey! Finally updated. Yeahhhhh, sorry I haven't been on. But, imma work on this over Christmas break. So, yeah. Merry early Christmas! And if any of you want, you can kik me over the holidays.