Scarlet Flame

Chapter 23

It was time to find Mason and Xavier. They were probably looking for me anyway. Coming to the edge of the woods, a grin crept upon my face. There was a village up ahead.

The smoke from Chloe's home was just barely visible. Still, I thought it best to get to the village as soon as possible. There was a high chance of Xavier and Mason being there, not to mention there were still Aqua Raiders looking for us. Once I stepped foot in the town, I began my search.

"Xavi-" A hand covered my mouth before I could finish. What now? I thought, aggravated. Someone pulled me behind a building, out of sight.

"Nobody followed you?" A male voice asked. It was familiar. This world is too small, I rolled my eyes.

"Nope," I spun around the second the hand was off my mouth. Gareth looked at the ground, then up. Our eyes locked.

"Look, I'm sorry about before. I just need to-" Gareth began, but I refused to let him finish.

"No. I'm not listening to a word you have to say. I'm going to look for my friends, and you're going to leave us alone. Unless you want another fight to break out?"

"No," Gareth sighed. "Be careful. Even those closest can turn their back on you." He smiled and started to walk away, but I grabbed his shoulder.

"You act like I don't know that." My voice was hard. Gareth laughed.

"Whatever. Don't say I didn't warn you." He stepped forward, and I let him go. Gareth was only here to tease me.

As soon as he was out of sight, I turned a corner and continued to search. There weren't many people here. It would be easy to spot Xavier and Mason.

"Scarlet?" The voice of my old butler called from behind me. My neck turned, and I ran up to Xavier. All of a sudden, nothing mattered. The anger I had was gone, and I hugged him. I just wanted things to return to normal.

Xavier was right. He did make sure the Aqua Raiders didn't hurt me, and it was my mom's decision. I was glad he was okay.

"Mason's inside that building. We're staying the night, then heading out first thing tomorrow morning." Xavier led me inside.

Mason was lying on an old bed, half asleep. His eyes were closed, but opened when I walked up beside him.

"You're okay?" He asked sleepily. I nodded and hugged him. He hugged back, smiling. "Good."

"Get some sleep. You look tired," I told him, laughing. He agreed, and I walked into another room. Xavier followed, close behind.

"I'm so, so sorry," I said, my voice about to break. Xavier stood behind me, ad I knew he was confused. "I thought you had died, then as soon as I saw you, I acted hateful."

"Scarlet-"

"No. Let me finish," I turned around to look him in the eye. "You did what you had too. I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you."

"It's okay. Any other person would have done the same in your situation." He smiled.

"So what now?" I asked, exhausted.

"Tomorrow we head out for a refuge near a beach. They can help us. We need to find the leader of the Aqua Raiders, and kill him."

Sorry it's short. I wanted to update more, but my phone's about to die. Also, I'd appreciate it if y'all read my other stories as well. Enjoy!
~Pika