Crossing Lines

Chapter One

Chapter 1

Two hours ago...

Tentacles of the fire spread from the yellow, out-of-place cab's hood to everything surrounding it. Thick grey fumes of smoke choke Natasha's nostrils, causing her to release consecutive harsh sounds of rough coughs. Her eyes, which were merely eyeing the upside down wrecked car in disbelief just a few minutes ago, turned light red, burning up with a few droplets of tears.

Everything happened so fast.

For the first time in her life, Natasha understood the true meaning of 'life flashing through your eyes' when she witnessed the horrid crash taking place right in front of her eyes.

A few seconds ago, she was frantically feeling the fridge with her hands- only to find it empty. When her stomach grumbled out loud, Natasha was reminded of the fact that it's been two days since she'd last eaten. With a strong urge for a distraction, she decided to take a stroll in the streets, for maybe luck will be on her side today, and she can find some remains in the trashcans.

After putting on the raincoat that she spotted somewhere near the borders a few days ago, she tiredly exited her apartment- if it can even be called that, shutting the creaking door behind her. When her worn out slippers made contact with the asphalted road, her weary eyes was met with the sight of a void street, but it didn't take her long to remember what time it was.

Everyday, at a time like this, everyone would gather up in the 'Killer Street' where two of the strongest fighters in Hellica would volunteer to fight each other to death. As sick and revolting as it sounds, the one who loses gets to be the free meal for both the winner and the winning betters. Just thinking about it causes Natasha to lose her appetite.

She wonders how all those watchers and cheering supporters have the guts to even witness it.

She was about to take a right turn when the sound of a devastating crash resonated in her ears. Swiveling her head to the side, Natasha's eyes widened in horror at the sight of the sunny flames coming out of the car. Glass pieces that once belonged to the windshield and side windows are now currently scattered on the rough-textured road, shining like glittery green crystals as they lie a few inches away from the wrecked car's front.

Taking no attention to the reason behind the crash, Natasha's eyes roam around the streets, whole-heartedly hoping that someone else other than her took notice of the accident and was on his way for rescuing but no. No one else noticed because there was no on else on the street but her. With her heart pounding anxiously in her chest, Natasha speed-walked to the ash-turning cab.

"Help me- please." The pleading American accent that was full of ache, as if in an unbearable pain, forced her to involuntarily crouch down near the back window.

Catching sight of the upside down young lady's side head, Natasha passes her hand carefully through the sharp-edged vacant window. "Take my hand."

The girl, whose right side of temple was bleeding, sobbed out weakly. "I can't move."

"No." Natasha shook her head vigorously, feeling as though she was about to cry. "Just take my hand." She urges. "I'll pull you out."

'This fudging society! If only they were fair, I could've called an ambulance, but there are no services in Hellica.' She wanted to let out a strangled scream as the thought hit her.

"It's okay. I-I know I won't m-make it." A tear rolled down her cheek. She turned her head, with an aching amount of force, to the side so that her slightly burned face was facing Natasha. Once she saw Natasha's face, she let out a gut-wrenching sob. "I'm so sorry you had to go through this, Natasha."