Scarlet Flame

Chapter 27

As the ships came to the docks, we all walked up to greet everyone. So many of them I didn't know, but my eyes stayed on the same ship as it came in.

The young, blonde girl who was on it made eye contact with me, and as soon as the ship stopped, she ran onto the pier. Her smile was wide as she made her way towards me.

"Scarlet!" Chloe called out, hugging me. I hugged her back tightly. Even though I hadn't known her very long, I thought of her as a sister.

"How did you get here? I thought you were still in the woods!" My face was full of curiosity. Chloe grinned, eager to explain.

"Well, I escaped and ran into those guys," she pointed to three men who were unloading the ship she had come off of. "I overheard them talking about a village, and they said they would help to fight the war against the Aqua Raiders. I told them about my past, and how I wanted to help. They hesitated at first, but finally agreed to let me come with them!" Chloe stepped beside me.

All the warriors and villagers met up with the new arrivals, and they had their reunion. Mason, however, stood out on the side. It must have been hard for him. There was no one for him to greet. After all, Dean was gone. Even Xavier was talking to people he seemed to know.

I made my way over to Mason, followed by Chloe. He looked away from the ships and to me.

"You okay?" I asked, giving him a look of concern. He nodded, returning my look with a sad smile.

"Just fine." He noticed Chloe behind me and raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?"

"Chloe. I met her when I got separated from you and Xavier. If not for her, I probably wouldn't have lasted long out there." I smiled down at Chloe. She stepped forward and held her hand out to Mason.

"It's nice to meet you!" She giggled. Mason took her hand and shook it. His expression lightened up, and he thanked her.

"I'm Mason, Scarlet's friend. I appreciate you looking out for her when I couldn't."

"Anytime! Anyone against the Aqua Raider's is a friend of mine." Chloe let go of his hand and continued talking to him. I, on the other hand, made my way towards Xavier. Before I spoke to him, I noticed someone still on one of the ships.

My eyes narrowed, and I stormed towards him. He was just standing there alone, and I took this as the perfect opportunity to end him.

" Gareth?!" I called out angrily, stepping aboard the ship. His eyes shot towards me, and his hands flew up. I stepped forward, outraged that he'd dare show his face here.

"Scarlet? I, uh, need to tell you something," he spoke, but I cut him off. A flame came from my hand, and it scorched his shoulder.

"Ow! Do I really piss you off that much?" He seethed in pain and steppes back. I continued towards him.

"Yes! What are you doing here?! You're one of them!" I screamed at him, drawing the attention of Xavier, who was still on the pier talking to others.

"Look, Scarlet. I'm not one of them. I was just supposed to make you think that! I never intended to hurt you, and I knew Xavier would never let you get killed. It wasn't my choice, okay? I'm neither on your side or the Aqua Raider's. Quite honestly, I think this whole war is stupid! I mean, what's the point of it all?! There's always gonna be a problem in this world!" Gareth shook his head in frustration. Xavier was standimm behind me, ready to attack. Gareth saw him, then looked at the shore where he saw Mason.

"You didn't listen, did you?" He asked, looking back at me. My eyebrows furrowed, and I shoved Gareth.

"What are you talking about?!" I yelled, but my attention was taken by the sound of a horn. My head spun out towards the sea, and my eyes widened.

There were so many ships, but they weren't allies. I could see them clearly. Thousands of Aqua Raiders were coming out way, and the war was about to start.

N-No...We're not ready... We didn't even train. Everyone just got here...We're gonna lose...I thought, full of panic.

"Good luck, Scarlet Flame. I'll side with you on this battle, and see through it to the end," Gareth called out to me as he jumped off the ship onto shore, out of my sight.

"Scarlet, get to shore. Now!" Xavier called. I nodded and did as I was told. The second my feet hit the ground, I ran towards Chloe. But Mason was nowhere to be seen.

The person most important to me in this world was missing, and all hell was about to break loose.