Daughter of fire

Power

Before the guards had the chance to react, Gabi passed directly trough them, sending them flying. 

"We just passed the first main checkpoint. Four more to go…

We all breathe in relief. It seems Gabi was right. They thought we would choose to take the north-west path and sent out the men guarding the other paths to stop us there. If we are lucky, they will not have time to figure it out until we are long gone.

The distance between the checkpoints increases as you move forward, the area bounded by the fences is the same size as the underground area of the base. It had been built to keep us in at all costs. An underground prison for who they consider to be unworthy of seeing the light of the sun.

The foolish enthusiasm gradually turns into a cold rage as I become more and more conscious of reality.

The next checkpoint is approaching. It can be seen from a greater distance, as can the dozens of guards who now stand in front of it. It was on a hill so that, on the land without vegetation, it could offer a wide view of its surroundings.

This time it will not be as easy. Now actual force will be needed to move forward. I try to prepare myself for it.

"They have strict orders not to kill you. They will have only tranquilizers and electroshock devices. We must take advantage of that. If we can…"

"No need."

They all turn around to look at me. But nobody says anything, nobody protests. We have gone past the point where explanations still matter. We have gone past the point where we have time to look and evaluate all situations and all possibilities. We are at the point where we risk everything in a second. In a blink of an eye. Without thinking.  

Gabi sighs and speeds up. He's going to risk it. We all are.

"What are you going to do, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Just get close as close as you can."

"Easy for you to say..."

Another 50 meters to the checkpoint. We can not hope that we have remained unnoticed.

The first bullet flies directly through the car's windshield. Miri screams while Gabi is about to lose control of the steering wheel. We are all unharmed, but the shock was way too big. Gabi said that they won't try to kill us. And yet that was not a tranquilizer, it was not a weapon to hold us in. It was a weapon designed to kill. But that's not a problem. Because so are we.

Another bullet comes following the first one. It's heading with an accuracy that sends me cold shivers on my back, to Liana's forehead. She'll die. I get aware of that so quickly, as though it were nothing more than a mere reality, a reality that is impossible to stop. Time loses consistency, moving too slowly. For a split second, everything remains in place while I look stupefied at my friend and the bullet that now touches the smooth skin of her forehead.  

"Liana!" I hear a strange voice crying out. My voice I think, but I am not sure.

But I am sure that the scream that comes next is from me, since I can feel it burning my neck.

That cry had nothing human in it. It was the cry of rage, despair, pain of a beast. But the bullet stopped. It had stopped before it had even cut through her skin.

I know I'm crying, tears are rolling on my cheeks, but I don't feel what I should feel. I don't feel happy, not even relieved. Because anger burns my chest. Yes, anger for the one who pressed the trigger, anger for the one who so easily gave the order to kill us, but most of all, anger for my helplessness. Daniel saved her. I can see drops of sweat glitter on his skin because of the effort. He had stopped the bullet using his power while I sat there and watched.

I jump out of the car. If they want to kill me. I will take them all with me in Hell.

I hear the squeak of the tires when Gabi brakes but I don't pay attention to it. Now nothing else matters except those before me, those who had tried to kill Liana.

More bullets fly toward me, ignoring the car that has now stopped. Very well, focus all your attention on me. The fire already rises all around me anyway. Infernal heat turns my sweat into big drops that fall without stopping at my feet. Power. I am the one that has it, not them. 

The fire is spreading more and more, causing guards to slowly withdraw, trying to run from danger. But it's too late, it's too late for their desperate screams. It is too late for prayers directed at gods who left us all a long time ago. And it's also too late to stop me.

They unleashed the demon I fought so hard to suppress. I am a monster. I knew that for a long time, playing pretend so I won't end up in isolation. Never listening to the urge of destruction that was always burning inside of me. Like a need. Like fate.

I can't see anything. Everything is so bright. What I can do is go forward, letting the fire devour everything around me. I must be crying again, but the heat evaporates my tears too quickly to feel them. Actually, I feel nothing now, my body seems to be floating in a dream. A dream made only by light. And a voice... A voice that doesn't sound human...

"Free them!"

How long has it been since I lost my sense of reason? How long have I been doing this? Have the others escaped from the flame's anger or are they all dead?

I think I hear someone shouting. By his voice, it must be Daniel. So he is still alive. I'm glad, I think. That's the last thought that goes through my mind before I fall. I fall into a pitch-black darkness.