"I'll get it, I have a feeling who it is". Kiara says, hoovering down the last of her pizza in a flurry. Her feet slap against the wooden floorboards.
In a flash she's at the front door scurrying to open the door handle and deliver the words pounding in her brain. "Hello Dad, I'm okay, there's no need to worry. This is Blakes flat". A rush of nervous speech hits her father.
"Good, I thought things were about to get bloody". Bright Hazel eyes meet her own deciphering the speedy speech as usual.
Bringing his hands to a more formal position the whites of his knuckles start to dissipate. A roaring red bracelet starts to simmer down in response, turning a relaxing blue.
His eyes flick toward Blake. "The same boy from before, last time I saw you, you were a mangled wreck"
"Glad to see you have recovered" The man beams a respectful smile towards him.
"Call me Maxell".
"My daughter decided to push herself to the brink to save you I haven't seen her do that for anyone, Have each other's back" Maxwell says.
"The future is going to be a tough one going forward. We all need allies". Exhaling his stress in the same motion.
"But they need to be trustworthy first and foremost. You two already have that down. Don't lose it". Maxwells voice becoming more and more sharp.
"Your mother and I were worried sick especially after the last incident" Looking over his daughter, his worries are proven right. The sight of bored holes go up her right side dotting her arm and leg.
"Thankfully you have the gps online on your watch, it would of been an orange needle in a haystack looking for you" Maxwell chuckles.
"Looks like my worry wasn't ill founded. What happened this time"? Her fathers stern worry allows her guard to drop finally.
"We….. we came across hunters".
"I got injured, but Blake had my back". A nervous grin meets her father trying to ease him.
"You did rush in". Blake says keeping himself out of earshot.
"They didn't seem as awful as everyone says, then again they did leave some nasty wounds behind". Her innocent naivety goes in full swing, giggling a little at the thought
*Slap* Her fathers hand reaches her face before any reaction can be made. Leaving behind red on her cheek.
"That mindset will get you killed" Her fathers serious tone washes away the rest of his emotions.
"Always remember the scars they've left behind". Weaving his fists together into a grip. Memories of the past flood his mind.
"Just because you've been fortunate enough to have avoided their horrors, doesn't mean it doesn't exist still".
"Ask your friend, I can guarantee he's had his own set of experiences with them". Maxwell says
"If he's been in Boreal all his life then he must have been there for the incident" Maxwell's eyes flick to Blakes prosthetic whilst saying this.
"These scum have been around too long; they are like cockroaches, still kicking around even in this age".
"It's not just them either, they're just the ones who are finally stepping out of the shadows''. Maxwell says hammering his point home
"You're not wrong old friend, they are like cockroaches and that storm is already brewing. Pyre says entering his way into the lecture.
"You kids need as many allies as possible. Petty disputes over minor things will only get you killed. You need reliable comrades you can trust" Pyre says with a grave tone.
"Focus on sharpening yourself and looking out for one another. That's all we can do right now. In the meantime the older generation will look out for you"
"Well I'm sure we will at least". Pyre says sending a wink to Maxwell.
"Don't think I say that empty minded". Pyre turns his focus back to the young ones.
"My children...…. Were" His voice becomes shaky delivering these events.
"Harvested by those abominations of humanity" Fire ignites across his outline in a controlled fury.
"They were only 6" Roaring fire burns intensely across him, the flames are contained and refuse to spread.
"They took everything, and didn't leave anything behind for use. I could only recognize them by the red strands".
"Never forget, those with nothing to lose are the most terrifying. I don't say this to trouble you but remind you how dangerous these creatures are". Pyres' flames start to roar on his hair. Ends of strands set alight, flickering between red and black.
"Especially you Kiara, you're one of the few innocent souls left in Boreal. If you're not careful, that can turn into your weakness". Finishing his lecture. The trio of students go quiet hearing this information. A pin could be heard if it was dropped.
"Good to see you again Pyre" Nostalgia brims forward seeing the familiar red hairs of his friend.
"I'm glad you're doing okay. Let's talk about that event another time you've already opened that old wound enough today" A worried tone escapes Maxwells voice trying to break the uncomfortable silence.
"I'm guessing they begged you to come back". Maxwell says changing the subject with haste.
"Did they beg you to join the mentorship program again? They keep prattling on about what I hear"? His sharp intuition breaking down the scene before him
"Dead on the money as usual Maxwell". Pyre says his flames start to extinguish slowly his old friend bringing him out his own abyss.
"How long has it been now 2-3 years? An endearing smile forms on Pyres face.
"How's Swift Academy"? He says steering his mind away from the trauma.
"Were currently training up a lot of young speedsters for the upcoming exams, similar situation to your mentor program"
"They have to meet our standards however" Maxwell's tone sharpens.
The silence of the trio finally breaks apart seeing this recognition between the two. "YOU KNOW EACH OTHER"! An odd unison of the three students barrages the two's conversation.
"Of course I used to run circles around his flames back in highschool" Maxwell's confidence comes out in full bloom.
"Yeah yeah don't mention the part where your feet were burnt most times". Pyre says sending a jab his way followed by a smirk.
"Ah the amount of shoes you went through always cheers me up" Pyre says as a tear of laughter evaporates as soon as its formed.
"Don't bring that up again it was always a fortune blowing through shoes and you didn't help in the slightest in that regard". Maxwell's teeth slightly grind together at the memory.
"It's been good catching up with you Pyre even if it was short, I would stay longer and properly greet all of you. But I want to make sure Kiara gets back safely.
"Her mother is already worried enough"
"Plus I have some more training prepared for you Kiara". A joyous filled smile forms on his face"
"Can I please skip it this time, I'm still injured". Kiara says whining over the prospect of more training.
"I think you will be fine, your friend sorted out your injuries already, take a look" Maxwell says cutting through her excuses.
*Gasp* Scars litter her pristine skin. The previous punctures sealed up patches of burns left behind. Her eyes flick to Blake's. Only for a familiar embrace to be returned.
"I wasn't thinking straight, It could have easily gone much worse. Thank you Blake".
"I don't know how you sealed up these wounds But thank you. These scars will be a reminder for me in the future. Things can easily change in life or death fights like that". The event takes root in her mind, starting to change her perspective in return.
"HAHAHA WELL SAID GIRL"! Pyres uproarious laughter deafens the room.
"You're raising her right Max". A slap is delivered from Pyre onto Max's back.
"Thanks Pyre". A bright smile fills Maxwell's face.
"For now though I will be leaving" He says, a warm smile is sent to Pyre.
"It was good seeing you again old friend, please be safe out there I don't want to lose another comrade". Maxwell's face fills with worry and gratitude.
"Thank you for looking after my daughter Blake" He says addressing Blake with deep reverence before leaving the flat finally.
A soft hand finds its way onto frizzy orange hair. "Let's head home".