The news of the fire spreads like wildfire through the crowd and an instant wave of panic ripples among the people. Gasps and hushed whispers fill the air as anxiety takes hold.
Some individuals start frantically searching for loved ones, while others run outside after hearing those words but the fastest is still my Dad.
Our location right now is in a high place that there is an overlooking of the city or rather almost of the country.
What greeted us from the distance not far away was the sight of Pyra City being engulfed by flames where more than half of its city was already burned but the fire continued there seemed no stopping it.
Their eyes widened in sheer panic, mirroring the overwhelming concern etched across their face. A trembling hand reached for their heart as if trying to still its rapid beats.
The weight of fear pressed down on their shoulders, rendering them momentarily motionless. Each breath seemed to catch in their throat, a palpable sense of helplessness taking hold.
Amidst the chaos, Dad steps forward with a calm yet authoritative demeanor. His voice cuts through the tumult, and he swiftly issues clear instructions, directing the deployment of emergency services.
"Hurry and dispatch all the fire trucks and ambulance! Everyone, prepare all the necessary things to distinguish the fire. We need to stop the fire and save people!"
I can feel the overwhelming concern in Dad's voice that he's trying to conceal beneath his calm demeanor.
He went towards the motorcycle parked nearby and drove it fast just like a racer.
Then I saw Mom also run towards the car and drive it fast in the same direction my dad was going.
The people finally came back to their senses from the shock of witnessing the fire.
In their distress, they looked around desperately, as if seeking an escape from the source of their fear. The inability to find a solution intensified their anxiety, leaving them rooted to the spot. Their movements became hesitant, reflecting the internal struggle against the tide of overwhelming concern.
Those residents of Pyra City who attended the banquet started crying and shouting.
"No! My son! Save my son! Please save my son!"
"Mom! My mom is still there, I gotta go save my mom!"
"No! My family is still there! This can't be true!"
"My house! What am I gonna do? This can't be happening to me!"
Cries of agony and desperate pleas for help started to resonate in the surroundings.
The firefighters made their move as well as the medical personnel.
Those who cared so much about their loved ones and their property started running towards the burning place. Desperately wanting to save what can still be saved.
I also made my move and wanted to save people but a hand stopped me in my determined stride towards the place of the raging fire. It was the Elder.
There was a deep seriousness in his gaze as he spoke, "I'm sorry, Young Master, but you can't go there. The Emperor's safety is already at risk, and we cannot jeopardize yours. After all, you're still a child and would only become a burden in case."
His words resonated with both authority and concern, urging me to reconsider my course of action. As I absorbed his wisdom, a mix of frustration and realization played across my face.
His last words echoed in my ears and stopped me from being stubborn.
That's right, I'm still a kid. Huh? Even if I learned lots of things like martial arts, archery, chess, piano, calligraphy, programming, and anything possible to shape me into becoming an outstanding emperor someday. I'm still a kid after all. What can a 13-year-old me right now do?
"Young Master, the Emperor, and Empress already have lots of worries. Let's not add to their worries and go back to the Emperor's Residence now. The Young Miss and Second Young Master are still waiting for you and your parents' return."
He held my hand and took me away from this chaotic place.
---
At home, as I entered the living space I was greeted by my brother and sister.
"Brother!"
"Brother!"
"Where's Mom and Dad?"
" Is the banquet already over?
"How was it?"
They keep asking me simultaneously with those sparkling eyes, excitement is evident on their faces.
I can't find my voice to tell them about what happened. They're still young and I don't want them to worry.
So I lied, "They're busy right now but don't worry they will come home later."
I curved my lips up, forming a smile while trying to make it sound natural but my voice quivered as I said those words.
A deep sigh escaped their lips after hearing what I said, their eyes reflecting a sense of letdown.
Looking at their expressions I can't help but feel a sense of guilt.
I gulped and then spoke with an upbeat tone to lighten the mood.
"How about you guys? How was your day? I'm so excited to hear all about it!"
A wide, beaming smile stretched across Mike's face. "It was amazing! We played outside, and I found a cool bug. It had shiny wings!"
Mia's face also lit up with sheer joy and pride, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Today, I found a sparkly rock during our nature walk. I think it's magic! Can I show you?"
"Sure Mia, I would love to!"
"I built the tallest tower with blocks today and I felt like a superhero in building things! Let me show it to you too."
Mike held my hand and led me to the playroom. His body language radiated confidence and satisfaction, as if he were on cloud nine, basking in the glow of his achievement.
While Mia happily runs toward her room to get the sparkly rock that she's trying to show off to me.
Genuine smiles and infectious laughter from my bro and sis rippled through inside the playroom, signaling the success of my attempt to liven up the situation. Though at the back of my head, it was laced with concern for my parents. Hoping they're gonna be safe and manage to save people.
After spending much time playing with bro and sis, they finally got tired and wanted to sleep.
Thanks God! Their exhaustion makes them forget to ask about our parents or else I don't know how to answer them.
The night continues, my brother and sister are now sleeping soundly. Except for me who can't fall asleep.
My Dad and Mom are still not yet home even though it's already past midnight.
I paced back and forth inside my room. Feeling anxious to every tick of the clock.
I wanted to call my parents but I was afraid to disturb them knowing how busy they were right now. So I just send a message asking them how things are going and when will they return home.
Anxiety wraps around me like an invisible shroud, tightening its grip on my thoughts and emotions.
My eyes dart around, seeking some form of reassurance or a way out of my internal storm.
My mind, a relentless whirlwind, spins through countless unsettling scenarios, each one adding to the unease. It's as if I'm caught in a tempest of thoughts, unable to find a moment of calm.
I checked the news on my phone and saw a video posted an hour ago where my Dad leads the firefighters in distinguishing the fire and evacuating the people to safety.
I also saw my Mom taking the lead in giving first aid treatment to those who suffered injuries. While the 6th in rank leader of the country which is also the leader of Pyra City Mrs. Andrea Uy took the lead in consoling the residents of her city while ensuring their safety and guiding them to the evacuation center.
I read the comments below the video posted. People are giving praise to my parent's acts of bravery calling them heroes of Veilhaven Country. The others are also sending words of concern and condolences to those whose families died in the fire incident.
Others are creating a fundraising program asking people who were not affected by the fire incident to donate money, goods, or anything that will be valuable and be a help to the victims.
Based on the records since the reign of my Dad, it is the most tragic scenario that the people of Veilhaven Country ever encountered where more than 300 people were burned to death.
Lucky those who attended the banquet, those who were not in Pyra City at the time of the incident, and those who managed to run and get out of the city when the fire was just starting. They escaped from death.
I breathed a sigh of relief after knowing the news that my parents were safe.
I lay down on my bed, drowsiness hits me while I keep staring at my phone, waiting for my parents to reply or call. At the same time also waiting for their return home.
After a long time, my phone buzzed and the news shocked me.