Aella
"I told you there would be consequences for your actions Aella." The man says as he presses the gun more firmly into the unknown woman's head.
"I don't know who you are." I respond anger burning low in my belly as I look at the scene in front of me. The woman has tears streaming down her face as she lightly shakes in terror. Her eyes are bright with fear and she is digging her nails into her thighs as if to keep from screaming. The man behind her is tall will golden brown skin. His hair a dark auburn is slicked back away from his face.
"Are you really going to play that game Aella. Don't fucking lie to me or this bitch dies." His eyes flash with anger and he looks like he is moments aways from acting on his threats.
"Please. I didn't do anything. I won't tell anyone. Please I just want to go home." The women blubbers through he tears.
"I'm telling the truth. I don't remember either of you. Why the fuck would I lie about this?" My tightly leashed anger is becoming harder to control.
"You always cared for 'innocents' way more than you should. Now tell me what you're willing to do to save this woman's life." The man shoves the woman and she barely catches herself before she face plants.
He wasn't wrong. She did always care for 'innocents' more than she should. Innocents was a term for those who weren't part of the various organizations and weren't even knowledgeable of their existence. She was always told she shouldn't care or form attachments outside of QSO but she couldn't help it. The few memories she had of her parents before they died was of them telling her to protect those who couldn't protect themselves.
"Tell me what you want. While you're at it who the fuck are you?" I take a step forward. I see the man flinch slightly. It is almost imperceptible to me and most people wouldn't notice it at all.
"You really want to risk this Innocent's life? Fine play that way. You can call me Achlys. I want you to give me your fucking bag because I know you have what I want. You can play dumb but I know they have it to you." He grabs the women on the ground by her hair and yanks her head up so she is forced to look at me.
I hesitate. I know that I am not supposed to give him my bag no matter what. This must be a test from the organization to ensure that I don't give up anything just to save an Innocent's life. Maybe there is a way to keep my bag and help the woman.
"Let the woman go and I'll give you my bag." I say.
"How fucking stupid do you think I am? I know that you're up to something." Achlys tightens his grip on the woman's hair and a fresh round of tears fall down her cheeks.
"Please Aella. Just give him the bag." She pleads for her life.
I take a step forward as I use one hand to take the bag off and the other to brush against my thigh that has my gun. I can't make a sudden move or he will kill her but I can't just hand over my pack.
"Come closer and give me the damn bag. If you even try to hurt me I will kill the woman. Don't be stupid Aella." Achlys gestures with the hand that has his gun in it.
I walk forward and when I'm just a few feet away I act like I am handing the pack over. As he released his hold on the woman to grab it. I step between them and grab his hand that has a gun in it. I secure it against my body so that he can't shoot anyone.
"Run. Get out of here. Now." I yell at the woman. She doesn't waste a moment and scrambles away in between the dilapidated buildings.
I shove my elbow into Achlys's ribs and slam my heel back into his groin. He drops his gun from pain and shock and an embarrassing whimper comes out of his mouth.
I take advantage of his shock and grab my pack and run. The QSO doesn't like violence unless it is absolutely necessary. Once I am certain that I am far enough away I look around. I see that everything is fading into pixels.
I close my eyes and when I open them I am sitting in a chair. The normal simulation headgear is on me. I take it off and walk towards the door. I do not know what will be on the other side of it. I take a deep breath and turn the knob.