Within the Storm

I couldn’t tell if the noise was thunder or a gun, ringing in the halls as I ran towards the stairwell. Footsteps pounded behind me and I could tell they weren’t slowing. Gripping the railing, I pulled myself up the stairs and pushed against the door, hoping the rust would give way. I was shocked when it opened so easily.

Once I was out on the roof I ran towards the door and grabbed the knob trying to turn it. I felt with my fingers and noticed the lock was gone, taken off. I thought as I turned around to look while trying to find another way down before the others followed me up here. 

“How about jumping?” I spun around and aimed the pistol at the figure in the shadow behind me. “Ooh, somebody got an upgrade.” He laughed.

“Come out slowly, and put your hands up.” I backed up slowly, while keeping an eye on my surroundings. Trying to make sure no one snuck up on me.

“Almost sounds just like him. Almost.” I cocked the gun and held my finger close to the trigger like I was taught. Making sure I wouldn’t accidentally shoot without knowing exactly where my target was.

“Fenriz, it's over. Come out, now.”

“Or what? Are you going to shoot?” He laughed again. “Pretty sure you won't.”

“Don't test me.”

“And what if I do come out and let you take me in? How will you do it? Tie my hands with shoelaces?” He stepped out just enough for me to see him clearly, taunting me. “You could just shoot me and end all of this.” I shook my head and took a step back, watching him.

“Not gonna do that.” He made a sad face for a split second, but started laughing again. 

“I really shouldn't laugh, but you’re so predictable.” I watched as he walked closer, willing myself not to shoot him yet. “Put the gun down and we can talk this over.”

“No.”

“Well, then. Now what are we going to do? I came out. Now what?” His voice dragged, sounding like he had to cough but didn’t want to ruin the moment. Now what? I asked myself while staring at him, hoping Abner got my message and was on his way with back up. “Ya see, guinea pig, you don’t know what to do.” He smirked.

“Get down on your knees and empty your pockets.” I tried to sound like I was in control, but I really had no idea how I was going to hold him till Abner arrived. If he arrived.

“Very well.” He sighed and got down, then started taking a bunch of random things out of his pockets. I watched carefully, making sure he moved slowly. I took notice of some of the things. He smiled as he took a few pieces of paper, and small nick nacks and fidgets. He looked up, then shrugged like he was confused. Was he this calm the first time Abner arrested him? 

“Helloo!” I stared at him still as he looked annoyed. “Well, now my knees are cold and you still look like you don't know what you’re doing.” 

I lowered the gun a little but kept it pointed in his general direction. He let out a huge sigh and looked around before looking at me again and shaking his head. “Had to do it yourself, didn’t you?” He smiled. “Sure am proud, I taught you well.” I shook my head. “Obviously.” I felt a pinch in my neck, and someone wrapped their arm around me. Another pulled the gun out of my hands and tossed it to Fenriz.

He stood up slowly and brushed off his pants before bending down to pick up the gun. I felt relaxed, even though I was being held by two guys and Fenriz now has a gun, I felt fine.

“Let her go, boys.” He smiled at me again and tilted his head to the side. 

I was released and stood in front of them. I rubbed my hand over my neck and glared at him, wondering why I wasn’t running or fighting back . It felt like I didn’t need to. ”What did… what was that?” I turned to look at the guys, but they had handkerchiefs covering half their faces.

“Oh come on, that's the fun part.” He waved away the guys. “You don't actually want me dead, do you?” I stared at him, and shook my head. Lightening struck in the distance.

“No, you can’t die.” He smiled. “You need to rot in a cell.” He rolled his eyes and huffed his breath loudly.

“It’s okay to want revenge, Cora, but I must tell you, you’re after the wrong person.” He raised his voice as the wind whipped through us. I looked around, seeing nothing but darkness around me. I could see before, at least I think I could. “Right here.” He appeared about a yard in front of me and turned on a flashlight, setting the roof in a soft glow.

“What?” I reached for my bag, but it was gone, so was my knife and cellphone.

“I tried to help you.” I shook my head as he walked backwards. 

“No, you hurt me. You tortured me and used me!” I followed and walked towards him, trying to just catch him and do something to keep him from… doing anything else. I wasn’t about to let him get away again.

“Hey, I didn’t abandon you.” He jumped out of the way when I reached out to punch him. “I gave you protection, and everything you could ever need.”

“You gave me what you thought I wanted to keep me with you.” I snarled and ran after him as he hung the light above us, lighting the area. Moving swiftly as if he were dancing with one arm in the air.

Unfolding the papers, he smiled as he showed me my drawing I had done when I was younger. “Well, at least I wanted you.” He shrugged and laughed. “Which is more than what you can say about some other people.” 

I shook my head again and stared at the drawings of our house, trying not to get swept away by whatever tactics he was using this time. “No….” I whispered as he pulled another paper out from behind it, showing everyone in my family. “No, that isn’t true.” 

“Are you sure?” He tore the picture in half in front of me, leaving just me. “They left you.” I shook my head and tried to take the picture away from him but it ripped in my hands. He looked at the piece in his hand then looked at me. “Now see what you’ve done?” I looked at the piece in my hand.

“Stop it.” I stared at the drawing, then looked up to see him crumble up the rest of it and toss it away. My clothes began to be soaked by the rain that shot down from the sky in anger. The papers with the marker being washed away quickly.

“Oh guinea pig, such a tragic story for a hero.” He took the paper out of my hands and put it in his pocket. “But accidents don't create heroes…” He bent down to where I had collapsed on the ground and lifted my face towards him.  “-they create villains.”

I closed my eyes, my blood felt heavy inside of me, it was difficult to stand but I made it to feet. As I opened my eyes I found myself alone for a moment, then a bright light was shone in my face.

“Cora! Cora Vallez?!” The sound of a woman’s voice reached me, even through the storm.

“I… who are you?” I yelled as I backed away.

”It’s alright,” she appeared next to me in what seemed like a second. “We’re from the county.” I looked down to see her badge shimmer in the light.

“Wish you came sooner.” I mumbled as I looked around, a couple more cops surrounded me.

”Your father reported you missing two days ago.”

My vision blurred as I stood there in in the rain, everyone was silent. You could only hear thunder rumbling in the distance. I thought I had been an hour or so.