Flames

Chapter 9 Alive In Death

Reika held her breath, perceptive to the monotonous sound of shoes above her.
They had better let her pee when she got out, otherwise she was not planning on cooperating.

Jars and cans jiggled in their spots but never fell from the racks along the walls. 

The lid was lifted off again and the ladder smacked the concrete. A guy's voice rang out.
"Hurry!"
What if the other group had them again? How would she know it wasn't Grain? What if they were out of the Graves? Too many possibilities.
She ascended it fast for her condition, leaving no room for regret.
Warm air washed over her icy numb figure, and anxiety set in.
"Welcome to earth Grainy."
Reika eyed the slightly younger boy in front of her, he seemed familiar.

The way he had called her Grainy triggered a memory past her blockage. She emerged from the hole, setting foot in the far left corner of a monstrous building, into calm chaos.      

The smell of pretzels, cheese and chips permeated the building.
"Thanks, where-am I?"
One strand of his dyed blue hair fell over his forehead.
Bending to screw the plate of metal back over the opening, he avoided her stare.

"You're in Denver, and I'm your friend Eleazar, well used to-be friend."
She scoured for a memory that would link to him but the net came up empty.

Her eyes roamed through the sea of luggage and rushing people. Was she still in the Graves? Maybe Eleazar was not real, just a counterpoint.

"Where are the bathrooms please?"
Straightening, he extended a finger to the opposite side of the building and smoothed his plain navy blue t-shirt with the other hand.
Not used to speaking to strangers, everything came out short and sharp, she didn't want to come off as cold but it couldn't be helped.
Sailing across the area was like traveling through countries, so many unique faces and body builds.
Over the door hung a white sign with black letters, "Restrooms."

It was relaxing to take a breather in the bathroom stall.
When Reika finished she found her supposed friend below the restroom sign.
"Do you remember me, even if-a little bit?"
She shook her head and his hazel eyes filled with sadness.

"Well I'll tell you while we head to where we're going."
Voices were all over, but for some reason she was only tuned into his. She had noticed this exact thing in the hotel, she had only had auditory perception to a few people.

"Where are we going?"

Eleazar rolled a black suitcase forward, mildly concentrated on her.
"All you need ta know is we were buddies, maybe it'll come to-you."
Why had he changed his mind so quickly about telling her?
Halting at a white utility door, he unzipped the front pocket of the black suitcase.
He took out a chain of keys, two key cards, and a yellow note paper with scribbled words.

"Don't talk until I tell you." She was about to ask why but realized the no talking started now.
Eleazar swiped the white key card, and a green light flashed. Pulling the door open he side eyed Reika as if wanting to engage in a conversation but kept quiet. 

A chilly draft caused goosebumps to spread over her skin as they surpassed the threshold.
Where were they headed? Most of all where was Conall? She had a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach.

The artificial light was obstructed once he closed the door behind them.
"Take these." He said it in a hushed urgent voice. Grabbing her hand he pressed the keys, second key card, and yellow wad of note paper into her palm.

She evaluated his eyes. He could see in the dark, he was a trainee from Grain!
"See ya around Grainy."
He scuttled out the door, bypassing her secure, bewildered gaze.

It was like noise in her brain had been put on mute.

The second the door clicked shut, She jogged down the cement ramp, eyeballing the humongous arena. It was the darn malfunction that made her feel fear, made her experience heartfelt sensations, she hated it as much as she loved it.

Reika knew she had to learn to cope with her emotions, to resolve them. Crossing out into the open, a leg swung out and tripped her, sending her sprawling face first onto the concrete.