Ivory Chronicles

Act I - Catalyst Revolt Part 4

CONFLAGRATION

          Upon arriving at Miles' house, I couldn't help but feel out of place, at the exclusive town of Ororena. It is nestled in an upscale neighborhood, surrounded by meticulously landscaped gardens and large, mature trees. Miles' house was like every other house here, a tall, sleek, modern design incorporated with glass, steel, and stone. The exterior is adorned with large windows that allow natural light to flood the interiors, highlighting their living room and garage.

Walking up the front steps, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nervousness. I've never been to such a grandiose house before and I didn't know what to expect. I noticed that Ivory had a weird face and was looking around the block searching for something. She rang the doorbell and seconds later a golden brown-skinned girl, opened the door. "Ivory! What a surprise!" Her hair and eyes matched her skin and her body was well-fitted, even without the workout clothes she had on, it was clear that she exercised quite a bit.

"Alba! Hey!" Ivory responded with the same excitement as her. They hugged each other tight and during that hug, Alba noticed me.

"I'm guessing this is Justin, right?" Well, apparently I'm very well-known. I would like to be as informed as them so I don't have to be nervous all the time.

Ivory went ahead and introduced us. "Yes. Justin, this is Alba. She's the star of the dance show we're going to."

"Oh! Nice to meet you. I'll bet it'll be great. You look very well fitted so I'm sure it'll be a great dance show."

I smiled, thinking that making a compliment would make it easier but both their silence and especially Ivory's face when I talked, showed me I said something wrong.

Alba chuckled, Ivory dissed me and asked, "Where's Miles, I don't see his car anywhere?"

Alba's face quickly changed, as if she remembered something horrible. "I don't know how much Miles has told you but Max has been a little crazy lately."

"Crazy? What do you mean?" Ivory was quickly concerned. "We've talked but he didn't mention anything about Max. I've told him I'll be coming around today with Justin. He even invited us to stay over the weekend for the dance."

Alba started explaining to us the situation as she walked us over to the enormous living room and showed us to the giant and striking sofa, with its deep, plush cushions and luxurious silvery upholstery. "He told me about Justin and how he was going to help him but didn't mention anything about you coming today. He's been kind of distant lately, Max has him worried. How things are going lately, he's started causing some trouble, stealing and assaulting stores. It's better to talk to him about this."

Ivory quickly got up and with no hesitation, "Where is he then?"

"He went with Gustavo to talk to him. He's in his old apartment in 'El Oro." Alba replied.

"Yeah, I know where it is. Come on Justin, you're coming with me." Ivory grabbed my hand, my body instantly got firm and the quick absence of air told me we had just teleported. This time, I landed on my two feet, with just a few coughs.

I noticed we were behind one of the residential buildings. I quickly recognized it because it looked like all other residential buildings on the island, with its grime, dirt, and cracks bigger than my hands, covering most of it. The smell of smoke caught my attention and I started looking around for Ivory. She wasn't around, she must've gone on without me. I just hope she didn't teleport back and left me here.

I turned from the corner and I saw from afar a building in a blazing fire and joined the people outside watching. From the building, ashes were flying all around while the onlookers were in shock and some were even crying. Suddenly a young man steps out, not bothered by the heat of the fire in the slightest. The building is completely engulfed in flames, the inferno reaching high into the sky. The crackling of the fire and its roar are filling the air.