Prologue- The end.
A loud bell rang through the campus signaling the end of class at the all girl private school. Crowds of students walked out while chatting with their friends. One student played with her phone while leaning against a gate.
Her name is Anna Stark, sixteen in a short cut skirt with a plain white shirt and red ribbon, the standard uniform at the school. Tall for her age, Anna towered over the other girls with her short, bottle blonde hair (originally pink). Popular and pretty with deep tan skin, due to excess practice as a track and field star, Anna was the cutest of Tomboys, with her own feminine charm.
Anna played around with her phone as the other girls walked through the gate, casually looking up at her. A few said some quick words as they walked pass her. She continued to do so until somebody called out to her.
“Anna! Sorry for the wait.”
She stopped typing and looked up. Making good use of her towering height, she smirked as she looked down on her friend as she came closer.
When she got there, Amy squatted down as she was trying to catch her breath.
Amy, with her long shaggy black hair with curls that reached all the way to her stomach, was
much shorter than Anna, and many other girls at the school. Amy's look highlighted further with her white complexion and large circular glasses, complimenting her appearance.
Anna hummed, turning back to her phone now that her friend arrived. “There you are. What took you so long?”
Amy waved an arm sheepishly, signalling the beginnings of another rather-long excuse. “Sorry, sorry. I was returning from a friend but then the teacher called me and then my friend said that she was supposed to let another friend borrow the book and then --.”
The girl opposite her closed her phone loudly, interrupting the rest. “Alright, I got it. I was just kidding, anyway let’s go.”
With the conversation ended the two made their way out. The school was located in a pretty
crowded area of the city and plenty of traffic could be seen just outside the school. Anna and Amy walked out and crossed several roads before heading to Amy’s neighborhood.
They walked for a bit before coming to Amy’s house. Continuing on their way they walked in and made their way to her room. Her room was far from any normal girl room.
Two bookshelves that contained nothing but manga, light novels, CD’s, anime, etc… Wall paper covered the walls with different anime and concert events. Figures could be seen standing on her desk. There were even a couple of body pillows on her bed with anime style blankets and pillows.
They made their way to a small glass table covered with anime artwork, in the center of the room, their favorite table. There the classmates studied and talked.
Anna slumped over while dropping her bag. “Man, I hate school and Mrs. Lenin class. Seriously another test just after we had one just two days ago.”
Amy shook her head in response “Anna, watch your language. Also it is kind of your fault that you didn’t study. I understand that you want to participate in the Olympics but you need to control your hobbies.” She moved some stuff out of the way as Anna rebuttled her.
“I don’t want to hear that from you, Miss Otaku. Heck it’s only been a week since I’ve
been here and I can already see that you bought more crap.”
“Language! And this isn’t crap, it’s excellent reading material.”
Anna gave a sarcastic chuckle. “Last time I checked, two guys bickering with one another and then f*cking isn’t considered deep and meaningful.”
“Well just because you can’t see the appeal doesn’t mean others won’t. Besides we’re here to study not talk about my taste, so get to it.”
“Whatever.” Anna quickly dismissed the conversation and got to work.
After a few hours Anna got up and stretched. They continued to chat but Anna noted the time.
“It’s 8, I gotta go.”
“Ok.”
Anna picked her stuff and put them inside her backpack while Amy was making her way over to her computer. She was about to leave when Amy let out a loud yelp. Anna quickly ran over to see what was wrong.
Amy slowly looked away from the screen and upward. “It’s here! My Sailor Universe ticket is finally here!”
Anna started to relax and looked back at the screen of her computer. On it was an email with a message about her tickets. Anna let out a sigh as a response. “Was that it? I thought it would have been something more important.”
Anna went back to the door to where her stuff was and made her way out of Amy’s home and back to hers.
Anna made her way out Amy’s house and back towards her neighborhood, which was several
blocks away. While making her way home, she curiously saw an old woman under an over
pass.
As Anna got closer she noticed that the women was by herself at night.
She had a little table with a glass ball on it and was dressed like a fortune teller from the violet dress to the beads. Nothing was revealed except for her eyes.
Anna took a quick glance at the fortune teller as she walked. Having noticed her attention the fortune teller extended her arm and spoke.”You there, care for a fortune?
Anna stopped and looked back at the fortune teller. She quickly replied. “Sorry but I don’t believe in weird superstition. Besides, I don’t have any money to give you.”
The fortune teller receded her hand and let out a small chuckle. “Hehe. Don’t worry about it. It’s on the house. Business has been slow, so I’m trying not to get rusty.”
Anna was about to leave but a thought occurred to her. ‘I should just leave but, maybe this fortune of mine might help me with tomorrows test.’
Anna slowly made way over. The fortune teller told Anna to put her hands on the ball while she wiggled her arms around with her eyes closed. Anna was about to leave when the fortune teller opened her eyes.
She looked up and told Anna’s fortune. “Hmm you have an unusual future ahead of you. I see a great tragedy in play but I also see happiness after it.”
Several scenario played out in her head, namely her failing the test in response to the fortune. She pouted a little bit but continued on.“Ok? What else do you see?”
The fortune teller looked back down into her ball and continued on.“I see that you’re strong, both in mind and body. A fierce fire rages inside you, something that can’t be diminished.”
A smile formed on her face when she heard the fortune teller. “That sounds like me and how people would describe me.” Her last sentence had a little bit of a smug attitude to it.
Anna was about to leave at that until the fortune teller spoke up once more. “But I do see one more thing. There is darkness in your heart, within the flames. It’s holding you back, you’re afraid.”
Anna jerked to a stop and looked back the fortune teller. “What the heck are you talking about now? I’m not afraid of anything.”
A small chuckle could be heard as she shook her head. “That’s where you’re wrong, you are afraid. You are afraid that if you let go then you’ll be consumed. You are afraid at the thought of the truth. You are afraid of not being accepted by both those around you.”
Anna didn’t allow her to continue. “Shut up!”
Anna slammed her hands down and ran away from the fortune teller. Even while running, Anna still could hear the fortune teller was speak - so, she ran with her hands over her ears.
She was tired of listening to creepy fortune tellers.
Anna continued to run until she was finally home. She went in and headed to her room, where she tried to take her mind off of the fortune teller. Anna spent the night studying and eventually went to sleep.
The next day Anna was waiting at one of the crossroad just in front of her school. Anna stood
there among several other girls as she waited to cross the busy road. She let out a yawn while reciting the material from last night.
“Morning Anna.”
While reciting the material she heard Amy’s voice behind her.She turned around was taken back by what she saw.
Amy still had on her shirt that she wore yesterday. Her eyes were partially red with bags under her eyes. Her shaggy hair was a complete mess, covering most of her face. Overall she looked like she didn’t get any rest whatsoever. She was also swaying a bit like she was intoxicated.
Anna quickly snapped out of it and asked Amy if she was ok or not. Amy drunkenly responded to Anna’s worries. “I’m fine. The concert was awesome but it lasted a very long time and I came home late.”
“Late? How late are we talking here?
Amy who was still recovering didn’t answer for a couple of seconds. “Ohh, you know like 1:00 or 7:00 am.”
Anna was taken back by Amy’s response as that would mean that she didn’t get any rest whatsoever. Anna quickly talked to her about getting some rest until Amy cut her off. “I said I’m fine. You worry wart, I’m the same age as you are. That reminds me, check these out! I got pictures from the actresses themselves!”
Amy pulled out a camera and then flick through the images while talking. Anna mostly ignored them and went back to reciting the information for the test. Amy continue on while Anna was looking around.
The last bunch of cars took off and the road looked to be clear. Anna looked up and saw that
the light was still red.
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A look of confusion could be seen on her face as she looked up and down the road for any car. Anna looked over at the other to see that they were just as confused. “Huh? There’s no cars anywhere.”
Anna was about to walk across until she heard something screeching by. She turned her to see
a speeding truck coming down. But what was odd about it was that there was no traffic
whatsoever, no cars coming to and from.
Anna stepped back and assessed the situation. “Hey Amy check that out. A truck coming out of nowhere with no cars around. It reminds me of that novel you showed me. Something a guy getting run over while pushing someone out of the way. What are the odds right? Amy?”
Anna looked back and saw that Amy wasn’t there and was, in fact, walking across the street. She had on earphones attached to the camera, listening to the songs that she recorded. Amy saw no cars so she assumed it was safe to cross.
Anna quickly looked back at the truck and saw it barreling through. “Amy! There’s a truck coming!”
Anna shouted along with some of the other students on the sidewalk. However Amy continued on her way without hearing anything. Anna looked back and saw the truck coming closer.
“What the heck is with this cliché scenario!” screamed Anna as she threw her backpack onto the ground and ran out. The truck was only a couple of seconds from reaching Amy. At that time Amy opened her eyes at the noise and looked over to see the truck barreling towards her.
Anna while running to push Amy out of the way remembered something. ‘Wait! In her light novels, the main character dies because they push the person out of the way. So that means I just need to do something else instead!’
Luckily for Anna that she was very fast so she made it to Amy with time to spare. She ran and
grabbed her, knocking both of them to the floor aside from the path of the truck. Milliseconds later the truck drove by. Anna opened her arms to a frightened Amy.
Anna looked down to see a terrified and teary eye Amy. Tears were swelling in her eyes as she embraced Anna.
Anna wrapped her hands around her while patting her back to keep her calm. “It’s ok, you’re safe no--.”
Anna couldn’t finish her sentence before a large scream got her attention. She turned her head back as the scream was a result of the bus swerving and toppling over. It spin around for a bit and finally came to a stop. It leaned too much on it’s side and finally came to a crash.
People were running away and keeping their distances. However the trouble weren’t over yet.
The truck was actually a gasoline truck, which oil was now spilling from the side. Out of the
corner of Anna’s eye, the engine of the truck was sending out sparks.
Gasoline was quickly spreading out and it would be a matter of seconds before it all ignited.
Anna realized that and quickly warned everyone. The surrounding people all began to run away and soon it was their turn.
Anna got up and helped Amy to her feet. “Come on! We need to move now!” Amy nodded and the two headed for safety.
They ran to the side, back to the sidewalk. However Anna could only take a couple of steps before falling over. She looked down and saw that her foot was a little bit bent.
“Damn it! I twisted my leg!”
Anna looked back and saw that the oil was just about to make contact with the flying sparks. She looked back and saw Amy running to her. Helping her up and then running back to the sidewalk. A couple of people ran out to help just as the explosion happened.
Everyone ran away as the flames came barreling toward them. Anna looked back and knew that in a matter of seconds, they would be killed. They were only a couple more centimeters away from the safe spot.
“We’re not going to make it!” Amy said while trudging to the sidewalk with Anna slumped over her shoulder.
“No, you are going to make it!” Anna quickly responded and grabbed Amy’s shirt, pushing her away with all her might. Just as Amy was thrown to safety, Anna was hit by the shockwave, throwing her forward. The flames followed, swallowing her, burning her body and cloths.
Anna let out a large scream as it continues on. Soon the explosion died down and Anna was on her back. Everything was black and Anna was in constant pain.
Anna tried to open her eyes but her vision was only filled with black spots and bits of white. She tried to focus her vision and eventually she would make out images, but only on one side. Her other eye was completely charred.
Her lips were dry and bleeding while her body was in large amount of pain. She could still feel
the flames burning her skin and making their way to her muscles. She tried to speak but her throat was also burnt.
One of her ears suffered the least amount of damage so she could hear people shouting and crying. People were calling out for any other injuries and an ambulance was heard way in the distance.
One particular cry was from Amy who was running over. She knelt above Anna, on her knees trying to comfort her. Tears streamed down her cheeks and hit Anna’s charred body.
Anna was able to make out Amy out of all the pain and darkness. She weakly opened her mouth and sounded out her name. “A...Amy.”
“I’m here! I’m here! Please stay with me!”
She brought her face in close and kept Anna talking. The siren came louder and louder. Soon a pair of paramedics could be heard making their way over.
Amy put on a small smile and continued to talk with Anna. “The paramedics are here! You’re going to be fine. They’ll stabilize you! And then..and then they’ll take you to the hospital.There….There they’ll do surgery and save you. They’ll help you grow back your skin and ….and you’ll get an eye patch and … and… you’ll be out in no time and we’ll take the test together and then I’ll show more….more… of the concert….I’ll read you my light novel in bed and….and”
Amy was constantly stuttering while talking to Anna. Anna moved her lips as much as she could to form a small smile. Amy was confused at the action but didn’t have time to think as the paramedics arrived.
The paramedics squatted down and looked over Anna while Amy was fighting to by her side. The light was slowly fading and everything started to dissipate. Anna’s hearing could only make out certain word between the paramedics. Even in her state Anna already knew the answer.
Anna mind drifted away and she was left with her own thoughts. ‘This is it huh? I’m really going to die.’
Anna could still make some things out. Mostly Amy, who was shaking the paramedics while
crying and begging. Soon memory about the fortune teller came and the last thing that she said to Anna.
****************************Flash back
“We humans are fragile creatures, that’s why we make the most of our lives on this world. That is why we must do everything to make sure that our lives have meaning. The most painful death of all is when we die regretting our final moments.”
****************************
Unable to fully speak, she thought of what was going to happen. ‘Guess that fortune teller wasn’t lying after all. Note to self, remember to listen to fortune teller’s fortune because they might actually come true. Assuming I get another chance that is.’
Anna could feel her conscious finally slipping away, so she had to make the most out of the time she has left. She poured in as much strength as she could to lift her arm up. Amy saw the slight action and ran over to Anna who had her hand cupped by Amy.
Tears could be seen dripping from her eyes as she tried to put on a front.“Anna! Please stay with me! You’re...you’re going to be fine.”
“A..Amy.”
More tears were falling as she answered Anna. “I’m here, I’m here. Please don’t speak, you’ll be fine, I promise! See the paramedics are here!” She shakily points at the paramedic behind her.
“A..Amy, don’t…don’t blame…..your..self.”
This time she was shaking uncontrollably. She was stuttering and couldn’t get the sentence out. “Stop talking. You’ll….you’ll be fine!”
“Before….. I go, I.... I want to ………….tell you this.”
“Please don’t talk like that! Please!” She got rid of her previous tone and screamed the line. Tears wouldn’t stop falling as she tried to continued speaking.
“I…..I..l--.”
Anna couldn’t continue on. Her body was failing her and darkness was closing in. Her vision faded and soon she could see nothing. Her hearing was next as Amy’s voice became distant. Her sense of touch followed suit as she felt the warmth from Amy’s hand getting colder. Darkness embraced her and she welcomed it.
Death, darkness. Anna had expected it to be cold. It wasn’t. Death was warm, like a lover’s embrace. She was content with death and so she let the darkness carry her away.
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Hello everyone. If you made it here then thank you for giving this fiction a chance. I have some big plans for the story so I do hope you all would stick around. the next chapter will be out as soon as it possibly can.
Special thanks to community member, AlmostMythril, JayDirex and Readerdreamer5625 for taking the time to look my prologue and help me improve it.
That's all for now and I hope to see all of you in the next chapter. Goodbye.