SOTP: What's up peep's? Again, sorry. I know I apologize for taking forever. But I finally decided to work on part two to this!
DISCLAIMER!: Promare is not owned by me but by studio Trigger, who are F***ing amazing!
Summary: Ok this part is where my story is gonna start differing from the film, so strap in!
It was about 6:45 when I got back home to the small condo my brother and I shared. The sun was already going down with the street lights coming on as I walked in the door. Galo wasn't back yet and I assumed he got called in on another job and so I decided to start on making dinner with a plan to leave him some for when he got back.
As I started cooking, Lio's voice continued to echo through out my mind. The image of his face, unable to forget about. Lio was trying to shoulder everyone's safety and freedom on his own, which while admirable was still alot for just one person to bear. I couldn't place the feeling I was experiencing, it was strange that I had felt a connection with Lio so quickly. Yet it seemed more than that, but I wasn't sure what. I'd be in trouble if it was a crush, Galo would have no idea what to do if I got a boyfriend.
Twenty minutes later, my thoughts were interrupted when I heard the door open and said brother walked into the kitchen as I just started cooking.
"Hey, is that hamburgers and home made Miso soup I smell?" He called to me in a friendly voice, his giant warm hand nearly covering my head as he swept my hair back.
"Yep, thought you'd deserve a special meal, hero!"
I turned to Galo with a big smile while he gaze back at me with a slightly sadden look on his face. I was surprised when he looked down to the floor and his proud smile slowly fell from his face. I put the spoon I was using to cook with down before placing a hand on Galo's arm.
"Galo? What's wrong? I heard about what happened at the pizza place and I'm sorry. But I'm sure things will work-"
"How long?" Galo asked quietly.
"Huh?"
"How long have you been a burnish?" Galo repeated as he looked up and stared down at me.
A cold shock ran through my whole body as the worst case was happening right in front of me. My eyes widened in fear and tears began to ran down my face. I honestly didn't know what else to do but shut down and start crying. I tired to run past Galo to leave the house but he grabbed me from behind and trapped me in a tight embrace as I struggled against him.
"Gabbs! Wait!"
"LET ME GO!"
"Gabbs, Calm down! It's alright!"
"SHUT UP, GALO! LET ME GO! I'M A BURNISH! A MOSNTER! I COULD HURT YOU!"
I screamed as my burnish flames started act up. Despite the heat burning his arms, Galo held tight to me while he grunted, using all his strength to keep me from running.
"YOU HAVEN'T BEFORE! WHY WOULD YOU NOW?!" Galo screamed back at me.
"I WOULDN'T, BUT THAT DOESN'T MATTER! I CAN'T STAY WITH YOU ANYMORE SINCE YOU KNOW!"
"I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN!"
I gasped in shock as my flames died down instantly. Hearing that statement finally made me stop and freeze in Galo's hold. He lighted his grip just enough to turn me around and rest my head in his chest while we sank onto our knees on the floor. Hearing his heart beat going a mile a minute while panting heavily into my hair, his chin rested on my head while he spoke in a quite, soothing voice. The tone he would he always use to calm me down when I was upset since we were little kids.
"I've always known. Since middle school, I knew you were a burnish. That why I made sure not be too far away from you for too long. In case something happened, I could be there. I also knew that you're burnish flame was different from others, that you could control it better. So I didn't tell anyone. That way you could live a somewhat normal life. And I didn't even tell you that I knew because I knew you might react like this. Thinking I would reject you, which I don't."
"Idiot..." I whispered and pulled away from him.
"Huh?"
"IDIOT! You'll get kicked off of burning rescue if I stay with you! I'll just get you in trouble...and hated by people...Even by Kray...He's doing something to the burnish and I don't want you to lose your hero!"
"Oh I'm the idiot?"
"Huh?" Now was my turn to look dumbfounded by Galo's comment as he gained an intense look on his face while he spoke.
"You really think I'm gonna just abandon my baby sister for my career to look good? That's not the person I am! I am Galo Thymous! The world's number one fire fighter who keeps everyone safe from the flames! That includes you, even if your a burnish I'll keep the flames inside you from burning you away. That's my job as a fire fighter and your big brother." Galo said with a calming, gentle smile as he ran his hand through my hair.
I finally returned his smile as a rush of relief filled my whole body. I then embraced Galo tightly as I started crying again, this time from happiness. He wasn't afraid of me and he wasn't going to betray me. I guess he was right in calling me an idiot. Must run in our family. Galo embraced me gently with a tone of caring in his voice.
"You're burnish flame doesn't mean your a monster, that flame makes you special. Plus it's cool! We both have burning souls! Yours is just different. But more importantly...You and I family and nothing can change that, not even burnish flame."
"Thanks Galo...I'm sorry I doubted you. Oh, are your arms ok?"
"Their fine. Don't sweat it. You're my sis. I'll do anything to make sure your safe and happy. Now, let's get back to cooking before that soup burns! Nobody cooks as good as my sister!" Galo exclaimed happily as we both stood up.
After finishing up dinner, I told Galo about how I gained my burnish powers right before our house was burnt down and Kray saved us. I also told him about what Lio said to me about Kray's experiments. Little did I know that he already knew this since he followed me this afternoon, to which he admitted.
"You did what!?"
"Hey! I wasn't trying to spy! Aina and I were on the lake about the same time you were so all three of us noticed the mad burnish boss's flame."
"Lio! His name is Lio Fotia!"
"Oh right, he mentioned that. Anyway, you got there before I did so I followed behind and stayed hidden. When I watched you interact with Lio, I almost jumped in when he grabbed you by the neck, but when you showed you were a burnish his attitude changed and I realized he wasn't going to hurt you. So I stayed quite until you left. I then talked to Lio a little bit myself but he didn't say much cause he had to take off."
"Galo...about Kray...you might not want to believe Lio, but-"
"No, I do. See, growing up knowing you were a burnish helped me realize why Lio is doing what he's doing. Burnish are people like everyone else. They get hungry, tired and cry for the people that they've lost. Other burnish aren't as lucky as you and while I'm glad you can have a normal life, other burnish deserve that too. You taught me that, and Lio has showed me that he's just trying to protect them. And your right, as much as I don't want to believe it, if Kray really behind what happened to those burnish in the cave then I can't let that stand. Especially since you might be put in danger."
"I appreciate that. Just don't do anything crazy, ok? Lio's already got Kray on his shit list..."
"Yeah! Reminds me! What exactly happened with him hugging you like that eariler?"
"Huh? Nothing! He was trying to help me calm down! That's all!" I said in defense, my face betraying me by blushing a bright red.
"Uh-huh...Sure you're not crushing on him? Cause I won't deny, he is good looking-"
"Whose the one with the crush on Lio? Here I thought you were gonna start dating Aina." I shot back at him.
"WHAT!?" Galo exclaimed as his face also started to turn tomato sauce red.
The rest of that night was normal enough. Well, normal for us at least. We played video games and just hung out like nothing happened.
Later around 1 am, I awoke to get to the bathroom. After I came back, I was surprised to see a small burnish flame sitting outside my window. I went from half asleep to wide awake in nano second while rushing to look outside. I opened the window and quietly stared at the flame in front of me for second. It's blaze automatically made me think of Lio as I spoke.
"Um...hi?"
No sooner did I say that, did the little flame fly off the ledge below into a small alley way next to my building. I quickly put a jacket on over my Pajama's along with a pair of sneakers and quickly but quietly ran out the door. Lucky for me, Galo was a heavy sleeper. I ran down the steps , out the door, leaving the apartment. The cool night air surrounding me with the scents of the city.
As I turned the corner into the alley, I gasped at who I found. The flame that was outside my window was now held in the right hand of the Lio. Standing there in the shadows with only his flame to lit his face.
"Lio? Is that you? What are you doing here?"
"I apologize for making you come out here so late, Gabriella Thymous."
"Just Gabriella is fine. You can even call me Gabbs if you want." I answered with a calming smile.
To which Lio Nodded. He then curls his hand and beckoned me to come closer. Hesitantly I walked closer, becoming ingulfed in the alley's shadows. Lio also came closer to me, closing the gap to just a few inches between us. I could see both the purple and orange that complemented each other beautifully in his eyes. Now that was able to see him at least a little better, I could see just youthful he looked. Yet the expression on his pale face told me he had been through a lot.
"So did you get all the experimented burnish to safety?" I asked after a few moments of quiet between us.
"We did, and I wanted to thank you again for how you help us."
"You don't have to thank me, I'm just glad I could do something even though it's small. What else did you come here for?" I asked.
At this, Lio used his free left hand to cup my face. We were about the same height with him only being an inch taller. Allowing both of us to gaze directly into each others eyes. Lio seemed deep in thought, as if he wanted to ask me something but couldn't find the words. He's eyes while striking and beautiful, we're also full of grief, pain, anger, and above all else, loneliness. A loneliness I myself could Identify with. Strange how we were able to hold a conversation without even talking. Yet Lio spoke just as this thought crossed my mind.
"I also wanted to extend an invitation for you to join us. I know about what I said before but I feel like you would benefit more from being with us. And I'm not sure why, but I feel connected to you. I feel like your the first real person whose able understand the burnish, because you are one, living among those who are not."
"Me too..."
"Huh?" Lio asked. His deep burning eyes growing wide in confusion. Gently I placed my right hand over the one that was cupping my cheek as I spoke.
"I wanted to see you again too. I know that I have a good life dispite being a burnish but, except for Galo and he's friends, I feel alone and I wanted to go with you earlier.023141+2 I know it's strange, I mean we've only just met but I've been wanting...to meet another burnish. Someone I could talk to about having these abilities. I always try to act strong in front of others and my brother...I didn't want to risk hurting others or be found out, but the truth is I wanted someone I could share a bond with...A friend...and I want that friend to be you, Lio and I want to be a friend to you too...I just..."
(Lio's P.O.V)
There was nothing I could do but lower my hand and place it on Gabriella's shoulder to pull her closer as she started to cry. Her rare burnish flame color grew from her hands as a blue-green blaze started to spark from her fingertips. I could understand her pain, how lonely and scared she must have been. Living as a burnish in secret. A monster in the eyes of normal people hiding in plan view. Yes, unlike most burnish, Gabriella had a normal life. Something only other burnish can dream of having, but at what cost? Hiding herself from her family? Keeping her distance from others so no one would find out? Crying to herself alone in fear?
That was too high of a cost in my opinion. Even that idiot thought so as well...
(Flash Back-Galo and Lio in the cave)
I watched with a faint smile, seeing Gabriella go. Truthfully I wanted her to come with us, but she had her own life and I couldn't risk her idiot brother following us. Yet to my surprise who else should reveal himself stepping out of the shadows after she left but Galo Thymous. A serious look on his face with his freezing gun in hand.
"I was wondering when you were going to show yourself." I greeted.
"I wanted to make sure you weren't a threat to my sister. But since she's one of you, I guess I was being overprotective."
"So you're saying you knew she was a burnish?" I asked. More of a confirmation than a question.
"That's right, I've known since she started Jr. High school. I act dumb so she doesn't have to worry about rejection from me."
"Yes, well I highly doubt you have to 'act' that much." I remarked.
"Hey! Grrr...whatever, I'll let that comment go if you do me a favor. Gabbs needs a friend like you. Someone whose a burnish and who understands what she's going through. Can you guys take her with you?" Galo asked.
"What?" I asked low and sharply and started to walk towards him with my flame growing in my hand.
"Why are you upset? Just a minute ago, you were willing to let her join y-Ah!" Galo yelped at the small flame that I flung against his face as I began to speak.
"You watched everything happened, we live in a world where we have to hide ourselves from humanity even though we're human begins ourselves. And you want to put that shame onto your own sister?"
"What?-Ugh!"
I then pushed Galo up against the nearest cave wall, glaring at him as I spoke.
"You're sister lives in a world we burnish can only dream of living in! An ideal life we can never have...She's excepted because of who she is and not judged simply because of what she is...And you want to push her away from that?! To live where she's treated like an outcast!? DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF THE HELL SHE WOULD GO THROUGH!?"
Galo was quite for a few moments before he answered me in a somber tone with a look of guilt on his face that surprised me.
"I'm aware of the type of hell she's living in now. My sister may live a normal life like you said, but what she didn't tell you is that she lives that life alone. Gabby doesn't have friends or anybody she spends time with outside of me and my friends. She keeps to herself at school and has anxiety attacks over the fear that she'll be found out. She even has nightmares in fear that she'll be taken away from me. She gets called stuck up and teased because she pushes people away to keep them safe. She never knows if she'll have a flare up. Small as they are, they would still hurt people who got too close. Gabby even kept her distance from me for most her life until she learned how to keep it at bay to protect me. And on top of all that, she has to go to the mountains at least once a day for two hours just to satisfy her flames. You're right, my sister lives a ideal life despite being a burnish...but...the cost she pays for it is steep..."
Galo then pushed me away and glared as he raised his voice.
"SHE HAS TO PAY FOR THAT LIFE IN TEARS, FEAR AND SHE DOES THAT ALL ALONE! TELL ME! IS WHAT YOU GO THROUGH ANY WORST THAN THAT?!"
I felt an overwhelming sense of understanding and loneliness while listening to Galo. He had to watch his sister go through the pain and loneliness of begin an outcast despite having a comfortable lifestyle. I could also clearly see just how much he loved his sister, to the point where he was wiling to trust me, a complete stranger to him with her safety. I stayed quite, taking in what he was saying as he continued.
"There's also another reason. Kray is up to something. I don't know what but I can't trust him like I use to. I haven't been able to since finding out Gabbs was a burnish. I think Kray knows she's one cause he keeps asking if anything abnormal had happened her. I had a friend look into a few of rumors about the burnish experiments and Kray is plotting something. He plans on using every burnish he can find, and I have a bad feeling that Gabbs will be in danger if she stays in the city. Gabbs is the only family I have, as a burning rescue fire fighter and her brother I'll take on whatever I have too until all the burnish and humans can live in peace."
I took a deep breath to release my frustration after hearing Galo out and realized that he's right. We were going to have to work together in order to save all the burnish from whatever twisted plan Kray Forsight had in mind. Against my better instincts, I decided to take a chance to trust this fire fighting idiot and his crazy plan.
"Very well then. I'll come for her tonight. But if you get caught, you're on your own."
"Hey! I was the one that captured you!" Galo argued as I turned to leave.
"I let you catch me. That's why I went easy on you." I answered to him with a smirk.
(Flash back ends)
(Lio's P.O.V)
I pulled away from Gabriella, gently whipping a tear from her tender face with my thumb. Almost wishing I had removed my glove first to feel the touch of her skin. Quickly brushing away the thought, I placed a hand on her shoulder and spoke in a soft tone of voice.
"Truth be told, Galo thinks you should come with us as well. He followed you into the cave and had a talk with me after you left. He thinks Kray is planning something big and you could be in danger. I hate to say this, but I actually agree with him."
"Galo told me he followed me, but not that he thought I should go with you. I almost feel like he's kicking me out." Gabriella said in a sad yet slightly sarcastic tone, to which I answered.
"No, he wants your safety and for you feel accepted by others. And you haven't had that while living in this city, have you?
Gabriella was silent for a few moments. As if debating with herself before she spoke.
"No, I haven't. Not really...I mean I have my brother and his friends but..."
"It's time you found more connections to others. Others who understand both who and what you are. Plus if kray does try something, we're going to need the help. Even if you're burnish is low in power, we can find a way to use that."
After a small moment of silence, Gabriella looked up at me with a determined gaze. The small ray of moonlight that came in through the alley way reflected in her eyes, which seemed to struck something inside of me, that was the very first time a flame had sparked without my burnish powers. I was in awe by the simple yet striking beauty Gabriella was as she gave me her answer.
"If you think I can help and be a reliable ally, then I'll come with you. I want to help all humans live. Both humans and burnish."
I nodded, excepting her decision while secretly hiding my inner excitement.
"Thank you. Now then, we should be able to leave the city now on foot and I can take us the rest of the way. Can you be ready to leave to ten minutes?"
"Yeah I can, but-"
"Don't worry about not leaving a note for Galo. As I said he already knows and I understand how last minute this is but I'm a sitting target out here. We both are." I explained noticing the worried look on Gabriella's face. After a quick second of hesitation she looked back at me with determined eyes.
"Alright, I'll go change and grab some essentials."
"I'll wait here and make sure it's safe." I confirmed.
I watched her go, feeling something grow in my chest at the thought of her accepting my invitation to come with me. I felt a warmth in my chest from the thought of her being by my side. A warmth that wasn't coming from my flames. At least I didn't think so...
SOTP: Awesome! Hope you guys like this so far! The next chapter is gonna have high speed action so be ready! Please leave nice reviews!
