Fairy Rings

6. The Fire

"Why did you do that for?" His lips twisted into a snarl, but his eyes still held the friendly glow they'd always had. Lowering his fist, he glanced at his watch and shut the window. Taking his jacket off hurriedly, he fit Navaeha into it before zipping it up. Tearing through her closet, he found three bags still unpacked. Out the window they went, landing on the cold grass as he was already rushing to find a pair of winter pants and boots for her to wear. "Don't you dare!" Snapping back at her, he watched her step away from the window before handing her a pair of pants and boots.

"You better hurry!" Her father's loud voice boomed from down the stairs, the floor getting hotter as Navaeha grabbed her emergency bag from under the bed. Her blanket and all the support pillows were also thrown out the window. The fire, now licking its way into the room, threatened everyone and everything, no matter the person.

"It's time to go." Ambrosia's eyes filled with fear, though his movements were precise and calculated. "You're going to have to jump. I know it doesn't seem like the best idea." A single siren lit up in the distance before two cars pulled into the drive. One was a police car, and the other was a beat-up, rusty piece of garbage. Climbing out onto the roof, the two of them seemed terrified. It was right to say that nothing of the sort had ever happened to Navaeha, but then again, today was quite a day for new experiences.

"I just fell off this stupid roof; I don't want to jump off it," Navaeha grumbled softly under her breath. Still, Ambrosia heard it. Tears welled in her eyes as she tried to look over the edge; her mother sat a few yards away from the house in the frost-bitten air, her stalker was holding his arms up in an attempt to coax her down, her father was talking with the police, and her only friend was sitting right next to her on the roof of a burning house which was beginning to creak. Glancing over at her, Ambrosia couldn't help but wrap his arms around his damsel in distress and begin inching down the hot roof, slowly dragging her along.

"We need to jump. Soon. Someone's going to catch you, alright?" Shaking her head, she clung to him tightly. "It's a long drop; you're going to be fine." Pulling her down and off the roof a bit, he heard the house beginning to give way. "She's coming down!" He yelled to the disgusting man below them. Running over, the police officers shoved him out of the way, catching her before she hit the ground and hauled her off to safety.

On the other hand, Gill was knocked to the ground by Ambrosia jumping off the roof, his body colliding with the ground with a thump. The fire crackled, the heavy blanket from her bed wrapped around her as she ran to Ambrosia's side to check on him. Lingering pain seemed to lick at Ambrosia as he stood up, his shirt quickly tossed to the ground, then his pants as both had caught on fire. The frosty air now nipping at him while the fire blazed behind him. "I'm alright, young lady; there's no need to worry." Stretching his back out, he glanced at her father, whose glare seemed to burn hotter than the fire.

"But you were on fire!" Prying hands wrapped their way around his torso as he protested, the lingering pain worsening when her hands glided over his shoulders.

"I'm fine." He protested, "We need to grab-." As he looked down at the man he had purposefully landed on, a realization dawned on him as he noticed that the man was nowhere to be seen. It was only then that he noticed that the police officers who had caught Navaeha had carried him away to an awaiting ambulance, the man screaming in agony about a broken shoulder blade. Shrugging the little fire starter off himself, Ambrosia turned back to look at the house that had only taken seconds to set ablaze. Only then did the paramedics from another ambulance run out to him, dragging him forcefully back to their truck that awaited medical supplies, Navaeha rushing behind him. She couldn't believe that all of this was caused by a few hateful words and spitting a small flame onto her father's shirt. Strong arms pulled her to the side of the van and in all the shock, she didn't struggle. The cold side of the ambulance pressed against the black jacket that she wore.

"In all my years, this is probably the happiest I've been to catch on fire." Her father's glare lightened in the ambulance's light, the flames casting shadows on his face. "It took a lot of resources to track you down. How do you know this, Mutt?" Biting her tongue hard, she glared up at him, refusing to answer. Fear and distress gave way to anger and a profound feeling of deep hatred that had been boiling for years.

"What do you want with us?" Navaeha grimaced. The fire glistening in her eyes made her father laugh before patting her shoulders.

"My dearest daughter, that rabid Mutt has always worked for me. . . I could even say he's my best man, although that would insult the rest of them. I'll ask you again: how do you know him?"

"I don't know him." Lying through her teeth, she was too focused, glaring still at the dark devil to notice that Gil was making his way over. His limp would have been enjoyable to watch if Navaeha hadn't been so angry.

"Navaeha, are you alright?" Gil asked, "I was so scared when I heard you over the phone, but I could only get a few to come out." Attempting to shove her father out of the way, he raised his hand above his head to lean on the van. Visible disgust plastered her face as he leaned in close enough to kiss her. With a quick glare and a good shove from her father, Gil landed hard on the ground.

"If I were to interject, please, I don't need medical attention. It's barely a sunburn." Ambrosia insisted as he climbed up and out of the ambulance, "Your Excellency."

"Save it, Mutt. I want to know why she was so comfortable sitting next to you on the couch; no one would be that comfortable with someone breaking into their house unless they were a w***e or they knew the person coming in, so which is it." Leaning in, he glared down at his daughter.

"Well, I'm certainly not a w***e!" She snapped, "We met a few months ago at a coffee shop in town. . . I didn't even know his name until today. . ." Rambling nervously, she glanced at Ambrosia, feeling guilty when her father's anger turned toward her friend and the grip on her arm ceased. Relief washed over her when the police officers came over to them.

The policeman approached with a notebook in hand, his gaze fixed on the burning remains of the building. "Hey there," he said, his voice calm and measured. "Lovely night we're having. I couldn't help but notice the fire. Do you happen to know what caused it?" He leaned in, his pen poised to take notes. "Don't worry," he added quickly, "it's off the books."

"Off the books?" Navaeha's heart sank, her voice choking. All hope seemed lost as the ambulances pulled away with no lights on. "What do you mean it's off the books?"

"Don't you know who this is?" The other police officer smirked at her, and when no answer came from the girl, they answered their question for her. "He's the biggest crime lord on this side of the continent, he drove out the other crime lords. . ." He explained, his notepad put away. She was right, all hope was lost.

"There's no need to explain my status to her. I'm sure her mother's kept her informed about everything I've done these past... nineteen years?" Her father laughed. "By the way, Mutt, where's the new recruits? Weren't they supposed to be around here somewhere?" A simple question with a simple answer: They were dead in the driveway. Would he say it, though?

"They're gone." A sadistic smile washed over Ambrosia's face as he shivered in the cold, one so cynical that it brought chills to her spine.

"That's too bad; I was beginning to like the one from. . . where did he say he was from again? Bagh! Doesn't matter now." The front of the previously wooden ranch home was left ajar, flames flickering as the beams began to fall, the house crumbling into nothing but a large bonfire. As they beheld the colossal barn next to them, Ambrosia and her father pivoted their attention toward Navaeha, their next destination on the horizon, as they excused the cops. The barn's weathered wooden planks and rusted metal roof hinted at its age, while the surrounding fields of dark fields and lush greenery gave the impression of a serene countryside amidst the burning house. Her old, weathered motorcycle sitting out front. "There's a few hunting rifles that are mine in there if you'd like to go fetch them for me, Mutt." The same fiery glint stained his eyes as he suggested taking the girl along by shoving her toward Ambrosia. "I bet she knows where everything of use is in that barn. I'll have a few more men go with you. We've got a few moving vans for the rest of her things." Giving a quick nod to his boss, he held out his arm. "For god's sake, put some clothes on first." Calling the police officers back over, Ambrosia was surprised when they handed him a pair of sweats, which he greatly appreciated.

"We can stall on this for about three days; it should give you all enough time to get to where you're going and take up any loose ends." The older policeman gave Ambrosia and her father pats with a knowing look before taking their leave. Ambrosia and Navaeha were finally heading toward the ominous barn that loomed menacingly over their heads, the door creaking heavily as she pulled back the large doors before heading inside. As Ambrosia walked next to the wall, his gaze was drawn to the multitude of trophies and awards adorning the walls, proudly displaying Navaeha's friends and cousins. Among them hung several photographs, capturing precious moments of family gatherings and outdoor adventures. The sight of familiar faces in the pictures seized Ambrosia's attention, causing him to pause and take a closer look. One photo in particular stood out, featuring a group of men rafting down a river, their expressions of exhilaration and joy frozen in time. His boss's sizeable black figure stood out perfectly on the raft, with May sitting in his lap, one of his friends on both sides of the boss. Ambrosia could remember taking the photo, but he couldn't recall the rest of the day. The pictures on the walls were living proof that the day happened.

"Why have you never invited me out here?" Ambrosia asked, his eyes scanning around the room.

"Would you invite someone to your home who you only know as your 'Random coffee date?'" Creaking loudly, the drawer she opened drew his attention. "There's really nothing of use in this barn. There's summer clothing upstairs; there's a tractor." She pointed to the metal rust bucket in the middle of the barn. As he got closer, her breath seemed to freeze in her chest, anticipation building with each passing second. His hands were on the verge of grazing her sides, sending shivers down her spine. Hopefully, he hadn't seen the large knife that she now held in her hand.

"You never really told me my name either, young lady." His body brushing against hers, his hands starting with her arms first. "Although I think we both know that I already knew it, I've got to say. It was tough not to call you by name when you accidentally fell asleep on my shoulder. Thank you for not telling your father how often we've been running into each other." Scolding himself, he took a breath before ceasing his tender touches and stepping back.

"What would he do if he knew?" Navaeha asked. As she stood awaiting his answer, the knife's sheath effortlessly slid off the razor-sharp blade, ready for action. Unknowingly of the danger that awaited him, Ambrosia took a minute before letting out a sigh.

"I'll explain it in great length. If your father had known that we were seeing each other on an almost regular basis. . . I would have been tortured to death if I didn't give him every last bit of information about you." Walking around the barn was a significant relief, his voice still low in a whisper, though, as if to stay prying listeners. "I'm delighted that you were here. It's a pleasure to see you again, though the circumstances are less than desirable."

"How many of you were in the coffee shop that day?" As she turned around, her eyes fell upon him with a sense of surprise. His back was towards her, intently studying the rest of the dark room. The atmosphere was charged with an undercurrent of tension, and she couldn't help but feel that it would have been a near-perfect moment under different circumstances. He often dreamt of the girl who lay with him in his dreams, and his heart skipped a beat at the thought of "accidentally" running into her near her university. He longed to be there wherever she was, even if it meant enduring the stupid college parties she enjoyed. Remembering the last one he went to with her, he couldn't help but chuckle at the thought flashing through his mind: her drunken arms draped lazily around his neck while her body swayed to the beat of the music; the party around them was jumping while a few onlooker's who sat in the corner exchanged dirty glances. That night, he had taken her home, the midnight air much warmer than the cold nipping at him now. Happy thoughts flooded his head as he scolded himself again, his eyes meeting Navaeha's as he saw the shimmer of the steel blade.

"Would you really like an explanation, or are you just asking to make small talk before you stab me and try to escape out the back?" He glanced at her in annoyance before rolling his eyes, his face colder than before. "Come on, Navaeha, you know me. The real me." Pleading hands were ignored as she took a few steps forward.

"You can come with me, please. I'll need someone that I can trust. . . I have somewhere we can go." She pleaded, her heart pounding as he closed the distance between them, wrapping her up in his arms in such a position that the knife was pressed lightly against her throat. Now, she was struggling with a new problem. . . As she looked up to meet his terrifying gaze, she heard the barn door creaking open, the light from outside shining on the mysterious man she knew so little about. She felt torn between two emotions - should she succumb to fear after the traumatic events of the evening, or should she give in to her desire and taste the man who had saved her just moments ago from a fire and earlier from the two clumsy men? The decision was quickly made as he pulled away, the knife tossed into the distance as he took a few steps away before the man walking in could spot their precarious position. Her mouth opened, but no words came out. As her eyes glanced over to the door, the dark figure shifted through the barn and flicked on the lights as if he knew where they were all along. Ambrosia's eyes widened; a long, thin line was pressed into her throat ever so slightly, his face turning three different shades of red as he realized how terrible it would look if anyone else other than his most trusted friend had walked in at that exact moment.

"Gil? What are you doing?" Navaeha asked, the door closing and locking in front of them to keep the others out.

"I'm saving you from these creeps." The mud that caked his face saying otherwise.

Ambrosia hung his head low as a solemn expression spread across his face. Seeing him without his usual air of confidence and aggression was rare, but something about tonight had shaken him. "I don't want to have to kill anyone else tonight," he muttered under his breath, his voice almost a whisper. The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, a stark contrast to his typically cavalier attitude towards violence.

"What was that tough guy? Do you think I'm scared of the two bodies outside the barn? Think again!" Pulling a pistol out of his pants that he pulled off one of the bodies, he c****d it before taking daring steps towards Navaeha, each one unknowingly sealing his fate. "You've got a lot of nerve attempting to kidnap my girlfriend." Ambrosia's low gaze faltered, he was too lost in thought to realize what the cocky redhead had called Navaeha. Taking a few more steps, Gil stopped swallowing hard when Ambrosia's eyes suddenly met his, the gun wavering a bit before steadying itself on his head.

His heart raced as Ambrosia asked, "You think that I'm here to kidnap her?" His cynical expression returned as he took a step forward, causing Gil to instinctively take a step back. "I'm the only thing standing between her and an entire world of evil. You watch yourself, boy." Ambrosia's voice was low and menacing, and Gil felt a shiver run down his spine.

As Ambrosia started taking more steps towards Gil, each one calculated and thought out like he was playing a game of chess; Gil found himself frozen in fear. Before he could even react, Ambrosia was so close that the gun was now firmly pressed against his shirt; it was different than wearing his jacket. Now, in the sweats, he could feel the cold metal through his clothes.

Gil's mind raced as he tried to think of a way out of this situation. "If you're going to shoot me, then shoot," Ambrosia warned as if giving him a way out of the mess he had created. "If not, take that silly little gun and shove it up your own." Walking into the barn and threatening Ambrosia was his first mistake; he suddenly realized as heavy hands and blows landed across his face that lowering the pistol was his second and most likely his last. One blow after another, the taste of iron in his mouth. The loaded gun dropped to the ground. The misfiring sent Ambrosia's gaze toward Navaeha, her wide eyes soaking in all of what was transpiring. Taking a second to regain his balance, Gil thought for a moment before turning tail and running as fast as he could, his heart pounding. The two of them were alone in the barn only seconds before her father and a couple of men ran into the barn to see the commotion, catching Gill on his way out and pulling him back in by his hair.