{ Mia }
~ after school ~
" Ugh! The park? Again ? " Scarlett's mechanical voice grumbled in my ear.
" Do u have a problem?" I replied in my head. "It's not like you're stuck here you can go to the house computer any time..." I chuckled.
" I know... But... I choose to be close to you, you know, to keep you safe..."
Those words melted my heart tears stung my eyes but I forced myself to stay calm.
" Scarlett... " I sighed. " You know I have powers now right ? I'm not the same girl from before always getting into trouble..."
" But Mia, you know that the memory of you so scared and helpless while some creeps kidnapped you... I just can't leave your side."
Right... That night....
~ flash back ~
[ 1 year ago ]
"Hey, Scarlett… how long till we get home?" My knees wobbled with every step.
"Five more minutes," she replied, voice steady but thin.
I groaned. "You've been saying that for two hours."
"Hey, hey… calm down," she whispered, softer now. "This time it's true."
I shot her a look. "We should've taken the main road. I told you this shortcut was trouble." I rubbed my arms against the chill. "I hate this."
The street felt… wrong. Too quiet. My footsteps echoed against walls I didn't recognize.
"Scarlett," I murmured, "where even are we? I've never been in this part of town before. Are you sure this is safe?"
A shiver rippled up my spine. Somewhere behind us, something metallic clinked, like a dropped coin.
"Mia…" Scarlett's voice cracked. "There's been a calculation error."
I stopped dead. "What do you mean—'calculation error'?"
"I—wait. This can't be right." A pause. "Five… hours?"
"Five hours?!" My voice rose, panic scraping my throat. "You said five minutes!"
The air thickened—damp, metallic, laced with something foul. The lamps above flickered like dying fireflies, shadows twitching on the walls.
"Scarlett… why does it smell like something's rotting?"
A gunshot-like bang shattered the silence.
"Scarlett, scan for any—"
Something clamped over my mouth, reeking of chemicals. My eyes flew wide. I twisted, kicked, clawed at unseen arms, nails scraping skin. The world tilted, the pavement sliding away under me—
and then there was only black.
~ end of flash back ~
I blinked hard, yanking myself back into the present. Grass. Sunlight. The distant chatter of children. Scarlett's voice was still there, calm, almost pretending she hadn't just dragged me through that memory.
"See?" she said lightly. "You need me."
And maybe… she was right.
" We need to get home..." I whispered my voice devoid of any emotion.
" You were so cheerful a second ago...". Scarlett whispered in my ear.
" I just... I don't want to go through that again..." I sighed plopping back on the bench.
Then, an ear piercing scream echoed through the park I shot up and looked around finding a little girl with the cutest cheeks struggling against... A man ?
" Oh no not happening... "I smirked walking slowly towards the commotion.
" Hey! You there... What are you doing with my sister ?" I stepped into his space, close enough that he could smell the hint of metal and oil clinging to my jacket.
The man's eyes widened "I thought you said you came alone..."
I moved closer and grabbed the girl's wrist no strong enough to hurt but enough to make the man flinch.
I raised an eyebrow. " What were you doing with my sister?" I whispered in his ear my voice stayed soft — dangerous-soft — the kind that makes people's skin crawl without knowing why. Then, I tapped my index finger on his wrist making him shiver.
" I-I'm sorry... I-I was just... Ummm... Trying to take her home!!! " He exclaimed. " S-She said she came alone! A-And I was so worried for her..."
I sighed and turned to the kid, ' Scarlett, what's her name?' I asked in my head.
' Lili Rossi 5 years old her parents died when she was three and she lives with her uncle '
' thanks'
Taking a deep breath I crouched down and rubbed her hair. " Lili ? " I whispered sweetly while her eyes widened. " Did you tell this man you came alone ?"
She nodded eagerly.
" Why? Don't I count as a person? Just because we fight doesn't mean I don't care about you?" I said patting her head just enough to seal the deal.
' Wow Mia, you really need an Oscar... That was AMAZING if I didn't know better I'd think you're actually her sister!'
I chuckled inwardly. ' Not bad for a first timer right?'
I stood up, now ready to leave the conversation. " C'mon Lili uncle called me a few minutes ago we should go home." I smiled sweetly.
" I'm sure now you know she's safe right ?"
He nodded eagerly.
" You can leave now..." I gestured with my hand.
Scarlett hummed in my head. 'See? Normal girls make friends at the park. You make enemies.'
I rolled my eyes and turned to Lili.
" How did you know my name ?" She asked eyes wide.
" Well, I whispered. Your uncle sent me to get you..." I smiled widely. " He said he felt you were in trouble..."
" Wait really? Uncle is really the best!!" She beamed with joy.
" Now how about we get you home..." I smiled casually.
' Scarlett... Give me the coordinates to her house...'
' It's just two blocks away Mia... You're in luck...'
I smirked.
" Let's go..." I whispered pulling her ahead.
********
[ Five minutes later ]
" Pretty lady.... I'm tiiired..." She groaned for the tenth time. "
I chuckled. " Okay let me carry you..."
She eagerly climbed on my back holding my neck tight.
" Ummm...." She whispered shyly. " Could you join us for dinner?"
I smiled. " Sorry cutie... I have to go home... "
" Oh." Her face fell slightly.
" Don't worry... I'll see you soon..." I said rubbing her hand. " Your uncle put me in charge so whenever you're in trouble or need help..." I reached in my pocket pulling out a tiny hair clip with a small button on top.
" You just press this button a d my phone will buzz..." I whispered.
" That's cool."
" But don't press it just like that... only when you really need help... And also... Don't tell anyone... Not even your uncle."
She blinked frozen. " Wait... Why nott ? "
" Well cutie it's because I don't want him to worry about stupid things okay?" I sighed.
" Oka—"
Before she could finish loud gunshots echoed through the air. I quickly shifted Lili's position so she was in front of me.
" Don't be scared. " I whispered tapping her head.
She just smiled. " You're just like my uncle. Don't worry, I'm not scared..." She waved it off as nothing.
Then—