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I was there the day it happened, the day the theater was bombed. It was strange how I hadn't felt any premonitions before anything actually occurred. I guess I was still exhausted from the last fight with the Nica. Still, I'm not giving myself any excuses. I should have known… I should have been able to predict that the other side would go that low to hurt our efforts. But all that doesn't matter. I was needed to help out in the aftermath.
I remember sitting in my seat, watching the musical take place in front of me. How sad that I can't even remember what it's called. I don't think it really matters. The bombs took place just as the first half ended. The bombs went off onstage, in exit ways, in the lobby… Panic ensued as the smoke began to clear. I knew that Nica was involved. Who else would do something as stupid? There are no such things as terrorists or stalkers or anyone like that at all. Those only describe the type of people the Nica are. Vengeful, and wanting to hurt the Innocent. I can't think of anything filthier and more despicable than that.
Once again, I digress. Let me get back to what I was saying.
After the bombs had gone off, I could feel the dark presence of Nica nearby. I could sense laughter and it made me angry. I felt it linger a minute more before disappearing. It was time to take action; I had no time to completely comprehend the other feeling I received. Something else was wrong, but I didn't think about it.
I left my box seat, and after making sure that my family was okay, I went down to the floor and began to start the slow process of removing debris from the main exit so people could get in and out. It made me proud, seeing how many people were anxious and willing to lend a hand. There were those of us working to clear the area, there were those tending to the injured, others who were helping the hysterical calm down… This is what a society is like. Not one where people are jealous of each other, wanting only the best for themselves…
Once the doorway was cleared, we began helping the injured out of the theater. I took a little girl by the hand and led her outside. She was crying and I calmed her down, telling her that her parents would be out soon to take her home. Sure enough, just as I was saying that, a woman came out and cried out to the girl. She mouthed a thank you to me as I made my way back inside the building to help more.
Looking back on it, I remember being shocked. I hadn't thought the damage to be so great… I was in a state of awe when I saw just exactly how bad things were torn up. There was practically nothing left of the stage itself or the orchestra pit. Walkways were blocked with upturned seats and bodies. Quickly, I set into motion and rejoined in the effort to help out. Time was running out for too many individuals there.
Imagine my shock though, when, after taking care of a handful of the lesser hurt victims, I came upon one of my old friends… "Chad?" I asked. I saw him slowly open his eyes and recognition fill his face as I began clearing the debris off him. Thankfully, he hadn't been hurt too bad, and I helped him to his feet. As we began to walk out, I noticed his limp and indicated for him to lean on me.
"I don't need your help Amanda," he said bitterly, trying to walk on his own. I didn't answer and continued to support his weight. He continued to fight me but I wouldn't let him walk out on his own. Despite how humiliated he was, he needed help. "Amanda!" he cried out in a frustrated tone.
"Look, if you want to get out of here, stop fighting me. I'm trying to help you."
"But Amanda…"
"The past is past," I said, knowing that he was uncertain how to act because of it. "Forget it. Just let this act as a thank you for what you gave me then. No need to bring up painful memories." With that, I set him down on one of the free benches outside and abruptly turned to go back in before he could say anything else.
With that, the search for more people was practically done for the day. I joined the last group going in just to make sure that no one else was still inside. I was told to look at one particular spot onstage. I cried out to see if anyone was still trapped. I faintly heard a muffled cry coming from what used to be a dressing room. I pushed aside the costumes and props and found myself face to face with an enemy.
"A Lhaam!" she hissed weakly.
"Hi to you too," I muttered, smiling weakly at her, another former friend… And unfortunate deserter of the Lhaam. Now I knew what my mixed emotions after the bombing had been about. Here was an enemy who needed my help. Despite my desire to just leave her there and pretend to not have seen her, I knew that it was the right thing to help her out. So I quenched my hatred and pity for her and reached out a hand.
Once again, two uncertain eyes looked into mine. Hesitantly, she reached out. Our hands touched and we were drawn back to the time when we were best friends. The three of us: Chad, Eva, and I. I could feel the two of us sharing the last instance we'd been friends. Before she betrayed me and the Lhaam and joined the Nica. I helped her out.
We were silent as we walked out the door. There, Chad stood up and joined us. The trio reunited once again. They both uttered shy thank you's. I gave a little smile and left them there, my work done and my heart light. Sure, Chad and I had our differences. I would be thankful for what we had in the past. As for Eva and I… Her little thank you meant the world to me. No longer did I view the Nica as all evil. If they can take the time to say thank you, there's hope. I wish for that day, when Eva and I can be friends again, to come soon.