Fire.

The one element, that reminded Artemitra of the species, Phoenix. A species, that Celestial’s feared. It also reminded her of destruction, but also of warmth. Fire could also be friendly; and help warm you up on a cold winter’s day. Whilst, some used fire to entertain people. As risky as it was; there were a lot of uses when it came to Fire. But today was not a good day; when it came to fire. Today, it was an enemy. Smoke rising up in the air, two buildings on fire, people injured and choking/suffocating from the smoke.

Artemis had no idea, how she ended up on this spot here in time. It wasn’t her usual job; to take photos for the local newspaper of incidents around town. Artemis, usually done private jobs when it came to Photography. This was a bit more bigger; than what she had already done. Which was both exciting and scary.

Artemitra was shocked at the sight in front of her, when she first had seen it. Two Apartment buildings in the city’s centre were ablaze...panic everywhere, firefighters on the scene trying to end the destruction.Police, ambulances on the ready. A news crew, and her-the photographer of the event. Artemis could feel the heat radiating off of the burning buildings...even if she wasn’t standing close enough. She could still feel it. Her palms sweating; from her nerves. Artemitra hadn’t seen such chaos in Evermore yet. Wondering whom had even been so reckless...or cruel to hurt innocent people, with fire.

Wether it was an incident, or if someone done it on purpose. Artemitra had no idea. But the Police seemed to be on high alert-asking bystanders questions about what happened hours before, the fire broke out. With her camera in hand, Artemitra was taking photos of the scene around her. Capturing the blazes of the fire, and the chaos. Snapping shots, of the brave firefighters, that were piling into the buildings to rescue those that were trapped on the higher levels of the apartment buildings. Each snap, seemed to go by a blur. Each picture, telling a story of it's own almost. Even, with how fast she was snapping photos of everything; Artemitra was usually a perfectionist. She had managed to get her work, in clear photos. No blurs. It made her wonder, if all of the people here; doing their said occupation. Knew, that's what they wanted to do with their lives. Where they too, following their passion like she was following hers?

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Panic.

Dispatch received a concerning frantic call from a civilian about two apartment buildings that had signs of flames raging from the broken glass windows. However the civilian also reported that they could hear a mother two screaming from one of the burning bedroom. Alarms began screaming throughout the entire firehouse which sent every employed firefighter into a panic. The two brand new hire ons were the most panicked as they frantically watched as the others slid down the firepole and quickly dressed into their protective gear and hurriedly packed into the large fire engines. Wailing the sirens of the large engines as they screamed out of the firehouse garage.  

Justice absolutely loathed having brand new hire ons as part of his team as he always found them freezing when the time finally came for them to be the heros. Spotting the panic in their eyes, Justice packed himself into a fire engine and found himself arriving on the scene without a team. This wasn’t his first rodeo without a team, but the station would rather Justice involve his team. Justice wasn’t about to risk the lives of two young boys who couldn’t even get their asses in gear to even get onto a fire engine. They were worthless at the firestation and were going to be nothing, but distractions at the fire scene.

The first crews on scene were already pushing their way into the flames when Justice finally arrived. Deep down Justice was absolutely pissed about his newbies not even jumping to the sound of the alarm wailing in the firehouse. Rolling his eyes Justice noticed as the news crews were already on scene. “Oh fuck.” He mumbled to himself as he went to confront the media personnel. “Excuse me! I need everyone to please step back for your own safety and turn off the cameras!” He yelled among the gathering crowd.  Justice watched as one of the news crews shoved a microphone in his face and began asking questions. “Do you know how the fire started?” A sigh left his features at the news crew questions “Ma’am I asked you to please stand back and turn off the damn camera! You guys can get your story later once everyone who is presumed to be in the building gets out safely.”


Justice radioed in to the other firefighters whom were inside fighting the raging flames inside as he held back loved ones, news crews etc. “How are you guys doing in there? Any of you need a break?” He radioed as he waited for a response from any of the other members of the teams inside. Everyone radioed back stating that everyone was okay and they’d be coming out with one deceased and two alive, but the two sustaining minor burns as injuries. “Okay will have ambulance and paramedics on standby.” Justice radioed, but for a moment he’d gotten sidetracked by seeing the flash of a camera taking pictures of the fiery scene.  Justice made his way towards the female with the camera in hand. “Excuse me Ma’am I asked for everyone to step back and that camera’s be turned off… We have victims exiting the fire here momentarily and we want to protect their privacy.” He stated as his southern accent came through as he spoke.

Artemitra was absorbed into her work. Behind camera, she was always a different person. It was something she was passionate about; and had always strived for the best results. With everything behind, she was trying to push the different voices out of her prying ears. Focusing at the task at hand. Even with the fire-officer, telling everyone to stop taking photographs. The leader of the new's crew and her boss for the day; didn't seem to get the message. Telling her otherwise, and to carry on; as if the warning had went above and beyond his own head.

It wasn't even intentional. But the Celestial didn't realise, she was getting closer to the building. The flashes of her camera. Distracting a young firefighter. The sound of a southern voice, pulling her back to reality, mid shot.

Lowering her camera down, Artemis offered an apologetic smile to the officer in front of her. "I do apologise, I was just following orders." she gestured to the head of the news-crew. Artemis looked a little nervous. Her palms sweating slightly. On the one hand, she didn't want to intervene in someone's privacy, that was getting saved out of the burning building. But then, would she get told off, for disobeying orders? On a major job like that? The news crew seemed to care more about the story, than privacy with the order she had been given.

Her boss caught wind, that she had stopped snapping photos. Walking over towards Artemis, he looked down towards her camera. "Why stop? I told everyone...."

Before he could carry on, Artemis sighed. Cutting in, before he could have a go at her, for stopping. "Don't get mad at me, I just been asked to help protect people's privacy." Artemis looked at the elder man, from the news-crew. "If you have an issue, please take it up with the Firefighter....ummm...." Artemis glanced towards Justice, unsure of the man's name. So she had trailed off. Turning off her camera, to save energy. She left it hanging around her neck.

Justice was absolutely fuming from the way his brand new trainees froze from the sound of the alarm at the firestation. Such cowards they were for not rushing to their stations to prepare for the emergency at hand. He was absolutely disgusted by their performance and he would make sure the trainees were fire immediately. In Justice’s eyes the emergency business didn’t have time for cowardly people; they wasted time and wracked up long lists of death on their watch. Since arriving at the station in Evermore, the list of deaths had become rather short. The Evermore Firemen hadn’t lost anyone in months unfortunately today changed that long streak due to the incompetence of new trainees.

Camera crews and news crews never helped with the drastic amount of chaos that the scenes presented. Justice was rarely ever on the outside end of scenes; most times Justice is the first into the building saving people who are trapped in the blaze. Watching as the woman lowered her camera eased him some as he now just needed to make sure the press didn’t release photos of the body about to come out of the burning building.

After taking care of one of the many photographers that plagued the scene; he became tasked with attempting to command News crews to end recording. “Shut the fucking recorder down!” He growled as he argued with one of the many News reporters. The Lycanthrope was losing his patience with the stubborn news reporters; rolling his eyes Justice kept his large rough hand in front of the camera lens as he blocked out the image of the body coming out of the burning building. “Hey you are ruining our shot!” The reporter yelled as she attempted to shove the muscled fireman from covering the camera lens. “Oh well you are invading the privacy of the families who just lost a loved one!” He grumbled as he shook his head as he listened to the radio chatter. He spotted the news reporters features brightening as she heard the news over the radio. “Oooh! Get a mic on him so we can listen the radio.”

“Listen your little man candy of a cameraman touches me and I will fuck his world up.” Justice said his texas twang carrying seriousness. Quickly the news reporter and her cameraman clicked the power button in the off position and hurried off in the other direction. Just’ absolutely hated this part of being a firefighter, especially when he had to make empty threats to those who were just attempting to do their jobs, but he needed them to understand his job was to protect identities until families were notified.

Finally the scene was under control camera crews and new reporters had all stopped filming or taking photos. The body had been loaded into a body bag; while the survivors had been quickly taken away in the back of ambulances to the nearest hospital to be treated for minor burns and smoke inhalation. The firefighters soon began spraying the blaze with high pressured water as the building began to crumble. Glancing into the crowd Justice had just spotted the same photographer pointing in his direction. “Oh this is gonna be good.” He muttered under his breath as he soon watched the elderly man making his way in his direction. Justice for a moment turned his back to the crowd as he pretended to be listening to the radio and giving out instructions. “Let’s wrap this up guys.” He said over the radio.

Watching the firefighter from the corner of her eye; Artemis could see the growing annoyance and frustration. She wasn’t sure, whether it was the news crew that was bothering him. Or some of the people he worked with. Whatever, it was; seemed to be getting to him. As she heard how his tone was raising in anger, towards one of the members of the new’s crew. Artemis sighed slightly. This isn’t what everyone needed; among this chaos. Everyone, arguing over their jobs and why they were here.

Artemis wasn’t here, to disturb the privacy of people, nor expose footage of dead bodies. The thought; made her stomach twist. When she saw the body being carried out of the burning building. Artemis’ heart clenched. She wasn’t usually squeamish. But the burns on the victim; the smell of blood. Just the entire sight and realization someone innocent life had been lost; made her sad.

She glanced away from the scene, trying to keep herself together. The best way she possibly could. Artemis was in public; she didn’t want to have a melt down, in front of everyone. Not because, of what she had seen.

Seeing, the leader of the new screw making her way towards the Firefighter, whom she had spoken to a few moments ago. Artemis’ heart down a backwards flip of worry. Oh boy...she didn’t need her new boss, making the man even more angry. She quickly followed, trying to stop the elderly man from causing a scene in front of everyone. Artemitra reached out; her hand grabbing the arm of the man. Stopping him, few centimetres away from Justice.

“Now what?” The elder man, huffed in annoyance. “I thought, he was the one that’s stopping everyone from doing their job?” he rose an eyebrow down towards Artemis. “Can you let me go, so I can have words with him; for stopping you from doing your job?” he frowned, looking irritated.

“My job?” Artemis looked shocked. “My job, doesn’t include taking photos of de…” she trailed off, swallowing back her emotions; which were bubbling inside of her again. “If, that’s what you expect of your crew, it’s not very sensitive or respectful. I am sure, he’s just doing his job...you don’t need to add more to his frustration.” Artemis spoke, referring to Justice. The Celestial could tell, he was already frustrated enough. Even though, she did tell her boss to take it up with Justice, few moments ago. She had changed her mind; mainly to try and avoid more conflict and tensions rising.

The elderly man, furrowed his eyebrows at her. None of his other photographers seemed so reluctant to follow his instructions. Unlike her. Frowning, at her words. “Are you, disrespecting me?!” he rose an eyebrow, at the insensitive comment.

Artemis felt, the palms of her hands beginning to sweat slightly. “I didn’t say, that to cause disrespect...I am just stating….a fact.” she swallowed slightly. Seeing the angry look on his face, made Artemitra stiffen slightly. The Celestial didn’t mean harm, with her words. But just trying to put across, why the firefighter had stopped everyone from doing their job for a few brief moments; even if her boss didn’t agree with it.It was a matter of ethics, respect and being sensitive...rather than focusing on the story. Whom, would have thought that working with this man, would start giving her a headache?

Briefly, turning to Justice. Artemis gave the man an apologetic smile. He had a tough time, already. He didn’t need to be dealing with her boss, on top of that.

His agitation with how much controversy the scene brought into the already high-risk situation at hand. The southern charmer couldn’t hold his temper from flying off the handle with the annoying news crews who just never seemed to care about the privacy of the loved one who lost their lives in the chaos.  The firemen had two of the hardest jobs at these chaotic scenes; They risked their own lives entering ablaze buildings to save those who were trapped inside and firemen risked everything while putting the fiery blaze out, making sure the fire never reached anything explosive. Firemen also attempted to make sure bystanders were safe from harm as they didn’t need anyone risking their lives attempting to be a hero.  Their jobs were far from kosher or easy like everyone thought it was. Many of Justice’s teammates risked never seeing their families again, while Justice had no one to live for. He had no issues risking it all to save others who were in need of saving.

Watching the scene unraveling while his teammates brought out deceased carcass and the others quickly ushering live victims from the building. His stomach wrenching as he watched in the crowd a woman falling to her knees as she realized the deceased was indeed her beloved husband she’d been inquiring about since the firemen arrived on scene. Feeling rather sick he watched as some friends grieve with the woman as she crumbled to the ground. He took a moment for himself as he flashed back to the devastation of realizing he was far too last to save his father from burning alive.

Finding himself spacing out from the actual chaos in front of him; Justice quickly snapped back into reality as he heard the screams of a woman as the flames soon came blazing out of the windows at the very top of the building. “Fuck there is someone still inside.” Justice growled under his breath as the rest of the firemen began ungearing and began spraying down the building which was causing bricks to crumble away from the surface.

Justice turned ‘round to assess the scene at hand as he now ignored the manager of the news crew coming to scold him for demanding that the cameras and records all be shut down immediately. “Why didn’t anyone check the top fucking floor?” Justice growled into the radio as a couple of his teammates responded. “We couldn’t make it to the top floor Just’.” One stated into the radio. “Then one of y’all should have stayed out here and I went in! Son of a bitch!” He cursed once against in the radio as he glanced around wondering who could come take his post so he could enter the building and attempt to save the screaming woman. “Someone is coming Ma’am” He called as he gawked around frantically.

Watching desperately was he watched the woman flailing out the window of the top floor. From afar Justice could see the burns inflicted upon her skin as she screamed for someone to help her. “That’s my wife she is pregnant! Someone please help her!” A man began crying as he watched his sister from the top if the building. Putting out his hand Justice held the frantic male back. “Sir, please we will have someone head up there as soon as possible.” He stated trying to remain calm as the man broke in Justice’s arms.  “Do your damn job! You are a firefighter!” The male screamed in Justice’s muscular arms. He began crying hysterically as he had fallen to his knees pulling Justice with him. “Have a cop do this job! Get in there!” The male screamed.

While being forced down onto the cement with the hysterical male; Justice radioed into the group as he was now placed under different circumstances. “Fuck someone gear up and get on the ladder to that fucking top floor! That woman is pregnant!” He yelled into the radio.  Someone being a smartass radioed back in at Justice. “You are the only one still geared up why don’t you get off your ass and go in there! We’ve got families unlike you, Lovett.” Justice took a deep breath as the words stung horridly as the male revealed he hadn’t had any family members who were worth living for. “Excuse me for being a little tied up!” He hissed back into the radio strapped to his chest as his blood began to boil as he held tightly onto the male who grieved and worried about his wife whom was technically burning alive with their unborn child.

Beside the male crying in his arms Justice could also hear the photographer arguing with her boss about why she stopped taking photos of the scene. Appreciatively Justice enjoyed how lovely the woman was for following his direct orders in quitting photography as they wanted to keep identities of those coming out of the fire private. As some of the relatives of the deceased hadn’t been notified of the death that came out of this absolutely destruction.

Justice for once felt absolutely helpless as the crying man clutched tightly to him as cried about his wife whom could no longer be heard screaming  from the top floor meaning; either she passed out from smoke inhalation or she burned alive in the blaze. He felt completely paralyzed as he just clutched onto the male who didn’t know what else to do, but to grieve over the loss of the two loves in his life. Justice hadn’t a clue what that must have felt like, he hadn’t loved someone in so many years. He lost his mother so long ago he forgot what that feeling absolutely felt like and he couldn’t seem to find a way to connect with how the man must have been feeling.  For once Justice felt disconnected from connecting with a victim as he was unsure of how to actually love someone as everyone who he seemed to have loved were dead or nowhere to be found.

He gave a soft smile towards the reporter who had taken a stand against her boss and redirected him elsewhere. Justice stood from where he’d been being held captive by the male. “Please sir, stay here I am going to get your wife.” Justice stated in a hopeful tone as he made he placed his oxygen mask over his lips and head towards the fire truck with the ladder. “RAISE IT!” He yelled down to the men who manned the ladder controls.  The men nodded as they began raising and maneuvering the ladder to where Justice had directed them. “Justice what the fuck are you doing? She’s probably dead!” Someone radioed in. Justice was focused as the ladder made its way to the open window ledge were the flames burst from. About a foot away from the window laid the unconscious female. “No one else is fucking dying while I am here!” He hissed into the radio before entering the crumbling building. He was bound and determined to save that pregnant woman as he realized that even though he didn’t have anyone to love, that someone loved this woman and unborn child with all their heart. He could only imagine how the man down below was feeling about the possibility about losing his wife and unborn child. Justice was unsure of those feelings he wasn’t about to let this man suffer or let himself live with the regret of losing a woman and unborn baby. He couldn’t dare allow himself to live with that kind of regret.

Artemitra couldn’t help but always admire, what firefighters were doing for the better of the community and helping save lives. They were heroes. Risking their own life, to keep others safe. It must be a tough job, especially if they had families and young children. Knowing, there might be a possibility they might not come home, if something went wrong. She couldn’t help, but admire that inner strength and courage. But Artemis, didn’t think she would have been able to cope in situations, like they were in. The pressure of getting people out safely on time. It must have added more stress onto the job at hand.

So many things were going on around her; she felt like her head might spin into oblivion from the chaos. Seeing the woman break down, when the body was brought out of the burning building. Artemis felt her heart clench tighter. Her wail and sobs, seemed to echo in her ears. What a tragic site. Artemitra hated seeing, something like this. It was sad. She could only hope, no more lives would be lost today. People had endured enough pain as it was. They didn’t need more.

In between arguing with her boss, and trying to keep herself together. Artemis heard the screams from the woman on the top floor of the burning building. Whom could have missed her being up at the top?

Artemis couldn’t help but overhear what was going on. One of the fire fighters-the one whom she had spoken to briefly was arguing with his own colleagues about the matter. Not to mention, it was getting more emotional; when the woman’s husband was crying and begging the young man, to save his wife. Artemis felt helpless. It wasn’t her own job-but over the centuries she had lived; she was helping people that were in need. But unfortunately...she couldn’t help in this case. Or could she? Artemitra  she wasn’t a firefighter. She’d just put herself in more danger...if she tried to lend a helping hand. The Celestial’s mind was scrambling, trying to think of what to do.

Her boss was yelling something at her, at that point. But she didn’t catch it. Mitra’s mind and eyes were elsewhere for those few moments.

Her ears picked up on some harsh words, being said to the young Firefighter. Just because, most of them had families. They weren’t willing to go up and rescue a poor pregnant woman? That made her stomach twist. How could someone make such harsh comments? It clearly seemed to affect the young firefighter from what she could see. God, some people truly had nerves, almost insensitive. She could imagine, how hurt he must have been. Even if, he didn’t have a family of his own. It was still harsh words, coming from someone whom was supposed to be a friend and work colleague.

Artemis felt sorry for him. Seeing Justice give her a soft smile, after the whole argument with her boss was over. She gave him a sad, almost apologetic smile for what his co-workers had said to him.

As he was the only one willing to save the pregnant woman. Artemis moved closer to the grieving man, to offer him a shoulder to cry on and moral support. It was the least she could do, whilst Justice began to ascend the ladder up towards the top of the burning building. Her hand touched the man’s back, rubbing it soothingly. Trying to aid his grief and worry for his wife.”I am sure, he’ll get your wife out safely.” she reassured. Although, was that a promise she should have made? Maybe it wasn’t the wisest of promises. But she had hope, that he would. Now, she was the one being clung to; almost like he wanted to suck the life out of her from fear. The man’s grip was tight. Artemis tried to soothe him the best she could.

Artemis’ heart was aching. Hearing the man sobbing. She hoped that the woman wasn’t dead. That she would get out of there, well and alive along with the firefighter; she didn’t know. There was hope, still left? Right?

Watching everything unfold, with trepidation. Her heart was beating loudly. Trying to keep herself together. The man was a mess in her grip, feeling his shaking from the loud sobs that kept escaping him. The poor man, panicking more with every moment that passed by. It made her wish, that things were more simpler. And that his wife wasn’t suffering, being trapped in a burning building. Hopefully, no major injuries would be inflicted...by the time Justice would get her out of there.

With so many people moving around her, and few Firefighters still trying to keep the crowds away from close proximity. Someone had brushed against her shoulder. Sending a jolt of chills from head to toe. The Celestial getting a brief vision;

Seeing the ladder being lowered down, with Justice whom had rescued the woman from the burning building. One of the firefighters, seemed disoirainted. Almost like he might be sick, or dizzy from smoke inhalation. As the man collapsed, his body hitting against the ladder lever..the ladder itself, began to make strange sounds, as it started to collapse faster than it was meant to.

Then there was a crash and screams.

The screams echoed in her head, as the Celestial was pulled out of her vision. Looking pale in horror, at what she saw inside of her head. Looking through the crowd; for that man that had bumped into her. She couldn’t let him, cause accidental chaos happen. Artemitra had no idea, how much time she had. But it couldn’t have been a lot. Artemis managed to pull herself out of the grip of the grieving man. Promising him, she’ll be near-by. But she needed her space to breathe. Her chocolate brown hues, scanning through the crowd frantically. She finally managed to make out the young man, standing near the firetruck with the ladder. The same one that had toppled over in the vision.

Indeed, he did look bit dizzy.

The Celestial hadn’t used her magic, in a long time. But in this instant she had to. Her eyes briefly began to glow, with her Celestial Power. Everything was slowing down and time suddenly stopped; everything almost seemed to be frozen in their spot. Everything and everyone, expect her. The next 10 seconds, seemed to go much more slower, than it actually lasted. Artemis run through the frozen crowd, squeezing her way past every still person; both the public and higher authority. To get to the man, that looked like he was about to collapse and hit the ladder lever. Artemis just got in front of the dizzy firefighter, as everything around her unfroze.

Managing to catch him, just a he collapsed. Using her own body weight to push him away from the firetruck. As he collapsed...he brought her down with him. Luckily...no where near the Lever...as she landed on her knees. Leaning over him. The other firefighters nearby; looked confused at her sudden appearance...but also concerned...as one of their own was passed out on the ground. But her actions, stopped...what would have been even a bigger tragedy...if that ladder collapsed.

While advancing forward towards the ladder engine Justice happened to glance behind him where he’d left the distraught man. He found himself staring at the understanding photographer now allow the male to be clung to her as he watched the scene now unfolding before them. Wasting now more time Justice moved rather quickly as he made his way up the raising ladder. He wasn’t about to allow a woman and unborn child die while he was on the scene. No one had died in months from burning alive since Justice had come onto the force, but that’s because he wasn’t as negligent as the rest of his crew was being. Justice knew time was against him as they lifted him to the window where the woman had been previously screaming from.

Once Justice was at the level of the window he saw the woman and unborn child laying on the floor.  Unfortunately Justice wouldn’t see whether the woman breathing as smoke instantly filled in around him. There was little hope left that the woman was still alive, but Justice was about to defy all the odds of her being alive. He would not bring down this woman’s lifeless body to the distraught husband down below.

Immediately Justice pushed his way into the burning building through the broken window; his eyes wide as they laid upon the gory scene before him. Kneeling down Justice began trying to wake the non responding woman. “Ma’am can you hear me?” He asked while waiting for the woman’s response; he riskingly pulled a glove from his hands as he felt for the woman’s pulse. In which he was able to find a very faint one and knew that he needed to hurry and get her out of the building. Justice soon made the risky decision where he placed his oxygen mask onto the woman’s nose and mouth.

Justice took in a deep inhale before gathering the woman into his arms which beside his suit already weighing him down the woman weighed more as he attempted to make it back out of the window with her in his arms. Justice hoped soon that the woman would wake now with the clean oxygen.

Down below Justice could sense all the attention was now focused on him as lifted the woman and her unborn child out of the building. He could feel the weight of the ladder shifting below him as he could hear the muffled gasps of the civilians down below. He had no idea what was about to happen. He heard the screams from below as he began his descend down the ladder, but he hadn’t realized what was happening. The building was beginning to crumble as the ladder started it’s descend.

Gazing down over the crowd as he carefully climbed down the ladder as it made it’s descend towards the ground. The ladder shook below his increased weight as he came down the ladder; something felt rather off as Justice moved down the ladder, but he just couldn’t tell what. He moved carefully down the ladder as he clung onto the woman whom had started to wake in his arms. “Ma’am I am a Justice Lovett from the Eternal City Fire Department, we are descending now! Please if you could use your grasp to hold onto me.” He said as he informed the woman. Her eyes wide and alert as she clung to the handsome firefighter who saved her life.  His heart ached hearing the woman cry as she worried about unborn child and husband. Justice made all attempts to calm the woman from her grief as he began to explain that her husband had made it safely out of the building and was just below them waiting for her.

Everything seemed to have been going perfectly while Justice and his now alert victim traveled slowly down the ladder. However something soon changed and it felt as if everything had slowed in the moment as Justice made his way down the shaky ladder.  His beautiful multi-colored eyes watched over the female as he carried her down the ladder. This moment was rather cherished as the next 10 seconds seemed longer than normal. Justice couldn’t understand what had just happened the ten second before the time slowed, but down below he hadn’t realized the scene that was about to unfold below.  Normally Justice was aware of the well-being of the men who controlled the ladder, but he’d been in such a hurry he hadn’t made they were well hydrated after standing near the sweltering blaze.

Justice heard the gasps once again as looked down at the ending of the scene that had unfolded below. The ladder safely descended and Justice’s boot touched the pavement below and cradled the woman as he moved her towards the ambulance. The grieving husband soon ran towards the firemen and his wife. “You saved her!” The man shouted in a high pitched town as he moved to love onto his wife  Justice smiled brightly at the men and women who no cooed over his achievement.  

With the Celestial leaning over the passed out fireman; she could feel the blazing heat being so close to the burning building. It felt, like she was standing in a very very blazing hot oven; maybe something worse. It made her wonder, if this is how hell felt and looked like? Nothing but fire, falling debris and immense heat that alone, could almost kill you. Artemis was more concerned about the man on the ground, than herself at that point. Using her fingers, to feel his pulse. It was there...but very faint.

“You shouldn’t be here miss.” One of the others spoke to her, trying to keep her away from the blazing heat. Still confused, how the pretty brunette had ended up from one spot, into this one at such a quick speed.

Artemis glanced up at the men, that were near her. Keeping an eye on the situation; so she wouldn’t get hurt. “I think, your friend might need to get checked out by the doctors.” Artemis gestured to the passed out man, that she had been leaning over.

The screams still echoed around, the scene and inside of her ears. Along with the slow crumbling of the burning building. It made goosebumps arise on the back of her neck. Glancing over her shoulder briefly; she saw Justice carrying the pregnant woman down the ladder; making it safely onto the ground. Artemis sighed in relief; as the woman seemed to be awake and alive. Thank god. She thought to herself. It wasn’t a relief for her; but for everyone else, especially the woman’s husband whom had been watching the scene with worry.

Few of the fireman helped Artemis up, from the ground. Along with their passed colleague. Carrying the unconscious fire-man over to the ambulance to have him checked over. The Celestial felt a strange pain in her left leg. At first she didn’t really notice it, even though it was causing her to limp slightly.

“Are you hurt, miss?” the man escorting her away from the burning building asked. Glancing down to her leg. “You’re bleeding.” he told her; a slight frown of concerned, his eyebrows creasing. How did, the woman not notice she was injured? Maybe, the rush of adrenaline, kept her occupied from thinking of the pain.

“Huh?” Artemis almost looked oblivious for a few moments. And confused. Glancing down towards both of her legs. From the front, they seemed perfectly fine. But on the back of her left...there was a large hole through her jean and her skin had a nasty bloody burn on there. Having been so close to the fire...she hadn’t even felt, a piece of debris that had flew onto the back of her leg. Mainly due to the adrenaline and her desire, to have saved that one man. “Oh...well would you look at that.” The Celestial turned a little pale, at the sight of her injury.

Now, that she registered she was injured. And seen the wound. Funnily enough; that was the moment, it began to hurt like hell. Few moments ago, she was fine.

Before, Artemis had even got to the ambulance track herself. More screams echoed around everyone, and there was a strange, thud behind them. Turning slightly. Artemis hopped, to avoid putting pressure on her bad leg. Just in time, to see the burning building collapse totally...unluckily; trapping one of the fighter-fires beneath all the debris. As he wasn’t quick to get out of the way. Artemis watched the scene horrified. Tears forming in her eyes; another life lost. Today, seemed to be a bad...emotional...dramatic day. If those words could even cover the entirety of the situation.

Justice heard the radio chatter about down below before he’d even touched base with the concrete before he was flooded with question from people down below.  Regret filled Justice as he heard about the man who’d become faint as while manning the controls to the for the ladder; Justice hadn’t remembered to check on the men before risking his own skin to save a pregnant woman. “Hey is Nick okay?” He radioed back to the others once his feet touched the ground and he began escorting the pregnant woman to the back of the ambulance.  Where her husband soon came to her side as Justice helped wheel her to the ambulance on the gurney. He hadn’t heard anything from his crew which worried him.

“Nicky is fine jackass, don’t fucking worry some bystander you let through saved him.” One of the guys cursed through the radio. A sigh fell from Justice’s lips as he shook his head while he followed the EMTS to the ambulance. He was taking a lot of heat today and he didn’t understand why.

Slowly crawling down the ladder with the expecting woman cradled in his arms while she breathed in Justice’s clean oxygen. Listening to the screams down below Justice worried about the young man who’d fainted and the regret sunk deeper within him. Unfortunately the task at hand was to safely bring the woman back to the ground level and reunite her with her loving husband. While making his descend from the high slopes Justice shielded the woman as the crumbling building came down between the ladder and Justice. His heart was racing as he protected the woman from the debris crumbling off the building.

The screamed horrified Justice while he came down the ladder; the sweat was clinging faintly to his brow as his breathing became unsteady as he made his way down. The extensive weight was tiring his muscles as he made his final descent and his footing now made contact with the concrete below. Taking a large inhale as he finally could place the woman onto her feet as she steadied herself onto the ground.  Justice soon quickly escorted her away from the scene and towards the ambulances. Where she was united with her now relieved husband as he now clung to his wife and helped her into the ambulance. Justice took his oxygen from her as the paramedics swapped the oxygen with their own. “Oh Thank you so much!” The expecting parents said in unison as Justice nodded with a smile on his features. “All in a day's work, you guys take care!” He said before slamming the ambulance door closed as he sent one of the many ambulances barreling towards the nearest hospital, where mom and unborn baby were to be checked out.

Justice finally took deep breath as he felt relieved that he’d saved two lives from perishing in the flames. However there was still a problem at hand as he watched two of his teammates carrying the unconscious firemen towards another ambulance to have him checked over. The regret sunk deeper inside of him as he watched the paramedics working quickly on the man; he hadn’t checked on before crawling up the ladder and asking him to man the controls even though he was unsteady.

Hearing another firefighter speaking towards the brunette reporter who’d stopped her boss from confronting him about the subject at hand. Justice became concerned for the woman as he heard the firefighter as if she was hurt and that she was bleeding. Maybe his worry wasn’t over just yet? Mayhem always seemed to come when he least expected it, but the other male had the woman’s care under control.

The adrenaline must have clouded her pain the burn had inflicted upon her lower extremity. Watching the blood dripping down the back of her calf Justice took a moment for himself after his daring actions as before he began assisting the crew in extinguishing the flames with the large hose that needed to be manned by many of the men. Their profession was never done and they never had a chance to relax. While more and more fires broke out the worse and worse many people would panic from the blaze and put themselves in more danger.

Watching from afar while he noticed that the injury just registered in her head; he knew her adrenaline was now rushing out of her system. Finally the pain seemed to have hit her.

He could heard the crackling of the building as soon larger portions of the building began crumbling down. “EVERYONE GET BACK!” Justice screamed as he dropped the hose and began pushing everyone back. Out of the corner of his eye Justice saw a newbie of the other teams standing too close to the building. “Becker! Get out of there!” He yelled, right before the building came crumbling down on top of Becker. “BECKER!!” Justice cried as he lurched forward before being pulled back away from the scene. “Let fucking go of me!” He growled as he shoved everyone off. The sweat dripping down his brow with a mixture of tears dripping down his features.  Justice collapsed to his knees at the destruction as he watched the building crush the young recruit. They lost yet another life and this one was one of their own… How could he have made the mistake of not watching over everyone… The Lycan watched the burning of the destruction as the rest proceeded with their jobs and finished putting out the blaze.

Justice had saw himself in the new recruit and had done everything he could have done to teach him. Losing Becker destroyed Justice as he didn’t know what he would do now.

All the screams and cries of horror, seemed to echo all around her. Ringing both inside of her ears and her head. It had been a while, since the Celestial saw such destruction. It almost reminded of the Isle of Skye; expect that was at much a bigger magnitude...with more lives lost. But it was still sad; it not only affected the citizens but members of the firefighting squad. It made her heart clench. The Celestial wished that there was something she could have done, to spare another life. The young man, that had been crushed by the falling building was too young. Maybe early 20’s? Someone had lost a friend, and a son. Artemis didn’t know who he was; but she was sure there’d be lots of people mourning for him.

Her own tears of shock and grief; clouding her vision slightly. Despite the pain in her leg. Artemis was mainly in tears; due to what was going on around her. She had always been sensitive; even if she was capable of being stubborn; she was very compassionate and sensitive being.

Artemitra also felt sorry for Justice, the young man she had spoken to briefly. Even though, she didn’t know him. He seemed to be taking it the hardest. Almost, like he blamed himself for what was happening.

She had no idea, how long she was stiff on the spot. With an injured leg. But after a few moments, she felt the firefighter lift her up into his arms. Carrying her towards one of the ambulances where the other male, by the name of Nick was being checked out by the paramedics. At least, it spared her walking; and putting pressure on her injured leg. Artemis barely even registered that; until she felt him sit her down on one of the beds. Artemitra glanced towards the passed out male; whom was slowly waking up.

The paramedics had been giving him some fluids via drips and oxygen. Nick’s eyes fluttered open. The young male letting out a dazed groan. “Angel….she must be an Angel.” He kept muttering, over and over again. Even though, he had blacked out. The last face he remembered seeing was Artemitra’s. Thinking, the stranger was his guardian angel or something off the sort.

Another young doctor, was checking on her own leg. The moment, she felt a hand touch the back of her leg; the celestial let out a loud sob/scream of pain. The injury was raw and painful. The pain shooting through her leg. Trying to stifle down her reaction. Artemitra felt lightheaded. Maybe, the loss of blood or the pain that shot through her leg was what had caused her to black out.

The Celestial had no idea, what was happening around her. Everything was dark for her and every sound was seemingly muffled to her own ears.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Clean  crisp sheets and that sterilized scent; was what was hitting her senses. The Celestial was waking up with a groan. Feeling slightly lightheaded. Artemitra blinked; her vision was a bit clouded. After a few moments; the Celestial finally made out, she was in a hospital. The ambulance must have taken her; after she had passed out. Hooked to a drip, which was feeding her some painkillers, to numb the pain in her leg. Hoping, that her own natural healing would kick in sooner or later. Glancing towards her leg...it was wrapped up in bandages and quiet sore; the doctors had cleaned out her wound, so it wouldn’t get infected.

“Great, way to go...ending up in a hospital myself.” Artemis muttered to herself. That wasn’t exactly; what she had been aiming for when she intended to save the man from toppling over into the ladder. But, there wasn’t much she could do now, having an injury herself.

The Celestial began to wonder; how the man himself was recovering from his fainting spell. Let alone, how everyone was coping. Was the fire finally put out? She had no idea, how long she had even been here. Artemis rubbed her face slightly, rubbing her eyes slightly. Memories of earlier kept replaying in mind over and over again; wishing she could erase at least half of it...if not all of it. If no fire had broken out-no lives would have been lost, and everyone would have been fine. But there was no way, disasters like that could be entirely avoided. Artemitra wondered whom was even responsible for setting the building on fire. If it wasn’t an accident. But with so many people trapped; the Celestial worried, it wasn’t entirely an accident. So many thoughts were running through her mind. She hoped, that at least that the mother with the unborn child were doing well and recovering. The Celestial hoped; that at least those two lives were out of danger.

Trying to sit up more properly, the Celestial flinched. Her injured leg throbbing. The sound of footsteps in the hallways, doctors and nurses rushing about could be heard from behind the closed door.

Losing a recruite was traumatic moment, but as a firefighter they were forced to move along after a certain point. Even though Justice was taking the loss the worse; he was able to pick himself up and bring himself to the hospital to check on the woman who’d saved one of their fellow teammates and himself from a deadly destruction. Rarely making social calls to the hospital to check on those who saved them from a mass destruction; Justice slowly made his way down the halls to where the woman was being cared for. Luckily for her she wasn’t in an intensive care unit; unlike the pregnant woman and her husband. Justice had been informed the woman had gone into labor on their way to the hospital.  The woman gave birth to beautiful premature baby girl, whom she named Justine after Justice. He was honored that they named their child after him, he only wished he could have saved the uncle of the child who was the deceased at the scene.

Making his stop with the little family he congratulated the husband and wife on the birth. “Congratulations, She is beautiful.” He said in a soft southern tone as he cradled the child in his arms. The proud parents were grateful for Justice’s risky motives as they wouldn’t have been there holding a beautiful child if Justice wouldn’t have made the sacrifices he did to save the mother and Justine. “Please take care of yourselves and bring this little one by station sometime!” He said as he handed the small child back to her parents, before departing the room to allow them more family time together.

Justice had another victim to visit while at the hospital, it was the woman who’d saved one of their own. Nicky was preparing for his discharge from the hospital and was preparing to return to the station for his on call session.  Slowly Justice made his way down the dark corridors of the hospital as he was stopped by the desk who asked exactly who Justice was searching for. “Ma’am I don’t exactly know her name, but she came in with the rescues from the fire… She had an injury to the back of her calf.” He explained as the nurse nodded her head before checking the logs. After a couple moments the nurse gave Justice the room number and the name of the woman. “Artemitra Bluemoon, Room 32” The nurse stated with a flirtatious tone as she watched as Justice set course for the woman’s room. Justice smiled with a nod of his cranium. “Thank ya Ma’am.” He replied his southern tone playing into when he spoke. Which he could tell sent the woman swooning over the Texan hunk as he made his way to Artemitra’s room.

Now, Justice stood outside her hospital room door and with a flick of his wrist before entering he knocked. “Knock Knock!” Just’ purred as he came into the room. Seeing the photographer laid up in bed made him feel bad about not protecting her from what happened to her, but in away she made a huge difference when she saved Nicky, the mother of Justine and Justice’s lives.  Artie was a pure life saver and Justice couldn’t help but feel that she indeed deserved a proper thanking. He came into her vision as he placed a small vase of beautiful flowers onto the window ledge. “This is from all of us at the fire station, by the way we met briefly I am Justice Lovett.” He said the texas purr following  his words. Nervously Justice watched the woman curiously. “Thank you for saving Nicky’s life.” He proceeded before she could speak.

The Celestial felt numb; woozy. Almost like half of her body was separated from the other part. A strange floating sensation almost. Whatever medication the doctors had given her; it had made her loopy; not to mention sleepy. No wonder, she had been out cold until now. Not just passing out from the pain. The medication had allowed her to sleep, for a long time as she needed to heal. Rubbing her eyes, with the back of her hand; Artemitra tried to wake herself up.

Reaching over, the brunette tugged at the cord slightly. Ringing the bell for the nurse. An older looking lady, walked into her room with a warm smile. Checking up on the Celestial. Asking her a few routines questions; as well as helping the Celestial over to the bathroom...so Artemitra could freshen herself up a little bit. Even if her leg hurt; she needed to move about. To try and get rid of the numbing feeling. Once in the bathroom, it was bit of a relief to feel the fresh cold water on her face. Making her feel a bit more alert. It took her a few moments to sort herself out. Before she got helped back, over to the hospital bed. The nurse propping a few pillows behind her back; so Artemitra could be slightly more upright.

“Thank you.” The Celestial breathed out, her voice a bit croaky. Maybe because she had been tired and sleeping. “Could I get a glass of water?” She was thirsty.

The nurse just nodded her head. “Of course you can...I’ll be back in a few moments sweet.” the kind lady reassured her; making her way out of the hospital room. It didn’t take her long to return; not with only a glass of water, but something small for the Celestial to eat. Even though she didn’t request anything. The Old Nurse was always kind enough to bring any patient some sort of snack, whether it was an energy bar, fruit, jelly what have you. After thanking the nurse. Artemis reached for her glass of water, taking few sips.

Just as she rested her head back against the pillows; a knock on the door came. “Come on in.” she called out, her voice still sounding bit sleepy. Her Spanish accent almost coming out more at that point, than previously. The Celestial hadn’t been expecting visitors to be honest. Artemis didn’t think, that any of her friends knew she was in hospital yet. Or a lot of them, would probably be freaking out.

Seeing the young firefighter, whom had saved the pregnant woman come into her room left the Celestial surprised. He was visiting the hospital? That was both surprising, but also a kind gesture. Her chocolate brown eyes, slightly wide in surprise; as his visit was unexpected. The scent of the flowers, hit her nostrils. Her cheeks gaining bit of a color. The gesture leaving her also slightly stunned. But, before she could really form any words to speak. He had thanked her for saving Nick.

“I, sorry...I wasn’t expecting...visitors. But it’s sweet of you to stop by.” The Celestial gave a slightly nervous, but warm smile. Artemis wasn’t even sure why she was nervous. His visit did take her by surprise though. But, at least it was better than being alone in a hospital room; at least she had company for a while. “I….you didn’t need to do that.” Artemitra gestured towards the flowers. The Celestial was both flattered and flustered by the sweetness of the gesture though. “But thank you...they’re lovely.” His name replaying in her mind, making a mental note of it. She was sure, he had mentioned his name to the woman he rescued. But whether she had been listening enough, to make a mental note of it or not, had slipped past her. As she had been preoccupied with something else. “It’s nice to meet you Justice...Artemitra Bluemoon.” The young woman introduced herself to him.

“I am sure, another good soul would have done the same.” Artemis said softly. Or so she could have only hoped, that someone else would have been brave enough to save Nick, from his fate; aswell as 2...well technically 3 (if you count the unborn child) from terrible fate. But fortunately for them all; it ended up being her. “I hope he’s okay?” Artemis questioned; looking hopeful that nothing serious was wrong with him. Not aware of his stable condition to get discharged. “And the couple? How are they?” Artemitra asked. "I am sorry, I don't even know if you seen them....I just been worried about the pregnant lady and if she's doing okay." Artemis breathed out. Not meaning to spring so many questions on him at once.

Despite her own injury, the Celestial cared about the well being of others over herself. Her injured leg would heal and the other 4 lives were more important, than her own injury. If anything had happened to Nick, the mother with the unborn child and Justice...that would have been dreadful. The injury was worth the trouble, to make sure people lived and didn’t get hurt.

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