made by Juan
story made: 22/02/2017
updated: 04/06/2025





CHAPTER 1

Anna had longed for this moment since she was seven years old, the day her father and mother had promised her a special outing. The anticipation had been etched into her very soul, and as they met at the long-desired destination, she felt a warmth that transcended the chilly coastal breeze. She gazed into their eyes, eyes that mirrored her own, and for a moment, she was convinced that nothing could ever come between them.
They sprinted along the shoreline, their laughter mingling with the waves' gentle whispers. Anna clutched their hands tightly, feeling the love that bound them together, a bond unblemished by the trials of life.
"I love you, Dad... Mom," she exclaimed, her voice brimming with emotion.
Her mother's smile was radiant as she replied, "We know you do, Anna. And we love you more than words can say."
Her father swung her around to face them and the majestic beach view. "Anna, we will give you the world," he assured her, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Our love will never waver, and we will always be here for you."
The tenderness of the moment was palpable, yet Anna felt a twinge of sadness, unsure of where it had come from. She playfully tugged at her father's nose, a gesture that was met with a gentle scolding.
"Ouch! Stop that, you little rascal," her father chuckled, though his tone was filled with affection.
"You're naughty, Anna," her mother chuckled, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Anna felt a pang of regret at having caused even a flicker of pain to the man she adored. Yet, she knew that her love for them was boundless. She wished for nothing more than to bask in their warm embrace forever.
Suddenly, the tranquil scene dissolved into a hellish nightmare. Anna found herself lying in the charred remains of what had once been a vibrant park. The air was thick with the acrid scent of smoke, and the fiery dance of destruction played out before her eyes as the flames consumed the world around her. The heat was unbearable, the chaos overwhelming.
"What the hell?" she murmured, her voice thick with confusion.
Her heart racing, she stumbled from her bed, her eyes widening in horror at the sight before her. The once-peaceful buildings of her neighborhood were now engulfed in flames, the fiery beasts consuming all in their path. A monstrous creature of steel and wings, labeled 'P.C.M.,' dominated the scene, casting a crimson beam of death that painted the town red.
"What is P.C.M.?" she wondered aloud, her mind racing to make sense of the madness.
Panic set in as she realized the gravity of the situation. She had to escape, but first, she had to protect herself. She staggered to her wardrobe and hastily entered a password she hoped was correct.
"What's the password?" she muttered in frustration as the safe denied her entry.
"3... 2... 5... 9," she recalled with a gasp. The doors slid open, revealing her warrior attire, gleaming in the dim light.
"Come!" she commanded, and the pieces of armor began to adhere to her body, molding to her form.
Anna dashed from her home, her heart heavy with fear for her mother and father. The ground burned beneath her feet, and the sight of her neighbor's house filled her with dread. The door was a gaping maw of destruction, and within, the lifeless forms of her friends lay still.
Her thoughts were interrupted by a deafening roar as an explosion rocked the street. The blast threw her against the wall, and she felt the warmth of her own blood trickling down her forehead. As she fell to the ground, the world spun around her, and she saw a shadowy figure, a twisted amalgamation of metal and malice, stalking the streets.
Her vision blurred, and the sounds of the world grew distant as she struggled to remain conscious. Yet, she heard a whisper of hope amidst the chaos. Her mother's voice, clear as a bell, urged her to flee.
"Anna, go! Get as far away as you can!"
Her mother's words echoed in her ears as she stumbled away, leaving the only home she had ever known to the mercy of the ravenous flames. The world was falling apart around her, but she had to find a way to survive.
---

The memory of her mother's birthday celebration washed over her like a wave. Anna had been just a child, innocent and hopeful. The small, simple cake her mother had baked, despite the family's meager means, was a testament to the love Gula had for her daughter.
"Why is it always like this?" Anna had asked, her voice trembling with disappointment.
Her mother had tried to soothe her, explaining that love was the most important ingredient in any gift. "Your happiness is all I want, Anna," Gula had said, her voice strained with exhaustion.
But the shadows grew darker that night. Anna's father, once a man she had looked up to, had become a monster, a creature fueled by anger and greed. His cruelty was a stark contrast to the gentle warmth of her mother's embrace.
"Run, Anna! I love you!" Gula had screamed as her husband transformed into a beast before her very eyes.
The horror of that night remained etched in her mind, a scar that never truly healed. Now, as the world burned around her, she found refuge in the memory of her mother's love. It was that love that had given her the strength to face the monsters outside.
---

Anna woke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest. The room was unfamiliar, filled with shadows that danced in the flickering candlelight. Her clothes were torn and stained with the grime of her desperate escape. Her leg throbbed, a cruel reminder of the shard of glass embedded within it.
"What happened?" she whispered to herself, her voice hoarse.
Her eyes fell upon a towel, and she ripped it to shreds to bind her wound. She had to find water, food, and safety. The hunger gnawing at her stomach was a constant reminder of her need to survive.
The sound of footsteps grew louder, the panic in her chest swelling until she thought it would consume her. A man emerged from the smoke; his eyes filled with a fierce determination she hadn't seen since... since her mother had told her to run.
"Who are you?" he demanded, a knife at her throat.
"I'm just a girl looking for a bath and a cupcake," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm.
He looked surprised for a moment, then chuckled darkly. "I'm Philca Smith," he said, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'm looking for Anna."
Her heart skipped a beat. Was he one of them? A bounty hunter?
"Why do you want me?" she asked, her voice steady despite the tremble in her hands.
"You stole Seven hundred forty-four million dollars, didn't you?"
Anna's eyes narrowed. "You must have the wrong person," she lied.
The man, Philca, grew agitated, his hand tightening on the knife. "They're coming. We need to leave. Now."
The sound of sirens grew closer, the thunder of booted feet echoing through the house. Anna had no choice but to trust him.
---

They leaped through the window, the wind rushing past them as they fell into the unknown. When they landed, the ground was surprisingly soft, cushioning their fall. Philca's touch was gentle as he helped her to her feet, the warmth of his hand sending a jolt through her body.
"Who are you, really?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.
He sighed. "I'm no gangster, if that's what you're thinking. I just want the money, not you."
The red light in the sky grew brighter, a beacon of hope in the abyss of despair. They ran through the streets, the flaming embers licking at their heels like the very fires of hell.
"What's happening?" Anna panted.
Philca's expression grew serious. "They're searching for you, Anna. You're in more danger than you know."
The sound of a gunshot rang through the air, and Anna felt the sting of a bullet graze her arm. She stumbled, the pain a stark reminder of the reality of their situation.
---

The world grew quiet around them, the flaming monstrosities retreating into the shadows. They found themselves standing in the ruins of a once-beautiful city, the embers of their past lives smoldering around them.
"Who are you, Philca?" Anna asked again, her eyes searching his for the truth.
"I'm your ticket out of here," he said, his voice filled with a strange mix of resignation and hope. "But we must move quickly."
---

In the distance, a figure moved, the shadows playing tricks on Anna's eyes. Was it a person, a friend, or another enemy? The uncertainty was a heavy weight upon her shoulders, but she knew she couldn't face it alone.
"We can't stay here," Philca urged, his hand on her shoulder.
Anna nodded, her eyes never leaving the mysterious form in the distance. "Where do we go?"
"To the only place that might be safe," he replied, his grip firm. "The heart of the city."
They set off into the night, their footsteps echoing through the desolate streets. The flaming beasts of steel had brought an end to the world they knew, but in their hearts, they carried the embers of hope, flickering like the last stars in a dying sky.







CHAPTER 2





The sun dipped beneath the horizon, streaking the sky with molten oranges and reds as she lifted her gaze from the rubble around her. "Oh, goodness gracious... what on earth happened to me?" she whispered, her voice echoing through the vacant room.

Her clothing hung in tatters around her body, revealing the bruises and cuts she had acquired during her ordeal. The once pristine fabric now bore witness to the chaos that had invaded her life. Her shoes—deep brown and still gleaming—stood in jarring contrast to the wreckage, a cruel remnant of the elegance that lay shattered like the broken furniture around her.

With trembling legs, Anna managed to rise to her feet, wincing at the pain that shot through her body. Her left leg was a crimson mess, a shard of glass protruding from it. "Great," she mumbled through clenched teeth, "now I can't even walk properly." She tugged at the shard, the pain searing through her like a hot knife slicing through butter, and it came out with a sickening sound. She searched the room, her eyes scanning the dusty surfaces for anything that could serve as a bandage.

In a corner, she spotted a discarded towel and limped over to it, her leg leaving a trail of scarlet droplets behind her. She wrapped the towel tightly around the wound, tying it into a makeshift bandage. Her mouth was parched, and her stomach growled like a wild beast in the depths of its lair. Water, she needed water. And food. Her thoughts grew more frantic as she took stock of her situation.

A sudden sound pierced the silence - a bang, then another. Her heart leaped into her throat. She had had enough of these surprises. Anna yearned for a normal life, one where she could lounge in a bathtub filled with bubbles, gazing out at a serene view, a cupcake in hand.

Her pocket held a cold, hard object - a gun. She weighed her options. Should she call out and demand to know who was there, or should she remain silent, waiting for the intruder to reveal themselves?

"Who's there?" she shouted, her voice a mix of fear and defiance.
Her pulse quickened as she heard the footsteps approaching, each one louder than the last. The doorframe was illuminated by the fading sunlight, creating a silhouette that grew larger with each step.

"Who's there!" she screamed again, taking a step closer to the shadowy figure.
A hand clamped over her mouth, and she felt the cold steel of a knife against her throat. The man behind her spoke in a deep, gravelly voice. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"

Her mind raced. Could she trust the voice that spoke so calmly, so casually, as if they were merely passing acquaintances? No, she decided. She couldn't. She couldn't trust anyone, not after what she'd been through.

She smirked inwardly. Maybe I should trust a man with a lovely voice. But aloud: “Why don’t you start by telling me what you want?”

"Fine," he said, voice easing into something almost amused. "Name’s Philca Smith—Phil. I’m looking for a girl named Anna. Word is, she stole a rather large sum from some very unpleasant people."

Her eyes widened. “Seven hundred forty-four million, to be precise,” she whispered. “What makes you think I’m her?”

He chuckled. "Your shoes, darling. They're the same brand and size as the ones she was wearing when she made her grand escape."

"What do you want from me?" she demanded, pushing him away and holding the knife to his own neck.

“Maybe if we survive this, we can talk about dinner,” he said, smirking — the timing wildly inappropriate.

"Back off!" she barked, pushing him harder. "I've had enough of this. Tell me why you're really here, or I'll show you what I can do with this knife."

Philca chuckled again, unfazed by the weapon at his throat. "Alright, I'm no gangster, if that's what you're thinking. I'm just a guy looking to cash in on a little fortune. I don't work for them; I just want to help myself to a slice of the pie. Now, are you going to come quietly, or do we have to make this interesting?"

"You think you can sweet talk your way out of this?" she sneered, her grip on the knife tightening. "Who do you think you are?"

"Just a guy with a plan," he said, his blue eyes never leaving hers. "And a penchant for damsels in distress."

Anna searched his pockets, looking for any clue as to his true intentions. Her hand brushed against something cold and metallic. A key, perhaps? Or a phone, something she could use to her advantage.

Before she could react, the sound of footsteps grew louder, and shouts echoed through the house. "Police! Hands up! Now!"

Philca's smile grew wider. "Looks like our time is up. Jump with me." He gestured to the window, which was now framed by the blue of twilight.

"You're mad," she said, her voice shaking. "I'm not jumping out of a window with a stranger."

"Trust me," he urged, his voice low and urgent. "They're not here to help you. They're here for the same reason I am. Now, come on!"

With no other choice, Anna took his hand, and together, they leaped through the window into the inky night beyond. The wind rushed past them, and for a moment, she felt as if she could fly, as if all her troubles would be left behind in that dusty room.

They landed with a thud, and she stumbled, her injured leg buckling under her. "You're not my dad, you fool," she spat at him.

"Just follow me," he said, pulling her upright. "I know a safe place."

As they sprinted away from the house, the sounds of sirens grew louder, and the flashing lights of police cars painted the night in an eerie dance of blue and red. Anna's heart hammered in her chest, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She stole a glance at Philca, his green shirt with blue stripes a blur in the dark. He was handsome, she had to admit, but she couldn't trust him.

"Why should I trust you?" she panted. "What if you're just leading me into a trap?"

"Because, sweetheart," he said, not breaking his stride, "you don't have many options, do you?"

They reached a dilapidated building, and he shoved her inside. "Stay here," he ordered, "I'll be right back."

Alone in the shadows, Anna felt a shiver of fear. Who was this man, really? What did he want from her? And why was he willing to risk his life for a girl he didn't know?

As she waited, she heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and she tightened her grip on the knife. But when the door burst open, it wasn't the police who stepped inside; it was Philca, his eyes alight with excitement.

"They're gone," he said. "For now."

Anna collapsed against the wall, her legs finally giving out. "What now?" she asked, her voice a mere whisper.

He looked down at her, Light bled in through a broken pane, throwing shadows across his face — all angles and unreadable tension. "Now," he said, "we talk about that date."

---

In the dimness of the abandoned building, Anna's eyes searched Philca's face, looking for any sign of deception. Despite his earlier jesting, his expression was now serious, his gaze unwavering.

"You can't be serious," she said, trying to keep the tremor from her voice. "We need to figure out what's happening."

"We will," he assured her, his eyes a gentle blue in the shadows. "But first, we need to get you patched up. And I'm not letting you go anywhere until I know you're safe."

Her stomach rumbled again, a reminder of how long it had been since she'd eaten. "Do you have any food?" she asked, feeling a mix of hope and embarrassment.

Philca chuckled, the sound rumbling through his chest. "Always prepared," he said, pulling out a small bag from his pocket. He rummaged through it and handed her a protein bar. "It's not much, but it'll tide you over."

Anna took the bar gratefully, her mouth watering at the mere sight of it. She tore into the packaging with her teeth and took a bite. The taste was heavenly, the sweetness and the crunch a balm to her frazzled nerves.

"So, tell me," Philca began as he sat beside her, his back against the cold, damp wall. "How did you end up in this mess?"

Anna sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's a long story," she said, her eyes straying to the window. Outside, the night pressed against the windows like a tide held back.

"We've got time," he said, his voice soft. "I'm not going anywhere."

And so, with the distant wail of sirens as her background music, Anna began to weave her tale of betrayal and deceit. She told him of the stolen money, of the gangsters who had been chasing her for weeks, of the fear that had become her constant companion.

As she spoke, Philca listened intently, his gaze never leaving her face. His eyes, she noticed, were filled with something she hadn't seen in a long time: genuine concern.

"I didn't mean to take the money," she said, her voice cracking. "But when I found out what they were planning to do with it..."

He nodded, understanding dawning on his face. "So, you're not just a thief," he said, "you're a... what? A vigilante?"

Anna managed a small laugh. "I'm not Batman. I just wanted to stop them."

"Well, you've certainly done that," he said, his voice filled with admiration. "But now, we've got to figure out what to do next."

They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the distant sirens and their own ragged breathing. Then, Philca spoke up again. "I have an idea."

Her heart skipped a beat. "What is it?"

He leaned closer, his breath warm against her cheek. "We split the money," he whispered. "You give me half, and I help you get away from all of this. We can start a new life together."

Anna's eyes widened. "What makes you think I'd do that?"

"Because," he said, his voice low and earnest, "I believe in you. And because, deep down, you know that you can trust me."

"I don't know if I can," she said, her voice shaking. "But I know that I can't do this alone."

The air between them grew thick with tension, filled with unspoken words and unanswered questions. Then, without warning, Philca leaned in and kissed her, his lips warm and firm against hers. For a moment, she was lost in the sensation, the feel of his arms around her, the smell of him.

When he pulled away, she was left gasping for air. "What was that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He smiled, that infectious smile that had first caught her attention. "Just a little taste of what could be," he said. "But first, we need to get you somewhere safe."

---

They made their way through the night, dodging shadows and jumping at every unexpected sound. Anna's leg throbbed with every step, but she pushed through the pain, driven by the hope that Philca offered her.

They reached a small, nondescript café, the neon lights flickering in the window. "This is it," he said, his hand on the door. "This is where we part ways."

"What?" she said, her voice laced with panic. "You can't just leave me here!"

"You'll be safe," he assured her. "I have friends who'll take care of you."

"But what about the money?" she asked, clutching his arm.

He looked at her, his eyes serious. "The money isn't important. What's important is that you're alive. That you can start over."

Anna searched his eyes, looking for any sign that he was lying. But all she saw was honesty, and a spark of something more.

"Thank you," she murmured, feeling a lump form in her throat.

“Don’t mention it,” he said, his hand slipping away as if he’d already made peace with walking out of her life. "But next time, maybe don't go stealing from gangsters, yeah?"

He opened the door, and the warm light of the café spilled out into the cold night. Anna took a tentative step inside, looking back at Philca one last time.

"Be safe," she called out to him.

He nodded, then disappeared into the night, leaving her with more questions than answers. But as she sank into a chair and the warmth of the café enveloped her, she knew one thing for sure: she had found an ally in the most unlikely of places.

---

Days turned into weeks, and Anna remained hidden, her identity a secret known only to the few people Philca had entrusted her with. The news of the missing millions had faded from the headlines, replaced by other tragedies and scandals.

But she couldn't forget the man who had risked everything to help her. His eyes, his smile, his voice - they all haunted her dreams.

One day, as she was walking through the bustling streets, a hand touched her arm. She spun around, the knife she now carried at the ready.

It was Philca, looking as handsome as ever, a bouquet of flowers in one hand and a cheeky grin on his face. "Ready for that date?" he asked.

Her heart leaped into her throat. "What are you doing here?" she whispered, her eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of danger.

"I've come to take you away from all of this," he said. "To give you the life you deserve."

"But how?" she asked, her voice trembling. "They're still looking for me."

"Not anymore," he said, his eyes shining with excitement. "I've taken care of it."

Anna stared at him, unable to believe what she was hearing. "How?"

He leaned in, his breath tickling her ear. "Let's just say I know a few people in high places. They owed me a favor, and I called it in."

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Anna felt hope. "So, what now?"

He offered her his hand, the flowers a silent promise of better days to come. "Now," he said, "we live happily ever after."

---

The café was a warm, cozy haven from the cold, harsh world outside. They sat in a booth in the back, the flickering candlelight playing across their faces as they talked.

"I still don't understand," Anna said, her voice filled with wonder. "Why did you help me?"

Philca took a sip of his coffee, his gaze never leaving hers. "Because," he said, "sometimes, the right thing to do is the hardest thing to find."

"But you could have taken the money," she pointed out. "You could have turned me in."

"And live with that on my conscience?" he scoffed. "No thanks."

Anna studied him, her eyes searching his face for any signs of duplicity. But all she found was sincerity. "Thank you," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything."

"Don't thank me yet," he said, his voice low. "We still have to figure out what to do with the rest of your life."

They sat in companionable silence, the hum of the café's patrons a comforting background noise. Anna felt a warmth spread through her, a feeling she hadn't felt in a very long time: the warmth of belonging.

As the night grew later and the café grew quieter, Philca reached across the table and took her hand. "I know this is sudden," he said, his voice serious, "but I think we could be good together."

Anna looked into his eyes, feeling the weight of his words. "What are you saying?"

He took a deep breath. "I'm saying that I want to be more than just the guy who helped you out of a jam. I want to be the man who stands by your side, through thick and thin."

Her heart fluttered in her chest. "But what about the money?" she asked, the question that had been plaguing her for weeks.

"The money's gone," he said. "I made sure of it. We start with a clean slate."

Anna felt the tension drain from her body. "What about the gangsters?"

He shrugged. "They're looking for someone who doesn't exist anymore."

"But what will we do?" she asked, her voice filled with doubt.

"We'll figure it out," he said, squeezing her hand. "Together."

---

And so, Anna stepped into the unknown, hand in hand with a man she had once considered a stranger. The future stretched out before them, a blank canvas waiting to be painted with their shared experiences.

They talked of dreams and hopes, of the life they wanted to build together. And as the candles flickered and the night grew old, they realized that sometimes, the most dangerous paths lead to the most beautiful destinations.

Their journey had only just begun, fraught with challenges and uncertainties. But as they sat in that café, their hearts beating in sync, they knew that together, they could face whatever lay ahead.

Their story wasn't a fairy tale with a perfect ending. It was messy and real and filled with the kind of love that's born in the most unexpected of places. But in the end, that was all they needed.

The sound of the bell over the door chimed as they left, stepping into the cool night air. The stars twinkled above them, a silent witness to their newfound bond.

"Ready?" Philca asked, his eyes searching hers.

Anna took a deep breath and nodded. "Ready," she said, her voice filled with determination.

And together, they disappeared into the night, ready to conquer whatever the world had in store for them.


                                        CHAPTER 3


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