Burning Skies: Chimera Skies, #3

By Sharlene Healy

Out in the open, the chimeras have shown us there is no going back. When my first mission goes awry, Max and I discover the chimera's true plans for humanity.
Our new plan is to take a critical sample to Bunker 3. We need to find an antidote, and fast, or the human race is doomed.
When Max sacrifices himself to save me, I'm left stranded on my own. It's up to me to face new and old enemies. If I don't? The world will burn, taking me down with it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Hailstorm Publishing
• Release date: Oct 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201349653

Sharlene Healy

Sharlene Healy has been telling stories for as long as she can remember. After many twists and turns, her life road led her to her husband, who encouraged her to participate in NaNoWriMo 2013 while their son was still a baby. She now has four kids and spends most of her time juggling them as best she can. She lives on the West Coast after slowly migrating from Pennsylvania. She loves to read, craft, and generally cause mayhem. She can be found on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and TikTok. If you'd like to discuss her books, join her Facebook Group: Can't Stop Won't Stop Reading or her Discord Channel: Sharlene’s Book Club.

Book preview

Chapter One

image-placeholder

I washed my hands in the sink, careful to avoid the broken porcelain jutting out of its edge. There was no chance this dirty bathroom had paper towels, so I wiped my hands on my pants. With a sigh, I stared at myself in the dirty mirror, adjusting my hat so my blond hair was tucked back inside.

The broken lock rattled before the door creaked open, swinging on rusty hinges. I swung around and raised my fists, ready for a fight. A figure stalked in, wearing a pumpkin head mask and holding its arms out. It came straight for me and wrapped its arms around my torso, squeezing me tight.

I giggled, then lightly elbowed the figure in the stomach. Max grunted and kept one arm wrapped around my waist, taking the mask off with his other. His green eyes twinkled as he grinned at my reflection in the mirror.

How’d you know it was me? he asked as he put the costume on the floor.

I just know, duh. Also, that pumpkin is a goner now. Who knows what’s on this floor?

Max nodded and tugged me closer, turning me around in his arms. I slid my hands up his arms and around his neck. He leaned in and nuzzled under my ear before kissing me. I didn’t think I could ever get tired of his kisses. After a minute, he pulled back and sighed.

We have to go. It’s time, he said.

Ugh, I said, dropping my head to his chest. I had been fidgeting since we left Bunker 3, nerves leaving me restless. My first mission. I wanted it to go well, so Ms. Jane would trust me with more interesting missions. Max stroked my back and hugged me before we separated. I straightened my hat again before we exited. The sun’s rays pierced my skin, heat spreading through me. It shouldn’t have felt too hot; it was the end of October already. That didn’t matter, though, especially here. The longer we spent outside, the warmer it seemed.

The sand crunched under my feet as I walked to our truck. I eyed the dilapidated gas station, glad that we were leaving it behind, and not only because it was gross. It was just another reminder that I wasn’t back in Bunker 3 with my family.

My siblings and I had gone through all the trouble to save our parents, and Ms. Jane had ripped me away from them to send me out on her war mission. Thankfully, Max had negotiated with the defense leaders to be partners. Max more or less had gone on strike to make it happen, and it had made Nate and me laugh.

I slammed the door shut and Max hopped into the driver’s side. We were on our way to our military station north of the Grand Canyon. I was excited to see it, and Max promised we’d make the detour. We’d been as a family a long time ago, but it was when June and I were only eight, and I didn’t remember much of it. At least, the visit to the canyons would be a welcome distraction from having to leave everyone behind.

Max reached over to hold my hand, and I smiled at him. How much farther? I asked.

Not too much now. We’ll be there soon.

Our orders were simple: arrive at the military station and wait. The defense leaders told Ms. Jane what they needed, and she supplied. Using blackmail, in my case. Before we left, I had told Max about my desert dream. He had listened closely and had promised that we would be careful when we arrived.

Besides, we came prepared. Ben’s new weapon was complete, and we brought the first version with us. I cackled low. If the meras showed up like in my dream, they’d have a surprise that would literally blow them away.

I leaned against the window and thought about my family. While I wished I was with them, I was glad that they were all safe. Mom and Dad had reluctantly joined Ms. Jane’s cause after the video of the meras came out. It was nice; these past two months we were able to catch up. Both of my parents started attending group therapy with the other rescues. Their shared trauma brought them together.

To my surprise, Mom and Dad both were willing to get to know Max, too. I smiled as I remembered how he charmed them so easily.

Max turned the truck back onto the highway, and we headed north to the Grand Canyon. It was interesting, this scenery. We had walked for so long in the forest, unable to see farther than a couple of feet. This was the complete opposite. The land was flat, and honestly, a little boring, but I could see for miles. Hardly any of the trees were taller than a semi-truck. I knew because a semi passed us going the opposite way.

A sign on the side of the road indicated that we had seven miles left until we arrived. I shifted in my seat and sang along to the radio, excited for this stop. Max grinned at me and I sang louder, belting out the song on the radio until he laughed. I winked and then quieted down. The trees were taller as we moved north, and I leaned back in my seat, watching the sky as I hummed to the radio.

We drove closer, and I saw a trail of smoke floating into the air above the trees, curling and twisting toward the fluffiest cloud I’d ever seen. I watched as another smoke tendril joined the first. In the next second, our car shook and a giant puff of cloud appeared in the sky. Red flames followed the tendrils. I sat up with a jolt and my heart raced, my hand flying to Max’s arm.

Max? I said.

He looked at me. Want to go help? We’re already headed that way.

I nodded, watching the flames rise.

Cars in front of us slammed on their brakes, and those behind swerved to avoid crashing. People exited their vehicles, and others rolled down their windows. Their shouts filled the air, questioning the cause of the traffic. Max drove onto the shoulder, our truck half on the road, half in the dirt. He sped up, racing toward the burning sky.

Chapter Two

image-placeholder

The truck bounced as we drove on the shoulder, and at one point Max was completely off the road. The trees were so close I could stick my hand out the window and brush the bark. The sound of the branches scratching the truck sides made me cringe.

People were pacing outside of their cars, hands holding cellphones to their ears. I looked over at Max. Should we call someone?

Max bit his bottom lip. Yeah, I’ll call Ms. Jane. I don’t know who’s the defense leader in this part, but she’ll get in touch with the right people.

What if she doesn’t answer? She’s been running around so much since that news video.

Max shrugged. Then we’ll call again and again until she answers. Can you get my phone?

I nodded and reached down, searching his backpack for his phone. Once I found it, I scrolled through the contacts and found Ms. Jane on the favorites list. I grinned when I saw that I was on his favorites list, too, with Nate. It surprised me to learn that Nate’s last name was Casper, and I sung the song about Casper the Friendly Ghost while I pressed the call button for Ms. Jane.

He laughed as he took the phone. Ms. Jane answered right away, and he informed her that there had been an explosion by the Grand Canyon. He nodded a few times, then hung up.

She’s sending a message to two captains in the area. They should respond with their units.

Okay, I said. What’s our goal? I gripped the console ledge. This was technically my first outing. Ms. Jane hadn’t officially put me in the defense, and I was still labeled a recruit. I knew I was ready, though, to physically fight any mera. Max sparred with me every single day we’d been in Bunker 3, except for the days he’d been gone for work. Not to mention what I’d learned in the BANEP machine. Anything they threw at me, I could handle.

Extract civilians, maintain a low profile, don’t provoke meras.

So much for fighting. It was probably better that way. The last fight with Akela left me worse for the wear.

As we drove closer, the smoke covered more of the sky and flames danced toward the clouds. I heard sirens behind us, and I turned around and saw several fire trucks coming our way. I sat facing forward again, and Max maneuvered back onto the road. A helicopter whooshed through the sky, leading fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars. Max waited a few seconds before following.

We tailed the emergency responders right up to the visitors center. Or where the visitors center should have been, according to the map. There was a black splotch on the ground where it used to be, and debris littered the road. Steam wafted up from the splotch. The trees and buildings surrounding the visitors center were on fire. Men and women rushed out of the fire trucks, geared up and ready to go. Max backed up and parked farther away, since the police were busy sealing off the scene. Firefighters ran past, spraying the trees until the fires abated.

We hopped out of the truck and rushed under the yellow tape, heading toward the black hole. A police man noticed and moved in front of Max.

You’re not supposed to be here. Turn around.

Max reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge. One glance at it, and the policeman’s eyes widened. He stepped aside. Sorry, sir.

What the heck? I thought. I kept my face neutral, but inside I was screaming. What kind of badge did Max have? And where could I get one? He winked at me before putting the badge away and strode to the black spot. We knelt down to the ground and inspected it. He lightly put a hand to the tar, pulling it back when it singed him.

Probably exactly what we think it is, he said in a whisper. Then he paused and spoke in a normal tone. Oh, wait a second. We don’t have to be secretive anymore. It’s probably meras. This is their M.O.

I nodded and reached out to touch the ground when screams filled the air. Max quickly stood up, and we ran toward the screaming. The trail was lined with tourists on the ground, some injured, but they weren’t screaming. Burning trees lined the sides, flames flickering as we ran past them. We skidded to a stop; tourists lined the edge of the cliff, looking and pointing out into the distance. Max strode up with confidence and an air of authority.

What’s going on? he asked to the group, who were huddled on the ground. They were staring off into the canyon, faces awash in horror.

I put my hands over my eyes to shield from the sun and looked in the same direction. There, a short distance away, was a mera carrying a human in its talons. It was flying north, and the human was struggling to get free. I tugged on Max’s sleeve and pointed the mera out to him. He stopped talking to the only tourist who had spoken up and glanced at where I was pointing.

I’ll call Ms. Jane, he said, pulling out his phone and dialing. But I can guarantee this won’t be a rescue mission.

Why not? I asked. Letting the meras have even one of us is too much.

Max was about to respond when I heard Ms. Jane’s voice through the phone. He relayed everything that we had found out so far, which wasn’t much to be honest. Max listened for a minute and then hung up.

It’s not our job, Max said. Ms. Jane is informing the captains of the area. Our mission is the same. Get to the military station.

My fists clenched, and I paced back and forth. In my peripheral vision, I saw a young woman with dark blond hair crying. She was surrounded by men and women who patted her on the back. As I paced, I took the time to study my surroundings. Most tourists were in similar positions. Some were in tears, their clothes disheveled and covered in ash. Others sat stony faced, staring at nothing.

Max tugged my hand. Hey, he said, putting his arm around my shoulder, we do what we can, remember? Let’s help out before we leave.

I nodded, and we both got to work, herding tourists toward the emergency responders. One older woman had fallen in surprise and broken her wrist, but most tourists had only minor injuries, surprisingly. We did the best we could, and I was glad for the stamina I had built up over these past few months. We had to stand constantly up and down to walk from one person to another. My heart wrenched as I saw the blank expressions on too many tourists. Hopefully, they would all be able to work it out in therapy.

We worked our way around the walking path until we arrived at the visitors center spot. Max and I stood at the edge of the mark. I sighed. It was exactly like the first city we’d gone through right out of Bunker 3.

An EMT member walked up to us and clapped Max on the shoulder. Hey, thanks for your help, guys. Get some rest.

Max nodded, and I attempted to smile. Inside, I was fuming. The meras had only escalated their attacks, leaving destruction in their wake. I would end it if it was the last thing I did.

Chapter Three

image-placeholder

We hadn’t originally planned to spend much time at the Grand Canyon, but when we were done helping, nighttime creeped up the horizon. Max drove to a lodge that was close, but not close enough to get stuck in the traffic caused by the disaster.

After I had showered, I got dressed and stepped out of the bathroom. My fists clenched. I gritted my teeth as I paced back and forth in front of the beds.

Max was sitting on the desk chair typing on a computer. When he saw me pacing, he stopped and faced me.

Sam. What’s wrong?

I fumed. It’s just so unfair. The meras are destroying things left and right and getting away with it!

He sat back in his chair. I glared at him and he simply smiled.

Are they? he asked.

Are they what?

Are they getting away with it? Think about it. Are they actually getting away with it?

Yes! You saw what happened there. One mera demolished an entire building and burned down the tree.

Max thought for a second before responding. And who was there?

Innocent people, I said, my voice laced with anger.

And? he said, clearly trying to prompt an answer out of me.

Us? I said.

He rolled the chair closer and took my hands, opening them up and squeezing them. Yep. And we aren’t going to let them get away with it.

I dropped my chin on top of his head. It’s just the two of us.

Max hugged me tight. Is it? Is it just the two of us?

I sighed. No.

Correct.

Max squeezed my hands again before letting go, then rolled back to his laptop. He told me he was writing a report for Ms. Jane. He also had told me the badge was new, and it declared Max a government agent. I laughed at it when he showed me. He looked so official and in charge.

After drying my hair with a towel, I flopped down on a bed and turned on the TV. I flipped through the stations, trying to find something to distract me. Mera attacks had escalated in the last few months, and news stations were riddled with stories and speculations. No one ever came out and blamed the meras for anything, though. I stopped at one station that promised an exclusive interview with a mera tomorrow.

Max, I said, take a look at this.

He paused his work and watched the TV for a second. He groaned and rolled his eyes. I’m sure the interview will be full of promises, saying that meras don’t want to hurt humans.

That’s what I figured, I said, distracted by the anchor informing viewers the time of the interview.

It’s bull, he said. Distract then attack.

My fingers made a little sound as I drummed them on my thigh. I stared at the TV, so lost in thought that I didn’t even notice when Max walked in front of the TV. He took the remote out of my palm. I had been gripping it so hard the buttons had left little imprints on my hand.

Movie time, he said and flipped through the channels. He stopped at Alita: Battle Angel.

I got under the covers and he tucked me in before sitting right next to me. He put his arm around my shoulders. I think you’ll like this one, he said. Lots of fighting.

I don’t just like fighting, I said as I elbowed him in the stomach.

His laugh rumbled, and I smiled. The movie was relaxing and by the end of it, I was no longer upset. It was late, and we needed to get some rest before our early start. We got ready for our nightly meditation, dancing in and out of the bathroom until we were ready. Since we’d learned that meditation was my key to locking the hollow soldier away, it had become a daily necessity. Max even joined me and claimed it helped settle him. We always meditated right before bed and in the morning.

I snuggled under the blankets and turned on my side to look at Max on the opposite bed. I winked at him, knowing he could see me. His chuckle followed me into sleep.

image-placeholder

We woke before the sun. Max didn’t need as many hours of sleep, and frequently woke up after only a few hours of rest. I, on the other hand, tried to snag as many minutes as possible. Max’s early bird tendencies came in handy on trips like these, though, because he got things done before I rolled out of bed. Today, he brought in a huge breakfast. He covered the desk and dresser in food before my eyes had even adjusted to the lights. I picked my way through the options and ended up selecting a doughnut, eggs, and some fruit. The rest I left for Max, knowing he’d need the fuel.

It amazed me, still, the amount of calories Max could pack away. He told me he needed to store away the calories on missions like these just in case he needed to use his mera form. Where he stored it, I had no idea.

We packed up our room, not that there was much to pack, and left as the sun was rising. The sky was beautiful, with the sun peaking over the horizon. I would have loved to see it over the Grand Canyon, but the roads were all blocked off. At some point in the night, military personnel had arrived and blocked off the roads leading into the destroyed area. They patrolled the area now, and heavy cement barricades lined the road, directing traffic away from the destruction. I watched as helicopters flew toward the canyon. They had no significant markings on them, nothing to show who’d sent them.

Max drove north and stopped at a gas station. He parked the car and turned it off before glancing at me. All right. This is our last stop. We won’t have enough time to turn around, so get what you need now.

I nodded and hopped out of the car. We had the food we needed, but I wanted to pick up a few more water bottles. The BANEP survivability training came in handy and taught me what Gabe wouldn’t the first time around. I wondered what he’d say if he could see me now.

My new instincts told me that deserts equal dry, and water is life. I gathered up a few more huge water bottles to add to the stack we had in the car. I also grabbed a handful of granola bars and some deli sandwiches for lunch. As I stood in line to checkout, the TV behind the counter switched from commercials to the news station. The Breaking News banner flashed across the stream and the anchor informed us that the meras would be speaking about the recent attack at the Grand Canyon. I narrowed my eyes as I watched pundits debate about the attack. One called the attack an outlier from a rogue mera. I snickered in disbelief.

When I was done, I headed back to the car and sat in my seat while I waited for Max. The car was off, but I could hear the radio outside. The station said that the exclusive interview with a real mera was only thirty minutes away. My guess is that they were trying to build as much hype as they could. I wondered if we’d be able to catch it on the radio. It would be interesting to hear what lies the mera would spout.

Chapter Four

image-placeholder

Max hopped in the car, carrying a grocery bag with him. He opened it up to show me his loot. He’d grabbed several bottles of sports drinks, two extra deli sandwiches, and three types of candy bars. With a grin, he held out the candy bars for me.

Pick one, he said. I got them for you.

I narrowed my eyes at him. I see. You’re fattening me up, so you’ll have a meal in the desert.

Max laughed, and I grinned in return. I selected the Twix and Max put the rest in the bag. I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Thanks, I said. Then I reached into my own grocery bag and handed him his sandwich. I picked this one for you.

Awesome, he said as he took the sandwich. I have two for later. We can save them for dinner.

Max started the car, and I switched the radio from station to station until I found the news interview. It was only twenty minutes away now, and we’d still have radio access when it started.

Max continued north, driving on the sparse highway for miles. Coarse sand covered the ground as far as I could see, with short bushes decorating the landscape. I loved seeing the mesas as we drove by, their reds and browns blending with the ground. The entire drive was pretty, in a different way than the forest, but had hardly any signs of life. We passed pods of trailers, but no official towns.

After twenty minutes, we were closer to the Colorado River, and the interview was just about to start. I told Max about it and turned up the volume.

He grimaced. If you want to listen, I’m all for it. But it’ll all be bull. Don’t be fooled.

I shrugged. I know that. I want to hear what they’ll say, though.

Max nodded. Okay.

The interviewee informed us the interview would start in minutes, and the radio buzzed with static as he counted down.

Hello everyone. For those listening, I’m Amelia Grunn and I’m with my co-host Todd Hanks. We have the exclusive opportunity to sit down with Reed Cotgrove, a representative for the chimeras, as we call them.

When we heard the name Reed Cotgrove, Max’s face broke out into a grin. I know that guy, he said. He’s a born salesman. What a pick. One time he visited my dad and convinced me he was best friends with Akira Toriyama.

Amelia and Todd chatted