The Black Swan Behind (Beauty of Fire)

238 Strong Women Unite

“The outcasts; those who live without family – Those who have no friends and are trapped in bad environments – Those who are afflicted with economic hardship. Those people are the main targets of Human Trafficking. That’s because they can’t defend themselves. It’s like in a war, they are civilians who will always be victims without being able to fight back. There is no one to save them. No one is looking for them. They are easy targets.” The blonde-haired girl continued.

Britney’s tears trickled down her cheeks. She stared blankly. “In time, we will become one of them,”

Ava nodded. “I’ve seen a lot of women who are just like us, Britney. They used to be good people who lived in good environments; have comfortable lives and families. However, the criminals made them slowly abandon their families and friends. Those criminals.. make us slowly walk away from what we have until we realized that we no longer have anything. At that time, we no longer have a home to return to; because our home has moved into the nest of the criminals,”

Cecil gasped as she covered her mouth with both hands. Her eyes trembled with fear. “Christ! What should we do?!”

Linda hugged Britney with tears flowing. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have let alone you like that. I am sorry.” she said in a trembling voice.

Linda and Cecil felt shattered into pieces to hear what their best friend’s fate would be like. It was a nightmare. A nightmare that even would make you cry in fear when you woke up. However, the worst was that it was not just a nightmare. That was reality.

Another fact also made them realise that with Britney trapped with the monsters, it was the same that the safety of her friends and family was also in danger.

“Do not be afraid,” Emma said firmly. “I won’t let that happen. You won’t end up like that. And that f*cking Human Trafficking business will soon disappear from Handway City.”

“But they’re powerful, Emma. And, there’s only four of us.” Poppy gulped. “Honestly, I am afraid I’d end up like those people. What I went through in the past is still haunting my latest sleep. I’m really scared. I’m sorry,” Even for decades to come, Poppy was not sure that she could get rid of the trauma.

.....

“Beast Empire has many men. But what makes your plan impossible is that there is a group that always helps the Beast Empire. I don’t know if this is true or not. But what I heard is that Jen Marrie Street is owned by a group called Dragger.

They are Beast Empire’s number one customer. They always help Beast Empire in various ways. Maybe the leaders are friends. I myself even have been sold to the Dragger group to become a prostitute on Jen Marrie Street for almost a year now.” Ava explained.

“A street as big as Jen Marrie. The business they own is a giant, Emma. Even the Creeper or RJC businesses are still far smaller than them. We can imagine how big the Dragger is.” Rachel said.

“Shall we just run away from this city? Will they not be able to find us?” The desperate Britney looked at Ava with frantic eyes. “This is our last chance, Ava. Maybe we won’t be able to escape them twice. I’m so scared.”

“I already said that it won’t happen,” Emma said again. Unlike the other girls, her face was still stern. “Even if I have to get hurt, no.. even if I have to die, I will go into the grave with two hands covered in the blood of those damn bastards. If I must die, I will also drag them into hell.”

“E-Emma,” Poppy looked at the sharp-eyed girl.

Emma looked at her friends one by one. “Do you know why such a bastard group like them got so big? It’s because no one is trying to stop them. It’s because too many people don’t care about others. Too many people only care about themselves. Too many cowards. Too many lazybones.”

Then Emma chuckled. “Unfortunately, I’m not their kind of person. I will not stand silent and watch injustice grow freely. I can’t stand to see people laughing at other people’s suffering. I can’t hold myself from hitting those who hurt innocent people.

I am Emma Hilland. Even if I have to walk alone, the fire of my anger will not dim in the slightest. I will still destroy them; in any way. They shall know that they can’t do everything they want while I’m still alive in this world.”

The girls fell silent to hear Emma’s words. In their eyes, Emma looked like a war general shrouded in blue flames. Those two beautiful eyes looked sharp and blazing. Was this the real Emma Hilland? The Emma Hilland who had been hiding within the figure of a graceful and gentle lady.

“You’re right, Emma. I shouldn’t be discouraged. We’ve come this far. Giving up is like admitting that I’m weak.” Rachel said. Then she nodded once. “You won’t be alone, Emma. I will fight with you to the end.”

Emma and Rachel’s spirits helped burn their friends’. What Emma said was true. How long would they have to depend on others to save themselves? Should they just sit back and wait until the criminals become monstrous big that they could no longer be defeated?

“Then, I’ll come too,” Kathy said, raising a hand briefly. “This is kinda fun, actually. Well.. even though the risk is quite deadly,” she shrugged.

Poppy looked at Emma regretfully. “I’m sorry that I was afraid and doubted you, Emma. What you said is true. Without you, I might still be a prisoner of Hell Gate. The group was still standing; this place even would never exist.”

“If you guys really are that strong, then teach me how to be strong. That way, I can save my friend.” Linda said.

“I want to be strong too. As you said, Emma, I can’t rely on other people to save my life. I have to save myself.” Britney added.

“Sorry, I know I’m not your friend. But if I’m allowed to, I’d really like to join. I have a lot of friends stuck there. I want to help them.” Ava said slowly.

“Let’s make it easy. Who wants to join the Black Swan? Please raise your hand,” Kathy said, raising a hand above her head.

No need to think twice, all the girls raised their hands steadily.

Emma smiled with mixed feelings, her eyes filled with tears. “Thank you, girls. I don’t know what to say..”

“You don’t have to, Emma. We should be the ones thanking you. You have saved us. And we will help people who have the same fate as us.” Rachel replied.

“That’s right,” Kathy nodded lightly.

“Seeing how big Beast Empire and Dragger are, do we need to add more members?” Linda asked.

“I’m not sure, Linda. If I think about it logically, we do lack members to fight two huge groups at once. But I don’t deny that this job is something dangerous.” Emma said.

Linda smiled crookedly. “You don’t have to worry about that, Emma. Just give me some days. I’ll bring an army for you.”

“But, Linda.. I think this job is a bit...”

“Relax, Emma.” Cecil held the girl’s shoulder. “In addition to being the leader of a very influential Cheerleader club, Linda is also a core member of a humanitarian organization which is dominated by youths.”

“I didn’t know there was such an organization?” Kathy replied.

“It’s an association formed from our church. We often raised funds to feed the homeless and orphaned children. There are indeed many youths in it.” Britney added.

“I’ll take the girls to you. And you don’t have to worry, Emma. I’ll do it discreetly and smoothly. I guarantee your secret won’t leak. You just have to wait for the results.” Linda said.

“Thanks for your help, Linda. But I have to say it again that I don’t want anyone to be forced into this. They need to know that this is a dangerous job. In the end, they are women.” Emma said.

“Are you kidding me, Emma? Then, what are we? We’re women too, aren’t we?” Linda replied.

“Emma, ??I know you are strong. Maybe all this time, people’s expectations of women have been too rigid. Women are indeed described to be frail and elegant. But that doesn’t mean a woman refuses to be strong. It doesn’t mean all women want to live in a box. They want to be influential too. They want to do something for others but there’s nothing to accommodate them. In this world, it’s not just you who wants to be a hero, Emma.” Rachel said.

Rachel’s words were a little sharp at times. But it was Rachel’s words that could always open Emma’s mind.

“I get it, Rachel.” Emma looked at her best friend. “Thank you,”

“We’re both trying to grow up here. I love this relationship.” Rachel smiled.

***

The kidnapping of the two comfort women had reached Derric Hubbert’s ears. It was something that had never happened since the business was founded. And what even weirder was..

“We owe them two girls?” Derric frowned.

RD nodded. “That’s what Elena said. The two masked men came and said that the Beast Empire owed them two girls. Therefore, they snatched two of our girls with them.”

“Owe my ass! What nonsense were they talking about?!” Derric exclaimed.

“The masked men? Could it be Black?” Asked Juan who was in the same room with them.

“I think so. We even found three men passed out in the men’s restroom. Two of them lost their jackets and shoes. They claimed that a masked man did it.” RD answered.

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