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THIRTY-ONE

THE SCENT OF FIRE

~RIOT~

The acrid smell of smoke infiltrates my consciousness like an unwelcome alarm, pulling me from the depths of the most satisfying sleep I've experienced in six years.

My eyes snap open with tactical precision that bypasses the gradual awakening normal humans might require, Alpha instincts immediately cataloging threats and environmental changes that could signal danger to my pack.

The scent carries more than simple burning—there's something chemical underneath, institutional and deliberate rather than accidental fire or natural combustion.

Beside me, Jinx remains completely unconscious despite the growing atmospheric disturbance.

Her breathing comes deep and even, face peaceful in ways I rarely witnessed during our original navigation attempt six years ago.

Exhaustion has claimed her so thoroughly that even Alpha pheromones and environmental threats fail to penetrate whatever recovery process her body demands after our marathon session.

The sight of her sleeping form sends warmth through my chest that has nothing to do with recent physical satisfaction.

Magenta and teal hair spread across institutional pillows like aurora captured in silk, features relaxed in genuine rest rather than the tactical alertness that typically marks her expression.

Even unconscious, she radiates the same magnetic presence that drew me to her during that first encounter in the fighting pits.

Yet concern overrides appreciation as the smoke smell intensifies with each passing moment.

I sit up with fluid efficiency that minimizes disturbance to the bed while maximizing my ability to assess our current situation and potential threats.

The secure room that provided sanctuary for our reunion now feels like a potential trap, safety transformed into vulnerability through changing environmental conditions.

Across the space, Sable moves with judicial precision that speaks to similar awareness and tactical assessment.

He's already dressed in what appears to be combat gear significantly superior to the basic clothing provided earlier—tactical pants with reinforced knee pads, the form-fitting shirt that allows full range of motion, and boots designed for extended movement across varied terrain.

The equipment suggests institutional provision rather than personal possessions.

More importantly, he's in the process of carefully dressing Jinx's unconscious form with identical gear.

His movements carry gentle efficiency that prioritizes her comfort and dignity despite the obvious urgency building around us. Each adjustment of fabric demonstrates consideration for her current vulnerability while preparing for whatever challenges await beyond our temporary sanctuary.

The tactical vest he secures around her torso carries additional equipment—knife sheaths, ammunition pouches, and medical supplies that speak to comprehensive preparation for extended engagement rather than simple corridor navigation.

Recognition hits with crystalline clarity as understanding develops regarding institutional methodology and strategic planning.

They're not just providing clothing but equipping us for comprehensive combat engagement and systematic survival. The gear represents investment in our continued existence rather than simple ceremonial provision or basic necessity fulfillment.

My own combat equipment waits folded nearby with precision that speaks to careful measurement and tactical consideration.

Similar tactical pants and reinforced shirt, boots that promise superior grip and ankle support, vest loaded with supplies that suggest extended mission parameters rather than simple level progression. The quality exceeds anything provided during previous navigation attempts.

But it's the weapons cache positioned near the door that truly captures attention and creates anticipation.

Modified firearms with enhanced stopping power, blade configurations designed for close-quarters combat, and even what appears to be explosive devices for barrier elimination or crowd control. Arsenal that transforms us from escaped subjects into a properly equipped tactical team.

The burning smell continues intensifying despite the closed door and institutional air filtration systems.

Chemical undertones suggest deliberate ignition rather than accidental fire—systematic burning that serves a specific purpose within institutional operations and level management. The scent carries notes that speak to organic matter rather than simple structural materials.

Curiosity and growing concern prompt verbal inquiry despite Sable's obvious awareness of our situation.

"What's burning?" I question while reaching for combat gear with movements that prioritize speed over comfort during equipment acquisition and tactical preparation.

His response emerges with characteristic precision that acknowledges environmental reality while providing context for institutional methodology.

"The moment we open that door, we're most likely going to need to run for it because the level is being burned," Sable states with judicial calm that treats potential crisis as a routine operational parameter rather than an exceptional threat.

His matter-of-fact delivery suggests familiarity with such procedures despite obvious danger and systematic threat to continued survival.

The tone carries acceptance rather than alarm, a professional assessment that treats burning levels as standard institutional practice rather than an emergency situation requiring panic or a desperate response.

Yet something about his casual acknowledgment of systematic burning triggers a need for clarification regarding frequency and institutional patterns.

"You make it seem as if this is a recurring thing," I observe while securing a tactical vest with practiced efficiency that speaks to military training and combat preparation.

His confirmation arrives with disturbing casualness that reveals depths of institutional cruelty I hadn't fully comprehended.

"It is," he responds with judicial precision that reduces systematic horror to operational procedure and routine maintenance. "How else do you think they get rid of the stench of piled bodies?"

The revelation hits with force that temporarily halts equipment preparation despite growing urgency and environmental threats.

Systematic disposal of accumulated corpses through controlled burning, institutional efficiency applied to death management, and facility maintenance. The casual acknowledgment speaks to the normalization of violence that exceeds even my extensive combat experience and tactical conditioning.

Yet disgust fails to materialize despite the obvious horror of such systematic disposal methods.

Six years of fighting pit existence, of daily violence and systematic elimination of opponents, has created acceptance of death as an operational reality rather than the tragic outcome.

The institutional burning represents a logical conclusion to systematic violence rather than a shocking revelation.

My nod acknowledges understanding without expressing judgment regarding institutional methodology or systematic disposal practices.

"I'll wet a cloth so we can wrap it around Jinx's face to prevent potential smoke inhalation," I state with tactical precision that prioritizes pack protection over philosophical consideration of institutional cruelty.

Sable's agreement comes with immediate approval that recognizes practical necessity over continued discussion of systematic horror.

The judicial mind apparently reaches similar conclusions regarding the priority of immediate survival over academic consideration of institutional methodology and operational procedures.

Moving with practiced efficiency, I retrieve clean fabric from available supplies while accessing water from basic bathroom facilities.

The cloth requires sufficient moisture to filter airborne particles without creating breathing obstruction or comfort compromise. Tactical consideration balanced against practical necessity and immediate protection requirements.

Meanwhile, Sable completes preparation of Jinx's unconscious form with gentle precision that demonstrates pack loyalty alongside tactical efficiency.

Her limp body accepts equipment positioning without resistance, trust manifested through complete vulnerability and systematic dependency on Alpha protection during medical incapacitation and environmental threats.

The combat gear transforms her from a sleeping civilian into an equipped operative despite continued unconsciousness.

Tactical vest secured across curves that maturity enhanced without sacrificing essential architecture, weapons positioned for optimal access despite current incapacitation, medical supplies arranged for immediate deployment should circumstances require emergency treatment.

When I return with prepared breathing protection, the sight of her equipped form sends satisfaction through my system despite growing environmental urgency.

Ready for whatever challenges await beyond our sanctuary, prepared through pack cooperation and systematic equipment provision that suggests institutional investment in continued survival rather than immediate disposal.

Securing the damp cloth across her nose and mouth requires delicate positioning that maintains breathing function while providing filtration against smoke inhalation.

The fabric creates a barrier without obstruction, allowing normal respiratory patterns while preventing harmful particle infiltration during potential exposure to burning facilities and systematic disposal operations.

My own combat preparation proceeds with military efficiency that prioritizes function over comfort during equipment acquisition.

Tactical pants fit with precision that suggests accurate measurement rather than standard sizing, reinforced areas positioned for optimal protection during combat engagement, and systematic movement across hostile terrain.