Captain Destiny's Adventure

Chapter 6: Frozen Fire

The doors to the workshop slammed shut. Amongst the darkness, a fire formed on Kazuko's right arm. She walked over to a furnace with dying embers. Upon touching her flames to them, they roared to life. After making sure the fire was steady, she walked over to a pile of coal chunks. Using a shovel she scooped some out and tossed in the furnace. The fire burned brighter, lighting up more of the large, open room.

Kazuko extinguished the flames on her arm as she stared at the blaze.

"You have questions, Hakku. So start talking," she stated.

Hakku coughed and reached for the door handle.

"Don't open it. Spectro will come in if he hasn't already."

"But...cough cough...it's a little...cough...dusty."

"Yes. That's a major disadvantage of this building. But it keeps the perpetrator out so I haven't changed anything."

She walked to a darkened part and squatted to open a cupboard. Kazuko pulled out a glass cup and held it in her right hand. With her left hand she produced ice chunks that clinked in the glass. The ice melted within seconds. She handed the water to Hakku.

"It might be a bit warm, but this should help at least."

Hakku snatched the cup and gulped it down.

"Ahhh. Thank you Miss Roki," he gasped.

He handed back the glass.

"You're welcome, Hakku."

Hakku blinked and looked around the square room. The right side was lit up by the furnace. A kiln hid in the corner. The darkened left side had shapes that resembled tools. The back held rows of cupboards and shelves. The open shelves were lined with books of varying heights and thickness.

Hakku cranked his neck up. Wires, pipes, pulleys, and beams were scattered across the ceiling. He caught sight of a set of sophisticated gears. He followed a complicated mechanism ending at the double doors. A single wooden bar spanned their width. Chains on either side connected to the gears.

Hakku turned around.

Kazuko was sitting by the fire. Her knees were hugged to her chest. The empty glass sat at her feet.

He walked to her side and sat down.

"Are you done sightseeing?" she growled.

Hakku scratched his neck.

"Uhh, yes, sorry. Anyways my first question is about the door."

"Mhm? What about it?"

"Well, when I met you outside I clearly heard the gears moving to raise and lower that wooden bar. But when I came to warn you the doors flung open. And I know for a fact I do not have my father's bear strength, ha ha!"

"I can lift that bar anytime I want. Did you see where it sits?"

Hakku looked over his shoulder.

"Ah you mean the two square hooks above the door frame?" he asked.

"Yes. That's where I can set it if I need to get out in a hurry."

Hakku nodded and looked back at the fire. Her profile glowed against the darkness.

"I see. You knew the Dusk Wolves were here? How?" he wondered.

"I heard the Dawn Pigeons take off en masse. That happens every time those damned Shadow Realm creatures are brought here."

"W-wait, you know about the rumors then?"

Kazuko shot him a side glare.

"Should you be surprised?" she growled.