THE FIRE SAGA

BLAZE 104 - PARTICIPATION

If there's one thing Tally excels at, it's putting on a massive production. This, of course, requires total participation. Outside, we're working on security and aesthetic improvements to prepare the area for the final bonfire of forever. Though having initially refused assistance, Kiley changes her tune after Tally starts explaining how she wants everything set up. While "don't buck the beautifier" is a revolving theme for her, no one is being voluntold to do anything. Her enthusiasm is contagious. We're all excited right along with her. Except Ryan. He's still sour and does his helping in a strictly supervisory capacity from inside the house.

Initially, Tally planned for Kiley to create an illusionary border. They decided there should be a physical border as an added precaution in case she becomes so engrossed in her performance she loses focus. Slim odds, but it won't hurt to have the bonus security. To facilitate this change, Tally designs lattice with skinny trees emerging from the ground and woven branches. The fencing is done in under thirty minutes.

"I'm definitely a fan of the wood fencing," Brody offers. "How are you explaining it to your friends? Looks out of this world."

"I'll tell anyone that asks my designer prefers to remain anonymous." She shrugs. "It can double as an excuse for why I've canceled the last few weeks." She flips her hair over her shoulders. "Besides, that won't be the night's focal point." She winks at him. "You're helping with that."

What's she pulling? Brody doesn't like being told what to do, especially by Tally. His electrical pulses increase in his heightened emotional state. I step away to avoid the stinging sensation. He immediately lowers his voltage. "Sorry."

I shake it off. "I'm cool. The low pulse you radiate compensates for those extra zings."

Tipping his head to the side, he eyes me warily for any untruth. He won't find one. I really do like it. The electrical stimulation directly impacts my nerves and muscles, contracting them. A perpetual hug is happening inside me. Weirdly, he's literally up in my nerves, but I'm not in any way annoyed. Curious? Yes. Annoyed? Not even a little bit.

"Declan's helping, too," Tally declares, bringing our attention back where it belongs. On her.

Declan's eyes widen. "I am?"

"You are. I need you to lay out a thick layer of sand just over here." She points to a large, flat area close to the beach yet still on the lawn. "It should be at least a few hands deep."

"That's rather specific." He lifts a brow. "What exactly will you do with the sand?"

"I'm not doing anything with the sand," she says nonchalantly.

"Then why am I moving it there?" he counters. "Seems a lot of work for no good reason."

She rolls her eyes. "Because that's where the dance floor will be."

"People would prefer the lawn," he continues to argue, "and the lawn doesn't need the unnecessary effort."

"Since when have you ever shirked the chance to express yourself elementally?"

He whistles in warning. "We're supposed to be conserving our energy."

"Why would people want to dance on sand?" Brody's confused. So am I. "Why wouldn't they just dance on the lawn?"

"Why would they dance on the sand or lawn if they can dance on glass?" she poses.

"I'm not following you," Brody admits.

I'm having a tough time following her, too. Why would she want the sand moved to the grass, and what can Brody do with the sand to make a dance floor? Glass, sand, and Brody. I don't see the connection.

"We're not the only ones capable of magic, you know," she notes. "Nature has some pretty interesting capabilities herself."

Now I clue in. If the soil composition is right, sandy soil in our example, a Brody-to-ground electrical discharge could produce fulgurite. Providing he can maintain a consistent release of lightning velocity, and the high temperature requirements of the sand are met, he can make us a dance floor. With my help to maintain the heat, and Tally's affinity for earth elements, including the required minerals, it won't be any trouble.

"That's alarmingly brilliant." I hate admitting it to her.

Brody grunts. "I still don't get it."

"Natural glass occurs when ideal conditions involving sand and lightning are met. We're ensuring the conditions are met. You'll be the lightning. You're turning the sand into glass," I explain.

He grins. "Sounds fun."

The exercise will boast a twofold benefit. We'll see how well Brody can control his new ability, and we'll all get to blow off steam. Even if he can't pull it off, advanced notice is important, particularly before we use his gift to zap my mother back into the land of the living. Plus, he's right. It'll be fun. I'm down for some of that.

While Declan's manipulating the sand, Kiley and Derry set the stage for a stunning performance. They're totally in their element. It's just like watching them at the Rec Center prior to Derry relinquishing his Sumair status. Good. He's moving past the side-eyes and overall brooding. Point to me. Or him. Whoever.

Once setup is complete, I waggle my brow at Brody. "You ready to shock and awe us?"

His grin is mega-watt as he leans in to whisper, "I'd settle for shocking and awing you."

My cheeks spark. Huh. This is new. I don't hate it, either. Fully participating. One-hundred percent here for it. It's not weird or unwanted. Surprising in a pleasant way. Maybe my bright side surprises aren't restricted to sunrises, after all.

When Brody releases his electrical current into the sand, all of us collaborating to safeguard success, I feel a sense of camaraderie I've yet to experience with my new family. Goal solidarity. Ryan is observing from his supervisory post inside.

I smell burning again. Not the kind from a bonfire, hot garbage, or a dumpster fire. No flaming grease or short-circuiting wires. Not even a comforting fireplace. This is more like a burning match, the super long kind people use to light charcoal barbeques. Pride. Ryan's proud of us for working so well together. Tally might be sitting on the throne tonight, but as I watch him watch us, he's clearly the king of our fortress. A fair and honorable king.