THE FIRE SAGA

BLAZE 134 - INCEPTION

"You're different," Air notes.

"That's what happens with us humans. We grow."

"You still have that smart mouth of yours," Water muses.

"It's one of my star features, but my fuse is longer."

"Is it long enough?" he pushes.

"Light it, and we'll see," I challenge.

"Pretty bold from a girl who didn't bring any help...or pants," Water implies. "Or were you under the impression this trip would be as safe for you as the last?"

I didn't want Barry with me the last time. He ruptured the transit barrier and tagged along. As for safety, I'm not safe. I do miss my friends, though. It's tough making a solo show of strength. They've become such an integral part of everything I do, and who I am, it's a struggle to function without them. Yet, they're safe. Regardless of what happens in Sheelin, they're protected from any potential backlash. Even if I can't save Mom, I saved them.

My fire fuel beats against the tank keeping it prisoner. How much longer will Barry's gift last? I've just about drained it to dregs. Deprived of it, I can't contain the flame that wants to lash out at the Tribunal. As much as I want that in solidarity, I need to get my mom first. Kiley's doing her part, as well. They can't see my objective or how terrified I am, so they can't use it against me.

And Brody? Geez, that boy's the little engine that could even when he absolutely couldn't. Sucker is gripping my leg like nobody's business. Partners for life, however short that life ends up being.

"I hope you didn't come here expecting us to lay out new terms," Water persists.

"I hope she did," Earth offers, "so we can refuse them."

Fire Supreme slams his fists down on the table. Everyone flinches, including me. I can't understand what lit Mom's fire. He's hot or cold, no in between. My father's only the in between.

"You make things so much more difficult than they need to be," he scolds.

"Are you telling me to cool my jets, Fire Daddy? It's a smidge late for you to start spewing parental advice." Fingers crossed, I hit a nerve. Maybe not too big a nerve. I still need to get Mom out of here before I work him up to blowing a fuse.

"No," he responds calmly. "This is where I tell you a riveting tale of love and tragedy and how it ruined me for all eternity."

"I'm not interested in your sob story," I snipe. "Why should I believe it, anyway?"

"As I've told you before, I'm indifferent to what you believe," he reminds me. "I'm also indifferent to your interests."

"And you don't care what choice I make," I fire back.

"You no longer have a choice," he asserts.

The last time I was in Sheelin, I was offered to take his seat in the Tribunal or have my flame extinguished. I chose neither. Apparently, he didn't like that. "Oh, I'm sorry," I tut. "Have I disappointed you, Sir Fire Supreme, Sir?" I lift a brow. "Did you like me calling you Fire Daddy better?"

His eyes darken. Have I pushed him too far? What I'm trying to do is invoke a slight emotional response from him to gain access. That's the only way I'm breaching his stoic barricade to inject enough affection, or at least enough empathy, for him to let my mother go. Anger is an easier hammer than anything else, and it works faster. I need the faster fix since I'm burning through Barry's barricade like it's tissue paper.

He warned me I'd have to transition. He was right about that. He advised me I wouldn't get killed before I transitioned. He was right about that, too. He might've even been right when he informed me I'm not a danger to him, but I don't doubt I can blow up Sheelin. My volcano is ready to erupt.