Elemental: Fire, Water, Air, Earth, Crystal

7

Later, when it was time to go, Ember approached Wade's mother. "Thank you, Mrs. Ripple," she said. "This was... this was really great."

Brook held the repaired glass pitcher in her hands.

"Yeah, it was," she agreed. "And I mean what I said about your talent. I have a friend who runs the best glass making firm in the world. During dinner, I slipped out and I made a call and I told her about you. They're looking for an intern. It could be an amazing opportunity."

Ember glowed with excitement. "For real?"

"It's a long way from the city, but it would be an incredible start," gushed Brook. "You have a bright future." Then she glanced down at the pitcher in her hands. "Look at me! I have an original Ember."

Ember smiled nervously as she turned to go. An internship at a glassmaking firm would be an amazing opportunity. But how could Ember ever leave her father and her shop? He needed her.

But for Kia, she was amazed. When she met Ember was a lonely young girl who worked at a shop. She never made any friends and she wanted to see the world.

"Hold up," called Wade. "I'll walk you out."

Downstairs, Cinder was still sparring with the doorman. By now, the doorman was a half steamed waterfall. Cinder's fiery tornado had slowed to a stop, and she was trying to catch her breath.

"I'm afraid you're still going to have to wait out here, ma'am," the doorman huffed and puffed.

"And I'm afraid...." Cinder gasped. "I will throw up." Dizzy from spinning, she staggered toward the bushes right when Wade and Ember left the building.

As Ember hurried toward her scooter, Wade and Kia raced after her.

"Ember!" he called. "Ember, hold up. What's going on?"

"I can't believe she basically offered me a job," groaned Ember.

"I know," said Wade. "Could be cool!"

"Yeah, super cool, Wade," she said sarcastically. "I could move out and make glass in a faraway city. Do whatever I want." Her flames roiled.

"I don't understand," said Wade.

"I'm going home," said Ember. She started up her scooter.

"Fine," said Wade, "then I'm going with you." He hopped on back careful to leave a little space between himself and Ember's flames.

She revved her scooter, zipping into the night while Wade and Kia hung on for dear life. Cinder regained her balance just in time to see them drive off. "A water guy?" she exclaimed.

"Look, my mom was just trying to be helpful!" Wade yelled over the scooter's engine. "She doesn't know how excited you are to run the shop."

"You seemed like you wanted to see the world," Kia added.

Ember growled. She revved the scooter again, weaving through traffic so fast that Wade's body began to stretch out.

"What is the matter?" Wade cried.

"Nothing!" she insisted.

"Yeah? Because we're going like a thousand and-" Wade's eyes widened and he gestured wildly. "Bus!"

His body stretched out even more as Ember swerved to avoid the bus. Kia started to grab Wade and pulled him close to her side.

By the time they reached Firetown, Ember was going so fast that the wind rippled her flames. "You don't know me, Wade! Okay?" She shouted. "So stop pretending like you do!"