A Lumen Ripple | An Elemental Story

Chapter 3 - The Sea-Nears

Later...

The two arrived at the Sea-Near residence and stood just outside the entrance. Much like the Ripple residence back in Element City, the two stood in front of a tall apartment complex. As she had before, Ember stood frozen and stared up, partly intimidated by it.

"My Flame, Wade. How many rich relatives do you have?" Ember quipped.

"Oh! Well, apart from Mom and the Ripples you've met, there's the Sea-Near's - five of 'em to be exact. There's the Watergates--six Watergates, and the Tidalwaves--" Wade said.

"Okay-okay. I get it," Ember interjected.

She briefly chuckled, holding her arm in nerves again. Wade's glee for her to meet the Sea-Nears slowly faded as his care for her took over.

"Look, you don't have to be intimidated by them. Besides... that's gonna be you one day." Wade assured.

Ember looked up at Wade, confused.

"What-I'm gonna be a slushy like you?" Ember quipped.

"Okay, ouch- but no..." Wade began.

He took her hand proudly, holding it to her heart.

"You're gonna have your own skyscraper, and it's gonna be bright... every day... because you'll be happy." Wade complimented.

Ember looked and stared into Wade's eyes with grateful glee, shedding a tear at the overly sappy statement.

"I don't care how cringe that was. You're such a sweet little dewdrop." Ember remarked.

Wade smirked at the remark, staring back into Ember's loving gaze.

"Wade Dew-Near!" a voice exclaimed.

Suddenly, Wade shifted his attention toward the hotel doors.

"Uncle Sea-Near!" Wade exclaimed.

Instantly, he grabbed Ember by the hand and raced over to a short, plump Uncle Sea-Near. Wade parked her safely aside before hugging Uncle Sea-Near as tight as he possibly could. The two bawled instantly, causing Ember to jump back from the flood of tears.

"My Flame," Ember remarked, folding her arms and smiling.

"Uncle Sea-Near! You look so sprightly!" Wade exclaimed.

"Only for my favorite nephew!" Uncle Sea-Near replied.

Sea-Near slowly looked over to Ember, wearing an astounded expression.

"Wade... you never told me your special lady would be so bright." Uncle Sea-Near complimented.

Ember's eyes widened, causing her to chuckle in a flattered manner.

"Oh-- haha! T- thank you." Ember giggled.

Uncle Sea-Near put his arm over Wade, sloshing over to meet Ember.

"Wade and his mother have told me all about you." Uncle Sea-Near reckoned.

"Have they?" Ember said, looking over to Wade in embarrassment.

"Yes! They told me you have a wonderful knack for glass architecture." Uncle Sea-Near recognized.

"Oh! Is that what they call it? Hehe-- wow!" Ember remarked with discomfort.

"You must be so excited to work with Aquatecture!" Uncle Sea-Near said.

Suddenly, Ember's nerves flew away like leaves from an Earth person. She stared at Sea-Near with an astounded expression, jaw agape.