💧We Shine Bright🔥: Pixar's Elemental

Chapter 5: Several Months Later

It had been several months since the flood. As city supervisor, Gale had ordered an immediate construction initiative utilizing every able-bodied worker throughout Element City as well as commanding a construction crew. The thrum of cement mixers and pounding of jackhammers were everyday back-to-back sound in Firetown for a while.

The life of retirement was proven to be amazing for Bernie as he was no longer coughing and was in a much more healthier state. An old couple who were once regular costumers of the Fireplace were hired by him to take over the shop. Ember's internship for the glass making company had been accepted and she was going to travel far away from Element City to study there. The Lumen and Ripple families stood on the dock beside a large passenger ship ready to depart. Ember and Wade faced their parents, knowing it was time to board but not truly ready to go.

"You know, I'm not really one for tearful goodbyes." Wade's lower lip quivered. "Oh, you big liar!" Drip, drip, drip..." Brook sobbed "Goes the baby boy!" Wade finished along with her. They both wrapped themselves in fierce hug, fully bawling. Ember stepped away from them but she couldn't chuckling a little."You sure about this one?" Bernie leaned over and whispered to Ember "I'm sure." Ember said with confidence. Then, her expressions grew serious. "Dad, I'm sorry the internship is so far away. I mean, it's the best glass design company in the world, but who knows if it'll become a real job, I'll be back in a few months anyway and it might not end up being anything-" But before Ember could finish, Bernie cut her off by shushing her.

"Go. Start new life. Your mother and I will be here. Now with more time for hanky panky." Bernie jokingly said. "Ê...shútsh" Cinder responded in Firish as she hit her husband's chest. The three laughed but it was Bernie who gave a bigger laugh.

"Ready to go, Ember?" Wade asked as he held out his hand. Ember simply nodded and took his  hand, feeling the steam between their hands. They walked hand in hand towards the boat but as Wade stepped on the landing ramp, Ember stopped in her tracks. "Hang on, Wade. There's something I gotta do first." She said, her face determined. They both let go and Ember turned to face her parents, smiling as she put down her luggage.

Ember wasn't about to forget the Bà Ksô. The big bow. The highest form of respect. After everything her father went through, he deserved his daughter's love and respect. She closed her eyes, held out both her hands which were engulfed in a powerful flame and bowed low onto the ground. She opened her eyes to see her àshfá shocked, his eyes slowly glittering with lava tears of gratitude. Her àshfá returned the sacred bow quickly and without hesitation.

Ember gave him a tearful smile before she picked up her luggage and turned over to see Wade with water filled eyes. "That was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." He whispered while sniffling. Ember finally stepped over the ramp and together the couple walked into the ship and after finding their seats, they were ready to travel to another city. Ember sat at a window seat where she was able to see her parents smiling and waving at her. She returned the wave, tears of lava falling down like a stream before the ship gave a big honk and began moving. Her parents slowly moving out from her sight. Ember cried silently before she felt a hand squeezing her shoulder softtly. "Hey, you okay?" Wade asked with that adorable smile of his that Ember loved. "Yeah, I am." Ember simply said as she gently laid her head on Wade's shoulder.  This was now the next chapter of a new, exciting and beautifully romantic part of her life.

Thank you for reading!