A Lumen Ripple | An Elemental Story

Chapter 5 - The Project

A few moments later, Ember walked out of a ladies' dressing theater. She looked in a mirror directly outside her room, swaying from side to side and preening herself. The PPE was a puffy, transparent silver full-body suit.

"So? What do you think?" Lin interjected.

In shock, Ember spun around to face Lin in embarrassment, smiling nervously.

"Oh-- this? " Ember queried.

She faced back at the mirror, gently calming herself with a warm smile.

"I think it'll do just fine." Ember admired.

Lin slapped a hand on Ember's back, freaking her out.

"AAH!" she yelped.

Her eyes shut in reaction, before slowly reopening in the realization that nothing happened to her.

"Protective for all elementals! Our original design couldn't handle heat very well, so you can tell us whether we improved or not." Lin advised.

Ember looked up and down her suit in admiration, amazed.

"Is this a work exclusive?" Ember pandered.

Lin chuckled, raising an eyebrow and folding her arms.

"Why? You need to take it home?" Lin playfully queried.

Ember slowly looked up at her wearing a deadly serious expression. Lin could sense that she was living out of her element.

"Water home?" Lin queried.

Ember looked down, nodding in her spot. Lin took a moment to consider it before smiling broadly.

"Oh, what the heck! Just make sure you remember to bring it back every day." Lin allowed.

Ember lit up with a bright smile, giggling to herself.

"Now, we're on the clock, so it's time I got you down to your station!" Lin advised.

Ember slowly turned to Lin wearing the same grateful smile, taking a deep breath.

-----

Escorting her back through the large Glassitect department, the two arrived at a small desk that sat in the middle of the room. At it sat a short, bulky Earthman, grumpily writing away on a clipboard.

"Ember. Meet your trainer..." Lin began.

As his name escaped her, Lin looked blankly over at Phil in hopes he'll answer for her.

"Phil," he answered flatly.

"Phil! He'll be training you up for the duration of the internship." Lin advised.

He slowly got up off his seat, extending a hand to shake.

"Hiya." Phil introduced.

Ember pursed her lips, backing away in hesitation.

"Uhh-- a hello is fine," she answered.

"Very well, Ms. Lumen." Phil accepted.

A lanky Mrs. Da'Dropplet leaned down and tapped him on the shoulder.

"Now you make sure she doesn't get into any trouble!" she playfully remarked.

Ember laughed anxiously, darting her eyes around the place and holding her elbow.

"Knock 'em dead." Lin wished.

She promptly departed, leaving Ember with an indifferent Phil.

"Right. Ms. Lumen, welcome to the Glassitect department. From what I heard, you're quite adept already." Phil recognized.