Guardian of Vulnerable Flames

Chapter 27

Blaze stood in front of the enormous mirror, facing a reflection that felt like a stranger. Zephyr had handed her a voluminous red dress, a color that clashed violently with her already fiery red hair. The fluff of the dress was so dense, it weighed heavily on Blaze, making her feel like she was drowning in layers of fabric. Staring at her reflection, Blaze couldn't recognize herself in the outfit. The dress seemed to overpower her, and the intense red hue only emphasized the unfamiliarity of the image before her. She contemplated turning around to try something else when Zephyr intervened. "I chose this dress for you because of the flames that can dance on the bottom of it. Look," Zephyr explained, giving a shake to the bottom of Blaze's dress. To Zephyr's surprise, nothing happened. She was puzzled over it, and said, "Weird, I don't know how..." Blaze, with a mischievous smile, interrupted her, "Let me help." With a swift motion, Blaze conjured giant flames on the dress. It was an unexpected spectacle, the flames dancing wildly on the fabric. Zephyr quickly stepped back, alarmed, and ordered Blaze to stop, fearing the dress's destruction. "You are going to destroy the dress. Stop it!" Listening to Zephyr, Blaze extinguished the flames, a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She whispered, "It wouldn't be a big loss anyway." The dress, once a bold choice, now seemed to be too much for both Blaze and the magical fashion experiment. With a shared chuckle, they decided to find something more suitable.

As Blaze contemplated her next dress change, Furie's excited voice cut through the air, "I found the one!" Blaze quickly abandoned her current attire and stepped out of her changing cabin to join the two other women. Furie emerged from her cabin, revealing a stunning blue ensemble that immediately drew the attention of her friends. "Look at this one. It is so blue, I love it," Furie beamed, twirling a bit to showcase the dress. Zephyr and Blaze instinctively moved apart, making room for Furie as she approached the big mirror. Zephyr's smile already conveyed her approval of the chosen outfit. Blaze, watching in anticipation, couldn't help but admire the vibrant blue that complemented Furie's radiant energy.

Furie stepped onto the little platform in front of the mirror, creating a theatrical moment before Blaze finally turned her attention to the reflection. "The color matches your eyes, Furie," Blaze commented genuinely. Indeed, the dark blue lace skirt resonated with the oceanic hue of Furie's eyes. The skirt was a masterpiece, elegantly long and composed of two delicate layers. The top lacy layer, resembling droplets and leaves falling, was crafted from intricate lace, adding a touch of elemental beauty. The bottom layer, a smooth satin dark blue, complemented the lace with a rich and luxurious texture. Two long cuts on the skirt revealed glimpses of Furie's long legs, adding a hint of allure to the ensemble. The top of the dress was a simple yet elegant crop top that seamlessly matched the color of the skirt. The entire ensemble came together to create a breathtaking harmony, enhancing Furie's natural beauty. The trio shared a moment of admiration, appreciating the perfect blend of style and individuality that defined Furie's chosen attire.

Zephyr, always attuned to the creative possibilities, suggested to Furie, "Give it a light twirl, and I think it would work." Intrigued, Furie followed Zephyr's suggestion and executed a little twirl, making the skirt of her dress come to life. As Furie spun, the skirt seemed to transform into a cascade of water, creating the illusion of a gentle waterfall flowing from the top to the bottom. The ethereal water droplets hung in the air, never touching the ground, a mesmerizing display of Guardian magic. The effect was beautiful, giving the dress an enchanting and otherworldly quality. After witnessing the captivating display, Furie declared with a smile, "I don't need to see anything more, I am taking this one." Blaze and Zephyr wholeheartedly agreed, appreciating the uniqueness of Furie's choice.

With Furie's decision made, Blaze and Zephyr returned to their own personal outfit hunt, exploring the countless options in the store. It took them another hour of trying on various dresses before Blaze and Zephyr finally found their perfect formal wear. The two Guardians found outfits that reflected their individual styles and also showcased their personalities with flair and elegance.

Zephyr found a stunning white satin gown with delicate spaghetti straps. The dress boasted an elegant cut that not only showcased Zephyr's curved figure but also revealed one of her legs as she walked -or would danced. The design exuded sophistication, capturing the essence of Zephyr's refined taste. The bottom of the white dress held an enchanting touch – light, cloudy fluff that adorned the hem. As Zephyr moved, whether with a gentle sway or a spirited dance, the ethereal fluff would flutter around her thighs, creating a captivating and graceful effect. The dress seemed to embody the very essence of air and clouds, perfectly complementing Zephyr's breezy and free-spirited persona. With her find, Zephyr had discovered a dress that not only accentuated her elegance but also added an airy and enchanting quality to her ensemble. It was a choice that harmonized with her elemental nature.

Blaze, with her vibrant personality, gravitated towards an ensemble that perfectly matched her fiery spirit. She discovered a sleek and sophisticated black outfit, consisting of long, dressed black pants paired with a captivating corset top. The corset, adorned with intricate lace, added a touch of sensuality to the otherwise simple elegance of the ensemble. The black corset beautifully contrasted with the flowing pants, creating a striking balance between sophistication and a hint of edginess. The simplicity of the dressed pants allowed the corset to take center stage, showcasing Blaze's confident and alluring style. To enhance the outfit further, Blaze opted for crazy high heels that not only elongated her already tall frame but also added a touch of boldness to her overall look. The outfit left her shoulders exposed, providing a perfect canvas for her next addition – falling fire straps that gracefully draped over her shoulders. The warm flames added a unique and captivating touch, perfectly aligning with Blaze's fiery nature.

Blaze couldn't help but feel satisfied with her choice. Not only did the outfit reflect her feisty personality and bold sense of style, but it also offered practicality, allowing her the freedom of movement if the need for combat ever arose. In her mind, this formal ensemble was not just beautiful; it was a reflection of her strength and readiness for any challenges that might come her way. Blaze, with a satisfied grin, knew she had found the perfect outfit for the upcoming Winter reception.

As the three women made their way toward the exit of the store, each carrying their chosen formal wear, the owner of the store offered a polite "Goodbye." The man, seemingly a Fire Guardian, expressed, "I hope the Winter reception will be fun. Enjoy it!" Blaze, feeling a sudden sense of surprise, looked at the man, her curiosity evident. How did he know about their plans for the Winter reception? Before she could inquire further, Furie, sensing the potential awkwardness, hurriedly made her way out. She grabbed Zephyr by the elbow and rushed her sister to ignore the man. It seemed that the man had recognized the two sisters and was aware of their identities. Exiting the store, Furie felt the need to distance themselves from the unexpected recognition. The idea of being in the public eye and the awkward fame that seemed to accompany their Guardian lives was something she disliked intensely. The trio left the Central hub, determined to escape the peculiar spotlight that had momentarily focused on them. For Furie, returning to the anonymity of their everyday Guardian duties was a welcome relief from the unwanted attention.