Fire Burning

Chapter 4

Because out of all the other first years, I could follow you, Han hadn't said to Quy when Quy had asked why.

After Quy left to go incognito-healing, Han had gotten Raah to help him some more training. Yang's offer sat at the back of his mind, but somehow, he didn't want to intrude on Quy's work down at the lower districts. And he didn't want to anger his mother.

Deep inside, he was half afraid that it'll be too awkward. Could they really pretend to not know each other down there? And what if Han slipped, and said "Quy" instead of "Khai"?

The week passed quickly. Between Han, Raah and Jin keeping an eye out for the other factions, and the occasional scuffle, it seemed like the other groups had mostly calmed down.

And Han once again found himself in the same predicament: mother and sister gone, and no food in the house. So Han ventured out to Thon's tea shop, but there was no crowd.

"Eh, Han? Good evening, boy!"

Han nodded to Thon's grandfather. "Good evening, Mr. Kiri." Han's eyes slid around.

Thon's grandfather chuckled. "Looking for young Khai, hey? He's a sweet boy."

Han spluttered. "Well, I—"

"Ach, he's over at the Fountains. Said he should be studying, but the kids have him lighting water on fire."

"What?"

The old man shrugged. "So I heard."

"You haven't seen it?"

"I've been sitting here, haven't I?"

"Han!" Thon yelled out. "Take the old man and go!"

"Well, Mr. Kiri?" Han said apologetically. "I could move the earth beneath your chair."

The man grumbled. "Help me stand," he said instead. "Khai keeps pestering me about walking and all."

"He is a healer," Han said. He helped Mr. Kiri up, and they slowly walked to the Water Fountains.

Water on fire was clearly an exaggeration, Han realised when he saw it. It was more like light in water, and light was heat—heat Quy could control.

Quy's book bag was set aside, forgotten, as kids jumped up and down in one of the larger fountains soaking wet.

"Oh dear," Mr. Kiri said. "Their parents are going to kill me."

Quy turned towards them. And suddenly, he smiled. "Mr. Kiri! Han!"

Han's chest tightened.

Mr. Kiri nudged him. "Let me sit," he grumbled.

Quy headed over. "Doesn't that feel better?" he urged Mr. Kiri. "Movement creates heat. But Han or Yang would fashion a walking stick for you."

"I'm not that old," Mr. Kiri said blithely. He grinned at the kids. "Look at them! Such joy."

"Mr. Kiri!" the kids shouted. "Come join us! It's fun! Healer Khai made the water all nice and warm!"

Mr. Kiri chuckled. "I don't think people want to see an old man dripping wet." He prodded Han. "You two. Go off and talk about whatever young men these days talk about. I'll mind the kids."

"Yes. We should talk," Quy said, his voice suddenly serious. He turned and moved to a relatively secluded area of the fountains, away from Mr. Kiri and the kids and other random passers-by. Han followed him.