Fire

"You're an idiot," stated Virgil, with some conviction. Scott, who he was talking to, merely replied with a wide grin.

The two were standing on a beach just after sundown. Around them other people also were milling about but Virgil was directing his insults only at his brother.

"Firstly you have to go all the way to this Greek Island to find yourself…." Virgil began but was interrupted by Scott.

"I have not been here finding myself," replied Scott, cheerily. "If I needed to find myself I'd just have to go into TB1's cockpit and there I'd be." Virgil did not seem impressed by the joke so he continued. "All I wanted was a week on a sunny beach without the babies spoiling the peace." He was referring to Gordon and Alan, of course, and Virgil nodded in understanding. "I just took a couple of classes about self-awareness, channelling energy and, in this case, mind over matter."

"Mid-life crisis is what I call it."

Again, Scott just smiled serenely at the insult. "You're nervous."

"I am not nervous, I am just sane!"

"Virg, it's great that you decided to stop by for the last couple of days of my holiday and it means a lot to me that you've joined me for this."

He said it so sincerely that Virgil felt slightly ashamed at his outbursts. "It's good to have some 1-on-1 time with you," he muttered quietly.

Scott slapped him on the back. "Look, we've been through the two hour long seminar. We've done the work, the rest is easy."

"But, Scott, fire walking? Walking over hot coals? What were you thinking when you signed us up for this?"

The crackling sound increased as they joined their group at the fire. Flames were flickering towards the dark sky and the coals in between were glowing red, with a thin layer of grey ash over the top.

"Looks like a barbeque," pointed out Virgil and Scott couldn't help but laugh.

"After we've walked we'll cook up a couple of burgers."

The two watched as some of their group, with much encouragement, walked across the embers.

"You know what Brains would say," pointed out Virgil. "He'd say that coals are a poor conductor and ash a great insulator."

"And if Kyrano was here he'd be talking about spiritual healing, faith, self-belief and harnessing the body's energy by using your mind. Anyway, stop talking and concentrate, it's almost our turn."

The next few minutes passed in a flash whilst simultaneously lasting a lifetime. The brothers supported the people whom they had come to know that evening and then were themselves cheered and encouraged at they took their fire walks. Pictures were taken, group hugs abounded and several were in tears at their achievement. It was some time before the adrenaline wore off and the breeze of the sea made Virgil give a shiver. Scott, ever alert, walked over to his brother.

"Shall we go back to the hotel?"

"Had enough personal enlightenment for one evening then?"

"My stomach is rumbling loudly. My spiritual advancement is being drowned out by it."

"Let's go and, hey, glad you dragged me along here."

That was the best Scott would get if he was waiting for any sort of outpouring of feeling from Virgil. Next time, he would have to get Virgil along for the whole week.

"Want a steak, Virg?"

Virgil spluttered at the thought. "Charred meat? You must be kidding! I never thought I'd hear myself say this but I'd really prefer a nice cold, vegetarian salad."

"My treat," replied Scott, still smiling.