Kindling Conflict
Finn and Cinnamon Bun were casually chatting away, leaning against the wall separating them from their ruler. Blatantly and without warning, Flame Princess's door swung open and the fiery woman herself walked out. As Finn pushed the door out of his face, he joined CB in staring after her, quite confused. The two knights exchanged looks for a moment, then hurried after their king.
Surprisingly, they had trouble keeping up, as FP seemed to be storming off as fast as she could down the halls. The servants that happened to be on the path all stopped what they were doing in a hurry to give respect, but their ruler mostly ignored them. The trio quickly came upon the throne room, but instead of taking her seat, Flame Princess continued on towards the exit. CB and Finn caught up just as she walked through the triangular entrance.
"What's going on, what's wrong?" Cinnamon Bun asked with evident concern.
FP kept her eyes straight ahead.
"There's no point telling you until I'm sure."
The candy person frowned.
"Sure of what- oof!"
He was instantly stopped by a spear blocking his path, as was Finn. The two backed away, noticing they were at a hut-like structure, into which Flame Princes had proceeded. A pair of beefy guards were standing on either side, staring down at the knights. CB understood, backing down, while encouraging Finn to do the same.
"What is this place?" the flame human asked.
Cinnamon Bun watched as FP's fiery hair disappeared down the stairs leading further into the building's innards.
"It's the city sanctum, dwelling of the fire sages, ancient philosophers and oracles that have observed the kingdom for as long as anyone can remember."
Finn was suddenly awed by the thought of such a society, looking over at the defended entrance.
"So why can't we follow?"
CB sighed.
"Only the ruling family may enter, by unspoken law."
He ushered himself and Finn over to a nearby boulder, leaning against it and folding their arms to wait for Flame Princess's return.
"What do they do?" the young man inquired, growing more curious by the minute.
His fellow protector shrugged.
"I can't say for certain, but I do know that the sages are entirely neutral, refusing to take sides or viewpoints other than their own."
He looked over to his companion.
"Those guards are permitted to execute you on the spot in any attempt at bribery, and no one would bat an eye because of it."
Finn furrowed his brow.
"Sounds strict."
Cinnamon Bun nodded.
"Very."
Conversation ceased, as the pair simply remained at their wait, pondering what could've sent their ruler off in such a hurry.
The deeper Flame Princess descended, the denser the air felt. Magma seeped in through the walls, oddly organized and evenly flowing. The stairs eventually became obsidian, glossy and reflective, appearing to be on fire due to the surroundings. Each step, she could feel the temperature actually lowering. The journey was always solitary; even when several wanted to council with the sages their guards would only allow one to enter at a time, giving a berth of a few minutes before sending the next.
Finally, stepping off the final stair, the fiery lady emerged into a small circular room, containing a floor that was so cool it almost hurt to stand on it. The walls had dozens of tiny holes in them, which quickly released a strange steam-like gas, filling up the chamber. FP remained relaxed, as the cold substance seeped away her flames. It was a similar sensation to being poisoned all those years ago, minus the permanent side effects.
Once the process was complete, a power-deprived Flame Princess observed the doors ahead swing open, permitting her entrance. Without pause, she continued. The next hallway was decorated with scribbling of ancient fire elementals upon its walls, from back before they fully understood their own powers. FP didn't give them a second look, instead focusing on adjusting her breathing to account for her weakened state.
Another pair of guards met her at the end of the line. One raised a hand, on the back of which was a rune. A strange aura was emitted from it, seeming to scan Flame Princess. She knew it was for weapons. Once the search was complete, the guard lowered his hand and nodded, stepping aside, along with his partner, to allow passage.
Entering a massive chamber, also circular in nature, the king strolled forward until coming to a stop in the very center. The floor itself was an enormous metal plate, cooled to a temperature that was low enough for a non-elemental to safely stand on. It always amazed the fiery woman how such a deep room was controlled to such an extent. She kept her posture professional, standing up straight and waiting to be spoken to. The chamber was fairly dark, not helped at all by her normally glowing complexion, which was closer to a shade of maroon at the moment.
Eventually, a low burning flame ignited, ringing the entire room as if it was an outstretched halo. Though minimal, it was enough illumination to make out the general layout of the surroundings. Aside from the plate, there was an elevated ring of volcanic rock encompassing half the circular dimension. Upon it sat seven fire elementals, dimmed to the same level as FP. Their skin had noticeable signs of withering, while any rocky portions were heavily cracked and occasionally seeping lava.
Each was sitting down, cross-legged, wearing a robe emblazoned with a mysterious symbol depicting a dragon wrapping itself around a sun. All had their sights closed, calm and motionless. Flame Princess slowly got down on her knees, letting her hands rest on her lap and head bowed slightly. After a minute, the sage at the center gradually opened his eyes, gazing almost analytically at the king.
"Princess of Flames," he spoke carefully.
FP looked up to the elder, who showed no emotion. His fellow sages opened their eyes as well, almost appearing to be studying the woman.
"What is it that you seek?" the head continued.
Taking a deep breath, Flame Princess looked straight at the man.
"I come in search of answers."
Raising an eyebrow, the sage almost mechanically stood up, slowly and precisely. The rest of them matched the movement. Towering around her, the seven observed her expression, seeing the seriousness within.
"To what questions?"
FP stood up, using the same speed as those who she addressed. Then, she reached into her dress and pulled out the orb received from Hermes. The sages eyed it with mild intrigue. She held it in both hands while resuming her request.
"You know of the Olympians?"
The Sage of Power, as he was officially but not widely known, stepped off the rocky platform, hands behind his back, and began strolling in a circle around the girl. His fellow elders followed suite yet again.
"Yes."
Flame Princess remained stationary.
"I received this item from one of them, claiming to be proof that one of our own was responsible for the passing of Finn the Human."
The elders stopped circling, remaining where they stood, in a semicircle before her. Another stepped forward.
"And why does this bring you to us?" questioned the Sage of Cleansing.
FP let her eyes down to the floor.
"I was told that you may be able to clarify the truth to this matter."
The Sage of Warmth nodded slightly.
"This is true."
Flame Princess was secretly grateful, but wisely hid it. The Sage of Light stroked his beard, approaching the king.
"To what benefit is this knowledge to you?" he simply asked.
The girl frowned.
"It- it…"
She sighed, struggling to determine for herself the answer.
"It will provide closure to your heart."
FP looked up, seeing the Sage of Passion giving her an expression, asking if she was correct. The king nodded.
"Yes."
Yet another spoke.
"Then let us ask you this: what else will this knowledge drive you to do?" inquired the Sage of Beauty.
"Is your intent to bring judgment upon the guilty?" continued the Sage of Destruction.
The room was silent, as the elders awaited a reply from the girl. Flame Princess took another deep breath, then held out the orb to the Sage of Power.
"It is."
The leader considered her words carefully, then firmly walked up and took hold of the sphere, whereupon FP let her grip drop away from it. The sage took it back to his place in the arc, closing his eyes as he studied the orb with his very aura. Flame Princess anxiously awaited the result, tightening and loosening her fists as time went by. It was soon that the sage opened his eyes once again, looking straight at the ruler.
"The Olympians speak the truth."
FP didn't know whether to be empowered or distraught. She simply nodded, containing the need to express some kind of emotional response. However, instead of receiving the rob back, the Sage of Passion turned to her compatriot.
"Allow me," she requested.
The Sage of Power flicked his wrist, forming a miniature cyclone of fire in his hand, which the orb was carried upon. The tiny twister floated the sphere over to the female elder, who grasped it gently as it arrived. As with the other, she read the object thoroughly.
"This fire elemental, it is a man. His heart, it has burned, but now lies charred and cold."
She looked at Flame Princess.
"It has the ability to continue burning, but chooses not to."
The king couldn't help but scowl.
"What? Why would I care? Why should it matter who he is or what his feelings are? I won't stop until he's de-!"
The king gasped and closed off her mouth with her hands, an expression of fear on her face. The sages did not react to her outburst, continuing to stare blankly.
"You seek justice, but you wish vengeance." The Sage of Destruction calmly claimed.
FP slowly let her hands fall, then hung her head with a look of shame. Silence enveloped the chamber, until Flame Princess heard another elder step forward. She looked up to see the Sage of Beauty.
"The heart is an important part in judging a being's true self. When passing judgment, you must look not only at the accused, but at your own as well. Only then can you be at peace with your actions."
She backed away.
"Remember these words. It is regrettable that your father did not. You are different, something that we have not seen in generations of your family."
She folded her arms.
"What we've seen so far shows promise of a stronger nation. We hope to not be disappointed."
The Sage of Power took back the lead, as his fellow oracle levitated the orb back to its owner.
"Is there anything else, Princess of Flames?"
Taking a second to shake off the elders' words, FP shook her head.
"No."
The seven turned, returning to their resting places. Before Flame Princess found the sense to leave, the Sage of Light briefly looked back at her.
"Your eyes are the least dependable source of truth. Keep this in mind."
The fiery ruler remained frozen for a minute longer, before bowing and finally turning to exit the chamber. Passing back through the hallway, she went over what the sages had said. It was true, she wanted to harm the one responsible, she wanted revenge for what he'd done, but most of all, she realized something that had been at the back of her mind.
Saving her life, accepting her flames, expanding her world. Finn's heart was in the right place, his intentions real, even with his mind still developing. A mistake was inevitable, but the compassion could not be ignored.
His love was real, no matter how it was looked at. And as for Flame Princess…
Hers was real as well.
Finn and CB were tossing rocks over the lava, passing time by seeing who could skip the most times. Sadly, since physics didn't work the same as water, it was with little success. Now they were just throwing them in, watching the stones melt into the molten mass. When they heard the guards part their spears, attention as drawn to the entrance of the sages' dwelling, where the king herself emerged.
Her knights rushed over, concerned by her expression.
"Are you alright?" CB asked.
FP just nodded. Her protectors flanked her as she began the walk back to the palace to begin the day. Finn kept his eyes on her face.
"Are you sure now?" he risked asking.
Flame Princess stopped walking, as did the others. They grew nervous, thinking Finn had picked a poor choice of words. However, instead of becoming aggressive or even avoiding the question, she lowered her eyes to the ground and tightened her hold on the orb hidden in her left hand. She nodded.
CB and Finn exchanged glances, then noticed their king had resumed walking. Waiting for them to catch up, she continued.
"Last night, Hermes returned."
The knights' eyes went wide.
"WHAT!?" they stated in unison.
FP pushed aside the surprise reaction.
"He didn't do anything, except give me this."
She held up the orb, still glowing with the essence trapped within.
"He said that the Olympian's investigated the remains of Finn's treehouse."
Finn felt his spine go stiff momentarily.
"They were looking for ways to get under my skin, weaken my focus. But…"
She took in a breath, stopping again.
"The sphere contains collected essence from the site, revealing…"
The king faced her protectors.
"That Finn was murdered by a fire elemental."
Cinnamon Bun gasped, stunned by the revelation, concern showing for both his king's state of mind and for the tragic loss of the human hero. He stepped over and placed a hand on the girl's shoulder, as she hung her head and cradled the orb in her hands.
Meanwhile, Finn himself just stood there, as frozen as a fire elemental could be. Luckily, his reaction was assumed to just be astonishment at the news. This was correct, but not in the way his two companions would think.
No… This is bad.
A single candle rested within the isolated room, which was just large enough to contain the man held within it. Its flickering dance was always alluring, a bright entertainment available in such a depressing location. His eyes were sad, lonely, wanting, and yet, his lips formed a smile, his flames growing slightly. The chains at his wrists were as tight as ever, but relaxation was evident in the limbs they bound.
He hung his head and sighed sadly, reminded that there was still something to hope for but at the same time knowing it was an unreachable goal. Returning to stony silence, he attempted to go to sleep, only to be interrupted by the very source of light in his cell. His head jerked up, noticing a disturbance in the flame.
"Sweety, is that you again?"
His voice was weak, but hopeful at the same time. As the flame shifted and grew, it formed a small figure, feminine in design, but clearly not familiar enough to be his daughter, causing him to frown.
"What is this?" he demanded of the intruder.
The figure finally stabilized, depicting the woman with her hands behind her back. Her expression was cold and calculated.
"There is someone who wishes to speak with you," she stated firmly.
The man narrowed his eyes.
"How did you find this flame?"
Anger was present in the question, but the woman ignored it.
"It was hardly a challenge, at least for me."
The fire shifted again, fizzling out the lady and once again reforming, this time displaying a man. He smiled, rather confidently, nodding to his audience.
"A pleasure to meet you, Ivan Wolfram." He began.
The chained man did a double-take.
"Y-you! You're that man they've been talking about."
The one in the flame grinned.
"Oh? Seems my reputation precedes me."
The contained fire elemental scowled.
"What do you want? Why have you interfered in my prison?"
Zeus folded his arms, holding his fairly smug expression.
"Is it true that the Fire Kingdom's eastern mining operation now being nothing but a crater was your doing?"
Wolfram bared his teeth, half in anger, and half in painful reminder.
"I- it was a mistake! I shouldn't have been there!"
The Olympian paced back and forth in the flame.
"Yes, indeed. Your power, so unstable that using it close to yourself is incredibly volatile."
He stopped.
"Please, tell me your story."
Ivan knew the one before him was a negative individual, but figured there was no harm in shedding an old tale, and perhaps lessening his burden.
"I was a craftsman, building various tools for the kingdom with my talent of fusing and tempering various metals. My machines helped process the land into vital ores and elements."
He sadly stared at the ground.
"Soon, I had achieved such control over my power that I could even perform it from a distance, using purely my flames to shape the materials. However…"
Ivan faltered.
"The raw energy, it soon began to build. More and more times, my creations detonated or simply fell apart. Then, that fateful day… I tried once more…"
Wolfram cringed, hearing the screams in the back of his head. Zeus had been patiently listening, a look of being impressed on his face.
"Fascinating."
He cleared his throat.
"Well, I have a proposition for you, my friend."
The chained man looked up, confused. Zeus went on.
"I require your assistance to build a special device and was hoping that a mutually beneficial partnership could be achieved."
Ivan grew nervous.
"But… I cannot help you down here."
The Olympian's charisma faltered, frowning.
"My sources say that every year, you sculpt your little girl's birthday present out of precious metal."
Wolfram gasped as Zeus narrowed his eyes.
"Do not try to deceive me, I am fully aware you can still forge from within that cell."
He straightened up, then regained his supposedly cheery attitude.
"Now then, you do this favor for me, and in return, once my rule is firm, I shall release you from that hold so that you may return to your family. How does that sound?"
Ivan shook his head.
"You don't understand. I'm here for my own good, and those around me. Here, hundreds of feet below the surface, my power won't hurt anyone. It's safe."
He stared at the candle, its enchanted wax never melting away.
"But with this, I can still speak with my beloved, and our bundle of joy."
A smile once again emerged on his lips, sweet memories of the past. Zeus' face had once again dropped its grin. He stood stiffly, considering the man's words.
"Very well."
The Olympian's cold tone drew Ivan's attention.
"Then let's try a different deal."
He stared right into Wolfram's eye's, intimidating the man.
"You build my device, or I snuff out this little candle, cutting you off from your loved ones."
The chained elemental was instantly frightened.
"No…" he begged.
Zeus' smile returned, sly and devious.
"And if you ever try warning them about what I plan, you can forget about having a family altogether. How's that sound? Do we have a deal?"
Ivan's head hung once again, not wanting to face the Olympian as tears dropped from his eyes. The hissing was added to his faltered breathing.
"Yes," he whispered.
Zeus' grin doubled.
"Wonderful. I look forward to working with you."
He cleared his throat again.
"I'll be in touch, but you'll likely be instructed through my associate, Athena. I believe you met her earlier. Smart one she is, perfect person to guide the building process. Oh, and since you're with us, a title is in order."
He turned around, about to exit the flame's influence, but turned back for one last word with the craftsman.
"Don't disappoint me, Hephaestus."
The flame shifted one last time, then settled into its original form, dancing without rest upon the wax. The man who watched it weeped quietly.
So, latest episode... pretty crazy stuff. Seriously. I wonder how long until someone writes a fic about it.
nrbuer: For now we can enjoy the lighter side of this 'darker' season.
Ventus Uzumaki: He just might. We'll see.
Writingsterner: I'll see what happens, hopefully dramatic.
Don'tMessWithFire: Well, that would suck.
CuteFoxSage-NightShadeOwl: Good, I was going for that.
Awolfx9: Getting closer she is. I'll keep up the anticipation.
TheMentalAdventurer: That's what I didn't understand about it, so I'll just leave it to discussion.
StrikerXE: I love it when you guys come up with possibilities, it ups the excitement for writing the next part, thinking I might be doing exactly what you're predicting.
MUTO TOHO: I thought it was a unique idea, but to each their own I suppose.
Fundindar: What can I say, I like giving the bad guys a ton of power.
Guest: Ha, that's awesome.
Fiery Crusader: Yep, thickening is fun, the responses are so tense from it.
Riset36: I definitely don't.
Broken In7: I believe you do.
AlexCaffri: Thank you so much. That means a lot.
Luciana Light: Good question. You'll find out in a coming chapter. And thanks!
Hope you enjoyed and thanks for any comments/reviews!