The Mystery of Pyromancy

FUKAI MORI brings out the right emotions. unsure what title to give.

Nuada

The sky was overcast with clouds. If it rained, I would have to make sure the women found shelter. I was not affected by weather.

I insisted that the sick woman lie down. Her normally tanned face was whiter than my skin. I took her pulse. "I- I'm fine. Sorry to trouble you guys," she feebly said, trying to get up.

Her pulse was uneven and choppy. However Liz had been fine just now, why was she suddenly ill? She was begging us not to do anything. I had sent her a brief general healing spell.

Laira offered her a sip of water. She swallowed. It was a good sign she could drink. "Rest. You're not alone." I said.

I was going to reach for the communicator to get help. I had some magic healing skills but they were not sufficient enough to cure illness.

"Nuada, she's not so cold now. Is that good or bad?" my soulmate asked. "She said not to call the med."

Liz's breathing deepened, and she seemed to have fallen asleep. I pressed the button and told the medical team where we were. Then I took off my jacket. Laira sighed. "It's such a pity, we were relaxing and all. She seemed ok until halfway when she started gasping. Maybe she didn't sleep enough?"

I nodded. "Hm yes, Sherman doesn't sleep deeply. There are times when the place gets…." I didn't know if I should reveal that, it was commonplace that Liz often had issues when she was unable to control her talent.

"What is it, elf?" Laira continued.

I'm not sure. A lot of things, someday I'll tell you, with her permission. She doesn't want many people to know. I responded, taking her pulse again. She seemed to have lost weight. Humans had the veins on their wrists but not so deeply. Dark circles were more significant than the other time I had seen her. "Hey don't sleep too deeply. Help will come soon, I had no choice. Red told us to take care of you."

She squeezed my hand though she did not speak. I was going to explode if the bumbling medical team did not get here in five minutes. Laira said she was hungry and looked for food in her bag. I smiled. "You can get hungry under any stress."

She munched on some crackers and offered me as well. "Um hm. Try one, when we're worried we still need foodie." I ate some food.

Thunder rumbled. She commented, "I have one umbrella, Noowa. How?" She made it open.

I gestured a circle around them. "Both of you can share. I can walk in the rain. Liz is ill."

She was still not conscious when help came. The people gave her a mask over her face and put her on the flat thing. "Will she be all right?" Laira asked them. The people murmured some answers.

Was this related to her over-exertion of her power? Sometimes the woman passed out, making Blue and Red worry. I soon got used to it as normal. I didn't want to relate the moment I witnessed the sheer horror of the Phoenix's power.

Few nights ago, people were shouting that a fire had broken out. I had just walked back to section 57 where I had finished keeping my weapons. Ahead there was a blaze and people in the suits were holding fire extinguishers. Salem ran out of the crowd. "Don't go there, Nuada! It's HUGE! I don't think it can be put out!"

"Why?"

His tone was startled, and Salem dug his fingers into my shirt. "Her- Your friend Liz! She's aflame." Despite the warnings, I wanted to know what happened. Sherman had disappeared, in her place was a figure in red and dancing yellow tongues, emanating scorching heat. She had her back to the people and repeated (which I could hear due to my acute hearing) Fire is me, I am not scared. I control you, I won't explode, I won't…. the flames were spreading.

This had to be the most terrifying sight in my lifetimes. Instinctively all fey hate fire, it is the enemy that destroys every living thing. Flames consumed the villages where I had friends and during war people who could not get away in time were left nothing but ashes.

I backed away, my heart cold. People in protective suits urged us to leave the area and had all the water hoses ready.

"Liz! Liz! Oh gods, what happened?" the fishman was shouting, trying to push through.

Salem asked me if I was going to be fine. "We should go. We can't help."

Abe yelled through our telepathy, Please Nuada! She's afraid, and hellboy isn't here tonight. We need to talk to her, calm her down! I'm trying to get closer.

I hesitated, all my instincts told me it was dangerous to remain here. 'Are you mad? Didn't you hear what they said, she will explode.'

Abraham looked at me. I didn't know why but we connected despite the distance between us and humans. Fine, I would try to speak to her, at a safe distance. "Don't worry, I will go. I need to help her first." I replied to my retainer and some fey.

I went up to the higher floor behind some glass and watched them spraying my friend with water. She was trembling, though the flames didn't harm her. Her hands were covering her face. I remembered how regretful she had been telling me about the whole neighborhood being exterminated. At the same time, I did not want to perish.

If we are burnt, we will not even have a sandstone figure left.

I Sent, I know you're able to control this power, Liz. Don't be afraid. We're outside and hoping we won't die. Many people are worried. Try to relax. Find your centre, find the peace. That was all I managed to say and then I went to the safe zones.

A poke to my stomach and then a familiar voice reminded me of the present…

"Nuada what's wrong? You're awfully quiet."

"I am sorry," I said, smiling but did not plan to talk about it "Many worries."

She combed my hair. "About why she fainted right? I can feel it though you keep it blocked. I guess we'll wait till Liz is ok. Then we can talk about it."

I drank the chamomile tea and got ready for bed. "You really want to know? Some things are- not pleasant."

We lay down and I turned off the light on my side. Laira was still sitting up.

"Yea because agents need to have cases confidential. I wish I can understand her more, we IM a lot but she tells me so little. I know nothing of her, argh. I'm sure you talk a lot more…." She was still rambling about these things.

"Hm I don't know what's IM." No I didn't speak a lot. People spoke to me.

"Ah forgot, instant messaging. When we go online. Nuada you're tired. Sorry, Night!" she said kissing me. I had closed my eyes. But I had not fallen asleep.

Then the phone was ringing. Damn! I fumbled for the thing and mumbled an answer, eyes still closed. "Elf you there? I wanna talk." Liz was saying in a small voice. "know it's late."

" " I rubbed my eyes and sat up yawning. "Excuse me, I just slept, woman." I hissed. My mood swung from pity to irritation.

She talked to me about a lot of things which I just said um hm, as my brain was not able to generate anything. Never had the words "Better. Thank you." Been sweeter!

So I didn't move when prodded. I covered my ears with a pillow.

We visited her in the daytime. She said she was sorry to bother me.

"Yes I lack sleep because of you," I growled. Sherman looked sad. I sighed. Laira poked me. "Anyway, are you better?" I continued in a gentler tone.

She held my hand tightly. Where was Red or the fishie? When she drifted off I sent a text message. The demon never used his phone unless it was emergencies but he had damn well do so! This would be the first time I initiated a contact.

About an hour later, as I was waiting for something, he called. "How's she? Can I talk to her? I'm in shit can't leave now!"

I sighed heavily and said, "Oh. She's fine but she had fainted. How soon?"

Red jabbered that Abe and I had to look after her then was cut off. I glared at the wall.

"What's wrong?" Laira asked. I told her the news glumly. "Oh I see. Aww that's sad. I believe Abe is around here." She pointed in the direction of the meeting rooms.

Johann was having a meeting, and Blue was missing in action. He never used his phone either. I missed Nuala, she would know what to do. Liz and I are friends but I could not take this hunger for dependency. To use my telepathy well, I went to my quietest sanctuary, the shrine and sat down.

I asked sister, Hey I've got a problem. Are you there? ….. I poured it out.

She replied, Oh Nuada. I'm sorry, but they are our friends. Liz just needs more, time and support. Let her speak, there's no need to do anything.

I laughed helplessly. I'm sleep deprived. Where's Blue when he's supposed to be her best friend?

I came out. All right, I would just need to sleep to regain my energy and then discuss about support.

Laira

I didn't get to know the secrets of what happened to Liz at all! Nuada wouldn't tell me, he felt it was confidential. When I visited, the woman was happy but very quiet. I hoped Red would get back soon. Also, Elf lacked sleep when he had to attend to stuff. I guessed that late dawn, she had called him.

I distinctly remembered he murmured in an angry tone. It was annoying I was too young. I could handle stress too. "I'll keep the secret. You look worried." I took Nuada's hand while he frowned and stared into space.

"No, it's not that I can't trust. She is ill. I…." he looked at me with consternation.

Pale fingers cupped some hair behind my ear. "I am not in a position to talk about it."

I'm all right, once they come back to accompany Liz I can relax more. She is needy…

The elf straightened my dress and nodded in contentment. I see. If only she'll talk to me.

I guess it is too personal. Blue would know what to do. Soon Nuala can come back, shall we visit? This weekend? He suggested and smiled, folding his hands together.

Months later 17th July and not missing ….

I got his call and was so delighted. "Hello, dainin. I will take a few days off." I was really thrilled. We had only sent short messages so far.

"Cool!" I jumped up. Nuada sounded weak and exhausted though. "Are you ill, ionuin?"

He paused. "Not too bad… I'm having a minor cold. Seen the healer, hm I can go about 2pm. Is that fine?"

"Okay. Um I'll get Simon to pick us up. Where shall we meet?" I mentally noted down all the details and planned. Nuada took a long time to reply. I repeated 'hello you there' few more times.

"I am here. Sorry. Who is that person?" he whispered huskily. He sniffed.

"He's a friend, I introduced him before. Sometime ago… Nuada, I'm concerned. Your voice is weak."

"Hm, yes. I don't remember him. I'm not in a good mood though. The Sirax Junction with the maples."

I sighed. "Okay. I'll stop him when he talks too much. Joe's not in. I love you!"

Nuada said okay and he had to pack up. I didn't know elves could get ill, they were so strong usually. Perhaps he had been overtaxed.

Simon picked me up and I directed him to the place. Nuada would come to our home on his own by cab or Joe would drive to a meeting place outside of Bureau. It was to be concealed from outsiders. Otherwise the media would hound them.

"Hey he's a prince right? I forgot!" Simon was pressing. I warned him not to get too thrilled. Like me, simon was fanatic about fantasy and fey. He himself mixed with them. The previous time Nuada and him had met was a disaster. He came to deliver things and had seen the elf without glamour. It was two years back.

Prince hated surprise visits. He had been annoyed though he didn't explode, he was cool and quiet. Why didn't you say he was coming? I got a shock. He's stinky, this human.

Now I reminded Simon not to be too enthu. "He's unwell. Remember he hates us."

The pale prince was seated on a bench waiting. He was looking to the right side and his hair was uncombed. He was in signature black minus the royal seal and with crimson sash. We drew to a stop, and I was anxious. Did this mean Nuada wanted to fight?

He didn't wear the red color, had kept it.

"Noowa!" I called and he turned. There was a luggage bag. The elf gestured. "Hello. I have more things this time."

"Um why are you in red?" I touched my waist.

His dark mascara eyes were reflective of insomnia and heavy lidded. His voice was soft and scratchy. He coughed. Nuada was more fragile today. He reacted slowly. "I don't know. Not going to war." He smiled.

Simon gushed about his joy to see him and opened the door. "Your highness!"

He declined. "I want to sit at the back. No need for it." So he took the luggage to load it in.

Nuada must be extremely feeble. In the car he told me that he was hurting everywhere especially his head, and he wanted to sleep alone. I nodded and told him alright.