The trees loomed over him, reaching great heights. The sun was hidden by a dense layer of leaves. The air was filled with the sickening sweet scent of decaying leaves. With every step he takes, the deeper the labyrinth of trees grows. The tree's branches stretched out like gnarled and twisted fingers. Silence filled the air. The feeling of someone or something lurking in the shadows behind him stung the back of his neck.
The winding path through the labyrinth of trees concluded when he reached a large clearing. The ground was charred black, like a large scar across the body of the forest. The sound of his heartbeat in his ears heightened his awareness of the presence still stalking him. He was aware of their constant surveillance. Their gazes were fixated on him, watching his every move. Their movements around the clearing had the eerie intensity of a predator stalking its prey.
He felt a burning sensation in the back of his throat from the smell (and taste) of cigarette smoke. He knew who was with him in the clearing. He inhaled deeply and kept his breath inside. He held his breath for a moment before letting it out. A small smoke ring escaped his lips. As he looked on, the ring appeared to be dancing in the air, slowly drifting away from him. He watched as the ring abruptly floated around behind him.
"Boo" all the sounds of the forest came flooding back to him, as a sudden and hard force knocked him to the ground. "You once caught me off guard. It's only natural I do the same to you" The oh so familiar voice mused.
The other man was lower than normal. It's almost like he was trying to intimidate him, but all it did was make him even more excited.
"That was an impressive trick. You did there." the man circled him. He could feel those storm grey eyes watching him. He spun his body to a sitting position to face the other man. Only to be met with no one there.
He scanned the clearing for any sign of the Master of Smoke.
"How did you do it?" Cinder's cold breath sent a chill down his spine. He turned to face the Master of Smoke.
They came close, but not close enough for his preference. He experienced a strange ache in his lungs and lips. There was a sensation of quivering and vibration in his body. His sole longing was to smash their lips together in a heated kiss. A kiss that transports them to a world of their own, where it's just the two of them. Regrettably, now is not the suitable moment.
"A magician never reveals his secret". He chuckled, causing Cinder to scoff at his response.
Cinder got to their feet and moved towards a log that had been turned over in the clearing. He observed the Man settling down, crossing his legs. Cinder positioned his elbow on his raised knee and nestled his cheek against his fist.
"So you came here for a reason" Cinder tapped his pointer finger against his cheek. "What is it?" He mused.
He shrugged. "I figured we could talk before we eventually fight." He pulled himself up to a standing position.
"About what?" The other man questioned.
"I don't know." He made his way toward the other man. He once again shrugged his shoulders. "I recall you saying last night that you desired a bit more foreplay."
Right before Cinder, he paused abruptly. In response to his presence, Cinder promptly uncrossed his legs. Gently, he lowered himself to the ground, his arms enveloping Cinder's legs. A questioning expression crossed the other man's face as he cocked his head. He kept his gaze fixed on the other man, unmoving. The way Cinder's untamed hair swayed reminded him of swirling smoke, and he couldn't help but be intrigued. He likes the way, When Cinder smiles, head. Cinder placed a cold hand on his cheek.
"Yes… Cindy?" He leaned into Cinder's hand. The other man narrowed his eyes at his nickname.
Cinder rubbed his thumb over his cheek. He traced the scars on his face. "How did you get this scar?" He asked, running his thumb over a small scar on his left eyebrow.
He gave a slight chuckle. "It's not a very interesting story." The Master of Smoke raised an eyebrow.
"I ran into a sword hanging on the wall, When I was like four and a half." He gave a small laugh before resting his head on Cinder's legs.
This feeling was different. It felt like it was supposed to feel this way. He had felt this way before, but it was different this time.
The Masters of Smoke has always piqued his curiosity. Perhaps it's the way he knows little to nothing about them. Or the way Ashe never talked about his family. Or how he knows Cinder won't either.
His knowledge about them is limited to their place of origin. You will never find a Master of Smoke, not from Tenggong. There is a reason Tenggong is called 'The City of Smoke'.
According to the tale, the initial Elemental Master of Earth and Smoke engaged in a territorial dispute. The dispute arose when the Master of Earth insisted on constructing their temple in the Heart of Tenggong. Nevertheless, the Master of Smoke (rightfully) rejected his proposition, declaring; The Tenggong was her Home, and these were her people. Consumed by anger, the Master of Earth angrily impaled his colossal sword into the ground. Resulting in the complete isolation of Tenggong from the rest of the Mainland. Since then, Tenggong has been the exclusive birthplace of every Elemental Master of Smoke.
"You have been really quiet." He looked up at Cinder. "Are you okay?" The Master of Smoke asked.
"I could look at you for days" He nuzzled deeper into Cinder's hand. He stared at the other man. Cinder's grey eyes were lifeless.
His lips touched the palm of Cinder's hand in a kiss. He held Cinders' hand, fingers interlocked. He gently kissed the back of Cinder's hand. With delicate tenderness, he planted kisses up the man's arms. He worships every part of the arms. He moved up Cinder's arm, finally arriving at his shoulder. A metallic taste hits the lips with a tang. He just assumed that he was anticipating the taste of Cinder's tongue piercing. He didn't give it any attention.
He shifted closer to Cinder's shoulder, inching towards his neck. Cinder caught his breath, emitting a faint gasp. Amidst the kisses, he playfully nibbled on the man's neck, leaving small marks of affection.
The feeling of Cinder's hands slipping under his shirt sent a chill shooting down his back.
"Is this enough foreplay for you?" he teased, causing the other man to huff in response.
"Will you just kiss me already, before I get desperate?" Cinder broke the silence.
He positioned themselves in front of Cinder. He positioned his legs on opposite sides of Cinders and sat down abruptly. They were even closer this time. Their mouths were barely touching. Once again, he experienced that familiar ache. Yet, this time, he was certain that they both experienced the same sensation. Cinder's lips separated, creating an opening for him. He leaned in and kissed the other man.
With each passing moment, the kiss became progressively more passionate, mirroring his growing hunger. The kiss deepened with an insatiable hunger, mirroring the primal instincts of a predator feasting on its prey. He couldn't resist indulging in every breath the other man took. His body quivered as Cinder's hand caressed his chest under his shirt. Made him even more hungry.
Startled by the loud thud against the window, he jolted out of his sleep.
Another dream? He thought out loud. He stared at the ceiling of his room.
What could it mean?
The last time he had seen Cinder was at the Blood Moon Ritual. He sighed and flipped the covers off his bed. He was in his bedroom, the very same bedroom he grew up in. He shook his 'not so great' childhood memories.
Why was Cinder in his dreams?
The taste of copper coated his tongue, leaving a tangy metallic sensation. He slowly dragged himself to the edge of the bed, exhaling deeply. The illuminated screen of his phone displayed the time as three-fifteen in the morning. With his eyes still heavy from sleep, he managed to drag himself out of bed and shuffle towards his dresser. His eyes remained fixated on the pack of cigarettes resting on the dresser. He is conscious of the fact that he ought to quit smoking, as he has been receiving pleas from everyone. But he understands that he will ultimately return to them regardless, rendering quitting futile.
Why him?
Did he actually 'like' Cinder?
He dressed himself in a deep red sweatshirt. He pulled a pair of tan pants onto his legs. With the box of cigarettes now in his pockets, he proceeded towards his door. He took one last glance at his room to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything. He padded his way toward the bathroom across the hall.
The room became illuminated with a radiant and inviting light. In the mirror, he examined himself. His mouth and chin were tinged with a dark shade of crimson. Well, that explains the metallic taste in his mouth.
Did he hurt himself during the night?
He quickly checked his wrists.
Nothing.
He forcefully pushed the thought away and then turned the tap on. He removed the blood from his face and hands by washing. He left the bathroom and went downstairs, intentionally avoiding the steps that make noise.
He always felt a sort of ache in his heart when they visited their parents. The sort of ache that can be described as a cross between anger and nothingness. It's not like he is angry with his parents, it's more like he feels nothing towards them. That's how it has been since they came back into their lives.
He knows it's not their fault that they were kidnapped. But they stopped being his parents when they left.
It was just him. Left alone to raise his sister by himself, then they come back like nothing ever happened. Acting like they had only left for a few days.
He can always pretend. Smile and take it. He will pretend. That every time they try to parent him or Wyldfyre does make them even more angry. Not for his sake, but for Nya.
Wu was more a father to him than Ray ever was.
He shook those times of thoughts out of his head. A glimpse of his reflection caught his eye.
A person with lifeless, amber eyes stared back at him. The resemblance was there, but the connection wasn't. He experienced a sensation of having his thoughts inhabit a body that didn't belong to him. His eyes traveled down, fixating on the prominent scar on his palm. That night is etched in his memory, as if it just happened yesterday.
He remembers leaving his room to get a glass of water from the kitchen.
He remembers watching the water boil against his hand. He remembers not being able to feel the heat against the glass.
He remembers the sudden rush of electricity coursing through his body as his sister grabbed his shoulder. He remembers closing his hand around the glass, causing it to shatter in his hand.
He remembers his sister's panicked voice asking if he is 'okay' He remembers just shrugging before turning back around.
He remembers trying to clean up the water. Then, being confused about the fact; every time he pulled a paper towel off the roll. It was red.
He remembers his sister jerking him away from the counter, and leading him to the bathroom. He remembers her forcing down onto the toilet, as she dug around for something.
He remembers letting out a small monotone 'ow' as his sister tightened the gauze around his hand.
He remembers staring at his cold, soulless eyes in his sister's tear ridden eyes. He remembered feeling nothing as his sister sobbed into his shoulder.
He remembers musing about slitting his wrists, just to see if he can feel it.
The word "Monster" escaped his lips as he forcefully struck the mirror with his fist. The impact of his fist sent a network of cracks branching out from the point of impact on the mirror. Withdrawing his hand, he watched as the crack in the mirror extended outwards in a spiderweb pattern. Despite the forceful impact, he displayed no signs of pain.
Ever since he got back from the Nether Space, he stopped feeling pain. The cut in his hand, the broken glass, the mirror. He couldn't feel any of it.
His wrist was red and tender. He gave his wrist a slight shake, before turning towards the door. He pulled on some black, worn leather boots. He propped his foot up on a small wood bench by the door to tie his boots. He pulled his favorite jacket over his sweatshirt.
The jacket was a token of gratitude from a famous singer with vibrant pink hair, who wanted to express her appreciation for assisting her all those years ago. The jacket sported a black, leather-like fabric that added a touch of edginess to its design. Elaborate flame decals were intricately placed around the jacket's cuffs. The embroidery on the back showcases his personal symbol, a fierce lion engulfed in flames, as well as his element.
He stepped out of the house. The sudden rush of cold air stung the back of his throat, causing him to take a deep breath. He looked around. A thick blanket of snow covers the front yard of the house.
He hated winter. He hates the cold. Not that it bothers him. There is nothing to do. In Ignacia, there are no festivals during the winter. All the markets are closed. People are always bothering him to melt the ice off of their carts or house, or help them light a fire. It gets boring after the first week.
He made his way to his favorite smoking spot. Which was a large rock by a small bird bathe, closer to the edge of the yard. Taking a seat on the rock, He gave a quick snap of his fingers. A bright flame ignited around his hand.
"You and I differ from everyone else, Kai'' His father's words rattled around in his head.
"Fire can never hurt you unless you tell it to. Fire bends to your will,"
"Hurt me!" He said out loud to the fire engulfing his hand.
Nothing, he cannot feel anything.
"Burn me," He hissed at the fire.
It's no use.
Dismissing the idea from his mind, he moved the cigarette closer to his mouth. He inhaled. He felt the comforting embrace of the smoke as it filled his lungs. It enveloped him in a soothing warmth that radiated through his entire body. He exhaled. The smoke gracefully moved through the air, resembling the rhythmic movements seen during the Festival of Fire dances. Their performance was akin to the mesmerizing dance of smoke gracefully traversing the stage. With closed eyes, he surrendered to the refreshing touch of the wintry air on his face.
Thoughts of a certain Elemental Master of Smoke filled his head.
The man's lifeless storm grey eyes.
His messy, unkempt hair that seemed to flow and dance like smoke.
Or when he talks, you can slightly see his sharp canine teeth. Sharp enough to tear through the tender soft flesh of his neck.
A cold, hard impact snapped him from his thoughts.
"Damn." he was on his back. Scanning around. He expected to see his teenage student standing off to the side, holding more snowballs. No one was there. He pulled himself back onto the rock.
"Hello!" he called out into the cold. But he had gotten no response.
Something told him to check his pockets. He checked all his pockets, but couldn't find his cigarettes or phone. Those cigarettes were expensive. The only thing in his pocket was a flood piece of parchment.
Scrawled across the front in fancy penmanship was the word 'Fire'. He opened the letter very carefully.
Dear Fire,
You want your stuff back?
Come find me.
The Old Firestone Funeral Home
Yours Truly,
Smoke.
It seems Cinder must have trained under the same guy that trained Ashe.
"The old man who trained me," Ashe's voice laughed in his head. "Told me 'when addressing other Elemental Masters, one must refer to them by their Element and only their element'." Ashe mocked in his head.
To this day, he still can't tell if the old man meant it to be a sign of respect or a means to belittle another master by degrading them to just their element.
He took off down the road.
Before its abandonment, the Old Firestone funeral home served various purposes. It served as a grand mansion, a quaint sanatorium, and even a makeshift field hospital. Regrettably, it is now trapped in a state of abandonment as a funeral home. The once magnificent mansion that dominated Ignacia's skyline has now been reduced to a desolate funeral home, engulfed by unkempt vegetation. The mystery behind its abandonment remains unsolved to this day.
As they grew older, Nya and he would frequently navigate the twisting corridors adorned with colorful graffiti. They would playfully act as if they were spirits haunting the labyrinthine corridors or burglars in search of a hidden fortune. The unsuccessful swords he crafted would be disposed of by dumping them into the old dried-up well in the back
••••
He climbed the stairs to the Funeral home. There was another folded parchment labeled 'Fire' pinned on the heavy oak doors. He opened the letter.
Colder!!!
He reached out and pushed open the door. There were only two potential spots where Cinder could have been. When he approached the building, there was no indication of activity in the study as there were no lights visible from the outside. So his best guess is the morgue/ Examination room.
He snapped again, once again igniting his hand. The entryway was bathed in a gentle glow from the fire, creating a cozy atmosphere. He walked along the defaced passageways, ignoring unoccupied cubicles and plundered cupboards. This place never scared him, it just made him sad. He stumbled upon yet another paper affixed to the wall:
You're cold now!
He was getting closer. He knew he made the right choice. Cinder always seemed to be the type of person to hang out in morgues.
He carried on, navigating through the various passageways of the Ole Firestone Funeral home. He observed the presence of sizable frosted windows and a pair of clocks on the wall, each displaying a halted time of three Fifteen. He proceeded forward until he reached the entrance, which was indicated by a closed door. He recognized this familiar door. He recognized it as the entrance to the lower level. Attached to the door, there was yet another note:
Getting Warmer Hot Stuff!
He pushed open the door. A set of stone stairs descended into complete darkness.
This could be a trap.
He should be on guard.
It's Cinder! What's the worst that he can do?
He knows the Raising Dragon Technique, he can handle Cinder.
He took a deep breath before descending the stairs. He counted fifty stairs. At the bottom was another note.
Ohh! Getting even more warm, hot stuff!
His excitement builds with each note he receives. As he approaches the morgue, his hunger intensifies. Excitement builds up within him, pulsating in his chest. His ears were filled with the pounding of his own heartbeat. The emotion he was experiencing had a distinct quality. He experienced a sense of taboo, and he enjoyed it.
His body was trembling. It wasn't a scared, trembling; it was more of an excited tremble.
Was he excited to see Cinder again?
He shook his head.
No
He had to focus on the task at hand. He just wants his stuff back.
He was NOT in love with Cinder!
Standing before him were a set of doors, invitingly ajar. The room was dimly illuminated by flickering candles, giving the morgue a smaller, more intimate atmosphere. The ambiance created by the flickering candlelight could almost be described as romantic, were it not for the fact that we were in the morgue
His anxiety seemed to be building up inexplicably. His heart was pounding like a runaway train. The intensity of his racing heart caused a lump to form in his throat. He could feel his anxiety increasing as his hand became moist.
"You're hot," Cinder's unexpected icy breath on his neck made him shiver with unease.
"Thank you, I get that a lot," he mused, turning around to face Cinder.
His amusement was evident in the soft chuckle that escaped Cinder's lips. "I bet you do."
With his gaze fixed on Cinder, he observed the man maneuvering around him and approaching a metallic examination table. He observed the Man settling down, crossing his legs. Cinder positioned his elbow on his raised knee and nestled his cheek against his fist.
"You found me" Cinder tapped his pointer finger against
He was experiencing the strangest feeling of déjà vu.
"I guess I did."
"I guess you want your stuff back?"
He raised his eyebrow at the other man's question
"I-
Cinder raised a finger to quiet him. "I will give you stuff back." Cinder crossed his arms over his chest. "If you answer a question."
He proceeded with a few more paces, venturing into the interior of the room. His eyes quickly assessed Cinder's presence.
The grey strands of Cinder's hair were styled into a casual half do, with some of it left loose. Taking in the sight of Cinder's facial expression. His tired appearance gave away the fact that he had hardly rested.
Cinder was wearing a black t-shirt. Across the chest of the shirt, there was a scrawled design featuring a band's logo. It was clear to him that the shirt represented a band hailing from Tenggong, based on its tour design. Underneath the tee, Cinder had on a layered long sleeve top. Based on his observations; the shirt has one black sleeve and one white one
Cinder had on jeans that were a grey wash. The pants were somewhat tight. The black lace-up boots were paired with jeans that were tucked in. Grey laces adorned Cinder's boot
His dream!
Cinder's movements to the way he was sitting was exactly like the dream he had. Apart from the shirt layered under his tee, Cinder was wearing the outfit he was in his dream.
"Hello? DId you hear what I said" His mind was instantly yanked back to the present by Cinder's sudden utterance.
"I can look at yo-
He realized his mistake just in time to prevent himself from completing his sentence. He banished the notion from his thoughts. "Ye-Yeah!"
"Ask away,"
With a nimble movement, he jumped down from the table he had been occupying. Stepping back a few paces, he ensured there was enough space between himself and the approaching man. He mirrored the other man's movement, stepping backwards for every step Cinder took forward. Unfortunately, his strategy of creating space between them unraveled when he encountered the wall.
Cinder positioned himself in front of him. The other man ran his hands over his chest. The hand made its way across his shoulders. The hand found their way around the fabric of his neck. They twisted their way around the stitching of his collar.
He caught his breath as Cinder forced his body deeper into the wall. He felt his heart race as Cinder inched nearer.
Oh….
They came close, but not close enough for his preference. He experienced a strange ache in his lungs and lips. There was a sensation of quivering and vibration in his body. He wanted nothing more than to push Cinder off of him and pin him against the wall. He wanted to smash their lips together in a heated kiss. With hands, exploring every inch of their bodies. He wanted the type of kiss that was messy and sloppy.
"How did you do it?" Cinder whispered.
"Do what?" he asked
"You know."
"Huh?" He thought for a minute.
"Oh! Well! I uh… When I," He stumbled
He needed to get a grip. He took a deep breath. "Well, When I walked up, I didn't see any light on. So I kinda guess you were in the Morgue,"
The nerves made him wipe the perspiration from his palms onto his trousers. Cinder was way too close to him.
He cannot think straight.
"I don't want to assume. But you do look like the kind of person who likes to hang out in abandoned morgues," He gave the man a sort of half smile, which resulted in the other man narrowing his eyes at him.
"No! NO! Not that, I don't care how you found me," Cinder's voice getting rougher.
"Well then, I dont know what you are talking about" In a gesture of uncertainty, he simply shrugged. In response to his nonchalant gesture, Cinder's grip on the collar of his sweatshirt grew tighter.
"GET OUT OF MY HEAD," Cinder's words were laden with a palpable venom, hissing through the air
"Huh!?"
"You did this somehow?"
"I-I don't know how any of this has anything to do with me,"
Filled with disappointment, Cinder let out a low growl and forcefully pressed him further against the wall.
"Look Cindy! This seems like a very big 'You' problem"
A momentary flicker of surprise flashed across Cinder's face, swiftly replaced by a hardened expression. The man pushed off of him. Moving forward a short distance, he halted and absentmindedly ran his hand through his hair
"I hear your voice everywhere," With a sudden movement, Cinder quickly redirected his gaze towards him. The sudden movement of Cinder's head made him gulp. " Telling me things, Expressing disappointment in every decision I make," Cinder shook his head before letting out a sort of manic chuckle.
"I am losing sleep!" Cinder paced back and forth. "It's driving me insane."
Cinder dropped to his knees and placed his head in his head. "Why is the Master punishing me?" The other man mumbled into his hands. "What did i do to deserve to be punished so,"
Cinder dropped to his knees and placed his head in his head. "Why is the Master punishing me?" The other man mumbled into his hands. "What did i do to deserve to be punished so,"
Fatigue washed over him, and he found respite by leaning against the icy wall.
Cinder was supposed to be Shattered?
He was supposed to not be feeling anything, Like him?
It's strange.
"Why do you feel like you are being punished?" He asked, breaking the tense silence.
Cinder dropped his hand into his lap. He directed his gaze towards him. "I have done nothing in my life to deserve such good dreams. Such a dream were I am happy"
He moved ever so slightly before getting prepared to make a move. He smoothly positioned himself next to Cinder. He rubbed his hands together. He gripped Cinder's hands together.
Cinder's hands were understandably cold due to the cold room. The room felt chilly, as if the window had been left open. He was indifferent because the cold had no effect on him.
"I don't see a future, where I don't see these dreams are not a punishment," Cinder averting his eyes away from him.
He exhaled. "I see a future." He ran his thumb over the man's knuckles.
The man turned to face him.
"I see a future, Where you are okay." He paused. He brought Cinder's hand towards lips. He gave the man a gentle kiss on the knuckles.
"I see a future, Where-
He shook his head.
Why was he stumbling over his words?
"I can't believe it." He mumbled.
With a gentle gesture, he lifted his hand to softly touch Cinder's cheek. He closed the gap between them by pulling him. He closed the gap between them, bringing their heads together to touch foreheads.
Depending on the situation, a gentle touch to the forehead can convey various messages. Whether it is a sign of friendship or a romantic gesture, the widely accepted meaning is one of love.
That familiar throbbing sensation returned to him. He decided that he would not ignore the ache any longer and act on it.
They leaned in, their lips gravitating towards each other. Their lips united in a sweet and unassuming gesture of affection. It was a run-of-the-mill kiss, devoid of any remarkable qualities.
He could feel Cinder's arm wrap around his neck.
"I see a future. Where you are my everything," He said, breaking the kiss, keeping their forehead together. "My Moon and My Stars."
Cinder made a small gasp for air. Their gazes intertwined - grey and amber colliding. When observed closely, Cinder's eyes reveal a captivating kaleidoscope of various shades of grey encircling a deep, dark pupil
"My Smoke, and Strength. The Fire in my Forge!"
The last statement made both men chuckle ever so slightly.
"I see a future where you don't have to worry about the dark, foreboding Shattering maze that you are trapped in." he ran a thumb over Cinder's cheek. "I will be the light at the end of the tunnel that you need,"
"I see a future where you don't have to consider these dreams as punishment any more,"
"What did ya think?"
Cinder met his gaze again. There was this silence between them. It felt electric. It felt both wrong and right at the same time.
"You have impeccable timing," Cinder stated. "You definitely know the right place to woo someone," the other man teased.
"H-Hey!" He chuckled. "In all honesty, if you put up some curtains, add some blankets and pillows. Maybe some wine and you got yourself a pretty romantic spot!"
Cinder just shook his head.
"And you picked the spot! Mister!"
"I didn't anticipate being romanced today."
"You should always anticipate being romanced, at any time,"
Using a soft touch, he took hold of Cinder's chin. A gentle stroke of his thumb graced the contours of Cinder's mouth.
"I see a future. Where you are my everything," Cinder traced the seams of his jacket.
"My Fire and my Light at the end of the tunnel."
Cinder brought a hand to his cheek. He leaned into Cinder's palm.
"You occupy every once of my mind."
"I also get that a lot." He joked.
A charged atmosphere enveloped them, a silence pregnant with excitement. The tension in the room grew palpable as his eyes anxiously shifted between Cinder's gaze and his lips.
"Ugh! Fine I-
He practically jumped on the other man. He smashed their lips together in a messy kiss. With each passing moment, the kiss became progressively more passionate, mirroring his growing hunger. The kiss deepened with an insatiable hunger, mirroring the primal instincts of a predator feasting on its prey. He couldn't resist indulging in every breath the other man took. Every move Cinder made under him, Made him even more hungry.
••••