Kiara straightened out the knitting on her lap and nodded pleased. Just a little more and the scarf should be done. Might as well keep going… But after a little break. She stood up and stretched, then walked around the cabin. Her legs wobbled and she kept grabbing onto the furniture.
This damn body just gets weaker and weaker, Kiara grumbled. She looked out the window. The sky was still all grey but at least it stopped raining. Maybe I should go out… get water… some of that fresh chilly air…
She shivered. No, better not be so reckless. Besides, she had had enough of cleaning dirt over the last few days.
But just as she got back to her cozy place by the fire, there was a knock on the door. She froze. An actual knock. By a living person of flesh and blood. Did somebody get lost in the woods and stumbled upon her hut? No, couldn't be. There were no towns, villages or resorts anywhere close. Not even a decent road…
The mysterious guest knocked again. Quick yet silent, Kiara picked a poker. This very well might've been just a lost hiker. But the chances were too low for her to treat it lightly.
Just when she got to the door she heard a voice chitter, "Auntie, it's me!"
Kiara's eyes widened and a fire ignited within her. Heat coursed through the body, burning away the cold. Giving it strength. She jerked the door open.
On the porch stood a young woman, still practically a girl. Her coat was drenched and her long white hair was sticking to her face. She was holding a small carton box, more or less dry.
"Tiara," Kiara breathed out.
"Hi, Auntie." The girl beamed. She glanced at the poker and smirked. "Ara, what a welcome."
Kiara's hand jerked – and stopped. For few long moments she kept staring at the girl. Silent, eyes sharp.
Tiara fidgeted and sneezed. "Look, I know I've not come in a while and you are probably pissed. But may I come in? My butt is this close to freezing off…"
Kiara weighted her options, then moved out of the way.
"Thank you!" Tiara leaped in and immediately beamed in bliss. "So warm… It is really best to only come here in summer, huh…"
After watching her closely, Kiara looked outside. "Where is your owl friend?"
"Uhu? I left him with the lady I used to work for. The bird shop owner, remember? Better this way. He was such a little shit last time."
Tiara put the box on the table and was about to walk off when she noticed her muddy prints. "Oh… sorry…"
"Don't worry, I'll clean later," Kiara said. "You should go warm up by the fire."
"You know, there won't be any warmth left here if you keep that door open," the girl joked, though the looks she was giving her were not without concern.
Only now Kiara realized she was still holding the door handle – and the poker. She closed the door, then, after a brief hesitation, put the iron against the wall. Her niece passed her the coat and she put it on a hanger, taking a moment to feel the pockets. They were empty.
"So, what happened to you?"
"Well, for starters, my car got stuck in mud and I had to walk for like an hour," Tiara said sitting down and unzipping her boots. "Seriously, Auntie, it's always a whole quest to visit you. I get that you like nature and it's so damn pretty here in warmer seasons. But couldn't you get a place somewhere closer to civilization?"
Though nagging, her voice was light, amused.
"Even AZKi has troubles finding a route to here," she mumbled.
"AZKi..?"
"Right, you don't get any news here… It's a popular GPS system. The AI interface is modeled after this cute girl… Oh, and AI is…"
"I know about AI. It was a hot topic all throughout the 21st century."
"Sorry, sorry. Sometimes I forget you aren't a caveman. Just as old as they are."
"Older," Kiara corrected without thinking and immediately glared.
The girl simply shrugged with a sly smile.
"Same little shit as always, huh," Kiara mumbled thoughtful. But there was a tiny bit of warmth in her voice now.
"Got that from Dad." Tiara smirked. "Anyways, I had to walk here and then it started pouring… I hope the cake didn't get ruined…" She peeked into the box, then sighed relieved. "Nope, all good."
"Cake? What's the occasion?"
"Visiting you, of course! Besides, we got a lot of catching up to do and cake is perfect for that."
Kiara's eyes darted between her guest and the box. Before she knew it she started biting her lip.
"Is something wrong?" Tiara asked.
Kiara snapped out of it and said quickly, "No… I mean… first we need to dry you up."
She picked a towel and a fresh set of clothes and gave them to Tiara.
"I should've taken a water-repellant charm," the girl grumbled taking off her sweater.
"Or an umbrella," Kiara said. "But instead you brought a cake."
"Well, I thought it would be a peace offering." Her niece smiled awkwardly. "I'm really sorry for not coming back in June. There has just been a lot of work… Even this little vacation was kinda unexpected. So I packed up in a hurry before the guild management could change their mind. But! I did bring books, like I promised."
Kiara kept looking, lips slightly pursed, as she thought over every word she heard.
"So… am I forgiven?" Tiara asked.
"It depends. I'd need to see the books first," Kiara finally said, trying to sound nonchalant.
"I left them in my car… and you won't make me go out any time soon. We will have to start with the cake," Tiara said with a sly smile.
She stripped down to her underwear and wiped herself dry. A medallion dangled at her chest. It was shaped like a bird of flame.
Kiara's mouth tightened.
Her niece finished changing and looked around, only to sigh. "Right, no hair dryer… Seriously, you should've let Dad get you a generator."
"And mess up my home with the wiring and sockets? No, thank you. And where would I even get fuel?"
The girl made a sour face, then wrapped her hair in the towel and went to the cupboard. Through the clutter of plates, a grumble came, "Next time, I am bringing the whole set of charms."
Kiara chuckled – and immediately scowled. Do not get carried away, she told herself while hanging out the wet clothes, again and again. Every now and then, she would glance back and her lips would keep twisting.
Then Tiara took out the cups.
One with suns.
And the other with small birds, from the back of the cupboard.
Kiara stared at the cup and headed to the door.
"Auntie?"
"I'll be right back," Kiara said putting on her coat. Her eyes wandered around and fell on Tiara's boots. She picked them up. "Just need to wash off all this dirt."
"But you said you'd clean later…"
"Yes, and that "later" is now."
"You are mad at me, aren't you?" Tiara asked. "Because I came so late… After Mom and Dad… and Joshua… I must've gotten you really worried…"
The quiet voice trailed off. Kiara grabbed the doorknob, but then turned around. The girl had her head hanging low, like the saddest puppy in the world.
"You… just caught me off-guard with this visit. That's all, honestly," Kiara said. "And I am happy to see you, little bird," she added after a pause.
Her niece perked up and beamed.
Kiara mustered a half-smile in return and walked out. But, as the door closed, she leaned back on it. The boots dropped to the porch and a long sigh escaped her lips. She pinched herself, only to scoff.
"If only…" she muttered, then sighed again and went to the well.
The bucket dove down; there was a splash. Working the crank, she recalled the last time her niece had visited. The joy in the girl's voice as she spoke of the adventures she had gone on with her friends. Kiara chuckled bitterly. Had been busy, huh? Possible. Lazy – but possible.
She brought the full bucket to the porch and reached for a rag. Her eyes drifted to the door. Behind it, the girl was probably cutting the cake… or making tea… So nonchalant…
How long can I keep this up? Kiara asked herself collapsing on the railing. Why was she even doing this? But then Tiara's beaming face flashed before her eyes.
A little longer, she decided. Just a little longer should be fine.
A gust of wind brushed against her skin. She shrank, then frowned realizing that was just force of habit. She didn't feel cold. More so, she only now noticed her coat wasn't buttoned. The air was permeated with chill, and yet she was at ease. She was… warm.
The fire inside her was still burning.
Usually she had kept it down to a spark, just enough not to fall from housework. However, this unexpected visit made her stoke it up to a full bonfire. She wrestled with herself on what to do. Going back to that feeble state now… wouldn't be wise. And so she decided once more – just a little longer.
Kiara allowed herself a smile busking in the comfort of her inner flame. Maybe she had been worried over nothing. So what if she had to tap into her own fire? This body was ancient; it needed a boost. This much shouldn't burn away her remaining life anyway. Not after she had been saving her flames for so long.
Though if she still had some of it to spare…
I guess we won't be seeing each other any time soon, Calli.
She looked at the sky.
To embrace that seemingly indifferent figure… to see that face flush at the slightest tease… to hear that gruff voice say her name… or just grumble at her antics… She longed for all that and much more.
But… ultimately, this was for the better… wasn't it?
This smoldering soul, this weakening body, this mind worn out by centuries – no rising from the ashes could fix them. The next time she died, the chain would break.
It would be the end.
Or rather, an end – for a few things. A few tiny things insignificant in the grand scheme but so incredibly dear to her. Some would end for certain, forever lost, while others might endure. But it was never up to her.
And there were several things she didn't want to gamble with.
Kiara kept going over her thoughts. Picking one, then switching to another. Trying to sort everything out, only to make an even bigger mess.
In the end, she looked at the muddy boots, sighed and went back in.
Tiara turned from the fireplace as she was unwrapping the towel on her head. "I was just about to call you. I made tea. Take a seat, I'll be right there."
Kiara glanced at the table, the plates each with a piece of cake, the cups with steamy hot tea. Her gaze lingered on the cup with little birds that had been sitting around in the cupboard for over a year. From the back of her mind, laughs and cheers came…
"Is this a scarf?" the girl suddenly asked.
Kiara pushed the memory aside and saw the knitting in her hands.
"I thought you didn't need such stuff," Tiara said.
"Clothes?"
"Warm clothes. Cold shouldn't bother you…"
"But boredom does. Knitting helps me pass time."
"And where did you get the yarn from?"
"I have my ways."
Before there were any more questions, Kiara took the knitting and put it away, then gestured to the rocking chair. "Sit down, I'll brush your hair."
"Ara, but I can do it myself."
"I'm feeling nostalgic. You used to ask me to do your hair every day when you were little. Remember? Let this old woman reminisce."
With a sigh, Tiara plumped in the chair. Kiara came behind her with a comb and ran it through her hair.
"Reminiscing, huh," the girl muttered. "You know, I've been guilty of that too. Thinking about the old days… when we all were together…"
There was a shaky sigh, then silence.
Kiara's hand moved on its own and patted her shoulder.
It had been nine years since Clive and Jill died in an accident. Kiara would only learn of the deaths when the kids visited, later than usual. By that time she was already worried sick and was relieved to see them. But only for a moment, before she got a good look at their faces. Then it hit her and she cried in spite of the centuries of loss. She cried for the boy she had taken in, for the man he become and the woman who made him happy, who brought so much warmth into this family.
Tiara and Joshua had stayed for weeks. They didn't speak much and Kiara didn't prob. Instead, she kept them busy with menial tasks, told stories or taught them some of her hobbies. Letting the peace of her little haven sooth them and on occasion pitching in with a hug. When the kids were going back, their eyes seemed a little brighter and they could smile again.
After the parents' death she had asked Calli to watch out for Tiara and Joshua and four years ago the reaper personally guided Joshua to the Beyond. He was killed by a mad vampire. Kiara knew of it that very day and flew off, ignoring all reason. To get to her niece… Her flames only lasted for an hour. The landing was rough; it felt like she broke every bone in her body. But she survived and her injuries healed, though the pain would linger for a good while.
As soon as she could, Kiara had gotten up and walked. Hoping to get to a city, to catch a ride and make it to an airport. But then she came to her senses. There really was no realistic way for her to get to Tiara now, without her wings. She had to turn back and wait. And her niece came, soon enough, with dead eyes and a huge bag, like she planned to move in.
It had taken a lot of time to get some joy back into those eyes, to hear Tiara laugh again. For a good while, it did seem like she would stay forever. But eventually she returned to that busy modern life, to chase after her dream. Looking a little happier each time she visited.
But of course, the losses would keep haunting her.
"You know, I've been going through Mom and Dad's books," Tiara said watching the fire dance. "They help me remember. Dad reading his drafts out in his funny voices. Mom's serious face when she drew the art. I can see them so vividly… They poured so much into "The Firebird"…"
Hearing that name, Kiara couldn't help but wince and her niece caught it just before she schooled her face.
"I still can't believe you allowed all of it. They gave the main character your powers and even your name. It was so on the nose."
"And no one caught on. When the books blew up, I have already left V-city. Besides, it was a cute story. A naïve little bird going on an adventure, helping everybody she comes across and learning about the world."
Her niece chuckled. "So you."
Kiara glared, then sighed and said, "Your dad loved my stories. It was his dream to write about them and I didn't want to deny him that. Though I never understood why he put me front and center. He could have had an actual hero…"
"You are a hero, Auntie. Always been, to all of us. And to the many, many kids who read Mom and Dad's books."
The comb went through the long snow white hair a couple times before she replied, "The kids only got a version meant for them, cheerful and kind. In reality, there were a lot of mistakes. A lot of… blood."
"You don't need to be perfect to be a hero." The girl looked her in the eye. "What matters is you kept doing your best. You kept doing good things and helping people wherever you went. Right?"
"I did," Kiara breathed out. Gods knew, she had tried to.
Tiara beamed. "And that's what "The Firebird" was about. That's what you are about." She paused and her face darkened. "As for blood… sometimes… some people just leave you no choice," she muttered fumbling with her fingers.
Kiara had to admit that was true. And though her mind remained the same, she was still grateful for the kind words. "Thank you."
Tiara beamed again.
For a while, there was only the rustling of hair and crackling of fire.
"Thinking about it," she suddenly said, "I was just as obsessed with your stories as Dad when I was little. They were the sure way to get me to go to bed. My fairytales."
Only because Clive made them like that, Kiara thought chuckling to herself. Most of the stuff she had told him would've kept little Tiara awake all night. So he transformed those gruesome stories into adventures of magical animals. Then he wrote them down for his wife Jill for whenever he couldn't make it before Tiara's bedtime and she drew some parts… One thing led to another and that's how "The Firebird" came to be.
"It got even worse when the first book came out. You made poor Joshua play out all the scenes with you…"
Tiara laughed out awkwardly. "And if I knew the truth back then I'd have pestered you to no end."
"Well, you still did after you found out…"
"Like you actually told me anything. You never even showed me your powers. No matter how much I asked. I still don't get why… It's not like somebody would've seen you here…"
"My powers are meant for battle. If you want a fire show you can always go to a circus," Kiara said harshly.
"Yep, that's what you've always said," Tiara mumbled and pouted like a child.
Kiara rolled her eyes, yet a smile crossed her lips. She gave it a thought, glancing from her niece to the fireplace. Then she kneeled before the fire. Her hand slipped right in, scooped a fistful of flame and presented it to her. The small fire danced on her palm just as naturally as it had in the heart.
"Touch it," Kiara said.
Tiara hesitated briefly before reaching out and the closer she got the slower her hand moved. But she still dipped the tip of her finger into the flame.
"It's… not even hot. Just warm."
"Of course. I asked the fire to play nice."
"Any mage could do this… probably."
"Probably," Kiara readily agreed with a small smile.
"But… there were no magic circles. You didn't cast any spells. And this isn't your fire?"
"Believe me, if it was, you'd have known. But if you want proof…"
Kiara raised her other hand and motioned a finger at the fireplace. The flames wavered, then jerked back. She moved her finger a little firmer and a fiery wisp flitted out of the heart. It made an unsteady flip, circled shakily around Tiara and finally landed in Kiara's other palm.
"Good enough for you?" Kiara asked.
But the girl looked less than impressed. "Some mythics can manipulate fire. Like ifrits. It's nothing special."
"Well, like I said, if you want a show, go to a circus," Kiara grumbled. She joggled the fireballs a couple of times, caught one and let the other fall on top of it. The two merged. Then she squeezed the bigger ball and it burst into a myriad of tiny wisps that quickly flew back into the fire place.
The flames welcomed them back, growing ever so slightly.
"Can you manipulate any fire? Even fire of other mythics?" her niece asked.
Kiara sighed to herself. The interrogation was starting all over again. She parted the snow white hair and started tying it into a braid.
"There is no fire I can't control," she admitted finally. "But it took me a long time to learn. Natural fire was the easiest to tame. Magical – slightly more difficult. Now, ifrits, hellhounds and the like – their fire was a real challenge. It's a part of them and… very loyal, you can say. But that was in the past. Now I can put any of their flames out if I wanted."
"Even a dragon's?"
"That one was actually just as easy as magical fire. Dragons only breathe fire; it's not a part of their being."
"Huh…"
The girl fell silent thinking it over and Kiara quickly said, "But enough about me. How have you been?"
Tiara gave her a look, as if to say "changing topics, are we?".
"Good," she mumbled.
"And your friends? Are you still all together?"
At that, Tiara's eyes glinted and she chirped, "We sure are. Somehow... Really, Auntie, it's a miracle all of us are still alive. Between Yuul's crazy driving and Watoto's love for bombs… and then there is Scout who just bulldozes her way into everything… There have been so many close calls, it's not even funny. I swear, if my hair was any other color, it'd have gone white with those three anyway! Managing them is a nightmare…"
She kept grumbling and growling but her face was shining with joy all the same.
Despite everything, Tiara had joined that adventure guild, the Mythbreakers. It was the first thing she did as she returned to V-city after spending weeks with Kiara mourning Joshua. She had tried to follow her parents' wishes and attended a university; then there was a long line of jobs involving birds where she never stuck around. But, as her niece confessed, all of that was simply meant to keep Joshua from worrying. With him gone, she felt like she had nothing left but that dream of hers.
When Kiara heard of that four years ago, they exchanged some harsh words. And of course, just like she feared, there were many brushes with death. But the guild gave Tiara more than wounds and nightmares. There were also companions who had her back. Friends that brought a smile to her face.
"I am the only normal person on the team, I swear…" her niece nagged
"Uh-huh," Kiara said holding back a chuckle.
"But we made it this far without dying – or killing each other. I suppose we work well together after all."
"So well that you completely forgot about your poor old aunt."
The girl grimaced. "So you were angry... I am sorry. We've been doing all kinds of jobs to make it big. Hopping from world to world, hunting for artifacts, body guarding. Hey, we even helped out a prince. Well, an exiled prince. A total coward and a vampire. But… he grew on me in the end."
"Oh, did he really?" Kiara mused in a teasing voice.
Tiara made a face like she was about to vomit. "Don't even go there, Auntie."
"Sorry, sorry. How could I forget your heart is already taken?"
Her cheeks flushed a little. "Well… yeah…"
Chuckling quietly, Kiara finished with the braid and held out the end. "Hold this for me."
Tiara did as asked, face lit up by a silly smile.
Kiara opened the chest at the foot of her bed and took out a yarn ball. "You look like you are planning a wedding already."
"I wish… When we aren't working, Watoto is too busy taking things apart to actually take me out…"
"That's a gremlin for you. They love tinkering with stuff… Or was he a goblin? I think I remember you mentioning both."
"Well, he looks like a goblin but he is a gremlin at heart. Always making something… usually explosives. So, the progress is slow."
"But there is progress, right?"
Tiara smiled. "Yeah."
It was a simple happy smile that Kiara couldn't help but mirror as she tied up the braid with a piece of yarn. The girl put the braid over her shoulder and ran her fingers over it, then looked up with a smirk. "Anyways, this was a nice try, Auntie, but don't think I'll give up so easily. Don't you have anything more impressive to show?"
Kiara sighed. Playing around with natural fire wasn't as taxing as releasing her own. That one she was still apprehensive about. She would rather not collapse in front of her niece. But looking into those pleading eyes… perhaps, she could muster something up, after a good rest.
"Well, if you do want a show out of me, you better pay up," Kiara said. "I hope you brought me a lot of books."
"I did, I did! A full suitcase of them," Tiara said beaming – only to quickly dim. "But they are all in my car…"
Kiara chuckled. "It's getting late, so we'll go pick your things up tomorrow."
"I'll need help pushing the car out of the mud too…"
"Yes, yes… keep exploiting this poor old woman…"
Flashing another grin, Tiara stood up. Her gaze brushed over the hearth's ledge and stopped on the curved figures. Her finger traced the necks of the swans, tapped on the eagle's head. Then she picked up the owl.
"This one is new. So much better compared to what Joshua and I made," Tiara said, her smile but a ghost.
Seeing her niece with the figure, Kiara stuttered. She briefly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The ache in her chest began to numb.
"Wait…" Tiara muttered and looked at her. "Is it… for me? Did you think that I…?"
Kiara looked away.
"Auntie… Oh, god… I am so, so sorry…"
The girl hugged her tight. Kiara froze. Slowly, she clenched her fists until they started to hurt. Then, with a long sigh, her body went limp and she patted Tiara on the back. "It's alright…"
"Like hell it is! You thought I died… Damn this job. I swear I will always be time from now on. I'll keep the whole June free. The others can complain all they want."
"Tiara, really. You came. That's all… that matters."
Tiara seemed unconvinced. But after exchanging a look, she put the figure back and grumbled, "Fine, fine… Let's get to the cake already. The tea probably got cold."
Kiara watched her head to the table, then made herself turn away. She stared at the figures. The swans the kids had carved in memory of their parents. The eagle Tiara made for Joshua. And the owl…
Kiara had indeed made it to honor her niece. But not last summer, after the girl missed her visit.
It was in March.
After Calli guided Tiara's soul to the Beyond.