Firestarter

It has been close to a month since the encounter with my Grandfather, I don’t know what has happened to him and honestly I didn’t really care. I didn’t really want to see him after what he did to me and my friends… and sitting in my chair.

Angelina, Lydia, and the rest of them were given their own Therapist due to the events of that day, my mom wanted them to get help since what Roderick did may have had some lasting effects… and for some of them it has been really traumatising. I remember waking up in the middle of the night seeing Ange curled up on the bed scared out of her mind from what happened to her. She has been staying overnight because of this and I wanted to be there to comfort her whenever she had trouble sleeping.

Things in town are… interesting to say at the least, some of it is annoying. Everyone knew about my change, and now I’m getting a lot of stares, mostly from women. Honestly at one point I thought I was going to get chased down from a mob of them from walking down in a tank top due to the heat, I thanked Sophia for giving me a new wardrobe because of this… though I believe she just wanted to get an up close look at me. Whatever the reason was, I got a whole new wardrobe with shirts that won't rip if I as much as raise an arm and pants that won't cut off the blood to my legs.

I haven’t seen Blake much for the past week, mostly due to school or in the back making some new dishes she came up with, and there was also the fact that she needed to clean up her store after the event. Today was the first day for her to be open and things were… slow. Irena, Skyler and I had opted to eat at Blake's after hearing her store reopening and since it wasn't a long walk away from home, it only took us a few minutes. With it being early in the morning, we were the first few to be there. The place was still the same as always, maybe a few new paintings hanging up as we came in with the sound of a bell greeting us. Blake was sitting in a booth reading when we came in.

“Oh… hey guys.” She greeted us with a wave. “Didn’t think you would come.”

“And what gave you that idea?” I asked Blake jokingly as Irena and Skyler sat down in a booth. After the incident and getting Irena properly settled in, Skyler and her have been having out a lot and acted like sisters. Blake chuckled as she closed her book and getting out of her own booth.

“Just a thought, anyway the normal for you?” She asked us before quickly getting Irena a menu. She took it and opened it to look what she wanted. Both me and Skyler nodded while Irena read the menu, eventually picking the pancakes and some orange juice. Blake smiled at this before heading off into the back, saying that it may be a bit before anything would be done. She came back with our drinks and left us to chat amongst ourselves.

After a few minutes Skyler looked out of the window and blinked. “Hey… isn’t that the lady Blake has a crush on?” She asked, making me look out and see Camilla walking around as she was looking at a piece of paper.

“Huh, it is.” I said to Skyler before calling out her name. “Hey Camilla!” I said, greeting her with a wave as she looked at us, a little surprised to see us there. She gave me an odd look before walking into the shop.

“Hey.” She greeted us before looking over at me with an arched brow. “You looked like you’ve been hitting the gym a bit.”

“I've been getting that a lot lately.” I said with a roll of my eyes as she walked up to our booth. Irena saw Camilla walk up, gaining the latter's interests.

“Oh… hello there.” Camilla said with a smile. Irena blinked at her as she stared before waving. Camilla stared at her before saying. “Umm… did I say something wrong?”

“Don't worry about Irena here.” I said, placing a hand atop Irena’s head before ruffling her hair a little bit and saying. “She doesn't really talk… yet. Me and Ange are trying to teach her.” I said to Camilla. Irena smiled at this, leaning into my hand as the Fire Magi chuckled.

“So what brings you here? Another small trip?” Skyler asked her.

“Not exactly,” She answered as she scratched the back of her head. “Truth be told you all might be seeing more of me around here.” We all stared at her as it clicking into our minds.

“You’re moving here?” Skyler asked her, earning a nod.

“Yeah, the Princess told me to find a place here due to what happened here a few weeks back.” She explained before looking at me. “She said I’m here to make sure you’re safe and don’t blow yourself up with your magic.” I blinked at this, not having fully processed her words yet and once I did I could only groan at my mother's overprotectiveness. She had made her mission to see to my safety ever since grandpapi Roderick came to visit.

“I think you said yes because you get to see Blake more~.” Skyler teased, earning a surprised look from Camilla.

“Uhh, that’s… what I’m here for and… it’s not your business.” The Fire Magi said, a small blush forming on her face. I arched a brow at this as from the times she came around Blake and her were really close friends, but due to Sophia and one of a few central hubs of gossip says there’s something between the two of them. Nevertheless, it serged for a good laugh then and even now. I chuckled a little at Camilla’s little blush, it was actually pretty obvious that the two of them have grown to have feelings for one another but both are a little too afraid that it'll make their friendship all for not.

“I'm going to have to agree with Skyler here.” I said with yet another chuckle. Irena giggled as well, knowing of Blake and Camilla’s feelings as well. She frowned at me as her blush was still on her face.

“I… I better go… have to… bye.” With that Camilla headed out quickly.

“Maybe we went a little too far.” I said to Skyler, only for her to suppress a laugh. “Didn't think so.” I said. It was a few minutes later when Blake came out with our food and handed us them so we could eat. “You just missed Camilla, she stopped by and said hello.” I said to Blake. She stumbled a little, almost spilling Skyler’s drink in hand as I said that.

“R-Really?” Blake asked, staring at me with wide eyes. Skyler and I nodded while Irena sat with fork and knife in hand, ready to eat.

“Yup, in fact we'll be seeing around a lot more now. She's moving to town.” I told her with a small smile while Blake took a moment to let that sink in. She stared off into space as the news settled.

“I… uhh… have to go check on… yeah.” She said before quickly heading off back into the kitchen. Skyler was giggling to herself at this, finding it funny to see Blake flustered. It had been so easy ever since she met Camilla but I do know when to back down, especially when Blake threatens to cave my head in if I don't. Skyler and I ate our meals while Irena devoured hers like an animal, sometimes even growling a little as she chewed. As we ate, more people came in and ordered. As we close to finishing the familiar sounds of conversation in the building was heard from around us, giving the place an odd warming feeling to it. It wasn't until Irena let a satisfied burp that everyone turn towards us, getting a blush of embarrassment from having done so. We soon got up and I paid for the food, though I had to do it myself with Blake being busy in the back though having hung out with her for so long, I didn't take long. After paying, we left the shop and headed out into the streets for a a simple stroll.

Even with what had happen everything has returned back to normal as if nothing has happened. It’s quite surprising really, just seeing how much the town bounces back after something that crazy. People were waving at us as we walked by them, some even giving us a friendly hello though there were some that greeted me as a prince but it didn't deter me anymore really, I just accepted that people will call me ‘your highness’ and I couldn't do much to stop them.

Finally we made it back home and inside, Skyler sitting down on the couch with a happy sigh. “That was awesome.” She said with a little laugh. I arched a brow at her curiously while Irena sat beside Skyler.

“All we did was eat out.” I said to her with a little laugh as I went over to the kitchen.

“Yeah well, it was still funny for what happened.” Skyler pointed out. I rolled my eyes as put away the clean dishes. Lately I've been doing a lot of household work here which mostly consisted of cleaning, stocking up on what is missing and throwing away old junk. Ange always came by to lend a hand despite me telling she didn't need to help out but she always argued that she wanted to help. After cleaning a little bit in the kitchen, I headed into my garage and saw my stuff piled atop my desk. They were my old clothes that no longer fit me, all stored in a few box for donations. I moved the boxes off my desk and sat down with a relieved sigh, happy to be able to sit on it again before seeing my laptop before shaking my head. I simply took a out a pencil and paper and began to draw out ideas for the next statue. The next hour or two went by quickly as I had some new sketches drawn out when I heard a knock on my garage door. I turn in time to see Ange opening it in a light blue dress, she smiled at me when she came in and closed the door, letting me have enough time to realize that her time with her therapist was done and she walked all the way over here.

“Hey beautiful.” I greeted her with a smile. She smiled at me and leaned in to kiss me on the cheek.

“Hey.” She greeted back as she straighten. “How’s your day?” I shrugged at first before answering.

“We just came back from Blake's place, met with Camilla, found out that she's moving to town and you're here.” I said with a smile before adding. “So fantastic.” I finished. She giggled as she looked at all the drawings I made.

“Planning on another statue?” She asked me as she picked up one of the drawings.

“Yeah, I just haven't decided which I should do.” I said, admitting my dilemma. There weren't a lot of ideas drawn out but the ones that were ranged from simple forest critter to large predators but judging by Ange's reaction, she found the one I hadn't really finished yet but it didn't take a genius to guess what it was.

“Is that… me?” Ange asked as she looked at the drawing. I chuckled a little nervously when she said this but nodded nonetheless.

“Yeah, I haven't finish the sketch yet but yeah.” I said to her with another nod. She hums at this as she looks at the drawing. She put the drawing down on my desk, atop the others she had already seen before bringing me to a passionate kiss that sadly was a short one. When she parted from the kiss, I was left blinking in surprise.

“I'm guessing you liked it.” I said, my brain having jumbled thoughts at the moment. She giggled at this before smiled at me.

“What's your first guess?” She asked me jokingly. I chuckled and rolled my eyes before asking.

“So what brings you here?” I asked her with a smile. Her answer, while not verbal, spoke louder than words. She simply sat on my lap and leaned back onto me, giving me another sweet kiss on the cheek. This got me to kiss her back, which soon led us to a passionate makeout session that neither of us wanted to end. There was something about her kisses that made everything better… other than her being her. Ange soon wrapped her arms around my neck as we kissed, pressing herself onto me. Luckily for the both of us, the door was locked and the garage door was shut. Too be honest, I doubt that even if we could stop ourselves that we would have and so the next hour or so was spent in a heat of passion. We simply cuddled and enjoyed the afterglow, only our quiet breathing could be heard. “You know, you always make my day better no matter what.” I said, caressing her hair as she nuzzled her head with mine.

She hummed happily at me, nuzzling back as affectionately. Soon we had to get up and head inside. Ange grabbed her dress and slipped it back on, she had to adjust it a bit as she did. I helped her adjust her dress before giving her one last kiss as we headed inside, upon entering we heard the sounds of Skyler's games and soon saw Skyler playing with Irena in one of her many games. Irena was calm though a little confused as to what was going on while Skyler poured her heart and soul into it but Irena seemed to have the upper hand, either from beginners luck or simply just good at it.

“You want anything? Tea, maybe water?” I asked Ange, wanting to be a good host for my guest.

“Oh, tea please.” Ange said with a smile. I nodded and went into the kitchen and started on the tea while Ange went over to Irena and Skyler to greet them both. Irena was the most excited to see Ange, seeing her as a mother figure than a friend.

I pulled Anges favorite tea down as I got the water boiling. After a few minutes I held two mugs of tea for me and Ange. As I walked out I saw Irena sitting on Ange’s lap as she played the game. Ange was caressing the little one's hair as she played before came in with our cups of tea. I handed one to Ange before I sat down with mine.

“I do hope you've done your homework already.” I said to Skyler, my voice taking the parental tone I occasionally use on either Skyler or Irena.

“Yes…” Sky answered without looking. I arched a brow before she added. “Half of it…” I shook my head at this but ultimately knew that she'll end up doing her homework anyway. I felt Ange lean a bit onto me with Irena still on her lap. How funny must the sight be in another angle, we almost look like a family. When both Ange and I finished out tea, I got up and took both cups into the kitchen. As I did I heard a rapid set of knocks coming from my front door… and continued to knock. Blinking at this I went to the door and opened it.

“Hi Isaac! How are you?! Good? Great… you need help with anything?!?” Lydia asked quickly. I stared at her, confused by her question and why she spoke so quickly.

“Uhh… what?” Was all I could say to her. I quickly shook my head to regain my composure and looked Lydia, now seeing her disheveled look. Her hair had various strands popping out, her left eye twitching every few seconds or so and she fidgeted wildly. “What in mother's name happened to you?” I asked her, a little worried that she might've gone off the deep end.

“Me? I’m fine… Really fine…” She said with a bit of crazy laugh. “Oh and talking about your mother, you know that I haven’t sent her a report that I promise he to give every week… and I haven’t missed one, one! But today is the day that I need to send one and have nothing!” she yelled the last word as a few more strands popped out of her hair before smiling at me. “Sooo I’m here to see if there’s anything I can do to help!” I reeled back at this before quickly thinking of something. She smiled at me creepily as I thought but ultimately shook my head.

“Sorry but I've just recently finished up my chores around the house and there really isn't much else to do.” I said before thinking a little and adding. “Besides, what's the problem with not sending a letter? It's just one out of like what, a thousand? Anyway, it's not like it's the end times.” I said to Lydia, and when I did, I realized that I had made a mistake. Her left eye started to twitch more as a few more hair strands pop out of place.

“Isaac… you think this isn’t a big deal but it’s really is a big deal!” She snapped at me. Once again I was left speechless though this time I was also left partially deaf.

“You're insane, woman!” I yelled, having a little trouble hearing my own voice.

“You may call it insane, I call it not wanting to get sent back to magic kindergarten!” Lydia said before turning and walking away from me, marching back into town in a huff. I blinked at this before saying.

“What!?” I yelled, having not heard her fully. Something about magic kindergarten. She didn’t answer as she disappeared down the road. I shook my head, wondering what’s wrong with Lydia. I simply closed the door and tried to regain my hearing, getting annoyed at the never ending ringing and slowly it began to return but not fast enough. Great, I'm left partially deaf by a mad woman who wanted to help with a non-existent problem.

I returned to the living room to see the two were still playing and Ange watching them. She turned to me and looked at me oddly. “Isaac, are you okay?” She asked me, seeing me shake my head rapidly as I walked into the room. It wasn't until the sound came clearly that I answered.

“It was Lydia, she came wanting to solve a non-existent problem so she could send a letter to my mother about it.” I said before rubbing the sides of my head and adding. “She's literally gone off the deep end with this letter business of hers.” I said. Ange gave me a worried look about this.

“Oh dear, I hope she’s alright.” She said softly. I sighed at this as I sat back down on the couch.

“I'm worried about everyone else at the moment. Seriously, she can yell like a banshee.” I said with a frown before rubbing my eyes. “Someone has to get it through her head that not sending a letter isn't as catastrophic as however she think it is.” I added with a shake of my head. Ange shrugged at this as we continue on the day. Some time later Skyler headed out to hang out with her friends and Ange and Irena were together reading, Ange trying to teach Irena to talk. I just hope she doesn’t use her magic as this happen, last time it happen I saw most of my things floating in the air, including myself and it wasn't all too pleasant. I was left to help Skyler with what was left of her homework before I was interrupted by another set of rapid knocks, continuous like that ones before. With an annoyed sigh, I got up from the couch just as another barrage of knocks began. I opened the door and saw Blake there, only looking like a bag of flour burst in front of her.

“Hey, is it cool if I hide here for a bit?” Blake asked me.

“Uhh, why?” I asked, not really looking forward to the answer for some reason.

“Lydia being dumb.” Blake explained. With a roll of my eyes I took a step to the side and let her in before quickly closing the door in fear that Lydia might see her.

“So what did she do to you?” I asked her as I handed her a towel.

“I was working on a batch of muffins and Lydia came over and forced herself to help me… and made a bag of flour explosion.” Blake answered as she wiped the flour off her face.

“She came by earlier and asked if I needed help with anything, after saying that I didn't need anything done, she promptly began to freak out and nearly took out my hearing.” I said Blake, my tone was that of annoyance over the magi's need to send a dumb letter. “All that because she didn't have anything to write for my mother.” I said.

“Yeah… but that’s her crazy.” Blake said as she finished cleaning her face. She then handed me the towel to which I simply left near the laundry room for me to clean later. Blake soon walked into the living room and spotted Ange. She waved at the Skyborn, which Ange waved back before Blake sat down on the couch. I sat down in my chair and sooner or later both me and Blake were playing games. Irena watched us as Ange had to head out to take care of her animals. After giving her a kiss goodbye and went back to playing the game.

Soon I heard a third set of knocks, this time not a rapid set of them. Still however, I was annoyed that I had to get up for a third time to answer the door. I took a deep breath to calm myself down before opening the door. The person I saw was Camilla, looking annoyed as she held a paper in her hand. She looked up and saw me.

“Oh, hey Isaac. I didn’t think I would meet you so soon.” Camilla said in surprise. I arched a brow at her before saying.

“I live here.” I said to her simply.

“Well yeah now I know.” She said as she crossed her arms. I chuckled at this as I wondered why she’s here.

“So what brings you here?” I asked her, leaning onto the door frame. Camilla sighed a bit before showing me the paper.

“As it seems the home that I was going to get is still under renovations, something about a bug swarm a few weeks back did a number on it…” Camilla explained. Right, a day or so before the chaos incident there was an outbreak of bugs that the mayor hired me to get rid of but Ange had convinced me not to incinerate them which left Dianne tol solve the problem by luring them far away with a handful of musical instruments, effectively becoming a one woman marching band.

“Right, so what can I do you for?” I asked, still wanting to know why she had come by.

“Well, do you know a hotel that I can hold up until my place is fixed?” She asked me. It took me only a second for me to shake my head, which left Camilla a little saddened before an idea popped into my head.

“Hold on a sec.” I said before heading inside and finding Blake typing away into her phone before I grabbed and pulled her towards the front door much to her surprise. Luckily my new found strength was enough to pull her. I soon stopped her in front of Blake and said. “I'm sure Blake here would let you stay at her place until then.” I said simply. Blake blinked at this.

“Wait, what?!?” Blake asked, wide eyes at this. Camilla blinked at this, surprised at what I’m saying.

“Yeah, her place has a guest room you could stay in.” I said to Camilla, leaving Blake confused still.

“Wait… what’s going on here?” Blake asked me.

“Uhhh, well, due to some issues with the place… I need a place to stay…” Camilla said, rubbing the back of her head. Blake stared at her, then at me, then back. “Look, if this an issue it’s-”

“No no it’s fine… just surprised.” Blake said. She thought about it for a few moments before adding. “I… don’t mind.” She said as a blush formed on the both of them, leaving me to chuckle silently at this.

“Issue solved, simple as that.” I said as if I had just accomplished something. The two of them looked at me then at each other.

“Umm… I’ll show you the place?” Blake said to the Fire Magi, who nodded. I watched the two of them head off to Blake's place together, chatting to each other. I smiled at the two though I did hope won't try to avoid one another during Camilla’s stay. I was about to close the door when a mob of people ran by, chasing Jacqueline's older brother James, who held an old looking doll… something about it was alluring but I ultimately shrugged and closed the door, wanting to take the day to myself. When I sat down on the couch, Irena hopped onto the cushion beside me before I flipped on the television.

End of XVII