Firestarter

It's been almost a week since Camilla moved into town, staying in Blake's place while her home gets repaired. Lydia, after causing Blake to flee from her own shop, had actually gone off the deep end and decided that if she could find a problem, she'd have to come up with one and she did by casting a want it need it spell on her old doll that nearly had the entire town fighting over the old doll before it disappeared. Safe to say that the people weren't fond of being allured by a spell, it took the whole town to convince her that she had gone insane trying to come up with a letter for my mother.

The next few days went by with little to no oddities happening to anyone around town though I wish I could say the same for myself. A couple of days ago I had been helping Kam with scavenging somethings she needed in the forest and in doing so I must've caught something that at first seemed like a simple few sneezes but the next day it was worse, I've began to get sick, weak all around and generally feeling ill. Now however, I couldn't get out of bed, there wasn't much stopping me it was just me not wanting to get up in my condition.

I laid in bed, staring up at the ceiling of the room. It wasn’t until I heard a knock on my door that drew my attention. Without missing a beat I spoke up.

“Come in.” I said, my voice sounding weak raspy from the coughing. The door opened and Ange peeked in.

“Isaac? Are you alright?” She asked in a worried tone. Upon looking into my room, she saw the many discarded tissues surrounding an already filled trash bin. There was a cup of water on my nightstand, one that Irena gave me while Skyler was making breakfast this morning.

“Honestly, I feel like keeling over right now.” I said, my voice taking an odd tone due to my stuffy nose. I couldn't really tell what my illness was because it came from the forest, a lot of bad things come from the forest. Ange gasped at this.

“Oh dear!” She said, coming over and kneeling down beside me. She put her hand on my head and frowned. “You’re burning up, what have you been doing?” She asked me.

“I went to help Kam with gathering some flowers she needed for a potion, next thing I know I was sneezing non stop hours later.” I said before letting a low groan of discomfort from having been laying down the entire morning. I needed to get up but half my body protests upon trying. I felt Ange pull the blankets up and shift me around so I was comfortable.

“Is this better? You have to rest so you can get better Isaac.” Ange said as she did this.

“Thanks.” I said to her before wiggling my feet around, having lost feeling to them moments ago from the lack of movement. “Half my body is numb and the other half is crying agony.” I said as I did this. Ange gave me a look before standing back up.

“I’m going to look if you have some medicine and food you can eat.” Ange said before leaving me. For the next hour or so Ange has been in and out of my room, giving me some medicine and some soup that she cooked up. I didn’t know Ange was skilled at this, sure she takes care of the animals but it’s different between an animal to a person.

“I never knew you were knowledgeable in taking care someone.” I said to Ange as she put down another cup of water for me.

“Oh… well uh…” Ange blushed a bit. “It’s kinda embarrassing really.”

“What's so embarrassing? Ange you know I'd never laugh at you.” I said to her, hoping that it was enough to encourage her to tell me. She fidgeted a bit, still blushing.

“Well… I worked at the hospital in town close to a year, it was fine and all but… the problem was that none of the nurse uniforms fit me so… I was stuck with a smaller one and...” Ange said with a blush on her face. It didn't take long for my jaw to hang down, the imagery of Ange in a small nurses outfit was… well it was a nice mental image that I will treasure. I shook my head a bit as I looked at my girlfriend and she took care of me as I was sick, the image was still in my head and, at one point, Ange got a rag and wiped away some drool that I had.

“Sorry about that… I uhh… I zoned.” I said, hiding the fact that I was daydreaming about the image in my mind.

“Right…” Ange said with an arch brow. I chuckled nervously as she continued to nurse me. It was nice having someone to talk to after a whole morning of absolute silence. Irena even came in at some point to help Ange.

It was really nice but soon the two had to leave me alone so I could rest and get some cleaning done for the day. Ange told me that if I needed her then ring the bell that she put on my nightstand. I had to hold back the urge to ring the bell for the longest time, really not looking forward to the silence but I endured and eventually decided to nap a little after my eyes decided to grow heavier by the second. The nap helped me greatly as when I awoke, I felt my body no longer in pain but I was still pretty under the weather as some would say, when I looked around my room I was quick to be greeted by a surprising sight.

“Mom?” I said in confusion, seeing my mother sitting nearby. She looked up at me with a worried look on her.

“Oh good you’re awake.” She said before quickly coming to my side. “Are you feeling any better? Do you need anything?”

“Umm no, not really. What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Canterlot?” I asked her, wondering why she was here. I mean it isn't a bad thing, it was just unexpected really.

“Well, I was in Canterlot but I was informed that you were sick and I came right over.” She informed me. I blinked at this before noticing the time, seeing that it was around midday and I knew for a fact that she normally held the noble meetings at this time.

“And what of the nobles? Aren't they going give a hard time for this?” I asked her, just hearing myself saying this made me sound like an grateful ass.

“You’re my son, if you’re heath is threatened then my job as a mother is more important than the nobles of Canterlot.” Mom explained. I smiled at this, hearing she truly cares for my well being is something I've always wanted to hear.

“Thanks, mom.” I said to her, simply thanking her for being here. She smiled at me as I said this.

“Now, how are you feeling dear?” She asked me.

“Annoyed that I'm bedridden, shitty cause I'm sick.” I said my answer rather bluntly with a shrug of my shoulders. This got a chuckle from my mom.

“Well it happens when you’re feeling under the weather.” Mom said as she flicked her wrist, making the once empty cup full with water once again.

“I rarely get sick but whenever I do, it's always the worst.” I said to her. It wasn't as much as brag about my immunity system as much as it was just me saying how annoying it is that whenever I get sick, I'm more worse for wear than anyone else. My mom chuckled a little as she pulled up a chair beside me.

“I know the feeling.” She said, reminded me of the time when I was younger when I heard she had gotten sick, lots of people started to freak out about it. I chuckled at the memory before I let out a sigh.

“You know, it's already been a month or two but I still can't believe my mother is the Princess of the Sun. That's bragging rights if I've ever heard it.” I said with a chuckle. My mom smiled at me as I said this.

“Yes, however some of the nobles aren’t as happy with this idea.” She shifted in her seat with a look of worry before saying. “I hear whispers about their disapproval but won’t do anything about it.”

“I never once cared for how they think of me, not going to start anytime soon.” I told her, which got a chuckle from her as a result.

“I know I know, just telling you that.” She said to me with a smile. I smiled back at her and the two of us chatted for a bit before she had to go. “I wish I would stay but… well, I have my job to do…” I was sad to hear this, always enjoying our chats with one another but it was understandable.

“Bummer but that's what happens my mother is the princess I suppose.” I said jokingly to her as she stood up, allowing me to see that she was still in her regal dress and just by seeing it told me that she didn't take time to disguise herself when she heard of my condition. She smiled at me before saying goodbye and disappearing in a flash of light, not enough to be blinding but still bright. About five minutes later the door opened and Ange came in with a bowl of soup.

“Hey, Blake came over and gave me some soup she made for you.” She said with a smile. I looked back at her with a smile as well until I notice she was wearing a nurse hat on. I arched a brow upon seeing her hat.

“What's with the hat?” I asked her, chuckling a little to myself. She placed the bowl down and looked up at it.

“Oh, Dianne came by and said that, since I’m nursing you back to health, I needed the hat. Something about helping or something.” She stated as she poked at it. “She did hand me a uniform but… no.” I arched a brow at this, now curious to why she said this.

“Why what happened?” I asked her, though I felt like I already knew the answer. She gave me a deadpanned looks that were rare on her before she spoke.

“It’s one of those ‘Sexy nurse’ uniforms… somethings I worry what’s going on in her head…” Ange stated, making me wonder what does go through her head most of the time. I let out a disappointed aww as a joke. She tilted her head at this. “What was that for?”

“Oh nothing.” I said, moving up so I sat up in my bed. She arched a brow before shrugging.

“Is there anything else I can get you Isaac?” She asked. I shook my head while she came over with the soup in hand before handing it me.

“Thanks.” I said to her, feeling the warm bowl soup in my hands. “You know, it means a lot to me that you're willing to look after me.” I said to her, letting her know that I was grateful for her decision on taking care of me. She smiled at me and blushed.

“Happy to help.” She said before leaning over and kissing me. While it was short, it at least was one of care and passion but I didn't know why she would do so if it meant risking her own health. Ange soon pulled away with a smile on her face and went out of the door so I could eat my soup. Once again I was left alone for a while and I've already finished my soup. I could literally hear the ticking of the clock and nothing but it and began to get to me, so with a determined look I put the plate on my nightstand and moved my legs off the edge of the bed with the intentions of getting up. A brief countdown later and a grunt of discomfort, I stood on my wobbly legs before catching my footing. I looked down at my legs, seeing them wobble as I held myself up as I took deep breaths.

I took a step forward, then another, okay I can do this… that is until I stepped on something and was falling backwards, luckily onto my bed. I groaned a bit until a familiar light and heat came up to me.

“You know bed rest means resting in bed Isaac.” Wisp said to me as she sat above my head. I groaned at the mention of this before saying.

“Yeah but it's so boring!” I exclaimed to Wisp, truly I have never sounded so much like a child as I did just then.

“Well I’m sorry but you’re sick, rest is want you need.” Wisp said, slapping my face with her tail as she did before adding. “If you need something to do in bed why not ask your girlfriend to get your laptop?” I groaned at this, not really wanting to use my laptop or even bother Ange to get it for me.

“I'd rather be doing something rather than nothing, I've already wasted away the morning in bed and it was horribly abysmal.” I said to Wisp, sitting up finally though it did not deter her from hopping over to my left shoulder.

“Always restless, always stubborn, honestly you’re more like your father then your mother.” Wisp said in an annoyed tone. I arched a brow at this, having never really heard of my father.

“What was he like?” I asked, which honestly surprised the fiery feline. She hummed at this.

“He was… well he was as if you make fire into a personality, he was creative, strong, always looking forward… and most of all a hothead.” Wisp chuckled a bit at the last part. I nodded as she spoke, interested to hear about my father.

“Is he… you know… not amongst the living?” I asked Wisp, wanting to get that out of the way as soon as possible. She sighed at this.

“No… he’s not amongst the living…” I looked at her sadly, not really up for hearing this. “He’s probably in his own realm or in the center of the planet… honestly I don’t know where he is right now.” Wisp looked at me before blinking and tilting her head. “What? You didn't honestly believe he was dead, did you?”

“Uhh… kinda, I mean with the way you answered how could I not?” I asked her but didn't give her time to answer before saying. “So did I inherit my powers from him?” I asked, somewhat knowing the answer already but I could never be too careful.

“Yes… in a way, the source of your powers stem from you dawn titan heritage but what allows you to wield such power is your celestial genes.” Wisp explained but alas this only left me a little more confused than before. She rolled her eyes before adding. “Think of it like one of your sculptures, the pieces are your Dawn Titan heritage, and whatever you use to hold them together is your celestial genes.”

“Oh… I think I get it know.” I said to Wisp, grasping her explanation more than before. She let out a sigh.

“It’s nice to know that your mind isn’t dull due to the sickness.” Wisp said to me. I chuckled a little as Wisp’s head turned to the door, staring at it for a few moments, the flames on her back seemed to raised up a bit. “Someone’s behind that door.” Wisp whispered to me. I arched a brow at Wisp before looking at the door, seeing that it was open just a tiny bit and it was enough to peek into the room. I saw a shadow coming through a little, meaning someone is there.

“Who's there?” I asked out to whoever was eavesdropping on us. Not moments later the door slowly swung open to reveal a curious Ange. She looked at me and then at Wisp.

“Isaac… who are you talking about… and who’s the cat?” She asked me. The flames on Wisp’s back flickered highly before calming down moments later.

“Uhh… this is Wisp.” I said, having been put on the spot and with no time to come up with a believable explanation. Wisp glanced at me as Ange stared at her before getting a little closer.

“Uhm… hello there… Wisp.” She greeted, a little nervous from getting burned.

“Don't worry, she isn't going to burn your hand off.” I said to Ange, this time in confidence. Wisp was never one for violence, she was always the angel on my shoulder that guided me away from conflicts and to argue with the demon in me… the very, very stupid me. Wisp let out a sigh when Ange still held some hesitation before popping into a cloud of embers and reforming beside her feet, surprising the skyborn as a result. She jumped a bit when Wisp did this, letting out an ‘Eep!’ as she did.

“Really?” Wisp said with an annoyed look on her as Ange looked at me.

“Sorry Isaac, just… never thought you have a cat made out of fire…” Ange said in an apologetic tone.

“It's fine but… she's not really my cat.” I said, which immediately caused Wisp’s gaze to snap back to me. “Oh shush you, people are bound to find out one way or another and I'd rather not appear as an insane person talking to a cat made out of fire.” I said to Wisp before she could utter a word.

“Well… I talk to animals, and no one thinks I’m insane.” Ange pointed out, earning a look from me and Wisp.

“Yes… well, I understand that others will find out, I prefer it was you introducing me to them, not them finding out via hearing you talk to yourself as you talk to me. Because really, that’s dumb.” Wisp said as she started to lick her paw. I frowned at Wisp while Ange was left utterly confused.

“Wisp is, in a lack of a better word, my guardian. She's been looking out for me ever since I was a kid, so I wasn't totally alone back then.” I said to Ange while Wisp returned to the top of the bed with a quick hop. “She's had my back more times than I could count, though I know it rivals Blake.” I said which earned humph from Wisp.

“I believe she gets you into trouble most times.” Wisp said to me, earning a look from me and a confused look from Ange.

“You say that like it's a bad thing.” I said to Wisp which got a roll of her eyes. Ange looked at the both of us and fidgeted a bit.

“I uhh… guess I should leave you two… Since you two are talking.” Ange said to us. I looked at her sadly, Wisp was only able to talk to me and I doubt there’s a way to change that… or is there?

“Isn't there a way she can hear you by any chance?” I asked Wisp, curious to know if there was a way all this time and I have never known. Wisp glanced at me for a moment before speaking.

“There is.” Wisp informed me as she curled up on my bed. I waited a few moments only to see her not saying anything

“Well?” I said questioningly waiting for an explanation. She looked at me for a moment.

“Oh, you want to know it?” She asked, earning a frown from me. “She just needs to eat one of the flames of the fire elementals… and you’re the son of the Dawn Titan which means, she needs to eat one of your flames.” She explained to me. I looked Wisp oddly at this but I could she wasn't joking. I soon looked over at Ange as she looked at us awkwardly.

“There's a way you can hear Wisp talk like I do.” I said to Ange, peeking her curiosity.

“What’s that?” She asked me curiously. I took a little bit to come with a simple way to explain it and it led to me snapping my fingers, causing a small flame to erupt at the tip of my thumb.

“You uhh… you need this.” I said to her simply and a little awkwardly. Ange looks at the flame for a moment before looking back at me.

“Um…Why? And what do I do?” She asked me.

“Wisp says that in order to hear her, you need to consume a flame from a fire elemental and since I'm part dawn titan, I count as one.” I said to her as the flame in my hand flickered and danced. Ange looked at me then at the small flame.

“You… want me to eat… fire?” She asked me. “Will it… hurt?” I quickly shook my head at this, knowing that I can make fire very harmless or very dangerous at will and the thought of hurting Ange was one that I'd rather die than thinking of it again.

“No, I can make so it wouldn't even hurt a fly. The most you'll feel would be warmth.” I said to her as she thought about it some more. Ange soon sat down beside me as she looked at the tiny flame.

“A-Alright…” She said softly. I held out my hand before she placed her on top it, I then slowly moved the flame from my other hand onto hers and she grimaced every second that passed, expecting a burning sensation but upon touching it, she felt nothing and was a little surprised. She looked up at me again, hesitating but an encouraging look from myself gave her her courage to place the still flickering flame in her mouth before promptly swallowing it.

Her expression went through a number of changes, first nothing, then weird out, then nausea, then nothing. “Okay… that was weird.” I soon looked back at Wisp, seeing her curled up on top of my pillows.

“Did it work?” I asked the fiery feline. She looked at me with one eye and then at Ange.

“... Boo.” Wisp said, earning a gasp from Ange.

“I heard that!” Ange said before frowning. “Why did you say ‘Boo’?”

“First word that came to mind.” Wisp said simply. I rolled my eyes before finally speaking up.

“Well… Ange meet Wisp. Wisp… you already know about Ange.” I told them both, formally introducing one another.

“Umm, hello?” Ange greeted the fiery feline.

“Hello.” Wisp greeted back. Ange simply looked at Wisp, intrigued on how she is entirely made of fire yet a sentient being with thoughts of her own. “I do hope Isaac here as been treating with respect and care.” She said to Ange with a glance at me and Ange.

“Oh uhh… he has…” She answered Wisp, earning a chuckle from the cat as she rested on my pillow. I frowned at Wisp for having said that and doubting that I'd treat Ange wrongly.

“One can never be too sure, dear Isaac.” Wisp said to me after seeing my frown. About a minute into the silence that settled in the room, Ange finally noticed that I wasn't laying in bed and instead sitting on it as if I were to get up at any second… which I was but she caught on.

“Isaac, you sure you want to get up?” Ange asked me with a slight frown.

“I don't want to waste away a perfectly good day in bed… it's so boring~” I said childishly and with a whine at the end.

“Yes well you were looking like the dead when I saw you last, you should rest a little longer.” Ange said as she put her hands on my shoulders. I frowned at but only sighed before resting head back onto the pillows after Wisp moved away of course. Now the fiery feline laid atop me, using me as her own pillow. Ange smiled at me as she stood back up and took the bowl. “There’s more soup, I’ll get you some if you want.”

“I'll be fine.” I said, still bummed out that I'm stuck here for the rest of the day as well. Ange gave me a sad smile before leaving the room with Wisp laying on me.

“She’s something, huh?” Wisp said to me, one of her eyes opening to look at me.

“Yeah… She's the best thing that ever happened to me.” I said to Wisp without hesitation in my voice, it showed her how much I meant every word and it garnered a chuckle from the fiery feline. Once again, I was left to curse my ill health and the cause but I couldn't say the day was all bad.

End of XVIII