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Chapter 12: Celtic Fire

“Candles in the Night - Celtic Fire.”

Keahi suddenly became breathless as the flames flared up around him, circling him protectively, guarding him, keeping him safe from harm. And he did feel safe and secure, even as further warmth washed over him.

“Can you feel the warmth?” Masou chuckled to him. “Let it embrace you, don’t fear it, touched it.”

A small smile graced Keahi lips as he reach out his hands, allowing the flames to flow around his fingertips, running through his fingers like fine silk. “It’s so warm,” he simply whispered.

Then, over the crackling flames was another sound, sharp and powerful, like the cry of a bird of prey.

“I can...” Keahi started to say as he abruptly tilted his head back to look upwards, into the darkness, seeing a small spark of light far off in the distance, shimmering like a candle light. “I can hear a bird’s cry.”

“Yes, that is your Fire Beast,” Masou continued to encourage. “What is he saying?”

Keahi furrowed his brow. “I...don’t understand.”

“Don’t listen with your ears; listen with your fiery spirit.”

With one hand pressed against his chest, over his heart, Keahi lifted his other hand up toward the sound. He reached toward the small flame, watching as it grew and grew, dancing and weaving about; carefree and innocent.

“The Fire Hawk,” he whispered as a fiery figure formed before him, beautiful and majestic, wings of fire fanned out in an awe-inspiring display. A smile appeared on his lips as the magnificent fire bird lowered its mighty head, it’s powerful beak brushing against his fingertips in greeting...in acknowledgement.

“Nootau Chatan.”

Amazing...

Suddenly, Keahi felt so very tired and his body began to fold underneath him. “Ngh...”

“Easy,” Masou said as something strong encircled his waist, holding him upright. “Gently fold the flames back now, dim them slowly.”

Breathing deeply, Keahi imagined that the flames around him were getting smaller and smaller, slowly dimming, the heat gradually fading away. Soon, the feel of the sea breeze against his face began to ease him out of his meditative state. He his body felt shaky, unsteady, but his heart was racing with exhilaration. He felt lighter than he had ever felt before.

He soon became more aware of his surroundings, and quickly realized that he was being supported by Masou, the taller and broader man holding him up against his chest, his arms wrapped securely around his waist, gently easing him back to reality.

“That’s it, you’ve done well for now,” Masou soothed as he ran his fingers through his hair in a comforting manner. “Rest.”

Again, Keahi simply listened to what Masou said, breathing deeply and placing his trembling hands on Masou’s that where pressed against his stomach, pressing his back against his chest. He closed his eyes for a few moments in order to catch his breath and slow his racing heart, simply leaning back against Masou, enjoying a sense of peace that was washing over him.

He had never felt so warm before.

“You ok there?” Masou asked with a sense of uncertainty in his voice.

Keahi slowly opened his eyes, turning his head to look up at the blue-haired man. Despite how comfortable he was feeling, he gave Masou a small smile and removed himself shakily from his grip. “Yeah.”

“That was great!” Masou suddenly congratulated him, smiling that large and carefree grin of his. “I knew you could do it.”

The significance of what just happened suddenly dawned upon Keahi. He not only discovered his unique incantation of his Spell Binding Circle, but he met his Fire Beast! After the Spell Binding Circle, calling upon a Fire Beast was near impossible! Only talented Fire Users could do such a thing and Keahi only knew of two people who could, Bharath and his cousin, Flamenca.

But he...

He almost couldn’t believe it. He actually had a Fire Beast as well!

“I...”

“Yeah, you’ve discovered your Fire Beast,” Masou said, his smile growing a little more at the obvious surprise and happiness in Keahi’s gaze. “Congratulations.”

Keahi blushed lightly and couldn’t help smiling. “T-thank you.”

“You still have a bit more training to go through before you can call upon your Fire Beast with your flames, though,” Masou went on to say, moving to wrap a friendly arm around Keahi’s shoulders. “But you’re a quick learner; you’ll get the hang of it really quick.”

Keahi knew what Masou was saying was true, but he didn’t really mind training with him again. No one had been able to help him like Masou had, so he was rather surprised by how eager he was to learn more from this odd, but friendly man. “Well, it’s because I have you as a teacher.”

“Aw, that’s so nice!” Masou laughed.

Keahi went to take a step forward when a dizzy spell made his world gray out for a moment and when he managed to gather his bearings, he found himself leaning heavily against Masou’s chest, standing in the older male’s arms again.

And he blushed at his clumsiness. “Ah, sorry!”

“It’s alright,” Masou chuckled softly, a sense of understanding shimmering in his eyes as he surprisingly tightened his arms around him. “You’re tired; discovering both your Spell Binding Circle and Fire Beast in the same training session was very draining for you. Why don’t you get some rest?”

For whatever reason, Keahi felt his eyes suddenly grow heavy and without much thought, he rested his head against Masou’s chest, his world turning into blissful darkness.

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