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Chapter 14: Stirring the Passionate Flames

Finally, Masou pulled him outside into the cooling evening air and gradually darkening night sky. He still had a firm grip on his hand as he guided him toward a notoriously ‘secret’ training field behind the temple. It was a notorious secret because it was quite and secluded, hidden from sight of both the Fire Temple and Fire Palace, and everyone in the Fire Temple knew where it was.

Though Masou wasn’t a part of the Fire Temple, it didn’t really surprise Keahi that he knew of it. From what Keahi had discovered from being in his company was that Masou was a wanderer. He probably knew many secret and hidden locations on Fire Island.

As they drew closer, Masou paused for a moment and placed a finger to his lips in a hushing manner.

Crouching low, Masou tugged on his wrist again, making Keahi copy his movements, his own body crouching low as his confusion and curiosity increasing greatly. He was then guided toward a small group of thick bushes that were a few feet away from the training field. Kneeling on the ground next to Masou, Keahi reluctantly peeked over the bushes, not wishing to get involved in the low act of spying, but his curiosity was refusing him to do otherwise.

But what he saw only made him blink. Standing out in the training field, one opposite’s ends were his two friends, Bharath and Brendis.

Instead of wearing his traditional Fire Priest garbs, Bharath now wore his training clothes that consisted of a pair of black pants that weren’t too baggy, nor too tight, and black boots that were similar to the ones Guards wear. He also had a long, white robe with gold trimming that was sleeveless and buttoned in three places, covering his chest. But a hint of his creamy white collar bone and skin of his torso was still seen. His hair remained loose, though, the darken strands swaying mystically in the light breeze.

A smile adorned his lips as he moved into to position, seemingly ready to cast a spell.

With one hand against his chest, Bharath lifted the other before him in an elegant and welcoming manner, his long fingers relaxed and gentle. A serene smile appeared on his lips as his eyes drifted close.

“Essence of the Flame - Fire Opal!”

Heated wind swirled around him in an ancient dance, golden flames circling around him in a protective barrier, keeping him warm...keeping him safe.

Keahi swallowed thickly. It was always awe-inspiring watching Bharath call upon his Spell Binding Circle. He looked so peaceful. He was so at ease with the licking flames, even lowering his hands to glide his fingers through the magical fires surrounding him.

Standing on the other end of the field was Brendis, who was already holding a lance made purely of fire in a defensive formation. The weapon was from a spell Fire Guards could use to physically command fire to their hand, moulding it into a form of a powerful weapon. Not many Fire Guards could call upon a Fire Lance.

And Brendis held the lance effortlessly, without fear even though the flames were curling around his hands, crackling and sizzling fearsomely.

Then, Brendis flicked the lance in his hand, twirling it with great skill so it now resided behind him, his body poised and open for attack. With his free hand, he lifted it to a few inches away from his face, his index finger closest to him. He then curled his fingers into his palm, only his index and middle finger staying straight. He looked ready to cast a spell.

“The Awakening Flame - Fire Spiral!”

Flame erupted from around his feet, circling him with roaring power. Then, a mere moment later, Brendis sprung forward, bringing his lance out to his side as he advanced upon Bharath, the black-haired priest waiting for him.

They were training. It wasn’t unusual for Bharath and Brendis to train together and Keahi had witnessed many a training session between the two. They were amazing, but...why did Masou bring him here?

“Watch them,” Masou whispered into his ear, his body undeniably close to his. “Watch them dance. They’re having fun, they’re enjoying themselves. And, ultimately, they’re flirting with each other.”

Flirting?

Keahi found that he could not look away. The way Bharath and Brendis moved together, their flames melding together, the way they both trusted each other and their ability over the flames. They were so comfortable with each other.

Coming out of a turn, his eyes half-lidded and his hair floating majestically as if he was a mystical being, Bharath was suddenly inches away from Brendis’ bare chest. However, he wasn’t surprised by this. Instead, he allowed his eyes to close and his arms to drop limply by his sides as Brendis slipped his free arm around his waist, pulling him against him so their bodies were now touching, the Fire Lance hanging loosely in his other hand. Slowly, as the flames dimmed around them, their Spell Binding Circles coming together as one, they leaned forward and pressed their foreheads together tenderly, both of them smiling contently from the touch. It was almost as if they were made just for each other.

Keahi was unable to tear his eyes away. They were...beautiful together. He had no idea.

As Brendis watched him intently, Bharath sighed and tilted his head to the side ever so slightly, his nose brushing against Brendis’ and the slightly taller male’s smile turned into a grin. Then, they playfully pushed away from each other, leaping back into fighting stances, their circles of flames flaring up as they face each other on the training field again.

And they were both still smiling.

“See?” Masou said against his ear again. “That’s the true essence of the flame. For you to truly dance with the flames, you must open yourself to the Fire’s emotions. Just like your two friends are doing.”

“They’re amazing,” Keahi found himself whispering with a genuine sense of awe, somewhat mesmerized as Bharath lifted his hands in a Tai Chi type movement and Brendis fearlessly manoeuvred his Fire Lance into a battling stance.

“Do you think you can learn to trust yourself?” Masou asked. “To trust me?”

Keahi abruptly turned to face Masou, only to realise that his face was mere inches away from his. He drew in a sharp intake of air and his eyes widen in surprise, but he did not try to move. He found himself gazing into Masou’s deep and wise eyes, a sense of familiarity washing over him.

“I...I do trust you,” Keahi said softly, unable to take his eyes away from Masou’s.

Tilting his head to the side, Masou smiled warmly down at him. “Then show me.”

Show him? How?

“Let’s continue your training, ok?” Masou said as he moved to take Keahi’s hand in his, once again making him jump slightly at how warm and familiar it was. He then tugged at their joined hands, pulling Keahi silently to his feet before leading him away, leaving Brendis and Bharath to continue their...training.

“Tomorrow we’ll continue with more training,” Masou started to speak normally now that the two of them away out of hearing range of the training field. “And I’m going to teach you how to Fire Dance!”

“F-fire Dance?”

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