Work Text:
Content warnings:
Blood, Mentions of gore, Violence, PTSD, Abandonment, feelings of worthlessness, Anger, mentions of death.
Ember sat on the plush striped armchair drinking from a fancy cup of black tea. The cup had a gilded handle and was made of ceramic with a pink flower design. She sipped from it while chatting with Yukari. “That’s why I need your help with this. You’re the only one who can connect with dead Sages and I need to talk to one.” Ember explained shifting in the chair a bit. “I understand that you are seeking guidance regarding the Phlogiston. Have you considered talking to the Sage Master? She’s always open and willing to listen to our problems.” They suggested pouring a bit of milk into their cup and stirring. Ember sighed, Yukari was trying to be helpful but it wasn't working. They often were aloof when it came to socializing with others. “The Sage Master doesn’t know about the Phogistion. Yukes, I came to you because you're discret with this kinda stuff. Normally I’d have to have it on record that I communed with the dead sages but you don’t care much.” Ember nervously glanced at the small floating skull that drifted carrying a teapot. It gently tilted to pour tea into ember’s empty cup before floating off again. “Oh I understand now discretion. I’m assuming you would like to talk to Pyradin? I can prepare the communication chamber. I’ll return shortly.” Yukari rose from her seat and walked over to an ornate stone door, Turning the handle, she disappeared inside leaving Ember alone.
Ember got up from her seat and paced around Yukari’s kitchen island. She was grateful for Yukari’s help, but unsure of how to proceed. The Phlogiston gnawed at her mind, begging to be quenched. Ember groaned and produced a small water canteen from her pocket. It was embossed with the Sagial Orders emblem. She had been given it by Yukari after they mentioned she should drink more. Ember popped the stopper off and took several gulps from the canteen. She grimaced as she finished and wiped her mouth with her sleeve. It was hard enough to keep track of quenching the damn thing, let alone carrying around the liquid it required. Ember heaved a bit at the foul smell lingering in her nostrils before sitting back down on the armchair. She felt better, though still glanced nervously at the door. Yukari opened the door and slid out from behind it. They had discarded their gloves and had a bit of chalk on their finger. “The room is prepared for you Ember. May you find whatever solace you seek in the mouths of the dead.” Yukari’s gaze was fixed on her as she made her way into the dark stone room and shut the door. The rough hewn stone was a stark contrast from the plush chairs and couches of Yukari’s living space. A circle of chalk sat in the middle of the room, small red candles providing the only illumination in the room. Ember sat in the middle of the circle and began her chanting. A small gust of wind ripped through the room and extinguished the candles. Ember sat in darkness, and watched as the ghostly form materialized in front of her. Shedding a pale blue light Pyradin sat cross legged on the staring at her. “What do you want?” He rasped out, connection to this world thin. “Pyradin! I need your help… I've had knowledge of the Phlogiston for 4 years now and recently it has gotten… difficult to manage. I’ve read your notes on it thoroughly and I just wanted some clarity.” Ember pleaded, reaching out in supplication. “Hmm… yes I know the problem of which you speak. You are having difficulty with the ritual. You are finding that five gallons over two weeks is not longer enough. Tell me Sage, how much do you drink every 2 weeks?” Pyradin questioned, ghostly eyes scrutinizing his junior. “I’m up to 30 Gallons now. I have to carry it on me at all times now. I simply am asking if there is any other ritual that you know of.” Ember took out her bottle as if for emphasis and set it on the ground. “Yes, I can smell the sweet scent even from there. Worry not young sage. You will soon learn how to stomach the flavor.” Pyradin informed sagely, closing his eyes. “NO! That’s not the answer I wanted. I’m sick of drinking that shit. I know that I need to perform the ritual in order to keep a connection. Surely there is some other type of ritual that I can do? You discovered the thing!” Ember snapped, causing the ghost's eyes to open. He glared at her with a look of annoyance before continuing. “You could always ask your Flame Keepers. They have served many a Sage and…” Ember let out a snort of annoyance. “They want me to perform vile, unjust actions to sait the flame. I cannot believe the shit you used to get away with.” Pyradin folded his hands into his lap and scoffed. The two figures stared at each other for a long while before Pyradin spoke again. “You asked for my assistance and I have given it to you. If you have no further use of my services beyond insults then leave me to my rest.” Pyradin scolded Ember before vanishing in a puff of smoke. The candles came back to life illuminating a furious Ember. She had risked Yukari’s curiosity for nothing, Pyradin was no help. The Flame Keepers methods were extreme and uncaring. All leads had been exhausted and she was unsure what to do.l Ember dashed the chalk circle with her foot and picked up her bottle.
Opening the door she came face to face with Yukari. They studied Ember for a short while before tilting their head. “That was certainly a brief conversation. Did Pyradin not wish to converse with you?” They inquired, holding out a fresh cup of tea for her. Ember held up her hand and shook her head. “I gotta run Yukari. I can’t really stay and chat about it. I’m busy.” Ember moved to brush past them. Yukari placed a hand on Ember’s shoulder, pleading with her to remain and talk. “Ember… I understand it’s hard for you right now. Such a power in your mind is bound to make you feel strange. Let me assist you, please.” Yukari tightened their grip as Ember scowled. Ember gently lifted the hand on her shoulder and Yukari let it drop. “I don't think that you can help me. I need to deal with this on my own. Pyradin was not helpful, if he can’t help me then no one can.” Ember dismissed, heading for the door. “Ember you can trust me in this endeavor. I am your confidant and we can figure this out together.” Ember didn’t reply and completed her walk to the door. She turned the large brass handle as Yukari stood watching her leave.
Ember walked out of Yukari’s dark brick house and into the bright day. Her two attendants were waiting for her outside the door. “Lady Ember! Did Lord Pyradin give you the guidance you seek?” The taller one asked, practically bouncing with excitement. Ember waved her hand and kept walking. She had to think about what to do next. She could not admit that Pyradin had no advice for her. “It’s probably like I said Aron. Pyradin didn’t have any options, so she’s ignoring us. Isn’t that right Ember?” The shorter one mocked, turning her gaze to her charge. Ember cast her eyes downwards to avoid the question. “Pyradin’s instructions were rather cryptic. I’m just mulling them over Mel.” Mel rolled her eyes. She was clad in a simple t-shirt and pants with a black apron. Her large green eyes shone with annoyance. “Of course he was! Could we try my plan now? I guarantee you it will work Lady Ember. We just have to find someone willing.” Mel pleaded in a singsong voice, stepping into Ember’s field of vision. Ember recoiled and stood to her full height trying to intimidate the smaller woman. Mel stood her ground, betraying neither fear nor contempt. Staring at the Sage with a playful expression. Realizing her tactics were unsuccessful, Ember lashed out. “Get away from me! I will not be performing any ritual that involves kidnapping. To say nothing less of what you intend me to do to the poor bastard afterward.” Mel remained still, unfazed by the waving arms and loud voice of her superior. “Lady Ember I can assure you we have exhausted other means. In order to maintain your connection to the Phlogiston you must feed it. I am aware that you partook in such… delicacies in your youth. Surely you can look upon it in the same light.” Aron lectured, pouring out kind words. Ember’s lip snarled in disgust at the mention of delicacies. she did not want to go back to that time, not ever again. She had made her point clear over and over again but they would not listen. ‘You listen here!” Ember started to recite, hands clenching in rage. “Back then I had to do what I needed to survive. I was alone, in a hostile mountain range, miles from others. To describe what I did… as a delicacy is utterly vile. How dare you! You both are dismissed! if you come after me I will not hesitate to cut you down!” Ember roared, taking off into the distance in a dead sprint. Yukari preferred to live in isolation unlike the other Sages. They had built the bulk of their house underground only allowing a small facade to the outside world. Ember enjoyed her visits but wished Yukari would at least move to a city, somewhere it was easier to get to. As Ember ran she thought about her next move. She had prepared for Pyradin not having the answer before going to Yukari. She could dig around in written accounts and history. Palutena would be more than happy to allow her access to the Collective Library. That would be a time consuming process though. Ember did not have that kind of time. If she had a better grasp of magic she could craft a ritual for it. Nyxos probably wouldn’t be a good idea due to her tendency to ask too many questions. Ember could not admit that she was having difficulty with the Phlogiston. She needed to go to someone understanding, someone who would try to help her even if they knew the full truth of what she was dealing with. Ember closed her eyes and imagined the white painted house gleaming in the sun. The tended garden beds out front holding a mix of magical herbs and crops alike.
When she opened her eyes she was in front of the door. Ember stood on the rough straw welcome mat of the house and looked around a bit. The small white cottage sat with its uneven roof, humble and quaint despite its well kept appearance. She gripped the brass door knocker and knocked 3 times waiting breathlessly for a response. Ember’s mind made the seconds stretch into hours. What if her attendants found out where she was? Would they force their way inside? More importantly, what if no one was home or worse. Her train of thought came to a screeching halt as the door opened. “Ember? I was not expecting any company today. I would have prepared a light lunch otherwise. Please come in, Kiha is out so it'll be just us.” Helia greeted her friend warmly. The salamanders light tan skin was spotted with fiery freckles that sparkled as they caught the light. Ember obliged, stepping inside taking off her chunky brown shoes. Ember's blue tank top and grey shorts contrasted Helia’s attire nicely. She was in a long sea foam green blouse with black leggings. Helia sat down at a small wooden table and motioned Ember over. She complied, sitting to the right of her friend. “Did you just come back from training Ember? You seem pretty exhausted. Do you need me to get you a glass of water?” Helia inquired, munching on a small apple in front of her. Ember simply nodded too tired and nervous to respond. She had come here because she thought Kiha would vouch for her. Now that it was just Helia and her, Ember didn’t know what to do. She was terrified about admitting anything so just sat silent. Helia brought out a large glass cup filled with water and set it next to her guest. She filled a small glass with bright pink liquid and took her seat again. Ember reached out and chugged the water, hoping it would help the answers flow better. Setting the cup down with a slam that startled Helia, she probed cautiously. “What uh… do you know about Phlogiston?” Helia raised an eyebrow and took a sip of her drink. “A bit… All I know really is that It’s a powerful ability you have.” Heila explained. Whether she noticed Ember’s tone she made no indication of it. Ember took a deep breath before continuing. “It’s a powerful state of being. It breaks down the bonds between matter and energy and makes everything… fluid. Like I can will things to be unburned, I can create so much heat and energy, I can vaporize steel with a touch! It’s exhilarating to experience really. It feels like the very fabric of the universe is coming apart in your hands.” Ember waxed poetically while Helia stared studying. “I’m sensing there is a but you aren't telling me.” Helia confronted. Ember looked down at her empty cup. This would be the last chance to turn back. Whatever Helia would think about her problems would shape the rest of her future. Ember shuddered involuntarily as she thought of Sages who had strayed from their path. They were all punished, though most simply were stripped of their mantle, and forced out. Helia cleared her throat, forcing Ember out of her thoughts. “The Phlogiston is a constant presence in my mind now. I can feel it, urging me to use it to solve the most mundane problems. To spend all of my life as this hungry god. In order to not do that there's a ritual I need to complete over the course of 2 weeks. It’s disgusting… but better than the alternative.” Ember grimaced, pulling out the canteen and setting it on the table. Helia tentatively picked it up before taking off the stopper. She gagged at the smell and slid the canteen over to Ember, causing the inky black to slosh onto the table. “Landsake Ember what is that! Why do you have such a foul smelling concoction in a water canteen?” Helia got up to get a cleaning rag while Ember stoppered her canteen and pocketed it again. “It’s oil… unrefined crude oil. I have to drink the stuff in order to complete the ritual. On the last day I burn a small glass of it and chant liturgies. I’ve got to drink 30 gallons or else it won’t work.” Helia wiped up the oil on her table, spraying a sterile smelling liquid from a clear bottle. Ember scooted her chair back a bit to avoid getting too close to her host. Arms crossed and head turned away she continued. “It’s not like I enjoy doing it! It’s sulfurous and gives me a wicked headache if I drink too much at once. All of the other described rituals are much worse. This is the only one i can stomach with a clear conscience!” Ember cried out indignantly. Helia, having finished her errand stood and gazed at the seated sage. Ember indeed had dark stains around the corners of her mouth. She tried to turn to hide it but Helia reached out her hand and cupped Ember’s cheek. “Ember… I don’t think there is much worse than drinking a motorcars worth of oil every day.” She dotted at the stains while Ember blushed at the touch. Pulling away with her napkin Helia sat back down and took a long drink from her glass. Ember was staring straight ahead, her dark eyes betraying no secrets. “Ember I’m sorry about doing that without your permission. I just don’t want you to keep having to put yourself through that. Seeing your face made me realize this isn't a joke you’re pulling. It sounds awful.” Helia informed glancing nervously at Ember’s vacant expression. “There’s no other way! Every other ritual involves some type of live person being killed. I won’t have that! This power is not important enough to kill for!” Ember shouted, placing a fist onto the table with a short thud. Helia glared at Ember and then responded in kind. “There has to be some other way! You cannot abandon such a power without trying. We can work together on this. What are you so nervous about?” Helia scolded, digging her hands into her palms.
Ember got up and stomped away from the table. Helia watched as Ember collapsed into a heap on the white square couch. She quietly walked over and sat next to her friend. Ember was shaking, staring into a small fire that Helia had going. “Every single other one of those rituals are horrid.” Ember’s clear voice broke the silence. “I know the origin of the Sages but… I didn't expect to be eating people again! I promised myself the day Wolf found me. I promised myself I would never do anything like that again unless absolutely necessary. I’d rather drink all the oil in the world than be forced to hunt like that again!” Ember’s vow rang out through the home like the boom of a bell. Helia paused, choosing her next move carefully. Ember clearly was in a bad state over this, she wanted to press deeper but didn’t know how. Gingerly she hovered a hand over Ember’s back. “Ember… you don't have to say anything more. That was a terrible situation you were in. I’m sorry you had to go through that.” A soft steady stream of tears fell from Helia’s eyes. She knew that the war was hard on many people. It was an unspoken rule among Marethians that you did not ask how anyone got through the war. Helia herself had her own ways of getting through the tough times, but nothing so extreme. “We’ll figure something out ok? Maybe the flame attendants can…” Ember flinched as she shifted into Helia’s waiting hand. The salamander quickly withdrew her hand and clasped them together. “No… they are the ones who want me to eat again. I ran from them to get here… I don’t know what to do Hel… I can’t go back to that… monster I was before.” A long silence hung over them. Ember’s mind was elsewhere, staring into the fire she remembered. Passersby had called her a monster and how could she blame them. She was covered in ill fitting clothes and viscera. Until the man called Gabriel came who taught her how to speak she could only sit and perch. He was stunned by her appearance and lack of social skills. “You’re not a monster, Ember. I don’t claim to know what you did back then but it doesn't matter.” Helia spoke reassuringly, causing Ember to bolt upright. “I am a monster! I was born in a damned laboratory with no parents. I hunted because I didn't know what else to do! I still remember how good it tasted to this day. Is that what you want me to say! I don’t want to do that again because I'm afraid I’ll be put down like the rabid animal I am!” Ember bellowed at the top of her lungs. She sat, heaving great gulps of air as Helia furrowed her brow. She didn’t want to remember the words that Gabriel had said to her all those years ago. She clutched her head to try to drown out the words but they came anyway. “I shouldn’t have helped you. You don’t deserve the mentoring I've given you. The only reason I didn’t is that you remind me of my daughter. Maybe one day you’ll meet her.” He had divulged one night over a dinner of fish. Ember dug her nails into her cheeks. The memory pained her every time she thought about it. Ember was brought back to the present by a small sob echoed from her lips.
She searched around for Helia but could not find her. Panic set in at what would happen. Had she already called the Sage Master?
Helia emerged from a long hallway behind ember. She was carrying a large brown bowl that looked to be full of liquid. Ember studied her cautiously as she sat down on the couch. Placing the bowl on the floor Helia turned to look into Ember’s eyes. “I’m sorry I left there. You were staring into the fireplace and muttering about being a monster. I take it you were… in the past? Helia asked extinguishing the fire with a wave of her hand. Ember nodded, still unsure of what reality was. “Ember… please listen to what I’m about to say. My brother was an awful person. The fact he was the one who taught you how to read, write and understand is unfortunate. He was wrong about you. You are not a monster Ember. You are a kind, considerate, passionate person and one of the best huggers in all of Mareth. We all did what needed to be done during those times. Ask any Marethain and I'm sure their story will be as harrowing as yours. Our past does not define us, it simply is who we were. It’s up to us to define the future.” Ember teared up at her friend's kind words. Helia cared for her, even if her past was awful, even if she felt broken sometimes. Ember reached out and wrapped Helia up in a bear hug. The dragon squeezed tight causing a soft squeak to escape her friend. “Thank you Hel. I know I can get mopey about the past sometimes. I can always count on you to have my back though.” Ember drank in the heat of her friend, it felt good. Being so close made her feel strange, but she had always chalked that up to Helia’s high body temperature. Helia tapped on The dragon’s shoulders causing Ember to release her embrace. She laughed as the salamander sighed. “Ember, that hug was… sudden. In the future, please be a little less forceful. I’m glad you enjoy my company though.” Helia chided, causing Ember to stop laughing. “Ok, I was just enjoying the hug. You know you’re kinda hot right?” Ember joked before realizing what she had said. Helia turned away from Ember and picked up the bowl “Let's… get back to the matter at hand.” She sputtered out, to which Ember nodded quickly at her words. “I've been doing a little research into the Phlogiston and its rituals in my free time. I enjoy ritual magic so that’s not a surprise. I think I have a stopgap solution that might work.” Helia brought the bowl up to Ember’s hands. Ember took the bowl and sniffed the dark purple liquid. It smelled like metal, and rust. She knew that smell well. “Where did you get this blood? Should I be concerned about this Hel?” Helia shook her head before continuing. “I took the liberty of informing the Sage Master of the Flame keepers suggestions. They are going to be arrested for attempted kidnapping and conspiracy to harm. This blood came from an Alchemy jug. Its magically created and ethically sourced.” Helia grinned as Ember stuck a finger in the bowl. It was indeed full of red blood. It looked fresh, as if it had just been spilled. “Uh… cool I guess? You want me to drink this right? It smells more like rusty iron than blood” Ember whined, causing Helia to roll her eyes and nod. Ember took one last tentative sniff before taking a sip. The slight metallic taste filled her mouth and washed down her fear. She remembered this taste, how the fresher it was the less rusty tastes. Ember couldn’t help herself and started to greedily suck down the sanguine drink. She didn’t even pause for a breath, finishing the bowl in a series of hungry swallows. Setting down the bowl she let out a contented belch before covering her mouth. “Sorry… I just remembered the taste and kinda… lost myself.” Helia offered a napkin to the dragon and Ember took it. She wiped the corners of her mouth and pocketed the small cloth. “I’ll say. Are you feeling OK? I read that one of the appeasement rituals involved blood drinking. I thought up a quick solution that will probably hold until we can get something together.” Helia explained grabbing the bowl and walking towards the sink. Ember laid down on the couch and propped her head up with an arm. “Yeah… I figured the blood had to come from someone else. It never specified you could use magically created blood. It worked though… really well. I can't hear the phlogiston in my mind anymore.” Ember yawned, she had been through alot and was tired. Her eyes felt heavy as she struggled to stay awake. “That’s good! I was a bit worried it wouldn’t work. I’m going to do some research into a more permanent solution. Something that will oppose the hungry nature of it. I’ll keep you updated on it. I certainly hope it was more enjoyable than drinking crude oil.” Helia scrubbed the sides of the bowl. She placed it on a rack to dry and turned to Ember. Ember was asleep on the couch, curled up with her head on a pillow. Helia’s smiled at the sight, she figured the dragon would be all tired but not enough to take a nap. She took out a spare blanket and gently draped it over the sleeping form. When she woke up she would share the plan for the ritual. For now Helia would let the Sage rest. She was glad she could take care of her friend this way. Helia would do everything she could to help, and she knew Ember would do the same. She walked away into the library, leaving Ember to dream.