The Aetherway
Celebration
Thousands stand packed together below.
A low hum of shared anticipation passes through the crowd. A few people shift their weight nervously and glance at one another. Fingers tap, feet shuffle, throats are cleared, and a cough echoes somewhere near the back.
Every gaze turns toward the balcony.
From the darkness beyond the doorway, a figure gradually takes shape.
His skin is red, his hair long, black and messy.
A pair of pointed horns rise from his head.
Two large bat-like wings spread open behind him, stretching wide with a dry crack of leather.
A long, coiling tail gently sways from side to side.
At the center of his chest is a circular hole, a hollow tunnel opening cleanly to the other side.
He stands with both hands raised, eyes closed, a faint smirk.
He waits.
No applause?
No cheers?
He opens one eye.
Then the other.
Fire’s expression darkens with unconscious recognition.
Maybe they only need a trick?
“Hey, wanna see something cool?” he says, climbing onto the railing and striking a confident pose.
He puffs out his chest and turns his gaze skyward. For a moment, he simply stands there, drawing in a slow breath.
The crowd keeps watching.
Then a stream of fire erupts from his lips, spiraling upward and weaving itself into a dazzling column that corkscrews into the clouds.
Some exchange confused looks. One tucks hair behind an ear, another fusses with a collar. Whispers bubble up and die before becoming words.
Fire frowns. Still nothing?!
He lowers his head, eyes falling shut. He traps the tip of his tongue between his lips, exhaling slowly before looking up again.
Of course, he thinks, the familiar weight settling in his chest. Why would it ever be any different?
His body shakes as his veins ignite. The air around him bends and shudders as he draws in a deep, shaking breath, one that seems to pull from the very core of the world.
Then, rolling across realities like thunder, Fire’s voice finally erupts.
“WHOOP YOU!!!”
The crowd looks around, startled.
“What?” one murmurs.
“What did he say?” another whispers.
Fire’s eyes blaze, his pupils narrowing to molten slits. His wings twitch, and his tail lashes behind him.
He steps forward, fists clenched, teeth gritted.
“You think it’s easy being here?! With an open heart?! Being vulnerable?!”
His jaw clenches tighter, a vein pulsing at his temple. He throws his arms wide, flames flickering along his fingertips.
“Do you think I don’t have feelings?! Huh?!”
He stamps his foot, and the balcony rattles beneath him. His voice cracks with barely contained fury.
“Where’s your solidarity?!”
The murmurs continue, soft and uncertain, almost bored, though a faint unease runs through them. A few people glance at their neighbors, mouths opening slightly, but no one speaks loud enough for Fire to catch.
He waits.
Still nothing.
His foot lifts.
Every eye follows.
It comes down.
A ring of scorching heat explodes from beneath his foot, rolling outward. The blast shoves the crowd back as the air ripples around them. Hair frizzes, eyes sting, lips dry, lungs burn, and exposed skin prickles beneath the wave.
Whispers die instantly as everyone instinctively shields themselves.
“I’LL NEVER SAVE YOUR DIMENSION EVER AGAIN!!!”
He turns.
His form flickers violently.
And then he’s gone in a blinding flash of light. The heat breaks instantly. A sharp vacuum tugs at the crowd, pulling hair loose, stealing breaths, and drawing everyone a half-step forward toward the spot where he stood. Reality recoils from his departure, shuddering once before falling still.
For a long moment, nothing moves. The silence returns, colder now.
Then, faintly, from somewhere deep in the crowd, a single pair of hands begins to clap.
Too late for Fire to hear.
