Firestar Chapter 7 *Language warning*

Though Wolf's attempts to help Ramiro were successful, they were a bit.... TOO successful...

These thoughts of Dancylinnae brought a new spark to Wolf's eyes. "Aih!!" he suddenly bounced up, beginning to pace and think... He looked to the corner of his chambers where he practiced his alchemy, and then to a bottle in the area, with a green, glowing substance within.  The green flame of life. He'd put his crown, often what he called his 'thinking cap' on, and cracked his knuckles. "Ramiro, child, I think I can help you more than I previously thought!!" he'd think with a grin.

Ramiro was a bit startled to hear a splash. When he saw big, slightly glowing blue eyes coming towards him, he was surprised to see the king under the water, looking so happy. Before he could think more of it, Wolf grabbed his hands and spun him around in the water. "W-Wolf, you can't breathe underwater...!!!" Ramiro stuttered, thinking the Funarian had gone crazy.  He'd pull Wolf up, looking at the king with concern as the king laughed gleefully.  Wolf would swim himself to the edge and sit with his feet dangling in the water, before explaining his wild antics.

"Never in my millions of years have I had such an idea!" Wolf bounced.... "Millions? Just how old are you?" Ramiro asked. Wolf looked younger than Ramiro. Wolf laughed, "Aih, for your kind, I'm... Oh, the equivalent of... nineteen and a half? Every million years for you, is like, one aging year for a Funarian. We aren't immortal, though. We usually live to about a hundred." Ramiro's face said it all. 'Holy feces!'  He shook his head, "I can't imagine everything you've seen... I-I'm only twenty one... I'm like... not even as old as a newborn Funarian!"  Wolf smiled, but got back on subject, "Aw, you're just a baby, no?  Anyway, the reason for my excitement- You, my friend, are due for a second chance!"

"Wha??" Ramiro blinked. Wolf pulled the bottle out of his pocket. "This. Ramiro, I got it when I was just starting out as king. Do you know what it is?" Ramiro could only stare at the pretty green... It wasn't fluid when looked at closer... It was...Flames? Fire? Like, condensed fire?? How that was possible, Ramiro didn't even question. When he looked back to Wolf, the Funarian explained, "Aih, this was a gift from the Veitris. Or, the green-flame angel of fire. She never said when to use it, only what it's capable of. She taught me the beginnings of alchemy." 

Ramiro blinked, "Angel...?" Wolf nodded, "These particular kind actually tend to reside, and live a mostly mortal life on a neighboring planet.  They still live longer than humans, but not as long as Funarians." He looked to the bottle, "She may not be around to ask anymore, but I feel my teacher would approve of this use of the esscence she gave me. " Ramiro, though, didn't look so happy. Wolf looked to the concerned boy and tilted his head. Ramiro hung his head, "Is it worth it, though, Wolf? Even if this started me out as a brand new baby again, I would die before you even turned another 'year' older." Wolf smiled, "Nonsense! Aih, you, as much as anyone else, deserve to live a life! As my friend, I would love to enjoy your company. I want to see you learn and live. Your life was taken unfairly, and the fact that you're here shows me that you were very loved. "

Ramiro looked to Wolf, who stood up, " It may take some time to complete, so, I'd like to get started right away. " Ramiro pulled himself up and tried to stand, forgetting he had a tail, not legs.  "You may be stuck with that... I don't know." Wolf signed, but Ramiro shrugged, "If so, I'll embrace it for what it is. " Wolf smiled, "That's the spirit! May I help you? I'll actually need you with me for this... Maybe after, you can tell me more about these Starstreamers. " Ramiro nodded, "Deal." and allowed Wolf to lift him as he had before, and carry him to his room.  Here, Ramiro was gently placed into a cauldron that wasn't actually hot. It felt nice. Ramiro was a little confused as he saw Wolf grabbing odd powders and liquids. 

Only when Wolf added the green fire did it burn... And it really, really burned!!! Wolf poured the whole bottle in. Ramiro suddenly fell under, seeing the water turn red... Blood red.  his eyes began to ache and burn... He saw Wolf's image looking over, and began wondering if he was just Wolf-food this whole time. Then his vision went black and he had frightful dreams of Wolf. Except instead of his vegetarian ways, Wolf had razor teeth and was devouring lost souls.

Meanwhile, Wolf watched in awe as Ramiro went from being a spirit, totally see-through, to his bones becoming visible... gradually his organs... tissues, muscles... Skin... hair... And then the fluid soaked into him, becoming his blood.  Wolf was pleased to see that Ramiro was back!! And what's this?? Legs! but something was wrong. And as Wolf leaned in closer, he saw rapid changes. "Aih!!" he yelped, quickly tipping over  the mixture, and carefully going for Ramiro with a towel, before all the liquid could seep into the boy. "Oh, Wolf!! You really fucked up now!!" he thought.

Mickunae was so very stiff. He couldn't feel his body anymore. But his eyes and ears were sharp to new noises or sights. He especially perked up when he heard the slaugh entering with a new voice. It was a deep, smooth, and cool male voice, and though it spoke so calmly, the slaugh that were with it stammered. Micku saw a distorted, glowing rainbow through the crystal formations. It was kaliediscopic! He listened, "Three months?? Are you fae sadists!? He's only a kid!! Can you imagine how worried his family is? What're you thinking!? And for what?! Proving he can't lie or you'll torture him, and trap his young body?!"

"W-W-We're only trying to--" a slaugh stammered. "By command of the Aiyanouskae, release the child! The heavens chose you as the deterrent of liars and cheaters, yes, but not to just be plain cruel!  Give your sentences fairly!" the male voice snipped.  The slaugh actually did as he said, the crystals turning to dust all around Micku. He laid on the pile of dust, his limbs so asleep he couldn't move them. the rainbow ran towards him, "Are you alright, Prince Mickunae?" As Micku's eyes foused, he saw a pale, doll-like face surrounded by platinum curls, big teal eyes looking into his. The rainbow wings on the pretty face's back were really white wings, but rainbows of flames licked them up and down.  "...... Prince Edward of Dancylinnae..." Micku croaked, and as the slaugh came a little closer, Edward snapped a glare at them, as if threatening to summon even more higher beings.

"Leave." Edward lowly said, and the slaugh did so, like guilty children forced to sit in time-out. Edward would help Micku sit up, the fae's spine popping up and down. Micku would watch as Edward's hands very slightly glowed blue... he was using the blue flame of healing... But so slightly it wasn't harmful to the ice fae. It made Micku feel good, "What're you doing here...? You're a fire angel, not a fae... Wh-where have you been? Your kingdom, my kingdom... Some planets surrounding yours... Everyone's been looking for you...!"

Edward didn't answer the second question, "I was using the red flame of relations to find you... Out of my own curiosity.  I saw your body was lying in bed on... A strange planet mostly inhabited by humans, but your soul wasn't there. I followed the strand that connected your body and soul... And saw you here... I knew... That although angels are higher than the slaugh... They aren't by much. But if the top-rank of the fire angels came around... I had noticed for some time they were getting unfair with their punishments, but... "

Micku smiled, "I knew I'd see you at a few royal gatherings, but I never thought you'd..." Edward smiled, "You're like me. Your body doesn't always hold up." Micku shrugged, "Not as bad, though." Edward nodded, "But you still would've died. In fact, the clock is still ticking...." Micku looked to him, "H-How do we get out of here...?? I don't wanna die! I- I have a band, and--!" Edward hmmed, "You need to hang onto me. Tight. You won't do any worse to me than I'm used to. " Micku looked to the blond and whimpered. Edward may have been taller, and slightly older than he, but Micku knew even he could break Edward without meaning to. But, when Edward insisted... He didn't take no for an answer. He'd wrap his arms under Micku's their chests touching. Micku looked to the side, "Awkward...?"

Ed paid this no mind and simply said, "Hold on." he spread his wings when Micku did. Edward's wings were surprisingly strong. They effortlessy lifted himself and the fae. And as grand as the angel's wings were, they just kept going up... and up... and up.... Edward flew fast, and it was as if the slaugh's lair never ended! Micku looked Edward up and down as they flew. Ed was too focused to speak. But Micku noticed that Edward was dressed like... Almost like a slave of sorts. There was even a shackle, the chain ripped apart, likely by Edward's hot flames, around his wrist. His thin arms and legs had many signs of torture.But it also looked like his apparent escape had earned him some muscle... Micku's worries only heightened. But whoever had Ed, seemed to have valued his looks for sure. Edward's face and hair were still perfect, though his face showed he'd been underfed.

Micku would hold on for what felt like hours before they flew into light, a blue flash nearly blinded them both and they found themselves accellerating towards the ground. Until Edward gave a grunt and managed to use his wings with some power from the orange flame, like a jetpack to move to the right and swoop back upright. Micku was jealous of angels' flight...! Fae weren't near as graceful.  Micku recognized the sky... It was too bright to be Yeilia... Too cold to be Funari... Not pretty enough for Dancylinnae... Ah Earth! Well, he hoped. Edward carefully descended. 

"I hear this planet has giant, metal birds in the sky full of people. So help me, yeah?" Edward spoke as calmly as he could. "Oh... Ah, you... may want to find a more hidden spot to land... Some people don't take too well to inhumans..." Micku warned, "Noted. " Edward spoke, smirking as he looked to Micku, "So, ready to make a trip around this planet?" 

"Wha?"

 "... The slaugh took you all the way around. Your strand literally leads through to the other side. It's like a red, glowing thread from you to your a*s."

Micku laughed a little. Though, he was slightly confused. He'd always known Edward as the more proper type... And with their nations' alliance, Micku visited Edward when his family brought him by. He was one of the rare children the prince got to play with, as they both understood they had to be careful. Edward would often play his harp for Micku, and taught him how to play, himself! Judging by the nose ring, and the likely forced lip piercing Edward hadn't removed, something had changed in Edward's ways... Micku wanted to ask, but... Edward just didn't always explain things until he felt it best. 

Ramiro stirred, shocked to find himself up and awake... He touched his arm, and his eyes, now bright blue rather than brown, widened.  He was naked and... He had legs! But... Everything seemed big. REALLY big...  He sat up, and pushed his long hair out of his face. After doing so, he saw Wolf approaching, just... Now he was far bigger than Ramiro and picked him up with ease. Konmekkio was near, and, though somewhat concerned, was also fighting the giggles. "Aih, you certainly got a new chance at life. Though... " he shook his head and had Wolf carry him to a mirror. Ramiro let out a high pitched scream, mortified by what he saw he was... A baby!!! His long hair stayed, to his relief, but... Now what if he ran into Tia ever again???

Mickunae had fallen asleep at some point during Edward's flying. Fire angels were just so warm... And even Edward's bony shoulder was more comfortable than the stone he'd been encased in.  He got a good look around as he opened his eyes. It was nighttime, and they were descending.  "Good timing." Edward would comment to Micku, "Your body is near."

"... Explain to me one more time how you know...??" Micku blinked. Edward calmly spoke, "One of the colors of fire is red. It is the flame of relations. Those who can access it, can see fiery strands between one chosen point to another. They can also see, if they know how, the feelings between the two points, or, things like... potential romance... Family... Only the pink flame of emotion can see deeper than that.... Well, I dunno, maybe the yellow flame of knowledge can...?"  Edward mused a little. He seemed tired, and tended to ramble when he was. Micku watched Edward's rainbow wings tilt and catch the air to safely, quietly lower them.  He began to recognize the area... The apartment!! The lights were still on, too.  

Edward's attention turned to Micku when Micku gave some information, "Hey, since we're getting closer, you may want to hide your wings if you can. This is a world of humans, and I don't think they know people like you and me exist." Edward nodded and gave a grunt, his wings seeming to disappear into a poof of smoke, as they took a bit of a scary plunge to the ground.  Micku's eyes became dinner plates as they fell, and he tried not to scream. 'Edward, what the hell...!!!!?' he thought. But as soon as Edward fell to a point near the ground with enough cover, he regained his wings to create a gentle landing. "...... Reckless much...??" Micku panted as they landed, and Edward hid his wings again, with a wince and a  smirk.

Oh, that smirk! That certainly hadn't changed! Edward got it from his father. And his father before him. And so on, so forth.  He released Micku to his feet and rubbed his own arms. Micku was still concerned. Edward was dressed like some kind of castaway and looked like he'd been thrown in a meat grinder and put back together... Not literally. But he still had his royal poise. Impressive. Even in his state, he held an elegance that was hard to describe. "I believe you might know the way from here, as my strand directs me through a wall?" Edward asked. Micku hadn't walked much for a while, but he did fine after a few steps into the alleyway. It was fastest to take the back entrance from here, Micku just didn't like all the cigarette butts on the ground. They smelled.

Still, for now, he could deal with it. He couldn't help but feel bad when Edward turned a bit green at the smell, though. He'd forgotten Ed could be sensitive to that.  But Edward followed as Micku led him up the flights of rickety stairs. Edward would be looking around, not daring to touch the dusty rails.  "This place sure is bare-bones... Is it safe?" Edward asked with some concern. "As safe as we could afford, though, I think things'll get way better soon." Micku informed. Though his information was quickly met with a startled jump from Edward as they heard yelling down one of the hallways and a loud thud. 

Micku was a bit embarrassed to bring Edward here. True, they were both the same rank, but Micku couldn't help but to admire and respect Edward as royalty. It had only been a short time since Edward lost his whole family, save for his sister, and many of his people. They were still cleaning up Dancylinnae and rescuing citizens, but he was still known as a kind, but firm ruler. That being said, Edward did it on minimal training. He hadn't honestly been expected to make it to the throne. Plus he was the youngest son, only older than his sister by a few months. Months that were supposed to make them twins.  But when Edward came early, they were luckily able to stop her. How Edward lived was a miracle, even in Micku's eyes.

As they finally got to the apartment, Micku tried to knock, but.. Being a spirit and all... Edward would knock in his stead.  Tia heard the gentle tapping on the door, and looked to Nash. Nash didn't look back, but he seemed to have the same question on his face... Who could be knocking? Vincent and Banschae were in the room Micku's body laid in.  So it wasn't them...  Tia would stand, Nash doing so with her, and she'd go look through the door's peephole. 

The boy wasn't familiar, but an odd, pale blue mist seemed to stand in place next to him. Tia waited until she could see his face, still... Maybe if she could get him to look up...? "You sure you have the right door, hon?" she asked, succeeding in getting the blond to look up, giving her a view of his face and... Beautiful teal eyes! "Miss Tia, I presume?" he'd ask with a melodic, deep voice.  Tia's eyes widened more. Somewhat at the fact the boy knew her name, but also at that voice!! ".... Yeah?" she'd almost become a mouse.  The boy answered, but quietly, "I have Mickunae with me, but he needs me to return him to his body, m'lady."

Tia and Nash looked at each other, Nash still stayed standing, his stance saying 'I'm ready if something happens.' ... Really, Nash was pure built muscle, and this one looked a bit scrawny if something happened.  Tia was just a little shocked by the title of "M'lady".  she'd pull the door open, and, respectfully, Edward would give a bow, to her, and an unseen nod to Nash, "Quickly, we must hurry before his body dies... I apologize...!" the boy would run and follow the mist. Tia quickly shut and locked the door, hesitiating a moment before grabbing Nash and dragging him with her into the boys' room. 

Vincent and Banschae both reacted with shock at the sudden entrance and commands. "... No time to explain... You there, shut the curtains! Please!" Edward would speak to Vincent, who hesitated, but luckily, Banschae  recognized the face, and looked to Vincent, "W-Well, do as he says!!"  Vincent would quickly do so, but stare in shock as the room began to overheat. With a gasp of releif, Edward unfurled his wings, showing them, and all the colors began to flare up like mad. It was a beautiful sight, but... Suddenly, Edward's whole body and his beautiful wings engulfed in fire, the mist gaining new colors, becoming almost a hologram of Micku, made of different colored smoke, which seemed to get sucked into his body. 

Banschae would look wide-eyed, although he almost couldn't take the heat... Vincent seemed to handle it well... And as for Nash, well... Being from south-east Texas, he kind of knew how heat worked. Tia was just frozen in place, staring.  When the heat suddenly stopped, Micku quickly sat up, exhaling a bit of smoke and coughing, "I'm okay! I- I- Ban! Vince! Tia! Nash!!!" he'd jump and bounce, before flopping back on his pillow, "Oooh, I'm hungry...!"

Vince at first stammered, but began to laugh... Slowly at first, but.. He was relieved!! Wiping a tear from his eye, he got up, "You wait there, then, a*****e." he'd speak, heading out and only stopping when he saw the naked, soot-covered Edward. Ed himself hadn't been burnt, but those rags certainly weren't flame resistant.  "... Thanks... Random naked guy...!" Vincent was almost too relieved to think straight as he just continued to walk to the kitchen after saying that.

Banschae didn't respond, because he immedeately hugged Micku and didn't let go. The ice fae were able to cool each other, so it helped. Nash blinked at Vincent's comment, but followed the sound to Micku. "Nash..." Micku smiled, reaching and taking the bassist's hand as his brother looked up at the white eyes. "How long was I out? You... Why did you stay??" Nash shrugged, "For one, I was worried. And it ain't polite to leave your friend's side in a time of need... You're not just my friend, you're my guitarrist. Which is like a friend, but better, and cooler."

"You held out for the band? Why, when you and your brother's band is-?" Micku blinked, Nash shrugged, "Because you're all my friends. " Tia was touched by this. Nash was in it for more than just music and money. She'd known that from the start, but he truly had been a huge support the whole time.  But her focus was more on Edward, who was covering his... Bits... "Ah.... I-... This is so humiliating..." he'd mumble when she looked over. Tia couldn't help but snicker. "You poor thing. Here, let's get you in the bath, and I'll look for clothes that'll fit your skinny butt." 

"I-I havent even properly introduced myself yet, and now look at me--... Actually, don't look at me." Edward was ashamed. Micku just stared, then busted out laughing... Okay, Edward had to admit to himself- he'd probably look back on it and laugh one day, but for now? How embarassing!!  "I-- A bath and clothes would be lovely." he'd sheepishly respond to Tia. Tia would lead him to the bathroom, and he'd be able to fix himself a bath. He was a bit unsurprised the showerhead didn't always get water. So, a bath it was. It felt nice after the events of the day anyway. his wings were tired. he'd lay in the water, and stretch then in the water, their impenetrable flames making the reflection of the water on the walls turn colors. 

Tia looked through some of her clothes. Way too big. And it was for women, anyway. Vincent had men's shirts...! But women's pants. And once again, too big... Nash would definitely have too-big clothing... Micku's were too small... It was only when she opened a trunk that she'd not opened in a while that she found something that would fit, but also, a lot of emotions. Ramiro's stage-clothes. Ramiro was taller than Edward, but skinny. She felt a tear come to her eye as it felt like her heart sank. She held the vest to her chest and shut her eyes...

"Class, I want to introduce you to two new students who just moved here from Mexico." Tia's seventh-grade math teacher, Mrs. Starla spoke. Two smaller boys, clearly younger than most seventh-graders came in. They looked just alike. One was a little taller and had more muscle, the other had a sweet, but shy smile, and was quite slender. "Ramiro and Domingo, the twins!"  Mrs. Starla would introduce the two boys. Domingo, the bulkier one, rolled his eyes, and Ramiro would look around.  Domingo shoved past his brother and found a seat, glaring at the other students. The little Ramiro looked at Mrs. Starla, "May I sit anywhere...?" 

Mrs. Starla said, "Well, we do have a seating chart," she'd give Domingo a look, but then look around, "How about next to Tia, there? She's a nice girl."   Tia watched as the little boy came and sat next to her. Being as tall as most adults, Tia found him tiny. "How old are you??" she asked, as Mrs. Starla found a good placement for Domingo... She certainly did have patience, as Domingo already argued.  Ramiro moved his bangs from his face. He had long hair for a boy. Down a bit past his shoulders, but this was one of the few schools that allowed it. "I'm nine..." he'd speak to Tia. "He and I both tested out of the other grades, though." 

"... You speak good English!" Tia had to compliment. "Thanks. " was all Ramiro said, with a smile.  That was the end of that conversation, but many more were to come. Tia came to know Ramiro as a quiet boy, but with a kind heart. Domingo liked to pester them both, when he wasn't getting into trouble, or barely avoiding the law.  Time went on, high school came around, and Ramiro and Tia would goof off in the band room before class, Ramiro occasionally bringing his own instrument, a bass guitar, until the teacher decided to make it an official part of the ensemble.  Tia remembered their first kiss, in a closet they found in the band-room, junior year. She remembered how she mentally questioned if he wasn't too young.

Not the most romantic spot, but unforgettable.  It was right after the kiss they heard an explosion, felt a rumble, and plenty of other noises. Alarms, screams, and more. Ramiro grabbed her hand, and they got out of there, to find parts of their school bombed and some places smoking. Had they been much closer, they would have been caught in it. They ran out and met with a teacher, who had also found Domingo. "What was that...??" Ramiro asked. Domingo looked at him like he was stupid, "A bomb. What else." a slight smirk pulled at Domingo's mouth.  Ramiro looked at Domingo, who looked at him as if worried, but grabbed his arm. And Tia could see it was gripped way too tight. Tight enough to turn a bit purple.  Ramiro's face held a bit of fear, but he didn't say anything. 

Tia would go to their house often. She didn't even have to knock. Carlita had practically called her another daughter. "Tia!!" the mother of the family greeted with a smile, and a hug. Ramiro's family was so sweet! Even if his father preferred Domingo out of the twins, as Domingo was strong enough to help him do things, Miguel was still always happy to see Tia. This time, after the hug, Tia looked to Carlita, towering over her. "You okay, nina?" Carlita asked. Tia looked around, not seeing Domingo, "Mama, does Domingo.. always hurt Ramiro??" Carlita didn't seem to get it, "Hm?? Well, Ramiro is a rather frail boy. He gets sick sometimes. Always has, and Domingo may not realize he's able to squish his little Miro. "

Tia shook her head, and explained what she'd seen. This got Carlita's attention. "I've told that boy not to use his strength to threaten his brother..." she'd sigh and shake her head. "Mingo has always been a struggle to teach not to hurt people to get what he wants..."  Carlita huffed, "I thought he was getting better. I'll talk to him. And I'll talk to Ramiro. I want to know what's going on." Tia wished she could have seen that conversation. Looking back now, she was sure Domingo had to have had at least something to do with the bomb... Nobody had been caught. But now it made sense.

It had been four years since graduation. Tia hadn't heard from either twin. She knew they'd both gone off to college. Ramiro had a full-ride scholarship in music. Domingo in athletics. She could only imagine how proud their parents and older siblings were. She wore a necklace Ramiro had made her with a guitar pick and a little chain.  She never forgot it. Even as she dated around, did the deed a few times, there was only one guy on her mind.  One night she got a letter, penned by Ramiro, that he'd graduated and was coming home. He wanted to see her. 

They'd never really broken up, but they'd gone their seperate ways for sure. When Tia saw the city bus pull up that day, she waited for that slightly geeky boy she knew to step off, but what she got instead was a young man, built of compact muscle, with a few piercings, long, blue and black hair, clad in black leather, with a bass strapped to his back, pulling his suitcase, his old school-bag hanging off his other shoulder. "R-R-Ramiro...?" she stuttered, only to be greeted by the familiar, happy voice. "Tia!" And it all went on from there...

Tia opened her eyes and looked up, she couldn't believe he was gone. He was really gone. But... She looked at the vest in her arms, and could almost hear his sweet voice telling her, 'All I want is to see you happy, no matter what.' And this made her smile... Besides... Edward remindedher of Ramiro. Those soulful eyes, his face, the musical voice. Though it was way deeper than Ramiro's, it still had that smooth tone...  With a deep breath, she shook her thoughts and found some more for Edward to wear, including some boots!!!

Author's Note

I do not have Microsoft word, due to a problem I am currently fixing. This may cause issues with punctuation, indentation, or, leave some misspellings un-caught. Also note, this is a very rough, first-edition draft. It will probably be re-done at a later time.

Also, I'm struggling to think of a title. I'll consider any suggestions!