Prison of Fire (A Fintan & Kenric Fanfic)

Chapter One
 Fintan 

'''Fintan looked over at the newest Councillor. Oralie, her name was.'''

'''“So?” Emery interrupted, standing up from his throne. “Why would we not need to-”'''

'''Kenric shook his head, holding out a hand in a calming gesture. “That’s not the point. Pyrokinetics are still living beings.They need our respect. How would you feel if telepathy was outlawed?”'''

Fintan leaned forward and twined his fingers together.

Everybody quieted and looked at him, knowing he was about to speak.

'''“I think…” he said, being heard across the Grand Hall. “Kenric is right.”'''

Kenric gave Fintan a small nod.

Most of the other Councillors looked persuaded, until Bronte spoke.

'''“I disagree, Fintan. We’ve already given them a chance.” His eyes were narrowed, challenging him. Bronte was one of the few brave enough to challenge Fintan, and that was usually enough for the others to follow along.'''

'''Fintan leaned back in his chair again, putting his hands down, hiding them. They were sparking. “Let’s have a vote, then shall we?”'''

Some Councillors mumbled, and Fintan could overhear a few saying “of course the Pyrokinetic wants a vote.”

'''Across the way, Oralie whispered something in Kenric’s ear, and he nodded at her. Fintan quietly noticed, and felt his hands heating up even more. Control your emotions, he chided himself.'''

“We should continue this…” Kenric shot Fintan a tentative glance, “tomorrow.”

'''Most of the Councillors got up and left, taking their ridiculously shiny clothes with them out the door. Fintan remained in his seat for a moment, furiously thinking. Oralie walked over to him, and carefully put a hand on his shoulder, before recoiling. “It’s… okay,” she said carefully and walked off, Kenric following her.'''

It wasn’t okay.

~present day~
Cold.

'''Everything was cold. Fintan felt numb. It was as if he’d been chilled to the bone. He felt empty, as if he’d been drained. The fire wasn’t there. The constant nagging, the begging, the calling of the flame. Oh how he wanted to be able to harness the heat. But there wasn’t any.'''

'''Fintan didn’t know how he was still alive. No living being should ever go through this, he thought.'''

'''He barely mustered up enough strength to talk to the Redek girl, let alone show her how to properly use her talents. How was he supposed to do anything without his fire? It was his will to live.'''

Taking another haggard breath through chapped lips, Fintan sat up.

His hand was tightly clutching something— a rock.

'''Uncurling his fingers, he stared at it. It was the only thing his ice prison contained. A small black rock. An ember. A burnt out coal.'''

'''The Council had given it to him. To give him false hope, and to tease him. What they didn’t know was that ember would kill them. Fintan would call down everblaze, and set the small ember on fire. He’d burn them all.'''

They deserved it.

He imagined them— imagined him.

Fintan shut his eyes.

There was nobody.

'''Nobody to care about him, or to worry. Nobody for him to care about either. He had nothing to loose.'''

'''In anger, Fintan chucked the rock at the barrier between him and the rest of the cave. The Visitation Area, they called it.'''

The rock crumbled in a heap of soot.

'''A salty tear rolled down Fintan’s cheek as he screamed out in pent-up anger. He slumped down, curling into a ball, going into a restless sleep of madness.'''

His sleep was filled with nightmares.

Things that haunted his past, things… things he’d never meant to do.

'''“Wake up,” a gruff voice said. They sounded out of breath.'''

'''Fintan snapped awake, blinking. In front of him, in the Visitation Area, was somebody in a black cloak. He couldn’t see the sleeve, but…'''

'''“Finally you show up,” he said, looking at the Neverseen member in relief. “I was wondering if you’d forgotten about me.”'''

'''They didn’t respond. The hood hid most of their face, and Fintan couldn’t make out their features.'''

'''The hooded figure spoke again, this time their voice cracking as they spoke, no longer so coarse and gruff. “Fintan.”'''

A chill went down Fintan’s spine.

Chapter Two
 Kenric 

'''Kenric hesitated a moment before slowly reaching up with a shaky hand and dropping his hood back to reveal his face. He heard Fintan say something under his breath, and Kenric shivered. "Hello, Fintan."'''

'''Fintan. This was the monster that had tried to kill him at Eternalia. This was the man who'd killed five people after sparking Everblaze for the first time. This was Fintan Pyren. He was a murderer. Yet, Kenric couldn't help but feel a bit of sympathy when he looked at Fintan's cracked, bluish lips, and his frozen skin. Fintan was staring at him blankly. It was impossible to tell what was going on through his mind, but Kenric didn't want to go searching through his mind right now. It felt... wrong.'''

They stared at each other for a few more awkward, tense, moments before Fintan finally opened his mouth to speak.

 Fintan 

'''Fintan's mind was racing. No. Kenric was dead. He blinked once, then twice, then three times just to be sure, but the figure at the Visitation Center was still there. Kenric. In a Neverseen cloak. Staring at him. Fintan had never meant to kill him in the first place, but this was insane. Impossible. Slowly, Fintan smiled. This was a joke. It had to be. Someone had used some kind of elixir to look like Kenric and come to visit him just to catch him off-guard. Fintan's smile quickly faded when he noticed the burn marks and scars all over Kenric's body. On his arms, neck, and face. Jagged lines and blotches. That wasn't something any elixir could make. And, thinking about it, Fintan didn't think there would be an elixir that could make someone as ridiculously handsome as Kenric was.'''

"Hello, Fintan," Kenric finally said.

'''Kenric. This was the elf that had been in love with Oralie the second she'd become a Councillor. The man that had voted against the pyrokinesis ban. The man who had cared enough to be there when Fintan's mind was being healed. It was his tree that he'd snuck into the Wanderling Woods to sit under. His hair that reminded him of the flames he so craved to have.'''

Kenric was holding Fintan's gaze, unflinching.

Fintan shuddered, but for the first time, it wasn't because he was cold.

'''What to say... what could he possibly say to the man he thought he'd killed?'''

'''Fintan finally opened his mouth to speak. "Councillor Kenric. Kind of you to join me."'''

'''An opening line. A really bad opening line...'''

'''He watched Kenric shiver. "Out of all the people," Kenric began.'''

Fintan blinked, not understanding.

'''"Out of all the people to kidnap and torture, I never expected it to be me. I voted against the pyrokinesis ban. I stood by your side when no one else did. I... I cared about you, Fintan." There was a long silence as Kenric waited for him to respond. When he said nothing, Kenric laughed sharply, then continued, "You washed your memory of it, didn't you? You don't remember what happened."'''

'''Fintan blinked a few more times. Something tugged desperately in the back of his mind.'''

Chapter Three
 Kenric 

He really didn’t know what he’d been expecting.

Had he been expecting an apology?

A reason?

All of that was slipping away as Kenric watched Fintan.

'''He looked so miserable--so cold. And a little part of Kenric couldn't help but think he deserved it. He deserved to be imprisoned here, facing his actions, even if he didn't remember them all.'''

'''Fintan’s eyes were glazed over, and Kenric quietly slipped into his mind. His usual blocking wasn’t up as he replayed memories in his mind. Memories that’d just been triggered and uncovered, tumbling into the spotlight.'''

'''Kenric quickly came back out. He didn’t want to… experience all of that again, no matter which side he was watching it from.'''

Just the few seconds he’d seen…

He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping to calm down.

'''As always, it was no use. Instead of seeing the darkness, all Kenric could see was fire. Swarming all around him. Engulfing him, consuming him.'''

The heat lapping at him.

Like he was there again.

Dying.

Like he was silently being forced to watch Oralie weep at his planting, her face twisted in agony.

Watch the Lost Cities crumble, falling apart piece by piece.

The Neverseen were horrible, and Fintan was no exception.

A bitter laugh escaped from his lips.

'''There was Fintan--the big, scary Neverseen member. On the ground, helpless.'''

Why had Kenric ever been afraid?

 Fintan 

Oh.

Fintan came back into the present, more and more things clicking into place.

“Oh.”

Kenric was laughing, and it forced Fintan deeper into a feeling of despair.

'''He opened his mouth. “I’m…” Was he really sorry, though? Should he apologize?'''

Kenric had stopped, and was looking at him, an uncipherable expression upon his features.

'''“I’m sorry,” he said finally. “I…” his voice faltered. “And I mean it.”'''

“The ice prison made you soft,” Kenric muttered.

'''Fintan stared into his eyes. “Maybe it did.”'''

Chapter Four
'''Kenric shook his head. He could still sense Fintan's memories in his head as if it was his mind being trespassed, not Fintan's. He frowned as his mind froze on one particular memory.'''

'A blurry figure of Oralie reached over, gently brushing Fintan's shoulder. Fintan promptly moved away, but it was too late. Oralie had already taken the reading. Fintan was panicking but attempting not to show it. "Oralie, I swear, I can explain-"'

'"Fintan, I don't even know what to say!" Oralie sounded hysterical.'

'Fintan was annoyed. Oralie had no idea-'

"I can't believe... do you really feel that way about me?"

'Oh. She truly had no idea... Fintan reeled back. "Oh, no, Oralie, not you. It's..." His eyes flicked in Kenric's direction. "It doesn't matter who it is. But it certainly isn't you."'

'Oralie caught the glance he threw at Kenric, and her eyes widened. "What? It's Kenric!?"'

Fintan shushed her.

'Kenric, upon hearing his name had glanced up and given a little wave, smiling. Fintan's face reddened, and he looked away. "Don't."'

'Oralie's eyes were wide. "I... you actually..."'

"Oralie, don't tell him. I swear-"

'Kenric came over. He looked at Fintan wearily, then smiled at Oralie. "Everything alright over here?"'

'"Of course," muttered Fintan. "Everything is fine."'

The memory ended.

 Fintan 

Kenric stood there, staring at Fintan, shocked.

'''Fintan made a face. "Why are you... y-you were in my-" ''He was in your head. ****. "I... what did you see, Kenric?"'

Kenric just gawked at him, open-mouthed.

"Oh, god," Fintan grumbled.

The thing that Finatn had always hoped would never happen was now happening.

'''If Kenric had entered Fintan's mind again, he would've seen a lot of profanity. "It's... not what you think, Kenric."'''

"You... had feelings for me?"

There was a long silence before Kenric started laughing again.

'''Fintan inhaled sharply, then immediately started to cough violently. He winced, clearing his throat. His long hair fell in front of his face as he glared at the frosty ground.'''

'''Kenric had stopped laughing. "So. It's not a joke."'''

"It might as well be. You seem amused enough."

'''Another long pause. "Do you... still feel that way?"'''

'''Fintan said nothing. Why should he? It's not like Kenric deserved to know. But he does deserve to know. "That really depends on how you look at it," Fintan began.'''

'''Kenric stepped closer. "Please, Fintan. No games. Just tell me."'''

'''Fintan blinked. "So, what if I did?"'''

"Then... I'd say you're utterly foolish."

~time skippy~
'''Fintan breathed on the ice and drew a smiley face with his finger. Kenric snorted. "Wow, you're so mature."'''

"Hey, I don't have much to do in here."

'''It had been four months since Kenric's first visit to Fintan's icy prison. He now visited at least once a week.'''

'''They had warmed up to each other (pun intended) after a while, though Kenric still didn't trust him. He just wanted to be sure that Fintan was staying sane. As if Kenric's sanity had been any better. He decided to linger in hiding, away from the Council, the Black Swan, and the Neverseen. Fintan wondered what he did when he leapt elsewhere from the Visitation Center but never asked. He was worried he would lose the little trust Kenric had in him.'''

Kenric stepped closer and breathed against the ice, drawing a smiley face on the other side of Fintan's.

'''Fintan smirked. "Wow. So mature."'''

There was a long silence.

"Well," Kenric mumbled, "I should probably get going."

"Yeah."

Another awkward silence.

"So, are you going to leave, or just stand there like a fool?"

'''Kenric snorted. "I'll miss you, too, Fintan." He held up his crystal to the light.'''

'''Fintan hesitated. "Wait."'''

'''"What?" Kenric was peering at him through the glassy ice.'''

'''Fintan cleared his throat, knowing he should probably thank him for all the visits. But instead, what came out was, "Where are you going?"'''

'''Kenric bit down on his lip. "I'm not sure I should tell you."'''

"Still don't trust me?"

'''Fintan had asked with a smirk, but Kenric responded sadly. "Why should I?" he whispered.'''

Chapter Five
 Unknown 

'''The wind lashed at her as it howled, threatening to knock her over. Her ringlets blew into her face, and she knocked them away, pulling her hood closer to her face.'''

One misstep could be fatal—it’d been designed that way.

'''Jutting into the sky, the mountain was the perfect prison. Cold, harsh conditions… no one would dare.'''

She wasn’t no one.

She was determined.

Sure, there was an easier way, but that was only for authorized visits.

'''She’d sent requests numerous times. They had all been declined. Something about grudges and safety, as if she was too fragile.'''

'''There was nothing to hold onto. No trees or convenient hand-holds. If you put too much weight on a certain rock, it’d break loose and you’d fall into the empty space below. The only thing to walk on was a narrow ledge. It was a secret enterance, designed as a fail-safe if something backfired.'''

It’s weird, the things people will do if something goes wrong.

Walking on ledges over chasms is apparently one of them.

'''Planting another foot ahead of her, she took a deep breath—making sure to keep hugging the wall—and shifted her weight forward. Another step forward.'''

Every few steps forward felt like multiple back.

A few steps forward with… no. She shut down the memory.

She couldn’t let herself feel that way anymore.

'''Before she knew it, she was on a large platform. It made her realize how weak she felt—her legs ached and her face tingled from the constant lashing of the wind. Most of all, she felt numb.'''

'''She stumbled down onto her knees, taking a moment to rest and gather herself. Just ahead was an opening into a dark cave. It was a tunnel, leading to… the cave. A chill shot down her body just at the thought of who was in there. Clenching her jaw, she stood up, walking into the cave.'''

The first thing that hit her was the cold.

'''It was a cold that you could feel down to the bone. And that wasn’t even part of it, the full extreme of the cold was on the other side of the glass. She had helped design it, and now, she was experiencing it.'''

'''The tunnel seemed to go on forever, stretching into darkness. At the end, it rounded to the right. The end of the tunnel, she thought.'''

Maybe if the tunnel hadn’t been so loud from the wind, she might’ve been able to hear the voices.

'''One might not be able to tell where they came from. Ahead, or behind?'''

'''She stepped out of the tunnel, eerie silence following her. She pulled down her hood, and a gasp rang out.'''

 Kenric 

'''Kenric smiled sadly at the sight of Fintan, who was slumped against the ice, sleeping. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”'''

'''He suddenly shot up, eyes wide, a panicked expression on his face. He’d been like this the past couple of days, and Kenric had made the mistake of listening in to his mind—he was playing some certain memories over and over in his nightmares, like a loop.'''

“Ken, hi.” He sounded exhausted, reminding Kenric that this wasn’t all fun and games—Fintan was on the edge of freezing to death.

'''Kenric grinned. “Ken, huh?”'''

'''Fintan waved the thought away, but he grinned back. “So, what took you so long, huh?”'''

'''Kenric’s smile faltered. He’d been hoping Fintan wouldn’t ask why he was gone a few more days than normal. “I-”'''

'''“No, it’s okay,” Fintan blew out a breath. “I get it, you don’t have to tell me.”'''

'''Kenric put a hand on the ice between them, and Fintan did the same, lining their fingers up. Did Kenric have feelings for Fintan, like he did for Kenric? Or was his mind forcing himself to feel this way. Was he being sympathetic? Or did he really care about this ex-Neverseen member?'''

'''Clicking footsteps filled the room, coming from a tunnel, hidden out of sight. Kenric knew that tunnel, all too well—he’d helped design it. He shuddered. This cave was hollowed out for any… misbehaving Pyrokinetics—he hadn’t intended it for Fintan, but… he’d made some bad choices, and here they were.'''

'''Soon, a figure wrapped in a desaturated light-blue cloak stepped into the room. The cloak was fastened at the neck with a pink tourmaline-engraved clasp. They wore combat boots, and from the overall disheveled look, they had braved the outdoors to get here. They looked determined.'''

They pushed back their delicate hood, and Kenric sucked in a shaky breath, covering his mouth in astonishment.

Chapter Six
 Fintan 

Kenric and Fintan gaped at the figure standing in front of them.

Fintan knew who the figure was even before she dropped her hood away from her face.

Oralie.

'''Oralie's eyes were wide. She looked like she was in shock.'''

'''Kenric stepped forward. Oralie froze. "Ora?" Kenric whispered.'''

'''Oralie burst into tears. "You... I thought you..." Her face twisted with confusion, and even a trace of anger. "You messed with my mind," she hissed.'''

'''Kenric stepped closer. "Ora, I'm so sorry... i-it was to protect you-"'''

Oralie slapped him hard across the face.

Kenric recoiled, wincing.

Fintan straightened, giving Oralie a murderous look.

'''He watched Oralie cry. *****, Fintan thought to himself.'''

He watched Kenric take the tiniest step forward.

'''Oralie was sobbing. She buried herself in Kenric's arms.'''

Kenric seemed surprised, but didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her.

'''Fintan's mouth twitched. ''Why does he care about her so much? She just hit him. Kenric, you soft idiot...'

Oralie leaned up and kissed him.

'''Fintan was on his feet in a split second, his jaw clenching. He watched as Kenric kissed back. Of course he kissed back, he loves her.'''

'''Kenric gently pulled away and gently placed his hand on the side of her face. "I'm so sorry," he whispered.'''

'''Oralie shook her head, choking back more tears. Oh, brother. "You're alive," she whispered.'''

'''He smiled at her sadly. "I am."'''

"How long have you... why didn't you... why... I have so many questions..."

"It's been a few weeks since I escaped."

'''"Escaped!? What happened?" She finally noticed the faint scars on his face and neck. "What..." She shot a glare at Fintan. "What did you do to him!? What did you have those monsters do to him!?" she demanded.'''

"Excuse me, princess, I didn't ask them to do anything. That was all Gisela."

"Don't call me that."

"Okay, princess--" he retorted, rolling his eyes.

"Ugh. And why would I believe you anyways?"

"I have no use lying to you. Except making you look like a fool, which I suppose I'd be glad to do."

Oralie made a high-pitched frustrated squeak.

'''Kenric gave Fintan a look. "Fintan..."'''

'''Fintan scowled. "I wasn't the one who slapped you-"'''

"Seriously, Fintan, not now."

'''"What do you mean 'not now'!?" Fintan exploded.'''

"I mean shut up! This isn't about you!"

'''Fintan flinched slightly. "Of course it's not about me. It's about her. It's always about her, isn't it?"'''

Kenric made a face.

Oralie looked confused.

Fintan sighed, sitting down on an ice block.

Chapter Seven
 Fintan 

Why had he lashed out like that?

He had no idea.

'''It could’ve been from the decades of anger built up inside him, or it could’ve been from the jealousy. Take your pick, he thought bitterly.'''

Kenric and Oralie were both standing there in silence.

”Fintan…” Kenric began.

'''Fintan didn’t even have to look up to tell Oralie had placed a gentle hand on Kenric’s shoulder, stopping him from talking as they exchanged silent glances. That’s how it was, being a Pyrokinetic. Silent conversations about you, everywhere you went, following you. And then they became verbal— and that’s where the trouble started.'''

He stared down at his hands.

'''Those hands had done many things. Some good, although that was far in the past. And some… far, far from good. He’d ruined lives, he’d broken people. Everything his hands touched combusted into flames and died, that was the story of his life.'''

By the time Fintan looked back up, Kenric and Oralie were no where to be seen.

It felt like a stab to the heart.

'''Correction—there was already a dagger in his heart. It had just been spun around in the wound, reigniting the pain.'''

Could Kenric have said goodbye?

Maybe Fintan didn’t deserve a goodbye.

That was fair.

~time skip~
 Fintan 

Kenric hadn’t come back for a few days.

'''Was he worried? No.'''

'''Was he lying to himself…? Yes.'''

”Fintan,” Marella said harshly, snapping him out of his train of thoughts.

“Yes?”

”You were teaching me how to throw fire?”

Fintan sighed.

'''The more the lesson went on, the more annoyed Fintan was. Having to teach a Pyrokinetic without using his own ability was hard enough. Teaching a teen who thought he was a villain—which was true, but that’s not the point—was even harder.'''

'''After Marella’s pitiful attempt at throwing fire—it had gone a few inches before fizzling out and becoming sparks—Fintan abruptly stood up. “That’s it for today. Go away.”'''

Marella stormed away, just as mad as Fintan was.

”Control your emotions!” Fintan yelled out at her.

'''A snort came back in reply, echoing through the cave. “How about you control your own!”'''

Fintan sat back down and slumped, putting his head in his hands.

'''She hadn’t meant it—there was no way she could know about Kenric—but it hurt just as much. Maybe he did need to control his emotions.'''

Was he being foolish?

'''Maybe he was—maybe he was lying to himself. He’d been doing that a lot lately.'''

”Fintan.”

'''Huh? What was she doing here?'''

'''His head snapped back up, glaring at her. “Oralie.”'''

'''”I would be yelling at you right now,” she said, her voice barely audible. “But Kenric told me not to. He… he told me you changed.”'''

'''Fintan tilted his head. “Did he now? Do you believe him?”'''

'''Oralie paused for a few moments. “…no.”'''

“Interesting.” Fintan leaned forward.

'''“I hate you,” Oralie said suddenly. “You ruined my life.”'''

'''Fintan needed a few seconds to process what she’d just said. Honestly, he was taken aback. His lips instinctively curled up into a haunting smile—or at least the best he could muster. “Good.”'''

'''It was harsh, yes, and he was supposed to have changed, but maybe he didn’t. Maybe he didn’t want to change. Oralie didn’t deserve for him to change. Kenric… maybe.'''

'''Oralie’s bottom lip trembled as she blew out a shaky breath. She spun around and walked off, her boots hitting the ice the only sound in the cave. At the last second, she turned back, a thoughtful yet sorrowful expression. “For the record… he wa- is too good for you.”'''

Fintan clenched his jaw and curled his hands into fists, watching as she continued striding away.

Suddenly, an earsplitting scream echoed through the cave, although the last half was cut short, being muffled by something.

Fintan felt a chill go down his spine.

'It was the classic ’get-your-victim-alone-when-they’re-vulnerable’'' move. With a cringe, he remembered how many times he’d done that… for the Neverseen.'''

'''Soon, the recognizable figure of Lady Gisela came in the room, hood drawn over her face. “Fintan,” she soothed, using her hand to pull back her hood in a swift motion, smiling like Fintan had done a few moments ago. “How’s life? Cool, I presume?”'''

“What do you want?”

'''”I’d just like to let you know how easy you’ve made it for us. Of course, it was quite annoying that Kenric got in the way a few days ago. Nonetheless… thank you. Thank you very much,” Gisela said, and with a flourish of her cloak she walked back into the tunnel, presumably with a few other Neverseen members.'''

'''Fintan stood up and kicked the ice in anger, ignoring the pain that shot through his leg and through the rest of his body. Stupid, he thought. How utterly stupid.'''

Chapter Eight
'''A few more days passed, and Kenric was still nowhere to be seen. Which was fine, of course. Oralie had gotten kidnapped by Gisela. That was also fine. Obviously, everything was fine.'''

Until one day.

Everything suddenly stopped being fine.

'''Kenric finally showed up. He came racing into the Visitation Center, and boy was he a mess. Fintan stood up. "Kenric?"'''

'''Kenric was in tears. He also looked angry... really angry.'''

'''"Fintan! You. You did this, didn't you?" he said. "Where is she!? Where did you have the Neverseen take her!? I know you did it! I know you did! B-because if you didn't do it... I... I don't know where else to l-look... p-please, tell me you know where she is, please, what did you DO!?"'''

"I didn't do anything! Kenric, I didn't do anything, I swear. But Gisela-"

"Gisela!? Where is she? Where's Gisela? Where does she have Oralie? She isn't going to hurt her, is she?"

'''Fintan tried to wrap his mind around everything that Kenric was saying. He was talking way too fast, and he was crying, and his words seemed slurred. He looked like he hadn't slept in days... "I don't know, Kenric! How could I possibly know? I just watched Gisela drag her away."'''

'''Kenric choked back a sob and sat down on the icy ground. "No," he croaked softly.'''

'''Fintan gulped. He wasn't used to see Kenric like this. It made him feel... awkward. And kind of useless since the only thing he could do was watch.'''

"Y-you have to help me, Fintan. No one else knows I'm alive except the Neverseen and Oralie. I can't... I need you..."

'''Fintan hesitated. "How am I supposed to help?" he asked carefully. He was in prison... there really wasn't much he could do...'''

'''"I... I can get you out," Kenric said, his eyes widening. "I never resigned from the Council, right? So... my DNA should still work to unlock your cell, since it can only be unlocked by a Councillor."'''

'''Fintan watched, in awe, as Kenric licked a small icy panel on the lock of the cell, then placed his thumb-print on a panel right next to that one. There was a long pause, and at first Fintan thought it didn't work. But then the door of the cell clicked. Fintan's eyes widened. He grabbed one of the bars of the cell and pulled. Nothing happened. It was iced shut. Fintan cursed.'''

"Step back," Kenric demanded.

'''Fintan raised an eyebrow and took a step back. Kenric rammed the side into the door, and it broke open. He collapsed in front of Fintan. He winced, looking up at him.'''

'''Kenric scrambled to his feet. There was a long pause. "H... hey," Kenric muttered.'''

"H-hi," Fintan stammered.

'''Kenric stepped back. "You'll... help me find her?" he whispered.'''

'''Fintan hesitated. This was it. He was free. Was he really going to help Kenric find her? He hated Oralie. Because Oralie loved Kenric. Jeez, he broke you out of jail; the least you could do is help him...'''

'''Finally, Fintan nodded. Kenric released the breath he'd been holding. and quickly wrapped Fintan in a hug.'''

'''Fintan, despite being in serious pain from frostbite and being incredibly weak and tired, found himself hugging back. It was weird to hug someone... let alone hug Kenric. He kind of liked it, though. This was the first time he'd been in contact with someone for almost a year. And it was nice. He closed his eyes. Kenric's body was warm, especially compared to Fintan's. He could hear the beat of Kenric's heart. It was beating really fast...'''

 Kenric 

'''Kenric didn't know how long the hug lasted, but it ended when Fintan cursed under his breath and pulled away. He watched him shiver. Kenric took off his cape and held it out to him.'''

Fintan looked at it skeptically.

'''Kenric sighed and swept the cape around Fintan's shoulders, knowing that he would be to stubborn to take it. "We should leap away from here before someone sees us. The other Councillors are no doubt looking for Ora, too."'''

Fintan nodded absentmindedly.

'''He realized he'd have to take Fintan to the place he'd been staying ever since he escaped the Neverseen. Could he really trust Fintan enough to take him there? As if he had a choice. Fintan needed a place to stay, too, and he'd probably need to be nursed back to health. He looked like he was about to collapse any moment, and Kenric was tempted to ask Fintan if he needed to be carried. And he looked so cold... and small... and sad...'''

Kenric was beginning to think that not even people like Fintan deserved to be trapped in an icy prison.

'''Kenric pulled out a light-leaping crystal and held out his hand to Fintan. "Come on."'''

Fintan took his hand and the two of them leapt away.

Chapter Nine
 Fintan 

Fintan opened his eyes, blinking a few times to clear his vision.

'''The crystal had brought them to a small living room, with a cozy-looking green couch and a tall, tree-like plant in the corner. One wall was a mint green, the others all bare white, matching the ceiling. The floor was a dark hardwood that was so smooth you could slide around on it. All around there were doorways to the rest of wherever this was.'''

'''Kenric gently took his hand from Fintan’s, letting out a shaky breath. “Go ahead and uh… look around a bit. Or something.” He looked up at a clock mounted on the wall. “I need to go… do something.”'''

He left, leaving Fintan alone

'''Fintan looked down at his hands. Every touch felt like little pinpricks, stabbing him all over.'''

'''He was regaining feeling back. If he could recover from this, maybe he could recover from everything else. Maybe, just maybe, he could regain his life back. Before everything went wrong.'''

But feeling again meant his body was getting warmer again.

Which meant fire.

'''Fintan could already feel the tug, the pull. It was taking so much of his will power to not spark a small flame in his hand.'''

Then again, what bad could it do?

It would be innocent.

'''He wouldn’t hurt anybody or anything, it’d just be… a test. To see if he could still do it.'''

What harm could it cause?

No.

'''He shouldn’t — wouldn’t. It didn’t matter how much control he thought he had.'''

'''It didn’t matter. Period.'''

Fintan could just be talentless from now on.

Just ignore the flame.

Could he even achieve such a thing?

Ignoring such a vital part of his life — his identity.

'''Maybe he’d just have to wait and see. If there was anything he’d learnt, it was that time will tell — a human expression, but a fitting one.'''

~a week ago~
 Kenric 

'''Nervously, Kenric turned on his imparter, waiting. Not even a minute later, he was hailed. He quickly answered, wiping a tear from his cheek.'''

'''“Kenric-” the bronze-skinned woman on the other end started. She paused, furrowing her eyebrows. “What’s wrong? Are you okay?”'''

'''“It’s Oralie. It’s Oralie. It’s…” Kenric choked back a sob, his voice cracking. “Oralie. She’s gone.”'''

'''“What? What happened?”'''

“I don’t know!”

'''She blew out a breath, nervously running a hand through her wavy brown hair. “Okay. I’m… I’m gonna come over. Are you staying in your cabin?”'''

'''Kenric’s eyes widened. “No! Yes. I am. But don’t. No. Just…” he broke into a hysterical laugh-cry, curling into a ball on the couch. His imparter clicked as the call was severed from the other end.'''

He didn’t know how long he sat there.

'''“Kenric?” a voice came. The same woman from the imparter call walked into the room. She was wearing a casual yellow tunic and black leggings, with brown boots on. Her face contorted at the sight of Kenric on the couch, still sobbing. “Oh, Kenric. Poor, poor Kenric.”'''

'''She came over, sitting next to him. “I’m so sorry. We’ll find her. We’ll take this to the rest of the Council if we need too, okay? They’ll find out she’s missing soon and look for her anyway. They’ll find her.”'''

Kenric didn’t answer.

'''“It’s gonna be okay,” she wrapped him in a hug. “We’ll try everything. If anybody can find her, it’s us.”'''

~present~
'''“Kenric,” she said slowly and calmly over the imparter. “What did you do?”'''

'''“I thought it was the best thing to do! He can help!”'''

“No, not that — even though that was still foolish.”

'''He tilted his head. “What?”'''

'''“You… your DNA. You used it to open the door.”'''

'''Kenric didn’t understand — how was this important. “Yeah?”'''

'''“We have a technopath monitoring the door. Any time it was opened or tampered with, unauthorized. They know you’re alive.”'''

Chapter Ten
"They know."

'''Fintan was holding a little flame in his hand. Hearing Kenric at the doorway, he jumped in surprise and quickly extinguished it.'''

'''Kenric blinked. "What... are you doing?"'''

'''"I was just... I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself, I-I just wanted to see if..." He trailed off.'''

'''Kenric looked at him expressionlessly. "See if...?" Kenric prodded.'''

Fintan swallowed.

'"Last time I saw you light a fire, you almost killed'' me," he said softly. His voice had an edge to it, but Fintan couldn't tell whether it was anger or fear... "So, I would appreciate if you didn't do that in my house."'''

'''Fintan looked down. "I'm sorry..."'''

"Don't. The Council knows that I'm alive and they know that I freed you, so you'll be staying here for a while."

'''Fintan pressed his lips together. "I'm sorry," he repeated.'''

'''Kenric took a shaky breath. "I know you are." He walked out of the living room, down the hall.'''

'''Fintan heard a door close and grimaced. Stupid, stupid, stupid, how could he be so stupid...'''

'''He glared at his hands. No matter how hard he tried, he could still feel the pull of the fire... he could still... why can't Kenric understand that? He can't just stop being a pyrokinetic. Anger flared in Fintan's mind. It's not my fault. He stood up and followed Kenric down the hall. He knocked on the door. "Kenric. Kenric, we have to talk."'''

'''Kenric opened the door. "What do you want?"'''

"I'm sorry."

"I know-"

'''"No, no, not for that. Not for the little fire I made a couple seconds ago. I'm sorry for that." He pointed to one of the scars on Kenric's neck.'''

'''Kenric looked away. "It's fine."'''

"Is it, though? I could've... I-I..."

'''Kenric winced. "Fintan, you don't-"'''

'''"I could've killed you," he whispered. "Kenric, you have no idea... I..." he trailed off.'''

'''"What do I have no idea of, Fintan?" he asked softly.'''

'''Fintan hesitated, then sighed. "When I thought you were gone... I tried to wipe my memory. Over and over again. I wanted to forget you existed. I... didn't want to think that it was my fault you were gone..."'''

'''Kenric didn't say anything. Which was probably a good thing.'''

"But I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried. Every little thing would trigger my memories to flood back, and... I almost lost it."

"You mean, you almost shattered," Kenric whispered.

'''Fintan looked at the floor. "I thought I killed a person I care about. It doesn't make it any better that you were tortured while I was locked away in that icy cage," he spat.'''

"I would've never let them do that to you if I were there."

'''He sighed. "I know."'''

There was a short pause.

'''Fintan scratched his arm. "So, the Council will be looking for us."'''

"I know. I'll figure something out. Fintan, I-"

"I'm going to turn myself in."

'''"What!?" Kenric spluttered. "N-no! Fintan, you promised you'd help me get Oralie back!"'''

"I don't want the Council to think that your helping me..."

"I don't care what they think. I'm not letting you turn yourself in. You're not going back to that... that place."

'''How could Kenric be so stupid? He was too kind for his own good. "I have to."'''

"No, you don't. I won't let you."

Fintan stared at him.

'''Kenric looked like he wanted to light-leap away. Or smack Fintan. Or both.'''

But instead, he burst into tears.

'''Fintan's eyes went wide. Shoot, I made him cry. "Kenric, I-I..."'''

Kenric tried to shut the door again, but Fintan's foot was in the way.

'''Kenric sobbed helplessly. "Move," he demanded shakily.'''

Fintan pulled the door open and wrapped Kenric in a hug.

Kenric froze.

There was a pause before he slowly melted into the hug and started crying again.

'''Fintan winced. "I-I'm sorry..."'''

'''Kenric didn't say anything. Fintan swallowed. Hugging wasn't really his thing, but there was no going back now. He was the only thing keeping Kenric from collapsing at the moment. He wasn't sure how long the two of them were standing there, but Kenric eventually pulled away. He took a shaky breath and looked at Fintan. He looked back at Kenric and attempted to smile. "Are you okay?"'''

 Kenric 

'''Kenric shook his head. Being okay wasn't an option right now. Not while he was questioning everything in his life.'''

'''He took a tiny step away from Fintan. "So... y-you must be hungry?"'''

"I'm... not that hungry," Fintan tried to assure him.

'''Kenric gave him a look. "If I'm remembering correctly, I think brattails are your favourite food..."'''

'''Fintan's eyes lit up a little. "Well, I suppose I'm a little hungry," he mumbled reluctantly. Kenric smiled a little.'''

'''The colour was returning to Fintan's pale skin, and he looked a lot more... alive. He was still shaky and frail and looked like he would tip over if he was nudged the wrong way, but he looked better than he had only a few hours ago.'''

'''Fintan looked up and caught Kenric staring at him. "Why... are you looking at me like that..."'''

"You look... better."

Fintan blinked.

"I mean, better than you did in the ice prison. You look... you know... better. Healthier."

"Ah. Well, I suppose I feel a little better, too."

'''Kenric stepped closer again and reached out as if he was about to grab Fintan's hand but flinched right when their fingers touched and pulled away. His hands were freezing...'''

Fintan blinked in surprise.

'''"S-sorry," Kenric mumbled. "It's just... I wasn't expecting your hands to be so cold." He reached out and carefully took Fintan's hands in his own. He gave them a gentle squeeze.'''

'''Fintan stared at their hands. "Yeah..."'''

'''"I'll get you a blanket." He dropped his hands and turned to walk into his room, but before he could take another step, there was a knock on the door.'''

'''His face went pale. And suddenly, the door opened. A woman in a purple tunic and black leggings gasped audibly.'''