Chapter 11: A Helping Hand

“Because I want to live life to the fullest. To live a life of freedom.”

Hearing those words from inside her tent, Ember thinks to herself.

Freedom. I guess freedom from all this talking would be a good start. But if I’m being honest with myself, I was never going to fall asleep tonight. But I so badly wish I could. Seriously though, some peace and quiet would be nice. Why do they have to keep talking like this in the middle of the night?

For me, it’s no different. Like everybody else, I have no memory of my past life, nor have any clue of where we are. But that doesn’t matter; something tells me I’m better off this way. There is one thing that I feel like I do remember, though. Actually, remember isn’t the right word… it’s more like… reminded. Yeah. That sounds right, sounds better. And this thing, I’ve been reminded about it.

My hearing… is special.

In just one day, my mind and body have been reminded about this blessing and curse I carry. I don’t know for how long, but I know that my hearing has impacted my life. And tonight, before they started chatting outside, I couldn’t stop looking at my canteen. Ember. Why is that my name? Why isn’t it related to my superior sense of hearing? All the names seem to correlate to other’s most noticeable attributes. But me? No.

In one way or another, it seems I’ll always be the one that stands out.

The hissing of the fire grows louder as Ember exits her tent.

"Oh, would you look at that… sleeping beauty has left her quarters. Looks like you were even shaken up by what happened earlier. Or am I mistaken?" teases Ace, and Ember lays her eyes on him.

Idiot. He’s all brawn and no brain.

"Speak for yourself, Ace. I just wanted some fresh air, and unfortunately, there’s plenty just outside my tent, where you might be.”

Ace says, “Oh, come on, lighten up a bit.”

Sitting beside Ace, Ember delivers a cheap shot to his stomach, sending a message to leave her be.

Ace buckles as he clutches his stomach, "What was that for princess? And why'd it have to be the stomach again?!"

"Didn't I tell you not to call me that?" says Ember.

Ace chuckles but is quickly reminded that he just got the wind knocked out of him. After his coughing fit, he says to Ember, "You are quite the firecracker, aren't ya, Ember?"

Ember shrugs, "Guess so…"

After a few seconds, Code says, "Just remind me not to get on your bad side anytime soon."

"Just don’t get in my way or do anything stupid, and you'll be alright."

Code scoffs to himself as one of the larger firewood logs topples over in the firepit, briefly lighting up the faces of everybody around the campfire.

"Don’t take this the wrong way because I’m not your guy's friend. But I need to ask, why do you think I’ve been named Ember?"

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Ember meets my gaze, and now I have to answer.

“I can’t speak for the rest, but to me, you were named after your personality. The traits of an ember… they suit you.”

“I see,” says Ember, staring at the fire and thinking.

So that’s how people see me. Once again, as somebody that stands out and maybe somebody to avoid. I asked that as a joke, but did Scar take it literally? Probably.

“I love your name.”

With that same cheery female voice that Ember has found herself resenting all day piping up, Sky continues, “Ember, how cool is that name?? You’re passionate, driven, lively, and beautiful, exactly like an ember. I’m so jealous of you. That’s such an amazing name, and it suits you so perfectly!”

Jealous? Of me?

Scoffing, Ember looks away.

There’s no way anybody could ever be jealous of somebody like me.

She then mumbles, “Please. It was just a simple question.”

Meeting Sky’s gaze for the first time all day, Ember notices Sky is smiling.

She… she’s smiling? Are you telling me she meant all of that? No. That can’t be right.

“Well, to me, you’re just some crazy firecracker and-”

Before Ace can finish his sentence, Ember delivers another much-needed elbow to his stomach. Sky starts chuckling, and even Code cracks a smile for a moment. Looking back at the fire, Ember’s mind wanders once more.

Do– do they not hate me? Do they actually see me… as a real person? Maybe… this is what it feels like to fit in…? Where is all of this coming from?

There must be an ulterior motive behind their words and actions here, right? They are just trying to get on my good side to get something in return later.

I need to stop thinking about this and just block them out. It’s better that way. Because that way, I have no chance of being hurt again.

"I already heard you all talking about this earlier, but tomorrow, what's really the plan?" asks Ember.

Ace replies with a determined tone, "I'm going out there to…"

"Just stop right there. First off, you're a grade-A dumbass Ace, you know that? You saw what happened today, right? Going out there with that mindset is a death wish. You will die, are we clear?" says Ember, which I silently agree with.

“So what exactly do you suggest we do, Ember?” he claps back. “Hm? Because from what it sounds like... you want to sit back and wait just like everybody else. Wait here like dogs for whatever it was that killed Flora today to come back and kill one or two or three or four or who the hell knows how many it will take for you all to realize that we need to be the ones to make the first move here."

"I'm not saying we run away, idiot,” Ember sternly remarks. "We need to assess all factors of what's in front of us and decide the best course of action as a group."

"Yeah? Well… who's going to stop me-"

"You will not go because we will not let you go, Ace,” interjects Ember. “Because that is not what's best for us as a group."

Bewildered, Ace stares at her, unable to respond for a few seconds.

"All right, so you’re suggesting we just sit here and wait to die? Is that what you want?"

Ember closes my eyes for a moment, "Damn it, you need to learn how to shut your damn mouth sometimes. Just take a second to think and listen. I'm not saying we run away or hide from this… in fact, I don't think either option is viable. I'm saying that you need to understand that you are not alone in this fight."

Not averting his gaze, Ace demands, "So, what exactly are you saying then?"

Ember rises to her feet and holds her hand to Ace, "I'm saying I'll help you tomorrow. And together… we'll find what killed Flora and avenge her."

Ace looks at Ember’s hand momentarily before locking eyes with her again.

"Well? Are you going to shake my hand or not? Don't make me want to change my mind!"

Ace grins, "Well, aren’t you full of surprises? Say no more, I’m in."

He latches onto Ember’s hand, and just like that, they see each other as equals for the first time.

After everybody decides to turn in and call it a night, Ember snuggles up in her sleeping bag.

“Ember…”

She softly smiles.

“I kind of do like that name.”