Breathe in the Embers

Part 19

“So, Nightfire huh?”

Lithuega turned to the other woman as they exited the newspaper building, whispers, gasps, and gestures following her out. It was her first time in public. The trip to the interview had been choked with gratitude and selfies, and Lithuega had to admit she was coming to adore it. So far her return through the lobby had elicited just as much excitement, and the person who was actually holding a conversation with a superheroine? A piece of that awe was transferred to her as well.

Was that why the firefighter had waited until now, as they stood poised atop the stairs in front of the building? They’d had an entire elevator ride down to chat.

“That’s correct.” Lithuega replied with a smile. “It was a pleasure to share the interview with you, Maria. I wasn’t aware that I’d made such a fine impression on the fire departments of Trenton already.”

“You could say that saving a bunch of kids and hundreds of factory workers from burning to death makes an impression on just about everyone, especially the folks who would have had to retrieve the survivors, and the bodies.” Maria replied with her own grin, none of that awe others displayed showing in her eyes. Something else was there, something Lithuega recognized but found it hard to believe, for it was far more valuable.

Respect.

Lithuega bowed at the waist, one arm thrown back, the other across her midriff, as was the most formal form back home. “Then let us hope I make plenty more impressions in the future. I’m taking to this work far more readily than I had imagined.”

“What did you do before?” Maria asked, Lithuega sighing internally. She hadn’t meant to broach the complicated and dangerous topic of her past, or her identity. Some of the newscasters were already questioning her blatantly demonic appearance, there was no need to reinforce their doubts with the truth.

“Not much honestly. Handle some business dealings, contractual negotiations. For obvious reasons I never got out much.” No lying, just misleading. It wasn’t every day a Carcholith made a contract, so most of their time was spent lounging at home.

Maria nodded in understanding. “I bet. So what made you finally decide to step into the limelight? I doubt there was any real way for you to be in the public without becoming a spectacle. Just decided to make the most of it?”

“There is little to be done about my appearance or the excitement it will doubtlessly generate.” Lithuega replied, ignoring the many eavesdroppers. “And I was done wasting my time on nothing at all. I wanted to help people, and there was going to be interest one way or another. I might as well make it an asset.”

“Very savvy of you.”

“Arr, like a pirate savvy…” Lithuega muttered.

“Pardon?”

“Oh nothing. Well, thank you for all you do, and for the positive impression in the interview! You can never give the media too much sweet to counter all that bitter they conjure up.”

Maria laughed. “Maybe not familiar with local news, but clearly familiar with the news in general.” she mused. “Well I hope to see you in the future. Maybe not super soon though. You seem to show up to the worst disasters, so as grateful as we are for your presence….”

“Yeah, you’d rather it not be needed. I understand.”

“Great, cya around then Nightfire!” Maria raised her eyebrows, clearly curious what the real name of this mysterious hero was. She’d have to get used to disappointment.

“And farewell to you Maria. Have fun storming the castle.”

“Princess Bride?” Maria asked, pausing on her way down the stairs.

“A classic dear to my heart.”

“Then what do you think of the rumors of a remake?”

Lithuega bristled, wrath that she rarely felt kindled in her heart. “They wouldn’t bloody dare…” she growled.

Maria laughed again. “Oh they would, but I’m with you, as is the general public it seems.” she hesitated, then quickly pulled out a notepad and pen from her purse, scribbling something down. Then she practically skipped back up the steps. “Here, why don’t you give me a call sometime? You can show me what other movies are dear to your heart.”

“I… I’d like that.” Lithuega replied uncertainly, hiding her shock as best she could. What just happened?

“See you around!” Maria declared with a cheery wave, hurrying away with an urgency she hadn’t possessed earlier.

Lithuega stared at the paper that contained nothing more important than Maria’s name and phone number. No reason at all that she could see for the woman to have grown so flustered. “Perhaps Martin will know.” she mused, shrugging as she walked down the steps. Stares and whispers followed wherever she went, but she didn’t mind at all. She just slipped the piece of paper down the front of her shirt, deciding to call on her shadow as soon as possible. A great deal had happened today that she needed his help interpreting. Besides, the boy had been languishing in that world of shadows for hours now.

She didn’t want to stunt his growth.