14 14 The Green Aftermath

Sometime after the incident with Emerald, Joon's father notice a change in Joon. First it was the little things like his confidence had seemed to increase dramatically. Second his son's irises now possessed a new hint of green sparkle color. He knew he was not imagining it. He had looked into those eyes since his birth, they reminded him of of his own. He questioned him some, but did not push further. He recalled being a young man. 'It may be a sign of maturity or...". Blue Flame remembered younger days, when he first discovered the pleasure of "consumption". His concerns melted away with the thoughts.

Joon did not want his father to know of his transgression with Emerald. His father's questions about his appearance and attitude made Joon on edge. He became closed off and hesitant to discuss his coming and goings. He assumed his father may view the action as something wrong. He knew his father's thoughts on most matters, and did not want the lectures or to worry him in his elevated age. Plus, he wanted to savor the experience for himself. Keeping it to himself was the only way to keep it free from the thoughts and judgement of others. The experience was like no other he had felt before and he enjoyed it. Maybe it was time to rely solely on his own mind to live life. He concluded it was the season to strike out on his own and depart from his father.

After talking it over with his father, they decided the best path forward would be to visit his mother in the north. Then after a family visit they could part ways. There were only a few places left that Joon had not visited on the globe and the north was one. The cold could not harm Joon now. He was too big and bursting with energy to freeze anymore. They would make the journey, then Joon could find his way in the world with his conscious free.

During their travels north they climbed and flew. They migrated over mountains, high over their peeks in the heavens. It grew into a crisp cold as they flew across water. The chill tried to enter Joon down to his bones and his father was almost lost several times. Joon added fuel to his internal fire to keep them going. Blue flame told tales of how the land had changed and moved over the years. Land became separated by seas, hindering him from traveling far and wide, like in his youth. As the winds picked up so did the bitter cold. Frost settled on Joon's lashes and nose as they traveled up.

Blue Flame had become worn over the years raising and guiding Joon. He was tired now and did not tell Joon his true reason for the trip. His flame color varied more often than before and strength was weakened from time and the elements. This would be his last trip. Earlier on Blue Flame decided that when Joon was old enough he would return to the north. He had planned this for a long time. The plan was to die with the one he loved. He would retreat into her center to rest in peace. His light burned for so long because of her and he wanted to return the gift.