"And Michael and BBX lived happily ever after," Dora-Mae concluded, giving Mr. Hardon his sweater, which featured a surreal depiction of Sigmund Freud smoking a crack pipe. "They adopted two hairless cats from a shelter and eventually bought a goldfish, once Michael got himself a job as a valet driver at a casino, of course. The goldfish was eaten by one of the cats and a replacement was never purchased."

"Awww, that was so s—" Seth's comment was cut short as an explosion sounded from somewhere outside. The walls rumbled. Pieces of stone fell from above. A large one skimmed by Dirk's head, nearly painting primitive cave art with his brains.

"We've got to get out!" I screamed to the others.

Passionfruit— I haven't mentioned Passionfruit, have I? Well, we had one more member of our group: Passionfruit Slice, a hooker from New Orleans in a previous life. She was now wheelchair-bound after a tragic car accident, where Trump—messed-up on a rainbow of uppers, downers, squealers and squeamers; furious over his monetary advances being denied—ran over her, reversed over her, then ran over her again. The paramedics who'd arrived on the scene thought she was dead. They were surprised when she coughed up coagulated blood and came back to life. The doctors said she'd be paralyzed for life. They were surprised when she regained all movement except in her legs. Passionfruit was no quitter.

I grabbed her chair and wheeled her fine ass on outta there while the others ran ahead of us through the deity-stoppered waterfall. I noticed her nose was gushing blood, as were the noses of most of our group, myself not included.

The cave collapsed behind us. Up above, maybe fifty feet, a squad of Trumpolice were using sticks of dynamite as target practice, laughing, drinking, doing hard drugs, harming small animals, listening to heavy-metal Devil rock (Nickelback, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Justin Bieber; you know, the usual suspects) and being generally quite rowdy. That was what triggered the collapse.

"Keep it quiet, gang," I whispered. "Seems they didn't know we were in there."

Those who'd been bleeding wiped their noses but strangely found no blood on their knuckles.

I led the way—or, more accurately, Passionfruit led the way—through the forest. We linked hands like a parade of elephants joined trunk to tail. The city was ahead of us. Giant neon lights advertised dog and donkey shows, and I knew the Church of Trump was putting on a final performance of The Passion of the Christ-Killer. I wasn't looking forward to visiting those sordid streets again, had no desire to wrestle with Trump's dark forces. But God demanded a little effort on our end.

Deranged howls filled the night. Trumpanzees, the result of a special gene-splicing program initiated by Trump: A freakish Doctor Moreau–like plan, combining the DNA of his sterilized supporters with ordinary chimpanzees—an attempt to create the ultimate idiotic, feces-flinging fanatic. Murv would've been one of them if I hadn't saved him. I kept a handful of those little marshmallow-banana candies armed and ready, just in case.

Andrea, the ex–kindergarten teacher, mentioned she had a story to tell. We opened our ears, one to hear her tale and the other kept vigilant for evil.

"This one is based on a true story," she said. "I call it

FIRECRACKER by Emmalee_Sky

Water engulfed Siora as she plunged into the lake. She surfaced, smiling as she treaded water. She watched the trees that circled the lake, providing cover. Her father would lose his mind if he knew she was swimming naked, but it only made her smile more. Closing her eyes, she laid back and floated, soaking the sun into her skin. She moved her arms, creating waves that rippled against her body. This was how the day should be, not worrying about her town and the ceremony that would take place in a few hours.

It didn't make much sense to her, but her grandmother Alsi, as leader of the Essentials—a race of humans who were given elemental abilities by the Goddess to fight demons back in their home world—had decided that with this generation would come new traditions. Last week, she overheard Grandma Alsi and her Council of Five finalizing their plans on the new ceremony for those who have coming-of-age. It was proof, as she always told Siora, her younger sister Loena and the others, that this new world was to be safe and mostly demon-free.

This ceremony, Loena would be one of the firsts. From what Siora gathered, when the young Essential's fifteenth birthday passed, on the anniversary of their people's arrival in this world, they received a mark on the inside of their right wrist with magic: a circle with four triangles surrounding it, signifying the five elements. And the day they receive their power, the mark would change from the original black color to that of their ability: blue for water, white for air, red for fire, green for earth, and purple for spirit.

The town was eager yet anxious to see how this would go. Grandma Alsi planned to touch the children, and through her the Goddess would bless them with the mark. Siora lifted her right arm and looked at the unmarked tanned skin. Though worried, she was just as curious as the others. Gathering at the Big Tree in the center of town, they would see the end results for themselves.

"So this is where you ran off to."

Siora gasped, waving her arms, but it was useless. Under she went. She shot back up, coughing water. She brushed dark hair out of her face and glared at the man standing on the shore. "Kayd!" She coughed again.

He grinned. "Come on out," he said.

She rolled her eyes but swam over to him.

When she stepped out of the water, wringing her hair out, Kayd smiled widely. He held a blanket out to her, but she moved past him to a tree where her clothes were. She pulled on her undergarments, then the chemise. She straightened it then pulled on her red dress.

"Will you ignore me for the rest of the day?" Kayd asked, appearing before her in the blink of an eye, holding his hands up. She glared at him, but he ignored it. "I apologized." He buttoned up the handful of buttons at the collar of her dress. His proximity took her breath away. He was so close.

She bit her bottom lip, meeting his black eyes. She cleared her throat. "You didn't."

He grinned. "Maybe I didn't."

She slapped his hands away and bent down to grab her belt. He took it from her hands and slid it around her hips, pulling her closer to him, flush against his body. "What are you doing?" she whispered.

"Helping you." He leaned forward, fastening it. His breath brushed against her neck. Her eyelashes fluttered. "Finished."

Licking her lips, she laid her hands on his arms, sliding them to his shoulders and then to his neck, clasping them at his nape. "Not just yet."

With a grin, he kissed her. He pulled back an inch and ran his thumb over her bottom lip. "Not quite." He slid his hand into her hair and kissed her again.

Goddess, she wanted more. She deepened the kiss, slipping her hand into the collar of his black shirt. She moved it over his shoulder and down his upper back. Her nails scratched over his shoulder blades, and his chest brushed harder against her own.

"I knew it!"

They pulled back to see Loena stomping over to them.

"What is it?" Siora asked, moving away from Kayd.

"Kissing!" the fifteen-year-old said, crossing her arms. Her dark-blonde hair was pulled into a low chignon, a few curls escaping down her neck. She glared at Siora. "At least you are dressed this time."

Siora blushed. "Th-That was once!"

"You are too much, Lo." Kayd laughed.

Siora slapped his shoulder. "Don't encourage her."

He intertwined their fingers and pulled her towards her sister. "Is there something you needed to tell us?" he asked Loena.

"Mama is looking for you," she said to Siora, then her eyes narrowed as she looked at Kayd. She put her hands on her hips. "You should go home and get ready for tonight. It's a special day."

He held his hands up and nodded. "Yes, ma'am." He turned to Siora and kissed her cheek, his lips lingering. "See you, firecracker," he whispered against her skin.

Her eyes closed, and she shivered. Loena exhaled, and when Siora opened her eyes a second later, he was gone.

Loena shook her head. "I hate when he does that," she mumbled, crossing her arms.

"That's why he does it most of the time," Siora told her, bending down to pick up her two leather holsters. She lifted her skirt and attached one dagger to her right thigh. She buckled it in then dropped the fabric. The other she clipped to her belt. "Let's go. What did Mama need?"

"Your hair is still dripping! Did you go swimming again? Papa is going to be mad."

Siora rolled her eyes. "Loena."

The girl shrugged, turning her head to look at the trees.

"Loena. What did Mama want?" Siora tried again. Sometimes having a little sister was a hassle.

Loena huffed. "You disappeared, and you need to get ready for tonight. We'll be standing with Grandma."

Siora's eyebrows rose. "You, too?" She walked over, tying her hair into a quick braid. When she reached her sister, they walked into the forest. "I expected you to be with the others."

"I don't really know," Loena told her. "I go where they tell me."

Siora understood that. Their family was a strong one. The people looked to them for guidance and hope, especially those who came from their world. Even though Siora wasn't one of them, both of her parents had been, and they'd taught her to cherish the new and old ways. "Are you excited?" she asked, watching her sister as they walked through the trees.

Loena didn't reply, just moving quietly beside her. She shrugged a moment later.

Siora looked ahead, smiling. Loena wouldn't lie, so she kept it to herself. How endearing. Moments like this, she reminded her of their father. Quiet, a person of few words, but resilient. Whatever happened tonight, Loena would be fine. Siora reached over and squeezed her sister's shoulder. When Loena looked over, she smiled. "It's going to be great. You'll see."

Biting her bottom lip, Loena looked away. She kept quiet as they reached the edge of the woods, and the hustle and bustle of the town surrounded them. "Will you marry Kayd?" she asked.

Siora's neck jolted with pain when she turned to look at Loena suddenly. She massaged it, glaring at the girl. "What kind of question is that?"

"If Papa finds out what you two were doing—"

"He won't," she cut the girl off. "Unless you tell him." She stopped her sister, eyes narrowing. "And you won't."

"Don't you want to marry him? I thought you loved him." Loena's brown eyes scrutinized her.

Siora sighed. She touched her lips, remembering Kayd's last kiss. Of course she loved him. Goddess, she loved him so much, but it was complicated. There was so much between their families. History that spanned millennia with lives lost and bloodshed. Some days, crossing the distance seemed easy, but most days the chasm was too wide.

The joining of the granddaughter of the Goddess' child and the grandson of the Demon King was a fairy tale, something she could dream about while locked away in her room, buried under the covers. But in the light of day, she'd be naïve to think it'd ever be possible. Bad blood didn't even begin the explain it.

Siora bit the inside of her cheek to keep her tears at bay. Mother Goddess, the real world could be so cruel. She cleared her throat and brushed a stray hair out of her face when she caught Loena staring. "It's complicated."

"Of course it is." Loena shook her head. She looked like she was going to add something, but their mother came running towards them.

"There you are!" Nedi grabbed Siora's hand and yanked her towards their house. Once inside, she forced her into a chair. "You are a mess. Were you at the lake again? Ekum's going to be upset." She shook her head, dark locks tumbling into her face. She brushed them back. "Oh well. We'll have to dry your hair by the fire."

Siora groaned, trying to pull her wet hair away from her mother's hands, but it was no use. "It won't matter. They won't be looking at me."

"They will," Nedi mumbled.

"What?" Siora asked over her shoulder.

"Move your chair next to the fireplace," Nedi ordered. "I have to make certain Loena's ready." And with that, she took the girl's hand, and they disappeared into the room the sisters shared.

She frowned. What was that about? She sighed. It didn't matter. Undoing her braid, she turned the chair so she could look out the window while her hair dried. In no time, it was done. She smiled, pulling on the tips. She faced the fire, her smile growing. She reached for it but stopped when her mother stepped out of the room.

"Perfect. Get dressed. The ceremony will begin soon. Your grandpa expects us to be early." Nedi pointed to their room, then disappeared into another.

She went in, catching Loena sitting on her own bed, hands on her lap. "Mama's picked a dress for you."

Sure enough, there it was on Siora's bed. It was a burgundy formal gown, with fancy black stitching and short sleeves. There was too much fabric and a wide backside. She winced, opening her armoire and shifting through her dresses. She found a better one. It was burgundy as well, but simple, and the skirt was more natural, flatter. It had short sleeves with a low neckline. Quickly, she changed into it before her mother could stop her. Once in it, she slipped on black fingerless mitts and black leather shoes. She brushed her loose hair over her shoulders.

"Mama's not going to be happy," Loena told her, following her out of the room.

But thankfully, Nedi had left. Their father was seated by the fire, reading a book. Ekum looked up when they came in. Standing, he held out his arms, a wide smile on his lips that lit up his brown eyes. "Look at you both."

"Papa," Loena mumbled, looking at the door.

His smile widened. "Let's go, then. Your grandfather is impatient."

When they made it to the platform beside the Big Tree, Grandpa Izten was the only one sitting there, tapping his foot with his arms crossed. His golden-amber gaze was set on his wife, where she stood speaking with Nedi, Kayd, and his mother, Kyppa. When Siora spotted them, she turned in their direction.

"Siora," Grandpa Izten called from the platform.

She peeked at Kayd, who was looking at her now. His smile made her stumble, her heart pounding, but she licked her lips and hurried to her grandfather. He patted the seat beside him and grinned. When she sat, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. She smiled. "Grandma forced you up here, didn't she?" she asked.

"That woman," he mumbled, shaking his head. "She's bossy."

"Hardly." Siora laughed.

He grinned, looking at his wife again, and there was so much love there, it tugged at Siora's heart. She looked towards her mother and grandmother, but Kayd and his mother were gone. She searched the growing crowd, laying out blankets and getting comfortable for the ceremony to start. With the sun setting, torches were lit in the town, a great number of them around the tree, the platform and the crowd. She spotted Alme, whose son would be getting marked, and Delen and Nelock—old friends—on a blanket to the right of the platform. More and more families came forward, their children separating to sit together. Loena sat with the others. Siora was glad.

"Is Grandma nervous?" she asked.

Grandpa Izten shook his head. "She's excited. Certain this will work."

"And you are not?" she asked, leaning back in the chair and folding her hands on her lap.

He shrugged. "The Goddess works in mysterious ways."

She frowned. "I hate that saying. It's a bother."

"Forsooth," he said, chuckling. "But it's the undeniable truth."

She rolled her eyes as her mother and grandmother climbed onto the platform. Her mother sat beside her, her father next, while Grandma Alsi stood at the edge and spoke. "Welcome. Tonight, we sow new seeds in this world for the Goddess and our people. By celebrating the coming-of-age, we show Her that our magic is just as strong here as in our old world. And with this mark will be the beginning of a never-ending connection with Her. Now, shall we begin?"

*

"That went well," Kayd said as they sat before a fire, watching the festival in full bloom.

They leaned against a stump, holding hands. The ceremony was a success. A little more than two dozen children had taken a step to becoming adults in the Goddess' eyes tonight. Siora wondered about the elemental abilities that'd followed when their time came. She spotted Loena sitting with her friends before another fire. The flames lighting up her light hair. Would she follow Mama or Papa's gift? "It did." She turned back to the fire. He cleared his throat, moving away from her. She turned, watching him. "What?" she asked.

"Well, I wanted to ask you something." He grabbed her hand.

Her forehead furrowed. "What about?"

He ruffled his dark hair, getting to one knee. He ran his hand over his pants and smiled crookedly.

Her heart skipped a beat. No way. He wasn't going to—

"Just do it already so she can reject you, Demon Boy!" someone screamed from behind them.

Siora felt the magic inside her explode with anger as she jumped to her feet, spinning in the person's direction.

Flames licked against her skin, fury on her tongue. "What did you say?"

"Siora!" Grandma Alsi was in front of her, her hand against Siora's chest, clear-blue eyes wide. "Stop." The flames disappeared within a breath, her grandmother sapping the anger and hurt for Kayd with her own special abilities. "Calm yourself." She brushed a few locks of hair behind Siora's ears. "You must learn to control your temper, my Sio. Fire is all passion and wildness." She sighed, laying her hands on Siora's shoulders. "Don't worry, though. You'll get it. Now, off you go. Kayd has something to ask you. We'll celebrate later." She kissed Siora's forehead then turned her in Kayd's direction.

But Siora moved in a haze. It had been months since her abilities had such a hair-trigger response. She thought she was doing so well, but at the first sight of animosity towards Kayd, it was gone. She took a deep breath, then blinked when a cool hand wrapped around hers.

Kayd smiled. "It's fine. Let's go to our spot."

The meadow was their space, a hideaway that not many knew about. She'd known about it her entire life, her grandparents sharing it with her. Kayd had stumbled on her there, and one day after another, he'd join her. Their love started there. It was special.

Once there, she lit a lantern and carried it as he led her to the center, taking one of her hands and dropping to one knee. He exhaled, eyes falling closed. "I had an entire speech, but it's gone now." He grimaced. "This is ruined."

Her heart flooded with love. "No, just go," she whispered, calm overtaking her and nature coming to life around them.

He opened one eye then another. He took a breath. "Siora. Even though our blood is too different, I knew you were the one from the second I saw you surrounded by the blaze of life. Screw what happened in the past and what people are going to say. The only ones that matter gave me their approval." He kissed both of her palms. "I love you. Goddess, do I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you by my side."

She blinked back tears, her heart pounding. "Yes," she whispered. "Yes, Kayd."

He grinned. "You are soft and then hard and then soft again, firecracker."

Blushing, she looked down at their joined hands.

"Don't worry. You can't hurt me with your fire." He laughed. "Special Demon-King genes, or something." He winked at her. "Plus, the Essential ones make me resilient, and I have to be to put up with your family."

She smacked his arm, and he laughed again. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and sighed. "We can do this, can't we?" she asked, thinking about the earlier incident, and with their upcoming nuptials, there'd only be more.

"We can do anything, firecracker," he told her, pulling her close and brushing his lips against hers. "This world is ours."