Part 174: Sully A

Ah, Sully. Might I have a moment?

What's up, Miriel?

Have you considered enacting my suggestions from our recent conversation?

You mean about the way I speak and behave and all that? Yeah, I thought about it plenty, but I still don't know what to do...

I wonder then if you might care to participate in a small experiment?

It doesn't involve rats, does it? Can't stand those things...

Nothing so crude, I promise. First, I am going to ignite this pile of dry twigs...

Oh-kay. And?

Now then. Suppose you need to extinguish this fire. How would you do it? You are allowed to use anything you see around you.

Er, I guess I'd use that bucket of water.

You would pour water on the fire?

Well, sure. Water on fire, fire goes out. Right?

Very well. Please go ahead.

Ha! See you in hell, fire!

WHOA! That made the fire twice as big! What the heck did you do?!

The fluid in the bucket is a substance commonly known as "kindling water." It is a mysterious liquid that emerges from the ground near distant mountains.

Kindling water?

Just now, you made the assumption that water always douses fire. However, you failed to consider that there may be different kinds of water.

It may also interest you that people who live near kindling water find it useful.

...I get it. It's different than regular water, but still useful to some folks. And people who are different may still have useful roles to play.

Precisely. My research indicates that you should be happy just the way you are.

Heh. Thanks for the pep talk, Miriel. I feel better already. Although, I do still have one question...

Yes?

How the hell are you planning on putting out this fire?!