Flames sweep across us in a carpet. My skin burns as the fire consumes us.

But as quickly as it appeared, it disappeared.

Brownish flames overtook the gold. Revealing my vision of the Fire People staring in shock.

I blinked.

Beside me, was something... warm.

A little too warm.

I turn, finding myself, and Mid, staring mouth ajar, at where Sid had stood.

In his place, was a Dirtman, but his skin was a deeper tone of brown. Waves of fire coiled around him, brownish with a hint of black.

"Mid...? This... feels... weird..." The figure said, looking at his body. 

"Sid..is that you?" Mid gasped, flabbergasted.

"Uhh... yeah... I think..."

The Fire People looked at him with... terrified curiosity.

Trying to assess the threat.

"Kahi, its alright, go on. I'm fine. Really!" Sid speaks, in a voice not his own. This voice is speedy and high pitched.

One of the Fire People looks at the others.

They nod and disappear in flame sparks.

Sid shakes his head, showing a confused look on his face.

"Uh.. what?"

"Sid... who was that?" Mid asks.

I look at the ashes on the ground, of the Fire Person we killed.

Except its gone.

"Are you... Sid," Mid shakes, staring at his friend. "Did you FUSE with that Fire Person?"

I cock my head to the side."Fuse?"

"Its..a thing Dirtmen sometimes go through. When their bodies merge with other elements and make them... something new." Mid explains. He averts his eyes. "Its... terrifying, really."

"Sid, do you feel alright?" I ask.

"Yeah! A little... ashy... but fine!" Sid smiles. "I... actually feel really hyped!"

"And...hows your...ah... fused friend..?"

His face changed, beaming in flames. 

"Oh! I'm Khuha! Nice to meet you! Though... it felt better when you didn't squash me."

"Uh... right. We didn't mean to. Really sorry." I apologise.

"Oh its fine. Anyway... where are you going? Might as well know since I'm part of your friend now!"

"Uh.. we're escaping the book. Its being closed." I explain. "We only have.. 30 minus 6... 24 chapters left to leave!"

"Oh. That sounds like an adventure! How exciting! I love adventures!" Khuha said eagerly.

"Alright... so... you're fine coming with us?"

"YEP!"

Then his face switched back to Sid's.

"Let's go!"