12 Saving Blaze

CHAPTER 12 SAVING BLAZE Tag and Skyla hurried over to Blaze. She stood as still as a statue, staring into space. "Blaze?" Tag said softly. "Do you remember us?" Blaze slowly shook her head. "We're your friends," Tag said. "We can help you."

Blaze looked over at Thorn. "He can find my family," she said. "You can't trust Thorn," Skyla said. "He's your enemy." Tag nodded. "Please, let us help you." Blaze narrowed her eyes. "Give me the Ember Stone," she said in a cold voice. "Thorn only wants to use it—and you— to destroy Perodia!" Tag replied. Blaze's feathers lit up one by one. Dark shades of orange and yellow and red. "Watch out, Tag!" Skyla said, pulling Tag's wing. "She's getting upset."

"Wait!" Tag said. He reached into his sack and pulled out the Ember Stone. "It's glowing!" Tag held the stone as it burned brighter. He didn't let go, even as his feathers sizzled. He showed it to Blaze. "Thorn wants to use the Ember Stone to hurt the creatures of Perodia, but you could use it for good." "You are good and kind," Skyla said. "You are our friend." Blaze stared at the bright Ember Stone. Her orange eyes shone.

Tag's wing felt like it was on fire, but he wouldn't let go of the stone. "Remember who you are," Tag said. "You are afirehawk." Blaze screeched loudly. She grabbed the glowing Ember Stone and knocked Tag to the ground. "Blaze, no!" Skyla shouted. Tag jumped to his feet as Blaze flew toward Thorn, holding the Ember Stone in her beak.