This was Bela’s worst fear!
Why?
Because…
The Sunreapers… are hated by every one with an origin to Miracle Day!
As Helios once said…
“Yeah those guys are super annoying to be honest.”
This obviously caused a media outrage that disappeared at New Years.
She couldn’t read their thoughts, nor could she flee. Eyes darting left and right—no one in sight, but the movement of clouds spoke of a busy night! No, she had to keep composure. A straight face to hide the nervousness.
A Witch? Cyromin noticed. What a coincidence.
Eyes to Spriggan. “Who’re you?”
Spriggan looked toward his Witch, and she gave him the slowest, hardest nod of approval known to mankind. Gulp!
“Jack…” Spriggan answered, crossing his arms, “Jack Candy Cane.”
“Candy Cane?” Cyromin tilted his head, “Strange. Never seen ya around my town before.”
Oh no! Bela was trying so, so hard not to look suspicious. Her mouth kept on trying to contort! That hair… he's the sibling… of the one I…
“Well, I've been here. You must've been living under a—.”
“Candy Cane Boldore.”
“Eh?”
“That’s what you were gonna say right?” A wintry air escaped Cyromin’s lips, and he stared over to the side. “I live under a Candy Cane Boldore? Don’t worry, I get it a lot these days. It’s not too far off.”
Heh. I don’t even know what that is. “Yep, totally what I was gonna say.”
Bela foresaw a moment of awkwardness, and the second it arrived she embraced the opportunity to swoop in right beside Spriggan. A small tug of the arm nearly dropped his act. “We must go, young lord.” She whispered.
But in this situation, they were both opportunistic. Spriggan was ever so curious to understand just what made him stop and stare. “Not right now.” He pulled his arm away, eyes to Cyromin.
“What’s with the Witch?” Cyromin asked, titling his head. He was weirded out at the way Bela zoomed an inch to the right upon for whatever reason. “Are you a Moduran Sorcerer?”
“Well, um—”
Crap. I’m such a good for nothing! Thoughts of doubt as she laid her head low, clinging tightly to the broom she had been carrying her entire life. Why is it that I can’t guide the son of the King of the Boiling Rocks? Is he that unpredictable?
Gasp! Breathing in at the sudden footsteps of the clouds. A weird, humble rhythm.
Sproing! Spriggan nonchalantly jumped up a few clouds!
DON’T… DON’T DO THAT! But it was far too late!
Now Cyromin could see him more clearly. Not in the mood for talking…
Yet, he didn’t feel so cold anymore.
…But, this feels different.
So he gave in. “My name’s Cyromin… Cyromin Frost.”
“Frost?”
Ah yes, his father told him all about them. An ancient vendetta—albeit one-sided.
"Yeah, that bunch is super annoying to be honest! Bwahahaha!"
Emotions wouldn’t get the better of him here, though. “You guys are pretty big around here.” He said, “It makes sense why’d you be here.”
“Obviously.” There was a tint of sarcasm in that one. “Makes sense you’re here, too.”
….
Gee, these two…
…ARE INCREDIBLY AWKWARD!
But there was more than just the awkwardness to the young Witch! This twitch in her heart—this heavy feeling in the air as the two stared at each other! Eyes delving deeper, trying to find the true intentions!
Tension!
Oh, oh no! I have to stop this without being suspiciou—
OH NO THEY’RE SITTING ON THE SAME CLOUD!
And doing nothing. Why was the Witch so worried? Their eyes were the same track now - the clouds above, that held the beauty of a masterful yet imperfect painting. The stars reflected off the eyes of both.
“So, um…” Cyromin looked off to the side, a hand running through his hair. “...I… I really like the hair.”
“...What?” Spriggan asked that more directly than the ice boy expected, arousing a sense of anxiety.
It was buried carefully beneath the cold, so it was expressed through a more annoyed expression. “What’s confusing? I said your hair looks nice.”
The nerve of this person. Spriggan’s eyes turned blank, only causing Cyromin to further detour his own gaze. A soft exhale of confusion, and then, “What’s so special about hair?”
The moment the wintry air of his breath disappeared, Cyromin’s gaze returned to what lay beyond. A reclamation of softness - his face possessed.
“...It has a flame-like pattern.” He answered, tone in tune. “That’s rare here. It reminds me of how warm everyone is at this time of year. The thing I see most in places not close to Miracle Origins is people complaining about everything, or getting annoyed at everything.” … “Everyone’s so cold, so… I guess you could say this is the true summer, where everyone’s warm, but in a perfect manner.”
Summer days were truly the peak of his life, even in the face of today. Spriggan’s progress rapidly accelerated at that time. Ah, the days where he and his father—
Whatever.
Actually, scratch that.
“...Is that how you see fire?”
“I never get close to it.” Cyromin said, “Even when we’re roasting marshmallows, I don’t feel like getting carried away.”
“Huh,” Spriggan’s gaze went insightful. You’re still close to me, though. “Strange. I’m never scared of fire. Ironically though, I don’t seem as light-hearted as you do.”
“What do you mean?”
“Fire is inherently a destructive force.” Spriggan began, voice soothing in the essence of the truth, “It’s wiped out entire cities in the past, but… for the people who’re cold and have no place to go, it’s some kind of blessing. I don’t think it's the fire they want. They really just want to be warm. Meanwhile, people have the Magic to conjure flames, so…”
The remembrance of his father, followed by settling his sights onto Cyromin.
“...I guess they’re never cold.”
“Really?” Cyromin side-eyed him, “Sounds like they’re chill to the core.”
“You must be, then, because,” A subtle wind blew, Spriggan’s hair lightly swaying to its peaceful tune full of impermanence. “You haven’t melted near me.” Why is that?
“.....” Cyromin remained silent.
“Your eyes,” Spriggan commented, “They remind me of diamonds. You can burn ‘em… but ya can’t get rid of their shine.”
Such a heart-warming comment, a comment that soothed his heart the way the hot-chocolate should’ve this morning. That warmness showed in his smile - a smile that reminded Spriggan of the burden of emotion.
“Thanks.”
Tch! Now it was Spriggan’s gaze that took a detour to the east. “...I guess, no problem.”
What was this?
Watching this, the anxiety within Bela’s heart was fading in turn for pure confusion. She hid the boy of the flame’s true identity, but yet he was shining through regardless. Should I still be worried? What’s happening?
The last time the King tried to talk to someone with a snow Origin he ended up shouting at ME!
“Wanna go to a place to eat?” Cyromin asked suddenly.
“You just met me.”
This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.
“I’m bored, and currently unemployed.”
“Okay then.”
Down, down, and down they went, from cloud to cloud.
WHAT?! Bela’s jaw dropped! She hurried over to the edge, watching as they disappeared from sight. “WAAIIIITTTTTT!” A shout as she descended! Wind blowing in her face! “COME BAAACCCKKKKK, JACK!”
She chose that name because it was easy!
Candy Cane Lane!
You see, as the name suggested, everything was drenched in the essence of a Candy Cane.
Where Spriggan and Cyromin landed, the sidewalks stood close to the large field of snowy mountains decorated with large Candy Canes.
A snowy wonderland.
Those Gingerbread Carriages with Gingerbread inside, combined with the smell of the Candy Canes… made Spriggan sneer.
I swear my father was attacked with one of these.
But hey, they… kinda look like Gemstones.
“Follow me.” Cyromin placed his hands in his pockets, and began walking forward. How nonchalant. Spriggan did what he was told, eyes still on the Candy Canes.
SWOOOSSHHH!
Bela finally swooped down, stowing her pants to look natural. Spriggan could see it right through it, but he didn’t say anything.
“Don’t eat those, Little Lord.” Bela said, a hand on his shoulder.
THOSE things? Spriggan chuckled, “Huh?”
Before she could answer…
“The air's pretty nice.” Cyromin’s eyes followed each snowflake that descended directly in his path. “I don’t get out often. How about you?”
“I like seeing the air come out of my mouth.” Spriggan said. In this case, “air” could be translated to “smoke”. “So, where are we heading?”
“Fightin’ Donuts!” Cyromin pointed his finger forward. A silhouette of civilization slowly came into view. “...Huh? You don’t seem excited?”
“Welll..”
Spriggan looked over to the side, further fueling Bela’s anxiety. Gee, give the poor Witch a break. Looking aimlessly, scratching your head, and sighing. YOU’RE TERRIBLE, SPRIGGAN!
“...Never been there.”
“WHAT?!” Cyromin came to a dead halt! “Dude, you don’t really know?! Everyone goes there at this time of year!”
“I live under a Candy Cane Boldore.”
“Yeah, no crap!” Cyromin shouted, “You’re missing out on some of the best food in existence?”
“You mean… snack?”
“Miracle Day Food!” Cyromin corrected, hands to hip! “Are you really from here?”
“I–”
“He is!” Bela stepped forward, or flew forward in this case! “He’s just a total shut-in!” The way Spriggan was staring at her right now. The audacity of the Witch! But…
He was beginning to respect her!
“Jack here probably doesn’t even remember when he heard it or cares, but he has!” Bela assured.
Yet, Cyromin’s eyes were still deep in suspicion. “...You his guide?”
“Indeed! But, I am not a part of his Origin!” A masterful lie! “We found each other in the great Miracle Day Tree Forests! He was lost, and I found him.”
Spriggan shook his head. Good save, I guess.
“Lemme get this straight,” Cyromin seemed stressed! Facepalm! “You’re his guide… but you never guided him to Fightin’ Donuts?!”
Gulp! “Well, I—”
“PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A WITCH! EVEN OUTSIDE OF THE MODURAN SYSTEM, YOU’RE SCUMMY!”
This heated anger… from a boy with Ice Magic?!
Bela frowned, eyes showing the pride of a Witch! “HEY! WATCH YOUR MOUTH! I GUIDE HIM TO VICTORY, NOT TO A MEASELY DONUT SHOP!”
“M… MEASELY?!” Bloodshot eyes!
Wait! What was he doing now?!
That handsign, followed by an… incantation!
“ON THE FOURTH DAY OF MIRAC—”
“Alright knock it off!”
But Spriggan came in between the two, settling the tension. “You’re the one guiding both of us!” he turned to Cyromin, noting the power he felt as the incantation was about to uproot magic. “Sure… I’ll go.”
“Good.”
And just like that, Cyromin was softened? What kind of spell?
As they walked off, Bela crossed his arms, bearing the pout of a child. I probably won’t even enjoy these “Donuts” anyhow!
A few blocks, and something beautiful unfolded before them. In the heart of a winter wonderland, where everything sweet and colorful resided. A city defined by dazzling, towering buildings that were formatted like castles.
Castles, skyscrapers, and their colors, combined with the multitude of carnival rides that stood as natural as the people they attracted, made for a multicolored megaplex!
Pillars! Pillars! All unique in color! A road? No need for that! Sleighs either crashed into each other or they didn’t! No Fairies here! Stairways to higher buildings? Of course! Built in snow! The way the dark snow and the lightshow of buildings co-existed… It was truly beautiful.
And again, Spriggan was hit with the feeling… of admiration. No no. He had to discard it right away. “..Colorful place.” The hell is going on?
“First time at Miracle town?” Cyromin asked, smirking.
“Yep.”
“Then, this’ll be interesting.” Cyromin moved forward, “Come on, follow me.”
Their destination was the same as any other. Surrounded by people who ran perpendicular or parallel. A sight to behold, this place was. Spriggan’s mind jotted down each and every aspect.
Particularly, the emphasis on sweets. Candy Cane lighttowers, Gingerbread Castle sights, and even Bubble Gum balloons.
Interesting.
Stop.
Before them, a chocolate rectangle with sprinkles! Through the glass, bear witness to the seats of Gingerbread and how they scattered about the floor painted in black and white patterns.
Steam from the counter where deals were made—where Donut deals were made. The menus, bearing a Gingerbread outline, shone with a yellow light with the options drawn in a silly like style.
It was disgusting to Spriggan, yet he wanted to grasp the smell he hadn’t been able to reach.
“Time to show you two how good this place is.”
“Hmph!” Our cute ole Witch pouted! “I won’t lift a finger to any donut in here!”
CHOMP! CHOMP! CHOMP!
How hilarious! Sitting at the window, where everyone could see, but ignored… SPRIGGAN AND BELA WERE CHOWING DOWN LIKE MONSTERS ALONGSIDE CYROMIN!
CHOCOLATE DONUTS, TO BE SPECIFIC!
Gulp! “Yum yum!” Bela exclaimed, the broom sat neatly to her side. “I can’t believe it! Just what is this? What magic?”
“Magic?” Cyromin’s mouth was just inches away from the Donut. “Uh,”
“Why that would be us, young miss!”
A shadow loomed over all of them, all eyes turning to the source. Before them was a lady larger than life itself. Muscles bulging through a simple yellow T shirt covered by a white apron! A woman with pink skin, and an even darker variation of pink aimed toward her frizzly, puffy hair!
In her right arm, she held a plate of Donuts, blue eyes enchanting all of them.
“The name’s Pai!” She announced, winking at Cyromin!
“Didn’t expect to see you here, miss Pai!” Cyromin said, pleasantly surprised. “Aren’t you supposed to be off this week?”
“Welp—my family’s gonna be out for a minute! They won’t be here ‘till the end of the week, so I thought that I outta cook for others who’re with their families!” Pai claimed, flexing her biceps with an embarrassed smile. She herself knew how stupid she looked, but it was her job, she believed, to give the customers a chance to be open with her! Her motto! “We’re all embarrassing!”
“Speaking of families, who’re these folks, Cyro?”
Spriggan’s mouth was already stuffed with chocolate, no effort to wipe it all off from his teeth.
“Met these two at the Sky Workshop Academy Today.” Cyromin answered, lightly lifting a donut to his mouth. “They’re—”
“Name’s Jack.” Spriggan answered, looking over to his Witch. “And she is…”
“Alfora!” A name she came up with on the spot. She had a talent for doing such! “Alfora Candy Cane! I must say, these Donuts of yours are absolutely fabulous! I’ve bore witness to hundreds of ingredients in my lifetime, yet I fail to comprehend the ones of this!”
“Oh! Well, er—thanks!” Pai chuckled. It’s really just me punching some dough… and putting on some chocolate. “Never seen a Witch around these parts, but I’ve heard of ‘em! Either way, it’s nice to meetcha! I never see Cyro here with anyone but his sister! Speaking of which, how is she?”
A slight tonal shift. Cyromin blinked, his eyes growing more shadowy with each one. He turned his eyes to the donuts, mindlessly picking one up. “...She’s a bit overworked.”
But Spriggan could tell otherwise.
Bela, too.
“She’s sleeping for today.”
“Ah, I see!” Pai nodded, turning over to the next table. “Well, I ain’t gonna bother ya any further! If ya need anything else, just call me over and I’ll come bursting down! Tell her I said Hi, yeah?”
“Gotcha!”
With her off, Cyromin re-entered his more less serious mode. Bela’s eyes were to the window, drenched in shame. Spriggan didn’t know what to think.
I knew I wouldn’t like this guy…
But…
He remembered his father.
…If it’s a family matter...
The Carnival. Ah, home to many rides. You could even see the Elves working on making sure the new ride went perfect! They were the only workaholics in the world that could work without being tired the next day.
A line of people in the heart of many rides, where people either screamed of horror or joy. Spriggan was startled by the sudden occasions, but stood tall ultimately. They stood before a large, Gingerbread structure that mashed together with other sweets.
“...This is a cool ride.” Spriggan claimed, stuffing his face with donuts.
He could see the tracks that stood far off the ground, scaling upwards, then descending back down. Up, downright. A cycle of confusingness.
“Ever been on one?” Cyromin asked.
“Nah,” Spriggan shook his head. “Bela? Are you getting on?”
But, she seemed conflicted. Even with a single gesture, Spriggan could see that. “No.” She claimed, turning the other way, “I'll be going off to explore more.”
She flew away, and now, it was just Spriggan and Cyromin.
As fate would have it, they were next in line to get on the ride.
The Gingerbread Express.
I could eat everything here. Spriggan thought.
The inside was exactly how Spriggan imagined, exactly how it was on the outside. Pink lines of cake, seats that faced each other, and windows to top it all off. Each table held a cup of hot chocolate.
Dozens of people, yet Spriggan saw everyone the same. Shrouded in darkness and their feelings. That is, except Cyromin.
Cyromin viewed everyone as beings of radiance, filled with smiles. But he was in the dark… along with Spriggan.
“ALL ABOOAAAARRDDDD!” The shout of the captain! “Everyone! Take your seats! It's gonna be a bumpy and magical ride!"
Spriggan's eyes drifted to the window, arms folded. Cyromin's to the table, leaned back, legs crossed.
And so, the ride began.
Chatter went to hell.
The world went dark, giving light to only ice and fire.
“...You have a sister?” Spriggan got straight to the point.
Cyromin sighed, “Yeah.” He said, “...You think I wasn't telling the truth back there, huh?”
“I know for a fact.” Spriggan answered, “That look on your face… I get it.”
“...My sister…”
He wanted to respond in coldness, but it was ineffective.
“...She's a retired Moduran Sorcerer.” Cyromin admitted, “After an incident, she was paralyzed from the waist down, and because of my potential, her Magic has weakened.”
…Retired. Spriggan's eyes lit up.
“Ever since she retired, she hasn’t been herself at all.” Cyromin continued, “I mean, she won’t even tell me what happened. I guess if it’s that bad, it makes sense, but… as a younger sibling, I feel like it’s my job to pester her.”
“You should see it for what it is.” Spriggan’s eyes shifted. “You’re selfish.”
“Huh?”
“It’s kinda weak, honestly. You need someone else to satisfy you… but, it's not a bad thing.” Spriggan stared at his fist, memories burning. “You’re just like everyone else. You got too attached to something.”
His father’s face.
A visage in the mind.
“Even if you’re talented…”
Phasing into that face, was his own.
“...An obstacle is always an obstacle.”
Angry eyes. Cold as ice.
“What are you talking about?” Cyromin commanded, “Are you saying… that my sister is an obstacle?”
“You get stronger with each one. Such is life.”
“But I’m not aiming to get stronger.”
The magic coursing through his veins. It was always immense. Unable to be ignored.
Darkened eyes. Colder than ice.
“Even if my potential is seen by the teachers, I felt stronger than anyone when I was by her side.”
“You’d be happy if you crushed whatever caused her to be that way, wouldn’t you?” Spriggan asked, leaning forward, irritated.
Cyromin paused, remembering his Origin.
To bring happiness to the world.
“You weren’t listening to me back then. I told you—I’m cautious. I don’t wanna get too close to the fire.”
“But, you’ve faced fire before.”
A silent anger was boiling. Darkened, heavy eyes, bearing a vendetta! “Don’t you know him?” A shaky voice, “Longinus… and his army?!”
Spriggan was scratching his head internally. Why? Why couldn’t his words get through?
“Who am I to judge?” Cyromin snapped back, “They did exactly what their Origin followed. Whatever that guy was like, he must’ve been happy, no? Especially if he did it for years.”
Human emotions are a heap of bullshit.
Those words returned, as well as the last time he saw his father. Selfishness.
Didn’t he say it was a bad thing?
…Why am I… so cold, just like that day?!
Ah, right.
His flame was terribly weak that day.
I don’t want to get stronger from this!
Clamping his teeth together.
“Then why aren’t you a Moduran Sorcerer?!”
Rising tension!
“Because—” Slam! Cyromin’s hand struck the table! “—There’s no warmth over there!”
….
.
.
.
Eventually… both calmed down, and their gaze separated.
“...I see.” Spriggan’s voice went soft. “...I….”
Weakness.
“I understand.”
“...Thought so.” Cyromin said, followed by an exhale. “There’s no way you’d lash out like that.”
…He saw right through me.
“I’m glad, though.”
What's this? Cyromin’s eyes sparked with a glimmer of light, moving over to the window. The view was wonderous, for they were now deep in the clouds, and close to the five pointed stars.
He had seen that star before.
Spriggan was confused, and for the first time in years, his gaze softened. “Why?”
Don’t look down on m—
“I feel warm now, knowing I’m not alone.”
What? Spriggan saw a cold exterior even though he couldn't melt, and it didn’t enthrall him at all.
But there was a strange clarity… in feeling cold in this weather now.
END