A Wintry Wish

  ( Newbie )

  The more Newbie witnessed Splishsplash fight, the more she understood her preference for skimpy attire. Now faced with four opponents, the merprincess could no longer afford to hold back.

  One moment her lower body took the form of a bolt-wreathed eel to shock Cherrychomp's Muncher. The next she did away with Bubblebun's soapy barrage by adopting the spines of a pufferfish. Even Cutiehorn's shield provided little protection against the reaching, whip-like tendrils of a jellyfish, while wide, wing-like fins enabled her to glide upon Merrymint's roaring gales.

  It seemed like Splishsplash had a counter to everything the team could throw at her. Their only chance was to attack as one, but by making use of the waterways and the zigzagging speed of a sailfish, the merprincess could decide when and where to strike.

  Despite all of this action, Queen Titania's attention kept falling upon Newbie and her unconscious charge.

  Is she worried about Sunshine? Splishsplash said she'd be ok...

  Newbie tried her best to ignore their unnerving observer and squeezed her winter glove beneath thermal waters, watching as dark clouds swirled with the current. The thick fabric would likely be forever stained, but it was all she could think to use. Once clean enough, she lifted the warm, damp glove back out and returned to Sunshine, who remained almost entirely motionless. Bulbous eyelids made only the slightest of twitches as Newbie gently wiped the last of the ink from bruised cheeks.

  She sure doesn't seem like a weapon to me. Neither do I feel like one. Then again, I've only been thinking of us as sisters because that's how most of the others introduced themselves...

  With Sunshine's face clean, Newbie turned her attention to the hands. She unfurled fingers she'd only ever seen clenched tight and started dabbing gunk from palms, only to find the flesh beneath pink and twisted. At first Newbie considered whether such injuries could have been sustained during the fight. Sunshine had not only swung her mace with absurd intensity, but also crash landed. Though unlike the rest of her wounds, these scars did not appear fresh.

  Newbie leaned in for a closer look. The fingers flexed.

  Sunshine awoke with a choke, then swung an arm to send Newbie skidding across chocolate paving.

  "Woah!" cried Newbie. "Steady! You're ok! It's over!"

  Sore, crimson-cracked gold glared. One eye wept amidst swollen flesh. "It's not over until the bell tolls!"

  "It's over for you," said Newbie. "You're done. You're out. Queen's orders."

  Apparently...

  Creased features eased and straining jaws fell slack. Sunshine jerked her head up towards the palace balcony, only for Titania to refocus on the battle. For a lengthy moment, the only sounds were those of distant violence. Smashing and rumbling. Booms and clangs. Slowly but surely, Sunshine's head drooped like a wilting flower.

  Newbie gingerly shuffled closer, retrieving her dirtied glove before taking it to the stream to rinse once more. She worked the sticky cloth between fingers and gnawed at her lower lip.

  I should say something, right? But saying anything to her feels like walking on fractured glass...

  She looked back to see the defeated girl was motionless upon her knees. "...How are your injuries?"

  The blackened glove was as clean as it was ever going to get by the time Sunshine finally responded, and with no relevance to Newbie's question. "...Is she a good Mentor?" she mumbled without turning to face her.

  "Merrymint? Well, she said it herself. She's not as wise or as strong as some of you, but she tries her best. She makes me feel comfortable. I like her. Not just as a Mentor, but also a friend."

  "...And me?" asked Sunshine.

  Newbie gulped. "I... I'm sure you'd be an excellent Mentor. Merrymint just happened to be there when I emerged. Right time and place, I guess," she fumbled.

  "Liar."

  Newbie scrunched her face behind Sunshine's back. "...Sorry."

  Crippled wings twitched.

  "You want me to be honest?" Newbie sighed. "...You intimidate me." She winced, expecting to suffer zealous wrath, but it never came.

  "Better," whispered Sunshine. "You shouldn't tarnish yourself with untruths."

  Newbie nodded slowly. "What about you? You're the firstborn, right? Who was your Mentor?"

  Sunshine remained so still that if not for the gentle night air brushing past her hair and feathers, she could be mistaken for a statue. "...A coward."

  "What?" asked Newbie.

  Sunshine groaned. "I tire of questions."

  "Ok... I'm sorry if -" Newbie bit down on her tongue.

  Sunshine's head had finally raised, only to snap back to unleash a look of gilded rage.

  Newbie wasn't sure what she'd said wrong, but found herself locked to the spot until Sunshine lowered her head once more. She wondered if it would be better to watch over the fallen angel in silence, but there was just one more thing she had to know. "Your hands..."

  "Are none of your damn business," spat Sunshine.

  Newbie was just about to accept that all attempts of communication would fail, when the feathered fairy took a turn to talk again.

  "Do you know how many times I've lost to her?"

  "I have no idea," said Newbie.

  "...Neither do I," muttered Sunshine. "I lost count long, long ago. Every time she proves me weak... proves me pathetic."

  The corners of Newbie's lips grew heavy. She searched for the collection of words Sunshine wanted to hear, that might help them connect on some level, yet her mind was completely blank. Perhaps such a phrase simply didn't exist, but that wouldn't stop her from trying.

  "...I don't think you're weak or pathetic."

  "Liar!"

  "No," said Newbie. "This time I mean it. I can't imagine being so fast and so strong. I was scared. Terrified. I thought at any moment you might knock Splishsplash's head clean off. My heart leapt at every dodge and block. I can't say I approve of such recklessness, but... you're far from weak."

  Like a bloom seeking light, Sunshine gazed upward. Perhaps at Rainbow City, or maybe even the stars beyond. Whispered words escaped her lips, barely loud enough to hear. "You're wrong. You said block. She didn't block..."

  At first Newbie was confused, but then she replayed the events in her head. Splishsplash had done everything possible to avoid attacks. Only when she had no choice did she raise her trident in defence, and even then it was deliberately angled. At most, she only redirected force, never meeting it head-on. Only after Sunshine was already bloodied did the merprincess engage her in a contest of physical strength, and even then she'd not gone down without a fight.

  Busted lips curved to the faintest of smiles. The light of celestial bodies reflected upon vast eyes. "She fears me..."

  Newbie held her tongue as she looked down at the hammer named Truth. It had only slid and screeched along faesteel, yet the gold was scratched and dented. Even its shaft had become ever so slightly crooked.

  I'm not so sure about that...

  "Look, Sunshine. I don't want to be intimidated by you. Believe it or not, I'd much prefer to like you! Maybe not as a Mentor, but at least as a friend. I'll try my best, though I'd really appreciate it if you could meet me half-way."

  Sunshine reached for her mace, using it as a crutch to push to her feet.

  Newbie restrained the urge to ask if she wanted help, knowing she'd just be pushed away once more. "Where are you going?"

  Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Sunshine started to shuffle up the hillside. "Inside. Unlike you, I have no intention of watching my sisters suffer."

  Sisters.

  Newbie couldn't help but smile behind Sunshine's back at her use of the word, though that tenderness was short-lived.

  A crunch cut the air as Splishsplash flattened half a house with the tail of a mighty orca. The challengers were starting to look rough. Again and again they clambered to their feet to rejoin the fight, only for the merprincess to knock them back down. It seemed hopeless.

  How much longer is this going to continue? Surely Titania can see the result is inevitable. What is she hoping to achieve?

  When Newbie glanced up to the Radiant Queen, she caught her gaze burning down at them again, though the fiery peepers were quick to return to the ongoing battle once more.

  Wait... This isn't some kind of test, right? Fairy Princesses are supposed to protect others... The Queen told me to keep my distance, but am I actually expected to step in? Am I supposed to prove myself heroic?

  Newbie looked to the cookie tower.

  It's not over until the bell tolls, huh...

  With Splishsplash's attention on the others, she might be able to sneak over and ring it herself. It'd signalled the end on training the day prior, so she could see no reason it wouldn't bring things to halt today. Even if she was wrong and the disobedience earned her a scolding, that was preferable to watching her new family take any further beating.

  She watched Splishsplash evade Bubblebun and Cutiehorn's combo attack by slipping into the waterways once more.

  Unless...

  There was another option. It was reckless. Stupid. And yet, if she were able to pull it off, there'd be no better proof of her worth.

  "Sunshine!" Newbie called. "Will you help me?"

  The winged princess stopped. Luminous chasms gazed from the dark.

  "Please!" begged Newbie. "We might be able to take her down. We might be able to end her win streak!"

  "...What is it you want?"

  "I need fire! And blankets!"

  The request was met only with a silent stare. Then, without another word, Sunshine resumed her limping ascent.

  Newbie threw her arms out as if to say give me a freaking clue, but the shambling fairy did not look back a second time, not even as she disappeared through the palace doors.

  Ok. Sure. Fine. That's just great. Thanks.

  Newbie stamped her way down the hill like a child throwing a tantrum. Dampened gloves were cast aside. Thick winter boots were kicked off. She wriggled out of her fluffy coat, exposing her undershirt to the cool night air, but not for long. Queen Titania had warned her against using magic during training until she had it under control, but right now she didn't want control. If she were to deny Splishsplash use of Candy Town's waterways and give her allies a chance of victory, winter would have to run rampant.

  Subtle warmth engulfed her up to the neck as she plunged into the waters. "I can do this. I am a fairy princess."

  As the waves caused by her entry gradually calmed, a rippling reflection took shape. Snowflake pupils sparkled as she searched for the magic within. It was easy enough to find, for its chill had lingered the whole day. She focused on that cold pit and flexed her fingers, as if calling to the grim sorcery, trying to coax it out and welcoming it to spread.

  Come on. Let's do this.

  A shiver danced up her spine. Teeth chattered. Muscles quivered.

  More.

  Lungs rattled with every breath, and frost rolled from blueing lips. Cold invaded bones to haunt marrow, yet the waters still flowed.

  A little more.

  Her heart slowed, its every slow beat a gritty grind. Finally, the waters started to whiten. The pallid face dimmed to a blur as ice spread from her like contagion.

  That's it! That's enough!

  But the thought remained trapped within her freezing skull.

  Stop!

  She tried to call for help, but could no longer sense her tongue, nor any other part of her body. As the gravity of her impulsive decision dawned on her, all she could feel was fear.

  Stop, stop, stop!

  Newbie had quickly become little more than a prisoner within her own immobile body. Everything faded to black. There was no more sight. No more sound. No movement. Nothing whatsoever. With her final conscious thought, she prayed for help.

  Someone! Anyone!

  Endless dark. Infinite abyss. Perhaps for a moment, perhaps for an eternity.

  Whether the complete absence of everything was what awaited all life after the end, or was merely the chemical confusion of a perishing brain, it seemed oddly familiar.

  There was no point in struggling. No point in fighting. Some forces could not be overcome, some laws so absolute they could not be denied. In the face of death, all one could do was submit.

  She was no longer afraid. No. There was only acceptance...

  ...That was, until a glint appeared. A single speck of hope in the distant void. A shooting star so far off it was almost imperceivable. Even if she could move, she'd never catch it. Even if she could shout, her voice would never reach it. All she could do was wish.

  Please, I'm not ready yet! I want to learn more from Merrymint. I want to conjure snow for Cherrychomp. I want to see inside Puddingpuff's Tearoom. I want to help Cutiehorn and Bubblebun with their orphanage. I want to understand Sunshine, and grow as strong as Splishsplash. But most of all, I must protect the Queen!

  Then, a miracle. The distant twinkling ignited and changed course. A blazing fireball that started to grow in size. Scorching incandescence raced toward her, burning away darkness and thawing morbid winter.

  Newbie retched and spluttered as her organs defrosted. She sucked up short, shallow breaths in quick succession, each sip causing stabbing pains. Limbs trembled and refused to respond. She couldn't even find the strength to support herself, but fortunately, she didn't have to.

  Splishsplash had her cradled in athletic arms, lifting her up like some kind of sacrificial offering before a burning effigy. Through a veil of lively flame, the Radiant Queen stood with arms outstretched. Butterflies flickered and fluttered all around, illuminating a circle of concerned faces.

  "She lives!" cheered Cherrychomp.

  Merrymint rushed forward, using a hand to shield her wincing face from the heat. "You fool! You utterly foolish fool! What the heck were you thinking, Newb'?"

  She parted cracked lips to try and speak, but her throat was raw. If she could only manage a single word, it should've been sorry, yet something else slipped free. "Winterwish," she croaked.

  Emeralds peered at her through a watery sheen. "Winterwish... Well golly, that works for me. Let's roll with that!"

  As Titania gradually lowered her arms, the temperature eased and her trembling face became visible. It was gaunt and wide-eyed, like one who'd just witnessed horrors beyond imagining. She seemed completely and utterly distraught.

  Uh oh. I guess it wasn't a test after all...

  This time, Winterwish mustered all her effort to say what mattered. "I'm sorry."

  Yet Titania only closed her tearful eyes and shook her head, as if she didn't want to hear it.

  I really messed up, huh... I'll present a formal apology once I've recovered...

  "Did we win?" Winterwish whispered.

  Merrymint's lips retreated into her maw and her eyes averted. The others shuffled awkwardly, especially Cherrychomp who bumped the tips of her index fingers together.

  "Let us declare it a draw," stated Splishsplash flatly.

  Covered in bumps, scrapes and crumbs, Cherrychomp, Cutiehorn and Bubblebun all closed in to both discipline and celebrate in equal measure. Yet through the excited jostling, Winterwish caught glimpse of another. Deep within the blackened hillside lurked two lustrous lanterns.

  Sunshine!

  Winterwish tried to call out, but she was too weak. She tried to reach and beckon, but the crowd was too obstructive. All she could do was watch as the bundle of blankets fell to the ground and the torch landed atop them.

  Sunshine turned her back and left the pile to burn amidst the vacant night.

  Dammit. Come back...

  The sisterhood's bombardment of sound suddenly silenced, but not because of their angelic sister's retreat, rather, they were all peering to the starry sky above the Enchanted Forest.

  Winterwish heard the flare before she spotted it for herself. A whistling firework that spiralled high before exploding into a glittery butterfly.

  ...What is that?

  "No..." Merrymint closed pained eyes.

  "Not again," groaned Cutiehorn.

  Queen Titania strode forth. Monarch wings burned bright.

  "My Queen, are you sure -" started Splishsplash.

  "It's fine. This, I can handle," said Titania. A flash of fire engulfed her. "Back to the palace, girls. Splishsplash will keep watch until I return."

  "Understood," nodded Splishsplash.

  Before Winterwish could ask what was happening, Titania took flight, trailing flame across the night sky.

  "Ok, let's get a hot meal in you!" Merrymint helped Winterwish from Splishsplash's arms.

  Together they hobbled towards the palace, the others limiting their pace so they could return as one.

  "What a total downer," sighed Bubblebun.

  "What was that?" asked Winterwish.

  "A distress call," said Merrymint. "From one of the local villages. By the direction, I'd guess Thornweald, or maybe Dewroot."

  The thought that people were in danger at that very instant made Winterwish's chilly stomach turn. "Isn't there anything we can do?"

  "You've done enough for one day," said Merrymint. "Don't worry. Queeny's gone and Splishy' will be keeping watch. If they can't handle things, we have no chance!"

  "Right," agreed Cutiehorn. "Best thing we can do is head in and recover. One day it'll be us racing out to save people. We need to be ready for when that time comes."

  Winterwish took one last look back.

  Splishsplash stood alone, as ready to face the terrors of the night as she had been her own allies.