SKYDALE!
A network of interconnected fortresses built in Clouds! Pathways of literal, gray clouds, with their own railings and everything, that each connected those brilliantly crafted circular castles, where inside, knowledge was spewed. There were levels to this, though, and by levels—two levels.
The ones that hang above the clouds ranged from small fortresses for students, and larger buildings for the staff. Those kinds of castles had a more square-like shape, with four spires equally spaced out.
The second level was to the Star and Moon squad, or as regarded by most, “The Unreachable!”
The attire of a Sky Sorcerer consisted of the traditional, high collared flow robe that were made to match the hair color of the one who wore it, and wide-legged pants that carried the same function.
But, more importantly, the method of transportation—specifically if you were a ground Moduran Sorcerer, was either an air balloon or a stream of lightning! Here, above the North Pole, everyone had sleighs or Reindeers for transportation.
Luckily, with Ganji’s “ties” to Skydale, he was able to settle on a cloud with a sleigh carried by two who mastered the Way of the Sky. Of course, these Sorcerers harbored wings, hence their name. One could either “turn off” their wings/make them invisible while flying, or they could generate light for more potency.
Poof!
Ganji nodded to the two Sky Sorcerers as they flew down to deal with the snowy clouds. The air seemed ever colder up here, but it was hard to care in this jolly time of the year. His eyes looked over, seeing many Reindeers and Sleighs bringing children to their respective castles.
He was glad to see the remaining Sky Sorcerers busy as well.
Busy looked like this...
“Alright, Black Cloud, you gotta get that leftover Stormcloud near Takeru Moduran High.”
“But… Stormcloud’s right beside me.”
A female Sky Sorcerer.
“Heeeyyyyyy!”
“No, not you! I’m talking about the stormcloud! Y’know… like, lightning.”
“Need anything, captain?”
Lightning zoomed onto the scene.
“Y’know what? Yeah? We have a stormcloud chiming in between a Snowcloud above Takeru Moduran High.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?” Asked Lightning, “Stormcloud is standing besides Black Cloud. How is she chiming in... wait, no—how are you two at Takeru High.”
“WHATEVER MAN WE’RE GETTING FIRED ANYWAY!”
Ah, the bickering of the sky. So that must be why we ground Sorcerers don’t see them.
“Oh!”
The fortress before him suddenly caught his eyes. All of the students were already inside, ignorant of the man who watched them from flimsy openings/windows. Rather, it wasn’t the fortress, but the person who was walking away from it to the edge of the cloud.
A dark-skinned woman with a pink robe, glowing wings extending out from the back. They were controlled, and obviously fully grown. Her long, pink hair curled at the tips, each strand forming a perfect line. Pink covered lips, vibrant turquoise eyes, and a unique frame. The wideness of the robe put a hindrance on her muscularity, but when close up, it was hard to ignore. She almost seemed as large as whom she was engaged with.
Yeah, that means…
This magnificent woman is engaged with our fiery blue dragon, Helios!
Flowera!
Step.
One for step, and she’d fall, then pick herself back up.
The vision of a Sky Sorcerer was superior, allowing them a full scope of the land below.
And below… was the house of the Frost Family, where Cyromin was preparing his sleigh. He had put on some new clothes. A flowing, black coat with buttons of gold scaling the center. Chunks of white fur resided on the wrist section and on the hood.
“Is that him?”
“Oh!” Slightly startled, Flowera turned back. “Principle Ganji!”
“Please, no need to call me that anymore. You’re here, after all.” Assured Ganji, taking a stand right next to her. “...Long way down.”
“Yeah.” Flowera said with a sigh, “So… I heard my boyfriend visited you today.”
“Oh? And who told you that?”
“Some Sorcerers preparing the festivities near Takeru High.” Flowera answered, “I was checking up on some of the clouds in the area, and they relayed the news to me. One of them was super fast so I could barely understand him.”
(An example!)
“Hey, your boyfriend was here!”
=
"Hyurbendwahere!”
“Ah, Puck.” Ganji exhaled with a chuckle.
“Oh? So he’s one of yours?” Flowera asked.
“Him, and the one in the black overalls by his side.” Ganji confirmed, “I only hope they were getting along with the students who were helping at Takeru.”
“Well they looked fine to me.” Flowera’s gaze wandered off what remained from above, “Heck, a lot of the girls there seemed to like that “Puck” of yours… and he’s faster than one of the students with Speed Clothing.”
I see. Ganji thought, placing that exact image in his mind.
Well… I guess I’ll let it slide since it’s Miracle Week.
“So, did Lio give you a tough time?”
“Lio?” Ganji raised a brow.
The way she threw out the nickname without thinking caused her to blink twice and nervously chuckle. (They’d only made up those nicknames a week ago.)
“Oh, sorry! It’s a cute nickname I gave him!” She said, nervously scratching the back of her hair. Her blush was preposterous! “...He likes it a lot.”
“Good to see you’re treating him well. If I recall correctly, he stopped being a delinquent during his second year when he met you.” Ganji said, “But… something came up in the Moduran System.”
“...Is it his dad?”
“Well, technically.” Ganji answered, eyes darkening. “His father died, and now his brother is trying to enter… but no school would allow it.”
“Oh.” Flowera’s eyes softened; she brought a hand to her heart. “...If you see him again, tell him I told him to take the day off.”
“I will, but he’ll be restless.” Ganji warned, adjusting his glasses, “If he keeps pushing himself too far, he’ll eventually be recognized by the Moduran Department of Education as a nuisance. It’s honorable—heck, as a brother, I understand it. But…”
His eyes fell below.
He couldn’t see what was beyond those clouds.
But he didn’t need to.
The memory of the house below was something he’d never forget.
Cybra…
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
“...Being a Moduran Sorcerer comes with a great responsibility.”
“True.” Flowera said, watching as Cyromin struggled to look his sister in the eye while she stood on the porch. He strung the green ornaments to the side of the sleigh, and when he was done, he hopped in.
And his sister waved at him happily, as if nothing was going on.
“But, everyone wants to justify using their magic.” Flowera continued, “I’ve seen how happy my boyfriend gets when he defeats a strong enemy, even if he’s outta line, so…” Eyes back to the principle. “Maybe he can have more fun alongside his brother.”
Ganji considered the thought.
But…
The sight of that house discarded it all.
“It’s too risky, but,”
The visages of Puck and Robin flashed in his head.
“That could be the case.”
“You.”
“Hm?”
The two turned around to see Cyromin, gaze as serious as ever. Far, far more serious than anyone should be on Miracle Week.
“Cyromin.” Ganji answered, his voice wavering.
They had met before, these two.
Yeah. Cyromin thought, holding back a disgusting, imprudent frown.
You’re the one… who brought my sister back like that.
“Hey, sir,” He said, looking over to the side, unsure of what to say next.
“Aye, Cyro!”
A friend had spotted him from the opening of the castle. A kid no taller than him, and no different in terms of attire. A boy whose air spiraled in the back, while the section below the rubber band was calm, with stands extending long enough to touch his chin and cover his ears.
Marioneto!
Cyromin casted a smile, one that was natural, yet unnatural at the same time. A second, and his gaze returned to the teacher.
“Is class about to start?” He asked.
His answer: “Yes,” Flowera nodded, “You can go and take your sweet. We’ll be there in a minute.”
A final hardened gaze to the principal before turning over to his friends and relishing in a happiness that spoke loudly of impermanence.
Flowera’s gaze tailed over to Ganji.
“That’s the kid from last year, right?”
“Yes.” Ganji answered, voice filled with shame. “...His sister went to Shigeru Moduran High with me back in my younger days. Times have changed dramatically, and that’s unfortunate.”
“...I see.” Flowera nodded, taking a few steps forward. “Maybe you can talk with him after the lesson.”
“Not sure he would want to listen.”
“You never know.” Flowera said, turning her back, heading fully toward the cloud castle. “Miracles, amiright?”
A job to do, but now left alone, Ganji felt a tad bit hesitant to persist.
Those words of inspiration to his students. It was only two hours ago, so what was with this dissonance? This dissonance that swore that he was a completely different person now.
Miracles…
Regardless of it, he moved on.
INSIDE...
From the hands of Marioneto, a soft creation came into existence. A plush in the shape of a bunny rabbit, whose fur matched the snow. He and Cyromin sat at the very top deck of the rolling seats of the classroom, right where the window was.
“I’ve been working a lot on my Puppet-Making!” He exclaimed, examining every inch of the bunny. Then, his eyes went to Cyromin for approval. “My dad says the Elves at the far North Pole can make these things without magic… you think I did good?”
“Of course.” Cyromin confirmed, “So, you’re aiming for a toy-making job this year?”
“Well, it’s what my mom did… and her mom.” Marioneto said, dropping the plush on the table and leaning back with his arms in the air. “Guess I’m following the family motto, so… yeah.”
There was silence for a moment. The instinct of his heart prompted his mind to drown in the sorrow of his sister’s unwillingness to cling onto life, though his soul wouldn’t allow it.
“My contribution might be ambiguous.” He answered, crossing his arms, “I’ve gotten better at summons, so I can pretty much do anything anyone wants me to do. It’s a crowded place, so it’ll keep me busy.”
Chatter. Chatter.
“Say, where are the others?” Cyromin asked, “They got other teachers?”
“Unfortunetely so.” Marioneto confirmed, mindlessly smacking the ears of the bunny with his thumbs, “Gee, they’re really missing out.”
Chatter. Chatter.
All of it was broken with the sound of a snap.
Snap!
“Alright, alright class.”
Eyes to the board, where Flowera stood, hands on the desk.
“As some of you might now, my name is Flowera; the Moduran Sorcerer of both the sky and earth—and also the girlfriend of the Sorcerer of the Blue Flame, Helios.”
Oh, right. Cyromin thought. Speaking of him… I wonder how they’re handling the King being dead.
“I had some of you last year, and even if you’re new, I’m sure you know how this works.” Flowera said, “Reviewing the weather patterns of the North Pole and how we, the Sky Workshop Academy, help out with giving out presents. But today, we have someone special…”
Puff!
Puff!
Soft footsteps coming into the room, accompanied by a form. The eyes of the classroom lit up, hearts writhing in anticipation. Cyromin was the exception, his seriousness creating a barrier strong enough to cancel out the fanboyish words of his own friend.
Ganji.
He introduced himself with a single wave, nodding to the rhythm of the claps from the crowd.
“Hello, fellow helpers!” Ganji announced with a smile. “As you all know, my name is Ganji No Retsuden Meikyou Enmonton Kaito.”
Flowera stepped down from the podium, and the Principle of Shigeru Moduran High would take her place.
“I’m sure you’re all excited for your tasks tonight. That’s why we must review the rules of the Sky Workshop.”
Tap.
Grabbing the chalk, Ganji turned away from the crowd, drawing out his words on the board.
“The Day of Miracles requires a few things from everyone. Persistence. Pattern recognition. And ability to identify locations.” Ganji began, “Everyone here has an Origin that ties back to the earliest days of Miracle Day. The Sky Workshop Academy has a “resonance” with those Origins.”
Scratch! Scratch!
“Nicholas’ Workshop creates the presents; the Sorcerers of the Sky organize them, as well as the Weather; and you, the students, are the ones who are going to deliver the presents to people.” Ganji turned, the class fixated on his unique depiction up on the board, “The curtain of night on Miracle Day Eve… is the cue for us.”
Ah yes. Cyromin’s sister had told him all about years ago.
The experience of her first present delivery.
Again, he was forced to fight against feelings of disdain.
“I know that some of you will be taking the Polar Express to make the presents.”
“YEEEEAAAAAHHHH!”
Cheers from the crowd, of course.
Again, Cyromin was the exception.
“But, it is important to note that it counts as extra work. You will still need to be the ones to deliver the presents.” Ganji said, toning down the enthusiasm of the students. “For how it works, each delivery person will be assigned a Sky Sorcerer, who will watch over the weather in that area. The Sky Sorcerer will also be the one to guide you to that location, as well as the next. Each delivery person will have a total of eighteen houses to give presents to.”
“But, that’s a lot, don’tcha think?” Asked a student, “How will we be able to deliver it all?”
“With these.”
Out of nothingness, Ganji brought forth a pair of seemingly simplistic boots.
“These are Santa’s boots—crafted 150 years ago by the Sun and Moon Squad.” He said, “This… will amp your speed.”
Again, the crowd cheered.
But, Cyromin was isolated.
In a dark shroud, where everyone else was basked in the light.
Cheek resting on hand, eyes filled with indifference.
Everything else was nothing, even though words were spoken.
He could predict everything.
Every word.
“If you get caught by anyone in the process of settling down presents, you will have to use the golden bell to alter their memory.”
“Always eat any cookies left out by the homeowner.”
“Don’t forget to fill their stockings with candy.”
“The key to getting the bag of presents down the chimney is the “Stop—Get Into a Ball—and drop method.”
“The quickest way to get out of sight if you’re noticed is to hide under the bed.”
“If you encounter any Enemies or oddities, please be sure to tell a Sky Sorcerer.”
Boring. Unmoving.
He couldn’t believe those feelings were arising at the sight of a day that should be special. Any chance to break down and cry at these feelings were turned to dust as his mind instantly chose the path with obstacles.
The path of acceptance.
“Welp, that’s everything from me!” Ganji said, waving in finality. “I wish you all the best. For the remainder of your time here, you can either go onto the Sky Obstacle Course or try and assist the Sky Sorcerers. There is a list of other things to do, all stated on the syllabus under your desk… so, that’s it for me.”
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Cyromin, as always, was the exception.
Claps of enthusiasm, yet his barely resounded throughout the crowd. Ah, how weak he was compared to everyone else.
And Ganji recognized that.
“Alright, everyone! You’re dismissed!” Flowera announced, “Don’t forget to be back here tomorrow for training at seven AM sharp!”
Cyromin stood up as everyone else began to.
“So, what’s on your mind?” Marioneto asked, stuffing his bunny into his backpack.
“I think I’m gonna do the Obstacle Course.” Cyromin answered, his intentions opposing it. “My sister did it last year… What about you?”
Marioneto flipped through the pages of the syllabus. “They have a Puppet-Master competition with the Magicians—oh woah, they got some of the best in town. The Crabs, the Ponies—oh! They even have the Tricks!” he said, “Aw man, so… awesome! I can’t wait to be a Magician myself one day!”
“Well, have fun with that.”
Marioneto tilted his head, “Something wrong, dude?”
It was Miracle Day, so of course everyone would reach out a hand.
But, the echo of impermanence rendered it so, so useless.
“Nah, not at all.” Cyromin assured me with a smile.
Marioneto raised a brow.
The smile was quite convincing, and yet, he had known Cyromin for years.
He’s not gonna spill, isn’t he?
“Well, if ya say so,”
Fwp!
Suddenly, Cyromin’s vision was filled with the color of pink, and the smell of strawberries.
Recognizing the soft fabric, it was obvious.
A pink, smiling bear.
“At least take this little gal with you!” Announced Marioneto with swagger! “Her name’s Bella! The bear of love and happiness! If ya hug her, she’ll sing a special tune!”
That cold interior of his nearly broke down due to the sheer unexpectedness. “Um…” He took hold of it, trying his best to look sincere. “...Thanks, but… why?”
“Ah c’mon, it’s a gift.”
“Like, an early Miracle Day gift?”
“Nah, nah, not anything like that!” Marioneto waved his hands in dismissal. In the blink of an eye, his facial expression softened, the shadows hardening it enough to display nothing but pureness.
“My job as a Magician… is to put smiles on people’s faces, and even if my plushies can’t make a friend smile, then I can at least say I tried!”
Why?
A question to himself as he gazed into his friend’s eyes…
Why… can’t I feel anything?
Step.
One step on the edge, eyes cast to where his house resided. His sight boomed through the layers of clouds, and settled onto the disappointing sight of his home.
He remembered the days… where his ice culled miracles without him feeling isolated. The days where he danced, danced, and danced as if tomorrow was his last. The snow followed each and every movement in the form of a magical current. There was never a need to open his eyes to something he could feel.
The rhythm of magic… etched deep into his soul.
To his home, to the sidewalk, to townsquare, under the tree where all could see.
He wasn’t alone—no.
His sister was by his side.
Eyes to the sky once more.
No stars were twinkling, but snow was falling.
Drop.
His palms caught a snowflake.
He stared at it for a while.
A miniscule twinkle, and his mind caught a thought.
What if… I could make a wish on this?
I wish that... I could meet someone.
Anyone, at this point.
Fwoosh!
But the moment had escaped.
“...I see.”
“Cyromin.”
Oh no. The sound of the voice.
The voice of a man he didn’t want to face right now.
Turning around, he saw that Ganji clearly wasn’t fond of it either.
“...Are you… alright?”
Their bodies aligned.
“Of course I am.” Cyromin answered, “It’s Miracle Week.”
“...And yet, I haven’t seen you smile.” Ganji corrected.
“Why do you even care so much?” Cyromin asked, tone as offensive as possible, “You were on the same team as my sister, and that’s it. I don’t know you at all.”
“True,” Ganji’s gaze went downcast, “But… I feel like I should talk to you.”
“Don’t say sorry or anything. It’s dumb to blame yourself over someone else's mistakes.” Cyromin said, hands in pockets. “You became the principle like what? This year. It’s fine.” … “At least she did what she wanted… whatever happened.”
Ganji’s worst fear stood before him.
The sight of an unhappy soul on Miracle Week.
No no no, this couldn’t be. It could be argued that it was far too late to reach out, but…
“I’ve seen your test scores, kid. Everyone in the Moduran System has been trying to get you in their schools for about a year now.” Ganji mentioned, “You certainly have the magical talent, and the intelligence of your sister. But… It’s not wrong to deny or accept.”
He turned around, leaving the weight of his next words to decide if it wanted to change the fate of this young boy.
“In order to not be left behind, just do whatever you’d like. It may be hard work, but that doesn’t mean it’s awful.”
They parted ways…
Did I curse him with those words? Ganji asked himself, his body screaming at him to turn back and undermine those words.
But, he didn’t.
Three Hours Later…
The clouds grow darker…
Spriggan walked across the pathways of Skydale as if it was normal. Now, his hair matched the color of his brother, and while that would be a foolish disguise, the spells of the Witch proved to be impeccably immaculate.
Bela was casted into a bubble that marked her as invisible to the human eye. The final spell she casted extended it over to the minds of the Sky Sorcerers in charge of attendance.
NAME: JACK CANDY CANE!
ORIGIN: CANDY CANE LANE!
“So they got rules for this garbage.” Spriggan asked, reading the syllabus. “Huh… they’re really serious about it, then.”
“Do you have an idea of when we should attack? The spell on you will last four days.” Bela mentioned.
“...”
The old man said he’s got about ten more of his bastards here.
If they’re anything like that guy… I wanna take em first.
“I’ll heat up the weather in some areas to throw them off track, since the old man didn’t think of that. Then, when those Moduran Sorcerers come, I’ll wipe them all ou—”
He stopped.
Almost everybody had left, and yet, a lone soul was standing on top of a cloud coated in icy greatness. The moonlight shone upon his silhouette—as if fate wanted Spriggan to see it.
He brought a hand over his head to make out the figure, and immediately remembered that he was at a place filled with Origins that opposed his own.
And this boy… Cyromin… was merely one of them.
But it didn’t feel that way. No… no no. Something was off.
Who… is that?
And why do I… want to know?
Spriggan was taking note of just how… beautiful he looked under the moonlight. For a second, he believed that this couldn't be a human.
What's this feeling?
And as if Cyromin heard his thoughts, his gaze turned to him.
And that same feeling was felt.
Chapter End