Coldsnap: Storm's Call

Chapter 4: Lunchtime For Lovers

We last read Chapter 3, in which Keena attempted to confront Firebird about the fire spirit attacks, only to learn about the new Fire Sect Leader's secret battle against her own insecurity. Coming to understand her troubles, she decides to let Firebird off the hook on the condition that she finds a safe place to store the fire spirits and prevent further invasions. On her way out, Keena is intercepted by Coldsnap, her girlfriend and the new Ice Sect Leader, who informs her that she has planned something special for the two girls to celebrate their two-year anniversary. This time, we'll see what exactly Coldsnap has put together.....

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At around midday, Coldsnap and Keena were riding slowly over the Grand Terminus airspace in a huge, translucent airship constructed entirely out of pure ice; a construct made entirely through Coldsnap's efforts. It had all the makings of a typical vessel; a port side, a bow, a sprawling deck, and a tall mast with big sails. Six icy oars—three on the left side and three on the right side of the vessel—propelled it smoothly across the skies, ensuring a safe and calm trip for the two lovers.....for now.

On the deck, a red-and-white checkered picnic blanket was neatly laid out, with a basket of food on top and plenty of room for both Coldsnap and Keena to sit. To start their lunch off, Coldsnap allowed Keena to vent to her about her recent frustrations with Firebird. After all, it was better to talk to someone about something rather than to let one's emotions bottle up.

"Jeez.....sorry that happened with Firebird....." Coldsnap consoled as she took two sandwiches out of the basket and handed one to Keena.

"It's fine. I just really wish she would just start looking after herself better," Keena responded before taking a bite out of hers.

"Hey. We're not perfect, okay? No one is; not even superheroes. Sometimes we completely fuck up. We might do a shitty thing here and there.....something we really wish we hadn't. But do we sit on our asses and drown ourselves in our grief? Hell, no! We improve!"

"That's the thing, though; Firebird hasn't improved. But.....I think I know why."

"Why?"

"She doesn't feel like she's as good as us," the Water Sect Leader revealed. "I think she may be suffering from insecurity, and trying to hide it with a 'bombastic' aura."

Coldsnap nodded understandably. "Ahhh.....you know, I dealt with that, too, once upon a time. When I was first exiled to Earth, I was worried about opening up to others about my powers, 'cause I was scared of what they'd think. I only told close friends and family. But I'm a better person now, and I have no doubt Firebird will become the same, too."

Keena shrugged. "I'm just sick of having to take care of all of her mistakes, is all," she admitted.

".....Do you want me to talk to her? She was.....and still is.....one of my closest friends."

"You can worry about that later. Right now, though.....this moment should be just for us. You mean a lot to me, and I don't think I'd ever be the same without you. This view you've given me.....it's every bit as beautiful as you; inside and out."

"I'm glad I came across you, too," Coldsnap reciprocated. "Two years of adventures together since we became Sect Leaders.....time sure does fly by, doesn't it?"

"Yeah, and you're a Paragon, too!" Keena pointed out. "I'm quite lucky to be the girlfriend of such an amazing sub-zero superhero, aren't I?"

"You are," the Ice Sect Leader bragged, doing a hair flip and nearly making her partner collapse. "Careful. Can't have you down and out on our date, can I? I wouldn't be able to have that on my conscience; it'd fuck me over."