Coldsnap: Storm's Call

Chapter 44: Earth, Wind, & Fire

We last read Chapter 43, in which Coldsnap visits the Inferno Fortress to cheer Firebird up and lift her spirits for her not being able to participate in the Battle of Skycrest. Not only does the heroine manage to perk Firebird back up, but she also uses the karaoke machine that she brings to allow Firebird to sing an extravagant, fiery musical number about both her own self-confidence and the difficulties that women such as her often face in society. After the two of them strengthen their friendship, Coldsnap informs Firebird that Keena and Geode have planned a surprise for them, which is apparently at the Grand Terminus. Firebird, of course, agrees, and follows Coldsnap to the capital city. This time, we find out what exactly that surprise is.....

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-Grand Terminus, Elemental Realms-

Later, Coldsnap, Firebird, Keena, and Geode were all slowly and gently riding through the skies above the Grand Terminus capital once again, in a similar situation to the one Coldsnap and Keena had been in prior to the very first flood; the one orchestrated by Typhoon from the Storm Sect. The oars on each side of the ship appeared to "row" it through the air, and the deck was large and expansive enough to accommodate the quartet while still leaving plenty of extra space.

Coldnsap let out a happy sigh. "No matter how many times I go for rides like these.....the view from all the way up here never fails to impress me....." She turned to Keena and Geode. "So, what are Firebird and I supposed to be looking for? What's this 'surprise' you two have lined up for us?"

Keena grinned. "Actually, Snowdust.....this one was entirely Geode's idea."

"Huh?" The icy heroine then turned to Geode. "You planned this?"

The earth mage nodded. "Yep!"

".....Then why'd you say that it was you and Keena?"

"I just wanted to bring you two together for this," he answered. "Everyone knows you're the picture of a healthy relationship." At that moment, all four of them heard the sounds of synchronized footsteps, lively party music, and ecstatic cheers coming from the gathered crowds below. Additionally, they began spotting plumes of multi-colored smoke rising upwards, as well as specially-designed fireworks made for use during the daytime.

".....Guys? What's going on over there?" Firebird asked.

Geode beamed with glee as the other three girls walked near the edge of the deck to check things out, being protected from falling off by an icy guard railing positioned right at the platform's end.

As he predicted, the trio reacted with immense excitement, surprise, and happiness; the sight they were beholding was a massive parade being held in the heroes' honor. The "audience" consisted of large gatherings of Mage Aspects from all factions clumped together in separate sections on the very left and very right sides of the street, with a wide central isle for the actual parade to move through.

The procession was long, but by no means boring. There were a large number of floats; one for each elemental Sect---Fire, Ice, Water, and Earth---as well as several more advertising the various stores and restaurants in the Grand Terminus. True to Coldsnap's lesson about telling peoples' stories no matter how sketchy they were, Geode had also arranged for a float representing the Storm Sect to be displayed, with actors dressed as Typhoon, Galeforce, and other random storm mages wearing smiles from ear to ear and gleefully waving to the crowd; this float also created a huge animatronic meant to resemble one of the lost faction's many storm dragons.

And, at the end of the line---clearly saving the best for last---was a two-story float depicting the Grand Terminus portal network, with a huge horizontal banner being displayed above said float that had very crudely drawn pictures of Coldsnap, Firebird, Keena, and Geode's faces.....though it was clear that whoever did it truly tried their best.