JSaB: Restart - Side Stories

Part 1

⭐️ takes place 3 years before the Events. Featured characters: Nico and Nick plus Nico's kids (all belong to a friend; tecnolc)⭐️

"Ugh, it's raining," Kestrel grumbled, mumbling, "I like rain but not getting wet."

She contemplated returning to Hell, where it was nice and warm. But she desperately needed an hour at most to clear her head and relax. Being the ruler of Hell at sixteen was a lot.

Raising her body temperature, Kestrel walked out into the rain, turning into her more natural human look. Beginning to hum, she skipped off into the woods nearby.

The land of the region was peculiar to say the least. Some towns would be sunny, some snowing, some shrouded in darkness. No one questioned why as it was the normal.

Kestrel quietly sang a song she had written recently, (now flying) into the neighboring town, Paradise. They greeted a few shapes who waved back.

"Oh, hey Kestrel!" someone called out.

She turned, seeing her best friend Hexane. He was with his boyfriend Ryker. "Yo! What are you two up to?" she asked, landing on ground next to them.

Ryker shrugged, flipping hair from his face as he picked a box up while flicking his head towards Hex. "These are boxes of... whatever for his parents that they asked us to pick up."

"They're not too heavy, surprisingly," Hexane added. "I think it's mostly new dishes."

"If you guys need help, feel free to call," Kestrel offered. "I'm taking a minute to myself; I'll be free."

"No, no, you take your break," Hex said. "We're fine. See you around!" He gently bumped Ryker with his hip as a gesture to follow before walking away, the yellow triangles floating above his head moving around as he talked.

Flying above the houses this time, Kestrel decided to spy on the townsfolk as she made her way to another place nearby Paradise; a snowy forest. All towns were a good distance from each other as to keep the peace, so it was a bit of a trek to the forest.

Snickering as she heard some shapes arguing over fruit of all things, Kestrel made her way to the forest, named the Frozen Twilight Forest. Or simply Twilight Forest for short.

It was an eye catching place when the sun rose or set, as some pieces of ice hanging from the trees glittered. Winter was a permanent season, and it was slightly dark despite all other towns having normal day cycles. It has a small town with a castle lurking within, but the residents were hardly seen leaving as the warmer weather of the outside wasn't something they were used to.

She was careful to not have her body temperature too high or use her fire abilities in the forest. While she never truly ventured in, Kestrel was bored and figured a little exploring wouldn't hurt. The social butterfly part of her wanted to meet new shapes.

The trees shined and glittered while pieces of ice clinked against each other with the small breeze, making noises similar to a wind chime. A clearing was coming into view and cabins were becoming visible. Most were held together with ice so the wood didn't fall apart. A few shapes were walking about, a few currently building a cabin. A castle could be seen as Kestrel entered the clearing.

Multiple heads turned to look at the new arrival. Whispering was heard while some shapes stared.

Unsure of what to say, Kestrel waved.

An older man approached, asking who she was and why she wasn't wearing the proper clothes to stay warm.

"My name's Kestrel," she replied. "Ruler of Hell. I don't worry about wearing warm clothes since I can regulate my body temperature at will."