The Search For Peace 2

Chapter 10

Soft snow hugged the soles of her sneakers, the glazed ice tunnel covering them displaying the morning hues painting the sky. Waves slashed at it but did not rock it, the world outside more a dream than reality. Alyssa gawked freely at the whole ordeal, sliding her fingers on the walls as she walked.

Ralph and Carter had been there before, so it wasn't all that fascinating for them. Still, her enthusiasm made them smile. The tunnel ended, another gate up ahead, the Leo Clan Emblem carved beautifully on its clear surface. When it opened on its own, shivers ran down Alyssa's spine, and she felt like she was being welcomed into the palace of a snow queen.

A gasp escaped her lips as she stepped into the freezing realm. The transparent dome served as the sky to this domain, building of crystalline stone shaped in cylinders lining the horizon. There were trees in this land of ice, green and full with life, blue daffodil-like flowers scattered about. The sunlight from outside reflected against the glass, its rays spreading far and wide, casting beautifully on the smooth humps of the homes.

"It's so pretty!" She cried, her eyes watering. Usually, she'd pull out her phone and take pictures by now, but at the moment, she was too entranced to even do that. Her steps were all over the place, her mouth agape. She couldn't believe her sight.

"Where is everybody, though?" Ralph darted his gaze about at the silence around him.

"I guess they're still asleep," Carter suggested, hugging his arms. His breath had already turned white, the cut by his lip from earlier stinging. He really should've bandaged it.

"Oh my God, what is that?!" In all her excitement, Alyssa crossed the safe snowy pathway they were standing on and entered the icy roads without thinking.

"Wait!!!" But Ralph was too late, as the poor girl was already falling.

She let out a yelp of confusion, only now noticing the sheet of ice under her. She lost her balance, twisted around a bunch, and hit the ground on her bum. "What is this?!"

"The whole Leo Clan is an ice ring, dummy," Ralph told her from above. "You have to skate around here."

"Well, you could've told me that sooner!" She called back, trying to get back up, but her hands kept slipping. She fell once more, this time on her elbows.

Carter peeked down with worry. "Are you okay?"

"Lovely." She replied, huffing. It was no use. She was a sitting duck in this place. With a sigh, she turned her head towards the quiet city, a rather huge domed structure up ahead, most of it covered in mist. She was wondering if that was the White House of this place when a strange burring sound itched her ears. It got louder and louder, her eyes catching a shadow approaching from the front.

"Um, guys?" Her voice shook as this big bulky, burring thing approached, sliding down the roads with ease. "W-what is that?!"

Before they could answer, the thing flew into the air, it's glinting, pointing ends blurring her vision. She screamed when it slammed on the ground once again, grazing the ice as it swivelling her direction. Still screaming, she shielded herself with her arms, prepared to be knocked into oblivion.

But thankfully, that did not happen.

"Took you long enough." She heard Ralph say, his footsteps falling beside her. Very slowly, she removed her arms.

"Sorry."  Her eyes landed on Sanjay, taking off a teal biker's helmet. He shook his messy locks, his face glistening with sweat. "This thing takes up a lot of magical energy, so it took a while to make."

She tilted her head to see past the two boys at this 'thing' he was talking about. The very thing that almost killed her. But she forgave it the instant she saw it's sleek curves. It had the slanted roof and back compartment of a golf cart, and the bladed ends and motorcycle-like head of a snowmobile. No wonder it was sliding around town like it owned the place. The front had a jagged wheel attached, the whole vehicle glazed in an icy glow.

Sanjay noticed her, finally, her surprised face and dishevelled bangs making him snicker. "What happened to you?"

"H-huh?" Alyssa pulled her gaze off the ride, suddenly boiling with anger. "You almost crashed into me, you moron!"

Ralph let out a laugh, making her even angrier. "Serves you right for trying to walk on ice."

"I wasn't-" She cried out in frustration, her balled fists hitting the ground repeatedly. "I didn't know!!!"

As they both chuckled, Carter showed her a hand. Sniffling, she held his forearm with both her hands to hoist herself up without falling again. "Stop being so mean to her, you guys." He told them as she struggled.

"She's just so fun to tease." The girl really had to fight the urge to slap Ralph's stupid little head when he said that.

"Okay people, we've wasted enough time." They watched Sanjay put the helmet back on and swing his leg over the driver's seat. The engine purred as he twisted the bars under his grip, a cool, motorcycle rider aura illuminating his presence.

He gestured to the back seats with a slight turn of his neck. "Let's get going, shall we?"