A/N: Short prologue is short, lol. Just an idea swimming in my head like my friend's goldfish (meaning that it won't die no matter what, lol).
Odd inspirations for this one...though that's not really uncommon for me, haha. Somewhere between the first 145 episodes of Naruto and listening to the Frozen soundtrack, this idea just kind of...popped out of nowhere... This IS NOT a crossover/parody with either one, though; it's all original (I hope no one has done something like this yet anyway; if someone has, I haven't seen it...).
Anywho, just wanted to see what kind of a reaction people would have to this, so I thought I would post it now even though I can't guarantee a quick update (though IT WILL be updated, never fear!)
AU timeline. I think you all will be able to see that pretty quickly... Pairings, undecided really; you guys can choose so leave me a comment if you have a preference (though the romance will still be minuscule if I include any at all...).
Oh, yes; and before anyone asks, 'ochibi-chan' is most definitely an insult (especially when said to a guy considering it is in addressing a small girl, lol).
Disclaimer: You would think this to be obvious, but here it is anyway. I no own. Cover image is also not mine; I apologize if it is yours; I found it using Google (probably) ages ago...
Prologue
"Do you really know what you are asking?" she asked, staring down into those dark, emotionless-yet-determined eyes.
The boy in front of her only nodded his head once. "I want you to teach me magic. You can do it, can't you?"
She sighed. "I am capable, yes, if that's what you're asking. But there is something you should know about the nature of Ice Magic."
"Just tell me you'll teach me. I don't care about anything else."
"Ice Magic can be a very beautiful thing." She knelt down to his eye level, her voice taking on a serious edge he had never heard before. "It is very powerful because it has the potential to be extremely versatile. Anything you can imagine, you can create."
"I know that already."
She continued on as if he hadn't spoken. "But it can also be extremely dangerous, do you understand? More so than any other type. If you aren't careful, it can destroy you."
He looked away with a huff, rolling his eyes. "I don't care. Just teach me."
"Listen to me." With one finger, she tilted his chin back towards her, forcing him to meet her gaze once again. "Beware the frozen heart. If you allow your heart to freeze, that's when the very magic you use will destroy you.
"Beware the frozen heart."
Eight Years Later
"Oi! You two! Stop right this –! Are you even listening to me?" She slapped her hand into her head as she realized that the two boys were clearly ignoring her. Right as they once again aimed a fist at each other's faces, she sent up a wall of ice between the two teens, effectively throwing them in opposite directions and forcing them to pay attention to their teacher. "You two are about six years too old to still be bickering like this. It stops NOW. Am I understood?"
They both nodded mutely, knowing that if they didn't comply there would be hell to pay later.
"Seriously, what is it with the two of you?" she sighed exasperatedly. "I know you've never gotten along well, but this has gone to ridiculous extremes as of late."
"Gomen," the older of the two muttered. "But if it wasn't for ochibi-chan over there…"
The younger of the two stood to his feet, charging towards his elder. "Teme!"
She grabbed his arm and threw him back to the floor. Glaring down at him, she repeated her earlier words. "I thought I said that this stops now." She turned to the other who was silently gloating for successfully ruffling the other boy's feathers. "Don't think you're off the hook, either. I know how this goes; you're always provoking him." His grin fell.
She righted her chair that had been knocked over in the squabble and sat down, wearily rubbing her forehead for a moment before looking back up at her two young pupils. "I think perhaps it's time for the two of you to leave here and to try making it on your own." She held up a hand to quiet their protests. "I've taught you all I know and everything you need to know to be successful. I can't help you find your own form. Go to the west; join a guild." She smiled at them. "I know you both are ready. Go. Become stronger. And live your lives."
The younger boy stood back up from the floor and stalked across the room, starting to shove various objects into his pack.
The older mage finally found his voice. "Oi… What are you doing?" he asked quietly.
"Packing," came the cold reply. "Don't you get it, Lyon? Our time here is over." He slung the bag over his shoulder. Bowing slightly, he spoke. "Arigatou, Sensei." He turned his back to the woman, quietly opened the door, and without another word, left the tiny cabin forever.
He didn't look back, didn't hesitate. In that instant, he broke his ties with this fellow pupil and his teacher. He did not regret it – he would not regret it.
It was time he followed his own way.