Chaper 2: A Single, Tiny Spark
Jack Frost did not notice the spark that leaped from his fingertips as he accepted the golden container from Pitch. The tiny glow swept through the shadows, unseen by even the Nightmare King himself.
It wasn't until much later, when Pitch returned to his lair is agonizing defeat, that the tiny light caught his attention. It sparkled, white as snow, from its perch atop the dark globe. Even in his despair, the boogeyman was drawn to it.
One long finger reached out, hovering tantalizingly close to the pure speck of light. Darkness sparked from the fingertip, causing Pitch to draw his hand back with a gasp. Golden eyes widened as the light seemed to absorb the darkness, growing brighter before him.
The spark expanded, casting shadows across the gloomy cavern. Before the eyes of the Nightmare King, the light began to take the form of a child. Once the youth was fully formed, the glow slowly faded to pale skin. Moments later, Pitch found himself staring at a little boy, no older than 10, floating before his eyes. Ebony hair framed his face, barely brushing his pale shoulders.
Bloodless lips parted in a first breath that sent a mist of snowflakes into the air. The snowflakes, black as a starless night, circled the boy's unclothed body. Several landed on his face, leaving tiny, dark flakes imprinted across his pale cheekbones. Others gathered into an even larger snowflake, melting over his heart until it sat upon his skin like a birthmark.
A groan from the child caused the dark flakes to twist and tangle around his small form. The majority of the flakes formed into a white, buttoned shirt and charcoal pants. The remaining ones melted together to become a dark jacket that flowed to mid-thigh length.
Fully-clothed, except for the obvious lack of footwear; the child could have easily blended in with students from a private school, where uniforms are the norm. A curious outfit for an immortal child.
For an immortal to be made, death must occur. But sometimes, on very rare occasions, an immortal child is born.
Pitch allowed himself to drift forward, getting close enough to touch the boy, but wary of doing so. Here, before his very eyes, an immortal child had appeared. Born, it seemed, from his own darkness... with a touch of frost.
Eyelashes fluttered upward, soft and dark as a raven's wings. Orbs, black as midnight, stared at the man... innocent and without fear. Emotionless, the child examined the Nightmare King.
Pitch allowed the child to float around him, waiting for the boy to speak. Finally, the boy landed at the top of the globe and drew in a low breath.
'Father...' the boy whispered. It was not a question.
'What is your name, little one?' the boogeyman asked, lowering himself to one knee, as the top of the boy's head barely reached his waist.
'Severus... Severus BlackFrost,' the immortal child answered.
...tbc...
Note: Immortal children are born at a certain age. They stay at that age for many years (sometimes hundreds of years), before they mature into the age they will be for the rest of their immortal lives. Severus was born to the age of 10.
Note 2: Listening to "Slayers: Unlimited Desire" on youtube. I love this Japanese song and the melody seems to fit with Severus' immortal birth.
Note 3: Sorry, had to make a minor change to this chapter so that it flowed with the rest of the story.
