VISION OF FROST 2/4
It was bitter work but Brandon with the assistance of his classmates managed to load several boxes of bagged lunches into the back seats of four buses. While he loaded, the familiar chill of fear crept up his spine, his heart pounded and his breathing became labored. The terror of being lost or buried seemed even more real now than ever.
The final box was tucked into the back row, the emergency exit door was sealed. Brandon breathed a sigh of relief, he had to let his worries go. From between the buses, another face revealed himself, a caramel-skinned student in a green overcoat appeared suddenly next to Brandon.
"So what did Double-A say to you guys?" He spoke in a hushed tone and was constantly looking over Brandon's shoulder suspiciously.
"Come again?" Brandon raised an eyebrow confused as to who the student might've referred to.
"Double-A, the alien, the principal, whatever he's called," the boy said speeding through his words as he whispered.
"Do you mean Dr. Angel?" Brandon questioned.
"Shhhh!" The male student blinked once, "Don't let him know we are onto him! They say all that crazy stuff happens only in America but I think otherwise."
"Shut up Heath." This female student's piercing blue eyes ran them through and beneath the flap of her hood were strands of snowy white hair.
"But we must know, Ava! I sense a disturbance in the air, our "principal" could have a sick twisted plan up his sleeve," Heath shouted to the girl.
"Do I now?" As his name implies, Dr. Angel appeared as if from nothing. He was silent, almost invisible. Heath gasped in shock, his face flushed white. Brandon and Ava were surprised at the sudden emergence of the administrator, they remained tight-lipped as Dr. Angel inspected their work.
"Beautiful job...If we were working in a garbage disposal," Dr. Angel sniffed, turning to the students standing silently on the sidewalk. The three of them struggling to keep a straight face.
"I heard my name on the way over here, anyone wants to clarify?"
The students look amongst each other, the intimidation from their principal pried at the gate of truth. Before Brandon could say anything the girl Ava spoke first.
"Heath was just saying you're an alien again," she admitted.
A guttural response escaped Heath's lips as he struggled to find his words. Through clenched teeth, Heath whispered, "Why did you let him know I was onto him? If I disappear on this trip it'll be your fault."
For the third time that morning, Dr. Angel was thrust into a situation of absolute nonsense.
"Just finish getting everything on the bus. Or at least make everything a little more organized," Dr. Angel sighed, "if you don't, I will see you in administrative detention."
At 9:30, the students of Crystal River Academy vacated their classrooms and began to pile into the buses. Vivian sat unsettled in her seat, her leg refused to stop bouncing and she continually looked out the window for her parents. It was rare that they both were free at the same time, most often it was her father who was present. He was the one who dealt with the conferences, report cards, and after-school pickups. Her mom, on the other hand, was more or less the breadwinner. She spent countless days and weeks away from home working on some major films. When she was home, Madison would often do her best to spoil Vivian as a means to make up for the lost time. It was strange, for the past few days, her parents seemed a little bit more on edge like they were doing their best to try and hide something from Vivian.
As usual, Brandon was seated right next to her, he could tell by the distant look in her eyes that something was the matter. Though she was here, her mind could be elsewhere, that concerned Brandon. Since they were kids Vivian had always been the one to support him. After the unfortunate death of his brother, it was Vivian who gave him the courage to start speaking again. Brandon opened his mouth to hopefully get Vivian to spill what was on her mind when another mutual friend dropped in between them.
Genesis was warped into the world of her handheld gaming console; the Kismet Locus 1x2 mobile. Her gaming character was a sorcerer in flowing robes moving about the screen. Various charms and spells were cast from the hands of the wizard which annihilated the opposing NPCs. Genesis cheered as her character leveling up.
"YES! I became the Archmage again!" She shouted. Brandon coiled from the volume of the girl's joy, however, Vivian was still in a daze. Genesis covered her mouth with the fringes of her yellow sweater sinking back into the world of the game.
"Genesis do you really need to shout every time you level up? This is the fourth time you played through that game," Brandon complained.
"But the story is SOOOO good! I can't help it!" she grinned. Her finger fiddled with the joystick and buttons, the roar of what could only be a dragon blasted from the console speakers.
"Bring it on, that skin is mine!" Genesis smiled. Brandon shook his head and centered his attention back on Vivian.
"Anyways, hey Viv," he called, his hand brushed her forearm which pulled Vivian back to reality. The girl blinked, not realizing that she had zoned out.
"Hey, what, yeah?" She babbled.
"What are you looking at?" Brandon asked, "You were quiet for a while. Was it what Dr. Angel said?"
Vivian shook her head profusely, her mind readjusted to Brandon's question. "No, no, it's my parents."
"They're not coming?" He wondered.
"They are, but it's weird because it's like they're hiding something from me. Just this morning I've heard them whispering to each other."
"Moms and dads do that, Viv."
The expression on her face read one thing, "...No kidding, Brandon."
Brandon chuckled, "Hey I'm just saying. You could be overreacting, maybe they have a surprise planned or something?"
"I guess...but this is not the first time I've heard them discussing things about me. There was this other time I heard my dad on the phone with my grandparents. I distinctly remember him saying that now was not the time. I've overheard my mom and my aunt talking once about how I've grown so much. All of this secret talk can't be a coincidence. Next thing you know my cat Jasmine will know something." Vivian doubted.
The words fumbled out Vivian's mouth at an accelerated rate. Brandon nodded his head with reaching a conclusion, "...Yeah, you're overreacting."
"It's not like you were taken from a magical realm during a giant battle for the fate of humanity. Only to be relocated to another world all grown up and return to the place of your birth to save it from the same forces of darkness that tried to kill you long ago..." Genesis stopped to catch her breath, "because that would be weird.
"Are you talking about Burn of Autonomy? I love that game."
Vivian's look became downcast, every fiber of her being hinted at a mass conspiracy but there was no way for her to explore. Brandon had eloped into Genesis' virtual world leaving Vivian feeling isolated. Like the bizarre bird, she was Genesis migrated two rows ahead and plopped down again.
"Hey watch it!" A familiar voice complained. Like she did with Brandon and Vivian, Genesis had latched on to the first free seat which happened to be between Noel and one of his lackeys.
"Careful Noel, that is the closest a girl will ever get to you willingly, so treasure it," Brandon roused. The students on the bus burst into laughter, Noel grit his teeth and sulked, he had to get revenge.
Nick and Madison arrived precisely at 9:35 when they saw the buses packed with students, they scurried to hopefully sit with Vivian. To their awe, Dr. Angel was situated outside of the busses with a clipboard in his hand. "I'm glad you both could be here, I hope all is well."
"Nice to see you too Dr. Angel, sorry we're late." Madison gleamed as Nick gripped the principal's hand with a firm handshake.
"If this trip wasn't exciting enough, there's now more for us to do." Nick grimaced.
"I heard and as usual Kenji was being Kenji," Dr. Angel spoke.
Madison protruded her lips, the thought of the red slayer ranger sent her heart aflutter. Her husband, on the other hand, did not share her attraction.
Nick scoffed, "Yeah, don't remind me of that guy."
"The only remotely magical thing I could find is that French settlers founded this town in 1709 and drove away the indigenous people living here. There's not too much folklore on the mountain outside of it being a place of worship for the indigenous tribes." Dr. Angel said.
"Any details on the tribes that lived here? Maybe they could have some type of mystical connection?" Madison suggested.
"I couldn't find much detail on them, per usual there was very little history saved. If only we could go back and meet them."
"Hey now, if Wes were here you know what he'd say," Nick replied with a sarcastic tone.
"I'm sure we all are familiar with his concerns for the timeline. He would advise that such a trip is unwarranted."
"If there is anything hidden on that mountain, particularly ranger energy, then the only way we're going to find it is by looking ourselves," Nick said.
"Do you have a plan? Is there any way I can help?"
"If you can buy me some time that would be great. I would like to take a look around as soon as we arrive." Nick said.
"I believe I can do that, I'll get you all the time you need."
The jolly chuckles of the students swiftly dissolved into silence. Wads of paper soared through the air and always seemed to end in Vivian's lap. There were notes and crude drawings etched on the pages. Of course, the word which always appeared was bastard and the sender could only be Noel. The chuckles of the students instantly dissipated to silence when Dr. Angel stepped on, behind him were the parents of Vivian and Brandon. Whispers ignited like wildfire at the sight of the Russells, they were quite well known in town.
"That's Vivian's parents," Noel hissed.
"Her mom's hot," His friend snorted.
Noel rolled his eyes and elbowed his friend, he wasn't wrong though, Mrs. Russell was indeed very pretty. Her silky black hair was pulled back into a ponytail, she wore an aqua blue windbreaker and a pair of black track pants. What made Noel's blood boil was the logo on the pants and jacket; CF Katana.
Mr. Russell was dressed similarly to his wife. He wore a vibrant red windbreaker and olive jogger pants. As he passed Noel he gave the bully a dirty look as if he knew he was the one who antagonized his daughter. Vivian's parents took the seat directly across from their daughter, Madison had the window and Nick eased himself next to her.
"Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Russell." Brandon greeted.
"You made it." Vivian's eyes gleamed.
"Yeah and we almost came late," Nick leered at his daughter.
"I'm sorry, I thought it was an 11:30 time start. I mixed up my schedule," Vivian confessed. Nick's serious expression melted into a smile.
"It's okay we're here now." Madison acknowledged as Nick leaned back on his seat to get cozy. Shimmying their way down the narrow aisle, their backpacks high enough to brush the ceiling, were Mr. and Mrs. Pierce; Brandon's parents. Their radiant neon yellow and orange jackets cause many students to avert their eyes.
"Did you pack the road flares?" Mr. Pierce questioned as he stopped to look at his wife.
"This is a school-sanctioned event...of course I did. You can never be too careful," Mrs. Pierce responded. Madison perked up seeing Brandon's parent work their way down the aisle to take a seat right behind them.
"Glad to see you're both prepared as always. We, unfortunately, didn't pack anything, I thought Dr. Angel was going to have supplies for us," Madison said to Brandon's parents.
Nick squinted his eyes, put off by the obscene luggage. The permission slip stated that bags were not necessary and the school would provide everything, though the Pierces were very paranoid and wanted to ensure that everything was safe. "Are you sure you packed climbing supplies? Because from the looks of it, you packed your whole house."
"Ha, she packed for the whole week." Brandon's father told Nick.
"What? Anything could happen." The Pierces settled in the row behind Nick and Madison their supplies noisily clanging.
"Please don't tell me you also packed the Kimbo's mom," Brandon begged.
Madison then gasped, she craned her neck against the window to speak more directly to Mrs. Pierce, "You got kimbos? Oh my god, I've been trying to find those whenever we go camping."
"Kimbos?" Nick asked.
"You don't wanna know, man." Mr. Pierce responded.
Nick looked across the aisle to his daughter and Brandon who both signaled no. From their expression he figured it was an endeavor not worth exploring, there were more crucial matters to investigate. "Yeah, nevermind I don't."
The bus ride lasted roughly 35 minutes during which most students either dozed off or were lost in conversation. Vivian continually eyed her parents, whatever conspiracy was going on with them Dr. Angel was probably in on it too. Nick was one of the people who was dozing while Madison per usual was capturing video footage of everything.
When the buses arrived at the mountain a park ranger was ready to receive them. The students filed off the bus one after another, the excitement in the air was contagious. The breath seemed to vanish from Nick and Madison's lungs as they saw the mountain erect in the distance. Though beautiful, the Morphin Union was very clear. There was some sort of magical signature present, a force that has not been detected before.
"Alright everyone," Dr. Angel called as the students and parents gathered around him, "Welcome to the Crystal River class fall trip. This year the science department wanted the students to witness nature in action. We decided that the best way for that to happen was right here at the three sisters' mountain. We invited some of the parents here to act as additional supervisors. To help make the unloading a bit easier and to ensure that everyone is properly situated. Parents, I would ask that you assist your children."
The crowd dispersed and spread amongst the buses, the perfect cover to slip away. No one would notice that Nick had gone missing and he should hopefully be back in time to hike with his wife and daughter. He made himself scarce as he steadily implemented distance between himself and the students.
Madison was the only one to catch his eyes, "Hey, where are you going?" she implores.
"Where do you think? I have to make myself useful," Nick replied.
"No don't worry about that now. We could both go tonight or tomorrow," Madison pleaded.
"Maddie, have you ever heard the phrase tomorrow might be too late?"
Madison clenched her teeth, "Nick, you gave Vivian some of your magic. What if something is up there? You need to recuperate."
Nick puckered his lips in a smirk, he stared at Madison with his head at an angle. The same mischievous look he normally gave her when he was up to no good. "What do you think I'm doing? I'm going for a walk, relaxing."
Madison bore Nick her most concerned look which melted away his cocky expression. "I won't be long, no one will even notice that I'm gone."
When Vivian stepped off the bus she was filled to the brim with elation. Today was going to be special, she could feel it in her bones. The sight of the mountain was breathtaking. It was so massive and saturated with mystery and suspense. So many students were already snapping photographs, Vivian would be among them if her phone wasn't dead.
That as it may seem, the scene that captured her attention the most was the stream of color circling in the clouds above the tallest peak all of which seemed to stem from somewhere on the mountain.
It was common to see the northern lights, but it was often at night. These colors were clear as day like will-o-wisps. As Vivian watched with curiosity, her mind flickered out until suddenly she witnessed a grandiose palace constructed entirely of ice. There were high towers that granted almost a divine view of the area, statues, and columns that lined the outer court, and lastly large gates that led to the inner sanctum. Time seemed to stop around Vivian, the northern lights of Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink and Black, dancing in the skies above the palace.
"Hey, Viv you alright?" Brandon nudged, yet his friend was not responsive. She had that blank look in her eyes yet again. She was fixated on something unseen much like she was on the bus earlier. Madison turned to see Brandon waving his hand frantically in Vivian's face. The essence of fear formulated in the pit of Madison's stomach, she could tell that something was off about her daughter. Before she could react Vivian returned from her fantasy, her memory foggy at best on what she just saw.
"Heh, you spaced out again Viv," Brandon snickered.
"Oh yeah... Do you see that too?" Vivian asked pointing to the streams of light.
"Yeah, the mountains? I see them," Brandon replied giddily.
"No, not the mountain, the lights. There's a light coming from the summit," Vivian insisted.
Brandon chuckled, "Now you're sounding like that kid Heath."
Madison looms closer to the two besties, Vivian could tell from her mother's glance that Madison was on to something. The young Russell did her best to appear as innocent as possible.
"Hey Mom," Vivian smiled.
"Hey..." Madison responded, suspicion in her voice, "You feeling okay?"
"Just fine, I'm ready to climb that mountain," Vivian blustered, "Where's Dad?"
"Oh..He uh...Dr. Angel sent him ahead to set up our climb spot," Madison bluffed.
"But I thought there were markers that tell us where to climb and where not to?" Brandon asked.
"Well...uhhhh-" Madison stammered.
"I know what he's doing!" Vivian interjected, "He's trying to prank me again! Nope, I have to get him back for what he did to me on April fools day."
Maddison began to laugh, "I remember that day, he woke you up at 5 am and told you to get ready for school."
"Yeah on a Saturday?!"
Madison and Brandon were filled with laughter. Brandon could barely get the words out of his mouth as his parents had waved him over and he giggled his way over to them.
"I remember both you and Dad, were laughing in your room... I tried to get him back but he always expected it. For two weeks he was on guard and eventually I forgot," Vivian complained.
"What are you planning to do?" Mrs. Russell asked once the jollies subsided.
"I'm not sure yet, it's not like I can make him eat something or walk into something," Vivian pondered.
"Scare him?" Her mother suggested.
"Okay," Vivian smirked devilishly.
Once away from the group, Nick ventured into the forested area on the far side of the mountain. There was very little foot traffic here which best suited his needs. After one final visual sweep of the area, Nick reached into the brown pouch on his right hip and took out his mystic Morpher. The Morphin Union was sure that there was ranger energy on this mountain. Not only that but his daughter has been having dreams about a light. It was very possible that these things were one of the same given the balanced makeup of her magic. Nick knew that he would not be able to rest easy until he got to the bottom of this mystery.
With his Morpher in wand mode, Nick cast a simple search spell which led him in the direction of the greatest source of energy in the given area. From the tip of his wand, a radiant sphere of red energy materialized and went before Nick. It zipped and whizzed around, calculating any and all changes in the air. If there was Ranger energy hidden somewhere beneath Nick's feet, this spell should find it. As he waited for his spell to lock on to anything, Nick silently whispered that if Vivian was somehow connected to the energy present that it would not attract any unwanted attention.
Nick almost lost Vivian once when she was a child, he did not want to give potential enemies another attempt to claim her life again. After a few moments, the warm sphere of energy completed its search. It hovered and glowed like a warm sun just ahead of Nick which caught his attention.
The Union was right, something was indeed here.
As Nick followed the sphere it drew him deeper into the woods. He stepped over logs and through bushes in pursuit. Finally, the sphere ceased when Nick came face to face with an archway cut into stone; a mouth of a cave. His spell grew brighter in warmth which indicated that he was in the right place. Nick cocked an eyebrow, the vibrant pulse of his search charm grew brighter and more intense. Nick ventured into the mouth of the cave when suddenly a subtle chill crept up his spine. The deeper he stepped the more severe the chill, before long Nick's teeth were chattering.
It was colder than anything he's ever experienced, the guidance orb blew out like a candle, ice began to creep on the edges of Nick's shoes and it felt like he was in a vacuum. It was like the air was pulled out of his lungs, not only was his spell diffused but also his magic was being siphoned. Nick opened his morpher to cast a fire spell all to no avail, the ice began to overtake the transformation device. Even his normal cellphone was inept as if the battery had been drained. The union said that technology was null, void, and not just technology but any and all sources of energy.
Nick realized that he could no longer investigate further it was too dangerous. He retreated back the way he came, out into the open air. Once exposed to the warmth of the sun Nick fell to his knees gasping. He hadn't realized how much energy had been suctioned out of him. He paused at the entrance in order to recuperate, needing to tell Maddie what happened.
As he trailed back, barely able to hold his balance, in the bushes around him, the foliage rustled as if someone or something was spying on him.
"Hello?" He proceeded slowly to the shrubbery his ears keen and his morpher at the ready. He parted the brush with his hand all to see nothing. Whatever was there was gone now. He finches again at the sudden tone of music originating from his pocket. His phone was once again operational and it was his wife calling.
"Everything alright?" Nick answered and then cleared his throat.
"Yeah, just you have been out there for like 30 minutes. People are starting to grow suspicious."
"Alright, I'm coming."
The students were still in the parking lot unloading the buses and conducting headcounts. Madison waited patiently between two buses, she breathed a sigh of relief as Nick walked toward her in a haste. His eyes were gaunt and he appeared almost delirious when he made his approach. Madison could see the cracks in Nick's facade of calmness.
"Hey," He said breathless, "We need to talk, come on." He took Madison by the wrist to lead her away yet she refused to move.
"Um why don't we talk here," Madison said innocently, "You know, um, help the others unpack like we're supposed to." she chuckled. Nick looked around to see that a majority of students were already coordinated into groups.
"They seem almost done to me, besides Dr. Angel's students could use the exercise." Again Nick attempted to lead his wife away and again she refused him.
Vivian watched in silence, just like she planned her mother was keeping her father occupied. Like a lioness on the prowl, Vivian made her approach, cautious not to make any noise that might give her away.
"You know actually...Um, I wanted to tell you something..." Madison blurted, she could see the alarm in Nick's eyes. There was also an implicit look of worry and fatigue. A part of Madison wanted to call off the rouse and hear what Nick had to say, but another piece urged her to keep going.
"I gained 5 pounds." She told him as he drew his head back in bewilderment.
"Yeah you know, I think I need the exercise too, those pancakes really pushed it over for me. I'm getting wings under my arms, not very attractive." Madison wasn't making sense, did she lose sight of the mission? What does her weight have to do with anything?
The way she was acting greatly bothered Nick and utterly confused him."...What?"
A bolt of alarm ricocheted throughout his body as Vivian appeared from nowhere and startled him. He didn't give her the satisfaction of a scream, but his body became rigid for a fraction of a second. Vivian's laugher bounded off the walls of the two buses and into the sky, even Madison struggled against the urge to join in on the jest.
"What are you doing!?" Nick said unnerved, his wife and daughter deaf to his voice because of their sidesplitting hysteria.
"Wow..genius," Nick said sarcastically realizing the trap he found himself in.
"Did I scare ya?" Vivian asked still heaving and chortling.
"No. I heard you from a mile away, nice tactic using your mother to distract me," Nick bluffed.
"Yeah right..admit it, dad, I got you."
Nick stared at his daughter a bitter expression on his face. "...Don't you have something better to do? I thought Dr. Angel told you guys to unload," Nick scolded as Vivian left with a smile. With his daughter out of sight, Nick heaved a sigh of relief. He placed his hand across his chest to feel that his heart had returned to the normal rate of beating.
Madison's cheeks ached, she massaged her face, echoes of laughter still ebbing out. "She actually got you."
Nick sneered at his wife, "Can we talk now?"
She nodded as she followed him away from the buses.
"So what did you see?" Madison asked.
"There's a cave on the northside of the mountain, the further you go in the colder it gets. I could see why the Morphin Union's scanners failed since both my phone and Morpher almost froze."
"What do you think is in there?" She continued.
"I'm not sure. I tried a simple fire spell and nothing, my magic wouldn't even light. I even tried to get a sample of the energy, hoping it could help Vivian but rather than take some of the magic, I somehow managed to give a bit of my own."
Madison's lip curled into a pout as she checked her husband's temperature, she could tell by how he approached that something was awry.
"I'm good..." He responded, "The same amount I expelled equaled the amount that was taken. This is some really strong ice magic, so we might need to come back with my mom or the snow prince," He says as he shrugged Madison away. He unveiled his morpher to see that it was back to normal, bits of moisture dotted the top.
"When we go back, I don't need you to come too." She says sternly.
"Why not?" He argued.
"Nick, I wouldn't feel comfortable if you went back to that cave. You said it yourself, it pulled the magic out of you. I would feel much better if you stayed with Vivian, besides you are the only one who can regulate her if the fire blood curse flares up again. My magic only makes things worse for her."
"So what do you expect me to do sit at home and wait? I've done enough waiting Madison and so have you. If there's something deeper in that cave my magic may prove essential to have."
"Like ranger energy?" She quipped.
"Yes." He sighed, "like ranger energy." Nick puckered his lips, "If that energy is the source of her dreams, then we may have to move again."
"But would that be what's best for her? She's happy here," Madison pleads.
"We both know how dangerous the lifestyle can be, especially given who she is. If her powers are fully awakened there's no telling what terrors may be drawn to her," he implored.
Mrs. Russell falls silent, her neurons firing as she thinks about what to say next.
"..Anyways we'll talk about this later..." Nick stood bringing an abrupt end to the conversation as he walked back to the buses.
Once the buses were deprived of the bagged lunches and all of the students were accounted for, Dr. Angel assembled the group together once more. They were all escorted to the base of the mountain, excited and utterances gurgling from the students.
"Alright everyone, before we start to climb just a couple of ground rules. Firstly, all students are to be accompanied by a chaperone at all times, no one is to go off on their own. If you need to use the facilities I would advise that you go now before we start climbing. Secondly, there are 3 hiking paths that lead up to the peak, each path is marked by a different color marker. I would advise that you stick to one path so you don't get lost. Each route traverses a different area on the mountain, so I recommend you take the time to explore. Keep in mind that there's no special reward for getting to the top first. Lastly, we should be leaving approximately 5 pm, so if you would like to ride with us on the bus I highly recommend you be off the mountain by 4:45. Questions?"
A female student raised her hand, "When are we going to have lunch?"
"Thank you for your question Julie, the school has provided us with bagged lunches. I would ask that you all take one. You're free to eat at any time, but please be sure to keep an eye on your trash. There is a strict fine for littering." Said a teacher.
"Sir, Sir!" Heath called out, his hand raised high. Dr. Angel acknowledged the anxious and eccentric student.
"Are the rumors about the mountain true? I heard there were monsters and aliens up there."
A groan emitted from the audience they were fed up with the shenanigans.
Nick leans close to Vivian, "What's that kid's deal?"
"Oh that's Heath, the supernatural conspirator," Vivian said. "I think he lived in Cyrstal River for too long he kind lost it upstairs."
"...I could tell," Nick said as he looks on.
"How come America gets Power Rangers and we don't? That's like Europe airing a Canada made episode before we get it." Heath rambled.
"Mr. Harris!" Dr. Angel said sternly, he's had more than enough ridiculousness for one day. Heath's mouth closed shut the glance of the fearsome Dr. Angel petrified him. Over to their right, a chant of hushed laughter came from a distant sector of students. Noel and his buddies were imitating Heath being probed by aliens. Their ridicule of the student caused Nick's blood to boil. He wanted to say something but Madison gripped his wrist. The look she gave told him that it wasn't worth it. Again her mom proved to be a worthy distraction, Vivian saw that her father was unsuspecting. She struck and jabbed him in the ribs expecting that he'd flinch. He didn't move and in fact, looked at her with a sardonic expression as he turned to face her.
"Ah come on, now you're not scared," Vivan whined.
"Heh, if you even call that a scare," scoffed Nick.
"But I scared you earlier right?" Vivian rallied. The apprehensive glare of her father stamped out the embers of Vivian's glee, she flashed her fingers in his face suddenly and anticipated that he'd at least finch but he only looked at her.
"Let it go," He told her softly. A chill seemed to flow from her father, a bitter cold that seemed to frost over his very being.
It was weird.
Almost always her father felt so warm like a bonfire, but now it seemed like he's dwindled down to a candle.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"
"I don't know, you're being a firecracker mister dad," Vivian chuckled, "that should be my new contact name for you."
"Firecracker Mister Dad...wow...You know one day I'm going to get you back." He smiled trying to lighten the mood.
"So you'll admit I scared ya."
"Nope... and I'm not a firecracker." He said.
"Well, you're not a water gun either," Vivian mumbled.
The snarkiness of his daughter brought a tiny ray of jubilation into Nick's heart. For a second the worries of the cave seemed less troublesome, he might actually be able to enjoy staying behind while his wife and mother explore the arctic cavern. He wrapped an arm around his daughter's shoulder and pulled her in close as she beamed sensing that a bit of her father's warmth had returned.
Mr. Russell leaned in close to Vivian's ear, "You know, your jokes are starting to scare me now," he whispered.
Vivian's mouth became gape as her father pulled away laughing.
"Alright, all annoyances aside you are free to begin climbing, please keep in mind the rules of the park and do be safe." Dr. Angel said.
"No need to tell me twice, I heard the black trail is the toughest, so that's the route I'll take!" Ava shouted as she broke into a sprint toward the mountain. Dr. Angel extended his hand halting the athlete in her tracks.
"Not so fast Ava, you can't go up without a chaperone. Where is your-"
"Not here."
"Were they not aware that today was the day? I can call them if you like and wait with you until they arrive."
"No! I don't want them here, I don't need them slowing me down."
"Well, part of the requirement was that at least one parent or guardian be present, to ensure this we had parents complete an agreement form. Your name was on the approved list which means that someone completed the forms."
Ava bit her lip, disappointment, and rage washed over her. Vivian watched silently as her parents discussed which route they wanted to take. She barely knew Ava, their closest encounter was just eye contact in the lunchroom. From the times they walked through the halls, Ava was nothing more than a tyrant in her eyes. This time all Vivian saw was defeat and sadness, she had to do something. Noel snickered as he and his father began to make their way up the main path. Vivian lunged only for Noel to press closer to his father. Vivian decided to deal with Noel later, for now, she had to help Ava. It was bizarre that her father was so on edge earlier, maybe a little space may help him calm down.
"I'm sorry Ava, but without a chaperone, I cannot allow you to climb," the principal insisted.
"Dr. Angel!" Vivian blurted, "My Dad said he'll go with her, that's okay isn't it?"
"What?!" Nick said startled.
The principal drew closer with Ava in tow, "Nick, Madison, if one of you chaperones Ava she is free to climb. I would go myself but I'm already monitoring a number of students, I don't have room in my party for one more, unfortunately."
"I would love to Doc, but I-"
"It's okay Nick, I can hike with Vivian why don't you go with Ava," Madison urged.
Words seemed to fumble in Mr. Russell's throat, first his daughter now his wife. He had virtually no say in the matter. He stared at his wife yearning for her to reconsider, but she didn't back down.
"Uh, if Madison prefers to go with Viv, then I guess I will go with, Ava was it?" Nick said.
"Very good!" Dr. Angel said with a baneful yet humorous smile, "I get the feeling you two will get along swimmingly!"
Three Sisters Mountain was known for its eerie events and spooky tales. Souls of the dead were rumored to haunt the forest, ghouls and goblins preyed on any unwelcome visitors. These myths did nothing to disturb Vivian's peace. This agnosticism was a trait she inherited from her father. The one thing that did complicate Vivian's tranquil vibe were the dreams that plagued her at night. Those nightly fantasies were always a source of pestering come morning.
Recently, something new sprung up in her dreams. She witnessed three figures in dark purple robes, coils of black energy poured off them and a set of fog gathered at their feet. As she walked in step with her mother her mind was concentrated on these things as well as the invisible wisp of color in the air.
The main path up the mountain soon came to a crossroads that diverged into 3 different routes, each marked by a different color and an indication of time and difficulty. Yellow was the easiest and most direct route with a time of 45 minutes, purple with 60, and lastly black with a grueling 90. A majority of the class started down the yellow trail leaving only the most daring to follow the other three.
"Hey, Viv, want to make it easier on us and fuse our two groups together?" Genesis arrived with her grandfather behind her, "I have never been much of a sports person, so I would like all the help I can get."
"I was going to ask something similar," Brandon said as he appeared along with his parents.
"Count me in too, if I'm going to go missing I would at least want witnesses," Heath joked, with him came his uncle.
"Um, I guess..." Vivian caved, she looked to her mother who nodded her approval. "Sure, we'll love the company."
"Yes! You're the best!" Genesis cheered as she wrapped her arms around Vivian. She then delivered a hug to Madison which startled her.
"Oh uh," Madison was confused.
"She does that," Brandon responded as Genesis loosed her grasp.
"Which untraveled road shall we travel down? I'm thinking yellow," Heath suggested. There was a pull in Vivian's gut, her attention was redirected away from the yellow trail and in the direction of purple. Her feet moved faster than her mouth could speak, she was dead set to follow the stream of lights dancing on the purple trail.
Ava brandished down the black trail with no remorse to Nick who was barely managing to keep up. Unlike the other three routes, this one was the steepest and took the longest way around. The inclines on this path tore Nick's muscles to shreds, he was functioning at a capacity of roughly 40% after giving Vivian a portion of his magic and having lost some to the arctic cave. Ava was flawless in her hike her stamina consistent throughout.
"Do you think you could slow down? You're going way too fast." Nick huffed.
"There's no time to slow down, I can't be a champion if I look defeated. You're moving like a turtle." She said not losing her momentum.
The hill was a near-vertical slant, it took tremendous strength and endurance for Nick to keep his balance. The inside of his jacket was already moist with sweat.
"Oh if that's the case then maybe you should slow down. From my experience champions never rose to victory rushing like a hare."
"Look I know Dr. Angel begged you to come with me but I'll be fine. I don't need a middle-age dad, playing catch up with me." Ava hissed.
"...Believe me, I wish I was begged but I was more forced. Though if you didn't want to deal with me then where are your parents." Nick paused his chest rising and falling with each intake of breath. Ava stopped in her tracks and turned to look at her chaperone. There was such hatred and intensity burning behind her stare. There was also a hint of grief.
"Do you see them around? Then that should answer your question." she snapped.
"..It does. I'm sorry about that..."
"Your sympathy really doesn't touch me. I've heard enough of it." Ava stormed as she picked up her pace and left Nick behind to think.
(Hey guys thanks for reading hope you enjoyed it. Be sure to drop a vote and comment on your favorite parts.)