Back? # **Chapter Twenty-Seven: Rocking Around The Christmas Tree** *The Magispace, 9:00 PM* “Will? Will?! Can you hear me?! Gods, wake up, please! Did we go too hard? I think we went too hard--” The faint sound of her brother’s panicked voice drew Willow out of the deep darkness, growing louder as she slowly fluttered her eyes open. Her friends’ faces encircled her, gazing down at her with concern. She smiled weakly, her voice back to normal. “...Hey.” Astral sighed in relief. “Spencer, we’re good. She’s back. How are you feeling, Will?” “Freezing, tired, and sore, but other than that, great.” Nuro grimaced. “Oh, gods, sorry, Will…I knew I kicked too hard, but I was kinda panicking, and--” Willow waved him off. “Nuro, don’t worry about it. You did what you had to do to save me--and by gods, am I glad you saved me.” She glanced back and forth, wincing as she met Spencer and Fileran’s eyes. She opened and closed her mouth, struggling for the right words. How could you apologize for turning one of your closest friends — let alone your twin brother — into ice statues?! As it turned out, she didn’t need to. Spencer tackled her in a hug and whispered his reassurances while Fileran went to fetch a cup of steaming hot chocolate to warm her up, no questions asked. When he passed her the drink, she whispered a gentle, weak “Sorry…” “Willow, darling, don’t be ridiculous. Unless you willingly let that demon into your body and actively encouraged him to do everything, you’re hardly to blame.” He raised an eyebrow. “You…didn’t do that, did you?” “I didn’t even know I was summoning him, so, uh, hell no.” She grinned mischievously. “Now, whether or not I planned to do something to the Festival…I plead the fifth. I knew you guys would save the day anyway.” Mercury laughed. “Well, there’s plenty of time to address that later. For now, I think I speak for everyone when I say we’re happy you’re alright.” Now that the heroes were certain Willow was back to herself, they released their restraints and sent her to Jinx and Diaz for medical attention. The effects of Eira’s magic were slowly but surely vanishing now that he had been sent back to where he belonged. The snow and wind subsided, the ice melted away, and the grounds were illuminated in brilliant rainbows. However, an orb of cool, clear ice remained in the center of the stage. Burgundy knelt down and picked it up. The heat of her touch didn’t melt it, nor did its frigid temperature sting her hands. “Hey, guys! What would you say this thing is?” “Gorgeous, that’s what,” Fileran replied. Nuro rolled his eyes. “Very helpful, Fi. It’s some kind of…magic ice?” “Speaking of helpful…” Taron deadpanned. “What, do you have a better idea, wise guy?” Nuro taunted, grinning. “Not saying I did,” Taron spat back, smirking. “That’s why I kept my mouth shut, dumbass.” “Alright, you two, break it up,” Mirina teased, pushing them apart. She knew they’d go on for hours if they were left alone. None of the heroes quite knew what the mysterious sphere was, but their conversation was interrupted by someone who did. Mercury noticed the new arrival first. “Nikolas! You’re alright!” Nikolas nodded. What he told the heroes was true: Eira’s spectral riders were no match for him. Well, with the help of his fellow Paladins and Jinx, of course. The performers who hadn’t travelled in his sleigh were starstruck. A million questions were painted across their faces: were they truly face-to-face with the Nikolas? He didn’t confirm their suspicions, nor did he deny them. His response was merely a mischievous glint in his eye, its mystery fuelling their imaginations. He held out a hand. “Miranda, may I have that sphere for a moment?” Burgundy’s jaw dropped. Her real name was far from common knowledge. “How did you…” She shrugged. “You know what? Not gonna question it. It’s the Feast, after all. Here.” “Thank you kindly.” After a pause to scrutinize the object, he spoke again. “Just as I thought. While most of the Lord of Frost’s power dissipates once he leaves the plane, sometimes a permanent remnant or two stays behind.” “So, it’s a piece of never-melting ice?” Astral asked. Nikolas nodded. “Essentially, yes.” “Sick,” Pyx grinned. “You could make some great ice cubes with that. Eggnog on the rocks, anyone?” she quipped, to everyone’s laughter. That gave Nikolas an idea. “Mind if I take this with me, for the time being? I’ll return it to you soon enough, once I’ve fashioned it into something not ice cubes. Sorry, Pyxis,” he added as the latter pouted in mock disappointment. “Honestly, it’s probably best if you take it with you before it winds up in tomorrow’s punchbowl,” Mercury smiled, earning him a soft nudge from his cousin. “Thanks for your help, Nikolas. Seriously, dude, we owe you one,” Nuro remarked warmly. “Oh, it’s no problem at all — I’m more than happy I could be of assistance.” Nikolas bowed before stashing the orb safely in his satchel. “I should be off now, though — I’ve been away from my work far too long.” “Wait…aren’t you going to stay? I mean, you’re more than allowed to leave, but this concert wouldn’t have happened without you. The least we can do is give you a good show in return.” “I…” Nikolas paused. Why couldn’t he stay? His work had been completed earlier in the day to allow for his trip, and compared to a vengeful demon lord threatening the lives of an entire city, any spot of trouble he could remedy was minute at best. “You know what? I believe I will.”