Chapter 0: A Moment to Remember

 "Dad, Dad!" Ikora hurried down the stairs. The young girl's long blue hair bounced up and down, her amber eyes sparkled with energy, and she wore a white and black sweater and navy blue jeans.

As she grazed her hand along the smooth railing, her heart raced as she narrowly avoided colliding with her father, Dalben Blackhart.

Dalben was a man with a strong build. He had curly brown hair and a friendly face, with sharp silver eyes that seemed to sparkle behind his glasses. He wore a red turtleneck and black sweatpants. His presence gave off an aura of positivity, making everyone around him feel at ease.

"Woah! What's up, my little mage?" Dalben let out a chuckle as he ruffled Ikora's hair.

"The show is about to start! Can we go? Please, please, please, I want to see the great Esmeralda!!" Ikora jumped up and down.

"Okay, okay, let's check in with your mother first. Maybe she wants to go?" Dalben smiled, took his daughter's hand, and led her into another room where Ikora's mother, Elaine Blackhart, stood before leaving the two to speak.

She wore a white shirt with a dark blue trim, her face had a white bandage on her cheek, and her hair flowed down her back in a stunning shade of blue, similar to that of the deep ocean, much like her daughter's. As she turned around, her face lit up at the sight of her husband and daughter.

Ikora ran over and jumped into her arms, nearly knocking the wind out of Elaine as she hugged her tightly.

"Oof! What got you excited today?" Elaine asked as she held Ikora

"Esmeralda is having a show downtown today. Remember?"

Elaine stared down at Ikora before smiling at her daughter. Those shining, determined eyes reminded her of something. "Ah, yes... that's right. How could I forget, love?"

"I want you to come with me and Dad!"

Elaine glanced over at Dalben before taking another look at her daughter.

"L-Look, I'm sorry, love, but I have work. Though, your father should be able to take you today." She stammered.

"Awww! But Dad always takes me. Why can't we go out as a family for once?"

"Come on, don't be like that! I promise I can make it up to you, okay?" Elaine knelt and kissed Ikora on the forehead.

"Now you should go. I wouldn't want to be the reason you miss her show. It would make me feel awful!"

"Ooh, that's right! Love you, Mom!" After giving Elaine another hug, Ikora quickly darted out of the house.

Dalben leaned against the doorway and asked, "Hey, angel, Do you have a minute to chat before we go?"

Elaine was humming to herself but soon stopped to look at Dalben. "Well?"

"Yeah, I wonder if you think she will ever find out about it... you know."

Elaine was busy brushing her hair as she responded. "Hmmm, nope. I think she won't figure it out for a while."

"Right, and when do you plan on telling her exactly?"

Elaine remained silent and slowly glanced over to Dalben. "Well... when I think both her and Ikora are ready."

Slowly, he nodded his head and sat back up. "Don't give me that look; it's best if she learns pretty soon. But, I trust your judgment."

Elaine smiled and approached him before kissing his cheek, causing him to smile as he returned the gesture. "Thank you. Now, don't keep them waiting."

When Dalben stepped outside, he met Ikora and swiftly took her hand, leading as Ikora followed closely behind.

"So, are you excited to see Esmeralda's show?" Dalben asked while slipping his hand into Ikora's, trying to avoid the small garden of blue and red flowers that glowed when he walked past them.

"Yeah, Dad! I heard she can do some REALLY cool magic, like making things disappear and reappear!"

He smiled. "Well, Esmeralda's magic sure is something."

As they strolled along the tree-lined neighborhood street, the soft snow crunched beneath their feet, covering the surroundings in a gentle sheet of white.

Dalben watched with a smile as his daughter's pace quickened and overtook his.

Her giggles broke the quiet night, and her steps left behind a trail of tiny footprints in the snow.

Gradually, the city's distant lights came into view, and the sound of life began to fill their ears.

"So, what's the most exciting part you're looking forward to?" Dalben questioned, glancing down at Ikora while keeping pace behind her.

Ikora whipped around while bouncing up and down.

"Oh, oh! When she created those constellations that light the sky! Oh, maybe when she casts her famous stars!" Grabbing her father's arm, Ikora began dragging him behind her.

Dalben nodded. "I see. Those tricks are always catching, and her movements are always fluid and perfect."

"Esmeralda has always been such an... extraordinary person." He smiled. "And beautiful."

As they neared the downtown area, Esmeralda's show stage was just around the corner, and the crowd's voices could be heard from the streets away.

"You hear that, Ikora? The crowd is already going crazy!" Dalben picked up his daughter and sat her on his shoulders.

Ikora grinned, her eyes fixated on the stage, which was glowing brightly with the colors of the rainbow.

"Dad, look, look! It's starting!" she said while tapping her father's shoulder.

The crowd fell silent as the entire area went dark. The stage lights shut off, and no light in the sky is visible.

A shimmering emerald star sparkled against the dark sky, surrounded by a vast expanse of twinkling constellations. It shot toward the ground, leaving behind a black, shimmering stardust trail.

As it descended, the star moved gracefully, twirling and weaving elegant patterns through the air, causing the crowd below to erupt into joyful applause.

With a burst of dazzling light, the star landed on the stage, and a tall woman dressed in a fancy black garment with green trim materialized before the audience.

She wore a black beret, a confident smile, and a white bandage on her cheek. The woman raised her gaze to the crowd, twirled, and performed a bow, bending at the waist.

"HEEEEEELLO EVERYBODYYYYYY! Greetings to Wallowden!" Esmeralda yelled out, holding her hand to the crowd of civilians before her.

"Now who's ready to get this show…" Esmeralda held a gleaming metal staff in her hand.

It had a green sphere at the center and shattered rings orbiting it. Strange holographic symbols hovered around the sphere. "ON THE ROAD!?”

With confidence, Esmeralda held her staff tightly, spinning it around with impressive speed before striking a pose. “Because I know I am.”

She twirled and danced across the stage with graceful movements, captivating the audience with her display.

As the music grew louder, she tossed her staff into the air and vanished in a grand puff of smoke.

Moments later, her staff glowed before it released several green bullet-shaped blasts that shot into the air and bursted into a range of creatures floating throughout the air.

The audience gasped and cheered!

Ikora's eyes lit up, and her grip tightened on her father's shoulders, causing Dalben to wince as she watched Esmeralda with a smile.

Once again, the city faded into darkness as Esmeralda's green eyes pierced through the night. She landed back on the ground and held out her hands.

Two glowing orbs appeared in her hands, tossing them up, she released them as they floated down and began orbiting around her.

The crowd fell silent, holding their breath...

The orbs rose rocketed up and split into four, then eight, and continued splitting before releasing several powerful beams that danced around the sky!

They chased the magical animals that hopped and ran along the night.

After an intense game of cat and mouse, the beams pierced the creatures, unleashing an explosion of colors with scattered remnants of Esmeralda's creations!

Esmeralda gripped her staff tightly.

Like an artist at work, she pointed it into the air and began tracing lines of light, connecting the remnants and creating countless constellations that shined brightly, creating a dazzling display!

The crowd began to cry out and chant her name.

"ES-MER-AL-DA!"

"ES-MER-AL-DA!"

"ES-MER-AL-DA!"

She now turned the once starless sky into a breathtaking show of stars!

Ikora gasped as she watched the colors in the air: blue, purple, orange, green, and red.

Esmeralda's eyes met Ikora's, and she winked at the young girl.

"Calm down a bit-!" Dalben steadied himself as he felt Ikora bouncing up and down on his shoulders.

"And for my final act…" Esmeralda grabbed her staff and spun it as a trail shined from the tip.

She hopped onto it and blasted off in the sky, leaving a streak of green light behind.

She began drawing a portrait of herself before stopping, crashing down into the stage.

"I leave you all with my special gift!"

The constellations began to rush at each other! "I shall show you..." Thousands of stunning drawings converged, creating a star pattern.

"The wonders of my magic!"

The explosion of numerous stars... had all put into a single moment as Esmeralda caused her creation to detonate!

It released a vibrant flash of colors as several tiny green stars fell from the sky.

Ikora watched as the stars fell into the crowd.

Without a second thought, she reached out and caught one: a sparkling green star in her hands.

Shortly after grasping it, the star began to turn blue, and her eyes widened in excitement.

Esmeralda's voice echoed through the night as she tossed her hat into the sky, then caught it.

"Before we bid farewell, I would love to talk to you all and answer your questions!"

Ikora tapped Dalben's head. "Dad, I wanna talk to her! Can we???"

"Hm... I suppose we could." He said as he got into the line of civilians before the stage.

Time passed, seconds turned into minutes, and minutes into hours. The crowd dwindled as they waited, and Dalben could feel his shoulders becoming sore. His eyes felt droopy as he yawned.

"Alright, how about we sit you down for a while?" He mumbled as he took Ikora off his shoulders and held her hand.

"Dad, it's our turn!"

Without wasting a minute, Ikora raced up to the stage. The snowflakes felt like icy daggers as it hit her face, but she didn't care.

When she reached the stage, she held onto it and gazed up in awe at the woman before her.

"W-Wow... you look even more amazing up close!"

Esmeralda grinned. "Well, when have I NOT looked mazing?"

"Esmeralda, do you think I could ever be the greatest hero like you?" Ikora questioned.

She seemed to freeze for a second, and Esmeralda put a finger on her chin. "Be the greatest hero, huh...?"

"Hm..." Esmeralda's confident expression returned as she squatted down to meet Ikora eye-to-eye. "Maybe not like me 'cause, heck, there ain't nobody like me!"

She paused, looking down at Ikora who stared up at her.

Kneeling down, she spoke. "Say, kid, what's your name?"

"Oh! My name is Ikora, Ikora Blackhart! And I will be the greatest mage ever, like you!"

"Is that so? WelllllI... think so, too."

"Really??? You think I will?"

Esmeralda took off her hat and looked at it, remaining silent momentarily.

"Think... think..." Her gaze returned to Ikora. "Think so? Nah, I know so."

Esmeralda put her hat on Ikora's head. "You know, you remind me of somebody, Ikora Blackhart. They said the same thing to me years ago."

"That's incredible! Do you still remember their name?"

"Of course I do, but that's a secret between me and them I promised to keep," Esmeralda replied. "And I always keep my promises."

"Wouldn't it be rude to break promises like that, young lady?"

"Yes, ma'am..." Ikora said as her head hung low.

"Hey cheer up, If you want to be like me, a hero, integrity is important."

"..."

"Ah dear, don't look so sad. Tell you what, I don't usually ask for these, but promise me one thing, blueberry."

"Sure, anything for you!" She looked up at her, Ikora's mood immediately shifting.

"I want you to promise me that you'll fulfill that wish. If you wish to become like me, promise me that you'll start practicing and studying tomorrow morning."

"I have no doubt we'll meet again someday, and when that happens, I want to see how far you've come. Understand me, blueberry?"

Ikora stood silent for a minute before squealing, "Yes, yes, yes, YES!" She jumped up and down as she ran around the area. "I'll do it! I'll never let you down!"

Esmeralda stood back up and clapped her hands. "Then it's settled. Keep the hat as a sort of souvenir."

"Now then..."

Getting back up, twirling her staff, and pointing it into the air, Esmeralda released a burst of fireworks that soon exploded, showering the audience with colorful sparks!

Clearing her throat before turning back to the crowd, she spoke. "The time has come for me to return to my duties as a Hero; I enjoyed all of your company and hospitality."

"Thank you, Wallowden! But the time has come for me to bid you all farewell."

She rose into the air. "Remember the name: Esmeralda Von Studanteth! I love you all!" She exclaimed, her voice fading into the night as she flew off in a bright green flash.

The crowd erupted into applause as Ikora and Dalben turned to head home.

"Dad, did you see how she made the stars?!" Ikora asked as she ran circles around Dalben.

"Absolutely," Dalben replied. "I see that she gave you her hat."

The night air was cool as they walked down the street, and the distant sounds of chatter and vehicles filled the air.

"Yes, but I wish Mom could have been there," Ikora sighed.

Dalben patted her head. "Your mother has her responsibilities, but we can tell her all about them when we get home."

"I think you're right..."

"..." The two shared a moment of silence, with nothing but the wind blowing and cars passing by.

"I have a question," Ikora asked.

"Might have an answer."

"Do you think I'll ever be like Esmeralda when I grow up?"

Dalben continued walking, "Well, weren't Esmeralda's words enough to convince you? She said it herself, didn't she?"

"Yes, but I want to know what you think."

"I have no doubts about you, in fact, I believe that you'll surpass her." He replied as he approached their home's door and unlocked it. "She'd probably be more impressed with that."

"Wow!" Ikora said as she raced inside. "That sounds so cool!"

Once inside, Dalben sat down, and his daughter soon came to lay on his lap.

She held Esmeralda's hat close to her chest, and shortly after, the two fell asleep as Dalben rubbed her daughter's head.

Minutes later, the door creaked open.

The two slowly sat up, and Elaine greeted them. "Hey, you two! How was the show?"

Ikora beamed, still holding the hat while running to her mother.

"Esmeralda was amazing, Mom! You won't believe it. She made entire constellations on her own and made them move!"

"That sounds wonderful, love. I'm sorry I missed it."

"No worries. You'll make it up, right?" Dalben asked, exchanging a glance with Ikora.

Elaine smiled and nodded.

"Mom! Esmeralda gave me this hat. Look at it!"

"How nice of her." Elaine took the hat and looked at it. "Did you know that Esmeralda has worn that same hat for years, never changing it or getting a new one?"

"The amount of stitching and fixing she had to do to maintain it blows me away, you're a rather lucky girl!"

"Woah! Where did you learn that?"

"It was simply something I remember hearing from a co-worker."

"Anyway, you need to get ready for bed! You have school in the morning, remember?" Dalben said.

"Okay, thanks for taking me to the show today, Dad!" Ikora hugged him.

"You're the best!" She said before skipping to her bedroom for the night.

"She is just like you, huh?" Dalben said, wrapping his arms around his wife's shoulders.

"Guess, she reminds me of myself when I was younger..."

"You should check if she's sleeping. You know she's always reading those books you got her."

"Got it," Elaine replied before heading to her daughter's room.

Elaine ascended the stairs, reached the door, and softly knocked before peeking inside. "Hellooooo, is anyone awake in here?"

No response.

Elaine stepped inside her daughter's room and heard a small giggle.

Smiling, she went to the bed and sat down. "What are you doing, sweetie?"

"I made a promise to Esmeralda! I need to start studying magic!" Ikora voiced as she poked her head out of the covers, a spell book in hand.

"Ah, you want to learn magic?" Elaine sat down and crossed her legs as she rubbed Ikora's head. "I know a thing or two, and I can teach you what I've learned if you'd like."

"Yes, please do!"

"Sure, but you need to be heading to bed now." Elaine took the book from Ikora and got up to leave.

"Wait!"

She stopped in her tracks and turned to face her daughter. "What's the matter?"

"Tell me a story before you leave!”

Elaine sighed, placed the book on a nearby desk, and walked out of the room before re-entering with a large book in hand.

She took a seat at the end of Ikora's bed and began, her soft voice as she asked:

“Have I told you the story of the King's Maw?”

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Author Note: Please be sure to leave a review on my story please! I'd love to interact with people reading my story and hear your thoughts, thanks!