–Mirror? Wake up!

Mirror sighed. The tent she shared with Sunbeam was even more crowded than their old sleeping quarters. Its faded, yellowish cloth looked like human nails could tear it. Even worse, she heard the pitter-patter of rain outside. "It's just for a few more hours" she reminded herself. "Then I'll be free to go anywhere I want."

–Coming!- She got out of her sleeping bag, wearing the same clothes she'd worn for the past three days of traveling. After all, clothing couldn't take up any space in their faded backpacks. Food was most important. Mirror stifled a groan as she choked down the bitter potion that would help with her curse.

Even with rations taking up extra space, they were all tired and hungry. Giant, in particular, spoke little. He seemed to wake up with a nightmare every night, and his tired steps fell behind all the others.

But it would all be worth it. Mirror stepped outside. "Today, we'll reach Isadaro" she remembered. It was just over the huge, sprawling mountain that stood in their way.

Witches couldn't die of cold. There was, actually, little that could kill them. But everyone still shivered as their breath pooled around them in clouds of vapor. Mirror had tried controlling the steam... it didn't work. "I wonder if Menace could do it."

Even Sunbeam stayed silent as they hiked over the mountain. Huge birds flew by on an air current as the mountain winds battered them. "Probably hawks" Mirror thought. Nature hadn't ceased to amaze her, but by now she was too exhausted to gaze at the birds in wonder.

–Menace? When do we get there?- Sunbeam's frail complaint cut through the silence. She seemed to be reacting badly to the cold. Her fiery, red hair had lost its shine, and her hyper personality had simmered down to mere embers.

–When it starts getting warmer- she reminded them.- Isadaro is built on a supervolcano. That's why its people survive this up north.

–But... how do they import things? Don't tell me carts go through the mountains.- Mirror shook her head in disbelief. How did such a city even get founded? Did someone just... wander up north and stumble on the geysers? Couldn't they explode at any moment?

–They generally come by boat. There's a port in the Emabar river. Otherwise, the Isadar grow their own crops. Volcanic ash is very fertile...- She paused, seeming lost in her thoughts. Mirror wondered how she knew so much about the city.

–Did you live there? You know, before...- Giant spoke with a raspy tone that was unlike him.

–Stars, no! I lived...- She frowned.- Elsewhere.

Mirror raised an eyebrow. Well, Menace's past didn't matter. Everyone already knew her curse...

It had happened a year after Mirror joined. A Servant named Omen had cornered Menace in the hall, asking her out on a date. She'd shook her head and laughed, explaining she didn't date and never had. Seeing Omen's confused expression, she'd explained that she'd never fallen in love and, to be honest, didn't think much of it. Witches had started to crowd around them, asking questions- it wasn't everyday that a Servant would just... reveal her curse like that. Mirror stuck to the walls, too afraid to tell them she was the exact same.

It wasn't a memory that she liked to recall very often.

–Ah!- Menace stopped in her tracks, gazing out at the view.- There we are. The City of Isadaro, everyone!

They gathered around her, staring out into the city. It was magnificent. Disorganized in a beautiful way, it spread out across the huge valley. The houses didn't seem to have any sort of slanted roof – of course, Mirror thought, snow would probably melt into rain before reaching the ground. Landmarks dotted the landscape – a castle here, a tower there, the port on the river –  and who could forget the geysers, spewing out their jets of water mere footsteps away from the nearest home.

Even up in this mountain, the air seemed to noticeably warm up. With a start, Mirror realized these mountains were probably dormant volcanoes. She was truly amazed by nature, truly amazed at how humankind could thrive somewhere that could explode at any second.

Menace wasn't unlike a geyser herself as she spewed more facts about the city – how its scientists were the best in the world, how its crops were the most nutritious, how the last eruption had been well over two centuries ago, and so they were perfectly safe. This didn't stop Mirror's anxiety at being blown to pieces by a volcano, but she had too much adrenaline in her veins to care.

–So, who's our target again?- Sunbeam waved a hand in front of Menace's face as she continued talking.- Hello?

–Oh, sorry. We're looking for a Marcus Stone, a male, of average height, brown hair and green eyes. Research has confirmed he's a citizen of this country, residing somewhere...- She pointed on the map.- Here.

–All we have to do is catch him alone, then.- Sunbeam grinned.- Finally, we get some action around here.

Menace nodded.- Everyone, get some rest. We'll catch him on his daily mountain hike.

–Wait, how do you know he...

–Spies.- Menace set up the tents with Giant's help, and they all laid down for a short nap.

Mirror woke up first and decided to run some drills. "This mission isn't for air power," she remembered, as she ran through the familiar stances. "All I have to do is knock him unconscious if he tries to escape." She wasn't looking forward to that.

Suddenly, a brown-haired man walked up to her. He was decked in light clothing, but had on a pair of hiking boots. He seemed curious.

–What are you doing, miss?- He stepped closer. Green eyes. Brown hair. Average height. "Oh, no..." Mirror thought.

–Wake up! It's him!- Sunbeam's shrill voice sliced through the silence. Everyone shot out of the tents and began their rituals, a cold expression on their faces. Sunbeam thrashed around violently, Menace moved like a wave, Giant threw firm, stable punches, and Mirror jumped and soared. "It's alright," she thought. "They'll keep him alive."

But she kept to the side as Giant snapped his fingers, raising walls of earth all around them. Mirror snapped hers, keeping the winds under her control, ready to aim them. Sunbeam didn't snap them yet, clearly waiting the five minutes you could withhold it.

Menace stepped forward, withholding hers too.- You're cornered. Give up now, or face the consequences, criminal scum.

He looked around wildly, terrified.- What? What is going on?- Mirror could've sworn she saw the light of recognition in his eyes.- Grace?

Menace didn't flinch.- Very well.- She snapped her fingers.

Walls of water erupted from her. "What? That's forbidden!" Mirror's frown vanished as Menace clenched her fist and the water turned to ice, freezing the criminal. He tried to move, horror shining in his eyes.

–Grace? Since when are you a witch?

–Give up now?- Menace seemed to be deaf to his voice. Her stare was icy, her movements robotic. Her fist was still clenched as she spun it, wrapping the ice even tighter. She didn't seem to take any pleasure in it – but she also didn't seem guilty at all.

–Grace? Grace Stone? You're my aunt!

His voice seemed to echo through the valley. Mirror let go of the winds in shock. "What? Menace never spoke about her family." Sunbeam's eyes widened. This clearly hadn't been in the plan. Giant also seemed surprised, for all his fatigue. Only Menace wasn't fazed.

–Very funny. You think I've never heard that one?! Give. Up. Now.

Author's Note: Oh boy this one's a doozy...
I actually prewrote this like a week ago because I was too dARN INVESTED IN THE PLOT
Anyway, we get to know Menace's curse and real name! Or do we... Do y'all think that dude is lying so Menace won't kill him, or do you think he's telling the truth?
Don't forget to vote and comment! I appreciate it <3