Do not make fun of me

A week passed without pain or glory. All that existed was a large-scale disaster due to the explosion in the castle. The workers were taking time to remove the rubble due to the cold and the wind. The breeze that brightened the arrival of winter was getting colder and colder. They had to hurry as once the snowfall and polar night began they would be trapped.

The city, for its part, was celebrating the festivities of the "Nights of the Luminaries." A festival that welcomes winter and where people stock up on everything they could for two full weeks before being locked up for seventy days. Cereals, frozen meats and vegetables, nuts, clothing, medication and much more could be found in the stalls of the fairs and kermesse stationed in the capital and in neighboring towns.

Winter in Orsys was one of the most extreme in the region, reaching -54 ° F. The polar cold is usually so sharp that it freezes everything around it such as the sea, rivers and lakes. It also burns the faces of those who have no protection. The winds are so strong that there is the so-called black blizzard; a storm of wind and snow whose speed exceeds 178 km/h causing hurricanes. The already accustomed inhabitants say that everything that is not attached to the ground such as vehicles, everyday objects, animals and even people can be seen flying.

Snow is another factor that prevents traffic and circulation, reaching up to 10 ft of snow falling, blocking the exits of homes. Added to this almost discouraging panorama is the polar night, which prevents them from seeing light for around seventy days. This terrifying set does nothing but increase the depression, madness and rage of the most disadvantaged, who at the end of winter if not end up dead by freezing, suicide or homicide, they will do so because of the icicles on the roofs that fall on them for circulating nearby from buildings in search of shelter.

People only desperately wait for the arrival of spring but for this they had to survive patiently locked up, otherwise die trying.

**

-.... Raincoats, gloves, scarves, hats, sun creams and glasses for the snow ... mmm what else is there to add to the list dad? -

-Polar divers, jackets, leggings and thermal socks. Ah, I was forgetting the canteens and flasks for the water, the snowboards and I think that's it-

Meraki and Ray were getting their gear ready to go on a hike. Ray planned to teach Meraki the snow, relax a bit, and train him in the process. Winter was something they were waiting for. They would have plenty of time to get around without a hitch.

Once their preparation was finished they went to the city to walk and celebrate. Meraki had recovered and learned to wield her new power. It was enough time inside the mirror world to become stronger and it had already paid off a few days ago.

-Wow, dad look how many colored lamps, there are also people with masks and costumes. Can I buy them? -

-Of course you can, today is your birthday, do what you want-

Meraki bought two animal masks to blend in with the people at the festival. He handed one to his father and put on the other, which was from a black cat. Ray didn't seem very happy, on the contrary he looked at Meraki with a face of dissatisfaction and doubt.

-It's a very bad joke of you Meraki-

-Why? That mask suits you dad, also that's what they called you ... hehehe-

-It's no reason for a joke, the only one who told me like that, I beg not to come across him in this life ever again, besides it was just a very stupid nickname that came to that moron, my AKA was always the grim reaper

-Sorry dad, but I feel that this one suits you better, pfttt-

-Stupid child-

With no other choice, Ray put on the white rabbit mask and they continued their walk. He did not want to be angry since it was the child's birthday. Meraki couldn't stop teasing internally, but she really felt her father's nickname was the perfect fit for White Rabbit. The person who was in charge of giving him that nickname was someone who loved to annoy Ray every time he crossed him, but curiously Ray never hurt him like others who did. Meraki knew that his father appreciated this person as a true brother although sometimes he wanted to beat him to death because of how unbearable he got.

[If I come across him, I doubt that we will establish the same friendship as before, ahhh what a life mine, now this child makes fun of me instead of him]

**

The fireworks would end the festival for today. They went to the park to get a better look at them. On his way Ray stops for a moment, looks around, and his eyes are redirected to a couple standing in line at a pie and taco stand.

He realized who they were and also realizes that this couple is not the only one at the festival. The next moment Ray catches glances with the woman standing in line. He looks away immediately and orders Meraki to move faster in the direction of the park.

[Oh shit, why are they here? they should be in the west with Miridiana, and not playing happy couple with all that scourge of the Commission and the Nest around]

[Dad, who were they?]

[Old acquaintances. Dangerous old acquaintances]

NA: The black blizzard and the polar night are frequent climatic phenomena in winter in countries near the Arctic Circle.