Basket of Cupcakes

It took a few repeated explanations from Kiki, as most everyone was transfixed on the talking gremlin Yori, who often flew up to the not so attentive audience and slapped them back into focus when the asked the same question repeatedly.

After much time, not much information sunk in, or more accurately, not much information made sense to sink in.

“So Ella is a ghost? Oh dear, I had no idea she had passed on!” Sniffed Victoria.

“NO! For the gazillionth time, she is trapped in this place and I am here to save her.” Huffed Kiki.

“In fact, I don’t know why you people are here as well.”

Yori interrupted.

“There are never mistakes. The book chooses a group of people most suitable for the quest. Strengths, knowledge, yada yada.”

“What use are these people? Except for Geordie, Ada and Dad, I don’t see what use anyone else is except to make fun or fuss over my father for pity?”

Kiki’s outburst was uncalled for and rather rude. Some things are best left unsaid without full facts, but it seemed the stress of their journey was starting to shorten Kiki’s fuse.

“I don’t much like being around you either!” shouted Claire.

“Kiki!

You are being rude and disrespectful, this is not how I raised you!” Scolded Ben.

Ethan sat blissfully out of the entire argument.

Kiki stormed away to mope under the purple tree. Yori followed, so did Geordie and Ada.

“Listen hooman, you will need everyone to succeed. I don’t think now is the time to throw your tantrums.”

“Oh shut up.

I will show you all, I will find my mother all on my own. I don’t need you or anyone.”

Geordie finally broke his silence. “We will come with you Kiki,” He sniffled thru sinuses, pushing his glasses back in position.

“I am forced to accompany you,” said Yori, “but I dare say, I would rather not be around a sourpuss like you right now!”

Yori flew up to the rest of the group and let them know, this is what the silly hooman thought. Of course Ben refused and the whole lot were thrown together again against Kiki’s will.

Plans had to be made and the basket of cupcakes was brought in to make the group familiar with the surrounding and where to begin.

They just tickled Claire pink. And they seemed to so enjoy all the attention she gave them. It seemed the Cuppie’s had chosen their leader.

They started to address her as their Queen to Kiki’s complete annoyance. Their voices were quite inaudible, often all that could be heard were hushed squeaks followed by exaggerated gestures. Yori was the only creature able to understand and translate. But soon, Claire was able to understand them purely on their actions.

At the end of it all, the floating islands held six totems that had to be found to open the gateway to Saspine country. So named because of the giant Saswatch family that inhabited the land. It was all so surreal and fantastic. Soon everyone started to look forward to the great adventure that lay ahead. Everyone that is, except Kiki, who wanted to find her mum all on her own and be the hero for once.

They had to begin by journeying to Briar Blane. A hop and a skip over in the northern direction, to equip themselves with all they would need for their quest. Off they went, in this strange land. Six strangers, a moonchild and a basket of cupcakes.