Spark

Pixit is the yellow lightning beast who bonds with Mina and serves as her companion and champion. His unwavering support of her is evident from the moment he hatches, and he repeatedly boosts Mina’s confidence. For instance, when they arrive at Mytris Lightning School and Mina doubts her place there, Pixit declares, “<<I’ll be your confidence, until you find your own>>” (74). His encouragement reinforces that he is not only there to support Mina, but to also let her shine when she is ready. He frequently counters her self-doubt with his optimism.

Furthermore, because their conversations occur in their thoughts, Pixit functions as an inner voice who reminds Mina to be true to herself in addition to being an external source of support. Although he can absorb lightning into his body, Mina initially cannot transfer that energy, and she worries about this. He counters those doubts with his intuition, telling her: “<<Mina, I can feel you worrying, and I don’t know how to fix it. I know you’re a lightning guardian. I know it>>” (119). His words encourage her to consider that she is not defined by stereotypes or and that she does not need to conform to others’ expectations. Pixit knows intuitively that she is a lightning guardian, and his belief gives Mina confidence.

Additionally, Pixit acts as Mina’s conscience and encourages her to act ethically. After Mina questions the prime minister and gets in trouble, Pixit reminds her, “<<It’s not wrong to ask questions. And if the prime minister is afraid of the answer, maybe that means you asked the right question. And maybe it means you need to ask more>>” (192). Here, Pixit serves as Mina’s moral compass as he encourages her to act despite her fear. Furthermore, Pixit’s actions model his resilient determination to do the right thing. When they rescue “the outsiders” from the storm, he must carry not just Mina, but Eione too. When Mina asks him if he can handle it, Pixit responds: “<<I don’t know if I can. But I will>>” (277). His emphasis on the word “will” demonstrates his resolve. Instead of focusing his energy on worrying, he chooses to think positively and focus on what must be done. Through his advice and his actions, he inspires Mina’s determination. Ultimately, Pixit is Mina’s mirror since he embodies the courage and conviction she learns to claim as her own.

Jyx, another lightning guardian in training, initially appears as Mina’s foil: She is loud, daring, and brash where Mina is quiet and cautious. When they first meet, Mina recoils at the volume of Jyx’s voice, and minutes after boarding the boat, Jyx undertakes the risky task of climbing up the mast. After Mina reluctantly joins her, Jyx says, “You don’t talk much do you? Or is it because you don’t like me? I’ve been told I’m unlikable. That I’m pushy, selfish, and impetuous.” Mina notes that she says this “as if it were a point of pride” (67). The traits Jyx lists are those of a stereotypical lightning guardian. Despite others calling her “unlikable,” Jyx feels pride in herself because she is confident and thrilled to become a lightning guardian.

Despite this bravado, Jyx longs for companionship and harbors her own insecurities. When Mina offers friendship, Jyx is touched and becomes suddenly quiet, suggesting that she currently has no friends and is lonely. Her tone and change of demeanor highlight her longing for companionship. Additionally, despite her seeming confidence, Mina discovers Jyx is insecure, too. When they fall out of the thunderstorm on the wrong side of the mountain, Jyx panics when she says that her parents are “going to freak out” because they are “waiting for [her] to mess up” (148). Beneath her boldness is a desperate need for approval and positive attention.

Ultimately, Jyx is more complex than she initially appears because she listens to Mina and truly understands her friend. As result, she represents the theme of Building Trust to Bridge Differences. She often quiets others so Mina can have the floor, and she always supports her friend’s plans. Beyond simple agreement, though, Jyx is perceptive and multi-dimensional, which Mina remembers on the night she shares her secret:

It was just that Jyx was usually so loud, Mina sometimes forgot Jyx could be quiet and listen too. She remembered when they’d first met, both of them side by side up the mast, looking silently out at the city. It was so easy to see someone as just one thing, like loud or quiet. But that wasn’t fair to either of them (222).

This moment highlights Jyx’s depth and the strength of their friendship. Her complexity proves not only that people are multi-faceted, but that sometimes the best friendships transcend differences.

Professor Dano, Mina’s teacher and role model at Mytris Lightning School, is quiet and studious. When she first arrives, Mina notices that “their professor loved books! And so, far at least, he seemed nearly as quiet as Mina. Maybe there’s a way for me to fit in here after all” (91). Mina sees herself reflected in Dano’s reserved nature, which tells her that a person need not fit the lightning guardian stereotype to be worthy of the title.

As mentor and activist, Dano guides Mina’s growth and models integrity. He notes that Mina is the “[f]irst student in years who listened. But perhaps good can still come of this—if you can learn to question as well as listen” (104). His comment about questioning indicates his desire for her to think critically. When he gives her access to his library, he shares knowledge most Alorrians lack, which is a catalyst for her activism. His support, though, comes not just in words, but in his own actions, too. His own covert actions to help non-Alorrians reveal his quiet rebellion against injustice. Furthermore, once the prime minister suspends the festival, Dano tells Mina that she has created an opportunity for change. He reveals that he and his colleagues “are now maneuvering to bring the data [they]’ve secretly collected over the years to the forefront.” (298). For years, a man who appears to simply be studying books has been gathering scientific data and saving people’s lives. Professor Dano does not just encourage Mina to use her voice; he also models how to do it.

Despite their minor role in the narrative, Mina’s family represents the stereotypes and social viewpoints that shape Alorrian culture. Initially, they reinforce stereotypical beliefs about different storm guardians. None of them thinks Mina can be a lightning guardian because she does not have a showy personality. Papa says, “Lightning guardians are brash and loud and brave. You’re not … Well, it doesn’t suit you” (29). By claiming those characteristics don’t “suit” her, he insinuates that Mina’s careful and compassionate nature renders her incapable of being a lightning guardian. This societal stereotype is reinforced when both the station master and a sailor tell Mina she is not like other lightning guardians. They fail to see Mina’s strength, voice, and courage because they disregard quiet forms of strength.

Later, her family represents a range of public responses to injustice when Mina tells them about how Alorria causes storms across the border. Gaton is open-minded and eager to support change. Additionally, he says, “All weather is connected—the sky is all one piece. You can’t dismiss facts just because you don’t like where they lead” (211). He emphasizes society’s tendency to manipulate or dismiss facts to promote its beliefs. In contrast, Mina’s mother accepts what her leaders tell her without question. She shouts: “Lies. The festival doesn’t ‘kill lots of people.’ Storm beasts keep people safe! That’s the entire point of the celebration! Haven’t you read your history?” (211). She represents the segment of society that blindly accepts authority. Meanwhile, Papa falls somewhere in the middle. He struggles to grasp Mina’s message because he believes in the good of humanity. He notes, “I’m sure our government wouldn’t deliberately lie. And I’m sure there’s another logical explanation for these ‘deadly storms’” (211). Papa does not reject what Mina says, but he cannot believe the government is capable of such a huge deception. Together, their responses mirror broader societal divides, ranging from denial to skepticism and engagement.