Release the bird👏👏
Alright since recently I’ve only shown a small sketch so far, here’s a proper introduction to Cinder and how they actually work in Firework’s lore. This will be like a Q&A section answering the basics to understand this little creature;
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Q: Who (or what) is Cinder?
A: Cinder is a bird-like companion that has been with Firework since the moment she spawned. They are not a pet, not gear, and not something she “found” later—they are intrinsically tied to her existence. The easiest way to understand it is: Cinder is an externalized part of Firework that can exist independently. Most of the time, Cinder takes the form of a small bird inspired by a bird-of-paradise—bright, elegant, and expressive. Around others, especially in Playground, this is all people see: just a strange but harmless companion that follows her around.
But that’s only the surface.
Q: So… are they “just a sidekick”?
A: No.
Cinder behaves like one—perching nearby, reacting to things, moving on its own—but that independence is only partial. It mirrors Firework’s emotional state very closely, sometimes even before she shows it herself. It’s not just following her; it’s aligned with her.
Q: How do the wings work?
A: Firework does not have permanent, visible wings. Instead, when needed, Cinder fuses with her. This isn’t symbolic or metaphorical—it’s literal.
Cinder’s body breaks apart into energy and structure, merging into Firework and reforming as a pair of wings extending from her back. During this state, they are no longer two separate entities. They function as a single being.
These wings are temporary, can be partially or fully manifested, can be used in short bursts (mobility, stabilization, impact control), or fully extended in more extreme situations
Most of the time, Firework only uses small, almost unnoticeable fragments of this fusion—so subtle that others (like Shark Shooter) don’t even realize what’s happening.
Q: Does this happen often?
A: Not really.
Firework is capable of fusing with Cinder at will, but she deliberately limits it. In her current life, like i said, she mostly uses: brief, merges like small “buff-like” enhancements, also like quick defensive or movement adjustments.
Full wing manifestation is rare. Especially now.
Q: What’s the difference between Cinder and Sisyphus?
A: Both are bird companions tied to divine beings, but they function very differently.
Sisyphus (Venomshank): Acts as an external extension—scouting, observing, accompanying. He represents Venomshank’s “wings”, but remains separate. As the Wiki itself says: "Sisyphus is Venomshank's wings, as opposed to having an actual pair on his back."
Cinder (Firework): Is an internal extension that can become external—or reintegrate completely. When Cinder fuses, it becomes Firework’s wings. There is no separation during that state.
Q: Are there risks?
A: Yes. Because Cinder and Firework are linked: an overuse strains both of them, unstable emotional states affect fusion quality, losing control can pull Cinder into that instability.
For example; during "The Day the Sky Broke", Cinder was pushed back their limits during a massive, uncontrolled fusion and entered a near-inert state for hours afterward—completely drained.
That moment is a big reason why Firework is so careful now.
Q: Why hasn’t this been obvious until now?
A: Because Firework hides it. She avoids full manifestations in front of others and keeps fusion subtle and controlled. To most people, Cinder just looks like a companion—nothing more.
That’s completely intentional.
Q: So what is Cinder, really?
A: Not just a bird. Not just a power.
Cinder is a constant presence tied to Firework since she was a newspawn, a stabilizer when things go wrong, something that reflects her, protects her, and when needed becomes part of her.
Sooo in summary; Cinder feels what Firework feels, It means overuse affects both of them. And it means that when Firework loses control (like, goes feral), Cinder is pulled into that state with her; sometimes stabilizing, sometimes being pushed past their limits. (Like i said “The Day the Sky Broke” is the only known time Cinder fully burned out after a fusion, collapsing into a near-inert state for hours.)
Outside of fusion, Cinder is expressive, restless, and closely attuned to Firework’s emotions, often mirroring them before she even shows them outwardly. Around others Cinder behaves just independently enough to pass as “just a bird.” Well they aren’t.