"I want Arielle," Celestia mumbled.
"Bru?" I asked. Me?
"Arielle, are you coming? You don't need to stay alone in there," Magnor pointed out.
"I can come, Bru," I replied. Celestia reached out to me with her free hand, the other wrapped around Magnor's neck.
"Arielle, come too. I want Arielle," she repeated. Her half-open eyes began to grow glossy, as if she'd cry at any second.
"Don't cry, Celestia, Bru," I replied, flying off the windowsill and landing on Magnor's free shoulder. Celestia leaned back in Magnor's hold, reaching out to pet my head.
"Arielle's my friend, Magnor. She'll stay with me," Celestia declared.
"For now, Celestia. Since you’re sick, Arielle can stay to keep you company. Let's get you some medicine, and I'll help make you feel better," Magnor soothed.
Celestia gave a slight nod in response, her eyes already closed as she began to drift. Magnor sighed, shaking his head and gently lowering Celestia's to rest on his right shoulder.
I continued to sit on his left shoulder but kept my attention on Celestia, whose shoulder moved up and down slightly with each breath she took.
Magnor made his way back to the living room and began setting up some bottles with different liquids inside. He easily held Celestia, who was fast asleep in his arms, and he didn't mind that I continued to sit on his shoulder.
It wasn't long before he made something that was pink in color and took the small glass bottle and a wet cloth over to sit in the chair he was in before. Once he settled in, I moved to stand on the armrest that gave me a good view of Celestia's sleeping figure, and Magnor gave me a small smile and quickly petted my head before he turned his attention to Celestia.
"Celestia, can you drink this for me?" Magnor requested, gently shaking her to wake her up. It took a moment for her eyes to open and she looked up to give Magnor a confused look.
"Drink? I don't want it," she mumbled.
"It's a pink drink for unicorns. It'll make you stronger than before if you drink it," Magnor explained.
Drink for unicorns? I stared at the little glass Magnor presented to Celestia, who eyed it with caution.
"Make me stronger?" she asked.
"Yes, and it’s cherry flavored," Magnor added. Celestia stared at it for another minute before she reached out for it. Magnor helped her sit up properly in his lap before she drank the liquid in one go.
"Cherry," she hummed in delight before it turned into a yawn. Magnor took the glass from her, and she rubbed her eyes.
"I'm going back to sleep," she announced.
"That's fine, Celestia. Are you going back to your room?" Magnor asked. Celestia rested her head back to his chest, looking relaxed in Magnor's lap.
"No. I want Magnor time," she replied. This made Magnor chuckle quietly.
"You're clingy when you're not feeling well," he commented.
"Noooo." Celestia looked like she was going to doze off any minute. I thought she'd fallen asleep, but she opened her eyes again and lifted her head up. She searched the room until her eyes landed on where I stood on the armrest of the chair.
She smiled weakly and reached out to pat my head. "Arielle, still here," she said quietly before she rested her head back on Magnor's chest. In seconds, she was fast asleep, her breathing more level than before.
"Guess she likes you," Magnor whispered, peering down at me.
"Bru," I replied. I like her. She's nice.
"I'm using magic to understand you, Arielle. You can talk regularly," Magnor revealed.
I tilted my head in shock. "You understand me?"
"Yes," Magnor replied with a nod.
I suddenly felt shy, unsure of what to say, and I used my wings to try and hide my face. Magnor chuckled again, petting my head with his right hand.
"You're a rare familiar. I'm unsure what mix you are, but you're definitely a phoenix, correct?"
"Yes. Phoenix and harpy. That's what Mother said."
"So you have a family?" he asked.
I paused, lowering my gaze. I didn't want to burden them and take shelter here. I had a soft spot for Celestia, and she'd already gotten hurt by me. If I stayed, I couldn't afford to watch her die too.
"Yes. Somewhere. They are...gone far away. I can't reach them," I admitted. "I have to go to the hybrid nest. That's where they said I should go."
"Hybrid nest. Hmm, I wouldn't know much, but there should be somewhere familiars go north from here. I just wonder if Celestia will let you leave," Magnor pondered out loud.
"She won't let me leave?"
"Celestia seems to like you. She doesn't trust people or animals easily, but for her to bring you home from the storm the way she did means she cares about you," Magnor elaborated.
"Likes me, Bru. Me?" I said quietly.
"If you plan to leave for the hybrid nest, I suggest you go once the storm clears. The weather for the rest of the week will be unpredictable with the rain season, but I know tomorrow will be sunny," Magnor suggested.
I nodded, glancing at Celestia who was fast asleep. "She's kind."
"She is. She gets it from her Mother," Magnor replied, looking down at Celestia. I could tell right away he cared dearly for her. The love in his eyes reminded me of how Father would look at me and my brothers: a reflection of pride and adoration.
"Father?" I asked.
He grinned and met my gaze.
"You could say something like that." He rose up from the chair, making sure Celestia's head rested securely on his shoulder as he held her with one arm. I thought he'd walk away, but he reached out to me, offering his hand as a platform.
I flapped my wings happily as I hopped onto his hand and saw the smile that lingered on his lips as he walked back to Celestia's room.
When we arrived at her bed, I flew back to the window sill, turning around to face Magnor, who lowered Celestia into her bed. He tucked her in and left the room for a moment.
Celestia appeared so peaceful while sleeping. Her nose and cheeks weren't as red as they had been before, and she didn't look as hot as she had. Magnor returned with a really small blanket and a damp towel.
He made sure Celestia's black strands of hair were off of her face before he pressed a kiss to her forehead. He then placed the towel in the spot he kissed and rose, his eyes landing on me.
"Thank you for healing me." I decided to take the opportunity to express my gratitude.
"You’re welcome, Arielle. Celestia told me you’re only four?" he inquired.
"Yes, Bru. My day of birth is soon, though," I confessed.
I'd been trying to ignore the fact that my birthday was coming up. Every five years of a phoenix shifter's life, there was generally a big sign of growth.
At five years of age, we gain more power in our born abilities. At ten we'd be able to learn multiple spells. Fifteen was when we really grew in strength and would be able to change our size to a large form.
Twenty was when we reached what other races would call adulthood, where we'd be able to conduct various magic, shift fully with very little energy consumption, and a lot of other benefits.
Mother and Father had always stated I would surpass the normal growth spurts due to my hybrid nature and my advanced mind. Even though I was four, they always expressed I was smarter for my age and understood things I shouldn't have.
Either way, turning five was supposed to be a big celebration with the nest, but that thought only reminded me I would be spending it alone and would always spend each birthday after without my loved ones.
"Birthdays for phoenix shifters are a big deal when you’re five, correct?" Magnor questioned. I nodded in agreement.
"Hmm. Well, I hope you're able to locate your family by then. I know it's a big a deal for you all. When is it?" Magnor asked.
I had to think of the days, trying my best to recall how long it had been since the day our nest was attacked. "Two weeks from now," I confirmed.
"More than enough time, then. Why don't you get some rest? You had a lon
g afternoon and evening."
I nodded, wondering where I could sleep. I wasn't used to sleeping standing up, and there wasn't a nest in here for me to sleep in. Magnor noticed my dilemma and gently patted the pillow next to Celestia.
"Celestia doesn't move much in her sleep, especially when she isn't feeling well. You should be okay sleeping next to her," Magnor encouraged.
I flew over to land on the pillow and got comfortable as I fuzzed up my feathers. Magnor placed the little pink blanket on me, reminding me of Mother. I stared up at him, blinking back tears to hide my sadness, but he noticed.
"What's wrong?"
"I miss my Mom," I confessed. Magnor looked deep in thought for a moment and nodded his head.
"If the weather permits and you do leave tomorrow, I want you to know you can always come back. My house is open to whoever Celestia likes," Magnor confessed.
I stared at him in shock. "Why? Aren’t you scared you'll go away?" I asked. He raised an eyebrow at me.
"Why would I go away?" he countered.
"Everyone who helps me goes away. Then I can't reach them anymore," I glanced over to the counter where my pink button laid.
Celestia had kept her word and cleaned it and left it to dry. It looked even more vibrant than when Aaron had found the button, and the feathers were still intact even after she'd somehow removed the dirt and blood. She'd said she had unicorn magic and could preserve anything she wanted if she tried really hard.
She'd shown enough compassion with saving me, providing me food, water, and shelter, and even got sick because of me. Now Magnor was doing the same, and it left me feeling both happy and afraid of the near future.
"Hmm. I don't know about the others, but Celestia and I aren't going anywhere. I do travel a lot though, but Celestia stays here. So again, if you can't locate your family, feel free to return. Our home is open to you," Magnor assured me.
"Now it's time for bed for you. You're rather intelligent for a four-year-old, but that doesn't mean you get to stay awake all night. I'll make your breakfast with Celestia's in the morning. Get some rest," Magnor encouraged.
"Okay. Thank you, Magnor." I bowed my feathered head. He nodded and stroked my head one last time before he turned around and left the room, leaving the door half open.
I heard his faded footsteps and finally relaxed, feeling the exhaustion of the day. My eyes drifted to Celestia once more, watching her sleep as the clock above our heads made a ticking noise.
Tomorrow I have to go. I'll miss you, Celestia. It's for the better. Yes, at least she'll be safe.
"Magnor, I don't want Arielle to go!" Celestia huffed, crossing her arms over her chest.
I rested on the mailbox, my button with my family securely on my back thanks to Celestia. She'd made me new straps with special vines that wouldn't break. They were even pink to match my button.
She wore a light pink dress, her hair positioned on top of her head in a ponytail as she glared at Magnor with her glossy, mismatched eyes. He'd just told her I'd be heading to find my family, and she wasn't having it.
Magnor sighed, turning to face her before he crouched down to be at her level. He placed his hands on her shoulders before speaking to her.
"Celestia. Would you like it if you wanted to go see Mom and I stopped you?" he questioned.
"I do want to see Mom," she countered. Magnor grinned.
"I know you do, but for the sake of this example, would you like it if I stopped you?" he reworded.
"No," she huffed and scrunched her face. It didn't do much at making her appear upset. Instead, she looked really adorable.
"Then you have to give Arielle a chance to go find her family and friends. If she comes back and wants to stay, then she is more than welcome to be with us," Magnor explained.
Celestia’s facial expression gave the sense that she wanted to debate, but she glanced my way, her sad eyes meeting mine. "But...Arielle..." she began but trailed off, sighing. "Okay," she relented.
My heart sank at her acceptance, but I knew it was for the best. My heart told me Celestia wasn't happy with us being separated, and the way her head hung low in defeat confirmed it.
"Why don't you go say bye before Arielle goes?" Magnor encouraged. Celestia nodded, slowly making her way to the mailbox I stood on. She lifted her head, tears rolling down her cheeks as her green-purple eyes locked onto mine.
She reached out and stroked my head repeatedly. "Make sure you find shelter if it rains and find food too. Keep warm, and I hope...I hope you find the nest," she whispered.
"Celestia, Bru," I whispered back. She picked me up and lifted me to her face, rubbing her cheek against mine.
"I love you, Arielle. Be safe, and you can come back whenever you want. I'll make you a nice bed, and we can eat tuna together, and cupcakes. I like cupcakes...and...and...I'll be lonely without you." The last part of her statement was barely audible, but I heard those words clearly, and they tugged at my heart the most.
She's lonely, like me? Lonely. I took a quick peek at Magnor who had a sympathetic look on his face, but he nodded to me, which told me I had to go and try.
"I love you too, Celestia, Bru," I replied, brushing my head against her cheek that was wet with her tears.
Celestia stared down at me, and we shared a look. I took in her beautiful face, hoping to memorize her image so I could remember her. I didn't know if I'd be able to find my way back, but at least I'd always remember her purple-green orbs that shed tears for a familiar like me.
She lifted me into the air, and I took off, deciding to not look back as I headed into the approaching trees. The further I got, the harder it was to hold back my tears as I fought to keep my eyes forward.
For the sake of Celestia and Magnor, I have to go. They'll move on without me.
I flapped my wings as hard as I could, soaring through the forest until I reached a clearing. Once I knew I was far enough, I sat on a branch in the nearest tree and sobbed.
I'd lasted a good three minutes, and I already missed the kind girl who saved me from the wolf. The girl named Celestia who took me in as if I was a member of her family.
Why do I have to leave? Can't I just stay...this one time? My thoughts were left unanswered as I cried. Minutes turned to hours, and soon the sun was setting, and I'd went nowhere.
I realized I wouldn't make it to the hybrid nest if I didn't leave now, hoping I'd be close to my destination by the time the next rainstorm began.
Yet, that simple thought didn't motivate me to move from my spot, my heart aching to return to Celestia.
I wanted to be in her comforting arms and listen to her talk about unicorns and about how she wanted to become strong one day. I wanted to eat tuna with her and take warm baths together.
I craved her love and the view of her wide smile that made her eyes twinkle with delight. Most importantly, I didn't want her to be lonely. She deserved to be loved, and I wished to be the one to give her all the love she needed to keep smiling.
Just one more look. I'll go back and make sure she's happy and resting. Yes.
The thought of seeing her one last time excited me, giving me enough energy to leap off the branch and fly back the way I came hours ago. I reached the last row of trees before the mailbox and stopped mid-air, my eyes wide in shock.
Celestia?!
There she was, standing right next to the mailbox as Magnor approached. He sighed as he reached her, and lines of worry marred his brow. "Celestia, you’re going to get sick again. You have to come inside and eat."
"No! Arielle is going to come back," she argued.
"She's not coming back, Celestia."
"She will!"
"You don't know-" Magnor began, but Celestia turned to him, her hands clenched, and fresh tears rolled down her cheek.
"Her family is gone, Magnor! She has no family! No mom or dad. She's alone," Celestia admitted.
"How do you know that, Celestia?" Magnor asked.
"I saw it! In my dream, her whole fam
ily is gone. First her brother and mother, and then her dad and another brother. Even her friend who helped her! Everyone died, and now she's alone. She's lonely, Magnor!" Celestia sobbed, using her fists to wipe her eyes before she continued on.
"She's not like me where I have you sometimes, or how Mother and Father are far away. She's truly alone, Magnor. No family or friends. She's going out there all by herself! What if she gets stuck in the rain or she can't find food? What if that wolf tries to find her with friends and bully her. No, EAT HER! I have to go find her, Magnor," Celestia urged.
"Celestia, I told you, until you get stronger, you can't have a familiar. They're very difficult to train, and it's very magic draining." Magnor tried to reason with her, but she shook her head with determination in her eyes.
"She's MY FAMILIAR. I can feel it, Magnor. Right here!" Celestia stressed, patting her chest, right above her heart. "The moment I saw her in the woods and the wolf tried to eat her...I knew! I knew right then and there that she'd be my friend. She'd love me and protect me, and well, she'd be FAMILY! But, I didn't want to say anything because I don't want to hold her back. Maybe she had a cousin or friends somewhere, but the moment she left, my heart ached. I'm scared she has nowhere to go and doesn't want to come back because she thinks we don't love her!"
"Celestia," Magnor whispered. What surprised me next was when she went to her knees, looking up at Magnor with wide, pleading eyes.
"I beg you, Magnor. She...she's mine, I feel it. I've never felt sure about something since the day I asked you to train me. Please! I'll do anything. Just let me go find her and, when I do, I'll take care of her. I'll love her with my heart and soul and watch her grow. I'll feed her and bathe her, and we'll even watch shows and read manga together! She won't be a burden to you, and I'll work even harder just to keep her by my side! I love her, Magnor. Can she please be a part of our family?” Celestia begged.
Magnor's expression softened, and he stared down at Celestia with his silver eyes that looked like they would pool with tears at any moment.
"When you do things like that, it really makes it hard for me to say no," Magnor mumbled as he lifted his hand to run through his long hair. He closed his eyes for a minute, appearing deep in concentration, and Celestia remained where she was.
Arielle Rainbow Page 7
