"ARIELLE! HELP!" I screamed, sending a wave of urgency to her. I knew she was somewhere around campus, waiting for me to summon her for our training session. I wasn't strong enough to summon her here to fight with me, but she could get the others.
"BRU-REE!" Arielle replied.
I sensed her sheer panic, but my concentration was cut off by the darkness pooling in the room.
The darkness felt like thick black sludge as it began to reach my dangling feet. I screamed at the chilling cold touch that clawed at my skin as it continued to rise up to my legs. The higher it got the more drained I felt, until I could barely move and the frigid darkness had reached my neck.
Shit! I can't...no…I have to fight! I tried to think of something, anything to protect me until the guys arrived.
"If attacked by a Forsaken and you're too weak to fight it, encase yourself in whatever element you’re strongest in using, but ensure it's not an element that drains a vast amount of energy. That will give you enough time for a council member to reach you."
"BUBBELONA PROTECTALA!" I chanted, envisioning a bubble made of light magic encasing me. I took a deep breath as the darkness engulfed me.
The tendrils’ hold released me just in time for my spell to activate; the light forced the fluid away from me and created a protective bubble of light around me. I curled up in a ball, coughing and shivering from the remnants of darkness that clung to my skin.
Need...to get rid...of darkness. My teeth chattered as I closed my eyes, going deep within myself to use some of my unicorn magic.
It took double the amount of energy I would have normally used to cleanse most of the darkness that touched my skin, but I still shivered, feeling like I was in a freezer.
I closed my eyes, remaining curled in the fetal position, my bubble floating in the sea of darkness. I could hear the dull sounds that hit the surface of my bubble, but my light magic was stronger and kept me safe from the numerous attempts to enter.
Just have to wait...yes. Wait. Someone will come...the guys will come. Finn, Hunter, Theo, Cairus, Caio, Orion. They'll be here in no time with the council and save me from this. I will not die...death...no. I'll survive. I can't lose now. That's right. I can't give up. I'm not hopeless anymore. I have people who love me now. They'll be here. I just have to be strong.
I continued to self-talk, over and over again. But time seemed to still and my thoughts were becoming jumbled. I felt weak and my eyes grew heavy. If I slept, the bubble would still remain, at least until my magic ran out.
I fought to stay awake, but it was a battle I knew I wouldn't win. The dark abyss would have its way and before long, we would be one.
Someone...help me.
Master Magnor. Where do Forsaken come from?"
My six-year-old-self looked into those kind silver eyes that glinted with happiness.
"Forsaken are created from the dark thoughts us shifters have," Magnor replied.
"You mean when we're sad or mad?" I asked.
He nodded.
I frowned, looking at the stuffed unicorn in my hands. "But...what if I'm sad? Will I make a Forsaken?" I asked.
"Why are you sad, Celestia?" Magnor questioned.
"Mom went away for work. Daddy's not here. I'm...lonely," I admitted.
He gave me a sad expression, repositioning me on his lap to face him. "But you have the caregivers and friends at school," Magnor reminded.
I pouted, not ready to tell him about what was going on. "I'm still lonely," I confessed.
"But you have me," he whispered, using his hand to lift my chin so I looked into his eyes.
"You'll leave too...everyone leaves me," I replied. Master Magnor was only here because he was checking on me at Father’s request.
"I'll leave temporarily for work, but I'll never leave you, Celestia. I'll always be there for you and one day you'll meet people who will always be there when you need them. Being sad doesn't create Forsaken. It's when you allow your sadness and anger to consume you. When you give up all hope, you become one with the Forsaken," he explained.
"So...the Forsaken. They're people?" I asked, my eyes wide in shock.
Magnor gave me a sad smile, patting my head soothingly. "Yes, Celestia. They were once people like you and I. But they gave up on life and gave in to the darkness," he confirmed.
"Can't we save them?" I asked. I was sad that they joined the darkness because no one wanted to help them.
"Maybe. But we haven't found a way yet," Magnor admitted.
"I'm going to save them!" I declared, clenching my hands into fists in determination.
Magnor chuckled. "You think you can?" he asked.
"Of course! I'm a unicorn! I have light powers and can heal people. I'll heal them all and then everyone will be happy and I'll find friends who love me and get married and be happy!" I cheered.
"That's a lot you have to do," Magnor replied.
"Master Magnor," I lifted my hands up.
He grinned, knowing I wanted a hug. He pulled me into his arms.
"I will! I'm going to heal everyone and make lots of friends and be happy so no more Forsaken! I'll make Mommy, Father and you proud!" I declared.
"Indeed you will, Celestia," Magnor encouraged.
"Celestia?"
I opened my eyes; the ceiling of the dimly lit dorm room came into view. Huh? I looked over my shoulder to see Orion's purple eyes staring at me curiously. He looked half asleep himself, his white hair to one side and his bare shoulders made me realize we were in bed.
"Huh...where are we?" I asked.
"Home, Celestia," Orion replied.
I gave him a confused look, turning over to get a better view of him. He analyzed me carefully; his eyes trailed down my chest. I glanced down, noticing I wore just a white bra and my lower half was covered by the blanket we shared. We usually wore some type of clothing to bed so this was different, making me feel this situation was more intimate than before.
"So...that was all a dream?" I asked myself.
"What was?" Orion asked.
"It was Monday and we had no choice but to go to school. The weather had been gloomy and dark for a week and a messenger had to bring me light serums. You carried me to school and we were heading to class. I went to use the washroom and someone threw something inside. Like a crystal of some sort? I tried to leave the washroom, but it was locked and people were screaming outside. I was going to use my magic to escape, but a Forsaken appeared from the crystal. I guess the crystal was a remnant? Or was it the core of the Forsaken? I...don't really know. I tried to escape and called Arielle for help, but the room was flooding with dark liquid and the only thing I could do was surround myself with a light bubble like Ms. Arcadia suggested in class. It was cold...and pitch black and I wished for someone to help me," I explained, glancing up at Orion who looked calm.
He reached out his hand, wiping a tear I hadn't realized had escaped to roll down my cheek. He didn't say any words, leaning forward to kiss me. I closed my eyes, needing the comforting touch. I wished to be warmer, craving to touch and feel him.
My left hand rested on his chest, enjoying the slight warmth that came from him. He deepened the kiss, changing positions so he hovered over me. I let my hands slide up his chest and wrapped my arms around his neck, longing for him to be closer. He smiled, breaking the kiss.
I opened my eyes, wondering if I did something wrong, but he pressed a soft kiss to my lips.
"Celestia. You have to wake up," he whispered.
"Wake up? I am awake," I acknowledged. I wondered if he was trying to distract me from kissing him again. I leaned up to kiss him, but he lifted his hand to press a finger to my lips.
"Celestia. I want you, but I need you to wake up from this dream," Orion insisted.
"But this isn't a dream!" I argued.
He gave me a sad smile. "My Blessed Love, you are dreaming and need to wake up if you want me to save you. I don't want to lose you in the darkness. I need you to fight this," Orion urged. I
could hear the growing desperation in his voice and his lilac eyes blinked back tears.
"Lose me? To the darkness? You won’t lose me, Orion. Don't cry," I begged, biting my lip. It hurt me to see him look so afraid and pained. I just couldn't understand how this could be a dream.
I was in the arms of the man I loved. We were at the school I'd dreamed of attending. What else could I need? It was perfect here.
"Don't you remember the others?" he asked.
"Others? Who? There's only us here. You're the only person I love," I replied.
He shook his head. "No, Celestia. Your heart is too big for me alone. Think hard and remember. Don't you recall anything, Cutie Pie?" he whispered.
"Cutie...Pie? You don't call me by that name," I replied.
"Then who does?" he whispered.
I opened my mouth to speak, but stalled; a memory flickered in my mind. Pink hair...green eyes.
"Pi...Pixie Boy? Wait...who's that?" I asked.
He gave me a nod.
"Someone else that you care dearly for. There are others, Celestia. Keep trying," Orion encouraged.
I furrowed my brow in concentration, closing my eyes to try and remember who he was talking about.
Who else? Pixie Boy...Finn? Finn and lucky charms. Hunt...Hunter? Wait. Hunter and the kind vampire...Theo. Orange and White...Twins! Caio and Cairus.
I quickly opened my eyes, staring at Orion who seemed pleased. "Do you remember now?" he asked.
"The others! So this is a dream? No...can't be a dream. I...don't know." I looked at Orion for help.
"You have to acknowledge this isn't real to leave. I know it's hard. I get why you may not want to. But I can't save you unless you open your eyes, Celestia. Please, Blessed Love. I need you to wake up for me. I can't lose you like everyone else," he begged.
"Blessed Love? When did you start calling me that?" I asked.
His smile grew wide. "If you woke up, I'd show you why," he offered.
"You'll be there. If this is a dream...I'll return to the dark cold bubble. Will you be there?" I questioned. I wouldn't deny the fact that I was frightened. I was scared of the darkness and didn't want to leave this safe haven if it meant I'd be alone back in reality. I wasn't strong enough to fight the darkness. Why would I return back if I'd lose everything?
"I'll be there, I promise, and the others will too. We'll save you and we’ll escape the darkness together. I just need you to trust me. Do you love me enough to do so?" he asked.
We shared a moment of silence; his words echoed in the walls of my mind. Do I love Orion? Yes. I care for him dearly and I know I can never leave him. I'd do anything to make him smile and to heal his heartbreak. I wanted him to be happy, the same way he made me happy. I trusted him and he'd never let me down. He wouldn't start now.
"I trust you," I confidently declared.
He pressed his lips to my forehead, pulling back to give me a wide grin. "I love you, Celestia Rainbow. I'll wait for your reply when you conquer the darkness," he replied.
I nodded, taking one last look at his majestic beauty before I slowly closed my eyes.
This a dream. Not reality. I need to wake up and face the darkness that plagues me. Wake up...WAKE UP!
~CELESTIA~
Cold...
That was the first thing I felt when I woke up. I could feel something wrapped around my wrists and ankles, holding me still. I debated whether to wake up or not.
Return to my dream and the comfort of Orion's arms? No. I want the real Orion. And the others. Yes. Finn, Hunter, Theo, Caio, and Cairus. I want to hear them laugh and bicker with one another. And with me. I want my team of misfits back.
I pulled at whatever was keeping hold of me, calling for my light magic. I barely had any left, but I didn't care. I would win this battle. Magnor didn't train me to just give up. My parents didn't believe in me for nothing. Arielle didn't stay as my familiar because I was weak. The guys all believed in my strength. It was now my turn to have faith in myself.
"LIGHTANDO RELEASHA!" I screamed, allowing the pooled light magic to burst around me.
I heard loud hissing noises, but I didn't stop, letting the magic flow and flow until I dropped to the ground. I opened my eyes, noticing the light bubble was still around me and the holes that the tendrils had created to pin me began to close. I shuffled back until my back was pressed against a wall. I curled up into a ball, taking calm breaths as I tried to ignore my shivering body.
It was freezing to the point I could see puffs of cold air from my labored exhales. I would only last a few more minutes with what little magic I had left.
"Guys!" I called out. The sound echoed in the hollow bubble, but I knew it didn't reach the dark surface.
"FINN! HUNTER! THEO! CAIO! CAIRUS!" I screamed, tears pooling in my eyes that desperately tried to see past the pitch black beyond my thin barrier of light. I thought of the dream and Orion's words.
"I'll be there. I promise and the others will too. We'll save you and we’ll escape the darkness together. I just need you to trust me. Do you love me enough to do so?"
"ORION! I need you! Come out! I love you! Don't leave me," I cried. The light bubble was growing smaller and smaller. Within minutes, the bubble had shrunk so it was barely large enough to surround my curled-up body. I sobbed quietly, trying to summon enough energy to try again or even shift. But I was drained and didn't know what else to do.
Am I too late? Did I lose? Is this another dream or test? Will I never see my team again? I miss them. I want to hear Finn call me Cutie Pie and watch him bickering with Hunter. I want to listen to Caio and Cairus share stories with Theo who'd make them seem so real and adventurous. I want to be in Orion's arms again, and listen to his soft breaths when he sleeps next to me. I want to hear Arielle's singing and Magnor's words of wisdom. I want to go home...
I sat in silence, waiting for the final strings of magic I had left to run out. I thought of all the memories I had, the friendships I'd made, my time with Mother and Father and my years with Magnor and Arielle. I love you all. Thank you for not giving up on me.
I heard a sound, like a soft call. I shook my head, trying to retreat into myself, but I heard the noise again, louder this time. I glanced up, staring into the darkness.
"Huh?" I whispered, seeing a flicker of light.
A bright white light shot through the darkness, followed by another. Again and again, white light began to cut through the black liquid sludge. The dazzling beams were too harsh for my eyes, after having been used to the darkness for so long; I forced them closed.
A wave of warmth brushed against my skin and I sighed in relief.
I was afraid to open my eyes, thinking I must have died and my soul was ascending to the other side. I felt something soft nudge my head. I tried to ignore it, but it nudged again.
"I'm dead, leave me alone," I mumbled.
"Neigh!"
Wait...Neigh? My eyes snapped open as I lifted my head. A smile formed on my lips while tears began to pool in my eyes.
A majestic white creature stood before me. His coat was pure white and glowed softly. The horn on his head was a light purple with gold specks that matched his purple eyes that had little twinkles of gold and silver. His long mane was a silky white.
The most eye-catching part of the creature were his wings. Large white wings spread out. They curled around me like a shield as I stared up into his eyes. Love and kindness showed in them as they stared into my mismatched ones.
"You...came," I whispered, reaching out to brush my hand against Orion's cheek.
He huffed, stomping his hooves before he nuzzled his nose against my cheek. I giggled through sobs, wrapping my arms around his neck. He lowered to his knees, letting me cry against him.
"Neigh," he soothed.
I nodded in his fur. "I know. I knew you said you'd come...but I was scared. So afraid you wouldn't," I whimpered.
He huffed, pulling back to shake his head.
I grinned. "You were held ba
ck?" I asked.
He nodded. "The guys?" I asked
"NEIGH!" he grumbled, rising up to stomp his foot.
I laughed. "Hunter didn't want you going in alone?" I asked.
He nodded, pleased I understood.
"Ah," I replied. I bet Hunter was afraid Orion would be touched by the darkness too. I frowned at the thought, looking at my wrists that had black marks on them.
"But...Orion? Am I tainted now? Won't I turn into a Forsaken?" I asked. I remembered the dream I'd had. It was more of a memory that I’d forgotten from my childhood, during one of the times Magnor visited me.
He stared at me, looking at my wrist that I held out. He took a step forward, pressing his lips to my forehead. I blinked, confused by his action, but my wrists began to glow, feeling hot in seconds. I bit my lip and tried to mask the pain I felt from the burning sensation that was also coming from my ankles that was just as hot.
I closed my eyes, waiting for the pain to dull. When it did, I reopened them, noticing new tattoos on my wrist where the dark bruises had once been. The centerpiece was a pink heart with wings that rested right on top of my pulse. Gold vines came out from the pink heart and wrapped around my wrists. The glowing artwork dimmed, and only the pink color of the heart remained, the rest of the tattoo now a solid black.
"It's beautiful. Orion...what does this do?" I asked. He moved away, recalling his wings and looking behind him to where the door once stood. The darkness had dimmed and lingered on the other side of the wall, staying far away from Orion.
"We have to go?" I asked.
He nodded.
I tried to stand, but my legs wouldn't budge. I felt weak and the relief of being rescued by Orion had dimmed the exhaustion my body felt. Orion looked back at me, tilting his head.
"Neigh?"
"I can't," I confessed.
He nodded, ruffling his wings. His body glowed and was engulfed in a golden light. When it faded, Orion's naked body appeared, his wings still out on display. I blushed, lowering my gaze down his body.
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