~CELESTIA~
That should be everything.
I zipped up my pink luggage and extended the white handle. I'd slept really well last night. Magnor had explained what happened with Arielle and Sia and whipped up a serum to give me an extra magic boost.
He was unsure of how things would go in Aslan since they changed their protocol regarding the entrance exam every year, but at least I'd be magically charged and ready to face whatever they had planned.
All my essentials fit in my luggage and Magnor had given me cash and a specific card that would be used to purchase anything on campus. I was happy to be financially stable and to be able to get a few sets of clothes for training when I arrived. Too bad it didn't work for online shopping. I bet the school did that on purpose. Haters.
My dual swords were secured in their black case and strapped on my back. I'd made sure they were sharpened and encased in their sheaths for easy access if there was a surprise attack upon arrival. I didn't know what to expect and wasn't going to take any chances.
"Bru-REE." Arielle flapped her wings, flying into the room through the open window.
I grinned, outstretching my arm so she could land. "Morning Arielle. You slept well?" I asked.
She shook her feathers, and her flames began to die down, returning to their normal blue and pink softness. She was engulfed in white light, shrinking to her smaller size.
"Bru," she replied, hopping off my arm and flying to land on my shoulder.
I patted her head; my eyes lingered on the white and pink bracelet on my left wrist.
I let go of the handle of my luggage to look at the black and pink bracelet on my right wrist, my gaze going back and forth between the two. Magnor had explained how to use them if I needed to switch with Sia.
Since I was left-handed, Magnor instructed my bracelet should always stay on my left and Sia’s on the right. If we needed to switch, I simply had to take off her bracelet and place it on my left wrist, initiating the switch. If she needed to switch back, she'd simply take her bracelet off and put it back on our right wrist. Easy enough.
My body was filled with nerves as my anxiety grew with the simple thought of leaving my safe haven. I'd gotten so used to the comfort of this house, the calmness the garden and surrounding forest gave me, and the comforting peacefulness I shared with Magnor.
It was exciting to be starting a new chapter in my life at the Academy, a place I always dreamed to attend, but thought with my status, I would never get the opportunity. I just had to convince myself that change was important when you had gotten too comfortable with life.
I smoothed out my black leather pants, ignoring the clamminess of my hands and made sure the maroon dress shirt I wore didn't show too much cleavage. I inched up the gold zipper of my top and nodded to myself in approval.
My hair was styled in a high bun, made to hide the purple and pink strands that continued to break through the dye job I'd done just a few days ago. I pray they have hair dye on campus or I'm going to stick out like a sore thumb.
I'd used my magic to disguise my purple eye. I had almost turned it green to match my right eye, but realized that it had taken on a light pink color.
I didn't bother asking Magnor about it. It could have been a side effect of Sia putting us into an unbalanced state. It should return to its bright green tone in a few days. Plus, I could use my magic to continue hiding my mismatched eyes until I felt comfortable.
Magic also was useful for hiding my blessed lines, not wanting to draw any attention to myself, at least not till I had a secure spot at Aslan.
I took a final look around my room, a small smile on my lips. This would be the last time I would see my cozy room for quite some time. I was confident I'd succeed in the entrance exam and start my studies at the Academy, so it probably would be a few months or maybe even years before I returned back home, depending on how the schedule went there.
"Thanks for sheltering me and giving me a safe place to grow and learn more about myself," I whispered into the empty, hollow room. I gripped the handle of my luggage, ensuring Arielle was securely on my shoulder before leaving the room, closing the door for the last time.
I headed down the hall, walking into the living room and taking an appreciative look around the welcoming home where I grew up. Again, I thanked the walls, knowing that the vines wrapped around the exterior walls would heed my words of gratitude.
I walked out the house, making my way to the entrance where Magnor was waiting. Arielle flew off my shoulder; Magnor outstretched his arm and allowed Arielle to perch on it. She chirped away as if Magnor could understand phoenix. It appeared he did, seeing as he nodded his head, petting her lightly on the head. She looked satisfied, flying off his arm and landing on top of the mailbox, staring at us quietly.
I walked over to where he stood, pulling my luggage behind me. I took a deep breath to keep my composure and looked into his silver eyes filled with kindness.
"Thank you for everything you've done for me. Without you, I wouldn't be standing here. You took me in as your own, taught me knowing you'd receive nothing in return, and helped me get to this moment. I will always be grateful to you." I took a step back to bow deeply.
I felt his hand land on my shoulder, making me rise up to meet his gaze.
"You've grown into a magnificent woman, Celestia. Not only did you work hard to meet my standards and expectations, but your willingness to learn and enhance your skills never withered. You're the best student I've had the privilege of training." He pulled me into a hug; I laughed as tears pooled in my eyes, returning his embrace.
"Better than my father?"
"Your father was too stubborn. He was a pain to train for years. You're tolerable," Magnor admitted. We shared a laugh, staying in our warm embrace.
"I'll miss you, Magnor," I confessed.
"As will I...and you will always be like a daughter to me," he replied.
I pulled back to stare up at him, a tear escaping my watery eyes.
"I'll still call and come down to visit whenever I can. You won't be able to get rid of me that easily."
He chuckled, blinking his silver eyes that looked glossy.
"I would hope not. That would be too easy. At least I'll have some peace and quiet to make a new set of training plans for your return."
I groaned, but had a small grin on my face. "Go ahead and plan your torturous training sessions. The next time you see me, I'll be stronger and finally able to avoid your one hundred death traps."
"I don't have one hundred," he mumbled.
I gave him a look, tilting my head.
"Bru-ree?" Arielle added.
"One hundred and twenty-nine," he grumbled.
"At least I know you'll be well protected without me," I joked.
He grinned, releasing me. "I'm not a legend for nothing," he replied.
"That's your ego talking. You never know. Maybe one day I'll beat you." I winked.
He chuckled. "I'll let you buy whatever you want with my credit card if that happens," he replied.
I gave him a mischievous look. Challenge accepted.
I took hold of my luggage, glancing over my shoulder to stare at my home one more time. I ignored the lump in my throat, trying hard not to cry again. Goodbye. Thank you for protecting me and giving some of the best memories I could have ever asked for.
Magnor placed his hand on my shoulder, pulling me out of my thoughts. I turned to face him.
"You know how to get to the school grounds, correct?" he asked.
"Yup. Got my letter and map. Once I arrive at the gatekeeper and present my invite, it should be smooth sailing," I assured him.
He nodded, glancing at Arielle who flew from the mailbox and back to my free shoulder. He gave her a final pat on the head and then gave me one. I gave him a grateful look.
"Good luck, Celestia. Work hard, make some new friends, and achieve your goals."
"I will, Master Magnor. May you remain safe until we return," I replied.
"Bru-REE!" Arielle agreed, fluttering her wings.
"Be off then. Keep in touch." He stepped aside, allowing me to walk out the entrance and away from his property.
I took a few steps, before looking back to see his sad smile. One last time.
I left my luggage where it was, running back to give him a final hug. He looked pleased, giving me a tight squeeze.
"I love you," I whispered into his white shirt.
"I love you more, Celestia. Now get going. You don't want to be late," he reminded.
I nodded against his shoulder, taking one last whiff of his meadow scent and pulled away. We shared a smile; both of us knew this wouldn't be the last time we'd see each other.
"Bye," I waved, running off to where my luggage sat.
"Celestia."
I paused mid-stride, looking back over my shoulder to see Magnor's glossy eyes.
"No boys," he called out, a wide grin on his face while a tear rolled down his cheek.
I giggled, letting my tears flow freely. "No promises! I'll make sure I bring home six of the finest men," I called out, giving him a final wave.
He shook his head in amusement, waving back.
I took a deep breath and began to walk away. This won't be the end. I'll make you proud, Master Magnor. I promise.