~CELESTIA~
I'll make it," I declared.
"She's gonna face plant before she reaches the end of the stairs," Hunter huffed.
"You're supposed to believe in me!" I whined.
"Not when you're as pale as a ghost and already crashed into the wall," Hunter countered.
"Twice," Finn added.
"That was an accident!" I argued.
"Yup. The wall just got in her way," Orion supported.
"How did the wall get in her way?" Theo asked with an amused grin.
"The wall could have moved you know," Cairus suggested.
"Or maybe it was getting her back for the time Celestia tripped and dented it," Caio reminded.
"Really guys!" Hunter groaned.
"I'm going to school. It's mandatory training. And I don't feel too tired. Just a little wobbly," I announced, taking another step down the flight of stairs, holding the railing for dear life.
"Can someone just carry her? Please?" Finn asked.
"No," I glared at the others.
Orion sighed. "Celestia. It's better if you conserve your energy for training," he reasoned.
"I have to agree with Orion, Dearest," Cairus admitted.
"I think it would be best. I feel much better, but I can imagine by the time we reach class, we're gonna be exhausted again," Caio confessed.
I frowned, glancing at the seven steps that remained. Orion walked up to where I stood, reaching out and pulled me into a hug.
"I know you want to be independent and not depend on us, but we just want what's best for you. Can you lean on us for a bit?" Orion asked.
I sighed, returning his hug. "Fine," I whispered.
I knew being stubborn in this situation wasn't going to help me in the long run. Everything they were saying was correct, but I was still trying to adapt to my new reality, that I had a group of people who cared about me and wanted to ensure I was safe.
"Good girl," Orion whispered, placing a kiss on my neck. I smiled, enjoying the tender kiss and the tingling effect it had on me.
We pulled apart, looking up at one another. I loved these moments, taking a moment to enjoy his beautiful purple eyes and the love they portrayed.
"Are they gonna kiss?" Cairus whispered.
"Maybe," Caio replied.
"I can't believe they forgot we were here." Hunter sighed.
"Right. Can't we get an invite in on the love?" Finn agreed.
"You're just upset Orion overrode your so-called claim on her." Theo chuckled.
"Aww. Hunter and Finn are jealous," Cairus and Caio said together.
"Would you two shut it?" Hunter grumbled.
"We're not jealous. We’re just making sure we're next in line," Finn declared.
"Sorry, Pixie Boy, but you’re last," Theo laughed.
"Why am I last? I met her first!" Finn huffed.
"Wait. Does that mean I'm second last?" Hunter pouted.
"I guess that means I'm next," Cairus cheered.
"Wait, Orion ruined the order," Caio pointed out.
"Orion's an exception for everything," Theo stated.
The guys were silent for a moment.
"True," Caio and Cairus agreed.
Hunter and Finn sighed, but nodded.
Orion and I exchanged a glance. I snickered, unable to stop the laughter that escaped me. Orion joined me, both of us laughing at their exchange.
"Did Orion just laugh?" Caio gasped.
"Did anyone record that?" Cairus asked.
"I'm still in shock," Finn teased.
"My ears must have deceived me," Hunter said dramatically.
"You guys are so overdramatic," Theo laughed.
I grinned, sliding my arms around Orion's neck as he hooked his arm under my legs to lift me up, bridal style. He carried me down the remainder of steps and didn't let me down.
"We're going to be late. Can one of you guys grab Celestia's swords?" Orion requested.
"I'll get them," Cairus announced, running up the stairs.
"Everything is packed in the corner of the living room so if the council does decide that we get to go home early, we can leave ASAP," Theo explained.
"Are you guys all going home?" I asked, already feeling a wave a dread thrum through me. I didn't want to go back to being alone. I would miss the guys.
Finn walked over to us, patting my head. "We'll come with you to your home. Don't know if your place can house six guys, but I’d rather sleep on the floor than be apart from you," Finn declared, kissing me on the forehead.
I gawked at him; my cheeks grew red.
"Hey, Cairus! Finn’s trying to take your place in line. He kissed Celestia!" Caio called out.
"WHAT?" Cairus called back.
Theo and Hunter shook their heads while Orion grinned.
"Late, remember?" he reminded.
"Right. Let's get going," Finn announced.
I smiled, resting my head on Orion's chest. A small part of me hoped that we'd get to go home, just so I could spend time with the guys and introduce them more formally to Magnor.
I guess Sia's prediction was right.
"Orion Meadow. You are NOT coming with me into the female restroom. I can pee just fine on my own," I scolded.
Orion rolled his eyes while the others snickered.
"Orion should be your bodyguard, Cutie Pie," Finn joked.
"Bodyguards don't go into the washroom with the opposite sex," I reminded.
"Hmph don't see why not," Orion mumbled.
I grinned.
"C'mon guys, we’re delaying. Celestia, go use the washroom real quick. We'll be right out here," Hunter encouraged.
Orion lowered me so I could stand. I took my dual swords from where they were strapped to his back, allowing him to attach their harness on me. The classroom was a few doors down and even if we weren't doing training, I still wanted to be prepared for any surprises.
I turned to face Orion and gave him a quick kiss on the lips. His face grew red and he blinked in astonishment.
"Thank you," I said to him, turning and skipping to the washroom before he changed his mind about letting me go in alone.
I heard the guys’ laughter in the background as I entered the washroom, making me giggle.
I finished doing my business, washed my hands and glanced at my reflection in the mirror. With my pale complexion and dark circles under my tired eyes, I looked like a walking zombie. I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly while I pulled the hair tie out of my messy hair.
I fixed the straps of my back sheaths, making sure it would be a breeze for me to pull my swords out if I needed to. The light serums that were delivered for Caio and I were the only reason why we were up and moving, but I was already feeling the effects begin to fade.
The week has just begun and I already want it to be over. I'd love to be back in bed.
I heard the creak of the door; my head turned to see a hand throw something in the room. I watched the shimmering item bounce off the floor, rolling to the other end of the large bathroom. What the hell?
I flinched at the loud sound that came from outside the bathroom; students’ screams echoed the halls. I rushed to the door, pulling the handle, but it didn't budge.
"What?" I exclaimed, tugging harder, but the door still wouldn't budge. I lifted on my tip toes to peek through the glass. My eyes grew wide and I gasped; dark clouds were beginning to rise and take shape.
"FORSAKEN! Oh no, the guys!" I shouted, banging on the door and attempting to pull it open. Ugh, fuck this!
I took a step back, powering up my magic when I felt a shiver-inducing feeling run down my spine. I froze in place, slowly turning my head to look over my shoulder in order to locate the item that had been thrown into the room. It looked like some sort of crystal.
My eyes narrowed before widening. You got to be kidding me!
I lifted my hands to pull my swords out from their scabbards, but a large tendril slapped into me, pinning me to the door. FUCK!
I squirmed, centering my magic in my hands and feet and began kicking and punching the thick bundle of darkness in an attempt to get out of its hold, but it was useless. I looked up to see more tendrils beginning to leak out of the crystal, growing and creating a barrier around the shimmering red gem. The darkness began to pool on the floor, like a flood of water. I began kicking the door, hoping someone would hear my struggle, but the screams from outside overpowered the noises I was making.
"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.