~SIA~
Bru-ree?
"I'm working on it," I replied, scanning the remaining set of instructions. I nodded to myself, closing the maroon book and rising to my feet. I cracked my neck, shaking out the nerves in my system.
We'd been trying to complete this method for years, but had been unsuccessful. Now with the new books that Magnor gave Celestia and me, I had a good feeling I'd be able to achieve it. At least if I accomplished this, Celestia wouldn't have any problems doing the same.
I looked up to Arielle who was perched on a branch. She flapped her wings, hopping off and settling on the ground before me.
"You ready? This could potentially go horribly wrong like the other attempts, but I'll try to spare a little magic and get Magnor to change you back if it doesn't work. Deal?" I asked.
"BRU-REE!" she replied happily, hopping left and right.
I grinned, kneeling down to pet her head. "You know, you've been more than just a familiar to Celestia and me. We love you as our family. You’re the best friend we always wished to have. Even if this thing works, you won't stay in your human familiar form for long, but I know Celestia and I will work twice as hard to get stronger. Then maybe one day, you can stay in that form and mingle with us whenever you want," I explained.
She eyed me carefully, hopping over to rub her head against my outstretched hand.
"Bru," she chirped softly.
"I love you more. Never leave us, okay?" I whispered.
She fluttered her wings, puffing her body as if she was mad at me for even thinking such a thing.
I laughed. "Yes, I know you'll never leave me. C'mon, let’s get this over with." I rose back up, moving a few steps back to give Arielle space. Last time, I'd accidentally changed her into an elephant because I'd gotten distracted and was wondering if we had any in this dimension after having read about them.
I took a deep breath, exhaling slowly and letting my magic begin to pool around me. The wind picked up immediately, beginning to circle around me. I squeezed my eyes shut, scrunching my face in concentration.
I imagined Arielle in a human form. She'd have curly, strawberry pink locks, with the bottom half a teal color. Her eyes would be amber, reflecting her phoenix nature. She'd be taller than me, standing at six-two and would be able to summon her blazing wings on command. She'd have a small waist, medium breasts and curvy hips. She'd be powerful and with my help could cast magic just like me. Most important, she'd be true to herself and have a confident personality, preventing anyone from taking advantage of her when she was in this form. She'd only listen to my command, but have her own mind to make her own decisions.
I gritted my teeth at the flow of magic that drained out of me, aiming it into Arielle. I could hear her chirps, but I ignored them. I knew if I got distracted for even five seconds, I wouldn't be able to achieve this.
"CHANGEANDO ROSOLO FREE!" I chanted, spreading my fingers out and allowing the remainder of magic to surge out of me to finalize the spell.
I fought to stay standing, feeling the world spin even with my eyes closed. I bit my lip, ignoring the way my legs trembled. I wouldn't pass out until I knew it worked.
The forest was silent, making me wonder if I'd failed. I opened my eyes, but was greeted with a blurry scene, the world still spinning. Shit...
I fell forward, but the ground didn't cushion my fall. Instead, something warm caught me. I took a deep inhale, the scent of rosemary greeted me; the scent reminded me of Arielle and her obsession with gathering the herb.
"You said you'd save some energy, idiot."
I grinned. A weak giggle escaped me at the harsh, but gentle high-pitched voice. I opened my eyes; stunning amber eyes looked down to meet my gaze. I hadn't realized I was resting on the ground; the female from my imagination cradled me in an embrace.
"Admit it. I'm awesome," I voiced.
Arielle rolled her eyes, but looked worried as she continued to stare down at me.
"I should get you to Magnor. You’re pale as a sheet. We have school tomorrow," she reminded.
I gave a slight shrug. "Don't care. It worked. Celestia will be proud," I pointed out, closing my eyes.
"Yup. Total idiot," she replied.
"I figured you'd be the type to say the opposite of what you felt," I mumbled, smiling. I opened my eyes to see her rosy cheeks flush as she blinked, looking confused.
"You're...ugh. Just be quiet and stay here," she instructed.
I closed my eyes again. "Not like I can walk anyways. I'll be good," I replied, my voice barely audible. Even though I felt like shit, I was beyond happy. I'd finally accomplished this after years of training.
Even if Arielle was trying to hide it, I somehow knew she was currently feeling overjoyed. It was like a section of my heart could feel exactly how she felt. Maybe it was because we were sharing a stronger connection now that she was in human form versus in her phoenix or harpy form.
I felt my body being lifted up; my head rested against their chest while my legs and arms dangled. I took another sniff, wondering if Magnor had arrived and was the one carrying me, but I still smelled rosemary.
"Arielle?" I mumbled.
"It makes no sense for me to fly and get him if I can just take you home. I'll try not to use any more magic, just rest up, Sia," Arielle explained.
I relaxed, proud that my request for Arielle to make her own decisions was included in the package. "Cool."
A warm sensation flowed around me and the sound of wings flapping twice alerted me that Arielle was prepared to take flight.
Within seconds we were in the air, the cool night breeze brushing against my face. It was rather soothing, allowing me to doze off.
"Sia?"
I stirred, fighting to stay awake long enough to reply. I felt her hesitation before a wave of pride took over.
"Thank you," she whispered.
I smiled, allowing myself to fall back asleep. We'd be back shortly and Magnor would help me balance out. Hopefully at Aslan, we wouldn't have any major issues.
"Sia?"
I opened my eyes, feeling much better than before. Silver eyes met mine; Magnor smiled down at me. I looked to my left to see Arielle back in her phoenix form. She stretched out her wings, which flickered with blue flames, in excitement as she hopped in place.
"BRU-REE! BRU!" she cheered happily. Even though she was back to normal, I could still feel her relief at seeing me awake.
"Hello," I greeted.
Magnor sighed in relief, rising from his kneeling position.
I looked around, realizing I was resting on the couch in the living room. Magnor must have been worried and worked on me right away. Normally he would bring me home and put me straight to bed.
"You couldn't wait until you settled at Aslan to try that spell?" Magnor questioned, crossing his arms.
I smirked. "Of course not. You already know how impatient Celestia and I are. Why wait?" I retorted proudly.
He shook his head. "You two worry me," he replied.
"We'll be just fine," I reassured him.
He gave me a soft smile, nodding his head in approval before walking over and lifting me in his arms.
"I can walk," I countered.
"Sure," he replied sarcastically, making his way down the hall toward my room.
I frowned, but didn't argue. I knew if I had tried to get up I'd merely faceplant to the floor, collide into furniture, or crash into Magnor for the 45th time. This was the safest option for everyone.
"Bru-Bru-Bru," Arielle chirped, following us.
We entered my room, Magnor walking over to my bed. Arielle swept ahead, landing on the bed and using her talons to pick up the thin blanket, moving it out of the way for Magnor to lay me down.
"Thanks." I gave him a wide smile, feeling relieved that I could go to sleep. At least it was still early in the night and I'd be able to get enough rest before Celestia had to head to Aslan.
"You’re welcome. You did an excellent job with Arielle. Looks like she can stay in that form for a while without draining you significantly. Will be a good advantage in battle," Magnor praised.
"I'm glad. I tried really hard this time. The books you gave us helped tremendously. Thank you once again for the gifts and please tell Father and Mother thank you," I replied, wanting to make sure I showed my appreciation and thanks.
This would be the last night I'd get to see Magnor for a while. I already missed our training sessions and his annoying taunts. I blinked back tears, feeling the heartache of missing the person who raised me and loved me for who I was.
He sighed, sitting down on the edge of the bed and wiping away a tear that rolled down my cheek.
"I'll miss you," I whispered, more tears rolling down my cheek.
"It's not like you'll never see me again, Sia. You and Celestia can call me whenever. If I'm abroad, I'll inform you through a magic letter." He continued to wipe away my tears.
I slowly sat up, outstretching my arms. He grinned and his expression softened, pulling me into a hug.
We didn't share moments like this often. Magnor was strict and didn't like showing his soft side often, but whenever I was depressed or sick he always lowered those walls, making sure to comfort me.
"I'll miss you too. You're going to do great and make lots of friends," he soothed.
"Friends my foot. But I'll try just to make you happy," I replied.
He chuckled, pulling back to gaze into my eyes. "No boys."
"Oh c'mon. I'm twenty-four!" I countered.
"So?"
"What do you mean, so? What if I get put in an all guys dorm?" I argued.
"Why would they put one girl in a dorm filled with guys?" he asked.
"It's in the guide. It’s a random placement based on your team," I replied, recalling the summary notes Celestia had written for me to review. Sure, we shared the same body and it was better for me to do my own research, but her notes made it faster. She was the brains and I was the badass. But we could swap either way, if I wasn't being lazy of course.
"You're not going to be put in a dorm of men. That's illogical," he huffed.
I grinned. "Awww. You don't want us coming back with a man wrapped around our arm, asking for your blessing?" I joked.
He had a sour expression on his face, which made me giggle.
"No, I take it back. I'll bring two. One for me and one for Celestia," I continued.
"I won't approve it," he grumbled, his silver orbs showed his displeasure regarding the topic.
"Bru-ree?" Arielle asked, tilting her head.
"You’re right, Arielle. I'll bring six guys! Three for me and three for Celestia. It would be perfect."
"I'll just murder them all," he said under his breath.
I gawked at him. Arielle dropped onto the bed and looked up at him in shock.
"What?"
"Bru?"
"You should be sleeping. Go to sleep." He flicked my forehead.
"Ow! Abuse." I rubbed the area.
Arielle flew up to my forehead, rubbing her head against the spot Magnor flicked.
I giggled before yawning.
"You say abuse to everything. Now, rest up, both of you. Make sure you study hard and no boys." He stressed the last part.
I pouted at him, lying back down. "Hmph. We'll see...but no murdering whoever my team is," I replied, closing my eyes.
"Fine," he agreed, flicking the switch to turn the lights off. "Goodnight, Sia and Arielle. Be strong for Celestia and for me," he whispered.
"Night Magnor...love you," I replied, beginning to fall asleep. I could hear the quiet sound of footsteps, followed by something soft pressed against my forehead.
"I love you too, Sia. You and Celestia will always be like a daughter to me."
My lips curled into a smile at Magnor's hushed words. I couldn't tell if it was a dream or reality, but I'd always remember them as I set off with Celestia on this new path to prove ourselves.