~CELESTIA~
I opened my eyes, feeling the earth beneath me. The sun shone brightly overhead and I had to blink a few times to see the beautiful sky in its many colors. I slowly sat up, holding my head, which was pounding like crazy. What happened?
I glanced around the beautiful oasis, stunned by its beauty and serene atmosphere. From the many unique flowers that were in full bloom and the warm breeze that passed, carrying multiple floral scents, I felt almost at home.
It reminded me of the place Cairus and Caio had discovered, but I knew somewhere deep within me, that this was where I belonged. Where I should have been born and raised. It made me wonder what it would look like at night, and it made the unicorn side of me excited to shift and explore.
"Celestia."
I looked over my shoulder and a wide smile formed on my face; mismatch purple and pink eyes locked onto mine.
"Mom?!" I scrambled to my feet and before I knew it, I was in her arms, holding her tightly. My beautiful mom, who I’d missed dearly, was actually here.
She giggled, stroking my hair soothingly. "I've missed you, Sweetheart."
"I missed you too," I whispered, fighting tears. I had missed her soft scent of lilies, her long flowing pink and purple hair, and those beautiful mismatched eyes that reminded me of Sia. Her voice sent flickers of hope through me, making me feel that everything would be alright.
"Mom, what are you doing here?" I was confused as to why we were in such a beautiful place. I'd been doing something important, I remembered that much, but I had no idea how that led to me being in a beautiful field of flowers and rainbow skies with my mother.
I looked up to meet her gaze and she gave me a sad smile. "We don't have much time, Sweetheart. You have to go back. Your friend needs you."
"Friend?" I asked, even more confused.
She nodded. "Yes. He'll need your help. You have to go back."
I frowned and looked down at my feet, debating if this would be my only chance to see her. I had so many questions, but there was no time for me to get the answers I needed.
She lifted my chin up and smiled. "You can't delay, but this won't be the last we see each other. I swear it,” she whispered, pressing a kiss to my forehead.
"I love you, Mom," I whispered, hoping she'd keep her promise and I would see her again.
"I love you too, Celestia. Believe in yourself and the love you have for those dear to you. Prove that you have a heart of a huntress. Now go,” she urged, pointing forward. I didn't hesitate, turning around and running forward as fast as I could. The world began to fade, dematerializing into glitter as a doorway of light shone brightly up ahead, engulfing my vision and returning me to the surface.
I groaned, different sounds vibrating around me as I woke up. My head was pounding, but that was least of my worries because suddenly, a loud ear-piercing cry rang through the air. My heart dropped and my eyes widened at the familiar noise. My body shot up into a sitting position and saw Orion's alicorn form tangled in multiple tendrils.
"Orion?!" I cried out, scrambling to my feet, but then the world began to spin, making me grit my teeth as I tried to fight off the dizziness. But it was to no avail, my body falling back. Someone stopped me from falling; their hands landed on my shoulders and back like a wall for me to rest on. Their hold felt familiar, but somehow different. I slowly lifted my head up to see pure white eyes, but a familiar face that made me tilt my head in utter confusion.
"O..rion?" I asked.
He smiled, the expression eerie, but with a sense of beauty to it. "Oh, my Queen. I know my brother and I are very alike, but I'm not at all like him."
"Brother?!" I practically squeaked, recovering from my dizziness and pulling out of his hold to face him. He looked like the spitting image of Orion, but the aura around him was much darker and made my skin crawl.
He nodded, taking a moment to bow before me. "Yes, my Queen. My name is Odion Meadow. I'm Orion's older brother. It's nice to show my real appearance to you in the flesh."
My jaw went slack and I stared at him blankly. Spitting fucking image? Holy shit.
"Twins?" I questioned and his grin widened. "Yes, my Queen. It's a terribly long story and I personally don't blame my brother for not sharing it with you, but I’m guessing he may not get the chance at this point." Odion frowned, his eyes looking past me.
I whipped my head to see Orion's body cloaked in darkness, red eyes glaring at me as he began stomping his hoof. NO.
"Orion!" I cried out, ready to dash towards him, when a hand grabbed my wrist, stopping me. I looked back at Odion, who had a troubled expression.
"It's too late for him, my Queen. You'll only be risking yourself,” he warned. I could hear the sympathy in his voice but his expression gave away his true amusement.
"Change him back!" I ordered.
"It's not that simple, my Queen. The darkness chooses its victims. I'm just the carrier." He shrugged.
"He's your brother!" I snapped.
"True, but why should I care when he has what I rightfully own?" he countered.
"You don't own me!" I snarled. He pulled me forward until I was in his hold, his left hand held my wrist while his right arm wrapped around my waist, pressing my body against his.
"That is where you're wrong, my Queen,” he whispered, before his tender lips landed on mine. My body froze up at the kiss, unable to distinguish the truth from the lie. How could he be so evil, yet kiss so tenderly?
I tried to pull away, but he only deepened the kiss, moaning into my mouth. I can't do this!
"NEIGH!" I heard the loud agonizing call before the sound of stomping hooves hitting the ground. Odion broke the kiss and grinned, lifting us up and moved back just in time to avoid Orion's attack. He let me go with a devilish grin on his lips.
"Now, brother. You shouldn't be interrupting us. It's rather rude." Odion sighed dramatically. Orion looked even angrier after that, his raging red eyes glowed and he charged towards Odion, who avoided his attack again. He landed opposite of me and Orion skidded to a stop, turning his head to his brother who grinned.
"Hmm. It looks like I've run out of time. At least I can't say it was a waste,” Odion mumbled, his thumb trailing across his bottom lip while his eyes stared at me. He didn't need to have irises for me to see his desire for me and I didn't know whether to be intrigued or totally sickened by the idea.
"My Queen, I'll be back to claim you, dead or alive. Try to survive my little brother's tantrum. He's rather hard to handle when he's mad." Odion winked and blew a kiss my way.
"NEIGH!" Orion charged straight towards him. Odion shook his head and snapped his fingers. His cloak wrapped around his body and black magic circles appeared, one beneath him and one above him, slowly moving towards one another. By the time the circles met, Odion was gone.
Orion skidded to a stop, crying out over and over again while his hooves stomped the soil where his brother once stood. I sighed, glad he was gone but left completely confused with everything. I had to try and heal Orion. I didn't know if I had enough strength for it, but I needed to try anyway.
"Orion?" I whispered, reaching out my hand. He turned to me and a shiver ran through me; those red orbs were filled with hate and the intent to kill.
"Orion? It's me, Celestia." I raised my hands in defense but it did no good. Orion stomped his hooves and began to charge straight at me. Aww shit!
"SHIELDALA!" My hands rose up to cast the spell, just in time for Orion's attack that hit me with force. I stood my ground as his head pressed against the shield which was already beginning to crack. I realized I wouldn't be able to hold it much longer.
Before I could react, the shield shattered and Orion charged right into me, sending me flying straight into a set of trees. I cried out, my body falling to the ground and I began to cough.
"Ow." I slowly got to my hands and knees, lifting my head to see Orion eyeing me carefully. "Jeez. I get you’re angry Odion kissed me, but could you be just a little more gentle?" I huffed.
He blew out steam from his nostrils and a red magic circle formed beneath him. "Oh, no! Don't you dare blow fire at me, Orion," I snapped, scrambling to my feet and pointing my hand at him. He stalled, almost looking frightened at my sudden harsh tone.
"I get you’re mad. Just stay still. Please," I soothed, slowly approaching him. He didn't move, which was a good sign and I mentally sighed in relief when the magic circle beneath him disappeared. If he started a fire, we'd be in a major dilemma with how fast the flames would spread, potentially destroying everything here. Not like the area was alive with all the decay and darkness.
I was only three steps away when he began to back up, looking like he was angry, but also confused. "Orion, please let me heal you. Odion's gone," I urged.
He stomped his foot against and I cursed as he stormed forward. I dodged his charge but had no time to recover. He did a sharp turn and charged straight into me, sending me flying into a cluster of trees, breaking a few until I slammed into one that stopped my movement.
I dropped to the ground and let out a groan before I began coughing up blood. I fought to get on my hands and knees, my breath ragged as I fought to stay conscious. I heard a sound and lifted my head to see Orion approach me cautiously, looking a bit sad.
"Your brother was right. You're hard to handle when you're pissed," I whispered. I slowly rose to my feet, which trembled. I ended up leaning my back against the remaining tree behind me for support.
I used my arm to wipe the blood from my lips, looking down at my uniform that was in tatters. That's when I noticed the thick tree bark poking out from my left thigh. I bit my lips, just now feeling how fucking painful it was.
Shit. This isn't good. I looked back at Orion whose eyes lingered on my leg, watching the blood drip down onto the desolate earth.
"Orion. I can't hurt you. I...just...can't. You have to let me heal you. I get you’re upset. Maybe you’re even mad at me...but I...can't lose you to the darkness. You can kill me after if you like. Just...let me help you," I begged.
He didn't move and I sighed, trying to catch my breath. I'd only have enough energy to heal Orion and not the wound on my leg. I could already feel the effects of the blood loss and was trying not to vomit from the gruesome appearance of my leg.
I just had to make sure Orion was okay. If he was healed of the darkness, that's all that mattered. We couldn't lose any more alicorns. My gut told me that.
I raised my arms up and Orion began to stomp, getting ready to charge. "It's okay. Whatever you decide to do...I know it's not your fault. You loved me and that's all that matters," I whispered, hoping that if he was going to kill me, he'd at least give me one last hug first.
He charged forward and I closed my eyes in defeat, fighting not to lose consciousness. I could sense his hurt, feel the pain that radiated off him, especially after seeing his brother kiss me. He thought I wasn't his anymore, that his brother had won, but he was wrong and this was the only way I could think of to prove that to him.
I must have gone in and out of unconsciousness for a split second because when I opened my eyes, I was still leaning against the tree. Something licked my cheek and I sighed in relief. I opened my eyes to see Orion, his red glowing eyes filled with sadness.
I smiled as best as I could and he took a step forward into my arms. I hugged him, holding back a sob as I stroked his fur that was still cloaked by the cold dark aura.
"I'm gonna heal you now, Orion," I warned. He huffed but stayed in place, making me grin. "And you call ME stubborn," I mumbled, knowing he was still a little mad.
What was left of my magic poured into my fingertips and I let it flow out without holding back. He was much bigger than the deer and I knew with how unique of a shifter he was, it would probably cost twice as much energy to heal him.
I let the energy continue to flow until I had nothing left, and was fighting to keep my eyes open. I smiled as the darkness faded out of him, floating in the air, before vanishing. Orion pulled back to give me a full glimpse of his pure white body, those beautiful wings I adored reappeared and stretched out before retracting back to his sides.
"Welcome back," I whispered, the relief of it all finally sinking into my body. His body began to glow and was immersed in light. I felt a sick feeling running through me that I was powerless to fight, a chill running through me as the pain began to pulse all over my body
My knees buckled and I fell forward, bracing myself for the fall. I could only imagine the pain I'd feel when the tree bark that was protruding from my body got pushed further by the fall, but I couldn't shift fast enough to fall on my side. Arms caught me before I hit the ground, and seconds later, I was lowered gently down, my body cradled in warm arms.
"Fuck, Celestia. I'm so sorry. Can you hear me? Celestia!" Orion called out. I smiled weakly, needing a few moments to finally open my eyes before looking up at his gorgeous purple eyes that were filled with tears as his lip trembled.
"You know...when you swear...it's really hot," I commented.
He smiled, tears rolling down his cheeks before he leaned over and kissed me. I could sense his hesitation in the kiss, but I didn't mind, kissing him back with everything I had. This might have been my last kiss, so I needed to make it count.
He broke the kiss and I took the moment to apologize. "I'm sorry. I didn't...didn't...think he'd kiss me. Don't be mad," I begged, tears rolling down my cheeks.
"Celestia...I'm not mad at you. I'm sorry, it's my fault. I…should have realized it was him. I didn't think...it's a long story...but I'm not upset with you."
That's a relief. I tried to respond but I was so cold, and it was getting hard for me to breathe. "O...rion. I...don't feel...good," I sighed. My lip trembled and I could barely feel anything. It was like I was freezing up from the inside out. With that, my fear grew stronger.
"I need to get you back," Orion said quietly, but then his eyes lingered on my leg.
"It's...bad...isn't it?" I whispered. Orion bit his lip and I didn't need for him to reply to know this wasn't going to turn out well.
"I'll take you to Magnor. He'll be able to help," Orion suggested determinedly.
"She'll die before you reach the school gates,” a voice announced. Orion looked up and I ever so slowly turned my head to the right. I saw a tall man with short black hair and brilliant pink eyes. There were two other people behind him, wearing similar uniforms, but you could tell the guy who spoke was the leader of the group.
"Who are you?" Orion narrowed his eyes at them, looking like he'd kill them if they so much as glanced at me funny.
"As important as that question is, we don't have much time to waste. Unless you want Celestia to turn into a Forsaken," the man disclosed. I was confused that he knew my name. He walked forward and Orion held me tightly to his body, his eyes locked on the approaching stranger. He reached us, lowering to one knee. His pink eyes looked into my eyes.
A sad smile formed on his lips and he reached out, stroking my head soothingly, which left me even more confused.
"How..." I trailed off, closing my eyes shut as a shock wave of pain suddenly coursed through me.
"I'm sorry Celestia. I know how curious you are, but I need to save your life first, which means we need to get this bark out of her leg, now,” he insisted.
"She'll bleed out," Orion pointed out in a worried voice.
"If we leave that in, she'll become a Forsaken. Everything in this part of the forest is tainted. You can already see how cold she is. If it weren’t the fact that she’s a unicorn shifter, she would have been dead and consumed by now,” the man pointed out.
Orion was silent and the man sighed. "I'm gonna need your help when I pull it out. The moment I do, you're going to have to use whatever healing magic you have to halt the bleeding. That will give me enough time to heal her,” he explained.
My body trembled and I whimpered, unsure if I could take much more of the pain and cold. Orion looked down at me, fear in his eyes as he bit his bottom lip. "Fine. But you need to tell me who you work for, or at least where we're being taken to,” Orion insisted.
"We are part of Alpha Pure and are bringing you back to our camp. I’ll be honest, we’ll have to follow protocol until you’re deemed cooperative and trustworthy enough to walk around freely, but at least your girlfriend will be alive. Good enough?" the stranger confirmed.
"Fine, but we can't be separated or I'll wreck shit up," Orion declared.
"Sure." The man sighed, shaking his head. He turned his gaze to me and gave me a sympathetic look.
"Sorry, Celestia. Because of how painful this is going to be, I need you to sleep," he revealed.
"But..." I began, but trailed off. I was fighting off sleep right now, but I was scared if I closed my eyes, I wouldn't wake up again. He stroked my head once more, the action relaxing me a little. He smiled, his pink eyes twinkling brightly.
"You will survive this, but no more time wasting. I vow you will be fine,” he whispered. I didn't know why I felt he was telling me the truth, but I nodded slightly and he smiled. He lifted his hand and took a deep breath, slowing blowing out a stream of air.
Pink sparkles that reminded me of glitter rained down on my face and a wave of drowsiness hit me. I noticed Orion's shock but I couldn't focus on it anymore, my eyes slowly closing as my mind drifted further and further into the dark abyss.
The last thought I had was of the pink glitter that rained down on me, and the culprit of the magic, who now looked familiar to me, but I couldn't figure it out for the life of me. But I knew one thing.
That man was most definitely a unicorn shifter.