Emma, shocked.
“What do you mean, you killed Riley’s father?” I cry out.
“Sweetheart, I had no choice, he was about to kill your mother. But his pack of wolves, they seek revenge and tracked my scent,” he tries to placate me.
“How did you even know they were coming?” I ask, trying to come to grips with reality.
“I got a rapid vision of them running through Edgewood forest; my rapid visions are in present time, so I knew we didn’t have long. But we are safe now, they can no longer hurt us,” he reassures us.
I point to my own head, referring to his newly appeared crown and Grandfather smiles in understanding.
“My crown doesn’t exist in the mortal world, but here, it always does,” he explains.
I couldn’t believe that my grandfather killed Riley’s father! I didn’t feel sympathetic towards Riley’s father, but I felt empathy for Riley himself. If only I didn’t reveal myself, none of this would be happening. This is all my fault. I blame myself. Why did Jake have to go tell his father about me? I needed to get myself out of this deep thought.
It didn’t take long to notice the amazing new world we were standing in. The sky boasted beautiful rays of colour, from blue and purple to a shimmer of sunset orange and pink. We stood in the forest surround by magical mist.
In the distance was a huge beautiful blue neon glowing waterfall, flowing down into a stretched river.
A glowing path led us from the magical portal. This place is like a fairy-tale, a world one could only dream of, and yet this my world, it really exists. I am so thankful I’m sharing this with my best friend Emma.
Grandfather leads the way and we trail after him. I couldn’t help but wonder about my mother. I miss her so much and thinking about her brings a smile to my face.
I glimpse a woman walking towards us. She looks like an angel; her ears pointy, eyes bright blue, hair white and wavy flowing long past her shoulders, her dress long, and the train of her dress drags along the green grass. She wears a beautiful chain headband, her arms by her side as she walks towards us.
She bows to Grandfather. Who is this mysterious magical woman?
“This place is beyond my wildest imagination,” whispers Emma. I turn to look at her grinning from ear to ear, her happiness infectious.
“This world is incredible,” I nod in agreement as we come to a stop to greet the newcomer. Sebastion stands next to Grandfather, and Ray walks on the other side of Emma, completely fascinated with our surroundings.
“Welcome back Father,” speaks the mysterious woman.
Father? This woman is my aunty?
“Hello my dear, how is she?” asks grandfather anxiously.
“Elanore is doing extremely well, she’s waiting to see her children,” she reassures him with a sweet smile.
“Wonderful! This is Ray and his daughter Emma.” He introduces her to them. He then turns to us to make the necessary introductions but then turns his attention to a figure making its way towards us.
Suddenly, I notice a man wearing only long white pants, and a white blouse. His skin shimmers and in moments he is standing next to us, looking extremely happy.
“This is Abaddon. He will take Ray and Emma to settle in, and we’ll all reunite at tonight’s feast,” says Grandfather.
I look at Grandfather, reluctance to be separated from my friend written all over my face.
“It’s okay sweetheart, they’ll settle in while you and your brother go see your mother,” He states soothingly.
I look at Emma. I didn’t want us to separate. Emma hugs me.
“I’ll see you soon,” she smiles reassuringly as Abaddon escorts them away.
I turn my attention back to the mysterious lady. “You must be Arabella, and you Sebastion. I’m Ariel and I’m an elf.” I guess that explains the pointy ears. She smiles. Such beauty, she looks perfect. What every girl dreams to look like.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I smile politely. Sebastion just stands there quietly, staring at her with wide eyes, obviously enthralled by her. I nudge him.
“Hi,” is all he can manage. I stifle a laugh.
“We’ve met before sweetie, but you were only a baby. Let’s go see your mother,” she graciously says as she turns around, beckoning us to follow her.
We follow Ariel but I suddenly stop, grabbing Sebastion by the arm.
“What?” he says looking at me.
I shake my head slightly and blink a few times. I was staring at the water below the waterfall. From under the water, a large, beautiful shimmering black horse emerges, his legs still completely submerged in the water. The mane and tail were violet in colour and flowed magically like water. A magic horse? I also notice a huge beautiful mushroom, glowing vibrantly with pink and blue shades, it was at the foot of the gently cascading waterfall. A kaleidoscope of magical jellyfish, were floating around the mushroom, giving an ethereal air to the whole image.
“What is it Arabella?” asks grandfather, noticing my pause.
“What’s that?” I ask pointing at the horse.
“That’s Midnight, he’s a water spirit.”
“A what?” asks Sebastion curiously.
“A water spirit.” Grandfather chuckles.
“Arabella, Sebastion, you’ll be seeing a lot more magical creatures in this world. Don’t be afraid, they will not harm you,” he smiles warmly.
“Do you want to meet him?” asks Ariel.
“Midnight is one of our protectors, he guards the waters and watches over the land,” explains grandfather.
“Yes please!” I nod enthusiastically. This place is beyond incredible.
We walk over to the water’s edge that was glowing neon blue. Midnight was far out in the water. Noticing us, he turns and goes under water. I did not expect what would happen next - Midnight emerges as a boy, not much older than I. What the...
“Hey where did the horse go?” asks Sebastion in confusion. My exact thoughts.
“Arabella, Sebastion, this here is Midnight.”
“Weren’t you just a horse?”
Midnight laughs and leans down on one knee before Sebastion.
“Technically, I’m a water spirit, but yes, I was just in horse form. It is one of my abilities,” he smiles.
“That’s pretty cool!” States Sebastion in awe. Midnight laughs and then looks up at me. He stands to his feet and walks over to me.
“You must be Arabella?”
“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Likewise,” he smiles and takes my hand and kisses it. A gentleman of a water spirit, how bizarre, I think.
“That’s enough for now, you may visit Midnight another time, we have to see your mother.” Grandfather says, urging us along.
I wished Emma were here to see this! I wonder how she’s doing. As we follow Ariel and Grandfather, we pass many witches, warlocks, and elves, orange monkeys swung above in the over-lapsing tress, I think I’ve even seen a fairy. Words can’t begin to describe this whole new world. We arrive at grandfather’s home, which is of course much different to a mortal’s. Magical was the word.
“Arabella? Sebastion?” We hear the sweet voice of our mother calling our names.
Oh how I’ve missed her voice. I race into the room, relieved to see her looking well and healthy. I hug her tight as she stands by the window, embracing me back and smiling lovingly.
“I’ve missed you so much Arabella.”
“Mom!” yells Sebastion excitedly.
“Oh my babies, I’ve missed you both so much.” She says tearfully, joy dancing in her warm eyes, welcoming him into a group hug.
It was so good to see mom looking well after that nightmarish incident. I can see why grandfather brought her here. I feel so happy to be with everyone I love, in a whole new world, filled with creatures and magic beyond my imagination.
Grandfather explained we’ll be staying with him for a while, until a place of our own is ready, I get my own room, and it’s beautiful.
“Knock-Knock!” A melodic voice calls out.
“Come in.” I answer.
“Sweetheart, we’ll be heading off to tonight’s dinner festival soon, get yourself ready,” says Ariel as she hands me a white box wrapped in a yellow ribbon.
“Thank you,” I smile as she leaves the room, gently closing the door behind her. I still can’t believe that we’re related.
I unwrap the ribbon and lift the lid off the box. It’s empty. Is this a joke? I notice a blank card. Again?
I pick up the card and just like on the day of my birthday, words start to form. It reads: “A stunning dress for you, a turquoise blue, stand up you’re about to transform, I unleash a magical storm.”
I stand up quickly as instructed and look down as shoes form on my bare feet, and a dress clings from my shoulders. I spin around, and suddenly, I find myself wearing a stunning turquoise dress, light, flowy, and sheer. I look in the mirror; my hair in curls, with a turquoise head chain wrapped around my head, even my make-up was done! I felt beautiful. I quickly feel for my four-element necklace, and sigh in relief as my hands grip it. I take in a deep breath and prepare to attend the first festival in Aquarian Falls, stepping out into the purity of the air, mystical sights wherever I set my eyes toward.
Though night has fallen in Aquarian Falls, this world was lit up with beautiful colours, from the flower petals radiating with a glow to the gorgeous neon waterfall, and the path way was alight! How magical, I think in wonderment as I breathe in the beautiful crisp air, making my way towards my family formed in a loose group.
“Oh honey, you look beautiful,” Mom says as I meet them in the garden.
“Thanks Mom,” I reply shyly.
“You look