Hey guys! I hope all of you are having a merry Christmas, or happy Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. I just came back from a trip to Nashville, Tennessee. I was supposed to see snow and do some skiing, but that idea was quickly botched as it wasn't snowing. I did see the Parthenon and went to a hotel with tons of beautiful Christmas decorations, so it wasn't a complete waste. Anyway, enjoy the holidays!
Arbil flew up above the clouds in the Gray Village and the surrounding areas. She hummed to herself as she gracefully flew up and down in the air like a wave, and doing an occasional loop-de-loop. She decided that she wanted to get an aerial view of the area, and she immensely loved the view. Unlike her world where everything looked the same, each part of the Gray Garden had its own unique element to it, no two place exactly alike. Just another perk of why she loved this world.
Arbil was currently flying over Apple Park, her face and body facing the sun with her eyes closed, until she heard a girly shriek. She was so startled that she yelped as well and lost a bit of altitude. She flapped her wings to steady herself.
Arbil looked below to the direction of the scream. It was further to the right of the park. "That sounded like Macarona. I wonder what's wrong?"
She flew to the direction of the scream and observed the scene from the sky before landing. There were several caterpillars wriggling around, Macarona lying on the ground in fetal position, and Rawberry laughing at her.
Arbil landed in front of the girls. "Are you guys all right?" she asked, her eyes roving around them for potential danger. "I heard Macarona scream."
"Hey Arbil," Rawberry greeted. "Yeah, we're fine."
"But I heard Macarona yell," Arbil said as she kneeled down next to the angel who was quietly sobbing.
"Oh, a caterpillar got on her, so she's too scared to take it off."
As Arbil observed Macarona closely, she saw a small caterpillar crawling on her arm. The hybrid simply grabbed the bug and set it to the side.
Macarona sat up, wiping her tears. "Thanks Arbil. You're a lifesaver. Rawberry refused to remove that bug, and instead laughed at me."
"I was gonna get it off you. Eventually."
"What are you guys doing with bugs anyway?" Arbil asked.
"We're collecting bugs to make my bug jam later on," the pink demon explained, holding up a box.
"I don't know why you always drag me along to do these things with you," Macarona complained. "You know I hate bugs."
"I told you, bugs are friends," Rawberry said, holding one up.
"But you still eat them!"
"Um, if you need help, I will gladly take Macarona's place if she doesn't want to collect anymore," Arbil politely interjected.
"Really?" The angel hugged Arbil tightly. "Thank you, Arbil! You may be mixed, but you are an angel today."
"I guess it's okay," Rawberry pouted cutely. "I'll just have to tease Macarona another day. I need about fifteen more caterpillars please."
Arbil extended her claws. "No problem."
In less than a minute, fifteen caterpillars were defeated and collected.
Rawberry stared at Arbil in awe. "Wow, that's the fastest I've ever seen anybody beat up bugs. You're amazing, Arbil."
The hybrid blushed. "I try my best. Hey, is it alright if I try your bug jam?"
Macarona, who stuck around and watched, gaped at Arbil.
Rawberry's eyes twinkled. "Sure! Come over my house in fifteen minutes. I'll have a fresh batch made." With that, she grabbed her box, unfolded her hair wings, and flew into the air.
Macarona approached Arbil. "Um Arbil, I don't think that's a good idea."
"Why not? My caretaker always told me to try new things."
"Yes, but maybe not Rawberry's food creations." They continued conversing as they left Apple Park, defeating caterpillars along the way. Well, Arbil mostly. "She's been into weird food lately. She started eating seafood."
"That sounds tasty actually. And besides, bugs may be gross but they are a great source of protein."
Macarona sighed. "I guess I can't change your mind. Don't get sick, all right?"
Arbil smiled. "I'll try. Thanks for the heads up, though."
Arbil and Macarona arrived at Rawberry's house at the appointed time. Macarona knocked on the door. Who answered the door wasn't Rawberry though. It looked like an older and more sensible version of Rawberry.
"Hello, Macarona," the girl said.
"Hello Raspbel. Rawberry invited us over."
"Oh yes," Raspbel looked over to Arbil with a smile. "And you must be Arbil. Rawberry mentioned you."
Arbil waved. "Hello."
"Please, both of you come in."
They entered the house and Arbil took in the surroundings. They were many jars scattered around filled with some kind of red goo, and strawberries placed on small tables.
"Hey guys!" Rawberry shouted. She ran up to Arbil and grabbed her hand. "Come sit here, Arbil."
The pink demon pulled Arbil to the table and sat her on a chair. Before the hybrid could blink, there was a plate of toast spread with red jam in front of her. Rawberry sat to her right, intently staring at her. Macarona quietly sat at her other side, and Raspbel placed a plate of cookies and poured a cup of tea for everyone.
Arbil picked up the toast. "Are you sure about this, Arbil?" Macarona asked cautiously.
"Yup!" And on that note, Arbil bit off a piece and chewed. Everyone remained silent as they waited for Arbil's reactions.
She smiled. "It's really good!"
"Yay!" Rawberry cheered. "Finally, someone who shares my tastes. I'm making Arbil my new best friend, Macarona."
"I'm okay with that, as long as you don't force me to eat bug-related food."
"Here Arbil," Raspbel said, pushing the cookies to her, "the cookies taste better with that."
"Thank you," said Arbil, happily munching on a cookie and downing it with a warm cup of chamomile tea.
For the rest of the day, Arbil tasted Rawberry's weird food and loved every single one of them. Macarona had to leave soon after before she got nauseous.
I wish everybody a happy holidays! Review please!
