"So, Jakers, still not gonna tell me why we're at Central Park at midnight? I know tomorrow's my day off work, but I'd still like to get to bed at a decent time."
Jonathan and Jake walked through the meadow, seemingly the only ones around. Jake had been vague about their plans for that evening, only telling his dad that they were going to see something "totally cool."
"You'll see soon. Don't worry."
Having returned from Hong Kong a month prior, Jonathan had been invested in nearly everything about this newfound magical world. He had commandeered several books from Lao Shi's shop, and would spend dinner time quizzing his kids on everything magical and mythological. Jake felt as though a huge weight had been lifted off of his shoulders, and was grateful that now he could just be honest with his father. No more coming up with on-the-fly stories as to why he was going out so late, or why he hadn't gotten much sleep the night before.
Jake stopped in the middle of the field, standing with his hands behind his back. "Okay. This should be a good spot. Now, dad, do you know what tonight is?"
Jonathan cocked an eyebrow, and thought for a moment. "Uh…the 15th?"
Jake shook his head, and pointed up at the sky.
"It's…a full moon…," As he said this, a look of realization crossed Jonathan's features. "Oh, wait! I remember this from one of your grandfather's books! A full moon, Central Park…unico—!"
Before he could finish his sentence, a sudden glowing light appeared a short distance away. It hummed softly before the sound of galloping could be heard, getting closer and closer until a herd of the white unicorns appeared from it. They all moved in sync with one another, so gracefully and majestically. A grin broke out across Jonathan's face as he struggled to find words.
"It's…they're…unicorns!"
He was like a young child on Christmas morning, completely enraptured by the sight before him. Jake smiled softly to himself.
Suddenly, one of the unicorns noticed Jake out of the corner of her eye, and broke away from the group and trotted slowly to them. Jake recognized her as the unicorn he, Trixie, and Spud had helped escape the carnival two years ago.
"Hey there, girl. How ya been?" Jake petted her side, as she gently nuzzled him with her nose. She seemed a bit unsure of Jonathan, who was equally unsure himself. He reached a hand out towards her, but retracted it.
"Go on, dad. Pet her. She's really friendly."
"A-are you sure? I mean, I…I don't—"
"—I'm sure. Go on."
Jonathan reached out again, slowly, until his fingers met her soft coat. He had been expecting her to feel just like a normal horse, but somehow it was different. Softer, like it was made of fine silk rather than hair. As he did so, the unicorn turned her face to him, nuzzling him the way she had done with Jake.
Jonathan laughed. "Hey, there. My name is Jonathan, I'm Jake's dad," he said. It had become a habit for him to introduce himself that way to the various magical creatures he had met recently, which Jake found amusing.
"I can't believe it, I'm actually petting a real unicorn! Jakers, did you know that unicorn horn is the hardest substance in the magical world?"
Jake smiled softly. "I did know that, actually! The Huntsclan used to want to hunt these guys all the time to try and sell their horns." He patted the creature on the side and continued, "But we don't have to worry about that anymore, huh?"
The unicorn whinnied softly, and turned to look back at the rest of her herd, who were quickly disappearing from sight. She broke away from the two, galloping off to rejoin the rest. Jonathan waved excitedly, calling out, "It was great meeting you! Hope to see you again sometime!"
And then it was just the two of them in the meadow once more, the smile not leaving Jonathan's face as he was still reeling from excitement.
"I just can't believe it. I met a unicorn!" He turned to Jake, his expression softening. He clapped a hand on his shoulder and said, "Thank you for this, son. It was…it was just…—"
"—Magical?"
"Yes! Magical!"
