Episode 5: "The Golden Son"
The girls didn't stop me, when I went to eat my lunch… which I completely expected but it didn't happen.
Vincent sat down with me. "I don't like it; they are probably planning something…"
I shrugged in turn…
"They are children, what can they possibly plot?" Wait, that didn't sound right.
"So, is there any prickling happening soon?", he pointed towards my bracelet.
How very subtle Vincent.
"No… not yet. But I have a feeling it won't take long."
"What happens when you translate all the runes?"
"Mhm?", I hummed.
"I know that once Centopia is completely evil free, that I won't be needed anymore. So, I won't be able to return to Centopia at some point once it is all over", I replied, but couldn't help the bitter feeling in my chest.
"So, you go there, save the day and the thanks is literally kicking you out? What a thankless job."
"Well, I do get to ride a unicorn."
- :O
We left going towards his shack. "Are you sure it is happening today?"
"Yep! I've been getting a feeling of de-ja-vu as if I already had this before… even if it went differently than I thought, normally when I get these de-ja-vus I also get to go to centopia the same day."
"Really? But are you going to be okay… you know after last time?"
My heart dropped. And I needed a moment to get my composure back.
"Mia?"
"I… don't know. But I don't think it'll be that much of a problem as long as I don't have to face Panthea again", I noticed my breath picking up.
"Hey, let's just go okay? We can think about it there", I nodded.
Just in time as my arm started to prickle.
- :O
"Do… you think I could try going? You know… to Centopia?" I shook my head knowing the answer.
"I'd love to have an actual friend with me, but I don't think this bracelet will react to anyone but me, you are welcome to try."
"Would it still hurt if you took it off?"
I just sighed and rolled my eyes, "Vincent I literally take it off to charge it."
"Yeah, but never while it is still blinking, give it a try, for… for Science!"
I relented taking the bracelet off.
The prickling remained.
"Okay I think the bracelet and I are connected, because it prickles still, and prickling more by the minute."
He hummed, not hiding his surprise.
"Can I try it on? And say the password? Please let me try!"
"Sure… that'll prove it to you then", I flipped open the pages of my book, but as I did, I was met with the latest image, the Trumptus destroyed and me in Pantheas grasp staring directly into me-
Then the page was suddenly flipped.
"Are you sure you are, okay?", and I blinked, getting out the mirror shortly thereafter.
An unbelievable amount of relief washed over me… Because finally! It was an oracle I knew.
Which… had its own strange feeling… knowing that it aligned with the show- that I am from that-
"Mia!"
I jerked up. "Sorry, where were we? Right, the Oracle! Wind and Water, Golden Horn, with Onchao new hope is born."
He readied up the bracelet on his arm, not before suddenly grabbing a helmet.
"For protection, since you know getting vaulted at high velocity into Centopia?"
"I think the gold void would drop you into the ocean making that hat useless."
We both let out a light chuckle.
"And say the password normally, just as if you have to read out a sentence in class", he nodded before taking another choked breath.
He tapped it, "Incorrect User", w-what?
"What?", he voiced my exact question. Blinking.
"That is not what happened last time?", I couldn't help but say.
"Last time? What do you mean?"
"I- when she- you used- it didn't- it-", my head hurt. This didn't make sense.
"Slow down, when what?", he pried but his hand already slit of the bracelet of him.
"When you", I begun slowly. It felt as though I was fighting against a heavy wave of an ocean trying to find a coherent thought.
"When- the show- you entered the password- but it didn't let you in. It didn't say 'Incorrect User.'"
"What do you mean, what show? What are we talking about?"
"I- don't-"
My ears were ringing, was he saying something? My arm felt numb. When did everything start to blur?
- :O
Pain striking through my arm jolted me awake.
"Ouch", I jolted up but my bracelet wasn't on my arm, but my arm looked like an angry red.
That is certainly not how dad and mom nor this… series of mine designed this.
"Mia! You are awake, are you okay, how many fingers can you see, do you remember your name?", Vincent was already right by me holding 3 fingers up.
"3 and Rain, so where's the bracelet? And what happened."
"What did you say?"Vincent blinked, scrunching his eyebrows, seemingly trying to find something in my face.
"3 and Mia and where my bracelet is? What happened, why am I on your sofa?"
"I thought you just said something different, but are you okay? You just fainted! That is serious Mia!"
I faltered only a little bit under his exclamation.
Hissing when my arm stung further. Looking at it, it looked swollen and angry like some odd blue veins straining over it, glowing.
"I- I need to go, I can't wait any longer, we'll discuss it when I am back- ouch", it pounded angrily and Vincent quickly grabbed the bracelet and we put it on.
It didn't change anything, but quickly I tapped the sapphire. The voice sounded impatient and angry as it only asked "password".
"Wind and Water, Golden Horn, with Onchao new hope is born", I rattled down as fast I could, and the pain subsided instantly.
"Yeah… maybe this –" but Vincent was cut off as I disappeared.
Getting flung through the void, with my wings being less of a bother than the arm was.
"Please be a soft landing", but just as I was flung, I felt myself crash against something.
"UFF", it came – ah crashed into someone.
Slowly getting off the person, I shook my head trying to clear it.
Before realization hit.
"I'm so sorry, are you okay?", I helped the yellow figure up. "Better if you hadn't crashed into me- hey it's you, you are okay? MO! Come over here."
"Oh it's you Yuko."
"What's wrong, did something … happen", his voice dropped upon seeing me.
I waved with my hand and pressed my lips to a thin line.
"I went poof", I gestured with a twirl of my hands.
"And now I am back", gesturing to the ground.
"You are alive!", Mo blurted, unable to hold back his surprise any longer.
"I went poof", I repeated making the same twirling motion.
"And now I am back again", gesturing once again to the ground.
"But how?", Yuko came closer causing me to step back.
"Well, now that we have established I have successfully escaped Panthea… Where is Lyria?", the glances exchanged between the elves were certainly getting annoying. As they made space to offer a view into the clearing, there the Unicorns surrounded Lyria not letting the elves near.
"Ah that is different too." But I quickly brushed the thought away.
I walked into the clearing, the unicorns simply letting me through… We may have never interacted but they had seen me plenty of times with Lyria, usually saving them by doing so.
She happily huffed as I approached.
"Mia! You are back." She said.
"Yep! I'm good, nothing happened see, I'm perfectly alright!", I made a light slow twirl around myself.
"What about you, what about your foal?"
"Its time… now!"
"Then let's go! Yuko, Mo, if you mind? They are standing there because you are too close!"
They flew up, but I heard Yuko huff unhappy.
Getting Lyria to get up was no small feat, her legs were shaky.
I stepped away to give her more space, as the unicorns joined her side to support her.
Behind I followed.
"So, what is happening?", Yuko asks, the question going towards me.
"Lyria is having a baby today."
"Wh-what!?", Mo clasped his hand upon his mouth as the unicorns looked at him.
But then they continued, and I strolled along.
"Wind and Water, Golden Horn, with Onchao new hope is born", Lyrias ears perked up as she heard me reiterate the oracle.
"It's the oracle. You already know what it means don't you", but all I caught was a quiet huff. Yet it sounded amused like a knew it.
I just cocked my head. What did she mean?
Not too soon after Lyrias legs gave in. Not good.
"Lyria!", I rushed to her side, as the unicorns gave her space.
"Can you make it the rest of the way?", I asked in a quiet hush.
Her response made my heart drop but-
"We'll get to the water unicorn, she'll be able to help. Just wait here and try finding a hiding spot with the others okay?", I hope the urgency was clear in my ushered tone.
In a nod she pointed me towards the right way.
"Got it, on my way! See you soon Lyria!", and I stumbled away.
"Yuko, Mo! Can one of you stay with Lyria?"
"Why, what's going on?"
"We need to get the water unicorns help, Lyria can't make it all the way herself. And we need to hurry."
"The water unicorn- okay I'll just save the questions for later, Yuko you stay with Lyria, I'll go with Mia", he grabbed me underneath my shoulder and jolsted me up-
"I didn't agree to fly- woahha", I struggled under his grip, but I must have been super light because he made it look easy.
"Okay, I'll take care of it, hurry", Yuko replied, turning her back as she went to tend to Lyria.
And we flew.
Over the dead land that marked Pantheas palace.
- :O
"In a cave the water unicorn resides", I answered as he finally asked me where we were going. Should have asked earlier.
"How do you know? The water unicorn is unbelievably shy and you aren't from around here", his voice wasn't as accusatory as the last times.
"My book? Back at home. But that isn-", I nearly made us fall, trying to clutch my head at the sudden headache forming.
"Woah watch it, I can't both carry you and have you flail."
"Sorry… Oh look, a small cave entrance, you think that is it?"
"Looks to be right."
And soon he dropped me off surprisingly gently as we arrived at the entrance. Yep definitely looked familiar. But I had never been here before?
"Are you coming?", he motioned towards the cave and I paused before nodding. "O-of course", and we walked down together. The way wasn't long.
It was quiet as I looked into the water. Mo checked the walls, but I paid it no mind.
"Water Unicorn! I know you can hear me", I let it ring as Mo was startled by my shout.
"What are you doing!"
"Lyria is having a foal, but she can't make it all the way on her own! She needs help getting here and protection from the dark elves!"
At first there was silence…
But then a roar.
As the water unicorn- holy moly what did it eat why was it so big- started appearing out of the water.
Wait outside. It roared as its horn glowed.
"Of course, let's go!"
"What, what is going on?", but I just grabbed his arm, dragging him along.
"Mia, what are you doing, let go!", he jerked his hand out of my grip as we reached the entrance.
There was a rainbow coming from the top of the grotto. A signal I knew.
"A rainbow? That was probably the water unicorn", he mumbled, still unsure, he flattered up a bit away from me.
"It's a signal to the wind unicorn", I state as a matter of fact.
"W-what!?"
And as on cue, the sound of wind rushing past, and something appearing in the distance drew closer.
It's wind nearly blew me off my feet, but I managed to stay upright… for once.
It settled on top of the cave.
It roared, demanding to know where Lyria was.
"Mo the elf prince will bring you to her, he is faster than me", the elf prince jolted for a moment before clearing his throat.
"Of course, follow me!"
"I'll wait here for you", he glanced back and nodded as he tapped his ringed and asked for Yuko.
He sped off, as fast he could. Definitely faster than he was with me as deadweight.
Oh.
Friendship rings, I never got one. I realized, somehow it left me feeling uneasy.
Another thing I changed, change from-
Why did my head hurt so much… I didn't do that before? I mean a headache here and there… then I fainted trying to explain to Vincent that-
A loud roar thankfully distracted me, from a far the Wind unicorn had roared, it sounded enraged.
Shortly after colorful splotches came into view.
More and more until I could make it out that it was the wind unicorn, with Lyria on a cloud and the other unicorns following.
I breathed in relief at the sight. She was okay. And she was about to have her foal! Onchao was about to be born.
As they approached, even Yuko and Mo were not fending off, but allowed to stay.
"Thank you", I bowed to the Wind Unicorn, now following along with Lyria.
Down the grotto I brushed my hand throughout her fur.
"Don't worry Lyria, you got this", and the water unicorn brought over the giant clam shell.
Lyria nudged me with her head before getting on and lying down in the middle of the clam.
The Clam was pushed back to the middle and closed, but Lyrias gaze rested warmly towards me.
Then as the clam closed, the few cracks started emitting strong light.
As the strong blinding light subsided, the clam opened… And I couldn't help but release a shaky breath I didn't know I held.
Onchao laid next to his mother, golden main, golden horn, white body, white wings, and pink snout.
"He's beautiful", I breathed, as he neighed happily.
And his mother returned a happy neigh herself.
"His name is Onchao", but there was a hint of something I couldn't put my finger on when she looked back at me.
"Have you ever seen a unicorn with a golden horn?"
"No.. never", Yuko answered to Mo.
"Onchao is the name of the foal", I helpfully supplied.
"Can you actually talk to unicorns or how do you know?", the both looked at me and I laughed sheepishly in turn.
"Of course not, talking with unicorns is silly (somehow I heard several offended Unicorns in the background), I just know from the oracle. Wind and Water, Golden Horn, with Onchao new hope is born. Onchao must be him", I gestured towards Onchao with the smoothest save I could have possibly ever done.
"Oracle? Oh like Phuddle said", Mo seemed to remember something.
"I bring oracles! They help Centopia and I get to visit!", I happily chimed as Lyria approached Onchao as he spread his wings.
"What unicorn is it when he has wings?"
"Arguably a Pegasus, but some other cultures will say it is still a unicorn. Other cultures have invested in different names though, but since there are no other Pegasus without a horn- it stands to reason he's just going to be called uh… a unicorn", I faltered as Yuko and Mo started staring at me blankly as I rambled.
"Ahaha anyway thank you water unicorn, we can't thank you enough for your help today!"
It roared happily, "you are the one I should thank", but I could only blink perplexed. What did it mean by that?
"As the prince of the elves, I thank you on the behalf of all elves for your help, water unicorn. You good deed will not be forgotten thank you", that sounded very princy, I'd admit.
The unicorn responded with a "you are welcome", before disappearing and soon we left the cave of the water unicorn.
I let my shoulders relax as we left the cave. It was over… and it was easy. No wonder it went almost exactly like the show. I shook my head, shaking the thought I didn't want to think about this anymore.
Onchao happily trotted around before scrapping his hooves on the ground.
"What is he doing?", Yuko questions but she gasped when she saw the plants suddenly sprouting.
"This land was dead, do you know what this means! He could grow the plants all over the island again!", suddenly Yuko and Mo were holding hands circling through the air together, like a little dance.
Laughing in pure joy as they did so.
Standing next to Lyria, Onchao approached me.
Lyria huffed. "That's your older sibling."
I paused… then looked at Onchao and then back Lyria and…
I teared up. "Are you sure?", it was nothing but a small whisper, but she nudged me gently.
I crouched down to Onchao… my… little brother.
"Hey, Onchao, I'll be a good big sister to you I promise."
Lyria seemed amused, something I must have missed as I gently let my fingers run through his main.
It felt like for the first time in a long time…
I had family that actually loved me.
Since mine never did. No that can't be right, Mom and dad loved me…
- :O
I had shaken my thoughts, I wasn't gonna risk thinking more on these confusing thoughts, but it was mostly Lyria who had snapped me out of it this time.
Happy as can be Yuko and Mo chatted about the news as the pan flutes rang all around.
My arm started to prickle and I knew my time was left limited.
But Onchao ran ahead flapping his wings, taking off the ground. I sighed, thinking of my wings.
"You'll figure it out Onchao, you are already really good", my gaze, I noticed lingered wistfully on his wings.
If only my wings actually allowed me to fly.
I jolted as pain went shot and stung through my arm as the bracelet blinked. Lyria whined concerned.
"Aha I guess this isn't waiting for me anymore to let it run out. Take refuge in the elven crater when needed with Onchao and congrats on your foal, I'll see you next time!"
I tapped the crystal and could finally breathe easy.
"Oh Mia- wait-", but too late as I looked up to Yuko seemingly still wanting something from me.
Back at the shack and sofa, I breathe a sigh of relief.
"It hurt", I blurted the moment I was sure I was completely back. "Mia?"
Vincent was still there, obviously fidgety and worried.
"The arm, my bracelet, usually it prickled, but this time it hurt, when I let it glow by itself without returning."
"What?"
"Okay Mia, let's go through this one by one. What happened in Centopia this time?"
"Oh, you are going to love this!", I jumped up to grab the book.
- :O
"That is amazing that little guy! But Mia…"
"What is it?", he fidgeted more before pointing at my bracelet than at me.
"That isn't normal", he stated flatly. He wasn't joking or goofing off when he sat down next to me.
"I've been getting headaches… and confused about some things when I remember certain things… things let's say… and the arm had never hurt that bad… last time it also hurt, but did you see that?"
He didn't reply, just studying my face.
"Centopia trapped you", he finally said and I had to take a double take.
"What?"
"Think about it! The bracelet forces you to go and it kicks you out when your job is done, but you have no say in that matter."
"Huh."
"Mom and dad wouldn't make me this gift if it was going to hurt me…" I dropped my gaze, arms already around my torso trying to soothe my unease.
"And I believe you. But what if it just went differently? Something happened by the time you got your gift and when they… you know?", he gestured awkwardly with his one hand before shaking his head.
"You get it. Maybe whatever happened during that time did something with it. Maybe even messed with your head, messed up your wings and you know, does this thing with your arm."
He took another breath.
And I avoided looking at him.
He was right. Something did happen, something messed with my head when my parents died.
"I-", I didn't know what to say, the rest just died in my throat.
"Let's start over, how are you feeling? Do you need anything to drink, I have water and uhm water", I snorted, at his usual self.
"I feel okay, exhausted, my back hurts as always, but okay and yes a water would be great!"
"Water coming right up!"
Authors note:
-Trust me Lyria adopting Mia, leads to some funny shenanigans. It adds to the plot trust me haha
-Besides Mia is allowed to have good things, and I thought with Lyria motherly vibes towards Mia even in canon, I couldn't resist making her adopt her. Weird sure, but it is meant in a wholesome way! And fun for the plot ehhehe in the next and future episodes
-But now in hindsight, I do see that the interactions with Lyria and other unicorns come quite short in this fic, so that is something I'll keep in mind for the rewrite aka adding more scenes and familiarity with the herd.
-I think here I slowly had decided that the bracelet is very different from canon, maybe the fainting and co was a bit much, but eh I wrote it so I'll have to live with it now lol
-Also as a butterfly effect, Vincent was let in on the secret earlier than in canon, which stands to reason that he also wants to see Centopia a bit earlier than as well. Mia wouldn't be reluctant with the fore-knowledge of knowing it doesn't work for him, therefore getting this drama out of the way. Plus it feels more satisfying to have anyone else be directly rejected instead of just vaguely implied by not leaving.
-Adding to that I mean, if you see your friend faint, while the bracelet forces them to go, causing actual harm to them, you are not going to be too keen on going yourself.
-I don't know what my caffeinated mind was thinking writing this chapter haha