Chapter Text
On Wings of Happiness
(*(Chapter One)*)
“A long, long time ago, people used to send their wishes above us to the heavens, Asha.”
As her Father told her this, as a young girl, she stared at him. Then, looking at the many twinkling lights above them, she asked, “Why do that?”
A smile still gracing him, she heard him continue, “Probably because they lacked the strength on their own, so they hoped and wished that someone above could hear and help them to make their desires come true.”
“Oh?” She replied, then looking back up at the dazzling diamonds twinkle, she couldn't help but wonder, “...So, do people not even try anymore, to make wishes on them?”
“No.”
As he said this, Asha looked back at him. There, she saw a sadness creep into his eyes despite the smile he kept. Worried, she wanted to ask what was wrong when he continued instead, “People gave up on the stars, I think, since so many heartfelt wishes were never granted.” Then he squeezed his hands together and said, looking down, “After all, how can you depend on something that doesn't even respond to you? After some time...” taking in a deep breath, he revealed the source of his sorrow, “You just don't anymore, because the emptiness left hurts after trying for so long.”
Shocked hearing this, Asha asked him, “You gave up, wishing on the stars?”
“I suppose, for a time I have?” He answered sadly, and then he noticed her concerned look. His sorrowful smile remained, but offering her quiet comfort, he stroked her long, dark braided hair and head, saying, “But, I don't think deep down I have completely.”
“Hm?” Confused, Asha stared at him quietly.
“Because after all,” then looking back up to the distant skies again, he explained, “Some part of me deep down wants to believe in them, for looking at them still comforts me somehow.”
“I'm glad,” she replied. Then, with a smile of her own, Asha said, trying to be positive, “Maybe you just need to wish louder, Dad!”
“Louder?” He repeated, perplexed.
Nodding, Asha explained, “Yeah!” Then, pointing to the stars, she said, “Cause they're so far away up there, they probably can't hear us too well down here!” Then, trying harder to brighten the mood, she told him, gripping her fists ready, “So when you want something really bad, make your wish as loud as you can! Maybe then, they'll hear you!”
Her Father was silent for a few moments before he chuckled, and Asha was glad to see a genuine happy smile return to his face finally. Then brightly, he told her, “Alright, if that's what you think, I'll try harder!” With that, he ruffled her braided head again, making her laugh too happily.
Then, moving closer to him, she put her head on his arm and asked, “What do you want the most right now, Dad?”
As the question came, he was suddenly still. Then, after a little, he sighed and answered, “...That your Mother could finally make it here.”
Stilling herself, Asha, concerned, looked at her Dad. Then she saw that he was now no longer looking at the stars but instead at the far offshore that lay beyond the borders of the island they now called home.
There, they could see the terrible orange glow of fires that were surely burning in the far distance. Seeing them, then remembering what they had escaped from only a few months ago. It chilled the young girl; she gripped her hands around her Father's arm.
As she did, he put his hand over her trembling one. Then, as they remained quiet for a little, he told her, “I'm going to be giving my wish to lord Magnifico tomorrow.”
Shocked hearing this, she asked him, “You are?”
With a single nod, he said, “Yes.” Then he told her, “...And I know when I do, he'll hold it forever, so it might not come true.”
Horrified, she demanded, “Why!? Why do that!?”
“So we can stay safe,” then, as she looked up at him, shocked, she saw the sad smile again. However, it was still somehow so warm, as he added, “Because that's truly what your Mother and I wanted the most for you.” Then, stroking her head again, he added, “I'm doing this for both of us, along with your Grandpa, so we can all stay safe and be comfortable here in the Kingdom of Rosa; it's the price we must pay if we want to stay.”
Asha couldn't believe it! Then, tearing up, she asked him, “So does that mean... Mom, she'll never make it here if you give up your wish?”
“I hope it won't be like that,” her Father told her honestly. Then, looking up again to the stars, he continued, “But I still won't give up trying somehow to make it come true some other way.” With that, taking in a deep breath, he revealed, “That's why I brought you here, to tell you the truth, and I just wanted to try one more time, to wish on the stars tonight with you.”
“Why's that?” She asked, still teary-eyed.
“Because when you wish with love, even greater miracles can occur,” her Father revealed. Then, putting an arm around her shaking shoulders, he told her, “That's what my Grandmother used to tell me, that, and I wanted this to be a good memory for us, Asha, so it can help you cherish the stars as much I did with her, and your Mother.”
“Dad...” Asha gasped, amazed by his words.
Then, as he smiled warmly at her, despite the sad price he'd have to pay, he squeezed her shoulder and said, “Now, c'mon! Let's do our wish loudly together, and maybe if we're lucky, the stars will hear us, like you suggested!”
Quiet for a moment, Asha took her right hand and rubbed her eyes quickly. Then, recovering enough, she smiled too and replied brightly, “Alright! Let's go Dad!”
He nodded, then he explained what the chant was, and then when they were ready, together, they recited the words in unison to the stars above:
“Star lights, bright stars, the ones I see tonight; I wish I may, I wish I might, have the wish, I wish tonight!”
Then both of them, taking a deep breath, cried the one wish they wanted most,
“Let Mom come home and make things right!”
((((*((((*)))*))))
Her hand tracing over the illustration she made of that night so long ago with her right hand, Asha looked down sadly at the diary page she opened up, feeling sadly nostalgic.
As her fingers gently rested on the yellow aged page, she sighed and said, “It'll be my turn soon, Dad; it won't be long till I'm eighteen.” Thinking of the required price that was needed to stay within the safe realms they called home, she knew there was no other choice for them. But the question remained for her, “What wish should I even give up?”
As the years had passed, she'd lost her father to disease a few years ago. Any significant desires she'd had once were put to the side in her mind. Leaving her with really nothing spectacular that she wanted, she'd even lost hope for her Mother to arrive at Rosa. It'd been so long, she didn't have time to dwell on wanting someone who wasn't there, especially considering, above all else, she had to care for-!
“Alright, I'm here!”
Jumping in shock, hearing this voice. Asha quickly slid her book back onto her shelf, then grabbing her nearby brown satchel bag, she cried out, “Hang on, Levi I'll be down in a minute!” She looked over herself in the mirror and saw her long braids were all in the right place, and her dark skin's warm complexion was at its best with her freckles sprinkled over her face, her brown eyes smiled seeing she looked great in her long-sleeved purple dress!
Then, racing down the stairs, she heard-!
“BBBAAA!!!!”
Smiling at him, Asha told him, “Morning Valentino!” Then, passing their young yellow pyjama-wearing goat kid, Asha quickly made it to the door and, opening it, told her, “Glad you got here a little earlier, Levi!”
“Sure,” the woman answered her. Then, walking through, she sighed with a grumpy look on her face and put her own bag down as she got ready for the chores ahead for the day, pulling out the supplies she needed.
Looking at her in her long red and blue stripy dress and white bonnet on her head, hiding away her sandy-coloured and grey-tinged locks. She watched her pull her long sleeves back and say, turning to her with her grey eyes, “Alright, so what do you want me to concentrate on?”
Quiet for a moment, Asha then replied, “Oh, right, yeah! Um, if you could hang out the washing, that'd be great, and the bathroom needs a do over, I think, then... um?”
As she looked hesitant, Levi sighed and then told her, “How many times do I tell you to leave a list? It would make my job easier for me, y'know?”
Hearing the irritation in her voice, Asha looked down and replied, “Oh, right, sorry...” For she was right, she'd been distracted a lot recently, what with-!
“BBBAAA!! BBBAAA!! BBBAAA!!”
At once interrupting them, Valentino came rushing in and immediately started headbutting into Levi's legs. Looking mad at her for her negative tone.
Quiet for a moment, the older woman then told him, “And good morning to you too, silly billy.” With that, walking over to the sink, with Valentino still butting her in the legs, Levi told her, “I'll just get started with the dishes, then whatever else I find along the way, I'll do that.”
Silent, Asha replied, “Alright, thanks, Levi! I appreciate it, really!”
“I know,” Levi told her, then looking over her shoulder to her. She said, “After all, who else is gonna help you look after the old coot, here?”
Looking sad, Asha replied, “Yeah, true...”
However not wanting the mood to stay unsettled, Asha decided to ask, “So, um? How's your family, are they alright?”
“Same as usual,” came the brusk response. Then with an annoyed sigh, Levi continued, “Can't do anything with my so co-called brothers, we're in debt again because they don't have energy apparently, so I have to work even more overtime just make up for the mess for they've put us in!” Then with the water bubbling up, she added, “Honestly, talk about a headache!”
Levi turned back to her washing and said, “Now enough about my grievances, go on, give your goodbyes before you go!” Then, with that, she placed the first clean plate on the side.
“Alright, I will!” Asha replied, and with that, she left Levi to begin her tasks.
X X X X X X X X
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Knocking on the door before her, Asha said, “Grandpa, are you awake?”
…
There was no reply. A little worried, Asha told him, “I'm coming in, alright?” With that, she opened the door.
Inside, she found the curtains were still drawn, making the space completely dark. Moving fast to them, she pulled them back and let the warm rays of the sun shine through and as she did this-!
“Mmm!”
A disturbed sigh sounded, pleased to hear it. Asha walked over to him and said, “Morning Grandpa!”
“Urgh...” Disorientated, the white nightgown-dressed man, under his yellow bed sheets, asked tiredly, “What time is it?”
“Its about seven!” Asha told him, then getting to his bedside, she added, stroking his head, tidying what remained of his hair, “I'm about to head out to lord Magnifico's castle again to learn more magic as his apprentice!”
“Oh?” He replied as he rubbed his old eyes; he sighed sadly and said, “Then are you going to give up your wish too?”
Feeling a chill at the suggestion, she told him, “No, not yet... I'm not eighteen, remember?”
“Oh, that's right...” Then, as he looked over at her, he told her, “Well, I hope you have a good day, pumpkin.” Settling into his pillow, he told her, “I might just stay in here and-!”
“No, you won't!” Asha told him, then annoyed, she continued, “I can't have you staying in bed all the time; you need to stay active in whatever little way you can!” Then, taking his hand, she told him, “I can't have you waste away in here!”
“Urgh...” He didn't look thrilled by the idea, then sighing, he told her, “Asha, I'm too old to be active; I'm a hundred now, so-!”
“You're still here, so you can still do something!” Asha argued, not letting him wallow in the fact. Then, gripping his hand a little more, she added, “No matter how small it is, I want you to try, for me... okay?”
As she pleaded this to him, the aged old man stared at her. She wondered if she was getting through to him, did he understand or-?
“Oh, alright, I'll see what I can do...” He replied, then dismally he added, “But, it won't be much, cause-!”
“Don't use that excuse again!” Asha told him, mad, stopping him in his tracks. Then, pulling his bedsheets back, she added, “Now, I want you to dress yourself at least! Levi will help you with your cape and shoes, if you need it, alright?”
He sighed sadly again, then replied, “Fine, alright...”
Asha nodded. Then, getting his clothes, she put them by his side. Then, as he looked up to her, she revealed a troubled smile and told him, “I love you, remember that!” Then, kissing his forehead, she told him, “I know I'm tough, but it's cause I care, alright?”
As she stared down at him, he sighed again. Then, smiling at her with a similar expression she did, he told her, “Alright, thank you again, pumpkin.”
Then she kissed his head again, then went to leave. But before she escaped, he told her, “Do your best, learning magic!”
“Always do!” She called back, and with that, she went downstairs fast!
Running to the front door, she said, “Take care, Levi!” Then, as their cherished goat heard her, she told him, “See you later, Valentino!” With that, she opened it, going on her way to make it to the castle! As she ran along the cobbled path, she then heard-!
“Hold it, Valentino!”
Stopping in her tracks, Asha turned back and saw Levi had grabbed the would-be escapee goat by the scruff of his neck using his yellow pyjamas! Watching this, Asha then heard Levi tell him, “Sorcery is not for you!” With that, she poked him in the nose with her free hand, making him look at her incensed.
Then, looking at Asha, Levi called out to her, “Don't cause too much trouble like this kid, ya hear me!”
“You got it!” Asha laughed, and then she was on her way as Levi walked back in with a now grumpy Valentino. Despite her sternness, Asha was grateful for her assistance in caring for her Grandpa. She needed all the help she could get...
X X X X X X X X
Running through the streets of Rosa, Asha knew she had to be on time! She couldn't be late! But she still needed something to eat during her break in lessons, so she stopped at a stall and quickly brought some food to tie herself over when the time arrived.
“Here you are, thank you!” She said to the market seller, passing over some of her coins.
They didn't respond and looked at her blankly. Then, as they looked at her with dismal eyes, after an awkward moment, she heard them say, “Go on, move on! I got other people to serve!”
“Oh, sure sorry...” Asha apologised. Then, she moved out of the line as she walked through the streets. She noticed that everyone was acting very similar; all of them looked dull-eyed and did not have much life to them, even though the sun was shining on high.
She didn't expect everyone to be cheery, but it seemed to be dismal no matter where she looked. With no kids running around, it unmasked just how unhappy the adults around her were, all of them with their heads down.
Clenching her satchel bag, thinking of her weary grandfather and Levi back home. She wondered if she would become the same after giving up her wish. Would she become just as depressed as-!
“Oof!”
Suddenly she bumped into someone, stepping back a little she saw it was an older man dressed in long blue robes and a hat, with a long white beard. Seeing him surprised, she then heard him say, raising his cane, outraged, “I say, watch where you're going, brat!” Then, dusting himself off, he added, “You nearly ruined my best clothes!”
“Oh, I'm sorry! Really sorry!” Asha apologised, stepping away from him fast; she ran forward, leaving more disgruntled faces in her wake as she made her way through more crowds.
Then, finally, after a little bit, she made her way into the castle! Making a quick side tour, she decided to make a couple of fast greetings to a pair of faces she knew in the royal kitchens.
Turning a corner, she quickly spotted who she hoped she'd find, “Hey, Dahlia!”
The spectacled teenage short-dark haired girl spooked, turned around and cried out, “Asha, don't do that to me!” For barely recovering, she'd only just been able to catch her bowl and whisk, saying, “I nearly spilt this; if I did, the Queen would kill me!”
Wincing and feeling bad, Asha told her, saying gently, “Oh, sorry! My bad!” Then, running over, she said, “I just wanted to tell you good morning before I start!”
Sighing, Dahlia, whisking away, told her, “It's fine.” Then, looking away from her work, she told her with a small happy smile of her own, “And a good morning to you, too.”
Asha smiled herself, glad, for Dahlia was the same age as her and was one of the few close friends she had in the palace. Also, fortunately, like her, she hadn't given up a wish yet and still had a warmth to her demeanour severely lacking in many of the townsfolk unless they were in their youth.
As her warm, red-dressed friend continued to whisk away, she asked, looking at her, “So? You ready for your next session with our dear magical leader?”
“I think so!” Asha smiled; however, thinking of what lay ahead with a sigh, she had to admit, “Though I'm not progressing as fast as he'd like.” Then, gripping her satchel bag tightly, she said, “I'm probably gonna get chewed out again for not mastering the art of levitation yet.”
“Well, I guess it can't be helped, you always were afraid of heights,” Dahlia said, pouring her mixture over some Brioche bread.
“True,” Asha said sadly. Then, thinking of all she had to master still didn't put her in a good mood, as she said, “And if I don't improve faster, I might lose my position... and then that means, I might not be able to ask Levi to help me anymore looking after my Grandpa.”
“That's rough,” Dahlia agreed. Then, looking concerned, she asked, “Is there anything Simon and I can help you with in your learning?”
“Maybe, I don't know yet?” Then, thinking of him, she had to ask, “Do you think Simon would even want to help?”
Dahlia looked stunned that she even said that; however, after a moment, she looked depressed and replied, “Well, I'd like to think that-!”
“I'm here...”
Turning around, both Dahlia saw their talked-about friend arrive. He looked weary and so sad even though it was so early. His green cap on, along with his green and brown tunic and leggings, with his laced boots. He looked to almost be hiding under his hat as he walked through, pulling it down.
“Oh, hey, Simon are you-!”
However, he didn't say anything more and just walked ahead to carry out his tasks.
Saddened seeing this, Asha then said after recovering from the uncomfortable silent moment, “...I guess he can't even say good morning to us anymore?”
“Yeah,” Dahlia agreed, looking sad herself. Then, sighing, she said, “Everyone's becoming the same now, Hal and Dario too recently...”
“You're kidding!?” Asha was shocked! Even though she wasn't close to them, whenever she had seen them, they were a couple of the jolliest people she knew.
“Nope, sadly,” Dahlia admitted. Then she said, “And Gabo's just got worse, I just don't want to be alone with him if given the choice.”
Sighing, Asha said, “That is bad...” Then, thinking of everything, she had to say, “And it all happened because of everyone losing their wishes... right?”
Dahlia, though, looked uncomfortable. Clearly, neither wanted to discuss anything more about it, for it touched on something that would unravel if they breathed another word.
“Look, I'm sorry Asha, I need to get the Queen's French toast ready! If I don't then-!”
“No, I understand, don't worry!” Asha smiled sadly, then looking at her friend, she said, “I'm just glad I saw one happy smile on my way here before I study.”
“Thanks!” Dahlia replied, and then, with that, she continued making the Queen's breakfast. While Asha moved to climb the stairs and begin her learning with Rosa's magical ruler!
X X X X X X X X
“Lux luceat, ante me tenebras discute!”
SHINE!!!!
With his hands before him, Asha watched in amazement as a ball of light formed within his hands, lighting up the entire space, making the dark shadows that had surrounded them flee away in seconds!
“Wow!” Asha uttered in awe!
Smiling proudly as she uttered this, clad in his extravagant white and gold embroidered robes and blue starry cape, with his tanned skin made luminous by the light in his hands and blue eyes shining. Holding the sphere, Magnifico told her, “And you see, this is the correct way to weave the perfect light to make the darkness flee!” Then-!
SNAP!
Snapping his fingers, the white orb in his hands quickly-!
DIM!
Quickly went out! As it did, the darkness immediately flooded back in full force and drowned out all the details within the room.
Unnerved, seeing this. Asha didn't like the feel of this gloom at all! Shaking, she didn't know what to expect or-!
“Now, your turn!”
Perplexed, Asha uttered, “Huh, what?”
“Your turn, Asha! Show me the light you can conjure!” Magnifico instructed her from within the shadows.
“Oh, sure! Alright! Then, gulping, keeping as calm as she could. She felt the magical power within her swell and shake within her trembling hands. Holding them close, she focused hard and tried to repeat his words,
“Lux Lucy, ant me tenbra discute!”
GLOW!
A light did emerge between her palms however it was nowhere near as big as what Magnifico had conjured. A little of the darkness faded, but not enough to impress her Master, as he sighed, saying, “Well, at least you've reached up to my feet now.”
Indeed, she could about make out Magnifico's white boots ahead. Seeing this, Asha uttered sadly, “Oh...” Then she asked him with dread, “Not good enough?”
“It's an improvement,” Magnifico replied. Then-!
CLAP! CLAP!
“Tenebrae factae sunt!”
Then immediately, the darkness he'd entrapped them all with immediately dispersed, and they were again in his magical laboratory. Seeing the regular shine of the sun pour through the windows made Asha feel immense relief.
“Though...”
Quickly, her relief turned to dread as Magnifico told her honestly, “You're still lacking, it seems, even after four months of probationary.”
“Right, sorry...” She apologised.
Magnifico looked at her, then said, “Apologies can only go so far in the world of magic, Asha.” Then, picking up a notebook off his white table, he looked over it and said, “And if my tutoring can't help, then there's not much I can do for you.”
Depressed, she said, “...I am trying my best, I mean, I never realised I had much magical potential, until you discovered it in me.”
“Yes, during your interview,” Magnifico agreed. Then, looking over his book, he told her, “As I remember, you were able to enlarge vegetation and create some small whisps of light...” Then, looking up at her, he said, “And you haven't been able to make progress in the other qualities of magic I look for, have you?”
Feeling uneasy, Asha replied, “Well, um? I have been trying, I think I've nearly made it with repairing spells, but-!”
“I'm afraid buts are not good enough!” Magnifico replied, closed his book and put it back on the table. He told her, “Asha, I have been very patient with you so far, but any magic user who's worth their salt will be able to master the Five Star core elements in six months or less.” Then, with a critical eye, he told her, “Now tell me, what are the five you need to master?”
Gulping, Asha nervously brought out her right hand and counted them one by one, with each curled finger, “The Five Star magical qualities one needs in magic are mastery over locks, healing, enhancing and reduction that is one and the same.” Then, taking a breath, she continued, “And light magic, along with levitation.”
With a nod, Magnifico told her, “Very good, I'm glad you've memorised that.”
“Thank you.” She replied.
“But sadly, in your case, you're still good with only two qualities, enhancing magic and light. “ Magnifico, with his arms crossed, told her, “If you want to continue being my apprentice after your probationary period is up, you must master all five; otherwise, how on earth will you be able to care for the wishes I keep in the palace.”
Her head bent down under his critical gaze. Asha could only say one thing to this, “I wouldn't be able to... not at all.”
“There you are then!” Magnifico told her, looking over some of the potions on his lab table, “I know it's harsh what I'm demanding of you, but magic is no joke! You need to be the best of the best, otherwise you will never make it in this world.”
“Yeah, I know...” Asha replied, feeling awful.
Sighing, Magnifico put down the flask he was looking at and told her, “Well, let's forget about that for now!” Then, looking at her with a smile, he said, “You still have two more months! Maybe you'll have a miracle, and you'll crack the magical code!” With that, he moved his right hand and-!
“Fac me ut plumam levem!”
He spun around and lifted himself off the floor, floating in the air! As he did, grinning down at her, he said, “You might even spin me right off my feet!”
Looking uncomfortable at the idea of flying off the floor like that, Asha replied, “Yeah, maybe...?”
Smiling at her, Magnifico moved quickly again and-!
SNAP!
His feet touched the floor again, and then, as they did, he told her, “Don't worry, Asha, I have great faith in you, my dear, I'm sure you'll dazzle me in no time!” Then, patting her shoulder, he smiled brightly as she looked at him uncertainly, “That I promise you!”
Revealing a small smile, Asha nodded and looked down, saying, “Thank you...”
Magnifico sounded pleased, “Very good! Now why don't we check the quality of everyone's wishes today?”
Surprised he wanted to do that, Asha replied, “Oh, um, sure, if you want?”
“I do!” He replied with a smile. Then, looking above, he commanded again the forces of magic,
“Venite ad me omnes qui desiderii cordis fulgetis!”
GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW! GLOW! GLOW!
GLOW!
Quickly, from on high floated everyone's wishes that Magnifico kept in the upper reaches of his laboratory. They all glittered and glowed with peaceful blue light, each holding the desire of someone within Rosa's domain.
Asha looked at each of them as they floated around. She saw many desires be shone in their mysterious blue depths, some positive, some negative. But all of them glowed with warm life. Somehow, she felt that wasn't reflected in the city below them.
Gazing at each of them as they floated by her. She couldn't help but let her curiosity get the better of her. Looking to her Master, as he looked at some of the newer wishes he had acquired, she decided to carefully enquire, “Um, Lord Magnifico?”
“Hm?” Turning to look at her, he asked, “Is there an issue?”
“No, everything seems fine from what I can tell... its just...”
“Just what?” Magnifico asked her.
“Um, well...” Gulping, Asha finally voiced her thoughts, “You told me, that these wishes help to fuel your magic, correct? So you can protect us from the warring nations, beyond our borders... that's why you can never return them, right?”
“Yes, precisely,” then becoming displeased in tone, he asked, “You find it disagreeable my methods?”
“No, not that!” Asha assured him, and she admitted, “It's not wrong of you to protect us... cause I see the light of war all the time, whenever I look out to sea.” Shaking, holding one wish in her hand that she knew to be her friend Simon's as he had a sword in his hand within its image... she looked sad and said, “I never want it to reach us here... I never want to lose anyone else; I cherish.”
Quiet hearing her say this, Magnifico relaxed and said, “I see, well, that's one thing you and I have in common.”
Surprised, she looked at him and asked, “Really?”
“Oh, yes...” Then, looking up to the empty heights above them, he said, “I lost my entire family to war... everyone, it was horrific.” Then, looking over at her, he said, “I know the pain of heartbreak very well, and I can assure you that you never need to fear it as long as you stay here.”
Nodding, Asha agreed and said, “Yeah, I know.” Then, looking at all the wishes around them, she said, “And everyone like me is eternally grateful to you, Lord Magnifico, for letting us stay here, peacefully...”
As she paused, Magnifico encouraged her to continue saying, “But...?”
Taking in a deep breath, Asha looked up. Then she thought of everything she had experienced, admitting, “I just feel somehow, everyone in Rosa recently... everyone's so sad, depressed and angry, it's unsettling... like something's missing, a feeling of loss everywhere.”
“Loss?” He asked her, puzzled.
Nodding, “Yeah, if you look close enough, you can feel it... a blanket of sorrow everywhere, I mean, anyone can barely smile anymore...” Asha finally admitted, feeling as though she might cry, feeling the loss of energy in everyone and the dismal apathy everywhere below in the city.
“Why would they have any reason to feel like that!?” Magnifico laughed and told her, “They all have the best resources here! They lack for nothing, everything is satisfied!”
“I know,” Asha agreed. However, she still had to say it, “But despite that... I can feel it, there's something that's making everyone miserable... I just wish I could do something about it.”
“Is that the wish you want to sacrifice on your eighteenth birthday then?” Magnifico asked, looking down over her as he arrived by her side with an eager smile.
Scaring her, she backed away and replied, shaking her head adamantly, “Oh, no! No, that's just a manner of speech, I-!”
“I know, I know!” Then, clapping her shoulder again, he told her, “You need to lighten up; don't be so serious about everything all the time!”
This tone, though, only served to depress Asha more, for it seemed he wasn't taking her seriously after all.
Seeing her behave this way, the King stared for a moment. Then, sighing, he told her, “Well, if what you say is true, we're going to need to do something to lighten everyone's spirits!”
Surprised, he said this, Asha uttered, “What?”
“We need to cheer them up, turn those frowns upside down!” Magnifico grinned, then decided, “And to do that, I propose we put on the best magical show! Put on a feat, that will really dazzle the audience!” Then he asked her, “What do you think?”
Baffled, Asha asked him, “You think... a show of magic, will be enough to cheer everyone up?”
“Sure! Why not?” Magnifico laughed, then said, “It has been some time, since I last displayed my talents, so why don't we?” And quickly, another idea seemingly appeared in his mind as he told her, “And I tell you what, if you put on a good enough show during the performance after I make my entrance! If you manage to make everyone smile, I'll permanently accept you as my apprentice; probation done with!”
Shocked at this revelation, she cried, “You're serious!?”
“Absolutely!” He decreed with a firm nod!
This was too good to be true! But if this worked, then Asha wouldn't have to worry anymore! Her Grandfather would be in safe hands from now on, and she wouldn't need to worry about future work, “Lord Magnifico, thank you!” She cried, pleased!
He grinned, and then, as she felt energised for the first time in forever, she asked him, “So, how long will I have!?”
With a hand to his chin, Magnifico replied after some thought, “I'd say four days!”
Her stomach plummeting, Asha repeated, “Four days?”
Grinning, Magnifico told her, “Yes, you'll have today to practise! Another two you have off, and then in the evening, this Monday, with the moon at its brightest, it will be perfect for a show! For magic is greatly enhanced by the powers of the moonlight, remember?”
“Oh, right...” Asha replied, sweating in her shoes. How would she acquire mastery over the Five Star points in such a limited time!?
DING! DONG! DING! DONG!
“Well, there goes the bells!” Magnifico told her. Then smiling, as she looked up at him nervously, he revealed, “Now, the rest of your day is self-study, I suggest you use your time wisely, Asha!” Then, clapping her on the shoulder again, he returned to his laboratory table, telling her, “I expect great things from you!”
Still shocked, Asha replied, “Ri, right...” Then, with that, she grabbed her brown satchel bag and went to leave the room when-!
“Meow...”
Hearing the familiar yawn of one particular feline filled her with dread. Asha saw, standing in the doorway, with her beloved baby in her arms, covered in the sleekest of light grey fur with dark dots patterned elegantly everywhere, with his green eyes peering at her harshly, was Charo the Queen's Egyptian Mau cat.
Her royal majesty, Amaya herself, dressed in her most elegant white gown with her pearled star jewel necklace on and starry veils behind her, with a gold crown atop her head. Holding her beloved feline in her arms, seeing Asha there. She had much the same look as him; she looked irritated as she asked, “So? I take it was you, who made my breakfast late?”
Sweating, Asha replied with an awkward laugh, “Um, not intentionally, your majesty!” Then, curtsying, she stood absolutely still and continued saying, “I'm very sorry!”
“Hmph!” Was all Asha got in reply as the Queen walked past her, continuing to cradle Charo.
Feeling them pass her, Asha wondered if it was all right for her to move yet? Opening her eyes, she looked to where she felt the Queen was going, when-!
“HHHIIISSS!!!!”
Charo hissed at her and tried to lunge at her with his claws!
“Whoa!”
Getting fast out of the way, Asha shook as she looked down at the ferocious feline, whose tail was raised threateningly.
The Queen continued to look at her with irritation as King Magnifico smiled and told her, “You can leave now, Asha!”
“Oh, right! Bye then!” With that, she hurried out the door, glad to get away from the hateful gaze of the Queen and the terror she loved to cradle in her arms!
…
Amaya's glaring eyes finally leaving the space the nuisance had been standing in, walked over to her beloved and asked him as he sent the Wishes back to the upper levels, “Honestly, I have no idea how you can tolerate being in the presence of someone so lowly!”
Laughing, Magnifico turned and told her, “Oh, you shouldn't be like that!” Then, stroking her cheek, he told her, “She has her uses as a rare magical user in this kingdom.” To which she became bitter, however quickly, Magnifico added, “But of course, she will never compare to the superb aura you shine with, my dear Queen!”
Silent as she stared at him, his words did much to improve her mood, as she told him, “Very good, you wily silver fox.”
He chuckled again, and then asked her, “So, what brings you here today?”
“I'm bored,” she admitted to him, then playing with her long braid in her hands, she added, “Our plan is taking too long, and it's so tiresome faking a smile out in public.”
“Oh, I'm sorry.” He told her, then holding her in his arms, he told her, “It won't be forever, you know that...” Then, strengthening his hold around her, he added, “But as you know, it takes time to build in numbers, and until we reach the adequate quota for our endeavour... it'll be too dangerous for us.”
Her shoulders lowered as they did. She heard Magnifico ask, “You do understand, don't you my love?” Then, as she looked back up to him, he continued, “We have to have everything absolutely perfect! I can't make any mistakes that might endanger our lives, and it'll be worse if we aren't completely ready.”
Staring at him and seeing the sincerity in his eyes, she could feel his desire to protect her. Grateful for this, she wrapped her arms around him and told him, “Yes you're right, I know too well... for it happened so long ago to my...” However, she couldn't bring herself to talk about that person, but she did admit, holding her treasured star necklace, “It's just frustrating, even though I have her blood in my veins, I can't do anything like her yet... I just want to-!”
“I know!” He told her, then stroking her head, he added, “I feel the same, I want exactly the same as you do.” Then, as they stayed this way for some quiet, warm moments, he moved his hands to her cheeks and, stroking them with his thumbs, he told her, “But I assure you, when the time comes, you'll be able to unleash the full magical might of your heritage, just as I will shine with the same potential you gifted me.” Then, kissing her right cheek, he finished telling her, “I promise you that, absolutely!”
Seeing the same strength of love and conviction in his eyes that he had in his youth for her. Amaya smiled with loving please, then told him, “You really do have a way with words...” Then, with her hands touching his cradling ones, she requested, “Please, help me to relieve some of my boredom, would you?”
“Of course!” He smiled, leaned in and pressed his lips to her own, revealing the tender dedication and love he held for her, as she responded the same in kind...
Charo, behind them, though witnessing this, grumbled to himself, annoyed. Then, stretching himself, he went to find his own entertainment elsewhere as his Masters indulged themselves in the passion that was their love under the blue light of countless captive wishes...