AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Arielle shook her head. "Doesn't matter how old men get. They still act childish."
"Hmm, true," I replied with a nod.
"Agreed," Charlotte noted.
Hellsin chuckled while the others had shy expressions on their faces. Hellsin's body submerged in a bright gold light, and when it dimmed, I stared in shock at his 6'7 form. He looked similar in appearance to his other form. His long locks were neatly plaited in Cornrows, and the ends had gold beads that looked real.Hellsin wore a simple black top and black pants, hiding his abs, chest, and biceps with his shirt, but it was thin enough to show the definition of his muscles.
His laugh was surprisingly comforting rather than mocking as he stared at all of us who looked shocked at the sudden change.
"Don't see me for a few months in this form and act like I'm a completely different person," he acknowledged.
Magnor nodded. "It's been awhile."
"Not my fault when I've been the gatekeeper for Aslan. Anyway, Celestia knows who we all are now,"Hellsin motioned to Arielle. "And so does her familiar, Arielle."
The remaining three guys nodded in acknowledgment, and Arielle and I gave him reassuring nods. "Yes, we know."
Hellsin nodded and walked over to us. When he stood before us, his lips formed a serene smile. "Seeing as we're in a different situation than when you were a student, I'll reintroduce myself. Hellsin Spearwood. It's nice to finally introduce myself as one of your more mature fathers."
"HEY!" Orlando and Harrison huffed.
Hellsin’s grin widened. "See? Proved my point."
"Nice to see you again, Hellsin." I gave him a small wave. Arielle wrapped her arms around my neck and protectively stared at the four of them.
"Bru-Ree a minute!" she declared. They all blinked, and she practically dragged me three steps back before she pointed at the group, an arm still wrapped around my neck. "My Mistress deserves a GROUP apology," Arielle demanded. They all stared at her like she'd lost her mind, but my mother had a pleased look on her face, and her lips curled up in a smile.
"Um..." Hellsin began but turned to the others for guidance.
Magnor put his hands in his pocket. "Doesn't hurt. Celestia does deserve an apology from all of us."
Arielle nodded. "Yes! She sure does! My Mistress went through hard times because some stupid Council decided you guys were needed elsewhere, rather than at home raising your Blessed Child you all wanted so much! You're lucky Celestia even grew up to be a kind person. What would have happened if she'd become mean or even power hungry, huh?!"
They were all silent and lowered their heads. Arielle huffed. "Exactly. My Mistress has a heart of gold without your help! Well...Magnor's an exception, but he's still guilty!"
I smiled and lifted my hand to stroke her hair. "Arielle, it's okay. I forgave them already. I understand the circumstances they were in. It's all good."
"No. You're too forgiving." Arielle’s hair glowed brightly as she squeezed me tightly.
"Gah! Arielle, you're gonna kill me," I mumbled.
"Stop being so forgiving!" Arielle countered.
"Fine, fine," I whined, and I heard Mom giggle. We paused in our little dispute to look at Charlotte, whose eyes sparkled brilliantly at our banter. She walked up to us and stroked both our heads soothingly.
"I agree with Arielle. You deserve an apology from all of us together. If I, as your mother, have to apologize every day, I will to earn your forgiveness, Celestia."
Magnor, Harrison, Orlando, and Hellsin nodded in agreement before they lined up just behind Mom and knelt on one knee, bowing their heads.
"Please accept our gracious apologies," Hellsin said.
"Sorry, Sweetheart. We'll do better." Orlando tried to bow even lower.
"Sorry, our precious daughter. Please forgive us," Harrison stated.
"On behalf of all of us, I'm sorry we couldn't do better. Please forgive us, Celestia," Magnor whispered.
Mom had turned to look at each of them before she faced me once more.
