Page 32 of Celestia, Year Four

"I'm not going anywhere," I said softly.

"Bru...ree." She held me tighter, making me smile and lean in to give her a kiss on her forehead.

Arielle had calmed down after a fifteen-minute cry, and now she wouldn't let me go. I didn't mind her sticking around, but I did want to finish bathing.

Or should I say, start and finish bathing?

"Bi...bo."

I glanced at Momo who was sitting on Esme's lap and staring at us. Esme had been observing a little bit away from us, her legs crossed in yoga position with Momo sitting in the middle.

Esme looked content, but Momo looked sad, to the point where tears began to form in her eyes.

"BOOOOOO!"

We both flinched, and Esme raised an eyebrow at Momo who reached her arms out to me.

"Why is Momo crying?" I asked.

"Momo. Celestia isn't leaving you. She's just having a moment with her familiar." Esme gave us a sheepish smile. "I think Momo is attached to you, Celestia."

"Oh," I replied.

Esme lifted Momo up and placed her back onto her float that was in the water. Momo immediately began to paddle my way, and when she reached where Arielle and I were, she grabbed my free arm.

"BI...BOOO!" she sobbed, and I frowned, looking at Arielle who was staring intently at Momo.

"Don't cry, Momo. See, I'm right here still." I glanced at Arielle who let go of me so I could pick Momo up.

I set her against mychest and shehugged my neck tightly and snuggled into my hold.

"BiBo! BiBi...Bo!" she cried.

I grimaced, unsure what she'd said. I looked to Esme, but Arielle answered.

"Celestia isn't leaving now," Arielle replied.

Turning my gaze back to Arielle, I noticed her calm expression. Momo lifted her head up to stare at Arielle for a long moment before she replied.

"Bi...Bo?"

"No. She'll stay here for a little longer. It's not safe for her to come back right now. Even if she does need to leave, you can always come along," Arielle reassured her and reached out to stroke her head.

"Bi...BOOOOO!" I flinched at her loud crying but noticed she had her hands out toward Arielle who looked confused for a few seconds. She reached out to take Momo from my hold.

"Don't cry, Bru. We can share Celestia. That can be your gift for bringing me here," Arielle suggested with a smile.

"BiBo." Momo sobbed and snuggled her head between Arielle's left shoulder and neck.

I sighed in relief and looked at Esme who also wore a pleased expression. Then I absorbed Arielle's previous words.

"It's not safe for me to go back?" I questioned.

Arielle's gaze grew serious and she shook her head. "The High Council is looking for you."

"Huh?" I asked.

I noticed Esme rise up and walk to the edge of where Arielle and I were.

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