Count The Seconds
Count The Seconds
written by: Pinkamena666 and Creepy_Pie
featuring Creepy_Pie as Snow Storm
When you fall in love with someone and are soon separated... waiting for the day you'll see each other again... all you can do is count the seconds.
A steel-grey pegasus mare with a pearl white mane was trotting through a deep and dark forest. Little did she know that she was being stalked by Kyra, leader of the Demons. The pegasus mare kept slowly trotting along a small path that led through the forest.
"Okay, just don't panic now, Snow," the mare said ti herself. "M-Maybe I should just turn around and follow the path back out." she mumbled and looked over her shoulder, not stopping her slow trotting.
Just then Kyra dropped from the trees, grinning and licking her lips. Snow was startled and let out a small shriek and she turned around completely, facing the strange looking mare. She was shaking.
"Eh... H-Hello? C-Can you maybe... sh-show me the way out?" she asked, hoping that this strange mare wasn't as bad as she looked.
Kyra began walking towards her as her demon wings unfolded. "Why do you wanna leave?"
The pegasus mare gulped and stared with her sky-blue eyes at the bat-like wings on the mare's back.
"B-Because... I... got lost." she said, making it sound more like a question.
Her voice sounded really nervous. She backed away as the weird looking pony slowly stepped closer. Just then Snow heard a soft, gentle voice in her head.
"Run," it said.
"W-Wha?" Snow gasped, suprised at the angelic voice she just had heard.
She quickly shook her head and turned around, taking off as fast as she could, like the voice had told her. The pegasus mare didn't care what the voice's source was. She just knew that it sounded much friendlier than the voice of the mare that had just shown up. Kyra narrowed her eyes and took off after her.
"Turn left." said the voice.
"Nnahh!" the pegasus mare exclaimed and quickly turned left, running as fast as she could. Not daring to turn and look to see if the strange mare was still following her.
"You're almost there," said the gentle voice. "The clearing up ahead."
"Wh-Who are you!?" exclaimed Snow.
The voice did not answer her. Snow flapped her wings wildly. She could see sunlight shining through the trees a short distance away. The pegasus mare was breathing heavily and took off, flying into the direction of the light. Kyra was not far behind.
Snow turned her head briefly, yelling in fear as she saw the evil mare just inches away from her tail.
"AHHHH!!!" she screamed and clenched her eyes shut as she turned her head back around.
She flapped her wings as hard as she could and finally reached the clearing. She could feel the warmth of the sun on her coat. There was a large rock in the ground in the center of the clearing, sticking only a few inches out of the ground.
"Passed the rock," said the voice.
Snow opened her eyes again when she heard the voice. She spotted the rock and quickly flew over to it, getting behind it.
"A-And now?" she asked, sounding scared.
Kyra burst through the trees and into the clearing, stopping.
"There you are." Suddenly a beam of light shown on the rock like a faint spotlight. Kyra took a step back. "What the hell?"
The steel-gray pegasus mare let out a gasp and covered her head with her forelegs, shaking in fear.
Suddenly a white mare with beautiful pegasus wings and gorgeous long golden hair lowered herself onto the rock.
Kyra narrowed her eyes. "Sera."
Snow looked up and stared in awe at the beautiful being in front of her.
"Wow..." she mumbled.
Her fear seemed to be swallowed by the sight that was presenting her.
"Please, Kyra," said Sera in a lovely soft, gentle tone. "Leave her alone. Stick to your duty as the ruler of the Nether and leave the innocents alone."
"Innocent?" asked Kyra. "Nopony's innocent."
Sera walked up to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. The skin on Kyra around Sera's hoof gave of a pretty glow. "I still haven't given up on you, Kyra. Please. Just, go."
Kyra eyed Snow and then Sera, nodding. "Fine."
Sera removed her hoof. "Thank you."
Kyra looked at her shoulder as it slowly stopped glowing. She let out a sigh before going back into the woods.
The pegasus mare watched the scene and blinked. 'Did they know each other?' was the first thought that hit her. She then shook her head and stared at the white pegasus pony.
"W-What just.... happened?" she asked, still not completely able to process the latest events.
Sera turned to face her. "Are you hurt?"
Snow slowly shook her head, still staring in a mixture of confusion and awe at the pegasus.
"That was Kyra. The ruler of the Netherworld. I am Sera. Ruler of the Aether."
"N-Netherworld? Aether? I-I don't understand... Aren't you a pony like me? I mean... you seem different... but... Ohhh, I don't know..." Snow stopped. All these questions and the thinking made her head ache. She grabbed it between her forehooves. "This is all so... confusing," she said in a whiny tone.
"Relax, my dear Snow. You are safe. If you wish, I can take you home."
"B-But... I have so many questions... like, how do you know my name and who are you? And what did that weird looking mare want from me? And what are the Netherworld and the Aether?" Snow began to ramble, sounding totally confused now.
"My name is Sera. I am in charge of the Aether and the Angel Ponies. Kyra is the leader of the Netherworld and the Demon Ponies. As far as I was concerned, she wanted to hurt you. The Aether is in charge of all the things good whereas the Netherworld is in charge of all things evil. And as for how I know your name... I know everypony everywhere because I want to. Kyra does not, for she could care less."
"Angel Ponies? Demon Ponies?" Snow looked up at Sera, her facial expression that of an confused child, not understanding what her mother had explained. "I think... my brain is just... on overload right now. You are telling me, that you are an Angel?" she asked kindly, but, sounding like she wasn't believe what she had heard.
"Yes," said Sera in her gentle voice. "In a land full of magic and mystery... is that really so hard to believe?"
The pegasus mare shook her head. "N-No... I guess not, it's just... all happening so fast," she said, rubbing her head with her right hoof.
Sera smiled trotting passed Snow, her amazingly soft golden hair brushing across Snow's face. It was the softest feeling in the world. She looked over her shoulder. "Shall I take you home now?"
Snow blushed at the soft feeling. "Wooow..." she muttered in awe. She shook her head and turned around, facing the Angel. "S-Sure." she replied.
Sera held out a hoof.
The steel-grey pegasus mare smiled and reached her right forehoof out, laying it on Sera's. The two were suddenly engulfed in a warm, soothing light. When it cleared, they were standing in Snow's living room.
Snow looked around. "Wow... Thank you, Sera," she said as she turned to the Angel Pony again, smiling.
Sera smiled back. "If you're all set, I'll be on my way."
"N-No... Please. Would you stay and talk with me? I have so many questions and... I kinda have the feeling that I won't see you ever again after you left," Snow said kindly.
Sera smiled. "I'll always be around, Snow." She turned to face her. "But if you want me to stay, I shall."
The pegasus mare smiled. "Thank you. Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable... Do you want something to drink?" she offered hastily.
Sera sat down on the couch. "I appreciate your kindness, Snow. I'm fine."
"Oh... Okay," the pegasus said and then sat down on the couch, on the opposite end. "So... about my questions... Does this 'Aether' look like we ponies imagine Heaven? You know... soft clouds everywhere and the atmosphere is all quiet and soothing? Really peaceful, you know?" she asked kindly.
"Oh, yes... It's beautiful. The buildings are gold that shines in the sunlight. A wonderful pond that, when the sunlight hits it, gives off a spectacular glow. Always peaceful." Sera let out a sigh. "Always perfect."
"Must be beautiful... I would love to see that. Can't imagine how a world must look like if it's that peaceful," Snow let out a happy sigh as she imagined the Aether like Sera had explained it.
"You'd love the citadel. My home. All glass. Should see how the sunlight hits it. Magnificent."
Snow chuckled and smiled warmly at the Angel. "I bet there is nothing compared to your world. It sounds so nice and harmonic that I almost get jealous." she said.
"Would you like to visit?"
The pegasus mare's eyes opened and her smile grew. "Y-You... really mean it?" she asked, surprised by this offer.
"Of course. Would you like to?"
Snow took hasted breaths, feeling overly amounts of joy creeping to her chest. "That would be the greatest honor. Of course I would like to visit." she said happily.
Sera got up and smiled. "Come," she said, holding out a hoof.
The pegasus got up as well and reached her right hoof out, again, laying it into the Angel's hoof. A beam of light shown on them and the world around them suddenly became a blur as it appeared the were being sucked up into the sky. Snow gasped, clenching her eyes shut from the weird feeling and the burring surroundings.
"Do not be afraid, Snow. It's okay."
"S-Sorry... I was just startled," she replied and slowly opened her eyes again.
The blurring went away and they were in the Aether. "Welcome, Snow."
Snow's eyes went wide and her mouth stood agape for a bit, before turning into a wide smile. "Oh my gosh! This is... There are no... words," she said cheerfully.
"Oh... Did I mention the Glass Fields?"
"Glass... Fields?" the pegasus mare asked, still looking around in awe. The clouds looked so soft, even softer than the clouds in the Equestrian skies... and they were shimmering in a pale pink-red as if it was dusk.
"Yes. The light hitting the Fields creates mini auras and rainbows. It is like walking through color itself. Beautiful."
Snow sat down on her rump, sighing happily, not finding any words for the warm, welcoming and soothing feeling this heavenly place caused her heart. "I... Wow... If I would die right now... I would die totally happy," she mumbled, smiling broadly.
"Would you like to see the Fields?"
The pegasus quickly turned her head toward Sera and nodded hastily. "Yes! I would love to see them... I would love to see everything," she replied in a hasted and overjoyed manner.
Sera smiled. "Come. This way." She began trotting away.
Snow got up and followed Sera, looking around and, every once in a while, she gave a small "Wow", admiring the Aether in it's full beauty.
Just then an Angel Pony flew over to them and landed beside Snow. "Hello."
"H-Hi... Uh... Ehm." Snow stammered nervously. She couldn't think of how to greet an Angel. She was still kinda lost in her awe about this place.
The Angel smiled. "I know that look. Every newcomer has it at first. But... you're not dead, are you?"
Snow chuckled nervously. "Uh, well... Not that I know of... I mean.... if Sera didn't killed me while bringing me here, but, why would an Angel kill me, right?" she said and slapped her forehead with her right hoof, ashamed for her stupid sounding rambling, but, she couldn't help it. Everything felt so unreal to her.
"Calm yourself," said the Angel. "Just talk natural. For instance... Hi. I'm Ariel. You are?"
Snow took a deep breath, trying to calm down. "S-Snow Storm. Nice to meet you, Ariel," the pegasus mare replied kindly, just the lightest hint of nervousness left in her tone.
"Nice to meet you, too. And I may be able to help with your nervousness."
"How?" Snow asked curious.
Ariel smiled and touched a hoof to Snow's chest, sending a wave of warmth and light through the pegasus' body, filling her with a wonderful feeling of happiness.
Snow gasped at first and then took a deep breath. "Wow... I feel so... calm, and... so unbelievably happy... Content... How did you do that?" the pegasus mare asked the Angel, smiling softly, no nervousness visible in her posture and no nervousness audible in her voice.
"One of the perks of being an Angel. "We can find happiness within, however small an amount, and fill you with it. The more happy you are inside, the happier I can make you feel."
Snow laughed lightly in joy. "Well, it most certainly helped... I feel happier than ever before." she said warmly.]
Ariel smiled. "Would you like to see something else?"
"Sure," the steel-grey mare replied, but then looked at Sera, whom she was still following. "But, Sera wanted to show me the Glass Fields."
"Oh, it's not a place. It's something Angels can do."
"Oh, well then... Of course I would like to see," Snow said happily, smiling at Ariel.
"Well, it's easier for an Angel to blend into society than a Demon. How you see me is how I look when I visit your realm." Her fur suddenly began to glow a faint golden color. Her flowing golden hair began to shimmer in the light. Her eyes sparkled. "This is how we really look."
"Woooow... Amazing. You look really beautiful," Snow blushed lightly as she stared in awe at the Angel's true form.
"Thank you, Snow."
They soon arrived at the Glass Fields. It was amazing. The ground reflected and refracted the light, making aurora borealises at ground level as well as rainbows and colorful nebula-like designs.
"I know I've said this a lot since I've been here, but.... Wow," Snow said and giggled happily, looking at the beautiful show of colors. "My heart feels... like it's about to explode with happiness and joy."
"Well, hopefully it does not," said Sera with a smile. "Go on. Play with the lights if you want."
"Play with them?" the pegasus mare asked, confused. She then looked at the Fields. "Okay!" she said and took off, running through the lights and laughing in joy. "This is so... awesome! Amazing! It feels all so unreal... I'm not dreaming, right?" she shouted back to Sera as she kept running around through the auras of the colorful light.
"No, Snow. This is real."
Snow panted lightly as she came to a halt. She giggled and laid down on her back, looking up and admiring all the colors with an broad smile. "I... I never want to leave this place... but, I think I have to, right?" she asked, her smile slightly fading as her tone got a sad undertone.
Ariel laid down on her stomach beside Snow. "You can stay as long as you want, but... Don't you have friends? A family?"
The pegasus looked at Ariel. "Well... my parents are dead, but... I do have friends... and I know I would miss them... You are right. I can't stay here... Not forever." Snow said, her expression getting sad.]
Ariel put a hoof around her. The skin on Snow that was touched by Ariel's began to glow and feel nice and warm and soothing. "Cheer up, Snow. Your world is beautiful, too."
Snow cooed at the warm feeling. "Ohh... you are so warm... It feels so nice," the pegasus turned her head to Ariel and smiled at her. "But, I have a question." Snow said softly.
"Oh?" asked Ariel. "And what's that?"
Snow looked back up into the sky. "You know? Up to today... I never heard of Angels. Well... at least not that somepony really had seen one... so, I guess that you don't show up much in our world, right?" she asked.
"We try to keep ourselves hidden as much as possible. Though... I do not see the harm in others knowing about us. Why do you ask?"
"I was followed by this strange mare today. I think... Sera called her Kyra... and she said that this mare wanted to hurt me. Why did Sera show up and help me? I mean... I just don't really understand," Snow said and sat up on her haunches.
"Sera is... trying to help Kyra find the good in herself. There are plenty of Angels that think she's all evil, but... Sera believes, and... so do I."
"But, didn't Sera say... that this Kyra is the leader of the Netherworld? Which sounded like the complete opposite to this place. With Demons..." Snow stopped and got a thoughtful expression. "You know... I think there are no such things like... pure evil and pure good.... I don't think it's possible that anything could be pure, because... where there is good, there is always evil, too... and vice versa," she said in her thoughtful tone.
"You are a smart mare, Snow," said Ariel. "There is some good in Kyra. But not enough for Angel's Touch to work. So, Sera has made it her mission to help her. To talk her into maybe becoming a ruler who's strict and harsh but also not a psychotic killer. I believe that there's hope for Kyra."
Snow nodded and smiled. "There is hope for everypony. It just depends on themselves. Deciding to use their good... and not their evil feelings. I mean... I don't want to sound offending right now, not after you and Sera were so nice to me, but, I think there is even a tiny bit of evil in you... but, you and the other Angels decide to seal it... to not even think about the evil. I hope you are not mad at me for thinking this," the pegasus mare said and chuckled, smiling softly.
"I assure you... I am not offended. And who knows? Perhaps we do have a dark side. But if I had to put it in percentages... I'd say about 1% is evil, maybe less."
The pegasus mare's smile got very broad and she blushed lightly as she looked at Ariel.
"I'm sure it's more like... .0001%... but, I think you could compare it with light and shadow... Without the light, there wouldn't be a shadow," she said and giggled.
"The Nether and the Aether keep the balance between good and evil and is the one thing that Kyra has shown respect for."
"If she really would be this evil, I guess, she wouldn't show respect for anything... right?" Snow asked, curious.
"Exactly. Therein lies our hope."
Snow smiled. "Well... I wouldn't give up this hope either, and I think it's good to hope. Even if the situation is seemingly lost."
Ariel put a wing around Snow, her soft feathers rubbing against the mare. "So, what do you want to do now?"
Snow cooed and blushed. She then leaned against Ariel's side. "Gosh... You are so soft and warm... and your feathers are so soft, too. Much softer than mine," she mumbled and sighed happily.
"I am glad you like them," said Ariel with a smile.
Snow giggled. "Say, is there any possibility for me to become an Angel, too?" she asked jokingly.
"Oh, Snow... Being an Angel is wonderful, but it comes with one price."
The pegasus mare crooked her eyebrow. "And what would that be?" she asked curious.
"We are tasked with helping what we call "pure souls" find their way here. If somepony earns the right to become an Angel, we must bring them here. If they are corrupted, then they belong to Kyra. When a soul is taken, the body goes with it and is transformed. And then there are some that aren't found or forgotten and enter a sort of coma until they're found. I'm afraid... there are some Lost Souls... Souls that were on their way to the Nether or here but lost their guide. So... you see... it's not all fun. Do you understand?"
Snow's expression turned into a sad frown. "I-I'm sorry... for being so naive." she said apologetically.
"Don't be. How could you have possibly known?"
The pegasus kept her expression. "Perhaps you are right about this, but... I have to admit... that I was being selfish back when I asked you this," she said.
"Do not worry yourself. You have done nothing wrong."
Snow slowly began to smile again and nodded. "Okay... but, can you maybe answer me one question? If you are even able to..." she spoke softly.
"What is the question?"
"How good do you think... am I? You know... in your percentages? Can you tell me that?" Snow asked, smiling warmly at Ariel.
Ariel smiled and pressed her forehead to Snow's, closing her eyes.
The steel-grey pegasus mare blushed at the close contact, but she closed her eyes too, smiling softly.
"Your Purity is at 75% and is slowly rising." She pulled away and smiled. "I think you'll qualify to be an Angel when you die."
Snow blushed deeper and smiled warmly. "75%? That sounds like a lot... I don't know why, but, I would've thought it would be more like... 55%, or maybe 60%... But, on the other hoof... I never really thought about this kind of stuff. And you say it's slowly rising?" she asked kindly.
Ariel nodded. "You could be at 76% in a year, or so. Maybe less."
"And... how much would I need to be an Angel after my death?" the pegasus asked curiously.
"It's different for each pony. But if you died today... you'd probably just pass... unless suicide was the cause of your death. That's a big no-no."
Snow crooked her eyebrow. "After seeing how beautiful and soothing it is here... I wouldn't risk losing the chance to see this place again... I would never even think of suicide," she said and chuckled.
Ariel smiled. "I really hope you end up here. And I'll tell you what... I will personally be the one to guide you here."
The steel-grey pegasus mare blushed, the pearly white freckles on the back of her nose and under her eyes turning to red dots. "Th-That would be a real honor, Ariel." she said softly.
The Angel smiled. "Know one of the best part about being an Angel?"
Snow slowly shook her head, still blushing. "No... What?" she asked.
"No matter how old you are, when you die, you'll become a young mare again. Both in body and mind. It's like you never got old but you'd still have the memories."
"That sounds wonderful... I just hope that I will pass and become an Angel... and..." She paused, blushing as she looked away slightly.
"And what?" asked Ariel.
"Don't get me wrong, now. I will live my life to the very end... and I will most certainly enjoy it as much as I can, but... I know now that... I won't be afraid when my time has come," she said softly, smiling at the Angel.
Ariel smiled and ran a hoof through Snow's mane, causing it to shimmer as she touched it. "I'm glad I could make you happy," she said. "And then we can hang out all the time."
Snow nodded with a broad smile. "I would love that, Ariel. I really like you." she said.
Ariel blushed slightly. "You do?"
The pegasus mare giggled. "Of course. You have been so nice to me since I arrived here, and... you are... kinda cute," she mumbled the last words in a shy manner, blushing.
Ariel's blush reddened. "It's... been a long time... since I heard some pony say that," she said with a warm smile.
"Well..." Snow paused and got up, slowly starting to trot over to the Fields. "It also could be possible... that I feel like this... because you're an Angel," she said with a giggle and stuck her tongue out at Ariel in a playful manner.
Ariel got up and giggled, a playful look in her eyes.
"Maaaayybe... you lured me as you touched my chest back there," Snow said teasingly and giggled as she began to gallop through the Fields, laughing happily.
Ariel ran after her, jumping through an aura of red particles, causing them to scatter. She laughed as she chased Snow. Sera watched and smiled.
"Catch me if you can!" Snow shouted and laughed heartily as she began to fly through a few aura's, causing all the beautiful colors to form a magnificent light show on her path.
Sera took off back to the citadel as Ariel laughed as she ran after Snow. "I'm gonna get you!"
"Proooove it!" Snow did a loop and quickly made a sharp left turn, her heart full of joy.
Ariel followed, laughing. "I'm catching up!"
The steel-grey pegasus giggled and began to slow down a bit. Ariel jumped at her and tackled her. They two rolled across the ground and ended up laying on their side in front of one another.
Ariel giggled. "You okay?"
Snow panted lightly and laughed. "Yeah... but, you just got me because I let you," she said and stuck her tongue out in a cute manner.
Ariel giggled again. "Oh, I'm sure that was the case."
The pegasus mare looked at Ariel. "Yes... I slowed down for you, so you could catch me," she said and giggled again, smiling at her.
Ariel smiled back. "And why would you want me to catch you?"
Snow blushed at this and smiled broader. "Because I wanted you to catch me, silly," she said and giggled heartily.
"But... Why?" asked Ariel with a warm smile.
The pegasus mare stared into Ariel's eyes, blushing even deeper. "Because... I... liked the thought of you catching me..." she mumbled shyly.
Ariel smiled and slid closer to her, wrapping a wing around her. "You did, huh?"
Snow cooed and leaned in, nuzzling Ariel's neck as she enjoyed the warm, soft, and soothing feeling of the Angel's touch. "I really love your touch... I feel so... safe and... calm... and content... Like nothing bad could ever happen to me," she mumbled happily, softly closing her eyes.
Ariel hugged Snow closed, wrapping her other wing around her, too. "I like touching y-- I mean... holding you. It's nice."
Snow giggled and looked up at Ariel. "So... you like touching me?" she said teasingly, grinning at Ariel.
Ariel blushed and nodded. "Yeah."
The pegasus mare giggled and hugged Ariel. "I like to 'touch' you, too," she said softly and nuzzled her neck again.
Ariel nuzzled back, loving the feeling of embracing another. Snow opened her eyes, still nuzzling Ariel's neck as she noticed the glow on her fur and skin.
"Wow... I'm glowing," she said in awe, squinting cutely at her own nose that glowed.
"Any spot an Angel touches will glow. It'll slowly fade away when I stop touching you."
The pegasus mare pulled gently back from the hug and kept squinting on her nose, watching the glow slowly fade.
"See?"
Snow blinked a few times and shook her head, adjusting her eyes again. "Yeah, but... why do others glow if you touch them?" she asked curious.
"It shows you the good inside yourself. The more there is, the brighter the glow."
"It shows... the good...... THAT MEANS..." Snow suddenly remembered the event from earlier the day, back when Sera had touched Kyra's shoulder. It glowed, too. "Kyra must have a good side. Her shoulder glowed when Sera touched her," the pegasus said hastily.
"And did Kyra seem annoyed by that?"
"I... I don't know... I didn't really pay attention to the situation at hoof. I mean... I just met a Demon and was chased by her and then... an Angel saved me. That was quite a lot to take for one afternoon, you know? But... if I'm not mistaken... she seemed more like... regretting something, but, I'm not sure," Snow explained, thinking.
"Well, Kyra knows she isn't all bad and is a little annoyed by that, so... That's why I asked."
"Oh..." The pegasus looked at Ariel and sniffled softly. "Well... maybe she will notice someday, that it feels better to be good," she said softly.
"That would .ure make Sera happ]y."
"Were they friends, or something?" Snow asked, curious.
"No. Sera just sympathizes for her."
"Oh,well... I hope that Kyra will change to good, for Sera." Snow smiled warmly at Ariel.
Ariel smiled back. "You have a kind heart, Snow."
The pegasus mare blush]ed. "Th-Thank you." she said shyly.
Ariel pulled her back into a hug. "You're welcome."
Snow cooed ad hugged gently back, closing her eyes softly. "Hmmm."
"Snow?" asked Ariel.
"Yes, Ariel?"
"Do you... like like med? she asked, blushing.
"You mean, like... like] like you?" the pegasus softly asked back.
Ariel blushed harder. "Mmm-hmm..."
"Yes... I like like you, Ariel," Snow sighed happily, nuzzling the Angel's chest and blushing.
Ariel smiled. "Oh, Snow... I like like you, too."
Snow looked up at Ariel. "Is it even allowed for Angels to... like like a mortal?" sh]e asked, curious.
"It's not forbidden. Sera's a great ruler. We have free will to do whatever we want, provided it does not go against the laws of mortals."
"Oh... Well, then.]" Snow smiled broadly and blushed. She then leaned in and gave Ariel a short kiss on the lips and giggled.
Ariel smiled back. "First kiss in years."
"First time I kissed a mare," Snow said and giggled, blushing deeply.
"Really?"
"I-Is that so surprising?" the pegasus asked, sounding a bit nervous.
"Not at all, Snow. Not at all." Ariel leaned in and placed her lips on Snow's, closing her eyes.
Snow let out a moan as she leaned into the kiss, the soft feeling of the Angel mare's lips made her blush harder. It felt divine. The mare's lips glowed as they kissed. The pegasus mare's wings slowly unfolded and twitched lightly, occasionally giving a small flap. She moaned louder.
Ariel broke the kiss. "I am glad I met you."
"I'm glad that I met you, too..." Snow said, smiling, but her warm smile slowly faded as she was hit by a thought.
"Something wrong?"
Snow looked sad at Ariel. "It's just..." she paused and bit her lower lip. "I'm a mortal... and... what if I don't pass to be an Angel after my death? Or what if... I get lost? You told me there were quite a few that got lost on their way up here... I don't want you to feel sad, or hurt... if I can't become an Angel, because... you will live forever, right? You would have to live with this... forever..." she said, hanging her head.
"They got lost because they were separated from their Guide. I won't let that happen to you."
"But... there is still the possibility that I... for whatever reason... don't pass to become an Angel. What then?" she asked, worried.
"Just be good. Don't break the law and you should be fine."
Snow slowly began to smile again. "You know? You are the best... You can make me feel happy, even without your angelic touch," she said, and chuckled, kissing Ariel on the cheek.
"You make me happy, too, Snow."
"I'm glad that I can make you feel good, too. Seems like I don't even need to be an Angel," she said jokingly and giggled. "Or... maybe I am already one, without knowing," she added and began to laugh happily, falling back down on her back.
Ariel laid down beside her. "I know it may sound harsh, but... I can't wait till you're an Angel."
"You wish me to death, huh?" Snow said and giggled hard. "No... Just kidding... I know how you meant it... and... I can't wait at all myself," she said and wiped a tear from her eye. She had laughed and giggled hard enough to shed some tears.
"So... I hate to ask this, but... Would you like me to take you home?"
"Awww... already?" Snow's ears drooped. "Okay, but, just under one condition," she said and grinned broadly.
"What's that?" asked Ariel.
"Kiss me," Snow said and giggled.
Ariel smiled and leaned in, kissing her. Snow moaned heartily and kissed sensually back, savoring every second. Ariel moaned, running a hoof through Snow's mane, causing it to sparkle. The pegasus mare moaned louder and placed her hooves gently on Ariel's cheeks as she deepened the kiss, sliding her tongue inside her mouth. The Angel returned the favor and slid her tongue inside Snow's mouth, too.
After a while, Snow slowly pulled back, panting somewhat heavily, a string of their saliva connecting their tongues. "I... I love you... Ariel," she said and smiled warmly, her face flushed.
"I love you, too," said Ariel, smiling warmly.
"I think... it's time, then..." Snow mumbled and looked into Ariel's eyes. "When will I see you again?" she asked.
"Not soon enough, Snowy." She gave a halfhearted smile. "Being an Angel comes with responsibilities... so I... may not be able to... But, when you''re an Angel, we can hang out all the time, okay?"
"Okay... I think... even if it would be hard, I could wait the rest of my life... if it means that I can be with you again." Snow said and gave Ariel a broad smile.
Ariel smiled back and held out a hoof. "You have no idea how happy you've made me. And I will count the seconds until I see you again." She paused. "I love you."
"I love you too, Ariel," Snow said and reached her hoof out... but stopped just before she touched hers and gasped. "Oh, no! How rude of me... I forgot to thank Sera and tell her goodbye," she said, a worried look on her face. "I... I kinda forgot about her after we arrived at the Fields."
Ariel pulled her hoof back and stood up, sticking her wings out. "Come on, then." She then slowly began flying towards the Citadel.
The pegasus mare smiled and unfolded her wings. She took off and caught up with Ariel, flying next to her and reaching her hoof out for Ariel to hold on, smiling warmly. "Thank you, Ariel."
"Don't mention it," said the Angel, placing her hoof on Snow's. Sera was hovering near the top of the Citadel, talking with two Angels.
"SERA!" Snow shouted happily, waving her free hoof at the Angel as she spotted her from afar.
Sera looked over and said something to the Angels and they flew off. "Snow. Ariel. How were the Glass Fields? Did you enjoy yourself?"
Snow giggled and smiled broadly. "Yes... We had lots of fun, and... I want to thank you for everything. For saving me and for giving me the honor to visit this beautiful and magnificent place..." She paused and blushed deeply. "And... that you gave me the chance to meet Ariel," she said in a loving manner and looking at Ariel.
Sera smiled. "So you two hit it off, did you?" she asked with her gentle voice, smiling.
Snow nodded at Sera. "Yes... and I hope that I will see her after my proper time has come. It will be hard, but... I will live my life to the very end and enjoy it... and... I will do everything to meet her again and to be together with her," she said and hugged Ariel lovingly.
Sera smiled. "You would make a great Angel, Snow."
Snow's expression got even happier as it already was and she looked at Sera. "You really think?" she asked cheerfully.
Sera nodded. "I look forward to having you with us. Until then... I wish you the best of luck. I may not be able to meet with you, but I will always be with you."
Tears began to collect in the corners of Snow's eyes, both of pure happiness and a bit of sadness. She was really happy for what happened today; meeting Sera and finding her love in Ariel... But, she was a bit sad, that she maybe wouldn't get to see either of them for a long, long while. "O-Okay..." she said and sniffled as the tears slowly rolled down her cheeks and her nose began to run. "... I... I will really miss you two..." She then looked with her big, sky-blue eyes, that were sparkling from the light that hit her tears. "... and... I will... eagerly look forward... to the day... we finally meet again," she said and sniffled some more. She then started to cry from her mixed feelings, hugging Ariel tightly.
Ariel hugged back. "I'll miss you, too."
Snow didn't calm down, but, after a few minutes, she sniffled one last time and pulled back, her right hoof in Ariel's. "Y-You have... to bring me home now... I don't think I'll calm down for a few hours," she said between sniffles and soft sobs and even managed a chuckle. She then turned to Sera. "Thank you so much and... goodbye," the pegasus mare waved her free hoof at Sera, smiling softly while quietly sobbing.
Sera smiled and held out her forelegs, smiling. The pegasus mare lunged forward and hugged Sera tightly, after she let go of Ariel's hoof.
"I hope... that I will pass... and can be with here... with you and... with Ariel," she sobbed and pulled back again. Snow shook her head and tried to wipe her tears, to no avail. There were now more tears, as if it wasn't gonna stop at all. "Ohh... I'm sorry... I think... I'm really bad at long farewells..." she mumbled and chuckled again, reaching her right hoof out to Ariel again. "Better cut this short, before I dry out," Snow giggled and sniffled again.
Sera smiled and held out her hoof. Magical dust swirled around above it, forming into a shiny golden necklace with a heart-shaped locket. "Here," said Sera. "To keep you company when you're lonely."
Snow reached her left hoof out and took it, she opened the locket and she smiled broadly. "TH-TH-THANK YOU!" she shouted happily. She hugged Sera tightly again and then Ariel. "I don't know... how I deserved all the good that has happened to me today... but, I am more than grateful that it happened," she sobbed loudly.
"That locket will show you whoever you want to see most and can only be seen and held by you. But... I assume that's okay with you, right?" asked Sera.
"Yes... It's absolutely 100% fine... Thank you so much, Sera." Snow smiled and slid the necklace around her neck, pressing it with her left hoof to her chest, right above her heart. "I... I will... make the best out of my life and then... I will come here... and I promise you Sera... if you ask me who I am when I arrive here... I will give you a lecture that you won't forget," Snow said jokingly, calming down a bit, but her face was stained with tears and she still sniffled. But, at the same time, her lips and teeth showed the biggest smile she had ever shown to anypony.
Sera ran a hoof through Snow's mane. "Then... whenever you are ready, Snow."
The pegasus mare kept pressing the locket to her chest and nodded. "We'll meet again." she said and turned to Ariel, wiping her face one last time as she smiled at her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. "I love you... and I can't wait to see you again. Ariel," she said softly.
Tears fell from Ariel's eyes as she held out her hoof. "I'll count the seconds," she said with a smile.
"Me too, Ariel. Me, too," Snow said and began to wail again. "Not again..." The pegasus mare wiped her face wildly, trying to calm down with deep breaths as her floodgates opened again.
Ariel smiled and touched Snow's chest. The Angel's Touch. The pegasus mare took a deep breath and felt a soothing warmth coursing throughout her whole body, her sobbing finally dying down.
"Thank you... I will miss this feeling," she said, just a final tear rolling down her cheek as she took another deep breath and giggled. "Ariel... Promise me to be there if it's time for me," she said softly.
"Oh, Snow... I wouldn't dream of letting you down."
"Good. Then... I think I'm ready now. Take me home... so I can start to count the seconds." Snow said, giggling and giving Ariel a last peck on the forehead.
Ariel smiled and held out her hoof. "Love ya."
"Love you, too," she replied softly, and laid her hoof on Ariel's.
Snow was engulfed in a white light. When it cleared she was back in her living room... alone.
The pegasus mare looked around. Seeing that Ariel had sent her back, she let out a sad sigh and looked down at her locket. The pegasus mare opened it and smiled softly as she saw a picture of Ariel.
"I'll count the seconds..." she whispered to the picture and kissed it.
She knew it would be a long and hard time, but, she also knew every moment of waiting would be worth it. And she would wait... patiently... eagerly... until the time has come.
When you fall in love with someone and are soon separated... waiting for the day you'll see each other again... all you can do is count the seconds.
The End