Disclaimer: Just a really short fic I wrote on whimsy a year or so 
ago and never published...  Sailormoon is not my creation, all credit, 
and money =P, goes to Naoko Takeuchi and other copyright holders.

EMAIL: inspiredthoughts@hotmail.com
Rated: G



			Growing Up

	Ami's fingers touched the strings lightly, sending gentle 
chords of music drifting through the breeze.  Short blue hair fell 
free over her brow as she wrinkled her nose in concentration.  The 
song took the shape of a simple lullaby, achingly sweet.  Humming the 
soft words to herself she almost didn't hear the silvered hooves as 
they trod on the emerald grass of the secluded glen.  Ami looked up, a 
gladsome smile transforming her pretty face into a radiant one.
	A unicorn stepped from the trees to greet her.  Ivory coat 
rippled with sinew and muscle while long, wild mane and tail danced in
the breeze.  The stallion tossed his long forelock back, sapphire eyes 
glinting in amusement.  Ami went to him, leaving her harp leaning 
against the rock she previously occupied.  
	Hesitant fingers stroked the forehead before rubbing the 
velvety nose that blew warm, sweet smelling breath onto her cool hands.  
A silken beard tickled her fingers and her nose and she stood on her 
tip toes to wrap her arms around the powerful neck for a fierce hig.
	'Greetings my little Songbird.  How fares thee?'  Ami smiled 
as she always did when Aroen spoke to her, his tenor lighting her mind 
up with an inner brightness.  Today though she smiled through tears.  
	"Well as always my friend," she replied after a long moment.  
She always feared, ever since Aroen had first come to her in this 
place almost three years ago, that he would vanish and leave her alone.  
In his glorious whiteness he always reminded her of an etheral ghost 
that would float away on a summer's breeze.  She never thought that 
she would be the one willingly leaving him.
	"Well as always..." she trailed off, sadness darkening her 
tone.
	'Something troubles your pure heart dear one.  What is it?'  
Ami drew away, her cerulean eyes studying the unicorn, from the tip of 
one ivory horn to the ends of his flowing tail, as she committed them 
to memory.  Finally she answered her friend, heart troubled.
	"I think I'm in love," she whispered as she turned away, not 
wanting to see the disappointment she knew she would find in his 
beautiful eyes.  A velvety nose brushed her cheek several seconds 
later and, not able to help herself, Ami turned and buried her face in 
the long mane, sobbing as she clung to the silvered tresses.
	'Shush my little Songbird,' Aroen mind spoke quietly.  'This 
is not the end you fear, only another beginning.  Shush...'  Ami 
though would not be comforted as she cried harder, slender fingers 
tightening her hold on him.
	"How can it not be the end?" she cried as she shook her head.  
"You're a unicorn for Mercury's sake!  I know what that means.  Only 
one of a pure heart may see you, only a virgin princess with a gentle 
soul may touch you, tame you, love you..."  Her voice broke at that, 
for he was the best friend she ever had.  And yet...  There was 
Zoicite.
	The young prince from earth was everything she could have ever 
wanted, handsome, kind, caring, gentle, strong, smart, and her equal, 
her match.  No one could ever suite her better and they both knew it.  
He had asked for her hand in marriage but if she said yes...  Aroen 
would leave her forever.  Aroen who was the best thing to ever happen 
to her.  Aroen who made her believe in the magic and joy in life.  
Aroen who had showed it all to her, asking for nothing in return but 
her friendship.
	"He wants me to marry him Aroen!"  The unicorn nuzzled her, 
giving her comfort from the strength that lay inside of him, his 
spirit, his soul.  
	'And do you want to marry him youngling?  Is that what your 
heart desires?'  Sick with turmoil Ami ascented hesitantly.
	"Yes," she whispered, pain making her voice tremble.  "I want 
to with all of my being but I don't want to loose you."  The unicorn's 
voice became commanding.
	'Do you remember all that I taught Ami?  Do you remember the 
lessons I gave you, about life and beauty and goodness and kidness and 
compassion?  Do you remember all that said?'
	"How could I not?" was her firm reply, tears gone for an 
instant but they returned as Aroen stepped away from her.
	'Then I'll never truly leave you, as long as I live on in your 
heart.  Go fullfill your dreams my little Songbird.  I am a creature 
of magic, a companion and teacher for children and all children must 
grow up.  Adults can't accept the miracles that magic creates but 
those like me show it to you, to others who have the capacity to 
remember, before they grow up.  These people, you dearheart, allow the 
magic they later witness to live and grow.  If grown-ups had never 
seen magic everytime their children whispered of it the idea would be 
rejected, squashed, killed until it was nothing more than legend.
	But those that we taught as children, they may not believe but 
they remember.  And when their children whisper of fairies and 
gryphons and wizards and yes even unicorns while you won't accept the 
stories you'll smile and wave them off to play for magic once held its 
own place in your heart.
	Its time for you to grow up.  I'll come back though, I see a 
blue haired child, a girl, a princess, in your future.  Know peace and 
love and perhaps magic.  Don't forget.  Goodbye my little Songbird, 
remember.'  And with that Aroen took another step back before his form 
began to blur.  The sun chose that moment to shine through the jaded 
leaves, momentarily blinding her.  Ami threw an arm up to shield her 
face and when her vision cleared Aroen was gone.  Only the slight 
smell of moondust and miracles hung still in the air.
	She clasped both hands to her chest, head bowed, as tears slid 
unoticed down her cheeks, but when she raised her head determination 
gleamed brightly in her dark eyes and a sad smile graced her lips.
	"I'll always remember Aroen, always, even if I forget how to 
believe."  Ami walked away then without looking back, pausing only to 
gather her harp.  Two eyes watched her from the trees, sorrow pooling 
in them.
	'I love you my little Songbird.  I'll remember you also, just 
like I remember all the others who grew up.'


Author's Notes:  I read one too many fantasy novels about a year or so 
ago...I think I wrote this when I was writing Rei: First Love but didn't 
think it was long enough to send in anywhere.   I always liked it though 
so here ya go...  I'm working on ch 8 of Serendipity Lost so hang in 
there!

Here's my page though you're probably already there! LOL

http://www.geocities.com/keitree