Ungodly Resurrection

8: Phoebie's Familiar

Bel was carefully watching over Emma, Lucian, Phoebie and her new hopeful Familiar

“I'll need you in your wolf Form for this Luci-sorry.” Emma grimaced, but Luci grabbed her for a big kiss and stepped back to allow room for his change in Form. He settled into the grass beside her with a huff after his wolf took shape.

“Bel tells me when I did this there was a huge rebound because there was no other Familiar Bound pair to help Luci and I form our Bond. He's tried to explain to us how this is done, but I'm afraid it's a first for all of us. You guys ready?” Emma asked. Phoebie settled in the grass across from Luci and nodded as the black wolf settled beside her across from Emma and dipped its head.

“Phoebie-you need to state your intentions toward the spirit, when I say. In this case-that would be that you plan to take him as your Familiar. And he has to be open and willing enough to accept the Bond so I hope you still are...” Emma trailed off and the wolf dipped its head again. “Ok Luci, our part in all this is pretty simple, we just basically have to use our own Bond to guide them through this. Kind of catch and hold any extra power they release and redirect it where it's needed. Try to keep 'em on track so Phoebie's not knocked unconscious and this poor fellow's transition isn't painful. Got it?” A grumble of agreement came from him and Emma tangled her fingers in Luci's fur. She let their Bond light up, as Bel had once done with her. It was incredibly strong now, almost a thin, strong chain running between them, and it made Emma proud. She heard the satisfaction rumble in Luci's chest as well. Emma threw the Bond outward, encircling Phoebie, the black wolf, herself and Lucian. Phoebie gasped and wolf stiffened.

“This is.. wow Aunty Em.” Phoebie whispered, the girl's eyes dancing with the connection that suddenly swamped her senses.

“You're up Phoebie.” Emma murmured. She heard Lucian instructing the wolf as well.

“I just tell him?” Phoebie asked.

“Yup. Physical contact helps to complete the rite. You will need to touch him as you say the words. Then afterwards, you will need to feed him your blood to lock in the Bond. As long as you wish to keep him you will share your blood. He will most likely tell you when he has a need, but try to keep regular track of it and offer often. He may need more when he's ill or injured. Just be mindful of it. You wouldn't want to starve.” Emma responded. The black wolf turned, crawling on its belly expectantly towards Phoebie, trying to look non-threatening. Phoebie reached out a trembling hand and placed it on the wolf's snout.

“I want to take this spirit as my Familiar.” Phoebie's voice trembled, but her expression was resolute. There was a burst of light that Emma contained, redirecting it towards the wolf and Phoebie. The wolf yelped slightly and Lucian came to his feet with a snarl, back twitching. Phoebie gasped, pulling back her hand as the wolf began to shake and shudder, his form cracking and twitching while the wolf howled. Phoebie held a hand to her head dizzily. A wind kicked up around the four of them.

“Luci, what's going on? I thought this was supposed to make things less painful on the spirit?” Emma cried, also coming to her feet. Bel stepped up behind Emma, though in this regard, he couldn't interfere. He clenched his fists, gazing raptly at the scene as Phoebie's mother worried her lower lip beside him.

“I'm trying to take the brunt of it-but-look!” Lucian snarled. Bel sucked in a breath behind her and Emma looked more closely at the wolf. Only it was no longer a wolf. Phoebie was moaning and panting, twitching along with the spirit as its final Form began to come into view. Feathers burst from the creature, and it reared up on two spindly legs, its muzzle becoming shiny and hard. Its front legs twisted to the side and grew feathered, it gained height quickly, reaching six feet swiftly.

“My God-it's a raven!” Emma gasped, running forward to catch Phoebie before she could fall over and hurt herself. With a final hoarse cry, the Familiar settled into its new Form and Phoebie groaned. The wind died down and Emma felt the Bond snap back into place between Lucian and herself. She watched as the raven took a couple of hopping steps over and crouched next to Phoebie, nuzzling her face with it's beak, fluffing its feathers as if trying to warm her as it crouched over her like it was trying to warm a nest of eggs. Bel stalked around to where Emma sat, cradling Phoebie's head in her lap, followed closely by Phoebie's mother.

“Are you ok?” He asked with worry.

“I'm fine.” She said as an exhausted Luci collapsed beside her. “But what about them-have you ever seen something like this happen before?” Emma asked, motioning at the spirit, which was now a completely different 'species'.

“We become what you need Mistress.” Luci sighed. The children started yelling their names and running towards them.

“Yes, but, this is extremely rare.” Bel said thoughtfully. Phoebie suddenly sat up, knocking against the feathered belly of the bird.

“Wha happened?” Phoebie slurred blearily.

“Well, your familiar is apparently a raven.” Emma offered as the bird hopped back a few steps.

“Yes!” Phoebie cheered, suddenly less groggy. “I always wanted to fly.” The raven cooed happily.

The kids were falling asleep as the night wore on, Emma had helped Phoebie offer some blood to her new Familiar, and she'd done the same for Lucian, who kept the interaction tame compared to his usual style. Bel, Emma and Luci had gotten an even bigger shock when the raven had returned to human Form, and had presented as a much younger male. A boy really, closer to Phoebie's age. He'd just shrugged.

“I guess it would have looked weird to have some thirtyish/fortyish guy following a young girl around. It's not like I can be a huge bird all the time.” He grinned, a smile full of boyish charm. “At least this way I get to be a kid again.” He said, ruffling his dark hair, which already looked like it needed a haircut.

“I'm not a kid.” Phoebie stamped her foot, arms crossed.

That right there shows you are one-who even stamps their feet except children?” Countered the raven, also crossing his arms.

“If you were just gonna make fun of me, why'd you wanna be my familiar?” Phoebie demanded.

“I thought you were gonna be more mature than this, that's why.” The raven scoffed.

“I don't like you.” Phoebie decided.

“You don't have to, you jut have to feed me.” The raven shot back.

“Why couldn't I have a Familiar like Luci?” Phoebie sniffed.

“Is this going to be ok?” Emma's sister asked, leaning close to Emma. Luci had a ridiculous grin on his face that almost mirrored Emma's.

“Uh, yeah, I think they'll be fine.” Emma waved a hand dismissively. In truth, she could sense that Phoebie had already taken to the raven. There was no anger behind their bickering, in fact Emma would say the feelings were closer to a crush. Phoebie may be too young for lust and desire, but she had feelings for the raven, nonetheless, and Emma was capable of picking up on it. Luci must smell it on them as well, and based on the way Bel wrapped his arms around her rib cage, Emma was sure Bel sensed it too.

“I think it's time to get home beloved. Let your sister and niece rest.” Bel murmured. Emma grinned.

“Bel's right-we should really get back-look at all these sleeping kids.” Emma laughed.

“Ooh, can we help? You promised you'd take me to the other realms with you one day!” Phoebie begged, eyes bright.

“I don't know Phoebie, it's so dangerous for humans.” Emma hedged, looking at Bel.

“A few moments won't hurt. I can add a little bit of protection for her, and having a Familiar adds a bit of a barrier.” Bel said softly.

“Besides, we could really use the extra arms.” Luci joked.

“Well, I suppose... Is it alright with you?” Emma asked her sister.

“Fifteen minutes.” She told Phoebie sternly. “You carry one of your cousins to their bed, and get right back here. No wandering off.” Phoebie squealed, then raced to her mother to hug and kiss her.

“I would recommend carrying Sol, he's the lightest.” Emma suggested to the rather thin Pheobie.

“Right. Come on big bird.” Phoebie muttered.

“My names' not big bird.” The raven argued.

“Well then tell me what it is.”

“You haven't discovered it yet.” The Raven replied. Phoebie let out a frustrate shriek. Emma shook her head.

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Bel had grabbed Marian, Lucian had two of the triplets, Phoebie carried Sol and her raven Familiar carried Skye. All of them refused to allow Emma to carry one of the children because of her 'condition'. She'd huffed and argued that being pregnant didn't mean she couldn't do anything, but they had won in the end through sheer numbers.

Phoebie nearly squealed when they stepped through the portal, only to be disappointed to be inside the Manor's hall right outside the children's bedrooms.

“Sol's there.” Emma pointed. “Sky is there, follow Luci please.” Emma direct Phoebie and her Familiar, then followed Phoebie to Sol's room. She had him stripped and redressed in pajamas in seconds.

“Night momma.” He sighed. She kissed him on the forehead with a smile.

“Goodnight my little sunbeam.” She murmured. Phoebie was hopping from foot to foot outside in the hall.

“Can we go outside? I still have ten minutes left.” Phoebie pleaded. “I want to see what this place looks like. PLEASE Aunty Em, PUH-LEASE.” Her Familiar shook his head.

“I tried to tell her it looks like the human realm, but she didn't believe me.” He shrugged. Phoebie shushed him.

“Five minutes. Then you go-remember, time flows differently here.” Emma caved. Phoebie squealed and Emma hushed her waving at the children's rooms with a smile. Bel wrapped an arm around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder.

 “You're a big softie, you know that right?” He murmured, kissing her cheek. She swatted at him and led Phoebie to the gardens.