16 His treasure

Stepping out from one of the secret entrances leading to the middle of the palace garden. Celesti let out a small sigh lowering down the hood of her cloak. The sun shining down on her fair skin giving her a glowing look. Tugging her long strands of hair free from under her cloak she sat down on under the large tree in the middle of the garden. The tree had been born from one of the seeds of the silver tree. While it was a normal tree, when its beautiful flowers bloomed they glowed like fresh snow. The flower's beauty also didn't fade. Even once cut, if they were looked after. They would bloom for that whole year. Raising the crystal gems on their swords Rigel and Sirius watched as the entrance closed off.

Turning they looked over at their younger sister. Sensing their gaze Celesti looked up with a smile patting spots beside her. Grinning Rigel quickly laid down on the grass to her left. Crossing his arms behind his head his sparkling eyes looking up at the tree.

"I still remember when we were children the flowers blossomed the same day of the first snow."

"Oh, I remember that day!" Celesti smiled widely putting her hands in a clapping motion. Seeing Sirius still standing silently watching Celesti smiled up at him patting the right side of her. Slowly he sat down beside her. One leg crossed under him as the other bend up. Leaning one arm over his bent leg he used his other to support his weight behind him on the ground.

"Both brother Sirius and you climbed up the tree to get the flower blooming all the way at the top," Celesti recalled with a smile, recalling the memory as if it was just yesterday. That winter was the last the three spent at the palace before being sent to the sacred garden. Their nanny had screamed so loud, her face turning purple when her two brothers climbed up the tree. Screaming for them to come down.

"Yeah, and Sirius was the one who got it," Rigel muttered in a grumpy tone closing his eyes in a pout. Letting out a silent chuckle he recalled their nanny almost fainting when they climbed back down. Rigel was covered in scratches while Sirius returned unharmed. Handing the blooming flower with the tiniest smile to Celesti. Her face had brightened so much that day, her smile never fading throughout the whole day.

"It seems I won't be here to watch the first bloom this year," Celesti muttered sadly with a bitter smile. Besides her on her right, Sirius' expressionless face-harden just a bit. His eyes narrowing as his fist clenched over the grass.

"We'll send you a large bouquet of flowers! I'll come to deliver them myself!" Rigel promised to try to lightened the mood sitting up suddenly. Sending her brother a grateful smile she turned to Sirius opening her eyes to say something. Stopping short as she noticed the cold gaze in Sirius' eyes. Letting out a small silent sigh, she turned to Rigel with a small bitter smile.

Catching on Rigel quickly stood up stretching.

"Well, I'm thirsty! I'll get us a drink before we have to go meet the King's dog." Rigel chuckled turning to go. His bright grin falling the second he had his back turned. He knew the two needed a moment alone.

Rigel himself couldn't deny while the three siblings carried a strong bond through the years. Sirius and Celesti's bond was even more unbreakable. Sirius was the first to hold her as a newborn. Hold her hand, caught her to walk. Cared for her when she caught colds or fevers. Putting himself in front of her in any danger.

Clenching his fists, a distant memory of that bloody battlefield appeared in his mind. The only time Sirius wasn't able to protect Celesti in time. Kneeling on the bloody ground Sirius' body shook as he held Celesti in his arms. Blood staining the front of her white clothing above her chest. Dripping down to the ground beneath them. Her crystal gem cracking as she laid there. Appearing lifeless in his arms, so small and weak. The color gone from her cheeks.

Rigel could still remember that was the first time he truly feared his brother. The cold dead look in his eyes as he held his treasure in his arms. His eyes turning to rage and blood-lust as his aura turned black.

He had turned into a demon.