What makes an angel? Is it white wings and a halo? Just gentleness and compassion? I know an angel, even if others don't see it. My angel came in the form of a frail bunny. But I am thankful for him. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
My angel found me as I was on the border of the Everfree Forest. I was feeding a group of rabbits that had gathered there with lettuce. However, something- no, someone- caught my eye. A tiny rabbit kit. I dropped the basket full of lettuce and flew to him. Upon closer inspection, I saw that this bunny was badly hurt. His legs seemed to be bent in every impossible way. His pint-sized body was caked in mud and blood, creating a shade of russet. I almost couIdn't bring myself to look at his battered body. Still, I believed that it- he, yes, a he, had to be an angel if he limped through the forest simply to find me. I took him home with me. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
I soon started to call my bunny Angel, because that's what he was. I realized his siblings must have trampled him, preventing him from getting milk from his mother and leaving him malnourished. He had several broken bones, but surprisingly, they had already started to heal. The real problem was that he couldn't speak to me, like other animals could. Either there was damage to his left frontal lobe as well, or my ears were too weak to understand him. All I could hear were meaningless squeaks. I cared for him as best I could. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
I learned something else about my Angel. He only accepted the best. I understood, since he was alive, that he fought to get milk. Even angels need nourishment somehow. I fed him only the most delicious food I could find, but sometimes I would mess up. But I try. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
Sometimes I'd get upset. Not at my Angel bunny, but at myself, for not being able to provide the best for him. I remember my foolish words. "Angel bunny, eat your salad." He refused. I repeated myself, a bit annoyed. "Angel, EAT IT!" And then it happened. I stared him down. He lowered his ears and put a slice of cucumber in his mouth. And so I discovered the stare, a blessing I had little control over. I apologized and went to bake him a carrot cake. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
My little angel, he grew. And he helped me grow. He would always be there for me, comforting me, keeping me company. Yes, he was sent to be my guardian angel. I knew I couldn't care for myself, as I was shy and meek. And afraid. Oh, so afraid. But he'd be there. And I'd be the best I could be. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
Soon my angel started to feel a bit sick. I wasn't afraid though, not then. No common illness could take down an immortal angel. But I'd be there. You know, just in case. Oh, I was just being a scaredy-pony, typical Fluttershy. I truly wouldn't be the same pony I am without him. Lost. Afraid. Dying. I'm lucky to have him. I don't deserve him. He should have more than just me. But I do the best I can for my special guest. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
My little angel didn't move. But I wasn't afraid, not then. He'd pull through. He was no ordinary animal. My friends started to doubt the power of my angel. How dare they, insulting an angel. So I spoke. Spoke of how he healed his wounds, how he performed miracles, how my life was in his ivory paws. Yet they didn't believe. I gave up on them and left. They haven't diminished my faith, no. I believe. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
My little angel didn't breathe. I was afraid, now I was. My angel had left me. Was I being punished? Had there been a mistake? I pulled him towards me hugging him close. He didn't breathe. I crooned to him. He didn't move. I wept for him. He didn't move. He had gone from this world, but not from my heart. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
I brought my angel to a princess. To my supposed friend. Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship. Not an angel. She stared down at him. I made a special request to her, for her to perform a single spell for my angel. She agreed, but she was unhappy. I could tell from the way she looked at me. Perhaps my angel granted me that power, to see feelings. Perhaps, to understand him. So I waited while she cast the spell. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
Now, with the spell in place, I spread my wings with Angel in my hooves. Lifting off, I thought of his life here, how he had changed me, and still was changing me. Yes. I could feel his spirit within me. I noticed that I was approaching my destination. I sighed. Now I was here. I placed Angel on a cloud, one that was the exact color of his fur. It was like a match made in heaven. Yes. I let him drift off into the sky, wondering who he would transform next. His body was illuminated as he rose up to the sun. I am so grateful. A tear escaped my eye. I will not forget him. Never. Because he's my angel, and I love him.
Author's Note
Happy Thanksgiving to all! I'll have cover art ready soon!