Soleil, Girl of Light

Chapter 2

Artemis's eyes were filled with worry as his sister walked up to the creature, her eyes shining brightly even without sun. She looked up at it, her eyes welcoming and her smile warm as she held out her hand.
"All this pain you feel, I'm sure you never wished for that did you."she stated, reaching her hand towards the beak. It cawed once, but allowed Soleil to touch it. She smiled and stroked it gently, careful to avoid the wounds on his beak. All of a sudden a bright light erupted from where they stood, making Artemis cover his eyes with his arm. In the middle of the light, Caretaker and Soleil stood there, holding each other's hands. A pair of handcuffs that were on Caretaker's wrists were fading away and were replaced on Soleil's. He opened his eyes, looking down at Soleil in sorrow.
"I'm sorry..."he whispered, a single tear falling down his face. Soleil looked up at him, her skin now dotted with black blemishes and smiled sadly.
"It's okay, I'll be fine. As long as you are free, I will always be happy." she replied, her eyes turning to a dull gray.
Caretaker cupped his hand around her cheek and smiled, his arms growing white feathers. A blue aura surrounded him, making him shine like the moon.
"Thank you, Soleil..."he rasped as the light took over him, changing him into a dove. Soleil and Artemis watched as it flew away, its wings flapping gracefully against the sky. Artemis smiled and turned towards his sister, his mouth frowning at the dark blemishes dotting her arms and face. Soleil glanced over at him, noticing the frown and smiled warmly in return.
I'll be okay, it said, I promise.
Artemis smiled reluctantly and grabbed hold of his sister's shoulder.
He said, "C'mon, we should probably go back to the hut." All of a sudden there was flapping coming from behind them, making them turn around. Artemis's eyes widened in shock for there was a huge flock of blackbirds coming there way. He stepped in front of Soleil and brought out his dagger, getting into a fighting position.
"Go."he said, pushing her behind him. "I'll stop them."
"No."Soleil said, grabbing onto his shoulder. "They came for me."
He looked back at her in confusion before her words dawned on him.
"They're like Caretaker aren't they..."Artemis exclaimed, his eyes widening. Soleil nodded grimly.
"They were possessed by some great darkness inside of them, keeping them chained to Earth..."she whispered sadly. Artemis could only nod for the fatigue of fighting Caretaker was getting to him. He clutched his head and almost fell over if it wasn't for Soleil.
"Woah there Artemis."she exclaimed, leaning a bit from his weight.
"I should probably go back to the hut..."he said tiredly, rubbing his forehead. Soleil nodded and helped him to the hut.