Forest of Fireflies

Chapter 5

Note: Random change from 1st person in previous chapters now to 3rd....sorry ;)

Daniella tossed and turned throughout the night. Although the small glows of firefly light continued to glow peacefully inside the cage that stood next to her bed, Daniella could not fall into deep slumber. The events that recently occurred unsettled her. Feeling annoyed at her restless mind, Daniella got up and ducked out of the cabin into the cool blue night. Glancing this way and that to make sure that there wasn't anyone following her, she walked into the trees to find a place where she could be alone.

Daniella was contemplating about the words of the witch, Wilma. "If I'm really a witch, I should be able to control and feel my powers....right?"

Finally, in a small open space, Daniella stopped and stood still. Reaching her hands out in front, she tried to feel the same warmth that sent the branch falling on top of Leyton and the boys. With brows frowned and glares towards her hands, Daniella's hands shook in effort to summon magic. However, her hands remained unlit. Daniella sighed. She had already let go of the anger that fuelled the magic last time. "If only magic could be summoned with other ways."

Unknowingly, Daniella's mind drifted off to the warm crackling fireside that had existed insider her dream. The dream in which she was inside a beautiful room with a figure gently stroking through her hair. A gentle smile lit up on Daniella's face as a sudden realisation clouded her thoughts. What if the dream was a memory? In that case, does it mean that I'm part of the story that was told by Princess Snow?

Daniella closed her eyes and felt herself become immersed into the dream once again. When she opened her eyes again, she staggered a little in her steps. A pinkish purple globe of flames sat in her hands! It glistened against the trees, creating warm but beautifully hued shadows. I did it....I did it!

Not entirely sure what to do, Daniella slowly closed her palms into a fist and watched the fire die down with the movement. Then, she opened it again to find that the purple glow had built up again to rest peacefully in her palm. After repeating the action several times, Daniella paused. There was a quiet trickling sound of a stream that she had failed to notice because of her excitement. Deciding to test out the new fireball that sat in her hands, Daniella walked in the direction of the water sounds to find a narrow creek with ink black water, caused by the dark night. Her palms opened once again and with an experimental flick of her wrist, she threw the purple-pink fireball into the water. As soon as it met the surface, the flames seemed to separate from one another and with a loud sizzle, it dispersed into the air. By now, Daniella was grinning at her control of magic. Perhaps I am a witch...but I can't believe it. I wonder how the other kids will think of me now. I can do magic!

However, Daniella was too ecstatic to realise that the crackling hisses from her magic had attracted the attention of another who had walked out of the cabin due to the inability of sleep. "Daniella?!"

The young girl turned around in surprise, with her glowing hands held out in front of her in defence. Through the restless flames, Daniella saw the outline of Snow White. Both gaped at one another before Snow finally stuttered, "I was right...you're her daughter".

As soon as Daniella heard these words, her shocked expression slowly developed into a glare. Snow had mentioned that perhaps the reason why the lost Princess was indeed lost was at her own fault. The mature 16 year old side of Daniella finally came out and when it did, her voice was not unlike her mother's. "So you're saying that I've been living alone, without any family because of your actions?"

Snow furrowed her brow, not knowing how to respond. Choosing to avoid the topics, she said, "Come with me. Maybe we can be family again...like sisters."