Amethyst chased the fiery bird through the cabin, diving to save each delicate valuable that flew off of its respective shelf. The phoenix was determined to avoid being put back in his cage, changing course whenever he could. "Kestro! Get back here, you!" Exclaimed Amethyst, giggling from all the excitement. She saw Kestro racing down the front hall and launched at him with all her might. Unluckily, he stopped right at the front door, and by the time she saw what was about to happen, it was too late. She crashed straight into the door, busting it open as she and Kestro wrestled into the grass. Kestro escaped her grip, and before she could get up to chase after him, he dove off the edge of the island and bounded down to the Groundlands. Amethyst sighed, "Oh great..." she muttered. She came back to the main island to see her mother and father leaving the house, and as she ran up to them, she reported, "Mother, Kestro got out again, he'll come back, right?" She asked worriedly, her mother replied, "Of course, he will, Amethyst. You know Kestro's all fire, but he loves you." Amethyst murmured, "I suppose you're right." Amethyst gazed at her dad, her face turning pale. He looked like he'd gotten worse. "Mother, where are you and Father going?" She asked, still caught in his worsened state. Her mother gave her a knowing look, "Well, dear, I'm taking your father to the Groundlands." Amethyst figured her face was probably as white as the moon. "The Groundlands?! But we're forbidden ever to go there!" She pleaded. "I know Amethyst, but your father is very sick, and this illness is nothing like we've ever had. I fear that medicine from the Groundlands could be the only thing we have left to try." Amethyst was frantic, until she realized, "You mean, even the water from the Falls couldn't help Father?" Mother made a rueful face, and said to her, "We've tried everything from herbal teas to giving it to him straight from the flower, but this disease doesn't respond to any of it. I think this is the only way, sweetheart." Amethyst saw how right she was, and knew no matter what risk they were taking, it would be worth it if they could save Father. "Alright, I'll get myself ready to go-" Her mother stopped her before she could finish. "Dear, I'm afraid you're not coming with us. You're the next generation, and we need somebody to look after the Cloudlands." Amethyst saw how that made sense, no matter how much she wanted to go with them. "I understand, Mother. Will you be back soon?" Mother gave her the most reassuring smile she could, "Of course Amethyst, we'll be back before you know it." she said in a caring tone. Amethyst gave her mother one last hug and gave her father the lightest, but sweetest kiss on the cheek, "Get better, Father." she whispered. They'll be back soon before I know it...

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.