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Beautiful… That is the only word Rider could use to describe the bright flame on his mother’s head… The bright pink flame on her candle was always something that allured him… Its bright color offered a sense of safety and protection through the endless night or wondrous world of dreams… While at the same time, comforting and calming him while it guided him through the waking world… That flame was one of the millions of things he adored about his mother… Admired… Especially when he had a little pink flame of his very own that adorned his head like a crown.
The little prince dreamed of his candle being as bright and magnificent as Belphegor's one day… Every night, he would fall asleep with a smile and hope that when he woke in the morning, it would be… However, as one would expect, growing wasn’t that easy for most. Which would cause the kitten to be a bit bummed, as he would look in the mirror the following day. Even so, that didn’t stop the little dreamer as he wished upon a star and went to bed later… Beginning to dream it all over again… Which, of course, his parents found absolutely adorable and sweet…
This afternoon was no different. As the Sloth family rested on the ruler's bed… There was little Rider… Watching Belphegor's candle with wonder as his eyes glittered like the stars in his hair. Causing Bel and Lazy to melt as they cooed and stroked his wool soft hair. Which, of course, made the little kitten purr gently while watching the flickering flame and cuddling closer into his mom’s chest.
“What are you looking at, Starry eyes?” The queen asked with a loving smile, knowing full well what the answer was.
“Your candle, Mommy… It’s so pretty…” He answered with wonder while gently swaying his little curled tail from side to side.
“Awww… Thank you so much, Baby… That is so sweet of you to say!” Bel swooned back as she leaned her head down and kissed his forehead.
Rider purred louder as he leaned into her affection.
“It's so bright, Mommy… I hope mine is like yours one day…”
“Oh, I know it will be, Little Dreamer… In fact, I hope it’s even brighter than mine!” She confessed proudly while kissing him on the cheek.
“Really, Mommy?” Rider asked with sparkling eyes.
“Of course, Starlight… It’s already so bright and beautiful!... And who knows… Maybe one day you will help Mommy in the dreamworld…”
The little prince let out a happy meow as he hugged her neck and cuddled closer. Swooning over his happiness and affection, Bel used her top pair of arms to hold him tighter while Lazy Dog leaned over and began to groom his precious head. They rested that way in their loving dream for a while—nothing could compare… However, Belphegor and Lazy soon froze when they saw the sad expression on their son's face, further breaking their hearts when his perky ears dropped.
“Little Star… What’s wrong?” Lazy asked gently as they reached their paw over to rub his cheek gently.
“I… I want to have a light like Mommy’s… But… No matter how hard I wish… It’s not the same…” He answered with a light sniffle.
“Awww… Starlight… It’s okay, Sweetheart… I promise one day you’ll get there… You just have to give it some time…” Bel replied as she hugged her son closer with all four of her arms and tried to reassure him.
“I know… But…” Rider sniffled again as he looked at her candle again with a sense of longing.
Just as Belphegor was about to say something, Lazy Dog leaned over to her ear. Intrigued by what her spouse was going to say, she leaned closer as they began to whisper. As she listened, the queen’s frown formed into a pleased hum and smile.
“What an amazing idea, my love!”
Curious by the sudden tone shift, Rider turned his attention to Bel’s eyes.
“Hey Baby… Mao Mao just gave me an idea that we think will turn your frown upside down.”
The kitten stared at her briefly before tilting his head to the side.
“Aww… That’s my adorably curious kitten… Now… Close your eyes… And began to think about making your perfect little flame nice and bright for me… Okay?” She asked gently as she rubbed his back.
Rider momentarily looked at her in silence before nodding and doing as she said. As he thought, his little pink flame began to shine brighter while flickering faster. Once the movement was consistent, Bel reached her top right hand over his head, pinched her fingers together, and sprinkled a little bit of magic into his flame… And just like that… The flame grew larger and brighter… Just like their little dreamer wanted.
“Look, Baby! You're doing it!” Lazy Dog cheered proudly.
Surprised, Rider quickly opened his eyes and looked at this strong glowing candle on his head. He watched it with wonder as he let out happy mews and swayed his tail quickly.
“Mommy! Mao Mao! Look! Look! I’m just like Mommy!” Rider exclaimed with a massive smile as his ears shot up with excitement.
“You are just like Mommy, little one! Oh, look how beautiful you are! You’re glowing Starlight!” Bel joined in as she rained kisses all over his face.
“Yeah! That’s right, Little Star! Let it glow! Let it glow!” Lazy said as they hugged their wife and son.
As Rider continued to admire his flame, he couldn’t help but purr louder as he looked at his parents with a loving little smile.
“Thank you, Mommy. Thank you, Mao Mao.”
“Of course, Little Dreamer… Mommy and Mao Mao are always happy to help… Especially when it comes to showing you what awaits you soon in the future.” Belphegor replied softly while she reached out to stroke his left ear.
The kitten leaned into his mother’s touch for a moment before pulling away and gazing at the flaming candle on his head. As he watched it glow, he couldn't help but smile… He couldn't wait for the day he could finally achieve it on his own…
After all…
Flames like this lead him through his every waking day…
Dreaming night…
Comfort…
Safety…
Past…
Present…
But most importantly…
To his future…
And nothing could glow brighter than that…