"You have one wish, Bechana. Make sure it is something you truly desire. You will not get another chance like this, " said Mara.
Bechana realized that Mara was right. Almost without thinking, she blurted the first thought that entered her head, the thing she wanted most in the world.
"I wish that John truly loved me, " said Bechana.
Mara chuckled. "I don't think it is in my power to grant that wish. All creatures have free will, even magical ones. Besides, I don't think it is really necessary. Just look at him. He already loves you."
John blushed. He didn't want to admit it, but it was true. He had fun with Bechana over these last several week. And he had come to appreciate her not just as a companion, but something more than that. She was funny, kind, and very generous. He felt good when he was around her, and longed for her company when she was gone. Could it be love? He would have possibly done more with her if they weren't Gryphons. It just made him feel weird.
Bechana looked back at John, expecting a rebuke. But instead she found him smiling, and encouraging her.
"Then I wish John wanted to stay a Gryphon forever, and stay by my side as a mate," said Bechana.
Again, Mara chuckled. "As I told you, I have no power over the mind. But he doesn't seem to mind being a Gryphon too much in my opinion. In fact, he takes to it quite well. As for the mating ..... well, that is a choice only he can make. Perhaps with time, he will be more comfortable with that decision. "
Bechana suddenly had an idea.
Time! she thought. That's all that I need. More time with John.
"Mara, I wish that John and I had always been Gryphons. I wish that we had been born Gryphons, and grew up together. Not as brother and sister, but as friends. And that over time, we grew to love each other and become mates," said Bechana.
Mara whistled. "That is a pretty tall order. I may not be able to grant your wish exactly how you hope. But I will do my best, " said Mara, as she concentrated and began to glow.
John slowly walked up to Bechana. She ducked her head in shame.
"Please don't hate me, John. But I just love you so much, and I can't bear to loose you," said Bechana.
John put a talon on her shoulder, pulling her close, and rubbed his head against her chest. "I could never hate you, Bechana. I love you, too. And I think this is probably for the best. Whatever happens, please remember that. I will always love you."
John and Bechana embraced as the pixie dust from Mara drifted down onto them. The world seemed to shimmer around them, as reality began to shift.
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"Quickly, Bechana! We must flee! The human farmer has spotted us, and she is armed," said Junn.
Bechana struggled to control the calf in her claws. Junn ran to her side and quickly slaughtered it.
"I never should have brought you on this food run. It is too dangerous in your condition, " said Junn, as he patted her swollen belly.
"Sorry, dear. But it just seems more dangerous to try it alone. I couldn't bear it if you were hurt or caught, " said Bechanna.
Sandra ran towards the couple. To her their speech sounded like shrill caws. And to her they looked like two monsters stealing her cattle. She raised her gun and fired, but missed both of them. Once again, she wished that she had someone to help her on the farm. But her only child, Amy, had mysteriously disappeared. Now she was alone, trying to keep up the farm on her own.
Junn screeched angrily at the human that dared to threaten his pregnant mate. He readied himself to spring forward and attack. But a gentle nudge from Bechana encouraged him to just take the calf and flee. After ensuring that Bechana had safely flown away, he grabbed the small calf in his talons and joined her in the sky. Soon, they were safely on their way home to their nest.