The four of us are gathered at our table where I expect to receive a scolding from Mum.Yet, Talia excitedly speaks first.

  “So what did you see, Sis!? Was it a monster as tall as the trees? A guardian of the forest? A dragon!?”

  Sadly, the presence of such fantastical creatures would be more understandable than what truly occurred, yet I would quickly be found out if I were to say one was there.As soon as the guards return without finding any traces of a known monster in the surrounding area, Mum would hear about it and grow suspicious.So with still no feasible expnation readily coming to mind, I suppose I’ll have to attempt to stall for a time.

  “Um, no. I-, I didn’t see a monster.”

  “Truly? I thought-”

  Mum interrupts her with a serious tone.

  “Talia, why don’t we start with what is important first?”

  Here it comes.

  “Akari, you were the one who helped Loka and his daughters, weren’t you?”

  Huh?She obviously heard the news of what the guards discovered and likely spoke to Maline.Yet this wasn’t what I was expecting her to begin with.

  “Er, y-yes, Mum.”

  At my words, instead of growing angry, she gives a nostalgic smile and her eyes dampen.What is she thinking about?I timidly call to her.

  “Uh, M-Mum?”

  *Sigh*“Sorry, dear. At times, you greatly remind me of your pa. He too would run towards danger to help others.”

  Is she saying..?

  “Then, are you not angry with me?”

  At that, she gives me a wry smile.

  “I wouldn’t be entirely truthful if I said no, as I’ll never enjoy hearing that you rushed into harm’s way, but I’m also gd that they, and you, returned safely. From what I understand, that wouldn’t have been the case if help hadn’t arrived in time. So unless you tell me that you did something entirely foolish, no, I don’t intend to scold you.”

  Phew!That’s an unexpected, but welcome, relief!Yeah, sure, I had intended to convince her I was in the right because I wanted to save my friend, but I didn’t anticipate it going this easily.It’s not as if I am a trained soldier, after all.Running, or flying in my case, towards a possible monster is the opposite of what she taught me to do.

  However, my relief is short lived, as she asks another question.

  “Speaking of which, a guard brought word that an enormous portion of the meadow was gouged out. What exactly happened out there, Aki?”

  And I’m back to being at a loss.I may as well begin with the parts that are believable.

  “Well, apparently, an angry bear had attacked Mr. Loka’s wagon, toppling it. When I found them, Maline and Lucia were distracting the beast, and Mr. Loka was already injured.”

  Talia impatiently speaks again.

  “But if there was no giant monster, why was the meadow in such a state!? Lulu said there was suddenly a loud noise with dirt flying all about, and her sister pulled her to the ground. Then when she was finally able to see again, the beast was gone. What else could possibly do such a thing? Oh! Did you find an entire flock of fairies to aid you!? Perhaps a spirit!?”

  Ah!I could say a roaming spirit aided me!Thank you, Talia!As a fairy, it’s believable that I would be able to see and perhaps even speak with them.Moreover, no one would expect to find traces of one.Not that anyone knows what they look like, or if they even truly exist, but I should be able to craft a convincing story.Thankfully, Nibi wasn’t there at the time, so I needn’t have to worry about her exposing my lie.

  Although, something about that thought feels remarkably…uncomfortable, surprising even myself.But what else can I say?I truly don’t want to lie to them, but my family will never believe the truth!No sane person would!

  “Sis?”

  “Erm, yeah, sure, I was able to see something incredible. As the supplies they were using to distract the bear began to dwindle, a…a…”

  A what?What was I going to say?

  “Aki? Are you okay?”

  “U-um…uh.”

  I had a pn, I know I did!And that only a moment ago!So what was it!?

  “Miep?”

  Argh!Why can’t I think of anything to say!

  Well, I’ve no other choice.Even Nibi is peering at me worriedly, so there is no time to come up with a new story.My only hope is that, as Mum already defied my expectations, perhaps this will be easier than I thought as well?Oh, please let it be!

  “Uh, y-yes, Mum, I feel fine. But no, Sis, there was no one else there.”

  “What?”

  “Aki, are you saying that the news we heard was incorrect? Was there not a rge strip of nd exposed?”

  “Er, no, you heard correctly. Once the bear was gone, I saw a clearing where before there had been grass and flowers. But there was no one else at that pce, other than who I already said.”

  “Then, you’re saying that you and Nibi were able to do such a thing by yourselves? Just the two of you!?”

  She already appears incredibly doubtful that two fairies could accomplish what occurred earlier today.Ugh, this won’t end well.But she continues.

  “Well, I suppose Loka’s girls were there as well. Perhaps their alchemy supplies pyed a part somehow? Ah, I’m sorry, it seems I got caught up in Talia’s excitement. I should just allow you to tell the tale.”

  Now she’s looking at me expectantly.*Sigh*I suppose it’s time.

  After a few more moments fidgeting under their gaze and wringing my hands, I anxiously begin to speak.

  “Well…I used wind magic to rush ahead of Nibi, so I arrived at the pce far earlier than her. Then in an attempt to help, I…um…what I’m saying is…I caused that all on my own, Mum.”

  In return for my words, I receive extremely skeptical looks from them both.Mum is the first to reply.

  “I would think that becoming a fairy would have made you better at this. If there is something you don’t wish to tell me at the moment, simply say so. But if you wish to deceive me, at the very least you’ll have to create a more believable story than that, dear.”

  Argh!I should’ve told her that a spirit did it!I knew she wouldn’t believe me!

  Oh, of course, now I remember my idea.After it’s of no help to me!All I can do is try to convince her.

  “No, Mum, I’m not lying, I swear! I was attempting to distract the bear with my magic, but the next thing I knew, the field was stripped bare to the ground! In my hurry to keep Maline safe, I put all of my energy into the spell and then released it. Surprisingly, it seems that I have considerably more magic than I first thought.”

  “Sis, I’m only twelve, and even I know that’s impossible. When you were bigger than me, perhaps I would have believed you, but now, you’re far too small to do such a thing.”

  “Yes, I know it’s impossible! That’s what I’ve been telling myself nearly the entire way home! Yet it happened, and I can offer no other expnation for it besides my spell! Believe me, I have tried again and again to come up with one!”

  Abruptly, Nibi takes hold of my arm, but her words aren’t directed towards me.

  “Miep! Akari!”

  It would seem that she agrees with what I’m saying and is attempting to let Mum know.I wonder, did she truly see any of what occurred, or is she simply trying to help me?Either way, I’m grateful for her support.She’s at least gotten Mum to contempte my words further.

  Several moments ter, Mum whispers a few words.

  “Meager strength no more than a mite, yet magical brawn of staggering height.”

  Words from her favorite poem?I thought them accurate after seeing what Nibi and the other fairies accomplished with their magic.But now, I believe this verse could bear repeating.Ah, Mum seems to have come to a conclusion.

  “Well, your story is incredibly difficult to believe, but perhaps when we next leave the vilge, you can demonstrate this for us. I’m willing to take you at your word you till then. Although, as an unknown monster is suspected to be prowling nearby, it may be some time before we can go beyond the walls.”

  Oh thank goodness!This is proceeding far better than I first believed it would.I hadn’t anticipated Nibi lending her support to my words.Having another person confirm my story was quite helpful, even if she struggles with her speech, as we all know.

  With things progressing as they are, perhaps now is a good a time as any to address my next issue?

  “Thanks, Mum. But regarding leaving the vilge, I need to depart shortly. I intend to journey to the fairies today.”

  “Today!? After everything that happened? Why!?”

  As expected, she’s not too excited about this prospect.

  “I overheard some of the guards saying that when they found the aggressive bear, Commander Jaasir noticed it was suffering from corruption, and I believe what I heard. Out of all who live here, he would best know the signs of such a thing.”

  “Oh? That’s highly unusual. But why does this warrant you rushing to return to the fairies?”

  “Because, immediately after helping Maline, I went to our hidden gde to ensure no one would find it. Yet when I arrived, the entire meadow appeared to have been consumed by the mad bear.”

  “That is a pity. But other than the pleasant view being marred, I still don’t understand why you need to leave so suddenly, dear. If necessary, surely we can find some other pce for you to train with magic?”

  Before continuing, I take a deep breath in an attempt to steady myself.Not that it truly helps, but the feeling is nice.

  “Mum, what if something in the gde caused its mady? Something that I did? From the one, single pce in the forest that I used magic within, a corrupted animal seems to have emerged. What if fairies spread that horrible affliction in some way!?”

  “Aki, no one wholly understands what causes corruption. Magic simply goes wrong at times.”

  “Yeah, sure, but now I’m entirely made of magic, so I might be capable of causing it! And even worse, what if I can spread it to people as well! I need answers, Mum! And I continue to learn things about fairies that make me more and more concerned for your safety if I stay here! I can protect myself now. I even helped others. So please, may I return to the fairies now?”

  While Mum ponders my words, Talia interjects.

  “Sis, do you even know how to find the fairy gde again?”

  “Yes, that’s simple. It lies in that direction.”

  I point towards the north-west, directly towards the gde.It’s not till a moment ter that I realize I know precisely where it’s located.To my magic senses, it feels akin to a bonfire in the dead of night that lit afme as soon as I desired it.Likely a part of being a fairy.At least I don’t have to fear getting lost.

  At st, Mum responds.

  *Sigh*“Yes, you may go, though I imagine you would even if I said no.”

  “Thank you, Mum!”

  She then sternly addresses the fairy beside me.

  “Nibi, do you still intend to accompany my daughter?”

  “Yes!”

  “Then will you help keep her safe for me?”

  “Yes!”

  “And you’re not going to py any tricks on her this time?”

  At this, Nibi opens her mouth, then closes it and pauses for a few moments.It seems she has to think about that question.Which leads Mum to specify.

  “At least not till you return?”

  “Yeah, sure!”

  That seems to have resolved Nibi’s hesitation.Thus, Mum turns her focus back to me.

  “Very well. Aki, stay together and watch out for one another. And I expect you to be home by the end of the day. Otherwise, I’ll have to come search for you.”

  Yeah, sure.She’ll just slip past the vilge guards, find a path through the fairy’s magical defenses, and defeat the horde of immensely powerful magical creatures…Why do I have the feeling she might try to do just that if I go missing again?

  “Yes, Mum. I’ll do my best to be back before dark.”

  “Do you have everything that you need?”

  “Of course. I only need essence, and I can gather that nearly anywhere. Although, Talia?”

  “Yes?”

  “Could you please carry us to the palisade? It will make it easier to not be seen at this time of day.”

  “Of course, Sis.”

  …

  A short while ter, Nibi and I enter the forest to the north, both of us maintaining our magic protections.Once under the trees, we then turn and fly directly towards the gde.With my magic sense clearly guiding me, I’ve no need of the meandering trails or paths, but instead dart through the gaps in the trees and shrubs that would be impassable for a human.This should allow me to traverse the distance much swifter than I did previously.

  In due time, we draw near to the magical beacon I feel, and the thorny hedge that surrounds the gde appears in our sight.Yet, before we enter, an oddity catches my eye.Directly ahead of us, there is a shimmer, as what sometimes appears above a fire.However, we’re currently below the cool, forest boughs, and even the sunlight is being blocked out by the trees.There’s nothing that would naturally cause such a thing.Hence, I reach out with my senses.

  Wind and water essence!An enormous amount of it!From what I can tell, there’s a mass of energy a short distance outside of the hedge, likely encircling the grove in the same manner as the pnts.But though I can feel the essence gathered in front of me, and can discern that it belongs to an active spell, I cannot determine what it is that the spell is doing.The energy certainly far exceeds the amount required to simply cause a slight haze.

  Since I halted to examine this magic, Nibi also stops and turns to me questioningly.

  “Akari?”

  She’s hovering on the far side of whatever this shimmer may be but doesn’t seem to have been affected by it in any way.

  “Nibi, do you know what this is?”

  Yeah, sure, she likely cannot expin to me in detail with what few words she has, but perhaps she can tell me a little.However, Nibi simply looks at where I’m pointing, then back at me, and finally, shrugs her shoulders.*Sigh*Well, that was of no help at all.Although, it seems she’s learned another of our gestures.

  A little wary of magic that even Nibi isn’t fully aware of, I attempt to spot anything out of the ordinary besides the shimmer.At first, I find nothing, but after inspecting Nibi once more, I notice that she has released her watery rings and is merely leisurely hovering in pce, waiting for me.

  “Why did you stop your spell? We’re in the forest, it’s dangerous still!”

  My words result in slight confusion on her part, but a few moments ter, it seems she comes to a realization.

  “Akari, come! Sss-, safe!”

  With that, she waves at me to follow.

  Well, she lived here for much longer than I, so she ought to know of any nearby dangers.Although, come to think of it, has she?She may have merely been visiting when our paths met.How much do I truly know about her?Quite little, since her speech is incredibly limited.Yet, I suppose I know enough.She wouldn’t deliberately put me in harm’s way.

  Bracing myself, I fly through the gathered essence.However, a few moments after reaching the far side of the spell’s effects, I release my protective wind and rex.This pce just feels so…safe.As if I arrived home after a long journey through dark woods.Moreover, everything seems heightened in some way, more vibrant.For example, the wind essence surrounding me is somehow fuller than that which I flew through on my journey here.Which, honestly, feels strangely comforting to simply hover within.

  It’s little wonder that Nibi looked at me oddly a moment ago.Though I’m certain I’ll have to be mindful of the fairies who dwell here, I’m also oddly certain that there are no other perils within this pce.And once I became a fairy myself, the others have never attempted to directly harm me.Not that I would ever wish to dwell here, but for a time, it’s pleasant.Thinking back, this feeling may be why I never thought to protect myself before attempting my first flight home since it truly doesn’t feel as if there is any danger in this gde, though the shock of becoming of fairy muted its effect considerably during my initial visit.Of course, the ordeal of waking with an entirely different body likely also pyed a part in my carelessness.

  After a few moments, I continue towards the thorny hedge.As they did when I left this pce, the thorns retract and allow us passage.Carefully, Nibi and I fly through the gaps in the branches, and upon reaching the far side, I pause to survey the gde once more.

  Not much seems to have changed from a week ago.At its center, a ring of stones encircle a patch of bare dirt.Utterly enormous flowers of all colors spread across the gde, some of which I know hide pools of water beneath them.Fairies flitter all about, both in the sky and on the flowers below.And a short distance away, two balls of fme streak towards us.

  Huh?

  “Aaah!”

  I attempt to dodge, but simir to Nibi’s icicles, one of the raging spheres follows me and swiftly swallows me up.

  I’m on fire!!!