by Natalie Erin
They both fell silent as Rex carried her through the forest, to the home of an old friend. When they reached their destination, they saw a green-haired fairy flitting around her garden, planting spring seeds. When the fairy saw Luciana, she screamed shrilly and ran inside her small hut.
“Now what is that all about?” Luciana asked herself.
“People don’t seem very friendly around here,” Rex muttered.
“Indeed.” She climbed off Rex’s back and walked up to the house, knocking hesitantly.
“Who’s there?” a frightened voice asked her.
“My name is Luciana. I need your help.” Luciana’s own voice took on a desperate tone, one she hoped the stranger would sympathize with.
“How do I know that I can trust you?” the fairy asked. “How do I know that you’re not after my son?”
“I only need the help of an old friend,” Luciana replied, disappointed. “I was given information that I could find him here. But it seems I only found a frightened fairy.”
Luciana turned to go. Not looking where she was going, she tripped over a branch and fell to the ground. She turned as she collapsed, rolling slightly to land on her side in order to protect the baby. Rex bolted forward and helped her to her feet slowly.
“Come on Luciana, he’s not here. Ana must’ve been wrong,” he said softly.
“Luce? Is that you?”
Luciana turned in relief to see the golden eyed Accompany she’d been looking for, the one that she had known since they were just children.
“Keo!” She half-ran, half-waddled to where Keota stood. Tears began running down her cheeks as she approached him, arms outstretched.
“You have to help me, Keo!” She threw herself against his chest and buried her head there, crying. “You simply must!”
He wrapped his arms around her and rocked her softly, as if it was the most natural thing in the world for him to do. “What happened, Luce? What’s the matter?” he asked. “I can’t help if I don’t know the problem.”
“It all started with Wyntier. It goes back to when we dated in school...but you know that part.” Luciana sniffed.
“Yeah. I know that part. I was there for most of it.” Keota grimaced, as if he hated to remember.
“Obviously, you can see I’m pregnant.” She pulled away from Keota and moved both hands so that they fell onto her stomach, enclosing the bump in her arms.
“That’s great! But who’s the father?” Keota asked.
“I don’t know!” Luciana began to cry harder. “I was out walking in Nesting’s Haven one night. I wanted to be by myself...I just needed to think. You know how I like to take walks alone.” She took a deep breath. “All I remember is being hit in the head and then waking up in the hospital. A month later, I got sick. I went back, and they told me I was pregnant.”
At this, Keota’s eyes also began to water. “I see. I’m so sorry, Luce. It’s terrible that there’s some monster out there who would do this to you.” He embraced her once again, holding her tighter this time. “If I had been there to protect you, it wouldn’t have happened.”
“You can’t save me from everything, Keota,” Luciana chuckled through her tears. “Even though you tried.”
“But why are you here?”
“I had nowhere else to go. Things are bad in Nesting’s Haven, Keota. It’s not the place you remember. The Council’s out of control.” Luciana wiped her hand. “I questioned their authority, so they’re threatening to take Rex away from me again.”
Rex growled as she said the words. Luciana shook her head and said, “It’s not as fair or just. Something is going on in Nesting’s Haven that the Council isn’t telling us. I tried to figure out what it is, but I got caught. They almost took Rex from me again. Keota, I can’t go back there!”
“Keota, who is this?” The green-haired fairy had come out of the house, and was standing there with her hands on her hips, watching Keota hug the strange newcomer. All signs of terror were gone as she glared at the female wrapped in Keota’s arms.
“Luciana, this is my wife, Kia. Kia, this is my best friend Luciana, and her Changer Rex,” Keota said, not letting Luciana go from his arms. “She needs a place to go, so she’s staying with us.”
Kia opened her mouth to protest before she noticed the large belly protruding from the Accompany. “I won’t turn a pregnant woman away,” she said reluctantly. “We have the room.”
“Thank you.” Luciana pulled herself away from Keota and nodded towards Kia. “You have no idea how much this means to me.”
Kia grimaced and looked towards her husband. “Of course. Anything for a friend.”
Luciana felt relieved at the fairy’s acceptance, though she noted that Kia didn’t seem any more comfortable at Keota’s confession that he knew her personally. If anything, the fairy’s eyes were more frightened than before.
“Should we just go down to the beach or call her up here?” Kennu asked Allie.
The two friends were peering out from the edge of the forest, just outside the perimeters of the beach. Reagan was lying on a towel on the sand, had these funny, dark glasses on her face, and was wearing nothing but a thin, two-piece outfit that only covered what was inappropriate to show in public.
“I think we should just go. Who wants some weird human hanging around anyway?” Allie commented. “I mean, just look at what she’s wearing. It’s absolutely despicable.”
Allie had whined, complained and done everything possible to stop Kennu from seeing the human girl again, but every attempt had failed. Her sourness plainly showed her disapproval of the situation.
“I don’t see any problem with her clothes at all. I actually find it interesting that humans’ clothes are so different than ours,” Kennu said. “Let’s go down there and get her.”
“You go get her. I’ll wait for you here,” Allie said with a hint of disgust in her voice.
“Fine. Be that way.” Kennu walked onto the beach, reminding himself to hide his wings from view. “Reagan!” he called as he approached, mere feet away from the human lying in the sand.
The girl sat up abruptly, pushing her dark glasses onto her head as she noticed him come by. She didn’t scream or run, so that was a good sign, but she didn’t seem happy to see him, either. “It’s Kennu, right?” she asked.
“It sure is.” He plopped himself down in the sand beside her. “You’re not afraid of me after the last time we met, are you?”
“I wasn’t afraid of you,” Reagan said, as if offended. “Your weird pet just freaked me out a bit.”
“Good.” Kennu smiled, before his expression became worried. “Are you...you weren’t freaked about what happened last time, right?”
“I told you I got over the bird brain talking.”
Kennu hesitated. “Not that. The seizure.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh. Yeah, I guess I’m over it. You have epilepsy, right?”
“I don’t know what I have. There’s no name for it,” Kennu said. “It just happens.”
“Huh. That sucks.”
“Yeah.”
Kennu let the silence work its way into the conversation before asking, “So, I was wondering if you wanted to come over for dinner?”
“You want me to come over for dinner?” She asked the question as if she couldn’t believe he had the nerve to ask.
“Why not?” He shrugged. “As long as my family doesn’t figure out that you’re human, you’ll be fine. Trust me.”
“So basically I’m supposed to pretend that I’m a fairy like you?” She rolled her eyes. “Like that’s going to happen.”
“No, just pretend to not be human.”
“I’m not interested. I have things to do.” Reagan lied back down on her towel.
Kennu made a face and said, “Like what? You seem like you’re bored out here by yourself.”
“You wish. This is paradise for me.”
“Come on. I promise you’ll have fun,” Kennu said, praying she’d say yes.
>
Reagan sighed. “Since you’re so desperate for my presence, I guess I can pretend to be a fairy, but I don’t know how long it’ll last. I’ll probably blow it by saying something stupid, like I always do.”
“I can help you out.” Kennu got up and offered her his hand. She took it and got to her feet.
“Alright. I just have to go change first,” she said.
“You look fine. Come on.” In his excitement, Kennu grabbed Reagan’s hand and began to pull her towards where Allie waited.
“Whatever you say, though the last parents who saw me in this bikini didn’t want me anywhere near their son.” Reagan pulled her hand away from Kennu. “Where are we going, exactly?”
“To get Allie, and then we’ll head to my house.” Kennu began hiking towards the woods. “One of these days I’ll have to introduce you to the rest of my friends. They’re wolves.”
“Wolves?” Reagan halted in her tracks. “Okay, hold on. You said nothing about wolves. The canary I can deal with, but not vicious, snarling...”
“Oh, they’re really nice,” Kennu said, waving his hand. “Their tenth birthday is coming up, just after mine and Allie’s. I have no idea what to get them. There’s five of them, so it’s a pain trying to find things for everybody all at once.”
“Ten-year-old wolves? That’s impossible,” Reagan protested, beginning to follow Kennu again. “Wolves don’t live for more than a few years in the wild. If these wolves of yours are as old as you say they are, they have to be ancient.”
“I mean, they’re not super young, but they’re not old either. They won’t be for at least five more years,” Kennu said.
“This place doesn’t make any sense,” Reagan said, shaking her head.
“I guess animals live longer here than they do where you live,” Kennu said. “Don’t ask me why.”
Allie hid reluctantly in the trees, sticking her head out to hiss at Reagan. “Quick Kennu, we still have a chance to ditch the human girl!”
“I heard that,” Reagan snapped. “You know, that’s a little freaky, her talking and all.”
“Not really, but I guess I’m just used to it.” Kennu stroked Allie’s head gently, while the doe glared at Reagan with all the hate she could muster.
“Animals don’t talk where I come from.” Reagan crossed her arms.
“Really? That’s weird. All my friends talk,” Kennu said.
“Maybe they don’t talk around her because she’s simply awful,” Allie said, speaking as if Reagan wasn’t there.
“I don’t think your pet likes me very much.” Reagan said, giving a nasty giggle.
“PET!” Allie stomped her hooves. “I am NOT a pet!”
“She doesn’t want to associate with humans. She thinks they’re all bad,” Kennu replied. “I’m sure the two of you will be great friends eventually.”
“I will never be able to get along with someone who dresses like she does,” Allie huffed.
“Honey, I’ve got style. You’re just jealous,” Reagan said, rolling her eyes.
Kennu stepped between them. “Come on guys, let’s go.” He began to walk in the direction of his house. Allie and Reagan followed, the two of them ignoring each other the entire way there.
Chapter Seven
The Tragic Tale of Luciana Morris
Underneath the shade of the trees, Luciana lay against Rex’s side. His slow breathing soothed her anxiety and calmed her frantic heart, yet she still felt if the panther were not here, she’d run off into the woods screaming, never to return. The two of them were alone in the yard near the hut, watching the clouds go by and trying to rest, yet little rest came for Luciana these days. Her eyes drooping, Luciana slipped into another world, her mind returning to memories of her tragic past.
The thing she remembered most about Dinkleberry University was how massive it was. The old castle was completely made out of stone, and over a thousand years old. It housed hundreds of Changers and Accompanies completing their studies. However, no matter how many people populated the castle, she always felt entirely alone.
Alone, unless her best friend was with her.
She was no older than fourteen as she stood by a younger Keota in front of his dorm at Dinkleberry University. She laughed at him as he tried to find his key, rather unsuccessfully.
“Keo, you goofball. Here.” She handed him the spare she always had in case this happened, which, quite honestly, happened very frequently.
“Thanks, Luce. I knew I could count on you to keep this one safe.” He gave her a silly grin and then unlocked the door. The two of them walked inside, leaving the door open.
“No problem, Keo.” She sat cross-legged on his bed, and Keota took his spot beside her while Ionan sat on the windowsill, bathing in the sunlight as a cat. Rex curled up in her lap as a small black squirrel, commencing the start of their routine.
It was the same every day. They would sit here for hours until Keota’s roommate got tired of listening to them talk and forced the two to leave. They would then wander around the grounds, not caring where they went, so long as they were together.
“So how was your day?” she asked, stroking Rex softly.
“Okay, I guess.” He shrugged. “You should know how it went. You were there all day. We have all the same classes, Luce.”
They both laughed softly. A red haired boy walked in, a small mantis sitting on his shoulder.
“Hey Galien,” Keota said, barely looking up.
“Hey Keota, Luce.” Galien nodded in Luciana’s direction and she smiled. “So what are you two up to?”
“Same as always,” Luciana replied.
“Don’t you ever get tired of talking? I don’t know what you have left to say after being together day in and day out,” Galien jibed. “When are you guys going to get together? Everyone knows it’s going to happen eventually. We’re even betting on when.”
Keota’s ears reddened. “We’re not planning on getting together. We’re just friends.”
Luciana giggled, and Galien gave her a knowing smile. “Whatever. You know you both want each other. It’s just a matter of time.”
A shadow loomed in the doorway. An older, brown haired boy walked into the dorm, striding in as if he needed no permission from anyone to enter. The room instantly chilled.
“What do you want, Wyntier?” Galien said sharply, turning around. It was clear the red-headed boy didn’t like him.
“I want to speak to Luciana.” Wyntier’s voice showed no hint of its usual coldness...it was rather thickened with a honey-like quality that made the words too sweet.
“Me?” Luciana pointed to herself. “I guess.” She pulled Rex off her lap and laid him on the bed. The Changer watched her as she rose to her feet and walked to Wyntier. “What do you want?”
“May we step out into the hallway? I wish to speak to you alone.” His voice was kind. It sounded all too wrong coming from him.
“Alright,” she said timidly, glancing back at Keota. “If that’s what you want.”
Wyntier led her out into the hallway and closed the door. “I have a question for you,” he began.
“Go ahead and ask it already,” she said nervously, shrinking away from his glance.
Wyntier looked her up and down, giving her a tender glance. “Do you know about the spring dance on Saturday?” He reached out a hand and gently fingered her long hair.
“Yes, I know about the dance.” She did nothing to stop him from touching her hair. She wasn’t sure if she liked it, but at the same time, she didn’t know what he’d do if she told him to stop.
“I wanted to know if you would go with me.”
“You want me to go to the dance with you?” she asked, shocked. “But you’re popular, and no one really knows who I am.”
“Does it look like it matters to me?” he asked. “I suppose I could ask someone else...”
He turned away from her, and not wanting to miss her chance, Luciana leapt forward. “No! I’d love to go with you! It jus
t...caught me off guard.” She smiled at him.
“I’ll pick you up at your room ten minutes before the dance. Is that fine?” he asked, though it sounded more like a demand.
“Of course. I’ll be waiting for you.” Her cheeks grew red and she giggled nervously.
“Very well. Goodbye, Luciana.”
Wyntier headed down the hallway back towards his own dorm. She watched him go, still unsure about what had just happened. When he disappeared, she opened the door and went back into Keota’s room.
“He asked me to the dance!” she exclaimed, jumping onto the bed. “I can’t believe it! He finally noticed me!”
Keota made a face. “That’s...great, Luce.” He glanced down at the bed, avoiding her eyes. “Really great.”
The memory began to change. Luciana stood in a large shop, a curtain separating her from the room around her. She reached out and clutched the soft black velvet, carefully pulling it to the side.
“What do you think about this one, Keo?” she asked. She gestured to the floor length gown she wore. It was the same pale pink as her eyes, the layers of silk and lace covered with intricate bead work and embroidery. She’d never felt more extravagant.
“It looks amazing on you,” Keota said, staring at her from where he sat. “You’re...beautiful.”
“Thanks.” She walked over to the mirror and spun around a few times. “You think Wyntier will like it?”
“Of course Wyntier will like it. How could anyone not like you?” At the mention of Wyntier, his expression became foul, but he made no other objection.
“Are you going with anyone?” she asked.
“No. No one asked me to go with them.” He sighed.
“Why don’t you come and hang out with me and Wyntier? I’m sure he won’t mind, and I wouldn’t want you to miss out.” She placed a small, pale hand on his shoulder and smiled sweetly.
“I don’t know...”
“Come on, it’ll be fun. Besides, I might even dance with you once or twice.”