"Fairy" by Meghan Engele (Apocalypse)

This isn't my life, it never felt like it should be. Always hiding from the humans in our trees, in the clouds, and the Earth itself. I've always been the outcast of out clan, so close to nature, yet distant from the ones I know are my relatives, they are far away, in the air clan.

I am a faerie, but more at one the nature then is expected of me. The clan, Willow Wind, is a cross clan, full of misfits that don't blend with the mainstream lore. It's strange, because all of the faeries here are purely air, earth, fire, or water. I am truly a misfit, I belong to none of the groups, yet I have every attribute required to join a mainstream clan, but also the wrong ones.

Never have I felt as distant as I am now, even being here my whole life, there was a strange scent on the air. Many of the air faeries had sensed it, yet far after I had, they wouldn't believe me until they sensed it also. It gave me a horrible feeling at first, as I was being drawn away but not moving.

A rustling behind me drew my attention; it was an earthling, exploring the forest, again. So foolish, was always my thoughts, it took vast amounts of power to hide all the faeries from humans eyes. This one had seen me several times, and was bent on catching me.

I set my notes to the side, and regarded my cave of leaves. Through them I could see the mans fickle nets, and his large spectacles inspecting the soil before his feet. I felt the urge of wanting to play with the human again, they were unknowing of our powers, but I had already been caught once.

Slumping back onto a stiff leaf, I recalled the first time the human saw me. He had been younger then, I hadn't changed in the least. My hair is still a transparent white, my skin is still a pale peach, and my eyes still change yellow, red, blue, and green. I was curious about him, and flew out right before the man's nose. The large eyes I remember were a hazel, and they grew very large. At that moment, I realized he could see me and I zipped off into the trees and flew until I was certain he wouldn't find me.

For months, the High Ones, elementals representing each element, argued over what could have gone wrong. Their powers hadn't worked to disguise me, yet I was well in range to be affected. Finally, they deducted that my power with all the elements negatively affected their ability to shield me from the human's eyes.

After the trial, at least six years ago, I have spent most of my time writing, or contemplating life. For the first two years, the other faeries tried to include me in their activities, but I am far to good and I always won. Now they don't bother, all of them do their own thing. It's for the better of course, I preferred myself anyway.

My head leant back to face the human. Interesting, he had stopped for a meal? I had always been fascinated at how they could eat so much, or even how. Faeries could eat, but we didn't need to, either way we are as immortal as the earth is.

I gracefully took my knee of the other and rolled around to see the human better. Dimming my ever-constant glow, I crept slowly to the edge of the leaves. Carefully though, I didn't need my light to attract his attention, I didn't need it at this moment.

Just as I stopped to observe him, he jumped up, and reached for his net. I almost let my light burst from fright. Thank goodness for personal training I prayed silently, keeping a keen eye on the human.

He just smiled, and looked behind him casually. Now he was completely turned around, but he was moving closer to me. Slightly and very subtle moves, I know that now he knew I was here.

"Shit." I cursed under my breath. "Now I have to leave."

I rolled my eyes grandly and flew up higher to a perch where I could see the dumbfounded expression on the man's face when he actually realized I wasn't there any more. Suddenly the man's glasses burst into my leaf cave wide in anticipation. I jumped at the swiftness of his arrival, and how big his eyes seemed to be, even from so high above.

The human mumbled under his breath and irritably brought his head from my hide out. Then grabbed his bag, obviously in a bad mood and trudged off.

Sighing in relief, I glanced above to the sun. Not fully trained in the ways of reading the sun for time, I tried anyway. Noon, I think, possibly twelve ten, I couldn't be certain. The High Ones still think I can do better, even if I am the most accurate of my class, they can tell time down to the second.

Either way I was late for lunch with my study group. Not again, I flew hurriedly from the giant redwood trees southward to the lake complex. Every day I was late, for noon studies, my group had slowly been becoming rather mad. I don't blame them, but they don't even care if I'm there or not, I never studied anyway, I never needed to.

I always wondered why lake complex was named so, it wasn't even by the lake. Dodging a high branch, I ascended to the canopy level just beneath the layer of leaves leading to the open air. Still not qualified for the open world, I slowed; forever I pondered becoming a lone faerie.

Myths could be told all through our history of rogue individuals that set out from the world, to live with the humans. It took incredible power for any one element, even for the high ones, to make such a transformation without all the other elements. I grinned at the lessons of our history, they nudge me farther to the idea of living forever with the humans. They would think me mad.

The complex was coming up fast; soon I would be back to the dull study group passed off as aristocrats. My now crystal forest eyes rolled, they thought they were so high and mighty. It revolted me, my gut always wanted me to punish them, I always wanted to puke in their presence.

My group has five, instead of four members. Air, Earth, Water, Fire, and me. I'm like a fifth element, only I have one part of each. Speed of the wind, care of nature, spontaneity of the water, and power of a flame are one of so many attributes I posses.

Dodging another branch, I lowered from the canopy, contemplating why I disliked the others. The air faerie in my group, Wifth, is obnoxious and always getting up my back about how she is superior. It's the same with the earth faerie, Ceara, the water, Lowell, and the fire, Venex. So stuck up, and the only problem is they are all best friends. How sweet, I thought rolling my eyes again.

Crossing my mind forever and eternity was the entire government here. By law any one faerie subdivided into a specific mainstream element clan should be there, not here. Wifth, Ceara, Lowell, and Venex, all have qualified for their element courses and have mastered their cause, they were all ready to go. The high ones even knew it, but they wouldn't do anything about it.

Sighing aloud I visualized my home, how I loved it there. Home was the only place I felt safe, even from the curious human who wanted to catch me, and the troubles I intentionally set my mind into. That was a secure feeling, and I always enjoyed it there, in the high forest with the trees of the ancients.

The leaves are thick enough to shade my constant light, yet natural enough to go unnoticed. High in the canopy I would hardly need it, but there were also the animals that might try and snap at me. It wasn't a large place, just roomy enough for me, but then I also had the forest as my playground. The elegant leaves from the giant redwoods made my furniture, the bed, my chair, and my floor.

Smiling, I slowed, Lake Complex was now visible. I hated how bright it seemed, it was high day and the sun made the castle in the sky seem like a blue flamed apocalypse. One big illusion was what the elementals called it, like a precaution so humans couldn't see it.

Shielding my eyes, I entered the small clearing, and flew slowly the castle. I couldn't see how not anyone could miss the castle. So bright and elegant, with towers standing high curving around others to make it impeccably unique. Then there were the flowers, and the small trees lining the area around the walkways and grassed areas. Beautiful was what any other faerie would think, but I truly was the misfit of the clan, I only came here to pass my courses and become a true faerie, not the underling I was ranked as now. Even if I was fully qualified.

Finally I landed on the cobblestone path, my hair blew behind me with an atmosphere of uncertainty and curiosity. The transparent wings of the other's busy studying away barely compared to my bold glittery silver ones, folding safely behind my back. By now you would think I had grown used to them, but my thoughts were that we could never coexist together in the same room unsupervised. Many of my 'kin' could be injured, and they knew how powerful I was, and that I was more then ready for the world.

I wanted to clench my fists, but then I remembered the high ones explanations. Vividly, they told me that my differences wouldn't mix in anywhere. Visibly I seemed to accept their deductions, but I didn't want to live anywhere, I wanted to live…

"Oh finally, look who decided to show up for the study hour."

It was Lowell. Nothing overly surprising, their attitude, or ensemble. They all wore similar elegant dresses, with lace, and soft material. The only difference noticeable there was the color, each had the corresponding color for their element. Rolling my eyes, I glared in the direction of my study group.

"First," I stated, not entirely enthralled about engaging in this conversation, but slightly enthused. "This isn't study hour." Now almost all the newer members had there curiosity stretched to the limit, and looked in my direction.

"You, study until you can't keep your mouths shut anymore." I emphasized the 'you' part so very much. All four of them shuddered at my visible power, and my eyes slowly turned yellow, adding to the scene somewhat dramatically. "Second, when you begin talking uncontrollably, I leave and ace the term anyway. Which in any case, the point is unpreventable. You talk, and don't study, at least to the extent that I should be concerned about."

I slumped into my chair irritably, waiting. The major tests for this term had been completed last month, and all four of my group was determined to attempt to beat me, grade wise.

As I suspected, all four of them grinned, obviously enthused about something, and rummaged around in their bags. By now, everyone had gotten back to work, and didn't care what was happening at this table, as usual.

Four papers faced me on the transparent table top. The final test for each of them, as I had suspected. They all got the same mark, 92%. I feinted a worried look of concern, it was sarcastic, but they were to stupid to notice. The three of them were so caught up in their cocky manner that all sense of logic completely fled their minds fully.

"Well, that is indeed a visually high number followed by a symbol." I reached into my pocket for my test, neatly folded and exactly where I left it.

As I unfolded it I almost burst from my contained amusement. I looked at my test, then each of there's. Painfully slowly, I placed the test on the table, and turned it so the could read it.

All of their faces went white. It felt so good to wipe their slate clean, and to completely make them realize how ridiculous their attempts to best me would be.

"99%, that's impossible!" Gasped Lowell incredulously, staring at my content expression and jovial smirk.

She grabbed her test and marched off, clearly angry. It was always her who wanted to just once rub something in my face, that she was better then me if only once. To tell the truth, she was better at being a snob then I was. All I had been ever, was bluntly honest, and logical in me every step I moved.

Almost as if on queue the others left, and I was left alone. Odd I mused to myself.

"This is indeed rare, that I am the last to leave this table." Slightly astonished by my own little game I gladly left without a fuss. My books were waiting at home, so I flew off from the castle with a free mind.

The high ones had always feared me leaving their possession. I pondered this many times, they were scared about something, but I could never place it. They knew I had power over every element, and that I was more brilliant and attached to the planet then they themselves were. My only guess was that they didn't want me to rise above their government, and break their laws.

This slightly annoyed me, despite the minor freedom they had given me. I could leave when I pleased, just not out of their range to track me clearly. That isn't freedom. What I call freedom is having the choice to do what you want, with your best choices. Living under laws of those aristocrats who act, as they know all, isn't freedom, not in the least.

I landed on a branch and clenched my fists so they turned white, and gritted my teeth to hold my tongue fast. My anger always wanted out, always, and I couldn't let it out anywhere the elementals wouldn't track. Anger was part of my power, and I would use it at the right time, and on the right individual, or individuals depending on the situation. The High Ones disliked anger, and any who could harness it, so here I am, letting it swell as I rot in this forest.

My mind throbbed and hurt badly. Holding in my anger wouldn't work for very long, it was already breaking my calmness. Something was missing, my life was missing something, but I can't place it.

I stared off into the trees aimlessly, looking at whatever could come. Nothing did, and I could only wonder what freedom could possibly mean to a faerie. What is Freedom?

I wiped my eyes, tearing slightly from my increasingly frequent outbreaks, and took flight. This time I flew faster, as fast as my wings would allow. Zipping through the trees with no trouble at all, until the trees stopped, and I faced a meadow.

A wind rose from the grass, chilling, the earth cried with pain. Then I saw them, metal monsters tamed by humans, running through the grasses wiping everything out in their paths…

"No…"

This was impossible, they were heading for the ancient forest, the redwoods, and the others would be killed! I face the trees, and then the field once again.

Nothing was there, absolutely nothing. The wind was warm and soothing, the cries of help…it was as if nothing had occurred, as if it didn't happen.

I fell to the ground holding my hand to my pounding head. What had just happened? What did it mean? How did I see that?

"It is impossible, they were just here."

I flew above the field to scan the area. Nothing, but how? The grass was untouched, the air and earth…nothing was wrong on any pretext. Those monsters had never been here; they weren't ever part of this place, ever, but how?

My keen eyes caught a glimpse of something shiny in the meadow. Perhaps someone had lost a belonging, or maybe it was something very different, something I hadn't seen before.

Slowly I descended to the shiny object, until I was right beside it. It was a very odd but small thing. In fact it was so small, I was surprised I had even spotted it or how it had managed to catch any sunlight. Looking around, I confirmed my doubt, I was in a thick forest of grass swaying with a…breeze?

I darted up out of the grass. The wind had stopped, yet the grass danced as if it were a windy storm.

"Curious."

"Curious indeed young faerie. Tell me though, why you are not in the forest under the watch of your superiors." Inquired a voice from behind me.

I whirled around to see who it had been, but her looks told me little else but that she was a faerie. Her wings were dark with silver highlights, and she wore a black cloak that wasn't affected by the wind, and neither was her silver hair.

"My name is Arain, I have been expecting you for some time now."

"That doesn't explain anything. I have a problem now and I don't need another faerie to confuse me." I told Arain without waiting for an explanation for her presence.

"Well that doesn't give me much of a reason to try to explain what just happened now is there, Adre?" Arain asked casually, as she turned to leave.

I cocked my head in both confusion and curiosity to Arain. I had a name, I knew I did, but it was never used. It had been Adre, but the High Ones just called me a spirit.

"You know my name…" Shock almost overwhelmed me. "I will hear what you have to say.

Arain guided me to a tree she called a willow, both wise and strong. I found it unique, with it's many swaying branches, and odd shaped leaves. The tree was bold, and had lived for many years with no apparent weakness.

"The tree holds many ancient powers, Adre. You will soon see what it is to be around them, as we are nearly to my home."

The faerie didn't confuse me at all. I felt like I knew her, or should know her. However, her house eluded my every frame of thought. A balcony, or landing platform, however seen fit, protruded from the first level. All of it seemed to be very old yet welcoming, two figurines sat on the balcony, with at least three levels leading upward. The sight drew my breath, and I was in awe for the majesty of the home.

"The house has it's own secrets Adre, and you will learn them all."

I pondered what she meant; the house had 'secrets.' Only wonderful ones could hide in that house, ones that I was certain I would enjoy.

"It is grand, and far more sophisticated than that of Willow Wind." I remarked, as I landed behind Arain on the balcony, still enamored with it's seemingly endless wonders.

Arain dropped onto a strange sitting bench, which looked like it was a type of material, other than leaves or bark. The cushions were soft, and the frame was wood, but shinier.

"First I must have you understand something, Adre." Arain began, using my name again, likely to get me to respond to it. "This house is filled with items you have never seen before, and few that you have. How I live here and elsewhere will be a great change for you. However, our clan has decided you are ready for what is really here, with us. Do you understand that much?" I nodded my head in agreement.

"Second, you will not be going back to Willow Wind for some time. The elementals have agreed to let you go. Thus, you will be studying about this world, and the truth many of us never knew. It will take time, and after that, will I explain to you the bottle. Understood?"

I nodded my head a second time. The idea of studying hard didn't faze me, neither did learning something new. However, the house and the way Arain seemed to just have an 'atmosphere' was inescapably hard to explain. Both seemed wise beyond their years, secretive, yet in a manner of welcome.

Arain rose from the seat, and circled around me to get to the door. I waited for her to open it, expecting that something may happen, something strange. When she turned the door knob my heart stopped…

The monsters had returned, and Arain didn't notice them. They were coming for the tree even faster then before. Arain looked at me, her lips moving, yet I heard no sound, nothing. The scene blurred with uncertainty and last I saw, Arain was flying away, towards 'them.'