Star-touched or Star-crossed?

A sunrise greeted me, one too beautiful to be wasted on this day. Every corner, every inch, sobbing was present, not the ones found in a tower with a pretty princess, but the type that violently clawed and thrashed, voices cracking in agony.

I stared into his eyes once again, just like when we first met. Except this time, he trembled there. Why are you shaking? All you have to do is bring that sword over here, to my neck. Because I’m in the way. Unless we’re all exterminated, this hatred will never cease.

The moon stared right back at me, its cratered face resting upon the water. The Fountain emanated light whilst I, the Guardian, stood guard. Night air swirled throughout the land, my pointed ears scouring for any signs of movement. Chatter and movement gradually died down. The floating islands of Aurelius were at peace once again. 

Gazing up at the blend of midnight blue with whimsical purple, I could feel them whisper. I could hear the stars speaking. They’ve become a comfort in the dark, in the cold. My numbed fingers reached up as if I could hold them in these very hands. I stood there for a moment. Until I realized my vision was blurred, my arm aching. I lowered them to the side. 

They were gripped. 

My head was yanked back as I crashed back into the bitter night. How did they manage to sneak up, completely devoid of sound? A sharp pain exploded through my back. The vines and roots responded to my will, emerging through the earth. They desperately searched, high and low, but ultimately couldn’t find their mark. The assailant sent a vigorous gust of wind, spiraling back my head. No, this couldn't be a mere Nymph or even a Selkie. This was a fellow Fae, multiple in fact. Tendrils of eather rushed to assist, but it was already too late. My limbs lost consciousness—poison. From the peripheral of my amber eyes, I saw the veil shatter as if a bubble, a sight as unimaginable as the islands themselves falling. Who were the traitors in our midst? I couldn’t ponder long before I saw the stars again, except they were nowhere as alluring.

Pain. That was the first word I comprehended. Soreness reached along the side of my neck as I craned to look up. Fourteen figures hung across the sky. Fourteen islands. I scrambled to sit upright as if waking from a nightmare, fingernails digging through the dirt underneath. 

This was… the Human realm?

No. This cannot be happening. There were so many uncertainties crossing my mind, but there's just one thing I have utterly no doubt about. I have to get back to Aurelius, to inform the King. But how exactly is one supposed to fly again when their wings were mercilessly stolen?

“Help! Someone, anyone!”

Summoning my last few drops of energy, I compelled these legs to shakily stand up. I peered past the leaves and branches to find a young boy. A human one.

He possessed a plain shade of brown hair and dimmed blue eyes. His face was oddly discolored with deformed, round ears. I could sense no eather whatsoever. The young boy cried endlessly beside a broken leg. 

My hand extended out, a rush of light descending upon his wound. His eyes stared up in wonder as the gash sealed right up. 

At a loss for words he choked out, “Thank you, Miss.”

“Dallyx. It’s time to head on b-”

A tall figure emerged through the trees. Our eyes locked. Curiosity glinted through those very blue eyes. He was a much older version, still carrying the same structure and features. Yet the angle his head turned, the way he held himself up, it was striking, not the type full of grace and stature that I’ve been taught, but instead, raw and tangible. Perhaps this was a different type of beauty.

He shielded an arm over his little brother and directed, “Let’s go.”

“Hey, wait,” I cried, running to catch up. 

 “Do you know how I can get back to...the islands up there?”

“Not a clue,” he replied with such expressive emotion.

My name’s Callista, by the way. Do you think you could show me around the place? Maybe? Please?”

He sighed and turned around but sweet, adorable Dallyx tugged at his sleeves. Heavens, I loved this kid already. 

“Alright,” he reluctantly agreed.

Roaming around the forests was surprisingly freeing. No rules, no falling off the edge. Just paths of green, accompanied by a slight trekking sound. Who I got to know as Daerum walked silently throughout. And here I thought it was just my kind who preferred to sulk in darkness all day. We need to work on that—after getting back to Aurelius, restoring the Fountain, and saving my realm of course. Pessimism isn’t good for the mind, after all. 

“Miss, why do you not look like the rest of us?” Dallyx questioned.

“Oh, it’s because I'm a Faerie. My home is those floating islands up there. I uh…fell down here.”

A wave of homesickness crashes over me, a longing to return. I could picture Hera and Arden’s faces, the three of us lying on the green pastures without a care in the world. But it’s okay, meeting real humans, that’ll be one hell of a tale, one they’ll be telling for generations. A soft humm rises to my throat, earning a weirded look from Daerum.

“Hey, don’t look at me like that. I’m actually an insane singer. That’s why they call me Callista the Insane.”

He turned his head away, leaving the sight of his ruffled hair in my face. Except I had already seen it, seen the crooked smile that crept on Daerum’s face. 

“So…what are you two doing out here in the woods?”

“Jumping off a bridge!” Dallyx exclaimed.

“Well, that was before I ran away distracted by this cool lizard. Then, this tree root caught on my foot and I tripped, you see. Hey, we should all go together to cool down after all this walking. I know, this can be your welcome ceremony!”

“I don’t know, maybe next time. I seriously need to get back.”

“Come on, it's fun, I swear. You only live once after all.”

Humans. Their life was incredibly short, a mere few seconds in our eyes. And yet, perhaps they live with all the more excitement and purpose, quite the stark contrast. It was as if not a single moment could be wasted. 

I’ve decided. It was beautiful.

I opened my mouth, “Yes.”

Daerum surprisingly took the first leap, water spraying in all directions. 

I stared down into my reflection, the water looking more and more far away. 

“You’re not having second thoughts now, are you?” he questioned, a smug look on his face.

Oh yeah? I dove, or more like flopped into the water. I heard a loud, not-so-elegant screech, only to realize it was me. The blurred view of pure blueness greeted me before I broke through the surface, a gasp escaping my lungs. 

Dripping wet, our small party was now headed for the village once again. The sun was saying its farewells, vanishing behind the mountains. I waved back as the view of countless cabins were brought into my view. Their lights illuminated the village, fireflies, a source of luminance in the clouded landscape. But something was rather amiss. The atmosphere carried a tense weight. I have only lived to see nineteen years out of thousands to come, but this instinct has yet to lead me wrong. My worries were confirmed by shouting as our trio descended the slope into flat land.

The usually neutral expression ridden across Daerum’s face was morphed into fear. A deep pit of worry gnawed at my gut as I heard the clank of our lantern hitting the ground. I ran and ran, trying to keep up, my legs begging to stop. He finally skidded to a halt and I tried to catch my ragged breath. 

Dozens and dozens of people were collapsed on the floor, half of which I could sense no life force. Blood was stained all over, red and unforgiving. Human lives were so, so delicate. Daerum was already running to help, but me? My legs stood there paralyzed, my body refusing to cooperate. While we were jumping into a river, people were dying. I did all I could to pull it together. 

“It’s okay, Callista. It’ll all turn out fine.”

Did I say that out loud? I collapsed by the nearest human, my hands operating only by muscle memory. I could feel the sweat trickling down as the stubborn cut sealed together. I was exhausted and at my last portion of eather. But these were lives at stake.

“Just what do you think you’re doing?

I turned my neck around to find an excerpt wearing a look full of resentment.

“You’re not one of us.”

I opened my mouth. Just to close it shut. Could it be…Fae weren’t welcome here?

“She’s good, I swear.”

Daerum’s voice rang over and over again. I knelt on the ground until well over midnight. Daerum held a candle beside me as I tended to the remaining few. I was tired to the bone but even as my legs buckled from under me and my vision faded, I couldn’t help but feel a bubble of joy.

I wake up this time feeling the warmth of sunshine on a soft bedding. Before I could clear my head, I was being dragged once again. I let out a long sigh—this was becoming a habit. 

My ears pricked up at the sound of chatter. Golden, mouth-watering food sat on the table, compelling me forward. It whispered, “Callista, eat me. Eat me.” My stomach grumbled in protest as I patiently eyed them. Now this, I couldn’t complain about. I was so absorbed, that I barely bothered with awed faces that looked up. In stark contrast to last night, these faces harbored welcome and gratitude as opposed to rejection. 

“Go ahead,” Daerum offered, sitting right across.

I was always scolded back home for having terrible etiquette but this was a very special occasion. I scarfed everything down in record time. 

While human food offered a unique taste compared to my usual meal, I could feel eyes piercing the back of my head. The fact was crystal clear. While many politely smiled, I was still not welcome.

“My brothers and sisters! This witch here was probably the one to bring the beast here, to begin with!”

Pandemonium rose through the crowds. 

“Yeah, that’s right!”

“But she did save those people.”

“Witch! Witch! Witch!”

I could feel Daerum pulling me to escape, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn’t help but feel utterly betrayed. For the first time in years, teardrops formed in my eyes. I haven’t cried once since spraining my ankle at the age of seven. I’ve tried my whole life to be that one upbeat friend who brought happiness to everyone around me. Hera always told me humans were wretched creatures, who thrived on greed but I never believed it. I tried so hard, to the point of breaking, so why?

“Hey, everything alright?” Daerum questions in our dark, little corner.

“Daerum, do you think I’m weird?”

“Of course not, silly. They’re just being paranoid.”

I may be optimistic, but believing in that is straight-up stupid. How could I ever think I could fit in with humans? The tears were streaming down my face. Is this what they call crestfallen? 

He hurriedly looked around, unsure of the proper way to comfort a despaired immortal.

“Look. How about we make a deal? I’ll assist you in getting back home if you try cheering up a little, not that I care about you in any way, of course.”

 At least someone was on my side. Carrying a jug of water, we slipped away from the town, and into the woods, leaving Dallyx behind.

The sun was now at its peak, blaring down at us. Daerum walked to my right, his expression deep in thought.

“I’ve heard rumors about a wanderer who’s been seen east of here. They say that she’s a witch with spells for just about anything.”

My eyes lit up with hope and I was back to feeling like myself again.

“So you did know something.”

“Well, this all-powerful witch may be a total myth. But I guess it’s worth a try.”

I learned that human berries are fairly similar to Fae ones, although delivering a more bitter taste. The two of us conquered every path and pebble while keeping a steady chatter the whole way.

 “Favorite season?”

“Autumn.”

“How come?”

 “No particular reason.”

“Oh, come on. That’s so lame. Just tell me,” I begged with my irresistible puppy eyes. I’ve charmed dozens with these. 

“It’s a secret,” he claimed with a smug smile.

My eyes grew wide with fear.

“Hey, do you hear that noise?”

A few seconds later, the ground rumbled as a blood-curdling Beast found its dinner. 

“This must be the kind who attacked the village!”

It charged headfirst, its hooves thundering against the ground.

“Get back!”

Power surged from my body, commanding the earth around. My vines broke through the dirt surface and restrained the now frantically roaring monster. Its twenty-foot figure violently thrashed around, saliva shooting into the air. I called for reinforcements but its razor-sharp teeth pierced down as I braced for impact. No. No way I could possibly afford to die now. Roots and stems alike rose to take control, aimed straight for the heart. Blood stained its fur but somehow I had a feeling this fight was far from over. 

“Callista, watch out!”

I frenziedly turned around to find Daerum fending off another one, the Beast’s teeth itching for flesh. A dozen pairs of glowing yellow eyes greeted me.

There were two realizations I made. 

One, this was a whole pack.

Two, we weren’t making it out alive.

Just as I thought those gnashing teeth were going to split my skull open, a strike of tempest knocked them over. The wind carried me up to safety, the air radiating with eather, its raw power trembling my legs, so full its form became visible. 

My fingers drew up to my ears, the same ones that stood before me.

“I never thought the day would come for me to see another Fae down here,” she whispered, just as dumbfounded. 

“Prianna and Caspian’s child, too.”

Mother. Father. They died along with the previous King during the wyvern attack nineteen years ago, all three barely reaching four thousand. Arden’s older sister loved telling us their tales. My mother shared my bright, amber eyes. She was someone all of Aurelius looked up to; warm, kind, and full of laughter. If there was a celebration, no doubt you would find her right in the center. If there was a battle, you would catch glimpses of her white hair wherever there were wounded. Prianna, a name so foreign to me, was known as the Miracle Healer. I wonderd—would I ever reach those heights?

I felt the lady's ocean blue eyes observing my every move, her ash-blond hair loosely flowing behind in the sunset. She carried an ancient atmosphere, the soul of one who’s seen many wars. 

“You’re the spitting image of her… Tell me, Callista, what has Alistair been up to?”

“Oh, just the usual, he’s been advising and supporting the King. Why do you ask?”

Her lighted-hearted features altered into seriousness. Eyes dimmed and brimming with anger, her hands curled into fists.

“Because he was the one who ruthlessly murdered your parents. I would have joined them nineteen years ago had I not taken a leap into the Human realm.” 

At a loss for words, the pieces started coming together. There were no wyverns. 

That fire was created as a distraction. 

I let out the breath I had been holding, so, so many questions forming. I felt Daerum's reassuring arm behind my back as I thought I might just fall, right here and now. Why would any Fae do such a thing? 

“Greed. It’s that simple, my dear. That dreary night, it was only supposed to be the last King who died. To speak about this matter was made forbidden, but we, the Fae, were wrong. We unjustly raided the Humans from above over a misunderstanding. When peace was finally forged, there were many in opposition. One of which, Alistair. When the King was on the verge of death, he let it slip that it was him all along who framed the Humans, to begin with, not knowing the three of us were within earshot. He tried to manipulate the King. He wanted to rule the Fae and Humans. He wanted power. Your parents and I, we did everything we could to try and stop them. But there were just too many. I could still picture their eyes, bloodthirsty and overflowing with malice. Us knowing their true nature, there was no way they could let us continue living.”

Greed. War. Death. That was our past. But how could the strong and brave people I knew be involved in this? They may not be the most loving or comforting, but they were good beings. I think at least. 

“Sorry, Callista, but it’s true. That’s why the villagers resented you, especially the older ones. Many never let go of their grudge against the Fae,” Daerum admitted.

“This is bad. Worse than I thought. With the Fountain in their hands, who kno-”

“The what is in their hands? What has the Queen been doing this whole time?”

“The Queen? She died giving birth to the new King, although I suppose you haven’t been exactly caught up. He’s nine years old now.”

“Oh, how could this get any worse? I don’t suppose Alastair is always seen whispering to him and handling all the royal duties, is he?”

“That’s exactly what’s been happening. Not to mention, the rebels drugged and pushed me down here.”

All three of us collectively let out a deep sigh. 

“Well, we’re helpless down here. Over these years, I’ve gotten used to living like this, wandering with no specific destination. There was a time when I also desperately tried to go back. It took ten years to wake up. There was no magical portal. Just me and my powers.”

“I’m Elowen, by the way. Funny meeting you here,” She ironically greeted, as if this situation was totally normal.

We landed in what seemed to be a mini hideout. I could finally stop running. Stop chasing. Letting a moment of peace in, I fell sound asleep.

I woke up to the smell of stew, forgetting all my worries. It was as if I was back at Hera’s home for a sleepover, her mother baking treats. Elowen went out to scout the place, so it was just me and Daerum.  

We talked. We laughed. We foraged. There were no assassins or Beasts. Us two, we were just a Human and a Fae out in the woods, living peacefully. I believe this is what they call camping. This way of life wasn’t so bad after all. Maybe… I no longer wanted to return?

Now staring into those blue eyes, they were no longer just duller versions of our kind. In fact, they bore a shine no genetics or magic could ever hope to replicate. In them were memories and emotions, Human ones, abundant and rich. That passion and burning ambition was something we Fae didn’t have. Daerum had a strong desire to protect his younger brother, a need to fill the void of their parents. He played it off as cold and almost uncaring, but deep down, he was hurting. That burden, it weighed down. 

And I? I wanted to break free from the days repeating of the same mundane events over and over again. I wanted to stay here, to be the listener he never knew he needed, even if it meant never seeing those faces again. 

The stars glistened above, exceptionally ethereal. They felt taken out of another dimension, but my gaze was elsewhere. Sorry, but I've found a new comfort in the dark. 

Lying on the grass field, Daerum turned his head to me, “The moon is beautiful, isn’t it?”

Yes. Yes, it is.

But, before I could say it aloud, the earth started rumbling. Birds flocked out from trees, animals hurrying away. I immediately got on my feet, bracing for disaster. A loud thud echoed throughout the land, my balance taken from under. Daerum gripped the grass beside while branches tore across the air. 

“Callista!”

Elowen appeared above, her eyes round and overshadowed by fear. 

“The islands have fallen.” 

There’s no way.

No freaking way.

My mouth tried to form words, but not a single word could come out. Heart pounding and ready to explode, I shakily stood up. 

“They’re here,” she affirmed. 

Daerum glanced at me, “We’ve got to head for the village.”

The bloody massacre plagued my mind. The walls were torn, bodies limp on the floor. He stood over it all with a grimace, Dallyx screaming. 

“Hello? Are you hearing this? She said we should take the horse over.”

I snapped out of it and hopped on behind. The leaves rustled, branches snapping below at full speed. I gripped on tight, eyes too scared to open with only one thing in mind. 

The truth. It’s coming out now.

“Callista, look.”

I peered around, the islands’ ruins scattered across. Dirt and rubble filled the grounds. But, I could see it now, the faint glow ahead, just like the first time. Figures moved around, growing larger.

The thumping of hooves slowed down as we approached a complete halt. It was a rather normal scene. 

Except the said figures were not Human. 

More Fae gathered together than I have ever seen in my life, the Humans without a single trace. 

“They must be out for the weekly hunting trip.”

“In the middle of the night?”

“That’s been the tradition,” he confirmed. 

“Something’s not right. It’s been at least four hours since the islands fell. The two must have met. Could it be… they’ve established peace?’

“For now, anyway. I’ll go find the villagers.”

“Right. And I’ll keep an eye out from over here.”

I stepped cautiously, weary of my surroundings. So, so many voices flooded my ears, young and old alike. Fae gathered all in the village center. That’s when I saw it. A glimpse of forest green hair. The King stood sheepishly on top of the church, Alistair glooming beside. 

He cleared his throat, “I’m sure you’re all very concerned right now. Our home has come down right after the Guardian’s gone missing. But I assure everyone that things will be fine with our groups of Elites. It’s become crystal clear who is behind all of this. The Humans. And likely Callista too.”

I sucked in a breath, still taking cover behind the building. My friends have become enemies. 

“As sad as it is, how else could the Fountain have been manipulated? And for her to disappear right before. A coincidence? I think not. The Humans have been plagued by evil for a long time now. Their jealousy is what led to this day. Now is the perfect time to end things, starting with this boy over here.”

In his arm dangled Dallyx, tears streaming down his scrunched face. 

No. Lying low wasn’t an option anymore. 

“He was spying on us from the first second, such impudence! Tell me, should he not pay for his actions?”

“Stop, he’s lying! The so-called advisor murdered my parents and pushed me down here!”

Gasps rippled through the crowd, disbelief written on their faces. 

“Can’t you see? All he wants is po-”

“Would you look at that! The traitor is here!

Me? No, no, no. That's supposed to be you!

“He killed the last King too! You’re being brainwashed!” I desperately yelled. 

“It’s quite evident that poor Callista here isn’t in the right mind. After accidentally falling here, she must have lost her sanity and started hallucinating.”

“Oh, poor child.”

“The Humans must pay for this.”

“I knew we couldn’t trust them.”

“You can stay with Hera,” Alistar directed.

“This meeting is adjourned.”

His face conjured up a pitiful look as if truly disheartened. It’s a lie! It’s all a lie! I wanted to yell. To scream. Tears rushed to my eyes whilst being dragged away. I looked at Hera's face as she complied. Was there no one left on my side?  Soon, maybe even tonight, they’re going to come after me. To silence me.

Staring at the pitiful excuse for a home, I just… I didn’t know anymore. There were the times,  the days full of lying around, and all of it ended up here. A soon-to-be battlefield. Hera went out for supplies, and I was left out in the dark, all alone with the cold air. Was there anything left to do but give up? I spent my whole life fighting, pushing forward, yet it was all in vain. I was a prisoner. A prisoner for justice. I wouldn’t wish death on anyone. But… maybe, it was time to be free. To stop caring. I have just a little time left, a moment of peace. Was I going to despair or just accept it was never meant to be? I was not beloved by magic, not that one in a million, nor did I possess an absurd amount of sheer willpower. I was only me. 

“Hey, you weren’t just thinking about giving up just now, were you?”

Before I could even register Elowen's presence, I was being slapped on the cheek. I drew my hand up to touch it, sitting up on the ground. It stung. And all the tears started letting loose.

“Come on, there’s no time to waste. We have a village to save. Alistair is deep in the northern woods with his followers. There’s just about an hour before the hunting party comes back. In that time, you and I are going to assassinate them.”

My ears started ringing. It went again, and again, and again. Murder? I stared down at my hands, already seeing the blood dripping down. But these lives in exchange for so many others, was I able to make that sacrifice?

No. I had to.

I could see the faces moving, the targets, but my ears were still unable to hear. They just would not stop ringing. 

It all happened in an instant: Elowen leaping out and striking them with wind, the first knocked out cold, and me piercing what I thought to be friends with razor-edged thorns. 

There were voices shouting in the back, words I couldn’t make out. But I kept on going. Until there were three remaining. 

Just me, with a broken leg, Elowen, and the devil himself. The land was burned, drowned, and shredded. Before me was the sight of Elowen plunging straight into him. It replayed over and over again. Alastair’s blood sprayed out. It stained the grass. His body fell limp. And again. 

I see a flame. Hera. She must have followed us out here. Her eyes were lit up, lunged straight at Elowen. Hera must think she was a cold-blooded killer. Along with me, slaying these innocents without mercy. There was a choice I had to make. Could I do it? Could I kill my best friend? Because it was one or the other. I concentrated the eather. And froze. My body was stuck to the ground as I saw Elowen erupt in fire. 

No. There were two people. Yet, I heard a dozen screaming. 

My body started to run all on its own, away from this nightmare. Because this wasn’t real. It was just a bad dream. Maybe there was still time. Daerum and I, we could run away. Live a peaceful life until we grow old and die together. 

I made it back, still half crippled. The humans flooded the place. I frantically searched left and right. Found him. 

“Daerum!” I called.

But he turned the other way. 

I glanced around. What is going on? Because why were there daggers through them? Why are the Fae falling to the floor? We took them out already, the bad guys. So how come the rest aren’t all alive and breathing? This is like a never-ending torture that just will not stop. 

The Humans. They’ve betrayed us. And just when I started to think everything would turn out okay. 

“Daerum, what are you waiting for? Kill her!”

He must have told them. Daerum must have told them everything, about Alistair and all his schemes. That is when I truly despaired. 

I stared into his eyes once again, just like when we first met. Except this time, he trembled there. Why are you shaking? All you have to do is bring that sword over here, to my neck. Because I’m in the way. Unless we’re all exterminated, this hatred will never cease. 

My back was slashed and I was sent tumbling to the ground, next to the others. So much for living peacefully. The blood was gushing out of the wound, but I was too anguished inside to feel the pain. I guess people, people we get attached to, can make us blind. Go on now. Your comrade started it. Finish the job. 

My vision started blurring. But before I fell unconscious, I saw the Fae fighting back, the children cowering in fear, and Daerum…

A sunrise greeted me, one too beautiful to be wasted on this day. Every corner, every inch, sobbing was present, not the ones found in a tower with a pretty princess, but the type that violently clawed and thrashed, voices cracking in agony. The two sides were too broken to go on. 

He was sprawled on the ground, with an absolutely shattered arm and ribcage. I tried to stand, only to find I wasn’t able. My back throbbed in pain, left leg altogether numb. Even so, as I wept and cried out in grief, I would crawl closer. 

Days of perpetual bawling would follow. Too beat up to even dig graves, I sat beside Daerum, awaiting if—no, when he breaks free of the coma. 

When I first arrived, I wished more than anything in the world to go back home. But now, “home” was with him. 

“Daerum, do you trust me?”

“Of course.”

I took his hand and slashed a thin line across, identical to mine. Binding the two marks, I channeled my eather through it. I had the ability to live for centuries, millennials, but I’ve decided it wouldn’t really be living without him. So when the day his life runs out arrives, we can rest in peace together.

“So, what exactly did you do?”

“Shh, it’s a secret.”