Alyssa's Journey

Chapter 6

She didn't know where she was going, but Alyssa ran.

She ran out the door and into her yard, stopping when she came to the small pond on the edge of the property.

"Alyssa! Honey, did you hear that?" Mrs. Carter tried to get her daughter's attention, but Alyssa didn't want to talk to anyone in the moment.

"Beth. I don't think she wants to talk," Mr. Carter called solemnly from the living room. Mrs. Carter sighed and shut the door, vowing to herself that she would check on Alyssa once she cooled off.

Meanwhile, Alyssa collapsed on the edge of the pond, breathing heavily in shock. Lose the only home she had ever known? She tried to hold the tears in, but a few stubborn tears squeezed out. As they ran down her face, Alyssa shut her eyes. She didn't notice her tears falling in the lake.

Splish. Splish. The pond started making weird noises. Alyssa looked up, drying her eyes on her sleeve.

"What?" she whispered as the water rose up and up until it formed into a woman's body in the middle of the pond. Alyssa screamed and backed away as the water burst.

When Alyssa's vision cleared she saw a beautiful woman standing on water. Wait, not a woman... Alyssa couldn't believe what she was seeing.

"You're...a f-f-fairy."

" I am, and I want to help you." The fairy walked closer to her, and Alyssa warily took a step back. Her hair was a brilliant dirty blonde that flowed to her waist. She wore a crown of white lilies and a white flowing dress with a water-blueish hue.

"Don't be scared. I am Jezelle, and I'm a water fairy," she told Alyssa. Alyssa didn't know why, but she felt a sense of calmness coming from Jezelle, something that told her she could trust the fairy. As for Jezelle, well, she was moved by Alyssa. She felt a longing in her heart to help the girl. So she vowed to herself that she would.

"H-how can you help me? And how do you even know that I need help?" Alyssa asked Jezelle, deciding to trust her.

"I have my ways. I have a sort of...sense that tells me when someone needs assistance. Your tears called to me," Jezelle responded. "The path is dangerous, but I sense courage and bravery in you," the fairy said, smiling warmly at Alyssa, who smiled back, until Jezelle's words caught up to her.

"Wait. You said something about a path?" Alyssa asked.

"Yes," Jezelle said. "I have a..."site" where I keep my treasure that people have given to me. I have helped many a human in my life, and the treasure has built up over time now. I will gift you some."

Alyssa could not believe her ears.

"I keep the treasure hidden. No one can get through my magic force field without my permission. The site is underground to keep it hidden from the world," Jezelle said.

"How do you get there then? Teleport?" Alyssa wondered.

"Because I was born near here, I can only teleport to the water sources near my birthplace," Jezelle said. "The way to get there offers many challenges, but I can turn invisible and control water, so I rely on my powers to get me through. Plus, I'm a fast runner," Jezelle said with a wink.

Alyssa needed a few seconds to process this...

"So, will you venture out in the wild to save your parent's future—and yours? I think, no, I know, you are strong and brave enough. I will provide you will the necessary materials to survive if you decide to go," Jezelle asked Alyssa, who was looking at her feet.

"I mean...I don't know..." she said. She thought about some. "...You know what? I'm going to go. I'm going to save my family!"

Jezelle smiled, placing one hand on Alyssa's shoulder. "You are brave."

Alyssa hugged her, not caring that she met her only a couple minutes ago.

"Show me the path."