Glass or Diamond: Fairy's Wish

Episode 40: The Mysterious Rock and the Garden of Fears

'Mommy... What's a wish?'

'Where did you learn that word, my darling snow flower?'

'I heard Val talking about it to one of the other girls!'

Warmth; that is the feeling that surges whenever her mother hugs her, and she relaxes profoundly in the embrace.

'A fairy's wish is the most powerful magic in the world, or so they say.'

'Really!?'

'Mm-hmm. Once upon a time, six fun-loving and mischievous spirits roamed the world, spreading magic and joy wherever they went. They played in the forests and the snow, at the bottom of the sea and in the very heavens with the moon and sun. They danced in endless fields of flowers and raced the wind. They were the very essence of freedom born in tangible form.'

Her mother pets her head gently, and she cuddles closer, listening intently to the story.

'One day, the spirits came across a young girl. She had gossamer wings, with which she could fly, and her tiny form was dwarfed by the spirits, who could be whatever they wanted to be. However, the girl expressed incredible wonder at the magic the spirits used, and they felt intrigued. So, they took the size of the girl with her own wings. Together, the seven played and frolicked, and the spirits enjoyed showing off their magic to the girl. When she asked where the spirits obtained such wonderful magic, the spirits -still mischievous in nature- told her that she would have to cross the sky until the sun and moon aligned with the two tallest mountains in the sea. There, she'll find a castle made of...'

Lykha wakes up suddenly, and Coco is looming over her with a skeptical look. The teen says sassily, "Ye supposed to be restin', not snugglin', Tricksie."

Lykha sits up when Murtoa shifts. He coughs, and both girls flinch. However, he asks, "Trouble?"

Coco puts her hands on her hips, "Nope. Jus' time to get goin'. Us. No'ye, 'Bando." She points sternly at him, and Lykha glances at her helmed companion. He seems almost disappointed.

She smiles, putting her hand on his helmet's face. "Don't worry, Mury. We'll be safe. I've been practicing my magic every day." She tries to tighten her hand when she sees it trembling, and she prays he doesn't notice.

The human warrior sighs softly. "Remember, Lykha. Even I have run away many times."

"I'M NOT LEAVING YOU!" Lykha flinches when she realizes he wasn't accusing her of wanting to abandon him, but trying to reinforce a lesson. She blushes, squeaking, "Sorry..."

He scoffs, coughing lightly because of it. "I meant..." He sighs, adding, "Honor is overrated. Live so you can do your job."

She nods. "I will."

Maerin asks dryly from her bunk above, "Aren't you supposed to be a knight?"

"I didn't..."

"...knight myself," finishes Coco, Lykha, and Maerin together, playfully mocking their friend. They laugh together, and Mury nods.

Lykha climbs out of bed, folding her blanket and hovering up to her bunk to put her pillow and blanket back. She then puts her expedition gear on, including her cape, pants, and boots. She's collected things mirroring what her most trusted companion uses, at least what suits her, and it makes her feel like a real adventurer. She's come a long way from her maiden tunic. Likewise, she's learned spells most fairies would never dream of.

She clenches her fist briefly.

However, she flinches when Mury appears beside her, having approached from the hold. She squeaks, "Mury!? What are you doing up!?"