Never Ever

16

The group left the land of sirens, after the latters decided to join their alliance with the mages and elves, there were promisses for Ever to join them whenever she liked, so they'd train her more into the ways of sirens

Maya: Where are we going next?

Romeo: We still have to go to the pixies and convince them to join us.. Just.. Be prepared

Upon hearing the undertone of hesitance in his voice, Maya frowned: Prepared? For what, your highness?

Ever: The pixies are extremely playful creatures and like to prank others. It's also hard to get a serious response out of them. We still need them though, their magic is strong, almost as strong as the fae's..

Maya: Oh..

She smiled

Ever was hoping they'd go easy on them, sometimes they took the pranks too far

The pixies lived in the center of the northern forest. It would take them a week just to get there. Ever was hoping for an eventless journey, but she knew that was whishful thinking..

They spent a couple of days travelling and resting, they where ever alert, nothing had happrned so far

But the following night, their camp was raided. She was woken up by a commotion. She jumped up and out of her tent. She saw Noire grappling with an alarming number of trolls. Their camp was surrounded. He tried using magic, but they were so many, he was getting tired and distracted. It was hard to use magic and fight physically, all of those damned trolls

She enhanced her physical power and jumped into the fray. Axel had woken up as well and had joined them. Between the three of them, it looked like they might make it

But them being busy, left the prince and Maya unprotected. Thank goodness the trolls didn't have any magic

A few trolls were advancing on Romeo and Maya's tents. Noire, Axel and Ever were panting. They were tiring, and couldn't protect their charges

A strong wave of magic burst from the tents. Romeo had used his, accompanied by Maya's remarkable abilities. They wiped the surrounding area from trolls, and the remaining one scattered running away. They ran so fast for their large size, Ever almost doubled over laughing, but she still felt bad they needed their charges' help. Only Noire's distracted magic wasn't enough

Romeo sensed how they felt. They all looked down

Romeo: Well.. That was quite a lrage group

Ever: I'm sorry your highness

Romeo shook his head before the others spoke: No, it was a ridiculously large number. We are a team, we have to have eachothers backs. It was impossible for you three to end them alone

Ever: It would have been possible if not only Noire had magic

She only meant to put blame on her own lack of magic, but Axel felt bad just the same, he had no magical powers to offer. It only made him feel bad and like she was blaming him too, despite knowing that wasn't the case

Maya: It couldn't be helped. What use are we if we don't work together anyway. I'm sick and tired of sitting around, waiting to be saved, when you, my friends whom I care about, are put into harms way, and I'm pretty capable of helping..

They were surprised, she looked irked for once, not smiling that innocent smile of hers

Romeo was the first to recover, he gave her a fond smile: I agree with Lady Maya, besides, I will be king one day, and a king's duty is to protect his people. And as she said, you are my friends

Ever was touched: Maya, your highness..

Noire was trying to keep his stoic mask, but the corner of his mouth fought to lift up

Only Axel looked sad and thoughtful. Maya sighed, she was going to have to talk some sense into him

They all retreated back to the tents. Axel insisted on taking the next shift. Maya didn't want anyone to suspect anything or overhear their conversation. She returned to her tent, and waited a bit till she was sure all of them had fallen asleep, then she slipped out, and went to sit next to her friend

Axel: What are you doing up? You should be resting..

Maya: Same goes for you, but you volunteered because you know you wouldn't sleep either way

He looked taken aback for a second, then he replied: Might as well let the ones that will benefit from the time rest

Maya: What has gotten into you? Where's that strong confident excuding charm Axel I know? You have it bad for her..

Axel looked more pained..

Maya: What's wrong? You know you can tell me. You were so open with your admiration for her, and suddenly you're withdrawn. Has she rejected you?

Axel: No.. I don't think she even realizes how I feel about her

Maya: She's not used to male attention, why don't you just tell her straight forward, instead of teasing her with a few cryptic words and actions every now and then?

He ran a hand through his hair: I can't

Maya sighed, her patience was running low: Why not?

Axel: She's fae, magic is everything for them. I have none, and she finally has the chance to have her own, she will have other opprutunities open before her. A world full of magic, where I don't belong

Maya: Weren't you the one who told her that it didn't matter what she could or couldn't do. That she was just wonderful just as she was. Weren't those your sentiments? If you think that of her, why not of yourself? Magic or not, you have great qualities. Do you think she thinks less of you for not having it?

Axel: I know she wouldn't..

Maya: Then what's the problem. You love her, I can see that. She's the only one you've taken such an interest in. Aren't you willing to fight for her love, give this a chance?

Axel: I want that so bad.. But what if it deprives her of certain chances, to gain the approval of her family and people, I will be always inferior in their eyes

Maya: You just have to let her know how you feel and leave her to decide. It's her choice, or is your pride getting wounded over them thinking that, if they did, that is. Not all fae are pompous jerks. I've seen the way you look at her Axel. You two suit eachother perfectly, do you really want to let this chance to have a happily ever after slip?

He smiled at her reference: No.. You are right. I should let her know and allow her to choose

Maya: I could teach you a couple of spells if you want. Even if it might not reach the level of a mage or a fae. It would be useful... And if it doesn't work out between you two, there other girls out there..

Axel breathed out: Not like her

Maya giggled: You are so done for..