Fairy Rock

Chapter 36: Who Is That Fighting?

It is pitch dark in the hideout where Susan, Sarah, and Serenity reside.

Serenity watches Leon put out the magical fire that kept the place comfortable. The earsplittingly loud explosions, and the screams of ogres, wailing in pain, have everyone rattled and hiding for cover under the enchanted, black leaves that work as a shield.

She sees the elder fairy peek his head out of the tent's black straw roof, observing part of the East Forest is afire.

Leon scratches his head. "Who is that fighting? I sense that it is one man rebelling against Queen Vanessa's troops. I need to help him, but I don't know how much I can do at my advanced age and restrained abilities. It's been years since I held or saw my daughter. Sparkle is my world, and I hate how her mother separated us. She brought me joy in this dark world. I enjoyed our talks and the time we spent together by the river. I taught her that there's more out there than this evil world. I know she will return to join this fight and free us all. I love you, Sparkle."

Serenity stares at Leon, wondering how close the danger is to them. She can smell the burning trees as she and the other girls plug their ears from hearing another ogre scream.

Serenity stands up from her leaf-patch bed and gazes her head out of the black straw tent to look for herself. She watches many trees burn up as buzzards fly out, smoke rises into the clouds, and sparkling pixie dust shines in the atmosphere. She quickly wipes any evidence of tears on the sleeves of the red robe that Leon made for her, hiding her emotions. Who is that fighting? Could it be my boyfriend? Rock, I knew that you would come back to save us. You are the love of my life, and I pray you are okay. I know you can be cocky sometimes, but you are a sweetheart deep down inside. You're a good man who believed in my dreams of being a jazz musician, and you appreciated my love for art. Unlike Daniel, you listened to my conversations and told me to pursue my dreams. Since hearing that my mom is in one of these prison camps, I need your help to save her. I know that you will save her. I love you, Rock, and I miss you.

Sarah emerges from the corner of the tent and removes the healthy leaves from her wrinkled, red robe. She reeks of marijuana smoke and hemp. The former librarian assistant staggers to Serenity and lifts the hood from her head. "Who is that fighting? Could it be my grandfather? Before he retired, he was a major in the army. He must have finally got the federal government to send reinforcements to this evil place. I miss my grandpa. He started my fascination with books by reading me bedtime stories. Reading books is a passion of mine. I read so many books in my lifetime. I know that my grandfather will rescue me from this world. When I return to Earth, and things return to normal, I'm going to the library."

Susan rises from the floor, brushing the dirt and dry leaves off her green robe. "I explicitly asked Leon to create this green cloak because it reminds me of the pot I like to smoke."

Her dilated eyes peek through a small hole in the tent. "Who is that out there fighting? I don't know, but I miss Richard. He is my first boyfriend and my first love. Since my mom and dad passed over the years, he is the only real family I have left. I wasn't always a drunk or a pothead. I remember being so into volleyball and tennis. As Mom and Dad became sick, I got depressed. The marijuana that he introduced me to ease my pain. The liquor and cigarettes relax me. I know drugs and alcohol are unhealthy. Someday I will stop. I don't know if we will ever leave this fairy world, but I hope to see Richard again before I die."

Serenity feels Susan's arms around her, and she hugs her back.

"Serenity, please hold me tighter. I need it," Susan begs.

"Everything is going to be okay. When the fighting stops, and it's safe, I will play jazz tunes for you," Serenity says.

"It will never be safe," Susan states.

Sarah rubs Susan's back.

Leon flies over to the ladies. "She must stay quiet. We do not want the fairies to hear us and find our location."

He sprinkles magical, silver pixie dust around his red robe, and it hardens, transforming into battle armor. "It has been a very long time since I was in battle. I must go out there and find out who is fighting the fairies, as we need all the allies who can help."

The wise and rebellious fairy blows silver pixie dust with black electricity around it in three directions. It evolves and solidifies into three unique swords for the girls. "Ladies, I'm going to see who is out there fighting. If I don't come back alive, use the sword skills I taught you to defend yourselves. You all have become so good that I believe you can fight without me if you have to."

"We should help you, Leon," Serenity mentions.

"No, ladies, stay here. Your safety is important to our cause," Leon says.

"Leon, come back alive, okay. We love you," Sarah replies.

"You are all like my daughters. I love you too," Leon says.

He exits the tent and into the fight.