Adhara

You know, it's time we visit some friends of mine...

While I gleefully ranted non-stop, I bashed my sword at my twin brother, who stumbled as he blocked my advance with his. And while they say that the cherries of the Cheops are edible and the plant leaves are not, who's to say the stem of the Cheops are not edible either, or the roots, or even the flowers? Hasn't anyone ever tried that? Maybe it's perfectly fine, maybe it's just the leaves, for whatever reason, that gather up poison, and you could make Cheops roots soup or Cheops flower salad, but everyone's afraid of trying it out! So, why don't we try to eat the Cheops plant, save for the leaves, since those are poisonous, to test it out??

That makes absolutely no sense if you think for two seconds!! Alric responded in between grunts and yelps, crouched over behind his sword. Poison is a defense mechanism for plants, chances are, if one part is poisonous, the whole plant is! The surprising fact is that the Cheops berry is not poisonous, which is likely an adaptation to allow for Petpets to spread the seeds!

Adhara! Cease this already! You're being absolutely evil, hounding your brother for no reason, I've already given the victory to you! The Battle Faerie Aethia yelled at me while approaching the two of us, and I stopped, but still had my sword taken forcibly away from me. That's enough battle practice for today, and especially for you, young lady! She then turned to Alric, asking him while he came back on his feet. Are you alright, nothing broken, nothing hurt, right?

No, Miss Aethia, I am just fine. He grumbled, glaring at me while handing his sword to the purple-haired Faerie as well. I grinned back and stuck my tongue out in a mocking manner, which only irritated him more, which in turn only made me chuckle.

Well, that's a relief. She answered stiffly, before turning back to me and scowling from catching me. Adhara, for goodness's sake, be good for once! I quickly changed my expression to try and hide my grin, biting down my lip, but I could barely contain my chuckle. Don't you think for a second that I won't be telling all of your misdeeds today to Queen Fyora!

I'm just having some fun, Miss Aethia! Nothing bad! The Battle Faerie was being so mean as usual, I just hated it.

Nothing bad until you hack his fingers off because you're too caught up having fun at your brother's expense! Aethia chided me further, with Alric still scowling at me from behind her. The very least you can do is feel a drop of remorse and apologize!

I rolled my eyes and scoffed. Fiiine, sor-ry! I exclaimed, not even properly addressing my brother.

Do say it appropriately, and to him, not to me, Adhara. The Battle Faerie kept on chiding me.

I huffed, looked at Alric, and then exaggeratedly bowed to him while holding the brim of my tunic. I sincerely apologize for my misdeeds, dear brother, this shall not happen again. He stopped cowering behind our fighting teacher, crossed his arms, and then responded.

Apology... NOT accepted. He said spitefully, which prompted Aethia's protests. Either way, I do not care for apologies from a brute who thinks arguments are literally attacking the other until they accept your point. You were wrong and you knew it!

A brute? I'm just not a coward! Also, I had a point there! I started arguing back, but the Battle Faerie intervened.

Enough!! We are not going to have another fight today in the courtyard, you two, much less on the scale of the last time, we're still waiting on the new benches to come in because you two destroyed several of them last time! Mind yourselves, you two!

Well, she started it last time as well! Alric exclaimed.

But you continued it, Alric, which makes you just as guilty! Aethia chided him, which gave me immense satisfaction, since he usually escaped it by playing his good boy act. Also, once again, it was over the most pointless discussion, about Jelly World of all things, and somehow you two managed to make it a full out war over debating the existence of a fictitious place!

But there is substantial evidence that it is in fact a place!! Alric protested, to which I just had to respond. Oh yeah, coming from who? The looney bin?

Quit it, you two, or else I will cast a silence spell in the both of you for an entire week! Then perhaps we'll have some peace in this castle for once in a while. The Battle Faerie exclaimed, and then added. Now, go, shoo, training is over, don't you have lectures with Mnemosyne about the history of Neopia to be attending to? I think I've earned my peace for the rest of the afternoon!

And with that, she sent us two off, pushing us onto the doors back into the castle, which I protested but had to comply, while my brother was already scurrying past the gates. I fluttered up to his side, glancing at him while following along down the long hallway lined with stained glass windows depicting different scenes of Neopian stories, most prominently Faerie stories. He actively tried to ignore me with his closed-up face and moody misdemeanor, but eventually he gave in, sighed, and asked me irritatedly, without even turning to face me.

What do you want??

Nothing, I'm just following you.

You annoy me to no end...

You get annoyed easily.

A quiet snicker drew both of our attentions down the empty hallway, and we stopped on our tracks to search around, with me even lowering my feet back to the ground. A giggle was heard, and then we both turned to the same window, that which depicted a scene of a Light Faerie defeating a Dark Faerie in Cloud Racers, but instead of that Light Faerie, there was a different Faerie depicted sitting on the driver's seat of the yellow winged racer, one whose clothes were in black and silver and gold, and who had white wings and long black hair with a silver streak, and tan skin, and, most notably and recognizably, had golden eyes that seemed to gleam even as glass. I gasped audibly, but Alric was the first one to speak up with a little hesitation.

Mirage, how did you even get in there?

It's just part of my magic, you know that. She answered. Hello, you two, it has been a while, how are things?

Boring, as usual! I answered, which earned her a chuckle. They make us do lectures every day, all day long, we don't even get weekends off.

It is important that we learn all those things they're teaching us, Adhara, it is part of Faerie formation, you know that. Alric lectured me to my annoyance. Even if we could go to the Faerieland Academy, we'd have a very similar schedule.

Education is important, indeed. It is what prepares you for life. Mirage commented, agreeing with Alric, as she looked at me from the panel.

Pfft, blah blah blah, all I hear is that either way I'd be bored to tears! I exclaimed. I'm tired of being told the entire day 'Do this!' 'Study that!' 'No, not that way! The right way!' 'Behave!' Everyone here is so much on my case!

It does sound like the adults are stifling you. Mirage agreed with me this time, turning back to look at Alric.

You only get the short end of the stick when it comes to getting lectured because you provoke it either way! My brother replied. Maybe you should behave more, I barely get yelled at, in comparison to you, and when I do, it's your fault usually.

You do seem to be very provocative, Adhara. Mirage agreed once more with Alric, turning once more to me.

Hey! Whose side are you on? I replied, annoyed with her flip-flopping.

I'm just trying to help with the discussion. Mirage responded.

You're not helping at all! I said with great annoyance.

Yeah, you are in a way only fueling this discussion. Alric added.

Well, at least I've got you two agreeing for once. Mirage snarked. You should do that more often. You guys are very alike in appearance, but always oppose each other for every reason!

She was right on both parts, we did end up at odds very often, because we always ended up being the anti of the other when it came to opinions, tastes, or even arguments. But, also, we were alike in appearance, although with some large differences. We both were young Faeries, although unusual in many ways, we had the signature bipedal look, and the pointed ears, but we had greyish green skin like none other Faerie we had ever met; past shoulder length blue hair that refused to stand down properly, with even some bits sticking out from our crown of the head, although I wore mine loose and wild, while my brother tied it back to not get on his way; and we also both had red eyes with black pupils that we had heard either came from our mother, or our father. Also, the Faeries did tend to dress us similarly, as we both sported similar cut tunics and shorts and boots, mostly in shades of blue and red and black, colors we've been told are appropriately themed to our inherited element.

But the differences were also there, as I was closer to a traditional Faerie, and even had wings that I was told resembled our mother's, short and not so showy as other Faerie wings, of a translucent, iridescent pale blue quality; meanwhile, my brother, who wasn't so much of a traditional Faerie in many ways, also lacked wings, and thus the ability to fly, or use magic. He said that it didn't matter to him, also because he was afraid of heights, but I could tell he did get bothered by the consequences, mainly the latter one. Oh, and he was, well, a he, and not a she, which was apparently a thing unheard of in Faeriekind, and was explained by the fact we were technically half-Faeries, and also we did not come to be from magic itself like many a Faerie did. Although, that last part didn't explain completely, as even our battle training teacher we had just left had a mother like us, so maybe it was something to do with who our father was. Lastly, while Alric was considered a shining example of good behavior and an outstanding student who actually got some praise from the other Faeries, I kind of always ended being the one bad apple of the pair who got yelled at a lot. I mean, I did kind of push it too far at times, which earned me some of the yelling, but honestly? They did it first, assuming we were always up to no good unless otherwise proven.

... and this is why I could never agree with someone like her, since I clearly am far more intelligent and carry myself far better than she does. Alric smugly finished explaining his dumb argument against me, to which I only had one answer.

Your mom. He turned to me with a glare, while our glass-paned friend started chuckling.

You do realize we have the exact same mother, so this doesn't even work! He protested.

But it does work, you are all up in arms about it. I grinned.

Ex- Excuse me! We both turned to look down the hallway, and saw two maids, a yellow Ogrin and a speckled Meerca, at a very long distance from us. The Ogrin spoke up while the Meerca kept on apprehensively avoiding eye contact. Are you lost? Do you two not know where to go?

What? I asked, confused.

No, we're on our way to meet with Mnemosyne for our history lessons. Alric responded.

Right! Right, let us lead you there, then! The Ogrin maid announced, which earned a brazen grimace from the Meerca. Don't want to anger the Faerieland Castle Historian with a tardiness, after all.

Don't want to be loitering around the building either. The Meerca said in a lower voice, not even looking at us.

Yes, ma'am. Alric responded, and went ahead to join the two Neopets, although they anxiously kept their distance from him. I glanced back at the window our friend had manifested herself into.

Don't let me hold you back, we'll talk later. Mirage whispered.

Um- You too, young miss! The maid Ogrin announced to me, the entire group still waiting for me.

I sighed loudly, and walked down the hallway, and joined Alric once more, as we were escorted to our Neopian history lesson time. The walk wasn't that long, and we certainly didn't need escorts to get us to a place we've been to an uncountable number of times before, this was all just because they didn't trust us. As we passed some Faerie Neopets dressed up in palace guard uniforms standing post on the hallways, I couldn't help myself but to give them a mischievous grin that I could tell put them on edge. Didn't trust us with what, one may ask? Well, generally with everything.

Everyone around us didn't trust us to behave and they didn't trust us to be good, it was kind of irritating to have Faeries and Neopets alike breathing down your neck, and they were always one misdeed away from comparisons. It riled me up how much they acted like we were one step away from becoming the next major villains in Neopia or whatever was that they acted like, it just made me want to do things on purpose, you know? At least to give them a reason to hate on me. There were even more guards nearby the study, coming over from their posts around the yard we were in prior to watch us over, as usual. I thought there was even some that followed us from where we had come from, but looking over my shoulder, I only saw white wings and a white Zafara tail of some passerby that turned on the last turn before this door.

Hmm.

The tall, decorated door to Mnemosyne's study was ajar when the maids reached first, and the Ogrin peeked into it, unnecessarily announcing to its known resident about our scheduled presence. Meanwhile, the Meerca kept an eye on the two of us by glaring at us, which only irritated me further. I let out an audible huff, making her twitch, and that made me chuckle, but Alric just rolled his eyes once more.

Miss Mnemosyne, the twins are here to see you. The maid Ogrin said.

Right, let them in, Rita. We heard, and the maids stepped out of our way to let us into the room.

As Alric walked in and I followed, I couldn't help but overhear the two Neopets gossip. See, I told you, aren't they horrifying? Said the Ogrin in a not so quiet tone, and the Meerca then responded, whispering back.

They- They are worser than I imagined. How did this even happen? What was she thinking?? I almost felt the urge to go fight the two, in a fistfight as a matter of fact, but I remembered the last time how that ended, and how useless it ultimately was to fight the staff, and just decided to step into the study and try to forget everything.

Mnemosyne's study was large, and cluttered as usual, almost completely lined wall to wall with tall shelves with books in piles, boxes in piles, piles of papers and notebooks also in piles to the brim, while a few decorative memorabilia and some other cool things like shiny rocks and little trinkets sat on top of the piles. The only part of the wall that wasn't lined with shelves was the one larger than life arched window, where instead her desk sat in front, dwarfed by it, and this desk was also similarly piled on with books and papers and notebooks and today even featured a box. And yet, she wasn't sitting behind the desk, on her sacco that accommodated for her different physique, as it was far too little space for her giant harp, instead she sat on the edge of the marble-floored pool that sat dead center of the room, something that surprisingly both Alric and I agreed seemed to be more of a hazard than a feature. But yet, it was meant to accommodate her, as the Water Faerie she was, and thankfully we were spared from getting wet, as our chairs awaited us on the edge of the pool.

The Faerie was a Water Faerie like many other, she sported the typical fish-tail of their sort that was the substitute to the otherwise common Faerie wing, long, serpentine, shimmering, cerulean, as well as a pale, thin physique. But some things differenced her from some others, like how her hair was medium blue, long, parted off-center, tied into four low pigtails that were perfectly curled, adorned with a simple beaded head chain; and her outfit was a sleeveless babydoll dress in the same blue as her hair, and decorated with drop beads on the hem. Also, she wasn't as much of an ocean or river swimmer, and preferred her presence to be around pools and other shallower waters, out of fear from what we had heard. But that worked out for her, who decided to make her specialty less about her physical abilities granted by her element, and more about her other abilities that came naturally.

She was the Faerieland Castle Official Historian, tasked by Fyora herself with docu.menting the happenings of the world and mainly of the kingdom, and then writing them in official book records for posterity. Every single aspect of Faerieland life was meant to be docu.mented, from the census to all physical buildings and their purposes, from the economic prosperity and all those market numbers to the daily decrees dictated by Queen Fyora herself and all the mitigations done, and so much more. Mnemosyne made narrative sense from all that information, it was her task to summarize things in a way one would understand eons ahead. On top of historian, she was also a musician in her hobby, and in fact implemented playing instruments into her lessons, as to her it was the easiest way to recall from memory what was she meant to talk about, and she always asked us to perform along.

Mnemosyne glanced at us while fine tuning her harp. Adhara, Alric, welcome once again, and do take a seat and an instrument, as we are going to have yet another sung lesson in the Meridell versus Darigan Citadel wars.

Ughhh... I was not the one who made that sound, it was Alric instead, who particularly hated the musical lessons.

The Water Faerie looked over as we sat down, her cerulean eyes glaring at us for my brother's comment. It is of utmost importance for one to learn multiple abilities, despite your personal opinions on them. Also, music helps fix the memory better, mainly singing along with it, despite how much you may struggle with it. Alric lowered his head as he was chided by our teacher, and I chuckled once more. Got caught slipping off of his good boy act, huh? The kithara and the aulos are already separated, please take your seats, and let us get started.

I picked up my kithara and Alric went for his aulos, and we both started following along with the Water Faerie on our lesson for today, learning about the secret involvement of the Three, a trio consisting of a strange Skeith, a strange Lupe and a strange Faerie, in the conflict, and how they drove Lord Darigan of the Citadel into madness and preyed upon the land and its Neopians.

Later on, we were escorted to communal dinner in the dining hall with the other Faeries on the court, the Queen included, but nothing much happened, and as usual, no one ever interacted with us, with the adults reserving their discussions of daily intrigues and kingdom politics in between themselves. The only glances we received from those on the tables were from those who were unused to our presence, which yielded your typical looks of shock and horror, but most actively tried to ignore us, seemingly even our tutors and the Queen herself. It was all very boring and mundane and repetitive, but Alric always kept an ear out for whatever was happening, for his personal curiosity.

As the Neopets servers passed by our end of the table, they barely spoke to us when bringing the enchanted food courses, which all fluttered and hovered and flew above their designated platters, and hurriedly served our meal before scurrying off to the other, more palatable Faeries. I was very hungry, but in contrast my brother wasn't really interested in anything that was being served, and eventually just pushed his plate towards me, to devour it as well. We didn't even get to see our mother today, although that was not unusual, she barely ever came down to Neopia, much less stayed over for too long, her domain and duty were both beyond the outer layers of the atmosphere of this small planet.

I imagined, while picking the wings off my baked potato, being among the stars, defending whatever the Space Faerie defended, and fighting against whatever foes she did. I mean, the obvious number one foe would be an obvious answer, but I didn't feel like dwelling in that, given the multiple implications our unexplained existence meant and how it related to said rivalry. Instead, I thought of more fun ideas, like evil Dark Novas and creeping Space Fungus, meteorites with collision paths directly in line with the planet, and whatever else came from the dark beyond that was life-threatening to Neopia.

Maybe one day I could fight those Alien Aishas I heard about had an empire out there, far past our sun, and were readying themselves with armies and spaceships to come and take over- I stopped myself right there, noticing the similarities I had been thinking to what we had been told were his plans twice in the recent past, which once again just left me uneasy. Dang it, all I wanted was to entertain myself, and here I was, getting annoyed with myself by my own fault.

Did you hear about that Oracle of the Obelisk, no one has any idea who she is, but the Tyrannians fear her and the Obelisk itself. Also she claims to have inhabited the land since the early days of Neopia, and yet, there's no mention in any records of said Obelisk ever existing, much less said spirit. Alric turned to me. But she is surely very powerful, she summoned six spirits with power enough to oppose the factions there that were hard to be taken down even with the joint efforts of each faction. The Queen is going to send envoys to Tyrannia to better understand this situation and try to dialogue with the Oracle, and gauge if she's trustworthy.

I stared blankly at him, trying to process all the information he had just told me, but eventually decided to give up on it. Who cares?

Well, I care at least. Alric responded, irritated. Don't you want to be at least informed of what happens in the world you live in?

Not really, I mean, aren't we Space Faeries? Won't we live in outer space once we're adults, defending Neopia like we're meant to? So why care about what happens down here? I asked, which earned an irritated scoff from him.

You don't think our mother doesn't care about what happens down here? That's so ignorant.

No, I just don't want to care about what happens down here once I'm gone from down here. You can stress about it if you want. I snipped back.

If we're allowed to ever leave this place. There he went, being all negative on purpose, I just rolled my eyes.

Just, whatever, dude. I answered, and pushed aside the leftovers.

I was tired of being around everyone either way, and I had eaten more than my share for that night, and so I just wanted to go lay down and be done with the day once more. I went out of the dining hall and headed down the hallway that led to our living quarters, far separate from everyone else's chamber rooms in this castle, in a wing that was closer to the garrison quarters, on the top of a small tower that could only be accessed through a pathway that went underground. Two winged purple Kougra guards followed me all the way down the many hallways, down and upstairs, and finally to the top of the tower, spears in hand, as unnecessarily as usual. Finally, I opened the large doors that gave way to our room, and entered in, thankfully unaccompanied, but I could hear the door latch lock behind me, as usual.

And so I was in my brother and I's quarters. It was a rather large room, definitely more than enough spacious for the two of us, with a tall arched ceiling in a lovely shade of pink, and gold decorated wallpaper coming all the way down to the footer, and all of our furniture was of rich wood and lustered expensive metals, beds, cabinets, drawers, closet, the standing mirror, etc. Even the little trinkets we kept, and the telescope that sat by the windowsill, were all gold adorned...

But yet, our room didn't have windows, we had oriel windows that had unopenable latticework instead of windowpanes, which allowed for the light to get in, like the sunset that shaded the room red at the moment, and at least it let us peer out with or without aide... Sure, it was all in delicate, typical faerie wings designs, but nothing more than looking out could be done from there, and certainly nobody could come out through it.

The Queen had said all of this was for our own privacy, to keep us from being peered at by curious onlookers who had no business but to gossip and speculate rotten things about us. But, given that our door was also kept shut and locked while either or both of us were in, and the fact that we already dealt with her supposed worries on a daily basis whenever we were elsewhere in the castle, my brother and I had long drawn a different conclusion. It only irritated me further to think of this, mainly because I remembered what my brother had said just previously, something that was not the first time he had mentioned, or that anyone had let it slip. He knew this dream, of being in space, away from everything, was one of the few things that I wished for, and I always thought of, and thus he always attacked that dream of mine whenever he was angry with me, it was such a mean tactic, I always wanted to punch him. No, I could not let him get to me, one day I would be out of here, and I would be away from this planet, and I'd be doing my duty as the Space Faerie, and nothing of this would ever have mattered, and I would never care to come back here. He could do whatever he wanted, I didn't care, I couldn't care less, one day I'd cross that upper frontier into outer space, and I'd never have to look back.

Tired and irritated, I decided that laying down to digest the food was a good idea, and thus tossed myself onto my bed, bouncing on top of the covers and pillows to settle down sideways. Stewing, I felt my consciousness fade slowly at first, as I subconsciously attempted to fight it for many a reason, including because I had heard someone call me while I drowsed out to sleep. Jumping up, I looked around, but could not recognize who was calling for me, from nowhere around the room, even our mirror across from where I slept, but there was no one. I laid back down, and eventually slumber overtook me by a landslide, and so I left myself drift into darkness.

I found myself in a storm like none other I had ever felt, it was strong, it was menacing, it was destructive, things flew past me, the ground rumbled as if to give away, and things flew out of the ground around me, but I wasn't afraid of any of it. I could almost make out shapes scattered all over the landscape, shapes that I knew were once alive, but now were no longer, and I knew that was my fault, but I didn't care for it. I walked forward with pomp and self-importance, as if I had expected this all to happen, as if this was all planned.

Before me there was a strange archway of purple crystalline stone, made even stranger by its shapes that almost resembled something, like indescribably amalgamated bodies that you could barely make the outline of the varied arms, legs, hands, claws, wings, tails, and heads that came out of them, in specific assortments as to resemble Neopets, but not enough to be able to discern what specific species was each. For some reason, their eyes were very clearly carved, hollow, dark and stricken with unspoken horror, and some of their mouths and beaks were equally open and dark and misshapen by the same horror. This display chilled me to the bone the more I looked at it, so I tried not looking at it and looking around instead, and noticed them.

Dark shapes of all sorts surrounded me, they all had different looks, some were also recognizably Neopian, some were not so much, they spoke in whispering tongues I could only hear but not understand. They all directed me towards the arch, either verbally or physically, and thus I followed their guidance, approaching it slowly, step by step bringing it before me, despite my visceral dismay towards it. There was a trait that showed up among the shapes that awaited me eagerly, where several of them had their eyes glow despite their darkness, and those were distinctively lutescent, watching me as I walked forward towards the arc. I looked to my right, and Alric was also there, bearing the same level of apprehension and fear as I had, and yet just as determined to reach the horrible arch and do what was whispered to us.

Slowly, I rose my arm equally to my brother, and we both touched the opposite sides of the archway, and I used my magic on it, wishing it open for whatever unspoken reason. The archway screamed through the carved mouths a harrowing, dissonant screech, a cacophony of suffering and despair that echoed deep within my very being and harmonized with the hollering wind, and caused my brother and I to fall back.

At that moment, I felt true terror, possibly caused by the screams that awakened from my arrogant daze. I feared what I had done, as I knew I had gone too far, and, somehow, I knew we were no longer in control of this, and things were about to get far worse. The bodies on the archway continued to scream, and some of their limbs curled in ways that seemed almost like they were pointing inwards on purpose, as if to greet something within that arch. I looked at my half-Faerie brother, who had also been felled, and was looking at me with similar horror to what I felt, and we decided to get up at that moment, and get as far back as possible as possible, without turning away from the archway.

Yet, with few steps I bumped onto someone, one of the many shapes that had guided us to there, which I hadn't realized was cheering. As a matter of fact, they were all cheering at the sight of the archway behaving in such a strange way, and they surrounded the archway as to not let us escape it. I looked around for an escape, but everywhere I looked, there was no way, the shadows kept tightly closed, and I couldn't even push against them.

And then, more things started happening, starting from the archway. All of a sudden, sort of strange film started pouring down as if it were a liquid from the many orifices of the figures of the arch, formed of an unknown material that had no set color nor texture, spreading thinly like a veil in the archway. It quickly took over the entire space, and then started puddling and leaking outwards, and wherever it touched it seemed to ruin the ground, with the grass darkening upon contact and then eventually breaking down and becoming like a dust that blew away in the newly angered winds. Then, golden eyes opened within that strange liquid like reflections in water, and then arms of the same material reached out of within the strange liquid curtain, touching every surface beyond the liquid on the archway, and wherever they touched the figures in the archway screamed with renewed pain. Eventually, the arms figured out how to draw back the curtain, and, finally, something familiar came out from in between the drawn curtains. It was so threatening, so awful, so overwhelming, so corrosive to existence, that its very presence made me feel weak and weary and as if I was being consumed from within by something unseen that destroyed me every second of its existence.

The ground didn't only rumble anymore, it roared and broke open wherever the being stepped, cra.cks running deep and far, reaching for the strewn bodies, and swallowing them whole. The skies screamed harrowing sounds, gusts being able to pull large chunks up in the air like feathers, and things just seemed to unravel around the being. I groaned, as that was all I could do, and tried to move, but felt my very being drained of its own existence with every passing moment, and thus I laid heavy on my back against the ground, panting and gasping with the feared knowledge that this was not something I would escape. The being looked at my brother and I with eyes matching to the others, who were more than jubilant at this one's arrival, and I could see the pity and smugness coming from them.

Then, they looked up to the sky, heavy with unnaturally dark and revolted clouds, and raised their arm with their hand extended out, as if they were cutting something with their hand. In fact they did cut the clouds open, a gash opening up as to reveal the night sky and Kreludor hovering above the chaos that was down here. They extended their open hand upwards towards the moon, and then closed it in a fist, and the more terrifying part was that within seconds I saw it respond to this command, as a giant cra.ck became apparent quickly, and then it started to lose shape, breaking up in space like a ball of dry clay being crushed by an eager hand. Quickly, Kreludor wasn't anymore a moon, but clearly a loose agglomerate of rocks in the sky, and you could see the separate pieces floating about. But even those were not left be, as the being then opened their fist, and, with their hand open and arm still extended, lowered their arm towards the ground.

Slowly at first but quickly right afterwards, the pieces of moon rock started moving, coming closer, until they were all burning up on the atmosphere, coming down flaming with terminal velocity mandated by the terrible being's command, raining down towards us. Everywhere around the sky now, burning rocks fell towards us, and I panicked, knowing this would be our end, and thus tried to fight off my languidness. Somehow, I managed to draw some force to turn over, and thus did just that, screaming as I attempted my last resistance...

I fell off my bed and onto the ground with an audible scream, and proceeded to lay down on the ground, disoriented and confused. I noticed a pair of familiar red eyes staring at me before I could even fully process that I was actually awake, or that I had a terrible headache probably from banging up my head on the floor. Groaning, I sat up, my rump and my back were bruised from what I could tell, just to add to the head pain I suffered from the fall, and I glared back at my brother.

Are you enjoying yourself over there?

Nope, I was just wondering if your thrashing was worth my worry. He then walked back to his bed, sitting on it before picking up a book he must have been reading. Considering how you've responded, I'd guess not.

Aw, gee thanks, you're so considerate. I said snarkily, getting back on my bed.

Perhaps it would be more responsible if you waited until the enormous amounts of food you ingest every meal is down before you sleep, you were clearly having indigestion-driven nightmares. My brother said while opening his book.

Mind your own business, won't you?

I am just saying, that was an unnecessary way for you to get hurt. He continued on with his attitude, and wouldn't even look up at me. It just ticked me off, he was always so smug about everything.

I will literally blast you. I threatened, half-seriously.

Well, resorting to violence already? That means you know I am correct, since you can't reply to me logically.

I wasn't one to make empty threats, and my patience was already running short to begin with because of my headache from banging up my head on the floor, so I did exactly what I said I would do. With an angry urge, I materialized some magic and sent it hurdling towards him, and he dodged before it hit him, which instead landed on the far wall beside his bed, blasting it charred. Sitting back up on his bed, he turned at me with an insufferable smugness.

You missed. Now can I go back to revising our lesson from today, or are you going to act out anymore?

Whatever.

I laid down on my bed, making sure to turn facing away from him as theatrically as possible. Hoping for some semblance of sleep to come back after that altercation, I tried closing my eyes, but I couldn't find enough peace to rest. As a matter of fact, I could only find the opposite, as I saw flashes of that terrifying nightmare I had just awoken from in my mind, which only made me even more restless. I tossed and turned for a while, still trying to avoid even incidental eye contact with across the room, but I was too riled up at that point, and sat up with some gusto and a heavy sigh. After a few seconds of looking around and averiguating what I could entertain myself with, I decided to pick up my sketchbook and pencil that sat on the desk on my side of the room, and sat by the telescope besides the -blocked- Night was already out, and star mapping hopefully was going to be the distraction I needed, but I couldn't sit down without getting yet another annoying remark from my twin.

You should be doing the assigned problems Miss Hypatia passed for us, sneaking into my workbook yet again to copy my problems when I'm not looking will only get you yelled. Alric said while getting off his bed and heading for his desk to put his books away. And showing her your star maps can only distract her so many times before that Light Faerie gets fed up with you.

Actually, I was thinking of just skipping the exercises altogether for a change of pace. I said deadpan while propping myself on the windowsill aside the telescope, which made him stop and stop frown in confusion, his eyes darting around while trying to figure out if I was actually being serious or not. I would have actually chuckled if I wasn't feeling so uneasy at the moment, but that lack of response only prompted his further nagging.

Adhara! You have to do your work for class! You cannot just slack off on your studies!

Ugh, go chase yourself, Alric! I yelled, surprised with how much energy I found within myself for that in specific, and decided to carry it on. I can't have you not huffing down on me for five seconds in a day, for Queen Fyora's sake, don't you have anything else to do besides bother me?? Besides, it isn't your business what I do or not do, I can handle myself just fine, and I know you just do all of this to feel better about yourself, so just drop your make pretend that you care about what happens to me already, because it's obviously fake. Also, it's the most grating part of your whole schtick either way, you're not even that good at it!

I finished yelling at him, and stared at him, breathless, while he stared back at me, his red eyes flashing a whole changing mix of confusion and anger and other emotions. Finally, he just decided to turn away fuming, and return to his books, and I, satisfied with the reaction I got out of him, picked up my pencil and eraser and notebook, and went on to do my star mapping. But it wasn't long into my own distraction, as I was rubbing frantically my eraser on a spot I drew the pattern wrong, that my brother decided to irritate me yet again.

What's your problem tonight? I looked up from the page I was working on and was met with his frowning red eyes as he closed his newly chosen book.

It's none of your business. I snipped back.

Well, it is 'my business' since you're making it difficult for me to focus on my own studies with whatever you're doing. Wow, I was almost moved by his concern. So, either spit it out, or get over yourself, I can only tolerate you fidgeting and going about irritated about something so much before I lose my patience. How fun.

It's... I hesitated for a second, thinking back to the nightmare I had, which I knew meant something I didn't want to think of. I felt compelled to share it, but, knowing my brother, he'd just mock me for taking a dream seriously like he had done in the past, or worse, grow suspicious of me for having such a premonition. It's nothing. I finally said, which only bothered him even more.

How annoying... Alric answered, and immediately started growing angrier as he finally snapped. Your 'nothing' has ruined my concentration for tonight! In between your constant shuffling and shifting, and huffing and hawing, and your little blow out just earlier, I can't have a moment's peace, and now I can't finish my exercises because of you! Are you happy? Is that what you wanted, to sabotage me for whatever stupid reason of yours into not doing anything, just like you do? Get me to fail like you?!

Aw, boo-hoo, big whooping deal! I responded back in the same loud tone, inflated with disbelief and anger. You're not the most important being in Neopia, Alric, as a matter of fact, you're not even the most important Faerie in this castle! I do not care about what you do or not do, nor am I doing anything for or against you, so get over your self-important conspiracies! Also, I told you to mind your own business, didn't I-

I heard a loud click on the door that got me to shut up for a moment, as other clicks went through. Both of us were quickly prompted to stop our discussion immediately and turn towards the entrance to see who our visitor was for tonight, and, to our disappointment, it was none other than the Queen of the Faeries herself, who walked in already with a worried look behind her pronounced pink makeup.

Children, is everything alright in here? I heard shouting while I was walking up to here.

My brother and I exchanged glaring glances, but there was an unspoken agreement that we both knew and had to honor at that moment. We both looked back, and Alric responded.

It's nothing of matter, Your Majesty.

Yeah, don't need to worry. I added on.

You two cannot fool me, that did not sound like something not to worry... The pink and purple clad Faerie with matching butterfly wings like the patterns on the window grid looked back and forth in between the two of us with an air of concern, but before she could go forward in her thoughts, I interrupted with a quick thought.

I heard this upcoming week the Faerie Quests thing is starting, right? I mean, the works and quests and all. I could tell Alric was now looking at me, and probably knew what I was going to ask next. Is our mother going to be there this year?

Indeed she is, for as long and as frequent as she can be available, as usual. Queen Fyora responded.

So is she coming to visit us? I saw her flinch from her generally stoic demeanor, which wasn't too reassuring. I mean, she has to, right? It has been a while, and this is the perfect time, right?

Right, I do hope so... The Queen trailed off, and despite her hesitation, I was made cheerful for a second, but it was quickly ruined as she continued. But, Mira is usually very busy, though, as her duties in outer space are plentiful and never-ending, just coming down to visit the surface put a lot of strain in her schedule...

We understand- Alric started with his usual appeasing routine, but I had a different idea instead.

But she never gets to visit us! It has almost been a year since the last time she's even seen us! Actually, it literally has been since the same time last year! Which was true, and, on top of that, we had barely heard about her since then, and usually the news was not even shared with us as much as we overheard the others. Alric just looked at me in quiet shock, obviously abhorred with my behavior at the moment, but I couldn't care less, I was getting fed up with things and I wanted some answers. He could do all the bootlicking he wanted but that didn't do anything besides earn some dumb compliments from the other Faeries, and that's it.

But the Faerie Queen just looked at me with the same demeanor, and yet she was now frowning, but yet she couldn't bring herself to say much. I will mention to her about coming to visit you two in this event. It is an added difficulty, though, as she'll not only have to divert herself from her outer space duties by coming down to here, but also she'll have to divert herself from her festivities duties to make time for you, so I cannot promise with certainty this will happen.

Then why don't we just go to this Faerie Quest event thing instead? I could tell that Alric was freaking out at the edge of my vision, but I chose to ignore him over confronting Fyora. We both are Faeries after all, and we're old enough, we're fourteen, I heard that there was an Air Faerie called Casandia who is a little older than us and helped the Petpet Protection League with some stuff. I thought she was, from the description I was told, I hoped I wasn't wrong, we had learned of her after the Hasee incident, and then once again she was mentioned when there was talk of said Petpet Protection League. We can definitely go to the festivities and help out and meet our mom there if it's such a hassle for her to come over here! We could even help out with the quests right? I mean, I'm as much of a Space Faerie as she is, I could definitely do some blessings if I learned how to! As a matter of fact, we could be helping her up there, in space, I mean, we'd be useful, I'm useful, I can blast and kick hard all enemies! The entire time as I spoke, I could only see the Queen's frown deepen, and a deep sorrow surface, which only echoed back within me.

Adhara, I understand your eagerness to fulfill your Faerie duties and to leave this castle, but you must understand why those are not things that could be easily arranged, if at all. That sunk me really deeply, deflating any prospects I had of further confronting the Queen. I knew why we couldn't just go out there to this event or to outer space, and also, deep down I had an idea why it was so difficult for our mother to come and visit us. I am very sorry, I do wish to find you two a solution for the future, as this is no ideal situation to be in, but it needs to be something that causes the least damage possible... Not only for your mother, but also for you two. One could only imagine the backlash you two you face if you were to just to reveal yourselves in the biggest event of the year in the kingdom. I had some ideas, as a matter of fact. So, please, wish no more of those things, for your own sake.

Despondent, I could only answer with a quiet Okay.

Also, you two have not finished your education as of yet. The Queen turned to Alric, her expression lightening back to her normal stoic self. I have a duty to Mira to oversee your raising is proper in all aspects, so to prepare you two for the world the best one can. I am glad to hear of your progresses from the different tutors, which is something I came to talk about. Hypatia, Mnemosyne, Arboria and even Hilaria all speak high praises of your achievements, Alric, and how you are coming to master the written arts and the sciences and philosophy very quickly, which I do commend. That last part was said with a smile, which was matched by my brother's rare grin.

Thank you so much, Your Majesty. I am honored to hear that. He answered, bowing while still sitting on his bed, which prompted an eye roll from me despite my mood. At that moment, she looked back back at me.

And yes, I have heard plenty about your magical and physical abilities from Aethia, Adhara, as well as other, less great things you do during her class. Aethia was fast to tell, huh. Also, the others do comment that if you had half as much enthusiasm with them you would be faring better in their classes as well. Although Hypatia does mention positively about your nightly star mapping project you have taken upon to do in your free time, but she does wish you did not do that instead of your assigned exercises.

I did not have anything to answer, so I just glanced away, back at my drawing page. I could hear her sigh and then shuffle towards the door.

Well, I am glad to have taken my time today to come and see you two. I will talk to the Space Faerie about her coming to visit you, as you are her children and do deserve to spend time with her. Good night to the both of you, sweet dreams, and we will talk tomorrow once again. And with that, the Faerie Queen left the room, and the door was once more locked.

You knew what you were going to get as an answer about us leaving the castle, why did you even bother asking the Queen about it? Alric started yelling, but I was trying so hard to just continue looking at my drawing book, hoping to draw some motivation. And, mainly, in such a disrespectful manner, how dare you yell at her like that, we're lucky she's so patient with us! Also, why did you even drag me into your whole spiel, you are only making me-

Oh, can it, Alric! I exclaimed with the last of my anger, before becoming completely overtaken by the heaviness I felt from Fyora's words. Just leave me alone, I don't care anymore. I said whatever I could in a far lower and weaker voice, before looking back to my notebook, trying to muster some motivation to continue drawing.

There was literally no point to any of that, and I cannot think of a logical reason for you to even bring that up, given that you knew what the answer was going to be. Here we go, with his lecturing, he really liked hearing himself speak, didn't he?

Oh, trust me, I know.

Ignoring him, I just focused on the paper and pencil, and decided to redraw my nightmare, or at least the archway I had seen. I wasn't the most prolific artist, and it looked sort of bad, but what mattered was that I got the archway down, and the things around it, however I could. At some point meanwhile, I finally heard only silence, as Alric decided to go back to his own things, and I quietly thanked the powers that be for that. I wanted to focus on my drawing, to get it out of my mind, so I could at least be at peace.

Hi guys, how are you doing tonight? Said a familiar voice far from both of us, and I looked up and turned instinctively towards the mirror. There she was, once again, the self-declared Faerie of Illusions in her black and golden puff dress and white wings, but this time with her hair pinned up, standing behind the glass as if it were a doorway.

Hello, Mirage. Alric said in his usual nonchalant tone.

Hi Mirage. I said, worn out.

Her golden eyes trailed from me to Alric and back. What's going on tonight? You two seem... Extra quiet tonight.

I am fine, just exhausted from the musical history lessons earlier, you know how I feel about the whole 'you have to play an instrument to follow along with the class's thing. Alric gesturing in mockery of Mnemosyne's peculiar rules actually made me giggle. That was one of his biggest pet peeves, because it was also one of the few things he really struggled with, far more than battling and magic, somehow playing a woodwind was harder than the spherical trigonometry puzzles we were given to solve for. But she, I have no idea, Adhara's been acting weird this entire evening.

Hey, don't just call me out like that! I exclaimed, closing my notebook. I don't go around saying 'Alric is an annoying stuck up' to the others even if I want to, it's simple courtesy!

How are those two situations even comparable to each other?? Alric fought back, his face all red. I'm literally stating your weird behavior tonight, and you're just saying you don't pick on me??

Now, now, let's settle down, won't we? Mirage said with her usual smile. Now, if that is a thing, why are you acting strange, Adhara? What's going on?

It's- Nothing, really. I'm just tired as well. I lied, and I think Mirage knew that instantly. And also we had some bad news today.

Oh?

Wait, no, you were already weird before the Queen passed by here! Alric interjected, but I just continued on. Yeah, well, you know how our mom hasn't visited us in a while, right? Since last year's Faerie Quests, and now it has been basically a year, and we were told she just may come by, no guarantees... Which is already fun... Also, there are still no prospects that we'll ever get out of here, like, this castle, because of the 'fear of backlash' against us and our mother. I airquoted the words "fear of backlash," mocking the concept as I knew even if that was the case for our mother, that was no one's priority with us. So... I guess we'll be stuck in here for however long of an eternity because we're too difficult to deal with. It's ridiculous.

That's not even news, though? Alric interjected, which prompted me to eyeroll once more. I just said it earlier, when you were refusing to listen to me, that was always the case. There was no point in bringing it up, you were just setting yourself up for disappointment.

Some Faeries at least attempt to have some semblance of hope in change, and like, not be literally two steps away from being a prisoner for life. I responded.

You are way too spoiled and self-deluded, we're far from being prisoners, don't even make that comparison. We've got everything we need taken care of and we're raised in luxury and properly. He replied. Just look around this room and see for yourself how much the Queen has given us along the years, even your telescope you waste your time instead of doing your exercises was a gift from her!

And yet we aren't allowed actual windows, or to exit the room unless it's to go somewhere, while heavily accompanied by guards, and scrutinized by staff! I raised my voice at Alric, and Mirage sat back on the reflection of his desk's chair to watch. We're watched over the entire time, have our time controlled continuously, and are only allowed to do things within the confines of what others tell us we can all of the time, as if- As if we were one step away from committing an atrocity, as if we were criminals indeed!

That is all to protect us, it's not in case we do something, it's in case someone attempts something at us! He responded raising his tone as well. Who knows what some would do to us if we were easy to access, you certainly don't, it is better to prevent than to remediate!

Alric, a gilded cage is still a cage! Besides, even if that were the case, which I do not buy in for a minute, I could definitely fend off any crazies who would attack me, I am not that defenseless!

He scoffed. Well, that's good for you. I don't have that much faith in my abilities, though. Right, the whole magic thing.

I could defend you too!

I do not want a life where I will have to be tied to the hip to you forever. If we are going to one day live our own lives outside of this castle, then I wish to have a life of my own! Where I do not need for your or anyone's assistance constantly, and I can have peace for once. Elsewise it is not worth it! I saw Mirage shuffle around on her seat while playing with her Kad's cradle she probably pulled out of her pocket, impatient to say something.

Then we could like, get out of this planet! Then we'd not have to worry about anyone coming after us. I said back. It's not like we're meant to be down here, our mother is never down here either way, I actually don't get why have we not been with her since the beginning.

Probably because it's even more dangerous out there! There are asteroids and space fungus and supernovas and whatever more! Have you not heard of sterilizing cosmic radiation? All stars make it! Alric at this point was gesticulating wildly while he said all of that. That's why she wanted us raised down here-

Nah, I don't buy for a second that is the case. I interrupted, but he only frowned and continued on.

Besides, she is very busy with her duties of defending the planet from said dangers and whatever outside invaders, she would have had no time to raise us to begin with-

Nor it seems like she wanted to! I shouted back, and Alric looked at me incredulously for a good second before answering in a lower, angrier tone.

How dare you say that about our mother?

What, that she doesn't seem to care about us? Or want us around? Actually, no one wants us around, our Queen and those she assigned to tutor us only tolerate us, don't you see? Now I was riled up, but Alric just raised his hand in front of him, as to block me.

Nope, there is literally no discussion to be had when you say things like that. He said, still angry.

Ooh, what, can't handle the truth? That your constant sucking up does no good? Or that no one likes you?

I wanted to say more, to get him riled up, but this was actually making me tired, and he wasn't so easy to taunt anymore, as he just picked up once more his book of choice at the moment and was reading. So I just shut up, still flushed angry but once more out of breath. A light cough came from across the room made me look at Mirage, who was still sitting on the chair's reflection, and had her hand half-raised as if being meek, as she finally spoke up.

You know, not to, well, repeat myself like I've done many a time before, but, well... You guys do know about how my offer still stands, right? I could help you two solve your issues, really. She sure knew how to do this pitch very often, or perhaps it had gotten more frequent as of recently. Either way, this repetition was beginning to sound nagging.

Yeah, we know. I snapped back.

I'm just saying. She added going back to her strings.

Tell me again, why are you stuck where you are, and why can you only communicate in such strange manners? Alric asked, but we already knew the answer to that.

What, that I was banished from your dimension by a minion of mine who rebelled, using my own magic against me? That I had been stopped in my own plans that would lead to the destruction of your planet and beyond? And thus ever since I cannot do much until someone undoes the spell and opens the gateway once more?

The fact she said that with the softest of smiles did not go easily. I avoided thinking of all of this... Part of her... It was almost terrifying how easily she told us back then all of it, over threeish years ago, when she first started showing up, it was like it was nothing to her, like a Tuesday afternoon mishap. And more, it was actually terrifying when she first offered to help us in exchange for helping her, about a year ago... She posited it as a response to one of the times right after I had a big meltdown, I don't even remember what exactly did I break or what did I do back then, but it was one of the first times I was truly fed up with everything and everyone. I remember that she was there, in that same mirror, welcoming us into our room after we had been forcefully escorted back, as if she knew what had just happened...

I didn't have an answer then, neither did Alric, but it was very tempting indeed, which was the scariest part. And yet, we got used to it, we got used to her presence on a frequent basis, we even got used to her reinstating her offer every so often, I mean, what else were we supposed to do? She was literally the only one who spoke with us on a regular, and mostly without any judgements or scolding or condescension, if it weren't for the knowledge she freely gave us of her past and her hopes for the future, one would have assumed she was like any other Faerie. Although she did grow impatient with us at times, like how it went next.

And why is it that you think you can convince us to do such a thing? No, that is- That is crazy! That's evil! You are evil! Alric scolded Mirage, who just sat there until he was done, and then got up once silence befell us. Heading towards the mirror's front, she then started questioning him.

Tell me, Alric, when the wild Gruslen attacks a flying Beekadoodle and takes it down to eat, is that evil? Alric hesitated, before answering.

N-no, but that is not the same, Gruslens need to eat meat, and they do not know that what they do is bad for the Beekadoodle, they just know that they need to survive. She then responded with another question.

What about in an earthquake, when the ground splits open and swallows whole a house and its residents, is that evil? Do you call the ground evil for doing that, taking the lives of those who were within the house in the blink of an eye and without much thought? I watched as my brother frowned and tried to respond.

No, that's not- That's just a bad event, caused by the shifting plates within the planet causing the ground to break and shift in such a manner... It's tragic, but there is nowhere... Where morality comes in... Unless there is neglect from others that led the house to be built in such a dangerous place. Mirage nodded a little bit, as if agreeing with him, before asking her third question.

Now, what about a black hole, a supermassive star's final configuration whose very existence destroys and consumes everything that comes too close because of how massive it is, and how much it bends reality around it... If it attracts and crushes a planet full of life down to debris and dust, and spins it so quickly as to overheat it to light-producing temperatures, before completely swallowing it and incorporating the matter that once was part of the planet and its inhabitants into its core, now, would you call that evil? Now, that was something to imagine, were there truly such things out in space? I could barely imagine how this "black hole" even looked like, much less how it would be able to crush a planet into dust, and what was that about light?

N- No... I guess... Not. But that would be horrific...

Mirage shrugged. Perhaps. But anyways, the black hole would not be evil, right? So, why do you call me 'evil'?

Because- None of those things you have mentioned either have the sentience to know what they are doing is wrong, or are even living to begin with! Alric was so red at this point, trying to argue his point. This was really bothering him, I could tell. That is why you cannot apply morality to them! But you are not like any of your examples, you are fully capable of comprehending your actions, you should know better than that!

She chuckled. Wrong?' Alric, you're still arguing in morality terms. There is no right or wrong in nature and in space, you should know that, it makes no sense to tack on a 'wrong' label on something that just is, that is just a fact of life or of the universe. I comprehend my actions, but I just do not see what is the issue with them, as it is just the same for me. I am only doing what is in my nature to do, what I was meant to do, just like you Faeries have a duty to your planet and to your elements, I have a duty to mine. If you think I would be, I don't know, repellent to that idea, despite being the very reason why I exist, then you are giving me too much credit.

Alric tried thinking of some other counter, but he settled for his rushed conclusion. This- This is why there's no way we could ever release you! I was getting tired of this talk already, it was always the same, and it never went anywhere, besides her saying those things... As if she was trying to convince us that this wasn't a particularly terrifying proposal for us to just accept willy-nilly. I never liked when the conversation went down this route.

What a shame. Mirage said in an almost mocking tone, before looking at me. What about you, Adhara, what do you think of this? Uncomfortably put on the spot, I shrugged and shook my head.

I- I don't know, I don't think it's a good idea either. I glanced at Alric, before thinking of something to change topics to something less dreadful. Um- Can we go back to the part where you talked about... Black holes, you said? What do you mean by they are the final stage of a star? She scoffed, and then started chuckling.

You are really not the sort to lie very well, huh? I can tell you do not want to partake in this discussion.

Yeah, no... But I do really want to know more about those things, I think I've only heard of black holes showing up in rare slushies, but I didn't know they were what you mentioned? I asked, and she chuckled once more, shaking her head, before responding.

Well, your planet does have its strange little quirks... Alright, I will explain to you about black holes. She sat back down at the reflection of the chair in front of Alric's desk, and I got myself down from the windowsill I was sitting on and pulled my desk's chair towards the mirror to sit and listen. But we must start before then, at what stars are, and how they're formed, and how they will evolve. Is that alright with you?

I nodded enthusiastically. Mh-hm, that's even better.

Great! She looked at my brother and asked. Alric, are you going to listen in as well, or...

No, I've got my own reading here. He grumbled.

Alright, that is fine by me. She looked back to me, and started her talk. So, you know how everything originated as basically gas back in the primordial times of the universe, since it was too hot and everything was expanding too quickly, right? The talk went on for the next hours, where Mirage explained to me a lot, from the idea of gravity to how it caused space gas to collapse into stars and beyond; to how stars worked and how the core of stars were doomed to collapse into strange objects once they started failing; and the bigger the star the more strange it got, and black holes were the strangest types of results.

I watched Mirage explain, fascinated, and she even went as far as to show fascinating images in the mirror, and I even caught glimpses of Alric also watching the lecture, although he would turn back to his book whenever he saw he was caught. Once again, if it weren't for, well, her whole backstory, and her insistence whenever something bad happened on her proposal, we'd perfectly be friends, even with my brother and I's not so great moments. Afterwards, I headed to bed, thinking of stars and black holes, and actively trying to block out the nightmare from earlier.

I woke up first, at some unknown time of the day, and something felt strange. No, not just strange, something felt off, and awful, and gross, and very, very wrong. I looked around at our pink-tinted and gold-decorated room, typical fashion for the castle's quarters, and something felt... Really wrong. I couldn't exactly tell why, it was like the sunshine was shining lesser, or the colors were kind of dim, but also something else was off. I felt it deep within my body, like a weird sickness that made me feel weak and icky.

I looked around the room, and judging by the light coming through the window lattice, it seemed like it was late on the morning. Did no one come for us? Usually if we overslept for whatever reason, either the guards that stood at the door, or some servant or Faerie would come for us, sometimes even Queen Fyora herself. I remembered that today was the day of the Faerie Festival, and thought maybe that was the reason for them forgetting us, but yet... I don't think I could hear any noise even at a distance, only this creepy silence that made me feel uneasy. Getting off the bed, I walked up to the window and tried to see if there was anyone downstairs, on the large inner patio area in the center of the castle, but there was no one.

But yet, there wasn't nothing, as I noticed weird new shapes on the pathways, almost like statues, but they were on the wrong places, blocking the paths, that made no sense, were the gardeners going to remake the patio yet again? But on the opening day of the Festival? Also, there was still no one actually on sight, not that I could see, and much less any sight of the celebration, which we had never gone to, but had always watched from afar, from this window or other places of the castle. Also, it seemed like everything seemed... Dimmer? Like even the sun itself wasn't shining as bright as usual, despite there being no- Well, there were clouds in the sky, more than usual for this altitude, which was weird as well.

I looked at my brother, who was still deep asleep and mumbling as usual, and in an urge, rushed back to my bed, picked up one of the smaller pillows, and tossed it at him. Gah! He screamed, flailing at the pillow before it fell off the bed, and then he sat up already scowling. Augh, Adhara, why did you do that?? You almost gave me a heart attack!

Well, you were oversleeping so it's fair game! I replied. Also, something is wrong, no one came for us today. He looked groggily at the door, and then glanced at the window, and then laid back down on the bed.

You woke up too early. He grumbled, covering himself over. Also, I am very tired today, I think I caught something, leave me be, I don't want to go to our lectures.

Noooo! I yelled. It's not early! Look! The sun is high, it's probably almost noon! Glancing from under the covers, my brother looked at the windows, and then at the sunlight entering through it.

That's weird, the day seems darker than usual, but it is not cloudy. Alric commented. Also it is at least past ten.

Right? Right?? I continued talking. Isn't it weird? Also, do you hear it? The nothing, I mean?

What...? And we were quiet for a little moment before he got what I meant. It is eerily quiet out there, right. Alric sat up once more with a struggle, and then got off his bed and checked the window just like I did just moments earlier. Where is... Everyone?

Right??? I don't think there's anyone out there, for whatever reason! I exclaimed, and my brother turned to me, fearful and concerned.

Maybe something happened? Like some big event?

Oh, no, you mean like...

Some sort of invasion or plague, you know, like the stuff the others told us that happened on those different lands...

I gasped. Or like an end of the world thing! Oh no, what if we're the only survivors!? I glanced at the door, and on a whim, decided to rush up to it, and knock. Hello?? Hellooo?? Anyone out there??? Alric joined the yelling at the window, trying to see if anyone could spot us through the lattice.

I kept on knocking and yelling, but nothing was happening, no one was coming. I tried forcing the door, but it would not budge. Finally, I tried forcing it the other way, I tried calling upon my innate powers, to blast the door open... But nothing. I stared at the door, still intact, trying to register what was going on.

Wh- What's going on?? I exclaimed.

What? Alric asked, looking over his shoulder when I turned to him.

I can't- I don't have any magic!

What??

Yeah! Look at that! I tried gesturing, trying to summon anything from within, which was something as natural to me as chewing or breathing, and yet, nothing happened yet again. See?? I'm trying to bust this door down, but nothing is happening!! I felt disoriented, how was that possible, what were we supposed to do now??

Well, that's a first, he commented snidely, to which I frowned.

Alric, we can't escape! I can't break these doors, they're locked! We're locked in, and no one is coming for us! And I don't have any magic!

Do you... He mulled for a second. Think perhaps whatever is happening and your magic being gone are tied in together? That realization made a lot of sense, but in an awful way.

I- Mean, I guess. But now what?? What are we going to do?? Are we going to... I was afraid of what being abandoned, locked up on this tower could mean, I started getting teary from the overwhelming fear.

No way! That's dumb, no, someone is going to come and rescue us! That has to be, right? Alric exclaimed, trying more to convince himself than me. Maybe... Everyone is just caught up on something, and they'll come to get us out of here the moment they can. We just- We just need to not panic. His darting eyes betrayed his fake confidence, we were both equally terrified of what was going on. I guess... I guess I am just going back to bed, what's the point of staying awake for nothing right? There's no classes today, after all.

He headed back to his bed, disappearing into under the covers, while I walked back and dropped myself at the edge of mine. I couldn't wrap my head around what was happening, and much less did I want to imagine what could happen to us if no one would come. Nobody had come for us, and I had a deeply seated feeling that probably no one would come for us, because there was no one left. My stomach grumbled, which made me even more disheartened, and, teary-eyed, I laid back down on bed and covered myself as well, terrified of being alone and powerless to do anything.

I was in a terrifyingly gloom forest, surrounded by hideous trees that had barks resembling scowling faces, and whose topiaries blocked off the sky far above me. I didn't know where I was, but I knew it was still in Neopia, I had a feeling of familiarity about it. But I had no idea what to do, I had never been to a forest, I only knew of it from stories and what our teachers and others talked about, I knew it was dangerous to be lost within a forest, mainly a dark and spooky one like this one. I probably had to find my way out, right? But how?

The shadows were so dense that I could barely make out the ground, and everything off the corner of my eyes seemed to be moving, making me have to look over my shoulder constantly as I searched for an exit or clearance. Stumbling through the forest, I coughed vigorously as this dark miasma that hung about the ground level and spread thick made its way into my lungs, making me feel awful and gross and weak. I couldn't figure out what was going on, but something felt chaotic, like things were happening just beyond where I was, and yet I couldn't see anything.

But I saw whatever it was that moved, just off the corner of my eye. I turned to look, and within the darkness of the forest, growing from the upper edge of the cloud of miasma that surrounded me, I had seen something, a shape! As a matter of fact, I saw many shapes grow out of the dark wispy layer over the ground, and I felt within my bones that was a terrible fact. I tried running as those shapes solidified and hisses and growls were heard everywhere, and despite many stumbles, I was managing to stay away from their forming claws and open maws. What were those? What was happening? I yelped in fear as I dodged attacks from those dark mist monsters, and I ran and I ran and I ran, until I ran into something.

I fell back, thinking I had run into a tree, but it was more solid, rougher, and colder, and had shapes unlike a tree at all. As a matter of fact, despite the near absolute darkness, I could tell there were two large shapes protruding out of the main body, expanding out in a Korbat-like fashion... Was that a Dark Faerie? But not a live one, this was stone, so a statue in the likeness of a Faerie, but what was a statue doing in the middle of a forest? Also the shape was strange, it had no pedestal, her feet directly digging into the ground, and it showed the Faerie in midflight. I thought of investigating more the statue, but I heard even more threatening noises from whatever were those monsters that were materializing from the miasma that I could tell that was sapping my very own energy. I got up and ran once more, but that statue's place and occurrence kept on bugging me.

Finally, I got to a large clearance, and, while seeking refuge from anyone who could help me, I heard shouting. But, before I could seek wherever that was coming from, I noticed something far larger, more horrifying, and urgent. Hovering above the dark forest, probably a couple of hundreds of feet above all, was a giant landmass, surrounded by dissipating clouds that spewed crac.kling lightning, and with a pink city of some sort sat above... Oh no, was that Faerieland?? Wasn't it supposed to be at clouds-level? Why was it falling? What was going on?? But I couldn't stop to think for too long, as the weird shadows were yet again catching up to me.

I saw a group of Neopets far ahead in the clearing, who were also fighting these purpleish shadow monsters made of haze, and thought it was best to seek refuge with them. But I couldn't have taken that many steps ahead when I saw a very powerful blast of magic, and, suddenly, most of them were also stone, like that Faerie in the forest before. I wasn't too far from them, just enough to notice two were still intact, an Xweetok, a Kougra, and an Ixi. And yet, before I could even push forward in hopes of reaching them, the Xweetok gestured in a manner that, somehow, caused the giant mount of land that hovered above it all to come crashing into the forest. It was loud and horrible, and I screamed as I fell down to my knees due to the rumbling and the havoc and destruction that it caused, but none of them could hear me. The ground kept on shaking, and I tried to hold on for my life as flaming rocks went flying everywhere, but all the shaking made me barely keep my grip...

I woke up to my brother violently shaking me awake. Adhara! Wake up! This time, I thrashed about, pushing him off and scrambling to sit up with irritation.

By Fyora, Alric, why did you have to give me such a scare! I yelled.

I was trying to wake you up for a while now! You were literally screaming in your sleep! You woke me up with one of those yells! He replied.

I was? And I thought of my nightmare I had just woken up from, and had a sinking feeling about. Alric, noting my silence, stepped away and sat on his bed.

After a moment or so, he spoke up, since I did not, trying to process what I had seen. What were you even dreaming about to make you so riled up?

Something... Something bad. I answered. I dreamt that I was lost in a forest, and those weird shadow creatures were attacking me... And then there was this weirdly out of place statue of a Dark Faerie in there... But yet, I saw also some Neopets get turned into stone in the clearing, so perhaps that was a real Faerie? And there was this Xweetok, who I guess was a witch, and then- And then- My heart started racing from me retelling my dream. The- The entire land of Faerieland came crashing down!

What? My brother frowned, worried.

Yeah! It was sinking, and it had reached close to ground, and then it got dragged down by the witch and it crashed!

Something else I had noted earlier came back, and I rushed to the window, while Alric remained sitted, trying to make sense of what I said. It was late afternoon now, and the shadows of the castle cast long over the patio and beyond. We had spent basically the entire day sleeping in, and no one had come for us, to make it worse. But I couldn't linger on that, I had to look up at the sky.

Look, there, don't you think that the clouds are a bit higher than usual? I pointed through the wing-patterned lattice, and Alric got up and rushed to the window as well. He looked at the clouds, and then answered.

I don't know, perhaps? Maybe it is just that we passed a cu.mulonimbus cloud formation?

Yeah, but like, they don't look thick and heavy, they're too wispy, like cirruses. I responded.

I don't... Know... He seemed hesitant, but yet I realized something else, down on the ground this time.

What about those statues down on the ground?

Alric looked down. What about them?

They kind of look weirdly familiar... Like other Faeries, don't they? There were wings to them, as far I could make it out from here. Also, they casted long shadows in comparison with nearby things.

I... Guess...? But this time, he wasn't only hesitant, he seemed fearful once again.

What if they were Faeries, and were turned to stone for whatever reason, and that's why they're so out of place? I asked.

But what would have turned them into stone? Alric asked.

I don't know, whatever magic I saw in my dream.

You think that your dream...

Yeah, just like that time I dreamt about the core of the planet going off balance, or the other time I dreamt of the spooky town filled with ghosts, and both happened to be new places where those things were happening.

How interesting, so you're telling me you've got prescient dreams?

We both turned around, looking for the voice who had spoken to us, but it was nowhere to be found. We searched around for a little, but couldn't pinpoint the source, despite their giggles being clearly heard in this room. After a minute or so, the voice then said.

Alright, alright, come on, guys, it is really not that hard to find me. Just... Come over here, closer to the middle of the room.

Hesitantly, my brother and I stepped forward, cautiously searching for this strange unseen guest. We reached the middle of the large tower room, in between the two beds, and then the owner of the voice spoke up once more.

Well, now, I want you two to search for something that could be like a gateway. Come on, it is really not that hard, there are not that many options.

I turned towards the door, which stood in between our two beds, but it was unquestionably closed. Yet, Alric's hand tugging on my shoulder made me quickly turn around, towards the other side of the room, where our body-length mirror had been propped, in between our desks and wardrobes. On the mirror's reflection, I was met with two pairs of glimmering golden eyes and a mischievous smile, as she giggled at our spooked reaction.

Well, took you two long enough!



We headed down towards breakfast as usual, at the great hall, where we were yet again commented by and discussed about in low voices, always in an inquisitive or incredulous tone. That was unexceptional despite deeply irritating, there were always new faces around the castle, Neopets who were too curious for their own good, and it was through them that the talk flowed, for better or for worse. Nothing was ever done to quash that, there was no point in quashing that, that would only cause an even further repercussion for our mother, and us, I guessed. And yet, it was absolutely grating, and Alric had to keep me from tossing food at the yik-yakkers, telling me that the satisfaction was worth less than the punishment we'd get out of it, although I still regretted not going through my first instinct.

If you're going to act like this over the smallest slights, we might as well take our meals back at our chamber. He chided me in a whisper, and I scowled back.

And be yet more restricted during the day? No way! I whispered back perhaps a bit too loud, as I attracted the nearby attention from some onlookers who stared at us for being loud. Particularly, there were two of our mentors still eating breakfast, Miss Hypatia, an olive-skinned Light Faerie with stern eyes behind her golden rim round glasses, golden hair pinned into an updo decorated with drops, a long, flaxen toga, and matching golden sandals, belt and necklace, all decorated similar to her hairpiece; and Miss Hilaria, a warm skinned Fire Faerie who was stockier and shorter than most, barely being taller than us, with golden-tipped orange hair in a feathered long shag, dressed in a gold-adorned two piece set, a red top that sat over an orange circle skirt, both cut with the typical Fire Faerie edge flares, and red ombre high heeled boots. I waved back with a wide smile while my brother continued to chide me.

Then behave, for once in your existence!

I scoffed, but ultimately didn't have anything to answer with, so I just flicked my spoon, sending my food at him. It landed on him dead center of his face, right above his nose, causing him to flinch and then scowl as usual.

You're just the worst. He hissed while wiping off his face with his napkin while I giggled, and then resuming his breakfast without even giving a further glance at me.

Perhaps I was indeed, after all wasn't he the "best" of the two of us? You had to have someone who got all the praise, which wasn't me, so that made me automatically the worst, of course. But who cared, right? Certainly not me. It was not like it was a fair contest to begin with, there was never any win condition, and I was long past having any patience for all the dumb attempted sycophancy my brother was into. It was never my type of act either way.

As I finished my breakfast first, I had to wait for my much slower brother, which made me impatient quickly, and I picked at many a thing, my plate, then my silverware, then the communal table decor, only not my notebook, the only thing I bothered bringing along usually. Eventually, I grew bored of it, and noticing that most of the others had already started leaving the hall, I pestered my brother until he just gave up with finishing his meal. We then were escorted out of the eating area, and, as usual for this type of day, headed to Hilaria's quarters, which were located nearby the Queen's quarters, in the fancier side of the castle, to have our first lecture of the day, writing, reading and speech practicing with the Faerie.

It hadn't even been an hour of her lecturing, and Miss Hilaria and I were already in a shouting match. I didn't even remember anymore what was the start of it, it was probably some opinion I said that irked her, as usual, but it didn't matter anymore. Alric, yet again, shrunk on his chair near the corner, watching us as we yelled about disrespect with annoyingly horrified eyes.

And if YOU don't have any respect for MY authority, I won't have any respect to return!! She yelled, her voice booming in her quarters.

I don't need your respect!! Never asked for it, either!! So you can take it with you, thank you very much!! I responded in the same volume, my voice already getting hoarse.

How DARE you- The door swung open to reveal the one pink Faerie, looking very concerned.

What is going on in here? I was passing by here in my way back from the throne room, and I could hear the shouting from down the hall, is everything alright? The Queen said, looking back in between the three of us. Hilaria composed herself and responded promptly.

Your Majesty! The Fire Faerie's façade of politeness did no service to hide how heated she was, so she came off sounding very passive-aggressive towards her sovereign. I apologize for disturbing you from your important business, it is nothing, really, just a case of student misbehavior, and me having to handle it, nothing really. I scoffed audibly, which prompted Fyora to look at me.

I see, The Queen answered. Do you need me to handle the two, or are you going to continue the lecture?

Miss Hilaria glanced at me with spite, and then turned to Alric, who was still grasping his books close to his chest. Did you finish writing the prompt I assigned the both of you? She asked my brother.

Um... No... I could not think of anything, with what was happening. He responded.

Great! So no one has done anything at all today! Hilaria retorted loudly, blatantly angry then. The Queen walked in more, and promptly intervened.

I will take them off your hands, Hilaria, you do not need to stress anymore today. She signaled to Alric and me to come, to which we both eagerly responded to, rushing towards the door. The Fire Faerie was going to protest, but the Queen spoke up first. Thank you very much, I am deeply sorry for the trouble they have caused today.

We didn't even need her nudge to be out and about on the hallway, and she passed us quickly, leading us down to her quarters, as the typical Faerie Kougra guards, following us as usual. I glanced back, only to get yet another glare from Hilaria, as she exited her office and went down the opposite way, probably seeking to cool her temper off. I chuckled at our teacher, but quickly regretted it as I met Fyora's chastising eyes. She stopped the entire entourage to lecture me on that hallway, at that moment.

Adhara, there is nothing funny in having pushed someone to their limit, especially a Fire Faerie. You know better than to test Hilaria's patience! She said in a firm tone, but I had corrections to make to her accusations, so I interrupted.

I wasn't trying to push her or anything! She got super heated over the dumbest thing ever!

The argument did start on their opinions on narration versus essays, or well, Adhara's opinion on how narration is 'dumb,' Alric spoke up. That was right, that was how it all had began, with the stupid assignment. Because we were supposed to be writing some prose today. Keyword being 'supposed.'

The Queen turned to me. Adhara...

What, so what, I said it because it is true, writing stories is so dumb and childish! Why are we even wasting our time on that, there are more important things to be done! I exclaimed.

As if you even did any of the other, 'more important' assignments... Alric snidely commented.

Alric, I do not need your unnecessary remarks right now. Queen Fyora said, which made him quickly drop his snarky façade for a hurt expression. Adhara, need I remind you Hilaria is an excellent writing and speech tutor, who personally aides me with public speaking and press preparation?

Then why aren't we getting more of that?? Why do I have to waste my time with stupid stuff that is a waste of time and won't help me in any way, instead of learning things that are going to be helpful for my future? I snapped back.

She stared for a second at me, before answering. I trust Hilaria to know what is the best course of actions in regards to your education, I chose her and the others because I believe in their capacities in teaching their corresponding subjects, and their willingness and disposition to teach you both privately. Why don't you trust her with the same belief? Why don't you trust me in my choices?

So that's what it was all about, huh? I just think- I started, but she sighed loudly, interrupting me. This time for sure I could tell it was irritation, barely controlled under her maintained façade.

Why can you not be more like your brother? He takes after your mother, and is so well behaved and mature and collected while you... She hesitated, not wanting to say what I knew what she meant. Are far more problematic to handle.

I looked at her, incredulous and bewildered at this to the point of complete speechlessness, it was like I was instantly walloped. I glanced at my twin, who could barely hide his smug contempt for being held as the golden standard at that moment, despite the quick chiding he had just received. The silence went just long enough that the Queen tried to amend to what she had said.

Perhaps I am being too harsh, I meant... Well, you are very unnecessarily confrontational, and also seem to take pleasure in causing trouble of all sorts... Those are not good traits to have, those are not... Faerie-like, you know better than that, right?

I stood quietly, still not knowing what to make of this, and feeling only broiling anger growing within. It always went back to... No, it was not fair! I couldn't even complain about things without being treated like I'm somehow evil for it! I hated this stupid castle, I hated this stupid Faerie, I hated everything!

Do you understand? She said in a lectorial tone, and I had to muster all of my self-control to not fight her.

Yes. I hoarsely grumbled.

The Queen sighed once more, clearly dissatisfied with my answer, but if she were to ask a second time, I don't know if I'd have the same self-control. At that moment, though, Alric interjected, bringing up our schedules.

Um, we do have, well, to meet up with Miss Hypatia soon... And she doesn't like if we are late.

Queen Fyora turned to him with a lighter, surprised expression. Oh, has it been this long? I thought there would be time to bring you two over to my quarters for a longer conversation.

I am afraid not, Your Majesty, we did spend all of the hour of Hilaria's lecture. My brother responded.

Well, that is a shame, then I guess it shall be left for another time, another day, as I am far too busy with preparations for the Quests. The Queen answered as she looked at the both of us. Very well, to the Castle Library, you two. The she directly looked at me and said, And for goodness's sake, do not cause any more trouble. Everyone is with strained schedules and hearts, as, after all, it is a large event that Faerieland is hosting, and we are still fresh in carrying it out. It is for the best interest of all of Neopia that this goes well, as usual, as you know that keeping the magic bond in between Faeries and Neopets is the main way our kind can help keep those shadowy abominations that thrive on ravaging the land and bringing all sorts of misery at bay.

I knew that! If I could, I would be of help, she was the one who wouldn't let me! But as I opened my mouth to speak, she cut me off.

Now go on, rush off, you do not want to upset that Light Faerie. And she signaled us to go. Alric was already heading down the hallway, and the Faerie Kougras that served as our guards were already detaching from the rest to follow us, but I held on for one more second, before deciding to give up on the thought I had to speak to the Queen.

And so, we headed down the winding hallways, escorted as usual, towards the area nearer the main entrance of the castle, where we would find the Faerieland Castle's Library. I continued to stew about had just happened, and I could tell my brother kept on glancing over not so discreetly, probably basking in his little moment of glory of being put on the pedestal as yet again "the good sibling." I was tired of all of this, I couldn't wait to see the time I was back at the room, at least in there I didn't have to see everyone's face, although being locked up in there wasn't much better. And yet, I couldn't help but feel... Like a failure. Was I really that un-Faerie like? I had wings like my mother! I had magic like the others! And yet, there were other comparisons that the Queen was implying. I couldn't stop thinking about that, and it was only dragging my mood down.

We finally arrived and Miss Hypatia was expecting us already, impatiently pacing back and forth next to the tables, as usual. She glanced at her personal hourglass she used to keep track, and, to our favor, there was still sand on the upper part of the mechanism, so that meant we weren't going to get yelled at for being late. The Light Faerie turned to us with still impatient eyes, and found a way to still chide us.

Hurry up, the both of you, and sit down already without a fuss! I do not have the entire day, nor will I have your Fire Faerie instructor's patience. Wow, word really travelled fast in these precincts, huh. I tossed myself at the chair on one side of the long table she was placed in front of, and Alric one off from across from me. Now, produce the exercises I demanded you two to do, I do not want any dillydallying about this today.

I, as usual, did not bring anything to show, I saw no point in doing exercises on my own, mainly when I already had gotten the topic, it all just felt stupid and a waste of time. I planned on showing my star map for tonight to distract her instead, and at least lessen the earful I'd hear from her today. Alric opened up one of his notebooks to show his exercises, which Miss Hypatia read one by one, mumbling, and agreeing along with his pristine resolutions, until she found something otherwise.

No, your values are off. The Light Faerie said nonchalantly. Do the exercise again.

My brother reddened, flabbergasted by our teacher's remark, and I knew right away where this was going to go. No, this has to be a mistake, I have solved this all correctly! He said in an elevated tone. Oh, not so perfect yet again, huh? This was going to be fun.

If it was correct, I would have said it so. Do it again. Our tutor insisted, annoyance already showing through.

No, but I double-checked! It can't be wrong! It was pathetic how little it took him to tear up, but Miss Hypatia couldn't care less. I stifled a chortle, which was barely audible, but just enough to draw the older Faerie's attention, and I responded by staring intently at my notebook I had parted open.

Yet it is. She responded, insisting once more.

Finally, Alric gave in, and flipped his notebook to a new page, frustratedly copying over the problem he had erred to do it again, and Miss Hypatia then walked around the table to look at my notebook. While I flipped through the pages, I saw something that wasn't half-attempted resolutions or my star maps, something I had drawn a couple of days ago, which made me hesitate on that page just enough for the Light Faerie to look over my shoulder.

What is this? Why are you drawing on your homework? I noticed my brother sneaking a peek as well. This cannot do, you are making a mess, you should not draw on your notes, that is a waste of space! She reached over and took my notebook to flip through its pages. Look at this, messy annotations, yet another star map, and what is this, the homework you said you did not have the other day?? That page in particular had a triangle problem I had scratched out because I couldn't figure out what to do. You laugh at your brother, but yet you refuse to even attempt anything! You are only wasting my and your time with this.

I was glowering with anger, and quickly pulled the notebook away from her. But I did my homework last night! Look, it's here! I turned to the last page and showed the algebra problems we were meant to have solved, but our tutor wasn't amused.

None of the questions have been solved to completion.

Well, at least I've attempted them! I tried to argue.

And that's about it. She answered, and then, with a tight-lipped scowl, she added to it. You two will be spending our time today redoing those questions in front of me, and explaining every step thoroughly, else I am not allowing you to move on forward with the resolution. Miss Hypatia then whisked both of our notebooks out of our hands with some quick magic, and Alric protested but wasn't heard. On a board. She then produced a small standing blackboard and chalk for the task. And do not think tonight's homework will be short, as a matter of fact, I will be giving you both a twenty problems list that I want each to solve... Individually. She glared at me. Or else I will be talking to the Queen about both of your slacking behaviors, and we will see where that goes from there. I had no more energy to discuss today, so I just accepted the nightmare that was the next hour and a half of our lecture.

That was Mirage in that drawing in your notebook, wasn't she? Alric started the conversation at lunchtime, despite our mutual low spirits. I glanced at the drawing and recognized her, despite your poor art abilities...

I wasn't in the mood to respond to him, choosing to roll my eyes instead. I wasn't in the mood for anything, really, my day was ruined, and so was my appetite, which was why I just kept on pushing my food around the plate, which was still half-full. It was not like anyone would care enough to come and chide me for not eating my food, and as usual, the servers avoided us as much as they could. But, even if anyone did come over, even if it was Queen Fyora herself, I would fight them, I didn't care, I was so done with it all. Also, being reminded yet again of that dream made me almost queasy, so much for my gift that Mirage praised so much.

Is that the drawing you were so frantically focusing on the other day? He continued prying.

Yeah... It was... I was trying to think of the best way to bother him. Something I saw in a dream. Destruction and all, included. I snarked, but his reaction was far less of irritation and more of concern, as his eyes widened and he leaned over the table.

Destruction?? He hissed under his breath, looking around the hall not so inconspicuously.

Ye- yeah. I answered in a low tone. Quit being so weird about it, though, you look more suspicious than if you were caught stealing red-handed.

But it was one of those dreams, wasn't it? He continued whispering, still leaning over the table.

Alric, sit down, for Fyora's sake! He frowned, judging me for my word usage, before he sat back down. Also, how would you even know that?? I asked still in a whisper.

Because of how you were acting then, and how you reacted to your drawing today. Have you told Queen Fyora about this??

No, not yet. I glanced around, making sure no one was minding us too much, and thankfully no one was. I'll tell you more about it later today, alright? There's more to it than just what I drew. He nodded, and then two of us ended up synchronously getting out of our chairs, giving up on our meals altogether, to head to more class.

Speaking of Mirage, I did search for her on our way out of the dining hall and later, looking at the stained-glass mosaics of the hallway windows, glancing at the reflections of different metallic surfaces. But she wasn't anywhere to be found, unfortunately, which bummed me out, it wouldn't hurt to talk to her on such a bad day as today.

Aw, that's cute.

The rest of the day went on as usual. We had class with Miss Arboria that went as usual, where she somehow found yet again a way to rant about the Neopet-made dark magic pollution seepage of the Haunted Woods and its effects on the land. I couldn't care less, having checked out a while back, daydreaming of far places, that was just as usual, and our Earth Faerie tutor didn't usually mind that. But, at a certain point I did realize that she was actually getting snappy with Alric for also apparently not paying attention. But at least she was more good-humored than the last two tutors, and also my brother somehow managed to bypass the eventual lecture we could have been getting, by reminding her of our lecture of the day, on migration patterns across Neopia. It was incredible how much they listened to him, compared to me, because I was pretty sure that if I was the one who had said that, even she wouldn't have been as gentle in response.

Later, we were back at the small outdoor patio area adjacent to the larger one we could see from our window, where we had yet again our battle training with Miss Aethia. While Alric was yet again training with his sword, against a burlap punchbag with a drawn-on face, the Battle Faerie was with me, as she instructed me on magical attacks and all the stuff. And yet, I was feeling too tired to want to be there, I just wanted the day to be over, and the Faerie could tell.

For someone who the other day was very enthusiastically hacking away her sword, you are acting very much the opposite today! Aethia approached me, and I was bracing myself for yet another lecture, but she was gentler instead. Hey, what's going on? Why are you so languid today?

Mildly stunned at the reversal of expectations, I just responded. I'm just tired. She raised her hand and reached out to me, and I instinctively blinked, but I actually flinched when she laid her hand on my forehead for a brief instant, and chills ran down my spine.

You don't seem to be sick, did you sleep properly? I glanced at Alric, wondering if he was as confused as I was by this, and saw he had stopped practicing to watch.

I stepped back and said, in an altered voice, No- I'm just- I already said I'm just tired! Frowning, she responded.

Alright, alright I hear you. You do not need to give me so much attitude. And she walked away. Well, do you want to just go to your room until dinnertime?

No! I squeaked. Anything but that! I just- Can't we just do something else?

Something else? Like what? The Battle Faerie asked, and something I had been pondering for a while, since the Faerie Quests dates had been announced this year specifically, became my best candidate for spending some time.

Ummm, what about how... To do blessings? You do blessings right? I mean, you even bless Neopets with battle abilities, right? How do you do that?

Aethia looked at me for a little while, pondering and hesitating, and then she answered. I... Guess it doesn't hurt to at least talk about it for a little while, although you are mixing up how Quest blessings and Battle blessings work. She then turned to Alric and signaled him to come over. You can join in as well, I see you are just idling over there. I guess today it will be a more theoretical class, you like that, don't you? My brother nodded as he approached with renewed enthusiasm in his eyes, to which our battle tutor took as a definite sign to start her explanation.

We spent the class on the isolated patio learning about all the magical abilities that Neopets can acquire, and also how magic can change one's fitness aspects, which was kind of boring, and I got chided several times for yawning out at all the talk she did. But then we moved on to the better part, where I could practice at least trying to do blessings, while Alric stood back, watching me practice with jealousy clearly apparent in his red eyes. The Battle Faerie enthused about how I was performing, and, for the first time today, I actually felt like things weren't so much of a dredge and I wasn't as irritated as before.

Everything was going great until a moment, when I was trying to cast a strength blessing onto the dummy Alric was practicing with earlier, when I noticed off the corner of my eyes someone watching us from the door of the patio, which seemed to have been wide open. I could swear their eyes were also of a distinct color that I knew so well, and I thought perhaps for a second that somehow she had found her way here, but when I turned to look, there was no one there, and the door was closed. Messing up the spell, I caused the poor dummy to get singed, which prompted the expected yelling.

Hmmmmmmm...

Come on, Adhara, stop being lazy, you are not even trying! Why did you even ask for this lecture if you won't pay attention or do your part? I turned to the Battle Faerie, and, with renewed rage, I yelled.

I said I was tired, didn't I?? And with that, there was yet another fight before the end of the day.

After a dinner where the stares I got from the Queen's table could almost bore holes through me, we were walked back to our quarters with double the escort. I didn't even see the point of that, it was not like I was planning to revolt or something, as a matter of fact, I was hoping to just sleep forever from how tired and low-spirited I felt. At least I could look forward to not having an extra scolding tonight, and a break from our Queen's talks for the upcoming days, with the Quests Event set to start tomorrow.

Passing the threshold of our door, I found myself stumbling onto bed, where I dropped myself promptly forwards and sinking my face into the covers until I could barely breathe, with my notebook still held in hand. Everyone hated me, even Aethia and Hilaria hated me now... I wanted to cry, but my brother inconveniently interrupted that.

So, are you going to tell me now?

Hm? I said, muffled.

The drawing? Your dream?? You told me there was more to it??

Oh right, I had completely forgotten, due to the stream of bad events that was today. Mustering up some energy to at least turn around to face Alric, who was barely sitting at the edge of his bed, I pulled my notebook that found itself then somehow under me, and opened up to the page. I showed the drawing of Mirage, and the creepy archway, and everything around her being destroyed, and I didn't even realize but I had even drawn the weird creatures in the background. He got up and took the book from my outstretched hand that hovered past the edge of my bed, and studied it for a little while, before he looked at me and asked.

Alright, I see this, but that was basically what I already had seen previously... Is that it? As if that wasn't enough spooky already... But I had to say the part that bothered me the most.

Well, we were there, Alric. The two of us. And we were helping her... Do all of that.

My brother looked at me, squinting his red eyes, and asked lowly. What?

Yeah, that. We opened that gateway she came from. I think it doesn't get any more obvious that we were helping than that. He stared at me for a while, before chortling and shaking his head.

Why are you getting scared by some dumb nightmare? Why are you scaring me with your dumb nightmare? I frowned. This obviously makes no sense, you had me thinking this was something serious. Sitting up, I already responded in an altered voice.

It is serious! This is one of those dreams, Alric! I know it! He shook his head even more, he was obviously in denial due to the implications.

No, it makes no sense, I mean, I can see you helping in some sinister plan of evil of some sort, but me? Why would I get involved with that? I'm better than that!

I scoffed. Wait, hold on, lemme rewind right there. What do you mean-

Isn't it obvious? Mirage is clearly doing what she said she'd do in here, and you'd think I'd somehow side with her in that?? No, this is just a weird nightmare you had, that's it. He got up to hand back my notebook. If you think otherwise, that's more of wishful thinking than reality, you're the evil one here, not me!

That last part was said with such arrogance, when I took my notebook out of his hand I almost gave into the impulse of tossing it at him. Probably glowing red from irritation and frustration and being brought to the verge of tears yet again today, now by his stupid antics and accusations, I just decided that the best was to just lay back down, facing away from him. I hated him, absolutely loathed him, and yet felt equally embarrassed, I knew it was a stupid idea to even have brought this up to Alric, of all Faeries, in the first place. I covered myself, but now I was too incensed to sleep.

Shh, bad time, I'd guess? A familiar voice came from a familiar source, and I sat up instantly. There was her indeed, and she sat on the reflection of my chair that I had pulled earlier this day from the desk I never used. She seemed to be entertaining herself today with what I've been told before was called embroidering, where she took a needle with line to a cloth to stitch a pattern that would make an image, and carried the innocent-looking smile she always had.

Oh, speak of you... My brother said, crossing his arms as he sat back down. Why are you always so convenient?

I guess you could say convenience is one of my favorite traits. She responded snarkily, and then shifted to a more serious tone. Also, I did overhear you two talking about me, it is hard to not want to peer in when you are being mentioned directly.

Did you know about this? Did you do this?? My brother yelled, but the Faerie in the mirror kept her everlasting smile, and calmly pulled the thread she was stitching so to cut it with scissors.

Yes I did see Adhara's dream, but do not blame me for its causation, I am just a servant of fate itself.

So is it true? Will that- Will all of that that happen?? I blurted out before Alric could counterargue.

She took another thread of a different color, and passed it through the eye of the needle. Has your prescient dreams happened so far? Well, I did kind of deserve that response. My brother got up abruptly, red with rage, and somehow gasping for air from his own exasperated antics.

That- That wasn't true, there is no way, I'd never help with something so- Something so horrible and awful and evil!! I'd rather- I'd rather see you banished, you evil villain!!

Well, that was something, tension was palpable as my brother huffed and puffed in front of the mirror. The room was silent for only a second, but it felt like forever, and then I heard a chortle, which turned to a giggle, and then full-on laughter. Mirage was doubled over in laughter behind the glass, while Alric looked at her in confusion.

What?? What's so funny?? He asked. The Faerie in the mirror looked up, snorting, and said.

How is it that your kind says? 'Oh Fyora,' right?" Her wide grin seemed far less serene now. "Oh, Fyora, you're such a tryhard! She cackled, doubling over once again, before looking back up once again, facing my brother. Do you think you're achieving anything, sucking it up sooo hard to your Queen and the others? Are you that desperate for validation that you seek it through being told you're such a good and diligent student, and the good little boy you're supposed to be? You literally spend so much of your energy trying to appease the others, it's frankly kind of sad, but, I ask you, does it work? Are you getting anywhere? Wowee, that was mean, but I didn't want to say anything, I was kind of enjoying this, seeing my brother get put in his place for once.

Wh- What? He asked, hesitantly glancing over at me for what I guessed it was support, but why would I even give him that? It was not like he ever said anything when I got yelled.

Mirage sighed, lowering the fabric she was working on to her lap, revealing the circle tool she had it stuck tight to, and sticking the needle on top of her work. Then, she looked at Alric in his eyes, her golden stare making him visibly uncomfortable. Come on, do I have to spell it out for you? These Faeries, even your Queen, they're all never going to accept either of you, even solely you, even if you try hard enough. Actually, I could even go a bit further with my conclusion from what I've seen how you two are treated. She glanced at me at that moment, being brought into the conversation so directly. They're never going to like you, you're not going to find the affection you desire so badly in this place. They all find you weird and an aberration, both because of how different you are from the others, and, well, you can guess what else. As a matter of fact, seeing how even the Neopets in this castle treat you, I think my argument extends to the rest of your planet, as that's all there is to it, Faeries and Neopets, save for some other oddities that can be easily counted...

That was true... But it didn't make it any less painful to hear it so directly. She glanced at the two of us, and then added.

I'm just being honest, might as well be.

And yet I wasn't the one taking it the worst. My brother shook, barely containing his tears, yelling at the mirror.

That's not true! You're just- You're just messing with me!! You're just trying to- To convince me to get along with you!! Which is not going to work, because- Because I hate you!!

Oh? Mirage said with a hint of irony.

I- I hate you, and- And I- I don't want to talk to you ever again!! He yelled loudly and childishly, right at the mirror, obstructing my chair, and yet she didn't even flinch or anything, just remaining sitted at the chair's reflection that made no sense anymore. Then, he stomped to his bed, avoiding eye contact with me or Mirage while wiping his face with his hands, and took one of his books to read. Well, that fun.

Well, what about you, Adhara? Wanna chat about something tonight? Mirage asked, now turned directly at me. Before I could even open up my mouth, I got the awfullest glare from my brother, which actually made me stumble in my words a bit.

Um- Well- I was just- I was just going to bed early tonight. It was a long day. I said, trying to avoid looking at Alric.

Very well, Mirage said, and she was gone before a blink.

The room fell sickishly quiet, and found myself dreading even moving an inch, taking all of my force of will to at least lie down once more. It took me a while to think of what had happened tonight and all that was said. I didn't fall asleep for a long, long time, despite how awfully low that day had been, and how much I wanted to just end it already.

It had been a couple of days since everything had gone quiet and still and empty, and if it weren't for the one who had found us, I'd not known what we would have done. Even food was being provided by her, since the guards that went missing didn't even go through the trouble of letting us out, we were still restricted to our room, which felt smaller and smaller by the day. We spent all the time talking with her, playing with her, doing everything with her. Mirage was so much fun, she would tell us all sorts of fun stuff like all the sorts of things the universe had, and about Rube-Goldberg contraptions, and how flight worked in insects and birds, and how to derive words from other words and languages past, and tales of yore that were too old to even be history, and so much more. We talked to her about what we had learned, about the Neopets, the magical elements, and the lands of Neopia and how our land was a floating island...

She had told us she had limited influence in our realm, as a matter of fact she couldn't even do much before whatever was that was happening out there... But yet it was just enough now that she could materialize some things, like food and some other things, and also create fun images and projections and even have sounds and music around our room that enthralled the both of us from the grey sunrise to the grim sunset. We talked and played and danced... Which was great, because if it were just the two of us, my brother and I, I think we'd have not been so pacific. Mirage did intervene from time to time, when Alric said something stupid and irked me, or he got angry at something I did...

But I was beginning to feel disheartened, despite her best attempts to entertain us. I mean, it was really fun, having the three of us do whatever our hearts desired, as long as it was achievable within these walls of the tower, which was already sort of a mood damper, I mean, at least previously we had all the daily classes and went around the Faerieland Castle... And then, on top of that, having learned, both from my dream and from Mirage directly of the state of the world beyond here, of the nature of the shadow creatures that were draining Neopians and spreading across the land along with the miasma, of the petrification of the others of our kind, and, on top of that, the accelerating descent of the landmass this castle sat upon...

I was distracted by those thoughts while my brother and I were listening to Mirage's talk, which was something about how most things weren't truly random because of whatever things happening beyond our perception, but she stopped her lecture suddenly to ask. Adhara, are you alright? You look troubled. I looked at the mirror image mismatched to reality, as we both sat in front of the mirror, on the floor, and yet there was only her on the other side, on a chair and working with her weaving, staring at me directly with those golden eyes.

I just- I don't- I don't feel all that well... I lied, trying to dismiss it, but she always knew better.

Aw, come on, Adhara, don't you think I can't tell that is not solely the case? Come on, don't be coy, at least give me something more, or I will assume you are just finding me boring... She sounded sad on the last part, which prompted me to respond a bit frantically, trying to reassure her.

No! That's not true, I think you're so cool, and it just- It has been so much fun hanging out with you these past days and having you talk about all sorts of things and all! I said, but she wasn't that reassured. I swear!

But...? She asked.

I just- I just- I reddened while I tried to speak up, tears welling up. I am scared! With what's happening out there, you know, and how our land is coming down from the sky, and we're trapped in here, and we can't escape! Also, there are monsters out there, I've seen them lurking even on the patio downstairs, that's way closer than what I had even seen in my dream, and- And I don't even have my powers anymore, because of all that's happening! She looked at me softly and calmly, as if all of this wasn't much of a worry. What are we going to do? How are we- Surviving the crash?? You said it is inevitable, didn't you?? Also, what happens after it??

Adhara, don't you think I haven't thought of all this before? You shouldn't have to worry, I have already been shielding you two from the effect of the petrification spell- Wait, what? Both Alric and I were surprised at this comment. Why would I not protect you from the fall or the monsters that are lurking?

Wait, you've been shielding us from petrification?? My brother asked.

Yes, I have! Mirage said emphatically. Elsewise, who knows what would have happened, you two would probably be stones as well. That witch Adhara saw in her dream, she cast a powerful spell to annihilate all Faerie magic in Neopia, and also petrify all Faeries, why do you think your land is sinking?

Oh... Alric responded, interrupting.

It is too bad I couldn't keep the spell from interfering with Adhara's magic. The Faerie in the mirror continued. Also, she is going to complete that spell like it was seen on that dream, and take away all the magic, and that's why Faerieland crashes. But don't worry, I have been keeping you two safe so far, I would not falter then.

Wait, I said, realizing something. If all the Faerie magic is gone, then how are you doing al of this? Aren't you a Faerie too? Mirage smiled, but this time it wasn't so softly.

Well, not really... I guess telling you two another story doesn't hurt right? Since at least you two know you're safe now, with me. That last part, she said looking at me.

It had been several days since we had heard of Mirage, and I was kind of fearful she had abandoned us altogether, no thanks to my brother's tantrum. I had found myself even antsier than before, seeking around for any sign of Mirage, I missed her... On the morning of the seventh day of the Faerie Quest event, as we headed down towards breakfast through a longer underground tunnel that passed under the barracks, followed by guards as usual, there was someone who we saw approaching from a distance. It was a white winged Zafara, with skeletal features like a skull half-covering the face, and bony hands and feet and a tail, and hollow eye sockets that shone in a particular shade of yellow, and with an outfit that included a purple and gold long coat, and a matching cape.

Aha! I knew it.

This Neopet seemed very determined to walk in our direction, in the middle of the hallway, and was apparently seeking something until we were spotted. Then, the Zafara unfortunately hurried up to us, halting us from walking any further, and just started questioning us in a severe tone.

What is this, why are you over here? What have you been doing over here?? The Zafara seemed to be studying us, but not necessarily by sight, given how he moved his head around exaggeratedly.

Uhh- Who are you? I asked in response.

We... Live in the quarters nearby... Uhhh, sir. Alric responded partially to the Zafara's questions.

So you are the ones in that tower? The Zafara didn't seem too friendly, but we weren't even sure why. Then you are the ones to respond for the strange energy I have noticed emanating from there. What are you two meddling with? You two reek of this energy as well! I looked back at the faerie Kougras with utter confusion, but there was not much of a response besides a glance from behind their helmets, and so we were left helpless.

Uhhhh- I am not sure what are you talking about... Alric said, which only made the white Zafara even angrier.

Do not attempt to fool me, fiend! The Zafara grew agitated and threatening, and we both took a couple of steps back, concerned something was about to happen. I know what you're up to, I will put an end to you two if so needed be, just now as well, if you continue to refuse to-

Star!

Another voice was heard from down the hallway, in the direction we were supposed to be heading, and a strange Faerie swept towards us. She was like a Grey Faerie, but with her wings and magic, although it seemed very faint compared to even ours. Her hair was of a poofy, platinum quality, her wings had long discolored stripes radiating from her back, and her dress seemed like it was made of smoke, so I assumed she must have been originally an Air Faerie. The moment she reached us, she got to tugging the Zafara by the tail, which irritated him only further, but at least diverted his attention from us.

Star, for the love of Fyora, you can't just leave me alone to do all the consolidation of the daily roster! Besides, you have to go to Lethe to talk to her about the nightly archives, not me, she hates my guts! I don't want to get yelled at yet agaaaaaiinnn! The Zafara pulled his tail back, and yelled at her.

Sabrina! Go do your own work already, you lazy slop! Can't you see I am busy right now! What was going on? I glanced at Alric, who was as befuddled as I was with this weird act. I tried looking to sneak around the two, but with the two trashing about and the hallway being rather narrow in this length, it'd be a tight squeeze, so we were very much trapped in here unless they gave us passage.

With whaaaat? She looked at us while trying to drag the Zafara by his wings while he struggled to let her go. Giving us a quick look-down, she chuckled maliciously. Ooohh, look at you? Who are you two little freakshows? What sort of Faeries are you two, with your ugly green skin and blue hair, and those weird red eyes, whose sorry mother are you the children of? I did not like this Air Faerie, what was her issue? Actually, what was either of their issues?

Sabrina, let me go, you living nuisance in a magical form! The Zafara seemed very pressed, it was an almost comical scene, if there wasn't the lingering threat we had just heard. I will be telling to the Faerie Queen about your misbehavior!!

Oh, Star, look- This Faerie named Sabrina continued on pulling on the Zafara's tail and wings, as she clearly enjoyed ticking him off. Oh, wait, heh, I'll tell you instead, one of them doesn't even have wings! How pathetic!

Hey! Leave my brother alone! I said automatically in response.

Brother?? She asked, but someone else interjected before she continued, also coming down from the same direction we should have been going to.

What is happening here? A stern voice we recognized right away echoed down the hallway.

Oh no, it's Miss Hypatia. I commented under my breath.

The Grey Air Faerie and the winged Zafara both turned to look, stopping their weird antics for a moment. There she was, our mathematics and geometry tutor, what was she doing here?

Ooooh, what a fancy little Light Faerie, who are you supposed to be? The energetic Grey Faerie said that with a mocking tone and grimace, and the Light Faerie scrunched up her face in disgust and irritation.

I had a bad feeling something was up... Miss Hypatia said, looking at us. What are the two of you doing consorting with these two? She knew these two weirdos??

We weren't doing anything! They came over and were threatening us! I exclaimed.

Threatening these two imps? Sabrina replied. Psst, I wasn't here for that, I was just talking to my supervisor here, we've got work to do!

I know these two are consorting with chaos, I can feel it lingering all over them! The Zafara pointed at us, shouting.

I literally have no idea what is he talking about! I shouted as well, but he continued.

It is my duty and within my power to-

You are NOT going to do anything! Hypatia interrupted, shouting louder and pushing her way through the crowded hallway towards us. Enough of this, I am taking this mess to the Queen, let her sort this out. Guards, take these two back to their room. She addressed our guards.

Wait! We didn't even have breakfast! You can't just send us back to our room! I protested as the guards tried to direct us back, and to my surprise, my brother joined in.

Yes, it is not fair! We didn't even cause this fight! But the Light Faerie wasn't listening, and instead was confronting the two weirdos, and, while the winged Zafara was busy being extremely angry and giving Miss Hypatia some trouble, the Grey Faerie glanced back to wave and smile creepily at us. Eurgh, that gave me the chills, who even was those two??

Upon being escorted back into the room, I didn't know what to do, while Alric just sat on his bed, I paced back and forth. And yet, the first one to speak up wasn't me, it was my brother.

We're done for, you know that. That Zafara knows we hang out with Mirage, and he's angry about it, I don't even know what they'll do with us, but he surely wasn't kidding back there.

I shook my head while I still tried so hard to distract myself from breaking anything by pacing back and forth. No way, they don't know anything, we don't know anything, 'consorting with chaos,' what does that even mean? Also, it is not like she hasn't been gone for a while now, no thanks to you. My brother winced at that comment. So it's probably not about her.

What- And what if it is? Then what??

I don't see why we have to tell on her either way.

Adhara, that's bad, you know that's lying! My brother protested.

Why is it bad? Also, why is that lying?? I think it'd be bad if we actually told on her like that, that's not fair!

Why??

Because... Why wasn't this obvious to my hard-headed, self-important brother? She's literally the only one who's been nice to us! And- Has always helped us! Like, she literally kept us safe back then when Faerieland crashed, I know you're stubborn, but you cannot count that for nothing!

Yes, but she's bad! She's evil, you literally had a dream about what she'll do, how can you be so defensive of someone who is set in destroying this planet and beyond??

Honestly, why do you care that much? She was right that other day, we don't belong here, no one wants us here, so who cares if this planet explodes?? I don't, I know that! And just as he widened his eyes in indignation, a signature move he did before getting all huffy, I continued, raising my voice to talk over him. Besides, you claim she's so evil, and yet, all that she has done that we've seen has been nice and kind towards us. She is literally the only friend we've had in all of those years, how is any of that evil??

My brother went silent, glowering and avoiding looking at me, or at the mirror. I sat back down on my bed, and hoped that they'd be briefly here, because I was starving already, and me being starving meant I was getting very cranky. When the Queen finally arrived, we were asked very odd questions regarding what we did during the day or who we talked to, and I was very careful to give exactly what everyone saw, our daily routines, and, thankfully, Alric did not contradict nor add to that, only corroborating it. And yet, I was under the impression that she didn't believe we were involved with anything, as her questions were rather generic and kind of confirming what she already knew about us, which was good because I didn't need to lie, just not say more than necessary.

Queen Fyora then went on to question the Kougra Guards that were posted at our doors and followed us at all times, something I hadn't considered and made me anxious, but, thankfully, those Guards were only there for that morning, despite the indistinguishability they had from the rest of their group. Also, one of them noted something that was on our favor, the heavy-set double doors were apparently a barrier enough to sound that they had never been able to hear, in past shifts, anything beyond it, which was great because we did spend so much time talking to her. After that, and a quick inspection the Queen herself did to our room, she went away, satisfied enough with the inconclusive results, although not before I protested that we hadn't eaten yet, due to that confusion in the morning. A while later we were sent some food to eat, and after an isolated breakfast at our beds, we were back to the routine of the day, although the disruption costed everything to be shifted forwards, much to everyone's, including our, chagrins.

The day went on as usual after that mess, despite the fact that our tutors all seemed wary of us. Word spread really fast in this castle, of course. Even Miss Arboria, who was usually the most cheerful of them, seemed concerned, and I caught her glancing at us weirdly every so often as we were studying at the Castle's greenhouse today, for a lesson on plant genetics and flower colors. When we finally came to the yard for Miss Aethia's training time, she wasn't too shy to bring up the situation, as she noticed some passerbys watching us from the gate, who scuttled off the moment she looked at them.

Today is surely a tense day... Whatever you two did to bother that Zafara that much, you better stop it fast. With the hysterics he displayed today at the Court, you two are lucky to still be around and intact, the Queen had to do everything short of restraining him physically to stop him.

We don't even know that 'pet- I protested immediately, but was cut off by my brother.

Or what he was accusing us of. Alric joined in.

Or that weird Grey Faerie as well! I continued. They were being weird with us out of the blue!

The Zafara came down the hallway already shouting at us first thing in the morning. My brother added, and then asked Who even were these two? The Battle Faerie frowned, deep in thought.

Well, not trying to be morbid, but you are too young to have met either of them already. She said, which sounded like it was meant to be sarcastic, but I didn't get why. That Zafara is at least a thousand years old, if not older, and very powerful, and plays an essential role for Neopia... He and the Queen go back, although he isn't necessarily a friend of hers, just an ally, to some degree, and he does his duty to Faerieland and the planet since forever. Aethia looked at the two of us, desperately trying to grasp what was she talking about, and shook her head. It is not like these things are any of your business, just know that whatever it is that business about 'chaos,' it is of extreme importance to him, due to his past. I guess I needed to eventually ask someone else about this, because this cryptic conversation was only making me confused.

But we have nothing to do with this, we do not even know what is the reason for the confusion earlier, why are we in trouble? Alric asked. Wow, when he wanted, he could really put an act, huh? And yet in other times he would yell at me for lying, hypocrite.

If you two are not involved in this at all, then obviously you won't be in trouble after this is all sorted out. Aethia said, studying the two of us as we maintained our perfect act of innocence. It could all be a misunderstanding, also from what I overheard from the others, that Zafara has been acting strange as of lately, lashing out and being generally more... Unpleasant than his usual self...

I don't get why we got locked up for another hour and a half inside our bedroom, without breakfast, because of him! At least, for once in this entire time and even beyond, that earned a sympathetic reaction from our tutor, even if it was a brief flash of pity. Miss Aethia hesitated to respond any further, before choosing to change the subject.

Let's get today's activities going, right? Time is running by, and we've been just standing here, and then she proceeded to order us around to get the dummies set up and get fighting them. I had an unusual feeling of achievement throughout the lecture, but I could tell Alric was, yet again, glowering at me, although I wasn't sure why this time.

After the fight training, we ate dinner at the Hall once more, although, due to the Quests event, the majority of the Faeries were absent, including the Queen and all of our Faerie tutors, which raised a flag. This day was definitely not over yet, and I mentally braced myself for whatever was going to happen next.

Upon being once again locked in the room for the night, Alric didn't take more than two seconds to start already berating me. Ugh, you are an embarrassment, what did you think you were achieving by being so dramatic to Miss Aethia earlier? Acting like- Like we are suffering or something?? How ridiculous, get a grip of yourself, we're not some poor victims at the awful hands of the Queen! You only sound hysterical, saying alarming things like that to others! That was what bothered him? Really??

I literally said what had happened, we were sent back to our room without breakfast, until Fyora came over to inspect us and the room! How is that exaggerating?? I questioned him.

Because you made it seem dramatic and awful! Alric snapped back. Yet again, you are blowing it out of proportion, and coming off as a thankless brat!

You are blowing this out of proportion! I can't complain at all now? Mainly when this situation is ridiculous to begin with?? Ugh, what was his deal! That Zafara threatened us in the morning, and we got treated like that by the others!

You made it seem like it was so bad, she actually pitied us! Do you not see how dramatic are you being??

I thought it was a good thing that someone in this place had some sentiment towards us, besides contempt and irritation of course, but I guess that reaction hurt his ego, of course. I didn't answer him, but it was really clear that the ridiculous one was him, who spent so much time bootlicking that he apparently couldn't be bothered to realize the reality of things. Of course, brief silence wasn't enough to satisfy him, though.

Now we're going to get treated more like ingrates, because of how you said it! Also, we'll be the laughingstock- I'll be the laughingstock! Because you act so dramatic and awful! I was thoroughly fed up with him, what was his issue??

It was not that big of a deal, now you're being the overdramatic one here! I said, and then continued, quickly drawing in the argument of the hypocrisy in his words. Also, bold words coming from someone like you, who has driven away Mirage, who was our savior and helper back then, and has been always helpful and kind to us, after also years of berating her!

That argument yet again drew gesticulated silence from my brother, before him deciding to give up, still fuming, and the two of us went to do what we always did. He knew he had no counter to that, if he wanted to talk ungratefulness, let us talk about how he had been always antagonistic towards the Faerie in the mirror, ever since she revealed her nature, even when she protected us when the land crashed. Mirage was certainly very patient and forgiving, I would not have endured so many years of him talking like he did to her on a regular basis. I still held hope she would return at some point, it would be extremely depressing, and I would be very angry at my brother, if that last time was the last time we'd ever see her.

A mumbling was heard beyond the limits of our confines, far down the stairwell that led up to our tower, and then that mumbling kept on growing louder along with the echoing steps, just enough to be able to distinguish voices. I rushed to the door, and Alric looked up from his reading, frowning, and I cupped my ear with my hands against the wood, to amplify the sound so I could try to overhear whatever was going on. Was that Miss Aethia talking with Queen Fyora? I thought so, and the two were discussing, with the Battle Faerie predominantly speaking in the exchange. I couldn't make out the words completely, but it was definitely about us, and, surprisingly enough, the argument was in our favor, or at least Aethia's argument was.

They must have stopped at the top of the stairs because their argument sounded so close and yet not enough, but yet, I could overhear some more. ... She can't even fly around much, confined in these halls all of the time, that will certainly atrophy her wings! Besides, these two barely see any sunlight, or anyone else, that is not healthy for their development! Argued Miss Aethia, which was promptly responded to.

They would have more opportunities to be freer to roam if they showed consistent good behavior, how can I trust them to not cause havoc unsupervised, if they already do while supervised? Fyora said, obviously referring to me.

Who's to say the fact that they are either pent up in there when not attending classes and eating is not making them act out worse? They always seem so miserable, and with no wonder, I too would feel despondent if I was confined the entire day like that.

Aethia, these two are the Space Faerie's children, as well as... His. Their very presence draws unwanted attention, and I can at least limit the amount of attention they draw within the confines of my Castle, by deciding their routines and who can interact with them. Even then, I know there is a chance that a gossip could spread beyond these walls of their existence, which could easily put Mira in a very uncomfortable position, and would also bring all sorts of questioning and trouble towards Faerieland. But the fact is, they already are poorly behaved, and, if I allowed for them for more freedom, they would only draw more attention, and would cause even more issues, concretizing my concerns. I do not like the situation I have to enforce on them, but it is the least bad choice I can make. It always came back to this, the fact that what mattered was how we affected the others, our mother, the Queen, the land. We were unwanted and a liability... It made me wish I could look in any way different, I wish I could switch faces or change myself or do anything in my power to just... Not be me.

Is it really the least bad choice? The Battle Faerie asked. Also, sure, even if that is the case, don't you think that sometimes you go too far, like today in the morning? These children obviously have nothing to do with something like whatever was that Zafara spewing about, he is clearly off his rockers. I think there was some more sounds of steps, perhaps more guards were coming along?

It is true that Star has been acting rather strange as of recently, something is definitely afoot. But I only needed to verify myself of their innocence, since they are so separate of the rest of the castle, who knows what they could be up to. I definitely have considered previously moving them to my quarters, as to keep a closer eye on them, just in case. What?? No thank you! Angered, I looked at my twin, who was at this point not even concealing the fact he was interested in whatever I was overhearing, and even signaled asking, but I couldn't say anything yet.

What? What are we talking about here? What is going on? A third voice announced itself at the top of the stairs, and I knew exactly who that was. I looked at Alric once more, but with excitement, and he echoed almost the same questions, but in a lower voice.

What? What's going on??

It's mom! She's here! I whispered, and tried to overhear what was happening out there, but I could tell they were moving towards the door, so I rushed to my bed to sit on it and act like I wasn't listening in. I sat on its edge just as the door was once more unlocked, and the Faerie Queen, the Battle Faerie and the Space Faerie all walked in, discussing in between themselves. From the tone of the discussion, and the look that our very own mother gave us, I knew Fyora had set this up to be glum and awful, and I braced myself for it, but I knew that Alric wasn't prepared for it.

Later that night I sat in bed and stared out of the butterfly-patterned window lattice that mostly blocked the outside view, at the dark sky punctuated with stars, exhausted. It had been several hours of perhaps the worst visit we've ever had from our mother, where basically she took turns with Fyora lecturing us for all of the things that the Queen kept on bringing up. Then, when inevitably the topic of the weird winged Zafara and the suspicions and accusations came up, it was just a constant alternation of pressuring and berating to try to badger something out of us that even I couldn't take by the end of it. And yet, neither I, nor Alric as a matter of fact, gave Mirage up.

I mean, how could we? Even if ignoring all of my argumentation with my brother earlier, letting that slip would be way, way worse for us, who knows what would the Queen do to us, if we admitted to even talking to this Faerie from behind the mirror. Well, I said Faerie, because that's how she presented herself, but I mean, who knew what was she after all? The enemy, considering what she had told us about what was the reason for her to be sealed away. I had to admit, we were commiserating with evil after all, or at least something, or well, someone terrifying by premise... And yet, she had been always so nice to us, and had saved and cared for us back then, it was very difficult to conceive how could she be also this terrifying force destined to destroy our world...

Why should I care? Considering no one cared about us here, only if we were messing up and causing issues for others, perhaps I was being stupid being so attached to this world, to our kind, and to anyone besides the only one who actually bothered to legitimately care for us, even if she can't even physically be here, for now at least. I wish there was a way to finally escape this place. I wondered, having a sudden idea, if Mirage had an idea of how to escape this place. After all, she seemed to know a lot all of the time, and could easily tell us what someone in specific was doing, and even what they were thinking, if she wished to do so.

Looking to the side, I saw Alric had long passed out, finally some quietness after he had been sobbing for hours, something that started happening after our mother during the discussion snapped at him in a heated moment, comparing him to... Well, our father. If I hadn't heard this so many times before from our Faerie Queen, I would have felt a bit more sympathetic... But, also, this was Alric, who was always bragging about his moral superiority to me constantly, so I just felt like sneering at him for being such a big brat about this, and not being able to deal with even a fraction of what I went through on a daily basis. Anyways, it was late in the night at this point, and I too felt the exhaustion quickly build up, so I laid down and covered myself completely, and tried to drift myself to sleep. In the depths of my drowsiness, I earnestly wished I could at least talk to our friend once again, and get her help.

The crash had come and then had gone, and we had survived, protected by Mirage's magic that kept our room and tower from crumbling in the horrible, terrifying, deafening crash that took down so much of the castle and beyond, and rippled so much through the land everything was, to some degree, broken. Then, there was the wraith monsters that I had seen in my dream, they spread quickly across Faerieland, and we could see them rolling into the patio downstairs and throughout the castle from our window, but yet, once again, our friend protected us, claiming she had made our presence virtually invisible.

There was a familiar flash of magic at a distance, dream prophecy come to reality, and I feared this was it, this was the end of Neopia, as whoever was that witch in my dream, she had succeeded, and Neopia as we knew it was done for. I had wondered, what would we do after the world was done? Mirage was already feeding us and protecting us and joining us in company to the extent she could in her limited position, would we just live like this forever? Could we just live like this forever? I dreaded this prospect of forever being trapped in this tower, and I had even mentioned to her about it, to which she said.

I cannot be of help to escape the tower, my magic is more powerful than it has been for ages, as the seal that keeps me is weakened with the destruction of your magic... I lowered my head, and yet, she continued, with surprisingly comforting words. But I know this is not the end of this story... I should not tell either of you this, as this betrays my functions as a servant of Destiny itself, but I know this is not a time to give up, life as you know it in your planet isn't done yet. Both my brother and I, who were huddled up on the floor of our room, looked at the Faerie in the mirror at the same time, and she gave us a soft smile, and I knew that night, or at least what I presumed to be night despite the gloom outside, I would at least sleep a bit better.

When I woke up the next time, I noticed something was different, both within me and outside the tower. Sunlight seemed brighter once more, its beams actually reaching into our room, and I glanced out of the window's lattice to see the skies clearing up, and the creatures that festered downstairs were all dissipating like dark fog doing away with the sun.

Alric! Alric! Wake up! I said, for the first time for what felt like forever with excitement, and my brother stirred awake, looking groggily at me.

What??

The sun, it's back! And the monsters are gone! Everything, it's all getting better! That prompted him to rush to the window as well, to confirm this information.

It's true, thank Fyora! Alric said, which felt a bit out of place in this situation. At that moment, Mirage appeared once again in the mirror.

See, I told you to just wait and hold onto your hope, this weren't over yet.

Finally! I'm so happy this is over... I started crying yet again, but this time, it was from an overwhelming feeling of relief, we'd finally be saved! I never had ever wanted more than anything to never be in this room ever again... I wondered if I could ever ask the Faerie Queen for something like that, she was very strict with where we could or not go around, and she was kind of mean about it too.

Indeed, and this is why I also come to you two to ask for a favor. A favor? I mean, I guess it could be anything, as long as it is not whatever she was mentioning the other day, asking us to free her somehow, I didn't know if I could do that... As you probably can tell your magic has been returned, due to the curse placed upon Neopia being lifted by some heroes defeating the witch you had seen. Right now, all of your kind are returning to their sentient state, and the Neopets, who had either been drained beyond recognition, or taken refuge in fear, have newfound strength, and both will resume inhabiting everywhere as usual. That means you two will be reached by the others at some time, you know? That was true! It was just a matter of time anyone- Well, anyone else, would come to here and find us! And, of course, your Faerie Queen will come to check on you two. And here is what I wanted to ask...

Tell her that you two were too petrified, like the others of your kind. Tell her last thing you recall was back when the Faerie Festival was about to begin, and that today was the next day you remember. Don't ever mention you meeting me, don't ever mention my presence, alright? This is more of a favor for you two than for me, as a matter of fact.

Wait- Are you going away? Is this goodbye?? I protested, to which the Faerie in the mirror chuckled, and then responded with a smile.

No, silly, I mean, I hope not... But chances are, it will be more difficult for me to come and talk to you two once your magic is fully restored.

But can you still visit us? My brother asked.

Yes, of course! I mean, the seal that keeps me away from your world has already been permanently weakened, from what I can tell. That was comforting to some degree. But I just ask you two to keep our friendship and all that happened a secret, alright? Otherwise, you will end up in a lot of trouble.

I could only imagine how mad Queen Fyora, our mother, and the others would be to discover who we were talking to, so I had no hesitation to agree to it. Alright, we'll do it, right? I turned to my brother, who hesitated at first, but, noticing that we were waiting on his say, he nodded slightly and answered.

Alright... I guess there is no other way. Mirage smiled, satisfied, and then responded.

Thank you, Adhara, Alric. I'll be gone for now, but hopefully, we'll be in touch again. And the white-winged Faerie disappeared from the mirror's reflection, and we were left to wait for our expected rescue from the tower.

I must have been dreaming yet again, it had to be, I found myself wandering through a dark place, walking down an unseen path for what seemed like a long, long time. Either my eyes got used to the darkness and I could see that it was not wholly darkness, but something else, constantly shifting and moving, or the darkness was so absolute my eyes were playing tricks and seeing movement where there was none. Either way I felt deeply uncomfortable with having to continue traversing this place in such darkness, like an unsettling feeling I could, at any moment, not be alone, and something could be right behind me. At some times it even sounded like there was another set of footsteps, and yet, every time I looked, there was nothing and no one, which did no help to assuage my fears.

Finally, it seemed like I was approaching an open-sided room of some sort, as if it were on the end of a long hallway. From this room a soft light in a purplish hue poured out, illuminating the darkness as to be able to see myself in it, but everywhere around me was just as dark as previously. In that room I seemed to distinguish several shapes, some that moved, and some that didn't, and those that didn't seemed to have all sorts of things that resembled... Cloth, I think? Cloth and lines, like a Spyder's webs, but neater, all hanging and stretched over the frames that held them... And the things that were moving were in between all those structures and interacting with them, adding to the cloths with lines and doing other things with these lines, which were uncountably many. And those things that were messing with the lines were terrifying, especially that, from what I could figure out, they had as many hands as to match the amount of lines they were working with, and also had limbs and body parts like nothing I had ever seen, somewhat resembling insects with their wings and pincers and claw types and all, and yet there was something somewhat Faerie-like to their figures, despite them being so distorted and bizarre. There were three of them in specific, and they were working along with someone I hadn't noticed before, and yet, with one glance, I knew exactly who that was, as her glimmering yellow eyes met mine.

I rushed towards our friend, joyful to meet her once again. She seemed older and taller than the two of us, her wings were noticeably absent this time around, she had her dark striped hair pinned up in braids around her head, and also dressed far more regal than previous times. She didn't seem that much surprised, and smiled back before stopping her work and getting up. Mirage! I am so glad I found you!

Well, well, look what the cat has brought in. What are you two doing here, what prompted this visit? You... Two? I looked around and saw someone just next to me, my twin, who looked at me with a matching level of confusion. Somehow we both had found our way here, wherever here was that seemed so lifelike despite being in a dream. I didn't know what my brother wanted, or how had he gotten here, but I knew what had brought me here.

There's this Zafara, he's very angry at us, and thinks we're somehow involved in whatever thing about this chaos, and he got all of the Faeries mad at us, even our mother. I don't know what is going on, but I think this has to do with you, doesn't it? I mean, you told us to never tell about you to anyone, also because of your history, but I think we're in huge trouble, and from what we heard, we could have been in even bigger trouble if that Zafara comes after us. She listened to me with an indecipherable look, and yet I felt like she knew who I was talking about, and I felt like this wasn't good news.

And what do you need then? That was all that she promptly responded with, which made me hesitate for a second. Everything screamed danger within me, I knew what I was walking into, and I was walking into it willingly. And yet, there was no other choice, I could see no other choice, what was I supposed to do otherwise?

Could you... Um... Well... Help... Me? I gulped dryly, trying to gather myself. If I were to do this mistake, which I knew was a mistake, at least I should have some composure, since I am choosing this willingly. Please help me escape, I am so tired of being trapped in that tower, I'm so tired of living trapped within the castle walls, nothing ever changes and everything just keeps on getting worse and worse, and then this is happening now... I fought back my tears, I knew my face was red, I felt ashamed and horrified at myself. I am gonna go insane! Just- If there's any way, I know you can't do much in our realm, but if there's anything you can do to help me leave that place, and- Oh Fyora I didn't even think of where would I go, or how would I even deal with the fact that I resembled a certain someone everyone hated. Which would also only make it easier to find me! And help me not- Not be found- Or even figured out- I just I don't know what to do, please help me! I didn't even want to look at my brother, I knew he was probably seething at me yet again, judging me for stooping so low and begging like that.

Hm... I see... Well, I mean, I can help, indeed... I can help you escape, I can help you hide your identity, I can even figure out with who and where you could go. I can't directly, though, but I can give you the tools and the means... I knew there was going to be a condition next, and I instinctively held my breath. I just wish you could help me back, you know? I mean, it is only fair, to help you leave your prison, in exchange for you to help me-

I'll do anything you need! I blurted out, afraid of hearing that one request yet again out loud, as if that somehow made it any less concrete the mess I was about to partake in. There was no other choice, I mean, I even had dreamed this was going to be, right? When did I ever dream something that did not happen? But this did not help assuage any of my screeching feelings inside, I knew this was a mistake, I knew this was bad.

Mirage looked at me, and then at my brother, which prompted me to glance over, despite knowing that I was going to be met with probably a scathing look of disapproval... And yet, that was not what I saw in his face, which was rather far more scared and reluctant. Alric looked at me and then at her just for a second, before averting his eyes and mumbling.

I am not sure if I am allowed to ask for anything or be part of this conversation at all. Her warm, familiar smile resumed, and she responded, reassuring my brother.

Why would you think that? I can help the both of you if you both help me.

Alric looked visibly uncomfortable, trying to explain himself. It is just- Um- I did not think that-

That I would be in good terms with you after the few last conversations? She interrupted, and my brother only nodded in response, reddening up. Don't worry, I am not holding any of that against either of you. Besides, why would I refuse to help either of you due to some silly squabbling? That doesn't seem fair, right? Alric kept on averting his eyes, and only slightly nodded in response. Mirage then looked back at me, her glowing yellow eyes seeming brighter than ever, and then said. Well, then, let us move forward with this agreement, shall we? So the two of you do agree to helping me then? Is that it?

I nodded, and looked over to my brother, who also nodded, and that was enough for her, and I almost had the impression her smile deepened a little more, giving it a dangerous aspect. I glanced over around, and, oddly enough, the other strange creatures were all gone, all the things that were in the room were gone. We were alone with her only.

What would you two need... Well, for starters... A means to escape? She put a finger to her face, almost caricaturesquely signifying she was thinking. A portal, perhaps? Well, you do have some drawing utensil in your room right? Preferably chalk? She looked at us for an answer, and I had to speak up.

I have some chalk, I think, in my desk's drawer.

Great, draw a frame with that on a wall, and it will open you a door to outside your castle, directly to meet with someone I can trust you two with. That was it? That would work?? Next thing, you mentioned anonymity... Well, I mean, a mask would work, wouldn't it? Don't you two have them in your room as well? I remember you showing me yours, Adhara.

A- Mask? Did she mean the painted face masks we got a couple of years ago? Sure, that'd hide our face and eyes-

Do not worry, I can enchant them to make you indiscernible and immemorable even by your wings and all. She waved her hand dismissively. You just need to wear them or have them with you at all times, or else the charm will not work.

Alright... I answered, having no further objections.

So then, just escape, and go with the one I send to you. He's going to take care of you, and, also, he can help you even get to space, didn't you want that, Adhara? I frowned, but hesitantly nodded as a response. Well, at least to Kreludor for now, there's somewhere you can even go back to whenever you need to, it's not fully finished, and kind of damaged, but it can still house you two, and the others working for me will be repairing it, so it won't be like a home. Mirage rambled with excitement, not paying full attention to us, which was weirdly dissonant to the situation, making me very uneasy. It's like a castle, but more fun, and you two will basically be its owners, also you don't need to be there, only if you want to. Either way, there's lots to be done in Neopia, I hope you like foot travel, your planet's technology isn't very efficient for long distance travelling, but at least it's a small globe. She then looked back at us, her smile far more devious this time. Come on, guys, it will be great, don't act so grim, I'm helping you escape, and you're going to help me escape!

I couldn't answer with anything verbal, I felt very heavy with fear to the point of paralysis. Mirage let out a slight huff of irritation, and then continued on.

And, as a bonus, I guess if you're going to be helping me, you will need a little boost, won't you? Why, I think it's only proper, I will let you two borrow some of my magic to level you two against the others that will definitely try to stop you. Starting with that no good skull-faced Zafara, he's definitely going to try to interfere...

That morning, I woke up still heavy, knowing that was no dream, and knowing I had made perhaps the biggest mistake in existence. I dreaded getting up, and I dreaded having to deal with the consequences of accepting what I had so promptly agreed to... But it wasn't too long until I heard my brother shifting off his bed and rushing up to his desk to search his drawer, which prompted me to sit up.

What are you doing?? I hissed.

What are you doing? What are you waiting around for? Those castle maids are going to come in to notify us to get ready for breakfast soon, and that is if no one else is coming to see us instead this morning. He picked up a copy of our mother's talisman that he always kept in his drawer, and searched around his wardrobe for his mask.

It was odd to see him being so motivated to go ahead and do this, despite all his past protests, and him fighting and bragging about being all goodie-goodie and all, I felt almost like this was unfair, Mirage was definitely way nicer than I'd have been. I guessed that newfound rancor was the motivation I needed to get past my initial dread, because I found myself almost automatically rushing off my own bed and going for my wardrobe, to get myself prepared to go. Minutes later, we were both dressed and had our things, save for my telescope that I had almost forgotten, but thankfully I picked it up at the last second, still sitting on that windowsill, and for a second I thought I had heard some sort of bug outside, but I looked out to not find anything.

Getting back to the plan, I finally got the leftover chalk out of my drawer, a present I had gained as a birthday gift a couple of years back, and hoped that this old thing still worked, and wasn't like, waterlogged from exposure to humidity or something of the sort. I tentatively drew some lines on the floor, and found that it still worked satisfactorily alright, and hesitated for one more moment of dread, as the realization of what we were doing hit me once more... And yet, I was annoyingly reminded by my brother once more of the urgency.

Come on, Adhara, we need to get going already, someone is going to catch us if you keep on stalling!

Alright, alright! I protested, and walked to the far wall, pushing the mirror that sat in between our equidistant desks and wardrobes, to reveal the space in between, and in there, I started drawing a line across at above my height, and then one and another line downwards, coming from the first one's edges. That was the simple frame for the "door" she had told us to make, and then it was time to test it...

With one push, the stone wall gave away, sliding in and then fading with strange magic, and the "doorway" was open now, leading to a far grimmer, and yet vaguely familiar place... I had seen dark woods like that before, in that dream I had that one time, years ago, before our land had crashed to the ground, was this then the real place? The real place smelled very different as well, it smelled rotten, and dank, and kind of earthy, like a rainy day's air but far heavier, a very, very different smell from the pristine and mildly fragrant halls of the Castle. As a matter of fact, it was so humid, I could feel some of its fog roll into our room, landing on my skin and on the surroundings. Also, for a second, I could swear I heard some weird noise from those woods, an echoing hoot at a distance.

I looked at Alric, who just looked completely bewildered and very afraid, also probably because he had never seen this place before, I was the only one who at least saw it in my dream. I tentatively reached out, into the "doorway," first with just my hand, and then with small steps, and with that, I crossed that threshold, stumbling at the moment I landed my feet on the uneven terrain of the forest. I walked some more steps, trying to stabilize myself, and I could tell Alric was just behind me with his equally stumbling steps, and yet I could hear there was someone else with us, as I heard many other steps approaching.

We both turned around, and were met with a group of Neopets, the portal having already gone, and a lot of them had the same familiar glowing yellow eyes. One specific Neopet of the latter kind approached us, a tall, strange Kau, with long horns protruding from a dark wide-brimmed hat, and dark clothes, and a pair of dark wings appearing from behind.

Menacingly wide-grinned, the Kau first spoke as he reached out towards us, wrapping his arms around us, which only made me flinch once more. Well, if it isn't the little prince and little princess themselves. It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm Uzukumaru.

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Your Royal Highness, Queen Fyora of Faerieland

The whole castle had been in disarray ever since the two Faerie kids disappeared.

No, YOU were the last one to see them! I had been gone for hours at that point, after sorting the whole mess with those other two! The light Faerie pointed at the greyed Faerie and the white Zafara.

All you did was interfere with my job!! These two were up to no good, and this is proof of it! The white Zafara's glowing yellow hollow socket for eyes flashed with fury back at the Faerie.

This discussion had been going on for hours in my throne room, which had been closed from the public this day, a rare occurrence. This clearly had caused some unrest, and I could tell I would have to deal with some publicity issues later, as I would have to think of reasons to both subjects that had been looking forward to discussing matters of the land, and also to visits from abroad. I even had to tell King Altador, Lady Jerdana and Lady Siyana to settle in for the night and wait for a latter hour for our scheduled conversation, which was not ideal, but it was the unfortunate reality I had to settle for at this moment. As for the throne room group, it consisted of every one who had seen the Faerie twins in recent days. Hypatia, Arboria, Aethia, Mira and I were obviously meant to be present, and the two maids and two guards that were in charge of the children were also there. Lastly, there was the other pair that had also been giving me trouble in recent times, Star and Sabrina. My head was buzzing with pain and rushing thoughts, as everyone attempted to put a timeline together of what had happened. The familiar red sclera of the Space Faerie turned towards me in a frown.

My Queen, did you visit the two earlier this morning? I was planning on visiting first thing in the morning, to clear up the air after last night's... Less than ideal situation... Mira hesitated with guilt. But I got caught up handling some quests on my way to the Castle...

I did not... I was going to see to them during breakfast, so I sent these two to fetch them. I gestured towards Meelia and Astrid, the Meerca and Ogrin maids who were familiar with the twins.

Uh- When- They were already gone, when we got there! Meelia exclaimed nervously. We swear, Your Highness!

Y-yeah!! We even knocked on the door several times, and had to- Um- Had to ask these two guards to let us in, you know?? Astrid followed, pointing at the two Faerie Kougras clad in the characteristic lilac and purple Palace Guard tunics and capes. A-and we searched around inside, and there was no way they could have exited, the windows were still barred, and the walls were intact-

Indeed, there was no sign of any way the twins could have broken out of that tower, and the two of us had been posted at the locked door since the break of dawn. Alcivain the Kougra Guard said.

There was nothing out of the ordinary. Irlawein the Kougra Guard completed. It is like they just vanished into thin air.

I looked at Mira for my next question. You don't happen to have teleportation magic, do you? Or do you know if either Alric or Adhara have it?

No... I don't. I've never needed it, my travel speed is enough, and I can control my route much better that way. The Space Faerie hesitated, pondering. And no... I don't know if the children have it. Wouldn't you know that better? I would, but neither of them had ever brought up any phenomenons regarding such magic.

They wouldn't need to have any sort of innate magic. She can make anything happen with enough of her influence. Stressed the hostile Zafara. Can't you see this is part of her acts??

Who is her, Neopet? Hypatia asked, raising an inquisitive brow far above her glasses' gilded rims.

The one I said they had been working with! The skull-faced Zafara pointed at me. I told you I could feel her energy around them and their tower! I had been telling you for a long time already, now things are undergoing once again for so long, they're becoming irreversible! That stupid witch with delusions of power you keep as a garden statue messed up with the magic, and that weakened the seal I had put on the beyond, and now look at what's happening! Mira and the other Faeries, save for the Zafara's assistance, all looked at me with different levels of concern and confusion.

My Queen... What is the Zafara talking about? The Space Faerie asked me, and I looked around the room.

The end of the world, and everything beyond, that's what I'm talking about! The Zafara's eyes flashed in a more intense yellow glow when he said that first part. The others in the room, once again save for the reaper's assistant, reacted now in shock and horror, and gasps and protests were heard.

What?? Aethia asked.

What does that mean? Hypatia pressed.

Is- Is that true, My Queen? Mira asked, and then continued. And how are the twins related to that??

It was inevitable at that point that I would have to explain what he even meant about his vague yet threatening words. Even if I felt he was exaggerating and dramatizing this situation, and this whole disappearance, and felt it was not going to help assuage anyone's concerns.

And it indeed did not calm down the mood, as a matter of fact, everyone else became ever more enervated with what I had to tell, as well as with the Zafara's interactions, and he, as usual, did not help his own case, by interjecting ever so angrily at times to correct what I was saying. Later, I found myself still talking to the Space Faerie in my throne room, but the doors had long been opened. Mira pressed on about the veracity of what had been talked about.

And how exactly did you come to meet this... Star? What is his involvement with this prophecy of the end of times? I have seen him around this Castle, but I always thought his presence was shady. How did you come to trust a Neopet like that?

I trust him... In his capacities to protect Neopia like he has done once before. I had seen to his quest back then, when he first came to me back in the day, hoping for guidance to prevent what was to come, and he accomplished it, and saved Neopia then, just like many other heroes have done in later times. I looked towards the door, hoping no one else would be listening in. I won't say I agreed with his methods then, but I settled for the explanation that desperate times beget desperate measures. And he has been a loyal servant of Faerieland and of Neopia since then.

And what does 'desperate measures' mean? Mira asked, raising an eyebrow.

You can imagine it. I answered, which led to the Space Faerie to furrow her eyebrows.

What about the twins? How are they involved in this? She asked, concern and fear showing through her face and voice.

If Star is right in his hunch... They have been recruited by the orchestrator of the disaster we're trying to prevent. I answered, trying to be truthful but conservative in my answer, but that still made her nervous and stressed.

This is my fault, I have not been visiting them as much. Mira started rambling. I have been so concerned that he had been gone for a while, I became obsessed with scouring the depths of space for any indications of a new plan, and then there was the Festival, and, when I do finally visit them, I end up yelling at them as my first interaction, and- I raised my hand, interrupting her freak out, and then landed it on her shoulder.

If anything, this is my fault, as I am the one you entrusted your children with, and also am the head of this castle. Also, I felt guilt from having yet again discussed with Aethia about the twins and how little interaction with the outside world they got, she did have good points about me stifling and smothering them too much. I swear, Mira, if I have to scour every inch of this planet to find them, if I have to send every Faerie and Neopet in this land after them, I will do so for as long as possible, until we find Alric and Adhara. Before they do anything they will regret.

Her saddened, quasi-tearful look weighed on my heart and conscience, and her answer was uncharacteristically weak compared to her usual spirit. Alright... I will join forces as well to seek them out. And see to the Zafara's quest as well.

Right, about that, there is someone you must learn about. I remembered at that moment of another Faerie who had come to me a while back, claiming certain ties to the Space Faerie, and asking to borrow some magic to travel to space... She also spoke of certain doom, now that I remembered, although she was very vague on what she described. Remembering that worried me once again.

Lastly that day, I had to meet up with the Altadorian delegation whose conversation I had postponed due to the earlier crisis, which was arranged through a private meal with the King and his two advisors and I, at a smaller dining room I sometimes spent time away from the business of the day. The room's dining table was set already, as I had requested the castle servants to prepare supper ahead of our arrivals, as even dinnertime had been delayed for me that day, after having to order around the guards and other servants to do a last minute search once again, and had to spend time attempting to calm down the spirits of those who had been present to the earlier meeting. I did not wish to have had to reveal such dark information, a prophecy of doom as much, that was improper from that Zafara, to have made me do as much, and I would have a talk with him later on, and hope he would listen.

As I walked in, still feeling the stress of the situation, the king's usual sunny enthusiasm took me by surprise.

Ah, Queen Fyora, thank you so much for inviting us for supper with you, so we can discuss diplomatic matters. I hope that you have been able to solve whatever last-minute crisis you were dealing with earlier? King Altador said as he shook hands with me and half-bowed.

I also shook hands with Lady Jerdana, and exchanged kisses on the cheek with Lady Siyana as we hugged, and then took a step back, while still holding hands with the light Faerie, to answer the question. Well, solved, it hasn't been as of yet. But I will take the proper measures to try to solve it as quickly as possible.

Is there anything we can help you with? You seem very worried about this. Siyana said to me, and Altador added.

Indeed, we can offer any help you may need, if it is an urgent matter, we're more than glad to offer our resources. Jerdana nodded along, and I thought of the best way to try to explain this without exposing too much about the missing children, and also without bringing up the headache that was that Zafara's doomsaying. I let go of my Faerie sister's hand as I instinctively folded my arms in.

Well, you see, there are two Faerie children who have gone missing from the Castle today, and no one can figure out where they could have gone. The Lupe King frowned in sadness, the light Faerie looked concerned, and the Aisha sorceress listened quietly. We're going to do a search for them, because their mother is worried.

How horrifying! Lady Siyana exclaimed.

I can only imagine how much grief she is going through right now. King Altador responded as he shook his head. If you want, we can try to help along, spreading the word to other lands and also helping with the search efforts.

I can attempt a spell to locate these kids. Lady Jerdana added.

Thank you, we will need all the help we can get. I responded.

These Faerie kids going missing remind me of our own situation with a missing child of a patrician family back at home... The Lupe King commented. Although she's not as much of a child anymore at this point. He added.

That one I have not been able to use any means of pinpointing her location for a while now, which is concerning. Lady Jerdana commented somberly.

What sort of world is Neopia coming to, where children go missing left and right from their own homes? King Altador added, and I could not help but wonder the same question, in a more literal sense.

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