Swear Not By The Wings

I hand my mom the bowl of strawberries. We are making a cake out of boredom. My mom and I aren't the best bakers, but we are getting there. I watch as my mother stirs the ingredients in the container. The sun rays coming through the window shine on her ruby red hair. She wipes the sweat from her forehead and turns to look at me.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" She asks with a gentle smile. Her baby blue eyes turn to crescents at my next statement.

"You're really pretty, mom, " I deadpan. The woman laughs at me.

"But I'm prettier!" I sing to which my mother scoffs.

"In your dreams! You stole my hair color."

"Don't be mad because it looks better on me!" I stick my tongue out. My mom and I cry due to laughter.

I proceed to whip up the pink frosting. The smell of sweetness fills the air beautifully.

"Oh my goodness, Arrietty!"

"What's wrong?" I panic.

I gasp at the coolness of the cake batter hitting me against the face. My mom looks at me playfully.

"Mom!" I screech.

"Hey if you can't handle the heat, honey, get out of the kitchen," the woman winks.

I grab a handful of strawberry icing.

"Game on!" I declare.

I open my eyes to hear cheering from outside of my cottage. Today is the day. I comb my ruby red locks and brush my teeth. After putting on my high boots, I kick the door open. Hundreds of fairies stare at me, waiting for my next move. I look to either side calmly and slowly carry on down the steps of my house. My gaze meets the sun and I stretch. Wow, it's a nice day today. I let out a big yawn and giggle on the inside. The fairies must think I'm crazy!

I clear my throat and let out a winning declaration,

"This human is about to win the fae tournament!" The crowd of woodland fairies yells excitedly at my competitive spirit. Soon, Malachi, Savvy, Chance, Ellowyn, Arden, and Freya are pushing their ways through the wave of fairies.

Malachi lifts me over his head and decrees,

"Out of the way! Champ coming through!" The fairies make a pathway for my friends and me while clapping and cheering. I search for a specific fairy but become disappointed when I can't find him. Yesterday was tough. Elio and I have officially ended our confusing relationship. Of course, we weren't exactly together, but there was definitely something there.

After I said my peace to the winter fae, nobody has seen him since. I'm worried about him, but I know that he will be better off without me. Elio belongs with a tough, free-spirited, fairy. He will find his true match, I know it.

I'm thrown into a golden carriage with Ellowyn. The others stand outside, waving me off as the transportation begins to move.

"Good luck, kid!" Yells Freya.

"You got this Arrietty!" Cheers Arden.

Leave it to Chance, Savvy, and Malachi to give touching words of encouragement,

"Kick their butts, human!" Ellowyn and I laugh from inside the carriage. My legs begin to bounce and I start changing my seating positions rapidly. The garden fairy watches me in amusement.

"How do you feel Arrietty?" She asks. I think for a moment.

"I feel like I'm about to pass out. But you know this already, you can read my mind," I say. Elle lets out a big laugh before assuring me,

"You're going back, Arrietty." I smile at the garden fae. I'm going to see mom. And I'm going to see Linden, Poppy, Jane, and even Landon. I'm going back home! Well, not yet at least. I try to push all doubts aside. I've gone too long without seeing my loved ones. I'm not about to let some lonely king with issues take that away from me. I'm going to win this thing!

I feel the carriage halt. Two fairy knights open the door and lead Ellowyn and me to a huge building. Upon entering I'm met with booing and disgusting insults. I roll my eyes at the kingdom fairies and keep my head held high. It's not until a rotten tomato is thrown at my head that things take a turn.

Ellowyn emotionlessly picks the fruit off of my head before doing the unexpected. The pink-headed fae whirls to the snickering fairy who threw the food. She calmly walks to the teenage boy and smiles at him.

"That wasn't very nice," she lets out.

"And what are you going to do about it, cherry blossom?" Snaps the boy. The tomato thrower's friends laugh at the exchange. Ellowyn has a strange gleam in her eye and I can't help but feel sorry for the kid. He has no idea what's coming to him.

With the twirl of her hand, the boy drops into the form of a ripe red tomato! The friends of the boy immediately wipe the smug looks off of their faces. The teenage fairies stare to Ellowyn in fear.

"Don't worry, it'll wear off. Anyone else wants to try?" Everyone witnessing the event shakes their heads quickly with fearful eyes.

"Good. Don't mess with my friend!" Elle defends with a lethal glare. The garden fae then turns around and hugs me tightly.

"Let's go get you ready, Spring," she cooly says while leading me to an unknown room. Ellowyn is awesome!

My eyes widen in awe of the lavish room. This place is quadruple the size of my cottage! Vanities cover the walls and lights illuminate the wardrobe. I jump in shock when I spot Dart and Bartholomew rolling all over the fluffy carpets. What are they doing here?

"Hey there, warrior!" Greet Freya and Savvy.

"How'd you guys get here so fast?" I ask, amazed. The girls stare at me weirdly before pointing to their sets of wings. Right. Ellowyn claps her hands before leading me over to a mirror. Let the fun begin.

"Ouch! It hurts!" I cry.

"Beauty is pain!" Savvy shouts back to me. I am currently seated with tears in my eyes. The music fairy is braiding my hair up into complicated twists and braids. My scalp feels like screaming due to agony.

"Arrietty, smile. You look like you're constipated!" Freya snorts. I force a smile while Savvy begins to stick rhinestones in my hair. Why do I need diamonds in my hair?

"It looks pretty," Ellowyn responds to my thought. Right, mind reader. You would've thought that I'd be used to it by now. Nope.

A few hairsprays and hair yanks later, Savvy spins me around to face the mirror. I gasp at my appearance. Ellowyn was right. It does look pretty. My hair is tied in a beautiful updo. Detailed braids are running up the sides of my head along with sparkly pins. The hairstyle leads up to a high ponytail that drapes elegantly down my shoulders. My red locks are curled and shiny. I feel like a princess!

"How can I forget?" Savvy nearly screeches. My eyes sparkle when the music fairy places an extravagant tiara on top of my head. Forget looking like a princess, I feel like a queen! I shiver at the thought. I don't want to be one after tonight though!

"My turn!" Freya sings. The animal lover pops open a huge makeup case. I eye the gold and silver shadows along with face jewels and bold lip tints. Freya winks at me while holding up eyeliner and a brush.

"Freya, I thought you said you were good at makeup!" Ellowyn whines.

"I said I'd do her makeup! I never said I was good." Freya corrects. I laugh at the conversation. Please, don't make me look like a clown. I say in my head. Freya gives me a duh look to show that she has heard my thoughts. Oops.

"Okay, all done!" The fae announces. Savvy turns to me and gasps. Ellowyn's face shows surprise.

"Is it bad?" I question.

"Arrietty! You look great!" Savvy laughs.

"You're so pretty," Ellowyn states in awe. Freya stands proudly beside me. I spin to look at myself and instantly go speechless. My lips are painted a pink holographic color. My cheekbones are highlighted with gold! Silver eyeliner wraps around my orbs in intricate swirls. The killer part of the look is my eyebrows that are outlined with gems. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that I look like a fae!

"Arrietty, are you ready to try on your outfit?" Asks Ellowyn. Right, I can't battle in pajamas. I stand up and follow the fairies to a closet. Freya eagerly opens up the door and reveals an eye-catching outfit.

The clothing is a high-low dress. Flowers decorate the bottom while the top half is covered in jewels. My eyes are drawn to the chest piece of the dress the most. A ruby red heart sits at the end of the v-line cut of the gown.

"The dust that inhabits the pendant represents your belief in us." The voice of Elio repeats in my head. I close my eyes to contain my tears. It's beautiful. I hold the dress tightly to myself and inhale deeply.

My hands clasp against something attached to the waistline of the outfit. What is this? I pull the attachments from behind the clothing and stare in awe. Golden wings shine brightly behind the dress, bringing the fabrics to life! I twist around and point at the accessory, excitedly to Ellowyn, Freya, and Savvy who nod at me.

"Arden made it. He created your wings to look identical to your great-grandmother's," Freya informs. My heart is touched by the crafts fae. I will give him the longest hug when I see him!

"Well, what are you waiting for?" Savvy questions.

"Put it on!" Ellowyn demands. In a rush, I burst into the dressing room. I step into the gown carefully, I don't want to break the wings! After delicately putting on the dress, I tighten up the corset. Goodness, how do people breathe in these things?

I shyly step out from the fitting room and nearly faint at the sight of Chance, Malachi, and Arden. The fairies are chatting with the girls and I suddenly become self-conscious. When did they get here? What will they think when they see me? Uh oh.

Everyone's head snaps in my direction and the room goes silent. I aim my head towards the floor and hear footsteps approach me. Two fingers rest under my chin and lift my head up. I stare into the forest-green eyes of Arden. I cannot tell what his reaction is. His face almost looks blank. His eyes drag over my body before grinning at me.

The fairy grasps my hands in his and whispers into my ear,

"You look absolutely, gorgeous." I blush harshly at the bluntness of the crafts fae before wrapping my arms around his neck. The other fairies clap when Arden lifts me up and twirls me around.

"Wow." Malachi states.

"Arrietty, you look like a fairy!" Chance exclaims. I smile at the compliments. Arden sets me back down on my feet. Abruptly, the door swings open. My head snaps up to the doorway and I gasp.

It's the tournament manager fae ushering me to the main grounds.

It's time to fight.

Leading me to the arena is a tall fairy with light blue hair and a purple complexion. My ears hear the roaring crowd of thousands. Beating quickly, I feel as if my heart will tear through my chest. The lights shine down on me as I stride to the center of the stadium. I hear the audience gasp in shock.

"Don't let her outfit fool you, the next contestant is a human!" Shouts the commentator. I gulp when everyone begins to whisper in wonder.

"That's right folks! This is the first human to ever compete in the annual fae tournament!" I look around at all the fairies watching me. This is so surreal.

"If that didn't shock you enough, she's hit the genetic lottery! This fighter is Arrietty Spring!" Much to my surprise, the fairies go wild at the fact. My great-grandma must've been famous. Cool.

"Indeed, Arrietty Spring is the great-granddaughter of the fae warrior with the same name!" I take my stand next to a fae girl wearing a sparkly pink outfit. I peer down the line of the tournament's competitors and realize that I'm the smallest of the bunch! We love to top a disadvantage with another disadvantage! Sarcasm.

The sound of trumpets pulls me from my daze. A fairy with bronzed skin comes riding on a black unicorn. I identify the fae as one of the fairies who attacked the woodland. If the crowd wasn't going crazy before, they definitely are now!

"Isn't she beautiful faeries? It's your favorite half-bred fae, Idalisa!" The commentator announces. Half-bred? As in part human and part fairy? I've never heard of such a thing.

I watch as the fae flaps her orange butterfly wings. Her eyes meet with mine and she blows me a threatening kiss. The audience oohs at this. I blink at the action and glance at the onlookers. My eyes greet the woodland fairies, cheering me on. I smile and wave at the bunch.

An autumn-like breeze passes through the auditorium. The crowd begins chanting. Birds emerge from behind a curtain, dropping flowers to the populace. A flower falls on my head and I inspect the lovely plant. It smells like summer.

Two purple-headed fairies walk out hand in hand with one another. The girl's hair stands in two very high pigtails. She wears a Cheshire grin on her face. The boy has his locks swooped to the side. He sports a cocky smirk that has all the lady fairies swooning. These two were also responsible for the attack on the magical woodland.

"Weirdly enchanting! Ladies and gentlemen, Violet and Chauncey!" The announcer screams. My eyes roll when I witness a few fairies pass out in the audience. They're not that good looking! Chauncey makes enthralling eye contact with me. Suddenly, I feel lightheaded. I shake away from the bliss. Focus, Arrietty!

The loud room silences when the lights go out. What's going on? Scared, very scared I am.

"Don't be afraid, little human," a voice invades my head. A voice that sounds a lot like Elio! Dumbly, I look around the dark space in search of the boy. Elio, where are you? I know he is reading my thoughts, so he must be watching me from somewhere! My wonder halts when I see fire getting spit into the air.

Violins and drums sound off intensely. My ears almost burst from the sound of fairies screeching. Fire mysteriously continues to be spit into the atmosphere. I follow the blaze in astonishment. The once dark arena is now dimly lit up, blood red. The fire-breather appears to be a black ghost-looking dragon. On the back of the creature? Siren.

"There's no need for introduction. Siren the dragon fae has arrived!" Praises the commentary. I watch in a glare as the fairy approaches closer with her ghoul dragon. Her cat-like eyes sweep over my appearance before she flicks her hand at me. The disrespectful activity has me seething in outrage.

After Siren's arrival, the prospects and I are taken to a unique looking track. A model-looking fairy hovers over the crowd holding a sign that says "Magic Relay". I spot Idalisa waving at the audience, happily. This portion must be her strength.

"You got this, Arrietty!" I hear from behind me. I turn around to see my magic teachers, Ellowyn and Chance giving me a thumbs up. I beam at the pair before my eyes begin to wander. Where is Elio?

"Pay attention," his cold voice mind links me again. I huff in frustration. Let me see you.

My eyes return to the front to study the course. I take a deep breath. A horn sounds off and the fairies begin flying towards the first mission. I'm about to start running when the wings attached to my outfit start to flap. Thank you, Arden! I laugh happily when the gold extensions guide me to my introductory assignment.

I look to the army of succulents. Assuming I'm supposed to make flowers blossom, I wave my hand over the soils. The audience yells in amazement when I manage to flourish colorful and healthy roses. My garden is completed one millisecond before Idalisa completes hers.

"Amazing! Arrietty has broken Idalisa's record!" The announcer excites. I hear the uproar of the woodland fairies upon the announcement. I do a Spring-supreme and the spectators boom with laughter.

"Wow! I've never seen a victory dance such as that one. I'll have to ask the human what it's called after this!" The announce table laughs.

"It's called a Spring-supreme!" Malachi fires.

"Well, there you go everyone. That right there is a Spring-supreme. Thank you, Malachi," the announcers acknowledge.

I zoom to the next magical task. I stare at the boulder blocking my path and scratch my head. Am I supposed to move it? With a shrug of my shoulders, I stomp the ground. I watch as the other fairies take their time concentrating on the rock.

The ground rumbles. Everyone around begins to panic. I feel sorry for making them worry. Two horns peek out from the ground and I smile. The trick to magic is simple. For it is the magical woodland that gives a fairy their powers.

One who truly believes in the place and its inhabitants, cannot have any limitations! Sound familiar? That's what Elio taught me a while back. I hope he's proud that I'm taking his advice.

A calygreyhound sprouts from the ground, roaring ferociously. The mythical beast rolls the boulder over, emptying a path for me. I pat the animal on its head before continuing on to the third and final section of the magic relay.

Idalisa meets me at the ultimate fraction of the marathon. I don't miss the way her eyes watch me in envy and hatred. Suddenly, I don't feel like I'm at much of a disadvantage anymore.

The final hurdle is a giant waterslide? I tilt my head, what are we supposed to do? My eyes set on a yellow flag at the top of the slide. It is then when I realize, we have to travel against the water's current. Whoever attains the flag first wins! No wings are allowed. It shouldn't be a problem for me.

Idalisa throws herself against the slide. She cries in frustration when her wings get soaked. Pity. I think the fairy misses the point of the relay. It's supposed to be a magic contest. Instead, she's trying to climb the waterfall with no magic. She's clearly thinking with her human brain.

I ask the woodland for suction cup shoes! The whimsical place hears my request and soon I am walking against the water current. The arena roars with excitement. Some fairies even cheer my name. I make it to the top of the slide and wave the yellow flag high into the air.

A whistle is blown and the onlookers go wild. I smile proudly while looking around the arena. Everyone is cheering for me. Unexpectedly, my eyes find two familiar dark ones.

Adriel watches me with crossed arms and a scowl on his face. I stare back at the king with a challenging look. Did he really think this tournament would stop me? If anything, I'm grateful. For the first time I've been here, I truly feel like I'm having fun. Is that all you got, king of fairies?

Currently, I'm standing on the sidelines of a ring. Inside the square, fairies are battling viciously. Now I wouldn't say fighting is my strong suit, but I can hold my own. I have to win two matches in order to win this portion of the competition. I've already won one. Two more to go!

I squint when Violet walks to me with a cheesy smile on her face. She and her brother Chauncey have won their matches so far.

"Hey there, human. We're up next, " says Violet. I keep a straight face to show her that I am not at all threatened. The ref calls for the next match and soon Violet and I are stepping into the ring. We are allowed to have a two-fairy team on our corner. Arden and Savvy wait for me with chocolate and a bottle of water.

"Violet is excellent at combat. Don't worry though, as long as you don't let her get into your head, you will be fine," Savvy informs me. I nod my head and take a bite of the fudge bar.

"You're smaller than she is, Arrietty, but don't back down," tells Arden while he massages my shoulders. I give my allies a fist bump before going to the center of the ring. I meet up with Violet who eyes me intensely.

"Fight!" The referee commands. Without a second thought, I crouch down and swing my legs under Violet's. The black-winged girl plummets to the ground with a wince. My eyes widen at her death glare. Before I know it, we are both rolling around the ring, taking jabs at one another.

Out of nowhere, a single leaf gets blown to the ref's feet. I look to the sideline and see Chauncey smirking at me mischievously. That's when I feel a harsh poke at my eye. Savvy nearly jumps the rope to come to defend me. Chauncey and Arden begin fighting outside of the ring.

Splotches of red cloud my vision and Violet pins me to the ground, stealing the victory. The crowd boos at the purple-headed fae who shrugs them off. I hear Savvy start arguing with the ref who failed at his job. Arden comes to my side and attempts to get me to open my eyes. However, my bloody orb is in discomfort. I keep my eyes rested.

I feel like crying, but I refuse to cry tears of blood. I will not show the twins that they have gotten the upper hand on me.

"I know it hurts Spring, but you need to open your eyes," Elio's voice connects to my thoughts. My eyes open to meet Arden's green ones.

"Elio," I whisper. The crafts fae helps me sit up while rubbing my back.

"He's watching Arrietty, don't worry," Arden promises.

Some healing spells later, I'm called back to a match. This time, I'll be facing Chauncey. If I don't win this, I won't be heading to the finals.

Unlike before, I wait for the fairy to charge at me first. When he does, I swiftly move out of the way. Chauncey stumbles over his feet trying to catch me. A couple of moments later, The fairy and I are at a grappling war. The boy easily overpowers me but neglects his side. I eye the fairy's abdomen before Indulging in a brutal knee.

Chauncey doubles over at my strike and I sprinkle some salt across the ring. The crowd erupts in laughter at my humorous strategy. The fairy boy is quick to begin counting before I put him in a death grip. After a moment or two, the fae goes limp in my arms.

"Unbelievable! Arrietty has choked out Chauncey, who is unbeatable at combat! This human is on fire!" Says the commentator.

The ref raises my arm above my head. Arden and Savvy join me in the ring. The fairies hug and kiss me in proudness. I've only got the dragon fight left to go!

I climb on the back of Dart and rub his head affectionately. This is it. This determines whether or not I get to see my mom. Cheering from my friends ignites drive in me. I look to Siren who stalks me on the back of her ghoul dragon. Can I really do this?

I look to the crowd once more. My breath hitches upon the sight. At the very top of the giant bleachers, stands a fairy. He has white hair and pale skin. He's absolutely enchanting and scarily beautiful. His icy gray eyes stare into my amber ones. Yes, I can do this.

I give my rival a challenging look before demanding,

"Dart, fire!"