Swear Not By The Wings

After my training with Arrietty, I go to my cottage to get some sleep. When I do, I have one of the most chilling visions. Because I'm a fairy, I'm not usually affected by fear. But when I dreamt of Arrietty's bloodied face weakly asking me to save her, fear was the only feeling that I felt.

When I arose from that dream, I took off to locate the little human. I hope she isn't hurt. I roam outside and notice how there are not many fairies around. They are probably playing fae hunt. I go to the garden and find Ellowyn. She peacefully sits on a flower bed, looking up at the sky.

"Ellowyn, have you seen Arrietty?" The pretty fairy looks at me confused when I ask this.

"I thought she was with you."

"No, I went to sleep after her training. I thought she went to the garden," I frantically reply.

"Elio, I'm sure she's fine. I'll help you look for her."

"Do you think she's hurt?"

"You sound really concerned," Ellowyn pitches.

"It's my job, I brought her here," I lie. Ellowyn laughs.

"What?" I frown. The garden fae just smiles knowingly. Do I really care for this stupid human?

"Just if you see her, bring her to me. I need to know that she's okay," I state meekly. Ellowyn looks almost sad for me.

Obviously, I care about Arrietty, that's partially the reason why I brought her here in the first place. Her great-grandmother is important to me. So yes, I do care about the girl. But I won't ever mistake my care for her with something that holds a deeper meaning.

I run out of the garden and to the animal kingdom. I quickly find Freya and cooly ask her if she's seen the human. I didn't want Freya to notice my worry, she'd only tease me for it. My friend shrugs her shoulders and says,

"Maybe she's playing fae hunt with the rest of the fairies." My blood boils at the thought. I specifically told Arrietty that she is not allowed to play. Would she really disobey me? Yes, yes she would. I internally groan and go to find Arden next.

"Arden!" I yell. Maybe just maybe, Arrietty is with him.

"Hey there Elio, where's Arrietty?"

Okay, now I can panic. I don't answer his question but fly away. I whistle above the woodland and catch the attention of the fae hunt players. All the fairies gather around me looking rather calm, except for three.

I glare at Malachi, Chance, and Savvy. These chicken brain folks cause nothing but trouble around here. It's almost sad that they're considered fae! I slowly strode over to stand in front of Malachi, who's doing a fine job avoiding my eyes. That's when I hear it.

"Elio!" The voice of Arrietty screams out for me.

I grab Malachi by his shirt and throw him up against a tree.

"Where is she!" I growl.

"She's in the cave! The Ijiraq cave!" He cries. I close my eyes to contain myself from killing him.

Ijiraq is a shapeshifting monster. He often locks away the people that enter his cave.

The fairies use his home as a place to throw the hiders who get caught by the seekers in fae hunt. It's supposed to be thrilling and exciting. Because fairies are a lot stronger than Ijiraq, no fae has died at the hands of the creature.

But Arrietty is weak even for a human. There's no way she could survive. As much as the girl gets on my nerves, I can't ignore the fact that her getting hurt bothers me. I don't think I could ever live with myself if something happens to that quirky redhead. What are you doing to me, Arrietty Spring? I soar to the cave.

The Ijiraq is located in the coldest part of the forest since the creature likes the chilliness. Arrietty's human body can only last so long in such weather conditions. Though, the temperature Arrietty is enduring is the least of my worries.

When I arrive at the cave, I notice the Ijiraq standing over her. Arrietty lays lifeless on the frigid ground.

No.

Her lips are a bluish color and there is a big scratch across her face.

No.

The monster had struck her. He struck her!

My Arrietty is hurt.

Seething, I rip open the door to the cave. The Ijiraq looks at me in panic. I give the creature a crazed glance before grabbing it by the horns. I go berserk on the beast. The other fairies watch outside the cave, wincing.

I dismember the legendary Ijiraq with no remorse. I will show no mercy over anyone who hurts the pretty girl. Once I have finished committing, I reach to Arrietty. The poor girl's skin feels like ice. I pull her close to my chest and embrace her. She is still breathing. If it weren't for my dream, she wouldn't be alive.

I then bring the injured human to my cottage and set her down on my bed. I cover her in the warmest blankets I could find.

"We found extra blankets." I hear Arden whisper from behind me. I push past him and Freya to find Malachi. I am not finished with him.

I find the fairy sitting on a log with his head in his hands. I stop in front of him and wait. The fae notices my presence and slowly lifts his head up.

"Elio, I am so sorry!" Malachi asks for forgiveness. I refuse his apology and pull the fae up by the shirt once again. I shove him to the dirt and watch as his back smacks onto the floor. He begins to cough hard.

"Elio please, I didn't mean to harm her!" The purple-headed fae begs. This time, I kick Malachi in the face. Not satisfied, I lash out even more. I keep punching Malachi over and over until he is nearly unconscious.

I look up for a split second and make eye contact with Savvy. She's wailing like she is sharing Malachi's pain. It is apparent that she loves him. It was then and only then when I quit. I violently grab Malachi's face and threaten,

"Don't ever touch her again." The fairy's eyes are wide when he agrees. I throw his head back on the soil and walk away.

When I return to my room, I find that Arrietty is still asleep. I study the human's peaceful face as she slumbers.

"I won't let anything happen to you, Arrietty Spring,"