The stables were cold, but we were sheltered from the rain outside. Because of the amount of wood around us, we didn’t have a fire so we had to bundle up for warmth. I was awkwardly put between Sora and Arwen, and I don’t know why. 

“So, pixie, what’s the plan?” 

I sighed, keeping my wings calm from his insensitive words.  

“First off, we don’t like the term pixies, those imps are nothing like us civilized fairies. Got that?” 

Ozani just shook her head while it seemed like the other wizards actually listened. I could work with this. 

“Second, we need to get a feel for how the people feel about the dragons being the leaders.” 

“Arwen,” He hummed and I continued. “Do you know of anyone else that is still loyal to the Angels? Anyone, no matter the race.” 

He paused, most likely to think. He had to know someone; we couldn’t do this alone. 

“I’ll have to talk to some people; I’ve heard of rumors of a rebellion underground.” 

Hopefully a rebellion with a proper leader. 

“Sounds good. You guys can go back to school, we will stay here and work the rest out. Hopefully, someone out there can help us.” 

Aratazz jumped up, chatting about how excited she was to go back to school. Arwen didn’t seem impressed. Understandable, I didn’t have a solid plan or resources. Still, faith can go a long way. 

They soon left, leaving us with Ozani since we still couldn’t trust her. Huddled near the back, I helped Sora clean up some of the dirt. 

“We have to keep your hair dark you know.” 

He grumped, pulling dried dirt off his arms. “I know, but I don’t need to be looking like some mud creature from Brighster.” 

I didn’t say anything else, calming quiet filling the air. That’s what I liked best about our relationship, we could sit in silence and still be comfortable. 

“Hey, pixie!” 

Unrestrained, my wings fluttered, showing my frustration. “I swear, by the end of this we will be missing a person.” 

Sora laughed as I walked away to where she sat at the door. 

“Did you need something?” I grumbled. 

For a while, she didn’t answer. Just another one of her stupid jokes. But before I could fly away, she spoke. 

“Are you going to get us all killed?” 

Well, I wasn’t expecting that question. 

“I care for my friends, Tazz goes into things without question and Arwen tried too hard. I may not care for you, your angel, or whatever plan you have. But I don’t want to see their lives ended because you had no idea what you were doing.” 

Skym, I didn’t know what I was doing. Each life is different, and sometimes the story doesn't go the way you want it to.

I let out a breath and stared out into the city. 

Lights filled the night sky. Even on the edge of the island, I could feel life here. It was different, not as natural but still thriving. I wanted to see it all, at the same time I never wanted to leave the stables. 

“I don’t know details, but I know we have to do this Ozani. Don’t you feel that way too?” 

“I wasn’t raised like Arwen. My family sided with the dragons so I lived comfortably. But I saw the dragons up close. The ones we met today; they were the Prince’s personal guard.” 

“Shemir, Taker of Life and Runig, The Swift. They rule the land and kill happily; I’ve seen them do it. Runig comes from the sky, killing before you know it’s happening. Shemir toys with you, letting you think you will live before she ends you. Tuvon himself is dangerous. Protective is his name, but not of the humans or wizards, that’s for sure. I’ve never seen him kill, but the rumors are terrible. You threaten his father and he kills you, that simple.” 

Oh Mista give me courage, I didn’t know any of this. 

“I don’t want to get involved and I can’t. Now, if I turn you in I turn in Tazz and Arwen. Still, I won’t let you lead them to their deaths.” 

“Then let us pray there are rebels to aid us. Otherwise, this will be a very short rebellion.” 

Even for a Side-Character like me, there was no perfect map for life and plot. We would have to figure it out and hope it worked.  

I went back to Sora, leaning next to him for warmth. His wings twitched and I smiled. His life was changing, but I couldn’t wait for the day that he flew.  

~~~ 

I woke up to noise. It was never too loud at the Home Tree but here, it was deafening. 

I left Sorata, nodded morning to Ozani, and stood in the sunlight, looking over the island of Volar. 

Buildings were as tall as flowers while there were no mountains or trees in sight. I could hear people talking, creatures groaning and all sorts of strange things. There were also mini trees, about the height of the grass of Kirham. The sun was so bright without anything blocking it. 

I wanted to fly, to explore and see this new world. I could see all kinds of people already, some humans, and that in the distance was defiantly an ogre. 

“Out bright and early, aren’t you?” 

Arwen shouted up the small hill and I waved happily. Aratazz followed behind, each holding a bag. 

Going back inside, I hopped over to Sorata, kicking him awake before flying over to Marakin. 

“There’s my cute little Mara, you’ll have to stay-” 

“Mina, I swear to Mista if you kick me one more time, I will push you to Nym myself.” 

“Stay here where it’s safe baby.” I turned back to Sora who was standing, stretching his arms. “Good morning!” 

Then, he came at me. Fists tucked to his chest, he threw one, two, and a hook. I dodged, my own hands making fists and waiting for an opening. Before I got my chance, a gust of wind blew me and Sorata apart. 

“What are you guys doing? I come back to see you two getting ready to fight?” Arwen was practically screaming at us for no good reason. 

Sora groaned, rubbing his shoulder where he fell. I was flying so I was perfectly fine. 

“Chill Arwen. I trained Sora and we usually wake up to fight before starting the day. It wasn’t such a big deal.” 

Sorata stood by me, throwing his arm over my shoulder and weighing me down.  

“You should fight her too, she kicks butt.” 

Arwen stared between the two of us as if he couldn’t imagine someone of my height training Sorata. Big deal, Arwen and Sora basically the same height anyway. I could and someday would kick his butt. 

“I am not going to open that hole so distraction, breakfast!” 

The wizards pulled the bags open and the most amazing smell greeted me. It was like sweet berried met sugary syrup and blended together! Arwen reached in, pulling out some type of bread with frosting on it. 

If you guys didn’t know, Fairies have a massive sweet tooth. 

I jumped forward, grabbing the treat and stuffing it into my mouth. Sugar attacked me and I landed on the ground in a puddle. 

Who cared about rebellion, I found sugar. 

“Well, I think she likes the donuts. You want some Sorata?” 

I didn’t even care if he liked them, I would eat every single one in the box. And from where ever they came from; that was my next target. 

No one talked as we all ate. Aratazz had some fruit packed along with a cake that was full of nuts. Yeah, the last one wasn’t really my favorite. 

“Well, we found some of the people I was talking about. Emelina wouldn’t say who was running it but she seemed excited that we were interested. She’s a fellow wizard so we should be able to find a safe place at the school for Sorata and your dove to hide. This place won’t last forever.” 

Arwen had found them. If I wasn’t eating, I would probably let out a sigh. 

“We can’t move until night, so I wasn't sure if you wanted to explore, Yasmin.” 

Why in all of Mistros did my heart flutter when he said my name? 

I choked down the sweet so I could answer his ridiculous questions. 

“Of course, I want to! But,” I didn’t want to leave Sora here alone. 

“I thought you wouldn’t leave without your brother, so I brought these.” 

Arwen opened a third bag, pulling out a mass of fabric. He held it up, revealing a large cloak. If Sora folded his wings, it would cover him. Then, there was a second cloak, most likely to hide my own wings. 

Next came the lesson to fold Sora’s wings. Fairy wings couldn’t, they weren’t made like a dove’s wing. But I was able to use Marakin for that reason, showing how they collapsed in and would settle on his back. 

It took some time, the wound was sore and tender, though no longer bleeding. Once Sora was comfortable, Arwen helped him cover-up. I put my own cloak on, well, I tried too. 

Fairy wings weren’t large but they were wider and taller than my body. The cloak was giant, but still small enough to cause some bending to the delicate wings. I pulled it off before there was any damage and sighed. 

“Don’t worry, I thought this would happen.” Aratazz walked up with her staff at the ready.  

Gently, she touched the stick to my wings and a cold wind blew down my back. I shivered and turned, unsure what she had done to them; they were still sticking out of my back. 

“An invisiblilty spell. It only lasts for an hour or so and they move you touch your wings the less it works.” Aratazz walked in a circle, eye focused on my eyes. “Just make sure you don’t fly and keep an eye out. You can see them make sure no one else will.” 

Arwen and Sorata finished at that moment, Sora’s eyes going wide at my now bare shoulders. I quickly floated, to show them off which probably looked strange to them. Sora just smiled and nodded and excitement rang through me. 

“So, off to the city?” 

Arwen laughed, gathering the bags.  

“Yes, off to the city we go.”