Grant Crystal Wings

"Hello, everyone." As Crystal made her entrance into the tea pavilion under the moonlit night, her voice reverberated with warmth and familiarity. Ambrose and Aurelius eagerly awaited her, their eyes gleaming with anticipation. The academy, veiled in slumber, remained blissfully unaware of the clandestine gathering unfolding beneath the celestial gaze.

"We might have a slight change of plans," Crystal nervously chuckled, glancing behind her. Both Ambrose and Aurelius followed her gaze and noticed Marina gracefully stepping into the pavilion.

Marina, expecting to encounter Aurelius alone, found herself momentarily stunned by the unexpected presence of Ambrose. The realization that Crystal had generated a connection with him left her amazed, especially considering the lingering dread she felt merely a week ago, fearing he would execute her for her ill-fated water attack.

Marina greeted both the males with the fae greeting, which was reciprocated with equal courtesy by both Ambrose and Aurelius. Crystal, in her usual haphazard way, joined the greeting, earning endearing smiles from the males. Marina observed them with narrowed eyes, sensing more than just friendship in their intentions but when her gaze fell upon Crystal, an eye roll betrayed her thoughts.

Unaware of their thoughts, Crystal remained oblivious.

If only she could perceive emotions like love and affection, she might have already known by now. Alas! her suppressed powers were not yet strong enough to sense such sacred feelings.

"Mind if Marina joins us? She's my partner in crime," Crystal asked, casting a hopeful glance at Ambrose.

"I must ask, why am I considered your partner in crime? You never informed me of any mischievous plans we were embarking upon," Marina asked, confused. Crystal chuckled and shook her head.

"Oh, Marina, it's just a figure of speech. It means you're my best friend, and I can't leave you out of this mission," Crystal explained, and Marina nodded, forming an 'O' shape with her lips as she understood the concept of being a partner in crime. She always found Earth's metaphors intriguing whenever Crystal explained them, but the challenge was keeping up with the new random words Crystal introduced every day.

"Given your favorable perspective, I warmly embrace the presence of Marina," replied Ambrose, his gaze fixed on Crystal, who smiled gratefully at him.

"Considering the urgency of returning for the first lecture tomorrow, I believe it would be prudent for us to continue our journey without pause," added Aurelius, unable to bear witness to the exchange happening between Crystal and Ambrose.

Crossing the protective walls of Teikhi Prostasias, Crystal and her crew left the academy premises, venturing into the familiar forest that had captivated Crystal the first time she saw it with those majestic tall trees that resembled small plants only in shape.

"While it would not pose a predicament for me to be recognized by a fellow fae, it is crucial that both of you maintain a low profile to prevent arousing any suspicion," advised Ambrose to Marina and Aurelius.

They immediately altered their appearances, knowing that Crystal had no family in the Fae Kingdom, as far as she knew. However, she still needed to change her appearance to blend in with the crowd, leaving behind her customary jeans and tee.

"Mutare Indumenta," Ambrose chanted, conjuring a flicker of fire from his fingertips. The flames enveloped Crystal, bringing forth a breathtaking transformation. Her attire morphed into a sky blue gown, emphasizing her elegance, while her hair was expertly styled into a graceful bun, with strands framing her face in intricate spirals.

"We are now prepared to embark on our journey," declared Ambrose, as he opened the door and imagined the portal to the Fae Kingdom in his mind, allowing the hut to accommodate it.

He then looked at Crystal. "Ladies first," he said, and Crystal's nerves mingled with a nervous chuckle, her hands rubbing together anxiously.

"So gentlemanly of you, but I don't think I would like to go first. It is an unfamiliar place." In that moment, Aurelius, captivated by her vulnerability, yearned to offer his hand to guide her through. However, Marina swiftly interjected, seizing the opportunity.

"Fear not, Crystal. I shall remain by your side, holding your hand steadfastly throughout," Marina whispered reassuringly, her hand extending towards Crystal's trembling fingers. Aurelius glanced at them, a twinge of disappointment momentarily surfacing, yet gratitude swelled within him that Marina was the one comforting and leading Crystal into the unknown, for now, and not Ambrose.

As Crystal took a deep breath, her heart pounded with a blend of excitement and apprehension. With each step forward, she stepped into a realm invested with ethereal magic and breathtaking wonder.

She couldn't help but marvel at the enchanting landscape of the Fae Kingdom. The air carried a sweet fragrance, reminiscent of blooming flowers in full bloom.

The tree trunks stood tall, painted in a delicate pink hue that resembled fluffy cotton candy. Above, the leaves adorned the trees, resembling glistening crystals that gracefully shifted colors, casting a mesmerizing display of ever-changing hues. One moment they had all the colors of the rainbow, and the next moment they turned silver and sparkly.

The meadow was unreal too. The ground was covered in soft moss with different colors like blue, purple, and gold.

Sunlight peeked through the trees, casting a soft glow. Crystal was mesmerized by the beauty around her. It felt like stepping into a painting where everything came to life.

The Fae Kingdom hummed with energy, awakening her senses and filling her with awe. She turned around to see Ambrose and Aurelius stepping outside of the hut as well.

"It looks like the Fae Kingdom resides in a different time zone from the land of Plutus," said Crystal excitedly, unable to contain her enthusiasm any longer. The Fae Kingdom surpassed even her wildest imagination, a million times more captivating than Plutus. For a brief moment, she was swept away, momentarily forgetting the purpose that brought them here in the first place.

"Indeed," replied Ambrose, trying his best to focus on the mission and not be distracted by her radiant smile.

A hint of longing infused Marina's voice as she lamented, "If only we had more time, I would have delighted in taking you to the Fae market, where wonders beyond your dreams await." Crystal, her curiosity piqued, hummed in agreement, their shared disappointment resonating.

"We shall all embark on our journey by taking to the skies," Ambrose suggested, emphasizing the swiftest mode of transportation available.

Crystal's frustration grew, her fist clenching tightly. Everyone was there to assist her, yet she was unable to summon her wings. The feeling of burden weighed heavily upon her, knowing she would only add to their already burdensome journey.

"I would be delighted to offer my assistance in facilitating your flight, Crystal," Marina offered without hesitation. Crystal gazed at her with tearful eyes, though she couldn't bring herself to accept the offer. After all, they were nearly the same size.

"Are you certain you can carry me? We're practically identical in stature," Crystal voiced her uncertainty, a touch of hesitation present in her tone.

"In that case, if it is agreeable to you, may I extend my assistance?" Aurelius interjected, his eyes brimming with hope. Before Crystal could hesitate with her response, Ambrose once again interrupted, disrupting the conversation.

"That shall not be requisite," he interjected, causing a flicker of annoyance to cross Aurelius's eyes, while the others remained puzzled. "I have a superior solution. Marina, if I recall correctly, you possess the powers of an ocean fae, correct?" Ambrose confirmed, and Marina nodded, feeling honored that the crown prince of the Fae Kingdom recognized her. In that instant, Aurelius grasped what plan Ambrose had in mind.

"In that case, we shall combine our powers to grant wings to Crystal. All you need to do is summon your water element," Ambrose guided, and Crystal's breath caught in her throat, realizing that she was on the verge of obtaining wings. Even if they were temporary, she would finally taste the exhilaration of flight, just like her fellow fae peers.

She could control her facial expressions, but her heart burned with indescribable anticipation.