“You thought you would be left alone?” Asteria stopped in her tracks. She knew that voice, better than herself. The same voice she heard a month ago, on that fateful night. She knew only she could hear the strange voice, which was fine with her. Even an army of guards couldn’t protect her mind from unwanted visitors. Her long blonde hair gently blew in the soft breeze as she recollected her memories. “Is this really new to you? I thought you enjoyed my company.”Anger swelled in Asteria’s blood. That foolish Ghost Fae. Always ignorant.
“I don’t have time for your little games, Zephyr,” Asteria responded in her most cold tone.
Anyone around her would be wondering why the Queen, the most regal and proper person in the Kingdom, was talking to herself, but it didn’t concern her. Besides, no one was here. Night was a dangerous time to be out. Especially after the attack last night. She continued to walk through the endless maze of what was the palace gardens. It relaxed her from all her “queenly” business. Also, from an evil mind speaker. “Remember us a year ago? I trained you. I gave you that crystal. You only have wings and magic because of me.”Asteria froze. He does have a point. She pushed that thought away.
“Because of you, I am Corrupted. I have some of the most evil and dangerous magic in Eyzalea, because of you. My family is gone, because of you.”
Zephyr remained silent. Asteria could tell he was pondering over what to say. Who’s right now, Ghost Fae? “Asteria, I’m-”Before he could finish, Asteria threw her heavy purple cape off her back, and spread her giant wings. They were beautiful, in a ghastly way. They were made of deep grayish-brown feathers, as if streaked by ash, and were jagged along the edges, as if someone had ripped them to shreds.
Without hesitation, Asteria took to the sky. She knew it was risky, flying so close to the palace, but she didn’t care. Getting away from Zephyr was more important to her than someone finding out she wasn’t indeed wingless. From there she flew, over the villages, past the sakura forests, until she reached Lunar Mountain—the tallest mountain in the Moon Kingdom. Even without wings, it only would have taken her about half a day to walk there. At least there is one upside to having Corrupted Wings.
Asteria landed gracefully at the very top, on a small patch of grass. Folding her wings back in gently, she sighed with relief. But that moment didn’t last very long. “If you’re really going to do this again, I might as well come see you myself.”Asteria was about to protest, but before a single word escaped her mouth, a cloud of pale white smoke coiled around in front of her. Almost no moments later, the cloud dissipated, like the energy was sucked out of it.
Where the smoke was, now stood a tall man with a pair of foggy, white wings.
Zephyr.
His skin was a gray tone, with what looked like black battle paint on his face. His hair was a deep black, and a black beanie perched on his head, with his white horns poking out. His clothing style was very dark: He was wearing a black jacket that was rolled up to his elbows, and it was unzipped to reveal a deep gray shirt with the Ghost Fae crest. He also wore a pair of black baggy pants, which dangled with an assortment of buckled straps. While he was a tall person, his height drastically increased with the help of a pair of thick platform boots. To finish his look, a chain belt, choker, and black fingerless gloves. But what really stood out were his eyes. They were a deep, glowing amber, that seemed to look into your soul.
“I thought you already learned you can’t fly away from your own mind,” Zephyr responded. His voice was deeper than most, the type that sends chills down your spine. Asteria tightened her fists. If he wants a fight, then he’ll get one. Summoning all her energy, she activated her transformation. Her eyes turned a deep magenta, as well as part of her hair. Her purple and blue silk gown had also transformed into a set of black, magenta, and gold armor.
She gazed at her left hand. It was covered in magenta and black veins, like a sickly virus. She focused her attention on Zephyr, who in turn activated his transformation to defend himself. One touch with this hand…and he’s done for. She charged at him, swinging her hand.
“Asteria! I just want to talk!” Zephyr shouted while defending himself from Asteria’s death-hand.
“Isn’t that what you say all the time?!” Asteria shrieked back, again swinging her hand toward Zephyr.
“I can tell you where the Ghost Fae have lived all this time!”
Asteria froze mid-swing. The secret to where the Ghost Fae have resided for the past five-thousand years? Where they get all their weapons and troops to attack Eyzalea? He would really tell me? She averted her gaze towards Zephyr’s amber eyes.
“You’re lying, aren’t you?” Asteria questioned him.
“If you want, I can take you there now,” Zephyr responded. Before Asteria could answer, Zephyr continued: “But I don’t want any more fighting between us. I’m not asking to be friends, just to go our own separate ways.” Asteria pondered for a minute. She wanted to see the Ghost Fae’s home, to unveil its secrets, but Zephyr’s condition held her back. A sudden thought struck her: He was trapped, alone. Deep under the Moon Palace with only his other Ghost Fae companions, who were just as helpless as him. He would do anything for freedom. Asteria no longer saw Zephyr as a threat (or an evil mind speaker). She saw a helpless person, who only wanted to see his family, his friends. His daughter.
“Okay, I accept your deal,” Asteria answered. Zephyr looked surprised, and even smiled, something he rarely ever did. Asteria smiled back. I guess friends never really part ways.
By Mariah Salvini
8th grade, GMMS
Lisa Everett’s English class
Lisa Everett’s English class