As the morning sun filtered softly through the windows, the fairies began to stir. One by one, they awoke, the warmth of the room and the peace of the moment bringing them to gentle consciousness. Lira stretched quietly, her eyes immediately settling on Ethan, still sleeping soundly in Flora’s embrace, his small face nestled into her soft chest.

Lira (softly, with a smile): "Look at him... so peaceful after everything. I was so scared yesterday."

Luna (sitting up and gazing at Ethan): "I think we all were. When Ryznith had him, I thought... I thought we lost him." (Her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly composed herself.)

Sylph (sighing, her eyes full of both love and guilt as she watched Ethan sleep): "I’ve never felt more terrified in my life. The way he looked... so small and fragile." (She paused, her voice tender now.) "I don’t know what happened to me next. All I see after it, is he in Luna's arms."

Zara (nodding, her voice gentle): "We love him too much to ever let something like that happen again. He’s everything to us."

Flora (her voice low, as she kissed Ethan’s head tenderly): "My little flower... We won’t let anything hurt you. We’ll protect you with everything we have." She cradled him closer, her hand softly brushing his hair. He shifted slightly in his sleep, burying his face deeper into her chest, seeking more warmth and comfort. "Let him sleep as long as he needs. He’s been through so much."

Mira (smiling warmly): "It’s incredible how much love we all feel for him. He’s brought us together in a way I never thought possible. I mean, just look at him—how could we ever let anything happen to him?"

Elara (her voice calm, but filled with deep emotion): "It’s more than just love. We’re his family now, and families protect each other no matter what. He’s done so much for us. It’s our job to make sure he never faces anything like that again."

Tara (her voice soft but determined): "I don’t want to see him scared or hurt ever again. We’ll keep him safe... we have to."

Lira (gazing at Ethan, her tone tender and full of affection): "He’s so tiny... so precious. Every time I see him smile or hear him giggle, it makes my heart swell. I never want to lose that, any of it."

Flora, who had remained quiet, kissed the top of Ethan’s head again, her love for him radiating through her every movement. She could feel the rise and fall of his little chest as he breathed deeply in his sleep. She stroked his hair gently, her soft voice barely above a whisper.

Flora: "**He’ll be okay now. He’s with us... safe."** She looked up at the others, her eyes filled with warmth. "I’ll let him rest as much as he wants. He needs to heal, and I’m not letting him out of my arms until I know he’s strong again."

Sylph (smiling, though her eyes shimmered with tears): "I just want to hear him laugh again. His giggle... it’s everything."

Zara (nodding): "We’ll hear it soon. He’s a fighter, just like us."

Ethan stirred slightly in Flora’s arms, his little hand clutching the fabric of her dress as he nuzzled closer to her. Flora smiled, cradling him tighter, making sure he was enveloped in all the love and warmth she could give.

Ethan (mumbling, his voice drowsy): “Mmm....”

Flora smiled down at him, her heart swelling with love as she brushed her hand through his hair.

Flora (softly): “Conjor, my little one. How do you feel now?”

Ethan stirred again, his small hands tightening around Flora’s tunic as he nestled deeper into her warm embrace.

Flora: "Baby... Is my little flower awake?" (She gently brushed his cheek, her heart swelling with affection.)

Ethan: "Mmmmm... Floraaa..."

The sound of his sweet voice made Flora's heart flutter. She wrapped her arms around him tighter, relishing the moment.

Flora: "Ohh, my sweet sweet flower... I really missed your voice." (She kissed the top of his head, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.)

Nia: "Aww... we all missed you! Ethan, please wake up. We want to see your cute face!"

Ethan: (mumbling with his face buried in Flora’s chest) "Mmm... I’m sleeping now..."

Laughter filled the room, their hearts brimming with love and eagerness to see him fully awake and well.

Flora: "Aww, baby... Just a little. We all want to make sure you’re okay. Please, flower..."

Ethan: (still mumbling) "I’m... fine... Floraaa... Sleepy..."

Zara: "Ethan, please... Just a little peek. You want to see us smiling, right? Please?"

With a reluctant sigh, Ethan turned his face slightly, peeking out from Flora’s embrace. When he finally smiled, the sight melted their hearts—his natural glow had returned, brightening the room.

Flora: "Awww, look at this sweetest and cutest face!" (She kissed his cheek.) "I love your cute face, flower."

As Ethan smiled, the other fairies felt a wave of relief wash over them, their smiles wide with contentment.

Tara: "Aww, my little charmer... You have no idea how happy we are now. You literally made our day!"

Aria: (grinning) "Yeah, who needs sunshine when we have Ethan's smile?"

Everyone chuckled, and Flora felt his soft laughter vibrating against her chest.

Flora: "Now, my sweet beautiful flower, get up and tell us how you’re feeling."

Ethan sighed dramatically, reluctant to leave the warmth of her embrace.

Ethan: "Noooo... Flora..." (He burrowed his face back into her chest, wrapping his arms around her.) "Just talk to me like this."

Laughter erupted around the room, everyone relieved to see him back to his playful self.

Luna: "You know, I think Flora's become your permanent blanket."

Sylph: "And a very fluffy one at that! Can’t blame you for not wanting to leave."

Ethan chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Ethan: "Flora’s so cozy and warm. I never want to leave her."

Flora’s heart swelled even more, and she wrapped him tighter in her arms, enjoying the closeness.

Flora: "And I’m not letting you go until I know you’re ready to make mischief again."

Ethan: "**I’m grown now. I escaped a monster, you know. I don’t make mischief now."** (His voice was playful, clearly enjoying the banter.)

Laughter filled the air once more at his cute tone.

Flora: (gasping playfully) "Grown up now, huh? And what if I start showering your face with kisses?" (She pulled his face gently from her chest, cupping it and showering it with kisses.)

Ethan giggled and squirmed, trying to escape the onslaught of affection, but there was no escaping Flora's warmth.

Ethan: "Flora, stop! You’re too much!" (His laughter was infectious, and he couldn't help but grin.)

Flora: "Too much love? There’s no such thing! You need all the love you can get to keep you safe."

Ethan stretched his little body and yawned, a bright smile spreading across his face.

Ethan: "Mmm... Conjor!" (His sweet voice filled the room.)

The fairies waited eagerly for him to fully wake up, and Flora carefully set him in her lap, wrapping her arms around him like a warm blanket.

Lira: "We’re so happy, Ethan. Are you feeling okay now?"

Ethan nodded enthusiastically, beaming with joy.

Mira: "He’s all fine and ready to jump into our laps. Right, Ethan?"

Ethan: "Of course! Why wouldn’t I? Flora's bitter decoction is all I need!"

Laughter erupted around them, and Flora gasped playfully, pulling him back into her embrace.

Flora: "You little bud! Teasing my decoction? Now I’ll shower you with kisses again, and this time, I’m not stopping!"

Before Ethan could react, Flora bombarded him with kisses, smothering him with affection. He squirmed and giggled, trying to escape her relentless onslaught.

Ethan: "Flora, stop! I can’t breathe!" (He laughed, attempting to push her away.)

Flora: "Not a chance! You started this!" (She continued her affectionate attack, her laughter mixing with his.)

Ethan: "**Okay, okay! I promise to behave!"** (He laughed between kisses, cheeks flushed.)

Flora: "Alright, I’ll leave you alone this time. But if you tease me again, I’ll wobble you up!"

Ethan: (chuckling) "But then I’ll just tease you from your tummy!"

The room erupted in laughter again.

Flora: (kissing his lips one last time) "Mwah! My cute, silly flower. Now go to Sylph. She wants to hold you."

Ethan grinned and rushed over to Sylph, excitement bubbling over.

Ethan: "Sylph!" (His voice was filled with joy.)

Sylph eagerly wrapped him in her arms, squeezing him tightly as if she hadn’t seen him in ages. Her fear from the previous day lingered, and she wanted to hold him forever.

Sylph: "Ohhh... my sweet, sweet little firefly! I missed you sooooo much!"

Ethan: "Sylph!" (He wrapped his small arms around her.)

Sylph: (pulling him closer, showering his face with kisses) "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! Mwah! My cute firefly..." (She hugged him fiercely.)

Ethan: "How are you, Sylph?"

Sylph: "Aww... I’m fine now. Just holding you like this makes me so happy."

Ethan pulled back slightly to meet her gaze.

Ethan: "I saw it in your eyes, Sylph. Your face was pale like mine yesterday."

Sylph: (kissing him again) "Ohh... you sweet thing. And what do you see now?"

Ethan: "Your love for me. It makes you brighter again."

The other fairies watched the sweet exchange, smiles lighting up their faces.

Sylph: (kissing his lips) "Mwah! You are the reason for my happy face. You complete me, Ethan. You’re everything I need now."

Ethan: "And I’m right here with you, Sylph."

She pulled him back into her embrace, squeezing him tightly.

Sylph: "And never go... please... I can’t bear that pain..." (Her voice turned soft and shaky.) "Just stay with me... with me..."

Ethan gently wiped her tears.

Ethan: "No, Sylph. Don’t cry. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be with you, loving you and making mischief."

Sylph chuckled through her tears.

Sylph: "And I’ll always love you."

Ethan: (in his sweetest voice) "Now don’t cry anymore. If you do, I’ll steal all your dresses and hide them away!"

Laughter erupted, and even Sylph couldn’t help but giggle, hugging him tightly.

Sylph: (laughing) "You can always hide my dresses. Just don’t go away from me!"

Ethan: "I won’t. I promise."

Nia: (with a playful pout) "And what about us, Snow? Leaving us all without kisses and snuggles?"

Ethan: (turning to Nia) "No way, Nia. You’re my most favorite kisser!"

Laughter erupted, and Ethan darted to Nia, jumping into her warm embrace. She wrapped him tightly, holding him effortlessly against her.

Nia: "Awww... My sweet, cute baby!" (She showered him with kisses.) "Mwah! My little snowflake!" (Another kiss.) "Mwah! My waterball!" (She kissed him again, this time on his lips.) "Mwah! My snow."

Ethan: (giggling) "And you are my beautiful frost fairy!"

Nia: "Awww... So sweet of you!" (She hugged him again.) "I am soooo happy to see you like this—charming and sweet."

Mira: "Niaaa... We’re waiting for him!"

Nia: (pouting playfully) "Uhh... Nooo... I don’t want to leave him! He’s so cute and snugglable!" (She squeezed his cheeks.) "But we all want to hold you... go!" (She said with a smile.)

With that, Ethan darted to Mira, a bright grin on his face.

Ethan: "Miraa!"

Mira scooped him up and settled him on her lap.

Mira: "Here comes my mushroom!" (She kissed him hard.) "Mmmwah!"

Ethan: (giggling) "Miraa... I love your kisses!"

Mira: "And I love you... so much that one day I’ll eat you!"

Ethan: "Then I’ll tickle your tummy from inside!"

Mira: (laughing) "You sweet little...!" (She kissed him again, this time even harder.) "Mwah! You are the most kissable person. I could kiss you all day long."

The room filled with giggles and affection as the other fairies watched, their hearts swelling with love.

Then, Tara stepped forward, a playful grin on her face.

Tara: "Well, if we’re taking turns, then it’s my turn now!"

Ethan looked at her with excitement.

Ethan: "Tara!"

She wrapped her arms around him, pulling him close.

Tara: "My little troublemaker!" (She pressed a flurry of kisses on his cheeks.) "Mwah! Mwah! Mwah!"

Ethan: (laughing) "Hey! I’m not a troublemaker!"

Tara: "Oh, but you are! And I love you for it!" (She tickled him, making him squeal with laughter.) "I could do this forever!"

Next, Aria joined in, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Aria: "Looks like everyone’s stealing my kisses!" (She scooped Ethan up into her arms.)

Ethan: "Aria! You can’t take me away from my hugs!"

Aria: "Oh, but I can!" (She planted kisses all over his face.) "Mwah! Mwah! You’re mine now!"

Ethan: (laughing uncontrollably) "Okay, okay! You can have me!"

Then, Lira stepped in with a teasing grin.

Lira: "You little champ, I think it’s time for a strong hug!" (She wrapped him in her powerful embrace.)

Ethan: "Lira! Mmmm... my strongest fairy. You are so strong."

Lira: "Just enough to keep you safe!" (She kissed his forehead.) "Mwah! You’ll always be my precious little one."

As the playful chaos continued, Sylph couldn’t resist joining back in, snatching Ethan from Lira.

Elara: "Come here, my lovebug!" (She pulled him close and covered his face in kisses.) "Mwah! You are my everything!"

Ethan: (giggling) "I can’t take all this love!"

Luna: "Don’t you dare complain about too much love, Moon! You’re the reason for all this joy!" (She kissed him on the cheek.) "Mwah! You deserve every bit of it!"

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

Zara: "And let’s not forget how much we adore your cute little antics!" (She kissed him softly.) "You bring so much light into our lives."

Just then, Varmora appeared with her radiant light shimmering around her projection.

Varmora: "So, you are awake…"

The other fairies immediately lowered their heads in respect, clenching their fists to their chests in reverence.

Ethan: (seeing Varmora) "Varmora!"

Luna: (gently scolding him) "Ethan! Phinix Varmora."

Ethan: "**Sorry! Varmora Phinix."**

Varmora chuckled at the way Ethan had mixed up the words.

Varmora: "Don’t worry, little one. You can call me Varmora. I won’t mind."

Ethan: (grinning) "See, Luna!"

Luna: (laughing) "You’re impossible, silly little moon." (She kissed him on the cheek.)

Lira: "Phinix, we appreciate your presence here."

Varmora: "I see how you all care for him, love him, and protect him. My worries have melted away, seeing this."

Elara: "**He is our everything, Phinix. We would do anything for him. Isn’t that right, bug?"** (She opened her arms, calling Ethan over.)

Ethan darted into Elara’s lap, where he was welcomed with a shower of kisses.

Varmora: "But you know, Ethan, you also have to take care of them."

Before Ethan could respond, Aria interjected with a knowing smile.

Aria: "He always thinks about us. I can tell just by looking into his eyes."

Ethan: (with a sigh) "But I don’t know what I do. All I do is make a mess. And it’s always you who protect me."

Elara: (gently stroking his hair) "No, baby. It’s not like that. Just by being yourself, you make us all happy. That’s all we want from you. Never stop being your mischievous, sweet self. Otherwise, we’d lose our most precious gift—you and your sweetness."

Ethan: (grinning up at Varmora) "See, Varmora? I take good care of them."

Everyone laughed, their love for Ethan filling the room with warmth.

Elara: (whispering gently in his ear, playfully scolding) "Phinix Varmora"

Ethan: (whispering back, grinning) "Sorry again. But I can’t help it."

Elara: (chuckling) "Oh, you sweet little troublemaker." (She kissed him once more, letting him settle deeper into her embrace.)

Varmora: (smiling fondly) "Well, it seems he’s all fine now."

Nia: "Right. I sensed every nerve and fluid in him. He’s completely healed."

Ethan: (wide-eyed with surprise) "When?"

Elara: "And I sensed his heartbeat and his little genius brain activity. He’s back to normal."

Ethan: (looking up at Elara in amazement) "But when?"

Elara: (cupping his face gently) "Right here, in my lap, sweet bug."

Flora: "And I sensed your internal injuries and made that bitter decoction based on what your body needed."

Sylph: "His heat, it’s back to normal."

Ethan: (still amazed) "You guys can do all that? Really?"

Zara: "Not all of us. Only them."

The fairies shared a warm, affectionate laugh as Ethan sat in awe, realizing the depths of the care and love they had for him. He looked around at each of them, his heart swelling with gratitude and love, knowing they would always watch over him.

Ethan: "You’re all amazing... Thank you."

Varmora: (her voice gentle and full of wisdom) "You are well-loved, Ethan. Never forget that. And by being yourself, you’ve given them a gift far more precious than anything else."

Varmora: (smiling) "Speaking of your genius mind, little one, when will you show me that lightless body?"

Elara: "Whenever you wish, Phinix."

Ethan: (confused) "Lightless body? But why?"

Luna: "Because Phinix is using it as her new body. She will be Phinix again."

Ethan: (wide-eyed) "Really?"

Varmora: "Yes, little one. And it's all thanks to you. You transformed that body."

Ethan: "**Thank you, Varmora! ... Sorry, Phinix Varmora."**

All of the fairies burst into laughter, the lightness of the moment filling the air.

They all then headed toward the place where the lightless body was preserved. As they reached the chamber, Varmora’s Philight (the shimmering essence of her spirit) entered the body. Within moments, the body began to stir, its eyes fluttering open before it sat upright.

Lira: (eagerly, but cautious) "Phinix, is it really you?"

Varmora: (nodding) "Yes, it’s me."

Tara: "How do you feel?"

Varmora: (closing her eyes, sensing her new form) "Weak... like this body really needs something."

Ethan: "She needs food, right?"

Varmora: (shaking her head, smiling gently) "No, little one. All I need is a quiet place to meditate."

Ethan: (bewildered) "Meditate? No food?"

Nia: (giggling softly) "Because Phinixes don’t need to eat or sleep. They meditate to energize themselves."

Ethan: (in awe) "Wow! I want that power too!"

Everyone chuckled at Ethan’s innocent enthusiasm.

Elara: (bowing respectfully) "Welcome back, Phinix. We are so fortunate to have a Phinix with us once again."

Aria: (teasing Elara with a playful pout) "Oh, poor Elara. Now you’ll have to give up your Rynous title!"

The room erupted with laughter once more.

Elara: (laughing along, nodding) "I’m truly happy to transfer my Rynous title to Phinix. She is obviously more deserving and elder than I am."

Varmora: (waving her hand humbly) "Rynous! You don’t need to do this."

Elara: "No, Phinix. I still believe in our customs and traditions. You should be our guiding light."

Zara: (agreeing) "Rynous’ right, Phinix. There may only be 12 of us left in the entire realm system, but we still need a guiding light like you."

Sylph: (grinning) " Should we have a fancy ceremony with a golden crown?"

Nia: (joining in with a giggle) "And let’s make sure there’s a throne. A big, sparkly one."

Mira: (adding playfully) "And of course, a speech about the 'glorious reign of Elara.'"

The fairies couldn’t help but laugh together, their playful banter filling the chamber as Varmora smiled warmly at the love and joy they shared.

Varmora: (softly, but filled with affection) "You all are my light, truly."

Ethan: (whispering while snuggling close to Sylph) "Sylph!"

Sylph: (smiling down at him) "Yes, firefly?"

Ethan: (eyes glinting with mischief) "**We’ve got one more to tease now... what do you say?"**

Sylph: (gasps, placing a hand over her mouth in playful shock) "No, Ethan! We can’t! She’s the Phinix!"

Ethan: (grinning) "Come on, Sylph. It’ll be fun! Just a little bit of mischief. Nothing too big."

Sylph: (shaking her head quickly) "No, baby. Not her. We have to respect Phinix Varmora. She’s way too important, and we have to behave when she’s around."

Ethan: (pouting, resting his head dramatically on Sylph’s shoulder) "Okay…"

His exaggerated sigh made Sylph smile. She kissed his cheek, pulling him back to look into his eyes.

Sylph: (cooing) "Awww, don’t be sad, baby. You can always tease me!"

Ethan stayed silent, his face still buried in her shoulder, deep in his pretend disappointment.

Sylph: (rubbing his back softly) "Oh, baby... Look at me."

Ethan slowly peeked up at her, his pout firmly in place. Sylph cupped his face with a gentle smile, brushing his hair out of his eyes.

Sylph: (softly explaining) "We fairies have some rules, you know. Like this one: we can’t tease or make mischief with the Phinixes. They’re more powerful than anyone else, and they’re our guiding light. It’s like having a queen. We have to treat them with respect and care. Understand?"

Ethan: (sighing again, a little less dramatically this time) "Okay... I won’t make mischief with Varmora."

Sylph: (beaming with pride) "That’s my sweet Firefly." She kissed him on both cheeks, then pulled back, her tone now teasing. "Now… show me that little smile of yours."

Ethan: (grumbling) "No."

Sylph: (raising an eyebrow playfully) "Oh, really? You’re going to be stubborn, huh?"

Ethan: (firmly) "Yup."

Sylph: (grinning wickedly) "Well, if you won’t smile, then I have no choice… but to cover you in kisses!"

Before Ethan could react, Sylph’s lips were all over his face, planting kisses on his cheeks, forehead, and nose.

Ethan: (giggling but trying to hold it in) "Sylph, stop! No!"

Sylph: (laughing as she keeps kissing him) "Nope! You asked for it, little firefly!"

She peppered his face with rapid kisses, her lips landing everywhere—on his forehead, his chin, even his ears. Ethan squirmed in her arms, laughing uncontrollably.

Ethan: (giggling harder) "Sylph! I can’t breathe! Stop! You’re tickling me!"

Sylph: (pretending not to hear him) "What was that? More kisses? You got it!"

She exaggerated the sound of each kiss, making a loud “mwah” noise every time her lips touched his face.

Ethan: (trying to squirm free, laughing hysterically) "No! No more! You win!"

But Sylph wasn’t letting him go so easily. She held him tighter, continuing her barrage of kisses, each one more playful than the last.

Sylph: (giggling) "Not until I see that smile, baby!"

Ethan: (laughing uncontrollably) "Okay! Okay! I’m smiling! I’m smiling!"

Finally, Sylph paused, looking at his giggling, red-faced expression. She grinned with satisfaction, giving him one last gentle kiss on his nose.

Sylph: (teasing) "There’s that smile. I knew I’d get it."

Ethan: (still catching his breath, grinning widely) "You’re too much, Sylph."

Sylph: (smirking) "Oh, firefly, you have no idea. Next time, I’ll use my fire kisses."

Ethan: (laughing) "**Fire kisses? What’s that?"**

Sylph: (winking) "Oh, you’ll find out... eventually."

Ethan shook his head, still grinning from ear to ear, completely forgetting his earlier pout. Sylph smiled triumphantly, hugging him close, satisfied that her mission to make him smile was complete.

Lira (her voice firm) : "Aria, show Phinix our roof garden. Phinix you can meditate there."

Aria (nods and showing Varmora the way): "This way Phinix."

As Varmora and Aria left the room, heading towards the roof garden, Ethan waved with a cheerful grin.

Ethan: "Bye, Varmora!"

Varmora: (smiling warmly) "Bye, little one."

As the door closed, Flora approached Ethan, her eyes twinkling.

Flora: (teasing) "Hmm… laughing with Sylph, I see."

Ethan: (leaning toward Flora from Sylph's arms) "Flora!"

Flora: (taking Ethan into her arms, giving him a big kiss on the cheek) "Look at you, Sylph. You seem so much happier and better now. We were all so worried about you, wondering if you’d ever overcome that sadness."

Sylph: (poking Ethan playfully) "How could I be sad anymore when this cute little human is in my arms?"

Nia: (smiling softly) "Flora’s right. We really missed your smile and your jokes, Sylph."

Sylph: (grinning as she makes a playful joke) "Well, I guess I’m too hot to handle when I’m all gloomy!"

Everyone bursts into laughter.

Sylph: (with sincerity) "**But really… he’s the one behind all of this. Seeing him safe and happy again, it made me whole. Thank you, Ethan. Really."**

Ethan: (grinning cheekily) "I guess I’m just that amazing, huh?"

Everyone laughs heartily, the joyful mood infectious.

Lira: (smirking, hands on her hips) "Alright, fairies. We could laugh all day, but this castle is still a mess! Time to clean up!"

Everyone: (groaning and sighing in unison) "Ugh, nooo!"

Mira: (dramatically) "Come on, Lira! We just got Ethan back! Do we really have to clean?"

Tara: (pouting, pulling Ethan closer) "Exactly. I was planning on snuggling with my charmer here."

Lira: (chuckling, but standing firm) "Don’t get me wrong, I want to cuddle him too. Even me! But, no worries—we’ll have plenty of time for that. Plus, he’ll be right here messing things up even more! Won’t you, Champ?" (She kisses his cheek.)

Ethan: (smiling innocently) "I always try to help… but somehow, I end up making more messes."

The room erupted in laughter.

Flora: (laughing, shaking her head fondly) "That’s my sweet Flower… a completely innocent rascal." (She plants another kiss on his head.) "But you must be hungry now, hmm?"

Ethan: (grinning and nodding) "Yup!"

Flora: (chuckling) "Let’s go then."

As she hoisted him up and started walking toward the kitchen, Ethan glanced over her shoulder, calling back to the others.

Ethan: (grinning playfully) "**Don’t start without me!"**

The fairies all chuckled as they watched Flora and Ethan disappear down the hallway, their hearts warm with affection for the little human who had brought so much joy back into their lives.

----------------------------------------

The days passed. Castle is back in its luxurious shape. Varmora is fine and now become another member of this family. She is Phinix, but she lives like a normal member with them. Ethan is also more familiar with Varmora now.

Varmora stood in the hallway, hands on her hips, calling out with a firm voice.

Varmora: "Ethan! Ethan!"

But instead of Ethan, Nia appeared, looking curious.

Nia: "What happened, Phinix?"

Varmora: (frustrated) *"Where is he? He’s hidden my tunic again!"

Nia tried to suppress a laugh but couldn’t help the small grin that crept onto her face.

Nia: (apologetic but amused) "I’m sorry, Phinix. I’ll ask him where he hid it."

Varmora: (raising an eyebrow) "No. Bring him to me. I will ask him myself this time."

Nia: (nodding) "Right, Phinix."

As Nia walked away, she ran into Aria in the hall.

Nia: "Where’s Snow?"

Aria: (smirking) "No idea. What happened?"

Unable to contain it any longer, Nia burst into laughter.

Nia: "He hid Phinix’s dress again."

Aria: (laughing along) "I told him not to make mischief with Phinix! But… he’s impossible."

Nia: (giggling) *"And now Phinix wants to interrogate him herself."

Aria: (laughing harder) "Herself? He’d better be serious about it then!"

Nia: (shaking her head) "Serious? Him? Never!"

Both of them laughed as they headed off to find Ethan.

Meanwhile, Ethan was with Tara, learning magic spells. Tara waved her hand, demonstrating a spell.

Tara: "Illusorium. This spell is used to create an illusion of something non-living."

Ethan: (paying attention but getting mischievous) "Okay, but Taraaa…"

Tara: (humoring him) "Hmm?"

Ethan: "I want to know more about that spell… you know, the one where things disappear."

Tara: (narrowing her eyes, skeptical) "Wait. You mean the Vanisher spell? That’s a hiding spell."

Ethan: (grinning) "Yes. Every time I use it, things reappear after a short while."

Tara: (raising an eyebrow) "Hmm… so you want to know how to make things disappear permanently, right?"

Ethan: (beaming) "**Yes!"**

Tara: (teasing) "And why’s that, hmm?"

Before Ethan could answer, Nia and Aria walked in.

Nia: "So he can hide Phinix’s dress."

Aria: (laughing) "**Permanently."**

Ethan smiled sheepishly, his mischief caught red-handed.

Tara: (gasping in mock outrage) "He did what? You’re hiding it again, Charmer?"

Ethan: (grinning) "Sorry."

Tara: (laughing softly) "Now I see why you want to know more about that spell."

Ethan: (trying to cover) "**It’s not like that, Tara."**

Tara: (challenging) "Oh? So, tell me, how is it then?"

Ethan: (thinking fast) "I...I.. thought ... I could use that spell to hide myself whenever I’m in danger."

Tara: (shaking her head, serious now) "Ethan! Never do that. That spell comes with caution. If you use it on yourself, you could be lost forever. And that’s something none of us wants. So, I’m not telling you more about it."

Ethan: (pleading) "Taraaaa…"

Tara: (firm, but loving) "Nope. Never."

With a pout, Ethan crossed his arms and sat in Tara’s lap, trying to charm his way into more information.

Tara: (kissing his head, amused) "Baby, you can’t make that pouty face for everything. There are things we never want you to use because it could put you in danger."

Nia: (kneeling in front of Ethan, cupping his pouty face gently) "Tara’s right, Snow. You still don’t know how bad things can get. There’s so much more to this world you haven’t seen. There are things that are beautiful, yes, but there are also things that are full of danger. Like Ryznith—remember?"

Ethan nodded, recalling the dangerous encounter.

Nia: (softly) "Please understand. We don’t want to lose you. We love you so much."

Aria: (kneeling next to Nia, smiling warmly) "But don’t worry! We’ll teach you everything as you grow up. One day, you’ll understand that what we do now is only for your good. Now, Please don’t be sad, okay? You know we can’t resist that pouty face, and we hate seeing you like this. It always makes us give in. But there are some things we just can’t tell you. Because we want you to stay with us. Forever"

Ethan looked at Nia, then Aria, and finally up at Tara, taking in all their words.

Ethan: (softly) "Okay. You’re right. I understand. And I’m sorry. I don’t want to force you all into anything. I just wanted to know. I’m really sorry."

Tara: (hugging him tightly, kissing his head) *"Don’t be sorry, baby. I am glad that you understood it. We just want you to be with us. Forever."

Nia: (smiling) "And we’ll tell you everything you want to know, but as you grow. So promise me you won’t use that cute little pout to force us into anything?"

Ethan: (smiling) "I promise."

Aria: (grinning, making a joke) "**Besides, you’d probably use that spell to hide your silfu at dinner, wouldn’t you?"**

Everyone burst out laughing, the tension dissipating as Ethan joined in, his mischievous grin returning.

Nia: (smiling) "And now, my Snow... it’s time to face your consequences."

Ethan: (blinking, confused) "What?"

Aria: (laughing) "Look at that innocent face! Like he didn’t do anything."

Tara: (smirking) "You hid Phinix’s dress, remember?"

Ethan: (slowly, a little sheepish) "Yesss... but..."

Nia: (raising an eyebrow, teasing) "No, no, please don’t tell me you’ve forgotten where you hid it."

Ethan: (mumbling) "I... forgot..."

Aria: (giggling) "Classic! He’s like a liuh hiding latts and forgetting where it put them!"

Tara: (laughing) "Oh, Ethan... you really are something else sometimes."

Nia: (smiling mischievously) "And Phinix wants to interrogate you herself."

Ethan: (confidently) "Don’t worry! I’ll handle it."

The three fairies burst into laughter.

Tara: (mocking) "Oh, well then, let’s see how you handle that, shall we?"

The group headed to Varmora’s room. Ethan, walking beside Nia, entered the room with a determined stride and a big smile. As soon as Varmora saw him, her stern expression melted into a knowing smile. Before Ethan could say anything, Varmora scooped him up in her strong arms, lifting him effortlessly.

Varmora: (teasing) "Hmm... So here you are."

Ethan: (smiling brightly) "**Yes! Nia said you called me."**

Varmora: (pretending to be stern) "Yes, because I need to know something very important."

Ethan: (innocent) "What is it, Varmora?"

Varmora: (raising an eyebrow) "Why do you keep hiding my dresses?"

Ethan: (immediately wide-eyed and innocent) "Me? No, Varmora! I couldn’t possibly hide your dresses! They’re so... heavy and shiny, and Royal! I can’t even lift them!"

Varmora: (squinting, but with a grin) "Oh really? You couldn’t lift them?"

Ethan: (nodding furiously, playing along) "No! They’re way too heavy for me."

Nia, Aria, and Tara stood in the background, trying to suppress their laughter, as Varmora decided to play along with Ethan’s charade.

Varmora: (pretending to ponder) "Hmm, well, I could’ve sworn I saw some little hands pulling my dress into a corner earlier..."

Ethan: (acting shocked) "That must have been someone else! Maybe there’s a ghost in the castle?"

Aria: (whispering to Nia) "**He’s really going for it, huh?"**

Nia: (chuckling softly) "Oh, this is going to be good."

Varmora: (narrowing her eyes playfully) "A ghost you say? And this ghost... do you think it has a name that sounds like Ethan?"

Ethan: (gasping dramatically) "**No, not Ethan! I would never!"** (he bats his eyes innocently)

Varmora: (lifting an eyebrow, smirking) "So, if I ask you to tell me where my dress is, you’d have no idea?"

Ethan: (nodding vigorously) "None at all, Varmora! I’m as clueless!"

Varmora tilted her head, still holding Ethan in her arms, and suddenly made a big show of sniffing the air.

Varmora: (dramatically) "Hmm... I smell something... mischief-y."

Ethan: (looking up, playing along) "Mischief? Where?"

Varmora leaned in close, her smile wide and playful.

Varmora: "You know, Ethan, my dress went missing just after you visited my room yesterday."

Ethan: (grinning but still trying) "That’s just a coincidence, Varmora!"

Varmora: (nodding) "A very big coincidence. Almost as big as the pile of dresses I just found stuffed under your bed."

Ethan: (blinking, frozen for a moment) "Oh... those dresses? How did those get there?"

The fairies behind couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter. Nia clutched her stomach, Aria had to lean on Tara for support, and even Tara was wiping tears from her eyes.

Varmora: (laughing now) "Ethan, you are terrible at being sneaky!"

Ethan: (finally breaking character and laughing) "Okay, okay, maybe I hid them. But only because your dresses are so pretty, I thought they needed a better hiding place!"

Varmora: (grinning) *"A better hiding place, huh? Under your bed?"

Ethan: (laughing) "Well, I forgot where else I put them last time!"

Varmora: (shaking her head but smiling fondly) "You little rascal."

She gave Ethan a playful squeeze before setting him down gently.

Ethan: (smiling sheepishly) "I’m sorry, Varmora. I’ll stop hiding your dresses. For now."

Varmora: (laughing) "You’d better! Or next time, you’ll be the one trying to wear them!"

The entire room erupted into laughter as Ethan, still grinning from ear to ear, gave Varmora a quick hug.

Ethan: "Deal!"

Nia: (wiping away a tear) "Well, Snow, you definitely know how to keep us entertained."

Aria: (laughing) "Just wait until he hides Varmora’s crown next. Then he’ll be in real trouble!"

Tara: (teasing) "Oh, I’m sure he’s already planning something."

Ethan: (grinning mischievously) "Who? Me?"

The fairies all laughed, knowing full well that even if Ethan was a handful, they wouldn’t have it any other way.