In the strange ether, a certain college girl was fangirling extra hard. Internally, she was squealing with excitement at meeting the mythical creatures she'd dreamed about as a child. They didn't show their wings, but they didn't need to. She could tell at a glance they were maidens of fate. Pointed ears, colored hair and dispositions to match. Weiss wore white furs around her neck while Mave was in a tantalizing summer outfit serenaded with several translucent fabrics that hinted at her tanned skin. Laila was dressed in comfortable silks that reminded Celebi of a an egyptian pharoh.

And Finally... Nera. Princess of Spring. Her alluring, almost gothic, garments were decorated in colorful floral patterns, capturing an image of eternal youth and elegance. She effortlessly matched Celebi's mental image of what a fairy should look like.

"..."

Outwardly, Celebi couldn't remain still, practically vibrating as she was given a chance to shake hands with the fae royalty. Her hand was a bit clammy, but none of them paid attention to it, or how Celebi only had her left hand.

"It is an honor to be in the presence of such noble figures. It-It's been my dream for so long."

Laila, Princess of Fall Court chuckled openly, wearing her emotions on her face.

"It's nice to meet you too, little sprout. We're all fans of how you handled that pesky demon."

Celebi's brain short-circuted for a moment as her lips parted, frozen from countless questions she'd been dying to ask but became riddled with indecision. How could she choose just one?

Mave bounced over, inspecting Celebi like a fashionista. The stunned girl didn't dare breath as the energetic fairy played with her hair and poked at her stomach in amusement.

Mave's touch felt reminiscent of icy-hot. And it tickled.

"Say, for a human, she's not half bad. I bet her wings are the color of the sunset, don't you?"

"You're being rude, Summer."

"Aww~ Winter Wiess, you're no fun. Come on. I'll bet you anything that there is a strong seed of fire just waiting to bloom."

Weiss looked away, not daring to take a peek into the girl's soul. It was incredibly rude and invasive act. Not like the rambunctious Mave would care.

Nera remained silent. Though, she too felt something strange within the human. The four princesses were still learning to peer into one's soul. The viridian-haired princess could sense a certain... heat. However, it wasn't the same fire that smoldered within her summer counterpart.

"Children."

Mave ceased playing with Celebi's hair and lined back up with the rest, scolded by Illya. Satisfied, Illya removed a spherical object from her raiment. Celebi shook her stunned status away and stared at the floating decahedron.

"This will test one's colors. Lay your hand upon it and it will show the nature of your soul. It may aid your decision."

Celebi stared at the object. The temptation was... delectable. Almost anyone would give up their dominant hand to be able to understand their own soul. Even so, it was a step away from irresistible.

"Must I?"

Offending her idols was the last thing she wanted, but her hesitant question lingered in the air.

The heirs remained silent, but their confusion was evident This was an artifact from a higher heaven that not even princesses should be allowed to glimpse. After the initial shock, however, reason came quickly.

It was dangerous to gaze into one's soul if you weren't prepared. Those who were weak-willed would be wrecked with indecision, or they may fall into turmoil by seeing the darkness swirling inside. Showing restraint impressed the fairy court.

Regardless, Illya warned.

"Choosing a court without it is a risk."

Celebi held firm.

"A fairy's choice should be free."

Illya stared at the human girl with renewed interest. For what reason was this one born into the race of man, she thought.

The artifact flew back into Illya's robes without a sound. Illya's small smile was enough to melt Celebi's poor heart.

"You've found where you belong, child. Asala vi rosa. Sar ri."

"Sar ri."

The strange soliloquy resonated within Celebi. The princess's repeated the words like an oath of old. Illya turned around, her voice ringing inside Celebi's heart.

"From the roses, we breathe. This is our creed."

As majestically as she arrived, Illya faded away, leaving her children behind.

=

Year 20XX

Many remain baffled that virtual reality has become reality. Some say the day should have arrived sooner. The introduction of headset VR was already a massive step forward, yet it still took time to get the technology right. There are theories corporate billionaires and the government have had access to the tech for at least a generation, but all those points are moot.

The real thing was available commercially and Eve Online has become the first playable game. Today happens to be the release day. Over a million copies sold in pre-order and every one of those lucky individuals waited with bated breath for the game server to come online.

While the majority of players logged in at the same time, the bulk of them flew past character creation and were currently exploring the world of Era Online. Human was the most desired race. Surprise, surprise.

The polls said it would have been Elves if they had been incorporated. Instead, players got fairies.

Who would want to be a fairy in a cultivation world?

According to developers, fairies were less than an inch tall and wouldn't be able to fight a normal human on equal terms until they ascended into the "Second Heaven". This, among many other factors, deterred the majority of hardcore and casual players. A total of .002% of initial players would choose fairies.

All those players met a copy of Illya. Though, none except Celebi met the princesses.

....

"Again~ Again~ One more time!"

Mave and Nera cheered. Weiss nodded her head twice while biting her lip. She never agreed with Summer, but curiosity overcame her.

Celebi turned back around, the way her shoulders moved indicated she was fiddling with something. Weiss seemed to sweat at the exaggerated efforts while a high-pitched squeal leaked out of the corner of Mave's eager teeth. Nera flew around trying to sneak a peek at Celebi's actions, but the human girl cleverly hid the secret.

"Let's see. This like this. That under and over aaand..."

Celebi's voice dropped severely as she imitated someone she recently met.

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"Join me, human."

An origami figure made from dark purple sandpaper gestured. haughtily. The "horns" protruding from his head moved back and forth as he sashayed under Celebi's control.

"Become a Demon and you too can sport your very own pompadour."

"Pft."

The mini demon slicked back his hair in a garish manner. Mave and Nera rolled.

"Wear all black and join my biker gang. I'll let you ride my Harley."

Nera wobbled in the air as her stomach convulsed and tightened. Weiss was sweating profusely, trying to maintain her cool attitude. Seeing this, Celebi pulled out her trump card.

The paper Demon Lord folded in on himself like a pop-up book turning to the next page. Riah transformed into a child-version of himself with a twig raised to the sky in a hero-pose. Celebi's voice became higher pitched as she proclaimed with gusto.

"Super-Secret-Super Ultimate Unbeatable Black Magic Attack!"

The 'twig' popped out lamely.

Weiss turned around, unable to bear it. Celebi heard more than saw her tears clink as they tinkled onto the floor like jewels.

"Why is it so accurate? You only met him once."

"How did you fold paper like that?"

"Would it shock you if I told you it was magic?"

Celebi's blatant lie seemed to slip past Nera's sound judgement.

"No way. Really? Show us more!"

Laila tittered and interjected warmly.

"Magic like that doesn't exist. Though, I have to say the trick was quite magical, all things considered."

Nera wiped her tears away as she gathered herself. Now that she thought about it. This human only had one hand. It so obvious that it made the whole scene funnier and more impressive. What was this mysterious talent?

Laila was likewise impressed. Her laughter was more subdued than the others, mainly because she didn't try to hold it in like Weiss. Seeing the crystal tears piling up near Weiss's feet, Laila moved quickly and scooped them up.

Her actions were quickly noticed. The tears melted immediately and seeped into the wispy chaos surrounding them.

'Ah. Such a shame.'

Laila ignored Weiss's glare. She only retrieved four. Still. They might help her get ahead of the others.

"I'm curious. What else can you manage with only one hand?"

Laila chided Mave's crude words. No tact, that one.

Surprisingly, Celebi grinned mischievously.

"Wanna make a wager?"

Mave smiled from ear to ear. Wagers were honored tradition among the fae. How was this human pushing all the right buttons?

"Oho! A bet you say. What are the stakes?"

"Hm. How about an honest question and an honest answer. To the winner go the spoils."

"Agreed!"

"Great. Then I challenge you to..."

Celebi's drew the sentence out, winding up as if she was pitching. After a dozen seconds of drama, she threw her right fist forward.

"A thumb war!"

"..."

"..."

"..."

They all stared at her stump. At the lack of reaction, Celebi started sweating and waved her appendage mockingly, as if she were holding the ultimate weapon which could no be defeated.

"A thumb war!"

She repeated with a slight stutter.

Mave, realizing the predicament, drooped.

"You're cheating."

Celebi's intention was to force a stalemate. That way they could both ask a question each. It was more fun that way. She had nothing to hide and was honestly curious about what Mave would ask. There was also something Celebi desperately wanted to know. No. She needed to know. Even if her face was burning. Even if she ruined her reputation.

Contrary to expectations, her effort to trick Mave intriuged the others. The first two hours where they chatted and mingled was only the icebreaker. The impromptu rap Celebi performed afterward served to wow them. Then she switched to her useless talent, origami puppeteering, to get their guard down.

Finally, Celebi reeled them in with what fairies were rumored to love most. Riddles.

While imperfect and juvenile, the attempt should be applauded. However, they were royalty. Even though they were impressed until now... a wager between fae was serious.

Laila stepped in between the two and spoke calmly like a teacher educating a beloved student.

"While clever, the trick you've prepared doesn't work."

Weiss grabbed Celebi's hand, it was surprisingly not cold.

"You have another hand. The bet can continue."

Nera leaned in closely, brushing up against Celebi's ear.

"Are you prepared for the consequences?"

Celebi felt sweat drip down the small of her back. Then Mave washed away her worries.

"Lets just call it a tie."

Mave shooed away her sisters. They were stingy about rules, but Mave didn't care as much as long as she wasn't on the losing side. She smiled down at the bold human.

"The attempt was good. However, fighting with something you don't have is an automatic loss. Next time, be prepared to lose your other hand."

Celebi felt her skin crawl. She quickly grasped her malformity in shame. Contrary to her actions... joking about her arm was her reverse scale.

People always stared. It was curiosity. Pity. The hardships of daily life were enough to corrode her spirit, but the stares often made her feel like a stage attraction. The only time she could maybe joke about her disability was around Grandpa Po, and even then, bitter memories pricked her heart.

She thought she could do it if it was in the presence of fairies. Fairies are curious, but they don't judge. No one is lesser or greater. As long as someone is pure of heart, fairies didn't care. That's what all her books told her. They were pure creatures. Purity. Unfiltered.

But what about her? She was just a human. Did she deserve to become a fairy? Wasn't she impure like all humans? Could they see it? Surely fae royalty could sense such things.

*Snap*

"Ah!"

Mave startled Celebi out of introspection with a quick snap of her fingers.

"What're you spacing out for? You have a question to ask and an answer to recieve. Or would you prefer I went first?"

"I can- No. You go first, Princess Mave. I cheated, after all."

"Hmph."

Mave folded her arms and looked down at the human. She wasn't much taller, but Mave craned her neck to make it so. Becoming stern, her neck righted itself as she stared into Celebi's eyes. The college girl tried to look away. Such meaningful eye contact caused goosebumps to break out on her cold skin. Fire quite literally danced within Mave's eyes.

Mave saw green. Green eyes the color of sleeping trees. Mossy wood, life for fire, wind rustling through leaves, and the cycle of rebirth. She could see a piece of what Celebi would become. Roads branching out like a sapling clawing it's way towards the sun.

'It is a heat that won't subside. Neither bright nor dim. It may attract or disgust. Heal or burn. It is like poison and medicine... Such a strange fire.'

A question came to her lips unbidden.

"Why do you struggle?"

The green ocean shook. A single question caused turmoil within her soul. Mave might as well have asked what Celebi lives for. In fact, that was exactly what she was asking.

She owed an honest answer. But could Celebi give it? Did she, herself, know? Would anyone know?

Celebi didn't bother thinking about it.

"You're pretty."

"What-what-what are you talking about all of a sudden?"

Mave exclaimed in shock.

"You're auburn hair and sun-kissed skin reminds me of sweet caramel. Your clothes are light and you're comfortable in your own body. Piercing and unwavering eyes that I can't seem to shake. You... You are what I always dream of."

"Huh? Huh! W-what is this? A confession? No-no-no, I can't possibly... What is happening right now?"

Mave retreated with each exclamation. Truly shocked to her core.

Yet, even now, Mave didn't look away. She didn't reject the girl's gaze. It was just... Her words didn't make sense.

Celebi breathed out... almost seductively.

"Ahh~ I wonder what your wings look like."

Mave's face turned crimson. Steam rose from her head as she finally looked to the others for help. Nera seemed at a loss for words, while Weiss seemed to be melting from second-hand embarrassment, and Laila... was taking pictures?

"Hey! Who-who do you think you are? I won't show my wings to just anyone. Just answer the question already."

Mave's trembling finger pointed in accusation. Celebi tilted her head cutely, as if she didn't understand.

"Explain in a way that others can understand."

Celebi glanced at Lalia who seemed be tucking away a recording crystal. The words she said played back in her mind. Slowly... agonizingly so. They watched embarrasment rise in her cheeks.

"Ah! That's not what I meant. I mean that I've always admired things that are pure. Faries are pure, you're a fairy, so I admire you. All of you. Ever since I was a kid I wanted to be a fairy. I dressed up as one. Played as one. Even my nickname is that of a famous fairy. So, to answer your question... I struggle is to become like you."

"..."

"..."

"Hold on a minute-"

*CLAP*

"Well. I suppose that answers that."

Laila stepped forward with a clap of her hands. Mave seemed to want to say something by Lalia cut her off, tapping her wrist to imitate a familiar gesture. Mave reluctantly backed down.

"We're short on time. Each of us need to return soon. You've given an honest answer. Now it is your turn. What would you ask the Fae which you have admired all your life?"

Each member of the court stood before Celebi, awaiting her words silently. They had their fun and games. It was time for them to part.

So.

Celebi gulped.

"Then. Please tell me..."

=

The Princesses smiled warmly before fading away. Celebi received her answer. It wasn't what she hoped for, but it wasn't out of reach either.

Her eyes relaxed as she sat down. Cross legged she hummed a tune to herself.

"I met fairies."

Title: Friend of the Fae (Royalty) Effect: Fate works in your favor. All initial interactions with members of the Fae start positively, regardless of which court they hail from.

Item: Crystalized Tear Description: A rare tear shed by a valuable member of the Winter Court. Preserved by a Princess of Death, this tear will never melt and houses extraordinary potential.

Curse: Demon Lord Riah's Ire Effect: You have been cursed by a Demon Lord. How unlucky. Unfortunate encounters will be drawn to you until you confront the one who cast this curse. May you survive until then...