September 21, 493 U.C.

For those who have forgotten, this was the day we’d emerged from the shadows with a livestream. We were to be the new army that would bring humanity’s salvation, or that’s what they’d told me. Instead, I’d destroyed a hive and had a politician use that to leverage against everyone, which had set every world on edge.

While I was at home, wracked with guilt, another heinous act was taking place. Like the legendary Benedict Arnold or the — What? I know you were worried about me. — It’s called drama, Daniele. Every story needs a villain! — Touche! Fine, no editorial.

~~~

Daniele walked home from school with sorrow building in her heart. She’d seen her friend on the news and had been barraged with questions about the fae and her suspiciously absent friend, me.

With the guilt growing in her heart, she entered her home.

“Daniele?” Denise asked as she studied her daughter.

Daniele dropped her bag and slumped onto the couch. “It’s a bad day.”

Denise walked over and took a seat. “It’ll be alright. We’ll get through it, and the criminals will be put behind bars.”

That’s the exact problem. Casey’s going to jail, and so will I… She started crying. Going to jail and losing her spot as a guardian? She hadn’t signed up for that.

“Daniele?” Denise probed. “What’s wrong?”

Daniele shook her head. “Nothing, Mom.”

Denise frowned. “Why don’t you invite Casey over? That might help.”

Daniele pulled up into a ball while she cried.

Denise grimaced, sat, and patted her daughter on the back. “It’ll be alright, Daniele. Is it Casey? Did something happen to her today? I’ve seen the bruises, and I know you may feel like you’re protecting her, but that needs to stop.”

Daniele kept crying, her fears growing with each moment. She looked up at her mom and nodded.

“He is abusing her then. What happened?” Denise probed.

“Mom, she’s Platinum,” Daniele said, wiping at her tears. “And she’s Viper. She’s both. She’s the reason they have magic. I think she’s a fae. She looks like Eluna’s twin.”

“No lies?” Denise asked, patting her daughter’s shoulder.

“No lies,” Daniele said. “She has a plushie because she’s Platinum. I’ve seen her.”

“We need to report it.” Denise frowned and grabbed her phone.

Daniele grabbed the phone. “Wait, Mom. I think she’s fae, like an actual fae. We need to tell guardian command before the cops.”

Denise rubbed her brow. “Are you certain?”

“Mom,” Daniele said firmly. “I’m not lying. She’s a fae girl. I’ve seen her. And you know there are criminals in the government.”

“It’ll be alright,” Denise said gently, patting her daughter on the back. “I guess it’s time. We weren’t certain that you were ready, but I think you are. And we’ll need his help.” She released Daniele and walked to her office.

“Whose help?” Daniele asked while following her mom down the hall.

“Your brother’s help.” Denise walked into her office and rapidly dialed a number on the computer.

Daniele watched an image pop up; the hero, Jackhammer, sat there with a grin. “What?” she shouted.

“Daniele?” Ian asked with a growing grimace. “Shit. Mom, no.”

“It’s fine,” Denise replied. “She’s already been flagged, and things took a turn.”

Ian sighed. “I have to flag her as a security risk with command. No offense, Daniele. It’s good to see you again. But this is going to be paperwork.”

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me!” Daniele shouted. “You owe me a plushie! And Casey a plushie!”

“Why, Mom?” Ian groaned, massaging his brow and turning down the volume.

Daniele wagged a finger at him. “I’m so mad at you for not telling! Even Casey told me!”

“What?” Ian asked.

“That’s the reason for the call, Ian,” Denise said. “We need your help. We need a report escalated to the fae.”

“She’s Platinum then?” Ian asked, leaning back.

“And Viper,” Daniele said with a frown. “We need to help her. We need to get her out of there.”

“She’s both?” Ian asked, quirking a brow.

Daniele nodded. “I think she’s fae. And I know that she’s giving them magic. I know she can because she’s doing it to Ryan.”

Denise turned to her daughter. “She is?”

Daniele nodded. “Yes. She said something about a potion. I also know that she made the enchanted gear and things.”

“Give me a moment.” Ian went quiet. A male fairy appeared in a black suit. “This is Milt.”

“What’s going on?” Milt asked, peering into the camera. “Why is your sister on the call? She isn’t authorized for this information.”

Ian sighed. “My sister found the girl that the fae are looking for.”

“Is she Casey Erikson?” Milt asked. “She’s currently the leading suspect.”

Daniele rapidly nodded. “She’s Viper and Platinum. I think she’s a fae. Can you help her?”

Milt frowned. “I’ll forward it. Thank you, Daniele. I’d send you a plushie, but you already have one.”

“I also need to report that she’s being abused by her dad. I think they’ve lied to her forever. She thinks Eluna killed her mom,” Daniele said.

“Don’t worry. I will notify the correct people. Give me a moment, please.” The fairy vanished.

Daniele looked at her brother. “A fairy?”

“Yes. I tried the animal thing.” Ian shook his head. “He didn’t seem to like it, so I stopped.” He looked at his computer. “How’d she pass the blood test?”

“Some spell. She’s strong.” Daniele studied her brother. “I can’t believe you didn’t tell me. I’m livid with you. And Casey totally figured it out.”

Ian chuckled. “If what you say is true, that’s not a surprise.”

“Why?” Daniele asked.

“She’s awakened thousands of people. She’s also a very skilled enchanter and potion maker. Viper knows more about magic than most guardians. Command knows that. We’ve found some of her creations.”

Daniele sighed and pouted at her brother. “You should have told me.”

Ian continued to chuckle. “We were going to, but you are a bad liar.”

Daniele blushed, looking down at the floor. Ian shot up as Liani appeared in his room.

Liani nodded towards him. “Hello, Jackhammer.” She turned to his desk. “And that must be your sister and mother. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Liani. For now, keep this quiet. I need to break her free from those horrid people. I have a plan for that. But keep an eye on her for me, please. If you think they will harm her further, let me know. I will break her out immediately.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Daniele said with wide eyes. “Who are you?”

Liani took a seat at the desk. “Casey’s mother. I need her to realize that fact. That means I need you to tell me what she believes.”

“You’re her mom? How? How did you not know?” Daniele asked.

“She deserves to know that first,” Liani replied. “Please tell me what she believes so that I can fix it.”

Daniele moved closer to the desk. “She said her mom was a guardian named Chelsie. That Eluna killed her and is hunting her because she’s proof that the fae are turning humans into fae.”

“I see. And those she’s with?” Liani asked with a growing frown.

“She believes her dad loves her. I don’t even think that he is her dad. I think they were using her to get magic. In fact, I’m sure of it.”

“I see. Thank you. What else should I know?” Liani asked.

“She is awakening them. I know because she’s doing it to Ryan. She’s a friend at school. I also know that they keep punishing her because she disobeys orders. She found a fae library somewhere, too.”

Liani nodded. “Thank you, Daniele. Thank you, Jackhammer and Doctor Drake. Please keep this quiet. I’ll handle it.”

Daniele slumped back. “Just so you know, she’s pretty oblivious to the family lies. I think she’d run if you appeared.”

“I’ll try to find an answer to that. Inform me if she tries to do anything foolish or if she’s in danger, please.”

“Thanks. I will.” Daniele’s sorrow and guilt melted away.

“You’re welcome. I’ll ensure that you all have access to the fae areas. You’ll be awakened by December. We may awaken your parents if they desire. Then, they can aid in a hospital. I’ll also add Ryan to the list since that’s already happening.” Liani chuckled and shook her head. “That girl has gotten quite proficient at awakening people.”

“How many has she awoken?” Daniele asked. “Why didn’t you stop it?”

“That’s a story for another day, my dear. For now, keep it quiet. I need her to see the truth. That means I need to plan some things.” Liani waved. “Thank you again.” She vanished.

It went quiet as everyone looked at each other. Daniele let out a breath of relief while looking up at her mom.

“Wow,” Ian said with a smile. “I’ve met a few fae but never had that happen. I had one in my room.” He chuckled.

“That’s nothing,” Daniele replied. “We had a fae in our house for hours. We painted nails and played cards.” She smirked at her brother.

Ian laughed. “You win.”

“Yes, I do.” Daniele stretched and frowned. “Do I tell Casey?”

“Will it scare her?” Denise asked.

Daniele nodded.

“Leave it to Liani,” Ian stated firmly.

~~~

October 20, 493 U.C.

I turned and stared at my mom. “You knew? For a month?”

Liani nodded, a sad smile on her face. “I needed you to realize first, Casey. I wasn’t risking you going into hiding. My plans for that took a different turn than expected.”

“It pained us greatly to just leave you there. We did what we could,” Jolzki added.

“They said I could talk to you about anything,” Ela said with a smile. “That made it easier.”

I nodded. Makes sense. I would have run off and hid in the library if they’d just shown up. Then I frowned. “Wait! Why did you let me do this? Why didn’t that set off flags?” I demanded.

Daniele smiled eagerly, and Jolzki sighed loudly.