There, Atreyu stood in the middle of a forest, looking at the object that fell from the sky, cracks on the earth had formed underneath her feet as she stared wide eyed at the figure that laid unmoving in the center, injured and bruised.

Such a different creature was he, four fluffy wings that resembled a bird were sprawled out to its full length.

And Atreyu decided, despite her screaming mind, that yes, she had to care for him.

And so began the acquaintance of Atreyu and Jenzar the moment she had swooped in and took care of him in her home before everyone knew what had fallen upon their lands.

***

Everything was silent, dark clouds contrasting with the gold rays of the sun— Atreyu found herself stuck in between fleeting or staying.

Atreyu could look anywhere but at him, inquisitive eyes of the other piercing her clear. In her hands, she cradled two snakelike human creatures—nagas— with gentle grace.

“Why are you so quite?” Jenzar asked.

Atreyu jumped, galaxy colored wings clicking and fluttering rapidly. Chewing her lips, she didn’t answer him.

“Atreyu,” he tried again, seeing her go stiff. "Did I do anything wrong?"

What utter ridiculous—?
“No!” Atreyu quickly blurted, her eyes wide as she scrambled back almost tossing away the nagas. “It’s nothing. I just… I’m...”

“Are you okay?” Jenzar knelt down in front of her.

Atreyu bit her lip, drawing blood as she tucked her legs to her chest. Dark locks shadowed parts of her face.

“You didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just… I’ve never been.. I have to tell you something.”

“What is it?"

Atreyu took a deep breath, setting her pet nagas free then tried to catch Jenzar’s eyes. She grasped her arms tightly, shivering although it wasn't from the cold.

“I’m not… scared of you… something just...” she whispered, inhaling deeply. “It has haunted me for a while now. I'm scared, Jenzar. I want to fight it. I want to fight it like how you and the other fairies do your training in weaponry."

Jenzar felt a protective surge go through him. Reaching out, he embraced her. "Who has haunted you? Why are you scared?"

Atreyu placed her head on Jenzar’s shoulder, eyes wide. The horror of seeing something strange in the night and in her dreams replaying along with the obscure memory of ash and screaming.

“Red eyes. I saw them stare at me along with a voice that says they want to spill your blood along with your kind."

“When did this happen?” Jenzar tightened his hold, rubbing soothing circles on Atreyu’s back. Grey feathered wings formed a canopy to provide comfort. “I’ve no memories of who that being is but I worry. Atreyu, don't lie."

“A few weeks ago. I’m scared, I don’t want to be scared,” A half sob escaped Atreyu, eyes strangely wet. “I just want to be at peace and not get haunted. Why won’t it leave me? You?”

Jenzar’s shook his head and just embraced the fairy even more. “Shh, I’ll protect you.”

Atreyu’s arms covered with black long sleeves coiled around the cherubim, returning the hug. “I don’t want you to be in danger.”

“Then we’ll fight,” Jenzar declared, hearing the loud clap of thunder. “Together.”

***

“You’re smiling,” Jenzar commented causing Atreyu to squeak. Looking up, she pressed her nose to the fabric she had in her hand.

They were in Bloomfield District, fairies of all kinds walking and chattering happily. Everywhere one would look, columns of stalls and permanent wooden buildings stood, illuminated by the firefly lights. Although now...

“Wh—What?” Atreyu sputtered, unsure what to make of Jenzar’s words. “What about it?”

Jenzar stared at her with his brown eyes. Looking away, he cleared his throat and stretched out his hand to her. "You should smile more often.”

Atreyu stared at the calloused hand and took it, a gentle smile making its way to her lips. Her heart was strangely fluttering, perhaps it was the excitement of the day?

She opened her mouth about to speak when a man passed them by. The cruel smile on his face made Atreyu freeze, time screeching to a stop.

Jenzar noticed, stiffening when red hair and red eyes caught their attention.

“Dreams? A fickle thing when you can’t even get over your past.” The red head spoke. “And you Jenzar? You think you can escape?” Then he was gone and time resumed.

Jenzar whirred around, wings fluffing up about to give that stranger a piece of his mind. It left him awestruck and horrifed when he realized they were never there at all, vanished like the wind.

“Who was that?”

No answer. Jenzar turned back, eyebrows furrowed. “Atre—”

He stared at the haunted look that dawned on Atreyu’s face. Wanting to console her, he took her hand in his.

“Atreyu?”

“It’s him,” Atreyu whimpered, trembling like a leaf. Jenzar put a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“The eyes,” She looked up, the dread coming from her infecting Jenzar too.

“He has them.”

Jenzar thought that life couldn’t get any worse.

***

Atreyu couldn’t sleep that night, brain refusing her rest. Getting up cladded only in her silk pajamas, she flew up the roof top and tried to sort out her thoughts, heavy feelings settling in her gut.

She shouldn't disturb Jenzar, the cherubim already had enough on his plate from dealing with rowdy fairies and interacting.

"When will the past leave me alone?” she asked no one in particular, tensing when a soft giggle erupted behind her.

“Oh you want it to leave you alone, little fairy?” the voice asked. Atreyu froze, throat locking up.

The being moved from left to right then settled in front of Atreyu, a predatory smile on its face. There were horns on its head and oh gods, were those bat wings?

The thing came closer, tilting Atreyu's head and forcing her to make eye contact.

“You’re scared,” the demon smirked in satisfaction. “I wonder how long until you shatter?"

“Who...” Atreyu sputtered, heart hammering behind her ribcage, cold sweat trickling down her whole body as she lashed out.

The demon jumped back a little then returned, sporting a disturbing grin that would scare anyone. “The name is Toki and I am here to… collect a debt. Aren’t you a pretty little thing? Perhaps I'll kill you now while the angel is asleep.”

Atreyu thought dying wasn't a good idea at the moment. She brought her knees close to her chest, ready to kick this abomination away and—

She heard the sound of feathers. A sharp cut went slashing down. The demon hissed and took off as Jenzar stood in front of Atreyu protectively, glinting sword in hand.

Toki stood on top of a tree, cackling, catching the attention of the sleeping fairies that were now lighting up their lamps and opening their windows. “We’ll meet again little fairy and angel! And you shall fall by my hands”

Jenzar glared hard as the demon vanished. Turning to Atreyu, he knelt down in front of her and embraced her.

Atreyu let out a whimper and hugged Jenzar like her life depended on him.

"What was that?!" One of the fairies that had been woken, demanded followed by others too.

Atreyu shook her head, taking in deep breaths.

Jenzar answered for her. "A demon out for blood. Warn your kind and be on your guard."

They were too late. The creature had already placed his curse.

The curse of greed and lust for blood.

***

Atreyu's wings clicked rapidly, form frozen as swords clashed with an ugly clatter. Wings, both feather and leather, flapped and tried to gain wind, pushing each other away.

“Jenzar! Be careful!” Atreyu yelped, seeing her friend tumble down the ground, covered with the blood of the fairies who the demon had slain. It was so sickening, Atreyu wanted to throw up.

Where were the protectors? Oh right, they were trying to hold back the other fairies who went crazy. Curse that demon for infecting her kind!

Jenzar hit the ground with a cry, feathers scattering. The demon stood above him, sword ready to stab.

Atreyu had no time to think, only to act. She careened forward and tackled Toki who let out a surprised yelp. With all the strength that she gathered, Atreyu slammed Toki against a tree. Quickly, she flew back to Jenzar; spreading her wings and hands out defensively.

Atreyu’s eyes burned, hot waves of anger consuming her like flames of a wildfire.

“You little—”

“What has Jenzar ever done to make you want his blood? My own? Haven’t you had enough?” Atreyu screamed, vocals choked and torn.

Jenzar lifted his head up with difficulty, looking at Atreyu through pained lids.

Toki hissed, flapping his wings. “You don’t know what his kind has done to me!”

“Explain then!” Atreyu shook like a leaf, her fists clenched. "His kind and yet you plant seeds of hatred on my kin too!"

“I don’t owe you an explanation!”

“Atreyu! Catch!” Jenzar threw her something and Atreyu caught it without a second thought, brandishing the weapon that turned out to be a sickle that was metallic silver.

Toki became still and stared at the blade. Atreyu lunged forward, rocketing through the air. Closing her eyes as she got near, she swung the sickle with all her might.

Bright light exploded behind her lids, a sharp unholy wail piercing the deafening silence.

"Atreyu!" Jenzar's voice called out and then Atreyu knew no more other than the warmth cocooning her and the wetness on her cheeks.

***

Atreyu and Jenzar sat on top of the wooden roof of their home, watching the orange light die down slowly behind open fields.

"Do you have your memories back?” Atreyu asked.

Jenzar glanced at her, nostalgia hitting him like water. “I did.. they're mostly composed of guarding the earth and fighting away harmful beings. I prefer not having them though."

“Why is that?”

“Because,” He faced her, staring into inquisitive gray eyes. “You are here and it makes me feel that… I'm home."

Atreyu felt warm all of a sudden. Oh wow, that made her want to giggle and laugh with glee. She did neither, giving Jenzar one of her soft smiles.

“I love having you here with me,” she returned. “Its refreshing…"

Jenzar blinked slowly, scooting closer and gently putting his hand on top of hers.

Atreyu didn’t resist.

“Is it really?"

Atreyu chuckled softly, feeling strangely calm and peaceful. The past was still there but it would haunt her no longer. She’d never see those memories or Toki again.

“You were very persistent and you wanted to make me smile," there's a poignant pause before she adds. "But… I want to talk about why I reacted like that around the demon…"

Atreyu couldn’t remember a time where she’d truly been at ease with someone. Maybe it was just her imagination but something warm had been placed on top of her head.

“If you are comfortable then feel free."

Atreyu took a deep breath, wondering where she should begin before settling with. "I've had nightmares of that.. demon ever since I was a child, my parents screamed at each other and I always get scared whenever my… father would stare at me with those same eyes. I blamed myself for being the fairy that I am...but never realized that the demon had been the one tearing me and my family."

Jenzar stayed silent and then pressed his nose on her hair, wrapping an arm around Atreyu's shoulder. The fairy leaned against him, complain out of sight.

"We'll work on that. You're not alone anymore. You have me… and I have you."

"I have you…" She repeated, breathless as if she'd been given rest.

And wasn't it great that she could finally have someone she could rely on that also reciprocated that feeling?

THE END