Beyond Reality: Part 11

:warning: TRIGGER WARNING :warning:

A little blood, violence

Word count- 3844

Fairies Point of View

     The mumbles of the disappointed audience echoed off the tent walls as they shuffled out. They were angry and disappointed that the two fairies just sat in the cage like stones. Sure, they were beautiful and being able to see such creatures was amazing in itself, but they'd heard stories of how the pair danced and sang together in such harmony that it left the viewers awestruck and in tears. They felt denied of the otherworldly experience.

     The handlers slowly trailed out behind the group, leaving the fairies in their cage with the ringmaster standing before them, his shadow looming long and dark in the dim light.

    Alaric sat rigid, with his knees up against his chest, his arms wrapped around himself, protectively, in the corner of the cage. His jaw was tight as his golden eyes followed the ringmaster’s every move. Kestrel remained perched on the swing, staring blankly ahead, his body slack, as though none of this had anything to do with him.

    The ringmaster crouched down slowly, his face level with the bars, his expression neutral. His calmness was more terrifying than any yell or threat. He studied the two fairies for a moment, taking in how Kestrel was covered in a sheen of cold sweat as he trembled uncontrollably. His pale skin and sickly looking leg. His eyes narrowed as his gaze finally settled on Alaric.

    “You’ve both messed up for the last time.” He said, his voice was low and measured, each word cutting through the air like a blade. “The aggravation, the anger you two cause.” His words came out soft, gentle even, as he spoke. “It's not worth my time anymore. Not to mention that ones dying. Again.” He gestured towards Kestrel with his head.

    Alaric’s hands clenched into fists against his stomach, but he said nothing as he kept eye with the man.

    The ringmaster tilted his head slightly, his gaze sharpening. “You think this is some battle of wills?” His lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile, a cruel one. “You’ve already lost.”

    He leaned in closer, close enough that Alaric could feel the heat of his breath. “And you, little golden one.” He said, his tone even softer and sweeter than before. “You made a promise. A promise to obey. A promise to do whatever it took to keep your friend alive.”

    Alaric’s breath hitched, his chest tightening as the words sank in.

    “You were the first to break it.” The ringmaster’s eyes bored into Alaric’s as he whispered his words, his calmness making Alaric tremble. “So this, golden boy, from here on out, whatever happens next, is all on you.”

    He straightened up, brushing off his coat as though the conversation had been nothing more than idle chatter. Without another word, he turned and calmly walked out of the tent, his polished boots clicking against the floor, leaving the fairies alone in the suffocating silence.

    The heavy flap of the tent door swung shut behind him. Alaric’s hands trembled, his knuckles white as his heart sank, the ringmaster’s words replaying in his head over and over. “Whatever happens next is all on you.”

     Alaric’s mind raced as the ringmaster’s parting words echoed endlessly in his head. What did he mean? What was he planning? The weight of guilt pressed down harder than ever, the truth staring him in the face. The ringmaster was right. He had broken his promise, and in doing so, he had dragged Kestrel down with him. Whatever punishment awaited them now was entirely his fault.

    Kestrel hadn’t moved the entire time the ringmaster spoke, his eyes glassy and vacant. But, Alaric knew he’d heard every word. Once the ringmaster was gone, Kestrel closed his eyes and took a long, deep breath. His chest rose and fell steadily as though he was trying to center himself, his mind wandering to a place far from the cage.

    After a few minutes, Kestrel stood. His glowing blue eyes locked onto Alaric with an intensity that made the other fairy flinch. “Well done.” Kestrel said, his voice devoid of all emotions.

     Alaric frowned, his heart sinking further. Was Kestrel mocking him? Was this a quiet acknowledgment of how far Alaric had pushed them? How he’d broken his best friend’s will, wasted the ringmaster’s patience, and ensured their demise? The silence between them stretched taut as Alaric bit the inside of his cheek, unable to find any words to defend himself.

    “Even if you hate me, I won't just sit here and let him kill you.” He whispered softly, so quietly that Alaric wasn't sure he actually heard him speak.

     Kestrel limped heavily to the cage door, his glowing wings trembling faintly as he gripped the golden bars. His knuckles turned white as he pressed his burning forehead against the cold metal, his breaths coming faster. Then, he closed his eyes, summoning every ounce of magic he could find within himself.

    Regardless of the fact that Alaric had betrayed him multiple times, despite Alaric showing how much he hated him, Kestrel still loved him like a brother. As much as he wanted to hate Alaric, he couldn't. He'd sacrifice himself for the other fairy if he had to. That time had come.

     He knew he couldn't break the seal, but he hoped he could weaken it enough that Alaric could finish the job.

    A faint shimmer of blue began to glow beneath his skin, spreading from his chest to his fingertips. His wings fluttered furiously, sending tiny blue sparks cascading through the cage like fireflies. Kestrel’s expression tightened in concentration as he pushed all his energy toward the bars.

    The golden runes etched into the cage bars began to hum, a low and ominous sound that reverberated through the tent. Arcs of blue lightning shot from Kestrel’s hands, crackling against the cage’s surface. The cage groaned and shook as Kestrel’s magic battered it. The runes suddenly ignited with searing light, the hum growing louder and painful as his magic clashed violently with the enchantments.

    Alaric’s eyes widened in horror. “Kestrel, stop!” He shouted, scrambling to his feet.

     But Kestrel didn’t stop. His wings beat harder, his body trembling with exertion as the runes retaliated. The more magic Kestrel pushed into the cage, the louder the hum got until finally, white, hot electricity shot up through his arms and into his chest, sending shockwaves of pain through his fragile body. The entire cage lit up with a hellish glow.

     Kestrel screamed, the sound raw and agonizing, as his magic flared wildly. His hands refused to let go of the bars, even as his body convulsed under the relentless surge of power. The hum grew deafening, a crescendo of magical energy colliding with Kestrel’s determination.

    With a final, heart-stopping jolt, Kestrel’s body went limp. His grip on the bars released as he crumpled to the cage floor in a heap.

    Alaric rushed to his side, his heart pounding as he knelt beside the barely-breathing fairy. “Kestrel! Kestrel, wake up!” His hands hovered helplessly, afraid to touch him.

    Kestrel’s face was pale, his glow almost extinguished, and his breaths became shallow and labored. His body trembled and twitched violently, little sparks still shooting from his limbs. Alaric’s chest tightened as he whispered. “What have you done?”

    Kestrel didn’t respond. His chest rose and fell in uneven, faint movements, each breath seeming like it might be his last. Alaric’s hands shook as he reached out and gently turned Kestrel onto his back. The fairy’s wings were frayed and dim, the edges singed from the magic’s backlash.

    “Kestrel, please.” Alaric murmured, his voice breaking. “You can’t leave me like this.”

    The door to the tent burst open, and the ringmaster stormed in, his eyes blazing with fury. He halted when he saw Kestrel lying motionless on the cage floor.

    “What in the devil’s name have you done?” The ringmaster hissed, striding forward. His eyes darted between the dim glow of the runes on the cage and Kestrel’s lifeless form. “The entire circus felt the magic from this little…tantrum.”

    “I didn’t…he…” Alaric stammered, unable to find the words to explain what had happened.

    The ringmaster’s face twisted in disgust as he knelt beside the cage, examining the fairy with clinical detachment. “Stupid creature.” He muttered. “Does it have any idea how valuable it is?”

    Alaric clenched his fists, anger boiling beneath his guilt. “He’s not just a possession! He’s…”

    “It’s what?” the ringmaster snapped, rising to his feet. “A rebellious little wretch who thought it could outsmart me? No. It belongs to me, and so do you.”

    The ringmaster smirked as he searched Alaric’s eyes as he purred. “Aren't you the one who took such pleasure in torturing it? Let's not pretend I was unaware of your antics. You loved watching it struggle as it tried so hard. The way you constantly hit it and rubbed against its wounds, some you yourself gave it, smiling every time it showed a hint of pain. You're as “bad” as I am. You used it as much as I did, golden boy.”

     The ringmaster laughed as Alaric looked down in shame, his heart aching with a pain he never knew possible.

     The ringmaster then pointed the dreaded rod at Kestrel, its dark magic swirling ominously around the tip. “If it survives this, it’ll be by my will alone. A little reminder of what happens when you cross me.”

    Alaric’s heart skipped a beat. “What are you doing? Leave him alone!”

    The ringmaster smirked coldly. “It’s no use to me like this. Either it wakes up, or it doesn’t.” He stepped closer, pressing the rod between the bars.

    The rod began to glow as the ringmaster channeled its dark power. A cruel grin spread across his face as he prepared to inflict whatever punishment he had planned.

    “No!” Alaric shouted, throwing himself in front of Kestrel. His wings flared out defensively as he glared at the ringmaster. “Haven’t you done enough? If you want to punish someone, punish me. But leave him out of it!”

    The ringmaster’s grin faltered for a moment before twisting into something even more sinister. “How noble.” He mocked. “Fine. I’ll deal with you first.”

    Before Alaric could react, the rod crackled to life, and a burst of searing magic hit him square in the chest. He cried out in pain as the force sent him sprawling across the cage.

    Kestrel stirred faintly at the sound, his eyelids fluttering weakly. His voice was barely a whisper as it carried a faint plea. “No…Alaric…stop…”

    Hearing his name from Kestrel’s lips jolted something inside Alaric. Through the haze of pain, he pushed himself up, gasping for air as he met the ringmaster’s cold gaze. He was ready to fight for his friend.

     The ringmaster glanced at Kestrel then back at Alaric before he snapped his fingers. The tent was immediately flooded with handlers, their heavy steps echoing ominously. Alaric’s resolve wavered as he glanced at Kestrel, whose faint glow had all but disappeared.

    As the handlers approached, Alaric whispered, “I’m sorry, Kestrel.”

    Another wave of magic shot from the rod, sending Alaric through the air once more, his back slamming painfully against the farthest bars. As his mind whirled from agony, all he could think about was how lucky he was that the ringmaster had upgraded the weapon. The punishment was his alone this time.

     As the ringmaster continued his assault, bringing Alaric to his knees, he thought about all the horrible things he'd done to Kestrel, and how Kestrel still sacrificed himself as he tried to save him. The pain from the rod was but a bee sting compared to the pain in his heart.

✯¸.•´*¨`*•✿ ✿•*`¨*`•.¸✯

    Alaric groaned as he blinked back to consciousness, his body screaming in pain from the punishment he'd endured. His head throbbed, his vision blurry as he took in his surroundings. The tent he was in was unlike anything he’d seen before. The walls were lined with flickering candles, their warm glow illuminating strange artifacts and trinkets displayed on shelves and tables. Some of the items sent a chill through him, small talismans, rune-covered stones, and bottles filled with substances that pulsed faintly with an eerie light.

    A sinking feeling settled in Alaric’s gut when he recognized a few of the objects. They were from his homeland. Strong, dangerous relics of his people’s magic. What were they doing here?

    His thoughts were interrupted when his gaze landed on Kestrel. His friend hung upside down in the center of the tent, bound by thick leather straps that wrapped around his legs and arms, holding him in place against a cold, metal frame. His wings drooped lifelessly, and his body hung limp, the faint blue glow from his markings hardly noticeable. He had new markings all over his body, drawn on him with red paint. Dangerous symbols and lines marred every visible inch of him. He was bleeding from a few small wounds made from a sharp blade, pooling on the floor beneath him.

    “Kestrel!” Alaric gasped, his voice hoarse. He tried to scramble to his feet but collapsed back to the ground, his limbs weak and unsteady.

    The ringmaster turned at the sound, his dark eyes gleaming with satisfaction. He was flanked by two men, both wearing long, tattered robes that reeked of power and malice.

    “Ah, you’re awake.” The ringmaster said, a smirk spreading across his face. “Good. I wanted you to see this. After all, you worked so hard to sabotage its every move. It's only fitting that you watch the last breath as it's ripped from it.”

    “What…what are you doing to him?” Alaric demanded, his voice trembling as he forced himself into a kneeling position.

    The ringmaster chuckled darkly, gesturing to the contraption holding Kestrel. “You fairies think you’re so special, so perfect. But your magic…it’s wasted on you. Your kind doesn’t deserve it.” He stepped closer to Kestrel, running a finger along the faintly glowing markings on his chest. “Especially this one. Such unique magic. So rare.” He whispered with what almost sounded like lust. “It’s a shame to let it go to waste.”

    “You can’t!” Alaric growled, anger flaring in his chest as he struggled to rise. “You’ll kill him!”

    The ringmaster raised an eyebrow. “Of course I will. Harvesting magic from a fairy isn’t a gentle process.” He smirked again. “But don’t worry. I’ll put it to good use.”

    One of the robed men stepped forward, holding a jagged crystal that pulsed with a sickly green light. “The transfer will be a long, painful process.” He said in a gravelly voice. “If you want the magic intact, we must begin soon.”

    Alaric’s heart pounded as he looked at Kestrel’s lifeless form. “You don’t have to do this.” He pleaded, his voice cracking. “Please. He’s already broken. He’s no threat to you anymore.”

    The ringmaster laughed, a cold, cruel sound. “It was never a threat to me, boy. But now, it's also no use to me. It's hanging onto life by a thread.” He shook his head as he glanced at Kestrel. “You still don’t understand, do you? This is no longer about obedience. It’s about power. With its magic, I’ll be unstoppable.”

    Alaric’s mind raced as he watched the second robed man approach Kestrel with a small dagger, its blade shimmering with runes. He had to think of something, anything, to stop this.

    “Kestrel!” He shouted, desperation lacing his voice. “Wake up! Fight back!”

    The ringmaster scoffed. “It’s too far gone. Even if it could hear you, which it can't, it wouldn’t have the strength to resist.”

    But Alaric didn’t stop. “You’re stronger than this, Kestrel! Don’t let them take everything from you!”

    For a moment, nothing happened. Then, as the dagger’s tip brushed against Kestrel’s chest, a faint blue spark flickered in the markings on his body.

    The ringmaster’s eyes narrowed. “Interesting…”

    Alaric’s heart surged with hope, desperation pushing him beyond pride or fear. “That’s it, Kestrel! Come back to me!” He gripped the bars of the cage, his knuckles white as he shouted, “I’m sorry for everything! I love you! I’ve always loved you!”

    The raw truth tore from him, his voice cracking under its weight. He’d buried that truth for so long, hidden it beneath jealousy and anger, but now it was laid bare. His love for Kestrel burned brighter than the fear of what was coming.

    The faint spark grew brighter, spreading in tendrils across Kestrel’s markings. His wings twitched, and his chest shuddered as he drew a weak, deliberate breath.

    The ringmaster stepped back, his lips curling in frustration. “Enough of this.” He snapped his fingers at the robed men. “Hold him still and begin.”

    Kestrel’s body trembled as the blue light in his markings pulsed, flickering like an ember sputtering back to life. His head lolled to the side, his glowing eyes half-open, catching sight of Alaric.

    “Kestrel!” Alaric cried, gripping the bars harder. “Don’t give up! You’re stronger than this! You’ve always been stronger! You can beat a few stupid humans!”

    Kestrel’s gaze locked on Alaric, something shifting in his expression. The light in his markings pulsed again, this time stronger, spreading rapidly across his body. The blue glow became blinding, illuminating the entire tent.

    The robed men hesitated, shielding their eyes. The ringmaster took a cautious step back, a mix of awe and anger crossing his face. “What…what is he doing?”

    Alaric didn’t care. He pressed himself against the bars, willing every ounce of his strength into his voice. “Fight, Kestrel! Fight for yourself, for me, for us!” He knew if he gave Kestrel a reason to fight, he would. He was a gentle soul who would do anything to save another. Alaric knew he wouldn't fight for himself, not after he'd been broken. But he would fight for him. “Help me, Kestrel! Please!”

    The glow erupted from Kestrel in a wave, the magic tearing free from his body and slamming into the room like a tempest. Without the runes and symbols on the cage to suppress his magic, he was more dangerous than anyone could have imagined.

     The humans mistakenly thought that he was no threat in his weakened state, that he was too drained to call upon his own gift. They assumed they didn't need any protection runes, no suppressants to absorb his power now.

    They were wrong.

     The metal contraption binding Kestrel shattered, the force of the wave sending the robed men sprawling to their backs and knocking the ringmaster to his knees. One of the men screamed in pain as his hand was torn from his body by the blast.

    Alaric shielded his face as the wave hit the cage, the runes on its bars sparking violently as they absorbed the magic, sparing Alaric from most of the hit, before extinguishing. Alaric was still blasted back, halfway across the cage, his wings torn in a few places. When he opened his eyes, Kestrel was on the ground, crumpled but breathing, his wings trembling with residual power.

    Alaric felt another round of Kestrel’s magic pulse through the cage, but this time it was focused solely on the bars. The bars groaned, their golden sheen dimming as they bent outward. The runes flickered as they tried to absorb the magic, but they'd already been weakened to the brink.

    Kestrel’s rare magic, even on the cusps of death, was too much for the cages runes. Once outside their oppressive wards, nothing could stop him.

     Alaric pushed against the bars with everything he had, mixing just enough of his own power to Kestrel's, the weakened magic finally giving way. He stumbled out of the cage, his eyes locking on the ringmaster.

    The ringmaster staggered to his feet, his face twisted in fury. “You little wretch!” He snarled, grabbing the magical rod at his side. “You’ll pay for that!”

    “No.” Alaric growled, his voice gruff with emotion. “You’ve hurt him enough.”

    The ringmaster sneered, raising the rod and aiming it at Kestrel. But before he could strike, Kestrel lifted his head, his glowing eyes blazing brighter than ever.

    A sudden burst of blue light exploded from him, filling the tent with raw, unfiltered magic. The ringmaster screamed, the rod exploding from his hand as he was thrown backward into the shelves of artifacts. As soon as Kestrel’s magic hit the rod, a backlash of unbearable pain shot through both fairies. The robed men were both bleeding from multiple injuries, unable to gain the strength or courage to stand so they crawled out of the tent, their fear palpable.

    Alaric had also been blown off his feet, into the side of the cage, knocking the air from him as the sudden sharp pain flared through him from the rod. Once he could breathe well enough, he pushed himself to his feet unsteadily and rushed to Kestrel’s side, dropping to his knees.

    Kestrel panted heavily, gasping for air. His body trembled from the exertion of his outburst. He'd used every ounce of strength he had left. His body was limp as he struggled to stay conscious.

     Alaric gently pulled Kestrel into his arms and held him against his chest. “Kestrel.” He whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “Stay with me. I’ve got you.”

    Kestrel’s eyes fluttered open, the glow in them so dim it was almost gone as he looked up at Alaric. A faint smile curved his lips. “You…love me?” he teased, his voice barely audible.

    Alaric nodded, tears streaming down his face. “With everything I have.” He said honestly, his voice breaking. “I’m so sorry for everything. Please, just hold on.”

    Kestrel’s eyes closed, his strength seeping from his body rapidly. With the last bit of energy he could muster, Kestrel whispered. “You're free.”

    As Kestrel went limp, Alaric pulled him fully into his arms, cradling him as he struggled to his feet. He knew Kestrel only had a few minutes of life left and he wanted him to feel the moonlight one last time. Lost in his own grief, Alaric didn't notice as the ringmaster rose from the floor.

     “Free? I think not.” The ringmaster said weakly in a low, ragged voice as he flicked something on the tent walls and a hiss quickly followed.

     A small trap, large enough to contain one fairy, dropped from the ceiling. Alaric bent over Kestrel to protect him as he pulled them both in tighter. He could smell the iron all around him. He trembled as he looked at the new cage. It was more like a net wrapped around thin, iron bars meant to catch fairies and keep them in place for a short time.

     Alaric pulled Kestrel closer to him, making sure not even a finger touched the ion. The scalding, acidic effect from the iron would surely kill Kestrel within seconds. He closed his eyes in defeat. He wished that as soon as Kestrel’s heart gave out, his would as well.