Beyond Reality: The End?

Word count- 3228

    Shelby clutched the sling protectively against her chest as they walked through the dark circus, her eyes scanning every shadow as they ed. Every step she took felt like a gamble, the cunch of the dirt under her feet too loud in the otherwise silent circus grounds. She could feel the weight of their fragile lives resting against her, a constant reminder of how little room for error they had.

    The two moved cautiously, weaving between tents and crates. Shelby winced every time the fairies shifted slightly in the sling, worried she might be jostling them too much. “I hope he’s not already using it to find them.” she whispered.

    “Let’s hope he’s too busy gloating. Laughing about how the fairies are trapped in that awful net. ” Rory replied grimly.

    They stopped outside a large, ornate tent that practically radiated malice. A faint glow pulsed from within, and the murmur of voices reached their ears.

    “That has to be it,” Rory muttered. “He’s in there.”

    Shelby tightened her grip on the sling. “What’s the plan? We can’t just storm in there. He has magic, and we have...” She gestured vaguely, indicating herself, Rory, and the sling holding the injured fairies.

    “We have surprise,” Rory said with a weak grin. “And hopefully, the element of distraction. If we can get to the rod while he’s focused on something else, we can end this.”

    Shelby wasn’t convinced, but there was no time to argue. They crept around the back of the tent, finding a small slit in the fabric to peer inside. The ringmaster sat at a small table with two hooded figures. The rod was sitting on a smaller table not far behind the ringmaster, glowing faintly, the air hummed slightly with its power. The men spoke softly as they wound bandages around the ringmaster’s hands.

     “There it is.” Shelby whispered as her heart raced.

     Rory nodded, his jaw clenched. “Can you handle the fairies while I try to grab it?”

    Shelby glanced down at the sling as they stirred a little. “I’ll keep them safe. Just... be careful.”

    Rory gave her a reassuring nod before slipping into the tent. Shelby moved to the side, staying hidden but close enough to see what was happening. Her grip on the sling tightened as she watched Rory edge closer to the table with the rod, his movements silent.

    The tension in the air was suffocating. Every second felt like an eternity as Rory crept closer to the rod. Shelby’s heart pounded in her chest as she bit her lip.

    Finally, Rory made his move. He darted forward, grabbing for the rod. But the ringmaster was faster than he’d anticipated. The tent erupted in chaotic yells from the hooden men as the ringmaster turned, his face twisting into a snarl.

    “You dare?” the ringmaster bellowed, his voice echoing like a thunderclap.

    Shelby didn’t wait to see what would happen next. She adjusted the sling and darted to the tent’s entrance, ready to back Rory up, or pull him out, if things got worse.

    The ringmaster moved with terrifying speed as he snatched the rod from Rory’s hand, the rod sparking with raw energy as he swung it toward Rory. Rory ducked just in time, the crackling magic missing him by inches.

    Shelby hesitated only for a moment before she darted toward Rory, the fairies shifting slightly in the sling as if sensing the danger.

    “Rory, watch out!” She yelled, drawing the ringmaster’s attention to her.

    The ringmaster froze, his eyes narrowing as he took in Shelby and the sling. A cruel smile crept across his face. “So, this is where my little pets have gone. You think you can waltz in here and take what’s mine?”

    “They’re not yours.” Shelby snapped, her voice shaking with fear and anger. “And we’re leaving, with or without your stupid rod.”

    The ringmaster laughed, a low, menacing sound. “Brave words for someone so fragile.” He raised the rod again, its glow intensifying.

    Rory seized the moment of distraction, lunging for the rod once more. This time, his fingers brushed the shaft, but the ringmaster yanked it away, spinning with surprising agility and knocking Rory to the ground.

    “Foolish boy.” The ringmaster sneered, raising the rod above Rory. “Let me show you the price of defiance.”

    Shelby didn’t think. She sprinted forward, her body moving on pure instinct. She grabbed a nearby chair and hurled it at the ringmaster’s back with all her strength.

    The chair hit its mark, shattering against the ringmaster and making him stumble forward. He spun around, his face livid, but the brief distraction was enough for Rory to grab the rod from his hands.

    “Got it!” Rory shouted, staggering back as the rod crackled in his grip.

    The ringmaster let out a roar of fury, lunging for Rory. With unnatural speed, he tackled Rory to the ground, pinning him there as his fists rained down with brutal force. Rory tried to shield himself, but the assault was relentless.

    “Rory!” Shelby screamed, panic gripping her as she darted forward. She grabbed at the ringmaster’s arm, pulling with all her strength in a desperate attempt to stop him.

    The ringmaster snarled and shook her off, sending her stumbling back. His focus remained locked on Rory, his rage intensifying.

    Just then, a faint blue glow lit up the tent, pulsing softly but steadily. Shelby froze, her gaze darting to the sling across her chest. The light grew stronger, spilling out through the fabric.

    “Kestrel?” She whispered, her voice trembling as she carefully opened the sling.

    Inside, Kestrel’s markings glowed faintly, his wings fluttering weakly. His eyes fluttered open, and they locked onto Shelby’s. His gaze was fierce and full of life.

    As their eyes met, a sudden surge of magic erupted from Kestrel. The wave of energy was raw and untamed, crashing through the tent like a shockwave. Shelby stumbled back, shielding the sling instinctively as the ringmaster was thrown off Rory with a violent blast.

    The ringmaster slammed into a nearby table, splintering it under his weight. He groaned, disoriented, as he struggled to get back to his feet.

    Kestrel’s glow dimmed slightly, but his eyes remained locked on Shelby's. He was awake now, more aware, and his magic was no longer wild. It was focused, deliberate, and deadly.

    “Kestrel,” Shelby whispered again, clutching the sling tightly. “You... you shouldn't have used your strength, but, thank you.”

     The fairy didn’t respond, but his faint glow pulsed again, as if acknowledging her, his eyes closing again, his energy depleted.

     Rory, bloodied but still conscious, scrambled to his feet, grabbing the rod from where it had fallen during the chaos. “What do we do now?” He asked, his voice hoarse.

    Shelby glanced between the ringmaster, who was beginning to recover, and Kestrel. Her grip on the sling tightened. “We finish this.” She said firmly. “Use the rod, Rory. End this.”

    Rory nodded, his hands trembling as he raised the rod. This time, he didn’t hesitate. The rod crackled with energy as he channeled it toward the ringmaster, hate burning in his eyes.

    A surge of light erupted from the rod, slamming into the ringmaster and sending him flying backward. The tent shook as the magic pulsed through the air, and the robed men, who had been standing frozen in indecision, scrambled to flee.

    Shelby held her breath, clutching the sling tightly as the dust settled. The ringmaster lay crumpled on the ground, unconscious.

    Rory stared at the rod in his hands, his chest heaving. “Did I... did it work?”

    “For now.” Shelby said, her voice trembling. She looked down at Kestrel, his glow fading again. “But we need to get out of here before he wakes up.”

    Rory nodded, gripping the rod tightly as they hurried out of the tent, leaving the chaos behind.

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    Once outside the circus, Shelby leaned heavily against her car, her chest heaving from the effort of their escape. She adjusted the sling carefully, ensuring the fairies inside were secure before glancing at Rory. He rubbed at his ribs, wincing as he caught his breath.

    “That was insane.” She muttered, her voice shaking with adrenaline.

    Rory grimaced, his eyes narrowing as he turned to face the looming circus tents in the distance. “It was too easy.” He said flatly, his tone uneasy.

    Shelby whipped her head toward him, shocked. “Easy? You got pummeled, Rory! We’ve been running and dodging for what felt like hours!”

    Rory shook his head. “Not that part. I mean, after the fight. Nobody came after us. Nobody tried to stop us. That doesn’t feel right.”

    Shelby hesitated, her fingers gripping the edge of the car. Deep down, she knew he was right. “We just stole two of the most valuable things they have. Of course, they’re going to come after us.”

    “We need to keep moving.” Rory said as he straightened, scanning their surroundings nervously.

    Shelby adjusted the sling again, her gaze briefly dropping to the fairies nestled inside. She noticed Alaric stirring weakly, his glowing golden eyes flickering open. He tapped her chest lightly, drawing her attention.

    “Humans.” He rasped, his voice hoarse but urgent. “Kestrel needs the moonlight. Please. He used too much of his energy saving that boy. It will help him recover… even if only a little.”

    Shelby looked up at the sky, the full moon shining brilliantly above them. Her gut twisted in fear, they didn’t have time for this, but the desperation in Alaric’s voice was impossible to ignore. “Fine.” She said quietly. “But just for a moment.”

    She spread the sling gently on the hood of the car, carefully placing Kestrel so his fragile body was bathed in the moonlight. His markings were dull, and his wings hung lifelessly at his sides. Shelby’s heart clenched at the sight.

    As the moonlight touched him, Kestrel’s faint glow began to pulse softly, like the flicker of a dying ember. Shelby covered her mouth, fighting back tears. “He’s… he’s not going to make it, is he?”

    Alaric knelt beside Kestrel, his face etched with grief. He caressed Kestrel’s cheek with trembling fingers. “Please hold on.” He whispered. “You’re stronger than this. Don’t let go.”

    Alaric looked up, his gaze locking with Shelby’s. “The ritual… will it heal him?”

    Shelby’s throat tightened, and she shook her head. “No. It only frees you from the rod’s magic.”

    A steely determination overtook Alaric’s expression. He straightened and looked down at his wings. “Then there’s only one way. My wings… they’ll heal him.”

    Shelby’s eyes widened in horror. “No. We’re not cutting off your wings! There has to be another way.”

    “There is no other way.” Alaric said, his voice trembling. “We can argue about this and watch him die…or we can save him.” His gaze locked onto Rorys. “Do it. Now.”

    Rory swallowed hard as he pulled out his dagger reluctantly, his hands trembling. “Are you sure?”

    Alaric nodded firmly. “Yes. Do it.”

    Alaric closed his eyes as tears ran down his face. He knew the pain would be excruciating, and he'd lose his magic along with his wings, but for Kestrel, he'd do it.

    Rory took a deep breath as he reached out and very gently took hold of Alaric’s wings, stretching them from the fairy's body. His hands shook violently as he brought the blade closer to him, he paused. “Are you positive? This is your last chance to change your mind.”

    Alaric took a shaky breath then nodded as he looked up at the moon. “Yes. I give my wings freely to save Kestrel.” His voice quivered as he spoke.

    Rory moved again, the blade just touching Alaric’s appendage, but before the blade could cut, a brilliant light engulfed them. Rory stumbled back, shielding his eyes. ”What the…”

    Alaric looked up, his face a mask of confusion and fury. “Why?” He bellowed at the moon. “Why stop this?” His voice broke as tears ran faster down his cheeks.

    The moonlight focused on the fairies like a spotlight, and golden and silver sparkles began to fall, wrapping them in a cocoon of shimmering magic. Alaric closed his eyes as he felt the goddesses' love envelope him.

     Kestrel's eyes fluttered open, their faint glow catching the moon's light. A weak smile tugged at his lips as he reached toward her with a trembling hand. The moonlight brightened in response, enveloping him in a soft, radiant embrace. Slowly, it lifted his limp body from the hood, his head tilting back as his back arched and his arms hung loosely at his sides. Suspended a few feet above the car, he seemed weightless as the moonlight cradled him like a mother comforting her child.

    “I see you, Kestrel.” The moon spoke, her voice like the wind in the trees. “You're tired, but it's not your time. I chose you long before your birth, I gave you a special piece of myself.” She whispered like a loving mother as she stroked his battered body. “Your journey has just begun.”

    The moon’s light flared with a blinding intensity, bathing the entire area in its brilliance. Everyone instinctively shielded their faces, the sheer force of the illumination pressing down on them. The air turned heavy and charged, crackling with unseen energy. The gentle breeze swelled into a fierce gale, causing Rory and Shelby to stumble backward while Alaric was thrown onto his back.

    When the light finally receded, Kestrel was gently lowered back onto the hood of the car. The moonlight disappeared as swiftly as it had appeared, leaving a profound silence in its wake. The group stood frozen, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief as they exchanged uneasy glances.

    “What the hell just happened?” Rory was the first to break the silence, his wide-eyed gaze fixed on Kestrel’s still form.

    “The moon… she spoke to him,” Alaric murmured, his voice tinged with both reverence and envy.

    “The moon spoke? I didn’t hear anything, just a low hum.” Shelby said, her voice shaky as she looked up at the moon. A shiver ran through her. The thought that the moon was alive, aware, made her skin crawl.

    “Humans can’t hear her.” Alaric explained, his expression darkening. “Fairies are her creation. We’re made from her magic, tied to her essence. She speaks to us when she chooses.” His voice faltered as his gaze dropped. “But…why didn’t she speak to me? I was right here. I was willing to sacrifice the most important part of me. And she ignored me?” His fists clenched, his eyes flicking toward Kestrel with a flash of frustration. “Why him? Why is it always him?”

    Faint pulses of light began to ripple through Kestrel’s markings, their glow timid at first but steadily growing. His wings twitched, catching the moonlight as the iridescent veins shimmered with vibrant hues. He drew a deep, shaky breath, his chest rising heavily. His eyes fluttered open as his strength slowly began to return, his gaze searching the vast sky above. A flicker of longing crossed his face, a silent plea to return to the home he could not reach.

    “Kestrel?” Alaric’s voice wavered as he leaned closer, his hand trembling as he reached out to his friend.

    Slowly, Kestrel turned his head, his glowing eyes meeting Alaric’s. “Help me.” He whispered, his voice soft but steady enough to hold a desperate weight.

    “You’re okay.” Shelby cut in, her voice filled with urgency. She reached for the sling, wanting to wrap the fairies in it again. “We’re going to get you out of here, but we need to leave now. We’ve already stayed too long.”

    Kestrel turned his weary gaze toward Shelby and shook his head firmly. “You two need to leave. You’ve done more than enough. It’s not safe for you to stay here.” His voice grew steadier with each word, color gradually returning to his cheeks. With effort, he pushed himself upright, his movements slow. “I don’t want to hurt you. Please, just go.”

    Rory’s eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, his expression hardening. “Are you serious? We risked everything to save you, and now you’re threatening us?”

    “It’s not a threat. It’s a warning.” Kestrel replied, his tone calm as he got to his feet. “They’re coming. Alaric and I can hold them off, but our magic, it won’t distinguish between friend or foe. If you’re here when it starts, you’ll be caught in the crossfire.”

    “We can help.” Shelby insisted, gesturing toward the rod resting against the car. “We’ve got this. It’s got to count for something.”

    Alaric stepped forward, his expression grim as he ed Kestrel. “The rod won’t shield you from our magic. Nothing will. If you stay, you’ll only put yourselves in more danger.” Alaric’s jaw clenched. “They’ll stop at nothing to get us back. If you stay, you’ll die.”

    Shelby tightened her fists, looking at the sling and then at Rory. “Not without you. We’ll figure out a way to fight back, together.”

    Kestrel’s glowing eyes softened, but his voice remained firm. “You’ve done all you can here. Please… live. Teach the rest of the humans that were not just things to play with, that we're beings who suffer like you. That’s the only way we win.”

    Rory glanced at Shelby, his grip tightening on the rod. “He’s right, Shelby. If we stay, we’re just liabilities.” His voice wavered, but his resolve was clear. “We have to trust they can handle this.”

    Shelby’s jaw clenched as she looked back at Kestrel and Alaric, her heart aching. “I don’t want to leave you. It doesn’t feel right.”

    Kestrel’s glowing gaze met hers, a flicker of gratitude in his expression. “You’ve already done more than anyone else ever has. You gave us a chance. That’s all we needed.”

    Shelby took a deep breath, tears brimming in her eyes. She nodded reluctantly, her voice cracking. “Promise me you’ll survive. Both of you.”

    Alaric stepped closer, placing a hand over his heart. “We’ll fight with everything we have. For us and for you.”

    The distant sound of approaching footsteps and muffled voices interrupted the moment, snapping them all to attention. The circus guards, and something else, were closing in fast.

    Kestrel turned to Alaric, his glowing markings flaring brighter. “It’s time.”

    Shelby hesitated, but Rory grabbed her arm gently. “We have to go. Now.” He started pulling her toward the car, his urgency undeniable.

    Shelby glanced back one last time as Kestrel and Alaric's wings flared open and they launched themselves into the air. She could feel the air changing around them, the magic crackling like an impending storm. “Stay alive!” She shouted, her voice breaking.

    Kestrel nodded without looking back. “Go!”

    As Rory started the car and they sped off into the darkness, Shelby gripped the dashboard, her eyes fixed on the rearview mirror. The two fairies were tiny figures floating in the moonlight, their glowing forms growing brighter as they prepared to unleash their magic.

    The last thing Shelby saw before the car turned a corner was an explosion of blue and gold light that engulfed the area where Kestrel and Alaric stood. Her chest tightened, a mixture of hope and fear surging through her. “They’ll make it.” She whispered, more to herself than to Rory.

    “They have to.” Rory replied grimly, pressing harder on the gas.