Chapter 25

Once Clara was dressed, Katryn began her hair. It was a quick style, a messy bun that went great with curly hair. As soon as she finished through the door opened. "Clara? You are better now?" Clara's adoptive mom had walked in first.

"No. I will be soon though," Clara smiled weakly before getting up. "I gotta go now. I'm sorry I haven't been around to show you guys this world. Maybe you can stay a couple days after I'm back," Clara gave them a small hug and walked out with Katryn.

"So who is going with you?" Xander was over against the wall watching Clara as she left the room.

"Um maybe alone would be the best. It would make sure no one else has issues," Clara walked over near him and realized Emmett was still there.

"Why don't I come with Clara? You shouldn't go alone," Emmett was being much calmer about the whole thing now.

"Yeah I guess so. I just don't know what exactly to expect," Clara kind of stumble a bit as she walked. Light leaping really hit hard and it was a good thing she hasn't until that point. It felt like the energy was just seeping out of her.

"I got you," Xander picked her up carefully and took Emmett by the arm. "I'm gonna flash us there. Anymore light leaping and you are gonna be out cold Clara."

"Flash?" Clara was a little confused but wasn't after a few moments. They did stop some random places while going but they made it to what Clara believe was the Fairy Kingdom. "Oh wow," she smiled as she looked at the trees.

"See? It doesn't do anything to you," he was holding her steady.

"So are fairies stronger than humans?" Clara was just going to ask all the random questions she had now.

"Yes we are. Our minds are also much stronger but even they aren't blocked off to telepathic abilities like yours is. It is just much harder to sneak in," Xander made sure to make it understandable which was nice.

"Oh that's weird. Okay another thing that is bothering me. When Avery and I searched your memories they were all human ones. How was that possible?" Clara had another coughing fit after finishing that last question but Xander waited until it was over.

"It was an illusion. My powers as a fairy or as you call them abilities are mostly mind tricks. I am a telepath in a sense but I can also create illusion and the dream place I've brought you and Avery to a few times. It isn't easy doing those but I knew I had to," he began walking into the large forest.

"Dream place?" Emmett looked at Clara for an answer on that.

"That's how he helped save me with Avery. We were able to talk in the dream place and have a plan so he could come get me. It was really confusing at first," Clara was looking up while they walked. The trees almost perfectly covered the forest from the sky but every now and then there was a small gap that allowed light to escape.

The rest of the way to where the Fairy Queen lived was quiet as Clara and Emmett both observed the forest. There were homes but they were apart of the trees and some didn't even have a roof. The Fairy Queen lived in the biggest of all the trees, she resided on the inside of it so it was covered.

Xander walked in first with Clara and set her down on an interesting couch. It was soft like the ones she was used to but covered in flowers, it was cool.

"I'm so glad you could make it Clara and her friend. Xander I'm glad you made it in time," the Fairy Queen walked in and Xander bowed towards her. She was the definition of beauty and nature combined. She had a white, very flowy dress and a simple flower crown on her long black hair.

"Of course. Clara is extremely weak right now so maybe after the healing some rest?" Xander was of course very uptight and polite with the Fairy Queen as someone would think with any queen.

"Yes I know Xander. I can feel it from here," the Fairy Queen walked the rest of the way over to Clara. She had a sad smile as she kneeled next to Clara. "I am sorry we are meeting under such circumstances but I'm sure Xander explained our joined past correct?"

"He did. Thank you for having someone else watch over me as well," Clara gave a weak smile as well and looked around the castle or what she guessed was the castle.

"It wasn't a problem. Let's get you healed up and resting. We can talk more later," the Fairy Queen set her hand on Clara's stomach. "This will feel a little weird and you might get sick but it'll make you feel better. Xander bring over the garbage just in case."

He did without saying anything and the healing began. It really did feel weird, like when Clara's foot fell asleep and it was the tingling part. It took about five minutes and afterwards Clara did end up getting sick. The whole thing wore Clara out even more than beforehand but she could feel the strength coming back.

"That worked great. Xander bring her up to her chambers to rest. Her friend can stay with her until later. She'll need a few hours at least, maybe longer." The Fairy Queen smoothed Clara's hair before standing up and walking out of the room.

Xander picked up Clara but before they could even make it to where she was staying, Clara had fallen asleep. It was the greatest sleep she'd ever had honestly and she hated waking up a few hours later.

"You're awake that's good," Emmett was sitting in a chair near the bed. He was reading a book he must have found in the room. "How are you feeling? Better right?"

"Much better. I feel great," Clara smiled as she got up and walked over to a large mirror. She started fixing up her hair but before she did much, Xander had walked in.

"I will send someone to get you changed into something more appropriate for the Fairy Kingdom now that you are awake. Emmett come with me and we'll get someone to help change you too," Xander motioned for Emmett to follow him.

"Help change me?" Emmett had a confused look as he walked over.

"Yes that's what I said," Xander led him out of the room. Emmett looked like he wasn't prepared for someone to help change him at all.

Not even two minutes later the Fairy Queen and another female fairy came into the room with a quick knock. "I wanted to pick something out for you to wear. You have such incredible features like your eyes that will make it so much better."

"You didn't have to do that," Clara gave a smile and watched as the Fairy Queen walked into the closet to the side of the room. The room was much smaller than Clara's back at home but it was beautiful. There were roots making up the floor but that also made it a tripping hazzard for Clara.

"I know but I haven't gotten to pick out clothes for someone before so why not do it for you. I have known you since you were a baby," the Fairy Queen smiled as she was looking through the closet. She had found a purple flowy dress, it was very light material which seemed to be normal. It was incredibly soft too.

"That's so pretty. Your clothes are so light weight and flowy I really like it," Clara walked over next to the Fairy Queen and looked at the dress she was holding.

"It is a really nice style huh? Your clothes are so heavy and large. It's nice to be stylish and comfy," the Fairy Queen pulled the purple dress out and handed it to the other lady. "How your hair was would go perfect with a pale blue and purple flower crown."

"Alright," Clara smiled and walked over in front of the mirror. The Fairy Queen was looking around the closet for the flower crown while the lady was helping her out of her dress and into the new one.

"Oh here!" The Fairy Queen came out with the flower crown and walked over. She fixed up Clara's messy bun and set the flower crown around it. "You look so beautiful Clara."

"Thank you. So this is random but what do I call you? I'm not sure how your way of life works here," Clara turned to face the Fairy Queen with a smile.

"You are not one of my fairies so you can call me Lillian. It might take me a second if you do because I'm not used to it. I would never force someone to call me Queen, I don't even force my own to call me that. They choose to do so as their sign if respect," Lillian set her hand on Clara's arm. "Now let's go have something to eat, you must be hungry."

"I really am," Clara giggled a little and when they walked out of her room Xander and Emmett were watching.

"Clara you look amazing," Emmett was blushing as he said that.

"A flower crown really suits her don't you think my Queen?" Xander asked as his eyes traveled to the flower crown sitting on Clara's head.

"Yes I do. Why do you think I picked it?" Lillian walked in front with Clara right by her side. "So we have a lot to discuss over a meal."

"May I know what's it about?" Clara was a little nervous about the whole thing. Yes Lillian had been watching over Clara and so has Xander for a long time but she hardly knew either of them. She couldn't begin to think of what could be so important.

"It will take a lot of explaining. Don't worry though it's nothing bad. Anyways are your abilities back to normal now? I remember Xander saying the poison was causing issues with them, " Lillian quickly changed the subject. Clara would just have to wait on whatever Lillian wanted to talk about.

"They should be.. I haven't exactly tried them yet. I had been up only a few minutes when Xander walked in," Clara was trying to be proper with Lillian but it was hard. Lillian just seemed so normal.

"Well why don't give one a try? Maybe your unknown ability. I'd love to see what it looks like, I've only heard about it from Xander unfortunately." Lillian had slowed down the pace of walking to give Clara some time to use her ability.

"Here," Clara opened her hand and sphere formed. She handed the sphere to Lillian and made a few more around it. "I can only do so much as I've learned."

"This is really fascinating. Do you know how they are made or no?" Lillian was examining the sphere very closely.

"My professors believe it is a combination of lightness and darkness. Otherwise I don't know much more about it," Clara sighed slightly. She wish she had known more about it.

"Ah alright. I guess you have only been here a few months. Maybe they'll know more in a few years," Lillian smiled as she handed back the sphere but Clara just made it disappear.

"Hopefully," Clara gave a somewhat forced smile this time as they walked into the dining room. It was at the top of the tree and had an open roof to see the sky. "Wow this place is so amazing."

"Yes the previous Queen did a great job of designing it. She paid extra attention to details all over the castle," Lillian had a dazed look on her face as she looked up at the sky herself.

"So how does inheriting the throne work here?Does the eldest inherit it?" Clara asked as they all went to take a seat.

"No the Queen picks who ever she chooses as her princesses. While she may have daughters and they are princesses by name, they might not inherit the throne. This actually a great way into the conversation I want to have with you, " Lillian kind of chuckled but that only confused Clara even more.

"How so?" Clara was sitting right next to Lillian. Xander was across from Clara and Emmett was right next to her.

"Well I have yet to name a princess. Now I know this is a huge thing but I would like to name you as my first princess. You wouldn't inherit the throne since you are not a fairy but you would forever be a princess in the Fairy Kingdom," Lillian was smiling so big about this whole thing.

"I am a human though. How would that even work?" Clara was entirely shocked by this and Emmett was too.

"Well there is no guidelines to picking a princess when you are a queen. I get to choose whoever I see fit and because I have seen you from such a young age fight to be happy this is one way you won't. In the Fairy Kingdom you will always have a home in the castle and you can even pick one outside if you ever need to. It is a safe place for you in case you ever need one. You would also get the respect of all the fairies and the protection of the fairy guard," Lillian still had a big smile as she explained this. She needed a yes from Clara to go forth with the ceremony and the celebration.

"But why me out of honestly everyone? Lots of people have to work for their happiness," Clara was a little overwhelmed.

"Because I want to protect you as well as maybe make a better connections between the humans and fairies. Our species are similar in many ways and you becoming a princess opens it up more. You wouldn't have any responsibilities like you would think. I just want there to be a starting point and I think there is no one better than you to be that bridge for us. The only real responsibility is that you know everything that is going on the Fairy Kingdom and I ask that you don't really talk to any humans about it. I wouldn't expect you to tell me anything you know the humans are planning," Lillian added to the end quickly. It was a crazy thought though. A princess in another species kingdom?

"I am glad you can agree to that but I don't know if the council would. Also what if it doesn't go as planned? I am part of both sides if that were to happen. I would never want to anything to hurt either species but making me the middle person is an impossible situation Lillian," Clara pointed out that flaw. For some reason it made Lillian smile more.

"You recognize the fact it might not go to plan which is great. Nothing ever goes perfect but you being the middle person, a child of now three species would be very impressive. I would never ask you to harm the humans or any other species for that matter. I want to improve our relationship and maybe send some of the fairy guard to help secure places that need it," Lillian waved a hand and lunch was brought over. It was all fruits and vegetables just like what Clara was used to at home.

"So what if I say yes. What happens next?" Clara asked before she took a small bite. Although she was healthy again her appetite would be an issue.

"Well we'd bring the council here, your family and friends. We'd have a ceremony to make you an official princess of the Fairy Kingdom and then a festival in your honor afterwards. Next would really be up to you. I would be happy if you could visit every so often, like once a year. I hope even if you don't accept the princess position you might still consider that request," Lillian had begun eating as well once she finished her answer.

"I would love to visit here more often. I know you asked that I keep this from the council but I am young and inexperienced with this so I was wondering if I could maybe talk to someone on the council I would trust with everything?" Clara was slowly eating which she knew Emmett was noticing.

"Which one would that be?" Lillian hadn't said no yet but who knows what she'd say after Clara said who.

"Councilmen Brento. He's advocated for me this whole time the best he could. I would make a decision with him while talking on the impairtor and tell you before he meets with the rest of the council. He told me I could trust him with anything so maybe this is the real test," Clara kind of shrugged at the last part and sat back in her seat some. She wasn't used to sitting so straight when eating, or really sitting at all.

"I can agree to this. Is there anything else you'd like to know?" Lillian didn't seem to entirely like that but she agreed to it.

"No not really," Clara gave her a soft smile in which Lillian returned.

"Actually I have a question about the whole thing," Emmett spoke up for the first time next to Clara. "What makes you want to protect Clara?"

"I guess Xander only explained that to a Clara huh?" Lillian laughed a little.

"I kind of forgot Emmett was out of the loop on that. He does know my true passed too. My friends all do," Clara kind of chuckled too which made Emmett blush.

"Anyways, I have watched over Clara since she was a baby. Actually I watched over myself until she was six but issues were happening here and I could no longer do it myself. Xander was around thirteen at the time and he began to take over checking on her after me. She was always a spitfire of good energy and then I learned of her powers. Clara is extremely special already to this world and I would like to make sure that I have some doing to getting her to the end goal," Lillian gave Emmett a reassuring smile and he seemed alright with that answer. "Also when you know someone from a baby you have that sense of protecting them."

"That makes sense. I am just curious why bring it up now and not earlier on when Clara was brought here?" Emmett had finished his food rather quickly.

"Well I didn't actually know she was here until a month later. We didn't hear about the announcement. Xander and I were in a frenzy trying to find her only to learn she was here. Xander joined the group when he realized their goal was to have Clara lead and wanted to make sure it was alright."

"So that's why you told me it was corrupt. That makes much more sense now too," Clara slightly interrupted but it got Lillian laughing.

"Yes more things will make sense about Xander's strange behavior. He really did want to make sure you were safe. Not that first year though but once he got to see how hard your life was he wanted to make sure you were okay once you came home," Lillian added on the last part which got Xander blushing this time around. It just made Lillian laugh more. She was a kind Queen for sure.

"Well I'm glad he was there. Without him I might have still been kidnapped..." Clara trailed off after saying that and realized something. A fairy can easily hid as a human, they just appear older because of their ears and she remembers Soma Heartfelt's ears being rather pointed. "I think I just realized something.."

"What's that Clara?" Lillian was fully focused on Clara after she said that. There was a look of terror in Clara's eyes.

"I think the kidnappers were fairies. It would make so much more sense now. If it had been a human their mind would have shattered from first beating a young child and then stabbing one? There is no way they'd be sane right now. The one you had a bad feeling about Xander was the one I believed kidnapped me and now that I think back his ears were rather pointy for a human." Clara got it all out in one breath.