16. Let's sleep tonight

Sylph (choking on her sobs): “I’m sorry…. Ethan… I should’ve been faster… I should’ve protected you…please ... you are my only family....please don't leave me...”

Her hands moved to cradle his head, stroking his hair as she pressed her forehead against his. Her tears mixed with his sweat and bruises, her cries filling the air. She was lost in her grief, drowning in it, unable to think of anything else but the possibility of losing him forever.

But then, in the midst of her despair, Sylph hesitated. She pressed her ear against his tiny chest, her breath catching in her throat, desperate for any sign—any hint—that he was still with her.

For a moment, there was only silence.

And then, faint—so faint she thought she might be imagining it—there it was. A heartbeat. Fragile. Barely there, but there.

Sylph’s entire body trembled as she heard it, a sob tearing from her throat. She didn’t know whether to cry harder from relief or from the fear that he was still so close to death.

Sylph (sobbing even harder): “hh… oh, stars… oh stars…..Ethan… he’s alive…Eth….Ethan….” Her voice wobbled with sorrow, her tears flowing even more as she clutched him tighter. But he was so weak, so fragile, and the reality of it weighed heavily on her. She had almost lost him. She had almost failed him.

Luna, beside her, let out a sob of relief, her hand covering her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Luna (whispering through her tears): “Thank the stars… thank the stars…” She knelt beside Sylph, her hand gently resting on Ethan’s back, her body shaking with relief and sorrow. They were both crying, both unable to stop as the overwhelming emotions poured out of them.

Elara, standing beside them, her own arm still burned, wiped her eyes, her chest heaving with deep breaths as she tried to steady herself. She, too, had feared the worst, and the relief that flooded her was mixed with the pain of seeing Ethan so broken, so small.

The other fairies poured into the lab, the sight of Sylph clutching Ethan and sobbing with Luna by her side struck a deep chord of concern and relief.

Flora, her face etched with worry, knelt in front of Sylph, her hands trembling as she gently reached for Ethan’s chest to check his heartbeat.

Flora: “Ethan... Ethan...” Her voice was soft, filled with a mix of fear and hope.

Sylph, still sobbing, clung to Ethan as if he were the last anchor in her world.

Sylph: “He’s alive... He’s alive.” Her voice was strained but relieved as she held Ethan closer, her tears falling onto his still form.

A collective sigh of relief spread through the room as Flora confirmed Ethan’s heartbeat. The fairies' tense expressions softened, though the weight of their ordeal was far from over.

Lira, her voice filled with a fierce determination, broke the silence.

Lira: “Where’s Ryznith?”

Elara, still wincing from her burns, pointed to the scattered ashes on the floor.

Elara: “She’s ashes now.” Her tone carried a mix of relief and exhaustion.

Another wave of relief washed over the group. The immediate danger had passed.

Luna, looked around with concern.

Luna: “What about her minions?”

Nia, with a puzzled expression, shook her head.

Nia: “They just... went away suddenly. We don’t know how or why.”

Mira, her face reflecting both relief and weariness, spoke up.

Mira: “It doesn’t matter. We are safe, and most importantly, Ethan is alive and safe.”

Elara, who had been tending to her burned arm, nodded in agreement.

Elara: “Right.”

Flora, noticing Elara’s injuries, moved to her side with concern.

Flora: “Rynous, you are hurt. Let me see it.”

Elara tried to downplay her injury.

Elara: “No, it’s nothing. Just a small burn.”

But Flora was already working her magic, healing Elara’s wounds with a soothing touch.

Sylph, her eyes never leaving Ethan’s unconscious face, spoke with a broken voice.

Sylph: “I did it... I got out of control... I broke my promise with Ethan. It’s my fault.”

Luna, shaking her head with fierce resolve, countered.

Luna: “No, Emberis. You saved us all. And Ethan. It was you.”

Zara, looking around with concern, asked.

Zara: “But what happened here?”

Flora continued her healing, her eyes focused on her task.

Flora: “Sit here, Elara. Let me take care of that.”

As Elara sat down, she began recounting the events.

Elara: “Ryznith got Ethan. She was about to crush his throat, but then he called out for Emberis. I told him to take her name ‘Emberis’”

Luna added, her voice filled with confusion and awe.

Luna: “But Emberis and I were on the floor after the fight with Ryznith. I don’t know what happened to Emberis, but the next thing we saw was something more than Emberis—something none of us had ever seen before.”

Aria, noticing Sylph’s intense focus on Ethan, reached out.

Aria: “Emberis? Emberis?”

Sylph, lost in the sight of Ethan, barely responded.

Sylph: “Uh... what?” Her attention remained fixed on Ethan, her voice trembling.

Tara, seeing the strain on both Sylph and Ethan, stepped in with a firm but caring tone.

Tara: “Emberis! Are you okay? Give Ethan to me, and have some rest.”

Sylph shook her head weakly.

Sylph: “No... no. I’m alright. He is safe here with me... He is...” Her voice trailed off, and her body swayed.

Before she could fall, Tara quickly caught her.

Tara: “They both need rest. Let’s move them to bed.”

The fairies, united by their exhaustion and concern, carefully carried Ethan and the weakened Sylph to a place where they could rest and recover.

As the fairies busied themselves with the aftermath of the battle, the castle was a hive of activity and recovery.

Tara: “Oh, come on. I just made this beautiful pot. And it’s all shattered now.”

Luna, surveying the damage, offered a perspective.

Luna: “Well, the hall looks less messed up than Ethan’s lab. Emberis really burnt it.”

Laughter and chuckles filled the room as the fairies tried to lighten the mood despite the chaos.

Flora, who was gathering cushions from the sofas, called out to Mira.

Flora: “Cirnyx! You put this heavy boulder on my cushions.”

Mira, busy with Nia, responded.

Mira: “Ask Aarthel. I’m busy with Caly.”

Aria, skipping over to Flora with a playful smile, chimed in.

Aria: “Floraa, my lovely Flora!” She approached her with exaggerated affection. “Leave those cushions to me.”

Flora raised an eyebrow.

Flora: “Hmmm….Taking my Ethan-name…. what do you want from me?”

Aria, batting her eyelashes, leaned in.

Aria: “You know it, Flora.”

Flora sighed, realizing where this was heading.

Flora: “But we’ve got a lot of mess to...”

Aria cut her off.

Aria: “Flora, I’m really hungry right now. You know when I zip, I use intense energy. Please, something to eat.”

Flora chuckled.

Flora: “Alright, alright. You and Ethan are hopeless.”

Tara, her concern shifting to Ethan and Sylph, asked.

Tara: “Talking about Ethan, how’s he now? Has anybody checked on him and Sylph?”

Lira, her expression softening, answered.

Lira: “They are still sleeping.”

The scene shifted to Ethan and Sylph, lying peacefully in bed after the intense battle. Sylph, exhausted and troubled, was still deeply affected by recent events.

Suddenly, Sylph bolted upright from a troubling memory of Ryznith, her face filled with panic.

Sylph: “Ethan!”

Her eyes darted around the room until they landed on Ethan, peacefully sleeping beside her. A wave of relief washed over her.

Sylph gently lay back down beside him, her fear replaced with a profound sense of comfort. She kissed his forehead tenderly, her heart aching with gratitude and love. She rested her hand on his small chest, feeling the rise and fall of his breaths.

Sylph: “I thought I’d lost you today. I couldn’t imagine my life without you. You brought life back into me. I was empty inside. And Before that I only heard about you—how you saved us from Vith and Tigath. I always wanted to see you in person. ….I joined the forces. I met Ryznith. We became good friends. We were both among the top Yalzets. She always said we’d fight against Nemesis together one day and defeat him. I went on a mission with you. You saved me from Fez's monsters. And I can never forget those precious moments I shared with you. Never. You were always so humble and kind. Like you are right now. (she then chuckled on a past memory with him) And you always said that I am your favorite hand-holding fairy (she smiles, kisses his lips and took his small hand in hers and smells it) And ...then the council chose only me as your Guardian. They didn’t choose her. I don’t know why, but after that day, she changed. She stopped talking to me and began betraying us all. She accepted Neshis’ power and turned into a Dihodos. She destroyed everything. And I left with nothing. I lost trust again. I had only you. You are the only family I left. You are my family ........I never imagined that someday I’d be sleeping with you, close to me, feeling your cute breaths, and kissing your face. You truly made me alive again, Ethan. Thank you.”

Sylph pulled Ethan closer into her embrace, her heart full of emotion. The room, once filled with chaos, now held a peaceful silence as Sylph held her beloved close, cherishing the fragile moments of serenity amidst the aftermath of battle.

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Ethan (voice weak, barely above a whisper): "I'm okay, Aria..." (coughs) "**...I am just—"**

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

Aria (cutting him off, her voice filled with worry): "No, baby. You’re staying in Mira’s lap until you’re fine."

Ethan (protesting feebly): "**But I am—"**

Lira (kneeling in front of Mira and Ethan, her tone firm but filled with concern): "We are not asking you, Ethan. Mira, don’t let him move even the slightest."

Mira (tightening her embrace around Ethan, gently kissing his pale forehead): "Not a chance. He’s not going anywhere."

Tara (cupping his small face in her hands, her eyes shining with both love and fury): "Awww.., my poor baby. Look at you... I swear, if Ryznith’s minions weren’t fairies underneath, I’d make sure none of them ever stood again."

Ethan (his voice raspy, struggling to speak): "I’m happy you didn’t hurt any of them..." (coughs again)

Zara (placing her hand over her heart, her expression pained): "Sweetie, don’t talk too much. You’re so weak now. We’ll talk about this later."

Ethan: "But I’m fine..." (coughs harder) "...it’s just my throat... Ryznith almost—" (he coughs again, his voice breaking)

Elara (her tone gentle but stern): "That’s enough, baby. No more talking now. You can barely speak. If you say another word, I’ll use my powers to put you to sleep."

Flora (rushing in, holding a bowl of decoction, her face a mask of worry): "How is he?" (She pauses as she sees Ethan still weak and pale in Mira’s lap, her heart breaking at the sight.) "...Oh, my baby flower..." (She sets the bowl aside and sits beside Mira.)

Ethan (raising his trembling arms toward Flora, his voice cracking as if pleading for her warmth and comfort): "Floraaaa..."

Flora (immediately scooping him up from Mira’s lap, holding him tightly to her chest, her voice filled with overwhelming love): "Oh, my sweet, sweet baby flower..." (She holds him close, pressing him to her heart, tears threatening to spill.) "**...Oh, baby..."** (Her voice cracks, and she gently rocks him, as if her love alone could heal him.)

Sylph lying in half destroyed sofa. She is healed up properly, but need some rest. Each fairy exchanges a glance, the weight of their shared love for Ethan tying them all together. Flora presses her cheek to his head, her fingers gently stroking his hair as if soothing away the trauma of the battle.

Flora (holding him close, kissing his face over and over, her voice soft and full of love): "My little flower... Look at you..." (She peppers his pale face with kisses.)

Ethan, though weak, instinctively nestles deeper into Flora's embrace, seeking her warmth and love, as if it’s the only thing keeping him tethered.

Ethan (mumbling, his voice frail): "Floraaa..."

Flora (rocking him gently, soothingly): "Don’t worry, flower. I’m here..." (She pulls him back slightly to look into his tired eyes.) "I made a decoction for you. It will make you feel better, okay?"

Ethan (pushing his face back into her chest, his voice pleading): "Nooo..."

Flora (sighing softly, holding him tighter): "Oh, baby..." (She lets him burrow into her embrace for a moment, giving him the comfort he seeks.)

Luna (stepping closer, her tone gentle but firm): "Moon, you have to drink it. If you don’t, you’ll be so weak... We don’t want to see you like this."

Ethan (still clinging to Flora): "Nooo..."

Flora (kissing his forehead, pulling him back gently to meet his eyes again): "Baby... you’ll feel better, I promise. Just take a small sip, okay?"

Ethan (mumbling, eyes heavy with fatigue): "Floraa..."

Flora (resolute, yet tender): "No, baby. I want you to be better, to be fine again." (She picks up the bowl of decoction from the table and holds it to his lips.) "Here, take a sip for me, love."

Sylph (voice soft, pleading): "Please, baby. For me, for us. You know how much we love you... Please."

Ethan (glancing at Sylph, then coughing weakly): "Sylphhh..."

Zara (placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, her eyes filled with love): "Ethan, please... for us. We’re all here for you."

Ethan, sensing the overwhelming love around him, finally relents, giving a small nod. Flora gently holds the bowl to his lips as he takes the tiniest sip, wincing as the bitter taste hits his tongue. He pushes the bowl away and falls back into Flora’s chest.

Ethan (mumbling against her chest): "It’s so bad..."

Flora (stroking his hair, her voice soothing): "I know, sweetie... But you have to drink it."

Ethan (whining softly from her chest): "Noooo..."

Elara (stepping forward, her voice quiet but concerned): "Flora, can’t you just use your healing powerz? You can heal him..."

Flora (her voice firm, though filled with regret): "I know... but we swore not to use it unless it’s a life-or-death situation." (Her voice softens as she reminds them) "Remember what you all said then..."

Aria (her voice filled with desperation): "But isn’t this a dying situation? Look at him, he’s so weak and pale."

Flora (her voice resolute but gentle): "I know, Aria... but we can’t. You all know it won't work like this. And if I do it now.... you know. Don’t force me to do that again."

Tara (kneeling beside Flora, gently coaxing Ethan): "Ethan, charmer..." (She gently tries to pull his face from Flora’s chest) "Baby, please... just drink a little more. For me, hmm?"

Ethan (peeking at her, coughing softly): "But it..." (He coughs again) "...tastes bad."

Flora (gently lifting the bowl again, her voice full of love and tenderness): "Please, baby, for me. You know how much I take care of you, don’t you? I just want you to feel better." (She holds the bowl to his lips once more.)

Ethan, knowing how much Flora loves him, how much she always takes care of him, takes another sip, then another, bearing the horrible taste for her sake. He manages to drink half the bowl before pushing it away again, retreating back into Flora’s chest.

Ethan (mumbling weakly): "No more now... please."

Flora (smiling softly, cradling him close, letting him rest against her chest): "Okay, no more. Rest now, baby. You’ve done enough."

Flora holds him gently, rocking him in her arms, the other fairies watching with softened expressions. They know that in Flora’s care, Ethan is safe. His breathing begins to slow, and though still pale, he is calmer now, nestled in the arms of the one who loves him more than anything.

As Ethan peacefully slept in Flora’s lap, cradled with all her love and worries, the fairies surrounded them, silently watching the small figure nestled safely in her embrace. Their hearts ached with both relief and concern. Ethan was alive—safe for now—but none of them could shake the terror of almost losing him. They longed to see him healthy again, running through the castle with his playful mischief and giggles filling the halls.

Flora (softly kissing his forehead, her voice a soothing whisper): "Sleep now, my little flower."

The room was filled with quiet, the only sounds being the gentle breaths of Ethan and the occasional shift of the fairies. For a moment, no one spoke, lost in their own thoughts, grateful for his safety but still shaken by the events.

Sylph (her voice breaking through the silence, filled with regret and self-loathing): "I should have fought harder. Why wasn't I as powerful as Ryznith?" (Her fists clenched, her body trembling with rage.)

Tara (gentle, but firm): "Don't blame yourself, Emberis. You fought bravely, and you’re the one who finally burned Ryznith and saved us all."

Sylph (standing abruptly, her anger now directed at herself): "No! Look at him!" (She gestures toward Ethan’s pale face.) "It’s because of me. I wasn’t strong enough to stop Ryznith. I promised him I wouldn’t let her touch him, but she almost choked him to death!"

Elara (her voice sharp, almost scolding): "**Emberis, stop it. Stop blaming yourself. We all know how much Ethan means to you. He’s safe now, and he’ll be fine. You did your best."**

Mira (her voice soft but firm): "Rynous’ right, Emberis. Don’t do this to yourself. If you hadn’t been there, he might—" (Her voice breaks, unable to finish the thought.) "I can’t even bear to think of what could have happened."

Zara (moving closer to Sylph, her voice full of compassion): "Emberis, we are all so thankful to you. You saved us. You saved him."

Sylph (her voice cracking, tears streaming down her face as she collapses onto Zara’s shoulder): "I thought I lost him... I thought he was gone. I can’t... I can’t live without him... I can’t..." (Her sobs grow louder, her body shaking.)

Zara (wrapping her arms around Sylph, holding her close): "Shh... Emberis, don’t cry. It’s okay... He’s here. He’s safe..."

For a moment, the room is filled only with the sound of Sylph’s sobbing as she leans into Zara’s comforting embrace. The other fairies stand in solemn silence, their hearts heavy with their shared fear of losing Ethan.

Lira (breaking the silence, her voice calm but filled with a weight of responsibility): "When we chose you, Emberis, to be his Guardian not Ryznith. I ordered you to report Ethan. After that we told her why we choose you." (She walks over and sits beside Flora, her eyes resting on Ethan as he sleeps.) "I told Ryznith that she is the more experienced, the more compatible option." (She gently strokes Ethan’s hair, her voice softer now.) "And Ryznith in real was more powerful than you, Sylph. She always was."

Sylph (her sobs quieting as she listens, her voice trembling): "Then why did you choose me?"

Lira (looking directly at Sylph, her voice filled with warmth and conviction): "Because of this, Sylph. All of this. Your love for Ethan. The way you cried when Elden choose you his Guardian. The way you plead us to not to reject you. You didn’t hesitate when it came to his life. You can’t even bear to see a scratch on him. And Ethan knew that." (She gazes down at Ethan, her hand brushing his cheek tenderly.) "Do you know why he made you promise to control your anger, Emberis? Because he knew that if he were ever in danger, you’d burn the entire world to protect him. And you did. You burned Ryznith to ashes."

Lira (her voice growing softer, filled with pride): "It was you, Emberis. You saved him. Not because you were the strongest, but because you loved him more than anyone. And that love... that’s what makes you the best Guardian."

Sylph frozen for a moment, Lira’s words sinking into her heart. She looked at Ethan, his peaceful face resting against Flora’s chest, and the tears began to fall again—this time, tears of relief and understanding. She hadn't failed him. She had saved him, because her love was stronger than any power Ryznith could wield.

Sylph (whispering through her tears, her voice soft): "I love him so much..."

Lira (nodding gently): "And that’s why you were always the right choice, Emberis. Because no one else would fight for him the way you did."

As the fairies sat in wrecked seats and sofas in grand hall around Ethan, their hearts heavy with concern, the soft glow of Varmora's Philight filled the room. She appeared in a warm burst of light, her presence immediately lightening the mood, even after all they had been through.

Varmora (with a calm, knowing smile): "That's right, Emberis. You saved him. But it's not just you. I can see it in all of you. Each one of you is ready to die for him. Each one of you would do whatever it takes to protect him."

Zara (her face lighting up with relief): "Phinix, we’re so glad you’re safe."

Varmora (with a chuckle, her tone playful): "Oh, what could possibly happen to me when I’m already dead?" (Her light-hearted comment brings laughter from the fairies, easing the tension for a moment.)

Varmora's gaze softened as she approached Ethan, still resting peacefully in Flora's arms. She knelt beside him, her expression shifting to one of sadness and concern.

Varmora (her voice filled with quiet sorrow): "I feel pity for him. What Zytrax did... it was unspeakable. And now, with the Codex inside him..." (She trails off, her words left hanging in the air.)

Flora (her voice trembling as she fights back tears): "Phinix, please... save him. Tell us there’s another way to take the Codex out of him... please..." (Her voice breaks, on the verge of sobbing.)

Zara (thinking quickly): "What about our ancient rituals? The Codex was created in ancient times. There must be some way—some ritual—that could remove it."

Varmora (her tone heavy with regret): "I’m afraid, Amiraha, if such a ritual exists, it would likely require the presence of all Phinix. And now, with me dead, and no lightless fairy body remaining..." (She shakes her head, her voice filled with resignation.)

Tara (her eyes lighting up as a thought occurs to her): "Wait! There is a lightless body. We still have it, Phinix."

Luna (nodding in agreement, her voice filled with hope): "Yes, the one Ethan converted. It’s still there."

Varmora (confused but intrigued): "What do you mean?"

Aria (eager to explain): "Ethan turned Ryznith’s minion back into a fairy, but its light was gone—when they transformed it into a minion. But that means the body is still intact... for you."

Lira (her voice strong, filled with determination): "**If there’s a chance, Phinix, we’re ready for you to take that lightless body. If it means saving Ethan."**

Varmora (a smile spreading across her face, her eyes sparkling with new hope): "I’m ready too."

For the first time since the battle, Sylph cracked a smile, her earlier sorrow giving way to hope.

Sylph (teasing, despite her earlier anguish): "Well, if this works, we might have to give Ethan a medal for converting that minion. Who knew he had it in him?"

Aria (giggling): "Maybe we should start calling him 'Ethan the Redeemer.'"

Tara (joining in, her voice light with playful mischief): "Or 'Ethan the Light-bringer.'"

Mira (smiling as well, shaking her head): "Leave it to Ethan to save us all with his big heart and those wild ideas of his."

Lira (nodding resolutely): "It’s decided then. We’ll do this tomorrow morning. For now, let’s rest. We’ve had enough for today."

Flora (gently stroking Ethan’s hair, her voice tender): "Right. He still needs a long rest." (She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss on his forehead, cradling him protectively in her lap, ensuring he was wrapped in her warmth.)

One by one, the fairies began heading toward the large, comforting bedroom, a sanctuary after the chaos of the day. Flora stayed close to Ethan, her arms still cradling him as she carefully adjusted his small, sleeping form. She wrapped her body around him, creating a soft cocoon of warmth and love, protecting him from the cold night air and the remnants of fear that still lingered from the battle. His soft breathing reassured her that he was safe, if only for now.

Lira (sighing as she stretched out, her body tired but her spirit relieved): "What a day... I swear, if I ever see something like Ryznith again..." (She trailed off, shaking her head.)

Aria (chiming in with a yawn): "You’ll just punch them in the face, like always." (Her tone was light, teasing, trying to lift the mood.)

Sylph (who had finally calmed, though her eyes were still red from earlier tears): "Maybe this time, I’ll let you have the first punch, Aarthel. But if they touch Ethan again, well..." (She glanced toward the sleeping boy, her voice trailing off as the protective fierceness returned.)

Tara (lying down beside her, pulling the blanket over herself): "I don’t think anything could stop you, Emberis. But you know, we made it through today... We’ll make it through tomorrow too."

Zara (settling in comfortably beside Varmora): "I think Elysia’s right. Today was tough, but we’re tougher. And we’ve got each other." (She gave a soft smile, her eyes glowing with affection for her fellow fairies.)

Mira (rubbing her eyes sleepily): "Still, I’d rather not go through another day like today for a while. A little peace would be nice."

Elara (her calm voice drifting across the room): "**We all deserve some peace, Cirnyx. Tonight, we rest."**

Flora looked down at Ethan, her arms still wrapped around him. His face, pale from exhaustion, was finally peaceful in sleep. She kissed his forehead again, her heart full of love and worry.

Flora (whispering, more to herself than anyone else): "Sleep, my little flower. we're here."