20. Yadgir

As everyone gathered in the grand hall, the atmosphere was relaxed yet filled with a sense of anticipation. Ethan sat in Sylph's lap, trying to nestle himself into the perfect cozy position, much to her mild amusement and exasperation.

Sylph raised an eyebrow, shifting slightly to accommodate him. "Ethan! Stop it. You're all over me!" she said, her voice half playful, half scolding.

Ethan, undeterred, wiggled again with a cheeky smile. "Ahh, now this is okay," he sighed, finally feeling content.

Sylph gave him a teasing look. "You’re literally in the same position as before."

"Oh, is that so?" Ethan grinned mischievously. "Let me change then—"

But before he could wiggle again, Sylph quickly pulled him in closer, wrapping her arms gently around his small frame. "No, just stay here like this," she said, her voice softening. "And give me your hand."

She took his small hand in hers, bringing it up to her face, inhaling deeply with a smile. It was something she always did, a small ritual that made her feel at peace. Holding his hand in hers, Sylph let out a contented sigh. "Ahh. Better.”

Ethan looked up at her, his wide, innocent eyes brimming with curiosity. "You always do this," he said softly. "Why do you smell my hand and hold it like that?"

Sylph chuckled, her lips curling into a tender smile. "Because it’s a special bond I share with you, silly firefly," she murmured, pressing a kiss to the top of his head.

Ethan, still confused, tilted his head. "But… you just smell it."

Flora, sitting nearby, chuckled softly. "It’s something you won’t understand yet, Flower," she said warmly. "Just let her do it and don’t ask why."

"But Flora," Ethan’s voice was cute and innocent, "Sylph always holds my hand when I’m in her lap."

Zara, who was leaning back with a knowing grin, chimed in. "And never ask her to let go."

Ethan blinked up at her. "Why?"

Everyone in the hall laughed, but the laughter carried a weight that Ethan couldn’t grasp.

Sylph’s voice turned soft as she still cradling his hand. "Because I can’t bear to let go," she whispered. "And… I like your scent."

She kissed his hand once more, her lips lingering against his soft skin as if trying to preserve the moment forever.

Ethan’s face lit up with an innocent smile. "Oh, you like my scent? I like your scent too, Sylph."

Sylph’s heart melted as her arms tightened around him**. "Awww… my little firefly,"** she cooed, planting a gentle kiss on his lips. "Mwah! Thank you."

Ethan leaned his head back to look up at her, his eyes gleaming with affection. "And you know what, Sylph?" he asked sweetly.

"Hmmm?" she hummed, brushing a lock of hair from his face.

"You’re my favourite hand-holding fairy."

For a brief moment, Sylph froze. The innocent words hit her like a wave.

Her smile faltered, replaced by a deep emotion that surged within her. "What… what…did you just say?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Ethan, still oblivious, repeated innocently, "I said you’re my favourite hand-holding fairy."

The room fell quiet. All the fairies exchanged glances, recalling the same memory that Sylph now clung to.

Sylph’s eyes welled with tears. "Ethan…" She gently pulled him back from her embrace, cupping his face in her hands. "say it once more."

Ethan tilted his head in confusion. "What? Why?"

"Just… please," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Say it again."

Ethan blinked but obliged. "You’re my favourite hand-holding fairy."

The words broke through the dam inside her. Tears streamed down Sylph’s cheeks as she clutched him tightly to her chest, her sobs quiet but full of emotion. "Thank you… thank you, Ethan," she whispered through her tears. "I’ve wanted to hear that for so long… Thank you…"

Ethan's innocent eyes widened as he looked up at Sylph, concern clouding his face. "What happened? I’m sorry, did I hurt you? I won’t say that again if it makes you sad." His voice, so small and full of worry, trembled as he spoke.

"No, no…" Sylph quickly shook her head, her voice trembling with emotion as tears welled up again. "Please don’t stop saying that. Keep saying it forever. Please." She sobbed softly, her grip around him tightening as if she feared he would vanish.

Nia, sensing the need to shift the mood, called out gently, *“Snow, come here.”

Ethan, still cradled in Sylph’s arms, hesitated. "But Sylph is crying. I can't leave her crying." His innocent nature made him believe that somehow, he was the cause of her tears.

Nia, patient and nurturing, pulled him carefully from Sylph’s lap into her own. “Snow, baby," she cooed, "Sylph is crying because she loves you so much. When you said she’s your favourite, it made her cry with joy.” She tried to divert his attention, sparing him the weight of the memories none of them wanted him to carry.

Ethan blinked, his young face softening. "Oh… but Sylph is my favourite," he said, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "She tells me the funniest jokes."

Sylph, still wiping her tears, smiled weakly at his words. Aria, sitting beside her, placed a gentle hand on Sylph’s shoulder in support. The warmth from the other fairies calmed her, and the sobs began to fade.

"And I’ll always keep telling you jokes, Firefly," Sylph promised, wiping the last of her tears away with a small laugh.

Mira, sensing the room’s sombre tone, couldn’t resist lightening the mood. “Speaking of jokes,” she said with a mischievous grin, *“Why don’t fairies play hide and seek?”

Aria picked up on it quickly and added, “Because good luck hiding when you’re this tall!”

Everyone burst into laughter, their giggles filling the grand hall, a much-needed wave of joy to wash over the heavier emotions.

While the laughter filled the room, Elara, Luna, Lira, and Varmora stood a little apart, observing the scene. Their eyes were full of both admiration and melancholy, barely keeping their emotions in check.

Elara, her voice soft and reflective, broke the silence. *“He’s still so kind and gentle, isn’t he? Even though his memories were wiped, his nature hasn’t changed. Always kind, always caring.”

Lira nodded, her gaze on Sylph and Ethan. "And the bond Emberis shares with him as his Guardian… it’s still there, stronger than ever."

Varmora, her eyes sharp but filled with warmth, added, "You really made the right decision back then, Kanthia. Choosing Emberis over Ryznith."

Lira, feeling the weight of that memory, smiled softly. "Thank you, Phinix. We saw that undying love in her eyes for him. The way she cried when we selected her… I knew we made the right choice then."

Luna, trying to lighten the mood again, joked, "Yeah! Otherwise, our next Neshis would be Ethan himself!"

They all laughed, though the underlying seriousness of Luna’s words wasn’t lost on them.

Elara, still chuckling, added, "What? He is ‘Zovrath’ the moment he’s out of our laps. Making chaos all around." This earned another round of hearty laughter from the group.

But then Lira’s tone shifted, more serious. “But seriously,” she said quietly, *“he’s done so much for us. We can never thank him enough. He may not have been able to stop the Negative Day, but he stopped Neshis… something we could never do.”

Elara nodded solemnly. *“Right. And now... he’s bringing our lost civilization back. Piece by piece.”

Varmora’s voice was filled with conviction. "The Codex made the right choice. I think now, you all agree with it."

Luna, her earlier humor fading, paused, her gaze distant. “We do… but…” She trailed off, unable to finish her sentence, the weight of unspoken fear pressing down on her.

Lira, sensing her hesitation, placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, offering silent support. "I know it’s hard," she whispered. "**But trust me… we will find some way. We will save him… just like he saved us."** Her voice was firm but kind, carrying a quiet strength, a promise that echoed in all their hearts.

As the emotional atmosphere settled, Varmora, the Phinix, sensing it was time to shift focus, raised her voice with authority.

"Fairies! I don’t want to interrupt this joyful moment, but—" Her voice echoed gently through the room, instantly catching everyone’s attention as they turned to face her.

Before she could continue, Ethan, ever the innocent mischief-maker, chimed in with an exaggerated pout, "Varmoraaaaa… You’re interrupting!"

The room rippled with soft chuckles, but all of them tried to hide it from their Phinix.

Nia, holding Ethan protectively in her arms, gently scolded him with affectionate firmness. "Ethan! Quiet!" She gave him a playful nudge, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

Even Varmora couldn’t resist a chuckle, her serious tone momentarily softened. "Ethan," she said, still laughing lightly, "you never get serious, do you? And you don’t let anyone else stay serious either…" She held out her arms. "Come here, little troublemaker."

Without a second thought, Ethan darted from Nia’s lap to Varmora’s, his small body quickly cradled in her larger, comforting embrace. She kissed the top of his head, her maternal instincts shining through. "You're much better in my lap when I need to discuss something important."

Ethan beamed up at her, the warmth of her attention making him glow with happiness.

Varmora shifted her attention to the group, though her hand still gently caressed Ethan’s cheek. *"since I was so kindly interrupted, I want to go over our agenda for Yadgir. I need to know everything."

Zara "Right, Phinix. According to our schedule, we’ve completed Ethan’s training. He now knows all about Dyfost. and Yadgir"

Ethan, proud of himself, chimed in, "**Oh yes, Varmora! Zara told me everything about it!"** He looked up at her with bright eyes, clearly excited to share his newfound knowledge.

Varmora smiled warmly at him, gently brushing his cheek. "Oh, did she now? That’s great." Her voice was filled with pride.

Zara continued, "Mira has trained him for the harsh conditions of Yadgir and taught him how to handle any environmental threats. Luna has trained him in dagger skills, and once you give the order, Tara can enchant that dagger for added protection."

Varmora nodded in approval. "Perfect."

Sylph then added, "And Flora, Nia, and I have been monitoring his health closely. He’s in peak condition, all ready to go."

Varmora’s expression softened further as she looked at Ethan. "It sounds like you’ve been working hard, Ethan. I can see you’re more than ready."

Ethan grinned, puffing his chest out with pride. "I told you I am ready!"

Varmora laughed, a deep, rich sound. "Oh yes, I saw just how 'ready' you were when you hid my dress again in Aria’s wardrobe and ran off before I could catch you."

The whole room erupted into laughter at the memory.

Aria, feigning an outraged tone, playfully pointed at Ethan. "In my wardrobe? Ethan!" She paused, attempting to scold him, but her laughter got the better of her. "You little mischievous Flash!"

Ethan, unfazed, shrugged innocently. "What? Yours is the only wardrobe I can reach!"

This sent another wave of laughter through the room, the fairies unable to hold back their amusement at Ethan’s clever yet cheeky explanation.

Varmora, still holding Ethan in her lap, finally raised her voice over the laughter. "Alright, alright! The laughter will keep going if we let it, but we have work to do." Her tone shifted back to one of authority, though the warmth never left her eyes. "Let’s make our arrangements and finish the preparations. We’ll take off tonight."

She gave one last order, "Everyone, get to your tasks."

Ethan, ever eager to help, piped up. "And me? What should I do?"

Varmora tilted her head with a thoughtful hum, then leaned down to kiss his cheek affectionately. "Hmm... You, my little helper, will stay right here with me." She punctuated it with another soft kiss, making him giggle.

With that, the fairies all dispersed, each heading off to complete their assigned tasks. As Varmora sat cradling Ethan in her lap, she chuckled softly at the way he kept charming her with his innocent sweet talk. His small hands rested comfortably on her large arm, his head leaning into her chest as he grinned up at her.

Varmora (laughing): *"You sweet talker, Ethan! How do you come up with such sweet things all the time? "

Ethan (innocently): *"I just say what’s in my heart, Varmora. I mean it!"

Varmora (teasing): *"Oh really? Well, let me see your heart then! I want to know where all this sweetness is coming from."

Ethan (giggling): *"You can do that? Can you really see what’s in my heart?"

Varmora (laughing softly): *"Nooo… well, yes! But maybe not in the way you think, little one."

Ethan (pouting slightly): *"Varmoraaaa... No or yes? You're confusing me!"

Varmora (smiling, brushing a strand of his hair aside): *"Alright, alright! Yes, with my powers, I can take a peek inside. In fact, I want to check your health one last time before we head to Yadgir. Just to be sure you're in perfect shape for our journey."

Ethan (protesting): *"But Nia already checked me! Twice!"

Varmora (kissing his forehead): *"I know, but I want to make sure myself. Come on, for me?"

Ethan sighed dramatically but nodded, relaxing back in her lap as she placed a gentle but firm hand over his small chest, almost covering it entirely with her large palm.

Varmora (softly): *"Now close your eyes, Ethan, and just feel my waves. It’ll be quick, I promise."

Ethan (closing his eyes with a little smile): *"Okay."

As his eyelids fluttered shut, Varmora's hand began to glow a soft, warm yellow. The glow spread over Ethan’s chest, and slowly, the golden light revealed what Varmora was truly looking for. Her focus honed in on a faint blue orb—Codex. It pulsed faintly within him, confirming what she had suspected all along.

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

Varmora's heart pounded. The Codex is inside Ethan. It’s confirmed.

Just as she focused on the orb, footsteps echoed in the hall. Tara entered, her usual playful stride suddenly faltering when she saw Varmora with her glowing hand on Ethan’s chest. Her protectiveness flared immediately. Seeing Varmora, their Phinix, doing something that she couldn’t immediately comprehend, her instincts screamed to protect.

Tara (sharply): *"Ethan!"

The moment Tara's voice rang out, Varmora quickly withdrew her hand, the golden light vanishing from Ethan's chest. Her face, though composed, betrayed a glimmer of unease.

Ethan (oblivious, turning towards Tara with a smile): *"Tara! Varmora was just checking me! I told her I’m okay..."

But his innocent words barely registered in Tara’s ears. Her eyes were glued to Varmora, her every muscle tense. She wanted to rush forward, take Ethan away from Varmora’s lap, and shield him. The thought of anything happening to Ethan… it was unbearable. If Varmora wasn’t their revered Phinix, Tara wouldn’t have hesitated to challenge her for even touching Ethan in that way. But this was their Phinix, and Tara had to tread carefully.

Tara (forcing a calm smile, kneeling to Ethan’s height, opening her arms): *"It’s okay, Charmer. Phinix is just taking extra care of you. Now come here, I want you to try on your suit for the journey."

Though her voice was sweet and gentle, her gaze never left Varmora, sharp and filled with unspoken questions. Ethan, as trusting as always, slipped from Varmora’s lap and ran into Tara’s waiting embrace. She scooped him up, cradling him tightly against her chest and kissing the top of his head, her grip protective, almost possessive.

Varmora ( speaking lightly): *"He's perfectly fine. Nothing to worry about."

Tara’s eyes narrowed slightly, but she said nothing. With Ethan now safely in her arms, she turned to leave, still holding the boy close to her heart. Varmora’s calm smile and dismissive tone left an unsettling feeling lingering in Tara’s chest. Tara’s mind raced—what exactly had Varmora been doing to Ethan?

As Tara cradled Ethan, she quickened her pace slightly, her heart heavy with concern. Ethan, however, remained blissfully unaware, his childlike excitement still filling the air.

Ethan (bright-eyed): "My suit, Tara? Is it ready?"

Tara (forcing a smile): "Yes, baby. Listen, you'll try your suit with Zara, and I want you to stay with her, okay?"

Ethan (pouting a little): "But I want to show it to everyone! And Varmora will be so happy to see it!"

Tara (a bit stern, but covering it up quickly): "Ethan! You're not going to Varmora until we say so."

Ethan (confused): "What? Why?"

Tara (thinking quickly): "Umm... because we want to surprise her. It'll be a big, happy surprise! Okay?"

Ethan (grinning): "Oh! That’s great! She’ll love it." (He leaned into Tara’s embrace, and Tara, clutching him even tighter, felt her protective instincts surge. She wouldn't even let Varmora's eyes fall on him if she could help it.)

When they arrived where the other fairies were gathering supplies, Zara was busy struggling with Ethan's suit, adjusting it while Sylph watched.

Zara (fiddling with the tiny components): "Ugh… these tiny buttons are so small. My fingers are too big to handle them!"

Sylph (laughing): "And they say size doesn’t matter! Looks like your dainty fingers are too ‘buff’ for this, Zara!" (She nudged Zara playfully.)

Tara approached, her face tight with worry, catching everyone's attention. Lira noticed immediately, but Tara gestured for them to stay calm. Gently, she handed Ethan over to Zara.

Tara (softly, kissing Ethan on the forehead): "Now go, my sweet charmer. Try your suit with Zara, and then stay with her, okay? Mwah!"

Zara, sensing something was off but not wanting to alarm Ethan, smiled warmly, guiding him away.

Zara: "Come on, my little nerd. Time to test your fuffy suit!" (She winked, and the two of them went inside to try the suit.)

Once they were out of earshot, Lira turned to Tara, her face etched with concern.

Lira (cautiously): "Elysia?"

Tara (her voice low, trembling slightly): "We can’t trust Phinix."

Lira (eyes widening in disbelief): "What? Phinix? What are you saying? She's Phinix Varmora, our Phinix!"

Tara (looking down, her voice shaky): "I know... but I saw her doing something to Ethan. Her hand was glowing, and Ethan's chest… it was glowing too. His body, Aarthel… it was limp. I don’t know what she was doing, but she is up to something."

Sylph, standing nearby, felt a surge of protectiveness and rage rise within her. Her hand began glowing, red-hot, her voice thick with anger.

Sylph (in a dangerous, low growl): "I’ll kill her if she ever lays a finger on him again…"

But before she could act, Lira grabbed her arm, stopping her.

Lira (calm but firm): "Emberis… stop. I understand your fury, but we have to handle this with patience."

Sylph (her voice still vibrating with anger): "But Aarthel... how dare she—"

Lira (cutting her off with gentle authority): "Emberis… don’t. I know you are his Guardian, but right now, we must stay silent and keep an eye on her. If she is up to something, we need to be alert. But we cannot let her know we suspect anything. Not yet."

Sylph’s fiery glow began to dim as she forced herself to calm down. Tara, still shaking from the intensity of the moment, nodded as well.

Tara (resolved): "I'll make sure one of us is with Ethan at all times."

Lira gave a small nod, her gaze hardening with determination. Tara hurried off to alert the others.

Sylph (still on edge): "Aarthel, we need to do something."

Lira (her voice strong, unwavering): "We will."

As night fell, the group gathered around Sylkim, ready to take off for Yadgir. The mood was playful as Aria and Sylph bickered, each trying to claim Ethan for the journey.

Aria (grinning, arms crossed): "No way! Ethan is going with me." (She playfully nudged Sylph.)

Sylph (holding Ethan protectively): "Nope! He’s already in my arms, and he’s definitely staying with me for the whole journey."

Aria (pretending to be scandalized): "What? Let me remind you, Sylph, I risked my life to bring Sylkim here. You all agreed Ethan would be with me the whole trip!"

Sylph (raising an eyebrow, pretending to be clueless): "Did we, Ethan?" (She gave him a playful look.)

Ethan (giggling, playing along): "Maybe..."

Aria (gasping dramatically): "Ahh! You little betraying rascal! Taking Sylph's side?" (She poked his side, making him laugh.)

Ethan (giggling): "Okay, okay. It happened. You’re right, Aria. It should be you."

Aria (victorious, spreading her arms): "Yes! Now come here..." (She opened her arms, ready to take him.)

Sylph (laughing but holding Ethan closer): "Okay, just a moment." (She took his small hand in hers and inhaled deeply, savouring the familiar, comforting scent that made her feel deeply connected to him.)

Sylph (content, eyes closed): "Ahh, much better now."

Ethan (laughing softly): "You always do this."

Sylph (playfully): "Aww, I can’t help it. It makes me feel like you're a part of me. Mwah!" (She kissed his lips gently.)

Sylph (teasing): "But before you go to Aria, just say that line one more time."

Ethan (tilting his head): "Which line, Sylph?"

Sylph (grinning): "That I’m your favorite hand-holding fairy."

Ethan (rolling his eyes, but smiling): "You’re my favorite hand-holding fairy."

Sylph's heart melted at his words, a warmth spreading through her.

Sylph (softly): "Aww, please, just once more…"

Ethan (laughing): "I already said it ten times today!"

Nia (chiming in with a smile): "Ethan, she could listen to you saying it forever. Just one more time for her."

Ethan (sweetly, in his innocent voice): "You’re my favorite hand-holding fairy...and you always will be...."

Sylph (clinging to him even tighter): "Thank you, thank you, thank you..." (She kissed him again, soaking in every moment.)

Aria (growing impatient, hands on her hips): "Sylph…"

Sylph (reluctantly, smiling sheepishly): "Uhh... Okay... just one last time." (She inhaled the scent of his hand one final time, savoring it before gently passing him over to Aria.) "Now go to Aria... Mwah!"

Aria (finally wrapping Ethan in her arms, teasing Sylph): "You know, Sylph, you’re like a Erut with Ethan’s scent. Don’t you ever get tired of sniffing him?"

Sylph (smirking): "Erut? You wish! At least I don’t spend every moment flying around like a lovesick bird, Aria."

Aria (giggling, shaking her head): "Better a bird than a sniff-happy Erut!" (She teased as she held Ethan close.)

Ethan (laughing hard, nestled in Aria’s arms): "I could never get bored with you two!"

Varmora approached with Elara and Luna at her side, the lighthearted mood of playful banter shifted into one of quiet tension. Everyone quickly masked their unease, pretending that nothing was wrong as the presence of Varmora came closer.

Varmora (smiling as she reached the group): *"Are we ready?"

Everyone respectfully lowered their heads, hiding their true feelings.

Mira (bowing slightly): "Yes, Phininx. We are ready to go."

Varmora (her gaze shifting to Ethan in Aria's lap, smiling softly): "And our little heart melter..." (She leaned in close to Ethan, her voice honeyed.)

Aria, holding Ethan protectively, fought the urge to zip away, to keep Varmora from even laying her eyes on him. Sylph, standing nearby, clenched her fists tightly that it began to glow, a faint red aura of heat shimmering around them. Flora, sensing Sylph’s anger, gently covered Sylph’s hand with hers.

Flora (whispering gently): "Emberis...."

Sylph relaxed her fist, though her eyes remained firmly fixed on Varmora with an unwavering gaze of suspicion.

Ethan (innocently, his bright eyes meeting Varmora’s): "Yes. All ready. And I’ll be staying with Aria the whole time."

Varmora (chuckling softly ): "Oh, good."

Varmora: "Let’s get in. Time to restore our Dyfost."

With that, everyone boarded Sylkim. Inside, the air was thick with unspoken thoughts, but each fairy took their seat. Zara assumed the pilot's control, with Nia by her side as co-pilot. Ethan nestled comfortably in Aria's lap, by the window, while Sylph and Luna sat close beside them, their protective instincts quietly burning.

Zara (focused, flipping switches): "**Engaging systems."**

Nia (her fingers dancing over the controls): "Thrusters ignited at 1% capacity. Ready for takeoff."

Zara: "Lifting off… now."

The Sylkim thrummed to life, the engines humming as it soared into the sky. In a blink, the ship zipped through the atmosphere and shot into the vastness of space. The sudden burst of acceleration made Ethan’s eyes widen in excitement.

Ethan (grinning with wide-eyed wonder): "Woah… that’s… awesome, Aria…"

Aria (laughing, poking his cheek gently): "Your face looks more awesome."

The ship was now floating through the serene emptiness of space, a sea of stars stretching infinitely before them.

Ethan (his voice filled with awe): "Wow… Sylph, look outside!"

Sylph (smiling fondly at his excitement, though not as awed as Ethan since she had seen space many times): "It’s amazing, isn’t it?"

Ethan (his voice soft, filled with wonder): "**It’s wonderful."**

In the back, Mira and Tara sat together, watching Ethan’s excitement.

Mira (chuckling softly, a wistful look in her eyes): "I remember the first time I saw space... It was with him, back when he rescued us. And now look at him... It's like he’s seeing it for the first time again."

Tara (sighing gently, her hand resting on Mira’s shoulder): "It feels bad, doesn’t it? Seeing him like this."

Mira (nodding): "Yeah. I remember every moment with him... Every single word he said, everything he did for us..."

Tara (her voice soft, comforting): "Cirnyx, I miss him too. But you know..." (she smiled softly) *"I love that part of you with him the most."

Mira (curious, smiling a bit): "Which part?"

Tara (laughing as she recalled a specific memory): "When he tried to pronounce your name." (She burst into giggles.) "I—I still remember… I .... I...couldn’t stop laughing for two whole days!"

Mira (laughing, shaking her head): "Hey, don’t remind me of that! I had to shorten my name for him because of it!"

Tara (laughing even harder, wiping a tear from her eye): "You made it so much easier for him... but I’ll never forget the look on your face!"

Mira joined in Tara’s laughter, the two of them lost for a moment in the warm memories of a time when things were simpler.

As the Sylkim cruised through the cosmos, moving steadily toward the distant Planet Yadgir, the atmosphere inside was thick with tension. Varmora's actions toward Ethan had left everyone on edge, though they were doing their best to maintain a facade of calm. But beneath that surface, suspicion was growing like wildfire.

Elara, who had been informed of the unsettling incident where Varmora made Ethan’s chest glow, knew it was time to investigate. She decided to approach Varmora with caution, disguising her true intentions.

Elara (smiling, her tone smooth and respectful): *"Phinix, we are truly honoured to have you with us on this mission."

Varmora (returning the smile ): *"The honour is mine as well, Mystraylra. Seeing you still fighting for our kind, it makes me proud."

Elara (her words carefully chosen): *"It’s all because of your guiding light, Phinix. And I believe, with your grace, we will find a way to extract the Codex from Ethan... without causing him any harm."

Varmora froze for the briefest of moments, just long enough for Elara to catch it. She watched the Phinix’s every move, every shift in expression, keenly aware that something was being concealed.

Varmora (after a pause, her voice more controlled): "Codex... Yes, of course. We will, Mystraylra."

But Elara detected a faint stammer, a crack in the otherwise perfect facade.

Elara (leaning in, her tone feigning innocence): *"Phinix, please forgive my emerging curiosity, but... may I ask you something?"

Varmora (relaxed but watchful): *"Of course, Mystraylra. Ask."

Elara (her voice soft, yet probing): *"How do you know the Codex is in Ethan? I mean, there’s always a possibility that it isn’t. What if... it’s not in him at all?"

Varmora (her voice low, hiding a sharp edge): *"Are you questioning my wisdom, Mystraylra? I am a Phinix. I know it is in him."

Elara (feigning alarm, quickly bowing her head): *"No, no! I deeply apologize, Phinix. I wasn’t questioning your wisdom, I—"

Varmora (her voice rising slightly): *"The blood of a Phinix runs in your veins, Mystraylra, and yet you doubt me? Doubt your own race?"

Elara (her voice calm, but her heart racing): *"I’m truly sorry, Phinix. It wasn’t my intention to—"

Varmora (cutting her off, her tone final): *"Enough, Mystraylra. It ends here. The Codex is in him. We should focus on how to extract it out of him…..not this."

Elara fell silent, bowing her head as if in submission “I’m Sorry Phinix” , but her mind was racing. Varmora’s anger, her defensiveness, and her inability to answer the question clearly—all of it pointed to one conclusion. She was hiding something.

Elara sat back with Lira, she caught her eye and gave her a subtle look that said, "Something's off." Lira didn’t say anything but immediately knew Elara had something important to tell her. Without a word, Elara reached out and gently took Lira’s hand. They both kept their expressions neutral, almost sleepy, trying to mask any sign of tension or suspicion. Telepathically, Elara began to speak to Lira, not wanting Varmora to sense their thoughts.

Elara : Kanthia!

Lira : What did she say?

Elara: She’s definitely hiding something.

Lira: You sure?

Elara: Yes. I watched her closely, every twitch, every slight hesitation. She’s after something.

Lira (frowning slightly): Why didn’t you use your powers to look into her mind? Figure out what she’s hiding?

Elara: I can’t. She’d detect it immediately. She’s a Phinix. More powerful than the ten of us combined.

Lira (grumbling in frustration): Oh… I’m getting sick of this…

Elara (calming her): Kanthia!

Lira: What?

Elara: When I asked her about the Codex, it made her angry. I think that’s what she’s really after.

Lira (tense, her fingers tightening): Hmmm… that makes sense. First, she told us that it couldn’t be taken out of him without— (her voice broke for a moment) Oh... I can’t even say it. I can’t even think of losing him…

Elara (teasing, trying to lighten her mood): I thought you were stronger.

Lira (huffing in her mind but with a small mental smile): I am! But he… he makes me… you know...

Elara (laughing softly in her head): We’re all weak when it comes to him. But we have to protect him. Even from the Phinix.

Lira (grim, her thoughts clouded with concern): That’s what scares me the most. Fighting against a Phinix? How would we ever defeat her if we had to? It’s like facing Zovrath all over again.

Elara (gently but firmly): Don’t lose hope, Kanthia. Hope is all we have now. Our Ethan. Our hope. We’ll protect him. Whatever it takes.

Lira (her mental tone hardening with resolve): I swore to protect him, Rynous. I’ll protect him. We’ll protect him.

Elara then released Lira’s hand. They exchanged a brief, determined glance before returning to their usual casual demeanour, blending seamlessly into the others as if nothing had happened.

Just then, Zara’s voice broke the tension.

Zara (cheerfully): *"We’re about to reach Yadgir. I think Ethan’s still awake."

Ethan, who had been gazing out into the vast expanse of stars, perked up, his eyes wide with excitement.

Ethan (practically bouncing): "What? Already? Noooo, Zara, take one more round! It's so amazing out there!" His voice was filled with wonder.

Everyone burst into laughter, the tension in the room immediately easing.

Nia (laughing as she spoke): *"Oh, he’s very much awake, alright!"

Mira (grinning, with a playful glint in her eye): *"Ethan, if we let you decide, we’d be circling this galaxy for days! I think you’d even ask for pit stops to visit every star!"

Luna (chiming in, teasingly): *"Maybe we should just leave you out here, huh? Float around in space for a while—bet you'd love that, wouldn't you?"

Ethan, unfazed by their teasing, grinned mischievously.

Ethan (smirking): *"Why not? As long as you all bring me snacks! Can’t explore the galaxy without fuel, right?"

As the Sylkim hovered over the devastated landscape of Yadgir, the fairies and Ethan gazed out at what was once a shining beacon of fairy technology and astronomy. Now, it looked like a scene pulled from the darkest nightmares—a graveyard of shattered machines, crumbled towers, and ash-covered ruins, all remnants of Zovrath’s ruthless destruction. The once-majestic telescopes, some as large as mountains, lay in ruins, twisted and broken.

Ethan's eyes widened in shock as the grim scene unfolded beneath them.

Ethan (his voice trembling with disbelief): "Aria!"

Aria (her arms tightening protectively around him as he sat in her lap): "It’s destroyed now, Flash. Totally destroyed."

Ethan (his voice heavy with sadness): *"This is so bad...."

Mira’s voice, calm yet firm, broke the silence.

Mira: "As we told you, Ethan, you have to be careful here. Okay?"

Ethan (nodding solemnly): *"Okay, Mira. I will... but this is like a nightmare."

Lira (her voice commanding but calm): "Nia, take us to the Dy’Xian Observatory first. We're meeting Vyrella and Atheria."

Nia (gripping the controls, steering Sylkim expertly): "Right. Heading to the Observatory." She adjusted the lever, and the Sylkim banked gently, gliding toward their destination.

Ethan’s mood shifted instantly, his earlier sadness replaced by excitement as he bounced in Aria’s lap.

Ethan (grinning): "We’re going to see Vyrella and Atheria first!"

Sylph (laughing and pinching his cheek): "Look at this cute face!! Yes, we are!"

Ethan (beaming): *"They’ll be so happy to see us!"

Flora (giggling, teasing him): "Not us, Flower. You."

The group erupted into laughter, the light moment cutting through the heavy atmosphere.

Tara (chuckling, adding playfully): "And don’t get scared again if Vyrella screams the second she sees you!"

Everyone burst into laughter once more, the memory of Ethan’s first startled reaction to Vyrella’s piercing shriek still fresh in their minds.

Ethan (laughing): *"No! I won’t this time!"

As the Sylkim descended toward the ruins of the Observatory, Zara’s voice took on a technical precision.

Zara (calm, methodical): "Engaging landing system. Touchdown in 3... 2... 1."

The Sylkim settled gently on the ground outside the devastated structure, the engine humming softly before going quiet.

Nia (checking the systems): "All systems green. Landing was smooth. We’ve reached Yadgir safely."

Ethan (practically bursting with energy): "Come on, Aria! Let’s go!" He tried to leap off her lap, but Nia’s voice stopped him in his tracks.

Nia (firm but playful): "Hold on a second, Snow. Let me make sure the air out there is still breathable."

Aria (laughing as she pulled him back into her lap, planting a kiss on his cheek): "Sit tight, Flash."

Nia (checking the air levels): "Xyogn’s still at 87%. Didn’t expect that."

Ethan (eagerly): "So, it’s breathable! We can go now!"

Elara (smiling): *"Yes, yes. You’re practically bouncing out of your seat!"

With a satisfied nod from Nia, the door to the Sylkim hissed open, revealing the devastated landscape just beyond. The fairies and Ethan deboarded, stepping onto the cracked and barren ground, the broken remains of Yadgir’s Observatory looming ahead.