Chapter 1: Destiny Calling

“Mother,” Reuben gently called out to her as she was sitting across the table knitting his sweater which was his favorite green. As he waited silently in the flickering candlelight of their modest home to meet her eyes with his he realized that she had aged so beautifully. Her face shone radiantly, he thought that on their Island of Skye, all fairies would agree that Ruth was a noble soul but he could never understand why his dad left them when he was a babe. Nobody ever brought the topic up but he never missed him either, as Ruth had taken good care of him, yes there were times when they felt a vacuum but only momentarily. Though she was his world, he had his three best friends Jack, Peter, and Henry whom he could always count on. The four of them were inseparable and that's true in their fairyland all knew them too well.

His thoughts were interrupted when his mother replied, “Yes, Reuben.” “I have finally finished the letter which you asked me to. I think Rachel should appreciate it. Now you get some rest. Tomorrow will be a new day something to look forward to.” Said Reuben. “Oh, dear me! I am so worried; I know something is worrying her because it makes me sad too. Hope she replies to your letter soon it's been a while.” His mother was anxious about the whole ordeal and stretched out her hand so that he might hug her. His mother often felt peace when he gave her that warm embrace no matter what the matter she found the strength and hope to see the bright side of life. Alas! The only worry never ceased was when he would find the love of his life and his companion. She always brought up the topic but he couldn't put himself to like any fairy not that there weren't good but just that something felt lacking or Cupid didn't strike as humans would love to say.

His mother had cared for human children assigned to her with compassion all her life, she would love to hear their problems and solve them. He would rather say, she was their wish-giver. Rachel was the last of the lot and she was turning 18 years after which Mother would finally retire she had grown so old he wanted her to rest and they were doing fine. Mother needed to be busy so he let her continue until Rachel's 18th birthday. Strangely, fairies never meet humans much but we can know them like a leaf or a flower and still feel connected and understand each other without conversing. He kissed Mother goodnight and went to sleep in his room.

The next day Reuben woke up to a hustle and bustle downstairs. Usually, mom would get busy with the morning chores. He got up got ready and dressed and met her downstairs for breakfast. Today he sat up on the bed and paused for a minute the sunlight lit the entire room meanwhile he saw his reflection in the mirror he had dark brown hair, a fair complexion, and green eyes he was considered tall and well-built. Mother once said he looked very handsome like his Dad, it was at that moment he saw her eyes lit up and a smile on her lips but she was quick to change the subject and he didn’t dare to pursue it.

“Mom, where are you? Have you left for the gathering?” He frantically scanned the room downstairs and she was missing and his heart was racing, never before had she left without a note or a message. “Good gracious! You are up,” Said Mom. He turned around and she held his breakfast tray in her hand. “I thought I could wake up the entire fairyland with the commotion down here, mail is here and my hunch was right Rachel replied to me, she is in trouble her parents had met with an accident two years ago and since then she has been at the mercy of her paternal uncle. He is wicked and a spendthrift, he even tricks everyone into showing he cares for her and she is mistreated. The poor girl hasn't been to junior college either. She is thrown crumbs and leftovers while he feasts on what is rightly hers. He has been tearing and hiding all mail from her. Luckily he wasn't home this time so she received and could reply.”

Reuben was worried for his Mom. Could she find the strength to cross our island swim across the ocean and reach human dwelling? He knew she could do it previously but now times have changed since she has aged. One would have to think twice. Writing letters too, took two days to complete her, how could he send her on this solo mission?

“Son, she needs me, let me go. This last time.” Requesting Ruth laid her hands on his hand and patiently waited for an affirmation. “It's too risky, I am not for it.” He was adamant. She could sense he had made his decision. “OK! if you have made up your mind then I have made mine too, either I go or you the ball is in your coat.” She yelled out. “Damme,” he thought to himself. This was exactly the situation he hated to face. Fairies can have their way out but never against their mother. It was a tough spot he couldn't let go nor did he know this Rachel or want to do anything with it. “Fine, I will go.” This was exactly what her ears were yearning to hear. Silently in his mind, he was only cursing himself for his foolishness.

Chapter 2: Meeting Secretly

‘What was I thinking? How could I be so naive?’ These thoughts were racing through his mind. To commit was one thing and to implement another thing. He needed to go with his feelings. He needed to breathe in fresh air as it was time to meet his gang even more to make a strategy. So, he sent out sparks from his wand in the air raising his hand, from his window to signal his friends so they knew where to meet him in the hope of some guidance and consolation.

It was the usual place where they always met. Although it was a little deserted it always felt like their second home or a secret hideout. The Island of Skye was a protected enchanted fairyland amidst the ocean. Often, they could see barges and trailers around them. They saw them but humans could never see them. It was like fairies never existed. Only two visitors were brought to the island those fairies chose but their identity was always kept secret and this secret died with their ancestors.

Their island was shaped in the form of wings. It was surrounded by a stretch of beach where the sea and the ocean met but the innermost part of the island had mountains where they had cascading waterfalls and two ponds. Beyond the ponds, lay fertile lands and the fairies grew their produce. These lands were surrounded, by dense forests. Thus, the hills gave a winged-like appearance while the trees gave it a feathery look.

They always met at the highest mountain peak the fairies named the ‘Giant Nose.’ Legend says, the island was inhabited by giants earlier who ate humans when they crossed each other’s paths. Humans pleaded for help from King Oberon and Queen Mab of the fairy kingdom, as they knew they didn't stand a chance and when the fairies waged a war the fairies won against the giants and since then this island has been under the rule of the fairies.

The Giant’s nose was where they met regularly. They voiced their concerns knowing that they wouldn't be judged. They brew new strategies by making plans to trouble fairies and go scot-free. ‘It's been a while, where are they?’ these thoughts echoing in Reuben’s mind. He had sent the message first so he had to be there first that was the rule.

Each of them belonged to a different stratum of fairies. Henry belonged to the class of protectors. He was in the fairy army whose ancestors fought against the giants. Jack belonged to the class of producers. His ancestors brought about the produce in the fields and controlled the wild and tamed animals thus making sure they had their daily meals on their plates. Peter belonged to the class of preservers his ancestors had taken care of the needs of generating and preserving a balance between nature and the fairies. They also took care of the rites and rituals on the birth and death of a fairy. ‘It is said when a baby laughs a soul from their ancestors’ family is born as a fairy and when a fairy dies its soul returns to the universe never to be reborn.’ Well! It's now that he would most likely need this kind of service because it would be the first time he had never interacted with humans before only to hear stories from his mother as he grew up he knew one day he would have to step in her shoes but would it be this soon he had no idea.

He belonged to the class of healers. Since the war, humans have come to them for inner peace, healing, and help. They had the magical powers to heal both humans and fairies themselves. Humans couldn't use magic for their healing because it had to be earned through a fairy. ‘One good deed deserves another’ always was what King Oberon strongly believed in. If they had to help or heal humans’ fairies had to be gifted with a gift. It could be anything like a button, a piece of cloth something they used and didn't feel the need anymore. Thus, the fairies would be freed from their seal of agreement. Or they would be served till they turned eighteen.

“What was the urgency? I was finally getting somewhere with Janice. It's been three months now I have been trying to woo her and there was music in the air and your sparks flying in the air ruined my mood.” Jack was interrupted by Henry who had put an arm around his waist and caught hold of his hand to waltz him around. “Will you be my life companion?” Saying this Henry planted a gentle kiss on Jack’s cheek which met with disgust on Jack's face and he immediately separated himself from Henry's embrace and wiped his cheek.

Both of them were here and finally some solace to Reuben’s aching heart. His friends were only the few who readily brought a smile to his face. Jack was the thinnest of the lot, but his sharp facial features, and average height; being covered with dust would grab anyone’s attention for sure. Hardworking though his eyes always had a twinkle, and though he was whiteish when he smiled his dimple always skipped the beat of the fairy's heart. They would easily be impressed by him. But his heart yearned only for Janice.

Henry on the other hand was strong having broad shoulders. He symbolized strength, courage, and bravery. He joked about having a companion always but unlike Jack was never interested in love. He was covered with bruises and would proudly boast about how he acquired it in his practice sessions.

“Hey! You guys didn't miss me. What have I missed?” Disappointed Peter groaned. “Nothing much.” Reuben was quick to reply. Looking at Peter made him always want to cuddle him. Peter was the shortest and round most particularly in the middle. His chubby cheeks and innocent looks let him go scot-free. He would mostly love to eat and laze around. If it hadn't been for his dad, I guess he wouldn't be out of bed. He had brought fresh bottled honey for all of them to dig in.

Chapter 3: The Planning

There was pin-drop silence for a minute after Rueben narrated his ordeal. Jack wasn't blinking he was only processing what he had just told him. Henry smiled as if he had blown the bugle and declared war on Rachel's uncle. Peter was looking more worried as he alone had finished more than half of the jar and had very little to offer the rest, he behaved as if he had nothing to do with what was happening.

“I am open to suggestions, help, or support.” The anxiety within Rueben was getting the better of him. Jack was the first one to break the silence among them. “Reuben, I think you are making this bigger than it is. Haven't you complained about the writing you had to do and screening, reading, and preparation of medicines? Weren't you craving adventure last week? Maybe this is it.” Rueben had a bad feeling about what next, Jack would propose but Reuben hadn't any options left besides cursing himself.

Jack continued, “Think of this as a holiday. I am in. All we have to do is two will accompany you while Peter can stay back here to keep guard or even get help.” “Why I don't get the honors to join you?” enquired Peter “It's because we aren't allowed to switch our professions, only you can. Besides, if we get into trouble we can get help from you. Also, we will entrust our families to you for protection and will take turns to help Reuben as required.” By now the anxiety in Rueben’s heart had vanished because Jack was very rational and he could trust him with his life. He was the most sensible of the lot though, Rueben was most learned. Henry backed the idea but couldn't accompany them as he had some training to attend to. The plan was simple they had to fly up to the protected area. The next step would be once they crossed the enchantments they would be seen so Jack would become an eagle and Rueben would become tiny and sit on Jack's back and get a free ride into Rachel's town. They would have to track her down and give her freedom or anything she desired. Jack volunteered because he was a producer and they were shapeshifters too. They could transform themselves into any animal or plant they desired. Well the rest of them couldn't. Rueben didn't want to go alone so some help was better than nothing.

They stayed there a little bit longer and made fun of each other. Each day they would catch onto someone and today's target was Jack as Rueben ruined his date. The time passed, there was only laughter and they decided to call it an end. Moreover, Peter's tummy growled it was time for his next meal. So, they all flew back home.

“Mom I just got home. Where are you?” Saying so Rueben turned around to find his mother just behind him. Rueben was startled and said, “Mom you scare me, announce yourself” but before he could say anything she interrupted him “Fleming is here. Would you care to meet him? He has been wanting to meet you. Oh, dear Uncle Tom will join us for dinner tonight he has something to tell you.” She did not wait for his response and left him to prepare for dinner. Reuben slowly walked towards the living room to meet Flemming. He was his assistant. They both worked together to heal fairies. Fleming was obedient trustful and hardworking Reuben could close his eyes and blindly trust him. He was here to show him an herb that could have medicinal properties which he accidentally stubbled on during his trekking. They decided to research and then he left. Reuben went back to his mother who was busy preparing for dinner.

Reuben needed more information on why Uncle Tom was joining them for dinner. Uncle Tom was one of the founders of their fairyland. All fairies reported to him on entry and exit. Reuben saw him diligently working on the same as he grew up. Not a soul crossed fairyland without his permission and all mail went to and fro through him. The doorbell rang and Reuben went to answer it. It announced Uncle Tom’s arrival. Reuben welcomed him in and they warmly greeted each other. Uncle Tom addressed him, “Son! I hope I can address you this way. Cause if I had a companion I guess my son would be of your age.” Reuben smiled, as it felt good for someone to address him so. Somewhere deep down Reuben yearned to hear that word. Tom continued, “Your mother spoke to me about her health and wishes you dealt with her last assignment. I am here for the induction ceremony now you can choose for a lifetime or a single assignment. If you choose it for a lifetime, you will deal with the children assigned to you, or else you will get a stipulated time for this assignment exclusively after which you will never go out again. The choice is yours choose wisely once you opt it can't be changed I will make a pact and you will be given the necessary things for whichever option you choose.”

Reuben closed his eyes as he felt his heartbeat race. Thoughts flashed through his mind. His mother's life was recalled before him and then he remembered that he was not cut out for this rather he was comfortable in his clinic. His choice was made. “Single assignment!” Reuben replied aloud. “Very well. I see you made up your mind pretty fast. Then shall we begin?”

Reuben nodded to give his consent but from the corner of his eye, he knew that his Mother wasn't happy but would support him in whatever he chose. The induction ceremony was a small solemn one. Uncle Tom read out the rules of entry and exit and if he had to go by Jack's plan they would have to break 15 rules. He took an oath to abide by the rules. Uncle Tom caught hold of his hand and asked him to join his wand with his, to solemnize the pact. Green light emerged from both their wands which in turn filled the room. When they withdrew, their wands and his hand from his grip, in Reubens’ hand the necessary things appeared. He had received a map that showed their island and the rest of the world, a cloak, bus tickets, and a pocket watch. Uncle Tom spoke, “Son, this map helps you to apparate to and from the island to anywhere in the world. So, you don't have to fly. The cloak is an invisibility cloak that should be worn at work in the human world. The pocket watch will send me a signal that you are in danger and you need help and can't apparate so you will put the exact time of apparition in seconds or minutes or hours so my intervention will bring you out. Your task will need bus tickets, so use them wisely, by magically changing the date and place. You cannot fly or apparate in the human world between two places, remember this. You have three days to complete your assignment. Use your wand wisely. You will be unaccompanied by any fairy. May God and King Oberon be with you. Ah! I am hungry won't you feed me now Ruth?”

Ruth jumped to her feet saying, “Of course Tom”. She never spoke about the details of her work. Today, he realized that it wasn't so bad. Did he make the wrong choice? Time will tell. They all got seated around the table to enjoy their meal. Ruth was a great cook and he knew Uncle Tom loved her pies.

Journey into the Unknown

Reuben lay restless tossing in his bed. The next three days would be crucial he didn't know what Rachel wanted of him, how she would react, or if she would even believe him.

He lay imagining the worst scenario but then there was one thing common for them. Yes! They had lost their loved ones and for him, it was his father but for her, it was her parents. At least she knew what they were like. He had never known my father.

He needed to rest as Uncle Tom asked him to meet him at the checkpost at 8 am. Where he would see him off. At 3 am, his eyelids got heavier and he dozed off to sleep, only to wake up to the alarm ringing. He had overslept and kept on snoozing. He read the time to be 7:30 am and in a flash, he brushed his teeth, showered, and changed his clothes. Downstairs Ruth was calling out for breakfast. She had prepared milk and honey with honey cakes one of his favorites. She packed fruits for him for the journey. She was excited and happy for him. He gave her a big hug and promised to be home soon.

“There you are! You made me nervous son. I thought you never would turn up and I was beginning to think, how can Ruth's son be a chicken after all the odds she faced…Do you have all the things?” inquired Uncle Tom. “Yes, I have,” Reuben replied smiling back.

“Son, few reminders. Do not lose the map, in case of danger always burn it and reach out for the pocket watch. The humans can't read it. Only sorcerors and fairies can. Keep your wand safely with you at all times. You can't kill anyone with it but only use it in defense and need. Wear your cloak at all times. You can eat only fresh fruits and drink milk or water avoid anything other than these. Stick to your pocket watch at all times. Choose your bus tickets wisely when you are in town. When you are wearing the cloak humans can't see you and they may walk through you but sorcerers and all magical folk can. Do you have a plan? “

“Mom gave me her address and Rachel wanted to go to her maternal aunt's house in another city where she knew she could be safe and loved,” Reuben confirmed. “Ah, then it's simple, all you have to do is put her on the bus and she should be sorted.” Exclaimed Uncle, Tom.

Then Uncle Tom checked his wand and said, “Good to go.”

Reuben wore his cloak on checked everything and brought out the map. He gave a final nod and placed his finger on the map, and while he placed it the city started to expand on the map. He chose the street and the house number and I said, “In the name of King Oberon take me there.” He felt like he was sucked or rather squeezed through a pipe-like structure that suffocated him as a vacuum was created. He was breathless. Alas! He could see some light, as he landed on all fours before he realized. Vaguely in the distance he could hear a girl cry, “Oh! Are you blind Mr? What were you thinking…you bumped into me? It took Reuben some time to grasp what happened to him. When he came to his senses he realized that his cloak fell off him and this human saw him. He got up, took his cloak, and helped her up. It was then he realized that she had some paper bags with food in them which were lying on the pavement. So. in turn he helped her pick her things. In between Reuben stole some glances and he could see that she was irritated but had the best eyes which spoke volumes, as if they were hiding sadness. Her face shone in the sunlight and she looked angel-like. She had lovely curly long black hair.

Between the mess he was in, he couldn't help himself know why he was attracted to her that's when he heard someone speak behind him. “What's taking you so long? Who is he?” the man unknown to Reuben was questioning her. She replied, “Some moron bumped into me. I don't know him.” The man charged towards Reuben angrily, “Back off. Don't you get any closer?” Reuben quickly replied in an assuring tone, “Sorry I meant no harm.” The girl ushered the man inside along with her things. As they moved out of sight, he wished he could see and speak to her again. The only thought in his mind was ‘I wish I could know her better.’

Across the street, towards the end, there was a bookshop. The owner was an aged man who was seeing something on the television. Reuben walked up to him and asked, “Do you by any chance know Mr. Charlie Steel?” The old man laughed, “Are you duped too?” “Sorry, I don't understand.” This was unexpected for Reuben. He briefed Reuben on how he had conned men and women and often people turned to him to enquire about him. He had fooled many people. Now he was living at the expense of his niece. His brother and his wife both died in a car crash. Poor girl does everything. She does come here every Friday to exchange her book. He lets her read new books for free, she helps him look after the shop in his absence. The man exclaimed, “Gosh! Today is my sister's birthday I will ask the poor thing to come over here. Why were you enquiring?” asked the shopkeeper. Reuben had to think of something quickly. Reuben replied, “I have to deliver a parcel to them.” To his surprise, he showed him the same house where the girl and the man had previously entered.

Reuben experienced butterflies in his stomach. He went behind the shop searched for a secluded place and wore his cloak. He sent a secret message to Uncle Tom through the map. He had asked him to tap the exit point on the island three times on the map with his wand signaling Uncle Tom that he had reached safely, and that his current location would be displayed on his map to help track him on his maiden visit.

Reuben waited patiently outside the house to watch them. After an hour passed, he saw a sedan arrive where three men got down, two stayed at the door of the sedan and one entered the house. Later, Rachel’s uncle came out with the man who had entered the house, sat in the sedan, and left with him. Reuben had to break in now. He would not get another opportunity like this.

Chapter 4: Love is in the air

Reuben slowly walked towards the gate and this time he was excited. The thought of meeting and seeing her was sufficient for his confidence to build up. He was experiencing a mixture of emotions unaware to react as to fly, dance, or even shout her name aloud. But he couldn't, even though he felt a strong pull he couldn’t behave irrationally.

As he approached the gate and put his hands on it, his hands started to burn. He winced in pain. He guessed the gate was made of iron. He magically tried opening it for him. He paced his steps cautiously towards the house and saw the house heavily guarded by armed men. He was under the cloak thus nobody spotted him while he quickly entered the back side of the house through the kitchen door. Nobody was in the kitchen but he faintly could hear someone sobbing in the background. He decided to walk towards the sound. He entered the dining room where the dining table had the food laid. The girl in the morning was sobbing laying her head down on the table. She seemed to be alone at home. Undressing his cloak, he said, “Rachel, I am here to help.”

“My God! How dare you? Are you following me? How did you get in here?” Rachel was scared to see him.

“Rachel don't scream just listen to me please give me a chance to explain myself.” He was pleading with her. But she was determined to call for help. So, he grabbed her by her waist and covered her mouth to prevent her from shouting. Then he took his wand and stunned her. By doing so she stood still but could hear, see and feel things. Reuben could sense fear in her. So, he narrated the entire ordeal, he went through to save her and in between he would notice her eyebrows rise and fall. But the more he explained the more she grew confident and he saw anxiety leave her. “Now I will unstun you and you will blink your eyes in affirmation.” He looked at her face for the affirmation and she did as he asked her to. He took his wand and unstunned her. She began to run towards the door. Again, he caught hold of her. “Let go of me. I can't trust you.” She was frantically moving her hands and legs. “Calm down, will you? Take a look at this.” He handed the letter that she had written to Ruth. Her eyes widened and tears started to roll down her cheeks. She smiled, and he felt great seeing her smile.

“So, you are her son and this is true. Please you got to get me out of here. Uncle Charlie has arranged my marriage to this rich old man, to who Charlie owes money. They are taking me somewhere soon I don't know where the nuptials will take place. I need to meet my aunt who lives 300km away. Can you take me there?”

“Can you take a bus?” Reuben enquired. “You said you are a fairy can't you fly me there?” asked Rachel. “I am afraid I cannot.” He replied. But she pleaded with him to go with her and that face those eyes made him melt and he agreed.

“Can you come outside the gate?” He had to improvise his plan and that too quickly. “I have to try my wedding gown two hours later.” She replied looking into his eyes hoping for more explanation. “Is there a bus stop near the place?” He was thinking of teleporting her from there. “Yes,” she replied as it wasn’t far from the boutique where she would have to go for her trial. She explained the location and I promised to meet her there.

As he was leaving Rachel hugged him from behind saying, “I can't thank you much. After Mom and Dad have gone, you are my ray of hope please stay don't let go, will you stay a little longer.” Reuben turned and wiped away her tears giving her a comforting hug and promised to meet her soon. He felt peace and didn't want to let go of her either. He was attracted to her or her smell or her embrace he couldn't tell. But yes, I wanted to know her more. So, after assuring her he put on his cloak and saw her surprised to see him disappear. He stealthily walked away from the guard’s sight. On his way out, he heard the men saying that the boss had to go somewhere else and would not come soon they needed to prepare for the evening escort. He thought, ‘Great she will be unaccompanied without the uncle.’

Against all Odds

After Reuben exited the gate and crossed the road, he took a huge sigh of relief. The task wasn't complete but he felt positive about this for the first time.

Again, he found a secluded spot brought out the bus tickets, and tapped at the location where he needed to go. He got three bus tickets one showing him the route to the shop. The second one was from the shop to her maternal aunt's house. ‘This is it I am sorted’ thought Reuben. The route showed him the time of departure and arrival. It showed him how to travel with care. Uncle Tom used to send messages to fairies. His mother had often told him but today he saw for himself while he wasn't told much it was at the induction ceremony that Uncle Tom read the rules aloud.

Reuben took the bus tickets and went to the station where he struck his ticket again with his wand. A conductor appeared and asked for his ticket and he checked it. “Maiden trip.” He asked. “I am afraid so,” Replied Reuben. “Oh dear me! Buckle up it's going to be a bumpy ride.” Said the conductor. As Reuben held onto his hand, they both approached the bus stop near the shop. “Finally, here mate.” Saying this he gave a long sigh. “You did quite well.” While saying so he turned around to have a look at him only to see him vomiting and breathless. “Have this and you should be fine,” Saying this he stuffed a honeyed-soaked apple piece in Reuben’s mouth. As time passed Reuben did feel better. He told Reuben to stick to his ticket. It was a long wait when it was time and he saw Rachel approach, he slowly took off his cloak. Her eyes met his. She knew he had arrived as promised. All he had to do was wait for her to come to him. He slowly tapped the location like the previous time. This time another conductor came. He took his ticket and said, “We will go by road and I will make a sedan out of this.” With a flick of his wrist, he transformed Reuben’s tickets into a white sedan. He told him to get in as she would come to them soon. Reuben turned to see her running in their direction wearing her wedding gown. She looked stunning it felt like he wanted her to be his for life. He got in quickly and opened the door across him for her. She got in time and they had a lead. The escort vehicle followed them as they went on a wild merry chase and finally, the guards lost them in the chase.

Chapter 5: A fatal blow

They had a lovely eight-hour ride. Both of them were neither hungry nor sleepy. Reuben hoped this journey would never end. She was eighteen so full of life. Her eyes and smile made him nervous all he was thinking was to kiss her but he knew in his world, humans and fairies couldn't be companions.

She seemed less afraid and more confident around him as time passed he could see she trusted him. It was time, they reached their destination. It was indeed to bid each other bye but the time had finally arrived and both knew it would come. “I would love you to meet Aunt Cathy, will you join?” Rachel had held on to his hand while saying so. Before he could say anything, the pocket watch was ticking loudly. “Welcome Rachel!” That voice was familiar, Reuben thought to himself and Rachel’s smile vanished away. Reuben turned around as he was shocked to see her uncle. He had a gun and he signaled them to move upstairs.

Upon reaching upstairs, Aunty Cathy lay dead lying on the floor in a pool of blood. Her lifeless body brought tears to Rachel's eyes bringing the bitter truth that she had once again lost a dear one. She remembered her parents but Reuben couldn't do anything. He could reach for Uncle Tom's help with the pocket watch. They were ordered to kneel at gunpoint. Reuben had no choice but to slowly put his hands on the pocket watch and set the time while he did it successfully. The time was set for one minute later, her uncle spotted him and yelled, “You their smarty pants take off your hands from your coat.”

He came charging towards Reuben and commanded the boys to empty his pockets. A tall well-built man with reading glasses approached and emptied his pockets to find a map, wand, and a pocket watch. “Sir he has an old unwritten paper, a wooden stick, a pocket watch.” As he was about to complete his sentence the pocket watch opened up by itself and Uncle Tom emerged. Uncle Tom managed to free Rachel and Reuben as he stunned everyone and his red sparks blinded the humans except Rachel. He set fire to the map, procuring the wand from the man's hand, and dragged Reuben towards the watch. Rachel caught hold of his leg tightly begging, “Please, take me along with you.” “Let go of us. I can't take you both.” Uncle Tom commanded Rachel. She didn't let go and lastly, Uncle Tom gave in. As they three were apparating, he heard two gunshots. “Aah!” Uncle Tom was hurt and in pain. They reached the entry point of the island of Skye. Reuben watched in horror as Uncle Tom was shot and along with him, Rachel was too. He had to get them both to the hospital. He sent sparks in the air for help and as it reached them in time, all his friends had arrived. They took them to the hospital wing. Uncle Tom was old and was no more. Peter closed his eyes and enchanted some verses and songs after which his soul and body slowly disappeared into the universe. Whereas Rachel was young and did survive the ordeal and was recovering. All they had to do was wait for her to wake up.

Fleming approached Reuben in his chamber. “Ruth would like to see you.” Reuben meekly replied, “Please let her in and close the door behind you.” Fleming nodded and left. “What did you do, answer me and how did we lose Tom? The whole fairyland is talking about it?” Reuben answered all her queries patiently. He had broken many rules, his maiden journey was a complete failure, and he sulked. “Reuben, we need to talk?” Peter was at the door. He had an unpleasant feeling now all were angry and all wanted answers. “Mother can stay, I think it would be better for us,” Peter commanded. That was the first time he saw a different side of Peter and so he relented.

Peter explained that since Rachel is human we need to stun her, lose her memory, and apparate her to a safe location which she will give us before the proceedings. This has to be done in 7 hours. Secondly, she has to lend something like cloth or a button anything to break the family's bondage and in doing so she will lose her memory. “What happens when she doesn't do so?” He inquired. “I don't think you would want it as matters get complicated. You had a maiden one-time visit. If she doesn't free you we will all be in danger she could locate and return here and our existence would be a threat.” Peter replied. Mother was the first to speak, “Oh! is there another way because he has fallen in love with her and history repeats itself?” “What history?” Reuben was angrily asking Peter. Mother calmly replied, “Reuben, your father was a human. I am King Oberon's granddaughter. Your father came near this island in a boat for fishing with his grandfather. They were attacked by the giants then. He was wounded and saved as his grandfather sacrificed his life for him. He was afloat for days in the sea. He reached our shore. I was the first one to see him. Yes, he was cute then. It was love at first sight. He was harmless and hence was our guest. He got better and left. He returned to the island with 7 men from his neighborhood. He tried hard to convince my grandfather to wage a war against the giants. My grandfather was reluctant. I was naive he took advantage of my weakness and convinced me to become his companion as time passed I spoke to my grandfather for his sake out of love. And then you know the rest is history. We won but lost many fairies in the bargain. My grandfather was wounded and after many days he died. Your father broke my heart. He left the island without me. I was cheated and manipulated. I worked as a tooth fairy so I kept returning to humans. That was my only way or a chance to see him or meet him. He had a wife and two daughters. Rachel is his brother's daughter. Your father did die long back. Trickery and cheating run deep. But if you still wish then go ahead.”

Chapter 5: Happily, Ever After

Reuben was in complete shock. He guessed Peter knew everything. All knew everything except him. He was in so much pain that he had buried his head in his hands. His friends knew it all along and, Peter had never spoken or hinted at it either.

Peter begged Reuben’s mother out of the room. “Reuben” was all that Peter uttered. Reuben quickly cut it short, “Don't even make me open my mouth. Please leave.” Peter walked out of the room giving him his needed space. Reuben felt suffocated and while so Jack entered. Jack said, “Reuben, brother I know it's too much to take in one day. But something has to be done.” “What do you suggest?” Reuben roared. He was in no mood for a civilized conversation. Jack suggested that the decision should be mutual. We should leave the past behind us, learn from them, and get better and stronger. They were too different in backgrounds, and time eras, and have been through various situations. He suggested Reuben should speak to Rachel. He convinced Reuben that if Rachel truly belonged to him, nothing could prevent their union in the universe.

Henry barged in along with Peter. A panicked Henry said, “I am guarding the place where Rachel is sleeping and she just woke up and is asking for you.” Peter interrupted them, “Reuben, you got to know something. If a human is your companion, her number of years is shortened. That means if she chooses you, she lives half the years of her life with you, than with a human counterpart. That's why your father died early. Our unions can be deadly for humans. We will need to give her portions of the foxglove plant. Let me go, brother, it's my job trust me we can add a few years.” Reuben nodded and joining his hands secretly said a little prayer. The thought of separation killed him. Jack was with him all the while. Reuben felt like he had lost his appetite. The wait was over. After a while which seemed like a century to Reuben Henry came outside, “Peter she has called for you.”

Reuben rushed towards Rachel, as he wanted to be the first to meet her behind him Jack and Henry followed in the trail. As he entered he saw Rachel sitting in her bed. Peter was at her side seated on a chair. She looked too weak of course but her eyes lit up the room. As soon as her eyes met his she smiled. He slowly approached her. He came next to the bed and reached out for her. Rachel said, “I am sorry about the loss of Uncle Tom. I hope you are fine.” Peter interrupted them by saying, “Reuben I have spoken to Rachel about all the possibilities and she has made her decision but wants you to know it first.” Peter got up and arose to his feet saying, “I will leave you two now. Wishing you all the best.” Peter left them to give them some privacy. Reuben turned his gaze back to her and said, “Rachel all this is too complicated and you are so young and now I have even put you in danger and…” Before he could say anything, further Rachel reached out to him and planted a kiss on my lips. He felt a warm pleasant energizing energy overpower him. He was smiling and she was too. Rachel said, “Well I have seen so much in this life. There isn't anyone left to whom I would want to return. It's not about how long I want to live. It's about how I want to live. With you every day would be an adventure and most of all I will be loved and wanted.”

After hearing this Reuben finally mustered the courage to say, “Rachel I love you,” and she replied lovingly, “So do I.” They embraced each other not knowing what was ahead of them. But they both knew that if they were together they would emerge victorious against all odds.

Reuben’s chain of thoughts was disrupted by clapping from Fleming and sobbing from his Mom. Henry had floral showers on them from his wand. Jack was dancing and Reuben scanned the room for Peter. Of course! He was sitting on the chair licking his fingers and cleaning the jar with honey. ‘Some things don't change.’ Reuben smiled and thought to himself. Rachel had him and folks willing to shower her with love till the end of time.

.    .    .