Love, War, and Flight

Chapter 18 - Joining Forces

“Where is he!?” I screamed worriedly as Aaron and I rushed over to where Ezami and aunt Holly were. We arrived back at Riveredge, with me in new clothes that consisted of a green tank top, purple skirt and green shoes.

“Talamaki has him.” Ezami replied, also worried.

“I know! How do we get him back?”

“Not sure yet. We may have to start another battle, but we’re trying to be peaceful.” Aunt Holly joined in. The worried feeling spreads.

“Peaceful?” I started, annoyed. “Aunt Holly, my time back and forth between worlds has been nothing but stress, untrustworthiness, and war. I can’t actually let one of my friends die like this! That would push me over the edge!” I shrieked between sobs.

“Hey, we’re doing everything we can. He will get back to us. Just be patient.”

“That’s not what he needs! He needs help! He needs… us.” I felt my voice become softer on those last words.

“That’s true, but we can’t really do much right now.” Aaron joined in. I perched myself on an open window, my eyes locked onto Wingless Territory and Culikwa Castle. I felt like I could be one of them; my wings were still damaged, so it was impossible for me to fly. Right now, that could be an advantage.

“Didn’t my uncle want to see me?” I asked Aaron, not looking back.

“Yes, but we don’t trust him. Calia, we won’t allow you to go to Wingless Territory. It’s too dangerous.” Aaron told me, but I felt the raging feeling I hated.

“You’re just as bad as my mother!” I shrieked, sobbing again. “Except you don’t grab my arm and leave bruises and scratch marks.”

“Right…” Ezami trailed. “You should get some sleep. It’s been a long day for all of us.”

“I can’t sleep with Cylak a prisoner in Wingless Territory! He’s my… friend, and… it’s too nerve-wracking.” I said softly. Aaron, Ezami and Aunt Holly stared at me with shocked expressions.

“So you two aren’t dating?” Ezami asked me. “Everyone thought you were.”

“So I’ve been told. But no, because I chose Drake over Cylak.” I stated, taken aback by the question slightly.

“Calia…” My aunt said slowly, putting a hand on my shoulder. “You can never bring that guy to Tanyela. No human must know we exist.”

“But he’s special! He understands, stands up, protects, and loves me. What more could I want?” I asked stupidly, knowing their answer.

“Him being a faerie?” Ezami asked, pointing it out.

“Okay, yes, that.” I agreed, mad at the smart comment.

“I met him. He’s a good match for her. I approve of him.” Aaron said, making me smile.

“It doesn’t matter. You can either live your life out there, in the brutal, selfish Earth and never reveal yourself, or live it safely in Tanyela where you can be free as anything. Well, after the war’s over.” Aunt Holly stated. I crossed my arms and sighed, knowing she was right.

“I don’t care. Whatever it takes.” I said stubbornly.

“You’re delusional. Get some sleep.” My aunt ordered. I turned and ran the other direction.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Uncle!” I yelled angrily when I entered through the big, red-and-black doors at Culikwa Castle in Wingless Territory. “Where is he? I know he’s here!”