An update. Thank you Hypnosys, yes I'm back ;) actually I have a strong feeling that Nami's fans won't like this one, but I know my readers well ;) I hope you will keep reading this one :)

Chapter 4

It was a chilly morning; the sun barely showed itself from behind mountains. Nevertheless, a young lady was walking inside forest. Her long raven hair was braided with a white ribbon at the end. It swayed as she walked. She just turned sixteen, a bloomed flower. Her bright and charming manner got her famous in the village. As today, she hummed as she looked for herbs. She spotted mushrooms between tree roots under dead leaves. Would be nice for lunch, she thought. She approached the spot. She cut them and put inside her basket.

"That would be nice for a bowl of soup," a voice said.

She turned around and found a fairy. It was a beautiful fairy, glowing in yellow, holding wand in right hand. "Oh hello there, didn't notice you coming," she said.

"I'm sorry for interrupting, I'm a fairy godmother," the fairy said, approaching. "What is your name?"

"Ray," she said.

"That's a beautiful name," the fairy said.

"Thank you," she said, smiling. "I never meet and talk to a fairy in person before. You are really beautiful, as they say." The fairy lowered her head at the praise. "Is there something I can do for you?" The fairy stepped closer.

"I've been watching you," the fairy said. "I know that you have power, magic."

"Yes," she said and showed the fairy. She raised a palm and a blue smoked appeared. "I don't know how it happened; I just found that I can use magic couple of days ago."

"It's waited until you turned into sixteen," the fairy said with warm smile. "You have great power."

"Do I?" she said enthusiastically. Fairy godmother nodded and smiled. "But you need to know how to use and control it. Every power has two sides, it could be used for the good or bad," fairy godmother said.

"I don't want to use it for bad thing," she said. "Can you teach me?"

"Of course, darling. That's why I'm here," fairy godmother said.

"I'm glad because I don't have anybody to teach me," she said with gloom tone. Fairy godmother took her chin and said, "You won't be alone anymore from now."

"Thank you," she said and slapped forehead. "I got to go; she must be waiting for me." She turned around and took her basket. "Can we meet again?"

"Very soon," fairy godmother said.

She waved hand and bid goodbye. She was happy that she had a fairy godmother to protect and teach her. It also meant she won't be lonely again. She grinned and strode off heading to her house. At the time she had no clue that her life was just about to change.

...

The Queen's eyes snapped open. The room was still dark and silent. She rubbed eyes and pushed blanket off. She put robe on, heading to dining. After quenching thirsty, she took a chair to sit. It was silent but she got used to it.

She let out a sigh. Lately she had fitful sleep, she didn't know why. And tonight her sleep was interrupted by that dream. It had been a long time that she almost lost the memory. That one was her first meeting with fairy godmother. The fairy had been her teacher and parent. Also the one who opened the road and leaded her to the bottomless pit. She hated that woman.

She ran hair through her long hair. She tapped fingers over table looking at the chalice. She leaned elbow on table and waved hand over the chalice. The water reflected his face. He was sleeping. He had helped her although she didn't want to admit it.

She stared at his peacefully sleeping face. 'Are you really from the other world?' She had been told about the other world long time ago but she didn't give any thought about it. Now as she stared at him, she was wondering if he was the person. The person who is destined to save her. Her savior.

She huffed and looked away but after a moment she stared back at him. 'Is he?'

She moved finger to the right and it showed another sight. He was inside a house, looked like commoner's. She peered at the room and saw a bed with someone lying over it. It was a girl. Her eyebrow rose slightly and she waved hand to erase the sight.

She leaned against chair and sighed. "I should have asked his name as well."

Kai yawned as he dressed up. Asahi had gotten him a pair of clothes: white shirt, leather vest and pants which was a little long for him. He folded it under boots, she managed to get a fit sized boots for him. He rolled up sleeves and approached the girls at table.

"You look nice," Hinata said.

"I like it too," Kai said to Hinata and turned to Asahi. "Thanks for these."

"You're welcome," Asahi said. She put bowls of rice on the table and sat. "Let's have breakfast first."

"By the way, what do you usually do?" Kai said, starting his meal.

"Learn magic," Asahi said. "Practicing, remembering spell, a lot of thing. I need to practice because my teacher is strict. She won't like if I forget spells."

"I see," Kai said. "How about you?" he said to Hinata. "I wonder though, do fairies have job? I mean you need to do something to earn money, right?"

"Well," Hinata shrugged, "Actually fairy has only one job: helping people. Like now, I'm helping you." She drank the soup up and said, "Honestly we don't really need money. What would a fairy buy anyway? Clothes? Shoes?" She snapped fingers and her wand showed up. "This is what we need."

"Do you go to school?" Kai said.

"Nope," Hinata said. "But we do help children in school, and sometimes I stole reading." She grinned.

"Wow, these never been in my imagination," Kai said.

"Tell me about your world," Asahi said. "Do you have job? What do you usually do?"

"I'm a student," Kai said and put his bowl down. "I'm going to school every day," he rolled eyes, "that's really boring and tiresome."

"Why?" Asahi said. Kai shifted in his chair, pursing lips. "You don't like school?"

"I used to," Kai said. "But now, not really. I got new school from next spring, new friends, but I just don't feel happy about that."

"I wonder why," Hinata said.

Kai inhaled and said, "My mother passed away few months ago."

"I see," Asahi said. "You must be feeling sad and lost at anything."

"I just missed her," Kai said. Despite himself, he was revealing his feeling to these new friends of him. He had avoided the topic whenever his father tried to talk with him. He got surprised when Hinata leaned to hug him. She gave light rub over his back and leaned off, a smile on face.

"Sometimes you don't get it but every happened thing has reason, for good," Hinata said.

Kai couldn't say he agreed but smiled nonetheless. "Thanks." He cleared throat, embarrassed. "I never had this kind of talk with girls before, this is embarrassing but...feel good."

"I never have preference to whom I talk with," Hinata said.

"She just likes talking," Asahi whispered. Kai chuckled.

"Hey, I hear that." Hinata pouted.

"By the way, I have something that I forgot to mention last night," Kai said. "I met that girl again."

"Who knocked you out?" Hinata said with small grin.

Kai nodded dimly and said, "You don't have to mention that."

"But I have to so I can remember," Hinata said. Asahi chuckled at Kai's rolled eyes.

"So, what's about the girl?" Asahi said.

"She came to the forest to talk with the ogre," Kai said. "Actually, I've helped her," he felt good to say that, "but I didn't know what the meeting was about. Oh and she says she's a Queen."

"What?" Asahi and Hinata said simultaneously.

Kai said, "She says people used to call her that. Do you think she's that Queen? I mean," he lowered his tone, "the evil Queen."

"I doubt that," Asahi said. "You say it's a girl," Kai nodded, "then it's definitely different person. If the Queen happens to be alive she must be in her forty."

"You're right," Kai said.

"That's a shame," Hinata said. "I'd be happy to have a deal with the Queen."

"You sound full of confidence. Are you sure you can beat the Queen?" Kai said to tease the fairy. "It seems to me she's really powerful."

Hinata's expression immediately changed, shoulders slumped. "Maybe after practicing, I guess." They laughed.

Kai whiled away the morning hours watching Asahi practice her magic. He would gasp and wow when she moved things, or laugh when she failed her magic just like the one that almost burnt Hinata's shirt. While Asahi read her spell book, Kai and Hinata spent time building a bench. He soon found spending time with them in the magical land was enjoyable. They built two which made Asahi smile at them proudly.

At noon he helped Asahi in patch. He hadn't known she had patch of vegetables behind the house. They pulled out weeds while listening to Hinata's song. "I see you like to sing," Kai said.

"Yes," Hinata said. "I love to sing."

Kai threw a foot long weed behind him and said, "I do too. I like to sing with my guitar."

"What's that?" Asahi said.

"It's an instrument. It has body and six strings, you pick the strings to make sound," Kai said.

"Sounds interesting. Is it difficult to play?" Asahi said.

"Depends on person," Kai said. He noticed Hinata's knitting brows. "Is there something?"

"No," Hinata tilted head, "it's just, I think I've ever seen something like that but I couldn't make to remember it." She gave up and shrugged. "Maybe another thing."

"I can make one, the easy one," Kai said.

"Really?" Asahi and Hinata said excitedly. Kai nodded. Asahi brushed dirt off and stood up. "I need water."

"I'll take it," Kai said.

"Thank you," Asahi said. "The river's not far. You see that path," she pointed at the small path between trees behind the patch, "it ends at the river."

"Okay," Kai said. Asahi bit her lips turning to two wooden drums, seemed to be ten liters capacity, placed under eave. "You need two filled up?"

"Can you?" Asahi said. "We need drink water too."

"Sure, I'll fill them for you," Kai said.

"You can use this cart." Asahi removed leather tent off, pulling the cart out. Kai set the drums in the cart.

"You need help?" Hinata said.

"I'm fine," Kai said and pulled cart toward the small path. Asahi and Hinata resumed weeding the patch. After walking for less than fifteen minutes, Kai arrived at the river. He removed lids from the drum. He dipped it under water and waited.

"Hi there," a voice said.

Kai turned around but saw nobody. He knitted brows. 'My imagination?' The voice once again said, "I'm up here." He looked up and saw a monkey sitting over branch. It then jumped off and approached him, with two feet. It had a black face with white hair around face but overall was deep gray.

"What are you doing young sir?"

"Uh, are you talking to me?" Kai said.

"Is there anybody else here?"

Kai shook head. He was confused when the monkey stretched a hand out. He took the hand and they shook hands. He never met a monkey that could politely do shake hands. The monkey released his hand and laced hands behind back.

"So what are you doing?"

"Filling water for my friend," Kai said. He tried not to stare but his eyes followed the monkey as it walked to his other side and sat over the empty drum. It still felt strange to talk with animals.

"You are a handsome guy," the monkey said. "But look normal, nothing special. You aren't well-built, short…"

"Hold on," Kai said feeling offended. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Just saying the truth." The monkey shrugged. "Anyway, do you want to try?" The monkey held out an apple. "For our friendship."

Kai raised an eyebrow, still felt offended.

"And apology," the monkey said.

If he was raised in the land he would know better than take the offer but he didn't have the clue. The apple looked tempting and he took it. "Thanks. Wanna share?"

"I give it to you," the monkey said with smile. "Have a taste."

Kai turned to wash the apple but the monkey stopped him. "I always keep hands clean," the monkey said.

"Oh okay." Kai raised the apple and the monkey gave nod. 'Scientist would love to see this monkey' he thought and took a bite. It was fleshy and tasted sweet. "Wow, this one is really delicious. You know, there're many cultivars…" he blinked as his vision blurred, "…in my country, like Fuji…but none…" Something was wrong. He felt his power drain off his body. The apple fell off of his hand. "What…is this?"

The monkey shrugged smiling wider. "Just an offer of friendship."

"You…" Kai moved his feet to reach the monkey but they were heavier than usual. He fell to knees. "Damn you…I swear…"

"Don't be mad at me," the monkey said.

Kai fell to the ground, completely powerless. From behind shrubs Jiro walked out. "Good job." He threw a pouch to the monkey and squatted beside Kai.

The monkey beamed and opened the pouch. He squint eyes as he peered inside the pouch. "Hold on man, did you give me peanuts?"

"Don't you like it?" Jiro said while lifting Kai's unconscious body. "I got your favorite."

"Yes, I like it but it should be money," the monkey complained.

Jiro had succeeded lifting Kai up. "Money? What are you going to do with money? You don't need to buy peanuts now."

"Oh man, you're stingy," the monkey said.

Jiro held a hand out while keeping Kai with the other hand. "Give it back then if you don't need."

"I'll keep it," the monkey said with reluctance. "What are you gonna do with that boy?"

"Not your concern that's for sure," Jiro said and whistled to call his horse. He put Kai on and turned to the monkey. "You're not saying any word, understood? You know what will happen to you if she knows."

"I know, I know." The monkey threw hands up and nodded. "The last time I opened my mouth she turned me into this shape. I've learned. By the way, is she watching us now?"

"As we speak," Jiro said. He went to pick the left apple.

"I didn't say anything, I won't say any word," the monkey said holding hands over mouth.

Jiro tried to hold back chuckle. "Good." He mounted the horse, took reins and galloped the horse into forest.

"I wonder why the Queen needs that boy, but I'd better stay away," the monkey mumbled. He then looked up. "Anyway, thank you for the peanuts. Maybe next time, uh, I can get money?"

The monkey climbed up tree and disappeared into forest.

"I should have turned him into a bug," the Queen said waving hand over mirror. It once again reflected her face. She turned around and approached window. She couldn't wait to meet the boy. "What should I say? How to make him reveal himself?" She bit lip thinking. "Let's see what I can dig from him."

The Queen left her room and went to reading room. She decided to have some read while waiting. The room had shelves covering the wall contained hundreds of books. Moment later there was knock on door. "Yes?"

"They are here, my Queen," Kiku said from outside.

'He's here' Oddly she felt nervous a little. She inhaled and left her reading desk. After smoothing out her dress, she snapped fingers and disappeared. She found the boy lying on floor at main hall. "Did he refuse to come?"

"He ate the apple." Jiro gave the apple to the Queen. The Queen took the apple but held eyes on the unconscious boy. She gave gesture with another hand and Jiro left the hall.

The Queen closed her fist and the apple turned into smoke, disappearing. She bent knees to take a good look at him. She noticed a mole on his left cheek. She poked his cheek. His eyes were still shut. She then waved a hand over his face. He squeezed eyes before opening it. "Hey."

Kai jerked body up and swiftly moved away. "You?" He was confused.

"Yes, me."

"What are you doing here? Wait, where am I?" He finally took a good look at the room.

The Queen rose to feet and said, "My castle."

"Your what?" Kai said, now standing on feet as well.

"My castle," the Queen repeated and turned to face him. "Welcome."

"No, you're not welcoming me." Kai rubbed his temple. "I was in the river, and a monkey came…to me," he looked back at the Queen, "you sent that monkey, and that man too."

The Queen lifted shoulders and smiled. "Bingo." She stepped to his side. "Now tell me, who are you?"

"Is this kind of interrogation?"

"I ask you question, you're supposed to answer not questioning back," the Queen said. She started to get annoyed at his manner. He didn't show any respect to her.

"Am I? After being dragged here without my will? I don't think so." He uncrossed arms as the Queen glared down at him. "I don't know who the hell you are but I will excuse myself." He put palm up smiling. "Bye." And he spun around.

The Queen clenched jaw and raised her hand. Kai gasped in surprise as suddenly something tied him and lifted him up into the air. "What the hell? Let me go," he said. Despite his will, he was spun around by the unseen power.

"You should know that no one disobeys my order," the Queen said looking up at him.

"Who the hell are you? Put me down, now," Kai said with glare.

"No. Not until you answer my question." The Queen kept her smile.

"This is violence," Kai said. The Queen gave light shrug but held hand up still. Kai sighed in defeat. "Alright. I'll answer your question." She dropped her hand and he fell on to floor. "Can't you be gentle a little?" He hissed in pain.

"Now my answer," the Queen said.

"What's the question again?" Kai said. The Queen raised an eyebrow and he quickly said, "I remember. So as you see, I'm just a boy, looking for a way back to my home. That's it."

"Where are you coming from?" the Queen said.

"You won't know."

"Shoot."

Kai sighed. "Yunishigawa."

The Queen knitted her brows in perplexity.

"Told you," Kai said.

"Where is it?"

"In Japan, north of Japan precisely," Kai said. "Didn't ring any bell?"

The Queen lifted her hand and he stepped back. "Gee, just kidding. You're asking, remember?" he said.

The Queen exhaled, put hands on waist. "I never heard such place before. You aren't making it up, are you?"

"After being held up in the air by magic, you think I will tell a lie?"

The Queen felt her nerves will soon crack. "Why don't you just answer with a yes or no?" She sighed in frustration. 'I shouldn't bring him here'

"If you're done with interrogation, I'll take my leave," Kai said.

"Who says we're done?" the Queen said. "Besides, you can't leave."

"What do you mean I can't leave?" Kai said.

"Without my word nobody can leave this castle. Even if you can I doubt you will survive. This place is far away from the village."

"Trust me, I can surpass anything, even your creepy forest," Kai said.

The Queen watched as he spun to leave. "As you wish, but be careful not to enter chimeras territory," she approached throne and noticed him stop, "they quite aggressive in welcoming visitor, you know what I mean. Also the dead mud, when it gets you there's no way you can go out. Avoid birds' eyes. Oh and there's giant spider…"

Kai whirled and said, "Okay, I'm staying."

Hiding her smile, the Queen turned to face him. "Let's have a walk then."

Asahi and Hinata had finished weeding the patch and began to worry. "Is he lost?" Asahi said.

"I'll check on him," Hinata said. She turned into fairy size and flew off.

Asahi put vegetables into basket and left patch. She was heading entrance when green smoke formed and her teacher appeared.

"Asahi," Saeko said, "how have you been doing? And what's that in your hands?"

"I've been doing well. This is vegetables," Asahi said. She was happy that her teacher had returned. "I thought you're still in trip."

"Just returned," Saeko said. "How is your practice? Why don't you show me what you've gotten during my absence?"

Asahi nodded. She was about to put the basket inside house when Hinata stormed in.

"He's gone! He's gone!"

"What do you mean?" Asahi said.

"I went to the river but…" Hinata stopped as she noticed Saeko. "I'm sorry ma'am, didn't notice you, I was so panicked, and I've been running, flying, here as fast as I could," she said in one breath and inhaled.

"And what makes you so hurry?" Saeko said.

"Oh yeah, Kai is gone," Hinata said to Asahi.

Before Asahi could ask, Saeko had the question first. "Who is Kai?"

"Our new friend, by the way my name's Hinata," Hinata said as if it explained everything. Asahi added, "I met him couple of days ago. We need your help, to help him. He needs a portal." She turned to Hinata and the fairy nodded in agreement. They both missed the slight change in Saeko's face.

"Why don't you tell me more about him?" Saeko said.

Asahi nodded and they went into the house. They told Saeko about Kai.

In the castle yard, Kai had been wandering eyes over her attire: deep purple colored dress with standing collar, tight upper and loose skirt. "Are you really a Queen?" She stopped and turned to him, an eyebrow up.

"I told you already."

"So you're a Queen," Kai said and they started to walk. "I thought you're just kidding. Anyway, I didn't meet anyone here." She stopped. He thought the Queen would give another annoyed look but she walked toward rose garden. Red, white and pink roses were full-bloomed.

"How did you get here?"

Kai watched as the Queen bent to take smell of the flower. "I was in my grandpa's house, long story but in short I'm going to stay for couple of weeks, and I found a book. I thought to read but suddenly it glowed."

"It glowed," the Queen repeated.

Kai nodded. "And when I opened my eyes, I was here."

"So, you aren't from this land."

"Just telling you know." Kai frowned when the Queen turned to him, looked annoyed. "What?"

"Why do you keep addressing me like a lady in market?"

"Should I say Your Highness?" Kai said.

The Queen rolled her eyes. "Forget it." She started to walk.

Kai followed her. "By the way, when can I go home?"

"You'll stay here from now," the Queen said starting to pick rose.

"Wait a sec, you can't keep me here," Kai said.

"Try me."

Kai sighed as the Queen ignored him. He took her arm and pulled her around. "And what makes you get the right?" She looked surprised at the contact but he held the arm still. The next moment he was once again tied by magic. "Hey!"

"Nobody can touch me," the Queen said.

"Seriously?" Kai said. "Let me go." He held breath as she stood before him. He lowered his gaze when she took his shirt and put a rose inside his chest pocket. He looked up at her deep eyes. She leaned closer and said, "Though you get on my nerves, but I like you." She took his chin and smiled.

The Queen spun on heel and he was free to move. He opened his mouth but failed to utter any word. He looked at her back as she walked toward castle and down at the rose flower in his chest pocket. 'What on earth was that?'

Thank you for reading, until next :)