A tight squeeze of her hand roused Toothiana from her nightmare, but her eyes stayed shut. She only whimpered in response.
"Oh, Ana, you look awful…"
Something between a sigh and a chuckle crept from her lips. "And still prettier than you, Vanish."
"Harsh! I did not come 5 light years to listen to your insults!"
Toothiana finally managed to lift her eyelids and look at her sister. She had the same emerald eyes, but her feathers possessed a slightly blue tone.
"Thanks for getting here so fast," Toothiana said.
"Of course. Are you feeling any better?"
She grunted. "Some. The kids believe in me again. And one of my fairies isn't in a cage, so-."
"Cage?"
Vanish's face flicked towards the voice. Toothiana rolled to see who spoke, but pain sparked up her side. Instantly, Jack knelt beside her and took her other hand.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," he whispered. "Where are they? I'll go get them."
"Jack, don't. I saw what he did to you," she told him. "Don't do that to yourself again. It's too risky."
"Aaaah, this is Jack?" Vanish asked.
Toothiana sighed. "Yes. Jack, this is my sister, Vanish."
"You have weird names," Jack said.
"HEY!"
"Our star-mother named us. She has an odd mind, but we love her," said Toothiana. "And thank you, Jack, for helping with the teeth."
"Pfft. Yeah, I was so much help," Jack scoffed. "Pushing an eight-year-old out of a tree is real helpful."
Toothiana shut her eyes. "She's alright, Jack. Just sore. And I don't think I'm dying anymore." She smiled at him. "That's good, right?"
He smiled awkwardly back. "For sure. Need anything? May was well lend a hand here, since I'm pretty much usele-."
"Stop," Toothiana said. "I would like some tea, please. Darjeeling, if they have it, but black is fine. Thank you again, Jack."
Once he left, Vanish squealed.
"He's beautiful!"
"I know!" Toothiana covered her face. "Did you see him smile?"
"They sparkle, Tooth! They actually sparkle!"
"If you think he's gorgeous, you should see his sculptures. Oh, he made a whole village in my parlor. I hope it's still there…"
"Tell you what, Ana, I'll go with you once you're back on your wings." Vanish dug into a pouch on her hip. "Mother sent something to help you, too."
"Pure light?"
"It is."
Vanish pulled a glowing orb from the bag. The warmth soothed Toothiana's muscles even from the distance. Vanish pressed the ball to Toothiana's side, and she whimpered at the heat before relaxing into it.
"Now," Vanish said, patting her hands again, "You rest, Ana. I'll make sure these boys get your fairies back."