Chapter 29: Restoration

Standing tall in a clearing within the preserve Fablehaven, Kendra, in her fairyprime form, observed the two enemies that were surrounding her. To one side was Oblivion, frozen in a terrified stone form by Kendra's unparalleled power. On her other side was Ashley, stuck not only in a cage, but in the form of a pig.

"I did it," said Kendra with a heavy smile. "I really did it!"

"You weren't supposed to win," squealed Ashley from within her cage. "This shouldn't be happening!"

Choosing to ignore Ashley's rambling, Kendra turned away from the shape-shifter. "I need some help," she said. "I don't know what to do now."

Kendra closed her eyes, and allowed the power that she was harnessing to flow out of her body in the form of several balls of energy. As this happened, Kendra could feel herself growing weaker. Her wings retracted back into her shoulder blades, and she could sense that her hair was also turning back to normal.

The balls of energy all stopped in place several feet away from Kendra, where they each turned back into one of her allies.

"That... was awesome!" cried Seth, raising his fists into the air. "I didn't know we had it in us!"

"I'm surprised too," said Warren. "It really meant something, being able to help Kendra like that."

Lance, who was taking a deep breath, soon cracked a heavy smile. "We really showed her, didn't we! I mean, Kendra was in control, but we were totally a part of her!"

"We couldn't have done it without you and your heart," said Bright, "and Jet's."

"Without you, Lance," said Clover, "we probably would've just... lost."

Lance looked like he wanted to say something in response, but was too excited to think of anything.

"Hold on a second," said Warren. "It's a miracle that Lance was even around. What exactly were you doing here, Lance? I told everyone here at Fablehaven to evacuate, which apparently they did."

"That's what happened?" asked Lance confusedly. "I had just gone for a ride on Jet this afternoon, and when I came back, everyone was gone!"

"So while everyone was fleeing, they didn't come for Lance?" asked Seth.

"I didn't know where Lance was when I called," said Warren. "And apparently, nor did anyone back here. And if Lance was out somewhere with Jet, it's no surprise that they couldn't contact him when they had to leave urgently."

"I feel... weird," said Jet, placing a wing over her head. "That experience, it was... it changed me. I just feel so free and invigorated. Like I don't need to concentrate on everything all the time. It feels nice."

"Your voice sounds more natural too," said Kendra.

"Jet, what's twenty-four times nine?" asked Warren.

"Uh, I'm not sure, really," replied Jet. "Why do you ask?"

"She's changed all right," said Warren. "I think forcing her into that fairyprime form changed her for the better. Now she has an organic soul to go with her organic body."

"You really think so?" asked Jet. "That's amazing!

"Well," said Raxtus. "We've stopped the enemies. Now what do we do?"

"I dunno," said Seth, walking over to the statue of Oblivion. "What if this spell wears off?"

"I wouldn't count on it," said Bright. "You saw what Kendra's magic did to Tritanoss, right?"

"Speaking of which," said Lance, "what are we supposed to do with Ashley? We can't just let her run loose, even if she is a pig."

Ashley then muttered some unintelligible gibberish to herself, much of which sounded like cursing.

"As long as she's a pig," said Seth, "I bet she'd make some great bacon, huh?"

"Gross!" exclaimed Kendra.

"Eating the enemy?" asked Warren. "No way. That just isn't kosher! How 'bout we just feed her to the trolls?"

"Forget the death penalties!" said Kendra. "Even if Oblivion is out of the picture, how're we going to undo everything she's done to the Fairy Kingdom? The barrier? The curses? The Translocator? What are we supposed to do about all that?"

"Isn't it obvious?" asked Seth. "If you were able to overpower Oblivion and her magic while fairyprime, why shouldn't you be able to do so again?"

"He's got a point," said Clover. "Might as well return to being fairyprime and try to fix things once more."

"Here's the Translocator," said Bright, conjuring up the stone artifact and handing it over to Kendra. "Good luck."

Once again, everyone stood around Kendra and held hands, or claws in the case of Raxtus, wings in the case of Jet. Bright and Clover then focused their minds, turning the group into balls of energy, which in turn flew back into Kendra, restoring her to her proper fairyprime form.

Her body now bursting full of power once more, Kendra tightened her grip on the Translocator that she was holding. Focusing entirely on the Translocator, Kendra could feel energy flowing through her hands and into the artifact. Before long, she could feel the Translocator turning from a stone cylinder back into one made of platinum, encrusted with jewels. It worked. Her magic had been powerful enough to revert the Translocator back to its working condition.

Kendra contemplated about where she should go. Although her body was brimming with seemingly endless power, she had no idea as to how to go about penetrating the barrier. Perhaps someone in the Fairy Kingdom would be able to help her.

Nevertheless, there was still the backdoor. Kendra wound up the Translocator and placed it down on the ground. Next, she merely concentrated on shrinking herself down, and before long, she stood only several inches high. She then placed her hands on the Translocator, and focused on the vent leading into the Fairy Kingdom.

The Translocator worked its magic, hurling Kendra through space, where she appeared at the exit to the vent that connected the knapsack to the Fairy Kingdom. She then flew out of the vent into the Fairy Kingdom proper, where everything appeared to still be in order. Next, she allowed herself to grow back to her normal height. Lastly, she reached into the vent and pulled out the Translocator.

Not knowing where else to go, Kendra took off and flew towards where she remembered the royal castle was located. As she flew over the scenic fairy countryside, she couldn't help but admire its beauty, the fact that it was night here as well didn't matter to her. Even the thought of flying around on her own wasn't enough to deter Kendra from her true goal.

Before long, Kendra had arrived in the town square, just outside the castle. It was very quiet outside, no doubt in part to it being late at night. She opted to dart across the area to the front gate of the castle, where two fairy guards stood.

"Bright?" asked one of the guards upon glancing at Kendra. "Is that you?"

"It's me, Kendra! I need to see the Fairy Queen right away!"

As if she had no choice, the guard nodded and opened the gate, while the second one began to escort Kendra through the garden towards the front door to the castle. Much like on her previous visit, the guard led her upstairs, only not to the throne room, but another room nearby. She then knocked on the door.

"Your majesty!" said the guard through the door. I'm sorry to awaken you at this hour, but Kendra is here! She wishes to see you!"

There was a short pause. Kendra looked at the guard, then at the door, but nothing happened. Was the Fairy Queen in denial or something? Or was she just sound asleep?

At last, the Fairy Queen strode out of her bedroom, then took a look at Kendra. "Oh my. So this is your fairyprime form. But, what are you doing here?"

"I... that is to say, we... defeated Oblivion!"

"You're kidding!" gasped the Fairy Queen.

"No!" exclaimed Kendra. "You see... oh, I've got so much to tell you!"

"Take it easy," said the Fairy Queen, placing her arm around Kendra's shoulder.

"The keepers!" said Kendra. "We need to help them!"

"Well, they've been rendered immobile due to Oblivion's magic. But if Oblivion's truly been defeated, then I should be able to remove the spell without much hassle. Guard, send for Bracken and tell him to meet us in Brillia's chamber."

"Yes, your majesty," said the guard, as she dashed off.

The Fairy Queen led Kendra through the castle, back up to the tower where Brillia stood. As they entered the door, Kendra could see Brillia, still in the exact same pose as last time, and still encased in a mysterious black glow.

"Kendra?" asked Bracken. Kendra turned around and saw her good friend standing directly behind her. "What's going on? Is this your fairyprime form?"

"Bracken!" cried Kendra, running up to Bracken and then throwing her arms around him. "We won! We really won! We've defeated Oblivion!"

"Kendra," said Bracken, hugging her back. "Are you serious?"

"We'll find out," said the Fairy Queen, focusing a colorful glow of magic upon Brillia. After only a second, the black magic that had encased Brillia disappeared, enabling the fairy angel to move again.

"What's going on?" asked Brillia, rubbing her head, as the Fairy Queen and Bracken both hugged her. Now getting glimpse of what Brillia actually looked like, Kendra saw that she sported shimmering golden hair and a matching dress. "Are you Kendra?"

"Yes," said Kendra confidently. "We just saved you. It's a long story, believe me."

"Look," said Bracken, directing everyone attention over to the Accelerizer. "The Accelerizer is back to normal!"

Kendra gazed into the pedestal, and saw that the Accelerizer, due to it being tied to Brillia, was no longer rendered immobile. Brillia reached down and picked up the instrument, then placed it back down where it belonged.

"Your majesty," said Kendra, "with Oblivion no longer an influence, are you going to be able to restore the rest of the keepers? And the barrier between the mortal world and this one?"

"Absolutely. If I was able to restore Brillia this easily, the other keepers and even the barrier shouldn't be any more trouble."

"Oh, and may I revert from my fairyprime form here? My friends deserve gratitude as well."

"Absolutely," said the Fairy Queen. "I'll return soon."

At that moment, the Fairy Queen disappeared, no doubt transporting herself to one of the other keepers. Next, Kendra allowed herself to return to normal, allowing all of her friends to reappear alongside her.

"Whoa," said Brillia, admiring the group.

"Hey, sis!" said Bright, giving her eldest sister a big hug.

"I recognize you and Clover," said Brillia, "and even Raxtus. "But who're those three? And the phoenix?"

"These people are my brother Seth, my cousin Warren, and our friend Lance. And the phoenix is Jet."

"Take it easy, girls," said Bracken. "Let's all head back to the throne room. We can rendezvous with mom there once she gets back."

Bracken led the entire group back through the castle towards the throne room. As they passed through the place, both Kendra and Seth could sense that Lance was truly awestruck at the whole experience.

Bracken and Brillia led the group into the throne room, which was just as impressive and decorative as it had been during Kendra's previous visit. Off to the side was an area where several elegant couches and tables had been arranged. The group sat down, all feeling exhausted. No doubt lending their power to Kendra for her fairyprime form had left them all feeling somewhat drained.

"Just relax," said Brillia, as she waved her hands around, causing mugs of steaming hot tea to appear on the tables before everyone. "My mother will return soon."

As everyone proceeded to drink their tea, the Fairy Queen entered the room, followed by Tiara, Opal and two other full-sized fairies.

"We've heard the good news," said Tiara, as she approached the group and began shaking everybody's hand. "Thank you so much."

"Is it true you've really defeated that Oblivion character?" asked Opal.

"I don't believe we've met," said one of the other fairies, who sported silvery hair. "I'm Bravia."

"And I'm Brook," said the last fairy, whose bluish hair sparkled as though it was full of tiny crystals.

"Mom just gave us all a quick rundown on the situation," said Bravia, as she and the other fairy angels all sat down. "Could you enlighten us a bit more?"

"Of course," said Kendra. "Well, you see, Oblivion had devised a plan to awaken a demon by the name of Tritanoss. Although Oblivion didn't have the power to control this demon, Ashley, her shape-shifting accomplice..."

"Hold on a second," said Bracken. "Did you just say that Oblivion was a she?"

"Oh yes," said Seth. "We later learned that Oblivion was actually a dark fairy who was exiled from the Fairy Kingdom."

The Fairy Queen's jaw dropped. "I never thought..."

"Once a fairy is banished from the Fairy Kingdom," began Brook, "they never manage to return. They just... disappear."

"Well, not Oblivion," said Warren. "After years of training, she harnessed her magic and worked her way into Society of the Evening Star, though she kept her true identity a secret from everyone."

"I'm very sorry that this happened," said the Fairy Queen. "We never banish fairies without first stripping them of their power. Either she faked losing her power, or regained it later on."

"As I was saying," said Kendra, "Oblivion had no way of controlling Tritanoss, so she gave Ashley the power to copy Tritanoss' form, so that she would be all-powerful herself. We were unable to foil their plan, and they came very close to invading the Fairy Kingdom! Had they made it, I don't know what you would've been able to have done to stop them."

"How did you stop them?" asked Opal.

"Well, we placed all our money on turning Kendra to her fairyprime form," said Bright, "even though, Clover, Raxtus and myself were the only fairies around. Warren and Seth lent us their hearts, but it wasn't enough for Kendra to reach her true fairyprime potential. In fact, Oblivion almost destroyed us!"

"Thankfully," said Clover, "Lance showed up with Jet. With their additional support, Kendra was able to tap into her fairyprime form. She then single-handedly stopped both Ashley and Oblivion!"

"Incredible!" exclaimed Tiara. "But, isn't Tritanoss supposed to be some massive, unstoppable demon? How'd you do it?"

"I guess we owe some thanks to Ashley not being a full-fledged demon," said Warren.

Lance snorted. "The way she treated most people, she came pretty close."

"Well, thanks to all of you, the Fairy Kingdom is safe," said the Fairy Queen. "Is there anything that we fairies can do for you in return?"

"Ashley did quite a bit of destruction to Fablehaven," said Warren. "Think you could maybe spruce the place up a bit?"

"Of course," said the Fairy Queen.

"And what about Oblivion and Ashley themselves?" asked Kendra. "We left them as a statue and a pig back at Fablehaven under no supervision!"

"Why don't you all return to Fablehaven for the moment?" asked the Fairy Queen. "Get some rest. We'll fix the place up for you in no time."

"Wait!" exclaimed Seth. "What about my family? They all fled before we got back!"

"I'll see to it that they return safely," said the Fairy Queen. "Wherever they are."

Kendra pulled out the Translocator and twisted it. "Well, if everybody's ready."

"We'll stay in touch with you," said Bracken. "Don't worry!"

"Goodbye," said Kendra, as everyone in her group placed their hand, claw or wing upon the Translocator, which instantly whooshed them back to the clearing at Fablehaven.

The group looked around and saw that the statue of Oblivion was still where they had left it. However, the cage that Ashley had been in was empty! The bars had apparently been torn open by someone or something.

"Oh no!" moaned Kendra. "Ashley's loose!"

"I think I found her," said Seth, directing Kendra's attention to her rear. She then turned around and saw a nearby orc, gnashing away on a pig's half-eaten body.

"Oh," grumbled the burly, green orc in a deep, gravelly voice. "Was pig yours? Sorry, but pig was just sitting there. I got hungry."

"You know what?" asked Warren. "You can keep it. We didn't really want that pig in the first place. Let the orc have his pork."

"Thank you," said the orc, as he walked off through the tree, continuing to eat Ashley.

"Well, that takes care of her," said Raxtus. "But... what about Oblivion?"

"Our kin will find a way to deal with her," said Clover. "Give it some time."

"I'm exhausted," said Seth. "Let's just head back to the house and get some sleep. We can celebrate in the morning!"

"Race ya!" said Warren, as he began dashing towards in the direction of the house.

"I'll beat you both!" said Jet, as she stretched out her wings.

"No fair!" laughed Seth, as Raxtus joined in the race, purposely flying close to the ground and slow enough for the two humans to keep up with him. Before long, Bright and Clover had joined in as well.

Soon the only people left behind were Kendra and Lance. Though Kendra was overly happy, she couldn't help but notice that Lance seemed disappointed.

"Lance," she said, "what's wrong? We just won! You should be thrilled!"

"Oh, I'm very happy," said Lance softly. "It's just that... well... I said I wanted to get back to a normal life. And now that we've defeated Oblivion, I guess that's gonna happen soon. Maybe I should've asked the fairies for help."

"Lance," said Kendra. "The fairies are wonderful. They truly are. But, I don't think that your situation really falls within their jurisdiction."

"I guess," said Lance. "I mean, I'm going to end up somewhere. But now that I've experienced Fablehaven for what it truly is, I'm going to miss the place. And worst of all, I'm going to miss all of you."

At that moment, Lance broke down, began to cry, and gave Kendra a hug.

"It's okay," said Kendra, patting Lance's back. "We'll help you. After all you done and been through, we're not going to just forget about you. Don't worry."

"Thank you", sobbed Lance softly.