Ailsa was out in the village when she heard a loud group of people approaching. She rushed the others into their homes before watching from behind their tree.

A group of what appeared to be fairies were standing there. She didn't recognize their colorings though. Suddenly, they looked like they were preparing for an attack.

"Hey," Ailsa greeted slowly. "Welcome to one of the light fairy villages. Who are you?"

The leader, a tall skinny woman with dark hair, spoke, "We are the celestial fairies. Your people have harmed us and we are here for revenge."

"Celestial fairies? We aren't in the business of harming others."

"We have proof!" She pointed toward Ailsa and two fairies quickly wrapped her in vines. She fought against it but couldn't get free.

"Take her as hostage, we'll use her as leverage if needed. Until then, attack!"

Ailsa struggled as the fairies went and began attacking the villagers. She was glad not everyone was there but she felt bad for the ones that were. She prayed Avery would stay safe.

She was dragged away to a small campsite, thrown into a tent which was zipped up behind her.

"Ailsa?" Gaelin's voice was a rough whisper in the dimly lit tent.

"Oh no, they got you too?"

"I went to our village to see if everything was still growing. I felt a pain in my neck and when I woke I was here."

"Have you ever heard of celestial fairies?"

"Legends saying they lived on the moon or space or something. Thought it was a stupid idea."

"They claim to be celestial fairies.."

"They won't be invited to the reunion. Why did they grab us anyway?"

"Leverage? They say they have proof we attacked them."

"Are you kidding me?"

She shook her head, "I have no idea why they think that.. but we have to stop them from hurting anyone else."

"Absolutely."

"So.. any idea how to get out of here?"

"I tried already." His quiet statement, combined with the fact he hadn't moved closer caused alarm bells to sound in her head.

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm a little more than that. It's okay, just kick their asses for me."

Her eyes grew dark. A box of light appeared around him before darkness covered the tent. The tent and vines around Ailsa vanished. She let the darkness dissipate before the box of light vanished. She got a better look at him and growled. She focused light into him for a few minutes before turning away. Her eyes still pitch black, she moved toward her village quickly.

"Help us…" A weak voice called from the base of a tree.

She flew down and helped them, before helping everyone else she could find in the village. She headed in search of the celestial fairies.

Finally, she spotted them near the edge of the forest.

"Look, we don't even know how to get to your villages. We don't want anyone hurt." Ailsa begged.

The leader looked her over and sighed.

"I told you, they aren't after us. It's someone in space," another dark haired girl spoke, this one a couple years younger than the leader.

"Why would they go through the trouble of framing the other fairies?"

Ailsa shrugged, "So they don't get attacked instead?"

The leader frowned and consulted with a man nearby. She then approached Ailsa, holding out something small.

Ailsa held her hand out and noticed a small necklace being dropped into her hand. "What is this?"

"It's a crystal infused with celestial magic. You don't recognize it?"

She shook her head, "Never seen anything like this." The crystal sparkled a million different colors.

"Alright.. If you didn't attack us, we need to find out who did."

"Do you want help?"

The woman raised an eyebrow, "We just attacked you and you are offering us help?"

Ailsa nodded.

The woman shook her head, "Use the necklace to help your people, then focus on it and wish to visit us. It should bring you to our village."

She nodded, "I've already helped my people."

The woman raised her eyebrow again, "You have celestial magic?"

"No. I have powers of the light. And of the dark."

"Interesting.. We look forward to seeing you." They disappeared before her eyes.

She headed back to find Gaelin.

He lay where she'd left him. His eyes were closed, his shirt a deep red. His breathing was slow but steady.

She took him to the forest Sanctuary and waited for him to wake.

"Am I dreaming?" His words were slightly slurred, his eyes barely open.

"No, hun. You're awake."

"What happened?"

"I went and helped the villagers, talked some sense into the fairies, and got invited to go to space.."

"Interesting. Bitch explain how she thought we could attack off Earth? Especially in our case. I mean five adults and a child is not a standard attack force." He slowly opened his eyes wider.

"They have crystals that help them concentrate their magic. They thought we got a hold of one."

He frowned. "Why didn't they ask first? Why attack?"

"It seemed like some of them didn't want to, but were ordered to. Think the leader is a bit hotheaded."

"Just what we need. A hothead leader who probably has a death laser aimed at us."

"Well.. I offered to help them figure out who did attack them."

"Unsurprised."

She chuckled, "Do you want to go with? After you're feeling better of course."

"Can't let you go alone. Everyone would gang up and slaughter me if you didn't come back."

She chuckled again, "Alright."

He smiled at her tiredly.

She kissed his cheek and left to let him rest.

A few hours later, he emerged in clean clothes and went looking for her.

"Hey," she smiled.

"Hey. Are you sure it was a good idea to volunteer?"

"Not really, but we'll see."

"I hate it when you say that."

"I'm sorry."

"Just hate going in blind somewhere we can't escape from easily. Especially people who already tried to kill us once."

"You can stay home if you want."

"And let you go alone? Are you insane? Your brothers would kill me slowly, then Kei would revive me so everyone else could get a turn."

"I could tie you up so you have to stay?"

"Do you not want me to go?"

"I just don't want you hurt, you know?"

"What if they hurt you? This could be a trick to get you alone."

She looked down, "I worry more about you though."

He smiled softly, reaching out and raising her chin. "I know you do. I'm sorry I'm always making you worry."

She shook her head and kissed him lightly. "I guess let's get this over with." She took his hand. "Are you ready?"

"As ready as I'll ever be." He took a deep breath.

She held the necklace tightly and focused like she'd been instructed to do. Wind washed over them and then they were gone.

Ailsa looked around the village they appeared in, amazed at how beautiful it was.

Gaelin whistled low as he surveyed their surroundings.

Soon, the girl Ailsa had seen before approached, "You came! I'm glad. I can take you to Vega."

"Vega?"

"Our leader."

Ailsa nodded.

"Here goes nothing." Gaelin whispered.

They followed the girl to a large patch of mushrooms that were growing in the foreign soil. Vega was sitting on a tall one. She smiled, "Welcome."

Gaelin remained silent, warily dipping his head.

Ailsa bowed her head.

"Sit. It's more comfortable."

She frowned as a man came up to her and handed her something. "The Donali were behind an attack on a planet nearby. They may have been behind our attack as well."

"So nice of you to discover that after you tried to kill me." Gaelin's voice was bitter and sarcastic, his eyes dark.

Vega sighed, "I admit, I was a little hasty in my attack. But if you'll allow, we have gifts and a feast to help apologize."

"A feast? If my village had been occupied today, they would have been slaughtered. And you would have felt really dumb when you found nothing but five adults and a small child. Not that it would have done us any good." Gaelin snarled, fists clenched. "You couldn't be bothered to research anything!"

Vega looked away sadly, "I'm sorry. You're free to go if you desire."

Gaelin's eyes went black.

"Let's just go," Ailsa said softly.

He blinked dazedly, then glanced at them in confusion. "Huh?"

Ailsa frowned, "Were you not cleansed well enough last time? You just flipped out and now you're confused?"

He frowned. "I did? I was listening to her mention another attack, then you are saying we should go.."

"You lost yourself to your anger."

"I'm sorry!" He apologized to Vega, his face reddening.

"She offered gifts and a feast as an apology.. Do you want to stay or would you feel better going home?"

"You haven't helped them yet. So we stay until we do or get thrown out."

"They seem to know who is behind it now. I'm not sure their plan of attack though."

"We should still stay for good diplomacy." He looked shaken by her retelling of the incident.

She nodded, "Alright."

Vega smiled slightly, "The feast will begin shortly. I'll take you there."

Ailsa nodded and took Gaelin's hand before following.

Gaelin was quiet all the way there, his eyes distant.

She squeezed his hand, "Everything will be alright."

"I could have caused real problems. If she had gotten angry too, we could have been killed…"

"It's alright. I'm not upset. I'm just worried about you."

"I think..I think there's something wrong with me."

"Try not to worry. After the feast, I'll check you over, okay?"

He nodded slowly, taking slow breaths.

A long table covered with food was soon in front of them. Vega sat at the head of the table as Ailsa picked a chair and sat.

Gaelin shakily seated himself beside her.

Ailsa followed Vega and began getting a bit of food for her plate. She gave Gaelin a reassuring smile.

He forced himself to return it, making no move to fill his plate.

She sighed and ate a little before looking at him, "Let's get you home. You don't look good."

"I'm fine." He shook his head. "Can't offend our hosts anymore than I already have."

"They'll understand you aren't feeling well."

"I said I'm fine!" He yelled.

She winced and dropped the subject.

He looked at her in shame and closed his eyes. "I'm sorry..I didn't.."

"It's alright, don't worry about it," she said quietly.

He sat for a few moments, his hands clenched. Then he grabbed a knife from the table and lunged for Vega.

Ailsa moved quickly, getting in front of him and catching his wrist. "What is wrong with you?"

His eyes were blank, darkness swirling inside. He attempted to get free with a growl.

Ailsa formed a ball of light with her free hand, then forced it into him.

He went stiff, his eyes clearing briefly before he collapsed in her arms.

She held him close for a moment before looking up at Vega, "Let me take him home, then I'll be back. I apologize for his actions, something is wrong with him. He wouldn't normally act like this, even when angry."

Vega nodded slowly, "Take care of him. I'll be here whenever you return."

Ailsa focused on the necklace and home. They appeared in the forest sanctuary and she gently carried him to a bed. She went to see who else was around who could watch him.

Tsukasa looked up from a book, a frown appearing at her expression. "What's wrong?"

"Something is wrong with Gaelin.. we went to visit another village and he argued with and tried to attack their leader. He even yelled at me."

The fairy's eyes darkened. "He yelled at you?"

She nodded, "He never does that.."

"Any ideas?"

"My worry is he wasn't cleansed enough of the darkness.. but he's been fine until now, so that might not be it. Maybe it has to do with the village we went to?"

"Where did you go?"

"The moon.." she said slowly.

"Space." Tsukasa sighed.

"Is that bad?"

"Think of it. Darkness here is overwhelmed by light. It's kept in check. Out there, no light."

She nodded, "Makes sense. So he can't go back. I guess I'll head back by myself, if you don't mind keeping an eye on him?"

"I'll watch him. But I think there's more going on here. He's got too much control to just lose it like that, even if space was influencing him. Be careful."

She nodded, "Alright, I'll keep my eyes open."

She focused on the necklace and disappeared.

Vega smiled as she saw Ailsa reappear. "He okay?"

"He's still out. We think that the darkness of space was affecting him."

"I'm sorry to hear that. It's not often we have dark, or even light, fairies here."

Ailsa nodded. "Well, we don't have much experience here either, so it's a whole new thing to explore."

Vega nodded, "If you'd like to continue eating, you may. Or we can show you around more?"

"I'd like to see more, please." Ailsa smiled.

Vega led her to the small buildings they had made of the space rocks. Ailsa stared around in amazement.

"This one is our oldest building. Said to have been from the first fairies that appeared in space."

Ailsa looked at the large one carefully.

Suddenly there was the rustle of wings behind her. "You must die…"

She turned quickly to see who was there.

A small iridescent green creature hovered inches away armed with a dagger. It quickly dived toward her, attempting to plunge the blade in.

She jumped back and tried to avoid it. She got caught by the edge, scraping her. She hissed and started gathering a ball of darkness to attack back.

"You interfere…" The creature warbled angrily.

"Interfere with what?"

"Leader must die..the darkness wills it."

She shook her head and shot the ball of darkness at it.

It screamed, trying to get free before falling to the ground.

She went to it, then focused light into it, trying to see if it needed to be cleansed.

Darkness surged out of it, racing for the sky. A crystal necklace fell out of a limp hand along with a smooth silver sphere.

She looked at them carefully before checking it for any physical damage.

It appeared to be unharmed.

She looked up at Vega, "I think they are being influenced by the darkness. You might be able to get information from it but it might also not remember what it's been doing."

Vega nodded, "Alright. Bring it to our infirmary."

Ailsa lifted it gently and carried it forward.

She sat beside it after caring for her wound.

"Where..am I?" The creature blinked wide iridescent eyes at her in confusion. It's oversized ears vibrated anxiously.

"A celestial fairy village. You were taken by darkness and attacked."

It began to tremble, the gossamer wings turning colors rapidly. "Forgive me!"

"Hey, don't worry. I understand what it's like to be controlled by darkness."

"I have doomed my village!" The creature sobbed uncontrollably into its hands.

"No, you haven't. But if they are overtaken, we need to cleanse them."

"The fairies will destroy us!"

"No they won't. I'm not part of this village but I am a fairy. I will try to keep your people safe."

It dropped its hands to stare at her. "Why? You have no obligation to us. In fact, you should be just as angry.."

"I'm a nice person?" She shrugged. "And like I said, I understand how it feels to be controlled by darkness."

"I have no way to repay your kindness. Unless you have need of defending?"

"I'm not looking to be repaid."

"But.." It trailed off as the door opened.

Ailsa looked up quietly.

Vega stood there, looking over at them. "How is it?"

"Afraid. Thinks you're going to kill it's village."

"Though it crossed my mind, if you can clean them like you did this one, they might be good allies."

Ailsa nodded and looked at the Donali. "What's your name?"

"Erissa. Erissa Flickerwish." She answered timidly.

"I'm Ailsa. This is Vega."

"You truly will not harm us?"

They both shook their heads. "You're safe."

Erissa blinked, then nodded. "We wish to be free."

"Free of the darkness? Or is there someone else after you as well?"

"We are the thralls of a wizard. He chooses at random and channels the darkness into us. The ones chosen never return."

"Alright. Where is your village?"

"Far side of this world. We are the last."

"I'll get a small party together, unless you'd rather go alone?" Vega asked.

Ailsa looked thoughtful, "I don't want anyone else hurt. I'll handle things."

Vega raised an eyebrow but nodded, "As you wish."

Ailsa stood and held a hand out to Erissa, "Show me the way?"

Erissa nodded, placing her four fingered hand into the fairy's.

Ailsa smiled and helped her up before following her.

They left the city, traveling quickly over the lunar surface. Twenty minutes later, Erissa pulled her down and pointed. The village was little more than shacks with a large tower in the middle.

"Wizard lives in tower."

Ailsa nodded, "Stay safe. I'll take care of it."

She flew toward the tower, unsure what her actual plan was.

A blast of dark energy hurtled toward her. "DIE!"

She focused and caught the blast, twisting it into a ball and throwing it back.

The wizard, an ugly, misshapen creature screamed in fury. "You will not stop me!"

"These people don't belong to you!" She yelled, preparing another attack.

A wave of darkness slammed into her.

She tumbled to the ground as her body absorbed the darkness. She pushed herself up, her eyes now glowing black. "You will not hurt them anymore." Her voice was monotone.

The wizard laughed. "I'll forget all about them if I can keep you."

"Me? Why?"

"You can control it. I won't have to constantly get new vessels."

"I won't let you hurt others."

"Like you can stop your nature. The darkness seeks to subjugate and destroy."

She was quiet for a moment, looking up to the dark sky.

The wizard laughed again, then snapped his fingers at her.

She looked back at him, "I may have a lot of darkness, but I am part light fairy.. My nature is mixed."

"You will follow my commands!"

She formed a ball of light, forcing it into him to see if he could be cleansed.

He thrashed violently as the light spread over him. His robe fell in a heap as he winked out of existence.

Ailsa stared at it blankly, her eyes still black. She then looked to the sky again.

Erissa came flying toward her, trilling excitedly. "You defeated him!"

She nodded slowly, "You are free."

"Are you alright?" She reached a hand toward Ailsa's face.

Ailsa looked down at her, "The darkness of space is overwhelming."

The pixie creature recoiled, fear in her large eyes. "You must not give in!"

"I feel like I just keep gathering more darkness.. One day it will overpower the light.." she shook her head, "Don't worry about me." She tried to smile, "Your people are safe, as are the celestial fairies. You should become allies. You can become allies with my people on earth as well."

Erissa nodded slowly. "You are my friend. I must worry."

"Thanks. But I've managed the darkness before, so I'm sure I'll be okay."

"I hope so. What will you do now?"

"I need to go check on someone back on earth. Not sure after that. You?"

"I will return to my people and help them."

Ailsa smiled, "I'm glad." She took hold of her necklace and focused on home. "Until next time." She vanished.

When she appeared back on earth, she was in the room she'd left Gaelin in.

It was empty.

She nodded, "Hopefully he's better." She headed to her room, grabbing something off her dresser.

"Are you leaving too?" Tsukasa's quiet voice spoke from the doorway.

She didn't look at him, "He left? Any idea where?"

"He said somewhere he wasn't a danger."

She sighed, "Alright. Maybe I'll find him."

"So you are leaving. Be safe." Tsukasa began to turn away.

She sighed, "I just.." she shook her head and went quiet.

"It's alright. This should not be your entire life."

She had tears in her eyes, "Be safe.. and take care of Dai." She shrank and flew past him.

He watched her go silently.

She headed out, going to the edge of the forest. She closed her eyes before a ball formed in her hand. Light and darkness swirled around it rapidly.

"Can we go together?" Gaelin's voice was pleading.

"Why?" She let the ball vanish. "You were under the control of someone, you weren't yourself."

"It's what I am..and I don't want to be left behind.." He slowly flew into view. "I've battled with myself all my life, afraid to show any emotion too strongly. I'm tired.."

"I.. I keep getting more darkness.. someday it'll overshadow the light.. I don't want to lose myself like that."

"The only light in me is you. Without that.." He met her eyes, then shook his head. "Nevermind. I don't want to add to your burden."

"Talk to me."

"What's to say? I was prepared to die and you saved me. You keep saving me. I love you so much it hurts. But there's always a voice in the back of my mind saying I'll someday destroy you. And I can't bear that possibility. If I go now, it will never happen."

"You can't destroy me if I destroy myself," she looked down.

"I don't want to be separated from you. We can fade away and be at peace."

Tears filled her eyes but she nodded, "Alright.."

He flew to her side and kissed her deeply. "Let's start forever."

She nodded again, "I love you."

He gave her a soft smile and closed his eyes.

She closed her eyes too, beginning to focus.

His breathing hitched as he began to go translucent.

She took a deep breath, her body beginning to fade.

"Ailsa!" Daiki skidded to a halt as he saw them.

"Go away, Dai." She said quietly.

"Why? Why are you doing this?"

Her body stopped fading for a moment. "Because.. the darkness.."

Suddenly, a large orb of light came and surrounded both Ailsa and Gaelin.

"You're both needed still." A voice spoke.

"Pick someone else." Gaelin snapped, his voice weak.

"It has to be you. You need to be strong for each other and rely on your friends in times of darkness."

Ailsa nodded slowly, "I just.."

"I know, but you need to stay strong." The light spoke.

"Why me? I'm not special like she is.." Gaelin's eyes opened slowly.

"You're both special in your own ways. And she needs you. Just like you need her."

"Just go away. We want to rest."

"You're meant for something great. Bringing about a change to both the light and dark fairies. You are needed."

Ailsa sighed, "Why do we have to be meant for anything? Can't someone else do it?"

"It has to be you."

Ailsa opened her eyes and glanced back at Daiki before looking at Gaelin, "Maybe we are making a mistake?"

"You're taking the word of an orb?"

"I don't know! I'm just so confused.." she held her arms around herself tightly.

Gaelin solidified with a scowl. "So we're slaves to some big fateful thing that's supposed to happen? What about our feelings?!"

"You can follow your feelings as much as you'd like, as long as you stay alive. What's to come will happen in time."

The dark fairy exploded. "That's not freedom! I've been a servant to everyone else all my life. Can't do anything to tarnish the throne, then just trying to keep my people alive. I'm tired and fed up and just want to be at peace! What can an orb possibly understand about that?"

The orb made a noise, similar to a sigh. "If you want to die, I can't stop you. But the fate of the fairies of earth lies in your hands. They'll fade away without you two. If your conscience can handle that, go ahead and die."

Gaelin stared at the orb in disbelief. "The fairies of earth don't need us. The light ones will continue. We dark ones may also continue, but it's unimportant."

"Like I said, if you think them so unimportant, go ahead."

Ailsa stayed quiet, her arms still wrapped around herself as if to protect her from something.

Gaelin suddenly stumbled, his eyes blinking. He faded in and out with a grimace.

"Gaelin?" Ailsa asked softly.

"I think..I screwed up. I can't control it!" He began to panic as the problem grew worse.

Ailsa took his hand and spread light through him.

He gave her a shaky smile, then his knees buckled.

She caught him gently, keeping him upright. She looked over at Daiki, "Can you help me with him?"

"Yeah." Daiki helped steady the dizzy man. "You really are a stubborn idiot."

Gaelin glared at him weakly. "Shut up."

Ailsa stayed quiet as they got him back to the forest sanctuary.

Gaelin laid down, his eyes slipping closed as Daiki sighed and turned to her. "You're being awfully quiet. You planning something else?"

She shook her head, "No. I'm sorry you had to see me like that though.."

"Hey, I get it. Ask Tet how hard I made his life after he found me. It feels so much easier to just give up and run out on your problems. You're forgetting everyone is here for you though."

"I just always try to be the strong one.. I can't be strong all the time.."

"Let us be strong for both of you."

She nodded and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

He held her close, thanking the orb silently.