A/N I was in the mood for fairies, so I wrote that. It was a fun thing to do, and now I have something to write when procrastinating from writing Emerald.

The sun shined high above his head, warm and brightly, as Yuuri trotted through the forest, feeling too much out of place. Everything was so full of life, colorful and vivid; his blackness made him stick out like a withered flower in the neat flower bed.

He usually comes here at night, when everything is asleep, veiled in darkness and silence. All birds and insects familiar to him are now hiding in a safe place, resting until it's their turn to take over, as so should he, if only he wouldn't be so forgetful.

The drawback of living among humans as a fairy was not having access to the magical plants that only grow in the forest. He could plant some in his back garden, but there was only enough space for the most necessary plants. The rest he needed to gather on his own. Which he usually does after sunset, but if he will not drink some tea from the crystal water lily, his ability to control water will completely disappear, and this could end up badly this night. He had some things to do.

One might think that a flower necessary for him to fulfill his duties would be something he would keep close to him. But it needs a lake or river to grow, which isn't near his home. They had a well, but it wasn't enough. So, that's why he was taking this route even now or then, remembering it so good that he could walk even with his eyes closed. But it was at night, and now the sun was still in the sky.

He tried to hide in the shadows, cancel somehow, so nobody would catch him. It's not like night domain faires are forbidden from going to the forest at day, but he felt too awkward. What if someone going asks him questions? Some day domain fairy. He hardly sees any, so bumping into one would make him even more nervous. He would make an idiot out of himself and then be laughed at. No, he must hurry, get what he needed and then return to his house as fast as possible.

The lake wasn't this far already. Just around this cluster of rocks, and he will see the waters.

Something blinded him.

He shielded his eyes with his hand, hiding more in the shadows and looking in that direction. It was strange. The sun should be on the other side.

On top of the biggest rock stood a person. They shined as bright as the sun, with their golden wings spread, glimmering mesmerizingly.

A sun fairy. It was the first time he had seen one, and now he couldn't take his eyes away from them. They was looking at the sky, not paying attention to Yuuri, so he sneaked closer. He found himself at the base of the rock, close enough to the fairy to get a closer look at them.

It was a boy, similar in age to him. He seemed delicate and strong at the same time, his face as beautiful as a doll's. It was widely known that the sun fairies were gorgeous, but to see them with one's own eyes was still incredible.

He took another step and kicked a stone with his shoe, causing it to roll downward, causing a slight noise in the process.

The boy standing on the rock flinched and looked in his direction. A pair of wide, green eyes, that reminded him of the bottom of a lake, looked at him, causing him to run out of air in his lungs.

They stared at each other, both still, his own black wings unmoving, just like the stranger's golden ones. Yuuri didn't know what to do. What to say. He just stared, like an enhanced child that had never seen a fairy.

The stranger boy makes a move first, taking a step back, then two. Then, finally, he seemed to remember that he had wings, so he took to the sky. Hight, high as the sun. Still shining brightly, making him unable to look at him.

It took him some time to recover from the shock. He should get over it and forget about the encounter. It was a sun fairy, after all, they would never meet again. But the image of that boy, standing above him, looking confused and shocked, and so, so beautiful, didn't want to get out of his head. It was otherworldly, even though he himself was a fairy.

A fairy who needed to bring the rain this night or the crops in this area will wither.

He pulled himself together, passed the rest of the rocks, and approached the lake, looking around for flowers.

Unlike humans, fairies had it easy. All they had to do was eat some magical fruits or drink tea from special flowers, and their magic regenerated immediately. They didn't have to wait days or even weeks before they were useful.

He found blue flowers growing on slender stems bending over the water and approached them, plucking the petals and tucking them into a pouch.

Then, he looked at the lake, its water shimmering in the light, and the image of the sun fairy reappeared in his mind. He was really too easy of a person. All it took was a pretty face, and he couldn't think about anything else.

But it would be nice to meet him again.

Wolfram landed at the top of the huge staircase leading to the palace and turned behind him, fearing that the strange creature he had encountered earlier would follow him, but fortunately, the sky was clear. He flapped his wings one last time and then tucked them away.

It was too strange. He never saw anybody like that. Was it a fairy? It had wings, but they were all black, just like its hair and eyes. And even clothes. Even if it didn't follow him, it could still be a danger, so it would be better if Wolfram would report it to his brother. He heard him discussing strange things happening to fairies in the human cities near the forest, so maybe that was that thing. Did they all turn black? What else is happening to them?

He walked briskly toward the massive door, now open wide, and entered the vast golden lobby. His mother had forbidden flying in her palace, so he used his legs to climb the stairs to the second floor. He wasn't sure where his older brother was now, but checking those offices first was the best idea. Gwendal often looked there.

But instead of him, Wolfram met his mother. It was too strange for her to be in the place she usually avoided, which caught him off guard long enough to give her time to run up to him and hug him.

"Mother," He wheezed, putting all his strength into not getting caught between her breasts. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you mean, Wolfie? I'm the queen, so of course, I'd come here to perform my duties." She hugged him tighter and then pulled away, looking at him cautiously as if they hadn't seen each other for years. "Something happened, sweetie? You look concerned."

Wolfram decided not to ask since when his mother fulfilled any of her duties except those that allowed her to meet men or gossip. Instead, he focused on taking deep breaths, getting himself ready for another round of trying to strangle him. Or hugs, as his mother called it.

"It's nothing. I just met someone strange. I thought I should report it to big brother."

"And what was it?" his mother asked, more excited than concerned.

"A fairy, all black and with black wings."

"Oh my! A night fairy? In fact, it is an unusual sight. However, I don't think it's something worth worrying Gwendal about. You'd better come with me to have some tea. You can tell me everything there."

"A night fairy?" Wolfram asked, led by his mother down the corridor. "They all black?"

"Only a few. Which made them such a rare sight, especially at day. But you will tell me all about it. Was he handsome?" She turned towards the stairs and then down. They were probably heading to the garden.

"What? I didn't say it was he." Wolfram felt his cheeck heat up. Why must his mother always ask about things like this?

"Of course it was a man. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so flustered."

"I not flustered!" He wanted to stomp his feet, but his mother pulling him toward the gazebo in the garden made him unable to do so.

She only giggled. The table was set, with tea and sweets ready. Wolfram had a feeling it would be a tiresome afternoon.

Yuuri strolled through the gardens near his house. The rain at night and now the sun on the clear sky did wonders for the plant's growth. Being so close to the fairy forest and having a lot of fairy residents in the city itself resulted in an abundant harvest each year, on top of comfortable, warm summers and mild winters.

He stopped for a short while by his house, owned by his parents, as he still didn't find a good enough reason to move out. Being a night fairy made him unable to work any normal human job because he didn't sleep all night and then woke only after noon. And it's not like he wanted to do anything like his father, who's taking care of the city finances. When the time comes when people would start looking at him strangely, he will move to the forest, but now he wants to stay among humans and with his parents to help them.

His mom left him a list of groceries she wanted him to buy, so Yuuri stepped outside and headed toward the marketplace. Their city was big enough that the stalls were up all week, and there was a mass of people at the plaza at every time of day or night.

Even if the fairies don't show themselves openly to people, everyone still realizes that there is a mass of them living in and around this city, so everyone adjusts to it, even the merchants. Sometimes you can even find magic plants or other items useful only to fairies at the market.

He began to look around for a fruit stand, but a familiar figure marching quickly through the plaza caught his eye. Yuuri shoved the list into his pocket and ran up to the man.

"Conrad!" He yelled when he was steps away from him, and the man turned around, smiling at his sight. "Did something happen?" He asked, getting closer.

"It's nothing. I'm just looking for someone."

"Let me help you."

His friend nodded gratefully and turned back in the direction he had been heading in earlier. Conrad was a guard at the city and a half fairy. Unfortunately, it didn't give him much other than a longer lifespan, so he lived like other humans. But he had a lot of knowledge about fairies, so Yuuri could talk with him freely about anything.

"Who are you looking for?"

"A young prince that decided to sneak up to the city." He smiled when Yuuri looked at him surprised.

"Are you serious? What prince would come here?"

"A curious one."

Yuuri rolled his eyes. Royalty was always making trouble for all the people around them. Well, technically, he himself was also one of them, being the king of the night sky palace and all that, but he lived among humans like an ordinary being. Even his house was small for someone with his father's job.

"Any clue what to look for?" He asked, even though he was sure he would be able to tell who was a prince by the mere fact of standing out too much.

"Weren't there some... dubious merchants offering amazing things?"

"You mean the one selling painted rocks and telling people those are dragon eggs?"

"Exactly."

"This way."

Yuuri led them to the corner of the plaza, where a bunch of people were standing around a stall with colorful rocks. The seller praised his products, although most people looked skeptical. And just as he assumed, one of them stood out significantly.

The boy may have worn a cloak covering his head and clothes, but the silver material shone in the light and screamed wealthy. He held a blue stone with yellow centers in his hands, and judging by the look on the seller's face, he was already very close to acquiring it. Fortunately, Conrad interjected before any transaction could take place.

He took the rock from the boy's hands, who looked at him surprised. And Yuuri was even more surprised when he saw his face.

"Conrad!" The boy said, his voice excited, and pointed to the egg-shaped rock. "They said it's a dragon's egg! Can we have a pet dragon?"

"I don't think Gwen would agree to this. They are too big to keep in the palace." Conrad smiled warmly, took the boy's hand, and led him away from the stall and unsatisfied seller.

Yuuri needed some seconds to come to his senses. Seeing this beautiful face again caught him off guard, and only when they walked a couple of steps away he snapped back to reality and run up to them.

The prince was still trying to convince Conrad that having a dragon pet was an excellent idea, to which the man only nodded in amusement. He still didn't notice Yuuri. Maybe it was for the better because he felt awkward again.

He was a sun fairy. A prince living in the palace. He's probably the son of the sun queen. No wonder he's so pretty. Yuuri was a king himself, but next to this boy, he felt like a peasant. His kingly aura was nonexistent, and in this boy's case, everyone they passed probably guessed that he was a prince.

The boy pouted his lips when Conrad again dismissed his argument, and green eyes finally fell upon Yuuri.

"Who is that?" he asked, grabbing Conrad's shoulder and taking a step back as if he were trying to hide behind him.

Great, Yuuri didn't know that he scared him so much. Do black fairies have such a bad reputation among sun ones?

"It's Yuuri. He's my friend from this town." Conrad turned towards him and pointed at the boy standing by his side. "Yuuri, it's my younger brother, Wolfram."

"Younger brother? Didn't you just say it's a prince?"

"Yes. Our mother is a sun queen."

"Your mother… Wait, you never told me about this!"

"Really? I must forget."

"It's not something you simply forget about!"

Conrad chuckled, so Yuuri came to the understanding that there was no sense arguing now. He probably purposely didn't say anything so that he could now have some fun with him.

"So, it's your little brother." He asked instead, pointing to Wolfram.

"He became recently curious about humans, so he will probably show up in this city more often from now."

"And get in more trouble." Yuuri exhaled. "Do you want me to keep an eye on him?"

Conrad smiled. Yeah, that was what it was about. Well, he didn't mind. He was used to taking care of faires that sometimes made some trouble.

"Don't talk about me as if I'm not here." Wolfram stepped aside from his brother's back and judged him with his gaze. "I don't need anyone to take care of me. I'm not a child anymore." He crossed his hands in front of his chest and huffed, trying to look down at Yuuri. But they were the same height, so it didn't work well.

"And trying to buy painted rocks, thinking they are dragon's eggs, is saying much about how well you could take care of yourself." Yuuri bit back, annoyed by the boy's attitude. Of course, what did he expect from the prince?

Wolfram blinked several times and then looked at Conrad. The man only smiled apologetically at him, so the prince growled and turned on his heel, marching through the marketplace and leaving them behind.

"He seems like a lot of work."

"He's a nice person, just too much sheltered by mother and big brother. I'm sure you will get along."

"Do you still want me to look after him? I don't think he would be pleased by it."

"Don't worry about it. Now forgive me. It will be better if I find him before he gets into trouble again." Conrad marched after his brother, leaving Yuuri alone.

Well, they meet again. Although most of the magic from their first meeting disappeared. Yuuri wasn't sure if they would get along like Conrad said. People like Wolfram are hard to stand for him. But now he had shopping to do, so he could think about it later.

Wolfram leaned over the balcony railing, made of delicate gold filigree with a beautiful flowery pattern but still sturdy. And enchanted, so even if he tried, he would not fall out. He was on the very top of the golden palace, his mother's domain, observing the fairy forest, its tall, majestic trees, and sparkling streams. The sight was breathtaking, especially now, when the sun was slowly setting, hiding behind the horizon engulfed by warm orange and red. The stars will appear in a while on the night sky, black and calming, and it will be the night faires turn to take over the forest.

He rarely stayed up that long, usually hiding from the darkness. There was always something unsettling about it, but this time something nudged him to stay and watch. He did not dare to go outside the palace walls. The doors were closed now, but he still could have jumped out the window and flown away if he wanted, although he still felt uneasy at the thought of meeting night fairies.

They were always associated with evil and malevolence. Or, at last, it was what all the day faires were saying. But the person he met yesterday and earlier today didn't look mean. There was something fascinating in him, all black among the vivid colors and brightness. And he lived among humans, just like Conrad. He might know a lot about them.

Wolfram shook his head. It's not meant that all the night fairies are like that. Maybe it's just an exception, like a fox with white fur among his red brothers. He might not survive like that.

When the sun disappeared and the moon took its place, Wolfram came down from the balcony and went to his room. Inside, the palace was still bright, although silent now, when everyone went to sleep. Everything was ornate and glided, with shimmering gemstones embedded in gold. The thick, plush carpet covered every floor, muffling his steps. He entered through the double doors and sat down on the sofa with soft cushions piled along its entire length. On the side table, tea and a bowl of fruits were ready for him.

He took to his hands the delicate teacup filled with golden tea from the petals of the sunshine rose, drinking it slowly and enjoying the warmth spreading through his body when his powers refilled. Then he ate the small, golden berry, and cherries in all the colors on the rainbow. If it was going to rain again this night, Wolfram would bring the rainbow in the morning.

And then, he would go again to that town, meet his brother and maybe that other boy.