Chapter 14: Fair-Weather Fairies
"I'm going to try and explain this whole thing to the others," said Seth, as he got up from his bed and made his way to the door of his bedroom.
"I hope they're willing to help," said Zavarok. "But, if they'd rather banish me or do whatever it is they're going to do, I suppose I can't blame them."
Seth rested his hand on the doorknob. "You know, you're not much different than me."
"How so?" asked Zavarok. "You're a human-being with traits of darkness. I'm a demonic dragon spirit with traits of good."
"Well..." said Seth, "we're both good beings, only we've been subjugated based on the fact that we possess dark qualities. I know we're from different worlds, but in a way, don't you think we're sorta on the same page?"
"You may be right," said Zavarok. "If only you got to call the shots around here."
"I'd show the others," said Seth. "Kendra would probably think I'd turn Fablehaven into an amusement park if I were in charge."
Seth opened the door and made his way downstairs to the living room, where the others were still gathered.
"Oh, Seth," said Grandpa. "Have you cooled down at all?"
"Um, a little. What's going on?"
"We're discussing how to track down Hespera," said Warren. "If we can gather enough information, it might be possible to figure out where she is."
"But first, the fairies are going to try and remove the darkness that's within David," said Grandma.
Seth flinched. What if part of Zavarok was still within David? "Uhh, when's that gonna happen?" he asked nervously.
"How about... now?" asked Bright, who was standing at the entrance to the living room alongside Clover.
"Brillia restored the other fairies back to normal," said Clover. "David, she's ready to see you as well if you'll come with us."
"Okay," said David nervously.
Seth's jaw dropped. "You mean, you're just going to take David into Fairy Kingdom and be done with him?"
"Well, yes," replied Bright. "That's kind of the procedure."
"Kendra, you're welcome to accompany us," said Clover. "Maybe keep David some company, so that he has another human around."
Seth didn't know what to do. "Listen, we've got a problem. See, it's about Zavarok..."
"Seth," said Grandpa. "Now's not the time. Kendra and David must travel to the Fairy Kingdom immediately."
"But Zavarok is still here! Part of him is within David!"
"What?" exclaimed David.
"Seth, please," said Grandma.
"No, I'm serious! Zavarok is here, and I can talk to him, but he's still partially connected to David."
"Seth, enough!" cried Grandma.
"But you don't understand!"
Bright blew into her fingers to create a loud whistle, telling everyone else to quit arguing. "Seth, please let us do our job. I've got nothing against you, personally, but I know that you're on thin ice around here. So, do us a favor and just... butt out."
"It's okay," said Zavarok. "If I get destroyed in the process, so be it. I'm doomed anyway."
Seth turned his head down and made his way over to the stairs. "I'm sorry. I'm just trying to help."
"But what if Zavarok really is around here?" asked Kendra.
"Let's let the fairies deal with David first," said Warren. "Then they can work at sniffing out Zavarok."
As Seth went back to his bedroom, the rest of the group made their way outside.
"Where's the entrance to this Fairy Kingdom?" asked David, looking around the property.
"Down that way," said Bright, pointing off to a path in one direction.
"The Fairy Kingdom was incredible!" said Lance. "You're lucky that you get to go!"
"You do realize that this trip is not a reward," said Clover. "We're only taking David there because we've deemed him to be hazardous to fairies."
"Look, I'm sorry," said David. "I didn't arrange any of this."
"It's not your fault," said Grandpa. "Assuming what you say really is true. If anyone's to blame, it's Zavarok."
"Seth may have helped," said Kendra. "But if what you guys have said about Zavarok is true, I can't say that I blame him."
"Yes, but he still violated many rules and expectations yesterday," said Grandpa. "There's no denying that."
Soon, they reached the naiad's pond, where the Fairy Queen's shrine stood on the island in the center.
"How's David supposed to get across?" asked Kendra, staring at the rainbow bridge that crossed over the water, connecting the island to the mainland. "Only people deemed worthy can walk across the bridge, and I don't see how David can qualify due to his recent history with Zavarok."
"Well, only the Fairy Queen should tamper with the rainbow," said Bright. "We'll fly David across ourselves."
Bright and Clover each stood next to David, and instructed him to place an arm around each of their shoulders. They then fluttered into the air, and proceeded to fly David over the water.
Kendra walked across the rainbow, and met up with the other three once she reached the island.
"Now what?" asked David.
"You'll see," said Bright, as she held out a hand towards the statue, palm facing forward. Several seconds passed while her hand rested upon the stone, but nothing happened.
"Bright, what's wrong?" asked Kendra.
"I can't get the portal to open," said Bright, holding out her other hand. Even with both of her hands out, she couldn't get her magic to work.
"Let me try," said Clover, holding out her hands at the statue. Again, there was no result.
"What's going on?" asked Kendra. "Why can't you open the portal?"
"I don't know!" exclaimed Bright, still trying to get the portal open under her own power. "I can't even work my magic!"
"Me too!" muttered Clover. "Something's definitely up."
"But we just traveled through the portal less than half an hour ago!" exclaimed Bright. "And there were no problems then."
Bright and Clover turned to face David. I haven't done anything!" exclaimed David, crossing his arms in front of himself. "Honest!"
"Well, somebody's done something," said Bright.
"Is there a way that maybe I could open the portal?" asked Kendra.
"Not unless you're skilled in casting enchantment spells," replied Clover.
"So, what happens now?" asked Kendra. "If we can't get into the Fairy Kingdom..."
"I don't know," said Bright. "Magic is the only way to enter, and we're fresh out."
"Look, it's really not my fault!" cried David. "And I can't imagine Zavarok doing anything like this. Especially after the way he treated me."
"It could be a lingering effect of Hespera's doing," said Kendra.
"Whatever it is," said Bright, "let's go back and try and figure out a solution."
David placed his arms around Bright and Clover's shoulders again, and they proceeded to fly him back across the water to the mainland. Meanwhile, Kendra began to walk across the rainbow again. However, once she was halfway across the bridge, the next step she took caused her leg to pass through the rainbow. She suddenly lost balance with her other foot, then fell through the rainbow entirely, splashing into the water of the naiad's pond.
"Kendra!" screamed everybody who was watching, as Kendra surfaced, spitting water out of her mouth. The shock of plunging into the water unexpectedly was nothing compared to what Kendra really had to worry about.
Kendra looked around the pond in horror, dreading any naiads who would inevitably be coming after her. She knew she stood no chance against them. She was as good as dead.
"What do we do?" asked Warren to the others, fear showing in his voice.
As Bright and Clover flew towards Kendra, nothing happened within the water. "Is this a joke?" Kendra asked herself.
"What's everyone so worried about?" asked David.
"The naiads who live in this pond will stop at nothing to drown anyone who dares enter their water," replied Grandpa. "But, it looks like the fish aren't biting today."
"This has to be a trick," said Kendra, as the fairies lifted her out of the water and carried her back towards the shore. Although she was back on dry land, Kendra was now sopping wet.
"Sorry we couldn't levitate you," said Clover. "But we can't get our magic to work."
"Something's very wrong," said Warren sternly. "First the fairies, then the rainbow, now the naiads."
"I'm not too upset over that last one," said Kendra, wringing some water out of her hair. "I could have died otherwise."
"In its own twisted way, that may be the only good to come of this," said Grandpa. "Hmm. Since the Fairy Kingdom is inaccessible at this point, we must rethink our plans. I suggest we return to the house."
As they started walking, Grandma pulled off her sweatshirt and presented it to Kendra, who was still sopping wet. "Here, dearie. It may not be a towel, but wipe yourself off, why don't you?"
"Thanks," said Kendra, accepting her grandmother's sweatshirt. She proceeded to pat herself dry with it.
"If my magic were working, I could've just dried you the easy way," said Bright.
"If your magic were working, I bet that rainbow wouldn't have vanished," noted Clover.
"How is all of this happening?" asked Lance.
"It's because of Zavarok," said Grandpa. "He's still lingering around here somewhere. Possibly with Seth or David."
"But Zavarok is, or should I say was, only a spirit who resided within me," said David.
"That may be the case," said Grandpa. "But Zavarok is a demonic dragon spirit. Regardless of how he may have treated you, he was the twin brother of Navarog. Therefore, he likely possesses great power. Even his mere presence on this preserve would be enough to greatly hinder the fairy magic found here."
"Why is that, anyway?" asked Lance.
"Fairies, and other beings of light, thrive on light energy," replied Bright. "Being immortal, it's the source of our power. Demons, naturally, rely on dark energy."
"Question," said David. "Where does light and dark energy come from, anyway?"
"Light energy," said Bright, "or at least the magical kind we're talking about, comes from the Fairy Realm. Likewise, dark energy comes from the Demon Realm. It finds it way into this world through dimensional gates, such as the fairy shrine here at Fablehaven. Even if the portal itself isn't open, light or dark energy is capable of passing through. However, light and dark energy becomes sparse once you get far enough away from its point of entry. Because of this, most beings of light who reside in this world cannot go far from their home without taking the proper precautions. Of course, Fairy Angels like Clover and I can store excess light energy within our bodies, not unlike how camels can store fat."
"Except we don't have any silly humps," noted Clover.
"So how does Zavarok come into play?" asked Lance. "You and Clover should have lots of light energy within you, right?"
"Ideally, yes," said Grandma. "But Zavarok's presence has done something to the beings of light on this preserve."
"But why?" asked David. "I had Zavarok within me for months, and I can be quite honest when I say that there was no real negativity until all this happened."
"That's most likely due to the fact that you had limited exposure to beings of light within that time," said Grandpa. "Also, Zavarok was still within you, and was incapable of spreading his influence all on his own."
"I can understand that they're opposites, but why do light and dark energy affect each other so much?" asked Lance.
"Think of a fairy as something that's solar-powered," said Warren. "And think of the sun as the Fairy Realm. It shines. The fairy has light. Everyone's happy. But one day, there's an eclipse. Think of that as dark energy. It blocks out the sun. Therefore, the poor fairy can't receive the light energy she needs while it's blocking the sun."
"That doesn't seem fair," said David. "Is dark energy just strong like that?"
"Not necessarily. It's just that the moon is a lot bigger than a fairy. And so is Zavarok, but not quite so much. However, think of a dark creature as something like a bat. Bats don't like bright light. Likewise to the bat, the sun is a hazard. Only in our situation, Zavarok is still a powerful entity, not a simple bat. As such, he can thrive better in a light environment than most other creatures."
A few minutes later, the group arrived back at the house. Kendra had mostly dried herself off, although her clothes were still quite damp and heavy. As they made their way into the foyer, Seth reluctantly greeted them from the living room, sounding a little uneasy.
Kendra went up to the attic, and changed into some fresh clothes, before making her way back into the living room.
"They told me what happened at the pond," said Seth, placing his arm around Kendra. "That must've been freaky."
"I don't know what's worse," said Kendra. "Living amongst magical creatures, or living without them. Those naiads..."
"So, what you're trying to say is that you guys can't get into the Fairy Kingdom?" asked Seth.
"Exactly," said Clover. "Zavarok's presence is to blame."
"I'm sorry," said Seth. "But... you see.. Zavarok is here. I can communicate with him."
Everyone was stunned. "I figured as much that he had to be somewhere," said Warren, "but you're talking to him as well?"
"Yes. He said that he can't leave my presence, so that as long as I'm here, I'm inadvertently a danger to the creatures of light that are on the preserve."
"Seth," said Zavarok. "I don't think it's you."
"Zavarok's talking to me," said Seth, as he continued to listen to the demon. "He said that when you guys traveled to the Fairy Shrine, he was compelled into following you and leaving me here."
Grandma gasped. "Then it must be David he's still tied to!"
"I don't get it," said David. "Hespera removed Zavarok from me, didn't she? I mean, I undid the knot and everything. I fulfilled my end of the deal, so why didn't she?"
"Because witches aren't the nicest of people," said Grandpa. "She may have done her job, but that by no means implies that she did it well. Zavarok is apparently still tied to you somehow."
"So, if we keep David away from Fablehaven, Zavarok will have to leave too, right?" asked Kendra.
"The source of it will leave, yes," replied Grandpa. "But unless we cleanse it properly, it's bound to linger."
"So, what's keeping you from cleansing it?" asked Seth.
"Us fairies have spent quite of bit of time being exposed to Zavarok during his stay here," said Clover. "His dark energy has nullified our power. We'd need external help in restoring it."
"What kind of external help?" asked Kendra.
"Other fairies," answered Bright. "Ones that haven't been exposed to Zavarok."
"And we can't get to the Fairy Kingdom so easily, since we can't use the fairy shrine here at Fablehaven."
"Wait a moment," said Kendra. "What about the Translocator?"'
"Agad is still contemplating over whether we should be using the artifacts in this instance," said Grandpa. "This whole Zavarok ordeal has complicated things quite a bit."
"We'd need the help of fairies who are not from Fablehaven," said Tanu.
"Bracken!" exclaimed Bright. "He and a few other fairies are finishing up the shrine at Wyrmroost. With any luck, they'd be able to help us!"
"And then we can restore the secondary set of magical artifacts!" stated Kendra delightfully.
"What second set of artifacts?" asked Seth.
Grandpa told Seth about how Agad was in possession of secondary set of magical artifacts, each with the same abilities as the primary set.
"So, even if Bracken and the others are unable to help us, they could at least grant us access through to the Fairy Kingdom?" asked Kendra.
"I don't have any doubts," replied Grandpa. "And surely the fairies there could deal with Zavarok properly."
"And hopefully, the fairies will come to their senses and find a solution into dealing with this whole problem," said Grandma. "They could use the Omega Star to set everything right."
"But what about me?" asked David. "As long as I'm still tied to Zavarok, those others won't want to come anywhere near me."
The was a short pause, until Seth's eyes suddenly lit up. "I know what to do about that!"
"Really?" asked David. "What?"
"See this bracelet?" asked Seth, pointing to the silver bracelet that he always wore upon his right wrist. "I'm a shadow charmer, but this bracelet suppresses the darkness that's within me."
"That's right!" exclaimed Kendra. "The Fairy Queen asked me to give it to you back when we were dealing with Oblivion."
"Hold on," said Warren. "There's a difference between a shadow charmer and a bona fide demon. Are you sure that bracelet will work on David?"
"It's worth a try," said Seth. "And at this point, I don't see what we stand to lose."
Seth removed the bracelet from his wrist and presented it to David, who in turn slipped it onto his own wrist.
"Sure hope this works," said David.
"It won't fix anything," said Seth. "But at the very least, it might keep things from getting any worse."
"Well then," said Grandpa. "Our first order of business is to meet up with Bracken and see if he'll be able to help us. Now that we know more about our situation, I think that a solution to our problem is within our reach."
"But what about Hespera?" asked Seth. "She did her business, and took off."
"One thing at a time," said Grandpa. "If we can settle everything with the fairies, we won't have to worry about her anymore."