Chapter 14

Artemis woke up early again the next day, but not because the hawk was screeching in pain. In fact, it was quiet in the Fall Forest as the animal fairy left her home with a sack of food for the day. Reaching the spot the hawk normally was found, she was surprised to find the large bird seeming to be ignoring her throughout the day, except for whenever she would get close which resulted in screeching and the usual biting.

Despite the lack of anything to do with the hawk, Artemis took the time to study the bird. This habit carried on for the next few days until it got to the point where she couldn't figure out what some of the things the bird did actually meant. And since Artemis couldn't get the information she needed from the other animal fairies, she decided to look for it in the Pixie Hollow library.

It however, soon became apparent that no one really had taken the time to study the hawks as there really wasn't any books about the large and dangerous birds. There were plenty of books about the other animals in Pixie Hollow, but they weren't the ones she really needed. Just when Artemis was going to give up on her search, she finally found what she needed. The book was small, had no title, and looked to be in need of serious updating, but it would do. Taking a glance at the librarian, whom seemed too busy pondering to know what was going on, the animal fairy quickly slipped out the door with the book in hand.

Artemis quickly flew to the usual spot and began studying the hawk again, but this time she had the book to consult with. She took some notes in her head and began applying them to paper the moment she got home and remembered to bring the paper with her the next day. After a while, she didn't need the book anymore and made sure to return it back to where it belongs. By this time, the hawk was so used to her presence, it actually allowed her to get closer.

One Day, she decided to be brave. Slowly walking up to the hawk, she was immediately met by the large birds golden eyes. However, for once there was no animosity in them, just calmness and a hint of curiosity. Taking it as a sign to come even closer, she carefully raised her hand as if to pet it. The large bird studied the hand for a time and just as the fairies hand was going to make contact with it's beak, a remarkable thing happened.

The hawk began bending itself in a way which looked as if it were bowing. Artemis stared at the large bird in curious amazement and when it didn't move, she then placed her hand on its beak. Suddenly a surge of warmth flowed through her, light erupted around them, and strange visions appeared in the back of her brain. All of the sensations began to be too much and the animal fairy then blacked out.

Images, strange and unintelligible became clearer and clearer the more Artemis stayed asleep. She could tell they weren't dreams as some details in her own dreams were a little distorted. In the vision, she saw Pixie Hollow from a high vantage point and a dark mass beginning to surround it. Then a bright light beamed up into the sky and a large clear dome covered the home of the fairies, preventing the dark mass from coming through. Artemis could've sworn she saw a person in the darkness, but she couldn't tell as she was being pulled from her deep sleep.

When she awoke, it felt as if her whole body was on fire, but this wasn't the most frightening part. What really was frightening, was the difference in her natural senses. The moment she opened her eyes, the world around her changed drastically. Her eyesight went from only being able to see what's in front of her to being able to see a rabbit a hundred feet away. Her hearing and smelling abilities were also heightened. It was all a little nauseating and she had to lie down for a while until the nausea went away.

In her head, all she could think about was what in the world was going on. No one ever told her things like this could happen, but then she thought maybe no one knew it could. She could see the hawk staring at her curiously as if it didn't know what to do with the fairy. After about an hour of laying there, everything subsided and went back to normal. Everything except the burning feeling coming from her shoulder.

Reaching behind her to feel what was the cause of the burning sensation, she was met with the feeling of scabbing. There was no way for her to see what was wrong and so she immediately went home. Turning her back to her mirror, she had to look over her shoulder to be able to see it. On her shoulder was a burned outline of a bird. But there was no mistaking the kind of bird it was, which was none other than a hawk.

The sickness she felt earlier returned at full force and it left her with no choice, but to slip into her bed and rest. She stayed there for hours, thinking about what it could all mean. What she couldn't realize was how this event would trigger the many events soon to follow.

Author's Note: Hey ya'll long time no see. Sorry about the long delay, but what with my lack of inspiration lately and other things makes it harder to get new chapters out. I do plan on finishing this story this year so don't worry! I want to thank those of you who continue to stick with this story of mine and for all of the reviews you've been sending me. Please keep em coming cause they're what help me know who really enjoys it and it also helps spark some ideas so don't stop. Well I guess that's all I plan on saying, except for updating as soon as I can of course. Thanks again and until next time!