~Pip's P.O.V~
"Here you are, sirs," A waitress utters politely, putting our teas in front of us evenly, awed by this mystery man's appearance. It is not difficult to comprehend that he feels out of place in this fancy restaurant, but it's definitely obvious he wants to make a flawless first impression on me. I cannot help but wonder if this will empty his wallet, truly.
"Thank you," He nods to the woman with a charming smile, similar to my blessed father's, and the waitress giggles shyly as she walks away. Damien and I scowl at the scene, still moderately angry. I clutch my fairy's hand for comfort, and for answers.
Were you buying chocolate? I honestly did not expect you appear all of a sudden.
Yes, I was. I heard you exclaiming about your father, and… well… your tears enraged me.
Thank you for the aid.
Damien grimaces, feeling embarrassed. My 'father's grandson' smiles at me, but I refuse to return it, "My name is Finn Barlow. It is a pleasure to finally lay my eyes upon you,"
"Explain the reasons you have never met me. Or visited me. I was completely oblivious to your existence." I demand, outraged that he could say such things.
"Well… I did actually meet you when your aunt began to care for you, along with your grandparents. She was thirteen, and still lived with them. Lydia – your mother – I was one of the only one who knew of what she was doing. There were only two other people than I who knew as well. Although, they knew more than I. The two were both classmates; one was secretly a half-fairy as well, which we found out a few years later. She… passed away when you were still in your mother's womb. Your Ma was very secretive, only telling me she loved your father, a fairy; my dead grandfather."
"You knew about my parents?"
"I did not know they were actually in a relationship. I thought she just admired him from afar. I did not know of you either. Your mother was special. She could see fairies with her gifted eyes."
"But you were a friend of hers?"
"Oh yes, I was a very good friend of hers. I was a couple of years older than her. We went to school together. I was nineteen when she died."
"If you were close with her, then how did you, or anyone, not notice her being pregnant?"
"I'm not completely sure. Perhaps you grew quicker than most fetuses, or she had you prematurely? You are quite a small boy. I did notice that she wore thick, baggy coats much more often, however. But I never suspected she was pregnant. It was such a shock when I heard of what she had been doing. I was chopping wood outside my home, when my father came running out, claiming that she had conceived a child with a fairy, more, with his deceased father."
"How did you know who my father was?"
"Oh, she proudly announced it at the execution." Damien nods, swinging on his chair carelessly.
"She did." He confirms. Finn continues speaking, looking slightly relieved that Damien agreed.
"I was not there for it, but my father was. The realization soon struck me of how I was related to you. I visited Lydia's home the very next day, where your aunt Maria was. She greeted me at the door, knowing why I was there. Her mother was holding you in the kitchen. I was just… astounded that you were already two. Two! My dear friend Lydia was raising a son for two years, and I never noticed."
"Did you… detest me the way everyone else did?"
"Of course not! I thought you were wonderful. Maria was not very fond of you at first, but she grew to like you. God, your grandparents had half a mind to throw you away as rubbish, but I said if they did not want you, I would consider it a privilege to take care of you. But no, they said it was their duty to raise you as the mother's family. Though, my father also dearly wanted you."
"Is he alive? He would be my half-brother. You are my… half-nephew?" I frown, puzzled with all the relations. Finn laughs.
"I suppose I would. And yes, my father is an elderly man now. I am actually here in town because he needed some medicine for his frail health condition. I am staying a few nights while he is in hospital. But back to the point, I live very far, on a farm, so it was difficult to visit you with the work I had. I was no longer a school boy with much free time. I only visited you occasionally."
"I do not remember much." I vaguely recall strangers visiting every once in a while.
"Yes, well, Maria was forced to marry your uncle at sixteen, when you had just turned five. He is the same age as me, and was also a school mate. We were always… rivals, I suppose. Not very fond of each other. Not to mention he has rich connections, so he is my opposite. He basically forbid me from seeing you."
"He despises me."
"Oh, most likely because you are related to me through your father. Do not take it to heart."
"That is what my aunt said."
"How is Maria anyway?" I notice a strange glint in his eyes as he speaks of her, and shrug.
"Uncle is not very good to her. He has affairs. She is nearly at the end of her rope."
"That is not good. She has also always been a… worthy friend." I read his emotions easily.
"Do you love her?" I ask, making Damien smirk. Finn flushes, coughing. Nevertheless, he is still brutally honest.
"Well, I was very fond of her in my childhood. But she is a married woman now, not to mention I haven't seen her for several years." I am now finished with my tea and itching for some more, since it was so cold outside. Damien slides his over, not saying anything. I glance at him unsurely, before nodding and sipping it. Finn watches us, amazed.
"So this is the infamous fairy of yours that I've heard about? I was told that when the village gathered to congratulate you, he was present. Everyone was stunned. You two are very close, I see." I look at Finn.
"This is Damien. He is in a relationship with me." The former looks surprised.
"Is that so? How interesting."
"Pip, we must leave. Your aunt is expecting you for dinner. I am sure this man has his own plans as well." Damien says, pulling me up. Finn exclaims 'oh' and gets up as well.
"Yes, certainly," Finn pays a waitress, who curtsies to him and serves a few nearby people, "Phillip, you must visit me sometime. My father will be ecstatic once he hears of you," He pulls out a small piece of paper, writing something down, "Here is my address. It was a pleasure meeting you both. Goodbye!" He waves, walking away. I smile slightly, and wave back.
"He is a good man." Damien states, watching him go.
"Indeed. I must visit him soon. But Damien, I now cannot go home. I must first buy a gift for my aunt's birthday."
"She does not deserve a gift from you."
"However true that may be, I must find one. Go ahead, if you want to."
"No… I will assist you." Damien sighs, reluctantly coming into a beauty parlour with me. Since it is a day with bad weather, it seems many women have come to kill time, since there is not much things for them to do. They all gawp as Damien and I come in. The woman who obviously owns the parlour scurries up to us, amazed.
"Phillip Pirrup! What brings you here? Is this your fairy?"
"Yes, this is Damien," I gesture to him politely, "Greet such fine ladies, Damien." Damien exhales, before muttering a dull 'hello'. "I came to buy a gift for my aunt. Is there anything you could recommend?"
"Oh, yes, there is…
My smile falters as she begins to drone on about things I did not know even existed. Damien shoots me an irritated glance, sitting down next to a woman who is having her hair curled for a special occasion. She asks him a question I cannot hear, and to my surprise, he relaxes and answers her, making an effort to be social.
…So, Phillip, what would you like, then?" My head snaps towards the owner.
"Ah, I will take that." I point to a random bottle, having absolutely no clue of what it contains. The woman smiles and nods, taking the money I give her. By the time we're finished with the purchase, Damien has been swarmed by interested and gossiping ladies. He doesn't seem to particularly mind, which relieves me.
"Phillip, are you able to fly and such?" A woman suddenly asks, making everyone rest their eyes on me.
"Um… yes, if I am in fairy form. However, a young fairy named Ruby put this on me yesterday," I hold up a golden bangle, "So that I am unable to change. She told me that I did not need to worry about such things yet."
"So if fairy-human bonded people can either be friendship or romantic type, then what are you and Phillip?" The same woman asks Damien, changing the subject.
"…Romance." Damien says, looking me in the eyes. All the women squeal, even more intrigued.
"Then are you two in love?" Another eager woman questions him, obviously desperate for an answer. Damien nods, making them all squeal a second time, "But then, what about children?" Both Damien and I stare.
"Children?" I ask, feeling unsure.
"Do you not want any?"
"Well, er-
Damien interrupts me, "I suppose there is always the option to adopt. I would be willing to go through with it." Alright, I did not know that, "Since Pip is finished, we must leave. Apologies." Damien stands up abruptly, putting his arm around me and pulling me out. I wave to the ladies, who gather at the entrance and shout their regards.
~Kenny's P.O.V~
"The weather has cleared up immensely," I observe, looking at the sky. Butters nods in agreement. Once we saw how the weather was getting better, we came outside to sit in my tree, since I said Butters can have the privilege now.
"…I am considering the opportunity to run away." I glance at him curiously. What an absurd thing to consider.
"And why would you want to do that?" I question, watching a butterfly that rests on my finger.
"You know why. Pip has too many problems to bond with me. And my adoptive parents regret having me as well. I know I am not welcome there."
"Butters, where would you live then? In this tree?"
"If I had to! And what is it with you? I thought you would be thrilled that you can be with me more often."
"Butters, even though I long to be with you as much as you with me-
"I don't." He interrupts through sheer denial.
"-As you with me, it's best you stay with your family."
"They are not my family."
"Even so, they adopted you. According to law, you are indeed part of that family."
"The only family I have… is you, Kenny."
"Wh-What?"
"I-I mean, I don't have any blood relatives left. And you're always so kind to me and watch over me. You even make sure I sleep alright! Is that not what family does?"
"Mm. Yes, you are correct." I shrug, watching the butterfly leave, "But perhaps you should appreciate that you are not alone. After my family died…" I exhale, not wanting to remember.
"You have not once told me the details of your human life. Only of your death." Butters states, curious. I smile and begin to explain, seeing that there is no point in hiding it any longer.
"It is simple. I was born on March 22nd, 1564. I had an older brother, Kevin, my younger sister, Karen, and my parents. We were the poorest family in the kingdom. I lived in London until I turned eight. We moved here to the countryside on September 12th, 1572. Kevin was…soon convicted of theft and burned in front of us. My father and mother both then became alcoholics. They died of hypothermia when I was ten years old. I did my best to raise Karen - she was only three at the time. From overworking too much, I caught some kind of illness. I still don't know what it was. Karen, while taking care of me, caught it as well. We both miraculously survived, but she was severely weakened and bedridden. I bought her Levania for company. When out working one night, I smelt smoke outside. All of us workers ran out, as did many other townsfolk. I was horrified to see Ruby standing outside in a trance. Craig was stumbling out just as I arrived, and he explained that he'd tried to get Karen out, but she refused to leave without Levania and ran back upstairs. The ceiling collapsed before he could chase her. Karen died with Levania in her arms. I smashed that damn doll and burnt it as… revenge. Craig and Ruby… you know what occurred concerning them. Distraught, I soon died of starvation on March 22nd, 1578, when I was barely fourteen years old."
"That is terrible!" Butters exclaims, remorseful. I suddenly hear a sharp whistling sound cut through the air, and hear the announcement of an execution. It is of a male fairy that I am acquainted with.
"Butters, I am sorry, but I have to-
"He must depart to an execution, and I must as well. Come, Kenneth." Damien suddenly says, standing on the ground with Phillip. I nod, grasping Butters' hand and jumping down with him.
"Um, why don't you join me for a walk? I need to speak to you," Phillip asks Butters, anxious.
"Alright." I kiss the latter on the cheek, before quickly departing with Damien. We are both equally curious to see why this fairy is being executed so suddenly. Things such as this only happen now and then, for crimes that are extremely serious.
~Butters' P.O.V~
My heart sinks as Pip and I observe Damien and Kenny leave. I detest it when he cannot be with me every second, and I'm sure it feels even worse for Pip, who is very sensitive about his and Damien's relationship. "Well, come then. You wanted to tell me some news?" I turn us around and urge Pip to begin walking with me. He snaps out of his dejected trance, smiling upon the reminiscence.
"You will not find the ability to believe who I met!" I raise an eyebrow at him being this excited.
"Who was it?"
"My father… my true father had two sons before he passed away and met my mother. One son is dead, however, the other is still alive… and I met his son. My 'half-nephew'! A man of gold!"
"What did he say? How did you meet him?" I shake my head, bewildered at such a strange occurrence.
"I mistook him for my own father, due to their similar appearances, but he felt guilty and explained who he was. He claimed that he was forbidden to see me by uncle, since they despise each other, and he blessed me with his dear address, so that I am able to see him now."
"You had better not inform your uncle, then." Pip nods sheepishly.
"Yes, I must not."
"So how old is this man? What is his name? Who is he? Explain, Pip," As Pip is actually reciting practically the entire event to me, and as we're crossing a bridge, I stare down at the river, "And then he sai-
"Forgive the interruption, but is the river not usually much calmer? Rest your eyes upon that current!" I point down at the surging grey water that looks as if it had the ability to rip you to shreds.
"You had better not fall in," Pip gently pushes me, and I shriek, glaring at him. He laughs, "Do not worry. This railing is here for a reason." I glance past Pip's shoulder by chance, and my eyes widen. A woman is climbing on top of the bar, preparing to jump.
"WAIT! CEASE SUCH ACTIONS!" I shout, trying to run over without slipping on the damp wood. I begin to feel sick when I see she is holding the hand of a small girl no older than two, "DO NOT JUMP! THE CHILD! NO!" I scream when she jumps, covering my eyes.
"AH! GOD NO!" I hear Pip cry, and his footsteps running over to the edge. Opening my eyes, I see him peering down, "Oh! Butters, help me! Quickly!" He yells, glancing at me. I sprint towards where he is standing, peering over as well. The child has somehow found the wit to let go of her mother's hand and grab onto a piece of timber that helps structure the bridge. One lucky little girl.
I immediately feel even more distressed when I see her worried expression.
"Pip! Fly down and grab her! Before she lets go!" I tell him hurriedly, still watching the child in shock. Pip does as I say and climbs over to the other side of the wooden rail, nervous.
"Ah, I just remembered! Butters, Ruby put a bangle on me! I cannot fly!"
"What!? Are you serious?" He nods, and I gawp at him in disbelief. Did Ruby not freaking foresee this horrible situation? This is a nightmare.
"It is alright," The child says loudly, making our mouths drop open, "I can let go. Strangers have no need to worry for me. It would burden them." She claims bluntly.
"What are you saying? I do not understand!" I shriek back at her, worried that she will actually release her grip. Despite the danger, Pip quickly makes a decision and leans down, one of his hands still grasping the wooden railing.
"Come now, little girl! We will help you! No worry is necessary!" The girl eyes him doubtfully, "I promise. Come," He holds his hand out, and she hesitates, before taking it. He hauls her up easily, and I hold my own arms out, ready to grab her.
"Climb over that damn railing, before you fall as well," I tell Pip as I set the girl down next to me. He gives me another sheepish smile and begins to turn around and climb over, but slips on the wet wood.
"AH! HELP ME! AHHH!" He screams, beginning to plunge to his death. I hastily lunge forward and grab his arm before he can fall completely. We cling to each other fearfully, unsure of what to do.
"…Pip, grab onto the timber that the girl was holding," I instruct him, "Good, now pull yourself up, and I'll help you," We both glance at the little girl, who is squatting down and watching Pip with interest. With a lot of effort, Pip eventually struggles over the railing, and we go tumbling to the floor of the bridge. We sit up, both huffing and trembling from the shock.
"Thank you very much for saving me." The child says to us, grinning for the first time. We gawk at her happy expression, since barely a minute ago she was on the brink of letting herself die. I take the time to observe her appearance. She is extremely cute, with honey blond hair that is gathered up in a ribbon, a mere little tuft on the side of her head. Her green eyes are also severely captivating. She is very small, but is thankfully at a normal weight. I cannot understand how a girl her age can even speak this well.
"Are you injured?" Pip asks her, staring hard.
"No." She shakes her head,
"You are a half-fairy, correct?" My mouth drops open and I snap my head towards Pip. Impossible! It is so rare, there is no way!
"Mm. Ah… are you Phillip?" The child asks, excited.
"Yes, I am. How do you know of me?"
"You are my idol! I have finally met you! Hello!" The girl exclaims happily, reaching up and shaking his hand willfully.
"Hello!" Pip replies, taken aback. The girl grins once again, before letting go of his hand and spinning around gleefully, her loose little dress and coat swaying into a circle.
As she prances around, I whisper to Pip, "Is she actually the same as you? If she is, perhaps it is her father that was executed today,"
"Hm, perhaps. That may also be the reason her mother tried to kill them both."
"Girl," She turns to me, pausing with her frolicking session, staring at me in interest, "Are you not upset by your ma's death?" She eyes the ground guiltily, before stating:
"She was not particularly fond of me, and I her. And besides, I have been found by two lovely gentleman such as yourselves. I believe in turning bad things in our lives into good things." She says, shrugging.
"Your age?" I interrogate her. I am sure even Pip could not speak this well when he was that age.
"Just over one and a half."
"…She is a miracle," Pip declares simply, "There is no other explanation."
"Phillip is half of an 'Emotion' fairy?" She asks.
"Mm, yes."
"I am half of a 'Psychic' fairy," The child puts her hand either side of her head, on her temples, "I can see things, and read minds, and-
"How are you able to use your abilities so early in life? You are not even two yet!" Pip cries, absolutely amazed. The child gives him a puzzled look.
"When were you able to begin using them?"
"Very recently!"
"Mm… one of us must be different from other half fairies. Ah, I know! We can ask of Abigail!"
"Who is that?"
"You have not heard of her? She is our God, Phillip; she was the first half-fairy recorded in England. She only died thirteen years ago."
"Ah…" Pip turns to me, surprised, "I recall my half-nephew speaking of a female in his class that knew of my existence before my family was found out, along with another boy. He said she was also a half-fairy. Perhaps that was her?"
"Hmm… we'll have to see what her name was to be sure." I quickly tell him, not wanting my brother to get too hopeful, "Child, what is your name?"
"I am Danielle. It is good to meet you…?"
"Leopold. But most refer to me as Butters."
"Good to meet you, Butters." Danielle smiles, tapping her shoes together playfully. A large drop of rain suddenly falls right onto her forehead. She blinks.
"Oh dear, it is going to rain soon. Come, let us hurry home. Danielle, we will have to take care of you for the time being," Pip declares, clasping her hand and beginning to jog in the direction of the house with her. I sigh and pursue them, cursing the rain.
As we all eventually get tired of the running, we take shelter under a half-collapsed shed. I feel a sense of déjà vu as we stand there, but think nothing of it. I pass this thing every day, and know that I have never ventured into it.
After a few minutes, Pip and I notice a voice in the distance, and lean forward to hear better, "I'm singing in the rain/Just singing in the rain,"
"Who on Earth would sing here at such an absurd time? How strange," Pip remarks. I frown, listening a bit more, and chuckle, finally recognising the voice.
"Oh, I know who it is,"
"What a glorious feelin'
I'm happy again
I'm laughing at clouds
So dark up above
The sun's in my heart
And I'm ready for lo-
Ruby jumps into a large puddle into front of us, before halting completely upon seeing who is here. I wince as the water splashes at my feet, staring at her outfit. She is wearing clothes similar to Danielle, though they make her look the same as some kind of whore. Above her damn knees! She also has a strange transparent coat with a hood, and unusual rubber boots. Ruby winks at us, smiling at Danielle. "How's it goin', guys? A bit stranded here, are you?"
"Are you not supposed to be at the execution?"
"Huh?" Ruby thinks for a few seconds, "Oh, that. Naw, I foresaw it coming and decided to skip it. I got permission from the Elder. So I've been relaxing in 2005, but then I remembered it was gonna start raining again in the present, so I've come to puddle jump!"
"Did you not foresee me nearly plunging to my death whilst aiding her?" Pip asks desperately, pointing to Danielle. Ruby shrugs.
"You were supposed to meet her in a couple of years. I guess her fate changed."
"Fate can be changed?" I question, astounded.
"Well duh! How else is your fate note supposed to become different? Stupid!" I begin to scold her.
"Do not-
"Phillip, who is this?" Danielle asks, tugging on his sleeve. Pip smiles softly at her.
"Danielle, I would like you to meet a very good friend of mine. This is Ruby Tucker, a 'Time-travel' fairy, and she is very close with our own fairies."
"You and Butters have fairies?"
"Yes, you will be able to meet them soon enough." Danielle blinks at Ruby, before gifting the latter with her infamous grin, cutely showing her teeth. Ruby is instantly wooed by her pretty face.
"Man, this chick really is charming in her younger years," Ruby observes, patting her head. She grabs Danielle's hands suddenly, pulling her into the rain, "Let the stormy clouds chase/everyone from the place," I smirk at her continuing the song.
"Ruby! She'll catch cold!" Pip snaps protectively. I stare.
"Kenny can heal her," Ruby laughs, teaching Danielle how to swish in the puddles as some sort of dance, and continues singing, "Come on with the rain
I've a smile on my face
I walk down the lane
With a happy refrain
Just singin',
Singin' in the rain!"
Ruby throws her arms up and Danielle copies her. The sudden force sends Danielle down sitting on the muddy ground. As she hears Danielle sniffling, Ruby drops down next to her, pulling a silly face to make her laugh. It works, though Danielle still remains with mud on her clothes. "Ruby, you are a good singer!" She exclaims, giggling joyfully.
"Why thank you!" Ruby smugly nods, "No one ever has the guts to acknowledge my awesome skills," Danielle nods, not understanding a word. I have gotten better at Ruby's strange wording, so I am able to pick up what she means.
"Oh, shush, Ruby. Let us all go while it is merely drizzling."
~Damien's P.O.V~
"Where are they?" I demand impatiently, drumming my fingers on the table. Pip's aunt glances at me nervously, while Kenneth frowns.
"They have only been alone for an hour. Allow some time."
"Do not come crying to me when Butters has been robbed, raped, beaten-
"OY, DO NOT SPEAK OF-
"Lord, both of you be quiet. Perhaps one of you should search for them." Pip's aunt suggests, eyeing the window. Just as she speaks, the side door leading into the kitchen where we are sitting slams open.
"There's no need to fear, Ruby is here!" Ruby shouts, holding her hand out and marching in. Pip, Leopold and a small child I do not recognise come in.
"Butters!" Kenneth shoots up and puts his arms around him, relieved. He begins to interrogate the poor boy before he has even had time to take off his coat, "Where were you? What were you doing?"
"A walk is a walk, Kenny!"
"Who is that child?" Leopold sighs in aggravation, before beginning to explain what occurred during their lovely walk. I stride towards Pip, who is naming everyone to the girl, pointing to them one by one. I shoot my arm out and grab Pip around the shoulders, pressing my nose into his neck. He 'eeps'.
"I found myself longing for you," I murmur.
"S-Sorry. We were caught up with her," He gestures to the girl, gently urging me away, "Danielle, this is dear Damien. Damien, this is Danielle. She is a half-fairy, the same as me." My eyes widen slightly. This is the child the fairy at the execution was killed for? The exact same fate as Pip's own father. Does he feel pity for the child?
"Oh, it's Phillip's fairy!" The girl squeals, rushing forward and grabbing onto my leg playfully. I gawp at her able to speak so well, before flushing and attempting to shake her off.
"Release me, girl! Cease this irritation!" I shriek, not wanting such physical contact with a stranger. Pip is the only person in the entire world that I would want to make contact with.
"Danielle, please stop," Pip tells her, smiling at me being so shy. She obeys him instantly. I drop to my knees and grabs her by the shoulders roughly, ready to attack.
"You little whatsit!" I seethe, grinding my teeth. The girl is not afraid; she grins at me. I blink at her, taken aback that I have been won over so easily.
"Danielle, come and meet Pip's aunty," Leopold tells her, holding his hand out. She takes it, and they walk towards Kenny, who is obviously detailing the events of what happened with our humans. The aunt nods to the child, frowning at her muddy clothes.
"Damien, are you fond of her as well?" Pip asks, making me look back at him. I notice Ruby watching intently out of the corner of my eye.
"…She is extremely intelligent," I mention, watching the girl speak.
"I feel a connection with Danielle." My own words flash through my head. I suppose there is always the option to adopt. I would be willing to go through with it.
"…Do you feel the want to adopt her?" Pip sends me a guilty look.
"I have not known her for long, but it did come as a thought."
"Yes, well, the answer is no."
"Why!?" Pip's expression is extremely stricken. There are two main reasons: he is too young to care for a child, and I am worried he will grow to love her more than me. I decide to leave the second reason out.
"Because you are only twelve. You must be at least fifteen, Pip."
"But then who will take care of her?"
"That is not my concern." I tell him, standing up and storming away. I do not want him to see how jealous I am. Ruby jumps up and follows me up the stairs into the hallway, chuckling.
"Aw, come on. Why don't you just tell 'im? He'd feel so bad if he knew you were jealous." I blink to myself, trying to register what this girl is saying.
"Which is exactly why I am not telling him." I respond eventually.
"No, you're doing it 'cause you're a wimp! Look, you are right with the Phil being too young part. You need to take that girl to an orphanage. But in another village; we would not want anyone to suspect what she is. I will put a golden bangle on her so that she won't be caught flying or anything."
"But then who will take it off?" Ruby shuts her mouth.
"Are you saying you will when she is older?"
"You could say that, yes." She shrugs, most likely having told me something she should not have.
"…Pip will be heartbroken."
"He just feels protective because she is similar to him. Now don't be a damn baby and tell him your second reason for not wanting her to stay." She takes hold of my arm, and begins bringing me back downstairs. I begrudgingly go along with it, irritated.