Pixie Dust: Onyx Ring - Chapter 5

After almost nine years, the Pixie Dust series returns to break up the carnival nonsense I do love so much with some good old fashioned magic, shrinking (and even some brief animal TF, which I don't do very often)  

If you aren't caught up, please do read the ENTIRE story up to this point that I posted a few months back. 

Enjoy! 

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Onyx Ring: A Pixie Dust Story 

Chapter 5: The Almost-Queen

By Hugo Prosperio 

“I’ll drive.” said Shannon Mahoney. The leprechaun had grown to human size, and was walking towards a green VW Bus that looked like it had seen better days. “Get in the back, and don’t touch any’o the goods back there. All magic, all likely to blow the pinky flesh off your bones.” she said with a hint of amusement. 

Jadaris Pevnock nodded, her red hair flicking about in the wind kicked up by passing cars. “She tends to collect dangerous magical artifacts. Best keep your hands to yourself.” 

The humans, Caitlin Miller and Beth Gainsborough, shrugged as they glanced at each other. This wasn’t the weirdest interaction they had come across with magical beings. Fairies were such odd creatures, and the two of them, along with their friend Jenna, had become well-acquainted with things. Of course, Jenna was missing, and foul play from some form of fae was suspected. 

“Where are we going?” Beth asked as she followed Jadaris into the back of the van, with Caitlin behind her. 

“To the Colony of Moon. If that’s where you suspect your kidnapper is from, then that be our best course.” Shannon said as she sat behind the wheel. 

“Another fairy colony. Delightful.” Beth groaned.

“The Colony of Moon is nothing like your last experience.” Jadaris said. “They are a kind folk, with no traces of Mabia’s cruelty or malice.” she added, remembering their encounter with a wicked fairy named Jeserai Mabia and how she almost killed Beth. 

“And yet, they have this kidnapper amongst them.” Caitlin remarked as she took her seat, buckling her belt. “That’s not kind, is it?” 

“No it ain’t.” said Shannon from upfront as the van began to lurch forward, sounding painfully old and unfit to drive. “That’s why we are gonna find them and save yer friend.” 

“It’s a long drive out of the city. Best get some rest.” Jadaris said to her human companions, neither of whom were against the idea of a little shut eye.

“Jadaris. You alright, lass? You seem quieter than usual?” Shannon asked as she turned to look behind. 

“I’m fine. It’s just that I haven’t been to the Colony of Moon in quite some time.”

“You are much loved amongst the peoples, so I don’t see why you should be concerned. You get some rest too, love. I’ll wake the three of you when we reach our final destination. 

She nodded and leaned her head back, closing her eyes. All she could think about was the last time she had seen the grand colony, and a choice that had changed her life...forever. 

---

10 Years Earlier 

“Don’t look so sour.” said Lorna Pevnock, Jadaris’ doting mother. They were both dressed in flowing gowns made of lily leaves. They arrived at the heart of the grand tree, home the Fairy King himself, Mordecai Moon. 

“I look foolish, mother.” Jadaris said, brushing her hair behind her ears, trying to look as she normally would. 

“Nonsense, you look beautiful, and tonight the prince has asked you here as his personal guest. You cannot deny an invitation from royalty.”

“Mort isn’t royalty, he’s my friend.” She said with a smile. 

A guard stepped forward to offer a hand to the ladies as they made their way into a grand ceremonial hall. He took their cloaks and opened the door for them. Inside were many fairies all dancing and enjoying a beautiful evening, the light of a full moon shining in through the roots of the tree which made of the windows of the hall. 

A young eager looking male fairy burst forward out of the crowd and zipped up. The prince of the colony, it seemed, with his small crown of branches and gemstones sitting atop a head of messy blond hair. 

“Jade!” he said. 

“Jade?” Lorna asked. 

“It’s a nickname, Mom. Kids have them.” Jadaris remarked with a large grin. “Evening, Mort.”

“It’s lovely to see you. You look great, that dress is...wow.” the prince remarked. 

“Thank you, your highness.” she said with a giggle after. 

“Mort will do.” he replied. “Welcome to the party. My father throws the best galas around, I’d say. Would you care to dance?” 

She nodded and he took her to the center of the floor, and the two began to sway to the music playing. Most of the crowd stepped aside to watch the prince and her, swirling away, her dress kicking up and spiraling around in a most spectacular fashion. 

“You should visit more often, Jade.” he said softly. 

“It’s not a quick trip, Mort.” she said. “Besides, this way you actually get the chance to miss me.” she said with a smirk. 

“I did miss you. I always do.” he said. 

Her smirk vanished and she straightened herself and nodded. “I missed you too, friend.” 

The word friend seemed to sting a bit, the look in the prince’s eyes saying as much, so she changed the subject.

“How is your father?” she asked simply. 

“Why don’t you ask him yourself?” the prince said, a smile returning to his face as he twirled her around letting go as she swung towards the open arms of the king himself. 

“King Moon.” she said with a bow as he took her hands.

“My dear Jadaris. You look like a bright star, drifting through the sky on a cold night. You light up this room.” 

“Your Majesty, I am not worthy of such words.” she replied.

“Don’t be modest Jadaris. Everyone is looking at you. Some would like very much to be you, some would like to woo you, but make no mistake, all eyes are on you.” he said with a smile creeping across his face, exaggerating the wrinkles he wore with pride.

“Perhaps they look because I am dancing with the greatest King the fairies have ever known.” she noted.

“Perhaps. Perhaps I am just lucky a beautiful young fairy such as yourself would be seen dancing with an old coot like me.” He added, with a big chuckle. 

Both laughed as they danced. The dance floor filled with couples young and old, and the music swept through the room like a cool breeze on a warm summer’s evening. 

“The real question, my dear, is when are you going to make an honest fae out of my son?” the king asked. 

She stopped moving, their dance coming to an end.

“Is that what I am supposed to do?” she asked of the king. 

“Your mother and I have been hoping for a long time that it would be what happened. Even your father, bless his soul, wanted it. I sense, however, it may not be what you want.” 

She didn’t reply, but looked at him, sadness filling her face. 

“What is on your mind, child.” he said, taking her off to the side of the room, holding her hands. “You call tell your king.” 

“I have begun my studies, and I know you are aware of their nature.” she said. 

“Humans.” he replied simply. 

“Yes, and I have...found them quite fascinating, and I wish to continue my work. Marrying your son would be a dream for many...but I am not sure it is the dream I have for myself.” 

“You could be queen of the fairies. My life is waning. I don’t to think of such things, but it won’t be terribly long before I move onwards, and Mortimer will be king. He does not wish for any other to sit by his side.” 

“I know. It’s a lot to think about. I am sure when the time comes, I’ll be sure of my choice.” she said. 

The king nodded when suddenly their attention was taken by the sound of glass being hit by a bit of silverware. Up at the front of the hall, Prince Mortimer stood holding his glass of nectar. He waved to the crowd. 

“I have something I would like to say. Jadaris Pevnock, would you please come up here?” he asked. 

Jadaris looked embarrassed, but did as asked, looking back at the king for some sort of hint of what this was all about, but the king shrugged his shoulders. 

“For many years, this fairy has been dearest and closest friend.” he said as she walked beside him. “Through thick and thin, she has always been there, and she has blossomed into one of the most beautiful fairies in all of our kingdom.” 

“Mort” she said under her breath. “Please don’t.” 

“And it has been asked of me when I will chose a bride to be my queen when the time comes for me to rule over the colonies. I have chosen. It was never actually a choice, to be honest. Jadaris, would you do me the honor of being my queen.” 

“Oh no.” the king muttered under his breath as he watched, trying to look proud of his son. 

“Your highness, I...can’t.” Jadaris said. 

The room was silent, not even the night air seemed to want to intrude on this moment. 

“What?”

“You are an amazing friend, and being your queen would be...a true honor, but I am not ready for that. Not now. I have so much to do, so much to see, and I don’t want to be a burden on you or this kingdom.” she said. 

“Jadaris.” her mother hissed through her teeth from nearby. “What are you doing?” 

“Mother, you taught me to be be as free a spirit as possible. My work in the field isn’t done, and I cannot give it up now. Mortimer...I am so sorry. This just isn’t the right time.” 

The prince gulped a bit, and nodded. “That’s...that’s fair, Ms. Pevnock. Sorry to have embarrassed you in front of everyone.” 

“Mortimer. It’s not that…” she said, reaching to touch his shoulder, to offer comfort, but he backed away. 

“It is not customary for you to touch your prince in such a manner. Have a good evening, Ms. Pevnock.” he said before leaving, walking through the crowd, and exiting the hall, the door slamming behind him. 

Lorna approached her daughter. “You just made a fool of yourself in front of the entire colony of Moon.”

“No she didn’t.” said King Moon. “If anyone made a fool of themselves it was my son. I warned him this was not the place for something like that, and he insisted. Your daughter made a brave choice. In time i think my son will understand that.” 

“I hope so. I am so sorry, Your Majesty.” Jadaris said. 

“Do not apologizing for being you. It’s the one thing we all truly have. Ourselves.” he said with a kind smile. 

---

Jaradis woke up as the rickety old van rattled down an old road filled with cracks and bumps. 

“Shannon. Are we close?”

“Almost. Sit tight. I’ll let you know when we arrive.”

Jadaris sighed. The Colony of Moon had long been a place of happiness for her, but going back now, she doubted it would be anything but bad memories and uncomfortable reunions.

---

Lorna Pevnock sat reading a large book of fairy history in her study, deep in the heart of the tree that formed the colony of Meridos.  She loved reading before bed, a practice she had learned from her husband before he died. She looked up from her book at the large room around her and she sighed contentedly. Life had finally been adjusting to normal now that she was the High Magistrate. 

Muffled voices were then heard outside the door, with the sound of bodies hitting the floor. Lorna stood up, heading to the door to look through a small hole. Her guards were gone, but a man wearing a mask and a large brimmed hat was standing there. The door burst open, knocking Lorna back. 

“Good Evening, Lady Magistrate.” the man said with a sinister sounding voice. “How are you?” 

“What is the meaning of this?” she said as she attempted to get up. The man placed a boot on her chest and pressed down to prevent her from moving.

“Well, I am here on behalf of someone very powerful, someone who would like to speak with you...and I must warn you, there are many debts to pay, Lorna. Let’s get you taken care of.” he said as he sprinkled dust onto the woman, which made her body glow then begin to shrink. He removed his boot and watched as the High Magistrate of the colony, the most powerful fairy in the tree was reduced, her skin starting to break out in fur, her face pushing out into a small furry muzzle. A mewling sound began to emit as her hands and feet became paws and her shrinking stopped. She now resembled a miniature kitten, and the man standing above her smirked. 

“Let’s go, kitty kat. Time for a trip to the Kingdom of Moon.” 

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TO BE CONTINUED in

Pixie Dust: Onyx Ring
The Fairy Detective