Chapter 23

"I'm Nora Warner, thank you for rescuing me" I tell him. "Why of course! Your energy is magnetizing" he replies with a smile. We stand there embraced, our faces mere inches away from each other. Time is irrelevant, our cause is irrelevant. It was like we were completely unaware of the rest of the world, or that it even existed. I can't explain why I felt so drawn to Cade. He was handsome sure, but there was something else. Something within our hearts pulling us towards one another. 

"Freddie.." I think to myself. I blush deeply, and pull away from the hug. "Yes, well, thank you again. We should get back to the others" I say walking off towards where we had left them. He grins and follows me. Remembering something I turn on my heel and stop. "Cade...you know Jax don't you?" I ask. The grin falls from Cade's face, and he stands there expressionless. He scoffs under his breath and replies, "Correction, I knew Jax. That was before he got our best friend killed and took off into hiding."

"Yes, Jax mentioned that. He did say it was an accident. He didn't know Nox couldn't fly" I tell him. "You're friends with Jax? Of course Nox couldn't fly, how could Jax not know that?" Cade asks me. "I'm sorry Cade I don't know all of the details. Jax is with the others, we can talk to him when reach them" I suggest. "Well let's hurry, I have some things to discuss with Mr. Jax Debois" Cade grumbles.

When we reach the rest of the group, Emily runs up to hug Cade and they begin talking about what happened to Emily and the rest of us. Jax and Bonnie are gathered near a large tree, and I approach them. "Good to see someone has come to" I say. "I'm so sorry Nora, I did my best, but I'm out of practice" Jax apologizes. I shake my head and tell him that he doesn't need to worry about that. "What you might want to worry about is Cade, he seems pretty upset" I explain. 

Cade and Emily join us and begin talking with Jax about the night Nox died. "I just don't understand how you could forgive him Emily. You said since you found him, he has basically been acting like he doesn't even know you" Cade says in an irritated manner. "Look man, I'm sorry. I'm sorry to you too Emily, and for acting standoffish. I didn't want Bonnie to find out about my magic, and I just didn't know what to say. I thought you hated me. Which, clearly I'm not incorrect in thinking" Jax replies.

"How could you not have known?" Cade asks. Emily interrupts and says, "I don't think anyone knew until after Nox was gone. That's why I wasn't upset with Jax, it was an accident Cade" Emily says soothingly. "No one knew? Nox told me ages ago, really thought everyone knew by now" Cade says calming down. Jax shakes his head, "We didn't." "Jax, I'm sorry too. I shouldn't have assumed anything, do you think you can forgive me? I'm just glad I found you all" Cade says apologetically. 

"Of course Cade! All is forgotten, I just really miss Nox. Thank you for your help with Philip by the way! I can't believe he did this to Emily! When her parents find out...it's gonna end badly for him. He also took advantage of our new friend Nora" Jax tells Cade. "Emily told me about what he did to her, but I didn't know about Nora...he's going to pay for this. What is with this girl" Cade says pointing at Bonnie.

"She's kind of my girlfriend" Jax says hesitantly. Cade stares at him for a moment then comments, "Um..Aren't you and Tulip still together? I'm guessing she doesn't know about this?" Cade replies uncertainly. "No, she doesn't. I'd like to leave it that way, at least until I can explain things to her" Jax says. Cade shrugs and I interrupt, "Excuse me, I know I'm new here, but Bonnie is my daughter. I would appreciate you being honest with her if there is something going on." "Wait, Bonnie is your daughter?" Cade asks confused. 

We spend the next hour filling Cade in on my life and what has been happening since I came to the future. "I think Bonnie and I should talk. I'm going to lift the spell and tell her the whole story" Jax tells us. Emily offers to go with him, and he agrees, "Maybe she won't totally flip if there is someone else there with me." Once the spell is removed, Jax, Emily, and a very grouchy, very confused Bonnie lead on to Brendlewood. 

Cade and I hang back a little and after a few moments of not speaking I blurt out, "I bet you think I'm crazy, huh?" Cade smiles that gorgeous smile of his and gives a little chuckle. "Nah, I don't think you're crazy Nora. I do think you're beautiful though. I know, I know, you're married. I'm sorry, there's just something about you. Your energy pulls me to you" he says. "I feel it too. We have to control it though. I love Freddie, I'm trying to get back to him. Once we reach Brendlewood I am going to find out if Emily's parents can help me" I tell him.

Cade and I continue talking until we reach Emily, Jax and Bonnie. "Nice of you to join us" Emily teases. Just as the sun is rising Jax announces, "Well we made it! Nora, Bonnie...welcome to Brendlewood." 

Standing on a hilltop overlooking Brendlewood, we pause for a moment taking it all in. A small village of quaint cottages surround a beautiful castle, and I look on in awe. The sun peaks up over the horizon onto Brendlewood Village, giving it a truly magical feeling. 

Making our way down the hill, we shortly find ourselves at the village entrance to Brendlewood. We pass small cottages, and shops along the way to Emily's parents house. The villagers gasp and bow as we walk down the street, and I whisper to Cade, "Why are they bowing?" He smiles and nods towards Emily whispering back, "Because she's the Princess of Brendlewood." My mouth drops open and I repeat, "She's a princess!?" "Plus they are probably nervous because she is of her spirit form. That's not a common happening" Cade mentions.

"Jax?" a girl calls out as she approaches quickly. Beautiful golden hair hangs in two large braids down her back. A small slightly upturned nose adorned with freckles is centered on her perfectly smooth skin, and dazzling amber eyes match her glittering wings. Our group comes to a halt upon her arrival, and Jax nervously whispers, "Tulip.."

Before another word is spoken, Cade speaks up, "I'm sure you two have lots to talk about, but we need to get Emily to her parents. Meet you there later?" Jax shakes his head, "I'm coming with you. Tulip, Bonnie, you can come with me if you want. We can talk once we get Emily to her parents." Tulip looks down but nods in agreement. "I don't really have much to say to either of you, I am only here to find out the truth about my past" Bonnie snaps and folds her arms. "Now, now everyone. We've made it this far, let's just get to the castle in one piece please" Emily says calmly.

Once we reach the castle, the guards escort us in. Brendlewood Castle is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Placed atop a hill, a large stone castle is surrounded with beautiful gardens. My heart races with excitement as we approach it, and when we reach the base of the castle hill I realize it's even bigger than I thought. I stand gazing at its' splendor until Emily giggles, "C'mon!"

One of the guards announce us and we enter two large wooden doors. I had been expecting a very formal setting, but instead found the King and Queen laughing as the Queen painted and the King sat flipping through a book. "Mom and Dad, I have made it home thanks to Cade, Jax and my new friends Nora, and Bonnie" Emily states. The King and Queen gasp with joy but quickly become concerned with Emily's form.

 The Queen takes a moment to greet us, "Very well to meet you, and welcome back to the rest of you. Emily dear I would like for you to explain what has happened, but don't worry we'll get you fixed up good as new. Nora, Bonnie, it's a pleasure to meet you." "Yes! Welcome to you all! To you newcomers, I am King Novus, and here is my lovely spouse, Queen Cirrus. Please make yourselves at home. The maids will see to your needs while we get our daughter put back together" he chuckles slightly as he Emily and Queen Cirrus exit the room.  

Chapter 22

"What do you mean you killed someone?" I ask horrified. "It was a long time ago, before I met Bonnie. It was an accident, I never meant for it to happen" he says staring at the ground. "Thank you for opening up to me Jax. What exactly happened" I ask. He takes a deep breath and replies, "As you probably have guessed, like Emily, am a faerie. "But-" I begin, before Jax interrupts. "Just let me finish, please? I have been holding this in for so long" he says continuing, "There were 5 of us; Emily, her best friend Tulip, Tulip's brother Nox, my buddy Cade and I. We were the best of friends, until one night."

"Their father had married a human woman. Tulip is completely faerie like their father, but Nox was human. No one knew this because though he was human he still had faerie wings. He never told anyone they didn't work, just that he liked to have flight light when we went flying. One night we all went flying, but I went on ahead a bit to catch up with Tulip, Cade and Emily. Nox ran out of flight light and fell to his death. If only I had been close by, it never would have happened. After that I ran away, and vowed never to use my wings or magic again" Jax informs me, then slumps down to the ground, his face resting hidden on his forearm. "Jax! You can't blame yourself for that! It was an accident, it could've happened to anyone" I tell him calmly, and place my hand on his shoulder.

"I'm assuming flight light the shining light you put on all of us to make us fly from Ms. Parfon's?" I say. "Yea, and just a little of that would have saved my best friend" Jax says downheartedly. "I'm sure if you explain to Bonnie she will understand" I tell him. He jumps to his feet and shouts, "No Nora! You promised! She can never know." Seeing his grief I hug him tightly and say, "Well you've got to tell her something Jax, you can't just keep this from her."

"No you certainly can not!" Bonnie yells emerging from the woods. "I don't know what's going on with that magic back at Ms. Parfon's house, but I can clearly see the magic that is going on with you two! I can't believe you would do this to me Jax! I'm done with this little adventure, I think I've had all the truth I can stand" she shouts and runs back into the forest. Jax and I look at each other stunned as we break away from our hug. "She must have thought you and I-" I start. Jax puts his palm to his face and chases after Bonnie. 

I wait in the clearing for what feels like forever, when suddenly I see Emily emerging from the woods. "I'm sorry Nora, but she's gone, I couldn't find her. Where's Jax, is he looking for her?" Emily tells me. "Yes but that was awhile ago. Why didn't he just fly?" I ask. "He would be spotted surely! Look!" Emily says pointing as Jax and Bonnie walk into the clearing. 

"Bonnie I'm so glad you came back!" I tell her once they have reached Emily and I. Bonnie says nothing, and just stands there. "I had to put a spell on her, she's basically on auto-pilot. I will have to reason with her later, but I at least wanted her with the group so she would be safe" Jax explains. "Good thinking" Emily tells him.

"We should get going, it will be morning soon" Emily offers. Jax nods and places a hovering enchantment on Emily's human body. It hovers a few inches above the ground and follows where ever Jax walks. "I'd like to fly but, I'm pretty sure we'd be spotted. Especially with morning approaching, I just don't think it's a good idea" Jax says. "Will we have to travel far?" I ask Emily. "It will take us quite sometime. It depends on how fast we can travel, but possibly a days walk" she says. "Let's get a move on then" I say, and we all start the long journey to Emily's parents home.

The journey is long and the walk is rough, the forest floor is covered in large roots and steep hills. Large rocks along the way provide for great resting spots. Jax catches up some fish for lunch from the river, and we cook it up over a small fire. The day was pleasant at least, a bright sun was beaming through large fluffy clouds as Emily and Jax described Brendlewood to me. 

Midday turns to afternoon, and afternoon turns to dusk. "We'll be there soon, just be careful crossing through this part of the woods. There is an evil spell on it" Emily told us. Walking through what was quickly becoming night, we were eager to get to Brendlewood. Large tree's fill a thick forest and tangled vines every few feet, try to trip us up. From a nearby bush I hear a terrifying sound. I gasp as a low growl creeps from the brambles. 

A beast of a man leaps from the bushes and growls fiercely. All of the girls scream and Jax jumps in front of us, wings out, ready to defend us. The three of us take cover behind a large tree as Jax shouts, "Stop please! Who are you?" The brute growls, "You should know! I don't appreciate being stunned!" "Philip!" Jax shouts, as he puts up his hand ready to shoot off a spell.

Philip laughs, "You think you're a match for me? Imagine a dainty little fairy up against the strength of a werewolf?" Jax launches an attack, but just misses Philip. Philip looks at the place where Jax's spell landed, and then looks back at Jax with astonishment. "Really? So it's a fight you want, is it?" he growls before he lunges at Jax, striking him hard. 

Jax falls to the ground holding his eye, as one of his wings twitches with injury. Quickly, he tries to get to his feet, but Philip strikes again. This time when Jax falls to the ground, he is knocked out cold. We try to hide our gasps, but Philip catches sight of us. He puffs out his chest, and gives a nasty smirk saying, "Looks like you brought me a new girl as well. Thank you Miss Nora." 

Suddenly a bright light bursts into Philip and he falls over, clutching his arm. Rising back up he yells, "What pathetic weakling takes a cheap shot like that!?" "This kind!" shouts a stranger, as Philip turns to face him. "Do you have a death wish? You should be more careful with who you pick fights with" Philip snarls. 

Before I can get a look at this newcomer, Philip takes to all fours, darts around the tree, grabs me throwing me on his back, as he speeds off into the forest. Philip is running so fast I fear to jump off. Everything is just a wild blur, that is until a pair of green wings appear at my side. 

Suddenly everything seems to move in slow motion, though I know we are still speeding through the forest. The young man who appeared next to me wore shaggy moss colored hair, the ends of it black as night, and the greenest eyes I've ever seen. He gives me a wink and gently places his arms around me, delicately lifting me from Philip's back without him even noticing. Landing safely on the forest floor, the young man releases me and launches a spell at Philip, who freezes in place as solid stone. 

Rushing over to me the young man takes me in his arms and asks if I'm alright. All I can do is stare at him, and his eyes almost seem to twinkle as they gaze into mine. Captivated by his handsome appearance, I can only nod yes. He smiles a dazzling grin, stands back and say softly, "Good.. I'm glad. I'm Cade by the way, Cade Meadowstone."

Chapter 21

A silvery silhouette stands before me, and fear-stricken I stare at the figure. A smile spreads across its' face, and I try to find my voice. "Please don't be afraid. I am not going to hurt you. I am here to ask for your help" Emily says. "B-but you're dead...we saw you! Bonnie checked for your pulse! I thought you couldn't speak!" I manage to blurt out. "When you came to the house I overheard your story. You believe in impossible things Nora, or at least those things that seem impossible. That is how I know I can trust you. I carry a secret" she states. 

"What kind of a secret? Are you a ghost?" I ask awestruck. Emily laughs softly and replies, "Of course not! You see when Ms. Parfon captured me, she transformed me into a human and made me a mute. I must take the human body to the house of my parents, they will be able to help me regain my true form. What Ms. Parfon doesn't know is that even though she turned me human and that body died, my soul still lives. Faeries never really die you know."

Stunned, I stand in silence for a few moments, mulling things over. I have so many questions. Finally I ask her if she thinks her parents might be able to help me find my way back to 1945. "I am uncertain Nora but I do know that Ms. Parfon will know you have escaped, and I'm sure that barbarian Philip will be out searching for you soon. You will never escape her Nora, she is very powerful. My family can offer you protection, and care. I'm certain they will try to do everything they can to help you. After all, saving a faerie's spirit will be greatly welcomed." 

"What about my daughter Bonnie, and her boyfriend? They rescued me, I can't just abandon them" I tell Emily. "They are welcome to come, but I must warn you, if you tell them of this and they decide not to be part of it...I will have to perform a sweep of the mind. All they will know is everything up until they met you. Bonnie will not know you are her mother" Emily explains. "I have to try" I tell her. She nods and tells me to lead the way. 

We reach the clearing near the campfire and Emily takes cover in the bushes. As soon as I see Bonnie she runs to me hugging me tightly. "Nora, Nora...where did you go!? I'm so sorry for how I reacted. I was just shocked, you know? It's alot to take in. I want you to know that I believe you, that is to say, I am willing to explore this and find out for sure the truth of it all" she says talking a million miles per minute. I interrupt her, and place my hands on her shoulders. "You might want to hold that thought Bonnie" I begin as I tell her and Jax of my discovery in the woods. 

Emily emerges from the bushes as Bonnie gasps and a bewildered Jax says, "Whoa...no way!" "I am Emily Wisteria, a faerie of Brendlewood. It is true what she says. You may choose to come with us but, if you do not, I will have to do a memory sweep. You will retain all memories prior to meeting Nora" Emily clarifies to them. "You mean, all this talk of Nora being my mother, and this whole journey will be forgotten?" Bonnie asks. Emily gives a nod and waits for their decision to be made. 

Jax shakes his head, "I don't know Bon. This all seems a little crazy to me..." Jax glances at Emily who raises a brow but says nothing. Jax seems to be flustered by her and quickly glances away. "Yes Jax, the memory sweep will work for you as well" Emily says as if to answer a question Jax may have had. Jax gives a nervous laugh and says, "Well wouldn't you know guys aren't excluded from this!" 

Bonnie gives Jax an odd look, then looks at me. "Nora I just want the truth, whatever that may be. If going with you will help me find that, then my answer is yes. I will go with you" Bonnie says. "Oh thank you Bonnie. I'm so happy you are willing to give it a chance to find the truth for yourself" I tell her happily. "Well I'm in if you're in" Jax pipes up. "Very good. We should hurry, Ms. Parfon might find the body and destroy it" Emily states.

We quickly put out the fire and rush back towards Ms. Parfon's house. "I can't believe we're doing this! After all that trying to leave this place, now we're going back?" I overhear Jax say to Bonnie. "Nobody made you come Jax! I have to find out the truth about things" she replies. We manage to get inside and find Emily's human body just where we left it. "That seemed easy enough!" I say happily. Emily points out that it may be more difficult getting out than in, especially with a lifeless body. 

"I'll check the other rooms for a sheet" Bonnie suggests before taking off down the hall. "If we can just get the body out of here and to the edge of the forest we should be in the clear. After that, we just have to get it to my parents" Emily tells us. "That was fast" Jax says, as the door swings open. Realizing that it isn't Bonnie who has returned, but instead Philip, Emily gasps. 

Philip shouts, "What are you doing in here!" "I'm no match for him" I whisper to Emily fearfully. "I'm sorry! I am powerless in this form" Emily tells me, panicked. "Well, I'm not" Jax says boldly. He closes his eyes, as smoke seeps from his upper back. Silvery colored wings emerge from his back and he releases a powerful burst of magic from his hands. Philip, the receiver of this attack, falls to the ground stunned and stiff as a board. "Bravo Jax, I'm glad to see you've decided to finally stop denying who you are" Emily says. 

"W-What is going on here!?" I say still trying to keep my voice down. "I'll have to explain later Nora. We have got to get Emily's human body out of here now" Jax says hastily. Closing his eyes again, his wings fade to smoke and drift into the air, as if they were never there. "Explain what?" Bonnie asks as she pops back into the room. "Nothing" Jax replies unconvincingly. Emily and I shrug as Jax gives us a look, and Bonnie raises a brow and glances at Philip. "Ok...I don't know what's going on here, but I was able to find a sheet, so let's get this body out of here." she says to the group. Walking past Jax I here her whisper, "We'll talk about this later."

The three of us wrap the body gently in the sheet, and hoist it up, carrying it out of the room. "I'm sorry I can't be of any help, but when I am in this state I'm more of a hologram than anything" Emily expresses apologetically. "We understand, no worries" Bonnie replies. As Emily and Bonnie talk, I lean over to Jax and whisper, "Can't you use your magic to help us carry the body?" Jax quickly throws me an angry look and whispers back gruffly, "No way! Bonnie can't know about that!" 

Judging by his response I drop the matter, as we move the body out of the room. We approach the bottom of the stairs, this time making sure to avoid the last step, we suddenly hear a noise. "Jax!" I whisper frantically. Ms. Parfon comes through one of the doors, but fortunately is looking over her shoulder at something in the room she just walked out of. Jax looks at me worriedly, then looks at Bonnie. He runs his hands through his hair, takes a deep breath, and brings out his wings once again. Stunning Ms. Parfon, she falls to the ground stiff as a board. 

Bonnie turns and gives Jax a horrified look. "Bonnie dear, there's no time! We must leave now! The spell won't last and Philip will be coming for us!" Emily shouts. "Jax, can you help us now that she knows?" I ask eagerly. Jax nods and once outside blue glow envelopes him and he sends a sparkling shower of light over all of us. We all rise slightly into the air and float off to the forest.

Sensing Bonnie's uneasiness, Jax gently lowers us to the ground. In an open spot in the forest we land, and Jax's wings and blue glow disappear once more. Bonnie immediately walks up to Jax shouting, "What the hell was that!?" Jax puts up his hands in a peaceful manner and says calmly, "Now Bon, let's talk about this please." "You lied to me Jax, how could you keep something like this from me? How can I trust you?" Bonnie asks. 

Emily places her hand on Jax shoulder and says, "I'd like to thank you for your help back there Jax. Don't worry your secret is safe with me. I will make sure you are protected when we reach my families home." "What is she talking about Jax?" Bonnie says with fear. Jax shakes his head, "Bonnie I'm sorry, but I just can't tell you that." "I get it, you just pop out some wings and petrify people and give no explanation for it? Nora shows up talking about being my mother, now this!? Can I trust no one? It's like my entire life is a total lie! I don't know what to believe!" Bonnie yells and runs off into the woods. "Bonnie no! Come back!" Jax yells as he tries to take off after her. Emily shouts for him to let her go, and he walks back over to us. Emily says she'll find her and for us to stay put, then takes off into the woods after Bonnie. 

"What is happening Jax? I know we've only just met, but you can tell me anything. I owe you remember?" I say soothingly. Jax looks horrible, completely grief stricken and panicked. "I can't, I just can't" he whispers. I tell him that I can't help if I don't know the truth, and after everything he and Bonnie have done for me, I am here for them. "You can never tell Bonnie, she'll never forgive me. She thinks I'm so perfect, I just can't lose her. I love her so much" he tells me. "I promise, not a word" I tell him. He takes a deep breath and shakily says, "I killed someone."