I Fought Jhudora on Illusen Day and Lost

      Tilamaus, however, was still asleep. The travelling archer preferred sticking arrows into chia clowns and playing Krawps over fetch quests and berry picking. Unfortunately, her owner had dispatched her to the merry fields of Meridell with a single goal: complete one quest for Illusen on Illusen Day. She was promised that she would be handsomely rewarded in Neopoints and not asked for a favour for the rest of the Month of Running. She had begrudgingly accepted her owner’s pleas, but the Wocky had never promised not to slack off.

     Tila was still counting Babaas when she was awoken by laughter and music outside the window of the inn she was staying at. She groaned and rubbed her head as a chorus of voices began to sing. They were accompanied by a lute and a drum, to the chagrin of the rudely awakened archer.

      “We sing in love and gratitude to the faerie in the glade,

      Protected from all evil, we sing praises to your name,

      Iluu~sen! Iluuu~sen! Thank you for your promise made,

     To watch over Meridell for all your blessed days!”

     As nice as the song was, the chorus was out of tune and nasally. Tila had covered her ears with the thin pillow provided by the inn but it did little to block them out. With a huff, the Wocky threw off the covers and rose to her feet. If she had to be awake, she might as well get her business finished. Her room in the Neolodge promised a “Do Not Disturb” sign, and she was anxious to get back to sleep in a bed that wasn’t stuffed with hay.

     The chorus continued to sing off-key as Tilamaus dressed and abandoned her temporary lodgings. With a growl of her stomach, she headed downstairs for the inn’s continental breakfast. In Neopia Central, this meant eggs, bacon, and waffles. In Meridell, however, they offered a bowl of gruel with a few freshly picked berries. In the spirit of the holiday, the inn had dyed the gruel in a brown and green swirl. It was horrible. Tila picked the berries out and secretly fed the rest of it to a Snorkle that was waiting under the table for scraps. Outside, The chorus had finally finished their song. Tila listened gratefully to the gentle melody the musician plucked out of their lute.

     With breakfast finished, Tilamaus strapped her quiver and bow to her back. She stopped to add soap to her pipe before leaving so she could blow bubbles on the way to complete her quest. After a wave goodbye to the innkeeper, she headed out. Immediately, she was blinded by the sun and the array of colours in the village. The celebrations for Illusen Day were in full swing. Gleaming in the sunlight, Meridell Castle loomed over the festivities. Tilamaus wondered quietly if King Skarl was celebrating as she watched the bubbles rise from her pipe. It seemed like every denizen of Meridell was out and about, cavorting with the tourists who had come, like herself, to see the faerie on her special day.

     Crowned with decorated trees, Illusen’s humble home in the glade was teeming with visitors. There was a crowd simply sightseeing, waiting for a glimpse of the faerie as she escorted her visitors out of her home. And then there was the line. It wasn’t moving. It extended from Illusen’s doorstep all the way past Ye Olde Petpets. Neopets of all shapes and sizes, Meridellians and tourists alike, stood almost single file in a long and hopeless queue. Tilamaus sighed. Resigned, she took her spot at the end of the line. Suddenly, everything went green.

     The Wocky shouted in surprise as magic burst around her, lifting her from the grass. In a flash, her surroundings had changed. Disoriented, Tilamaus stumbled but managed to catch her footing. She blinked the stars out of her eyes and tried to reorient herself. The Wocky had been teleported from the end of the line to the inside of a small home, made of wood and modestly decorated with plants. “Welcome to my home,” spoke a soft voice from behind Tilamaus. She turned around clumsily, her head still spinning. When her vision cleared, the image of a faerie appeared before her.

     “My apologies,” said Illusen, her voice smooth and kind. “You appear to be very sensitive to my magic. I didn't mean to startle you.” Illusen stood tall and graceful, her soft brown hair lightly highlighted with green and cascading over her shoulders. She was freckled and tan, with large green wings that were translucent in the sunlight that filtered in through her curtains.

     “S’alright,” Tilamaus mumbled, rubbing her slightly achy head. She kept her gaze at her feet, somehow nervous in the presence of the faerie. “I need a quest,” she managed to say.

     “Of course,” Illusen smiled. “I’ll start you out with an easy errand. Something I need for a special spell, just for today. Is that okay?”

     “Aye,” Tila replied, still looking at her feet.

     “Could you please bring me a Loveberry?” Illusen asked. Tila nodded quietly. In a moment of bravery, she raised her eyes to meet Illusen’s gaze. The faerie’s emerald eyes were ageless, sparkling with magic, and lit up with her smile. Tila quickly returned her attention to the scuffs on her boots as she backed up and exited the glade without a word.

     She didn’t have much experience with faeries and she felt it as her face burned with embarrassment. The Wocky hurried away from the forest, weaving through the crowd. With her heart pounding fast, Tila raised her pipe to her mouth to blow as many bubbles as she could. Watching them rise to the sky helped to ground her in reality. Her skin was still prickling with Illusen’s magic as she made her way to the market. Thankfully, Illusen had asked for one of the most common berries in the land. Tilamaus had no issue finding the red, heart-shaped berry among the rows of overflowing produce stands. She tossed a few Neopoints to the shopkeeper, stashed the berry in her satchel, and set to return to Illusen’s Glade.

     However, something had happened. The sky had darkened with an ominous black cloud. Mumbles and whispers rose up from the crowd as they watched it approach. Silence fell over the valley and the sunlight was blocked out with darkness. The cloud split in a mist of deep purple and sickly green. Surrounded with magic, a dark faerie descended from the clouds. Electricity and cries of fear filled the air. Jhudora had crashed their party. The faerie’s terrible dark wings beat in the sky as she hovered over Illusen’s Glade. Her cackle, amplified with magic, echoed in Tilamaus’ mind. A Baby Draik began to cry. Tilamaus started to run, her quiver bouncing against her back as she readied her bow.

     As Jhudora began to descend, Tilamaus took aim with her bow. Illusen’s kindness, her sweet voice, and gentle nature had caused a wave of protectiveness to instil the Wocky with bravery. Despite her disdain for Meridell, Tila wanted to protect Illusen for reasons other than completing her quest. She realized now that the people of Meridell depended on Illusen. Her magic protected them, and her rewards sustained them. Any starving Neopet could count a few potatoes, complete one of her quests for a few Neopoints, and be rewarded with food that wasn’t gruel. The people of Meridell loved Illusen, and now Tilamaus did, too.

      While the crowd trembled in terror, Illusen rose from the glade and faced her enemy with courage. She spoke, too far away for anyone besides Jhudora to hear. The dark faerie cackled again and covered the sky with a spread of spider lightning that lit her cloud up purple and green. It had come dangerously close to Illusen. There was no more time to waste. As Jhudora stopped to speak with the Earth faerie, Tilamaus released the arrow from her bow. Powered with magic, it flew in a rainbow arc toward its dark and terrible target.

     The faeries were untouchable, however. The arrow struck a shield of invisible magic that turned dark and cloudy as it absorbed the impact. Illusen stood agape as Jhudora turned with a beat of her wings. While the dark faerie hadn’t seen where the arrow had come from, she knew, supernaturally, exactly who had fired it. Illusen realized a moment too late what had happened. As the Earth faerie’s soft wings lifted her from the ground, Jhudora vanished in a puff of purple smoke. Jhudora appeared, a moment later, only inches from Tilamaus’ face. The Wocky stumbled backwards at the sudden presence of the faerie. She was caught by Jhudora, who grasped her by the scruff of her neck and lifted her from the ground. Tilamaus went slack as a kitten in the dark faerie’s grasp.

     “How DARE you!” Jhudora cried. She gave Tilamaus a hard shake, rattling the Wocky’s bones and brain. “How dare you take aim at Illu- ah- at ME!” A crackle of lightning, and a roll of thunder covered up her slip of the tongue, but so close to her, Tilamaus’ sensitive ears caught her stutter.

     “I’s’prot’cn’er,” Tilamaus mumbled, unable to speak clearly with Jhudora holding onto her like a mother Wocky.

     “WHAT?” shouted Jhudora, directly into her face. Tilamaus shuddered. Jhudora’s breath was surprisingly minty. Up close, her eyes glowed with magic and purple strands of her hair stood upright with static electricity. Tila stared dumbly, weakened and unable to do anything but admire the wrath of the dark faerie.

     Around them, the crowd had cleared. They had burst into shouts of fear initially, but they stood silently now as Jhudora accosted her attacker. The Illusen Day festivities had paused throughout Meridell as its denizens watched helplessly. A chorus of gasps rose up from the crowd as Tilamaus saw an approaching glow of soft light, her vision still limited by Jhudora’s face.

     “Please,” implored a soft and familiar voice. “Release her, Jhudora.” Holding her out at arms-length, Jhudora turned toward the voice. Illusen had landed quietly in the grass before them, her aura glowing green with Earth magic, even in the presence of such intense darkness. Tilamaus could feel the tremble go through Jhudora as her wrath fizzled out into a rage, which gave way to simple anger.

     “This one must pay,” spat the dark faerie. Her grip on Tilamaus had never loosened, and the Wocky was starting to see stars. She kicked her legs helplessly in a feeble attempt at escape.

      “She has paid in terror,” Illusen replied, voice firm but still soft. Her magic had begun to spread, benevolently showering the two enemies and their nearest onlookers in a warm light. The dark clouds that had approached in Jhudora’s wake began to clear. Jhudora thought hard for a moment, frowning intently.

     “Fine,” spoke the dark faerie. Jhudora released Tilamaus, who fell to the ground in a painful tumble. With a frightened gasp, Illusen rushed towards her. She dropped to her knees at Tilamaus’ side, bathing her immediately in the warmth of healing magic. Tila simply groaned. Her world was still spinning. She could see, however, that Illusen’s brow was tense with worry. While she fussed over the disorientated Wocky, Jhudora loomed over them. She leaned in, close enough to whisper in Illusen’s ear. The Earth faerie was still. “Do not be foolish.” Jhudora sneered. “You will not be rid of me yet,” Then, she vanished. The deep violet smoke of her magic dissipated quickly in Illusen’s aura.

     Illusen was quiet for a moment. She put her arms around Tilamaus and drew her close, then lifted her gently from the ground. The Earth faerie stood, smiling, and began to walk. The crowd parted as Illusen returned to her glade with the Wocky in tow. Comfortable and safe in the strength of Illusen’s arms, Tilamaus allowed herself to slip in and out of consciousness. She dozed against the Earth faerie’s chest, noting that she smelled like fallen leaves and wildflowers.

     By the time they reached Illusen’s home, Tilamaus was almost feeling like herself again. The hum of Illusen’s magic was inherently healing. Its energy was cool on her skin like freshly tilled soil. Tilamaus allowed herself to smile. It wasn’t every day that a beautiful faerie carried her into her home like a bride. As the door closed behind them, the sweetness of Illusen’s magic was replaced with a heavy emptiness. Illusen sighed, familiar with the low vibration. She crossed the room and laid Tilamaus down on her bed of leaves. The Wocky purred. Half asleep, she curled up into a ball, covering herself with the fluff of her tail. With a deep breath, she noticed the faint scent of cinnamon. Tilamaus blinked hard, willing herself back to consciousness. Looming in the darkest corner of the room was Jhudora, her wings pulled in to accommodate the small space. Illusen stood before her, arms crossed, and actually frowning.

     “Please explain yourself,” Illusen said.

     “I came to bring you a gift,” Jhudora said, cloyingly sweet. She extended her hands out, showing her gleaming emerald nails and pallid hands.

     “No,” Illusen insisted, “You came to make a scene. Explain yourself.”

     “Oh, honeypot, I really do mean it,” Jhudora replied with a melodramatic sigh. “I just felt it shouldn’t be a secret anymore.” Illusen ran her hands through her hair, clearly frustrated.

     “It’s my holiday and you terrified all the villagers! I don’t want your gift,” Illusen retorted, stomping a foot for added effect.

     “Too bad,” Jhudora sighed. She waved her hands in a dark spell, and in a burst of violet magic, a creature appeared in her hands. Tilamaus squinted, trying to figure out what she was seeing. It appeared to be a Petpet, but it was nothing like anything she had ever seen before. The thing was squat and round, with large feet and fiendish claws. It had wings like a dark faerie, extending out from either side of its body instead of arms. The creature cackled, revealing long white fangs, sounding a little too much like the faerie that held it in her arms.

     “Oh,” Illusen gasped, “Oh, my.”

     “I know you’ve always wanted one,” Jhudora murmured. “If you don’t take this Bartamus, I’ll feed it to a Skeith.”

     “Oh,” Illusen whispered, “Oh, no.”

     “Oh, yes,” Jhudora sneered. She approached the Earth faerie slowly and offered her the Petpet. Illusen stood quietly, wringing her hands in front of her. She didn’t take the Petpet, but she didn’t refuse it either. Tilamaus wondered what she was thinking. The moment was cut short when Jhudora dropped the Bartamus. It squealed in fear. Illusen gasped and caught it before it hit the floor.

     “There you go,” Jhudora cooed. “Happy Illusen Day, honeypot.”

     Then, the dark faerie vanished in an exceptionally colourful cloud of smoke. Illusen sighed heavily as the Bartamus snuggled up to her. She stayed there on the floor, sitting with the Bartamus and petting it gently.

      Tilamaus groaned and rubbed her head, finally coming out of her daze. She had the feeling she had just seen something that she wasn’t supposed to. Embarrassed, she stretched out for a moment and then rolled out of Illusen’s bed. The Wocky approached Illusen cautiously. The faerie was still seated with her new Petpet, which had made itself all too comfortable. Illusen’s freckled face was dull as her lips were set in a frown.

     “Are you okay?” Tila asked. She could speak clearly, although the situation made her so nervous that her voice wavered. Illusen didn’t answer. “I, uh, I have something for you too,” Tila stuttered out. Intrigued, Illused raised an eyebrow and looked up to the Wocky. Tilamaus produced the requested Loveberry and offered it to the Earth Faerie. Illusen blinked, thinking, then her face lit up with a smile.

     “Oh! Thank you!” she cried. Illusen gently set the Bartamus down and took the Loveberry from Tilamaus and stashed it away. She stood and crossed the room to her dainty kitchen, the Bartamus waddling after her every step. The faerie lifted the cover from a tray atop the stove. Then, she placed two Illusen Cream Cookies into a small box, and placed a tiny envelope on top. The faerie tied the small package up with a bow of twine. She delivered it to Tilamaus, who timidly accepted it.

     “Here is your reward,” Illusen said in her soft voice. She smiled at Tilamaus, who blushed red under gaze. The faerie’s green eyes sparkled with magic. “Give the envelope to your owner. Come back tomorrow and maybe I’ll have another quest for you,” she concluded.

     “M’kay,” Tila mumbled, trying to maintain her composure. She smiled at Illusen, took a final look at the faerie’s kind face and translucent wings, and then made her swift exit. Despite Illusen’s enticing aura, she wanted out of the situation as soon as possible. The scent of cinnamon still clung to her clothes. She closed Illusen’s door behind her and took a few steps down the ramp before she noticed the cheering. The crowd that had gathered for Illusen Day were facing the Glade and applauding. Tilamaus looked around, wondering what had happened, but she realized eventually they were clapping for her. She turned an even darker red and practically ran down the ramp and out of Illusen’s Glade.

     The innkeeper she knew from the night before was waiting for her. She was holding Tilamaus’ belongings which had been lost in the excitement. Tilamaus took them gratefully from the kind lady. Despite their simple lifestyle, the people of Meridell had more heart than the Wocky had ever known. They surrounded her, patting her on the back and congratulating her on her bravery.

     Another cry went up from the crowd. Tilamaus searched for the source of the excitement, and found Illusen had exited her home and stood looking over the glade. She held the Loveberry that Tilamaus had fetched for her. The faerie covered the berry with her hands and closed her eyes. A warm tingle of magic spread across the meadow as she cast her spell. Then, she released her hands in a flourish. From the sky came a rain of glittering hearts, iridescent in the sunlight. They floated down slowly, glowing with Illusen’s green magic. The crowd went wild. Before a moment had passed, the Baby Draiks were laughing and playing in the shower of love magic. Tilamaus smiled up at the faerie, and she could’ve sworn Illusen smiled back.

     The End.