Terra sits alone in the field, clutching the necklace Gabriel gave her. Tears stream down her face. She can't tell if they're from relief that she didn't get caught, or guilt because of what he said to her next.
"Why are you so afraid of me?" he asked.
At that moment, Terra got herself together. She made up a believable excuse about the power differentiation between fanice and half fanice, and how she felt like she would never fit in, especially with a royal. Yet instead of sympathizing with or comforting her like he usually did, Gabriel became even more distant. Then, he grabbed the necklace and placed it in her hand. "I have no use for this," he said. "If you decide to let me in, come find me. If not, at least keep the necklace. I want you to have it." Then, he flew away.
She doesn't understand what she did wrong.
This whole time, she's been pretending to be his friend, and she thought it was working.
You're a bad actor, Terra. The professor and Eila had said that, but it seemed she was still fooling the fanice. However, from what Gabriel said, he's been catching on to her act. For how long, she has no idea. Based on how he was acting, it's only a matter of time before she gets caught. Maybe that argument was for the best.
Pull yourself together, the woman thinks to herself. "I shouldn't be crying… about him," she mumbles. Instead, she should be heading back to her family. It's been a while. They must be worried about her, but if she leaves now, she might get to the mountain entrance before the festival starts.
As Terra stands up to make her journey, she notices the necklace still in the palm of her hand. The gem glimmers crimson.
She should leave it in this field to rust, but why can't she let it go?
Not wanting to think too much about it, Terra clutches the thing and drops it into her pocket. No one will be harmed if she takes it. She can always get rid of it later.
Focusing on the journey ahead, Terra heads down the mountain path.
By the time Terra reaches their cottage underground, fanice have already begun gathering in the streets. The underground village, which was once bursting with activity, has become a ghost town. The only fanice who remain are the royal guards, who frequent the tunnels going deeper into the caverns. They briefly glance at Terra, then continue talking to each other, paying her presence no mind. The scent of withering plants and rotting wood permeates the air.
The second Terra knocks on the door, she is dragged inside. "Where have you been?" Professor Faramund shrieks. "My word, you're cutting it too close! We have to leave right now. The festival is beginning!"
"I'm sorry," Terra says.
Eila sprints down the hallway. "What happened? Are you okay?"
"I'm… fine," she lies. The pistol Terra carries with her feels heavy in her pocket. Only a few hours ago, her hand was on its trigger. She can't believe what happened and what she was thinking about doing. If you had to kill King Gabriel, could you do it? Eila had asked. If Gabriel's question had been different, if he had asked her if she was human, would she have shot him? Would she have been able to pull out that gun and kill that man—the one who welcomed her family, who's been kind to her, and even brought her back from the dead? Her hands tremble.
"We don't have time for pleasantries!" the professor shouts. "Terra, get yourself together. We need to go above ground right now. The last thing I want is the fanice questioning why we're late and drawing more attention our way."
"I understand," she answers. Terra briefly makes eye contact with her sister. The little girl stares expectantly at her. She wishes she could explain things, but it would only make her worry. Plus, they're out of time now.
The Faramunds rush to the festival, and as they head up the familiar tunnel leading out of the decrepit house, the professor explains their plan again. They are to participate in the festival and witness the arts, crafts, and musical performances in the street. Then, when the grand song and dance portion begins, they will quietly slip away. Since every fanice is required to participate, there will be no guards in Faecliff Village. Then, if all goes well, by the time they notice they're gone, it'll already be too late.
They will install the virus in the server room, and all of the fanice's magic will be gone.
Just like that.
As the family emerges from the old house and takes in the twilight of the Nadura City ruins, Terra's heart sinks. This moment should be triumphant. They're about to rescue the millions of people who've been trapped. They're about to be the saviors of Planet Viatrix.
So why does she feel so hollow?
…
The festival is an incredible sight.
Terra and her family stand on the side of the road as a parade of fanice goes by.
First, there's the procession of fire. The fanice twirl batons with blazing infernos on each end. The fire turns all colors of the rainbow. They throw the batons, then fly into the air to catch them, and when they do, the fires expand, painting colorful pictures depicting plants and animals in the air. The onlooking crowd cheers.
Then, there's the procession of nature. Several floating platforms make their way through the city, each with different kinds of plants on them. Ariel flies around, using an old megaphone to explain each plant and what they're going to do for the new world. This section bores most but fascinates Terra to no end. Her favorite part is the showcase on edible plants and medicinal herbs.
Finally, the procession of telekinesis flies by. This one has all sorts of acts, from someone juggling rocks with their mind to waves of water twisting and turning in the air. Some half fanice are a part of this act: they perform the tricks from the ground, allowing others of their kind to see up close. There are only a few dozen half fanice in the city, but they seem overjoyed to be included. Raphael, a half fanice Terra used to regularly see at the clinic, finds them and talks to Eila. He compliments her on her dress, and she spins around, feeling proud.
After the parade ends, the crowd is guided to the center of town: the very place Terra and Eila snuck off to a month ago to help the fanice prepare for the festival. She feels a twinge of sadness in this place, but the elation of the people around her drowns that feeling out. Terra can't help but be swept up in the moment at the sight of the courtyard; at one kiosk, they're selling wreaths of flowers and putting them on children's heads; at another, the dancing dolls from earlier are making people cheer; at yet another, a band of fanice plays music, with one of them going crazy on the saxophone.
Eila gleefully drags them from kiosk to kiosk, first getting herself a flower crown and dancing with the dolls. She even drags poor shy Raphael onto the stage and dances in circles with him, trying to teach him the dance moves she learned from the puppets. She then introduces him to her "friend," Johanna, the black-haired doll. He seems creeped out by the interaction but had fun, nonetheless. Shortly after, Raphael's father arrives. The full blooded fanice takes his half fanice son off the stage, looking embarrassed. Still, the child waves gleefully to Eila as he leaves. Terra smiles. She's glad to see her sister having so much fun.
"Attention everyone!" Ariel's voice says through the megaphone. Suddenly, all the festival participants look toward the central stage. It was built in place of the water fountain that used to be in the middle of the town square. "I hope you're all having a good time!" The crowd cheers, so she continues. "As you know, our king has been hard at work keeping peace across the world, but not even he could miss this long-awaited occasion. Make some noise for his majesty, the royal who helped make The Vanishing happen, King Gabriel!"
Fireworks go off in the sky, a procession of trumpet players fly through the air, and Gabriel lands gracefully on the stage. He's surrounded by guards dressed like Michaela. They form two lines on either side of him as he walks. A red cape billows behind him in the wind, and he's wearing a silver crown. For once, he looks like royalty. Terra didn't even realize Gabriel had a crown. He's never once talked about it. Then again, he's never been enthusiastic about being a royal in general. "Thank you, everyone!" Gabriel shouts. He's not using a microphone, yet his voice carries across the city. The thousands of fanices' chatting has quieted down to murmurs and whispers, as if they're hanging on his every word. "This is truly an occasion worth celebrating, but it wouldn't have been possible without my late father, King Azrael. He's the one who dedicated his life to making The Vanishing work. In honor of him, I now dub this place after the village the royals were raised in. Henceforth, this town is now known as Faecliff City!" Fireworks go off in the sky again, but this time, they form in the shape of Azrael's face and sprawling turquoise wings. The text, "Faecliff City," explodes under it. The people cheer. Terra makes eye contact with the professor, who is strangely smiling too.
Gabriel seems to hesitate in the next part of his speech. He looks around as if searching for someone. Then, his expression turns serious. "The age of man has ended, and with it, the fanice rise. As you all go about the Celestial Festival's many activities, I want you to respect your neighbor and think about what it's like to be in their shoes. In the old world, both fanice and half fanice were ostracized and forced to be in circumstances they did not choose, but we are better than humans. We will usher in a new era of peace, with equal opportunity for all, regardless of the circumstances of their birth." The crowd begins talking louder. Nearby, Terra can hear some full-blooded fanice talking about how they miss the old order, and how they don't want to share this world with "those of human blood." However, not everyone is like that. Other fanice hang on the king's every word, eager for him to continue.
"I know not all of you are on board yet, and that is okay. I understand you've been hurt by what humans have done to us, but the ones who forced us underground are gone. They will never have power over us again. Do not punish a child for the sins of their forefathers. Instead, forgive them, and you both shall be saved. I truly believe that, and I will dedicate my life to showing you the prosperity we can achieve by putting this into practice. Now, without further delay, to show you all my resolve…" He trails off as if he wasn't supposed to say that last part. The crowd's murmuring grows louder, and the royal guard attempts to quiet them down.
Still, Gabriel does not continue his speech. He seems lost in thought, his turquoise eyes wide. Terra doesn't know why he's so distracted all of a sudden. She wonders if it has anything to do with what happened earlier. If Terra had accepted the king's invitation to be his date, would she be up on that stage right now? Would she be speaking with him, showing that fanice and half fanice could get along? That must have been his plan, and by refusing his invitation, that plan has been ruined.
Before the crowd's gossiping can take over, Ariel steps in. "Those were some wonderful points, sire. Now, it is time for what you've all been waiting for: the celestial dance!" The fanice cheer, and music begins playing. An entire symphony orchestra accompanies Gabriel and Ariel as the stage is cleared for them. They take each other's hands and perform the same dance Gabriel taught Terra only hours before. As they twirl around and fly into the air, Gabriel smiles widely, but the expression doesn't reach his eyes. Terra hangs her head, unable to watch the performance. That poorly masked sadness must be because of her. It is now clear why he wanted her with him for the festival. He likely had the second part of his speech planned to incorporate Terra. He would have talked about how they became friends, and then they would have danced for all to see. It's a beautiful story, but she must remember that's all it is: a story. Nothing about their relationship is real. It never will be.
A hand touches Terra's shoulder, snapping her out of her stupor. She turns around to see the professor and Eila, their expressions resolute. "Terra, it's time," Professor Faramund states.
Terra takes a deep breath. It's finally time to rescue the people of Nadura City and restore the world. As they make their way through the onlookers, she takes one last glimpse at the city, now a jungle of plants and fairy cottages.
Goodbye, Faecliff City. she thinks.
And hello to the polluted, overcrowded mess they're about to restore to Planet Viatrix.
…
As the first song ends, Ariel's voice echoes down the streets, even as the Faramunds grow further and further from the town square. She announces that everyone is free to choose their partners, and the public dance will begin, but Gabriel will take a "brief hiatus" from the festivities. She explains that he's not feeling well, and Terra's heart sinks. Did she affect him that much? He's royalty, for crying out loud. He has the entire fanice population to support and idolize him, yet he put so much value in a relationship with a mere half fanice? It doesn't make any sense.
The fanice all around them scatter across the city, looking for partners for the dance. Terra can see why the professor wanted them to leave now. No one will question them moving. In fact, the fanice have yet to notice they're heading back toward the entrance to Faecliff Village.
"Terra, are you alright?" Professor Faramund asks as the crowd thins and they reach the house tunnel.
"Yes, let's get this over with," she answers.
The professor scoffs and focuses on their path ahead. In any other circumstance, she might have pushed the issue, but right now is too important. She's likely focusing all her thoughts on this one thing: on getting into the village discreetly.
They change into their black clothes and head down the tunnel. Just as the professor predicted, Faecliff Village is completely deserted. Not a single guard stands in the caverns. The sound of brass and string instruments echoes through the caverns, indicating that the dancing has begun.
"We have about an hour before the event ends," Professor Faramund states. "Let's hurry."
The girls glance at each other, and Terra notes Eila's strangely serious expression. She thought her little sister would be excited for this. Instead, she reaches for Terra's hand, her arm trembling.
Heading deeper underground, the cavern transitions from an open cave filled with plants to a narrow rocky hallway, growing darker as they tread deeper. At some point, the professor makes a light in her hand so they can see. Terra helps, too, using the gyp to create a fake fire. It may all be illusions, but it definitely glows like it's real.
"You know, you really look like a fanice when you do that," Eila says.
"Thanks," Terra replies. "That's what we wanted them to think, right?"
"I guess so." The little girl lets go of her hand, and her eyes dart about the hallway. She seems like she wants to say something.
"Are you okay, Eila?" Terra asks.
The professor looks back at both of them, frowning.
"Yeah," Eila says. "I'm good, just scared, I guess. I hope we can rescue everyone."
"We will," the professor responds. "All we need to do is get to the server room, install the virus, and that will be the end of it." She looks back ahead, laser-focused on the path before them.
Terra wishes she could feel as confident as Professor Faramund about this plan, but she can't help but feel off. It's as if there's something that could cause all of this to come crumbling down. That's ridiculous, though. They timed their exit perfectly. By the time her family headed to the tunnel, all of the fanice were too distracted choosing dance partners to notice. Ariel is busy leading the celebration, and Gabriel is resting, likely too upset about Terra's rejection to realize she's disappeared. Everyone is accounted for. Everyone except…
Wait a minute. What about Michaela? Terra thinks. As the head of the royal guard crosses her mind, she realizes that when Gabriel was introduced at the festival, she was nowhere to be seen. Wouldn't she be leading the other guards as they welcomed the king to the stage? Terra doesn't know the fanice's customs, but the Celestial Festival is huge. Michaela should have been there in some capacity, but she wasn't. Her heart sinking, she looks up at the professor.
Professor Faramund's back faces them as she leads them down tunnel after tunnel, taking specific paths. She glances behind them, too, and sees no one, not even a single speck of light behind them to indicate they're being followed. So, if Michaela isn't here, then where is she?
"Professor," Terra says, her anxiety rising. "are you sure we're not being followed?"
She stops and stares at both of them, her eyebrows raising. "I doubt it. Why?"
"Did you see Michaela at the festival?" she asks.
The professor's eyes widen, and she places a hand on her chin. "Come to think of it, no, but she easily could have been amongst the crowd. Or she could have had other duties to attend to."
"Still…" Terra states. "It's strange she wasn't there for Gabriel's speech. She would have at least shown up publicly for that, right?"
"Indeed, that is odd." Professor Faramund says. Nonetheless, she turns back around, continuing her path down the tunnel. "But it's none of our concern right now. If the captain of the royal guard has caught on to our plan, I have countermeasures that will take her down. Try not to worry. Let's focus on getting to the server room as soon as possible."
"Okay," Terra responds. She checks on her sister, who holds her hand again. Eila stares ahead of them, but instead of being focused like the professor, she still seems worried.
As they take turn after turn, treading further into the earth, the cave itself lights up. A strange species of blue, glowing fungi lines the walls, and the hallway expands to about twice Terra's height. No longer are they walking down a narrow corridor. Now, they're in a gorgeous, lush cave. At the end of the hall, there's an even brighter light source. The lights shift in small flashes as if playing a video. It's white light, just like what the VR glasses and screens in class used to emit before all electronics went down.
"That's the server room," the professor explains. "We're almost there, girls. It's all about to be over."
step step step
Then, horrifyingly, they hear footsteps.
Immediately, the professor grabs several devices from her pockets and holds them up in front of the girls. Terra pushes Eila back and wraps her hand around her gun. She knew something was off. Who is coming their way, and are they here by coincidence…
Or on purpose?
"Oh, would you look at what we have here?" The voice of Michaela says. She emerges from the hall adjacent to their path, eyes wide and glowing pink. "What are the three of you doing down here?"
None of them say anything. The professor looks ready to fight.
"What's that? Don't have a convenient excuse this time? What, you're not going to tell me that you were 'tired of the festival' or that you 'wanted to get some fresh air' down in these top-secret caves?"
As Michaela walks closer, the professor reaches into her pocket and hands Terra a small black object. "Go," she whispers. "I'll hold her off."
Terra inspects the object and realizes it's a flash drive—an extremely old way of storing data, but an effective one. She knows how to use it. Terra drops it into her pocket.
"Seriously?" Michaela continues. "Are you planning on fighting us, halfling? You'll lose, and you know that. You three are out of excuses and options. Come with us quietly, and maybe your sentence will be merciful." Suddenly, two other guards walk out of the tunnel, their faces stone cold. Terra recognizes them as the guards who where there when her family was first interrogated: Camael and Angelo. They've regularly been around them, surveilling them and keeping them safe. It's heartbreaking to see them looking this way now.
"How did you find us here?" Professor Faramund asks. She seems as if she's trying to buy time, but Terra doesn't know what for. There's no way she can take on three fanice, and even if Terra gets out her gun, she'll likely only shoot one before the others take her down. Still, the professor gave her the drive. She must have a plan.
"That doesn't matter," Michaela answers. "Guards, arrest them. I don't know what your goal with the server room is, but it can't be good. You will stand trail for betraying fanice kind, and the people will get justice."
The guards move to apprehend them. Terra glances at Eila, who is now trembling in her black clothes. Terra squeezes her little sister's hand, trying to tell her to be brave. Hope isn't lost yet, as long as they can get that drive plugged in.
Then, the professor presses a button on one of her devices.
The instant that button is pressed, the air itself seems to glitch out. The floating pink particles move like static on a screen that has lost signal.
Zzzzttt. Zzzzttt.
Michaela and her guards scream and collapse to the ground.
"Go, now!" the professor shouts. "This won't last long. You have to finish the mission!"
Realizing this is their cue, Terra and Eila sprint around the ailing fanice as the professor prepares more devices, likely to disable them further. She hopes their mother figure will be alright.
She will be, Terra thinks. Because they're almost to the server room.
The girls sprint down the mushroom infested hall and toward the blinking lights. There, they are met with rows upon rows of screens, each depicting an act of magic. On all of these screens, she can see the festival, but from different perspectives. Some are performing telekinesis to make the dolls move. Others are playing with fire or making decorations float. The system seems to play these events and then log them. Terra can see the files updating live on-screen. Then, finally, in the center of it all is a massive computer. It depicts a diagram of Planet Viatrix. Roots spread all the way to its core and pulsate in a rhythmic pattern. It reminds Terra of those plant diagrams that depict how they soak up water. She has no idea why the main computer has something like that, but she knows that's where they must go. She can see power outlets at its base. One of them is small enough to fit the drive.
The two of them sprint toward it, and Terra readies the device. They're so close. Everything is going to be okay. Once the fanice's magic is disabled, they'll be helpless, and with the humans' return, her family will have backup. Things may take a while to settle down, but Eila will be safe, and—
"Aaaaahhhhhh!"
But before they can reach the computer, Eila collapses, holding her head. Without thinking, Terra stops running too, trying to help her sister. Pink particles fill the air.
And walking toward them is Gabriel, eyes blazing crimson.