The Three Sisters
Michelle Scheponik

Chapter 1


"Do you know where fairies live, Sela" Princess Mason and Princess Selina sat talking one morning in there study.
"No" I replied.
"Near the ocean. I wish I could be a fairy."
"You can't! I'd never see you again!" I eyed her pleading. She gazed back and shook her head. I was fifteen, her sixteen, in an hour I would be sixteen, Mason seventeen. I clung to her like a rag doll and she would tell me not to. Our sister Lina was twenty. She had married and left home years ago.
We were definately different in more ways than one. Mason had light skin, golden hair, and was brave. I had dark skin, dark brown hair, and was shy. We talked for a while until our teacher Anna bolted in.
"Your Highnesses!" We both ran to her and stared intently. Something's happened. I thought.
"What's wrong Anna?" Mason asked.
"Your sister Lina...she's been...been. Oh!"
She broke into sobs."She's been captured!" I screamed but Mason only asked,
"By whom?" Anna only shook
her head.
"Th-those evil Fal-falsetons!" Mason put her head down and I yelped.
Falsetons were evil creatures. They would steal young people and tie back their hair in a white ribbon. They would gradually take over the victim's mind as the ribbon changed colors, ending in black where the Falsetons could control the victim whenever they wished. The only way to save someone was to rip out the ribbon.
I asked, "Don't they know when someone's plotting against them?" Mason patted Anna on the back and answered me.
"Yes. They go to trances every night at dinner where the colors change. I want to save Lina, Sela and I know I can." Anna propped up immediately.
"No you can't! You would be ribboned too!" Our father's apprentice Ryu, a half sorcerer, half human, walked in. Anna dried her tears and left.
"I've just heard of Princess Lina." I never
really talked to him as a girl but as I grew older
our brief hellos became long conversations. He was seventeen with green eyes and tousled, short, black hair. "I'm very sorry, princesses."
Mason asked him quietly, "Is there anyway you could break the mind control done by Falsetons, Ryu?" Ryu frowned uneasy.
"I'm terribly sorry Princess Mason, but only sorcerers themselves can fuse those horrid ribbons. How I wish we could." I had just realized I hadn't said a word when Ryu glanced at me. "Princess Sela? Would you care to..." He paused. "take a walk with me?" I felt like my heart exploded. I tried to hide my excitement as best I could.
"Sure" I smiled. Ryu left to wait for me. Me! And Mason stood up.
"I am going you know." She said. She started to leave, but I grabbed her arm.
"You can't!" I practically screamed at her before covering my mouth. Ryu was outside the door. I quieted. "The Falsetons are everywhere." She stared hard. I knew what she wanted, to please me and her. She could be killed or worse ribboned!
"Sela, Lina's are sister! I'm going to save her." I won't let you. I thought. She left the room and I left to meet Ryu.


Chapter 2

The hallway was empty! Had he already changed his mind? "Ryu?"
"Yes?" I heard him answer, but where was he?
"Where are you?" I continued to walk down the corridor. A breeze blew in from the window and I heard him answer.
"Look behind you." I did. He was floating a few inches off the ground behind me.
"Funny." Oh no! He would think I didn't like him! I had an idea. "But not as funny as this." I turned and ran. I laughed and heard him laugh as well. I glanced back hoping he would pick up on my game. He was flying after me. I stopped at the staircase to catch my breath. Suddenly someone scooped me into the air. I screamed and Ryu laughed. I whipped my arms around his neck to hold on. He whispered in my ear.
"Game of catch? Hmm..I believe I caught you!" I whispered as we flew out to the garden.
"I'm glad you did." He stared to land on the
path below. All I could think was, No not yet. Keep going. He placed me on the path and stopped. My dream ended as he steered the conversation onto Lina.
"I wish I could help her." I glanced at the ground.
"Ryu? Mason wants to go save her, should I let her?" When the words left my mouth I felt extremely better.
"I suppose there is no stopping her." My eyes stung. He understood, but I was on the verge of tears. I didn't want to cry in front of him.
"But what if she's ribbon-" I couldn't finish, I fell to my knees and cried. Ryu knelt in front of me.
"She'll be fine. I know so." He lifted me in the air once again and the rush of excitement returned. We flew up in front of the castle. I nestled along his shoulder. We flew around awhile before he flew in front of my bay window. Ryu clicked it open and sat me on the widow seat. When I stood up he readied to fly away, but my heart took over. I reached out and grabbed his arm. I kissed his cheek and whispered.
"Thank-you. I had an amazing time." I
smiled. He flew away and I turned. A loud bang of thunder sounded and I turned back around. I smiled again. The clouds in the sky spelled out 'Your Welcome' and glowed there through my window all night long.


Chapter 3

I woke up the next morning early and went to find Mason. Her bedroom was empty, the bed unmade, the fire out. Where is she? A small sheet of paper was laid on the desk. I held in screams, tears, worry as I read.

Sela,
I dearly love you, but I can't bear to sit around at home while Lina is being tortured and not even knowing! I saw Ryu before I wrote this. It ate at my heart to know you had cried from worry of my leave, but I will be fine. Besides a Falseton couldn't get me if it tried! I'll always love you, no matter what. Good-bye.

Mason

"Yes it could." I whispered. "Yes it could." She would be caught. I threw the note down and left.
She could not bear to sit home, I couldn't bear her being gone. I didn't know who to tell. I
wanted to see Ryu, but I didn't know where his
room was. Anna was walking past my room. I ran to her. "Anna!" She grabbed my arm, to support me.
"What is it?" She asked.
"It's Mason, she went to save Lina!" Anna stared horror struck.
"What?"
"I found a note on her bedroom desk." Anna didn't move for a moment then blinked hard.
"Sela, go on. I'll tell your Mother and Father." She practically ran to my parents chamber. I walked to the garden, my dreamworld as a child, my getaway now. A small rose path opened to the courtyard, surrounded by water and stone walls. A tiny window, behind the patio, peaked into the throne room on the back wall. There were no seats just small stairs that led up to the patio.
I slumped in the lush, green grass and stared at the sky above. How could she? I thought. No one knows where there domain lies! My eyes flew open. Except for..., I gulped hard. Dragons. Trying to keep steady I walked to the window and looked through. Mother was in tears. Father was pacing the room wildly. They're not nearly as worried as I am. I thought. My eyes soon felt heavy. I layed on the patio and fell into a daydream...
I pictured Lina on the patio. Mason and I were running around in the grass. I remember this. Mason and I were five and Lina was nine. To think Mason is seventeen, I sixteen and Lina twenty! I laughed. Voices in the throne room brought me back to my senses. Lina's husband had traveled here. He was comforting Mother as his eyes followed Father.
"Not spying are you?" I turned around. Ryu was standing behind me. I stood.
"No, I just...oh..." Ryu had pulled a thin chain from his cloak. The chain had a gold locket dangling beautifully.
"I want you to have it, well Mason did." He clasped it around my neck. I tried to open it, but it was sealed. "She also asked me to give you this." He held out a letter. "She wanted me to charm it shut."


Chapter 4

"Did she write this?" I took the letter and tore it open.
"Yes, she said it was how that locket works and how to open it."

Sela,
I made this for you. It's a seelocket. If your ever away from home, it's charm will open and reveal a spyglass hole. You set it to the correct number of miles and it will prove to be a spyglass. Just in case you try to find me. I love you, Sela.

Mason

I closed my eyes. The most wonderful sister ever, and she's gone. I opened my eyes and dropped the letter. I had fallen to my knees. I looked up at Ryu.
"I wish I could thank her." He sat down next to me.
"I believe she wants to say 'Your Welcome' just as bad." He wrapped his arm around my shoulder. I didn't want to, but I cried. That night I sat wide awake. What if had been me? I thought. Would Lina come save me?
"No." I whispered. "Mason would." I didn't sleep well, and when Anna walked in early in the morning I only became more awake. Her eyes were redder than ever and she looked at me sympathetically. I put my head down and clutched my fists, ready for the worst. "It's Mason isn't it?" I asked. She looked at me and nodded, afraid to speak.
"Wh-what happened?" I was choking back tears as best I could. I had survived one day without her, how much longer could I endure it?
"Oh Sela, I can't bear to say it, but she's been ribboned..." I clutched my hands tighter, my eyes stung like crazy.
"H-how long a-ago?" I choked. Anna shook her head. "I have to go." I bolted out of the room without even glancing at her. I ran to the garden. My eyesight was clouded, all I saw was memories of Mason flash before my eyes. The courtyard was flooded in morning light, but it all seemed so dark to me. I sat on the stairs and looked at the sky. It began to cloud and cover the sun. I looked back down at the flowers surrounding the patio. Mason planted those. I thought.
"Anyone sitting there?"


Chapter 5

Ryu! I looked up and shook my head no.
"Mind if I?"
"Be my guest." He sat and continued the conversation.
"I am so very sorry, Princess Sela."
"So am I, what should I do?" He looked at me and smiled.
"You don't know if you want to save her correct?" I frowned.
"I've wanted to, yes, but what if I..." Ryu patted my shoulder.
"Would you believe me if I said Mason was just as scared to really leave?"
"Of course not. She is braver than anyone!" He smiled at me again and then frowned.
"Do you want to go?" I thought hard. At least a few minutes went past before I answered.
"Yes." He stood up. I followed.
"I have some possibly helpful items for you, princess." He led me down a flight of stairs to his bedchamber. I sat at a table. Ryu began walking
around pulling different items off shelves as he went. He set a sack on the table. "Here." He handed me a compass.
"I believe I have a..."
"Yes. But this isn't only a compass. When you wear it, if you say where you would like to go it will send you there. Your sister's locket should help to see where your destination lies." I took the compass from him and tossed it in the sack. I pointed to a biscuit and water cantine.
"Begging your pardon, but I don't believe that will last me." He laughed.
"Yes it will. Try taking a bite and sipping some water." The muffin was delicious. I went to take another bite and the muffin had no marks! Ryu laughed again. "I charmed it for you." For me? "I also got this sword and some maps."
"Thank-you so much. I don't know what I would do without it all." His gifts were grand, and would possibly save my life.
"You're welcome. Your Father would not allow me to come with you hence he come as well. I supposed you would rather go alone. I'll sneak away to find you when I can." He was going to disobey Father's wishes for me? I nodded.
"Do you know where Falsetons dwell?" He tossled his hair hair and thought.
"I have heard it is somewhere toward the north. In the Halston Valley if I am correct. When do you plan to leave Sela?" He called me Sela. I answered slowly.
"I hope to leave at dawn." He nodded. I could tell there was something else.
"I'll miss you. I hope all three of you return home safely. Good-bye, Sela."
"I do to. Good-bye." I left and returned to my room. Sad to leave him behind and now we had already said good-bye. If I died he would never know that I loved him. It will be luck that I don't die. I thought. I packed an extra gown of Mason's and finished packing the sack Ryu had given me. After hours of lying awake I finally fell asleep.


Chapter 6

Dawn arrived gloomier than ever. I put on my plainest gown and prepared to leave. Anna was waiting for me in the hallway.
"Sela, here." She handed me some herbs and a bandage.
"Thank-you. Good-bye, Anna." I turned past her and walked faster. I got past the drawbridge without stopping, but once across my heart leaped. I might never come back. I will come back. I thought. I pulled out Ryu's compass and Mason's locket from my sack as well as the map of Halston Valley. "I can go to Steerin." I looked through the locket at the small town. I tied the compass around my neck and gathered my sack.
"I have to get to Steerin." I whispered. I shot off, barely grabbing the old map. I closed my eyes and screamed. The next I knew I had fallen hard on my right leg. Sitting up I pulled the bandage Anna gave
me out and wrapped it around my hurt leg. I stood and looked around me, the pain had receeded. The
compass flew me to Steerin. "Thank-you Ryu." I whispered. The small town had massive gates and a huge surrounding stone wall. I proceeded forward and called out as loud as I could. "Excuse me? Is anyone there?" A small man pushed open the gate and ran out.
"Hurry in, miss." I followed him back in. He quickly shut the gates behind him. The town was the same as most, but the town's people seemed happier protected by this stone wall. "What brings you here, miss?"
"I am Princess Selina, Sela and I have come in search of the Falseton's lair." He stared at me, mouth open, in awe. "Could you please give me directions? A friend of mine told me it is in this valley." He spoke rushed.
"Your friend must be wrong, no one here speaks of Falsetons, your majesty." He started to run, but I followed.
"Won't you help me? Both of my sisters were captured." He ran faster, but I kept his pace.
"Leave me be please, your ladyship. I do not wish to bring bad luck upon my family." He reached his house and slammed the door shut. I walked out of the town and sat under a tree. I ate bits of the biscuit and drank some water. I went to lean back and rest that evening when I heard someone call me.
"Princess Sela? Princess are you here?" It was Ryu!


Chapter 7

"Ryu!" I called back. I saw him flying high above me. He landed next to me.
"Here you are. Did you find the lair? Are you hurt?" I laughed.
"Yes, I'm fine for the most part." I lifted my skirts to show my bandaged leg, then continued."I tried to ask a villager, but he ran the moment I mentioned Falsetons." Ryu nodded.
"Cowards, the lot of them. I used to live in Steerin, not many people talk let's just say. How do you paln to find it then?"
"I have no thought of it. Who would know?" He helped me up.
"Other than dragons, probably the whole town of Steerin, but none say in fear of being ribboned." He placed a hand on my shoulder. "I hope you only go after a dragon as a last resort, Sela. I best be off. Your father will be suspicious of my leave. Take care, I...good-bye." He flew up and was gone.What else did he want to say. There was something. I took out the seelocket and spied through it. The town of Steerin was dark, the windows shut. No one to help me now. I thought. I was tired. I leaned against the tree and rested. I awoke at dawn and ate. Someone in that town has to help me. A group of travelers were entering the town's gates. I snuck in to avoid seeing that non-helpful man. I sat on a bench. A young woman was talking to her son.
"No, you can not go. What would I do without you?" It reminded me of Mother and Father. If I am ribboned or die they will have no daughters. I thought. An older woman sat on the bench next to mine.
"Who are you, miss?" I looked over at her. Would she help me?
"I...I am Princess Selina, Sela. I am questing to save my sisters." She nodded lightly.
 

"I could tell by your appearance you were royal, but your clothing showed me adventure, princess. Where are you headed?" She waited for me to answer.
"I wish to find the Falseton's lair, they captured my sisters. My friend said it is in Halston Valley." She nodded again. I noticed she was not facing me, but I guessed she was only concentrating.
"Your friend was almost correct. You must go north, near the ocean of Shallow Beach." The ocean was far, the compass would come in handy. I remembered when Mason told me fairies lived near there. She had also said she wanted to be one. I had to find that lair! I told the woman I was thankful and left. I took out a map of Shallow Beach, it was to the north. I tied the compass around my neck and whispered.
"To Shallow Beach." I took off as I had the first time, but was not as scared. I jolted down into the sand and at first I did not feel like moving.


Chapter 8

I struggled to my feet and stood. My right leg ached again and my gown was torn. I limped over to the water and bathed. After changing into the extra gown of Mason's, I took out some of the different maps. Over in the west layed the desert mountains. Back to the east was fast forest. Nowhere gave signs of Falsetons and other than Steerin and Drangonwood, to the west, I had nowhere to search for help.
Ryu never came that night. I was angry at Father for keeping him home, but then I had not told my family of my quest. I finally let myself drift to sleep using my torn dress as a blanket from the ocean breeze.
I dreamed of Lina and Mason. When Lina married, not even a nobleman, everything changed. She told Mother she would never take seat on the throne, and Mason became it heir. Mason never wished to stay home forever. She wanted to be a quest-seeker. I would take the throne and stay home. We were all different.
Lina wanted a normal life, Mason an adventurous one, and I wanted...
I opened my eyes. What did I want? I had gotten this far. I would no longer wish Lina and Mason to stay home for me. They would be proud to know what I had done, and I would tell them so. It was almost morning. I prayed Ryu would come, but he never did. I ate and looked through the locket. Ryu had wished me to only go after a Dragon as a last resort, and now it seemed I had no choice. If I went back to Steerin what chance did I have of ever finding the lair?
Dragonwood was five-hundred miles to the west. I tied the compass back around my neck and wispered to it.
"Dragonwood." It pushed me down against the ground. I stood wearily and looked around. The large town was surrounded by stone. The mountains behind it had some caves. I gulped. Guards blocked the town in my soiled clothing I would never be let in, but I had to. I walked to the entrance. The guard that blocked it snorted.
"Our town only allows the rich, little girl. You are not welcome here." I grew angry. How dare he speak to me like that. I took out the sword Ryu gave me and took a stance.
"I am Princess Selina, future ruler of this kingdom, and I demand you allow me to enter your town." He only looked at me.
"King Renold's three daughters would never be wandering to the deserts." He took a step forward at me, I didn't budge.
"As if I owe you at all, the kings three daughters, I the youngest, are no longer at home, sir." He shifted forward once more. I would not move.
"Be gone you little urchin!" He started to push me down, but stopped. I felt a wisp of wind at my back.


Chapter 9

I turned. The guard stared open-mouthed as Ryu landed in front of me.
"Ryu." Before I realized what I had done we were pulling away from a hug. "I am so happy to see you." I whispered. He whispered back.
"Likewise." He raised his voice so the guard could hear him. "We have no need to stay here, Sela." We walked away. He had called me Sela again. He started the conversation. "I found a clearing away from Dragonwood. It is a good place for now, but I would not stay here all evening, with the dragons about. How are you?" He cared about my safety.
"I'm fine, but I still can not find that lair. Lina has probably turned black by now." He was quiet. "She has, hasn't she?" He faced me, tears were in his eyes.
"I didn't want to tell you. I'm sorry, Sela." I wanted to scream. If I didn't find it soon, Mason would turn black, and I would have no chance. I sat down.
"It doesn't matter. If no one, but you, will help me what's the point in continuing to try?" He took my hands and lifted me back to my feet.
"I'll show you the point." I cocked my head, but watched him closely. He waved his wand. Wind formed images of three girls. It was Lina, Mason, and me. Lina took Mason's hand, then mine. Lina hugged us and the image faded. I looked over at Ryu he was smiling. "That's why. You love them, Sela."
He was right. My love for them had gotten me this far. "You're right." I suddenly remembered what Mason had told me about Falsetons almost a week ago. "Ryu, if Falsetons know when you are plotting against them, then they could certainly read your thoughts?" He nodded slowly.
"Certainly they could." I smiled.
"Then I believe I have a plan.


Chapter 10


"If they could read no signs of danger, they might possibly snap from the trance." Ryu watched me and nodded. I knelt over my sack and pulled out the maps. Even though they showed no signs of Falsetons there might be a clue. He knelt next to me. I stared at the map of Halston Valley, Ryu the one of Shallow Beach. The northern fringe of mine was torn where the valley and beach would meet. Meet!
"Ryu!" I jumped up, letting the map lie on the ground. The southern end of his map fell onto the northern end of mine when he stood.
"Sela, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Look..." I pointed at where the maps met. Pine Forest was painted on it, and in bold print read FALSETONS. I lifted my map, he his. Ryu sealed them together with his wand. "Where did you get these maps?" I asked. He nodded.
"From Steerin. An older woman gave them to me." I stared at him hard.
"I...there was an older woman in Steerin. She...she told me to go north near Shallow Beach. You don't suppose..."
"I doubt it. I received these years ago." After almost three days I had a lead. It was late afternoon, I would go by night.
"Do you wish to go alone?" I looked at him. I would already be putting myself in dangers way, I wouldn't risk his safety.
"I do not wish to, but I can't and won't put you in danger's way." He nodded lightly.
"I understand." He smiled. I turned away slightly.
"I have to hurry..." He grabbed my arm.
"Sela, I just wanted to say....stay safe. I...I would hate to lose you." He felt the same way?
"I would hate to lose you too, Ryu." I hugged him. If I was ribboned I would never see him again. I had to tell him. I hugged him and whispered, "I love you, Ryu."
"I love you too, Sela." We let go. I picked up my things.
"I have to go." He nodded.
"Be careful, Sela. If you find them during the morning it would be best, most are not in a trance. Good-luck." He flew off. I threw everything in my sack except fo the compass and went.


Chapter 11

I reached the edge of Steerin by nightfall, my goal. If the forest nearby held the building, Mason's locket could find it. I searched a long while before I caught glance at a large brick building. It was covered in ivy and vines. I put the locket back away. That is definately the place. I whispered to the compass Pine Forest and shot off.
The forest seemed to let off light, even though an eerie darkness loomed the entire valley. I cut my way through a thick of trees and brush into a clearing, where the building stood. I had finally found the Falsetons' lair. Most of my search had gone easy considering what little help I received. I never dreamed of searching for this place, Mason had. I'm only here to visit my sisters. I concentrated hard. One mishap could end my rescue in a heartbeat. I couldn't delay any longer. I walked over to the large doors and knocked, holding my breath all the while. An older woman answered the door. Why did she look so familiar? She looked startled to see a girl like the ones they captured at her front door.
"May I help you, young lady?" Even her voice sounded familiar, but who was she? I nodded.
"I am terribly sorry to trouble you so late, but I became lost in the woods. Do you perhaps have a room for the night?" She eyed me suspiciously.
"Of course. Please follow me...we are always honored to help villagers who have lost their way. You may stay as long as you wish." She led me through plenty of hallways before stopping at a small room in a dead-end corridor.
"Here we are, darling. I'm sorry, but did you perhaps say you had sisters?" So they could read my mind.
"Oh...yes, two. Lina and Mason. They left home quite a while ago. Are they here?" The woman seemed angry. She could not ribbon me if I posed no threat to her.
"Yes, as of fact. They have been here a while...lost their way if I am correct." She was good at lying to me. "I must be off...sleep well, young lady." I smiled. I was winning so far. The room was small. It only had a bed, chair, limited space, and a window. I put my things near the window. If I had to make a sudden escape, jumping out the window would be my best chance. After eating and drinking, I tried to sleep. I tossed and turned for hours until exhaustion won me over.

Chapter 12

Someone pushed me awake at dawn. It wasn't until I opened my eyes that I remembered where I had slept. I leaped up and grabbed at my hair. There wasn't a ribbon, I had stopped them. I heard a sweet laugh. Wait, I knew that laugh, it was Mason's. She was standing near the window, a dark blue ribbon was wrapped in her hair. She smiled. She looks better without the ribbon. I thought. I was afraid to run and hug her, so I got out of bed and stood instead. "Mason!"
"Sela! You're here!" She ran and hugged me. "I've missed you." She pulled away and relief flew inside me, she wasn't in a trance. I reached up and touched the ribbon slowly. Mason watched me all the while.
"Mason, you look beautiful in that gown, but this ribbon doesn't match." She stared hard at my hand. You look better without it. I thought. Her eyes drifted from my hand back to my face. I was winning again. It felt too easy, no one else could stop the Falsetons. If it was this easy, why couldn't they? Maybe it's a trap... Mason's eyes glared back at my hand. I couldn't think straight, I had slipped. Why couldn't Ryu be here. After I said Ryu's name Mason's eyes calmed. She blinked firmly and smiled.
"What has been going on at home?" She had snapped back. It would be risky to pull it out as she faced me, but it would be just as risky to pass up the opportunity. She was waiting for a reply.
"Mother and Father have been worried about you and Lina." The longer I talked the less time she could snap to a trance. "Ryu and I have been worried as well. Are you alright?" Mason looked upset.
"I'm sorry I worried you, Sela, it's just...I like it here." They were making her think that, I knew it. She wasn't completely free of the trance unless the ribbon was out. I shrugged.
"Well, we miss you. How is Lina?" Mason shuffled uneasy.
"She likes it here too, Sela. We don't really want to come home." I had an idea. I would counter what the Falsetons made her think.
"But what about going on quests and adventures, all your dreams? And what about Lina wishing to stay with her husband and have a family? If you stay here...none of that can happen." Something crashed nearby, Mason turned toward the door. Her back was to me, that ribbon evil hung from her hair. You would look better. It was now or never.

Chapter 13


I lunged. The ribbon caught in my fingers. I pulled, Mason screamed. She fell forward. The ribbon fused in my fingers, and dropped to the floor. It slowly faded to white. I picked it up and threw it across the room, and ran over to Mason. I rolled her onto her back. She smiled, her knee was bleeding.
"Thank-you, Sela." I helped her to the bed and untied the bandage from my leg. After wrapping up Mason's I continued the conversation.
"I wasn't going to sit around as they harmed you." I sat next to her. Lina was already black, she would mind every move I made. "Mason, why did you scream when I pulled the ribbon out?" She frowned slightly.
"Oh Sela, it's unbearable. If it touches you...it is the most pain I every felt...It is horrible here, Sela. If your not in a trance, they brainwash you to believe it's wonderful here. How did you save me, Sela?" I smiled, it had been because of her.
"You saved yourself, Mason." She didn't
remember.
"Me? How? You saved me."
"I would not have if you didn't tell me Falsetons know what you are thinking. I knew not to think of a plot against you, and it worked in my favor." I replied. She smiled.
"You are the greatest of the three of us, Sela." I frowned. She had wanted an adventure and had gotten it. I wouldn't risk her again with another one. I didn't even know what I was going to do to reach Lina.
"You have to go back home, Mason." I whispered, avoiding her eyes. She looked taken aback.
"What? But what about you...and Lina? Sela, I want to help you." I looked up at her.
"Mason, neither of us know what Lina is capable of. We never heard of the power of the black ribbon. She is in the Falseton leader's army now. I'll save Lina, Mason, but I won't risk you to do it." She smiled again.
"You are the most caring sister, Sela. I'll go but, I am going to come back, and I'm going to bring Ryu with me."
"Mason..." She fought me about coming back and I finally allowed her to. If I got into trouble I would need the help. She would leave by night. I gave her Ryu's compass and told her how to work it.
"How do you plan to get to Lina?" Mason asked.
"What do you mean?" I didn't understand. She was in the army, but how hard would it be to find her?
"She is on the leader's right hand...the army I mean. It will probably be difficult." I frowned slightly. It wouldn't be easy.
"Don't worry. I'll be fine." But would I be, I wasn't so sure. Nightfall came quickly and Mason readied to leave. The coast seemed clear, and with the compass she could get away faster then ever. I hugged her good-bye.
"Be careful, Sela. You don't know what Lina can do. Even if she is our sister, she's a true Falseton now." Sh climbed out the window. I waved good-bye.
"Bye Ma...uraa." Someone grabbed me from behind.

Chapter 14

"Oh my! What have you been up to, little princess?" I struggled until little princess ran through my ears. I stopped. The woman spun me around
"I am Malie, Falseton Leader, remember me?" I gasped now I knew where I had seen the woman. She had been in Steerin! "I see you do, princess." I swayed but stopped. If I fainted she would ribbon me! "Don't worry, little one. I shall wait till your friends return to ribbon you. I am sure your sisters would love to watch." She laughed. I found my voice.
"What do you plan to do with them?" I dared to ask.
"Well after your ribboned, I should just ribbon them too. It is only fair." I had no way out. Mason had the compass, her and Ryu would return any day now. At least she got to go home again.
"Stay put, little one. Of course there is no where you can go." She left. I sat down. What can I do now? I thought. There was no way I could contact Mason or Ryu. I layed on the bed. After worry, tears, and fear exhausted me I finally fell to sleep.
I awoke early. My sack was gone and Mason's locket was no longer around my neck. Today Mason and Ryu will come, and then we will all be ribboned. Malie walked in with Lina. She held up my sack. The sword Ryu had given me had peirced through the bottom and gleamed in the sun.
"You never ceased to amaze me, little one. So as a reward I have decided on two things. One." She reached up behind Lina's head, and snapped the ribbon. I saw Lina's face cringe, she blinked hard and looked longingly at me. "You can have your sister until you are ribboned. Two. I have granted you time. Your little sorcerer friend and sister will be thrown off with that fake compass you gave your sister." I stared at her. Fake? But it had gotten me here!
"Correction time, little princess. I got you here. I controlled that compass how I liked. Oh little princess, your sorcerer and I go far back." She laughed cruelly. Lina ran and hugged me, but I couldn't move. My whole life, Ryu's life, Mason's life, Lina's life, had been controlled by Falsetons. Everything was a lie. Malie left. Her evil laugh echoed in my ears. All four of our lives were controlled to this very moment. I couldn't think straight. If the compass was fake all along, I hadn't done a thing. Before I realized everything went black.


Chapter 15


I heard Lina's gentle voice when I woke up. My head was searing. Lina sat on the bed and stroked my hair lightly.
"For the baby of the family, you sure our the bravest." I tried to smile, but the pain in my head held it back. "Careful. When you fainted, your head cracked on the floor." She helped me sit up.
"Lina, is what Malie said true?" Lina frowned.
"I hate to say it is. Falsetons are told who to steal during their lifetime, and you, Mason, Ryu, and I were on Malie's list. What they didn't know is who would fight back like you did. Or who is a sorcerer." I felt horrible, sure I had changed our fate, but what much of a difference could I make?
"So I changed our fate by interrupting Malie's steals?" Lina nodded slowly.
"Oh Sela, if you hadn't left the day you did, Malie would have gotten to you. She didn't expect you to leave after us, Sela." Mason and Ryu wouldn't be fooled for long by that compass. Ryu would fly with Mason back here, and Malie would get her final steal.
"Lina what are we going to do?" She stood and sat in the chair.
"Oh Sela, I wish I knew. There is no way to stop Mason and Ryu. At least we will see each other one last time." I frowned at her.
"It's not good enough!" I shouted, days of mixed emotion were coming out. "We are all going to lose our dreams, our future, and our lives in a matter of days! We just can't put our lives in their hands." My head hurt like crazy. I didn't care, I stood up. "Lina, I'm not going to let Malie have her way without a fight. Are you going to help me?" She looked up at me uneasy. I knew she didn't want this, she wanted a normal life. I sat next to her and took her hand.
"Lina, I love you. I know you don't want this, your my sister. I don't want to make you change for me anymore, I want you to reach your dreams." She still wasn't looking at me.
"Sela, I..." I cut her off.
"If we get a plan by nightfall not one of us will be ribboned and I promise...none of us will be
left behind. Lina, trust me. Malie won't get me for
her finale steal, I'll kill her before she has the chance. All I want is to know you will help me." She finally looked up at me.
"You win, Sela. You have my word." I smiled and hugged her.
"Thank-you..." I whispered.

Chapter 16


At dinner we left the room. With every one in a trance we could sneak downstairs.
"Do you have any idea where Malie would have put it?" I asked her as we walked.
"Probably down in the ribboning rooms, I don't remember much from when I was ribboned. Now I wish I would have." I cringed. If Mason and Ryu came today, I would be there again. We walked down flights of stairs until we reached a lab. "Keep quiet...If anyone has heard of all this we could get ribboned in an instant." She pulled an ordinary black ribbon from her dress and tied up her hair.
"Perfect." I whispered. "Hurry." She opened the door and I caught glimpse of what I didn't need to see. The room had a large metal table with chains attached to it. I remembered what Mason told me about how unbearable the pain is. I shuddered. Lina came back my sack in her hands. I stared at her hard. "Is that where..." She held up her hand and interrupted me.
"Yes Sela, that's where." I opened the bag, everything was still inside. I breathed a sigh of relief, my sword still shined inside. We walked back to the room silently. I didn't feel like I could speak without screaming so I layed back in bed when we returned to the room, but I refused to fall to sleep and rest. My head still ached, but I couldn't worry about me.
"Sela, you're running down what little energy you have. Just go to sleep. I promise if anything goes on I will tell you. Everything will be fine." I stood back up and began to dig in the sack for Mason's locket.
"I'm fine, Lina besides we need to have a plan." I walked over to the window and searched the evening sky for Ryu and Mason. I started to search the valley when Lina asked me,
"Well, what do we have for a plan?" I continued to search while I answered.
"I thought..." I stopped. Mason and Ryu were at the edge of Steerin's boundaries. I lowered the locket and whispered. "Oh, no." Lina rushed to my side and looked at the window.
"Sela? Sela, what's wrong?" I had to sit down. My head ached again. Lina knelt in front of me and grasped my hand. "What's wrong?" I looked down at her. It was over.
"Lina, it's over. Mason and Ryu are almost here. They're at the edge of Steerin." She held back a gasp with her free hand.
"What are we going to do?" I blinked hard. I loved all three of them. Even if I was ribboned, I wouldn't let them lose their lives. I was going to keep my promise to Lina, none of us would be left behind.

Chapter 17

"We need a plan." I said. I stared to pace the room. Lina watched me. No matter how badly I wanted to scream right then I wouldn't. "Lina, Mason and Ryu have swords...take mine." She glanced at it then at me.
"Sela, I don't know how to fight!" I smiled.
"Hide it your gown and trust me. Tell Mason and Ryu to do the same. When they try and ribbon me we will fight."I handed the sword out to her, she didn't take it. "Lina, Malie has to be stopped. Please, just do this for me, for you. We don't have a choice." She reached for it slowly, then grabbed it more firmly. She hid it in her skirts.
The next hour lasted an age. A loud bang spun me toward the window. I knew that sound. I dashed to open the window, Lina followed. I ripped it open.
"Mason! Ryu! Go-ohh! Someone covered my mouth. I heard Lina scream, Ryu shout, Mason yell. I couldn't see, my head felt like it was stabbed. All I could hear was Malie's cruel laughter, her evil
voice.
"I hope you enjoy yourself here, little princess. None of you will be leaving here ever again." I tried to yell. I heard Mason yelling.
"Let her go you evil..." I was thrown down on that metal table. I struggled, but it was no use. To my left, Lina, Mason, and Ryu stood in a large glass cell. They all looked worried, I was scared. What if my plan backfired? Lina whispered in Mason's ear, her in Ryu's. Malie laughed again. I turned to face her, she had changed to how she really looked. Her hair had grown long, her face turned young. I cringed and continued to struggle.
"Isn't this a wonderful reunion? All made just for you and to follow the legacy of my steals." She turned away from me, when she turned back a white ribbon was draped over her hands. She walked closer. I mouthed to Lina to wait a little longer. "Now hold still, little princess. This may sting a little." She ran the ribbon along my arm. Horrible pain! I screamed, Malie laughed.
"You still amaze me, most people faint by now. Now let us get this over with. Tell your family good-bye, little princess...my steals will be completed." She leaned in, pain shot through me. I heard Lina scream. Malie came so close. The pain was worse than Mason had said. She was right, it was the most horrible moment of my life. From the corner of eye I could see the shine of Mason's raised blade...

Chapter 18


I heard the glass shatter, Malie screamed as the glass flew, and fell away from me. I turned away from the glass, more of Malie's army appeared. We would be killing girls who had once had a life...at least they would be free from Malie. Ryu ran over to me. He unclasped the chains and handed me a sword.
"Are you alright?" He helped me up off the table. I put my hand to my head. "Here." He handed me a herb. I took it the pain receded.
"I'll be fine." All the Falsetons had whips. I saw Mason fighting one off and ran to her. "Mason!" She lunged her sword, and didn't look at me.
"Sela, watch out for the whip!" I spun around, the whip hit me in the chest. I felt the pain of when Malie glided that evil ribbon up my arm. I started to stagger, but Mason grabbed my hand with her free one. "Are you alright?" I nodded, even though my hand still was on where the whip had hit.
"What is that thing?" Another Falseton came, interrupting us for a moment. We continued to talk even as we fought.
"It's a...ribbon whip. It's meant to inflict...the pain of a ribbon." We stabbed the Falseton and it fell away.
"Where is Lina?" I asked her. Mason laughed lightly.
"What did you say to make her pick up that sword and use it? I never thought she wanted this."
"Let's just say I know how to make her think about how it can help her." I remember how I told her I wanted to help the three of them live out their dreams. I turned to watch Lina, but my eyes traveled over to Ryu. He was fighting off a Falseton. Malie pulled her whip from behind her, she was taking aim on his back. I ran forward, but Malie glanced at me and let her whip swing.
"Ryu, look out!" I screamed. He turned and looked at me confused. I was too late, Malie's whip hit him in the side. Malie moved away. I stabbed the Falseton he was fighting and knelt over him. "Ryu, are you okay?" He nodded, I helped him up. More Falsetons came at us. There are too many. Ryu pushed down on my head.
"Sela, get down!" I heard a whip crack above us and reel back to it's owner. We fought off three more Falsetons before I heard Lina scream after Malie hit her in the back. She fell, and I ran to her.
"Sela, watch out." Malie's whip missed my arm by inches. Lina began to get up. Another Falseton attacked. I never expected this many. I thought. Malie's whip missed me again. Lina was whipped again, and I heard Mason scream. I ran through many Falsetons, stabbing them as I went. I was whipped in the arm twice, but nothing could have stopped me. Mason never screamed like that before, something had happened to her. She was on the floor clutching her ankle. When she pulled her hands away I saw a Falseton's whip tied around it. I tried to free her, but then I heard Ryu shout. I spun around, Ryu and Lina were on the floor unconscious. All of the Falsetons were gone. Mason fainted behind me. Only Malie and I were left.

Chapter 19


"Well, well, well, little princess. Seems that it is only you and me once again. Hah. Now just admit it, little princess, you have lost, your friends lie helpless, and you are about to be my final steal. What shall you do?" I was enraged at her. Did she really think I would let her ribbon me without a fight? She wouldn't win as long as I was still standing.
"First, I'd like to rid the kingdom of you, Malie." I drew my sword. She laughed. Apparently to her I was no threat.
"Oh, little princess, you just do not know when you have lost." She pulled her whip out from behind her. "Might I refresh your memory?" I raised my sword. I was going to stay, I wasn't leaving them behind. If anyone lost first, it would be me not them. "If it is a fight you desire, little one, then a fight you shall have." Her whip cracked so near my arm. It was realing back to her, now it was my chance. I swung my sword, her whip cracked it up, but I didn't miss. My sword dug into
her side. She fell back against the wall. As she felled I looked behind me, Ryu began to get up. Even though she was near death, Malie laughed her evil laugh again.
Ryu placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Little princess you have not won just yet. This was destined to happen, little princess...All four of your lives were mine." She coughed. If Ryu wasn't there to steady me I would have fallen by now. "Even if I never got to the two of you, oh have I won so much more. I have fooled you once more. Sorcerer boy, do you realize that by entrusting me, you made the largest mistake of your life? And little princess, that by coming here you have only killed your sister faster?" I felt Ryu's grip on my shoulder tighten. "That whip round her ankle shall kill her...you have won a battle, yet you have lost one, little princess...Only fairies can remove that band......." With a final laugh, she let her whip sting me in the side. I fell. The light dimmed. Malie had enjoyed using her last minutes of life to torture mine.

Chapter 20


"Sela? Sela are you alright?" It was Ryu. I opened my eyes. Lina and Mason still layed unconscious on the floor. Malie was gone.
"Ryu? What happened...where's Malie?" He came over and helped me up.
"Malie's gone, Sela, you killed her. Her body faded away. Everyone is gone...the palace is deserted. I'm sorry. This was all my fault for taking that stupid compass." I hugged him. It wasn't his fault all this had happened.
"Ryu, it's not your fault. This would have happened one way or another. Please, don't blame yourself. Mason...did she?" He hugged me tighter.
"We have till nightfall, Sela." I staggered. We only have till nightfall? I shuddered. My head hurt like crazy.
"Ryu, we have to save her. I can't let her die." I felt tears at my eyes. He nodded. I looked trough my bag. A compass layed inside, paper was taped to the back. I pulled it out and read the paper.

Vivian,

Darling daughter, I have just captured the one they called Mason. This was from a little detour I took to the resting place of the other two. My old compass...that boy still has it well just in case, I replaced them. Hem. I can control the one I left. Well the girl has yet to be ribboned. I would like you to keep this safe.

Malie

"Daughter. Ryu, this...Malie she visited the castle! Oh Ryu, she did give you a real compass. She switched them, when she got to Mason...look." I handed the note to him. He read it.
"This isn't good...we have to get out of here. If Malie had a daughter, there's a heir to her leadership." Mason stirred behind us. I knelt next to her.
"Can you stand?" She nodded. I watched her struggle to get up. My heart couldn't stand it. "We have to get to the fairies' palace, Mason. Here, just read this...I can't explain now...we don't have time. Just, just take my hand." Ryu lifted Lina. I tied one end of the rope to my arm, the other side to Ryu's. "To Shallow Beach." I said, gripping Mason's hand tighter. The wind nearly ripped the four of us apart. I pushed Mason behind me. The sand hit my face, Mason fell on my back. She lifted me up.
"Sela, what did we just do? What's going on?" She was worried, I could tell.
"Malie's dead, but we have another problem. Mason, I..." I cut off. I couldn't do it. I couldn't stand there and tell her she might possibly die, but I had to she wouldn't wait to hear what had happened. "Mason...that band is...oh Mason, it's meant to kill you." She didn't move.
"What are you taking about?" Her voice was high pitched, she was scared.
"Mason, all of our lives were controlled, by Malie. Everything was meant to happen. Malie was told to capture Lina, you, Ryu, and me. Lina told me they don't know who is what and who will do what, but they are told to steal those people." She sat down. I didn't know how to explain anymore.
"That compass...you mean that's why Ryu and I...it was fake? All these years, these past days were controlled?"
"Malie switched them weeks ago, once she captured you she went to the castle, Mason. When she saw that Ryu still had the compass...she saw her chance to get to me. She switched them. Everywhere I went was all planned by Malie." She looked straight ahead.
"I can't believe this."
"We don't have much time. Malie's daughter could show up anytime. Do you know where the fairies' palace is?" She nodded slowly. It would take a while for all of this to sink in.
"In the section of the forest that hangs over on the beach." My head still hurt, but I didn't say so. With only Ryu and I to fight anything off, I couldn't complain.

Chapter 21


It was evening before I had even seen a glimsp of Pine Forest. Mason kept putting more and more weight on my shoulder, as we walked. And Lina still hadn't opened her eyes. Mason's walked on her own to the water. I saw her roll up the sleeves of her gown. There were cuts from Falsetons' whips dug deep in her skin. I turned away, my face felt wet. I had been crying. I went over to talk to Ryu while she was gone. He layed Lina down.
"How much farther do you think we have to go?" I asked. He looked down at Lina then at me.
"There is no real way to tell. We have a fair chance of making it." I glanced over at Mason and sighed.
"I can't bear to lose her yet, Ryu. We just have to make it." He hugged me and kissed my cheek.
"We will make it, Sela. I promise." Mason walked back, and I grasped her hand. I wasn't going to lose her. We reached the forest as quick as we could. Mason stepped away from my shoulder, but still clung tightly to my hand. She stumbled, and my heart leaped. I felt Ryu's hand on my shoulder.
"Sela, come look." She let go of my hand and supported herself against a nearby tree. I looked out to where she was pointing. Far off in the distance was a forest palace, none like the pale brick one that had almost ruined our lives. This palace had a gentle air about it. All we had to do now was get to it.
"Ryu, it's here we made it." I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Or you think you did." Even though I knew Malie had a daughter, that cruel laughter sounded so familiar. I didn't want to face what I knew was there.
"Mason stay here. Watch Lina." I whispered. Ryu and I turned around and walked forward. An army of Falsetons stood behind a girl, whom I thought immediately to be Malie. "How did you survive, Malie?" I asked. The girl laughed again.
"You killed Malie, little one. I am the Falsetons' new leader, Malie's only heir, Vivian." I gasped lightly. Ryu took a step forward. I knew he wanted to stop her, as did I, but what much could we do? I grabbed his cloak and whispered.
"Ryu, no. She is only trying to make us lose time. You and I alone can't fight them, and protect Lina and Mason.!" He stepped back.
"You were wise to stop him for now, little one. Now...how should I get my revenge and make my mother proud? Oh yes...that's right." She pulled out Malie's old whip. "I want to make you suffer, as you made my mother do so!" I didn't know what to do. It was over, there was no way out. I heard a russel behind me, and possibly Lina's, once shy now powerful voice, probably saved us right then.
"Not a chance there, Vivian." I spun around, Lina had awaken. Sword in hand, she took to my left side.

Chapter 22


"Well don't you three look like this kingdom's army. No matter, Falsetons! Go!" The Falseton's faded one by one into the forest. "Oh right, there are fairies in there, little princess." She laughed cruelly. "But, you have to destroy my army to get to them." I grew angry. I dashed at her. Right when my sword would have slice her, she vanished into the forest. I spun back around.
"Come on." I walked over to Mason. She stood up like nothing was wrong. "Are you okay?" I looked at her amazed.
"Fine. Come on, Lina." She and Lina ran on into forest. I started to follow, but Ryu held me back.
"Sela, we don't have enough time!" I didn't understand, we had made it.
"What do you mean?"
"It's almost sunset, and Vivian knows it. Mason got over the pain because the final blow is meant to kill her." I looked at the forest then at him. I knew that our time was precious, but neither of us knew how much.
"How much time do we have?" I asked him.
"Anywhere around fifteen minutes." I got nervous.
"You can fly her can't you? Lina and I can fight off the Falsetons on foot." I said. She wasn't going to die. He took my hands.
"Sela, I promise you this if I can promise you anything. We can only try, fate will throw Mason where she is meant to go. We can only try so much to change that." I nodded. If our time was so limited we'd have to hurry. Ryu let go of my hands, and we followed Lina and Mason's trail into the woods. Mason was fighting off Vivian. I ran to her, she didn't have the time! I grabbed her arm, and whispered as fast as I could.
"Mason, you have to run! We don't have time. I'll duel with Vivian. I'm not going to lose you yet!" I started to duel with Vivian as she turned away.
"It is a shame, little one, that you will be already dead by the time your sister dies!" She let her whip swing. I tried to block it, but it stung me in the side.

Chapter 23


I fell back, my sword scattered feet away form me. I tried to reach for it, but Vivian stepped down on my skirt, holding me back. I shouted at Ryu after he noticed my position.
"Get Mason! I'll be fine!" Vivian whipped at him, but he shot into the air. She looked at me unmoved.
"Blasted sorcerer, no matter, I still have you. Did I mention, little one, that I know some magic tricks myself?" She tried to rise my sword. It began to lift but fell back down. "Hmph." Ryu landed behind her, and slit her arm. She fell back, releasing me. I grabbed my sword and stood back up.
"Thank-you." I whispered. Vivian laughed, as she got to her feet.
"You've not defeated me yet..." Lina ran up to me. As Vivian disappeared, Falsetons surrounded us. We drew our swords, and echoes of laughter fill the woods.
"They're going after Mason!" I yelled. We began to run. Lina and I could never reach her as
fast as Ryu could. "Ryu, go on. You have to find Mason. Lina and I will cover your tracks." He nodded, and disappeared above the trees. Lina took my hand and dashed off. She has to make it. I thought. A group of Falsetons appeared in front of us. A Falseton's whip missed me, but I didn't hear it realing back to it's owner. Then Lina screamed and fell to the ground. I stabbed the rest of the evil creatures, and turned around only to find Lina unconscious behind me. "No." I whispered.
It was no use. I couldn't carry her, nor could I not go on. I heard Mason's voice, and turned away from Lina and ran. She'll be fine. Below a large hill was a clearing. From the top I could see the battle below. Ryu was trying to fly Mason, but had to put her down. The Falsetons below were whipping at them both. She ran and I dashed after her, stabbing Falsetons as I went. The pain in my head began to sear again, but I didn't stop. I had to reach her. I looked back at Ryu. He shot into the air, but a Falseton already had whipped. It hit him, and he fell from the sky. The same one saw me. It hit me in the arm. My sword scattered, but I continued after Mason without it.
When I finally reached her, she was fighting
off two Falsetons. Ryu's sword layed in the grass nearby. I grabbed it and jumped in the fight. It was already turning dark in the woods. After the sun reached past the ocean, Mason would die. We both stabbed a Falseton and they felled. I grabbed her hand. We ran until someone pulled hard on my left arm, breaking us apart. Mason turned back.
"Mason, don't. I'll be fine."

Chapter 24


Vivian laughed as she held me.
"It looks as if you have to make a choice." She grasped my arm tighter.
"A future for you, or one for your sister here?" Mason drew her sword.
"Mason, no! I'll be fine, you have to go on!" I only needed a minute. I still had Ryu's sword in my hand. If I swinged back, Vivian's leg would cut.
"The sun will set in five minutes, little one." I shifted my body, trying to take aim. I lunged. Vivian screamed and threw me forward. As I got to my feet, I grabbed Mason's hand and dragged her along with me. Vivian disappeared again. The palace was in sight, we were going to make it. Mason would have another adventure, I'd make sure of it.
"Mason, run ahead." She started to but turned back.
"I love you, Sela." We hugged.
"I love you, too. We made it, your going to
be fine." She ran off and I searched for any lasting Falsetons. I started after Mason. The forest is cleared. No one's left. I thought. But even if the Falsetons were gone, their leader was nearby somewhere. Mason was feet from the door. I tried to catch up to her, but Vivian appeared and held me back. She was still bleeding from her knee and shoulder. She would die like Malie, I couldn't take it anymore. Mason was going to die because of me.
"It is about time you showed up, little princess. I was worried you would miss your sister's death." She laughed and stung my wrist with her whip. My sword scattered away. I kept my mouth shut if I screamed Mason would turn back. The forest was surround by night. She only had three minutes left. Vivian whipped again. It all happened to fast. The whip hit me in the head, besides my arm the precise place for Vivian to make me scream. Searing pain shot through me. I screamed, Mason turned back immediately, her hand was on the door. Vivian laughed as cruel as Malie would have. I never will know how I found my voice, but somehow I did.
"Mason, no!" She didn't listen. She ran at
Vivian and slit her side. Vivian fell down against a tree, her gown staining red. I tried to run, but stumbled and fell. "Mason, hurry." She dashed back to the door. Please make it...please, Mason, don't die. I tried to stand. Mason came so close. Her hand was reached out to the door, she screamed. "Mason!" I couldn't move. A final whip from a Falseton knocked me to the ground. Everything went black. Malie would have been proud, I had lost her.

Chapter 25


When I awoke, I didn't want to open my eyes. She's gone. It's all over. I didn't change our fate at all, Malie won.
"Sela. Sela, It's okay. Are you alright?" I could tell it was a girl, she sounded so much like Mason but it couldn't be. I wasn't going to be fooled, I had to leave her behind. Someone shook me. "Sela!" I opened my eyes slowly. Mason was standing next to my bed smiling. A small balcony behind her showed the ocean.
"Mason! But you...you're alive?" She laughed lightly.
"Sela, I'll tell you everything when you're well again." She seemed different. I, as well as anyone else could tell we were in the fairies palace, but Mason couldn't be... She changed the subject. "Mother is here, she wanted to see you when you woke up. Do you want to see anyone now?" I nodded and sat higher up. My head felt like splinters ran through it, and my arm was bandaged where Vivian whipped me.
"Yes, she can come in." I said. Mason hugged me before she left.
"You don't know how happy I am to know you are okay." She closed the door partway. I heard her talking to Mother in the hallway. "She's awake. You can go see her." Mother walked over to me and sat on the bed. She stroked my hair, her eyes were red.
"Oh Sela, Mason told me everything. I am so proud of you for saving your sisters." I felt horrible. For everything good I did, I did something wrong. I went after Lina and Mason, but didn't even tell my Mother and Father. I had saved Lina and Mason, but almost had gotten them killed.
"I'm so glad you're here. Where's Father?" She smiled lightly the frowned.
"He didn't want to see the three of you hurt. I tried to force him to come, but he refused." She stroked along my bandaged arm. Something wasn't right. Mother never was this quiet when we were hurt.
"How is Lina? She fell unconscious in the woods." I remembered when I left her and Ryu behind. They had to be okay.

 

"She...you will hear everything when you're
well." I bolted upright.
"Mother, please. Is Lina okay? What's wrong?" I was getting hysterical, something was wrong, and I wanted to know what.
"Lina is fine, Sela. You can see her later." She stopped then started slowly. "Did Mason tell you?"
"Tell me what? Mother, what's going on?" She looked at me intently, tears were waiting to over-fill her eyes.
"Oh Sela, Mason is a fairy."

Chapter 26


I knew it before I was told. I couldn't believe it, but I knew I had to. Besides I had seen her fall in the woods. She had died, I didn't save her.
"I'm so sorry, Sela." She took my hand. It didn't matter. Malie was supposed to get rid of me, not Mason. It was all my fault, if I hadn't left...
"May I see her again?" I wanted to cry, but I couldn't, not now. I hadn't heard a word of anything, maybe something worse had happened. Mother kissed my forehead and left. Mason walked over to me slowly.
"Sela, I'm sorry. I just couldn't bring myself to do it. You were so happy to see me alive, I couldn't." I stopped her.
"I understand, but it just won't be the same anymore. Lina and I won't be your sister." She nodded and sat down.
"You're right. Fairies don't have sisters. I will always love the two of you, nothing can change that. You will be sisters in my heart." It was hard to believe. We would leave and Mason wouldn't come back. Her face would never beam back at mine. She would never come home.
"Mason, why did they make you a fairy? I saw you fall in the woods...I thought you had died." She smiled, her angelic smile.
"You, Sela. After all you did. You saved Lina and me without being ribboned, a feat no one has ever accomplished, killed Malie and Vivian all in one day, only to keep Lina, Ryu, and me safe. How could they not? You are a hero, Sela. Every step you took during your adventure you cared nothing of yourself. The only people you cared about was Lina, Ryu, and me. Sela, they reward you by giving me a second chance at life. I did die, Sela, but you saved me in a way no one else could. Malie was right about one thing, you were destined to going to that lair, but not to be ribboned, but to become a hero." She hugged me. "All three of us owe you thanks, Sela. You saved our lives. If you hadn't left, none of us would be left. Malie would have won, Vivian would be alive." She was still my older sister, and in my heart she always would be.
"They knew of everything I did?" I asked. She nodded.
"They keep their eyes on heroes." She
laughed. "Anyway, how are you?" She placed her hand on my arm.
"I still feel like my head split in two, but I'll be fine." I forced a small laugh. Mason smiled.
"You should get some more rest now. Little sister you did a lot. She started to get up.
"Mason, is Ryu okay?" She laughed and walked back over.
"A saw him earlier, and believe me he asked tons of question about you, but neither of you are strong enough yet Now promise me you'll get some rest? I'll wake you in the morning."
"I promise." I whispered.

Chapter 27


I woke up before Mason came in. Then I remembered one day I'll wake up and she will never walk in, she would never come home. I tried to look around the room without making my head ache. The searing pain was gone, and I got out of bed with ease. On the chair near the bed was draped a beautiful light blue gown. I walked closer and ran my hand along the delicate fabric. Mason walked in.
"You're awake, are you okay? Oh, that's for you." I nodded. I tried to remember the battle in my head as I sat down. I had no clue how we ended up here, or what happened after I fell. Mason had promised when I was well again she would tell me everything.
"Mason, what happened after I fell?" She turned to face me.
"I should have realized you would want to know the minute you were well. How about you change and meet me on the beach? The sun-rise is beautiful here." She left off the balcony, as I changed into the beautiful gown.
Mason was waiting for me by the ocean when I walked outside. We walked along the tide side by side.
"So what all happened?" She continued to look forward.
"Well after they offered me the choice of becoming a fairy I immediately told them what had happened and how all of you fell unconscious in the woods. They brought you here and now I'm a fairy." She put her head up. I wanted to cry, I would never see here again, forever.
"What happened to Lina and Ryu?"
"Vivian saw you leave them behind and ordered they be whipped to death."
"No." I whispered. Mason glanced over at me.
"You saved their lives by leaving them. When you left, Vivian had a choice to make. She didn't want to risk you getting away, so she told her last two Falsetons to come with her after you. When the fairies found them, after you had fell, the Falsetons were finally going to follow orders and kill all of you. Sela, if you had stayed their Vivian would have killed you while I was out of the way. Vivian wanted you dead more."
"Malie deserved what she got, and so did Vivian." I said. Mason nodded.
"That she did, Sela." We walked along silently for a while. "Are you hungry?" She asked after we walked further. When she said it, I realized how little I did eat.
"Yes, but I can wait until dinner. Mason, I wanted you to have another adventure, but I guess now it's over." She laughed.
"I'll have other adventures, Sela. Ones you can't see. I can't get hurt anymore." I nodded.
"Will I ever see you again?"
"I can never leave here, but since you have been named a hero you are allowed to visit me. We're lucky, Sela. Most humans aren't allowed here, but you and Ryu have been named heroes." I felt a giant weight lift off me, but I knew better than to abuse what little we had left. Her eyes opened wide. "I almost forgot! Someone I met here wanted to meet you, a fairy."

Chapter 28


I continued the conversation as we ran back to the palace.
"Who?" She smiled.
"His name is Eric." She panted. "I told him he could meet you when you were better. He helped save us." We reached the palace and Mason led me through the massive building. My first look around it made me jump. I hoped Mason wouldn't want me to find my room alone. The garden was still empty when we arrived. We hadn't passed many fairies in the hall and I wanted to ask Mason why, but she started to talk. "We can wait over there." She pointed to a bench surrounded by rose bushes.
"Where is everyone?" I asked her.
"Well Eric works in the atrium with some others. Most of the fairies have jobs."
"Hey, how do you know where he...is?"
"My senses were inhanced in a way, meaning I can watch people in Steerin, or listen to you play piano." I was amazed. A boy about Mason's age walked over to us. Mason ran over to him. I smiled. She would have Eric, I would have Ryu.
"Eric, this is Princess Selina, heir to this kingdom's throne." She handed out her hand to me and pulled me from the bench.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, princess. I always wanted to meet the hero herself." I felt myself blush.
"You may just call me Sela. I don't mind." He nodded.
"If you insist." Mason smiled.
"Eric, wasn't there something you wanted to tell Sela?" She winked slyly. Eric seemed to know what she was talking about, but I had no idea.
"Oh yes, of course. I saw a young man in the hall who wanted to see you. Only if you wouldn't mind of course?" I didn't understand, what was so secret about that?
"No, I don't mind." I expected Eric to answer, but he didn't.
"That's good to hear." I knew that voice anywhere. It was Ryu.

Chapter 29


"Ryu!" I turned around. He landed in front of me, and lifted me in the air. We kissed. I didn't care as Mason and Eric laughed at their little joke. I kissed him again.
"I'm so happy you are alright. You are aren't you?" He whispered.
"As long as you are I am. I should also say, I'm sorry." He looked down at me and laughed.
"What would you say that for?" I looked away from him.
"For putting you into danger, almost getting you killed, for all the help I expected from you." He slid his arm against the side of my head and made me look at him.
"Sela, I wouldn't have done it if I didn't love you. Besides I wanted to make sure you would come back, because I wanted you too." He kissed my cheek. "Now don't think like that." I laughed. He always knew how to change my mood. "You saved your sisters and was named a hero. Don't apologize for that." I shook my head.
"I didn't save Mason. Vivian may have died, but I didn't save her. You promised me we could only try, and fate will through Mason where she was meant to go." I felt tears running down my face. "I just wish I could go with her." He hugged me closer to him.
"Sela, I told you that, yes. I didn't mean for you to forget about her, and I didn't think this would happen. You did save her, in fact, you gave her the chance of a lifetime. Sela, she gets to live forever. You haven't lost her her permantely." He was right, I had saved her that way.
"Okay you're right." He smiled.
"Good girl." I laughed. We landed, Mason and Eric were gone.
"Where did Mason and Eric go?"
"They promised to give us some privacy, so I could show you something special." I smiled.
"Like?" I asked. He pulled out his wand and tapped it once against a rose bud. It started to sparkle. He tapped it again, it turned white. He snapped it from the bush. He then flicked his wand once in the air, a light snow began to fall. He held the bud out to me, and I took it with both hands. Even though it was snowing the sun still shined through the white flakes. When I touched the bud it began to bloom. Inside was a small, beautiful diamond ring. Ryu sat me down on the bench and knelt down in front of it.
"Princess Selina. Will you marry me?" I felt like I could cry it was so beautiful. I laughed lightly.
"After a proposal like that, I could never say no." I hugged him, the snow stopped. I heard clapping behind me. Mason, Eric, Lina, and Mother stepped out from behind the bushes. I hugged Ryu again and never wanted to let go.

Chapter 30


When I woke up the next morning Mason was there smiling.
"I have a surprise for you." She ran and pulled me out of bed.
"Mason, what is it?" She stood me in front of two large oak doors, that I had taken to be a closet.
"Come on it won't be a surprise if you don't close your eyes." I closed my eyes. I could hear the doors creek open. I felt Mason hands around my wrist as she pulled me closer. "Okay. Open your eyes." I gasped. A beautiful silk wedding dress was hanging in the closet. The sleeves wrapped around in a think band across my upper arm. The skirt and bodice were pure white with a cream colored sash. The slippers matched perfectly with the sash.
"Oh Mason, it's beautiful." I ran my hand along the silk gown.
"You like it then?"
"Like it? Mason, I love it. It's perfect."
"I knew you would the minute I saw it. Try it on." I carefully took down the dress and slipped it on. It fit perfectly. I modeled for Mason, then hugged her. I didn't care if the precious gown wrinkled, right then it was like Mason was my sister again.
"Thank you so much. I wish Father would have came." She frowned slightly when I mentioned Father.
"Sela, could you do something for me? One last time?" She looked over at me then at the ground. There were tears streaking her face. I took her hand.
"Anything." She blinked the rest of the tears away.
"Could you tell Father I said good-bye? When I left for home I never really said much because all I wanted was to get you home. In fact I said I would see him when I came back, but I never will go back. He can't come here whenever he wants to see me like you can. Will you..." She paused, this wasn't going to be any easier for her to stay behind, then it would be for us to leave her. "Tell him...I loved him...and I'll never forget him." I wanted so badly to cry with her, but I blinked the
tears away. For once she was the one who needed comfort, not me. I ran my hand across my heart as I answered.
"May I be turned away form you if I do not." She laughed as she cried.
"You were the most wonderful sister ever, Sela, and I will never forget that." We fell back into each others arms.
"So were you, Mason, and I won't forget it even when I am gone."

Chapter 31


In a few hours, Mason was back in my room to help me get ready for the wedding. The ceremony would take place in the gardens. Mason started to tell me how she had decorated, but I couldn't pay attention. This is it. After the wedding, Ryu, Lina, Mother, and I will leave, and Mason will stay.
"Sela? Sela!" I shook my head hard. "What are you doing? We have to go see Lina. You haven't seen her for two days!" She tugged at my arm.
"Oh sorry. I guess I was just daydreaming." She laughed.
"You never will stop that habit will you?" We walked down a corridor near mine to Lina's room. She flung the door open and hugged.
"Sela, you look beautiful. Are you alright?" She stepped aside to allow us in.
"I'm fine." She smiled.
"There is a surprise for the two of you. Father is here. He is going to do the ceremony."
Mason yelped. There were tears in her eyes. She would get to say a final good-bye like she deserved to.
Minutes later I stood next to Ryu under the garden's gazebo listening to Father's calm voice. Mason and Lina were beaming at me. Our last day together was a magical one. Father pronounced us wed and we kissed. Ryu lifted me in his arms, and flew us to where the ceremony would continue. The evening lasted and age, but as soon as I remembered our leave I wanted it to last forever. Ryu took my hand and we strolled around the garden.
"Today was the most wonderful day of my life. I wish it never had to end." He nodded in agreement.
"The day wasn't the only thing beautiful." He spun me around, I laughed. We walked along back to my room. When we reached the balcony he kissed me good-night. "I love you, Sela. See you in a few minutes." I nodded afraid if I opened my mouth I would cry. He flew off. Mason had already packed my things and was holding the light blue gown from yesterday out to me when I walked into the room.

Chapter 32


"Here." She said. I want you to have it, as a memory." I hugged her.
"I will come back." I whispered. "We will see each other again, I promise. You'll know of my adventures and you will tell me all about your's." She nodded.
"I believe you. No matter what, you and Lina will always be sisters to me, in my heart."
"As well as you in ours." I smiled, and opened my sack. I dug out her seelocket She didn't take it.
"Sela, I can see you whenever I want to, you keep it." Lina walked in as I shook my head.
"Well, it's time." I handed the locket over to her.
"Lina take this. It's what I used to find Mason and Ryu. I want you to have a memory if I have one." I gave the locket to her. Mason smiled.
"My memory will be to watch the both of you, as you go on. I'll always be with you." We each had a memory. Lina the locket, Mason our love, and I the gown.
"Oh Mason, I wish we didn't have to say good-bye." Lina hugged her.
"Who said we have to? We will always be with one another. Why say good-bye?" Mason said. She took my hand.
"We have to go." I said. We walked out to the beach. Mother, Father, Ryu, and Eric awaited us. We walked over to them. After everyone had said good-bye, Ryu urshed everyone away so the three of us could have a last minute alone.
"I will miss both of you so much. You were the two greatest sisters I could have had." Just like when Ryu had made us out of wind, Lina took Mason's hand, then mine. We embraced on last time, the three of us together. Lina and I walked back to the rest. Eric held Mason, Lina walked up to Mother and Father, and I took Ryu's hand. I took one last glance back. Mason was waving good-bye. After that last glance, I did not look back. Ryu and I would have our own adventures, Lina would live a normal life, and Mason would be a fairy. No matter what separated us, no matter what we would decide to do, we would always be, in our hearts, the three sisters.