A Ribbon Strand: Raised Hackura

Stopping a War Pt.2

          I saw their eyes open as my world faded to black. I opened my eyes. I looked around. I smiled and ran to the ocean. I heard, “Angel…” I was stunned. I took in all six foot five of him standing before me. I couldn’t stop my smile. He was here. I popped to him. I threw my arm around him. I whispered, “Eric.” He hugged me, “You shouldn’t have done that.” I frowned, “You were upset.” Eric smiled, “I am angry now.” I said, “Why?” Eric said, “Your brothers will tell you later.” I frowned, “Why won’t you tell me?” Eric smiled, “I’m not real, Angel.” I started to cry, “Then how do you know you’re mad?” Eric said, “My moon goddess sent me here to you. I’m a part of Eric’s subconscious. He doesn’t know this conversation is happening.” I said, “Then tell me why he’s mad! I’ll fix it when...I get out of here.” He touched my face. He whispered, “You have no idea how I have longed to do this.” He lowered his forehead to mine, and we stayed like that for several moments. He said, “Risking yourself will never make me happy.” I said, “It’s not a risk.” Eric tilted his head, “You are unconscious.” I said, “Only for a while. Those girls would’ve died. Their mates were upset. The little boy wanted to play with his mother.” Eric kissed my forehead, “I’m being sent back.” He began to pull backwards. I ran towards him, “ERIC WAIT! PLEASE DON’T GO!” He was gone. He just faded into the wind. I cried my heart out.

        I heard a deep voice, “My child, please do not cry.” I whirled around. I gasped and went to my knees, “You are Aesir, The Hackura god.” He smiled, “I am. Please rise.” I stood. He came over and hugged me. He pulled me onto his knee like my own father did. He said, “You’ve worried your family a great deal. Both of them actually.” I sighed, “Do they know I know about Eric?” He laughed, “Oh no. Your fairy brothers pulled one HELL of an evasion. The fairy goddess is quite proud of her children. You could tell my children you know.” I said, “I understand why they want this for me. I read the…. the horrible things Fabian did to people. They don’t want me to know yet. I already promised not to meet him anyway.” Aesir laughed, “That is very true. I knew you’d be amazing. I am so proud of you. You are pure of heart. You’ll catch hell from so many people for what you did but remember…. I am proud of you. They all are too. They were just worried.” I frowned, “But didn’t Arion and Aiden tell everyone I’d be fine.” Aesir laughed, “My children are not levelheaded when it comes to you. You are the apple of your father and brothers’ eyes. Even the fairies are worried even though you know they will be fine. You have a unique ability to inspire others to fight for you and with you. You are the light itself in every room you go into. Beware my child, those in the shadows tend not to like a light like yours. Snakes will come to try to tear you down. I know you though. They will never win. Some will be obvious. Some are sneakier. When you and your wolf finally officially meet you, both will be amazing together. Your children are astounding.” 

        I smiled, “We have kids?” Aesir laughed, “My child…. you have many children. Two are just like you.” I said, “Pure of heart?” Aesir said, “No, that’s only you, my child. Two of your children are in the ribbon like you are.” I gaped, “SERIOUSLY?!” Aesir nodded, “Yes, with someone special like you...how could they not be? I think they all deserve to be in the ribbon. The fairy goddess seems to think it’s some select thing. She argued not all your children could go in. I do not understand that woman.” I laughed, “That’s amazing…. people will come for my children…. won’t they?” Aesir sighed, “As they will come for you, yes. You are a fighter my dear. Never stop fighting. It’s not in your nature. You should know that given already though. You know a fraction of what the other you went through. She’s still remarking and standing.” My eyes went wide, “A FRACTION? I read an entire journal of my fairy uncles about his sick tendencies.” Aesir said, “Oh my dear…. the other you suffered far more than what was in that journal. Other versions of you have as well. So far…. you are the only one raised from birth with your father.” I frowned, “I’ll change that for other me’s.” Aesir laughed, “If only you could choose. I wish you could. The ribbon pulls you in at strange times to specific moments. Everyone one you go into…. you’ll shine and change things for the better.”

        I sighed, “How long have I been unconscious?” Aesir said, “Two days.” I winced, “Is daddy losing it?” Aesir laughed, “My child has killed many these last two days. He is very hurt. This is one of his biggest fears.” I said, “Then I’m not in the Hackura realm.” Aesir said, “No, you are not. Miley refuses to leave your side even though Arion offered to pop her home. You are in the place you passed out in. I’m sure you didn’t notice. You weren’t in Faerie. Only Aiden and Arion can get in where you are…. well and you obviously and you brought Miley and the injured wolves. They didn’t know you could do that. You always surprise people.” I sighed, “The promised siblings can get to each other anywhere.” Aesir laughed, “The two full blooded promised siblings didn’t know if you could do that with them since you are not a full blooded fairy.” I sighed, “How are my brothers? My Hackura ones.” Aesir laughed, “Right there beside your father. Killing and protecting the realms…. possibly more brutally than necessary.” I asked, “What’s the cover story?” Aesir smiled, “That you stopped war from breaking out and took on magic to save another supernatural group. You will be bound not to speak of it.” My eyes went wide, “Won’t Eric tell them?” Aesir said, “Aiden convinced him to keep it quiet.” I snorted, “I look forward to hearing how he managed that.” Aesir said, “Neither may be my children, but they are smart. Arion might have used guilt where he didn’t need to.” I sighed, “I’m sure he was upset I didn’t listen to him.” Aesir said, “He knew you would not.” I said, “Arion lashes out when he’s upset.” Aesir said, “So he does.” 

        I said, “Is Eric really mad at me?” Aesir said, “He’s mad at the situation. He’s worried about you. None of them are truly mad at you.” I said, “I’m still going to get yelled at…. Aren’t I?” Aesir smiled, “You can handle it. Just know…. their anger comes from worry.” I said, “Maybe I’ll throw them off letting them know I met you.” Aesir laughed, “That won’t help with your fairy brothers. Or my children.” I said, “Worth a shot.” Aesir smiled, “I do so love you, my child.” He said, “I must go.” I said, “Any chance I can leave here too?” Aesir said, “You still need to recover. You will leave soon enough. You have a big heart, Haley. Remember sometimes…. you do have to guard it.” With that he was gone just as suddenly as he appeared. I closed my eyes and listened to the waves. I fell back asleep. 

        The next time my eyes opened, I saw a very different scene. My fairy brothers were in arms chairs close to the bed I was in. Both were sleeping. Miley was next to me. She looked like she hadn’t left my side. I snapped her into new clothes. I leaned over and took Aiden’s hand as he was the closest to me. He startled awake. He looked at me with worry etched all over his face. I smiled, “You knew I’d be fine, big brother.” He stood and yanked me into a hug. He whispered, “Never worry me like that again.” I hugged him, “I had to.” Arion startled awake. He yanked me away from Aiden and crushed me into a hug. He said, “Next time…. listen to me.” I smiled, “You were worried.” Arion snorted, “Of course I was worried. We don’t know how things affect you differently than they do a regular fairy.” He paused then added, “Plus your other brothers are VERY obnoxious about you. The Queen had to take over calling for updates…. she’s still obnoxious about you…. her calm voice saying if my little girl is not alright….is somehow so much unsettling than the ranting of her of her sons.” I said, “My dad didn’t call?” Aiden snorted, “He’s off doing all the Hackura missions with you uncle. His way of dealing is to slaughter people.” I said, “Sounds about right.”

            I sat down, “What’s the story here?” Aiden said, “That you prevented war with us and another supernatural group. In order to do that you had to do a healing you’d never done before. You pushed yourself.” He glared at me as he continued, “And you took on the magic intending to physically harm them.” I said, “Unsurprisingly, that is accurate. How did you get Eric not to tell them?” Arion snorted, “In a far kinder way than he should’ve.” Aiden said, “He’s our sister’s wolf, brother.” Arion said, “A wolf she did this for.” I frowned. Aiden said, “I told him there were promises involved. He didn’t want to hurt you.” I raised an eyebrow, “No promise could hurt me if he told my Hackura family about this. I didn’t meet him. He was frozen when I popped in front of him to take the injured wolves. The boy would’ve made it but….” Aiden said, “Yes, the she wolves would’ve died.” I nodded. Arion said, “Again…. would’ve solved your problem little sister.” I sighed, “I couldn’t let them die!” Arion said, “You could’ve…. well…. I could’ve you. My two bleeding heart siblings though… Fairy goddess, why do I carry such a heavy burden?” Aiden rolled his eyes. He said, “Your wolf wouldn’t have declared war, sister.” I said, “Yes, he would’ve! He said that it meant war!” Aiden said, “If he didn’t know about you….it would’ve. He wouldn’t declare knowing if we truly fought a battle, you’d be there. You did a good thing saving those women. You helped a little boy not fight for his life. I simply would not have sought retribution for the fairies he killed.” 

            I said, “Why didn’t you get his calls?” Aiden’s face darkened, “I will find out.” I said. “You don’t know yet?” Aiden said, “I have been here. With you and Arion.” I kissed his cheek, “Go see your children Aiden and Lucinda. I am fine.” Aiden said, “I do not envy you sister.” Arion frowned, “Maybe I should go with her….” Aiden said, “They will not harm her, Arion. Before I go though, promise me as your brother and King you will not speak of what happened today to your brothers, mom, or your dad.” I sighed, “I promise you as my king and brother I will not speak of the truth of the events to my brothers, mom, or dad.” I gasped as I felt the promise between us. As my brother and King the tie was stronger. Aiden kissed my forehead, “I am glad you are awake.” I said, “How long was I out?” Arion answered, “Six days.” I whistled, “I’d better go face the family.” Miley said, “Music.” I said, “That makes no sense. They will absolutely not play music.” Aiden said, “Oh…. the man who speaks a little English but mostly Latin….is angry.” I winced, “I normally take him if I leave the realm.” Aiden said, “I gathered that. Call should you have need of us, sister. We will come.” I nodded, “Thanks guys. I am sorry you were worried.” Aiden smiled, “You’re our little sister. We have to worry.” He sighed, “I wished your mate was a fairy so you would live with us next, but what I know of your wolf…. he’s a good man.” I smiled, “He is.” Aiden said, “So you are how all the wolves' problems seemed to get solved before they knew about them then.” I blushed. Arion said, “Our little sister has sources. How adorable.” My cheeks flamed red. Arion laughed, “Be careful little sister.” I nodded, “I will.” They left.

        Miley said, “Thanks for the new clothes.” I said, “Do we go with just showing back up? Or do we call first?” Miley sighed, “I don’t know…. might be safer to stay here bitch.” I said, “Let’s pop to grandma and grandpa…. if we get them on our side….” Miley laughed, “Grandpa can’t resist giving in to us.” I smiled, “No, he can’t.” I grabbed her hands and popped. My grandparents were in their wing. They looked up. They didn’t seem startled, they seemed hopeful. My grandpa ran and took me in his arms. Grandma had Miley. She said, “Oh…. our girls are back.” My grandpa whispered, “Don’t scare us like that again Hales.” I said, “I didn’t mean to scare anyone.” My grandpa kissed my forehead. He sighed in relief. He let go of me and grabbed Miley. My grandma scooped me up. She said, “You’ve done it now little Haley. I’ve never seen your father so upset.” I cringed. I whispered, “I had to…. people were going to die.” She pulled back and looked into my eyes. She said, “You have the kindest heart, Haley Cambridge.” My grandpa said, “We need to get downstairs. They will feel she’s here.” I popped us all down to the living room. Logan dropped a glass. It shattered to a million pieces. He ran to me. He yelled, “SHE’S HOME!” He picked me up, squeezing me tightly. He whispered, “I’m so glad you’re ok.” 

        Gunner ran in next. He was on the phone, “She’s back! Get your sexy ass back here! Cali and I miss you!” Portals opened all around. My brothers filtered into the room. My mom came running. Tears streamed down her face. Bjourn yanked me out of Logan’s arms. I couldn’t breathe. He squeezed me so hard. My other brothers joined our hug. Marcus said, “Little one, you let the fairies deal with their own damn problems. Their battles are not yours.” I said, “As yours as mine brother, theirs are as well.” Bjourn hissed, “Don’t take on magic that hurts you.” I said nothing. I couldn’t promise him that. To protect those I love…. I’d do it again. My mom grabbed me from my brothers. Someone was handing her tissues. She sobbed into my neck, “Oh my baby! My baby! Let me look at you!” She did a thorough inspection. She sighed, “You’re perfectly fine.” I tried to distract them, “I spoke to Aesir.” Everyone gasped. A portal opened and my father stepped through with my uncle...they were coated in blood. I snapped them clean. Uncle Zader ran to Miley. He grabbed her, “You STUBBORN girl!” He hugged her tight. He said, “I missed you, Miles.” My dad's eyes were blazing. He closed them. I said, “Daddy?” He opened his eyes again and ran to me. He checked me over for injuries and then crushed me to him. He held me for several moments. He put me down. He sank down to his knees. I frowned, “Daddy?” He said, “I have never been more worried in my life.” 

        I titled my head, “Didn’t Aiden tell you I’d be fine?” My dad looked up, eyes blazing, “I do NOT believe a word out of that man’s mouth when it comes to your life.” I frowned, “Aiden can’t lie dad. He would never hurt me.” My dad said, “Yes, he could. Different decisions could be made, and he could VERY well hurt you.…. they could all hurt you. Some of them want to.” Bjourn voice was sharp as a whip when he said, “Dad!” My dad said, “No, she doesn’t understand, and that’s my fault. We kill a RIDICULOUS amount of fairies who want you to kill you. Others just want to take you to possess you. To have you in their clutches. These are not people that deserve you saving them from war. There are those who are far more despicable than you can even imagine.” I could feel the blood drain from my face. I said, “You just wanted me to let innocent people die?” My dad said, “Innocents die Princess…. that is the way of the world. I will not have you be one of those people. You’re grounded.” My eyes went wide, “For what?!” My dad said, “Go to your room.” I said, “You don’t have a reason, do you?” My dad said, “Yes, I do. This entire family spent this entire time worried about you! What you did was reckless. You didn’t even have Blade at your side.” I said, “I had Miley!” 

        My dad clenched his fists, “You both are sixteen years old! You need someone older with you. It’s why you have Blade.” I said, “Logan leaves ALL the time without his guard. Even when he was sixteen.” My dad yelled, “LOGAN DOES NOT HAVE SECTS OF PEOPLE WHO WANT TO RAPE, TORTURE, AND KILL HIM!” I backed up in shock. Marcus said, “Dad….” My dad was too angry to stop. I could feel his pain and suffering in our bond. It was hiding a sick panic that I would be taken from him. He matched my step back with his own forward. He said, “Do you ANY idea how many threats I’ve received on you? I get them EVERY DAY! Every day someone describes some sick sadistic way they’d torture you if they got their hands on you. Many say they will film it for me, and your screams will echo in my ears. They would. If I ever heard your pain…. It would ring in my ears for the rest of my life. I can’t do it. I do not have that in me. Your brothers leave here with their guards when there is a threat against them. I will BURN the world down for you Princess. DO you not understand that? I cannot lose you. This family cannot lose you. There are those outside this realm who would snatch your illusion of safety from you if they could. They fairies have traitors amongst them. It’s what they do. They are selfish assholes who don’t care about anyone but themselves! They want a way to get to Aiden. To get to the Holloran family. YOU are their perfect tool for that. You are FAR more beautiful than your mother and good men do run the world. We protect you here and we always will. There are monsters out there that you can’t begin to imagine their depraved depths and they want YOU! GO TO YOUR ROOM!” 

        I couldn’t stop my tears. I said, “I would do it for you. I would do it for any of you.” My dad said, “You will NOT! We are the Hackura. To come against us in war is suicide. I’ll take care of this family and our people. Bjourn will do it the same way I would. War does not scare us.” I said, “I would never stand by and allow anything that would cause those I love pain to pass if I can stop it. I will never sit by idly and watch innocent people die. It’s not who I am. It’s not who you raised me to be. If Aiden and Arion walked into battle I would be at their side. It’s my duty and place just as it is by your side and one day Bjourn’s. I love all of you.” My dad said, “Princess….” I popped away to my room and sobbed into my pillow. I knew he wasn’t mad at me. He was scared. I could feel it. I was helping Eric. I’d do it again. I felt someone enter. I said, “I’m sorry Blade. I didn’t think I was walking into a problem.” Blade says, “Blade knows. Blade stable.” I sighed. I should’ve known he was in the stable with Pirate and me. He said, “Missed by hair.” I cried, “He hates me.” Blade said, “King never hate Princess.” He rubbed my back. He spoke in Latin, “Est phone periit, sed qui hic salvus erit. Lupum vocant. Sic illi opus est audire vocem tuam audire, et opus ejus. Fac tibi ferrum nemo venit ad praetorium audire (your phone is gone, but I saved this one. Call the wolf. He needs to hear your voice and you need to hear his. Blade will make sure no one comes in the hall to hear).” I glanced up startled, “scis? (You know)” Blade laughed, “Ferrum bonus ad officium. Si vos curo ut essent mihi in genere suo. Ego alays vigilarent (Blade is good at his job. I care for you as if you were my own family. I will always keep watch).” He got up and left my Eric phone on my bed. 

        I took the phone. I turned it on. There were hundreds of missed calls from Eric. I listened to the messages, “Angel…. call me please.” The next message, “I need to hear your sweet voice please….” There were more of the same. He sounded more desperate with each message. I called him. Tears streamed down my face. He picked up on the first ring. He was out of breath. He said, “Angel?” I croaked, “Hi Thor.” I heard a murmured, “Thank f*****g Christ.” Eric let out a shaky breath. He said, “Are you ok? Why are you crying?” I said, “My dad’s mad at me. Everyone is.” Eric took a deep breath, “You scared some people Angel.” I whispered, “He yelled at me. He’s never yelled at me.” Eric growled, “Why did he yell at you?” I said, “Because he’s scared. He’s scared someone will take me…. he said….” I cried. Eric said, “Please don’t cry my sweet Angel.” I gasped, “He said there are fairies who want to rape and torture me. Is that true? I knew they didn’t like me...I know my uncle was sick and twisted but….my own people?” My heart broke. I couldn’t stop my sobs. I said, “Am I so bad? I’m a fun person. Everyone says so! They want to hurt me, and they don’t even know me. I’m their Princess. This is what Aiden has been dealing with all this time? People wanting to kill me. It’s all my fault he constantly has problems with Fae.” Eric growled, “No, it’s not. It’s a group of fairies who are sick and twisted. They don’t like partial fairies. Aiden refused to strip you of your title from the moment he took over.” I said, “You know who I am.” Eric said, “I’ve always known who you are. From the first moment I heard you giggle.” 

        I whispered, “I don’t know what to do.” Eric said, “About what?” I said, “Anything. I miss you. I want to see you. I want you to hold me and say everything will be ok.” Eric sighed, “I would. I wrap you in my arms and never let you go. It will be ok Haley. I will keep you safe.” I said, “Who keeps Aiden safe? Who keeps Arion safe? We are closer now. I’m sure that’s caused him problems. Who keeps my dad safe? Who keeps all my other brothers safe? Who keeps you safe?” Eric said, “I’m not an easy man to take down. Neither are any of the men you mentioned.” I said, “Neither am I. Why me? Why don’t they like me?”