Where Magic Dwells

Synopsis: A young adolescent boy named Levi follows a naked faerie covered in blue butterflies to a hideaway of the Faye, but only the pure of heart may enter. Levi soon learns that he is an emissary, an ambassador, a link between Faye and human worlds and the faerie that led him to the Faye Den must train him in order to save both their realms from destruction.

Chapter 1—Meet the Helbrons

Levi Helbron was your typical adolescent boy. Taller than most of his classmates, he aspired to become a basketball player and lived in the realm of sports. This young ginger haired, freckle-faced lad adored cars, video games and spending time with his family at the local fun park racing go-carts when homework was done. His parents, David and Geri were immensely proud of his accomplishments and pleased with the friends he had made. Levi kept his grade point average up and found classwork rather simple. The only subject that he was terrible in was sewing. He could cook culinary masterpieces much like his mom. Nadia, his girlfriend, felt spoiled by the lunches he brought her every day. Certainly a rather mundane beginning for a faery tale, but we've only just begun.

Chapter 2—Spring Break

Normally, Levi would hang out with his friends at the arcade, owning them in air hockey and the cliched anime fighting games that were popular at the time. Ready to return home, he bade his friends goodbye and drove back home with his eldest friend, Marc. Marc was the only one who had a driver's license.

'You know, for a teenager, you're really cool. Don't let age jade you though, ok ?', Marc suggested as he dropped Levi off at his house. The sun hadn't gone down yet and something compelled Levi to look at the stars out in the woods that weren't too far from the Helbron home.

Running a little bit further, suddenly, Levi was met by a naked faery, completely starkers other than the blue butterflies that masked her brilliant blue skin. She twinkled in the setting sun and tittered musically. She had come to meet him and began to coax him further into the forest. Before Levi knew it, he was in a Faye Den.

'Where have you brought me ?', he asked, his chocolate eyes wide and eager. He had read faery tales before but he felt that such stories were puerile. He had outgrown all of those ridiculous stories. Such places couldn't exist, could they ?

'I'm Dianthus. I have brought you here because of your pure, golden heart.', she said.

'Why, though ? I'm just an ordinary boy. Nothing outstanding or unusual about me.', Levi stated, hoping to detract attention. Dianthus emitted another lyrical snicker, her whole body glittering.

'You don't lie well. You never did.', she chuckled.

'Why me, then ?', Levi questioned, curiously.

'You are the link between our realm and that of the mortals. You are the solution. The one who will save both our kingdoms.', Dianthus said.

'Woah. Woah, woah, woah. Hold on a minute. Dianthus, you are meshuggenah. I don't know anything about fighting. I avoid confrontations !', Levi confessed, beginning to sweat nervously.

'Don't be troubled. There's nothing to fret over. I'll teach you.', Dianthus said, refuting any dread that the youngster might have had. Although, he still wondered how this would all work. He really didn't want any part of being the faery world's messiah, let alone for the mortal world.

'Every link before you felt the same way. Your kind is rare, but the prophecy dictates your line will continue to uphold peace for millenia to come. You are the one we have been waiting for countless ages.', Dianthus said, kissing the youngster on the lips, leaving him in a bit of a daze.

'I have so many questions unanswered, but I'm assuming you'll find a way to reveal all answers to me in due time.', Levi said, starting to turn around and speed walk away from the Den. Once he strode, he worked himself into a full-on sprint.

'Indeed, young Helbron. All will become crystalline, just be patient.', Dianthus said, disappearing in a cloak of blue butterflies.

Chapter 3—Mysterious Spellbook and Sword

That next morning Levi woke up rather groggily, wondering if what he had seen had been a daydream. He stretched and yawned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, totally recuperated when he noticed a massive tome full of spells on his nightstand. Resting right beside his bed was a claymore with the name 'Selah' in Hebrew on it.

'That's not a coincidence.', he thought to himself. He exhaled slowly and inhaled, hoping he was still dreaming and pinched himself for good measure.

'OW ! Fine, I've established I'm still not in one of my crazy harem reveries.', he thought to himself. He really had to stop reading light yuri manga and watching slightly ecchi anime.

He looked at the gilded spell book and thought of an experiment.

'This is totally kafekta, but...Here goes. Open.', he said, in a whisper. The book trembled, shook and seemed to be having a sort of seizure until it spurted golden sparks and opened, revealing an index of handy spells. Touching the book, most of the spells themselves transferred osmotically into his mind.

'Woah. Head rush.', he thought, shaking his head back and forth.

'Seems you understand commands. Shrink, and become lighter.', he said.

The spell book was more than happy to oblige. It seemed to enjoy its new master. It even barked like a new puppy, rubbing itself under his hand for affection.

'Cute.', he thought.

'Hop into my pocket. We can carry on our affairs easier this way.', he suggested. The book leapt from the nightstand and landed perfectly in his pajama pocket. He would have to repeat the same request later when he got dressed but no one would ever know he had a spell book with him, especially now that it was travel sized. His sword, Selah, decided to become a brooch and pin itself on his shirt.

'Now where did you learn to do that ?', he wondered. There wasn't a lot of time to ruminate over unanswered inquiries. He was more concerned with catching the bus and arriving to school on time. He was certain Nadia would be waiting for him on the bus and they could talk about the latest episode of The Flash together.

Chapter 4—Drawn to the Faye Den

There would be a party later on that weekend but it was only Wednesday. Being popular, Levi was certain to be invited, but he had a feeling that his newfound status would effect anything worldly from here on out.

His feet seemed to have minds of their own.

'I don't want to go that way.', he thought to himself, aggravated. Still, he had burst into a run cycle that seemed only possible in cartoons and superhero flicks.

'I see you have returned, young Helbron.', Dianthus said, her butterflies oscillating around her. It was a little distracting, Levi had to admit.

'Yes. Why have you called me back ?! There's an off the chain party happening over the weekend and it would put quite a hole in my rep if I wasn't there.', Levi bargained. Dianthus tittered.

'No time will have passed. You'll make your little shindig. I guarantee it. This is more important though, Levi. It's a matter of mutilversal stability.', she began. Her tone was dire and her eyes had grown dim. She discussed the issue that there were warlocks still alive who desire to drain their power from them by force.

'We're not strong enough to stand up to these merciless beasts. They have been surviving for eons and can exist from our essence for millenia. Once it ekes from their systems, they come back. That is why there are so few faye left. Though we have had a bit of a resurgence in our population recently.', Dianthus said.

'It won't take swords, I surmise.', Levi stated, pointing at Selah, which was still decorating his chest gallantly. Even though it wanted to fight desperately, it waited for his instruction.

'I haven't learned anything yet. I don't know if I am prepared for such a fight.', Levi admitted, his cool demeanor offsetting the fact that he was petrified beyond his wits.

'Actually you do. Remember when you touched the tome ?', Dianthus reminded him. All the knowledge that had poured into his cells instantly came to mind.

'You've been syncing with that tome since you touched it. Everything you need is in it, you are more than amply armed.', Dianthus said.

Levi had more questions left to be answered but Dianthus seemed to be in more of a hurry than usual. She and the other faye had gone to hide. An obscurity had taken hold over the enchanted forest. Levi could hear nothing but his breath and the thud of his heart, which increased in rhythm.

Chapter 5—Hardly a Fair Fight

There were 3 warlocks that surrounded Levi mocking him at every turn.

'Of all the champions the Faye could've sent, they send a mewling adolescent ? Laughable !', one of the cloaked figures guffawed. His throaty cackle was enough to cause Levi's blood to freeze, but he wasn't afraid.

'Let's see what this little wizard has learned shall we ?', the second, reasonably older warlock chided. The three of them began to circle in a fluid fashion, levitating inches from the ground, chanting.

'I won't fight you with violence unless need be !', Levi responded, sensing the dense energy around him corresponding and collaborating with him. He understood all things in this heightened state; one where time had no meaning and the sound of a butterfly's wings could at last be heard.

'So much power wasted on the young.', the eldest of the warlocks shrieked, trying to decapitate Levi. Levi's sword, Selah, grew to its original size and began to fend off the opposing warlock.

'Tricky little piece of scrap !', the eldest warlock yelped, placing his hand over the newly made wound in his cheek. He unsheathed his sword telepathically and began to spar with the boy, the others thinking they could distract him with taunts and promises unfulfilled if he joined their side.

Levi had read too many books and was far too intelligent to fall for their paper-thin schemes. He was too focused on maintaining the balance and restoring power where it truly belonged.

The third warlock was no match for Levi's wit. He sidestepped and dodged every attack, magical or physical, coming from the wizened dark artist. With one spell, he had wiped him, literally out of existence. The other two warlocks didn't seem to be worried about what had happened to their brother in arms.

'He was too impulsive, and it led to his downfall. Not so with us.', the other two said in unison. They didn't even give themselves time to mourn for their fallen comrade. They seemed to have merged into one being, a dragon of gargantuan proportions.

'Oh, how cliched can you get ?', Levi hollered, dodging fire and the swoop of the mammoth lizard's tail.

Chapter 4—A Little Help from Wee Friends

The dragon proved to be a bit too much for Levi, since he was starting to feel a bit tuckered out from using so much magical ability. He had been frugal, monitoring their movements and stratagems, but the dragon proved to be a fearsome foe indeed. Now the two were on a level playing field.

'Faye, I don't know if you can hear me from your sacred grottos and nests but I am in need of your help.', he said, finding a pool of water to cool down and recuperate. Feeling slightly revitalized, he continued to fight with every sinew singing for mercy. He didn't know how long he would be able to keep this up.

'He's beginning to fade and he requires our assistance.', Dianthus said.

'I will go with you.', Bluebell responded, bowing in deference to her Queen.

'I will attend you.', Goldenrod agreed, holding up a mighty trident forged from magic of yore.

All the faye joined in a rousing chorus and swarmed Levi.

'Took you long enough.', he said with a smug grin as they endowed him with enough power to finish the dragon off once and for all. Selah by his side, the ginger-haired knight raised the glinting, golden sword above his head and sliced clean through the dragon's neck. The warlocks separated and began to turn into dust, scattering in the light spring breeze. The ashes had dissipated, never to be seen, or heard from again. Their screams amounted to 1,000 souls writhing in agony and Levi loathed the sound of it. At last, however, the youth could breathe easier. The royal blue cloak that had bedecked him before as well as the silver armor emblazoned with the head of a lion had disappeared. His sword, however, had become pin sized and attached itself in its favorite spot. It had completed its knightly gallantry for the day. The spell book seemed to have gotten bigger, but it didn't weigh more than before.

'What is this ?', he thought, sensing more magic move through his veins.

'Oh, the book now contains their knowledge too. Your tome is keeping all spells, light and dark. It knows you won't turn your ways to that dark path, but you know them all the while. You have balance and are balance.', Dianthus said, rather cryptically.

'So, does this mean I can go home now ?', he questioned, inquisitively.

'For the time being, Helbron. You did a remarkable job, resplendent, really. I am beyond stunned.', Dianthus praised the young man. She kissed him again.

'I couldn't have done it without summoning you. You granted me your power.', he said, giving credit where it was due. The faye acknowledged him and showered him with love, applause and cheering. They even had a fete for him to celebrate.

'Our worlds will be able to coexist in time but for now, we will give you more time to savor your teenage years.', Dianthus said, melding into her blue butterflies. The butterflies dispersed, one in every direction and one landed on his chest to become another brooch.

'A method of communication ?', he mused. Dianthus's voice chimed merrily.

'You are an astute boy. It just goes to show you what years of reading can do for the mind. Don't be alarmed, I will only reach you if there is an emergency. Feel free to hail me in the same circumstance. We are bound now.', she said, sounding sweeter than the symphonic strains of Mozart.

Chapter 5—Nothing Ever Changes

By the time Levi returned home, dinner had been cooked and mom and dad were waiting for him to join them at the table. It was taco night and Geri had made the flavor of the evening authentic. Her cuisine was finer than anything they could purchase at the local Mexican restaurant. Savoring everything, they all ended their meal with some much deserved, and desired flan.

The week went by in a blur and Levi attended the party he had been looking forward. Nadine was there, wearing a very flattering party dress. Levi hadn't seen her wear anything formal before but it suited her. He felt the electricity jolting between them as they danced together. He so wanted to tell her of the adventures he had experienced in the enchanted forest but feared Nadine would take him for a maniac if he let his secret slip. They ended the evening with a kiss and she felt unusual after it had happened. She took him aside and whispered in his ear,

'I knew it was real. I had known for years but I never had proof !', she nearly hollered. It was too much for her to process and she nearly had to sit down due to over-stimulation, but all of her childhood fantasies had come to life in one fell swoop. Apparently the magic that Levi had was able to be transferred to people who were pure in heart as well. He couldn't help but laugh. Destiny could certainly have a capricious sense of humor and direction sometimes.

'Promise me you won't tell another soul. I don't know if this changes anything between us, my rose.', he said as they rode their bikes to his house.

'It doesn't, but I don't know what it means for me. All I know is my life is about to become far more galvanizing in the future.', Nadine responded. Levi had to admit, that the pastel pink dress really brought out Nadine's apple-colored cheeks and her hazel-green eyes. Her flaxen hair was tied back in a double braid, rather Norse-like and worthy of a Valkyrie. Her soft smile beckoned his heart to dance.

'Nothing else ever changes, but we'll be changing this world for the better, you and I.', Levi said as he dismounted his bike. Punching the security code in the pin pad, he locked the bicycle away for the night. He stood on his tiptoes to kiss Nadine one more time for the evening.

'See you around, handsome.', she said, as she pedaled away. He sighed rhapsodically and floated, literally, back inside the house. Fortunately, neither one of his parents was in the kitchen to see him levitating to imaginary symphonies in his head, but they could hear him humming the Sleeping Beauty waltz and knew why.

Chapter 6—Trouble in the Forest

Time marched on and peace reigned in the Enchanted Forest for years. Levi became a young man and purchased a home not far from where the faeries dwelt. He was married to his junior high sweetheart, Nadine. The two had been dating for years but Levi had never gotten the courage to ask her the all-important question that would literally transform her life forever.

Nadine never once looked back, but she had no clue as to how much her life was about to change. Everything that Levi knew, she knew as well. Dianthus had not specified that the prophecy included his wife to be or the children to come into their family. Prophecies were often liquid and mysterious but as to how and when the 'Scroll of Old' would be consummated was only a matter of time.

Nadine was 4 months pregnant when unusual matters started to occur. She could see forces of evil wanting to pillage the forest of treasure and secrets of immortality for malicious intent.

'There aren't any warlocks alive though. You are the one that destroyed them.', she said, remembering the past as if it were yesterday. When they had shared that kiss so long ago, she had seen everything Levi had and everything he knew, she knew as well.

'That doesn't mean that there aren't any magical beings out on the lookout for items they want to steal from defenseless creatures such as my faye friends.', Levi said.

They were a band of Burgens and Orks, working together as mercenaries. Once they had found the secret to immortality, it was back to being enemies and separating to their specified swaths of land.

'This is why my butterfly pin was trembling. I knew something was up !', Levi said, hiding behind a tree with Nadine watching in wonder. She had only heard of Burgens and Orcs from fantasy epics but never in reality.

'Have you ever seen any magical creatures ?', she asked. He had, but they roamed in a part of the forest that was protected from humans except those that had pure hearts and intentions.

'Yes, and in fact I'll take you there sometime. Right now we have bigger fish to fry.', Levi said, taking his wife's hand while they laid in wait to stop the villains from their fiendish plot.

Chapter 7—Forgetfulness is Easiest Mended

Both of the magicians were clothed in cotton raiment, overlaid with armor that appeared heavy, but was light. Nadia noticed that her symbol was a dragon.

'Check this out ! How cool is this ?', she said, boasting slightly.

'No time for conceit, my dear.', Levi reminded his wife, patting her arm softly. Yet he had to admit to himself silently that they both looked pretty miraculous.

'Those creatures look gruff.', Nadine observed. They had almost started to shake down the Faye for the secret of immortality, but then she and Levi thought of something simultaneously.

'The spell of forgetfulness !', they said, in tandem, but in a tone no higher than what a mouse could hear.

Together the two could hear a Janacek melody playing in their minds as they silently intoned the incantations.

The Burgen and Ork gazed at each other, completely addled.

'Not sure what we came here for. Don't know where we are.', the Ork stated, scratching his balding, wart-ridden scalp.

'It figures that you would get us lost ! An Ork couldn't find north even if another Ork pointed it out to him !', the Burgen griped. The two walked way, in a huff, pushing each other contentiously.

'Hah ! That actually worked ! Who would've thought !', Nadine thrilled, jumping up and down like a little kid.

The faye who were terrified before came out to celebrate the magicians' victory over their would-be oppressors.

'That was ingenious !', Dianthus gushed. Nadine already knew who this butterfly-draped being.

'Levi told me all about you. I'm still adjusting to the fact that all of this is real. This is so much better than Grimm ever could've been.', Nadine squealed happily.

The faye had a grand dance and feast for their hero and heroine and led them into the hold where magical creatures could roam freely. Levi had seen it many times before when he was young but even as an adult, it still held its enchantment, bewilderment, inspiration and sacredness.

'There's a unicorn ! Look, a griffin, chimera, trico and centaur. Those pegasi have foals, and there's an alicorn. Even the more dangerous creatures, such as manticore can live here without bothering their tamer brethren.', Levi explained.

'You sound an awful lot like Newt Scamander.', Nadine complimented. Levi's cheeks went dark at the tender comment from his wife. Once the festivities were over, the two returned to their home back in the forest and invited their parents to come and celebrate their father-in-law's birthday. Levi never forgot a celebration, especially when it came to the people who raised him, whom he loved intensely and immensely.

Epilogue

Years came and went and eventually, Levi and Nadine's children, Bethany and David received knowledge from both their parents about the forest they were meant to protect. The magical world and human world continued to intermingle in a subtle, inconspicuous way, but not to the Helbrons. The supernatural was perfectly normal to them, and even to good old grandma and grandpa. Harmony remained in tact with the next generation of magicians and it would for years to come since Beth and David had been able to recruit other people that were pure in soul to act as 'magical reinforcements'.

'Any evildoers wanting to mess with us will have another thing coming.', David averred, confidently.

'That's right. No one better harm an antennae or wing of any of our faye cohorts.', Beth agreed, after defeating a rogue troll that had gotten hopped up on magic mushrooms by accident. He made a vow to be cautious and read his field guide about fungi from there on out. Misunderstandings happened from time to time and they knew even magical creatures weren't immune from making mistakes.

My friends, this faery tale doesn't exactly have an ending. In fact, it is still being written to this day. If you sense something you can't quite explain, why it just might be a faery looking over your shoulder, guiding you along the right path. Don't fear it. Light and wisdom will lead you down the right road. It might be a bit of a nutty sojourn but in the end, one day true peace will exist for us all. Until that day, we have ambassadors worldwide who protect us and their own realm from harm's way.

~*~Dianthus, Queen of the Butterflies

Regent of the Enchanted Forest