Saving Peter

o n e

The air here was always dusted with gold. The shimmer riding in the wind left a bright glint in Tinker's eye. She sat on a lone blossom high in the trees above her tiny village. The ocean was spread out in front of her as she daydreamed about the length of time it would take her to cross it. She often found herself wondering about other islands and the potential fairies hidden away there. Her life had been drained of all adventure, save for the moments she spends alone with Terence, her isolated similar.

He'd always been interested in occupying her company, and she grew a fondness for him that was unparalleled thus far. That was some time ago. They were still very close, and he would follow her across oceans if that what she's asked of him, but there was a brand new feeling of guilt every time she cut their adventures short. She preferred to be alone the majority of her free time now, but didn't have the heart to tell Terence. Everyday she was in a new hiding spot in the hopes that he just wouldn't be able to find her.

She wasn't hidden well enough this time. The light fluttering of Terence's wings reverberate through the air and soon she hears his footsteps on the branch her blossom is dangling from.

"There you are," he says a bit winded from having to fly so high. She says nothing as he takes a seat next to her on the flower. "That's a great view." His arms spread out toward the ocean. One finds their way across Tinker's back and settles on the petal behind her.

She hums a gentle agreeing sound. His soft blue eyes rest on the side of her face as she trains her sight on the waves. A small frown forms on his lips.

"Hey," he says placing a hand over hers. She shifts her gaze to his seraphic face. "Are you feeling okay? You don't look like yourself."

"I'm okay," she says after a beat of silence. She stares out at the horizon again before he can catch onto her dishonesty. "I'm just a little worn out from the day. They kept me busy." She lets her eyes fall shut to tune into the sound of the waves crashing on the shore below. "I love the sound of the ocean."

"I do too," Terence agrees. He steals a glance at her resting eyes and finds the opportunity to lay his head on her shoulder. His head falls along with her shoulders every time a breath escapes her lungs. His breathing falls into a steady synchronicity with hers and his eyes close as he slips into a strong relaxing aura. "I love the sound of you too," he murmurs quietly.

Tinker's eyes flick open in surprise. She gazes down at his face pressed comfortably into her collarbone. He's so sweet looking. He's kind and gentle. He's someone she never had to think twice about trusting with anything. She loved him, but he loved their home and she was starting to crave something more. She lifts a hand to touch his face but something from below catches the sunlight just right and shines in her eye. She scans the shore underneath them and spots something silver.

"Terence," she says nudging him off of her. She up off her petal, wings flittering through the air. "Do you see that?" She takes off towards the water, Terence a few seconds behind her. The sounds of the water are amplified from where they touch ground on the sand. Terence looks around skeptically as Tinker walks closer to the spectacle. "It's some kind of sword."

"We should get out of here," Terence whispers. He watches her move closer and closer to the sword. "That thing is a weapon. It's dangerous. We don't know who might be looking for it."

Tinker is too wrapped up in her distorted reflection to hear him. She puts a hand to the flat side of the blade and takes in its warmth. She sees Terence's worried face standing behind her. "Isn't it beautiful?" she asks through a stunned breath. His hands come up to his chest defensively.

She flies up to stand on the handle and Terence's heart beats faster and faster. "Please, can we go?"

"Terence, look!" Tinker points across the beach at a dull green clump laying limply on the sand. In a flash she's in the air, zipping closer. Terence doesn't follow right away. He stares out into the water, fearing what might be out there across the waves. "Terence, it's another fairy!"