The bright sun cast rainbows over the backyard, illuminating the glittering dew on the grass. The trees swayed gently, whispering to the little girl dancing wildly at the center.
Come out and play with us, a symphony of voices urged. They beckoned the girl to the small crack in the fence which emitted a playful golden light.
The girl laughed and darted through, curious of what lay on the other side. She paid no heed to the warning bells going off in her head, nor to the twinge of familiarity at the back of her mind.
As she emerged to the other side like a butterfly, pale blue dress fanning out around her legs, her eyes darted about in wonder. Plants of all sizes and colors sprung from the moist dirt and flowers of colors she had only dreamed about bloomed brilliantly. Twinkling lights whizzed left and right, but at the little girl's arrival, they halted, examining the intruder. The girl's pale green eyes widened in astonishment as the glittering lights surrounded her, forming a small cocoon.
Before she could utter a word, the lights carried her off the ground, into the expanse of the blue sky. The little girl giggled in delight, fascinated by the tiny sparks. She examined one closely, studying the small creature with translucent wings sprouting from its back. A word immediately popped into the girl's mind.
Faeries.
Her mother had told her numerous stories about these little creatures. Small winged beings who could coax even the strongest of men to their knees, the wisest of men to play with fire, the bravest of men to cower in fear, and the kindest of men to inflict harm. Their wicked hearts had no bounds, and they always got what they wanted.
The little girl was wary at first, but the faeries' sweet music softened her caution. It was the tune that had often haunted the girl in her sleep, but was forgotten the next morning. Her subconscious recognized it and she embraced it, as if rejoicing once more with an old friend.
As the girl was carried above the enchanted lands, she spotted tendrils of magic, palaces of stone, chests of gold, trees that grew gems, and everything a man could wish for. Yet she wasn't tempted by any of these treasures in the least.
The faeries deposited the little girl inside an enormous pink flower before scattering with the wind. The girl clambered out, eyes alight and ready to explore.
Before she had even taken a step, a swarm of faeries approached.
What do you desire? They inquired, voices entwining.
Love? Money? Power?
Just ask and we'll acquire,
Anything from a kingdom to a flower.
But choose wisely what you sacrifice,
Because everything has a price.
A dance, the little girl decided without hesitation.
The faeries brightened visibly at her answer. Your wish is our command.
And so the music started and the faeries danced. The little girl laughed joyously, grinning as she twirled and spun among the faeries with so-called wicked hearts.
The little girl danced as the sun fell in the west. She danced until the stars twinkled to life in the night sky. She danced as darkness descended. It was only until she paused to rest did the faeries pause as well.
Then the little girl heard her name being called. She turned to the watchful faeries and curtsied politely, thanking them for their time, before dashing off in the direction of her mother's voice.
The faeries watched her leave silently, wings fluttering just enough to keep them airborne. What a curious girl, they thought.
The little girl dashed down the dirt path, past the giant flowers, the trees that grew gems, the chests of gold, the palaces of stone, and tendrils of magic. Finally, she stumbled past the vibrant blooms and ducked through the crack in the fence.
She barreled into her mother's arms and her mother picked her up, carrying her to her bed. Her mother tucked her in, whispering quietly so not to disturb the little girl's restful slumber.
Sleep tight, and don't let the bedbugs bite.
The little girl smiled sleepily as fragments of her memories crossed her mind. She decided to visit the faerie garden again the next day, for the faeries were her best friends.
Faeries aren't evil, she murmured quietly under her breath before sleep came to claim her and her memories vanished.