Rejected Mercy

by gapty

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Epilogue

Chapter 1

Three girls entered the store, and I recognised them immediately.

They were Sirens.

And yet, something about them had changed. Their aura was different—it was nonexistent.

Human-like. And their gem pendants were missing.

What happened?

Our eyes met. Adagio recognised me, too. She walked towards me, resting her arm on her hip.

This day has reached its lowest point.

“Well, well, well, Pari,” she greeted me. “You work here?”

With gritted teeth I lowered my head. A simple retail worker. A disgrace. “Got nothing better.”

“Really?” Adagio continued with a chuckle. “What became of your dream to be a dentist?”

“And what became of your gems?” I countered.

“Touché.”

The short silence allowed me to get a closer look at them. Sonata was in her own world looking at the groceries, whereas Aria pretended to not care what was happening around her. Their clothes were what got my attention—too fine and detailed. Too rich for three girls that survive off of stolen food and rubbish.

“However,” Adagio said, grinning widely, “we've become quite popular. Superstars, singers, you know the deal.”

I grunted. She had to rub her success in my face, didn’t she? Her satisfaction with my demeaning job was written all over her face—in cursive.

“To think that someone as obsessed with teeth as like you couldn’t find—”

“Where are your gem pendants?” I interrupted her. Two can play at this game.

“Oh, that's a long story,” Adagio muttered. “But an interesting one for sure.”

I knew Adagio enough to know that she would tell just enough to grab my interest, but not reveal anything. The Sirens were manipulative from beginning to the end.

“Not that I care,” I responded. “Get what you need and take off.”

They laughed, and Adagio put her hands on my shoulder. “You’ve got some nerve to talk to your customers like that. Especially when they have new information regarding your world.”

There it was. They knew something I didn’t, and they knew how much I would give to know it, too.

“So what?” I replied nonetheless. “Why should I care what's happening in Equestria? You know I’m trapped here.”

This should’ve been enough to get her off of me, but Adagio’s grin persisted. “I’m not so sure about that, Tooth Fairy.”

Pari means fairy, a name I had picked up growing up in Saddle Arabia. I was a breezie in Equestria until I got banished to the human world.

The portal works in mysterious ways, jumping around time at random. I was sure I'd been banished two hundred years after the sirens, but I lived here for a decade before they showed up. Maybe the spell that prevented me from crossing the portal again was the cause for this time jump, but that was just an idea.

What mattered now was that I was a human. A boring, magicless human. I had to eat, sleep, earn money, pay rent, and spend my remaining hours living a boring life.

To think that I almost conquered the whole world, once upon a time.

The train was the cheapest way to Canterlot City. A plane would be faster—and better for my impatience—but after spending nearly all my savings on Adagio's information, I had limited options left.

They had told a crazy story, but they could prove everything. I didn’t know what I would do at my destination, but I was sure I would figure something out.

For now, I had to wait, and this was the problem.

When I waited, it meant I noticed my surroundings, and when I noticed my surroundings, I got angry.

Someone took a sip of coffee. Someone bit into a chocolate bar. Someone puffed on a cigarette.

They were ruining their teeth. Their fascinating, beautiful, precious teeth.

How could someone not care for their teeth? How could someone eat and drink so much junk that attacks their enamel?

If only I could shout at them. If only I could knock some sense into these stupid humans.

But I had to focus on the bigger goal. I had to get my powers back.

There was always a full moon in my dreams. It wanted me to feel calm and collected. To be at peace.

I never accepted it. I fought it. I wanted to feel rage.

But the moon was stronger.

Breezing wind, high up in the air. I was flying just like in Equestria.

And I knew where to fly. Sometimes it was a small house. Other times it was a towering apartment. Once at my goal, I flew through the window into a room with a small child. I reached under their pillow and pulled out a tooth. Then I put a bit of money under their pillow.

A fair trade. The better the tooth, the better the price.

Then I flew back outside. High in the sky, nothing could stop me. The full moon shone over me with comforting light.

At times like these, I was careless. At peace. Happy. Sometimes I wished it would never stop.

And when I'd wake up, I would have the children’s teeth in my hands.

Some cities had central locations where every citizen would go. For Canterlot City, it was Canterlot Mall—uncreative name, if you would ask me.

I simply wandered and looked around. The posters of the Rainbooms were a good sign, but nothing that would help me in my goal of finding them.

Adagio knew I had spent every last penny of my savings for her story, and yet she refused to tell me where exactly the Rainbooms were. “Sorry, but your payment isn’t enough,” she had said.

She wasn’t sorry.

Nonetheless, I would reach my goal. No matter what.

A crying child ripped me from my thoughts. A girl. Maybe around five. She held her cheek while her mother attempted to calm her down. Normally, I would walk past them, but the little girl’s words caught my attention: “My tooth hurts!”

I approached her. It might have been my stare, or just pure chance, but the child noticed me and pointed in my direction.

I smiled. “Hey, little girl!” I offered her my hand. “I’m Pari, and I’m a dentist!”

The girl sobbed. “It hurts…”

“May I take a look?” While I had asked the girl, I also gave a glance at the mother for her permission, which I got with an exhausted sigh and a nod.

Not that I would’ve accepted a rejection anyway—not with a painful tooth.

“Open your mouth wide.”

Only a second was enough for me to find the cause of the pain: gingivitis. Only barely visible, and at this early stage it shouldn’t have caused her any pain. However, I noticed the ice cream on the table the family sat at, so I assumed the cold food revealed some early symptoms.

“Do you have something warm?” I asked the mother.

She shook her head.

I rubbed my hands to warm them, then held them on the girl’s cheeks. “Here,” I said. “A little warmth, and the pain will go away.”

I gave a comforting smile, hoping this would calm her down. After all, this shouldn’t work, but I relied on the child’s belief. And it did.

The mother thanked me gratefully, and I told her to have the girl see a dentist as soon as possible.

Then I took their ice cream and threw it wordlessly into a trash bin. Somehow, they found this unacceptable.

I was small. Nonetheless, people would guess I was in my 20s, if not even older. Maybe because of my white hair, or because of my vintage-looking white dress with a few black stripes, or because my skin had a light grey tint. Overall, a rather unusual colourlessness in this colourful world.

In the end, this was what helped me loiter in a talkative bar without anyone batting an eye.

“And you’re not from here?” some older guy asked me, his head wobbling strongly.

“No, I’m not,” I replied. “All the way from Manehattan.”

“I knew it,” he continued, now his upper body joining in the wobbling. “I know every face in this city.”

“Yeah, yeah, Bright,” a younger man responded, then pushed him to the side. “You always say that.”

I silently watched as the old man tried to keep balance, before falling to his knees.

Pathetic.

“What brings you here?” a woman asked me as she gestured to a seat next to her. I couldn't tell if it was out of genuine interest, or just so I wouldn’t be bothered by the old man again.

“Honestly, it’s just wanderlust,” I lied as I sat down. “I'm on vacation for a few months andI'm just travelling around, seeing the world.”

“That sounds beautiful,” she said, sipping on her glass of soda.

Acidic, sugary soda.

“What's your favourite place, so far?”

I had to steer the conversation to the Rainbooms.

“Difficult to say,” I replied. “I always prefer to see the ‘normal side’ of cities, not the tourist traps. I like seeing how people live, what their everyday life is like.”

She nodded and took another sip. Couldn’t she feel how—

No, focus. Don’t get distracted by her choice of drinks. People get weirded out by someone obsessed with teeth.

“Is it all that different?” the woman asked, tilting her head. “Seems like, in this country at least, there wouldn't be much difference from place to place.”

“It all looks similar, but the beauty is in the details,” I explained. “Take for example your teeth—”

I stopped.

I said it. I said 'your teeth'. Why did I mention her teeth? Why was I about to explain how the details of her teeth were different from someone else's? I didn’t even know her name!

“Yeah, I guess,” she muttered, scratching her head. A polite reply, but she was obviously weirded out.

Whatever. Rainbooms. I could save the conversation.

I gestured at a poster of them. “They look young.”

“For how famous they are, definitely. My daughter goes to the same highschool as them.”

She took another sip. No. Focus.

“Why are you staring at my cup?”

I closed my eyes. I can’t focus when her teeth were fighting a battle, when she was just letting her enamel get dissolved without a second thought.

“Sorry,” I muttered and opened my eyes again. “Which school?”

“Canterlot High School,” she said. “Crystal Prep has a good reputation, but it's way too expensive.”

Canterlot High School. The one with a portal in the courtyard. It made sense why magical incidents would be happening there.

When she raised her cup for another sip, I couldn’t take it anymore—I tore the drink from her hands and threw it to the ground.

“What on—”

“Care for your teeth!” I shouted.

Immediate silence. I could feel everyone's stares cutting through me. The woman stepped back, looking between me and the spilled drink on the floor, with her mouth wide open.

All I could do was turn around and walk away embarrassed.

Wasn’t there a statue above the portal? The pedestal seemed to have a few cracks, but appeared otherwise normal.

It wasn’t always open, but I didn’t bother to figure out when. Not like it mattered for me. It was open now.

I put my hand on the portal. The points where I made contact glowed a bright yellow colour. A magical lock that prevented me from passing through. I kept my hand there for a second longer, until the singing pain became unbearable and I withdrew it.

With a sigh, I turned around and looked up to the sky.

Half moon.

“Don’t laugh,” I murmured.

It hadn’t laughed. Its light shined on me, trying to give me comfort.

‘Accept what you have,’ it said. ‘Aren’t you happy in your dreams?’

I was.

‘They can become reality.’

But I refused. I was destined for more than a mere fairytale for children.

There they were. The Rainbooms. Gathered around the portal.

They talked, staring at the portal’s opening. They seemed to be searching for something.

I was watching from a distance. If only I could hear what they were saying. Their conversation might’ve been useful.

Nonetheless, what now? I had the Rainbooms in my sight. I knew where to find them. What’s my next step?

“Their ‘costumes’ are magical transformations,” Adagio had told me. “They just declare it as their outfits to hide their magic.”

They weren’t transformed. When did they transform? How did they access their Equestrian magic?

Everything would be much easier if I could just walk up to them and ask. Maybe I should? If they were truly the bearers of Harmony, they should seek friendship with anyone.

But they had figured out who the sirens were. Once they figure out my past, all my sacrifices would be in vain.

Patience was key. If I waited, the right moment would come. I would figure out their secrets. Eventually.

However, I would need to survive until then. Eating leftovers in dustbins and sleeping on a bank outside wouldn't last long. I was once the queen of the breezies, after all! I deserved more!

“Welcome to Canterlot’s Sushi Plates.”—Did everything have to have Canterlot in its name?—“Can I take your order?”

A waitress. In Canterlot Mall. Serving humans. Why was my life getting so low? Why couldn’t I have just settled down and become a dentist? I had the skills for it, but my… solicitude, and humans' carelessness for their teeth, didn’t go hand in hand.

At least this restaurant offered healthier food. They still served acidic drinks, but a coworker, Sky, had agreed to serve them for me whenever required. For a small share of my tips, of course.

A job unrelated to food would be better for my mental health, but this was the best I could get on such short notice.

Maybe I would meet one of the Rainbooms. Maybe even all of them. And if not, I knew where to go next.

This saturday, 8:00 PM. A performance of the Rainbooms. Maybe they would appear transformed. Maybe not.

But I would be there. Waiting. Watching. Looking for their magic.

“A coffee please.”—This was a sushi restaurant!—“With two sugars.”

Hiding my gritted teeth, I wrote down their requests, hoping I wouldn’t have to work here for long.

Can a human digest a tooth? The simple answer is no. Their stomach can’t break down enamel and dentin.

Sometimes, I'd get the urge to swallow the teeth I've collected in my dreams, in the hope that it would grant me some form of magic.

I knew that this was wishful thinking. But what else could I do with them? Back in Equestria, having a tooth from someone was useful. It was a form of power. Of control. Here, it was merely a trinket.

A precious, wonderful trinket, but I couldn’t carry them all around with me. I would keep the extras on drawers or tables until a huge pile had formed, then bury them like at a funeral.

It was an act of respect, but I couldn't be seen doing it. Humans thought it was crazy and worrisome. For me, they were callous not to do the same.

“What are you doing?” the policeman asked me.

“Burying my hamster,” I lied. My tears made it more believable.

“But why in the park?” he persisted. “Don’t you have a backyard?”

“He liked it here,” I said. “I would let him wander around.”

He slowly nodded his head. “Well, whatever you say. However, I would ask you to leave soon. We've gotten reports of you causing a disturbance, keeping people away… And you've been here for hours already.”

It was difficult to separate from the teeth.

“My bad,” I responded. “Just give me a few more minutes.”

He raised his cap for farewell and left me alone.

And I fell back to my knees, sobbing that I would leave these teeth to rot.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Sunset, one of the Rainbooms, worked here too. Only during the weekend, hence why I hadn’t seen her before.

“Pari,” I introduced myself.

“Ah, the new worker,” she said and offered a hand. “Sunset Shimmer.”

I followed through the formality and shook it.

She raised an eyebrow. “Everything okay?”

I blinked. I must have stared at her for too long. “Sorry, but you’re one of the Rainbooms, right?”

She laughed. “Yes, I am.”

“I was already excited to be at your performance today, but you being a colleague?” It wasn’t even a pretended excitement, but for different reasons.

“You didn’t know that?” A hint of doubt in her voice. She seemed to think of me as a stalker trying to get near to her. Humans had their fair share of crazy fans after all.

“I only moved here recently.”

She nodded slowly. Still doubting. “Do you like it here?”

I shrugged. “Too soon to tell.”

It depended on how successful I would be.

“Alright. If you need help, feel free to ask me. I won’t bite.”

With these words, she left to serve the arriving customers.

I exhaled. Her magical aura—I could feel it. It radiated all around her. So strong. And her teeth…

They were weird. Shaped like a human's, but their wear was different. It wasn’t that of a vegan or vegetarian. Something off about them, but what?

Somehow, she was special. And I would figure out why.

“I’m sorry?” Sunset asked me.

“Table four ordered two cups of soda. Could you bring it to them for me, please?”

Sunset tilted her head. “Why?”

“Please! Sky does this for me!”

“Why?”

I sighed. It was already a hassle to get this favour from Sky, and now from Sunset? “I refuse to serve acidic drinks.”

“Why?”

They always asked. Always. No one understood me. No one!

“They damage their teeth!”

I looked away. I had almost screamed. The bottled-up anger had come out.

“You’re that worried for their… teeth?”

I nodded slowly. Not like adding anything would help.

After a moment, she replied, “Well, if you're that concerned about it, I’m happy to give a helping hand.”

The tone of her voice. She was confused. Weirded out. They all were. Their inability to understand it drove me crazy every day. When would this stop? When would humans finally care for their teeth like they should?

When would I be at peace?

Snow. An old, annoyingly happy man. Always appeared at random to jolly me along. However, he always offered good food that didn't harm teeth.

“Pancakes?” he asked me. “Without sugar, just like you prefer.”

This time, he appeared in a food truck on my way home. Always working. Always to serve his kind. Always to bring presents and joy.

“Why are you here?” I asked him.

“You’re back here in Canterlot City. Shouldn’t you move on?”

He always knew where I was. That was his schtick. Always watching. Always judging.

“You’re a stalker.”

“Ho, ho, ho,” he laughed. This annoying, ear piercing laugh. “You and your jokes. You should switch them up at some point. This is the sixty-fifth time I've heard that one.”

“You’re a stalker.”

“Sixty—”

“You’re a stalker.”

“Let’s remain mature, shall we? Here, take a seat, your pancake is ready.”

I grunted and sat at the table. He prepared two plates—one for me, the other for himself—and placed the pancakes in the middle, then poured two cups of tea. Non-acidic tea.

Sometimes, I could almost understand why humans were willing to ruin their teeth. Snow said his food tasted just as good as regular food, and considering how amazingly resilient teeth were, it was probably worth enduring a little tooth decay for the wonderful taste.

But not for me. I understood the true value of teeth. No degree of flavour could ever be worth the damage it would cause.

“When was the last time you were here?” he asked me. “Five years ago? Seven?”

I didn’t say anything. He knew it better than me, even to the precise second if needed.

“But last year many things changed here,” he continued. “Good changes. One school had their bully reformed, and another had their manipulative principal fired. Friendship slowly takes over.”

That word. Friendship. Back in my world, it was literally magic. Magic that got me banished to this world.

“Maybe you could learn friendship here,” he said. “That Sunset Shimmer you work with would gladly help you.”

At times, it was creepy how much he knew about me. Luckily, I knew that his “omnipotence” was involuntary. It only came into play when necessary. The same way I always know where to fly to collect a tooth. Like a form of instinct.

“Once she knows who I am, she'll have me locked up.”

He scratched his beard. “Yeah, you did some... pretty bad stuff.”

“And I will do it again.”

He sighed. His expression changed, remaining with a smile, but his eyes screamed of pity and disappointment. Like a father worried about his daughter’s dumb decisions.

“Power is a dangerous tool; not only for those it is used on, but also by those who use it.”

This again. I groaned immediately in response.

He took a long sip from his cup. A really long one. Annoying. Then he stared at some random group of people far away.

An artificial silence to underline his statement. More time for me to eat his delicious pancakes.

“Not everyone can handle power,” he finally continued. “For some, it takes them over. They want more. And more. And more. They sacrifice everything for even a little more power. But what remains of them? Are they still those who they were before, or did they become the tool of their obsession?”

“I don’t like it here,” I countered. “I'm out of place. My home is Equestria.”

A deep breath. Was he thinking, or simply waiting for the right time to speak?

Whatever. Time for another pancake.

“But you could make this world your home,” he said. “You’re more than a human.”

I bit my lip. More than a human. My dreams. The teeth that came from nowhere. I knew that my dream was real.

“I won’t become a fairytale for children.”

He sighed. “But why? Why this resistance? It's perfect for you. You have an obsession with teeth, so being a tooth fairy should be a dream come true, right?

“I mean, look at me. I can still walk around. Interact with this world. Live like I lived before. But when Hearth’s Warming comes up, I bring happiness to millions of children.

“And when a child's permanent teeth are coming in, aren't you happy to be a part of that? To not only take away their fears of losing their milk teeth, but get them excited for it?”

A wonderful moment. The children’s happiness was contagious. But fickle.

“And what comes afterwards?” I countered. “Have you seen how they treat their new teeth? They've got them for the rest of their life, and they do everything in their power to ruin them! How many brush their teeth correctly, if at all?! How many floss?!”

Saying that, I realised I had stood up and shouted the last questions. Some passengers stared at me. Groaning, I sat back.

“And don’t get me started on how you affect their diet,” I continued with a calmer, but still angered voice. “So much chocolate and sweets.”

He nodded slowly, keeping his smile. That annoying, fake smile he never dropped. Always happy.

“You’re not embracing your role,” he said. “Allow yourself to be the tooth fairy, and you become much more than a short moment in their lives.”

“Anything else you want to say?” I asked, standing up. “Maybe something new?”

He tapped his fingers on the table. For the first time, his smile vanished.

“Do you really think you’re going to open the portal?”

I didn’t reply.

“Sure, you can feel the Equestrian magic on them. But what’s next? Are you going to steal it from them? Will it somehow crack the magic lock? What if nothing works?”

I looked him deep in his eyes. He sounded serious, but he couldn’t hide his apathy. After all, if he truly cared, he would’ve stopped me.

“It’s worth a try.”

I could feel it, even from far away, even before they had transformed. Equestrian magic.

I knew I had to have it. Their magic was like an intense fire. My body begged for it.

And, by the way certain points on their bodies lit up before the rest did, I could tell the energy was stored in some trinkets they carried.

Involuntarily, I went nearer. Step by step. Right through the crowds of people. Hypnotised by their magic.

Something inside me awakened. It was the longing for power. For control. The masses around me were mere mortals. Once I got hold of the magic, I would be unstoppable!

“Where are you going?”

A security guard. He had watched me approach the barrier and almost climb the stage.

“Sorry,” I muttered and stepped back.

But my eyes were locked onto the Rainbooms. Their ears, their new dresses, their longer hair.

Would that happen to me too? Would I be more like I was in Equestria? Back then, I was the size of a foal. I had big, beautiful wings that together resembled a tooth. And I wielded a sceptre that displayed my collected teeth. But the Rainbooms didn't look anything like something from my world—so how would I look, once I had it?

“Second time!”

I pushed him, but I wasn’t strong enough. He grabbed me by my hands and pulled me to the side, out of the field.

Out of the Rainbooms’ performance.

And the moon watched over me, worrying.

Chapter 2

It was sixteen years ago. Back when I had lost all hope.

I had finished my study of dentistry with ease; I had worked for several dentists; I had started a promising career in my field; and I was fired for ‘harassing’ the patients.

Punished for humanity’s apathy towards their teeth.

What else could I do? What was there to live for? I was stranded in this world. My passion kept me alone. I was considered weird, crazy. A lunatic.

The police were called on me several times. Causing a disturbance. There were investigations as to whether I was dangerous or a psychopath. But I could lie when needed. I knew that once I landed in an asylum, I wasn't getting out.

To them, it's crazy just to care for your teeth.

I couldn’t work in dentistry anymore. And nothing else was worth it.

I looked down. The sea under the bridge was quiet. Waiting for me.

And yet, amongst the welcoming waves, the full moon’s reflection smiled.

‘What are you doing, Pari?’

My tears flowed in an endless stream. Regret. Sadness. Hopelessness. My life was a waste. Celestia should’ve killed me when she had the chance. This ruthlessness would’ve been mercy upon myself.

‘You’re destined for more.’

I was. I was destined to be a ruler! An empress! But Celestia, with her egotistical grudge, took it away from me.

‘No, Pari.’

The sea suddenly teemed with pictures. Memories of when I still worked for a dentist. A child that cried because he feared losing his teeth. The same child that smiled when his parents told him about the tooth fairy.

A picture of how I retold that story to someone else. Another picture where I pretended to be the tooth fairy for a child. I taught her a lot about how to care for her teeth.

In that role, I could be calm. I could be patient. But I could only play it for children.

‘You can become one. A real one.’

I laughed. This was ridiculous. Was I imagining all this?

‘This world is ready for another being. You’re perfect for it.’

Another being?

‘When generations believe, they give us the power to assign a chosen one for them.

‘No one loves teeth like you, Pari. You care for them. You value them unlike anybody else. Use it for humanity. Make children happy with your work. Become a part of their lives.’

My eyes became heavy. Tired. So tired. I just wanted to fall asleep.

‘Do you accept this role?’

I nodded, closing my eyes. Anything was better than what I was now.

And for the first time in this world, I was flying again.

A leather book with a symbol of a sun in red and yellow on the cover laid on a table. Sunset had left it there during her break. I didn’t open it. Too risky, and I didn’t have time anyway.

But it was magical. Not as strong as the Rainbooms’ performance, but definitely noticeable.

Couldn't humans feel magical auras too? Or were they just ignoring it? The Rainbooms’ transformation had been visible—they never tried to hide it.

“Pari!” Sunset called after me. “Break is—”

And the book vibrated.

“—over.”

She saw it too. She made a wide grin—obviously to distract from the vibrating book—and with it showed me all her teeth.

At that moment I understood. Her teeth had the same wear pattern as mine. She was also from Equestria.

No wonder Snow mentioned her.

“It’s, em,” Sunset stuttered, grabbing the book, “my phone. I tend to hide it there.”

With a conspicuous sleight of hand, she pretended to retrieve her phone from the book.

“See?”

I didn’t care. She was from Equestria. She had something magical. She was the main key to Equestrian magic.

And I would take it from her by any means necessary.

Sofian would always wear his keffiyeh, sandals, and yellow-grey dishdasha no matter the weather or region he was in. Snow at least matched his appearance to his surroundings.

But it’s not like it mattered for Sofian. I had never seen him amongst a crowd, even when invited to a party. He preferred being alone and, of course, staying up the whole night. As it was, he barely met anyone anyway. A true loner.

“Greetings,” I muttered after seeing him.

He greeted me back with just a slow nod.

“Done for today?” I asked.

He shook his head.

“Is Sunset asleep?”

He squinted, locking his eyes on me. He didn’t answer in any way.

Once he looked away, he replied, “What are you up to?”

“None of your concern”, I said.

“So it’s about Equestria. Again.”

I crossed my arms. “That’s where I belong.”

“No, you don’t.”

I took a deep breath. I didn’t need this discussion again. Just because the moon made me a tooth fairy when I’m asleep, it didn’t mean my home world had changed. He loved his role. He couldn’t fathom how someone wouldn’t want to be commanded by the moon day and night.

“Don’t you have other things to do? Like making humans fall asleep with your sand?”

“Why are you interested in her?”

A rare moment of him showing some interest. Or was it a concern for a human? In any way, it couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“She’s from Equestria too,” I said. “Just wanted to pay a visit. Talk about what's on the other side.”

He remained standing in silence. He obviously didn’t believe me, but he also couldn’t stay around. His duty called, and watching over me wasn’t his task anyway.

“The moon is watching you.”

I laughed. “Well, then why are you still here? Go put someone else to sleep.”

With a grunt, he finally vanished.

“Pari?” Sunset asked, yawning. “Did something happen?”

So she wasn’t asleep. Luckily I had decided to knock first.

“I’m really sorry to wake you,” I said. “Can I come in?”

“What time is it?” Another yawn.

“Around midnight. Please, it’s important!” I stepped forward, but Sunset put her arm across the doorway.

“Sorry, but we’re basically strangers. Don’t take it personally.”

I sighed. “Of course.”

There was hope that her tired state would make her less careful. Feign urgency and importance at that moment, and usually people are polite enough to follow such requests.

“So?” she continued, leaning on the door frame. “What's the problem?”

I looked around us. We were alone. If only I was more fit. Then I would’ve been fast enough to knock her out here and now.

“It’s, em.” I bit my finger, pretending to be nervous. “It’s about…”

She raised her eyebrow.

“It’s about Equestria.”

A silent stare. Sunset had good self control if she wanted to hide it, but her silence was slightly too long. If my ruse worked, she would let me in. Or slam the door in my face. It was a gamble, but I had to try.

“Equestria? What is that?”

“Where you’re from.”

She tilted her head, squinting her eyes. I knew she was thinking about how to react. Or she was judging me.

“How?”

A relief. Either the Rainbooms weren’t hiding their magic at all costs, or Sunset figured out it would be no point trying to deny it. It made sense. Why hide the truth when she should care how I knew even the name of her world?

“Your book,” I lied.

“You read it?”

“No.” I didn’t, so I couldn’t act as if I knew what was in there. “But it put away any doubts I had. You transformed during your performance yesterday. You looked more like a pony.”

“How do you know about Equestria?”

I didn’t know if the portal was used exclusively for banishing dangerous beings. Was Sunset also one? Or had its purpose changed over time? I had already risked so much by revealing this knowledge; I couldn’t risk more.

“I’m a mystery hunter,” I spun a hopefully believable lie. “This city has been under my radar for years. I asked around. Met some former residents of the other world. Three girls with hypnotising voices were willing to tell me more.”

“The Dazzlings,” Sunset muttered, clenching her fists.

“Could you, uh, answer some questions?” I asked.

Now was the moment of truth. The point of success or failure. She had to let me in. Turn her back for a second.

“Maybe tomorrow?” Sunset deflected. “I have school in the morning, you know?”

Horseapples! Did everything have to go wrong? It was now or never!

“Please! I've been searching for the truth for years!” One step closer to her. “I’ve never been closer to getting all the answers!” Another step.

“Tomorrow,” she insisted. “Then you can have all the—”

A kick on the door. A hit from my hidden metal bar on her head. She was down. Still breathing. Good. I didn’t know what would happen to her magic if she died.

I had to move quickly. I dragged her inside her apartment and tied her up with ropes and gagged her with a piece of cloth.

Then I searched for the object that contained her magic. Child’s play. Why wear a necklace with pyjamas?

And I was correct. Inside of it was a red crystal. Its magic…

Familiar. Fascinating. Burning. I wanted to hug it. I wanted to have it. I wanted to feel it forever.

‘Stop while you can.’

I looked out of the window. The full moon shone brightly and angrily. Judging. I closed the curtain.

This was true Equestrian magic. Something that I deserved. Something—

I needed more. More! One crystal wasn’t enough! I needed all seven!

With heavy breathing, I went around her apartment. Where was her phone? Maybe next to her bed?

Bingo!

However, her phone was locked. Would a fingerprint open it? No. None of her fingers worked.

Be calm, Pari. Don’t panic.

The night was still young. Sunset would wake up soon. Then, she would do anything I wanted.

“You hate me because I hide chocolate eggs?” Carrot asked me. “Man, you must hate Snow even more!”

“No, not you, but your role.” I explained. “It’s nothing personal.”

The little girl took a long sip from her empty cup. Her brown bunny-ear headband was too big for her, requiring constant readjustment.

“Role?” she said, tilting her head. “What do you mean by that?”

Childish naivety. She fully embraced what she was chosen to be, and didn’t live amongst humans.

“I'm only a tooth fairy when I'm asleep,” I explained. “When it happens, it feels like a dream. Then I'm normal again when I wake up.”

“I see!” She took another sip, then reached for the pot. “More tea?”

I nodded, and Carrot filled my cup with her imaginary drink.

“I love being a bunny!” She said with a big smile. “I get to play with other children! I colour eggs, and hide them, and they search for them!”

Knowing her past, I could understand her enthusiasm. Losing her parents. Growing up fully alone. Separated from other children. The moon gave her a chance to be a child again.

So I smiled back. “I’m happy for you.”

“Are you happy being a tooth fairy?”

I looked away. Was I happy? In my dreams, I was. It felt like I had found my new destiny. A place where my passion for teeth would be useful.

But I didn’t want to stay there. What if the tale of the tooth fairy died out? What would I be left with? A question that barely mattered to me compared to my hatred for this world.

I was a breezie, not a human. This world wasn’t my home. No matter how many times Snow tried to show me kindness, no matter how many times Sofian tried to make me like my role, no matter how much comfort the moon gave me, I refused to call this place home. To call humans the same species as me. To cut away my memories of Equestria.

“I don’t know,” I replied.

“Here!” She gave me an egg with a toothy smile drawn on it. “I made this for you!”

Boiled egg. And beautifully drawn. Carrot’s lightheartedness was contagious. Her tea party might have lacked any actual tea, but it was nice being around her.

I should meet her less.

“The code,” I demanded, showing Sunset her phone.

“Screw you!”

Stubbornness. A stupid pony trait. What had she been in Equestria? A unicorn? An earth pony? Not a pegasus, she didn’t have wings during her transformation.

“I’m not playing around.” I showed her a needle. “The maxillary nerves—”

She spit at my face.

I calmly wiped her spit away and continued. “The maxillary nerves are connected to teeth. Poke at just the right spot, and you’ll understand why dentists were so feared before anaesthetics.”

“My friends will save me!”

I groaned. Why did she have to be so difficult? I was only asking for her code; was it really worth the pain she’d get?

“Well, you asked for it,” I said, then gagged her so she wouldn’t scream. I had tied her up even firmer, so she wouldn’t be able to move anything. Fixing her head had been a bit of struggle, but the construction did its job.

She bit at the gag and watched me furiously through squinted eyes.

Stupid pony.

Raising her upper lips, I searched for the right spot and stabbed into her gum. Immediately her eyes widened, and her muffled scream was audible even through her gag.

And I waited. Torture didn’t give me joy, but I had to do what was necessary. A foolproof method to get what one wanted quickly.

After half a minute, I pulled the needle out of her and I removed her gag. “The code.”

Tears filled up her eyes as she sobbed. I wasn’t a monster, so I waited for her to calm down a bit. But not too long. I had already wasted enough time.

“The code.”

“Zero, six, one, six,” she muttered.

“Thank you.”

It could’ve been that easy from the start. Well, onto the rest of the plan. I gagged her again and made myself comfortable on a chair.

Messenger app. Scrolling through the contacts and searching for any Rainbooms member who was still online.

Luckily, there was one. Rainbow.

Hey there, could you come by my place? It’s urgent. Just come through the door, it’s unlocked.

And sent. Now I just had to wait. My metal bar was already next to—

A flash of wind came into the room. What just happened?

No, it couldn’t be! How was Rainbow already here?! How—

Focus! She had seen Sunset already and stared at her in surprise. Only by sheer luck was I positioned out of sight.

“Sunset? Is that you?”

I grabbed my bar and lunged. She turned around, but before she could react, I had already hit her head.

First job: Tying her up. Super speed was the only explanation for her appearing here so quickly, and I wouldn’t test my luck with her again. Surprise was the only thing that saved me.

Now to her crystal. She didn’t wear a necklace, but her wristwatch glowed dimly. I took a closer look and, lo and behold, there was the crystal.

Twice as much power. Closer to awakening my old self. But I needed more. Only five more, and I would be unstoppable!

I checked Sunset’s phone. No one else was online. The last time she had written to anybody was an hour ago.

It made sense. They had school tomorrow, and it was already two hours after midnight.

At the same time, should I really invite one of them here? Rainbow apparently had super speed. What superpowers would the rest have? I couldn’t risk it!

No, I had to visit each one of them and steal their crystals in their sleep. Luckily, Sunset’s contacts list gave me all the addresses I would need.

‘Pari.’

Ignore it. Don’t look. Hide in the shadows as much as possible.

‘You can’t hide from me, Pari.’

Don’t let its artificial guilt affect you. Remember your goal. Feel the power of Equestrian magic in your hand.

‘What are you doing?’

The voice was full of motherly concern. Full of disappointment. But I had nothing to be ashamed of. No reason to listen to her.

‘Please, Pari. You don’t have to do it.’

I had to. There was no turning back.

‘There still is. You can fix your mistakes.’

No, I couldn’t, and I didn’t want to! I would be back in Equestria, and with these crystals at my side I'd take my revenge on Celestia and return to my rightful place!

‘You’re going to lose everything.’

There was nothing to lose anymore!

‘Pari.’

And I was at my next destination.

“Remarkable,” Adagio commented. “Quite remarkable.”

I rolled my eyes as I opened the door to a small restaurant. “One does what one has to do. And lockpicking isn’t really that hard.”

“But couldn’t you, like, break into banks and get rich?” Aria asked.

I groaned. Did they know anything about the human world? “Do you really think bank security consists only of locks?”

“What else would they have?” Sonata asked.

“Really?”

“Ignore her,” Adagio sighed. “She’s not the brightest.”

“Whatever,” I said. “Take only what you need and get out. Smaller hit, better chance they won’t notice anything. And don’t touch the money!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Adagio said. “So we don't get the police involved. We’ve got it.”

Petty burglary. It was far beneath an empress, but I couldn’t survive without it anymore. I couldn’t hold down a job, and any background checks made other companies reluctant to hire me.

I had met the sirens accidentally. Their glowing pendants and hypnotic singing got my attention, and I could feel their magic once I got near them.

We made small talk. They dropped minor hints. With more and more details I became sure they were from Equestria, so I revealed that I came from there too.

Now, we survived together in this cruel, human world.

While I stood guard outside, I looked up to the sickle moon. It wasn’t content with my life of crime, but I assumed it tolerated it, given my circumstances. I still flew in my dreams. I still woke up with teeth in my hands.

The moon just didn’t talk to me as much as before.

“Alright, we got everything,” Adagio whispered as they left the building.

We sprinted back to our car and drove to our hideout.

My lockpicking skills were still good enough. Nobody was awake at this hour, but I still snuck in as quietly as possible. Pinkie Pie. Rarity. Fluttershy. All a success.

Their power was amazing! Intense as a fire, and close to burning me. But still not enough. Two left. Twilight was next.

She was a problem. Her picture had a dog, and dogs bark at intruders. I couldn’t just walk in.

So I called her. Again. And again. She wasn’t picking up.

Was her phone on mute? Or was she sleeping like a log?

As I called her another time, I looked up at the night sky. Only a few stars were visible. The moon was hidden behind a tree. Would I fly in my dreams again? Or would the moon revoke my role?

Somehow, I didn’t want the dreams to stop. But it wouldn’t matter once I was back in my world.

“Hello?”

Finally!

“Twilight!” I whispered. Hopefully this way she wouldn’t recognise that it wasn’t Sunset’s voice. “Could you come outside? It’s really important!”

“Why?” Twilight asked and yawned. “What time is it?”

“Quick!”

“But—”

I hung up and creeped to her front door. Sadly, I was right at the moon’s sight.

‘You could kill her.’

So what? Every nation was founded on blood. Besides, the risk was low. Probably.

‘Is war your destiny?’

I closed my eyes. War. What a negatively connotated word. War was just against an unjust ruler. War was right against the unrightful.

‘Who would want you to be their ruler?’

I squinted at the moon.

Their teeth. No one cared for their teeth! Only I did! They didn’t deserve to ruin their amazing, precious teeth!

‘And this is your way of combating that? Through their tears, pain, and blood?’

Shut up! You don’t get it! No one does!

Once I heard Twilight unlocking the door, I readied myself to knock her out.

“Idiots!” I screamed as I burst into their room.

“What?”

“You idiots!” I repeated as I raised the newspaper and pointed at an article. “What did I tell you about stealing money?!”

Adagio raised her hands. “We didn’t!”

“Liars!” I threw the newspaper at them. “Now we’ve got the police on us!”

“Chill, gurl,” Aria said, rolling her eyes. “First, they have to catch us.”

“Are you dumb?”

“Sonata is.”

“Hey!” Sonata complained, turning to Aria. “No I’m not!”

“Yes, you are.”

“Am not!”

“Shut up!” I shouted at them. “You’re ruining my future!”

They laughed. A laugh that cut my heart. They didn’t care.

“What future, Tooth Fairy?” Adagio asked. “Who would hire you anyway?”

“And even if,” Aria added, grinning widely. “They’d fire you once you throw a tantrum over them drinking soda.”

And they laughed again. Using my love for teeth as an instrument to mock me. Who did these banished sirens think they were?!

No, calm down. They were from Equestria too. They also had an interest in returning home. We were stronger together.

“I don’t think you understand the weight of our situation,” I said. “This world is much more technologically advanced and interconnected. If something happens here, it’s shared every—”

Aria grabbed my attention. She snored. And once I went silent, they laughed again.

That was it! With a scream, I jumped at Adagio, aiming for her throat.

They were three. I was one. They easily pinned me down and, after taking everything that was worth anything, threw me out on the street.

Traitors.

How was Applejack already at work? The sun hadn’t risen yet!

Were she a normal human, I would’ve snuck up to her, but I didn’t know what her powers were. Even worse, I could hear a dog barking. It was far away, but it meant Applejack could be alerted at any time.

What could I do? How could I surprise her?

I touched the small bag around my neck. Six crystals. Their magic was as intense as a burning flame. One more crystal. Just one more.

They gave me comfort. Confidence. They needed me to release the last of their kind from human’s imprisonment. They wanted to serve me. They wanted to save the teeth. I could feel it.

I had to try. For me. For my destiny. For the teeth!

Bush by bush. Nearer and nearer. Applejack was singing. Good for me. Just a bit nearer and—

The dog started barking. Louder. Faster. And I heard it run towards me.

I jumped out of the bushes and ran towards Applejack, the metal bar ready to strike.

But Applejack saw me. Immediately positioning in a boxing stand, she dodged my strike and punched me in my gut.

I fell down. Air. I needed air! I couldn’t breathe! My heart was about to explode. My lungs threatened to collapse in on themselves.

For a single moment, I didn’t care for anything but to survive.

And then came the saving breath. I had never felt relief like that before.

“Who are you?” Applejack asked, still in her boxing position.

I couldn’t do anything. Only pant for that much needed air.

“Did you really think you could take down an apple farmer just like that?” She laughed. “We’re tough. Tougher than you could ever be.”

I sat up. Her dog was standing next to her, barking loudly.

At that moment, I realised that I had lost. And I was so close! Just one more crystal, and I would’ve been unstoppable! Had I really failed because of one peasant farmer girl?

“What is that?” Applejack asked.

I looked down. My bag of crystals glowed brightly in different colours. Their magic burned even more intensely, to the point of being almost unbearable.

“If you attacked me…” She stepped closer to me. Her eyes widened. “What did you do to my friends?”

She figured out what was in my bag. She connected the dots. Rage was written on her face.

“What did you do to my friends?!” she shouted.

She threw me down. One of her hands gripped my shoulder painfully tight, the other formed a fist and hung over my face. “Tell me!”

And I gasped. Not because I needed air, but because the magic was too strong to bear. Her necklace glowed. My bag glowed even brighter. The Equestrian magic burned in my chest. Painfully. Then it wrapped around me. My whole body seemed to melt.

The next moment, the burning sensation stopped as quickly as it had begun. Applejack laid before me on the ground, covering her face with her hat.

The sun was rising, laying long shadows across the ground. I saw mine. Wings were behind my back.

I turned to my right hand. I was holding a silver sceptre covered with engravings of teeth. On top of it was a glass sphere with an opening.

Just like in Equestria.

“What on…”

Applejack was at a loss for words. Her dog stood beside her, its tail low, but still with a fierce stance.

And I was powerful.

“Your crystal,” I demanded, walking confidently towards her.

“You mean my geode?” she asked.

“Whatever you call it,” I replied and grabbed her necklace.

She grabbed my arm tightly, refusing to let go. Her body glowed up for a moment, transforming her. Immediately, her grip became painful again.

Super strength.

But a punch to her face with my other hand made her let go, and her necklace was now in my possession.

A pain in my leg.

“Ouch,” I hissed. Her dog bit me. A light kick sent it flying away.

I had won. Their Equestrian magic was mine!

Chapter 3

I had cried before the moon only one time. Before she gave me the role of the tooth fairy.

This was the second time. The sirens had stolen what little I had left. Even my lockpicking tools. No chance at a real job. No home. Nowhere to go. All alone.

I was a nobody.

So I cried before the moon, laying on it all the worry, fear, and pain that I had experienced, all the anger and regret at being betrayed by creatures of my own world.

I trusted them. I had hope. Hope that I haven’t felt before. I thought we could stay together through thick and thin and find a way back. But they were true sirens. They gained my trust, only to rob me and throw me away.

They might as well have killed me.

It didn’t say anything. It knew that I only wanted to be listened to. Its light hugged me softly.

“Why did you choose me?” I asked it. “I’m not like Snow, or Carrot, or anyone else. I'm not human. I can’t be like them.

“I can’t love humans.”

Love. Described so beautifully. Oh, to love. But there was nothing I could love. Only teeth. And my love for teeth brought only suffering day after day.

“I can’t be a tooth fairy. I just can’t. I long for my home world. I'm the empress of Equestria.”

It sighed.

“Pick someone else. Take these dreams away. Don’t make me suffer anymore!”

‘Pari, oh Pari.’

“Please!”

‘Your heart is still hurt from your past, and you refuse to let your wounds heal. We have given you mercy.’

“But why? What can I do with your mercy?”

‘Learn to love. Learn to accept. And learn to let go.’

I looked to the ground. To let go. Even after more than a decade, I hadn’t let go.

“I’m… sorry,” I muttered. “I can never forget my past.”

‘Allow your wounds to be healed,’ it said. ‘Release your hatred. See the beauty in the here and now. Allow light to come into your heart.’

“But it's been so long.”

‘Take all the time you need. We will be there for you.’

The sun had risen, but it was still early in the morning. Early enough for Canterlot High School to appear empty.

I stood before the portal. Was this it? Could I break the lock? I didn’t know how long the portal would stay open, so hopefully it wasn’t closed.

For the last time, I looked at the world around me. Kind of beautiful. Were it not for my destiny, I might have been able to stay and settle down. But I had to get back and take what was rightfully mine.

I placed the hand on the pedestal.

Hot, scouring flames emerged from where I touched it, and an explosion threw me to the ground.

No. No. No! The lock should be broken! I had the Rainbooms’ magic on me! All of it! Why was the lock still there?

I screamed. I beat the ground with my fist. All of that effort, just to fail at the very end?!

This was unfair! This was unjust! This was—!

“What are you doing?”

I turned to the source of the voice. A man in a working uniform was looking at me. Probably the janitor for the school.”

“None of your business.”

“But—”

“Goodbye.”

I stood up and stomped away.

“Well, now you look like a real tooth fairy,” Snow said, chuckling by himself.

“I didn’t invite you to my apartment,” I responded, not bothering to turn to him.

“Ho, ho, ho.”

That laugh. That annoying, arrogant laugh.

“I mean, have you looked in a mirror? You're the Tooth Fairy of legend! You look exactly how one would imagine her.”

Of course I had looked in a mirror. My white hair was longer, reaching almost the ground. Pony ears on top of my head had replaced my human ears, near which sat a tiara adorned with teeth. My dress was now covered with more black stripes, and the sewn-in tooth symbol had a tiara and teeth-shaped butterfly wings in black and white.

“So, the portal’s lock still works?” he asked, sitting before me at the table.

“What do you want?” I countered instead. He knew the answer; why bother to ask?

“And yet you still have the Rainbooms’ magic on you.”

So that was why. To play the morale apostle.

“They don’t need it.”

“Ho, ho, ho.”

I clenched my teeth. Could he for once laugh normally?

“But you don’t need it either. You’re already a tooth fairy. Or do you intend to walk around in public like that?”

“No, Snow.” I stood up. “This is who I really am. This Equestrian magic is mine.”

“No, it—”

I raised my sceptre.

He put his hands on his mouth and lowered his head. A pained groan escaped him until he inhaled in relief. “What…” His eyes were wide open. For the first time, he feared me. “What was that?”

“My power,” I responded, tapping with my fingers on the glass sphere of my sceptre. “I pulled on one of your teeth. Usually, pull a tooth out.”

“That hurt!”

“It does hurt a little, as the root has to be detached from the jaw bone, but it’s less painful and far quicker than if a dentist did it.”

“And this is what you did back then?” He stood up, coming face to face with me, his breath heavy with rage. “You pulled people's teeth out?”

“Only the ones who resisted me.”

“But why?”

“Where’s your omnipotence?” I chuckled. “Once I place someone's tooth inside my sceptre, they become my slaves, and will do anything I ask.”

He blinked. His breath got even quicker. He stepped back, stumbling on a chair and falling to the ground.

“You, you mindcontrolled—”

“Knock it off, Snow,” I responded with a sigh. “I don’t need your advice or judgement.”

“You deserved to be banished!”

Before, I would’ve been enraged. I might have even attacked him. But now, his attempt to hurt me was merely pitiful.

I raised my sceptre, and he was groaning in pain again. After a few seconds, I lowered the sceptre again.

“I won’t be taking your tooth,” I explained calmly. “But don’t you dare cross my path ever again.”

Nighttime. The full moon shone brightly in the sky. Shortly after midnight, I went outside. Canterlot City wasn't busy at night except for a few locations, so no one would see me. And even if they did, it wouldn’t matter anyway.

I searched. Lonely people. I needed followers. Once I had them, I would be a true ruler.

After a while, I noticed something. An absence. Looking up, I realised that the moon hadn’t spoken to me tonight.

Better for me. It would only be a bother.

Then I found one. A homeless man, sleeping under a bridge.

Getting near, raising my sceptre, focusing to pull one of his teeth out. He screamed. It took about a minute, but once the tooth was out, it flew right into my glass sphere.

“Stand up!” I demanded.

He did.

“Turn around.”

He did.

“Turn back to me.”

He did.

Just like in the good old days.

“Are there more like you? Preferably living alone.”

He nodded.

“Lead me to them.”

And the moon was silent.

A cold breeze always followed Freeze. While the moon had always chosen someone with a fitting name for a role, with this teen boy it was too blunt for my taste.

“What are you doing here?” I asked him, holding my sceptre with two hands. “It’s only autumn.”

“Watching the rumours,” he replied and jumped down from his tree. “Let me tell you, the moon is pissed at you.”

“Anything else?”

“Your outfit looks fresh.”

I rolled my eyes. Snow might be annoyingly positive, but he was at least mature. Freeze was like a twelve year old child stuck in a fifteen year old's body.

“Anything else?”

He chuckled. “You can't take compliments, can you?” He pointed behind me. “Who are these guys?”

“My loyal subjects.” Only three. Soon, they would be useful to get multiple followers at once.

“Are you sure they’re not after your love?”

He grinned, expecting me to break out in laughter. Immature child wasting my time.

“You’ve only come to make lame jokes?” I responded.

He had a reason to be here. During this season he was never this far south. Trying to stop me? He couldn’t.

“Nah, to say goodbye.” He stretched out his hand.

I knew his implications. This was his way of telling me to stop.

“You can join me,” I said instead. “Be part of my new empire.”

A sudden burst of cold, frozen wind blew against me. Ice particles stung my face, but I stood firm. He couldn’t do anything else.

And as quickly as the wind came, it stopped. He was back on a tree, laying on a branch.

“Nah, I’ll pass,” he replied. “Good luck with your lovers!”

“They’re not my—”

Snowflakes appeared out of thin air and encircled him. Then, he vanished.

Immature child.

The way my mind control worked was simple: Get their tooth, place it in my sceptre, and they follow every command.

My subjects weren’t brainless. They followed my orders the way they would act on their own intentions, but with much more willpower. If I were to send one out to rob a bank without any further instruction, it would depend entirely on them how they would do it. One might walk in with a gun, another might sneak in at night, and others still would make connections and plan an organised break-in.

That was the reason I was so successful in Equestria. All I needed was to control the right creatures: a high-ranked military leader, a political figure with the influence I needed, or even just a random soldier at the right place and time.

The genius was that they would still act normally when my orders allowed it. Spies amongst closed circles, a leader preparing my invasion behind enemy lines, and no one would suspect a thing.

I didn’t like giving my subjects too much control of their own, so I used this strategy only when necessary. But it worked well. Slow infiltration. Town by town, city by city, council by council. My control grew. My power over the world only expanded.

Until someone noticed a missing tooth.

“Can you imagine it, Sofian?” I called. “These people are my loyal subjects. My word becomes their life's purpose!”

He simply stood there, watching me from a roof. A loose piece of his keffiyeh was fluttering in the wind.

“Cat got your tongue?” I chuckled. “You never believed in me, and yet, here I am!”

“Wasn’t your home world your goal?”

I gritted my teeth. To an outsider, it was a simple question without subtext, but I read it loud and clear. He never called Equestria my home world.

“Quick to change your mind?” I continued, keeping up the façade of being in a good mood. “And all these years you’ve tried to convince me this world was my new home. Oh well, guess I was right from the very start.”

No reaction. Did he see how his question angered me? He definitely did.

“Anything else?” I asked him. “Or do you want to enjoy the show?”

He looked up. Sand emerged from under him, flying in circles around his body.

“Traitor.”

And with this word, he was gone.

What exactly was I doing?

I could say a lot. Gather loyal subjects. Gain political power. Infiltrate more and more circles. Become the sole leader of this world.

But I wouldn’t be honest.

No, I didn’t care to get power over humans. At least not yet. Collecting teeth from the humans was more like an act of revenge.

Back in Equestria, the creatures didn’t care for their teeth either. However, they didn’t have masses of food and drinks that were solely designed to attack their teeth. Humans consumed them daily!

All these years of enduring their behaviour. How they treated me for caring about their teeth. How I was made to feel ashamed for my passion, while it should be them who should be ashamed for how they treat their teeth!

I would make them suffer the same way I did.

But behind this act of revenge there was another layer I was self conscious enough to see. On why I went out during the night to collect new loyal subjects.

It was to make the moon regret ever choosing me.

My first ever New Year as a tooth fairy. Every fairytale creature assigned by the moon would meet at a single place. Snow had invited everyone, like every year, and provided those who needed it with a ‘golden ticket’.

Quite a strange ride. A magical sleigh appeared where I was and, after putting the ticket inside a slot, it lifted high up in the air and flew to the destination.

However, this wasn’t the strangest thing I had experienced this year. The strangest thing was taking on the role of a tooth fairy. In the process I got to meet a few new people, all playing their fairytale role.

They were not weirded out by my love for teeth.

Because of that, I was kind of excited to be there, curious how it would be. If I would belong.

At the destination, it was surprisingly warm and cosy. Nothing one would expect at the North Pole—let alone in winter!

“Pari!” Snow welcomed me. “Come in, come in!”

I looked around. While I had met a few before, there were several I hadn’t ever seen before. So many different people. So many different kinds of clothes. Different languages, different cultures.

All local or international fairytale beings at one place. It was a strange look, like a mess of colours and patterns that didn't compliment each other.

And yet, there were smiles. There was laughter. Despite this chaos, it felt like everyone was in harmony.

And I felt welcomed.

I hated to hear people crying, yelling, screaming for me to stop.

Was this just a human thing? Or had it developed from my role as the tooth fairy? Whatever the cause, it didn't really matter.

“Hold their mouths, I said!”

A raid of a house party. Several adults, some children, some elderly. Probably an extended family. They couldn’t do anything against my horde of followers.

Well, anything but scream.

“We're trying!” one of my subjects said, while failing to get a good grip on the teenager’s mouth.

I groaned and went to the next person. A boy. Probably around 5.

I looked in his eyes and raised my sceptre. But I didn’t pull on his tooth.

His big, scared eyes. Tears rolling down his cheeks.

“Don’t!” A mother said, somehow escaping my subjects' grip. “Let my son go! Do whatever you want with me instead!”

My followers tackled her and dragged her back with the rest, but her words repeated again and again in my head.

Motherly love. Something I never experienced growing up. Forced to survive on my own from the very beginning of my life. Envy, and yet empathy.

I had to look away. I couldn’t take it.

Why did I care about them? Why couldn’t I do to the child what I could do to all the adults without blinking an eye?

A reflection on a window made me look up.

“You!” I shouted, raising my hands. “You did this to me, didn’t you?!”

The moon didn’t respond.

“You made me care for these worthless creatures, for their little ones, didn’t you?!”

Silence. Not even those tackled down said anything. The wind was still.

“Are you the tooth fairy?” the boy asked me. My subjects must have let go of him.

But at that moment, everything came back. My disdain for Celestia. My rage at the lock on the portal. My hatred for humans and their apathy for their teeth.

How I never asked to be their feel-good fairytale creature.

“I am,” I said, then turned around and raised my sceptre.

“To our new member!” Snow declared, raising his glass. Many joined in. An hour was left before the new year began.

The party was calm. No loud music or alcohol streaming like lakes, but a nice, chatty meet-up with a feast on a table. Back then, I was surprised at how much variety Snow had prepared. The table was huge! In hindsight, with people coming from all over the world, Snow had to prepare something for anyone.

“Why don’t you tell us what being a tooth fairy is like?” Snow asked. “We’re quite curious about someone special like you. A fairy from another world? We’ve seen many new people, but no-one like you!”

After a short break for laughter he sat down, giving me the spot.

I gulped. Speaking in front of all of them? I could never put my dreams into words!

However, I could feel the moon’s light giving me comfort. Courage to stand up, to tell how my dreams went.

And somehow, I kept talking. How I didn’t feel at home. How I still wanted to return to my own world. How I didn’t know if I wanted to be a tooth fairy at all. How my life as a human went more and more downhill through my love for teeth.

At this point, I had definitely ruined the mood. I expected to be thrown out, to get shouted at.

But none of it happened. Some nodded, and some gave reassuring smiles.

“It will be alright!” Freeze said, laughing. “Not everyone likes their new self at first, including me. But look at what I can do now!”

With that, he grabbed the attention to himself, making a small snow tornado. And the mood was as good as before.

‘Aren’t you happy, Pari?’

I looked up. The moon shone right above us through a glass ceiling, bearing witness to our party.

‘No one says you’re weird. Even if they know you’re from another world. Even if they know how you struggle.’

It was true. I liked it here. Every one of us was weird in our own ways, with obsessions humans would find overbearing.

‘And yet, they welcome you. You’re part of them. They want you to be with them.’

A place I could belong. A place where I didn’t have to hide my love for teeth. A place where I could be who I was.

But what about Equestria? What about my destiny as a ruler? As a queen?

I sighed. I wanted to belong. I wanted to let go. I wanted to be a tooth fairy.

But I knew I only wanted it at this moment.

‘Aren’t you happy here, Pari?’

Maybe I was. But would it last?

‘Take your time. Allow yourself to heal.’

We would see, moon.

Besides Freeze and Sofian, no one else did anything to stop me. This was strange. While I had left an impression on Snow, I knew that he was more than capable of fighting me. A power unlike anyone else.

But nothing. Not him, not anyone else, not even the moon. It was still silent. Leaving me to pull more and more teeth.

So what was it? Was it the fear of Equestrian magic? Was it more powerful in this world?

Whatever the reason was, its silence enraged me. Talk to me, moon! Fairytale beings, defend your kind! Don’t let me keep doing this!

“Freeze!”

The police. Just a few, probably on patrol. Or the screams had gathered some attention.

At least it was some kind of reaction.

“Hands in the air!”

Despite their guns, I walked towards them.

“We said—!”

With their eyes locked on me, my subjects could sneak behind them and tackle them to the ground. A few more hands helped to disarm them, and they were now left at my mercy.

I looked up to the moon. It was watching.

“Speak to me!” I shouted, raised my sceptre and stabbed it at a policeman. My subjects held his mouth with their hands, but his screams could still be heard up and down the street. “Do something!”

And I thrusted again and again, screaming at the moon to respond. There was no blood, as the sceptre wasn’t sharp, but I knew where to hit to make it painful.

After a while, I had enough and struck his head, knocking him out.

I panted. I had let my rage out on an innocent person. And yet no reaction from the moon. No one was going to stop me.

As if they didn’t care. Not for me, nor for my victims.

“You’re next!” I said to the other policeman and raised my sceptre, this time to pull his tooth, but a sudden chill made me freeze.

Something changed. A magical presence. It was far, but intense. Strong. Powerful.

Suppressing.

I looked up, confirming my assumption.

The lunar eclipse had begun.

Chapter 4

I stood next to the portal. It was still open, which was, once I thought about it, unusual. Had it ever been open for longer than a week? If only I could pass through it.

I looked up. The moon was not entirely covered yet. A few more minutes left.

I had sent my subjects away. I didn’t know exactly what would happen, but I knew they couldn't help me.

I sighed. What was I even doing? Why? What did I hope to achieve?

I glanced at the school before me. I hadn't heard anything from the Rainbooms yet. Was one of them badly hurt? Had I landed someone in the hospital? Or were they all trying to find their crystals?

It didn’t matter, for the moon was now entirely red.

And I felt it.

The moon’s presence.

Intense. Burning. Terrifying.

I only blinked, and a tall woman was standing at the school’s entrance. Her wavy hair was like a starry sky, her colours the embodiment of the night. A purple dress reached her feet. A crown with the symbol of the moon adorned her head. She held a sceptre that was even taller than she was. And her eyes were locked on me, sharp like a knife.

Like a deity who had come down to Earth.

Despite her intense magical aura, I stood my ground and waited. She was too far away for me to pull her teeth, anyway.

“Pari,” she said, taking a step closer.

I had never heard her say my name like that before. She had always been patient. Caring. Loving.

Now, she was angry.

“Is this your gratitude?”

It was difficult to remain standing. My heart thumped in my chest. My breath quickened. My hands shook.

This was panic.

“Sixteen years ago, we gave you mercy. We gave you a new life. We gave you a new meaning. A chance at a new home.”

She was halfway towards me.

“And we were patient. Oh, we were so patient. We let you mourn your home world. We let you hold onto those fantasies you called ‘destiny’. We gave you all the time you needed to settle down.

“And this is how you thank us?”

She was in front of me. Tall. I had to raise my head to look her in her eyes.

I feared like I had never feared before.

I grabbed my sceptre with shaking hands. I raised it. I searched with my magic for a tooth to pull on.

She simply grabbed my sceptre and ripped it from my hands.

“Foolish.”

I fell to my knees. What was going on? Why was she so powerful that her mere presence was enough to knock me down? I had the Rainbooms’ magic on me, for crying out loud!

“Did you give us a choice?” she continued. “What option is left, after you spurn our mercy time and time again, but ruthlessness?”

I couldn’t even kneel before her anymore. My whole body shook in fear. Was this her ability to control my emotions? Did she gain it through giving me the role of the tooth fairy?

“Stand when I speak to you!”

I couldn’t. I couldn’t even look her in her eyes. My body wasn’t in my control anymore.

“Pathetic,” she spat the word. “Such grand ideas of becoming a ruler. An empress. Where are they now? What can you do to make them happen?”

I gasped, the realisation hitting me.

“Tell me, Pari, what power do you possess that is yours? Equestrian magic? Stolen from the Rainbooms. Tooth fairy magic? Granted by us.”

Tears filled my eyes. I was powerless the moment I entered this world. I had nothing. My dreams of becoming a ruler were just that: dreams!

How stupid was I to want more? How foolish was I to seek out what was determined to fail from the very beginning?

“And yet, you spat on our mercy. We thought—no, hoped that you would learn from your mistakes. We hoped that when you couldn’t return to Equestria, you would listen to reason.

“But this?”

“I-I-I’m sorry,” I stuttered.

She stamped a foot on the ground. “Sorry for what, Pari? What should you be sorry for other than yourself?”

I grabbed her leg. Her presence was torturous. Suffocating. This fear threatened to take my breath away.

“M-m-mercy,” I begged.

She kicked my hands away. “Mercy? What mercy? You had the choice to accept our mercy, but now there is none left for us to give!”

She shouted these words. They rang in my head in an endless loop.

No mercy left for her to give. No mercy left. No mercy.

All that she could offer was ruthlessness.

She lowered her sceptre. Its sickle-moon-shaped head was perfect to grab me by my throat and pull me up to my feet.

“Tell us, Pari. Why? Why did you do this? Why did you force us to come down?”

Just as quickly as my fear had come, it vanished. My hands weren’t shaking anymore. Like if her magical aura was gone.

Was it temporary? The moon was still completely red.

But my mind was clear. My emotions weren't dampening my thoughts anymore. At this point I saw who the moon truly was: Just a being controlling my emotions. That was why I had been in such terror.

If I was fast, her will could be mine! I could fulfil my destiny once and for all!

I punched her in the gut. She stumbled back. I ripped my sceptre from her hand and raised it. Here was a tooth! Grip firmly, then pull. As quickly as pos—

She hit me over the head with her sceptre. I fell down, my own sceptre tumbling away.

“You haven't changed,” she said, raising me up by the throat again with her sceptre. “And you never will.”

Then she pushed me backwards. I barely kept my feet under me to stay standing, but she kept pushing.

Suddenly, a burning sensation spread across my back. Feeling around me, I realised that she was pressing me against the portal.

“No, don’t!” I screamed. “Not the portal!”

Hot. Hotter. Even hotter. The lock on the portal was doing its job. Like fire it burned through my clothes. Burned through my skin. Unbearable agony.

I cried. I asked her to stop. To let me go.

I begged her for mercy.

After what felt like an eternity, something changed. I felt the protection of the Equestrian magic slip away. The fire grew to envelope me, and there was nothing I could do.

Sunset rode way above the speed limit. But she knew to avoid the speed traps, and this early, no one else was awake.

In her mind were several thoughts and worries. The biggest, of course, being that Pari had stolen their geodes and transformed, but a message from Princess Twilight gave her a new one:

Check the portal! Something is happening there again.

So there she rode.

How had she not made the connection immediately? The moment Pari introduced herself, she knew something was up. Her obsession with teeth, the way she stared at people's mouths, and how she knew of Equestria that night she attacked her—it was the tooth breezie in person!

And Sunset had even heard her name before. She had read a short page in the Canterlot archives that was dedicated to her. If only she had a better memory. If only she'd listened to her suspicions and notified Princess Twilight.

Then they wouldn’t be in this mess.

Luckily, she got away with only a bump on her head. Rainbow and Twilight however weren’t so lucky and had to be treated for concussions.

Close to her school, she stopped and continued her way by foot. If Pari was next to the portal, she should be as quiet as possible.

But then she saw the school grounds and scratched her head.

There was no-one.

Maybe Pari had crossed the portal? It shouldn’t be possible, as Princess Twilight had told her, but Pari did have their geodes. Worry coming over her, she quickly opened her journal.

Twilight, are you still there? Did she cross the portal?

She waited, nibbling on the pen she was holding. With how far Pari went to get their geodes, she didn’t want to imagine what she would do on the other side.

Letters appeared on the page, and Sunset sighed in relief. Hadn't crossed over. She may not have been at the school anymore, but at least still in this world.

However, a new paragraph appeared.

But the portal is closed now. It suddenly overcharged and my device keeping it open blew up. I’m working on fixing it. Do you see something on your side?

So Pari had tried to cross the portal, but the magical lock prevented it.

Not there yet. Taking a look now.

She put her journal back in her bag and approached the pedestal. Of course, Pari could still be around here somewhere, but Sunset made sure to pay great attention to her surroun—

Sobbing. Somebody was crying behind the pedestal.

Pari? It must have been her. She took a wary glance around the corner.

Pari was normal. Well, “normal” as in not looking like how Applejack had described her anymore. Her back was facing Sunset, so she could see the burned clothes and skin.

Was this the magical lock’s doing, preventing her from crossing back to Equestria? Why only her back?

Either way, it looked painful. Her skin was completely red with black spots, and pieces of clothing had melted into it. Without treatment, it could be deadly for sure!

A dim glow from the corner of her eye caught her attention. It was their geodes, simply laying on the ground!

Without further thought, she picked them up and stored them in her bag.

“Pari?”

The sobbing stopped. Slowly the breezie turned her head and stared at Sunset with widened eyes.

“What happened?” Sunset asked. It was a question she didn’t expect an answer to, but Pari raised her hand and pointed to the sky.

“The moon.”

Sunset tilted her head. The moon? There had been a lunar eclipse last night, but what connection did it have with Pari?

“She punished me.”

Pari slowly sat up. Heavy grunting from the pain escaped her mouth. Sunset didn’t want to imagine how much her wounds must have hurt.

Then a loud scream escaped the breezie. “They took my teeth!” she shouted and pointed where the geodes had been. “My precious teeth!”

Her hand went to the ground, searching in the grass for something. Finding it, she showed a few teeth to Sunset. “See?”

She went back to sobbing and tried pushing the teeth into her gums. Only now did Sunset see the blood.

“They won’t stick!” Another attempt, another cry. “Why won’t they stick?!”

Sunset grimaced. It was painful to watch.

Pari wasn’t herself anymore. From a cunning villain who single-handedly stole all of their geodes, to someone who had clearly lost her mind. The burns, the blood, the teeth—villain or not, she needed help right away!

“Stop it, Pari!” Sunset begged. “You’re making it worse!”

“But my teeth!”

The sobbing and failed attempts to reattach her teeth continued.

Should she stop her by force? Preferably not, Pari could still be dangerous. But she needed an ambulance immediately.

Much like a hand was reached out to her, Sunset wanted to give even someone like Pari an opportunity to better themselves. She had doubts the breezie would take it, but at least she'd have a clear conscience.

Pari was in intensive care and under observation, so she was given a few minutes at most to visit.

Pale. This was the first thing Sunset noticed about her. Despite her white hair and her light-greyish tinted skin, she had gotten even whiter. Her glazed eyes stared at the ceiling even when Sunset greeted her.

“How are you feeling?” Sunset asked.

Only the beeping of the heart monitor gave a noise. Did Pari even hear her?

“You know, Pari,” Sunset continued, “I was given mercy at my lowest point.”

Immediately the breezie’s eyes turned to her.

“And now, I am grateful that it was given to me. I accepted it and worked on myself. Before, I was angry, selfish, and I only wanted revenge, but now I have friends who support me.”

At each word, Pari slowly turned her head towards Sunset, her eyes slowly widening.

“I want to give you this mercy too. Despite what you've done, I want to help you to improve yourself. This human world is beautiful too, and it has some amazing people willing to give you a second chance.”

Pari blinked as her eyes filled with tears. Was this the first time someone offered to help her? She seemed to know the Dazzlings, so it could be that selfishness was all she knew.

Maybe this was it. An opportunity for Pari to better herself.

The breezie bent forward and tried to sit up. The moans she gave after every movement revealed how difficult and painful it must have been, so Sunset took her by her shoulders and sat her up.

But Pari grabbed her by her neck and began to choke her. Sunset tried to push Pari’s arms away, but somehow she had the strength to resist.

“Sixteen years,” Pari said, growling. “The moon has given me mercy for sixteen years. And I never took it.”

As Sunset struggled for air, so did Pari, as she took a deep breath between each sentence.

“Do you see my missing teeth? Do you see my wounds? Do you know how painful they are?”

Finally, Pari released her grip, gasping for air as much as Sunset was.

“I made the moon do this to me!”

At last, she fell back down on her bed.

“I don’t need your mercy!” Pari screamed. “I'd rather die!”

“But…”

“Go away!”

Sunset looked at Pari. Even through her paleness, a hatred was written in her face, with eyes that would kill if they could. Sunset had every right to be angry right now, but somehow she could only feel pity. Despite all the pain Pari felt, despite the helpless situation she was in, she had decided to cling on to hatred.

“Pari…”

The breezie grabbed the lamp next to her bed and threw it at her.

At last, Sunset gave up and left her alone. She had done everything she could.

Pari rejected my offer.

You visited her?

Yeah, she’s still at the hospital. Tried to strangle me, but I'm fine.

I guess some creatures don’t want any help.

Here’s the thing that’s bothering me: She mentioned it was the moon that punished her. What does she mean by that?

The moon?

Yeah. She brought it up twice.

Did she mean Luna perhaps?

Doubtful. Princess Luna was banished to the moon when Pari lived in Equestria, and Vice-Principal Luna… well, she’s a vice principal.

Tbh, I think she just lost her mind when her big plan backfired.

Seems about right.

When will you be able to fix the portal?

A few more days.

Be sure to pay a visit then!

“Another drink!” I ordered, my head still on the counter.

“I think that’s enough for you.”

Couldn't a woman drown herself in her sorrow, for once?

“I don’t care what—” I looked up. “Snow?”

“Hello.”

I groaned, straightened my back and fixed my hair. “I’m in a bad mood, just leave me alone.”

I raised my glass, signalling him to fill it up. If he styled himself as a bartender, he might as well do his job.

He sighed. “You alright?”

Did I want him to talk with me? My plans were to get drunk and forget, not to open up my pain again. However, I knew him too well. He was worried for me, and his helpful nature didn’t allow him to rest until I felt better.

In a sense, him being here was also a good sign. It meant I could make some progress—or he was there to prevent a dumb action. Me being alone at a bar was stupid already.

“Wanna go outside?” he asked after I didn’t reply. “Getting some fresh air would be good for you.”

What else could I do other than to accept? He wouldn’t serve me, anyway.

“What a beautiful night,” Snow commented. “Shame it’s a weekday.”

“I’ve taken a day off.”

“After how much you overworked yourself, you definitely deserved it.”

It was nothing but hope for a distraction. Not stress-free when you have to deal with teenagers and their problems, but my sister was kind enough to take this part over and let me deal with mindless paperworks.

“For the record,” I said, “try to not mention details someone hasn't shared before. It’s unsettling.”

“You’re right, you’re right,” he laughed. “Not the first time I've been told.”

We wandered silently. The park grounds were covered with colourful leaves, but several trees had their foliage still. Even though it wasn't midnight yet, there was no one around to disturb us.

To be honest, I hadn’t anticipated that his presence would be this calming. It wasn’t just him, but the way he was simply with me, not begging me to talk about my feelings—and maybe the alcohol was doing its job.

However, staying mute the whole time wouldn’t help as much as going straight in.

“So,” I said. “Who do you think should be her replacement?”

A question that surely surprised him, as he raised his hands in defence. “That’s not my job, and you know it.”

“But I failed at it.” I raised my view to the moon. “I gave someone powers who shouldn’t have them, who used it to bring others pain due to her own self-loathing.”

“Don’t say it like that,” he retorted. “No one would’ve been a better tooth fairy than Pari. She had the most potential, but it was ultimately her who sealed her fate.” He kicked a stone away. “Becoming the empress of her whole world. Pshaw. Even Sombra wasn’t as much of a megalomaniac as her.”

I lowered my head and sighed. “If only she had allowed herself to heal.”

“The past is the past,” Snow said. “There is nothing we can do about it.”

It was true. Regretting my old decisions wouldn’t change them. But how could I not regret them when so many had suffered because of it?

“I waited too long,” I responded. “I allowed her to go too far. I should’ve stopped her when she was stealing the Rainbooms’ geodes already.”

I knew she wouldn’t be able to cross the portal. Not from knowing how powerful the magical spell repelling her was, but just sensing that the geodes’ magic wouldn't have been enough. Her decision to keep them afterwards put the final nail in the coffin.

If only I could’ve appeared earlier that night, then less innocent humans would have suffered by her hands.

“I only wanted to take away her powers,” I continued. “To make her a normal human again.”

I wiped some tears from my eyes. A week had passed, and I still cried when her punishment came up. When would it stop?

“But after what she did, I had no other choice. Anything else would be unjust. I had to make an example of her.”

Pari had passed away from her wounds a few days after. If only I hadn't had to stop her. If only she could have realised that she could move on.

“I think she wanted it,” Snow said and scratched his head. “To be punished, I mean.”

A seemingly irrational statement, but it was true. Why else provoke me by torturing humans in my sight? Ironically, Snow didn’t understand it, which I could sense through his confusion.

“She wanted to end it all and hurt me through it,” I explained. “In her eyes, it was me who kept her stuck in our world.”

“But you saved her life!” Snow countered.

“Exactly,” I said.

A grunt with quiet cursing revealed to me that he got it now.

We kept walking. A minute passed, then another, and then several more. The soft crunch of leaves under our feet was the only noise in the park for a while.

Somehow, it was peaceful. Why did being alone with my thoughts feel so different if I just went somewhere else and walked next to someone?

Maybe this was the time to open up.

“I can still hear her screams.”

I wanted to say more, but I couldn’t. Every moment was playing before my eyes in unbearable detail.

How I held her against the portal. How the portal went up in flames. How these flames finally consumed her and took away the Equestrian magic she had stolen—but not without also taking what was most valuable to her.

“I just want to forget it,” I said as tears rolled down my cheeks again. “I want these nightmares to stop. I want to sleep without seeing her again. Without her screaming for mercy.”

I couldn’t hold myself anymore and sobbed uncontrollably.

Why, Pari, why? Why were you so stubborn? Why were you so blind to what could’ve been your happiness? Why did you have to spit on our kindness and dig your own grave?

I cared for you. I cared for you like a mother cared for her child. I wanted what was best for you. I gave you a second chance over and over again, but you rejected it every single time.

I shouldn’t have felt grief for her. I should’ve been satisfied that she finally got what she deserved.

But I couldn’t, and this pain of her loss didn’t want to go away.

“Take your time,” Snow said to me. “Allow yourself to heal.”

Despite my sobbing, I chuckled softly. Such familiar words.

“Thank you.”

Epilogue

Sometimes, you are at your lowest point when you smile the brightest. You lose all meaning in your life despite everything working out for you.

A job you love. Friends you had since childhood stick with you. You have no right to feel sad.

And yet I did.

The kid’s health show I hosted was going well. The view count was growing every month. I was occasionally even recognised on the street. A small celebrity, you could say.

From the outside, nothing had changed since a big media corporation had taken over my show. I still taught children how their bodies functioned in a way they could relate to. How evil viruses were on the prowl, how the conquering army of sugar wanted to break through their enamel castle wall, and how eating fruits and vegetables made their superhero immune system stronger.

But what I feared the most had happened: episode by episode, my show lost its soul. The new managers gradually took over the scripts, changed designs of recurring characters “to appeal to the masses”, and dumbed down the narrative.

Gone was the originality and creativity of each episode. Gone were the episodes where I tried something new or built an interconnected story lasting throughout a season. Gone, even, were the little easter eggs I put in to keep the adults engaged.

Instead, I had to reference current trends, no matter how lame. Each episode was built on the same structure. I couldn’t take risks, and I wasn’t allowed to go deeper than surface-level on any topic.

“Kids are dumb. They don’t care about anything but the cool action figure their parents are gonna buy.” Of course, they didn’t say that, but I knew this was what they thought.

And, of course, the merchandising. The show’s budget got cut, but this stupid, greedy merchandise made record profits!

I made the show to teach children, not to steal their parent’s money!

But it was what it was. More children knew my characters and my songs. My show was getting mentioned in more social media posts than I could count. And, I guess, more children would learn to take care of their health.

If only it mattered to me. If only the heart and soul I had put in the show hadn't been erased.

So I officially announced there'd be a new host at the end of the season, and I left my show behind forever.

Before I created my show, I had studied dentistry, but dropped out when my first episodes became a minor success. Now that I had quit my show, I decided to return to that field again.

And, of course, I needed a job. I had some contacts that could get me in as a dentists' assistant—it was as far as I could get with my education, and didn't pay much, but it was enough for the meantime.

I should’ve expected to get recognised a lot.

“You’re Aurora!” a little girl said, jumping excitedly and clapping her hands, before freezing suddenly. “Why did you leave?”

That question. Of course I had no simple answer to give to a child. Well, I could have been honest, but I didn't want to ruin it for her.

So I smiled, and told her, “I taught you everything I knew, now I need to learn even more. You too should always be excited to learn new things!”

But it was a beautiful lie. Hopefully, it might even inspire her to be as curious as I was.

I remember to this day how I lost my first tooth. Back then, my mother told me about the tooth fairy and how, if I put my tooth under my pillow, she would exchange it for money.

Despite being excited for a literal fairy tale (let alone the money), I developed a fascination with teeth. I would imagine how my baby teeth would fall out, one by one, to make space for my adult teeth—and how these adult teeth would remain for the rest of my life…

It was scary. There would be no second chances anymore. Once an adult tooth grew in, no more would grow to replace it.

So ever since I made sure that my teeth were as healthy as possible, like brushing my teeth half an hour after every meal (not immediately after, as the enamel is weakened and could be damaged). It was at times a little unusual, like rejecting certain food and drinks, but, well, today’s food wasn’t good for your teeth anyway.

Of course, every child is different. A boy had a loose tooth and had to get it pulled, but he refused to let it happen by any means. Kicked and screamed and did anything to keep his loose tooth, and not even his mother could persuade him .

So I tried it myself.

“Hey, Cloud,” I greeted him with a soft voice. “How are you doing?”

“No!” He covered his mouth with his hands. “I won’t allow it!”

I smiled. “But I’m not gonna pull your teeth out. Pinkie promise!”

After staring at me with furrowed eyebrows, he at last calmed down and lowered his hands. “I’m scared.”

He was that honest with me? He must have trusted me more than I expected, which would be very helpful.

“Everyone is. But do you know why your tooth is loose?”

He sighed. “To make room for a new one.”

At least his parents had explained that part to him, so I didn’t have to.

“Exactly! But there’s more to it. You see, once you grow up, your teeth will face even more dangerous creatures that want to attack them.” I showed him a sketch of two creatures. “These are evil robber bands of bacteria, and these are dangerous acidic slime monsters. All they want is to make a hole in the walls of your teeth, called enamel, so they can hide out and steal more food.”

I revealed my second drawing, where these creatures rammed into a wall shaped like a tooth. He nodded, mesmerised by my drawings.

“But once you grow, your teeth become too small, while these monsters become more dangerous. That’s why your body is smart and is building even bigger teeth!”

I changed to a drawing of a bigger tooth wall that easily withheld the monster’s attacks. His eyes were glowing with excitement, with no sign of any fear anymore.

“Imagine your teeth fighting against them every day. Whenever you eat, they attack relentlessly! But your teeth are brave and courageous, fighting to never let them win!”

“So awesome!” He took my drawing. “Look, mum, my teeth are so great!”

I took his hands and looked him in his eyes. “See this bravery? Your body is daring these monsters to attack it. Do them a favour and be courageous too. Be a warrior. Allow your walls to be firm and steady, so your body has an easy time fighting them off.”

He bit his lip. There was still some reluctance and a flash of returning fear, but with a deep breath, he closed his eyes and slowly nodded.

“Thank you,” his mother said at the reception. “He never let his tooth get pulled before.”

“It’s nothing,” I replied, and turned to the boy. “And you were a great warrior!”

He grinned widely and showed me his pulled tooth. “And it only hurt a little! See?”

“Nice! And will you put it under your pillow for the tooth fairy?”

His mother flinched, waving her hand in rejection. Fear was written in her face.

“What’s the tooth fairy?” the boy asked.

“Nothing!” his mother intervened and took him by his hand. “We, um, need to go right now, we’re late!”

With that, she turned to the door to leave.

I knew what was up. While one shouldn’t judge a person by their outfit, I could tell that they were poor. And it was a parent’s right to decide whether to tell a fairy tale story to their child or not. But I remembered my excitement and awe, my happiness and pride when I found money under my pillow.

And I wanted to share that same wonder.

“Um, Ms Rain, I still need you to leave a signature. Just a formality. It’s very quick.”

She sighed and came back to me. “Alright, where?”

I pretended to search through papers while taking out my purse, then pulled out a few notes and placed them—where she could see—between two sheets of paper.

“It’s for him,” I said. “For next time he loses a tooth.”

“But… No, I can’t! It’s—”

“It’s a reward for his bravery,” I demanded, then whispered, “Take it before anyone catches me.”

Before she could object, I winked and left her alone.

In hindsight, I realised that I maybe shouldn’t have done it. She could’ve had more children who would also expect a tooth fairy to appear, or she just didn’t want to lie to him, despite my insistence.

However, it felt right at the moment. I didn’t doubt my decision, nor had I any fear that my financial sacrifice would be in vain. Surprisingly, I even felt encouraged to do it, like an invisible force that pushed me in the right direction.

But most importantly, it made me happy—even if for a short moment.

Curiosity killed the cat. In my case, it was watching the first episode of the new season without me in it.

I cried. The new host, the writers, the production—everything was wrong, colourless, soulless. Deep characterisation? Just the most balant stereotypes! Teaching children something new? Their information was so dull that even a child would be able to teach them more!

I had left my show. Its chapter with me was closed, and I knew this was going to happen.

But it pained me so much. My creations still had a place in my heart. I had put my blood, sweat and tears into this show. And everything had died, leaving behind nothing but a shadow of what used to be.

What hurt me the most, though, was how it insulted the audience. Children were not dumb! They knew when a character wasn't a character anymore! They knew when the writers were lazy! They knew…

I couldn’t take it anymore. I put on my winter jacket and stormed out of my apartment.

It didn’t matter that it was late at night, nor that the streets were covered in snow. I had to walk out my anger. If I didn’t, I would’ve gone straight to the studio and strangled everyone in there with my bare hands, one by one. Even if I would get a life sentence out of it, it would be a good deed done for the children.

They deserved better, for crying out loud!

And the latter I did. I cried. I screamed. I cursed out each person in the studio with the worst insults I knew and had never dared to say with my mouth before.

Luckily, no one seemed to be outside—or anyone around had hidden from me, which would be understandable.

But it helped. Little by little. My throat went sore from that much shouting, but by then I had calmed down.

If only I could help children again. If only I could fascinate them, encourage them to learn about their bodies. I didn’t care how. Maybe dentistry was a start. After all, I was able to encourage Cloud to let his tooth get pulled. I could make a small book for the waiting room. Or a puppet show.

‘Or be their tooth fairy.’

That would be nice. I was, technically, a tooth fairy for Cloud. Oh, to imagine the children’s excitement when they would get a gift from me! Instead of fearing the loss of a tooth, they'd be happy for getting a new one!

I blinked. Had I just considered becoming a tooth fairy? Was I going crazy? Had they finally made me lose my mind?

‘Aurora, look up.’

And I did. Up there in the sky was the full moon, watching me with a smile…

Why did I think that?

‘You can become their Tooth Fairy.’

This was it. I seriously thought the moon was talking to me.

‘No, Aurora, this is real. We’re speaking to you.’

Or was I dreaming? Hopefully, this night was just an awful nightmare and I had dreamed this whole episode.

‘We have the power to make you into one.’

I watched the moon, taking in what it just said to me. Me, an actual tooth fairy? But I thought that this was just a fairy tale!

However, I was talking to the moon right now, so unless I really had lost my mind, this might actually be possible.

‘Do you accept this role?’

Somehow, I took this question dead serious. Somehow, I knew that this would decide my whole future. Somehow, I knew that if I accepted the role of a tooth fairy there would be no turning back.

I hesitated. What would it be like? How would I affect my life? What sacrifices would I have to make for it? How much of me, Aurora, would still remain?

And then I remembered how happy I felt when I became a tooth fairy for Cloud. How happy would I be becoming a tooth fairy for thousands, no, millions of children?

That was what I wanted!

“I do!” I said to the moon.

And for the first time, I knew what flying felt like.