A Series of Unfortunate Events [ffireafy]

When Firey had awoken, the first thing he saw was a sad Leafy, who was trembling on the ground. Though Firey was worried, he couldn't comfort her. Pat her, or hug her. Instead he would hurt Leafy, more than what she was feeling right now. He could kill her, or burn her.

Yet, he watched. He watched her pains, and her hurting. It hurt him as well.

Why isn't he doing anything?

He's afraid.

Morning now had dawned onto the two, and Firey had fallen asleep quickly. Leafy awoke with tears in her eyes as she checks how Firey is.

He seemed fine, and calm. The lovely spring morning was great too.

As the breeze follows, Leafy steps off into the hills, reminiscing old memories of her past life.

Today was her birthday, and that fateful day of her life.

Though she had spent years watching Firey grow, she wanted him to know her more, and for them to share things with each other. It seemed like Leafy was jealous, that one day Firey would find a partner, and because that is inevitable she is bound to stay back and watch as he goes on to live with his partner, and their children.

As Leafy wanted to be the greatest guardian ever, she vows to protect Firey and his loved ones from any harm. Even if it meant she had to be hurt in the progress.

However, Firey does not know this, and doesn't need to. He is already troubled with his current situation, and he doesn't need any more pain right now. As long as time permits, Leafy will keep quiet.

"Ah, you're awake." A soft voice spoke from behind her. Firey just woken up, yawning and scratching his eyes.

"Ah, yes. What do you eat in the mornings?" Leafy asks, bewildered of his life.

"..I don't really eat sometimes." Firey confesses, laughing it off. This.. Leafy was scared. She didn't know how many times Firey didn't eat, because he was protecting himself.

"Then— please wait here, I'll be back real soon. Just something to get in town." Leafy says, dashing off leaving Firey cut off, who was about to stop her.

Leafy makes her way into the market, where they sell fresh food and meats. Most importantly, she kept her eyes on eggs, milk, and flour. Basic bread can be cooked by Firey, and he can just consume some fruits after he washes them.

As she strolls around, she finds this man— Tree was it? She remembered him in her childhood with the gods, and one they he fled and never came back. Now, Tree's currently seeling vegetables in the very same town she wanders.

"Tree?" She asks the object, hoping it is him.

"Yes? What is i—" Tree stopped talking, seeing the little child he watched over back then grew up so much. "Leafy? What are you doing here?"

"It's true.. you really did leave. But- why?" Leafy demanded questions, and reasons from Tree.

Tree was left stuttering, panicking as he tried to answer her questions, then came  someone— she didn't know step beside tree and hold his hand.

"Tree? What's wrong? Is it another rude person?" Asks the object.

Leafy was about to speak, but cut off by Tree. "No, Pen, I'm fine. See, it's the child I used to take care of back then."

"I- oh! You've seen her after all these years."

"Yeah, I'm thankful."

While Leafy listened in their comforting words, she noticed something in them. Tree and this object named, Pen. The loved each other, adored each other, and therefore Tree left his duties as a guardian in the heavens to become a mortal and live with this object that changed his life.

Now Leafy had millions of questions again.

"H-hello.." She spoke out, and Pen waved at her.

"What would you like? Is there anything you need?" He asks her, his voice filled with joy.

"Well.. I just need some fruits, eggs, milk, and flour. It's for a friend. They're quite low on food."

"Ah, aren't guardians not allowed down here?" Asked Pen, as he gathered up some flour and put it neatly onto a basket.

"Well, I swore to protect someone."

"Is this for them?"

"Yes, it is."

Pen hands me the basket, and holds my hand gently. "Leafy, this isn't the most wisest thing you'll ever hear, but you're a guardian."

"I know that—"

"You will soon get close to what you're protecting, one day you'll love them, even. But because it's the rules of the heavens, you must let them go, and let them live on their lives."

"Th-that's right."

"You'll watch them grow, forget about you, and you must live to protect their children."

Leafy couldn't utter a word, as she looked down on the ground.

"Leafy.." Pen muttered, holding her hands tighter. "Never let them go."

"Wh-what?" Leafy looks back up, stunned on what Pen had just told her.

He smiled, Tree smiled too. "One day you'll find these butterflies, spring time in winter, and warmth in the cold with them. That's love. Nothing will change that feeling. Let love encounter your heart, because it will strengthen your bond. Protect them with all your heart, but most importantly keep them close, and never let them go."

"Will you promise me that?" Pen begs Leafy.

Leafy saw hope in the two, that maybe nothing was impossible after all.

"I will." She says.

Leafy left the pair some gold coins to spend for themselves, as she smile on her way. She hadn't found these butterflies yet, but she already felt it back then.

  Stars sparked from the dark canvas the world was enveloped, as she and this— stranger ran off. There were no more voices, and footsteps heard. It was just them.

He stopped running, and she stopped too. He turned around and asks her if she's okay.

She could only nod.

She smiled, despite the pain of running away, and the pain she had endured all these years. With him, she felt security, and peace. It was as if the dark forest was turning into a beautiful garden, with butterflies and birds flying in it.

Then, a shooting star came into their views.

He looked beside him, looking at her. "They say if you make a wish on the evening star, it'll come true someday."

"Will it?"

"Yes. But don't tell anyone what you wished for."

"Have you wished for what you wanted?" He asks, and she nods.

"I think we need some sleep now."

When she had risen from her slumber, she saw him gone, but it was not a dream.

"On the shooting star.. I wished.."

"I wished to protect you as well one day."