Jaelynn Rose Grey's Story

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{ June 21st | 6:00pm | Teraton, North Carolina }

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The Summer Solstice Festival has been a staple of the Teraton community far before it became set aside for the relocation process of the supernatural community in the area. Once simply referred to as the Summer Fair, it has now come to be called by a more appropriate name. It is most greatly celebrated by the witch community of the somewhat small town, and many run stalls or have special sales for the event. Lights are strung across buildings and trees to create a magical, picturesque atmosphere. The festival is something that most look forward to, and while it is not incredibly large, it is a dear part of the community.

It serves as many things. For the witch community, it is expected that young witches, coming of age, begin to create some product, or develop some skill for a service, which they will demonstrate here. The faerie community is also known to take special joy in the event, especially the summer fae, as a matter of course given that it is a summer holiday. Many people also take it as a romantic event, and the music [different bands or DJs on various corners] as well as the lights help this concept along. It also happens to line up to be just after the schools get out, so clusters of high schoolers, middle schoolers, and elementary schoolers can often be seen in various places.

Attractions of Note
Ferris Wheel [Provided By The City Council]
The Magical Lane [All-magic Corner of Witch's Wares]
Local Bands [The best of which playing on a platform in Town Square]

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Jaelynn peeked around a booth with wonder apparent on her face. She should have been on Witches Lane but she wanted to explore some. There were people everywhere. Children screaming and running around most likely high on cotton candy. Adults were chatting up a storm with friends and greeting new ones. The teenagers were doing what most teenagers do. Act cool but when really the child in the, wants to burst free. Jae giggled a little thinking of how cool if a little child squirmed it's way out of a 17 years old chest. Now that you think about it, it's actually not a pretty sight. She shuddered in disgust. No one wants to see that image ever. EVER.

Jae looked down at herself taking in her appearance. She decided to go for dark colors even though she isn't a big fan of it. But whoever made the galaxy idea was probably a genius. The various of colors and the little twinkle of the starts was hypnotizing actually. Was she the only one who thought that? Most likely because Jae wasn't normal. Jae let her eyes wander around a little. She didn't see anyone of her friends here. She was alone at this wonderful festival. Jae pouted and ran her hands through her hair. A habit that she's really not trying to break. She loves playing with her hair. It's so pretty and long. She planed on getting a purple streak in her hair just because it looked good on her. Mel told her that.

Jae continued to walk around, and she noticed that she passed a lot of concession stands. The smell emanating from each one of them was breath taking and made her tummy rumble in anticipation. All Jae needed was one bite of a well grilled hot dog and she will be set. She felt her jeans pockets and felt spare change and some spare bills residing within it. Most likely enough for a drink. Jae sighed knowing that she wasn't going to eat for a while. But liquid will do. "That's enough for me." She spoke and stopped at one of the food stands and waited in line. While Jae waited she took the money out and counted how much she had. $3.75 exact. And then some lint but we're not going to go into that. Jae looked up at the menu and saw that water coast only $2 and soda was $3. Once it was her turn to order she asked for a water bottle.

Her phone buzzed to life signaling that Jae had a message. Grabbing her water, she moved out of the line and took her phone out. She put in her pass code and it opened up, instantly revealing the message.

To: Jae
From: Mel
Anyone else looking for company?

Jae smiled and instantly replied to her older sister. Long story.


To:Mel
From: Jae
My love, my heart, my soul, I'd thought you'd never ask. I've missed the warmth of your presence. COME SAVE ME! I'm at a concession stand near the Ferris Wheel.

Jae pushed the green send button and started to chuckle thinking over her long message. Poor Mel's probably going to be embarrassed. Though Mel should be used to them by now. Jae leaned against a pool and started to drink her water waiting for her sister to come.

EDITED!!!

DOUBLE POST!!! DON"T EVEN LOOK AT IT!

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Jae doesn't even know how long she was just standing there. She would take sips of her cool water. Sometimes wave and smile at those who recognized her. She even talked to one of the guys running the stand she was next to. Jae found out his name was Dustin. What a nice name to have isn't it? When her phone buzzed to life with a message on the screen. Jae smiled and put her bottle in between her legs. She shivered. It was freaking cold She dotted in four numbers and her phone unlocked to show her the message she received from she guessed was Mel.

To: Jae
From: Mel
Oh, love, I'm blushing. I trust you'll wait for me. For a few minutes. Or an hour. I'll get there eventually

Jae smiled and shook her head. It was a typical thing Mel thing. Quickly she wrote a reply.

To: Mel
From: Jae
I'll be here..ish. I'll mostly will be wandering around. Let's hope I don't get caught XD

Jae pushed send and pocketed her phone. She picked up her water and chugged the rest of it. She made sure that every last drop was gone before she tossed it in a nearby recycling bin. "What to do, what to do." Jae thought a loud. Just for added effect she tapped at her chin. There was a Ferris Wheel but it's sooooo sloooowwww! So that was definitely a no no. "Looks like I have to win myself a teddy bear and a stuffed lion." Jae declared with a look of determination clear on her face. Jae looked around. She was near all the food and drink stands so didn't see any games. That only means one thing walking. DUH DUH DUUUHHHHHHH!

~~~

"C'mon man that's not fair. I got one of them down. That counts for something right!" Jae protested pointing at the last standing metal milk can. The man shook his head and chuckled. This was Jae's fifth attempt and she was not going to leave until she got the blue panda. Once again the man set up the bottles stacking two on three. He handed her two balls and Jae took them eagerly. She looked at her target, threw her hand back and catapulted the ball. It hit the top two nicely and Jae smiled in triumph. But the game was not over. Jae took in a breath and closed her eyes. If anyone where to look at her they would think she was training for the Olympics or something. Jae opened up her brown orbs and threw the ball. The world seemed to stop as the ball flung towards the three bottles.

"Are you kidding me! I CAN"T BELIEVE IT! Jae cried in anger. It only hit two leaving once again, one. Jae groaned and crossed her arms over her chest in frustration. This was a sign to steer clear. 'This game is rigged." She huffed. The man just snickered at her.

Noah watched the musical duo as they entered an instrumental portion of their act, the guitarist picking notes as naturally as easily as someone else might walk down the street. Noah, a decent guitarist himself, watched with interest. It was only when he felt a shift in the surroundings that he looked up to find Lydia Fatebane coming towards him.

"The hell is that smug look on your face for?" She asked, her own face almost revealing its own smile. Noah shrugged, letting his face settle down into a more neutral appearance.
"I liked the music." He added, although that was all he felt he needed to explain. Noah wasn't much for talking and thankfully he felt that he didn't have to explain himself fully to Lydia. The other demon was much easier to get along with than many of the town's other residents. Lydia turned and joined him, her eyes glancing at the group in front of the two demons. "I have no idea why everyone in this town is dancing and selling things and being happy all of a sudden, but whatever the reason, it's making me nervous." She said, obviously the summer festival was not for her. Noah, once again, shrugged in response. He didn't know either why the festival caused such high spirits. Sure, the music was nice, but there were too many people around for Noah to be completely at ease. You would never see him dancing in the middle of the crowd or grinning with delight at some item being sold.

"Perhaps they just like the excuse to let loose?" He suggested. Noah himself had always avoided the festival in the past, or when he had been forced to attend he had always made sure to avoid the most popular streets. Now his ears could pick up the distant beats of club music and he was sure that if he rounded the corner in search of it, he would find groups of revellers dancing to the loud music. That people liked that kind of music and actually danced to it, in public was something that left Noah confused. "Or perhaps they just like to make a show of themselves." Noah added, picturing the mass of people who would be dancing to the club music.

"But what brings you out tonight?" Noah asked, turning his eyes towards Lydia. If it was rare to find Noah at the festival it would be even rarer to find Lydia. Together they must make quite a sight, after all neither demon is particularly sociable or known for their love of large crowds and people. The Summer Festival seems like the last place to find them, yet for some reason Noah was still there. Although once this band ended their set he doubted how long he would stay. Large crowds made him uncomfortable and the Summer Solstice Festival always guaranteed the largest.

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While Noah was contemplating his dislike of large crowds and dancing enthusiasts, Skye was thriving off it. Technically she was meant to be searching for Mel, and any other friend that she might come across, but the Spring Faerie was finding it hard to stay focused on any one particular thing. With her soft toy bear, the prize from one of the stall games, she had set off through the crowds to find Mel. It had only taken five minutes before her eyes caught sight of some distraction or another which inevitably delayed her from her search. She had yet to actually make it out of the Witches' lane, all their goods were too interesting to bypass without a quick look. She passed the stall run by Jem's family, but on not seeing her friend there she didn't dally, although her eyes did catch on a number of items for sale. Thankfully the buzzing of her phone saved her from completely losing track of time and from spending all her money.

To: Skye
From: Mel
Maybe near the Ferris wheel. Stay tuned.

Turning on her heel she headed back the way she had come, towards the Ferris wheel. This was a dangerous route to come, back through all the tempting goodies that were on offer. Luckily she was able to show a bit more restraint since she had already inspected most of the items. However this route also took her back passed the games where she saw one of her friends struggling to conquer a bottle throwing game. Or rather she heard Jae angrily shouting at the stall operator before she saw him. It wasn't the same game that Skye had recently so successfully beaten, but it was similar. Skye could understand Jae's irritation. Skye paused and quickly sent Mel a reply message:

To: Mel
From: Skye
Keep me posted. I'm just helping a mutual friend beat the 'man'.

It was just like Skye to send a vague message like that. She could and was direct fairly often, but she also liked to play with words. It came from being a faerie, she couldn't tell lies so she liked to play with truths. Putting her phone away she skipped up beside Jae.
"Give it another go." Skye said, flashing Jae a friendly smile and giving her a wink when the man wasn't looking, "I'm sure this time you'll win a prize.' Skye patted the head of her own toy bear prize, everyone deserved to win a soft toy in a festival game at least once in their lives. Skye grinned, and if she had to help Jae do that by creating an illusion of the milk bottles disappearing, well she was more than happy too. That was the curious thing about Skye, she wasn't against breaking the rules or tricking others, but she absolutely detested liars. Many people would consider a lot of Skye's actions as similar to lying, after all she was known to deceive people by omitting truths and using illusions to confuse them. But Skye didn't see it in the same light. As long as she didn't outright lie to people she could live with herself, and quite happily.

"Give it another go."

Jae turned to head to see one of her friends. Skye to be exact. Jae stuck her bottom lip out in a pout and shook her head. How was she going to win this time? It's not like there was some trick to the game. All you had to do was throw two balls at five cans and hope you got them down. Sounds easy but Jae was struggling with it. When the man turned around to pick the fallen bottles up, Skye gave her a subtle wink. Jae frowned. What was she playing at? Whatever it is, it's most likely not going to be good.

"I'm sure this time you'll win a prize." The look on Jae's face was priceless.Her lips formed an 'O' and her eyes were wide in shock. She put the pieces together in her mind. Jae knew what Skye was capable of and it almost made her mad at her. Almost. Jae not the one for those things. Jae gave the worker a sheepish smile before grabbing Skye by the arm and moving away out of ear shot from him. "Um, Skye I don't know about you, but in the world that I live in...that's called cheating!" She yelled/whispered. She didn't want her friend to be caught.

"I'm disappointed in you." She said crossing her arms. This not her normal look. Jae is never serious and calm. So when she did, it always looked awkward and she sifted on her feet. Jae didn't know how to keep still in these situations. "I don't get you. Once day you're threatening our friendship because I lied, then the next second you're deceiving people with your illusions, that's not fair at all." Jae's not sure if Skye is naive t what she was doing but it needed to stop. Jae looked at the beat she was currently cuddling under her armpit. Most likely was won from cheating.

Skye quirked an eyebrow as Jae's face transformed from uncomprehending to understanding, her mind quickly putting together Skye's subtle hints. However, the witch didn't react as Skye had expected, instead grabbing her arm and dragging her out of ear shot of the stall worker. "Um, Skye I don't know about you, but in the world that I live in...that's called cheating!" Jae said, her voice a half whisper and half shout. "I'm disappointed in you." She continued further, a rare serious expression crossing her face, "I don't get you. One day you're threatening our friendship because I lied, then the next second you're deceiving people with your illusions, that's not fair at all."

In all honesty it probably wasn't fair, but when had a faerie ever been known as just? In Skye's mind lying, outright lying to someone's face was wrong. There was no grey area for it, if you lied than you were lowered in Skye's mind. But omitting the truth was something that Skye had no trouble with. Simply allowing people to jump to their own conclusions was Skye's favourite game.
"I never lied." Skye began, a playful smile on her face revealing that she wasn't taking Jae's telling off as seriously as she probably should have. "Lying is for people who lack the will to speak the truth. All I do is show people what they want and expect to see." Skye gave Jae a pout of her own and held up her prized toy bear at eye level with the two girls. "It would have been nice for Mr Cuddles to have a friend." Skye said as she created an illusion. This time Skye's magic was focused on the stuffed toy. 'Mr Cuddles', as she had named him, appeared to move of his own accord. The line of his mouth moving down into a sad frown while tears began to fall from his button eyes. Skye blinked, pushing the illusion further and suddenly the sound of Mr Cuddles sniffing broke through the general sounds of the crowd around them. No one watching would be able to see through Skye's illusion to the inanimate toy bear that was actually sitting in her hands. All they would see was the distraught toy bear crying his eyes out and occasionally blowing his nose on his furry paw.

While Mr Cuddles 'cried' Skye's eyes happened to glance up behind Jae and catch sight of a pair of familiar faces just wondering into the games area. Skye knew Jem and CJ from their younger days since all three had grown up in Teraton together, they were always good fun to hang out with. The illusion around Mr Cuddles had reacted to Skye's excitement of seeing her friends. The bear, previously crying buckets, wiped the tears off his fur and broke into a winning smile. Mr Cuddles stood up in Skye's hand, straightened his bow-tie (because all the best toy bears have bow-ties) and began to jump madly up and down on her palm. Since Skye and Jae were standing pretty much in the middle of the area she hoped that one of the boys would see them and come over, if not Skye would ambush them when she could.

Skye broke the illusion and the bear instantly returned to a lifeless slump. At the same time her phone vibrated in her pocket, indicating another text which was most likely from Mel. However a moment later Skye caught sight of the platinum blonde walking with Belinda and Derrick. It seemed everyone was congregating around the games.
"Come on Jae," Skye said, returning her attention to her friend standing in front of her, "You've probably spent enough money on the game to outright buy the bear, I know I did." Skye coaxed, knowing that the amount of money she had spent on her game had probably been worth two of the things, "Last chance..."

" "

"I never lied." Jae scoffed and rolled her eyes. A rare action that she seen others do, but never herself. This was her first and she didn't like what she was feeling. Jae wanted to smile and slap the Skye's back and tell her that this was just a joke and they could get the bear but this was a serious situation. This called for drastic measures. If that meant that Jae had to get out of her comfort zone than so be it. "Lying is for people who lack the will to speak the truth. All I do is show people what they want and expect to see." Jae just couldn't believe what she was hearing. This is coming from a fairy. A FLIPPING FAIRY! "They don't expect me to get the bottles down. So it's going to look suspicions if I did after my gazillion attempt to win." Jae pointed out using her hands for wide gestures. She was getting the hang of this.

"It would have been nice for Mr Cuddles to have a friend." Jae narrowed her eyes in confusion and then it happened. The movement from the teddy bear. It was crying. Right in front of her. Jae felt herself getting sad just looking at him. Now imagine how she felt when she heard him sniffing. Jae put an hand to her mouth and watched the bear show it's emotions. Occasionally wiping at his face to get rid of the stray tears. Then the bear stopped and he looked cheery. Jae tilted her head in confusion. What happened to crying buckets of water? What changed his mood. A buzzing noise could be heard but it was faint. After a while Jae figured it was her phone and then everything came to her. An illusion. Jae's mouth dropped in shock. She couldn't believe it.

Jae snapped out of her shock when a body slammed into hers, almost making her fall if it wasn't for the arm that caught her. "Sorry!" Jae steadied herself and looked at CJ. She recognized that hyperactive voice anywhere. Jae smiled at him and he did too pulling her in for a hug which she returned instantly. Man she hasn't seen him all day. She didn't go in for work since her dad wanted help at Magical Lane. "CJ! Dude, I haven't seen you in the longest! How's life?" Jae joked her mood switching to chipper in a nanosecond. She turned to see Jeremy as well. "Jer-bear! What's up?" Jae said. Man the whole gang was here. Well most of them. That was when Jae remembered she got a text. When she looked it was actually two. One from Mel and the other CJ. No point on replying to his seeing as he was in front of her.

To: Jae
From:Mel
Caught? Been steppin on toes again?

To:Mel
From: Jae
Something like that. Promise to bail me out? XD

Jae pocketed her phone and returned her attention o her friends again.

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It seemed that Jae was saved from answering Skye's enticing offer by the sudden arrival of their mutual friends. Skye hadn't even needed to ambush the pair of boys as CJ bumped right into Jae. Indeed CJ almost knocked Jae off her feet as he crashed into her, however he was quick enough to stop her falling and issued a quick "Sorry" before realising who he had crashed in to. He gave the two girls a cheerful grin and immediately pulled Jae into a big bear guy. Jae's tune perked up rather quickly at the appearance of the two boys and she happily returned CJ's hug. The two disentangled and CJ turned to Skye, his arms open in invitation. Never one to disappoint Skye stepped forward and gave him a tight hug. "As always, a pleasure to see you CJ." She said lightly, emphasising her words with a playful squeeze.

"What have you two been up to?" Skye asked as she drew back, casting a cheeky glance between the two. Skye stepped up to Jeremy and slung an arm around his waist, playfully bumping her hip against his side. "I'm glad we found each other." She said in greeting to Jeremy. Skye didn't know about the secret feelings Jeremy harboured for her. Or, if she did have an inkling, she dismissed it as she assumed that Jeremy would have made a move before now. Either way, she has always loved joking with him and sometimes those jokes take on a more flirtatious nature. "Have you come to win a prize?" She asked, her tone was innocent but her eyes twinkled mischievously, "Jae was having trouble winning herself a teddy bear, but I managed to get one." Skye couldn't help but cast a cheeky glance at Jae. Of course she was teasing and hopefully Jae would understand that. Then again, given Jae's surprising reaction to Skye's previous offer of 'help', Skye was beginning to think that she had misjudged her friend. Not that that would stop her from playfully joking about it.

Of course, with the two boys in tow she was sure that there would be plenty more to joke about. Hopefully they would also be able to meet up with more of their friends, completing the gang. Although Skye would be perfectly happy to stay with the group as it was, provided of course that the boys weren't about to rush off. She hoped not, nor did she think it likely. She couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face as she contemplated the potential the night offered and glanced around the small circle, waiting for her friend's to reply.

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Hot. Hot. Hot.

Adding the energy expended in running with her brother into the heat that radiated from Summer’s hand, all combined with the heat of the summer day, May was already at the brink of her toleration for the heat. When you want to do something at least warn me! She could hear her brother pushing the thought toward her, her laughter ringing like droplets of ice shards throughout the town as the two zipped past the crowds. To tell the truth, she did not hold an ounce of guilt for the prank the twins have just pulled. However, she never did feel much guilt, her icy nature not allowing her to feel for anyone except her other half, who worked perfectly with her on their little game with the witch.

“I think we have just played a very dangerous game, Summer,” Even though it was a dangerous game, playing with a witch of voodoo magic, her voice did not hold a hint of fear, simply amusement.

Without much of a warning, she let go of her brother’s hand after catching sight of one of the booths on the side. A few murmurs, an exchange of currency and a weird glance from the booth’s owner later, May returned to her brother’s side, now with a small white umbrella. Strange, to say the least, for even the owner she was speaking to gave her a questioning glance when she asked for the umbrella, but to her, it was necessary. However, she held it as if it was common spectacle, opening the umbrella and raising it above her head, the umbrella casting a shadow over her small body despite the already setting sun. Much better. Although she did not exactly want to make her twin feel bad by showing her discomfort to the heat he enjoys so much, the feeling of unease was still apparent, especially after the umbrella practically rubbed her dislike for his season in his face.

A single whistle broke through the air and her head turned with annoyance at the sudden disturbance in the already chaotic environment she was not taking much amusement in. She no longer had a sense of where the two of them have wandered to, but simply keeping him within her proximity gave her a sense of comfort. However, her annoyance eased to simple curiosity the second she saw who the whistle was directed at, the two groups on the side included people she knew disliked her with passion, especially that spring faerie she held a unknown grudge against. I've found a new target. Her icy gaze flickered with mischievousness, her hand tugged slightly at the corner of Summer’s sleeves.

The already chilly air around her dropped significantly in temperature as she felt people passing by giving the girl with the umbrella a wary glance. The ground underneath her feet frosted slightly at the sudden drop in temperature. However, her eyes were focused on something else, the teddy bear that stood in the faerie’s hands. "You want a warning, Summer? It's about to get very cold.." Her icy voice broke through the chaotic sounds that roamed the festival and within seconds, spikes of ice grew on the bear, morphing it slightly away from the cute appearance it held, frozen horns and a devil’s tail grew onto its body.

“It looks so much better that way doesn’t it?” She whispered to her twin, that smile forming on the corner of her lips.