#fanamars

[...]

Mars was suddenly face to face with a huge wolf. It bared its fangs as it growled at him once more. He held up his hands and backed away from it. While he wanted nothing more than to flee, he couldn’t just leave this winged-lady on her own. In that case he’d have to figure out how to fight this enormous creature. He had absolutely no idea on that front. Maybe there was a stick or a rock or something lying around that he could use to fend it off while they escaped.

To his surprise, the pink-haired woman walked right up to the threatening beast and pat its neck. Her voice was as sweet as honey as she said, “Now, now, calm down. There’s a good girl.”

Mars was speechless as he watched the wolf sit and then turn towards the woman so it could lick her face. Her laughter was as dainty as little bells and the sound caused something in his chest to tighten. He’d listen to that all day long if he could. He desperately wanted to be the cause of it. Mars jumped when she turned towards him.

“Don’t mind Sunshine. She’s just protective.”

“Sunshine?” Mars had to ask.

“It suits such a glorious creature, doesn’t it?” The woman tilted her head and blinked at him. Her gaze traveled over him then back up again. Her voice was laced with her curiosity as she asked, “Are you a human?”

“Yeah…” Mars nodded. He motioned to her shimmery wings and added, “I take it those mean you’re not?” The question was kind of pointless since he knew the answer. No mere human could ever have such an ethereal look about them. This was an otherworldly being for sure. He really wished that his pulse would stop racing so he could think clearly and not sound as dumbstruck as he surely looked.

“I’m a fairy. My name is Fana.”

“You’re pretty.” Mars gasped then shook his hands and head and clarified, “Wait, no! I meant to say that your name is pretty! Ah!”

Fana smiled as she watched him. She didn’t know if all humans were as likable as this one, but she found him rather charming. Even more so with the way his cheeks had darkened to a lovely shade of pink.

He finally let his shoulders slump and sighed, “I’m Mars.”

“No human has ever wandered into my forest before. Usually the barriers keep them away.” Fana explained. Though she understood the reason why it had to be that way, she could admit it was a bit disappointing. She was rather curious about humans.

“Uhh… sorry… I wasn’t really paying attention to where I was going and wound up here by accident.” He took a step closer to her only to pause when she backed away. He stopped in his tracks and blinked. He was sure that he didn’t give off that threatening of a vibe. Still, he’d feel better about it if he was upfront. He shook his head and said softly, “I’m not here to hurt you.”

“My concern was actually for you,” Fana replied. She’d backed all the way up until she leaned against a tree. The look in her eyes said she’d back away even more if possible. She averted her gaze from him and explained, “It’s said that my kind bring misfortune upon humans. Even if we don’t intend to, it just happens. That’s why there are wards and barriers to keep them out.”

That made sense. Mars would be cautious in her shoes as well. However, there was something really special about her and he wasn’t about to let some silly superstitious nonsense get in the way of what he hoped could become a great friendship. He marched right over to where Fana stood beneath the tall tree and declared, “It’ll take more than silly rumors to make me not want to talk to you.”

Fana was speechless as she stared at him wide eyed. He had such a genuine look in his eyes and it was the purest thing she’d ever seen. Before she had the chance to figure out what she would say next, there was a soft snap above them. She gasped when two apples fell from a branch above and hit Mars on the head one after the other. A smile spread across her face and she did her best to stifle a laugh at the deadpan expression he wore.