In a world tinged with the eerie concept of parallel realities, Lott felt a chill creep up his spine. The idea was terrifying, but he focused on the present, noticing the despondent expression of the Tooth Clan chief. He quickly encouraged him, "Continue. We're listening."
"Good," the clan chief replied, regaining his composure.
He continued, addressing Lott and Morgan, "You humans seem largely unaffected, though there are ripples of influence. In your society, things have changed—many events that should not have occurred, have."
Lott couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. [These changes stem from my adjustments, not some parallel world.]
"What about your kin, the fairies?" Lott inquired further.
"Our clans have evolved," the chief of the Tooth Clan stated confidently. "Compared to before, our six clans are now stronger. Among humans, heretics have emerged, and we seek to overturn that."
His ambition was clear. "We refuse to return to the Inner Sea of Stars. We aim to establish our fairy kingdom."
Lott and Morgan exchanged glances, recognizing the audacity in the chief's claims. Lott then called out, "Bring some bread for this patriarch."
Just then, Gawain entered, a sneer on her face as she cracked her knuckles, radiating an aura of intimidation.
The patriarch's face drained of colour at the sight of her. "Don't come closer!!!" he shouted, panic creeping into his voice.
But Gawain was undeterred. She clenched her fist and delivered a powerful punch, leaving the patriarch dazed.
After the altercation, Lott and Morgan were satisfied with the patriarch's newfound humility. "Lock him and the other fairies up," Morgan ordered her voice firm. "Once he's healed, he'll start working in the coal pits with the others."
The patriarch protested, "You can't do this! I am the leader of the fairy clans! I have dignity!"
"Dignity? You still don't grasp your position, do you?" Morgan replied, her tone scathing.
Before Gawain could act on her impulse, the patriarch cowered.
As Baobhan Sith strolled by, witnessing Gawain's display of strength and Morgan's authoritative command, her smile faded. "How did Gawain become so powerful?" she gasped.
"This is my true strength!" Gawain proclaimed, brimming with pride. "Who dares oppose me?"
While she relished the moment, she couldn't help but notice her mother's unchanged demeanour—always seeking to recruit those with power.
Yet, as Gawain showed off, she felt a bubbling excitement, eager to demonstrate her prowess. "What? This state lasts only six hours. If I fight hard now, won't that suffice?"
Baobhan Sith sensed something was off but couldn't pinpoint it. "I'm going to help those villagers," she said, turning away. As she walked, she fished out some candies. "Come on, kids, take these and work with me! If you're sick, speak up; if you don't, and take my money without helping, I'll suck you dry!" she warned playfully as she tossed the candies.
Lott chuckled at her words. "That fairy is the perfect example of 'one's bark is worse than its bite.'"
"Indeed," Morgan agreed, nodding at Lott's insight. "She's bound to fall into a trap eventually."
Morgan mused, "In another world line, I gave this little fairy the title of Tristan, a fairy knight. But in this world, Tristan still exists, so I can't give her that title again." She smiled at the memory, finding joy in the complexities of her subordinates.
The Gathering of Clans
Meanwhile, the Earth and Wind clans were in disarray. The monstrous Bavan Shee had transformed from a feared figure into a "good fairy" willing to help humanity. The Tooth Clan, however, faced dire consequences after their defeat at Camelot. Their patriarch was captured, destined for a coal pit.
This turn of events left the fairies in disbelief, struggling to comprehend their diminishing power. For years, they believed they should reign over Britain and establish their kingdom. Now, reality dealt them a harsh blow.
A meeting convened among the six fairy clans, including the Winged and Rain clans. The acting patriarch of the Tooth Clan slammed his hand on the table, his voice filled with urgency. "Our patriarch is imprisoned! This humiliation cannot stand. We must rescue him, no matter the cost! If he remains a captive, our clan will become a laughingstock among the fairies."
"Indeed, we cannot be ridiculed," he added. "We need to mobilize all our forces to defeat Lott and Morgan and restore our honour."
Despite recent losses, the Tooth Clan retained significant power and influence, rallying support among the clans. The Earth Clan's patriarch nodded in agreement, indignant over the perceived injustice. "These humans are unforgivable! We offered them kindness, and look how they repaid us!"
The other clan chiefs exchanged knowing glances, aware that the Earth Clan patriarch was unaware of the recent machinations at play.
"Yes! We must ensure they pay for their betrayal," echoed the Wind Clan matriarch, directing her gaze toward the Tooth Clan. "You will lead this effort."
The acting patriarch, savvy as he was, sensed the underlying tension. "If we're the main force, does that mean the Tooth Clan is the strongest? Shouldn't you recognize us as the leaders?"
"The clans are equal," the Wind Clan matriarch responded with a smile, but her tone hinted at the brewing conflict.
"Then you should also join in the rescue mission," the acting patriarch challenged his expression hardening.
The Rain Clan's chief hesitantly raised a hand, voice shaking. "Should we truly oppose Lott? Perhaps if we follow his lead, life could be easier for us."
Given that the Rain Clan resided in Orkney, Lott's domain, they had mingled with humans and found some comfort in his governance. They realized that aligning with Lott might offer a more stable future than waging a futile war against him.
"Do you know what you're suggesting!?" the Earth Clan patriarch shouted, disbelief evident.
While the Wind Clan chief considered her options, the Rain Clan chief stood firm. "I maintain my stance," she asserted before exiting the meeting.
However, the remaining clans united in their decision to wage war against Lott, eyes narrowing as they plotted their next moves.
As the Rain Clan patriarch returned to her territory, the weight of the impending conflict hung heavily in the air, signalling an uncertain future for all involved.