[ Next morning ]

  It's 10 am and in a few minutes my existence as a fairy will be made public.

  Mom is....sheesh, it still feels odd calling her that, but just let's go with it, okay? Anyway, mom is already addressing the public, while Rachel, me and Emily and her parents are waiting for the big reveal. I'm a bit nervous to see how people will react to my presence, but Emily is giving me some much needed moral support.

  We're currently standing in one of mom's research buildings, where three huge event halls are opened to form a single one. There are at least a hundred people listening to her and I can see many news crews as well. She's talking about her company's test discoveries regarding monster weaknesses, and according to her pnning, I'm up next. She's keeping the most interesting part for st, or so it would seem.

  Emily is keeping me safe in her hands, and we apparently have to wait a bit longer.

  "Mom...can I tell her now?"

  "Emily, I don't think that today's the day for that. Especially not now. Do you really not see that?"

  "Mom, she's my friend."

  Alicia looks at me, then at her daughter again. "Are you really sure? Did you even notice the size difference?"

  "Um...duuuuuuh, of course I have. It's just that I don't want her to run away when she hears it from Zoey."

  "Zoey needs help, Emily. And Ann? Don't ask about Zoey, she's nuts."

  "Hehehe." I just had to giggle.

  "Gd to see your smile returning, Ann." Alicia said. "You looked nervous. Alright, Emily, tell her if you really must."

  "Um...Ann?"

  "Yes...that's my name these days." I look up at Emily.

  "Hahaha...em.....you know.....I kinda...."

  "Like women?" I replied with a smile.

  "Aww, you already knew?" She looks disappointed.

  "Yeah...kinda." Rachel actually told me, but yes, I knew.

  "Soooo... you...cool with that?" She grimaced.

  I'm blushing. "Sure......I'm....kinda the ...same?"

  "Really???!!!" She took me close to her heart, but was careful not to hurt me.

  I didn't confess my undying love to her, so what is she thinking?!! I only confirmed....well, you know!

  "Girls.... not here, okay?"

  "But I also need to say....." but Emily interrupted me.

  "Aww....I love you too!!!"

  "But..." and again I can't finish my sentence. I didn't say anything remotely like that! Sheesh, we just met! I guess I understand Rachel now, warning me about her fragile state. I really should be careful now.

  Her mom shakes her head. "Not here! Sheesh! This really isn't the pce for that. Besides... love takes years! Whatever. Who am I to judge?" She then looks up at the ceiling for a moment. "My daughter is in love with a fairy.....please have mercy. I guess I can finally rete to my parents now." She took a deep breath and smiled again.

  "Were you a lesbian too, mom?" Emily asked, looking surprised to hear a revetion.

  "Of course not! What's wrong with that brain of yours? Hahahah, you never fail to draw the wrong conclusion. I'm wondering... is that a gift or a curse for me? Hahaha, just kidding girls. Let's focus on the press conference, okay?"

  A few minutes ter we got the dreaded signal....mom's waving hand. This is it....will they think that I'm a monster?

  Emily walks over to the dais and only 2 news crews are allowed to move in for the kill....moving their video cameras well into my comfort zone.

  "Incredible..." Lindsey from CNN said. I of course immediately recognized her, but not the guy from the other news agency. I didn't hear the entire press conference, so I guess that she is supposed to ask the questions?

  "Are you...real?" She asked while studying my every movement.

  "Hi Lindsey, long time no see." I said while waving at her.

  "Have we met before?"

  "Yes, I showed you my iphone while we were returning from the red zone."

  "This can't be! Diane, is that really you? What happened to you?"

  I look into her camera and try to smile, even though I'm really nervous. "First of all, my name used to be Diane Nicholson, yes, and I was a human like anyone else. Something happened to me recently and somehow an egg shell formed around me. A few hours ter I shrunk to my current size, and presto.....a fairy hatched from the egg. I'm not kidding...this actually happened. I'm not a toy or remote controlled gadget."

  "Is there any way to prove that you are not a monster?"

  "Ehhh...........do monsters usually talk to people?"

  "That's a fair point." She smiled and definitely noticed me grinning. "Are those wings real? It's difficult to accept what you are without at least a demonstration?"

  I nod, close my eyes and then focus on my wings. I have had lots of practice since yesterday and it's like riding a bicycle. Once you get the hang of it, it simply works. And thankfully my wings indeed cooperate. My wings first start to flutter like a butterfly. Then they start living a life of their own, and everything just works like magic. Pun intended.

  "Oh!" Lindsey excims when she sees me hovering. Her hands move all around me to check for wires, but of course can't find any.

  Next I go full throttle and fly into the room, where people start taking pictures of me with old fashioned cameras.

  I hear many people chatting and also hear sounds of wonder all around me.

  After about half a minute I return to Emily and nd a bit clumsily, falling on my behind."Sorry, nding is still a bit of a challenge."

  "Of course, I can imagine. But....did you say that your name used to be Diane? Did it change?"

  "Ah, oops, yes, I'm now Ann Finley, Amelia Finley's daughter."

  Lindsey frowns and looks at mom for a moment, probably thinking of a polite reply. Some people in the room appear amused and some are ft out ughing at my expense.

  "Hey! She's really my mom now, okay?" I put my hands on my waist to show my annoyance.

  "I think...I see the family resembnce, ha ha ha," Lindsey said while ughing. A lie obviously, but it's her job to be polite. "So....Ann?"

  "Yes, Lindsey?" I'm still doubting whether to end the interview or keep listening.

  "Your ..ehem...mother told us that you will help us fight the monsters. May we ask how? Do you perhaps have some kind of hidden weapon at your disposal?"

  "Um......let's just say that I'm working on it. All of this is new to me, so please give me a break. My mom....I mean, miss Finley will run a few tests as well. I hope to be of use to humanity within days or weeks at the test. Just give me some time. I didn't exactly sign up for this, you know?"

  "Of course, we understand. I heard some rumors that you sleep in a dollhouse these days, is that true?" She snickered.

  "Oh, c'mon! How did you find out that I have a dollhouse now? And no, I have a real bed to sleep in. But if you must know, ....I can't wear human clothes anymore, so I'm kinda wearing doll clothes now. Oh! Wanna see the outfit my new body came with?"

  "If it's not too much work, sure."

  "Restore dress!" I say out loud, and my dress instantly returns to the green dress that somehow appeared on me after hatching. This skill simply works every time, even if I use other words to ask for it.

  "Amazing! You look exactly like Tinkerbell!" Lindsey said, and the audience seems to concur. "Where do you store these dresses?"

  "Eh....no idea, actually. Magic? The blue dress I wore earlier is now back home. At least it should be?"

  "Hahaha, sounds like you need more time to experiment. I know I already asked, but is there anything you can show us now, to convince the people here and at home that you can actually fight monsters? Maybe your speed, or.....you know, anything yet?"

  "As I said earlier, I'm still working on that. But I do have the skill to zap people and bugs, so that might kill monsters eventually. But right now it only killed a mosquito and zapped Emily here when we first met. I was kinda scared then." I pointed at Emily's face high above me.

  "Interesting. Could you maybe demonstrate..." But she was interrupted by the other news reporter.

  He said in a loud voice "this is obviously nothing but a publicity stunt. It expins why CNN was allowed to ask the questions in the first pce. But unlike CNN, we at ABZ News want to show the world the truth. Show us some evidence! Puppets won't kill monsters! Is this some kind of a sick joke?"

  Mom wanted to intervene, but I flew in front of his face. "Do I look like a puppet to you?"

  "Of course, that's what you are! We demand to see real evidence regarding monster countermeasures from Oakhive, or we will file a compint with the government! Humanity is losing the battle and we have the right to know! Giving us false hope is disgusting at best! And you, you are nothing but a bug! " He then swatted me away like a bug and that totally caught me off guard.

  I crashed onto the dais and that actually hurt my knees. I heard Emily shouting my name and the audience was appalled as well. But they weren't the only ones, I felt my blood boiling.

  Another message appeared in front of me, and it said:========Combat mode activated========

  The next events happened in mere seconds. I feel my strength increasing exponentially. My teeth feel sharper and the whole world around me seems to shrink a bit. My back suddenly hurts and when I try to look at it, I see and feel a rge bck pointy object shoving out of my lower back. My wings start buzzing loudly and are making a deep sound.

  I'm already flying circles around the dais before I realize it. My super focused mind only has one goal....to sting that guy as often as I can.

  Another message appears, but I ignore it completely.===========warning - first time use: venom still charging===========

  Some people in the audience are screaming, but most stay seated when they are told to remain calm by a few soldiers. Not sure why they are even here, but they are.

  The guy who swatted me away made the mistake to run away with his back towards me, but I have no trouble tracking him whatsoever. I'm flying at a really fast speed. "AAAAAH!" He got stung twice in his butt and that's when my brain finally started to think normally again.

  I see soldiers rushing into the room and they are definitely aiming at me, so I head towards the ceiling where I find cover between lights.

  "Everyone stay calm, no sudden moves! It's just a tiny fairy...not a monster." A soldier shouts.

  When one soldier spots me between the ceiling lights, he shouts "stand down! Do you understand?"

  "Yes, sir! I surrender!" I shout, while not sure how to get out of this situation alive.

  "Come down, nobody will harm you!"

  "Yeah, like that's gonna happen!" I'm not going anywhere!

  "I give you my word as an officer in the AS Army."

  "I'm scared!" I shout. "I don't want to die!"

  The soldier gestures to the others to lower their rifles, and they do. He then looks up at me again."I swear, the situation is under control. You'll be fine as long as you don't make any sudden moves. Just fly down and let's talk."

  I slowly leave my secure spot and slowly let myself fall down until I keep hovering near him."Sir, I'm sorry!" Tears are rolling over my cheeks, so he must see that I don't mean any harm, right?

  He speaks in a calm voice "it's okay. Everyone is calm. Are you calm too?"

  "Yes, sir, I swear! This was an accident!" More tears are leaving my eyes...all the adrenaline....all the stress...it has to find a way outside.

  He nods and motions Lindsey to approach me, but Emily also approaches me and says "Ann.....are you back to normal? You're scaring me!" She sounds very upset.

  Noticing the terror on her face, I keep waving at her and smiling as well. But I think that my teeth might actually scare her even more right now. I raise my hands, hoping to show people that I mean no harm."I'm sorry. I'm so tired. Please let me nd, I will fall down any moment."

  She quickly offers her hands as a nding pad and I slowly nd, followed by taking a few deep breaths. "Please forgive me. Emily....please don't be afraid. I won't harm you."

  She nods and again takes me close to her heart, cradling me like a baby and rocking me."It's okay, Ann. I'm not mad. We're friends, right?"

  "Yes....we are friends."

  Lindsey showed true bravery when she approached me. Emily opens her hands so that she can see me. "Ann, what happened just now? "

  "I'm so sorry, Lindsey. That guy hurt me pretty good and my 'combat mode' activated automatically. I think it's a defense mechanism. I'm trying to make it stop right now. I'm calm now, so nobody needs to fear. How is the guy? Is he still alive?"

  The guy, who was my first victim, is lying on the floor surrounded by medical people. Some curious people are watching the event, but most people seem to be able to stay calm.

  Lindsey reyed my question to the audience, and someone wearing a military medical uniform rushed over to us. "He got stung, but shows no signs of poison. His pulse is understandably high, but there is no danger. He will recover, but will probably have some issues sitting for a while." He smiled when he gnced at me and then returned to check on his patient.

  Lindsey nods. "I think that this qualifies as seeing you in action, Miss Ann. You seem to have quite the arsenal at your disposal."

  "I'm not sure what happened, because that's why I said that I still need to train. I'm sorry for scaring people, because I'm not an aggressive person. But c'mon, who swats an innocent tiny fairy?"

  "I have to agree with that. Can you change back?"

  "Believe me, I'm trying." I take another deep breath and feel myself rexing. The whole thing in reverse is happening now. But the retracting stinger is creeping me out, even though it only took half a second. It's like a sword extending and retracting, feeling the whole thing. So my sword is actually right inside my body now....creepy!

  A new message confirms that I'm back to normal, but it also informs me about something important.=====Combat mode ended - resuming normal life functions.Upgrade: venom capacity increased by 5% due to using your stinger for the first time=====

  "Incredible, you look just like you did earlier now. When will you start testing your skills on monsters?"

  "Yeah....not sure, but soon, I guess? However, please be aware that I apparently had no venom avaible yet. So please, this is a friendly warning. Next time this happens, people might actually get hurt...or worse. This is not something I can control...at least not yet."

  "That's fair warning. I think....awwww......"

  Emily is now petting my ears, showing my wagging tail to the world.

  "If anything, this shows the true nature of this fairy, dies and gentlemen. But she also seems perfectly able to harm monsters. As we saw earlier." She snickered, indirectly referring to him as a monster. "Miss Finley, if you would like to continue?" She gestured to mom to step onto the dais.

  Mom continued the press conference while occasionally gncing at me. But I only enjoyed being petted and that simply felt divine.

  Back home we discussed the press conference and Thompson joined us as well. I think that everyone wants Emily to continue petting me, so that's why she's also here.

  Everyone seems rexed, and there are no guns pointed at me. As soon as I'm done being petted, Thomspon starts asking questions and I'm trying to answer them.

  "When will your venom be ready?" He asked me.

  "I dunno. Let me check."

  He noticed me swiping and using other gestures, just like when using a smartphone. But since they don't have touch screens....I actually had to expin it to them first.

  I read the entire menu status screen to them, ignoring all confused expressions and expining some details ter.

  ===========================================Name: Ann FinleyAge: 17Gender: female

  Family: nature spirits Race: fairyCss: Cn Defender (level 1)

  Mana capacity: 900 / 900 (current / max)Venom charge: 337 / 1000 (current / max)

  Racial skills:-purification-outfit-transtion-concealment

  Css skills:-attack mode (speed/agility)-shock-stinger-burrow

  Titles/achievements:-crosser of worlds===========================================

  "It seems that I'm still loading up on the venom. It's pretty slow, but maybe that's only because I never used the stinger before today?"

  "That makes sense. We caught an arachnid yesterday and were pnning to study it. But...how about you try out your venom on it instead?"

  "WHAT? You want me to kill a spider? Those are WAY, WAY too big for me! Besides, I'm new at this!"

  "Rex, it's confined and we'll make sure that it can't move an inch. There couldn't be an easier target. We also have experienced soldiers standing by. It won't stand a chance. Do you really think that we would sacrifice you for such a test?"

  "I would certainly hope not?" I replied, making it clear to him that I didn't have much confidence in his proposal.

  "Exactly, we won't. I am under orders from the President to deploy you as soon as possible. I will recommend doing so tomorrow morning."

  "Deploy? Do I look like a weapon to you? I can't flip on my weapons! I'm a freakin' fairy if you haven't noticed!" He's really getting on my nerves now.

  He nods and smiles. "A fairy with much potential. Ann...this country needs you. Do you think that you can pull that stunt off again? We might be able to use your venom, but we first need a demonstration."

  "I'd rather take a few days to experiment."

  "I know, and I'd love to give you your time, but we're running out of that. I must ask all of you to not share this information just yet. It will hit the news in a few hours. .....We lost Florida to the bugs this morning."

  "What do you mean?" Mom said. "What city?"

  "You misunderstand. Not a city.....the whole state. It's gone...completely overrun by the bugs. They were well organized and knew where to hit us. Scorpion-like beings with shields destroyed everything...anything...and everyone. While we still expect to find human survivors, Florida basically is no more...period."

  "Oh my god." I said, while studying everyone's expressions.

  "Now do you understand the urgency?" He asked me.

  "I'm beginning to. But again....I'm tiny, and those are huge. I don't even know if I can breach their shields."

  "That's why we'll be taking it slowly. We'll first let you handle the spider, then move you to Florida. The first line of bugs are lower level bugs. Things get progressively nastier the further you get. Satellite imagery shows two huge bugs right in the middle, close to Tampa. We have not identified those yet, but we're certain that they are a new type of bug."

  "Then.....I guess I'll have no choice but to go."

  Mom nods. "I must agree as well. We're running out of time...fast. Will the military back her up? She's inexperienced as you could clearly see earlier. We don't even know if she CAN fight them."

  "Yes, of course, Miss Finley. Even if Ann only manages to stun the bugs or disable the shields, we'll take it. It's just that we can't break through their defenses. But underneath the shields lie very vulnerable parts. Easy to kill....just not easy to get to."

  "But first the spider, right?" I asked while grimacing. I don't really like those, let alone the big ones.

  "Exactly."

  "So....mom...if you agree....why should we wait until tomorrow?" I asked. Let's get it over with!

  She nods. "A few more hours won't help you out. But some rest might do you good. Alright then, are you up to it? Emotionally I mean?"

  "No, but I have to try. I probably won't be able to sleep tonight when I know what's waiting for me. I have to do this...now. I want to see what my venom does to them."

  "Okay, then let's make this happen," Thompson said. "The monster is contained in one of Oakhive's special research areas. Expect a helicopter to nd near this house within the hour. I'll join you to witness the test. Please allow me to call the President, since I'm sure that he'll appreciate your eagerness to help. Oh, one more thing. What can we prepare for you to eat?"

  I grinned. "This fairy runs on caffeine but water is needed as well. Strawberries, bananas and apples are my solid fuel, but I of course only need retively small pieces of those."

  Emily keeps petting me, but so far has been surprisingly quiet. And then she unexpectedly speaks."Mr Thompson? Can I come along?"

  "I think that can be arranged. Miss Finley and Rachel, you both as well?"

  Mom nods. "Wouldn't miss the party for the world. My company is involved in the test, so it's only fair that I attend."

  "Understood, let me take care of the matter." He then excused himself and left us.

  About two hours ter we arrived at a well protected building complex in the former Boston area. We were a bit deyed because Emily had to convince her parents to let her join us. But when Thompson said that she had a calming effect on me, they simply had to let her go. Telling them that this was a matter of national security might have helped as well.

  I'm inside a rge room with bright lights. The walls look like they were built only yesterday, without any paint or finishing. Behind me I see a thick and sturdy looking gss window, where Thompson, Mom, Rachel and Emily have front row seats to my worst nightmare.

  In front of me is the dreaded 'specimen room,' where I see and smell a blue spider. It's as hairy as a goril and it smells awful, even from a distance. It's contained behind steel bars like a prison cell, but I can easily fly between those....but not just yet.

  There are dozens of soldiers standing on guard on both sides of the window, so this creature shouldn't pose much risk, or so they say. Of course I received a few instructions about the monster, including suggestions where to hit it. The thing has eight legs and as many eyes......and it's absolutely terrifying.

  "You can begin the test." Thompson said using the PA system.

  "Yeah, easy for you to say...." I whispered, then I said loudly "starting the test now. Soldiers...please stand by. My appearance will change and I might look menacing. I am not your target. Do you understand?"

  "We do!" One of them shouts. "We were briefed about your attack mode. Commence any time. We're standing by."

  "Okay....sounds like you are truly professionals. My dad would have loved meeting you. Anyway....let's see what happens."

  I slowly move towards the spider and take in the sight. Its red eyes are absolutely focused on me. Oh my god, I don't want to do this! Why did I even agree?!

  Does it sense my intentions? Should I try talking to it?"Hey! Spider! Can you understand me?"

  "GRAAAAAAAA. HISSSSSS" It growled and hissed, making me back off.

  "Woow. Okay...I guess that's a no. Communication attempt failed. Activating combat mode." I have a transtion skill, but either it won't work on monsters, or....it's simply not in the mood to talk.

  I'm trying to recreate the feeling I had when the guy swatted me away. And it seems to work. I feel myself growing a bit taller, but not much. And my stinger also appears again.

  "Combat mode successfully activated." And in case you're wondering, Thompson actually asked me to talk like this. He wants to understand everything and let's me comment on each step I take. There are plenty of cameras in here, but I hope that they won't be recording my untimely demise.

  "Acknowledged." Thompson replied. "Proceed at will. Weapons free." This means that everyone, including me, can attack whenever we wish.

  The spider's smell got even more pungent and it feels like my body is moving on its own, fully focused on the spider. First I will zap the creature, with maximum force. I approach it, but still stay at a safe distance and.....

  ZAP!

  "GRAAAAAAAA." Yes, it didn't like that and is thrashing in its cage. But that's what I need...it was too focused on me previously.

  I realized that the spider also might have venom, so I should target the head first. And just like that I feel myself being unched towards the target and feel my stinger injecting a fluid into its head. It's like peeing, but very unsettling and very fast. This whole maneuver only sted a second or two, and I'm already back on the other side of the room, as far away from the monster as I can.

  Only now does it seem to have noticed the attack. "GRRRRAAAAAAAA!" It cries out in pain.....and instantly colpses onto the floor.

  "Successful test! Stand down!" Thompson shouted.

  "STOP!!!!" I shouted, after which I moved closer to the target. "Target is not dead!"

  I once more sting the thing in a second or two and safely return to my position. This time my senses confirm that it's dead. But what happens next is too ugly to describe...but I have no choice.

  I'm drawn to the monster....slowly circling above it like a vulture....sensing something warm and brimming with energy. My thoughts and my eyes as well are fully focused on whatever it is. And that's when I truly stopped being human.

  My hands are glowing and I start digging into the flesh as if my life depends on it. My brain doesn't care right now...this is my only reason for being....to extract the life force crystal embedded in this monster. It's very warm inside and I feel blood everywhere.

  It takes quite the effort, but I manage to create a new path and drag the stone after me, making my way outside.

  That's when I lost all energy and simply kept lying there, next to my new crystal and the very, very dead monster.

  "SAFE! Stand down!" I shout. After that...I fell asleep.