Chapter Text
“…534, 535, 536!” The red fae sat up and stared at the small piles of rice proudly. “We did it brother! Shall we leave the rice here for an unsuspecting bird, or take it with us to throw on another fae to laugh and watch them count?” He said eagerly as he sat up. He then noticed someone coming down the path. They recognized him right away and hopped on their feet eagerly.
Their head turned to show the sleeker designed mask. “Sun man sun man~” He taunted “Here he comes again, such a lonely unseelie~”
“Shut your mouth you, sentient blood clot.” Eclipse spat.
The bloody fae’s masks switched again. “Looking for your golden beloved? And blue beloved? I saw them come this way. Speak nice to me and I’ll tell you where they went.” He said and let a giggle escape.
“Oh please, I know where they went. Stop trying to act like you not only good to sharpen knives with.” Eclipse spat and kept walking.
The red Unseelie’s mask switched. “Such a sweet little thing they had with them, surely they won’t let you have this one~” He said in a teasing tone.
Eclipse tried to ignore them, walking faster.
The red fae followed and kept up the pace, passing him slightly and looking closer at his mask. “Is that a crack in your mask, we see? They had iron and hurt you! How delightful! That won’t heal with just food!” He snickered as Eclipse paused in his step to growl angrily.
Eclipse turned to face him in anger before throwing a handful of rice at the red fae. The red Unseelie threw himself at the pile just as Eclipse turned and kept walking.
“Nice nice mortal, teaching us such a good trick.” The red fae sang to themselves as they divided the rice into two piles and placed it’s black head on the ground in between the piles to count both piles at the same time.
~~~~~~~~
The new Fae, which Sun told you was a high fae, (basically a fae wizard) stepped aside with Moon and they began to speak in the woodland sounds. You took a minute to observe him, noticing that out of all the Fae you’ve seen, he was the only one who wore jewelry. Specifically lovely chains, but also a crescent moonstone necklace. You wondered if that was specific to high fae.
You stood next to Sun with a deep scowl as you watched the two blue fae speak. “So…harder to remove, eh?” You grumble as you looked closer at the veil. Yep. Looks like it was never two veils to begin with. Seamlessly melded. You tried to pull it over your head, but as soon as it was pulled to a certain height, it just clipped through your hand and fluttered back around your shoulders in a possessive hug.
Sun shifted on his feet and avoided your eyes for a minute. “Yeah…I did say it’s like an engagement ring, but it can also uh…be seen as an actual sign of marriage, not just engagement. Since they’re now one, it um…we’d have to split them before we could even remove them, which would take a big spell.” He said. He sounded shy, but most certainly not regretful.
“Well then it’s a good thing the high fae is here, surely he knows a spell.” You spat bitterly. Sun flinched and looked a bit deflated. Internally you were more annoyed than mad. After all, it’s not like the veils were a nuisance with their ghost-like flow, and they were really pretty. You were just feeling bitter about being tricked again. “Am I stuck here until they’re removed?” You asked.
“No no, you can go home, you just can’t take them off.” He assured. “I made a promise to take you home when you’re ready. Or specifically after we saved my brother, but at the moment it’s safer here.”
“Well at least you’re trying to keep your promise.” You sighed.
You heard the high fae start speaking English. “And you’re certain?” He asked Moon.
“Yes, yes I want this.” Moon stood tall as he made his declaration. “I renounce my Unseelie origin.”
The new fae nodded and took Moon’s lower hands with his own, placing their palm flat against one another. As he did, light blue sparkles blinked off of Moon’s lower arms lightly. “According to your desire, I make you a Seelie once again.” He said before pushing on Moon’s lower arms. Moon stood perfectly still, but grunted softly like he was enduring some pain. As the high fae pushed the arms, they slowly began to be absorbed into Moon’s middle. Soon the hands were completely gone, and Moon exhaled a sigh of relief. The flower crown of Moon’s hat began to regrow, as well as the bushel around his waist reviving.
Moon took a deep sigh in relief. “Thank you, my friend.” He smiled at the light blue fae.
“Always. But you haven’t called in a while, I missed you silly boys~” the lighter blue fae grinned and fixed Moons hat, adjusting it to sit right now that flowers once again burst from the lining. “And introduce me to your sweetheart~”
“I’m not their sweetheart!” You blushed. “I only wore these cause I didn’t want other fae to grab me and run off!”
“But you’re alright with these two running away with you?” The light blue fae smirked.
You had to take a pissed off moment to catch your breath and compose yourself from punching the high fae who could no doubt curse you if you did. You turned away from the all and covered our face to groan. “That is NOT what happened!!”
“Are you the new homeowner?” He asked, making you look back at him.
“Did Sun tell you?”
“No, but Sun has been talking about getting a new homeowner soon, and it’s wonderful to finally meet you!” He smiled. “At least one of you, they’re little Unseelie friend has run off with the others.”
“Eclipse. That Unseelie’s name is Eclipse.” You huffed.
The high fae froze and turned his head to the side curiously. So far, he hasn’t reacted like any other fae that you’ve seen. “Sounds like a dangerous game you’re playing…” He blinked at you.
“Tell me if I’m wrong, if enough people call you by a name, you will eventually respond to it, whether you accept it as your name or not.” You told him.
The High fae held a hand up to his mask curiously, as if motioning to show he was thinking. “Well…yes I suppose…but it would only be effective if either enough people call them by said name, or if they accept it as their own.”
“How many people need to call them the name before they respond to it? Cause Eclipse only heard the name from Moon a couple minutes before I said it, and he responded. For only a second, but it did work.” You told him.
“Did he now? Well, I can see him denouncing it harder. It may not work next time without extra encouragement.” The high fae offered.
“How can he just denounce it?”
“Same way a man named Steve can accept that there is another Steve acquainted with his friends.” He shrugged. “He can simply tell himself you meant someone else.”
“You fae and your mental games…” You huffed. “Got any spells to keep the unseelie out of one’s home?”
“They can only enter once, so not really. Do what your lovers did.”
“THEY’RE NOT MY- w-wait, what did you two do? You said Eclipse came in here, how did you get him out without getting hurt?” you asked turning to Sun and Moon. They looked at each other a minute before Sun said.
“What was it again? It’s been so long…”
“Okay you know what? Take me home. I’ll just wait for him and as soon as he’s in my house, I’ll beat him with the iron poker until he’s out.” You huffed. With that you remembered that even with the iron tool, you couldn’t get him off of you before, but to be fair, it’s hard to use all your strength at that short range.
“Well, then, do you want me to start the process of removing the veils?” The high fae asked.
Before you could answer, you saw Sun visibly tense. “Not yet please.” He squeaked.
“Whats up with you? We agreed this was temporary!” You huffed at Sun, but the golden Fae just pointed to the window behind you.
You didn’t see anything out the window, making you think they were pranking you again.
“Already??” Moon asked.
“What?” You huffed. “I’m getting real sick of-” Your name was yelled outside, making your whole body freeze up. You knew that voice. And they knew your name.
Sun Repeated your name curiously, making you look at him, then back to the door. You then looked to the high fae. “Can’t you banish him or something?!” You squeaked.
“What for? All it would do is send him back to the Unseelie lands, which would only buy us a little time. Not to mention, give him more time to plan what he’s going to do to you.” The high fae said bluntly.
“Yeah, but I don’t feel ready to face him yet! He knows my name somehow!” You said, starting to shake in fear.
“We’ll all go out, take your iron weapons.” Moon told you.
You took a deep breath and stepped towards the table where you set your tools. Just as you did, you heard your name shouted, and your body went ridged.
“Come out little lamb!” Eclipse yelled.
You felt your body immediately turn and start walking to the door. “G-guys, the iron!” You said quickly, but the fae around you looked between you and the iron helplessly. Of course you had removed the slippery silicone handles and forgot to put them on again. Now you marched outside to battle, with your weapons left on the table.
Sun and Moon did the only thing they could think to do, and huddle close to you protectively as your feet forced you to walk outside.
Eclipse stood in front of the house. The crack in his mask was a little more visible now that he was in the Seelie part of this world, the lighter coloring making everything he wore he wore stick out. In one of his hands, he had your jacket. In the hand lower to that one, was your wallet. Your stomach dropped. You had packed it instinctually, completely forgetting about it as soon as it was in your jacket. So that’s how Eclipse learned your name.
You swallowed nervously as you faced him, stopping about 10 feet from where he stood. Nearby behind him, you saw Fae beginning to gather, seeming curious of the shouting outside Sun and Moon’s house. Some of them you recognized, the white fox mask with the pink make-up, the gold, brown and purple bears… most of them you told Eclipse’s name to. Some of the Fae stepped out, watching openly, while other tried to seem indifferent but were obviously eavesdropping. Other’s flat out were hiding and would peek out every so often.
You looked back to Eclipse, small sliver of hope rising in your chest.
“Darling, you forgot something at my place…among other things.” Eclipse said in a dangerous tone, masked pleasantly. He held up your things. “If you wanted an excuse to come back over, I have the best one~”
“Not happening, Eclipse.” You said confidently.
He began to laugh and shake his head. “No no, I believe you are mistaken…that’s not my name. It may have worked the first time, but not again. That’s not even a name, silly~” He smirked.
“It is, and it’s yours. Isn’t it boys?” You looked up to Sun and Moon. They held you close before looking down at you, as if needing their own assurance.
Sun was the first to look Eclipse in the eye. “I only know you as Eclipse.” He stated, making you smile.
“As Do I.” Moon said solidly.
Eclipse looked very unimpressed. “Really now, Moon? Your arms are missing already. MUST you fight who you are so much?” His eyes narrowed in on you. You assumed he finally noticed the mixed veils. “Sun, Moon,” He called, making each fae tense up respectively. He then lowered his tone when saying your name, making you shiver and cling to the boys tighter. “Enough of this nonsense, come with me.”
The three of your then heard your names spoken again from behind you. “Better idea, don’t.” The high fae stepped out of your shadows and folded his arms defiantly at Eclipse.
Eclipse narrowed his eyes at him and took a step closer. “Don’t you interfere with my personal business again, high fae. I thought you learned from last time.”
“Oh yes, how could I forget? Of course, How could I forget a name like Eclipse either?” The high fae said smugly. Eclipse flinch. Very slight, but there was no doubt in your mind that’s what happened.
“That’s not my name!” He snapped.
You saw a few more fae emerge. The ones trying to hide starting to come out, the nonchalant ones now looking directly at your group. Among them, the Unseelie with the two masks emerged and switched between each mask, watching curiously. You wondered if he was going to back up Eclipse or try something. You did your best to keep an eye on him.
However, Seeing the other fae come out was making you feel a little better, and more confident. “No need to deny it Eclipse, it’s a nice name~” You cooed at him.
Eclipse snarled your name before demanding “Keep your mouth shut!”
To your shock and horror, your lips sealed. Your fear didn’t last long however, since Sun quickly commanded you to say what you wanted. You took a deep breath to be sure your mouth still worked.
“You keep saying the Seelie are cowards, but I assure you they’re much braver than you!” You yelled at him.
He said your name in a warning tone before a red and black hand clamped on his shoulder, making him stiffen up. To everyone’s shock, the red two-faced Fae stood behind him and began to giggle.
“Eclipse, is it?” He said, his tone full of malicious amusement.
Eclipse spun to look at him in shock.
“You DO respond to it!” The Unseelie cackled and took a step away. “The lonely Unseelie accepts his name!!” He hooted while Eclipse stood perfectly still, seeming to be in shock.
The other fae watching began to perk up more, murmuring to one another. Eclipse began to look around, his motions ridged and panicky.
“Eclipse, is that you?” the fox masked fae called, their voice filled with fearless mirth. Eclipse looked directly to them, making them start to laugh.
Other Fae began to call him the name you gave him, making him look every way to see all who knew. The crowd began to grow, and the fae present had a laugh at Eclipse’s expense. Many pointed at him and made jokes. Every time he looked to the last one to say his name, the laughter grew. It actually made you feel bad for a second, as it looked like a group of jocks bullying a nerd almost
Eclipse keept looking all around him, until his gaze then landed on you. “You…YOU!!” He screamed before running at you and your boys. The three of you tensed up before a calm voice spoke from behind you.
“Eclipse, Freeze.” The high fae spoke calmly.
As told, Eclipse’s movements froze mid-run. Your jacket and wallet still in his hands, you quickly snuck forward and snatched them before rushing back to Sun and Moon’s arms. You looked back at him. Everything that scared you about him seemed so small now.
“Looks like we’re on even ground now, Eclipse.” You told him, standing tall at the hunched angry Fae.
He growled angrily and grunted with effort, trying to move.
“Eclipse.” The high fae spoke again, using his hands to form a circle over his head. With the motion, Eclipse stood straight. Light blue sparkle dusted his form, making you realize the high fae must have been casting a spell. He then made two more motions with his hands as he said “Go home.”
Eclipse suddenly went flying towards the Unseelie lands. The fae that were around quickly moved from his path as an invisible force nearly dragged him across the yard. He screamed angrily and clawed at the earth as he was thrown out of sight.
With the danger and drama gone, the fae dispersed. You took a sigh of relief, Sun and Moon relaxing as they held you close as well.
“There now, he shouldn’t bother you three for a while. Possibly not even in your lifetime, little homeowner.” The high fae said pleasantly as he stepped closer.
You looked back to him. “You…know my name and you didn’t use it?” You asked.
“It will probably be forgotten by the other fae who heard it, provided you not go introducing yourself again.” He booped your nose with a teasing tone. “Eclipse on the other hand was properly humiliated. I doubt many would forget his name very soon.” He then glance behind you, making you turn to see the Red Unseelie fae, standing much too close for comfort. The three of you jumped in shock, making him giggle.
“Little human brought us such a laugh, and such a wonderful trick!” He giggled cheerfully.
“Trick??” You curiously inquired.
His masks switched. “For counting grain! We’ve struggled with such a task, never getting very far. You taught us such a nice trick to help my brother and I!” The warbling tone sang. “We wish to give something to you!”
“S-something for me?” You blinked. As far as you knew, you didn’t think it would be wise to take a gift from an unseelie. You were curious however. “What is it?”
From his lower hands, he held up a lilac-colored knob of wood. A simple smile carved into it. You quickly realized it was the type of wooden head that Sun had said was an Unseelie friendship gift. You glanced at Sun and Moon, to see their reactions. They nodded eagerly in encouragement to accept it.
“Oh…oh thank you…this is a very thoughtful gift sir…” You said and carefully took it. The wood was surprisingly smooth, and the soft lilac was lovely.
As you took it, the two-faced fae bounced up and did a happy spin before aiming one mask at you. “You are friend now! Good friend!”
You smiled, being glad to know there was an Unseelie who didn’t want to kill you. An idea then came to mind. One that was ill-advised at best, but you had a theory.
“Yes, friends give gifts, right? I have one for you too.” You said. The three fae surrounding you all cocked their masks to the side curiously. “It’s a very human gift, but I assure you I mean no harm by it.” You looked to Sun and Moon and asked them to step back a bit. Sun grew tense, making you think he had an idea on what you were going to do. They stepped back regardless as you leaned closer to the black front of the unseelie’s head. You then whispered “I give you the name Blood Moon.”
The Unseelie tensed but you quick spoke again. “I swear to never tell a soul and only use it when it is only the two of us. I gift it to you, and no one else.” You stepped back to see his reaction. Each mask took turns looking at your curiously before he let out a giggle.
“Such a delightful gift! So long as you keep your word, I accept your gift!” He said cheerfully.
You grinned and held the little wooden head close, feeling the smooth wood. You knew that was considered an ignorant risk to take, but you had a feeling when I came to friendship, names among the Unseelie had an acception. You were thrilled at the results.
“We must go, See you another time little homeowner!” Blood Moon waved before rushing off. As he did, fae jumped out of his way, until he seemed to hone in on one and chase them. It was almost cartoonish, watching him chase some poor Seelie, both runing off into the distance.
“That was an interesting discovery you made.” The high fae stepped closer. “Very dangerous.”
“Yeah well…I figured he wanted to be my friend, and I had no other gift…I’m just glad he didn’t tear my face off for it.” You sighed in relief.
The high fae pondered for a moment at your discovery. “Unseelie accept names among friends, hmm?” He said thoughtfully. “I suppose they can be civil then. Some. Now then, are you still so hot to remove those veils?”
Sun and Moon came back to you and crowded you again. You looked between them. They looked a little sad. They had been there, standing by your side when they didn’t need to. They could have hidden and left you to face Eclipse on their own. They kept the names you gave them despite risking their lives to do so. “Are…you hard to get ahold of?” You asked the high fae.
“Not particularly, especially when my dear friends call upon me.” He winked.
“Okay…I’ll hold onto them for now, I think. I’ll call you when I’m ready to remove them, okay?” You asked.
“So be it, I thank you for the chance to see such delights happen to someone I don’t care for.” He giggled. “I’ll be seeing you three then~” He waved and with the flutter of his hood, he began to walk away, walking opposite to the unseelie lands.
The world began to grow dark with a sunset, the blurring sun setting in the east. You had been up almost a whole 24 hours, and the exhaustion was getting to you. “Take me home boys…” You said sleepily and held the wood head close.
Moon carefully picked you up and the two fae walked you to the pine tree roots that reached out from the sky. They climbed the roots like a latter and pulled you back into your yard, where the sun was starting to rise.
Moon set you in the grass, right outside the ring of mushrooms before sitting on the swing, kicking gently. “Are we allowed inside your house?” he asked as he did.
“Provided you don’t make a mess and behave yourselves.” You glared.
“Killjoy.” Moon smirked.
A yawn hit you and you covered your mouth as you let it out. “I’m going to bed, I’m so tired. Behave yourselves, I mean it.” You gave a final warning.
“Well if you’re going to sleep, I think Moon and I have some talking to do,” Sun said, then punctuated his sentence with your real name and a smirk. You deadpanned at him.
“And I’m trusting you not to abuse that knowledge. Don’t forget, I know your names too.” You smirked back.
“Yes, yes, it would appear we are on even grounds.” Sun smiled. “Sleep well.”
You smile at your two harmless trickster. You then walked up to Moon, making him pause his swinging. “Yes?” He asked curiously.
You leaned over and kissed his mask, just missing the mouth of it. He froze and blinked at you in shock before you quickly moved to kiss Sun’s mask as well. The both looked in utter shock as their masks changed color in embarrassment.
“Betrothed are allowed to kiss right?” You smirked teasingly and used your hand to flip the veil on your shoulder’s sassily before walking to the house. The fae stood frozen in shock still when you reached the door and glanced back at them. “See you in a couple hours, boys!” you called back triumphantly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Eclipse was still flying across the ground, long after entering the Unseelie lands. He desperately grabbed at anything he could to stop the spell that threw him around. Before he knew it, he crashed into his own home and landed pitifully on the ground, the blue sparkle bursting off of him and vanishing as he did.
He groaned and rubbed his mask, feeling furious and frustrated. He began to grumble and swear angrily to himself. “Stupid stupid fu-“
“There you are…”
Eclipse flinched and looked to the outrageously tall lanky fae that stood next to his door. Even though he stood on the ground, he could reach the door with ease. The Crescent Moonstone around his neck shimmered against the cape-like gray-blue veil on his shoulders. He had a long nightcap made from the fabric of his torn pants. His small blue antlers seemed to hold the poorly made hat on his head.
There was a small human behind him, wearing a matching veil on their waist. The human smirked at Eclipse’s pathetic state. Eclipse snarled at them, but they just suck their tongue at him and giggled before hugging the giant fae’s leg, almost like a child would.
“About time you got here.” Eclipse sneered and stood up.
“I take it you lost your beloved’s again…” The gigantic Unseelie looked down at him with large glowing red eyes.
“For now…” Eclipse brushed himself off. “Their little homeowner has some tricks up their sleeve I didn’t expect…”
The large claws of the tall fae reached to Eclipse and gently touched his mask. A husky word was spoken, and the crack in Eclipse’s mask seals. Eclipse felt it curiously. “Thank you, my friend…”
The taller fae giggled a second. “What are friends for…?”
Eclipse thought for a moment before looking up at his friend again. “…Is that offer of help still open?”
The unseelie high fae let out a deep and rumbling chuckle. “Of course my friend…” He said as he held the human close.
“Good…because I don’t intend on making any mistakes this time…”