37: Imperfect Recall, part II
The voice sighed. “She was right. There is no placating you, is there? Unlike either of you, though, I understand the seriousness of the situation. I know this isn’t a game.”
“If it’s not a game then maybe you ought to stop playing with people!” Phantasia placed her hands on her hips, secretly proud of her clever retaliation.
“And maybe you should grow up before you get someone killed,” snapped the totem before it disintegrated into ethereal water droplets, leaving Phantasia fuming alone in the street. At least this confirmed some things. Now she had to find a way to fight back. If this were a game then she needed a decisive piece. Something the people behind this illusion couldn’t counter. An ally they couldn’t defy. It was her last resort and she abhorred using it, but she could imagine the look on the illusionists’ faces when they were confronted by a majestic force they had no hope of overcoming.
***
The soaring coral majesty of Queen Thetis’s leviathan totem sat floating in the middle of the church as, far off in another world, the ruler of the Water faeries listened to her princess’s plea with quiet contemplation.
“I am proud that you have taken so much upon yourself,” she said, once Phantasia had finished her story, “We have been observing your actions with great interest and are aware of the difficulties you currently face. I wanted to intervene but it was decided to allow you room to make your own decisions and to only act when you asked it of us,”
“Well, that’s kinda what I’m doing now…”
“I do not know who the perpetrator is,” said the Queen, “Though from the evidence a reasonable argument could be made for it being a Wind faerie. This would not be the first time they have indulged in such illusionary mischief and, long ago, it was these very magics that kept humanity unaware of the reality that surrounded them. Some faeries still exist who believe the old ways are still the best ways and would rather humans live in ignorance rather than endanger themselves and each other but involving themselves in things beyond their understanding,”
“That’s rubbish!” said Phantasia, “It’s only causing them more harm!”
“That is debatable,” said the Queen, “You make assumptions that contradict the current evidence. These children have come to more harm from getting involved with things than by avoiding them. Do you believe that they will be safer if they understood the truth? Many of your friends would only involve themselves deeper in things they cannot handle if they did,”
“If you believe that then why do you support Mr Payne? He went though this as a child and look…”
“What it did to him?” finished the Queen, “Were you yourself not disapproving of his actions regarding certain incidents? Perhaps had he lived an ignorant life then things would have been different,”
Phantasia wasn’t sure she could accept what she was hearing. Queen Thetis, who had raised her and taught her so much, was now suggesting humans were better off ignorant? After all the time she’d spent with them? After all the admiration and respect she showed them? “You…you can’t honestly believe that!” she said.
