The children returned to the cabin expecting to get in trouble for being gone for so long. All three of them wanted to run in and hug their family who they had not seen for months but they tried to force down their excitement at finally being back. They knew that the magic brought them back the same day they left but they left that morning and returned later that night. But, being gone all day without checking in with any of their parents they fully expected to be punished.

They arrived back at the same time as their parents. “Why there are our fierce adventures. Did you find a good place to see the fireworks?” Uncle Charlie said when they walked into the cabin.

“Ah yeah, we did.” George answered trying not to look confused at the happy greeting.

“Wasn’t it spectacular?” Aunt Emma squealed. “I don’t think I have ever seen the so alive with color and fire like the show tonight.”

“It was practically magical.” Jonathan responded with a grin.

Janney looked around and saw her mother in the kitchen and went up and hugged her.

“Oh, my dear. What is that for?” her Mom asked as Janney clung on. Janney didn’t realize just how much she missed her Mom until that moment.

“I’m sorry I didn’t call you. You must have been worried.” Janney told Mom.

“I knew you were alright Janney. Remember I can keep track of your phone. I knew you were exploring the waterfalls all over the park.” Mom told her.

“Oh, I forgot about that.” Janney said.

“I have a question for all of you.” Uncle Charlie announced. They all held their breath certain that their parents noticed something was different. That they had gone somewhere other than where everyone thought they had.

“How would you like your cousin to stay the rest of the summer with you?” their uncle asked.

Jonathan looked at his dad and wondered what he was asking. “What are you saying?”

“We were thinking how much you all have enjoyed spending time together and thought why not let you stay the rest of the summer here in Tennessee with George and Janney.” Uncle Charlie explained.

“Really? That would be great!” Jonathan answered not quite believing what was happening.

“Great then it is settled.” His dad announced.

The rest of the summer was one of the most amazing times that any of them had ever had. After spending so long as a human Virago feared he would not be able to shapeshift again and did not want to run the risk of remaining human forever so he remained in his true, dragon form. He had drawn up a plan using Pix, that made it appear as if he had gone away for a while and asked that Janney and George keep an eye on his place while he was gone. Being a midnight dragon he did have the ability to appear invisible, or nearly so. It wasn’t that no one could see him but more that they did not want to see him. If you did it was more out of the corner of your eye as if you thought you saw a shape moving but if you tried to focus on it nothing was there.

The first week they returned Janney and George took Jonathan over to Mr. Virago’s place to show him the garden when their grandfather surprised them. “Greetings little ones.” came Virago’s voice as he appeared in the yard.

“I was showing Jonathan the garden. I want to make sure that it is tended to while you are gone.” Janney said excitedly.

“I can’t thank you enough for that. You make an old man very happy.” Virago said happily.

“How is everyone?” George asked.

“Why don’t you come and see for yourself.” his grandfather answered. He knelt down to the ground to help allow for them to climb up on his back. “Hold on tight.” he told them.

No matter how often George rode a dragon he never got tired of it. He felt more alive during the times he was flying through the air on the back of a dragon than at any other time in his life. Janney did not enjoy flying the same as her brother but she was learning to feel safer than the first time she flew like that.

Virago took them northeast up into the Great Smokie Mountains beyond where most people lived until they arrived at where the former inhabitance of the Eye had made their new home. The lush mountain forest provided cover for creatures as they attempted to begin a new life. In the short amount of time since they arrived they had already begun finding homes. The mountainous terrain made for wonderful conditions but being home to a large number of caves near many of the peaks, the walls of which were too steep for anyone to easily access them except flying. The forest held its own secrets that made life very agreeable for those who could not fly like Keris or those who preferred to remain closer to the ground like Pix.

“Welcome to our new sanctuary.” Virago announced as they landed.

Keris and Adir came over to greet them. “Well met guardians.” The booming voice of the gold dragon Adir.

“Well met indeed.” George answered cheerfully. “How are you liking your new home?”

“It will take some getting used to being in a world run by humans. Not to mention the weather. Within the barrier of the Eye, we were protected from any change in the weather. I think it will be a welcome change to have seasons again.” Adir confessed.

“Is everyone here?” Janney asked.

“We think so.” said Keris. “Not all of us came through at the same place or time. But so far most have managed to gather here.”

“How do they know where to go?” Jonathan asked his old mentor.

“Magic of course.” the unicorn replied.

“How so?” Janney asked inquisitively.

“They have the need to find us. Or more precisely, to find Virago.” Keris explained.

“How do they know to find you?” George asked Virago.

“Because he is the prime.” came the melodic voice of Aldara as she drew near. “We are all drawn towards him. It has been a very long time since any of us has felt that pull but they will recognize it and follow it here.”

Janney thought she saw Virago blush for as much as it was possible for a dragon to do so. She knew he must have felt uncomfortable. The man she knew as her grandfather did not like attention to himself and now it appeared as if he could not help but draw attention whether he liked it or not.

“How many?” Jonathan asked.

“Most all of the pixies which is not surprising as they were scattered about the forest when the transition happened. The blues have not been seen yet either but then again they didn’t live near the rest either.” Keris explained.

“Don’t you worry that being together like this you may be seen?” George asked.

“Not very likely but it is a possibility.” Aldara told George.

“Let me show you around why we talk.” said Keris. A mountain stream ran in the area which provided them with all the water they needed. They walked and talked for what seemed like an eternity to Janney. The new home was absolutely beautiful and she was so happy to be with her friends again. They eventually came back to the spot where they first arrived and discovered Pix was waiting for them.

“Well, did you ask her?” Pix said to Virago.

Janney looked at her grandfather curiously. “Ask me what?”

“The thing is my girl, I need your help.” Virago admitted.

“Of course, whatever we can do to help I am sure we all will do.” Janney stated emphatically.

“This is a very secluded place. It is safe from man as it is between the national park and the reservation. We are high enough up that there are no roads and only the most adventurous climber would venture to come this way. But, I would like to build a barrier around this place. Different than before. We don’t need to be removed from the world, but merely out from under its eye.” Virago explained.

“And you need my help?” Janney asked.

“You are the one who returned everyone. It would be simpler if we could both work together on a solution that would provide security and freedom to travel about.” Virago told Janney.

“You both have the magic of a prime.” Pix explained. “Together anything is possible.”

“I don’t know what to say.” Janney answered.

“Yes, would be a good place to start.” Pix responded.

“Of course. Yes, I will do what I can grandfather.” Janney said.

“Good. Come with me then.” Virago said.

Janney climbed up on his back and Virago took flight up into the air. He climbed higher and higher and eventually came to rest on top of the highest peak. Janney could see for miles and miles from up there. The open wilderness was stunning as she could see the sun beginning to set off to the west. The colors of the twilight smeared through the peaks like a watercolor painting and took Janney’s breath away. She did not think she had seen anything as beautiful as that sight before.

“Shall we begin?” her grandfather asked.

Janney responded by closing her eyes and concentrating. She could feel grandfather’s deep breaths in and out as well as his strong dragon heart beating faster than a human heart. She focused on the moment and the need and soon their breathing and hearts blended together as their magic joined. Her magic flowed from his originally, now it rejoined him as they worked as one. She could feel the need for a shroud of protection around this place. As far as she could see she pictured the barrier. She could feel the magic warning people to stay away when they approached. She knew that would deter most people but it was not an adequate level of protection on its own.

She could feel Virago’s thoughts as her own desires and needs matched hers and a second layer of magic was put in place, a veil over the eyes of those who crossed the boundary. The magic of a midnight. Anyone who did not heed the warning and came into the land would not be able to directly see who lived there. They could tell they were not alone, but the only life they would see would be a shadow on the edge of their vision. Together the area would remain untouched by humans. The shadows of life together with the feeling of dread and fear would cause rumors to be spread and the locals would stay away.

Janney slumped forward feeling drained and exhilarated at the same time. “Thank you, my child.” Virago said lovingly. “My people are safe here thanks to you and your brother.”

“That is what family is for.” Janney said softly as she smiled.

Night had fallen by the time Virago brought her back to the others and there was a murmur of activity in the camp.

“What is going on?” Janney asked George when she found him.

“The blues have arrived.” he explained.

Just then Pix flew up to Virago his face pale as if he had seen a ghost.

“What is wrong my friend?” Virago asked Pix.

“They are back. My people are back.

Suddenly a soft spread of glowing lights appeared in the Darkness all around them and the entire mountain came alive with fireflies.

“It’s too late in year for them to be out?” Janney said.

“They are responding to them.” Virago said. “Fireflies are very close kin to the pixies. They have not seen them in a long time. They are here to celebrate and welcome home lost family rediscovered.”

Soon the entire sky was full of fireflies, and amongst them could be seen tiny pixies flying towards the camp.

Tears ran freely down Pix's face. His typical grumpy composure was lost when he saw the curtain of fireflies parted and a small shape passed through. Shai was illuminated with the soft glowing light as she approached Pix.

“Hello, father.” Shai said as they embraced.