Leifu: The Fairy of Death

Leifu arrived at the hospital feeling the magical pull of her charge. Someone in this hospital was close to death, and as was her duty, she was to escort them to the land of souls. None of the humans rushing around the halls took any notice of her, they never did, humans never saw what they didn't want to, or what they didn't believe in, so she never had to be too careful around them, she just followed the pull until at last she came to room 256. It was no surprise that Lolo was already there sitting on edge of the window his hand on the glass his eyes closed in concentration.
Quietly Leifu fluttered down to take a seat at his side, and looked in to the sight on the other side of the glass. Doctors and nurses were bent over a man lying in the bed, the side of his face was splattered with blood, this must be her charge. Standing against the wall out of the way was a woman with long dark hair, clutching a tissue but not making any move to stop the flow of tears flowing down her cheeks. The machines were beeping loudly, and flashing and displayed swaying lines that Leifu didn't quite understand, but all she could tell was that this man was close to death. The worst part of her job was watching the pain on the loved ones faces when they realize their loved one isn't coming back. Even watching the woman's face now was breaking Leifu's heart.
“Hello Lei, took you long enough,” Lolo said without opening his eyes. Lolo was often there when Leifu was pulled to her duty, as sorrow went hand in hand with death.
“I can only come when I am called,” She replied with a sigh.
“I wish I were that lucky I have been here for three hours now.” He complained.
Leifu was used to his moods, not that she could blame him, he was taking on the sorrow of the woman against the wall so she wouldn't have to bear it all alone. Feeling such powerful sorrow could only make one feel horrible. She didn't reply, knowing there was nothing she could say to make him feel any better. She knew she was only doing her duty but she couldn't help but feel responsible for the grief that he and the woman felt. It was not her choice to who lived and who died, but she couldn't help but wonder if she wasn't around to escort their souls, if maybe they would live? But she knew that wouldn't be the case, the souls would simply wonder until another fairy would take her place. At least she could hope.
She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she didn't even hear the bust of commotion on the other side of the glass. It was Lolo who snapped her out of it.
“Looks like your on,” He sighed his dark blue wings fluttering for an instant as he prepared himself for the worst of the sorrow came.
Leifu looked and sure enough a white mist was beginning to form above the heads of the doctors. It became more and more solid until it took on the ghost of the man below him, the blood gone and his clothes still in tact. The soul of the man opened his eyes wide and took a breath. Leifu got off the ledge and flew quickly inside, explanations were always necessary to spirits. By the time she was inside the room and at his side the spirit was standing beside the doctors looking down at his empty shell of a body, then up at the woman standing against the wall, who was now clutching her chest and shaking from head to toe. Leifu cleared her throat, the man's eyes snapped on her tiny body flying in front of him, his eyes skeptical. Now that Leifu could see him fully, she saw the police uniform he wore. Died in the line of duty, someone who protected the humans just as she was meant to. Her heart broke even more.
“What are you and what is happening to me?” He demanded.
“I am Leifu, here to escort you to the land of souls.” She said smiling sadly at him, “Your time has run out on this earth.”
“So I'm dead.” He said with a sigh.
“I am sorry,” She meant it.
“I am not going anywhere with you,” He said angrily, “I have a family to take care of.”
“If you do not come with me your soul will be left to wonder and you will be in no position to take care of your family.” She truly wished she didn't have to be the one to take him away from his family.
“I will find a way to take care of them.” He insisted.
“You will forget who you were who they are, you will be lost if you stay.”
“How could I forget my wife and my baby girl?” He asked with searing pain in his voice.
“I do not know why this happens, all I know is that it does.” her heart breaking more and more every second.
“And what happens if I follow you? Where will I go?”
“You will go to the land of souls, what happens after you arrive I do not know, I am only an escort I am unsure if I will ever see what it is like in the land of souls.” She answered honestly.
“Land of souls? What is that supposed to be heaven?” He interrogated.
“Some call it that.” She replied.
“But once I get there I could forget my family too, you don't know.” He yelled, the ears of the humans deaf to his echoing words.
“No I know thats not how it woks, the forgetting is a product of being where you are not meant to be.” She answered.
“You said you didn't know what happened in the land of souls.” He said suspiciously.
“I don't know what happens there,” She said, “But I am meant to understand what happens on this plane, so I know that forgetting and getting lost is a product of not going to the land of souls.”
“You know this for sure? If I stay I will forget, if I go with you I will at least remember?” He asked looking completely defeated.
“Yes.”
“Can I at least say goodbye?” he asked his voice heavy with sorrow.
“Of course,” She said flitting down to the rail on the bed, feeling exhausted from the emotions she was feeling, she didn't know how long she could handle this burden.
Since she had been speaking with the man she hadn't noticed the doctors leave the room. A white sheet covered the empty shell that lay beneath it. The woman who was against the wall was now standing in the hall clutching a small curly haired little girl to her chest, her face buried in her hair as she cried. Lolo hovered above them a look of strain on his face, the doctor speaking to the woman didn't notice, nor did he notice the man's spirit glide up to his wife and child. Leifu felt the small tears spill out of her eyes as she watched his touch his wifes wet cheek, he said something that she tuned out, knowing it was bound to make this harder than it already was. He then whispered into his tiny daughters ear and touched her hair, Leifu looked away.
“Alright, where do we go from here?” he asked quietly, it was only then Leifu turned back to her charge.
“Follow me,” she sighed and forced herself to take flight once again.
“Who is the other one with my wife and child?” He asked as he followed.
“That is Lolo, he is there to help them with their grief.” She answered as she led him on.
“That is good,” to Leifu's utter amazement she could hear a smile in his voice she turned.
“That makes you happy?” She asked confused.
“Yes, I don't want them to have to suffer alone.”
She turned and flew on, going faster and faster until the blur of the world around them became a bright white light. When she could hardly stand the brightness she stopped and turned to her charge who was looking around in awe. She smiled at his amazement, it was always a great sight to see the looks on the faces of her charges when they reached the land of souls.
“Just go forward and you will be in the land of souls.” She instructed the words she had said millions of times before.
“You know you were not what I expected when I died. No offense.” he said smiling.
“Angels?” She asked, she had heard it all before.
“Well, yes, or loved ones who had passed on.” He laughed, “But thank you.”
“I am glad to be of service. Go and be where you belong.” She smiled at him.
“Goodbye Leifu,” He said and he headed forward into the light.
Leifu watched until he was swallowed by the light, then sped forward until the world came back into focus. She sighed, there was no longer the pull of death, she could go home now. Not that that was much comfort to her, but she thought it was time to speak with the fairy mother about her post. She was exhausted and emotionally drained, she just couldn't bear dealing with death any longer. She had escorted a man who protected the people, took a man away from his wife and child, no wonder some of the other fairies thought her a monster. She saw that herself.
She flew through the trees of the forest until at last she came to the circle of trees that was the home of the fairies. She slipped between two massive trunks to find the colony lit up with magic. The sky was beginning to darken over the tops of the trees, she knew her friend Nisha would be at the tree tops governing the night, as was her job. What Leifu wouldn't give to have a simple task of watching over the night. Before she went to find Nisha she had to go to the fairy mother. Gathering up her courage she landed softly on the ground and headed toward the largest door in the largest tree. As she reached the stone steps leading to the door she heard someone flutter to the ground behind her. She paused and turned. It was Candice, the fairy of fire. Her bright red wings folded elegantly behind her and her fiery red hair settled on her shoulders, her red eyes glared at her from below her brow. Out of all the fairies in the colony, Candice was the one who made a habit of making Leifu feel like the monster she was.
“Steal another soul?” She scolded folding her arms across her chest, and walked gracefully passed her, Leifu flinched at the heat of the air that surrounded her.
Candice really couldn't make her feel any more horrible than she already did, but she did help her gather her courage to convince the fairy mother to relieve her of her position. She balled her fist and walked determinedly up the stone steps. The flowers and grasses decorating the door smelled wonderful as Leifu knocked, somehow she felt calmer.
“Come in,” came the always sweet voice from the other side.
Leifu took a deep breath and opened the door, inside the smell of flowers was stronger, as the fairy mother was sitting in a throne of fresh flower petals, her spiderweb silk gown flowing over the ground. Her silver hair cascaded to her waist and her silver wings were folded, she smiled serenely at her guest, who stood in front of the purple flame in the center of the room.
“Why Leifu, what do I owe the honor?”She asked, the way she didn't make Leifu feel like a monster was making her lose her nerve.
“I come to speak to you fairy mother,” She said quietly.
“Please call me Demi, what is it you wish to speak to me about?” She asked rising and walking forward, her silver hair blew behind her, though there was no wind.
“Its about my position,” Leifu sighed, sinking to the ground staring into the purple flame.
“I see,” Demi replied sitting on the floor next to Leifu.
“I don't think I am the one for this position anymore,” She said in a rush, trying to get it out before she lost her courage completely.
“You don't?” She asked, the disappointment in her voice made Leifu feel guilty for even bringing it up.
“No,” She said quietly.
“I see,” She sighed, “may I ask why?”
“It is too much of a burden, just this one charge caused me to become so exhausted, I am surprised I was able to make it back home.”
“You do not have an easy task,” Demi said putting an arm around Leifu's shoulders.
“Not easy,” She agreed.
“You wish me to discharge you?” She asked quietly.
“Yes,” Leifu said pleadingly, feeling the tears come once again, “I must have been born with the wrong magic, I am not strong enough for this position.”
“You were not born with the wrong magic,” She laughed, “and you are far stronger than many who have come before you.”
“What do you mean?” Leifu asked dropping her head into her hands, surely this was a lie.
“Look at your short black hair, your black eyes, your black wings,” She said soothingly, “you would not be born with such if this was not your magic. And I say that you are stronger because those before came to me within one week of their duty, you have been doing this for many years, this is the first time you came to me with this.”
“The others before me wished to be discharged too?” Leifu was amazed at this news.
“Oh yes, once every few months at least,” She laughed again, “Do you want me to tell you what I told them?”
“Yes.”
“I told them that without them the world would be a dreary place. People wouldn't be able to feel their loved ones around them if they didn't go to the land of souls. And those who manage to go back into their bodies would be in agony until they finally give up and become one of the lost souls. As sad as it is death is very much a part of life, and very necessary. Without death life would go on causing that person to live in pain. Without you Leifu death would be a scary journey instead of one of joy and peace.” She said smiling.
“But I feel responsible, my charge tonight had a wife and child. He protected the people, just as we are meant to.” Leifu sobbed.
“My dear one, none of us can decide who lives and who dies. Nor can we possibly know why they go. You are only there to make sure they reach the land of souls and be surrounded by joy and peace. Is that such a horrible thing?” She asked.
“Not when you put it that way,” Leifu sighed wiping away the tears.
“That is simply the way it is. I will give you the same answer I gave those who came before you. I am sorry but I will not relieve you of your duty.” She stood, Leifu sobbed all the more. “Please Leifu, you will have that one charge that will show you that you are no monster.”
“I u-understand,” She said wiping the tears from her eyes, and trying to compose herself.
“Good, now go see Nisha, I am sure she will be glad for your company.” Demi said smiling down at Leifu once again.
“Yes, Demi,” She said and walked out the door without looking back.
As soon as her bare feet touched the soft soil of the earth she pushed off and flew up to the top of the trees. She arrived above the trees and the cool air hit her face, helping her feel slightly refreshed. She opened her eyes and looked around for Nisha. She could just make her out lying on the topmost leaf of a tree a few trees away. Her dark blue hair fanned out over the leaf under her, her dark blue wings sparkles slightly as the light of the stars hit them. Leifu flew over to her and sat on the closest leaf to her.
“I'm glad your here Lei,” She said looking at the sky, “I thought you would be gone forever.”
“I'm sorry I have been back for a while now, I went to talk to the fairy mother.” She said laying back on too.
“The fairy mother? Why?” Nisha asked surprised.
“I wanted to be relieved of my duty.” she sighed.
“What!? You actually asked to be relieved? I didn't even know you could do that.” She said in awe.
“Yea, but she turned me down.”
“Well of course she turned you down, who is going to take your place?” Nisha laughed, but Leifu knew it wasn't at her.
“I didn't think of that.” Leifu admitted, “Its just putting too much strain on me.”
“I'm sorry she turned you down,” Nisha said sincerely.
“I guess thats just the way it has to be.” Leifu said.
Suddenly the fluttering of wings broke the silence, looking over they could just make out the gray wings of Lolo in the darkness. He glided over and sat at Nisha's feet, his face was grim.
“I'm glad thats over,” He sighed, “They finally fell asleep.”
“How do you deal with it?” Leifu asked.
“Why do you ask that?” He asked as he too laid back on his leaf.
“Lei asked the fairy mother to relieve her of her duty.” Nisha answered for her.
“You what?” He asked the same awe in his voice that Nisha had had in hers.
“She turned me down.” Leifu sighed.
“Well I knew she would, but the fact that you asked thats something.” He said laughing to himself.
“So how do you deal with it?” She asked again flipping over onto her stomach stretching her wings.
“I've wanted to step down a million times,” Lolo said seriously, “But I go back and see the ones I help.”
“Really you go back?” Nisha asked, and she too flipped onto her stomach.
“Yes, and I see them happy.” He smiled, “Because I helped them bare their sorrow they come out on the other side and are actually happy.”
“Well thats helpful,” Leifu snapped, feeling guilty as soon as she said it.
“I'm sorry Lei, thats just how I get through it.” Lolo said quietly.
“I wish I could see what it is like in the land of souls. Maybe then I could be more help to the souls who hurt as they leave their families behind.”
“I wish I could help you with that,” Nisha said “Or at least have some words of wisdom, all I do is sit here at stare at the sky all night.”
“I'll trade you any day,” Leifu sighed again.
“I'll trade you!” Nisha laughed.
They were quiet then all lost in their own personal thoughts. She thought she could hear Lolo's even breathing, as he surely fell asleep on his leaf, when she began to feel the pull in her stomach. She sighed and Nisha lifted her head.
“You have to go?” She asked looking slightly sad.
“Yes.” Leifu replied wishing she could be fast asleep just as Lolo was.
“See you later then.” Nisha said and smiled at her.
“See you then,” Leifu said and jetted off, letting the pull in her stomach take her where she was needed.
As she flew through the forest she wondered who she would be tearing away from their family this time. Would it be another police officer? Perhaps a mother? Or even a child? Leifu jetted forward letting the wind blow away the tears she couldn't hold back. If only Nisha could trade places with her, then maybe they could both be happy that way. If only.
It was a tiny cottage she was led to. A tiny fenced garden lay withering and dying in the front. News papers were piled up on the doorstep, there were no lights on that she could see. She flew around the house until she found a light on in the very back room, she flew through the small crack in the window. She settled herself on a small end table until she was needed. This time an old man lay on his bed at home, in a rickety old chair was an old woman holding his hand. She looked very tired as she watched his sleep. The man was gasping for gurgling breaths. Suddenly he opened his eyes wide and smiled over at the old woman.
“I love you,” He said in a barley audible whisper, then his eyes closed and his breathing stopped.
“I love you too,” The woman whispered as she began to cry.
The white fog began to form above him, but Leifu couldn't take her eyes off of the old woman in the chair. She was crying, but she had a smile on her face, she never let go of his hand. The spirit of the old man became clear and he blinked his eyes open. His spirit floated down to stand next to the empty shell of his body, looking around, he too was smiling. Leifu flew to his side, and he smiled at her.
“And who are you beautiful creature?” He asked holding out his hand for her, she stood on his palm.
“I am Leifu, I am here to escort you to the land of souls.” She said looking up at the soul in wonder.
“Not quite what I expected,” He chuckled, “But a wonderful surprise I would say.”
“Y-you Aren't afraid?” Leifu asked unable to suppress her curiosity, the spirit laughed.
“Heavens no!” He said, “What scared me for so long was living another day.”
“I don't understand,” Leifu said shaking her head at her charge.
“For the past several months I was in excruciating pain, all the doctors could do for me was make me more comfortable, but I was so medicated that I didn't even know who I was, or my wonderful wife was. This is the first time I have been free from that painful prison.” He held out a hand to his wife, “Agnes hasn't left my side since I took a turn for the worst two weeks ago. Now she doesn't have to suffer either. It hurt her to see me in such pain than it was for me to feel it, she is no longer hurting in that way at least. She knows I will be at peace now, free of that pain.”
“You are happy now?” Leifu was so used to people being afraid and angry that she just couldn't wrap her head around someone being happy to see her.
“Oh yes, now I will be able to watch over her properly.” He said smiling again, “And she can move on and be happy again.”
“I am sorry I am not used to someone being happy,” She admitted looking down at the lines in his palm beneath her feet.
“Don't apologize beautiful one, I am so thankful you have come to take me to where I belong, please lead the way.” He said sounding more excited than anything.
“Don't you want to say goodbye?” She asked, since this was such a normal request.
“No need, me and Agnes said our goodbyes to each other moths ago, before I could no longer do so.” He said smiling over at his wife again who at last dropped his hand and left the room.
“Shall we?” He asked.
“Of course,” Leifu said as she finally understood what the man was saying, what Demi had said.
This was the charge that reminded her of why she was necessary, the charge who made her know she was no monster. She sped forward until the light surrounded them then turned to the old man.
“Walk forward and you will be in the land of souls.” She instructed feeling happy for the first time in a long time.
“Thank you beautiful one, I hope you live well.” He said bowing dramatically.
“Thank you for teaching me that I am not a monster,” Leifu said laughing at the old man's gesture.
“You thought yourself a monster?” He asked surprised.
“Yes, I take souls.” She said the smile fading.
“You lead souls,” He corrected, “I am glad I could show you you are no monster.”
“Thank you, be in joy and peace.” She said smiling widely at him.
“You too beautiful one.” He said, “Farewell my friend.”
Leifu watched him be swallowed by the light, then flew forward until the human world came back into focus. At last understanding her purpose she flew back to the colony the burden she had felt so heavily before, lifted and she felt a new sense of joy. If ever again she wanted to step down she would remember the old man, and remember that she wasn't a monster.