The Iron Sister

To say that I was confused would be a complete understatement. I was absolutely bewildered.

If you were in my position, wouldn't you be also? I mean, you must look at your hands every day. When you look at your hands, you catch a glimpse of your wrists. If you saw a glowing tattoo on top of where our major veins run, what would you do?

A- Be an idiot and pretend that a brightly glowing mark isn't permanently inked (or beamed or however it got there) into your skin.

B- Run to a doctor to immediately get rid of the tattoo (if possible).

C- Think about the time before you found the mark and try to put together clues to figure out why you have the tattoo.

D- Point a finger at whoever may be in the room and scream at them until you get some answers.

Guess which one I did?

If you chose A, I will punch you in the face since that implies that you think I'm an ignorant idiot.

If you chose B, I will ask you for some money.

If you chose D, I will kick you in the shin because of your lack of faith in my self-control.

That must mean I chose answer C. Time to think.

I delved into my brain, trying to pick out between what actually happened last night and what happened in my dreams.

Club Firework. We did go there. I deemed that Reality.

Playing my game "Catch me if you can." Reality.

Being chased by rabid fans. Dreamality. A mix of dreaming and reality since it does happen sometimes, but it didn't this time.

Being caught by Puck. Reality.

Kissing Puck. Rea- I blinked.

Was that reality? Was that my dream? It seemed so real. The lights, the music, feeling his body so close to mine. Could that really be fake? It's like I could feel his warm breath on my face now-.

"Ira!" Puck exclaimed.

I stopped my thinking and looked at him. I jerked backwards once I realized that his face was only a few inches from mine. "Uhm. Yes?"I asked hesitantly. I really need to go back and live in a tree if that'll help me get a hold of my emotions again. I feel like a cream donut. Soft. Mushy on the inside.

He gives me a dry look. "Welcome back," he said sarcastically, throwing his arms up in the air.

I scowled. "I was thinking about what might have happened to result in us getting these tattoos."

"Oh," he replied dumbly. I rolled my eyes at his idiocy.

"Well… I do know that we weren't drunk."

"And how would you know that?" I ask him, tucking my legs underneath me.

He smirked mischievously. "Because I don't think I'd be able to forget what you do whenever you're drunk if it's anything like the first time."

"Excuse me?" I narrow my eyes suspiciously. When I was drunk…? Oh. Off of Arinium? Speaking of that, nobody ever told me what happened anyways…

He was now grinning from ear to ear knowing that he had something he could hold over me. Something that I don't even know of, but if he's looking that smug, it must be something bad. Something very bad and very embarrassing.

Thus, my panic caused me to jump and pin him against the ground. My eyes stared coldly down at him in an attempt to get him to squirm uncomfortably.

He didn't.

He just looked up at me with a big, goofy smile on his lips. Well, he is fey, so he mastered hiding his weaknesses in front of people a long time ago.

"I think I quite like this position."

Or he just isn't bothered by my glare.

I sighed exasperatedly and got off of him. "Back to the matter of our abnormally-glowing wrists," I said, scowling.

He sat up. "Okay then. Do you remember feeling anything on your wrist at any time during the events that took place yesterday?" Puck asked, failing to impersonate a detective-type of voice.

I bit my lip and tilted my head as I thought. After a moment, I looked back at Puck to see him staring at me with an odd expression on his face. After a blink of confusion, I answered him.

"No, I don't remember- Wait," I frowned. "Actually, I felt a stinging feeling when we were…" I coughed slightly and turned away from Puck.

He looked at me curiously. "When we were what?" he enquires, looking excited that we were onto something.

I stared at the tattoo on my wrist, avoiding his gaze. It looks like half of the infinity symbol. Although, the symbol was made up of Celtic swirls in place of regular lines. It's pretty, but… It seems incomplete. There was one loop and a point where the second loop for the whole symbol should begin. Curious… Just maybe…

I interrupted Puck's rant that was chewing me out about ignoring him and not answering the question, and got up.

"Hey!" he exclaimed. "Were you even listening to me? What are you doing?"

"I never knew you were such a girl," I mumbled, rolling my eyes. "Now shut up and look."

I sat to the right of him, grabbed his left arm, and put my own right arm next to his, shoulders mashed together. Our symbols matched up, and we could see a complete infinity symbol.

"Impossible," Puck murmured, lightly brushing our wrists with the tips of his fingers. His green eyes were wide open in wonder.

"What's impossible?"

"They aren't real. They're just legends. Myths," he said in the same, amazed voice.

"What aren't real?" I asked him, feeling myself get impatient.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "You aren't going to like this much, but I'm perfectly fine with the possibility."

Raising an eyebrow at him, I waited for an explanation.

He gave me a large smile, flashing his white teeth at me. "We're soul mates."

What?

Then I heard a muffled sound from the doorway.

I jumped slightly, and faced the door to see a startled Meghan, leaning against the frame as if she needed help to keep herself on her feet.

"Soul… Soul mates? Those are… Soul mate symbols?" she whispered in a dazed voice. She held a hand to her temple.

"From all the myths and legends I've heard, yes. Soul mates. The other half," he answered, eyes watching her in concern. "And apparently, Ira and I are soul mates."

He then turned away from her to look at me. I searched into his beautiful green eyes, looking for the emotions that lied there. I found what looked like... Happiness. I didn't find a hint of disgust or repulsion from the fact being soul mates with me. He was happy that he was with me.

But me. How was I feeling about this? Of being with Puck? I looked into myself and found that, I too, was happy about this arrangement.

Though I shouldn't be. He doesn't love me. Nobody loves me.

Not my mother. Not my brothers. Not Kyle.

How could Puck love me?

Is this just a cruel game? For Puck and I to be perfect for each other, destined for each other, but then I find out it's all fake? That he finds another girl?

I should just save myself the heartache.

So I ran. When I face a situation that might make me break, I leave. I run. It's what I do best, how I cope.

I sprung up from my position next to Puck, and ran past the shocked Meghan. I could hear calls behind me, but I kept going. I ran through all the unfamiliar hallways and down a few flight of stairs. I sprinted through the lobby of the hotel, causing some humans' clothes to flutter in the process.

I ended up in the middle of a large, hedge maze. It turned out that the doors I exited through, were back doors that led to the garden. I ignored the stone pathway that led around the hotel and just went into the maze, so my chances of meeting anyone were less. I found myself in the middle of the maze where a large, wooden gazebo laid.

I sat myself on the wooden bench and placed my head in my hands.

I desperately wanted to go back and just fling myself into Puck's arms. I wanted to show him that I was also happy. To be with him and have his warm embrace around me.

But I think this heartbreak would have been the one to make me shatter. I wouldn't be able to fix myself up from this one.

"Ira."

My head rocketed up to see a confused Puck.

"Are you alright?" he asked, sitting on the bench across from me.

I nod slowly. "I'm alright. Just a little overwhelmed," I lied, putting my head back into my hands.

"Yeah," he agreed.

I sighed in relief that he believed me, but I didn't know that he wasn't finished.

"I'd be overwhelmed too if I found out that I was destined to be soul mates with someone as hot as I am," Puck said smugly.

Naturally, my sarcastic personality came out in response. I lifted my head up from my hands and leaned into the back of the bench, replying, "Though that's not the case I'm dealing with right now, is it?" I raised an eyebrow.

He smirked, running a hand through his fiery red hair. He eyed me disbelievingly. "You can't say that you don't feel any attraction towards me without lying."

"I can." Lie.

"Oh really?" he asks, leaning forward, putting his elbows on his knees.

"Yup," I challenged, mimicking his position.

"Then say it," he said, leaning even closer.

I put my face close to his, so we were only a few inches a part. "I don't feel any attraction towards you." BIG FAT LIE.

He smirked. "Mhmm," he hummed, causing my heart to flutter. "So if I kissed you now, you wouldn't feel anything?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Nope." If a lie detector was hooked up to me, it would be off the charts.

"Okay. Let's test it then," he whispered, his warm breath washing over my face. My eyes widened in shock, not expecting these turn of events.

Then he pressed his lips to mine.

I immediately felt heat wherever he touched me. His hands, one on my cheek, brushing just under my bangs, and the other on my hip, pulling me closer. We had stood up, so there was barely any space in

between our bodies.

It was breathtaking.

His lips were hungry against mine. Our breaths mingled. My hand was behind his neck, slightly pulling him forward. Our heads tilted, and our kiss deepened.

It was filled with want, need, reassurance, and love. He was telling me everything that he wasn't able to explain in words. I poured emotions I've never shown into the kiss, finally letting him see what I really felt about him.

I realized that he loves me. He wouldn't just leave me or go for some other girl. He truly loves me.

And I love him.

Our kiss ended. Our heartbeats were beating in unison. Our breaths were quick and shallow.

I kept my eyes closed, not wanting to let the moment go just yet. Then I felt Puck finger my bangs.

I sucked in a sharp breath. He hesitated.

"Can I?" he asked softly in a voice I couldn't refuse.

I clenched my teeth. He's going to realize that I'm not completely fey. He's going to think I'm disgusting. He's not going to love me, but I can't hide it from him anymore. I was foolish to kiss him just now. I only made it harder for myself to get over him.

But as Puck pushed away my bangs, I opened my eyes, revealing the different colors. And I ran.

I yanked myself out of his arms and tried to sprint out of there before I could see the realization and disgust take over his eyes.

I felt a strong hand on my forearm, preventing me from going.

"What do you think you're doing?" Puck asked in a low, dangerous voice.

I flinched. He then spun me around and grabbed my shoulders in a tight grip. He looked into both of my eyes.

"What..." he drifted off. Then realization struck into his eyes.

"So now you know. Now you know why I always have my hair covering my eye. So fey wouldn't see that I'm not like them. That I'm only half," I spat bitterly. I bore my gaze into the ground, not wanting to see the repulsion set into his eyes.

"Look at me." I stared resolutely at the ground. "Look at me dammit!" he shouted.

I felt tears film over my eyes. I looked up and saw anguished green eyes.

"I already knew that. I already knew," he whispered, shaking my shoulder gently to get his point through.

"But how? I don't, how?" I sputtered hoarsely.

One side of his mouth quirked up slightly. "You show the signs. I've been with Meghan long enough to know a half-human when I deal with one," he explained.

"But then... What were you confused about?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I asked the wrong question. I shouldn't have asked 'What?' but 'Who', as in, who are you?" he let out a small laugh. "But now I remember. There was only one fey in Never Never that had one green eye and one blue, and that was the half-human daughter of Mab. In other words, that was you."

He gave me a soft smile and brushed back my bangs which found themselves back in place in front of my blue eye. "I can't believe I never figured it out. I mean, you're powerful, graceful, strong, and beautiful, but I never thought of the possibility that you were Maple of the Unseelie Court," he said, wonderingly.

I winced as I heard my real name. Maple. I haven't heard anyone speak that name in ages. I never wanted anyone to say it, for there was the chance that the name could be linked back to me. It's why I kept myself isolated in the WyldWood. Sure I made a couple of allies, but not ones I could trust with my life. If they found out who I really was, they'd turn me in without a doubt.

Puck was only telling himself off for not recognizing me sooner. Not a thought of turning me in was on his face. He just kept staring at me in amazement. Why? I don't know. I didn't do much. Apparently I had voiced my thoughts without realizing it.

"Why? How are you not amazing?" I blinked in surprise.

He continued. "I mean, you've survived by yourself since you left your court, learning all the survival techniques you know now, by yourself, and kept your identity a secret for 600 years now! I've been around for as long as you have, yet you only became a distant rumor in the back of my head." He let out a breath and looked me in the eye.

"You are truly amazing, Ira," he whispered, placing a hand on my cheek. He then brushed the pad of his thumb under my blue eye. "I'm wondering," he said in a slightly-amused voice. "Why didn't you hide your green eye instead or your blue one?"

I shrugged shyly. "It was a snap decision that I couldn't change since it was already done." I couldn't help but notice that his hands went around my waist, pressing me against him.

He leaned his forehead against mine, so all I could see was him. "Either one would have been an okay choice. Your green eye is as mysterious and dangerous as a forest while your blue eye is as deep as the ocean," he mused. I always thought my eyes were dull, yet Puck makes them sound priceless.

"I'm in love with you, Ira," Puck whispered seriously with sincerity in his eyes.

I smiled at him, a real smile that I genuinely meant.

"I'm in love with you, too."

Line

After our declarations of love to each other, we walked out of the maze, hand in hand. When we did, we saw Meghan throw herself into the arms of a dark-haired man. I raised my eyebrows in question. As she pulled back with a huge smile on her lips, I saw the man's face.

My eyes widened. Beside me, I felt Puck jerk in surprise.

It was Ash of the Unseelie Court. In other words, it was my brother.

Ash had just caught sight of us and stepped back from Meghan. She looked focused for a moment before turning to us. "Oh hey! I've got to introduce you guys don't I? Well, this is Ash, Ira. He's the guy I told you about before. And Ash, this is-" Meghan's introduction were said before cut off by Ash.

"Maple?" he asked, disbelievingly. His grey eyes took me in.

Puck's hand tightened around mine as I nodded.

"Ash," I responded stiffly.

"Hey ice-boy. No greeting for me?" Puck asked, casually putting his arm around my waist.

Meghan snorted, completely aware of his action. "So you two are finally together? Good riddance." My mouth fell open in response as Puck gave her a confused look. "But how do Ira and Ash know each other? And why did he call her Maple?" she wondered, turning to Ash who was still staring at me.

"She's my half-sister," he stated slowly as if he couldn't believe he was saying those words aloud.

Meghan's jaw came unhinged. I don't blame her. "But... Sister... Only... Brother... Sage and Rowan?" she sputtered.

I sighed, leaning into Puck. His arm tightened around me in response. I felt Ash gaze at us questioningly.

"I'm half-human as you probably already realized." Meghan nodded. "I left the Unseelie Court after one too many jabs from the Queen." I clenched my jaw, but continued, "And I ended up living in the WyldWood since then, keeping my eye covered so no one would recognize me and turn me in. That's it," I stated.

"And ever since Queen Mab has been slightly colder," Ash murmured softly.

My head jolted up to look at him. He nodded as if to say that it were true.

"No wonder you're always in a bad mood," grumbled a new voice. I turned to face it and saw a sleepy Glitch, ruffling his electrified hair. "Then again, I can't blame you for the things that happened in your past." He shrugged.

I stuck my tongue out at him, causing him to chuckle. His eyebrows then raised.

"Never saw you without your hair covering your face. You look," he stopped as if to think. "You actually look nice."

I rolled my eyes at his attempt at a compliment and instead turned to my half-brother and Meghan.

"So. It was Ash that you were talking about? Not Sage?" I asked Meghan.

The two of them looked sad, somewhat grieving-like.

"Sage is dead. As is Rowan," Ash stated in a quiet voice, looking me dead in the eye.

I blinked. "Good riddance about Rowan, but how did Sage die?"

"It… Well. It's a long story. The other story I told you was only the short version really," Meghan said, her attitude deflating as she thought about her past.

Puck put his chin on my shoulder. He murmured, "We have nothing, but time." He kissed the side of my face gently.

"And each other."

That was the worst ending in the history of endings, and for that, I apologize. This whole story is completely off. I left out so much stuff (almost everything), so. I'm going to rewrite this as another story. I'll probably take away a lot of things and put more detail into others.

Thanks to all you reviewers for sticking with me through this garbage... Feel free to read my Max Ride stories. :) I WILL do better on the rewrite of this story tho.

If there are any suggestions as to a real plot for this story, pm or review please.

I seriously feel horrible about this, so the rewrite with be frickin fantabulous for you guys.

Queen of Air and Darkness: *goes on hands and knees* don't smite me with your powers x.x

LianaDare: Well, this cliffie or whatever it is is worse than all the others I have to say. But... AHAHA CAN'T BELIEVE YOU FELT FOR THE FIRST ONE THO LOLOLOL xD sorry for laughing but still xD

Doodle Queen: I like the 'le' xD All these compliments are making me feel uber bad...

Alexis: Lol for the all right thing, I wrote alright at least 5 times in my other story... ergh oh well Glad I inspired you :)

SlytherinAtBirth: I'm the selfish one here for ending the story at a horrible place... But prepare for the remake :)

AllaceRose: Ahhh the fantastic writer... Are you updating your stories? (not that i am... i'm a hypocrite .-.)

Seductive Innocence: WW3... Have a tank-proof vest on hand ;)

fantasy freak: Macbook... i'm so jealous. Oh, is that the publisher where YOU have to pay? Ehhh I dun want to pay for my own book lol

Once again, I am so sorry. I'm just horrible. Thanks so much for following my story. Look for my rewrite. I'll work on it right now. :)

Btw, bout the contest... I really don't know. I think I'll just move it over to the rewrite, so don't trash your piece if you wrote it...

(I wonder how many death threats I'm going to get for this.)

Truth