They attacked the workers, striking them and taking away their axes. Nori bit at hands and kicked at shins. Mei was to the side with Deeba, keeping her safe, while Azalea and Luna threw dirt into the workers’ eyes, temporarily blinding them.The villagers helped her sisters, watching their backs, fighting and pushing back the workers.
Bisma’s heart flared with hope, and she realized she had been wrong.
It was not a weakness to ask for help; rather it was a strength to open yourself up to it, even if it was frightening.
She could not save her home by herself, but perhaps with her community she might be able to.
Spirit renewed, she had an idea. ‘Xander!’
He was protecting her, fighting off anyone who came near. ‘I’m here,’ he said, his eyes bright. ‘What do you need?’
‘Your magic,’ she said. ‘If we grow poisonous hedges along the border of the Forest, the workers won’t be able to pass through.’
‘Brilliant idea.’ He flashed her a smile, coming down to his knees to put his hands in the soil beside hers.
‘Feel with me,’ she said. ‘Let your magic connect with mine, and I’ll guide it.’
‘I’m all yours, Bis.’
He closed his eyes, focusing. It took a moment, but then she felt his magic pulsing in the earth. She took hold of it, and it did not resist her. With double the strength, she grew thorny bushes all along the border, one sprouting after the other, each six feet tall.
A worker lifted his ax, trying to cut at it, but as he did, a leaf from the hedge brushed his hand. He screamed, falling back, revealing blistering skin.
The poisonous bushes coupled with the efforts of the Unwanted Girls and the villagers was enough to act as a ward to protect the Enchanted Forest. The battered, bruised, and poisoned workers looked at one another, then promptly dropped their axes, running off.
Bisma’s home was safe.
‘We did it!’ Nori cried, jumping up.
‘Woo!’ Luna shouted, twirling and laughing with Haru.
‘No one messes with us!’ Azalea said. She clapped hands with Razan.
Everyone cheered, euphoric at the victory.
On the ground, Bisma and Xander both sat back, spent. Catching her breath, she leaned against his chest, and he wrapped an arm around her as they breathed together.
After a moment, they both stood, and everyone joined together into a circle.
‘Is everyone OK?’ Bisma asked, scanning their village friends and the girls. They were a bit dirty but seemed unharmed. ‘Thank you all for your help … truly. It means the world to me and my sisters.’ She looked at the girls, and they echoed back a chorus of thanks.
‘Do you want us to stay?’ Diego asked. ‘In case they come back?’
‘No, I think it’s alright,’ Bisma said. ‘The poisonous hedges should keep them away.’
If the workers came back in greater numbers, the hedges could not do much, but for now it was enough. She would think about what else to do until then.
‘If you need help, please just let us know,’ Haru said. He was standing with Luna, holding her hand. Their fingers were entwined.
‘Or if there’s anything you need,’ Haru’s mother added.
‘Thank you all,’ Bisma said, feeling touched. ‘Really.’
The villagers said goodbye, all except for Xander, who stayed by her side. She leaned against him, feeling anchored.
‘Lu, take the girls home,’ Bisma said, addressing Luna, who was staring at Haru as he walked away. Haru turned back to wave, and Luna beamed at him. ‘Luna.’
‘Yes, I am paying attention!’ Luna said, corralling all the girls together. ‘Girlies, let’s go!’
