The Fairy fretted as she flew and flitted along Franklin street. Why were the pumpkins intact? Why was egg yolk not running down the sides of houses? Those pesky mortals had finally failed in their tasks, and failed so badly that something must be done to maintain order. She smiled at that; new domestics for her. She always loved the show the Big Folk that she was supposed to be in charge.

But while the Fairy was focused on the lack of progress, she never noticed the witch who trailed her high above. Normally, she would be able to feel herself being stalked, feel the subtle weaving of magic, but she was too distracted to notice.

The spell came with the wind, the wind which carried the Fairy like a tornado right into a waiting lamppost.

It all happened so fast that the Fairy almost felt like she was teleported into the post, as she began to glow automatically. She knew that must be part of the spell, she could feel it now, infecting her bone-deep. An abiding need to shine.

“There, now you can bathe the mortals in your brilliant light, rather than terrorize them unseen,” the witch said, jauntily landing and looking into the lamppost. She was a woman the Fairy had noticed, and dismissed, some months ago. A hedge witch; a dabbler; why, she was practically…mortal! Which made being caught off guard by her all the more stomach turning.

“So you’re the kind of witch who would hold innocent pixies against…”

“Lying is so unbecoming of your people, you know. I know all about your little gang of mischief makers, and have dealt with them. Like you, they will now be boons to the town rather than unwanted miscreants. Your hold on them is broken, and your reign of mischief at an end.”

“And may I have the name of the one who stopped my reign?”

The witch smiled, “Call me Miss Mischief, and you?”

The Fairy shook her head. “You haven’t much earned that yet. These accommodations are poor, but I’ll be uncontained soon enough, and you will—”

“Have you an idea who lives in that house?” The witch interrupted. “A lively child with wild imagination, a wonderous collection of dolls, and a deep love for fairies.”

“You wouldn’t.” The Fairy said, recoiling.

“I hear tell she has a lovely dollhouse, just your size, I think.”

“I’ll ensorcell her! I’ll…I’ll make her whole family into my serv—”

“Come now, fairy magic isn’t so enthralling. Besides which, I’ll be watching. If I detect any undo mischief beyond this week, then I will come to correct it. You’ve lost, dear pixie. Accept it with all the grace and dignity of your kind.” With that, she went back onto her broom and flew into the night, leaving the Fairy behind to glow soft blue light.

“Of course, you know, this means war.” She muttered to herself, her mind already thinking ahead to next year’s Mischief Night.