Riven POV
I just can't believe this damn situation! Of all the people in this Dimension, I had to be the one going through all of this! I swear by all the Gods that I must be the unluckiest guy in this fucking world!
I mean, I've never been exactly the kind of person that always got all he wanted without putting up a fight but this is just ridiculous! That stupid fairy and her stupid planet!
Alright, maybe this is not completely her fault but still, how could she do something like this to us? She left! She just left to Melody, her home planet, without even bothering to say goodbye to anyone! Not even to those little pixies she calls friends! If she really was her friend, I'm pretty sure she wouldn't just go away like that without any kind of warning!
The girl I remember isn't like that! At least I don't think she is… It's not like I know her really well since I've stopped being friends with the Specialists right at the beginning of the year and just came to my senses a week ago. I know I still have a long way to go to even consider myself her acquaintance but, somehow, I just can't accept it!
I've just returned from a whole year in the Trix's side. I think the least she could do was to try and show some concern for me. I know I've made mistakes and even admit I must have hurt her… a lot. Just thinking about this makes me angry, makes me want to punch the first fucking person that shows up in front of me! I've hurt her so much and she just left without any explanation from me, without me having the chance to say sorry!
Alright, I had a chance. In fact, I had many chances but I couldn´t do it! And it wasn't my fault, she just puts me so nervous, I can barely utter a word! This is ridiculous… A Red Fountain Specialist, a man prepared to put up with any threat, any awful creature, any dangerous scenario, gets nervous talking to a little fairy of Alfea! If I told this to anyone, I'm pretty sure they would laugh at my face.
Anyway, I think it's time I stop spacing out and try to show sympathy to the melancholic fairies around me since the other guys aren't being really successful cheering them up. Turns out the Winx didn't accept very well the fact that Musa left without any explanation or farewell whatsoever and since they were all best friends and, as they told us, Musa and them shared a very special bond, they were pretty hurt with her too. At first they were a bit angry, mainly Stella who just couldn't handle the idea that Musa might not trust them as much as they thought but soon, they were all pretty depressed. Even Stella can't stop repeating how they all already knew Musa was eager to leave Alfea after everything that happened and how they failed to see through her, understand the situation and predict she was about to leave. Honestly, they are even making me pity them.
"Girls, this is not your fault. Really, it isn't anyone's fault." Sky said in a friendly and compassionate way. Well, if not even the great prince Sky of Eraklyon can cheer those fairies up, I'm not even going to try. Knowing Stella as I do, she might just snap and curse me or whatever.
"I just don't get it, Sky. We are friends, best friends. We have been through so much together. We laughed, we cried and we got to know each other so well I thought none of us would ever make a decision like this without telling the others first. We are kind of a second family and Musa belongs to this family. But now I'm starting to doubt if she ever felt like this too." Bloom said in a sad way. Well, recently everything in Bloom's life is kind of uncertain so I guess I can understand why she's so affected with this. I guess this group, "The Winx" as they call themselves, are really close and are probably one of the most important things in their lives right now.
Really, I feel sorry for them. Not even their boyfriends are managing to comfort them. And they are trying really hard! I can feel myself almost puke with their cheesy efforts to cheer those girls up!
"It's nothing like that Bloom. She probably just had some extremely important issues to deal with. After all, let's not forget that Musa is also the Princess of Melody and the heir to the throne. Melody was very affected by this crisis because of its closeness with Magix and she must have been called to help her father out. It's not like she doesn't trust us…" Sky said as he hugged Bloom. Really Sky? Do you think this is the right time for you to try to make a move on that fairy? We all already know he has his head over heels by the Guardian Fairy of Domino but this is just ridiculous!
Out of nowhere, Timmy just starts uttering words trying to catch our attention. I look at him right away because I know what a little genius Timmy can be and I'm aware that this is what he does when he has an idea.
"What's wrong Timmy?" Flora said softly and turning herself to him. Except Tecna, Flora and Musa are probably the closest to Timmy. That guy is shyest person I ever met but somehow, both Flora with her understanding personality and Musa with her sensitive ways got really close to him and got to know him as well or even better than I do. That stupid bastard! Musa doesn't even look at me for more than 2 seconds but with him, she's really sweet and nice. I wish I had that luck…
"I am, huh, I am sorry to interrupt b-but aren't we here because you told us that Musa called Flora and asked her to assemble everyone in Alfea's gardens? M-Musa would never do that unless she had something prepared… Maybe she's coming to visit us." Timmy said finally in a fearful way as if someone was going to bite him or whatever. That guy will never get a girlfriend this way. I mean, girls don't like guys who can't even manage to talk properly with them. I still don't get how Tecna handles it so well but when things calm down for a bit, I must teach him some tricks and moves he can use on girls, in a way of saying thanks by all the times he supported me with Musa eventhough I was always a douchebag with him.
"Timmy, please. We both know very well the low probability of a situation like that happening. She is a freshman, just like us. There is no way Musa could have such advanced magical powers to make a teleportation spell. It requires a lot of energy, knowledge and, most of all, practice. There are great fairies that only mastered that spell after 4 years or more. Musa, as any of us, would never be able to do something like that." Timmy held his head down as Tecna merciless crashed his little hope. Well, at first I thought Timmy was boring and kind of cold but this girl makes him look like the most emotional person in the Magic Dimension! I wonder how the hell someone as logical as Tecna became best friends with someone as hot headed as Musa! They are complete opposites after all.
As soon as Tecna stopped talking, a bright and powerful light flashed right in front of our eyes. Whoa, what the heck is that? It's some kind of monster?
Each Specialist put themselves in combat position just in case this becomes troublesome. Even the Pixies got ready to change and kick some ass if that's what the situation calls for.
However, in front of us, instead of a terrifying creature ready to attack us, appeared… a girl? What...? Yes, it's a girl but I don't recognize her from anywhere! Who the hell is she? And what's with this entrance? She almost gave us all a heart attack!
"Who are you? And what are you doing here? What do you want from Alfea? Explain yourself right now!" Stella started asking questions one after another as she watched the weird and unfamiliar girl in front of us. For once, I agree with Stella on this little quiz! This is highly suspicious; she might be an enemy.
Looking at her better, I see she has a light brown hair with dark green eyes and an extremely pale skin. She's dressed in such an old fashioned way, with a ridiculously long skirt that it almost seems as if she came from another time. Sure, at first she doesn't seem dangerous but I know appearance can be deceiving so, for now, she's an intruder that can make a dangerous move anytime.
The girl smiled at us as if she'd known us for years and bows deeply as we all watch surprised by this reaction. As she bows, I can't help but remember that Musa once also did something like that in front of us and told us that it was a way of showing respect in her planet. Could this girl be from Melody like Musa? Maybe they know each other!
"Hello to you all. I am sorry if somehow I confused or scared any of you." She said as she looked at each one of us and smiled lightly. Interesting… She's really polite, talks with a very low voice and that makes her seem a bit older or maybe more mature than any of us even though it's very clear that she is around our age.
"Hello. We are the ones that are sorry by the way we reacted. We were just surprised, that's all." Bloom said calmly as she too bowed to the girl. Right after that, the person in front of us smiled calmly and sweetly. Wow, this chick really knows how to keep her cool.
"Do not worry about something as meaningless as this event. It has no importance; I should have been more careful too. Please, allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Ayame Fae and I am here to represent the rightful heir of the royal family of the planet Melody." What did she just say? The rightful heir of Melody? But that is Musa! This girl is here to represent Musa! I knew she wouldn't just leave without any explanation, she isn't like that! But why did she send this girl in her place? Why didn't she come herself?
"You came in Musa's place?!" Stella half-screamed at Ayame and Brandon, already predicting that his girlfriend was about to snap, put a hand on her shoulder and said with a calm voice "Let her finish, my love." and Stella restrained herself right away. I just can't understand how the heck he has all this power over a crazy and uncontrollable spoiled princess like Stella. I admire him, he must be magical or something!
"Yes, I did come here to represent Princess Musa as it was her wish that I brought you all to Melody in order to celebrate with her and with his royal highness, the King of Melody. At the moment, after all the disasters that happened recently, the King felt the need to bring some joy to his people and so, he decided to hold a festival with entertainment, games, a small parade and, of course, all types of music and dance. I traveled from Melody to Magix using my powers to invite you to the big celebration and also to humbly request your help." She said as her voice turned stronger and more confident with every word. Our help…? Why would Musa or her father need our help to anything? Is something wrong going on with Melody? As no one interrupted her because of her serious approach, she kept going with her explanation.
"It seems that with this mess happening all around the Magic Dimension, great dangers have been lurking in the shadows are starting to appear. One of Melody's main enemies, «Meng» as he likes to call himself, has been seen wandering around the royal castle and in the city approaching suspicious people during the night. Princess Musa and her Highness may be in great danger and so the Princess suggested that you came to visit in order to celebrate and help with her protection, if that is what you wish to do, of course."
"You mean Musa's in danger? Someone is trying to hurt her? But why? Why would anyone try to do that to someone as peaceful as her?" I spilled out all those questions at once as everyone stared at me. Shit, I couldn't control myself! It just pisses me off because that pixie hardly does anything to hurt someone! It's just ridiculous, she doesn't deserve to be threatened… Not my Muse…
Ayame calmly nodded as if confirming all of my questions. I can't believe this! Whoever he is, I'm gonna kill that guy and make him regret even trying to get close to my little fairy!
"I am afraid so. And with the festival being held and considering both the Princess and the King have to attend all the main events, we are fearing that a tragedy may happen. And so, we need all the help we can get and Princess Musa guaranteed us and her father that you were all strong and brave people, besides being great and unmatchable friends. She constantly talks about all of you and was extremely upset we forced her to return to Melody without giving enough time for her to properly say farewell to you. The Princess thinks very highly of all of you."
"So… Musa trusts us? She really does think of us as a family…" Bloom said softly and smiling calmly as she realizes she was overreacting and maybe even being a bit unfair.
"And she didn't leave us! I knew it, she's our best friend and she's one of the Winx! She would never do that without warning us first!" Stella said relieved and giggling between her words. Well, I hate to admit it but those 5 fairies are really close, just like a family, I guess… It's not like I ever had a family so I don't know if this is how being part of one feels like but somehow, I feel it is...
"Of course. The Princess talks about you all the time. I feel like I know you just by hearing her stories. I know you Bloom, and Stella, Tecna, Flora and I know all about the Winx Club and your adventures. And about you Sky, Brandon, Timmy and, of course, Riven." Ayame looked at each of us as she said our names but once she said mine, I don't really know why, but the way she said it felt different from the others. It's as if she heard really a lot about me, almost like she was saying "Hey, there you are! Finally I get to know you!" But maybe it's just my imagination…
"Well, so can I bring you back with me to help our dear Princess and King?" Ayame said but before anyone could answer her, Stella interrupted.
"Sorry, but what are you exactly? I mean, are you Musa's servant? Friend? Are you a fairy? Or… maybe you're a witch!" She said dramatically as she gasped at the last word. Honestly, if I had to spend one half an hour with Stella locked in the same room, I swear by all the Gods that I would go mad just from hearing her annoying voice!
"Stella! Please, don't be nosy. That doesn't concern you at all." Tecna said right away as the fairy of the Sun and the Moon pouted.
"I am the King's second counselor and the Princess's only lady-in-waiting. We grew up together and, as it would be expected, got really close to one another. More than a simple friend, I see the Princess as the sister I never had but still, because of our different social status, I must respect and humbly show my loyalty to the Princess as someone below her and that is something I completely understand and accept. It is my only mission to protect her even if that means risking and losing my own life."
She paused for a bit as everyone looked at her impressed with her speech, even I. I never knew Musa had a lady-in-waiting and I certainly had no idea she would be someone so loyal…
"And, since you asked, I am a fairy. The fairy of Harmony to be more exact. I have studied magic since I could barely utter a simple word in order to master my powers and protect the Princess from any danger she could face and that is the reason why I have been sent to bring you to Melody. Since none of you, as beginners with their magical powers, could manage to make a teleportation across planets, I have the mission to help you reach our home planet safe and sound. And that is what I intend to do. Do you have any more questions or can we proceed with the spell?"
Everyone was quiet as they heard her explanation and honestly, I must admit that this girl seems really smart. I wonder if Musa can talk like that too since they were raised together and everything. And now that I think of it, Musa is a Princess, right? So maybe she acts differently in Melody… Maybe she's less of a tomboy and more elegant and girly. Somehow, as her image in a princess gown crosses my mind, I don't know if I like it because she would look so gorgeous dressed like that or if I hate it because I know Musa isn't like that.
"I think we all agree that there's no time to lose. Our friend needs our help. Musa needs us there with her." Flora said out loud. Actually I've never heard her spoke up before because, much like Timmy, she was always kind of shy. But somehow we all could feel the worry in her voice and at least I couldn't agree more with what she just said.
"Yeah, Flora's right. Girls and Specialists, ready for a new adventure? Let's go celebrate with our friend in need and protect her from anyone who might harm her!" Stella smiled confidently at us as she raised her fist in the air. Right after, they all cheered but I, of course, stayed quiet even though I'm as excited to see Musa again as any of them, maybe even more.
"Very well, I just need you all to stay put where you are and soon, we will be in Melody."
As soon as she said that, she looked at us one last time before her hands started glowing with a bright white light that circled each of us. The lights were too powerful, I had to close my eyes tight and for a moment I felt like everything around me stopped. No sound was made, no wind, no fairies, nothing. But then I felt my feet touch the ground and, as I opened my eyes, I realized I was no longer in Magix... I'm in a totally different place, full of exotic plants, animals I've only seen on books, many lakes with colorful fish inside… And a bit far away from us there is a huge village! And, of course, a castle so big I could see it's details clearly even from a distance. So that's where Musa lives, huh? She really is a princess, an heir of the throne… Princess Musa of Melody, huh? I guess we are really miles apart from each other... What was I ever thinking? As if a member of the royal family of Melody would ever give the time of the day to a useless guy like me.
Normal POV
After giving them some time to observe their surroundings, Ayame calmly and with a low and composed voice called out to them.
"I am very sorry to disturb you and I do know you all must be very curious with this unknown planet you have not ever visited but, as I have told you before, I have a mission I must accomplish and so, I am afraid it is our time to go. The festival must have already started and Princess Musa and his Highness, the King Hoboe are at this moment going through the village as everyone watches and shows them the respect they deserve. This means that both the Princess and the King may be in a great danger as they are very exposed and surrounded by people that might turn out to be evil. I am aware that I am the one that must protect them from any danger but, please, lend me all your strength." She bowed at the end of her sentence as to show modesty and thankfulness to them and the Winx and Specialists quickly accepted what she was asking of them.
They started walking in the little and beautiful village's direction and, maybe because of how worried and tormented they all were with Ayame's words and with the possibility of Musa being in danger, short after that they arrived at the village entrance.
As it would be to expect from a festival, all kinds of people were on the streets. Some were walking around clearly happy and cheerful, others were taking this chance to eat all kinds of sweet treats, children were running, screaming and laughing with each other innocently but most of the people were standing together screaming and cheering as if they were waiting for something.
"Hey, what's going on over there?" Stella screamed in order to be heard by her friends.
"It must be the parade. I assume all this people are waiting for the Princess and King to pass in their palanquins." Ayame calmly said as if not disturbed at all by the horrible mess going around her "I suggest we too join the crowd in order to be closer in case something happens."
As soon as she said those words, they all quickly moved themselves to the middle of the crowd and, as they pushed the people that were in their way, surprisingly they found themselves right in front of the crowd with a great view to everything that was happening.
Suddenly, everyone around them started cheering louder and even more happily and, as the Winx and Specialists questioned themselves the reason to all this excitement, far away a palanquin followed by other appeared. They were both being carried by four servants each and the group of friends quickly realized that this must mean Musa and her father had arrived.
Musa POV
I'm so freaking sick of all of this! Why can't I just be normal like any other girl my age? Why the hell do I have to be carried around in this stupid and old-fashioned thing made of wood? And the most important thing of all, why the freaking hell do I have to wear this ugly dress? I look ridiculous! Even my grandmother must wear more modern clothes! I do know it's the tradition to wear a kimono thing in this kind of events but all of this people cheering and watching my every move while I'm dressing like a totally different person is stressing me out!
"Princess, may I ask what is in your mind? Is something wrong? May I help at all?" Oh, yeah... I almost forgot about her... Not only do I have to be watched by strangers and carried around while wearing this stupid thing, but I also must have a babysitter to make sure I'm alright! Well, she's not a babysitter, she's my father's main counselor and bodyguard but today her most important duty is to take care of me and guarantee I'll be okay. Seriously, I feel so watched right now... Why can't I just have a little fun like my friends do? They are princesses too but I don't see them being carried around like this!
"I'm alright Agatha. I'm just sick of all of this! I know it's my duty and everything but I just wanna go for a walk! I'm not asking for too much! Do you think this is possible?" The truth is Agatha and I know each other since we were kids so I can talk very casually with her and speak my mind freely. She's a really cool person but when she's doing her job, she just turns into this serious and respectful monster full of rules.
"I am afraid you can not do that, Princess. You are aware of your situation. As we explained before, Meng has been seen acting suspicious and he is a dangerous man with a great hatred for you and your father. I am sorry but I can not let something bad happen to you." I am so frustrated right now! Not even Agatha is on my side on this and I always thought she would support me in those kind of things... She always helped me escape my princess duties to live my own life in the village when we were younger, so why is she acting like this now?
"I would never want to live with the guilt of not being able to protect my only friend." Agatha mumbled quietly as she looked outside at crowd expressionless. Oh... guess I am being a bit unfair and selfish... She's not only worried about her job, she's worried about me because she's my friend and I'm a very lucky girl because of that.
"Thank you Agatha." I smiled sweetly as she looked at me surprised and half smiled with my words. "Well, I just wish that stupid old guy leaves us alone! I'm so sick of him always trying to hurt me and my dad! Because of him I can't even go for a simple walk!" I sighed tired just by thinking of my situation. I just feel so sad and trapped right now...
"You have to be patient. A princess must learn to always wait patiently and calmly for what she wants. Meng will certainly leave you alone when..." Whoa! What was that? We stopped moving! What's happening?
"Agatha, why did we stop moving?" As Agatha was about to answer me with a confused look in her eyes, the cheers outside started turning into screams of fear! What the heck is going on here? I look outside and I only see people running and screaming confused without knowing what to do next! Something terrible must be happening...
Quickly, I move myself closer to Agatha and hold onto her as much as possible. I'm scared, so scared...
"What's going on out there...?"