Chapter 1
Meeting the stars of our show!

Izzie's POV

I stared out the plane window, sighing miserably.

Apparently, the weather in Ireland was terrible. With the thunder storm raging outside, every lightning bolt caused me more anxiety than the last. Being this high in the air made me uncomfortable- like I was waiting for something terrible to happen.

I sunk deep into my chair and gripped the armrest with angst. My friend Rachel glanced over and gave my hand a squeeze. I squeezed back, refusing to let go.

"Ladies and gentlemen please sit down and fasten your seatbelts as we are preparing to land." I almost sighed in relief. Almost. The overhead voice continued: "Thank you for flying with Qantas and we hope you had a pleasant flight."

I took another deep breath as we hit more turbulence. Just a few rows back, I could hear the people in my class throwing up. I trembled and tried to hold down my own dinner. "A pleasant flight my arse." I muttered to Rachel glumly. She smiled sympathetically.

I'm obviously someone who hates flying… so what was even up here? Well, it was because I was meeting someone. You see, I have this pen-pal by the name of Cici. She is kind, intelligent, sweet, loyal, and quirky. She's also my best friend… that happens to live on the other side of the world.

So, how do I know Caoimhe Connell?

Well, our teachers supposedly knew each other from the good old days. On a whim, they decided it would be nice to set up the Pen-Pal Project. Naturally, everyone thought it was pointless… until we found out it would contribute to our overall grade at the end of the year. Thus, the once stupid project became mandatory.

I was matched up with Caoimhe, infamously known as Cici.

It took a bit of getting used to, especially with the odd time differences. After talking for days on end, the two of us grew so close we were chosen for the Pen-Pal Exchange. This meant I was invited to visit Ireland (on study) on a full, one year scholarship.

It was originally going to be a month of travel. But, both teachers both decided a year was more appropriate to adapt to Ireland's traditions and culture. Each family would host a child from Australia, allowing them to stay in Ireland for a year. My parents were slightly concerned about the idea (what parent wouldn't be?) Thankfully, with lots of convincing, they allowed me to become an exchange student.

And that's why I'm here, riding Death's vehicle to Ireland.

The plane landed rather forcefully, whipping my body forward. Thank the lord I was wearing a seat belt. I gave Rachel a hard look of discomfort, clenching my fists firmly. If this was an anime, she would have sweat dropped at my reaction.

I grabbed my carry-on bag and made my way (rather hastily) to the Lobby. With a mixture of pure terror and excitement, I was still a little jittery. I waited around for a while, searching the area for Cici and her family.

It shouldn't be too hard to spot her- Cici had distinctive brown hair and blue eyes. If I couldn't find her, she'd be able to find me. I had long red hair… I could literally be a bloody anime character.

"Izzie!" a loud voice called from behind me. I jumped, spinning around and almost dropping my luggage.

"Cici!?" I replied, a questioning tone within my voice.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "Well, duh silly, who else?" I grinned, adrenaline coursing through my body. I sprinted towards the Connell family, tripping over my suitcase as I went. Cici stifled a laugh.

"I'm so glad to finally meet you!" I exclaimed, glomping onto her like a koala.

"Me too!" she gasped, trying not to choke. I let go quickly, realising I was about to kill my best friend. I quickly made my acquaintances with Cici's mum (Mrs. Connell) and together we left the Arrivals Lobby.

We walked towards the Main Entrance, while chatting away eagerly. My mood immediately dropped once we reached the exit. "We have to go out in THAT?" I gasped, pointing to the raging storm outside in disbelief.

Cici shrugged knowingly. "This is typical Irish weather for you," she cheerfully informed me. "It will pass in about an hour or so."

I usually wasn't fussy about the cold… but I wasn't exactly dressed for this. I looked awkwardly down at my shorts and t-shirt. Not exactly good clothes to be rushing through the rain in.

At this, Cici passed over her jacket. "Here, I don't know if it's enough, but it's at least something."

I shook my head and attempted to push the jacket back in her direction. "I don't want to ruin your jacket, or get you sick!"

Cici looked down at her clothes and shrugged. "I'll be fine." was her response.

Mrs. Connell put up her black umbrella and together, we made a mad dash to the car. "That rain is crazy!" I stated, shivering from the cold. My flaming red hair was drenched, falling loose from its ponytail.

"Welcome to Ireland. We have terrible weather all year round, enjoy your stay." I laughed.

"I thought Sydney weather was bad… on the other hand, nothing compares to this!" I glanced out the window; rain dripped down the glass.

"Ceàd Mîle Faìlte." Cici said. I turned and raised an eyebrow. "A hundred thousand welcomes." she quickly translated.

"Oh," I said. "Is that an old Irish saying?"

"Something likes that."

We eventually pulled up to the house.

Cici's POV

Everyone helped carry Izzie's one bag inside (basically just Mum) and we took it up to my room. I was glad the second bed was already set up, because it was starting to get dark. I didn't know if I could be bothered setting it up so late.

Izzie placed her suitcase on the makeshift bed and smiled. "Your room is so pretty, Cici." she piped, admiring the relatively large bookshelf in the far corner of my room. I quickly gave her a tour.

After Izzie had a good look around my bedroom, I helped her start unpacking. We had almost gotten to the bottom of the suitcase, when Izzie hastily told me she needed the bathroom… then asked for directions. I chuckled and pointed her towards it.

While she was gone, I took out the last of Izzie's belongings, frowning at one particular item. I held up what appeared to be a blue, leather diary… or possibly some sort of album. It looked similar to a book I owned.

Once Izzie came back, I inquired about the book. She smirked and grabbed it from my hands. She whispered in a soft, deep voice: "Prepare to be amazed Caoimhe Connell. For this is the very place I created Winter Fray."

I gasped over dramatically. She smiled.

I fumbled through my draws, before finally discovering the item I was looking for. "You'll never guess it, but I have that exact book." I held up the identical blue book as proof and passed it to Izzie. Her eyes twinkled with excitement as she flicked through the pages.

"You did such an amazing job on these Cici!" she beamed, showing her squishy side.

I smiled. Izzie has two sides. I thought to myself. A cold, strategic side which she uses for people she doesn't like… and then a "squishy" side. The side that brings out her inner child and fearlessness.

We looked through both OC books in silence.

Cici's OCs:

Skye: One of the Yukishiro twins. Skye is the more relaxed, dainty, and girly version of her sister. Skye is a human and took part in the second war against the Cyniclons. She survived the final battle, however, was heartbroken when two of her teammates didn't make it. She is from the second generation of the Tokyo Mew Mews.

Summer: The other Yukishiro twin. Summer is bossy, arrogant, and has a large personality. When the twins were younger, no one could tell them apart and this eventually lead to Summer dying her hair blonde. Summer is a human and took part in the second war against the Cyniclons. She survived the final battle but didn't take the death of her teammates very well. She is from the second generation of the Tokyo Mew Mews.

Saturn: Saturn is a Cyniclon. He was originally a part of the second war (as an enemy) and although he denies it, Saturn fell in love with one of the Mews. He is a borderline pervert and is usually caught making sly remarks (Summer sorts him out though). Saturn isn't a Mew but being a Cyniclon with the ability to make plans and tactics has its perks.

Izzie's OCs:

Winter: Winter is sassy, presumptuous, and very quick tempered. Winter is a human and she too was a part of the second war, fighting along-side Skye, Summer, and her two fallen team mates. She doesn't get along with Summer and usually fights with Saturn. She is from the second generation of the Tokyo Mew Mews.

"That's strange." I frowned, lining up the two OCs books. "Our characters intertwine with each other... but we created them before even meeting. Izzie, how is that possible?"

She wasn't listening to me.

How did I know?

Because Izzie was singing Happy by Pharrell Williams at the top of her lungs, while using my hairbrush as a microphone. I shrugged and decided to join her, no longer concerned with the strange occurring.

Not long after belting out to Happy, Mum called us both downstairs. We hadn't done anything wrong (don't jump to any conclusions!), she just wanted to get to know Izzie a bit more, seeing as though my dad had finally gotten home.

We sat around my kitchen table where Izzie was properly introduced to my parents. Dad was particularly surprised that Izzie didn't have a "typical Aussie accent". She told him only bad American actors speak like that. They laughed at her response. Mum asked how Izzie was enjoying Ireland so far. She told them the country itself was beautiful, but the weather was not.

Around ten o'clock, Izzie's parents called. She excused herself from the table and made her way upstairs. Izzie talked ecstatically with her parents, while I sat awkwardly in between mine.

Eventually, the jet lag hit Izzie hard. About half an hour later, she flopped back down the stairs, yawning lethargically. In response, Mum instructed us both to go to bed. Izzie happily obliged. I wanted a caramel biscuit first, so Mum sighed and handed me one, staring me down as I nibbled on it slowly, just to tick her off.

As we were climbing into bed, Izzie let out a sigh. "It feels weird." she said quietly, pulling the sheet over her. Izzie turned and looked at me sadly.

"What feels weird?" I asked, adjusting my position to face her.

"Just being on the other side of the world from my family… I'm even missing my annoying sister." It came out as a whisper.

Sleeping away from your parents on the other side of the world is no joke. Anyone would feel the same way if they were in Izzie's shoes. "Ahhhhh, annoying siblings." I said, trying to make Izzie feel a little bit better "I have an annoying cousin but I doubt she could match up to your sister."

Izzie smiled. "Ha! She's such a pain- always harassing me about the smallest of things." We both laughed until the room fell silent. A sense of sadness hung in the air. I sat up and went over to Izzie, sitting cross-legged on her duvet.

"Look Izzie…" I said, beginning my long inspirational and cheesy speech. "I know that it must be tough being away from your parents... especially when you're on the other side of the world-"

"No kidding." she reiterated.

"But it will get better. I promise." A smile crept across my face. "Besides, I technically kidnapped you... You're sort of stuck with me, but you know, minor details."

"You're right." Izzie giggle. "With you around, life will never be boring Cici."

"You bet it won't!" I proclaimed, crossing the room and getting into bed. "Not to mention it's for an ENTIRE year! We're going to have so much fun!"

"Yeah, I'm sure we will." Izzie rolled over, facing away from me. "Can you imagine if our OCs were real?" she asked.

I snorted. "I seriously try not to think about it. Can you imagine all the fighting?"

"True."

"Well, goodnight Izzie."

"Goodnight Cici."

Third Person's POV

The two girls curled up fast asleep in their beds, dozing off the moment their heads hit the pillow. It had been a long day, but little did they know- their adventure was just beginning.

With their OC books scattered on the floor and the alarm clock on Caoimhe's bedside table ticking slowly… Midnight struck. A bright glow emitted from the books, filling the room with a golden light.

The girls may not have seen the four OCs come to life… but they would find out eventually.

Something was going to happen. The two girls didn't know it yet... but their lives were about to change forever.

Our story is just beginning...

A/N: We (QueenIzzie and queenofdaydreaming) hope you enjoyed the first chapter! Please review and tell us what you think so far! If you have any feedback, feel free to leave it in the comments- constructive criticism is welcome!

Bye loyal subjects! See you next chapter!

~The Queens