Chapter 1

Preparations for the Dance

Aria sat in the middle of a room with a wooden floor on a stool in front of a long rectangular mirror. Everything else in the room was a blur, except for her reflection. She hung her hair over her shoulder to brush it, her eyes fixated on her reflection. In the mirror, her eyes were pure black like two holes of abyss. This did not bother her for Aria sat calmly, continuing to stroke her hair with the brush, until the hand holding her hair felt syrupy. She gazed down and found that her hands were covered in blood and gasped. Slowly, she then peeled her eyes from her own limbs moving them back towards her reflection. The moment her eyelids briefly dropped, he appeared, Lord Argarion.

In screams, Aria shot up to a seated position, immediately gazing about her surroundings. She would not yet call her current location home but at least she awoke in the same place she fell into slumber, the palace in Galatia. Aria realized this was the third time this week she had this kind of dream. She wanted so desperately to forget about that traumatizing day in Evalius but it remained vivid in her mind. Not only did she nearly lose her two best friends, she had also been forced to take a life herself. Aria thought about how simple slaying evil it appeared in standard fairy tale stories. In reality, that was not the case. She remembered how her blood ran cold that day and her body was in constant shivers. Aria never wanted to feel that way again.

Trying to push these thoughts to the back of her mind, Aria climbed out of bed, throwing on her red silk robe and went to see what everyone was up to. Since today was Sunday, Adora would take her back to her world to begin her next week in school. If not for her adoptive parents, friends, and boyfriend, Aria would have no desire to go back, especially since once she returned, she would have to spend the rest of the day getting caught up with her homework.

Aria opened her bedroom door and stuttered down the hall, rubbing her eye. Just as she begun to wonder where Adora was she heard the voice of just that fairy. The princess tiptoed to the room the voices came from and tipped the door open a crack so listen better.

"Are you sure this land is something for us to worry of?" Adora asked. "I mean it is not an evil land as Evalius is."

"It may not be evil," Verna explained in a heavy tone, "but it is unpredictable and I can sense something from there."

"Do you think it will affect us?" Thelma asked.

"I know not," Verna sighed and then turned her head back to Adora. "You must inquire the princess on what we talked about soon. Perhaps it will help."

The red-haired fairy shook her head. "We should leave Princess Aria out of this. She has already been through enough in Evalius and that was barely a month ago."

Aria pushed the door open wider, revealing her presence. "Ask me what?"

The fairies all turned startled by her appearance. Verna then motioned for them to curtsy and announced. "We should go." She waved her hand. "Thelma, Freya, let us depart."

In a poof, three fairies were gone, leaving Aria and Adora alone. The fairy looked down, hesitant to begin.

Aria decided to take it upon herself to start. "So what did Verna want you to ask me?"

Adora sighed, briefly putting her hand to her head. "Oh, it was nothing big. She just wanted to know if there was a possibility you knew of Edmund's current whereabouts."

Aria shrugged. "I have not seen him since that day in school. I honestly have no idea." She then shot Adora a look of concern. "Why, do you think he might be up to something?"

"We cannot be sure," Adora answered. "Verna says she would feel better if she knew where he was just to be sure he cannot cause any more trouble."

"What will happen if he is found?" Aria asked, taking a step closer to the fairy.

As much as Aria wanted Edmund to be stopped from any future evil he may do, she still could not help but remember what was planned for Myrtle before. The main problem she had with this world and the people here saw everything black and white and believed all evil should be slain, no exceptions. Recalling how disturbed she was in Evalius by the Argarion's death, Aria did not ever want to witness another person die.

Adora looked into her eyes as though she could read the princess's thoughts. "It is nothing for you to worry about." She then brushed by the side desk, grabbing an envelope. "This came for you by the way."

Even though it was quite obvious Adora was going to an immediate subject change, Aria sighed and took it. "What is this?"

"It is an invitation to Princess Snow White's Tea Party," Adora answered brightly. "They are usually pretty big events. There is music, dancing, and lots of food. It might be something you and your friends would be interested in."

"Yeah, maybe." Aria looked down at the letter. She honestly could not picture any of her friends getting all that enthused about a tea party, but if it is as Adora described they might have a good time. Also, Vanessa in Kendal got along a lot better in this world. Aria was still not exactly sure how it works here but something about this world, at least this part of it, brings out pleasant feelings. Her friends were improving back home. At least, they were no longer throwing drinks in the other's face or kissing each other's boyfriend. Aria supposed that was something, though she could still sense quite a bit of bitterness around the two.

"Wait a second," Aria said, looking closer at the date. "This is the same weekend as the Valentine's dance. I don't think I can come."

"It's on a Sunday," Adora answered, briskly. "Are your dances not usually on Saturday?"

"You're right." Aria tilted her head to consider. "I suppose we could do both that weekend. As long as there is no drama it should be fine."

Adora smiled. "As long as they are here, their feelings of true love will be the strongest emotion." She then appeared slightly concerned. "You might want to warn them about that. You do remember what it was like for you and Derek on your first visit to this world?"

"Too well," Aria muttered, recalling how she spontaneously flew to his arms and kissed him passionately. Normally, she would never do something like that, even now when dating him. Her limbs grew cold as the thought of asking him to the dance. Aria knew she was being ridiculous and that Derek would definitely say yes. She just could not help but feel nervous. Needless to say, Sadie Hawkins was not her favorite dance.

"Well," Aria said as she began to turn, "I should probably get my stuff together so we can leave this afternoon."

"Okay," Adora agreed with a beam. "I will be ready to take you home in about an hour." Just as Aria started to walk away she called, "Oh, and Aria… During your time here you are giving thought to your final decision on your future, right?"

Aria stopped walking and paused to take in a deep breath as she turned to give the fairy her best lie. "Of course I am."

xXx

The 3rd period bell rang and Aria realized she had not paid any attention to Mr. Mosbey's History class. Usually, at the beginning of each semester, Aria vowed to try harder in all her classes, but this time she did not even bother with that commitment. The events of last semester still freshly consumed her mind. She could tell it had the same affect on her friends though they rarely discussed the details. Aria did make an effort to convince Vanessa to have a low key sweet sixteen last week, since she and Kendal both nearly died on their birthdays. Seeing that her birthday occurred on January 13, which happened to fall on a Friday this year, her superstitious friend was more than happy to oblige.

"So I forgot to ask earlier," Derek said as he, Aria and Ian walked out of the classroom, "how was your weekend in Galatia?"

"It was alright," Aria replied without much enthusiasm.

"There are not any balls I don't know about, are there?" Derek asked, shooting a grin in her direction.

Aria could not help but smile. "No, I promise." She paused to consider whether or not to bring up the event Adora mentioned. "There is a Tea Party hosted by Snow White on the Sunday after the Sadie Hawkins dance. Adora said I was invited and could bring friends if you wanted to go."

"I'll go if you want me to," Derek replied, though he did not sound to keen on the idea.

Ian, on the other hand, looked at Aria eagerly. "Wait, so if we go, we would get to go into the fairy tale world again, right?"

Derek peered at his friend, startled by his enthusiasm. "Well, yeah, but dude, it is for a tea party."

"Yeah, you really do not have to come if you don't want to," Aria chimed in.

Ian shook his head and insisted. "Are you kidding? It will perfect for a date. Kendal will love it! I'm going to go tell her about it right now."

As he darted down the hall, Derek stared after him in disbelief but then shrugged. "Well, I guess that means we are going."

"Are you okay with that?" Aria asked, looking up at him.

He put his arm around her. "Yeah, of course. Besides, you actually seem less enthused than I am. Is something wrong?"

Aria sighed. "Not really. It's just that every time I go there now, I keep thinking about how I will eventually have to make the decision on whether or not I want to live there."

"Yeah," Derek appeared slightly discomforted. "That is going to affect our relationship, isn't it? Are we going to have to discuss it soon?"

"I don't have to make my decision for another two years," Aria pointed out. "We don't have to talk about it now."

"Whew," Derek let out a relieved breath as he squeezed Aria tighter. "Did I ever tell you that you are the best girlfriend a guy can ask for?"

Aria giggled as she hugged him and then without thinking, blurted out, "Do you want to go to the Sadie Hawkins dance with me?"

Derek paused, caught off guard, but then nodded, grinning. "Of course I do."

Aria let out a sigh of alleviation that she got this part over with. It was not that did not want to go with Derek. The actual asking part was just difficult for her. At the beginning of the school year, the thought of her asking a boy to the dance would have been unthinkable. Aria did feel that she has grown a bit more in confidence. Perhaps in a couple years, she will be ready to rule a kingdom.

xXx

"For God's sake, Vanessa!" Kendal stammered as she shoveled her books into her locker. "I am not giving the answers to our geometry homework."

"I didn't ask you for the answer," Vanessa protested, holding up their homework assignment. "I was just asking a question."

Kendal slammed her locker door and eyed her. "And you question just happened to be word for word, the same as the first question on our geometry homework?"

"Are you going to help me or not?" Vanessa demanded. "I thought we were supposed to be friends again."

Kendal let out a huff and grumbled, "Yes, and I am just remember how much you use to drive me crazy with this. Why can't you just ask Walter to help you?"

"Because I want him to think I am getting smarter and able to do my homework assignments by myself."

Kendal raised her eyebrow. "Well, have you actually tried doing it by yourself? You know the book has examples that look exactly like our homework problems."

"Yeah, I can't find my book," Vanessa muttered and when Kendal just stared at her in disbelief, she defended, "What? It's not my fault I can't find it."

Kendal placed her hands on her hips. "Actually, yeah, it kind of is."

"Well, I can't do anything about it now," Vanessa protested, waving the sheet of paper in the air. "I need to get this done before Geometry, today!"

"Good luck with that," Kendal muttered, as she began to blow off.

"You are so much more helpful to Ian when he comes to you," Vanessa complained in frustration.

Kendal turned around and stormed back over to Vanessa. "You want to know why? That's because Ian actually tries first, and unlike some people, he doesn't always lose his textbooks! And also, you always…"

"Hey Kendal!"

"What?" Kendal whirled around, hotheadedly, loosing control of her tone.

Ian, who had just walked up to them, appeared completely unaffected by her tone. "There was something I wanted to ask you."

Kendal took in a breath, forcefully calming down. "What it is, Ian?"

"Well…" Ian briefly scratched his head. "There is this tea party Aria got invited to in the other world, and she is allowed to bring friends so I was wondering if maybe you would like to go with me as a date?"

Vanessa just stared at him, blankly, while Kendal asked, "A tea party?"

"Yeah, well, Aria said it would be a pretty big event since Snow White is hosting it, and since it's in the fairy tale world I thought it would be pretty romantic for a date."

Kendal thought for a moment and then smiled. "You know, that does sound really nice, Ian. I would love to go."

Just as Kendal took his hand and they prepared to walk away, Vanessa demanded, "Wait, what about my homework?"

Kendal just turned around and sighed. "You know what, I am actually in a good mood again so I am not going to test my patience. Just get Walter to help you."

As the two began to turn, Ian asked, "Oh, hey Kendal, I still can't find my biology book so can we share during class?"

Kendal let out a heavy breath as Vanessa smirked. "Yeah, sure Ian, we can share."

While Vanessa watched them walk a few steps further, Ian also asked, "Also, can I see your homework to…uh, check my answers?"

As Kendal agreed, Vanessa rolled her eyes and muttered, "That's the same crap I used to pull on Walter."

"And what crap would that be?"

Vanessa jumped around to find her boyfriend standing right behind her, one hand behind his back.

"Oh nothing," she answered, quickly. "Kendal just is being a lot more helpful with Ian on his homework than me."

"Why didn't you just come to me?" Walter asked. "You know I don't mind helping you."

"I just thought you would be tired of it by now," Vanessa mumbled, letting out a sigh. She could not help but think that life, including her relationship, would be a lot easier if she were smarter.

"No, of course not." Walter smiled as he took a step closer to her. "But first, there is something I wanted to ask you." He pulled out a pink rose from behind his back. "Vanessa Cooper, will you go to the Sadie Hawkins Dance with me?"

Vanessa beamed as she began to hug him. "I'd love to… wait, Walter, you do realize the girls are supposed to ask the guys to this dance?"

He only shrugged. "Yeah, well, I figured since you were the one who asked me to Homecoming, I would get this one. Next year, we'll get it right."

"That's so sweet." Vanessa moved in closer as the two began to kiss. This resulted in several hoots and hollows from classmates passing by, while some merely muttered, 'get a room.'

Vanessa pulled away and grinned. "I think we have drawn enough attention to ourselves."

"You are probably right," Walter agreed, returning the grin. "So which homework problem did you need help on?"

Vanessa sighed, holding up her blank Geometry paper. "All of them."

xXx

Lighting the very last candle, Kendal placed the lighter next to the lamp on her night table. She then glanced at the mirror and fluffed some of her soft brown curls in front of her shoulders and applied some last minute lip-gloss. At the sound of the doorbell, she briefly brushed her hands against her short pink-laced dress and went down to answer it, knowing just who it would be. Sure enough, there stood her boyfriend, wearing an ocean blue button up shirt.

Ian grinned. "You said you had something important to ask me?"

Kendal returned the smile, holding out her hand. "Follow me."

Ian took her hand and Kendal led him, gradually, up the stairs towards her bedroom. As the couple entered, Ian took a moment to observe the candle lit room and appeared rather impressed.

"Pretty nice," he commented with an approving nod.

"Just like you always do." Kendal took her boyfriend's hand, inhaling a nervous breath. "Ian, will you…"

"Hold on a second," Ian interjected with a grin. "Shouldn't you get down on one knee?"

Kendal let out a huff. "Seriously, Ian?"

He just shrugged, clearly enjoying himself. "You always make me do it."

"Fine." Kendal sighed, as she lowered down to her knee. "Ian, will you go to the Sadie Hawkins Dance with me?"

Ian took in a breath, looking around the room.

Kendal squeezed his hand tighter. "Ian!"

"Give me a moment," Ian said and as his girlfriend rolled her eyes, he pointed out, "What? You do the exact same thing to me."

"I do not," Kendal protested.

"Oh, yes you do," Ian proclaimed. "For Homecoming, you left me hanging for ten minutes before you finally said yes."

"It was not ten minutes. Besides, I was just taking a moment to appreciate the scenery around me." Kendal jerked his arm down gently, but hard enough to make him look at her. "Okay, you had your fun. Now, will you just answer the question?"

"You know what the answer is." Ian pulled Kendal up to her feet and kissed her. "I would love to."

After a few moments passed by, Ian asked, "We are not going to have any drama like at Homecoming, are we?"

Kendal sighed, not wanting to think of the last two months of their prior school semester. "I hope not."

A/N: So here is the first to a series of random poll questions that will appear throughout the story. Who do you think is the cutest couple, or who is your favorite. Go to my profile page and vote now. Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter!