He felt himself smiling widely when the familiar training fields came into view through the wide screens. The journey back had taken more than planned due to unpredicted engine issues and he had kept counting the minutes since the return had been announced.

But Red Fountain seemed indeed empty under the moonlight, the windows facing the outside devoid of any light.

Once the ship landed, he walked mechanically along the endless corridors in search of someone who could fill him in. If they were under attack, the school wouldn't be so silent and peaceful. It was certainly disconcerting. On Saturday nights there used to be students hanging around in the common room and the sound of laughter and freedom was contagious.

Luckily, he found a fairly happy Knut near the east side. He was sweeping the floors and humming a weird song under his breath, though he greeted him cheerfully the moment he turned the corner.

"How is it you are not attending the ball, boy?"

Helia frowned and stared at him cryptically "Sorry, but I don't know what you are talking about."

"Oh, you must have been on a mission!" the janitor exclaimed "You see, the fairies are celebrating a ball tonight in Alfea. It is said it's the event of the year… maybe you should go and take a look."

So the were not definitely under attack. Helia felt a mix between relief and weariness settle on his bones. It had been a long month wandering the Magic Dimension trying to solve an interplanetary conflict of interests; of course the big news had not reached his ears.

When he said goodbye to Knut it occurred to him that maybe Flora was in the ball. And if there was a remote possibility she had attended, he should follow the janitor's suggestion.

He had missed terribly. Her pink perfect lips and mesmerizing emerald eyes would would monopolize his mind in every boring meeting and every long and tiring night in the cold. He had intended to send her a letter once a week, but business and diplomacy had been unmerciful.

Therefore, it just seemed fair that he had to make it up to her.

Less than half an hour later, he crossed Alfea's gates and was left in awe. The entire school was bathed in bright colorful lights coming from a million tiny magical lanterns and the majestic towers scraped the sky prouder than ever. He searched for his love, but she was nowhere to be seen inside the ballroom. There were only couples dancing and people talking.

"In the backyard!" He heard someone scream. It was Stella, who was not subtly pointing at the doors that led outside.

And there she was.

The fairy of nature was sitting on the verge of the fountain, her gaze lost somewhere in the distance. She had taken her shoes off, so her tanned elegant feet were showing from beneath her long pink dress.

He felt the strong need to draw her beautiful figure then and there, to recite a thousand poems in her ear till the sun came up. He put his hands on her shoulders instead.

"I thought there was a ball tonight" he said

Flora turned around and examined him as if she could not believe her eyes. He hoped she didn't notice the dark bags under his eyes, his messy hair or his wrinkled uniform.

"Are you going to say something?"

"I'm sorry, Helia. I didn't expect to see you here."

He smiled again and helped her get down from the verge. Now that he could see her in all her glory, she shone brighter than any of the lights of the school. She was wearing a stunning dress that hugged her slim body in all the right places, making her natural beauty stand out even more.

She was the most splendid creature he had the fortune to meet.

"You're gorgeous, Flo. You look like a princess."

The fairy's cheeks reddened at the compliment. Even after all those months, he could make her blush easily, just like that fateful first meeting at Red Fountain.

She told him she had spent the evening with some guy she had been introduced to, presumably fearing a pang of jealousy. But Helia just laughed and leaned in to share a passionate kiss with her.

"I think you owe me a dance, lady. I suppose you wouldn't like to miss a chance to use such a wonderful dress".

"I would be very pleased to dance with you, even when you are not ready for the occasion." She answered, amusement written on her perfect face.

Helia moved closer to her.

"You have to understand. I could not wait to dance with the most beautiful fairy of Alfea".