Act Ten- Explanation

Alfea College was large, at least larger than was neither Bloom nor Roxy had expected.

It had been a few days since they had woken-up. After rounds of tests, a shower and change into proper clothing. The two where now released from the medical office. Before either girl could express an interest in finding Faragonda. Or amuse themselves by wondering the school grounds at random looking for her office. Griselda had showed by and asked them to come with her.

It wasn't a request either wanted to decline. With nothing better to do than think and talk to one another new questions where forming.

As the three turned the corner linking the two wings, Griselda rambled off an array of Alfea trivia. Despite her diluted explanations none of the words or names took effect. Still the two teens did their best to humour her. Offering kind smiles and looks of fascination much to Griselda's gratification. They knew well what the older woman was trying to do, and after everything she had done they were grateful. After all no one else slipped in tea and fresh baked cookies. Even if she said if they told anyone she would deny it.

After several turns and hallways. The three found themselves standing before a tall wooden door. "Here we are, Ms Faragonda is waiting for you two." With a small gesture Griselda pushed opened the door and ushered the two teens inside before seeing herself out.

This is something Faragonda wants to do herself. Griselda slid her glass up, pausing for a moment to look back at the office. I just hope they are willing to accept the truth placed before them.

"Girls," Faragonda greeted as she stood. "How are you feeling?"

Bloom nodded, "Better. Thank-you."

"That's good to hear, now" The older woman fell back into her seat and clasped her hands together. "I apologize for not offering a proper explanation about everything before."

"You said that even the walls have ears, something like that." Roxy rubbed her chin. "What did you mean by that?"

Faragonda's eyes narrowed, "Things aren't always like this. Believe me, only every blue moon things become… as complex as this. You should take a seat, dears. There is so much to explain."

Without hesitation, the two seated themselves across from Faragonda. Appearing every bit nervous as they felt. "I do apologise once more, it is un-necessary for me to make you feel as anxious about this. But I must attest, this is serious."

"Roxy," Faragonda looked at the young girl. "You asked me what all this was about. Why there had been an attack resulting in finding yourself here. The short answer is this; magic."

Roxy blinked, Bloom's eyes widened. "Magic?"

Faragonda nodded, there was a twinkle in her eyes. With a snap of her fingers a few sparks of energy released themselves. And the curtains closed themselves. "This must sound odd. On Earth you have books filled with feats of magic. Films and shows featuring various mythical beings. Witches, unicorns, mermaids and even fairies. Works of fiction woven for leisure and to power young children into a world of make-believe.

"But magic- magic isn't something crafted from fiction. The concepts you have encountered until now are vastly different from reality. But I can assure that magic is real. And it's running through your veins."

Faragonda turned to face the two girls and their shocked expressions. "Bloom. Roxy. You are fairies. Magical beings filled with amazing power that can do exceptional things."

She paused for a moment, this wasn't quite how she had planned to explain things. Dumping on them all at once was less than idea, but the words somehow came out on their own. Her eyes focused on the two girls.

Roxy sat still, her mouth somewhat ajar. "You have to be kidding," she said in a hushed tone.

"I'm not, dear." Faragonda turned to face Bloom. Even with all the uncertainly the red-head had retained a certain level of optimism and child-like wonder about it all. Then again all the data that had been collected on her had inferred as much. Bloom's eyes remained wide, and an animated expression spread across her face.

Bloom's hands where clasped together. "Magic is real?"

"Very much so."

Bloom sprang from her chair, "So that means I'm a real maho shōjo? A true magical girl?!" Not waiting for Faragonda to offer any verification, Bloom grasped Roxy's hands. Releasing a girlish squeal in the process. "We're magical girls!" She cried in a sing-song voice. "Just think, we can be a team, Roxy! What are we going to call ourselves?"

"Insane," Roxy pulled her hands away. Bloom made a face, only to find it countered by Roxy's own distraught mug. "This sounds like a concussion talking. This isn't some anime or something. Normal girls like us don't just become magical girls."

"That is true, Roxy. This is no story. And you two did not suddenly become, as Bloom said, magical girls. You have always been magical. This is only a matter of realizing your true self."

"Does this happen a lot? People suddenly discovering magic?"

Faragonda shock her head, "Far from it. It was only by chance had the two of you been discovered, Earth is a non-magical planet. You can see just how great of abnormalities this all is."

"In the Magical Dimension one's powers is discovered at a young age. Magic training is mandatory regardless of just how much or little magic you have. Bloom, Roxy you both have strong and powerful magic, but have yet to learn how to control it. Until you are able to do so you are counted as a danger to everyone around you as well as yourselves."

"I'm far from the only one who thinks this." Faragonda reached over her desk and pulled out two large folders. "We have already spoken to your families about the matter. They have agreed to your enrollment here at Alfea." The folders where slid across the surface.

Roxy reached for the papers before her, skeptical as she was Roxy started to flip through it. "What is this?"

"Scholarship and enrollment information."

"Scholarships?"

Faragonda smiled, "Like any college Alfea offers scholarships to students. Considering everything you both have been granted full scholarships. That will cover the cost of your education, text books and housing."

Roxy's jaw dropped, she was still a high school student back in Gardenia. "I believe there might be some kind of mistake, ma'am."

"There are no mistake here, Roxy."

"But I'm still a high school student. I haven't yet to graduate like Bloom."

"I am well aware of all this. But here in the Magical Dimension things are done differently, as you will soon learn. Here students enroll in colleges such as Alfea at the age of sixteen."

Roxy started to protest, but soon found herself unable to respond. "The new school year starts in two months' time. All the students, for the most part, have returned home for the holiday. But after that incident I feel that it's not safe for either of you to return to Gardenia."

"As I said before I have no idea who that was that attacked you, nor what their motive is. But what I do know is that they are still out there somewhere. More likely than not they are going to be keeping close tabs on you two."

"That's reassuring," Bloom felt a cold chill run down her spin. "So what are we supposed to do between now and when classes start?"

"You are both to stay here, at Alfea. I know that it might not be the vacation you both had in mind, but I am sure that you will find enjoyment. Unlike your peers you have not been exposed to magic or any of the cultures. I don't want to see you girls fall behind just as school starts.

"I have gone ahead and collected some books covering the various subjects so you can start to catch up. Also, I have already spoke when the professors. They have offered tutoring sessions to help you both."

Faragonda paused, "The last thing anyone wants to see is either of you fall behind. Or worse, fall into danger."

Griselda's words came to mind, Roxy winced. "We understand and appreciate it."

"But I assure that studying, though critical, isn't the only thing to do. It's always necessary to relax and enjoy your youth. We have buses come every day that can take you into Magix City."

"Magix City?"

"I'm not familiar enough with Earth cities to properly compare it. But there is a little of everything there. Shops, cafes, theaters…you get the idea. There is a curfew, though. And please don't wonder into the city alone."

"Yes ma'am."

Faragonda stood, "My door is always open to you both, please know that. If there are any problems or questions. Please feel free to speak with myself or any other members of the facility." A smile spread across her face. "I don't suppose you would like to see your dorms, would you?"

Authoress' Notes: More of a information dump chapter, I know. Unavoidable, I suppose.