Breakfast was a FEAST. Each table was lined by toast, butter, cereals, hot foods, and sweets for anyone with a sweet tooth. Alice clocked the little sachets that looked like nutella, and scooped them into her little book bag before she turned around and bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going-" She looked up, realising immediately who it was. "Its you!"
"Its fine, in fact; I don't mind in the slightest, having a cute girl bump into me." He smirked, brushing his fingers through her hair. "I'm Julian by the way, Prince of Dimensia.""Oh, uh, that's nice." Alice uttered awkwardly. "I'm Alice, of...the planet Earth."'
"An Earth fairy, eh? Well this is going to get interesting." Julian said with a grin. "I've never been with an Earth fairy, word on the street is that they all went extinct." "Sorryihaveaboyfriendandohlookatthetimegottagobye!" Alice scurried off and out of the door where she saw Bloom and the others waiting for her. Luckily, they all had the same class together.
The first class of the day was metamorphosis which was taught by professor Wizgiz, and he was actually a very small leprechaun with long elf ears and a green wizard hat. He happened to be a nice teacher, rivalling the head mistress. The first interactive task of the day was to change hair colour. Small mirrors appeared out of nowhere and hovered above everyone's desks, as everyone took one; the enchantment broke from them.
It seemed as if everyone was managing to do this; the class filled with rainbow colours. When Bloom tried it, nothing happened.
'When I tried it, my hair just happened to catch fire...' Alice thought, after all classes were finished she headed up to the shared dorms and sat on the bed as Flora tried many spells to fix Alice's hair.
"It seems like everything blows up in your face lately." Stella said, filing her nails down.
Alice sticks out her tongue at her. "Do you have to say that so casually?"
"Look, our classes are over so we can just enjoy ourselves for the rest of the night." Musa said, twirling in the spot to the music she had on. "Besides, your practically little firsties; so it won't come naturally to you on the first day."
"Yeah, but we aren't first years," Bloom pointed out. "We are in the same year as you guys."
"Don't worry." Flora answered with her silky reassuring voice. "We'll help you catch up with everything we've learned too."
That night, the hall was filled with chatter and more food. The tables were aligned with nothing but food, but since Alice ate a good half of those Nutella packets and had a bit of a sore stomach; she decided that some toast would be just fine. Before she managed to take a bite of the smallest dinner she has ever had, Ms. Fairagonda stood up from her throne like seat at the top teacher table and tapped her tea spoon against her glass.
"Young ladies, may I have your attention please?"Wow, the whole room just went quiet like she asked them to...We're not in Kansas anymore Toto. "To kick off the year, we will be hosting a formal dance for Alfea and Read Fountain School for Heroics and Bravery! And it will take place tomorrow night!"
'Whooo! I get to see my spandex dudes!' Alice thought, excited to see the boys again so soon. Maybe this is what they meant.
"But not TOO friendly!" Griselda barked again, reminding everyone that we need to keep this rated U. What? You say that you don't like my humour? Wasn't this the main purpose WHY you are listening to my story? "Chaperones will be present and love potions are forbidden!"
"But dancing is encouraged!" Fairagonda encouraged with a smile that could take you over the rainbow to the pot of gold on the other side. "And the boys will bring surprise gifts! I hope you will all have a lovely time!"
Some of the girls squealed, Bloom and Stella were obviously excited; but Alice just huffed as she took some more Nutella packets that would last her through the night.
The next morning, Bloom and Alice sat on Alice's bed as the others showed off their brilliant dresses; it seemed like they were all colour co-ordinated according with their personality, and with their realm.
"Hey guys, what's wrong?" Stella asked.
Alice sighed. "I can't dance..."
"Plus, we don't have anything formal to wear..." Bloom continued.
Stella smiled and shook her head. "Fret not, my dears, because in this situation; there is only one solution."
Alice's eyes widened. 'Oh no.'
"SHOPPING!" They all shouted, minus Alice who flopped back on the bed.
Stella guided them to the town immediately with the frequent protest of Alice, who was dragged along by Musa and Tecna so she couldn't get away. Flora and Stella kept pointing out dresses that would suit Alice and Bloom, but Alice couldn't help but take her eyes away from every one she even stared at. It wasn't like she had ever been in love with clothes shopping, because she hated it. Alice just viewed it as a time consumer, and the sundown peaking over the shop buildings seemed to agree with her.
"It's already 5." Musa pointed out. "We need to hurry this along."
"Well, why don't you take Alice to a few more shops and I'll see what I can find?" Bloom asked, trying to stifle a giggle when she saw Alice's face. If looks could truly kill.
"Come on Alice, it's not that bad if you think about it." Stella pointed out.
"No, Stella, it really is..." Alice huffed.
"I'll meet you guys later!" Bloom called as she ran off in the other direction.
The rest of them headed in the other direction, hoping to find a dress for Alice soon. Not like Alice was really looking anyway, but a few stores later, Alice clocked the most beautiful dress she had ever seen at the back of the store; forgotten, unknown to any other eye but hers.
She smiled, as she went to try it on. When she emerged from the changing room and did a twirl, the others gasped in delight.
"This is the one, guys!" Alice exclaimed.
The others cheered, crowding around her and throwing complements at her. Stella looked at the price tag. "It sure does cost a lot though, are you sure you can cover it?" Stella took out her card.
Flora put a hand on Stella's arm. "You maxed it out, remember?"
Stella giggled, embarrassed. "Oh yeah."
"It's fine guys." Alice said. "My dad works in the Police Force, so my pocket money is not stingy." She took off the dress and paid the nice lady at the desk.
They all began to head back to the apartment, where they got changed and put on a few extra accessories. Alice tightened a gold necklace around her neck, it hung in strings of gold beads of different sizes.
"You look amazing Alice." Flora pointed out with a smile.
"Thanks." Alice said, scratching the back of her head. Stella came over and took her arm and put it back down at her side.
"Maybe it was manners that we had to be more serious about." Stella said. "Come on Alice! Think of all the cute boys you get to meet, they'd be DYING to talk to you looking like this and if you act like a Princess."
Stella placed a book on top of Alice's head. "Balance that until we have to go."
"Yes, Princess Stella. Whatever you say, Princess Stella." Alice chanted, making the others laugh.
The time soon passed, and they made their way to the hall. All the tables and the chairs had magically vanished, a band was playing in the corner and all the other girls who had arrived previously chatted excitedly to each other.
"Bloom's taking her time." Alice pointed out.
"Yeah, she's going to miss it all." Stella answered, pointing in excitement at the racing bikes heading their way. "Look! There they are!"
'But they are heading right for the windows!' Alice thought in panic, stepping back.
In fact, they did crash through the windows; but the windows did not break. It seemed like the windows were just like a pool of water as they emerged from them. The boys on the bikes rode over the walls until they swerved at the entrance of the hall, a little stocky man strode out of the window too, standing beside the head mistress. More boys filed into the room in two straight lines, six of which gave a torch lit with a blue flame to the bikers who rode their way over the walls in figure eights. A few others began freerunning, and others set off harmless indoor fireworks. It was just magnificent, to say the least. Once in a lifetime, never see again kind of thing.
Everything soon calmed down, the bikers parking their bikes where they stopped them and strode over to various girls in the audience; one came over to Alice, twirling his torch and it turned into a delicate rose.
"T-Thank you." Alice stuttered, earning her a boyish smirk and a bow. Alice heard the others giggle behind her, but she really couldn't care.
"Shall we?" He asked, in a kind voice. Why was it that he looked just like that fairy boy, but with black hair?
"Go have fun!" Stella exclaimed, pushing Alice into the boy. As soon as Alice fell into him, he took her hands and walked her out onto the middle of the dance floor. Alice just stared at her feet, nervous.
"What's the matter?" He asked.
"I can't dance..." She said.
"It's easy, just stay light on your feet and let me guide you; it will come naturally." He smiled.
You're in my arms
and all the world is gone
the music playing on
for only two
so close together
and when I'm with you
so close to feeling alive
They turned around to face each other, he nodded and smiled reassuringly. He clasped his hand in hers, with his other hand he guided her arm to rest on his shoulder.
"Are you ready?" He asked, she nodded with a gulp.
A life goes by
He stepped forward as she stepped back, twirling around the dance floor.
Romantic dreams must die
So I bid mine goodbye
And never knew
So close was waiting
Waiting here with you
They let go of each other and stood back, he took her hand and raised it up with his as they begun side stepping with each other.
And now forever I know
all that I want is
to hold you
He raised their arms into the air, prompting her to twirl her into him. As her back now faced him, her hand instinctively took his as they swayed back and forth. He twirled with her once again.
So close
so close to reaching
that famous happy ending
almost believing
He threw her away from him as she twirled once more.
This one's not pretend
Now you're beside me
He stepped forward to catch her, returning to a waltz.
And look how far we've come
so far
we are
so close
"Girls!" Bloom rushed into the room, still in her usual clothing that she always wore. a few people looked at her strangely. "I have to talk to you!"
Alice looked at Bloom's face, seeing the panic in her eyes. "I'm sorry, emergency; gotta go." She let go of him, and then rushed over to the rest of the girls. As the music continued on, Bloom soon explained everything that she saw: the Witches, the exact same ones that they fought the other day, were here! And they did something to the gifts the boys were going to present to the the girls of Alfea. Alice did not fail to notice that the boy she was dancing with was now dancing with another girl.
"I heard something about snakerats." Bloom explained. Tecna quickly pulled out her phone, which projected like a hologram as she searched for the creature. It said that if they bite you, then you could puke. Admittedly, that did not sound very pleasing.
"Ewww!" Stella squealed like the girl she is. "I bet those witches are just jealous because we are dancing with the boys!"
"Actually," Bloom started. "They're not after the boys at all. They're after your ring, Stella!"
"Yeah, but what do we do about the gifts?" Flora asked them.
"It's cool, no sweat. We'll grab them before the boys can get them," answered Musa.
"You may want to rethink that strategy!" Alice said in panic, pointing to the door. Brandon, who for some reason is under as a alias for Sky, and Timmy were both hauling a huge chest on the floor. They opened it and there they were; striped eggs. What were they? Pets?
"Don't see the snakerats though." Alice pointed out.
"They're supposed to hatch from inside the eggs," Bloom replied.
Stella clicked her fingers. "We need a counter spell - and fast!" She said, as they all joined hands with the girls beside them and formed a circle. "Focus your Winx, now girls!"
They all closed their eyes and began to chant, a glowing light formed from beneath arm level in their circle and made its way through the many couples dancing to the chest of the eggs. The chest lit up and the striped eggs were replaced with a diamond orange pattern. Brandon, who for some reason resumed the name of Sky, pulled an egg out of the box to give to a girl. As she opened it, her face filled with wonder as small butterflies burst from it with an enchanting glow.
Alice stumbled a little, one of the side effects of a powerful spell and yet - her first!
"Here you go, Stella." Brandon smiled, showing her one of the eggs.
She snatched it from his hands, holding it possessively from him. "An enchanted little egg. Thank you."
"Let me see it!" Musa playfully grabbed it from Stella's arms and inspected it. "hey, anyone remember the spell of the month from Teen Fairy?"
Should I? Since, you know, I was completely unaware of my fairy powers until a few days ago?
"Yeah I do," Flora said, taking the egg from Musa. "Let's give those witches a taste of their own medicine, shall we?" She chanted something in her same silky voice, and the egg glowed yet again. For a moment, the shape of a duck's beak shadowed from inside of the egg.
"What was that?" Bloom asked.
"The spell of the month from Teen Fairy." Flora stated. "Those witches are going to have quite the cute and furry problem on their hands." She then pointed to Bloom's clothes. "You should get into your dress now."
As Bloom took off and out of the room, Stella went off with Brandon and Tecna went over to speak with Timmy about computers. It seemed like they had so much in common.
Later on, Ms. Fairagonda walked up to Alice and Musa saying something about how the band was taking a break.
"I have something to ask of you two." She said. "Will you entertain us with your beautiful singing?"
Musa gave Alice a terrified look.
"You'll be fine, go." Alice said with a smile.
"You too, Alice." Ms. Fairagonda said, with that same smile that should be against the law in a situation like this. "I heard from Prince Sky that you are an amazing singer."
Wait, Brandon right? He is SO going to get it later.
They both went up onto the stage, beginning to sing slow songs. Well, Musa did. Alice just mouthed the words, because...she didn't want to ruin Musa's limelight. Yeah.
After two songs, Alice decided to leave the stage and head off to somewhere quiet where she nursed her slightly aching head with the circular motions of her finger against her forehead.
"Alice, right?" A voice called from beside her, as she turned around she saw the shining smile of the male fairy.
Alice looked at him with a bored expression. "Shouldn't you be inside, I don't know, being fawned at by girls?"
"You sound jealous." He chuckled, sitting down beside her.
"Sorry, I don't fall for guys I've only just met."
"I wouldn't call it falling for someone." She turned to face him, he was looking down at his feet. "I'm just an easy target."
"I wouldn't say that." She said, thinking. "I've had many fake friends before, but none of them stay around long enough to get to know me. While your fangirls practically know everything about you."
He smirked again. "Touché."
They remained in silence for a while.
"I see that you and my brother were getting friendly." He broke the silence.
"We were just dancing." She pointed out with a raised eyebrow. "And he's your brother?"
"I know." He looked at the sky with a sad smile. "It's just that, I hate the fact that he's so popular. He thinks he can have everything." He scrunched up his fist. "He's hurt me so much all my life that I hate it when he's happy."
And so he told her everything within the space of an hour, how Toma's mother died of a mysterious illness - causing their father to go into a deep depression. Until he met Julian's mother, who was the Celestial Fairy who roamed the lands of Dimensia. She had Julian, but because the powers of a Celestial Fairy outwitted that of his sword master father - Julian became the first male fairy ever. He used to get bullied a lot for it, and he was told that he could not apply to go to Red Fountain where his brother was going. It made him feel out of place, and even his brother bullied him for it so he did the only thing he thought was possible - try to act brave.
Sensing the rage building up inside Julian, she grasped his fist and tried to comfort him.
"I think you are trying too hard to be someone you are not, you're sort of like me. I was always different as well, no one from my school liked 'different' so I tried to fit in, like the things that other people liked although I didn't really like them. It's not worth trying to fit in, I figured that it was okay to be different. So I just fought for my own, and held my head up high. I didn't need friends." She smiled. "Until I met a bunch of misfits who crashed their ship into my back garden last year, who just happen to be my best friends."
"...Do you think I could have true friends?"
"Well, you can have me." She looked up into the sky. "It still doesn't excuse what those people have done to you, but it will heal a few wounds."
"I'm sorry I put all that on you, especially since tonight is supposed to be fun." She waved him off with a smile. "You're amazing at persuading people." He said.
A shooting star crossed the sky, leaving bright lights and white lines within it's wake.
"I just have a good family."
Alice imagined the faces of her dear mother and father, what they have done for her, what they have done for other people, her aunt and her weird way of showing affection to her dad - and she wondered when she'd get to see them all again.
She missed them already.
Alice and Julian slow danced around the gardens, talking and laughing as they did; the sounds of nature their only music.
"You look beautiful, my lady." He said against her ear, making her bury her face into the crook of his neck to hide her smile and the hint of a blush on her cheeks.
"Why, thank you; kind sir. I have to say you look rather dashing yourself." Her accent was a bit off since she had never been posh or known anyone posh in her whole life, but it still got a rather good laugh out of him.
"I'm being serious."
"And you think I wasn't?" Alice raised one of her eyebrows. "Fine, you look better than the jumpsuit guys."
"Well, that's rather easy to do I think. I never actually see them out of those things." He smiled.
Alice scrunched up her nose. "I don't think I'd even want to, in that matter." She said. "Do you know how much they could probably sweat in those things?"
"I've never thought about it, but it's still a pretty bad fashion statement." He commented.
"Here, here." She cheered.
If Alice had spidey-sense, she swore that she felt it tingling. It sounded like someone was shouting, and eruptions of noise could be heard only to those who were outside. They both ran to the front of the school, just to see the girls surrounding someone who appeared as if she was crawling. Alice soon realized who it was.
"Bloom!" Alice's eyes widened, as she dashed forward and pushed the other girls away to get a better view of her next door neighbour - now practically her dorm mate. "Are you okay? Are you hurt?"
"I'm fine." She spoke, but seemed rather upset. "I have good news and I have bad news...The good news is that I finally transformed! I grew my wings and it was totally awesome! But...They have Stella's ring! The Witches took your ring, Stella!"
"I don't think so," Giggled Flora. "Remember the spell I cast? The spell of the month from Teen Fairy?"
"Yeah, but what did it do?" Bloom asked. For a moment there was silence, but then the others burst out laughing.
Alice walked through the corridors in the school at night, thinking about the past two days and heaved a sigh. She stopped in front of a random door and lent against it; sliding down until she was hugging her knees.
After a minute, the door opened suddenly; making her fall flat on her back. When she looked up, she saw a slightly dishevelled Julian.
Alice narrowed her eyes. "Trust this door to be yours."
"I didn't really expect girls to literally jump from my door." He said, brushing through his blonde hair. "What's on your mind?"
She covered her eyes with her hands. "Why is it that, I haven't even grown my wings, when I already believe in fairies? I've already seen them, so why...?"
He sat down beside her, and lay down. "Easy, your friend managed to transform because she already believes that she is a fairy; and she is confident in her power." He said. "Meanwhile, you must not."
