Choose your battles wisely
There was only darkness here. The world had gone quiet, nothing but ruby-red power crackling around her.
But it felt good in a way. Safe. No one here judged her. No one here looked at her in disgust or fear.
She vaguely remembered Selina. She had been scared. Of her. But why?
She could not seem to remember. She wanted to stay here, in the eye of the storm. Surrounded by nothing but the two red stars that glowed around her.Nothing but endless ruby-red crackling and buzzing around her, keeping her safe.
No one could hurt her here. Just her and her power. No one else.
Whispers seemed to come from outside her safe space, but who was it? Who called her name with increasing panic in their voice?
It seemed important, but what had she been doing before this? What had happened, before the darkness and anger and revenge and wrath had taken over completely.
Willow swallowed, her eyes zeroing in on the sphere of ruby-red power that had enveloped her friend. When Liatris' power exploded, she had at the last minute turned it upon herself, as if remembering she was a good fairy.
Not a dark one, despite the origin of her powers.
Her friend was not visible, but she kept on calling Liatris' name in the hope she would respond.
Willow? Willow was calling for her?
That seemed to snap Liatris out of her funk, the sphere disappearing and seeming to evaporate into thin air.
She blinked when her friend barreled into her, a relieved gasp leaving Willow's lips. Selina still looked at her with big eyes, not sure what tot say.
'Oops?' Liatris tried, the tension around them disappearing. Bloom let out a relieved sigh, and Liatris, somewhere deep within she was relieved too.
When Liatris looked upon it later, she had to admit it was not her best moment.
But Faragonda had seemed impressed, reminding her she had chosen the right solution when it came down go it. Even Bloom, who was now battling Acheron in the Legendarium world, had told her she had done well.
And it warmed her heart somewhat.
The mood in their room was happy, as both she and Willow packed their stuff to go home. One year already passed and with good grades.
They were not at the very best of their class but they were good enough, and that did wonders for their self-esteem.
A knock interrupted their false singing, Willow using her hairbrush as a microphone, jumping around as she pretended to perform the song.
Liatris' smile grew tight when she saw none else than Flora standing in the doorway.
Of all the Winx, she was by far the one Liatris liked the most. 'Going to a party?' the fairy of Dark Stars broke the silence, motioning to the long clearly formal dress Flora wore.
The nature fairy chuckled, nodding her head gently. 'A wedding actually.' Willow complimented her for her choice, going back to packing her last suitcase.
'I wanted to give you something.' Flora said, a book appearing next go her.
Liatris stuttered a thank you, opening the book. 'There are spells you can try and exercises on how to control your powers better. I thought it might help.'
The fairy gave her a blinding smile, grabbing the book closer to her chest.
'Thank you so very much.'
Flora also gifted Willow with another book, more attuned to her powers. With a warm smile, she disappeared.
Liatris was lugging her suitcases with her, when someone tapped on her shoulder. She turned around to see Etran, in rather formal wear. It looked as if he had some kind of royal finery on, and she had to admit it did him justice.
'You going to the same wedding as Flora ?' Liatris grinned, the specialist looking uncomfortable.
'Yeah, I do hate formal wear. But since it is my brother who is marrying Princess Daphne, Well...'
Liatris managed to hide her shock well, only now remembering that Thoren was Etran's older brother.
'Give him my well-meant wishes. Have fun! ' Etran nodded, waving while Willow and Liatris stepped onto the bus to Magix.
'I'll call you! See you next year!' Liatris shouted her affirmation back, waving back to Etran until he was out of sight.
It had been an eventful year but somewhere she was happy to go back home and see her parents again.
Willow grinned at her, their smiles widening when they saw their parents standing at the train station.
Liatris ran to her parents, enveloping them in a crushing hug. Over her father's shoulder she could see Willow hugging her parents and sister, Indigo.
The young fairy made a sign they would catch up later, when they all had settled down somewhat.
'How was your school year?' Cos asked, revving out of the parking lot. When it stayed silent, he and Amaryllis turned around, a chuckle leaving him.
Liatris was out cold, head lolling on her shoulder as a soft snore came from her lips.
A very eventful year apparently.
Liatris spent much of her vacation working a summer job and spending time with her parents.
She also caught up with Indigo, who was full of stories of her school year.
Another surprise was Etran who called every week, texting back and forth every few days.
Apparently she gained another friend and maybe something more, time would tell.
A sigh left Liatris as a summer breeze blew through her hair. Her parents and Liatris parents
were barbecuing, their soft and happy chatter filling the backyard.
And for once, Liatris could not wait to see what the future would bring.