I jolted in my seat as the bus pulled to a stop. I glanced around and saw we were in an unfamiliar city. "Castor City!" the driver hollered, and I scrambled out of my seat.
"Thanks" I said, jumping off the bus and landing like a cat. The driver said nothing, just shut the doors and raced off.
"9 out of 10 for that one Muse" I turned around and saw my cousin standing here, a small smirk on her purple painted lips.
"I think you should get your eyes checked babe, That was clearly a 10," I replied, walking over to her with a matching smirk.
"I'm so happy you are here!" she squealed, flying into my open arms. I chucked, hugging her back. Normally I'd push anyone who dared to touch me off me, but this was my sister-cousin. The girl could get away with anything with me.
"I'm happy too! Check out this place, it's so different from magic" I said, pulling away and looking around in awe.
If Magix city was the technology hub of the realm, Castor city was the magical hub. The buildings were all made from various shades of stone, with a slightly old-fashioned design that made them stand out in my mind. The streets were made of black-gey cobbles and stores lined the road like sentries. Every building had a distinct colour, the one closest to me was made of orangey-yellow stones complete with a sunflower coloured eve. The one next to it was made of bluey-greens, with a more hip vibe. Every building had its own unique flare and kind of reminded me of an old Earth city I read about, London I think. Magic laced the air and made everything shimmer and all kinds of magical creatures roamed. I could see down the street there was another street bisecting it and assumed it was a mirror image of this one. Somehow all the colours worked together, instead of creating an eyesore.
"It's gorgeous" I breathed, turning back and smiling at my cousin.
"Right? We came here a lot last year, the best town for witches" she said smiling at me.
I shot her a sympathetic look before turning around and noticing not just her two best friends-Sheerah and Vanna- were there, but two new girls. "You gonna introduce us or am I going to have to guess?" I asked, raising my eyebrow at Anthem.
"You don't recognise me, Muse? Shame on you" Vanna teaser, wiggling her finger at me like an unimpressed parent.
I laughed and rolled my eyes, walking over to her and pulling her into a brief hug. Her bright blonde hair shone brightly, styled in large curls with swoopy side bangs that covered one of her molten grey eyes. "How could I forget you, Vanna?" I asked, unable to keep the teasing tone out of my voice.
"Ignore her Musa, it's great to see you" Sheerah said smiling at me.
"It's great to see you too, Sheerah," I said, smiling. She looked stunning as usual, her long hair the colour of dried blood falling to her knees in a pin straight waterfall with a side fringe that framed her russet coloured eyes.
"These three we met today, they are actually our roomies." Anthem said, pointing to the other girls that I knew I had never met before.
"I'm Zephyrin but you can call me Zeph" A girl with dark skin and pale blue hair that fell to her ankles in cornrows said. "I'm the witch of pressure" she said, and I smiled at her, taking in her tight black leather minidress and spiked heels.
"I', Fianna, witch of hunting" the next girl said with a smirk on her deep green-coloured lips. I looked her over, taking in her teased straight dark orange hair and chestnut coloured eyes.
"That dress is bomb" I said, looking at her hunter green corset dress that went to her mid-thigh on her left leg and cut diagonally to her right ankle.
"Thanks boo, it's new" she said, winking at me.
The girl next to her rolled her eyes and pinned me with an unimpressed look. I felt her golden eyes roll over me, sizing me up. "Why is there a fairy here?" She asked, derision clear in her voice. I looked her up and down, taking in her black hair up in an elaborate braided updo and the way her makeup made her mid tone- black skin glow. Girl was gorgeous, that's for sure.
"Because I invited her. She is my cousin, " Anthem said, walking the stand slightly in front of me.
"You poor thing being related to a fairy" she replied, her voice syrupy and sweet and lacking the genuineness I noticed in my roommate's voice when I met her.
"Oh, you want-" Anthem started begging to get into her face. A dark purple glow was surrounding her, so I pulled her back and stepped forward.
"Look whatever your name is-" I started, only to hear my cousin whisper Kalahari. "Look Kalahari, I get you hate fairies and that's fine you do you, but you will not ruin my time with my cousin and friends. When we are hanging out, there is no witch fairy divide and I really suggest you don't make one otherwise I will make your eardrums bleed. You got that?" I said, letting my magic simmer to the surface.
She kept her face impassive as she looked me in the eye. A slow grin wormed its way onto her face, and I let the tension I didn't know I was holding drain from my body. "For a fairy, you are alright. I respect someone who stands up for their friends and family" she said, her tone thawing into what almost passed as friendly.
"We don't have to be friends or anything but just keep an open mind, okay?" I asked her. She looked in thought for a few minutes before she nodded and smiled, reaching out to shake my hand.
"Now that is settled, why don't we go get some food and hot the shops!" Fianna exclaimed cheerfully. I looked at Anthem and we shared matching cringes before we tried to smile. Though Fianna definitely caught us.
"You both don;t like shopping?" she asked us and we nodded sheepishly.
"That's okay, is there anything you need?" she asked, and I was about to shake my head before I remembered I had no bedding.
I told her, and she nodded. "Okay sweet, we can get some bedding for you, and maybe check out a few stores before getting some food and hitting the clubs" she said, her tone vibrant and making even me- a self professed cynic- believe it won't be all that bad.
"Okay sounds good, Let's get the bedding first." Sheerah suggested and like that we all strode off, excitement bubbling.
As soon as we got in the club, I made a beeline for the dancefloor. The music seduced me, wrapping around me like a lover and making my body move sensually. The other girls danced over; Fianna spinning Zeph around in circles. Sheerah had left our stuff with the staff as the magic around our schools prevented items from being teleported in. The mass of bodies moved like puppets to the music, the low light adding to the sense of ethereality that glossed each part of this club. The rock music made my body feel like it come alive, all sense of inhibitions being drained out of me by each beat of the music. The air was thick with the smell of debauchery and I breathed deeply, letting it feed my spontaneity. My cousin left and went to grab us some drinks and I looked over to see Vanna moving her hips against a dark wizard who held her firmly against him. She caught my eye and winked and I just mouthed 'get it' to her before losing myself to the song.
"Musa! Drink this, it is delicious." Anthem said, running over as fast she could in her spiked heels. The vibrant pink liquid in the cups sloshed bravely to the sides, but she used her magic to keep it from spilling over.
"What is it?" I asked her, not bothering to scream. I let my magic infuse into my words and make a direct course to her ear.
"Just try it!" She replied, and I shrugged before taking a deep gulp.
Flavour exploded over my tongue. A slight tanginess combined with a sweetness danced over my taste buds. I couldn't work out what it was, but it tasted good and tasted vaguely fruity. "It's good!" I called to her and got a radiant grin back.
I chugged the rest and let the music pull me back into my daze. Everything looked brighter with a fluorescent tinge. I felt energy flood my system and my happiness swell. I knew she had put some kind of drug in it, but since it was part of her magic, I didn't bother asking. I knew she would keep me safe, and anything she gave me would just further my experience.
We danced together, letting our bodies move in time with the wanted long thought before I felt hands wrap around my waist and saw a man walk up behind her. We shared a grin and ground into our respective guys. I don't know about her, but I savoured the way his grip tightened and his hands dug into the fabric of my jeans. I shut my eyes and let myself get lost in the moment. I felt exhilarated and like I could do anything. Eventually Vanna came over and started dancing with me.
"Sorry, lover boy, she is needed" she said, winking at the guy.
I almost wanted to punch her when I saw how beautiful he was. He has a sculpted face with dark amethyst eyes that were practically brimming with hidden secrets and unhidden lust. His tanned skin covered corded muscle and his maroon hair was gelled to perfection. Feeling brave, I pressed my front into him and leant up. I smirked at him before pressing my lips against his and sucking his lower lip in my mouth, gently biting it before stepping away, right as he went to kiss me. I winked at him and let a laughing Vanna pull me away, putting an extra swing in my step.
"Ooh girl, I saw you out there. Does my little cousin have a crush" Anthem teased, her eyes glittering with mischief as she sipped her drink.
Before I could reply, she thrust another drink into my hand and I sipped it, a small smirk on my face. "Nah cuz you know how I am" and she rolled her eyes, an affectionate smile on her face.
"And how is that?" Fianna asked, an amused expression on her face.
"Musie here doesn't do relationships. She is too stubborn and independent, even though I've told her so many times open relationships and polyamory are a thing." Anthem said, groaning at the end to let everyone know just how much of a burden I am on her,
"It's good to see a fairy with sense, You don't need a man, you are strong on your own." Kalahari said, giving me a fist bump to which I returned.
"Don't encourage her! I want nieces!" Anthem said frantically, making everyone laugh.
"I thought she was your cousin?" Zeph asked, and we explained we were more like sisters.
We did some shots, and Anthem checked her spell on us again. It was so good having a cousin who had the magic of raves and everything they encompassed- no hangovers for me! We trooped back onto the dance floor and messed around, and likely drew everyone's eyes to us. The witches were gorgeous, only an idiot wouldn't look at them. Slowly the crowd thinned, and we followed them out. At the door, I could feel eyes on me and I looked over to see the amethyst-eyed boys staring at me with such intensity any butterflies I had were burned by the sheer heat that erupted inside me. His friends nudged him and smirked at me, and I just looked at the group and smirked. Before exiting, I blew him and kissed and smirked, before slipping out and leaving a bunch of drunken men roaring with laughter.
The girls were waiting for me outside and Kalahari had our bags. I smiled at her as she passed me my bags.
"Thanks Kalahari, '' I said, my vision a little blurry. "Nah, girl, you are an honorary witch; no pixie would dance like that Call me Kala." She said, pulling me into a hug.
I grinned and turned to see my cousin beaming, undoubtedly stoked I was getting on with her friends. "How are we going to get home, it's 3am and the buses are out?" Zeph pointed out, and we all looked at each other in thought.
"Ah dammit the barrier goes up at 10pm too" I said, groaning at the thought of a chilly night in the forest.
"No stress Musie you can crash with me like old times." Anthem said, and I gave her a look.
"Girl I know you, You'll be having dream sex with Bastian and Rafferty, I'll just take the floor" I said, scrunching up my face in false disgust.
She just shrugged, knowing it was true. "How are we going to get her there? It's spelled against fairy magic." Sheerah asked, and they all looked at each other with uncertainty.
"Ooh, I have an idea!" Fianna said, smiling happily. "Do you mind if I do a spell?" she asked me and I shrugged.
"Good enough," she said. "Strigix" she called, letting a hunter green light cover her. Once it faded, I looked at her and had to admit she looked awesome.
Her teased dark orange hair was straight and messy, as if she had just left the forest. She had dark green makeup under her eyes and wore a dark green halter neck dress that went to her mid-thigh, with a deep v and black piping on the neckline. She had a thin black belt on her waist that matched the heel on her knee height heeled combat boot.
"Prey's camouflage," she called, glowing a dark green as her magic hit me and seeped into my skin. "It hides your fairy signature like how a prey tries to hide from a hunter. The Cloud Tower detectors won't be able to tell you are a fairy now." she said, smiling at me.
"Awesome, thank you!" I said, smiling at her. "How long does it last?"
"Long enough for you to get inside and for us to figure something out." she said, shrugging uncaringly .
No one else had an idea, so they all nodded and transformed. I love witch transformations; they differed from fairies- way quicker and more practical. My cousin stood there wearing a tight dark purple bodysuit with two thick straps and a sweetheart neckline. She had black ankle boots on and had a matching black chain choker. Her hair was left out with a black chain headband keeping it back.
Sheerah wore a pair of black leather boy shorts with a matching cropped vest top. She had her hair in a high ponytail and wore blood red mid thigh length boots. Vanna wore a gunmetal grey strapless dress that went to her mid-thigh with a black metal chain acting as a belt around her waist with matching knee-high boots.
I glanced over at Zeph and Kala and they looked killer as well. Zeph wore an ice blue coloured cropped shirt with skin tight matching pants, her shoes were white heeled boots and she had dark blue eye makeup and her hair was out. Kala wore a sand coloured romper that was tight with a scoop neckline and wore boots the same as my cousins and in black. Her hair was out in a long braid down her back.
"You all look sick" I said appreciatively, and they smiled .
"Better than the glittery monstrosity you fairies wear. Way more practical," Kala said, looking at her dark brown nails.
"Yea, for skulking in a dark alley" I snorted, and the others laughed while Kala glared. "She's got you there, Kala" Zeph said, giggling to herself.
Kaa rolled her eyes and muttered to herself. I thought I had actually offended her until she smiled at me and rolled her eyes exaggeratedly. Seeing I haven't offended her and ruined our precarious friendship, I stuck out my tongue and walked over to Anthem, looking at her expectantly. "So how are we going to get me there?"
"That will be me." Zeph said, smiling. "I have a secondary power in gravity so I will loosen the gravity around you so you can fly with us." she said, and I nodded, curious as to how this will all go.
She muttered a spell to herself, and a silvery glow encased her. It slowly trickled over me to me and the next thing I knew I was floating mid air. "Ready?" Zeph asked and once I nodded she walked over and took my hand. I must've looked at her because she explained. "If I'm holding your hand it means I can direct your flight path better" she explained, and I nodded.
We talked little on the fight over. The trees looked like a grade of broccoli below me, and I couldn't help but smirk at the thought. As we entered Cloud Tower airspace a sense of foreboding came over me, and I felt the energy I had in my body seep out of me like someone took out a plug. Anthem walked over to me to check on me and I smiled, letting her know I was okay. "I'll feel weird for a bit, but you'll feel better once we get in," she said, and I nodded, following them inside.
The castle had a gothic beauty. Reds, purples and blacks mixed, creating a beautifully haunting atmosphere. I followed the girls up to their room, and during our trek, Anth took the drug and alcohol effects off me. Perks of having her as a cousin. There were a few people out and about but none paid me any attention; perks of not dressing like the average fairy. We went down. I didn't have many corridors until we got to an imposing door. Fianna fed the door a pulse of magic and it flung open. Without a word we all entered, only to stop short.
"Headwitchress Griffen, what can you do for you this dark hour?" Fianna asked, a slight waver in her voice.
"Well, for starters, you can explain why there is an Alfea Fairy in my school and why you 6 sneaked her in." The imposing lady crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes, a slight dark magical aura surrounding her as she waited for an explanation.
"I thought my magic worked?" Fianna muttered, her eyebrows knitted together.
"To anyone except me it would've" Griffin said, her tone softening as a slight undercurrent of pride came through.
"I can explain-" I started when my cousin elbowed me. I glared at her and she rolled her eyes, clearly wanting me to shut up.
"This is Musa, my younger cousin. We went out to Castor City tonight and for some stupid reason Alfea shuts at 10pm so she couldn't get back in." Anthem huffed and rolled her eyes. "I wasn't going to leave her in the streets. She is my sister- cousin. Hell, I'd make her part of my coven if I could.'' she said, whispering the last part. I smiled at her and pulled her into a side hug, pulling as much love as I could behind my actions.
"That is all well and good, but she could go crying to Alfea saying we hurt her and further tarnish the reputations if witches." I could tell she was pissed, so I stepped out of the hug with my cousin and walked forward.
"I understand that; you can put me under a truth binding spell if it will help." I looked her dead in the eyes, not letting a single shred of indecision show. Sure, I was kinda over having spells cast over me, but this one was harmless, it just meant I wouldn't make up stories from my time here.
"You would be willing to do that?" Griffin spoke firmly, but I could head the undercurrent of disbelief in her words.
"Of course. It's not needed, I would never do anything that could harm my cousin or her friends, and spreading lies would do that. Pus, I subscribe to the Musen Code, and lying to create disharmony doesn't really work with that." I added, still not looking away.
She seemed to think for a second, scanning my figure and her students to make sure there was not an ounce of dishonesty in my words. "The spell will be unnecessary and you may stay the night here. Come by my office on your way out and I will program you into the system to Cloud Tower to allow you in. Just keep in mind this is a privilege and I will and Can revoke it at any point. Am I clear?" I nodded and said yes.
"Goodnight ladies. Pleasant nightmares." and with that she disappeared in a flash of dark light.
Everyone seemed to visibly sag in relief when she left. I looked at the girl and Anthem took me over to the staircase that led to her space on the second level. I followed her and saw that she shared the upper half floor with Sheerah and there was a clear divide.
"These will fit you." Anthem said, passing me some black cotton PJ shorts and a white singlet.
I shucked off my clothes and pulled them on as she did the same. She turned around and muttered a spell, a soft light covering the bed before it expanded. She climbed in and patted the space next to her as I crawled in.
"Everyone ready?" Zeph called, and we all said yes back, though I have no idea what I was saying yes too.
The room was immersed in total darkness after, as if someone had cast a total blackout spell. I shifted in bed before turning on my side and facing Anthem. I came face to face with her and she slid her hand into mine, holding it between us like when we were kids.
"I hope you had a great night Musa, I love you." Anthem whispered, as if her words would shift the darkness like a breeze disturbing the clouds.
"I did, thank you sister- cousin." I whispered back, squeezing her hand in reply.
"I'm glad, night Muse, oh and one more thing."
"Yea?"
"Welcome to Magix."
Hey everyone, I really hope you like this chapter! I know the other girls weren't part of it, but while Musa was with her cousin in Castor City, the other girls were in Magix meeting the Trix! Their friendships will take a while to cultivate, but by the end they will be very close.
In this story, nonmonogamous and non heterosexual relationships will be shown as well as traditional relationships, so you have been warned. The girls also won't necessarily start off with their canon boyfriends, but they will be endgame. I hope you enjoy the ride and enjoy seeing the girl's, especially Musa's, journey.