S1E11 "The Monster and the Willow"

A sun-scorched Friday began with laughter. Musa sat cross-legged in Flora's room, giggling at the plants along her bed's perimeter. Flora sat behind her, removing elastics and bobby pins before passing a brush through dark, disheveled hair.

"Uh-" A plant outstretched a leaf in greeting. "What's this one's name?"

"That's Phil." Flora replied.

Musa shook the leaf as gently as she could. "Good morning, Phil."

Phil rustled with delight.

She'd met Tibs, Tooga, Jon, and Rex, with Phil rounding out the friendly bunch.

"How many plants do you have?"

"Ten-ish? Give or take. But there's also a couple I'm babysitting..."

Flora continued brushing, gently clearing away snags as Musa began to relax. While the majority of the plants had corralled beside the two, one remained distant. Its tiny, partially wilted leaves moved only on occasion, as if wary yet desperate for assistance.

"Is that one okay?" Musa asked.

"Hmm." Flora looked over at the plant. "Yes and no."

She flicked her index finger, and the plant's pot hovered its way towards Musa's lap. Looking downward, she watched as it immediately recoiled its leaves.

"It's a splice from the plant Stella killed." Flora sighed. "Poor thing's a bit traumatized."

Musa used her index finger to coax the plant out of its tightly wrapped ball, getting it to unfurl for a few brief seconds. The leaves were soft, like velvet, and strangely clammy in sensation. Musa couldn't help but see herself, and sympathize.

"Yeah…"

"They're not doing so well now." Flora rested her chin on Musa's shoulder. "But enough sunshine and medicine will work wonders eventually."

Musa tried again. With patience, the plant extended one of its leaves. The tiniest handshake ever made.

"It's so small." Musa said quietly. "Like a baby."

Flora nodded. "I know."

"Does it have a name, too?"

"Uh..." Flora placed her brush on one of the nightstands and rose to her feet. A vial of green liquid was opened, and two drops were pipetted into the plant's soil.

"Yes, actually."

Musa expected another cute nickname that would match the others. Like Bud. Or Tiny.

"Athanasius." Flora said instead. Her fingers fluttered in the air. "Athanasius Jr."

"Wow?" Musa blinked. "Okay."

The plant's pot hovered back to its previous location.

"Than for short."

The apartment entrance suddenly clicked open. Fast footsteps followed.

"Alright-" Tecna stepped into the room with a large, rectangular box. No library shift today, it seemed.

"Special delivery for Musa!"

Musa stretched her arms out. "Me?"

"Yup. And it's from-"

Tecna read the tag and paused. A wry smile appeared.

"The Wonder Boys."

The bed sunk under the box's weight. Musa crawled closer, untying the scale-patterned ribbon and curiously peering inside. She was hit with the sweet, powdery scent of candy.

"What-No way!" Musa dragged the humongous bag of egg-shaped sweets into her lap. "Really?!"

Tecna and Flora sat down beside her, grinning at her surprised reaction.

Beneath the bag lay a soft, yellow blanket. She stroked the microfiber with care before pulling it out and wrapping it around her shoulders. A crudely drawn picture of Squad #402 was also inside, at the very bottom. Each stick figure was in an action pose, with Sky's appearing the largest and sporting excessively large biceps.

Tecna let out a laugh. "Why does he look like that?!"

Musa handed some candy pieces to Tecna and Flora while they inspected the other gifts in amusement. More candy, packets of tissues, and dragon-shaped slippers (that were too big for her, but adored anyway) were added to the list.

"Wow, I-" Musa shook her head slowly in disbelief. "They sent me all of this?"

"Yeah!" Flora cupped her cheeks. "They're so sweet."

But the final item, a red insertable jump drive, was saved for last. Musa inspected it for a moment before handing it to Tecna, retrieving her laptop and speakers from the other room.

"Is it a video?" Flora asked. "A song?"

"Something like that." Tecna muttered. "Not sure exactly."

Musa returned. The jump drive was inserted, the speakers were paired, and the three leaned over on Flora's desk as a sound file labeled 'FOR MUSA' began to play.

"Hey Musa!" Sky's voice said. The other boys echoed him. "It's us!"

Musa beamed.

"We heard you're doing better lately?" Brandon's voice butted in. "If so, that's amazing!"

"But, uh-" Timmy's voice sounded distant, as if seated farther away. A rolling chair grew closer to the microphone. "We figured you'd do even better suckin' on cherry flavored dragon eggs!"

Tecna grinned. Flora pulled Bloom's chair to the desk so that Musa could sit down.

"An entire bag full!" Timmy continued. "Stole it from Coda's storage-"

"Dude-not on video-" Sky and Brandon mumbled out. "Um, there's also Lemon, Orange, and Grape."

Sky cleared his throat. "We bought you a blanket-"

"It's soft." Brandon added. "And you probably like soft things? Hell, I do."

"And it's yellow? Like mustard." Timmy got close to the mic again. Faint chuckling could be heard. "No wait-like the sun! Duh. Why didn't I think of that first-"

"Which I'm hoping you've gotten some today?" Sky said, sounding like a doting father. "'Cause that's important."

"We're not joking. Get some sun." Timmy's voice dipped in tone. "Or you'll get like, rickets, or something."

"Rick-" Tecna choked on her candy. "Where are they going with this?"

Flora and Musa giggled.

"So yeah-Just to cheer you up even more-" Rustling noises occurred. "We're also going to sing you a song."

Musa's mouth gaped.

"No-" Tecna's eyes bulged. "If they start singing, I swear-"

"Because personally, I have an amazing singing voice." Sky continued.

"We've heard it." Brandon added, holding in a laugh. "It's pretty hot."

"Like the sun!"

"Yes. Like the sun." Sky started laughing as well. "Circling back to our other points here."

"Guys, they are!" Flora nudged into Tecna's shoulder, placing an ear close to one of the speakers. Instrumentals started to play.

"O-Okay-Uh-" Brandon was sputtering out his words. Musa could hear the humor in his tone. "Timmy's going to try his best-"

"I will! Just let me-"

Feral squawking noises could be heard as Timmy warmed up his vocal chords. Sky and Brandon tried their best to contain themselves, but the mic picked up on their labored breathing and snickers.

"He just has to warm up-" Sky strained out. His voice moved away, and more faint laughing could be heard.

Timmy finished with a final screech.

"Alright, I'm set."

Tecna doubled over. Musa and Flora were shaking.

"Okay-" Sky returned to the mic. "One, two, three-"

What came next was the chaotic, un-synched mashing of the three boys singing voices. Lyrics were in there, somewhere, but hardly anyone could tell. Timmy was the first to break, cackling in the background until the others followed suit. Still, they tried to continue in vain.

"Damnit guys, what rhymes with suck?"

"Fu-"

"No!"

Sky's loud laugh rang out.

"Shit, we're off beat!"

"Where's the rest of the-"

The girls were reduced to hysterics.

"Musa! I'm sorry!" Sky's voice was filled with mirth. "This is a hot mess!"

Timmy snorted. "We're having technical difficulties!"

"But uh-" Sky sniffed. "Listen, we hope you're ok now! Alright?"

"If not, I'll stomp on him!"

"Here we go…"

"Brandon will stomp on Riven for you, if you want." Sky continued. "He's offering that."

"I am!" Brandon walked away from the mic, possibly into another room.

"Just know that we love you." Sky chuckled. "Seriously. We do."

"And hate seeing you sad!" Timmy added. "Breaks our hearts!"

"Hope you enjoyed our singing!" Brandon's voice returned.

"Especially mine." Sky crooned. "Damn, I was good-"

"First of all-"

"Did you hear me? I sounded amazing-"

"Are you sure-"

Sky mimicked Timmy's screeching. The chuckling started up again.

"Bye, Musa!" The boys said in unison.

The sound file ended. The girls took a second to recuperate, though every so often another swell of compulsive laughter erupted among them.

Tecna gripped her torso. "Ow."

Flora sat on the bed's edge to calm down. When Musa finally raised her head from the desk, tears streamed down her face.

"Musa?" Flora's laughter tapered off. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

"Yeah!" Musa giggled out. "Don't worry."

"These are happy tears."

In a small classroom on the West Wing's second floor, Bloom and Stella were enduring yet another agonizing lesson in Fairy Etiquette and Spell Formation. The chalkboard was scribbled with cursive letters, accent marks, and additional comments. Not that Bloom could read them, though. For the past five minutes, her eyes had been shut.

"So yes, please be wary of the enunciated 'o' vowel in certain spells." Professor DuFour said with her usual eloquence. She traced the written letter with a marble pointing stick. "The consequences of its mispronunciation can vary from inconvenient to catastrophic."

Bloom didn't hate DuFour; in reality, she was soothed by her pleasant voice, and admired her humble intellect. She only griped with DuFour's painstaking attention to detail, and tendency towards repeating herself. This quirk, paired with Bloom's lack of sleep, was a recipe for disaster.

Bloom felt the firm poke of someone's fingers. Her eyes opened to see a tired Stella nearby.

"Hang in there."

"Ugh..." Bloom muttered. Her eyelids felt heavy. "Is it time yet?"

"Almost." Stella muttered back, reclining in her chair. "Just a couple more minutes, I think."

With a wave of DuFour's hand, the board was cleared. A promising gesture. The rest of the drowsy class seemed to awaken from their morning stupors.

"Yes," DuFour adjusted her wide-brimmed hat. "That appears to conclude our lesson for today."

The fairies struggled to contain their relief.

Stella smirked with her eyes closed. "Hell yeah."

"On another note, however." The class halted. DuFour clasped her hands. "I would like to mention something further-"

"Kill me." Stella whined. Bloom sighed.

"As you all know, the midpoint of the semester is fast approaching. Many of you are excelling in this class, which I am delighted to hear. Great work, girls!"

The front row of fairies beamed.

"For others, however, this is quite the contrary."

DuFour immediately locked eyes with Stella.

"Why is she looking at me like that?" Stella mumbled from the corner of her mouth.

Bloom flicked her knee under the table. "You know why."

"For those that this statement applies to-" DuFour smiled. "Don't worry. You're in luck!"

"You're in luck." Bloom echoed to Stella. She flicked her back.

"An extra credit opportunity has arisen that I'll kindly offer to you all."

A large trifold poster was manifested before the class. It was an elaborate display of animated colors and special effects, with its focal point being a large willow tree with sparkling red leaves. Costumed dancers shifted about its base, led by an armored warrior with gossamer wings. Finally, almost three-dimensional in form, was the poster's title:

THE MONSTER AND THE WILLOW

"This afternoon, a theatrical performance of The Monster and the Willow will be held at the Magix Auditorium."

A swell of intrigued conversation occurred. Bloom was still transfixed by the poster.

"It has a forty-minute runtime, with a brief intermission. Tickets are reasonably priced as well."

"It's...moving." Bloom mumbled.

"Yeah." Stella replied. "They do that sometimes."

"If you view this performance, and write a short analysis of the play's enactment of spell formations," DuFour's eyebrows raised. "I'll happily drop your lowest test grade."

More conversation. There'd only been one test so far, the week before. Probably the longest one Bloom had ever taken.

"Quite generous, you'd say? Quite sudden?" DuFour continued. "Yes, I'd suppose..."

She stepped in front of the poster, casting her body in a red, shimmering glow.

"The Monster and the Willow is one of my favorite mythical stories. I've seen the performance on several occasions, and please believe me when I say that nothing compares to this particular rendition."

Bloom vaguely recalled the story's plot. In a thick-spined library book, pages mentioned the legend of the Undines-small water nymphs native to the Black Mud Swamp, under the constant threat of their enemies. One of which was a nightmarish creature that dwelled beneath their kingdom, claiming many lives. She didn't remember it having a pleasant ending.

"The production quality is superb. The level of immersion is...immaculate." DuFour said. "You'll be mesmerized upon first viewing, and every consecutive viewing afterward. Personally I'd-"

A shrill ringing noise drowned out her speech.

"Oop-" She pursed her lips. "There's the bell."

Stella did a full body stretch before rising from her chair. Bloom gathered her belongings and slung her backpack over her shoulder as she followed the exiting fairies.

"Continue with your studies, girls!" DuFour's classroom began to clear. "And to anyone seeing the play tonight, I look forward to reading your responses! Enjoy the weekend!"

Bloom and Stella strolled down the western corridor, already warmed by the sweltry morning air. Stella cinched a ponytail to air out her damp neck.

"Come see the play with me!" Bloom said enthusiastically. "Pretty please?!"

"Yeah..." Stella gave a half-hearted grin. "...no."

"Stella! Your lowest test grade will be dropped. Dropped!" Bloom whined. "Remind me again what grade you got on the test last week?"

"A thirty-seven. And a half." She replied. "You?"

"A sixty-four!" Bloom's shoulders hiked. "Which is still bad!"

The pair were interrupted by a few fairies' greetings. Stella waved and complimented them as they walked by, hastily introducing Bloom with an affectionate shoulder grasp. They were fast approaching the grand hall, where several bag-clad girls walked around in groups.

Stella sighed. "It just sounds like a lot of work."

"It's really not, though?" She replied. "A literal paragraph."

"I know..."

"You were freaking out in Palladium's Tuesday." Bloom slowed her pace. "What's different now?"

"I've already taken Potionology. Twice. Failed miserably, twice." Stella's eyes fluttered. "I'm practically failing now. Pretty sure failing a third time will get me kicked out of Alfea."

"Yeah, but-"

"Fairy Etiquette and Spell Formation wasn't offered last session." A smile began to appear on her face. "This is my first time taking it-"

"Stella-"

"So if I fail this time around-"

Bloom rolled her eyes. "Just watch the play with me-"

"I can take it again later." Stella joined the tips of her fingers. "With Timmy's notes. And..."

"Literally, just write the analysis-

"...boom! Done and over with."

Bloom cocked her head to the side. "Where's your Solarian perseverance, Stella?"

"Are you kidding me? Ha!" They continued walking towards the eastern corridor. "I'm totally persevering right now. I stayed awake today."

"Ugh...fine."

Bloom pouted, but soon a clever idea popped into her brain. She looked at Stella with big, innocent eyes. A moment of silence passed between them.

"Wanna go shopping with me, instead?"

Stella gave her a side glance.

Bloom sighed and shuffled her feet. "Can't show up to the Magix Auditorium in a tank and sweats..."

"No." Stella replied in a somewhat suspicious tone. "Absolutely not."

"I heard there's a store that just opened up. In the square..." Bloom continued. "The one with all the pretty new dresses? Can't remember the name, but-"

Stella's eyes narrowed.

"Might be fun to check out."

Bloom's lips puckered as she returned Stella's side glance.

"Or whatever."

"Are you-" Stella scoffed. "You're tempting me, aren't you?"

"Me?" Bloom remained as coy as possible. "No...?"

Stella stopped in her tracks. She gave Bloom an amused smile, with her hands placed at her hips.

"Damnit." Bloom was yanked towards the apartment a few doors down. "It's working."

As they walked inside, a rosy-cheeked Tecna ate a bowl of cereal while leaning over on the kitchenette countertop.

"Good morning." She said while swallowing. "What'd you guys learn today?"

"Nothing I can remember." Stella winked. "Bloom?"

"Long O, good." Bloom said. "Short O, bad. And possibly explosive."

Tecna snickered.

"We're actually heading out like, right now." Stella said as she approached. "Want to come with us?"

"Where?"

"Magix City." Bloom replied. She tossed her backpack onto the loveseat. "We're going shopping in the square."

"Then we're seeing a play later."

"What-" She turned on her heels. "You're going with me?!"

"Yeah." Stella's eyes rolled. "Might as well."

Bloom gave her a wide, toothy grin.

"Don't give me that."

The grin widened.

Flora entered the living room. She was sucking on a grape-flavored candy that stained her lips purple. A handful of multi-colored wrappers were thrown into a nearby trash bin. Entering the kitchenette, she offered to pour more cereal into Tecna's bowl.

"It's at the Magix Auditorium, which definitely has a dress code." Stella said. "I'll buy everyone's tickets. And dresses, to be honest. I don't mind."

Tecna finished her bowl. "I'm in."

"Yes." Flora beamed. "Me too!"

"Can I go?"

The others turned to see Musa, wide awake and wrapped in a yellow blanket. Stella giddily bounced on her feet before running to embrace her.

"Musa?!" Stella yelled. "Honey, you're up! That's crazy!"

"Yeah, I know!" Musa giggled back. "Saw the sunrise and everything."

"You're okay now?" She gripped Musa's shoulders. "Feeling better?"

"Mm-hmm." Musa nodded back. "I'm okay."

"Of course you can come with us. Duh!" Stella pointed around. "Let's get ready. Who's getting dibs on the showers?"

"First!" Musa walked towards the bedrooms. "Come with us. You need to see something."

"Huh?"

"The package arrived!" Flora explained, pulling Stella and Bloom's hands. "Musa's 'Get Well' present?"

"It did?!"

"Yeah." Tecna pulled out the jump drive. "And this came with it."

Stella gawked. "What in the..."

"Just sit down and listen to it, guys." Tecna smirked. "You have to witness this masterpiece for yourselves."

Bloom and Stella exchanged looks as they were directed into desk chairs.

The Vault was crowded, despite its two current occupants. Countless books were suspended in air, rotating and flipping their pages like flocks of wild birds. Icy and Stormy maneuvered between them and scanned for any and all information related to the elusive Dragon's Flame. Every so often they would look to the Vault's entrance for Darcy, who was now officially (and suspiciously) late.

Icy slammed a book shut. "The fuck's taking her so long?"

Stormy was hovering upside-down with her legs crossed. She tossed the book she was reading, and it spiraled towards a stone wall before bouncing back and returning to its original position.

"Maybe she's sleeping." She replied. "It's still morning, right?"

"Not even close."

Stormy's eyes widened.

"And since when," Icy yanked down another thick-spined book. "Since when has Darcy ever slept? Tell me."

"Hmm..." Stormy pursed her lips. "...wait! Two years ago..."

"Nope, that time doesn't count! She was unconscious."

Previously scanned books were dropped to the ground, providing space for a new, unscoured set. With a flick of their wrists, each was opened simultaneously.

Stormy shrugged. "Maybe she's with Riven?"

Icy rolled her eyes. "Riven doesn't come on Fridays."

"Well-"

Stormy held her tongue, despite having the strongest urge to laugh. Icy cut her a dissuasive glare.

"She never used to do this shit before. Half the time she'd be here before I was!" Her white hair floated as she joined Stormy's bat-like stance.

"I wish she'd cut it out, too. It's getting annoying."

Icy pulled a book into her lap. "Have you found anything yet?"

"No. Nothing we don't already know." Stormy turned up-right and floated towards the ground. "Damn, my eyes hurt. There's not enough light in here."

"How many books left?"

"A least a hundred more."

"Fuck."

"Loans are maxed." Stormy sighed. "We've checked out half the damn library."

Icy eyed the Vault entrance once more, which was upside-down in her vision. She already knew what would happen if she spotted Darcy, and how quickly Riven's ass would be drop-kicked from the apartment if seen with her. It was only a matter of her own patience.

"We'll give her five more minutes." Her eyes narrowed. "Five."

Stormy nodded. Time elapsed as their search continued, producing nothing but disappointment and eye-straining headaches. One final glance at the entrance made Icy drop to her feet.

"Ugh!" She started stomping up the stone steps. "This bitch-"

Stormy laughed and joined her. The Vault entrance was kicked open, and every consecutive hallway door was unlocked afterward. Bathrooms, bedrooms, closets-all empty, and devoid of her idiot sister.

"Darcy!"

"Darcy?!" Stormy cupped her mouth. "Dar-cy!"

Icy circled around to Darcy's bedroom and ventured inside. Nothing seemed out of place.

When she looked down, a tiny index card rested on the Damask-patterned pillowcase. It nearly crumpled in her hand as she brought it towards her face. Three words:

[We'll be back]

No. Not angry. A stronger adjective would be necessary.

"Did she-" Icy felt her mouth twitch. "Did they just-"

"Yup." Stormy crossed her arms. "They totally did."

Icy closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. She walked out the bedroom and quietly closed the door, silently returning to the living room without comment. But this silence only served to make Stormy nervous. Icy's back was turned, and no doubt was there a seething, hell-raising scowl behind it.

"Stormy?" She said without turning around.

"Yeah?"

A frosted hand was outstretched.

"Get me my phone."

An exclusive restaurant was slammed with afternoon patrons. Nearly every table was filled, but by one couple's request, a section of seating was left vacant. The lights there were dimmed, and two pairs of glowing eyes met in the darkness. On the opposite ends of a glass table were Reginald and Delilah, middle-aged elites hailing from a city they refused to name, in a realm they couldn't remember.

Reginald, with salt-and-pepper hair and a goatee to match, pointed to a nearby bottle.

"Pass me the wine, babe."

"Babe?"

Reginald cleared his throat. "Pass me the wine, darling."

They struggled not to laugh. Delilah offered the half-empty bottle to him as she forked through a truffle-laced pastry.

Reginald and Delilah. Ricardo and Damaris. Ron and Dani. The names were exchangeable and infinite. But with each, the same elusive, captivating aura remained. They'd catch the waitstaff spy from behind their stations, and watch how quickly they blushed when spoken to. A young waiter had taken particular interest in the woman, to the annoyance of the painfully handsome man.

The waiter approached in a timely manner, an unopened bottle in hand. Another glass was poured for her, and only her. Reginald refrained from laughing.

"I have not yet had the pleasure to ask..." His eyebrows raised. "...the names of the delightful patrons I am serving today?"

Shit. A silent exchange occurred. I'm Ramiro, right?

Reginald.

Oh.

"I am Delilah." The woman announced, hastily swallowing her wine. She extended a ring-adorned hand, which the man tenderly held in greeting.

"Delilah." His cheeks were already beginning to flush. "A name like no other. How beautiful. Almost as beautiful as the lady who sits before me."

She smiled.

Reginald smirked.

Fucker.

Delilah cut him a glare.

Don't. Just play the part for now.

"And this is Reg-"

"Hello." His intense eye contact was unmatched. "I'm Reginald."

Delilah rolled her eyes.

The man cleared his throat and offered an apologetic bow. "D-Delighted to serve you as well, Mr. Reginald, sir."

He reclined in his chair.

"Bring an extra bottle."

"R-Right away-"

The waiter scurried off, leaving the two alone again with their thoughts.

We've been here too long. Delilah sighed. I think it's time we head out.

Reginald started pocketing the unused silverware.

Back to the square? Or back to Cloud Tower?

Square. I'm not getting cooped up in that muggy apartment all day.

Reginald nodded. Alright.

Delilah rose from her mahogany chair and straightened out her dress. Reginald rose as well, and they mutually preened each other for dust and wayward clothing before warping out of the restaurant. Returning to the Magix City square, they dipped into a nearby alleyway as their body's transformed.

Salt-and-pepper hair shifted to magenta, and olive skin became dusky in color. Years of age were removed in an instant, and Riven begrudgingly recognized himself in the wall's mirrored panels.

Looking over, he saw Darcy walking alongside him. She reached for his hand, and together they reappeared on the alleyway's other side. The sun's rays were not kind, and caused both of them to squint their eyes in pain.

"Ew." Darcy muttered as she placed a hand to her brow. "The sun's still out."

As their eyesight adjusted, a fountain-centered courtyard filled with people came into view.

Riven smirked. "Let's find something else to do."

He loved how Darcy moved; like a mist, effortlessly phasing through people as she passed. He watched as she maneuvered them forward, while transfixed faces broke their backs to stare. Looks of fear, fascination, and more. She had an enchanting presence, and a streetwise finesse that felt familiar in more ways than one. He was pulled to her side, and they walked in sync along the rows of shops and food vendors.

One shop sold sweet-smelling potions, tucked away on shelfs or paraded around in testing trolleys. A midnight blue bottle with frothing mist was being advertised as "the living dream", one that brought "continuous, satisfying sleep" to anyone that purchased it.

Riven scoffed. "We need that."

"No way." Darcy teased back. "Not with the streak we have going..."

Riven hadn't slept in days. Three days, to be exact, with little effect. During the week, Hawk and Jason were often knocked out by nine, rising early with him the morning after. In the twilight hours, Riven and Darcy would sneak out and prowl the nighttime scene. But today's excursion was unusually late (or early, depending on who asked), and any minute now would Icy and Stormy hunt through the streets after them. Darcy would live, if caught. But would he? That was debatable.

"Wait a minute-" She halted him. "Look over there."

The Magix Auditorium, a uniquely shaped building made of glass and gold-laced marble, was swamped with people. A high-profile event, given the wide array of sparkly dresses and suits each person was wearing. Darcy gave him the biggest debonair smile, gesturing him into a nearby alley with a curled index finger.

"Dinner and a show, huh?"

"Maybe." She replied. "I've never been inside."

Riven shook his head. "Me either."

"Well then." Darcy swiped a lock of hair off her shoulder. "Guess there's a first for everything."

"So..." She crossed her arms. "Names?"

He went through their usual roster.

"Robert and Doris again." He chuckled out. "And I want my goatee back. Extra fluffy please."

Darcy playfully rolled her eyes.

"It's giving geriatric, babe." She said with a smirk. "Let's keep it under thirty."

He looked her up and down. "You made such a hot granny, though..."

"Stop."

Riven thought some more, giving newer names a chance in the spotlight.

"Dropping the matching scheme, how about Axel-" He placed a hand to his chest. "-And Bianca."

"Hmm...okay."

"Patrick-."

"Nope, go back."

"Axel and Bianca?"

"Yeah..." She purred out. "I'm liking it, it fits, but...I don't know..."

"Well, I mean-" He crossed his arms. "What are we going for, exactly?"

"Hot. Rich." Her eyes widened. "Hot and rich."

"The usual?" He nodded. "But with a little more old-timey charm."

"Precisely."

"Mm."

He pointed to her.

"Charlotte."

Then to himself.

"Theo-dore."

The last syllable was drawn out to perfection.

"Ooh. Yeah..." Fingers danced along his shoulders. Darcy wrapped around to his side with a hand to his chest. "I think that's it."

She took a few steps back.

"Now, for the look."

Darcy went ginger, with cat-like brown eyes. Her clothes became a long fringed dress in the color scarlet, with sheer fabric exposing her slender back and shoulders. Paired with stilettos, an elegant updo, and long black showtime gloves, the dazzling red-head she'd become was now ready for action.

Riven let out a whistle, grinning like a fool.

"Shush." She instructed Riven to remain still. "Your turn."

He squinted his eyes shut, making Darcy utter a laugh. He'd get used to the feeling of his body changing eventually. When he opened his eyes, he removed his gloves to see pale hands beneath them. His hair felt longer, enough to pass his shoulders, while a patterned red turtle neck stuck out from beneath his black suit. He stretched out the collar with two fingers. It was when he caught sight of himself in an alleyway reflection that finally shot Darcy a look of outrage.

"B-Blond?!" He glared at her with large blue eyes. "Anything but blond, Darcy! We've been over this!"

Darcy threw her head back. "Oh, come on."

"I-" He grabbed some of his hair. "I look like him. Like fuckin' Brandon!"

"No you don't."

Riven mimicked one of Brandon's usual facial expressions-a watery-eyed smile- and nearly hurled at his own reflection.

"Yes, I do! Darcy, please!" He whined. "I'm begging you!"

"Nope!" She pointed to the emptying crowd. "See, they're filling in already. We don't have time."

"Fuck-"

She approached him from behind. Her nose tickled his jawline as she snuck in a kiss. Even then, he was still upset, unwilling to budge from his disapproving position. With a huff she obliged, shortening his hair to his shoulders and darkening it to tawny brown.

She rested her head beside his. "Better?"

He sighed.

"Yeah."

"Big baby..." She muffled into his ear, teasing him as they walked their way towards the Magix Auditorium.

A ticket-punching attendant guarded the entrance. Riven tensed, until he remembered the witch he had the current pleasure of being with.

"If anyone asks," Darcy muttered. "We're a pair of Callistan up-and-coming socialites."

"Got it."

The large, gold-vested man uttered a single syllable before his entire face went blank. Darcy and Riven slinked their way inside, entering a glass-paned atrium filled with marble benches and wide-leaf ferns. An abstract sculpture resided at its center, and soft classical music played in the background.

"Nice..." Riven said quietly. He wanted to look around, but Darcy quickly pulled him along as the ticket-master regained his senses.

They followed the clicking heels of the surrounding attendees, who were all headed towards the Auditorium. They copied the other walking couples, interlocking their arms with their heads held high and avoiding eye contact to keep themselves from laughing.

But when they stepped through the archway, the charade stopped.

The stage was wrapped by a sea of golden chairs on all three sides. Tiered sections were placed above them, all while hundreds of echoing voices filled the space. A large, iridescent chandelier hung from the impossibly high ceiling, casting a shimmer everywhere that resembled falling stars. Riven had never seen anything like it.

"Not sure what we've gotten ourselves into…" She fixed her dress. "But I'm glad we're doing it."

"Um-Do you-" Riven tried to say, distracted by the sight. "Where are we sitting-"

Darcy flashed them up to the middle row of the hind partition, where light from the chandelier was unable to touch.

"Perfect."

He leaned over next to her ear. "Nobody can see us in this spot."

"No." Darcy pulled him in by his chin. "I don't think anyone can."

Their kiss was interrupted by the loud ringing of Darcy's phone. It startled them both, and when she retrieved it and eyed the notification screen, she groaned.

"Damnit." Darcy whined. "It's her."

"Don't answer it, then."

"Don't answer it? Ha!" She rolled her eyes. "That's a death wish."

The call was answered, and the phone was tentatively brought to her ear. "Hey."

Icy's voice was shrill and scolding in tone, causing Darcy to hover the phone a few inches away as Riven listened on in amusement. This continued for a few painful moments, until on impulse, Darcy ended the call.

She half-smiled. "That was an accident."

Riven let out a laugh, until his phone began to ring just the same.

Darcy's smile faded.

"Now she's calling me?" Riven pulled out his phone. "Oh, she's big mad."

"Ugh..." Darcy reared her head back. "Okay just...pick it up. I'm dead either way."

Riven answered this time.

"Riven." Icy's silvery voice answered back. "Sweetheart."

"Yeah?"

"Is Darcy next to you?"

He looked over. Darcy bit her lip.

"Maybe."

"If she is, can you kindly deliver this message for me?" She sweetly replied. "On speaker, please."

Riven stared at the chandelier.

"Okay."

"Darcy has some really important stuff to do today. With us. I'm sorry she forgot to tell you that before running off."

Darcy braced for impact.

"I want you to tell her," Icy's giggle was rare and terrifying. "That if she doesn't come back to Cloud Tower in the next five minutes, I'm going to find her and yank out each strand of her hair until she's fucking bald."

Darcy grimaced.

"Um." Riven gawked. "Okay."

"And if she ever hangs up on me like that again," Icy continued. "I'll shove my foot so far up her ass, she'll fucking TASTE IT!"

Her voice was surprisingly loud. Riven nearly tossed his phone to the row in front of him.

"Okay?" Icy said. "Understand?"

Riven took a deep breath.

"Yes."

She sighed. Stormy's faint laughter could be heard in the background.

"Thank you."

Icy hung up, leaving the couple stunned in their chairs.

"She wouldn't..." Riven asked. "...actually do that, would she?"

Darcy blinked.

"She's tried before."

After a moment of deliberative thought, they quickly rose from their sitting places. But just as they began to shuffle out their row, Darcy placed a hand to Riven's chest and instructed him to stay behind.

"No." She said with a tinge of fear. "Stay here, please."

"What? Why?"

"She seems really stressed out right now." Darcy gently pushed him back into his chair. "And I don't want her lashing out at you. Because she will, I promise you that."

"Darcy-"

"Just stay and watch the show. Enjoy your early weekend. What's it called again-" She picked up a discarded playbill. "The Monster and the Willow. Sounds cool enough."

"But-" Riven gestured to himself.

"It'll wear off, don't worry. Just lay low, and I'll try to come back and join you."

She finally planted a kiss on his lips. With her departure towards the exit, a blue-eyed, tawny-haired Riven sat in uncomfortable silence. The auditorium didn't seem as interesting as before, now too crowded and warm for his liking. He couldn't follow her home, but he could save himself from his current hellscape and retreat to a place nearby. Like maybe-

"Excuse me!"

Riven lost his train of thought. His nose was assaulted by amber and cloying citrus.

He looked up to see Stella glaring down at him. Two crystal suns dangled from her ears.

"These are reserved seats, sir. You can't just sit anywhere."

What a small world.

He looked behind Stella to see the others, growing surprised at their formal attire. Bloom and Tecna looked feminine for once, and Flora's hair was feathered back into a single, jewel-adorned braid.

And Musa.

Moose.

She was there, too. Mere inches away, with a bright and glowing face. And a white pantsuit. And a host of other strange and amusing details that overwhelmed him. He was silent, and staring terribly hard, but she was too distracted by the sparkly chandelier to notice.

"Hello!"

Stella snapped at his face. Riven would have cussed her out by now. But Theodore probably wouldn't, so he held his tongue instead.

"Sorry, miss." He droned out. "My apologies."

He climbed over the row and walked towards the stairs. He'd stay and watch for now, though he'd likely have to move again to accommodate the paying ticket-holders. He sat down in a chair some rows back, close enough to see the girls claim their seats. More details about Musa were noticed, like the treble clef pin securing her hair, the stencil-like design at her nape, and the sight of her actual legs. Musa in tight-fitting pants was unheard of, but apparently she'd had a change of heart.

A change that was promising.

"Can't believe some people..."

"Relax, Stella." Flora sat down next to Bloom, being careful not to snag her tulle dress. "It was an honest mistake."

Stella sighed.

"Kinda cute though." Bloom muttered out. "Don't you think?"

With a moment of stubborn hesitation, Stella nodded. The other girls giggled as she rolled her eyes.

"Okay..." Stella began to dig around in her purse. She whipped out a pen, while Bloom whipped out some folded paper.

"How about I watch the play," Stella handed Bloom the pen. "And you write down what the spell formations look like?"

"Ha! No." Bloom handed the pen back, along with the paper. "How about I watch the play, and you write down the spell formations."

"My handwriting sucks, though."

"So does mine!"

"Damnit, Bloom!"

A back and forth motion occurred. Flora and Tecna crossed their legs in amusement. Musa leaned over to see.

"Okay! Okay? Hear me out." Stella giggled, straightening out a dress strap. "How about we both watch the play-"

"Yeah?"

"And both write about the spell formations?"

They exchanged satisfied looks.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Tecna smirked as she stared at the chandelier. "Maybe not, ladies."

"What?" Bloom and Stella said simultaneously. "Why?"

The lights dimmed.

"Oh." Stella sunk in her chair. "Duh."

The play began. Shifting colors, manifested stars and shapes appeared on the stage in a way that resembled motion, and movement through time. The narrator, unseen, spoke with a projected, reverberating voice that sent chills down the audience's spines.

"Magix." The narrator spoke. "A land of old."

"Oh shit." Stella muttered. The other girls' eyes were glued to the stage.

"Born of flame, and blessed with life."

A flourish of flames bathed the Auditorium in light. A smoldering planet was zoomed in upon, revealing ash, clouds, foliage, and finally, open land.

"Among its swamps, its bogs, its blackest marsh."

Cattails appeared, and the land flushed to dark browns and greens. The sounds of croaking frogs and the flashing of fire-flies created the familiar scene.

"Hark!" The narrator exclaimed. "Here, The Undines reside!"

The costumed dancers flashed onto the stage. They were dressed in sheer, billowing fabric that trailed alongside their arms and legs like fins.

"Ruled by Algae."

While the others were dressed in shades of blue and purple, one was dressed in shimmering gold. She danced within the air, possessing twice as much fabric while an intricate crown hovered above her head. The other dancers bowed, doing a laudatory flourish of their webbed fingers.

"Whom lies upon the Golden Throne."

Queen Algae was lowered to a translucent dais, elegantly reclining on her throne with a peaceful expression. More undines attended to her, kissing her delicate hands and offering plates of food and drink.

"Within a submerged kingdom." There was a wryness to the narrator's voice. "An aquatic home."

Here, the magic truly began. Beyond the stage, the Auditorium's walls bore the bubbling effects of a submerged environment. Rainbow-colored paper fish were enchanted to float above the crowds, appearing life-like upon closer inspection. The audience let out a series of "oohs" and "ahhs", outstretching their hands in wonder as whimsical music played. A magenta fish approached Musa at the end of the row, humorously pecking at her hair before swimming off again.

"Okay." Stella smiled, with a hand in the air. "This was totally worth it."

"See?" Bloom petted a blue fish. "Told you."

Tecna inspected a fish for its inner mechanisms. "Fascinating."

"Yet, under constant threat." The narrator continued "Above all, by one."

The fish crumbled to sparkling dust in her hands. The music changed to grow sinister in mood. The scene shifted, appearing to sink deeper and deeper, dimming the lights of the stage.

"A monstrous creature, beneath the depths."

Something hidden was unfurled, large and rounded in shape. The faint, guttural noises were unnerving, and many nervously shifted in their chairs. The creature sounded too close for comfort.

"Unyielding. Unrelenting."

A flash of dark red scales, and nothing more. Nothing but shadows, and the horrible workings of the girls' overactive imaginations.

"How cruelly, sorrow awaits."

The girls grew tense. The sound effects were unreal.

"Ah-what was that?!" Flora quickly turned her head. "Where is it?"

A finger poked her neck, causing Flora to yelp. Tecna snickered as she was chastised.

"Many Undines had fallen to its might."

A procession of dancers fell in an oscillating dance, neatly landing upon one another as the bubbling of the water's surface was casted upon their bodies.

"Until one fateful day." The narrator said with hope. "A Warrior, small and bright..."

And bright, they were. The Warrior stepped onto the stage in glowing white armor, brandishing their sparkling hands. Wings made of wire and fabric as thin as spider's silk fluttered idly behind them. They trampled over ferns and stones, appearing no bigger than a housecat in perspective.

The audience squealed at the young performer, who smiled and waved in a brief break of character.

"Wait-" Tecna leaned forward. "I-Is that a kid?"

"They're so cuuute!" Flora cooed.

"In search of xilith, the bearer of life."

The hovering Warrior picked up flat-leaved ferns in their path, gathering them in their arms like poster boards. The environment then changed to a river's bank. The Warrior dipped a toe, before "diving" in, and rapidly changing the scene.

"They took up the gallant quest, and traversed the treacherous waters."

Across a watery backdrop, the Warrior "swimmed", an orb of white contrasting against the blues, grays, and murky purples.

"To the Black Island, where xilith was rife."

The Warrior suddenly stopped, looking around in alarm. With a boosted voice, they spoke to the audience.

"But alas! It's here!"

"The Warrior cried."

They looked left, then right.

"The one they dread! The one they fear!"

"Destroyer! Fiend! The Creature of Ruin!"

The audience rustled, awaiting the creature's appearance.

"Come to devour!"

The Warrior crouched down, with tightly wrapped wings.

"Devour me, soon!"

The gesture froze Musa in place. Her mind repeated the words, and she stopped breathing, gripping her knees so hard she nearly tore her pant's fabric. A rush of events played out in her mind. The sounds she remembered and the fear she felt were both paralyzing.

"Musa?" Tecna noticed the pause. "Musa...hey?"

The orchestra swelled, and the creature was revealed. Like the fish from before, a large, monstrous head was projected into the crowd. Screams and shouts rang out as the contraption barreled up the rows, roaring and casting red light in its path. It whipped around, and soon it would head up the girl's partition. It would use its crag-like teeth to devour the Warrior. And soon, it would devour her. At some point, her heart stopped.

"Hey, it's not real!" Tecna reassured her, to no avail. "It's a projection! Just magic and paper!"

She began to fidget in her seat, hiking up her knees in a protective stance. Musa's world shrunk rapidly in size, honing in on the roaring beast headed straight towards her. Only her.

"Musa, what's wrong?" Flora said.

"No-"

"Honey-"

"F-Fuck! Please-N-No-" Musa's cried out, eyes widening as the head's mouth widened. "No!"

"Musa!"

"NO!"

She dashed from her chair just as the creature's mouth slammed shut and retreated towards the stage. Frothing purple mist trailed its wake. Up the stairs she went, past her friends, and past the seat-hopping man with glowing eyes.

"Musa!" Tecna turned in her chair.

"Damnit-She's gone!" Stella watched Musa disappear beneath the archway. "Why didn't DuFour mention this shit happening?!"

"Is she okay?!"

The Warrior collapsed into purple, billowing fabric, and the show curtains were drawn. Audience members loudly discussed the event, some rising from their chairs and wringing their stiff necks.

"Okay, that was too much, even for me!" Bloom said with a hand clutched to her chest. "I think it messed her up, big time!"

Flora looked around at the walking people. "I guess we're at the intermission?!"

"Perfect," Stella instructed them to rise and walk outward. "Let's go get her!"

Riven dipped out just as the girls did, listening for the sound of Musa's footsteps. While they ran towards the atrium, he instead ventured down a right-hand hallway. She sounded close, and he almost had the urge to call out to her, but a couple wrong turns left him lost and alone with no sense of direction. He briefly peeked into the bathrooms-all stalls were currently empty. Further down the hallway he went.

A flash of white then crossed his vision, heading right. He ran after it, slowing to a power walk as he eyed the floor's contents. Money, pieces of candy, a funky-patterned cell phone-almost the entirety of someone's bag, strewn about like a bread trail. And no doubt, Musa's.

"Damnit, Moose..." He said under his breath.

One by one, he picked the items up, ultimately finding the closed-off waiting area the items led to. He saw her there, facing the sunset on a marble bench with her head in her palms. On the verge of hyperventilating, judging by her rising and falling chest.

He stepped closer, but a thought stopped him in his tracks. Riven was only trying to comfort his traumatized friend. But to the world's knowledge, Theodore was blatantly stalking a distraught teenaged girl. One screw up, and he'd have Musa threatening to call the authorities.

Somehow, he'd justify his forwardness.

"Miss?" He said cautiously, appearing casual yet concerned. "Um...so...you dropped a bunch of stuff down the hallway."

Musa turned around, quickly wiping away her tears in an attempt at looking presentable.

"Y-You followed me?"

Shit.

"No, I-" He pointed with one of his thumbs. "The intermission started. I needed to use the bathroom-"

Good enough.

"But I saw you running first-figured you needed some help."

Better.

"Oh." Musa muttered. At last, she gained control of her breathing.

He quickly handed back her belongings. Her eyes widened at the sight of her phone, and sifting through the other items made her blush with embarrassment.

"My pay card, too?" She sheepishly laughed, wiping her wet cheeks. "Wow, I'm an idiot..."

"Um-" Her watery eyes met his. "Thank you."

He nodded, giving her some space. Instead of looking alarmed, Musa instead seemed compelled to continue the conversation.

"I've always hated scary movies." She gave him a pitiful grin. "I guess scary plays are no different."

Riven nervously scratched at his nape.

"Those girls-" He said quietly. "Your friends-"

"They're looking for me, aren't they?" Musa answered, sniffling. "Damnit."

She started wiping away her smudged eye-makeup. "Okay..."

He should've just left it at that-walked back towards the Auditorium and into his chair. To be remembered as a kind stranger, and nothing more. But his conscience begged him to stay.

"You do this often?"

The tone was mocking, though not intentional. Riven wanted to strangle himself.

Musa sighed, then nodded.

"Running away screaming? Yeah." She gripped her knees. "It's kinda my thing."

Riven remembered that conversation. She'd said that, word for word. Only this time she wasn't joking. Without thinking, he gave her his past response.

"At least you found some place to run to…"

Musa gave him the oddest of looks. It resembled surprise, and later, suspicion. Bad move. Dumb move! Theodore should've kept his mouth shut.

He tried saving himself. "R-Running's a good form of exercise, too-like in general..."

Musa gave him a weak grin. "Right."

Her eyes seemed to water, pondering thoughts that almost made her grimace with pain. The grin returned to her face soon after, just as she rose to her feet with her belongings.

"My friends are probably freaking out..." She said quietly. "I should find them."

"Um..." He pointed down the hallway. "In the atrium now, I think."

She walked past him, teetering a bit as she regained her balance. In this rare instance, she'd worn perfume.

"It was nice meeting you...?" Musa turned around again. Her eyes were smeared pink, and she searched the ground in case anything else had been left behind.

"Theo."

Not Theodore. Theo was better.

"Alright, then." She smiled, producing finger guns. "Mr. The-o..."

Musa slung her bag over her shoulder. She still seemed sad, despite her enduring humor.

"Don't forget to use the bathroom, okay?"

"Ha-Yes." Riven replied, slowly nodding his head. "I should go do that, now."

And with that, Musa stepped away.

The afternoon sun was making him boil in his turtleneck. He took off one of his gloves, and nearly yelped at the gray hand underneath. He touched his hair-the length was shrinking to his nape. Scrambling to the nearest reflective surface, he saw his old features reappear.

For a moment he wondered what would've happened, had she stayed. Had he changed before her eyes into the guy she'd been friends with.

Or the guy who'd abandoned her on the asphalt.

Or the guy who'd had her crying for days on end.

Would her reaction have been different? Would she have smiled so kindly, as she did?

Riven would find out, if he returned to the Auditorium. The Monster and the Willow was an awesome play that kept leaving him on the edge of his seat. Only a mere twenty minutes remained.

What a shame it would be, that he'd miss them.

He slipped through the exit and back towards the square.

Musa ran into Stella and the others with a slam.

"Oh-!" Stella petted her head. "Sorry, honey."

"Are you alright?" Bloom appeared under Stella's arm.

"Aww man-" Flora wiped the side of Musa's brow. "Not your eyeshadow..."

"Musa, we really don't have to see the rest." Tecna placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do you want to go home instead?"

"No-Guys-" Musa walked towards the archway. "I'm fine now. Just got a little spooked. Plus, I really want to see how it ends."

She ignored their worried faces.

"Come on." Musa said with a grin.

They trotted after her, returning to their seats in the Auditorium. The intermission had ended, and attendees pooled back in as the show curtains opened once more. The lights dimmed, and the tentative orchestral number resumed.

"Within the Creature's mouth, the Warrior lied."

Curled in a tiny ball, the young actor lay in a purple, dripping backdrop. Guttural noises echoed across the stage.

"And heard the Creature's hidden cries."

The Warrior slowly raised their head, staring in bewilderment at the billowing and crystal matter surrounding them. Their wings fluttered and glistened with metallic paint, as if wet.

"Of enduring pain," The narrator continued. "And endless night."

"Man, this got depressing." Stella muttered.

"The kid gets eaten, Stell." Tecna muttered back. "What'd you expect? A turtle ride?"

"And their sight stolen, by a numerous blight atop their shell."

The scene shifted to a black, leafless tree. It loomed in the shadows, multiplying until simulated rows of them lined the stage. The stage-hands discreetly shuttered the cutouts.

"The Red Willow, scarlet in hue."

Previously barren, red spiraling wires lined with paper leaves unfurled towards the floor. They glowed red, in an eerie yet beautiful display that lit the entire Auditorium.

"Sedating all, with poisonous air."

The escaped Warrior reappeared with fluttering wings, to the audience's joy. Another young actor was also on stage, lying at the base of the Red Willow alongside a few other Undines. The Warrior cupped their face, expressing shock at the nymph that lay there.

"Little Lusiz, so kind and fair!" They said, with a boosted voice once again.

"Leave me! I'm spent," Lusiz lifted an arm. "From wasting here!"

"The Lost Undines were found, after all." The narrator said. "Plagued by the Red Willow's weakening mist."

As per usual, the theatrics extended beyond the stage. Red mist hovered above the crowd, smelling distinctly of cherries.

"But the young Warrior, small and bright!" The narrator cheered on. "Tried their best, with all their might!"

A shower of colors appeared. The Warrior's hands, equipped with hand-held lights and spindly cables, "attacked" the Red Willow with sparkly white magic. The audience clapped in sync, showing support to the Warrior's endeavor. Stella clapped with her hands in the air, while Flora, Bloom and Tecna whispered tiny chants. Musa kept her composure, entranced by the brightening lights and contrasting colors.

"And blasted the Red Willow apart!"

After a loud cracking noise, the Red Willow fell. The audience cheered, and the Warrior was paraded around the Auditorium on hair-thin wires, dusting the air with sparkles. They soon returned to the stage with an extended hand.

"Wake up Lusiz!" The Warrior shouted. "Wake up now, and behold!"

"Xilith plants!" The background turned green, with large round foliage. "Grown ten-fold!"

"The Creature, saved, then reared its face."

A bellowing voice echoed out in place of the narrator's.

"Much thanks, dear Warrior, that the Willow is dead." The creature spoke. "Old sight returned, and cleared of head."

The large projection of the creature's face returned, now colored in greens and browns and sporting docile, purple eyes. The bright Warrior stood nearby, dwarfed in size.

"Forgive me, Warrior." It continued. "For the fury I've shown."

"Fear not."

The Warrior approached.

"I have."

A hand was tenderly placed on the creature's snout. Its eyes closed, as if grateful for the Warrior's touch. It was a moment that made the girls emotional-even Tecna, who scowled away her tears. Musa had cried for long enough, but even then she felt moved by the exchange.

"And not I, alone!"

The orchestral music swelled once more, and the play's entire cast swarmed the stage. An elaborate final dance was performed, ending with Queen Algae, Lusiz, The Warrior, and the rest of the Undines rushing forward for a collective bow. After a final chaotic yet bewildering flourish of lights, sparkles, and magic, the audience roared with cheers as the curtains closed. Stella rose from her chair to clap, as did Bloom and the others. The Monster and The Willow, the play of the millennia, had ended.

"That was-" Stella said between sniffles. "That was fuckin' beautiful!"

Bloom bounced on her heels. "A-Amazing!"

"Aww man," Tecna rubbed her wet face. "Got some glitter in my eye or something..."

"Guys!" Flora was almost vibrating. "Ahhh! I'm literally so happy right now!"

Musa had given in and started crying.

Tecna touched her shoulder in concern. She wiped her face, which was shielded partially by her bangs.

"Happy tears?!" Tecna asked, over the noise.

Musa looked up.

"Happy tears!"

Riven walked with a shopping bag down Magix City's square, which by nightfall had grown illuminated by lamp posts. The fountains had finally been set aglow, and he planted himself on one of their surrounding benches. He was fully awake and buzzing with energy, now practically nocturnal.

It was a cool ass play. He continued their conversation. Left me impressed. And we didn't even pay for tickets.

Damnit... Darcy replied. Wish I could've seen it...

Who says you can't? He replied. There's showings all month. We just won't tell them we're out next time.

Icy's acting like we eloped or something. Am I not allowed to leave, now?! We wrote them a note!

Has she calmed down yet?

She's...reasonable. Her voice seemed unsure. My hair's still intact.

And your ass?

Darcy laughed. Not a foot in sight.

Riven smiled.

Hey, um- He rose and continued walking towards the parking deck, where his cloaked wind-rider resided. I'm still up for hanging out tonight. If you want.

I really want to. She replied. You know that. But I don't think they'll...

I know. He sighed, looking on with a flat grin. Don't sweat it.

Riven passed strolling couples and nighttime street vendors, feeling odd as an incomplete set. He briefly wondered if the fairies had returned to Alfea, or whether he'd run into them one last time before leaving Magix City.

Feel free to prowl on without me, though.

No way. Not without you. He frowned. I think I'll just head back.

Riven entered an elevator leading to the parking deck's third floor. He pulled out his phone to check the time-it had just turned eight. After a grueling day like this, Hawk and Jason had likely knocked themselves out early.

Would he really camp out in his room until morning? What a waste of a perfect night, if he did.

See you tomorrow, then? He said, hoping to not seem desperate. Tomorrow morning?

Yes. Darcy sounded preoccupied. See you tomorrow. Enjoy your night, please.

The elevator dinged, and he stepped out.

The itching at his nose bridge, once unbearable, was only mildly irritating now. Riven whistled for his wind-rider, which swiftly glided across the concrete and reappeared from its glamour. He mounted, folding the shopping bag in his lap and zooming off towards the spiraling exit.

To Red Fountain. Straight to Red Fountain.

He'd made up his mind, for the time being. Riven wouldn't talk to Musa anymore. It was too tempting, given the promise that had been made.

The shopping bag was clutched against his torso as he stopped at a parking kiosk. He inserted his pay card, and silently watched as the opaque field dissipated in front of him. Then off he went, until he reached the familiar, forest-flanked backroads.

Secretly, it was a promise he struggled for dear life to uphold. Daily.

Because secretly, he missed hearing her.

Hearing and listening to her, like Theo had that afternoon.

But the lonesome night had given back his choice.

Veer left, and you'd hit Cloud Tower. Keep going, and you'd beeline for Red Fountain. A sharp right was Alfea. So naturally, he should've kept going.

But at the junction, with his vehicle nearly toppling to its side, he made a detour.

At the apartment, Bloom and Stella immediately got to work on their analysis paragraphs. Flora paced the floor in front of them, giddily recalling the night's performance.

"-And then, the Warrior used these flash-light things! Stage balls!" Flora continued with her thorough summary. "That attached to the Red Willow, like they were casting a spell! It's genius!"

"Uh-huh." Stella muttered, writing as fast as she could. "Keep going..."

Bloom erased one of her mistakes. "What's another word for 'floating paper'?"

"Levitating parchment." Stella answered, in her smarmiest accent.

Bloom nodded. "Nice."

"And look how freaking pretty the playbill is!" Flora waved it in her hand. "It's shimmering! Can I keep it?!"

"Go ahead." Stella answered with a smile. "What happens next, Flora? I can't remember."

"Oh!" Flora's eyes widened. "Okay, so after that..."

While the other girls resided within the living room, Musa had climbed into bed and wrapped herself tight in her yellow blanket. Tecna soon entered and sat at the edge of her bed with a phone clutched at her shoulder. Her shoes were laced, and her library pin was fastened, all while she continued talking with a disgruntled look on her face.

"No-it's not fair, at all!" She complained, gathering a few items into her school bag. "This is the third time she's done this!"

Apparently, one of the library assistants was routinely absent for her shifts.

"I've been out all day-" Tecna aggressively opened and shut one of her drawers. "I'm tired as hell-"

"No! No, I will not! This is a one-time thing!"

"Yeah...okay!" She huffed out. "Bye."

With a groan, Tecna prepared to leave.

"Aren't we past curfew?" Musa said quietly, hoping not to offend. "Is the library open this late?"

"No." Tecna replied. "We have to reorganize at the end of the day. All shelves and sections. At least until the research lectern is fixed."

"Yikes. That's, like, a thousand books."

"Two-thousand, three hundred and twenty-six, actually." Tecna replied. "I've been perfecting some cataloging spells, though. Shouldn't take more than two hours, in pairs. But Jen is 'sick', again..."

"So I'll be doing it all by myself." She rolled her eyes. "Until fuckin' midnight."

Musa gave her a sheepish look. "Double yikes."

"I know you hate sleeping alone, now." Tecna gave her a concerned look. "I'm really sorry about this."

"Hey-It's alright." Musa replied, bringing her knees to her chest. "I'll be fine."

Tecna started to bunker down the bedroom. Doors were locked, items were stowed away, and a lethal-looking Magitech weapon was placed on Musa's nightstand.

"Don't worry." Tecna muttered. "You wont need it."

Musa gave it an apprehensive stare.

"Alright." Tecna patted Musa on the head. "See you in four hours."

She then swiftly turned off the light and exited the bedroom, locking the door after herself. Musa sat there, in the dark, already feeling nervous as the air began to still. She blindly pawed around for her headphones, currently within her bedsheets somewhere. Music playing helped drown out the deafening silence.

Soon enough, drowsiness took hold. She reclined onto her pillows, and watched the moonlit sky from the balcony door. At any moment, she'd successfully fall asleep.

Until her back buzzed. And buzzed again. Buzzed three times, to be exact.

She paused the current song, and fished out her phone from beneath her. Musa was a notorious butt-dialer, but when she checked the notification screen, the calls were all labeled 'incoming'. Someone was calling her, and calling her desperately. The number no longer had an associated name, but she still remembered its sequence by heart. Just in case.

It was Riven.

Another call came. She watched the lit screen with a blank face. He was the very last person she wanted to talk to. But the persistence was troubling, and despite her heart's best wishes, she answered it on its final buzz.

Musa stuffed the phone next to her ear.

She waited for him to speak first. No response. Only the sound of wind, and the occasional engine noise. He was outside, driving somewhere.

Her brow furrowed. "...Hello?"

The background noise sounded familiar. A whoosh, followed by the twang of shifting metal. Like the unfurling of Alfea's winged gate.

"Riv-"

The call was dropped.

On a hunch, she unlocked the balcony door and rushed outside. In the distance, a wind-rider zoomed into the courtyard. Riven, donning his helmet, came to a frantic stop just short of the apartment. He placed a bag on the ground and looked at her as his engine idled.

She froze, not sure of what to do. Her instinct begged her to run back inside. To lock the door, and hide. But her legs wouldn't move. Time blurred, the usual start of her panic response.

The wind-rider rose several feet. The helmet he wore retracted, and Riven dismounted onto the balcony. His head angled downward to see her, while his hands held the railing with an iron grip. He remained stiff in posture, with wide, discerning eyes. For the first time since the alley fight, she saw his wounds-partially healed cuts along his neck and brow, and the splotchy discoloration under his left eye. Musa studied him, trying to find reasons for his sudden reappearance.

"Riven?"

He didn't answer again, but hearing her immediately softened his face. The edges of his lips rose into a grin, and for a moment it almost looked like he'd cry. From joy or pain, she couldn't tell.

Musa was fraught with several emotions, most of which not outwardly shown. Sadness, compassion, faint anger and fainter longing. She wondered how he'd gotten the permission. Was Darcy somewhere, watching? Was Musa in danger, yet again?

But the thought subsided. Musa flicked his chest in greeting. He rubbed the same area, feigning annoyance.

Against her own conscience, against her suspicions, and against her prior knowledge...

She offered him a smile.