How I ended up in this position is beyond me. I already had a dress waiting for me in my closet, so why I had to spend the day looking at more was crazy. Tecna was smart, getting out of it before we came. Though she did look weirdly relieved we were leaving, though I suppose like me she just liked her alone time. I busied myself with flicking through the inter-realm news, pausing on Andros. Apparently, they were in deep political discussion with Zenith as they were wanting a device that would help limit pollution in their waters. I was getting deep into the article when the sound of a curtain opening drew my attention away. I looked up and saw Bloom standing shyly in front of me.

She looked good, but a little plain. I wasn't big on fashion, but Anthem had taught me everything I needed. The dress had a high neckline and wrapped around her neck. The top was white lace over a pale blue, with a small blue belt matching the material around her waist. The bottom fell to her knee in little pleats. Bloom walked up the steps onto the platform so she could see herself in the mirror from all angles, and adjusted her body to get a good view of the dress. She turned to me and tilted her head, silently asking me what I thought.

"It's nice I guess but plain. Try something else," I said, keeping my words simple.

She turned to the mirror and pulled a face. "I think I'll wait to see what Stella thinks," she said, pretty much ignoring me.

I rolled my eyes and looked back at my phone. The debates were held via halo conference and had been going on for a few days. God, I would be bored if I was this engrossed in politics. I glanced up right as Flora walked out. I smiled, admiring her outfit. She wore a sheath dress with a sweetheart neckline. The under skirt was a soft pink satin and over it was a pink lace shaped in small flowers. There was a slit in the middle, making the dress fall either side of her legs as she walked. She looked gorgeous, and I leaned back to admire her.

"Oh Flora you look beautiful!" Bloom gushed, sounding genuine though I picked up on a tinge of envy.

I frowned. Why was I so good at guessing what people were feeling? Was it their cadence as they spoke? I shook my head and watched as Flora elegantly walked up the steps and looked at her reflection.

"Thank you Bloom. I do really like it. I do have a dress already though plus there was the dark green one I liked too…" she nibbled on her lip as she looked at her appearance.

"The one your sister wore?" I asked, folding my legs under me.

She nodded. "Yes. My parents do not believe in spending money on clothes when it damages the environment."

I could understand that, though she did look gorgeous. Stella and Varanda chose that moment to make their grand appearance too. Stella wore a provocative orange and lighter orange dress that wrapped around her neck, with lighter blue decals along her chest. She had cut outs on the side and the dress was form fitting. Varanda wore a formatting silver sequined one strap floor length dress that caught the light as she moved.

"Oh my gosh Flora, that is your dress!" Stella squealed, clapping her hands.

"I still want to see the dark green on her," Varanda said as she climbed the steps.

"I want to try it too, but I do love this one," Flora said, before the happiness left her eyes. "I already have a dress though and there is no way my parents would let me buy a new one."

Stella waved her hand dismissively. "I'm buying so don't worry about that."

"Stella no!"

"Stella, yes. Now Musa be a dear and try something on. You are sucking the fun out of this."

I raised an eyebrow and wanted to snap at her, but Flora shot me a stern look and I groaned. "Fine. But two is my limit," I said, dragging myself up.

I turned on my heel and entered the shop. There were racks and racks of dresses, most of which I hated. I knew they wouldn't let me go without trying one at least, so I grabbed the first black and red one I saw before scanning around. My eyes fell on a gorgeous one that fell within my comfort zone. The main part was black plunging jumpsuit that looked form fitting. The neckline was attacked with a gold piece of metal that made it not dip as low. The sleeves were black lace and there was a detachable satin overskirt that went from black at the bottom, to red in the middle to finally ending at a violet at the top. Over it was a thick gold belt that helped tie it all together.

I quickly grabbed it and dragged both to the changing room. Stella was now out wearing a short mid purple halter dress with a beaded top and Varanda was next to her in a short yellow strapless dress with a gold beaded belt. I didn't comment and instead jumped into the changing room next to them. I wiggled out of my dark red skinny jeans and black tank top and into the first dress. I looked at the mirror and pulled a face. It was formitting and red with black lace over it. It had a thin red belt and was strapless.

"Come on Musa, we want to see!" Stella called, and I groaned before stomping out.

I twirled and looked at them with my arms crossed over my chest. "Happy?"

Stella huffed and narrowed her eyes at me. "You could at least pretend to be happy. And yes, I am ecstatic."

Flora came out wearing a two piece. The top was strapless and cropped with a lace up back. The skirt was full and satin with a slight pleated style.

"I like this but loved the other," I said, admiring the dark green colour on her.

"I agree. Who knew Musa would be right about fashion," Stella said, shooting me a superior look.

I rolled my eyes and dipped back into the changing room. It felt so good to get that dress off and I took my time stepping into the tight pants and threading my arms through the sleeves. I didn't have the most impressive chest so it didn't look too skanky. I then fashioned the open over skirt and attached the belt and glanced at the mirror. My breath caught as I looked at my reflection. The dress gave me curves and looked like something my mum would wear. I blinked back the tears and pulled out my phone, snapping a picture and sending it to Anthem. I accidentally clicked someone else but didn't bother checking who it was. My phone instantly dinged and I grinned at her enthusiastic response.

I exited the changing room and smiled when the girls reacted positively.

"Musa you look gorgeous sweetie."

"Wow Musa you look really pretty," Bloom added.

I turned to Stella and Varanda who gave me matching thumbs up. "Not my taste but it totally suits you." Stella added.

"It's feminine without being out of your comfort zone. Great choice." Varanda said, smoothing down her dress.

"I like yours too, Varanda, and Bloom," I said, looking at them.

Varanda had a light grey halter dress that dipped low and slightly flared down to her mid thigh. Around her waist were two thin silver belts that cut through the V making it less prominent. Bloom wore a short knee length high low dress that was one strapped and went from dark blue to light blue at the top.

"Thanks, I chose another one for the dance but I'm getting this anyway," Varanda said.

"Yea, same as me with my orange dress," Stella added.

I slipped back into my changing room and got dressed. I exited with the two dresses and held up the one I didn't want and watched as it was taken back to the shelves by magic. Stella bought all our dresses, including two for herself and we slipped out of the shop and into the busy street. She turned to us with big smiles.

"Alright ladies, next is mani pedis, then the hair salon!"

"Oh no, I'm not doing any of that. I'm heading back to Alfea to chill," I said,shaking my head.

"Oh come on Musa, don't be annoying," Stella said, huffing.

I bit back the poisonous retort and shook my head. "Nope. See you all later." I said.

"I can come with you if you like, sweetie?" Flora offered, but I caught her glancing at Stella longingly.

"Nah I'm good. Gonna catch up with Tecna and maybe see if she wants to check out the cafe on campus." I said.

Stella huffed but agreed, and the four girls disappeared into the throng of people. The dance was tonight, so I knew they'd be home soon. I know I said I was going to hang out with Tecna, but I just wanted some alone time. I milled around the city, making note of the different shops I wanted to visit later and stopping to get a berry smoothie on my way out. Finally I reached the bus station and waited a few minutes before taking the first bus back to Alfea.

The dorm was chaotic as the six of us prepared for the dance. I had set up an up beat playlist that filled the dorm with the kings of songs that hand you shaking your hips without your realising. Stella and her gang as I called them took over the bathroom while Flora, Tecna and I camped out in my room. Flora had admitted she was good with makeup as her older sister had taught her how to apply and I was decent enough with hair, courtesy of my girl Anthem. We agreed to help each other and Tecna so we stayed out of the warzone that was the bathroom.

Flora was just finishing Tecna's look as I sat on my large black chair and bounced to the beat. She had kept it simple, using a silvery eyeshadow for her eyes and clear, slightly tinted lip gloss for her lips. Her skin was good, so she only had a light dusting of foundation and faint bronzer and blush. Tecna looked gorgeous, and Flora turned to me and grinned, gesturing for me to work my magic.

I stepped up and walked around Tecna as I worked out what to do. Her fringe was long, so I quickly but carefully braided it and pinned it to the side of her head. I found small hexagonal crystal stones and nestled them inside the braid, adding a deeper dimension to the look. I finished by teasing the back a little, before stepping back to admire my handiwork.

"Looking fresh, girl. Those RF guys won't know what hit them. Or girls if you swing that way," I added, making sure to be inclusive.

"You don't see anything wrong with a girl liking another girl?" Flora asked, a deeper curiosity to her voice than one would have if they didn't care about the answer.

I turned back to her and shrugged, thinking through my answer. "Not at all. Love is love and as long as everyone is consenting and happy, there's no biggie there," I said, hoping she'd be happy with my answer.

She met my eyes in her mirror and silent understanding passed through us. "I agree with that sentiment entirely. Now, Musa, it's your turn for makeup." She said, changing the conversation experty.

I sat down and let her do whatever she wanted. Unlike with Stella, I had confidence in her ability to not make me look like a clown. After a while, she stopped and held a mirror up to me. She had given me a cat eye with smokey blended eyeshadow. She had used her powders expertly and finished the look with dark red lipstick, adding more drama to my look.

I turned to her and grinned. "I love Flora, thanks so much."

Flora beamed and packed away her kit. "I'm so glad, sweetie. You both look beautiful." she said, looking at Tecna who flushed at her compliment.

"Your turn for hair, Flo," I said, trying the nickname out.

She smiled at the name, and I resolved to use it more.

I tried a few things before finally deciding on curling it and pinning it up into a high ponytail with her fringe pinned up. I pinned two soft pink roses into her hair as well to conceal the band and added small micro braids through the ponytail. Overall, she looked great, and I noticed when she gasped and touched it reverently, she agreed.

"Oh thank you Musa, you did such a wonderful job," she gushed, her green eyes shining with gratitude.

I waved her off and smiled. "No problem. Easy to do considering you are gorgeous," I said, adding a teasing lilt to my voice that had her flushing.

I chuckled and turned back to my magically conjured mirror. I played with my strands before using a curling iron to curl it softly. I grabbed a can of red hair spray and sprayed it through my hair without organisation. It was a cool thing, made in my homeworld and spelled to shimmer in time to music. I finished it by teasing it slightly, leaving me with a sexy just-got- out- of -bed look.

"Oh Musa you look fabulous," Flora said, letting out a happy laugh as she finished putting on her lipstick.

"Yes Musa you do look rather nice. I detect an 82% chance of you attracting the opposite gender's attention tonight," Tecna said.

I knew she was just trying to be nice, but the idea of attracting anyones attention tonight had my blood freezing like someone used an ice attack on me. I forced a smile on my face and thanked her, before shoving all thoughts of Wren out of my mind. I cleared my throat before looking at the girls, and ignoring the confused look in Tecna's teal eyes and the concern seeping into Flora's expression.

"Come on, let's get dressed. We have a party to get to," I said, forcing false cheer into my voice.

Flora kept her eyes on me before nodding. She got up and slipped into her lacy dress, adding silver and pink bracelets to her arms and a silver chain necklace with a small pink heart shaped crystal hanging off it. I gave her a thumbs up before stepping into my own clothes and adding a pair of black heels to my outfit. I hated heels, but I knew they'd complete my look. I glanced over to Tecna and grinned when I saw her outfit. She wore a simple strapless light purple tube dress, with a floor length tailcoat over it. The coat was pinstriped, coloured mauve, light green and light blue. The coat was attached to her body with a thick electric green belt with a hexagonal shaped light purple metal buckle in the centre. Her shoes were light blue wedges and she completed her outfit with hexagonal shaped light green earrings.

It was a bold look and I could dig that. "You look great Tec," I said, making her flush at the nickname. "Now, let's go check on the divas," I said, rolling my eyes.

Flora have me a disapproving glare but it faded at me cheeky grin. The three of us were excited and went to the living room, where we saw the girls.

Bloom was standing at the widow looking out at the quad. She wore a two piece, the top being a dark blue halter neck crop top with small pink and lighter blue gems sewn through the neckline and dripping down the top. The skirt reached her knees and was the same darker blue colour, the underlayer made of tulle and the top satin. Her hair had been styled into a long french braid that wrapped over her shoulder and her makeup was striking but simple. She wore dark blue heels and her wrists were covered in dark blue bracelets with a few lighter pink bangles thrown in.

She gave a self conscious smile and spun around. "This is the dress I chose. Do you like it?" she asked, looking at the three of us.

"It's hot," I said, the same time as Tecna said "affirmative" and Flora gushed over how gorgeous it was.

Varanda wore a short white dress with spaghetti straps. The top was see through with a scalloped v neck with strategic lace and beads covering all the important bits. The skirt was a shiny thin satin and was slightly pleated, falling down to her mid thighs. Her shoes were silver strappy heels and she had her long maroon hair in a stylish updo and a small silver tiara with a trio of red stones slotted in her hair. Stella had gone for a sleek golden trumpet style dress with a decent V neck and spaghetti draps. It was covered in golden beads sewn onto the dress in geometric patterns and the lower level was covered in see-through material that ended at different levels along the bottom of the dress. Attached to the spaghetti straps was a see through beaded floor length train that flowed out when she walked. Her hair was in an elaborate updo with a small golden tiara. Her makeup was immaculate with a golden shimmer on her eyelids and she looked every bit the sun princess she was.

"Aren't you a bit dressed up, Stella?" I teased, looking her up and down.

She rolled her eyes but otherwise smiled, though the expression vanished and she looked away forlornly. "I'm not supposed to talk about it, but…"

"What is it, Stella?" Bloom asked,

Stella shook herself and shot us a sunny smile that didn't reach her eyes. My inner power fizzed and a hint of longing that wasn't mine filled my mind. I blinked, looking around curiously. I was certain I was a Music Fairy, or a Sound Fairy at the very least, so why the hell was I …feeling emotions?

I shook my head and met Stella's eyes. She looked at me pleadingly, though the expression was contained to her eyes. I nodded subtly and cleared my throat, drawing everyone's attention.

"Come on, we better get going if we want to make it in time," I said, causing Stella to mouth ``thank you" to me.

"Musa, be a dear and accompany me to my room? I want to show you this necklace that'll totally suit your outfit."

I raised an eyebrow but saw something in her eyes that made me bite down my retort. "Sure Stella. We'll meet the rest of you in the ballroom." I said, before walking out with Stella to her room.

She pulled the door shut before sighing in relief and turning to me with a smile. "Thank you for changing the subject back there. I'm not at liberty to talk about stuff that's going on so you saved me there."

I shrugged and waved her off, feeling a little awkward. "It's chill, happy to help."

She fiddled with her thick golden necklace before her face lit up. She hurried over to her vanity and pulled out a necklace. It was gold with a small red jewel in the centre. She hurried over and handed it to me, letting me see it was shaped like a long diamond.

"I told the girls I was getting you a necklace, so you can choose to wear it or not, up to you," she said, hurrying back over the chest.

She slipped her teleportation ring off her finger and slipped it into her jewellery box before turning back in time to watch me put the necklace on. She beamed at me and hurried over, slipping her arm into mine. "I hope this is the start of us turning a new leaf since I know we didn't get off to the best start."

I scoffed, "you think?"

She glared at me and huffed. "Whatever, either way i'm sorry," a tense silence fell over us which she broke with a cheer. I was starting to learn this girl did everything full volume.

"Come on girl, let's get going. I have a boyfriend to see." she said, tugging on my arm and leading me down the hallway and out the room.

We chatted about nothing really as we walked through the halls. They'd been beautifully decorated, the ceilings being transformed into a glittery night sky with ribbons of light falling downwards. We followed the glowing lanterns down the grand staircase and along the halls until we made it into the grand hall. I glanced up and gasped as the entire ceiling looked like a sparkling galaxy as silvery hues blended together. The back wall was covered in dripping lights and a long beverage table was laid out in front of it. The front has a stage where Miss Faragomda stood, dressed in a formal mid-purple long sleeved dress with a wreath of pearls down along the upturned collar. We scanned the ballroom for the girls and saw them near the front. We slipped through, muttering an "excuse me" as we did so, before coming to stand with them.

Miss Faragonda was joined by a shorter man with long silver hair wearing golden dress robes. He clasped a dragon head staff and started out with the strength of a warrior. Miss Faragonda opened her arms and began to speak.

"Greetings students. Alfea welcomes you with open arms to our start of the new year ball. First years, this is the start of a magical journey, and seniors, this is the beginning of the final chapters. No matter where you are in the spectrum, enjoy your time here, as the 5 years you spend here will remain with you for all your years. The Alfea Dance Club will perform for you shortly, but till then, get some food and above all, enjoy yourselves!" she said, releasing technicoloured fireworks into the audience.

The students all cheered and I found myself swept into the enthusiasm, throwing my arms up and cheering with the other students. The sound made my magic hum and I had to shut my eyes and breathe out as I tried to keep a lid on my power. The cheering stopped, as did the onslaught of power flooding me, and after a few moments I turned to the other girls and smiled with them.

"Girls, I need to go call my boyfriend," Bloom said. "Now's the best time for Gardenia and the time fits with my cover story in Switzerland."

I had no idea what Switzerland was but just nodded. Stella pouted and tried to convince her to stay, but Bloom slipped out and disappeared. Stella huffed but got over it quickly. Instead choosing to look around. Her face lit up when she found who she was looking for and she grabbed Tecna's and Varanda's hands and dragged them away. I shared a faux exasperated look with Flora before we followed her through the throng. I heard Stella's squeal before I saw her.

Flora and I pushed our way in and watched as Stella threw herself at a guy. He was hot, a bit too clean cut for me, but hot. He had almost rust coloured hair that was swept to the side, well built shoulders and light brown eyes. His cape was held on by a rust coloured gem. By his side was a white haired guy, a guy with brown skin and brown hair and lighter streaks and a guy with a similar hair colour to me who I admit was kinda hot. By Ed's other side was a fairy with long reddish brown hair worn in a high ponytail with side swept brang who wore a pretty blue knee length sheath dress with a silver chain halter neck with a sheer light blue beaded material over it.

"Eddy! I missed you so much handsome!" Stella gushed, wrapping her arms around her boyfriend's neck.

"Stell, you saw him yesterday," the white haired guy said, amusement colouring his tone.

Stella stuck her tongue out at him and snuggled into his chest again. Eddy shook his head fondly and kissed her forehead before stopping down and whispering, "you look beautiful," in her ear, making Stella giggle.

"Well since Ed here isn't going to introduce us, I'm Ronnie and this is Miles and Jared, we are a team at Read Fountain." the white haired guy said, pointing out the brunette then the navy haired guy I thought was hot, though he had nothing on Riven.

"I'm Varanda and this is Flora, Tecna and Musa. Our last roommate Bloom had to leave to sort something out," Varanda said, taking charge.

Jared met my eyes and smiled at me, giving me a cute but goofy wave. I smiled back and returned it, earning a grin.

"As you've been told I'm Ed, and this is my little sister, Francine. She goes to school with you guys," Ed said, pointing to the girl next to him.

"Now you remember me, big bro," she said, rolling her eyes at him.

I smirked, liking her attitude.

"Francine and Ed are the prince and princess of Amazonia," Stella said, facing us with her boyfriend's arms around her waist and his head on her shoulder.

"So are you guys in your second year?" Flora asked, looking at the boys curiously, and I did notice Miles eyeing her up which made me smirk.

"Nah, we are in our third year. Just two more after this then freedom!" Ronnie cheered, making us all laugh as he thrust his arm into the air.

"Hey, sorry to interrupt here, but have you guys seen Bloom? I was hoping to dance with her."

I looked over and saw a guy with shoulder length blonde hair walk over. By his side was a brunette who I admit was hot, and whose eyes locked onto Stella. I watched as she averted her eyes and squeezed her boyfriend's arm when he glowered at Brandon.

"Sorry to interrupt you, sweetie, but Bloom had to go call her boyfriend," Flora said, her voice apologetic.

The blonde's shoulders sagged and he forced a smile on his face. "Oh. Um, thank you for telling me…" he trailed off, looking for her to fill in the blanks.

"I'm Flora," she said, offering her hand gracefully.

He smiled gallantly and kissed her hand, making me wonder if he was a prince. I felt a strange energy coming off him, but attributed that to the fact some parents gave their children amulets and whatever to protect them from magic.

"Lovely to meet you, Flora. I am Brandon and this is my prince, Prince Sky and my friend Timmy." he said, pointing to the brunette who was still staring at Stella and Ed, and a ginger guy with glasses who kept shyly taking glances at Tecna.

Sky forced his gaze away and offered us a dashing smile. I shook my head, a smirk on my face. He caught my expression and forced an even more dashing look, making him look a little constipated and making me crack up.

"Yo, I'm Musa and this is Tecna and Princess Varanda," I said, pointing out the girls and noting Timmy straightening his posture at Tecna's name.

Before anyone else could speak, Miss Faragonda's voice rang out through the crowd. We looked over and saw her standing at the microphone, with a line of 10 girls behind her dressed in hip hop dance outfits. I grinned and muttered an excuse to the group before pushing my way through to the front.

"I would like to introduce you to the Alfea dance team. Captain Adana, please step forward," she said, stepping away from the Microphone and grinning out at the crowd.

She had platinum blonde hair held up in a high ponytail and pale skin with soft blue eyes. She wore a pair of light blue cargo pants with one leg rolled up and a cropped light pink hoodie with black vans. "Hello everyone! We are excited to share our first performance for the year with you all! The girls have worked hard on this so I hope you enjoy!"

The lyrical tone to her voice told me she was from Melody, the performing arts realm where I was from. Melodeons either had looks like hers or mine, depending if they were natives 0r immigrants. She turned to her girls and nodded before they began dancing.

I watched, enthralled as they did their routine. It was a classic 8 count, and filled with classic moves with a little breakdancing brought into the mix. I longed to get up there with them, and found my arms copying their hand motions as I watched. Adana met my eyes and I saw her watching me curiously as I unconsciously copied their motions. By the end of the routine I was so drawn in I almost forgot to clap. The girls bowed and got off the stage, and after another quick speech by Faragonda, the music restarted.

I turned to go back to my group when a hand touched my shoulder. I turned around and saw Adana standing there with a couple of other girls behind her.

Regaining my composure, I smiled and clapped. "Sick performance, you girls rocked it."

Adana smiled, a genuine one that lit up her eyes. "Hey thanks girl! Though from what I saw, you rocked it too," she said slyly. "Are you from Melody?"

I nodded. "Yea, I am, are you?"

She grinned. "Yup, though you couldn't tell from my looks," she said, rolling her eyes jokingly. "Hey, we are having auditions in a few days to fill out the rest of the team and we'd love for you to try out."

My eyes widened and I pointed to myself in shock. "Me? You want me to try out? But I'm only a first year student."

She shrugged, "Normally it's second year and above, but you have some serious talent and we'd be dumb to pass you up. Just think about it. We'll do an announcement over the PA tomorrow." She smiled and led her girls away.

I could barely contain my excitement as I made my way back to the group. The girls and Ed's group had left, leaving only Sky, Brandon and Timmy there.

"Where'd the girls go?" I asked them, my excitement still bubbling inside.

Sky and Brandon shared a look before Brandon sighed and ran a hand through his blonde hair. "Bloom arrived and dragged the girls off somewhere and since Ed and Sky here aren't the best of friends, they split from us."

I looked at Sky curiously and he averted his gaze. "As curious as I am, I gotta bounce. Maybe I'll catch you guys around sometime." I paused before looking at Timmy. "By the way, as far as I know, Tecna is single and she's from Zenith." I winked at him.

He went beet red, though the other guys grinned. Sky met my eyes and mouthed his thanks, and I waved him off. "See you later boys," I said, before leaving to find where the hell the girls had gotten to.

I was planning for this to all be one chapter but it was hitting the 5k mark so I'm going to have to split it. I hope you liked the extra tension I added with the guys there and Jared who will play a bigger role in this. I never liked how the girls seemed to find their guys and that was it, so in this story expect the girls to date other guys before they find their prince charming. Yay for Stella and Musa getting closer, and soon she'll get closer with Bloom and Varanda too. I hope you enjoyed and if you can please leave a review, I'd love to hear your thoughts.