Author's Note: Ah, a few more chapters and this story will draw to a close. Fear not, because I'll find another FOP story to scrap together. I think regardless of whether I'm obsessed or not, I need to write it. I need the fae.

FOP isn't mine nor is the quote below this, from Spirits in the Wires by Charles De Lint. If I hadn't read that line, there wouldn't be a sixth chapter.

"All the magic people want to be normal and all the normal people want magic. Nobody ever wants what they've already got…"

Chapter Six: The Beginning of the End

Elisa brushed her hair once more, stared at herself in the mirror, and slumped dejectedly. Through her window, a pleasant breeze infiltrated the room and tenderly lifted her locks, freely flowing and infused with reddish pink. A pink, ruffled, cut off shoulder blouse dipped a little, revealing a heart shaped necklace, and she donned blue jeans embroidered with flowers. While flowers weren't exactly her thing, Sophie loved them and they had been her concession to her 'date'. Elisa wished she felt more confident wearing them, but she couldn't shake the dread in the pit of her stomach. Regardless of whether it happened to her upon meeting this girl or afterwards, she sensed misery ahead.

"Wanda?" she called and, obediently, the pink fairy arrived. She recognized the dubious look in her eyes, mirrored in her own. Sophie told her that her godmother infrequently had premonitions and whatever it was plainly concerned her. Nonetheless, she kept it to herself, for which Elisa was grateful. She worried enough already.

Cosmo appeared, preening himself in the mirror and, partly due to nerves, she laughed. He offered her a smile, but she spun, staring out the window instead. While she knew she could have opened her mouth and wished Sophie along inconspicuously, she didn't want to disturb her. Not to mention she might confirm the magical eddies swirling and their origins. Tonight was not going to end well, but she preferred to remain blithely optimistic.

"You look fine, sweetie," Wanda said distractedly, glancing at her wand. Anxiety shone clearly in her eyes and Elisa wondered if she'd be better off canceling her rendezvous. Truthfully, both fairies had been rather preoccupied all week, uptight and stressed. She'd wished to reveal what troubled them, but they'd disappeared rather than answer her.

Sophie's behavior, for that matter, had been no less distressing. One morning, when Elisa had cursed her locker out again and kicked it, Sophie had flung her arms around her and wailed that she'd miss her. She refused to explain herself and avoided the subject the rest of the day. Nonetheless, she had persisted in acting oddly; reminding her she wouldn't remember everything when she lost Cosmo and Wanda. That last crack had sent her teetering on the edge of smacking her best friend, but her sorrowful tone stopped her. Powers that be higher than her were rearranging her universe and she was powerless to prevent it.

"You…you guys aren't going anywhere, are you?" Elisa blurted. To her surprise, whereas they had reassured her endlessly during their first month, neither jumped to deny her accusation. They glanced at each other as if debating whether or not they should say something, but wordlessly shook their heads. Their silence sent her into a panic. They couldn't be going anywhere. Why should they? Who was going to take them from her?

"You're not, right?" she demanded, verging on hysterics.

"Try to enjoy your date, sweetie," Wanda replied.

Sophie sighed heavily, stored her beloved books into a knapsack, a few blank notebooks, and glanced at the blank spot on her desk where her library books usually rested. The letter, half opened, sat on her dresser. Never before had her powers seemed like a curse. Over her lifetime, she'd often met creatures who would wink and smile mysteriously and then vanish before she got a second look. She knew about the Fairy Courts, the factions of fae and who served humans ere she uncovered Cosmo and Wanda, but she never believed anything would come of it. She wasn't powerful enough to be fought over like the heroine in Holly Black's tale or special like Emma Bull's main character. She was only a little extraordinary, nothing to merit her own story.

Then, two days ago, she received a curious letter that simply materialized on her desk while she travailed laboriously, chewing on her pencil and contemplating math problems. Its envelope bore an old-fashioned stamp bearing what she only assumed was a Fairy Court's seal. The fae serving as godparents she hadn't previously thought were a court, rather a faction snubbed by the general fey folk. Perhaps long ago, they belonged to the Seelie and utilized theirs.

However, reading the note tossed all ruminations on the seal out the window. Heart sinking and simultaneously soaring, she discovered Fairy World wanted her to help them because of her own brand of magic. They desired to further edify her on its practice and perhaps further her powers, but at a cost. Stating it abrasively, Jorgen informed her that she must leave behind her life on Earth and any friends she might have made. Her parents, schoolmates, and anyone she had ever contacted would forget she existed.

Unfortunately, while she desired to say no because the price was far too steep, he wasn't giving her an option. Detailed at the bottom was the exact date and time he'd erase everyone's memory and then, subsequently, pick her up. It was like moving to a new city, but so much worse.

The only creatures that might be able to help she'd run to and plead with them to help her change Jorgen's mind. The only problem was they faced a problem of their own with their leader. The same date and time on her letter corresponded with the one on theirs. On Friday night, Elisa might gain a girlfriend, but lose her best friend and fairy godparents. And there was nothing anyone could do.

I can't tell her, Wanda thought, watching her goddaughter for what probably would be the last time. I can't ruin her evening. It might be her only chance at happiness.

She's never going to remember being happy with Sophie or us…she'll only recall her misery. Without us, there is no joy. How could he be so cruel? Why doesn't he ever think before he takes us away?

((She suspects something,)) she sent to Cosmo and he nodded. Despite whatever silly petty jealousy he might have felt towards her before, it had transformed into pity.

Everything, everyone that ever cared about her will disappear.

"Are you guys okay?" Elisa inquired, breaking into her thoughts. Abruptly, Wanda hugged her tightly and Cosmo followed suit.

We're sorry, sweetie.

"It's just one night," Trixie protested, pouting cutely. Veronica melted inside, longing to kiss those perfect pink lips and ignore any social taboos implicit. Her perfectly manicured and painted red nails swept her hand on the table and where she'd briefly touched tingled.

For the last twenty minutes, Trixie Tang had unsuccessfully tried to talk her out of meeting Elisa. Using a combination of pleas, reminders of sales, and offering to pose for one of her drawings (Veronica had striven very hard to keep her mouth shut that time), she'd begged her not to see her. Unfortunately, while Veronica understood why Trixie hated Elisa, she also had an obligation to her mother. Trixie didn't grasp that because she seldom saw her mother, but Veronica wanted to please the only parent who approved of her 'lifestyle'. If it meant subjecting herself to an experience her best friend would avoid tooth and nail, she'd do it.

"C'mon, Ver, go out with me," Trixie whined and Veronica's knees weakened. Sometimes, she swore she recognized her crush and exploited it to the fullest extent. She occasionally worded sentences ambiguously, causing her heart to race and palms to sweat. Trixie could be flirtatious with either sex if the mood and situation demanded it.

Only if you'll be my girlfriend, Veronica thought but thankfully, didn't say. She performed a few last minute administrations to her hair, face, and makeup and faced her best friend in the mirror. Trixie gravitated towards mirrors like a moth to the flame. She was constantly, obsessively checking her appearance for blemishes, but, unlike the boys she annoyed by asking whether she was pretty, Veronica would have endlessly told her, 'yes, you're gorgeous'. She didn't dare.

"Forget Elisa. What's she ever done for you? You know you want me," Trixie purred and what was left of her knee strength gave out. Thudding onto the bed backwards, she stared up at the ceiling where, hidden by a sheet, were her more risqué drawings of Trixie.

"Don't do that!" Veronica scolded and her only answer was Trixie's sparkling laughter like bubbling champagne.

"God, you're such a bitch."

"I know," Trixie smirked. "And you love me for it."

Veronica scowled, unable to deny it. Selecting a pocketbook, she reached for her cell phone when Trixie grabbed it and, gently brushing her hand against hers again, smiled. Veronica's heart raced and she cursed her hormones. She also cursed whatever made Trixie think she could toy with her like this, because she was right. Veronica was just as susceptible to her charms as any boy, only worse because she hung out with her more.

"Call me, Ver."

Smiling softly, she pecked Veronica on the cheek and left, rendering Veronica utterly baffled.

Jorgen Von Strangle waved his wand over Dimmsdale's representation. Beside him, miffed, floated the Tooth Fairy. She scowled, drifting to the back of their room. Last year, they'd married, but their politics had yet to make a union. She loved him dearly, but she disapproved of the way he micromanaged godparents and now, this human/faery girl. Perhaps if she convinced him otherwise, he'd at least leave Sophie alone.

"You don't have to do this, you know."

"She is far too dangerous on Earth, where a fairy obsessed person might capture her-" he snapped and she scoffed.

"And who created that person? Who made millions of miserable children more miserable than they would be with godparents? Who overlooks children simply because he thinks they're too difficult? Who insists on ruining lives because of Da Rules or to suit his own ego?" she retorted, hands on her hips.

"There are exceptions to every rule, Jorgen. Don't take away this kid's godparents and best friend."

"I will do as I see fit!" he roared, shaking the high ceiling. Shaking her head, she cast one surreptitious look at Elisa's world as it stood and disappeared. She wanted no part of this.

A/N: Sorry, couldn't resist putting this. Anyone want to hazard a guess as to Trixie's true feelings regarding Veronica?