Previously on Vixen:
The end of the dance was approaching quickly when three shaken witches stumbled into the hall. Frosty looked around and narrowed her eyes at the Vixen girls, but she didn't attack knowing it would land her in detention with Griffin for the next year.
"We need to get back at them," Bryony said to Frosty.
"Oh, we will," Frosty said. "And next time, we'll be ready for whatever they try to throw at us."
—
"Didn't think you'd be alone tonight," she heard a voice behind her. She turned to see Brandon smiling at her.
She smiled back quickly, politely. "I, well, I got distracted and well, yeah…" she stammered.
Brandon bowed slightly and asked, "Well, then, may I have this dance, Princess?"
Angel smiled brightly at him. "Of course," she said, taking the hand he offered her.
The two walked onto the floor just as a slow song began. Angel smiled at Brandon as he took her waist and she rested her arms on his shoulders. They began to sway to the music.
I was doing just fine, til you messed with my mind. Why'd you have to be so perfect? Now you're stuck in my head, I'm losing sleep over it. I don't know how to be objective. - "Distracted" by KSM
Episode 4: To Magic, Or Not To Magic
Angel was staring out the window, her mind on one specific thing, and that thing was definitely not what Professor Wizgiz was talking about. She heard Cicada say something, and everyone began to laugh a little, so she smiled a bit though she had no idea at what.
"Hello!" Trend said, waving her hand in front of Angel's distracted eyes, blocking the outside scene for brief moments. "Magix to Angel. You in there?"
Angel jumped in surprise. "Yeah!" she said. "What's up, T?"
"Class let out," Emma said. Everyone else had packed up and many were already out the door.
"Oh, sorry," Angel said, standing. She waved her hand, her books sliding into her bag.
"You shouldn't just throw your magic around for little things like that, Angel," Kaida said, pursing her lips a bit in annoyance.
"What's the big deal?" Angel asked. She lifted her bag onto her shoulder and the five began out of the room.
"It's a waste of magic," Kaida said.
"I prefer to think of it as practicing," Angel said. Her smile wavered as she noted Kaida's frown. As it was, Kaida still had the most trouble with simple magical tasks in the group. "Look, there's no harm, Kaida. If you want, I can work with you on it."
"That is beside the point," Kaida said. "There are times to use and times not to use your magic." With that said, Kaida sped up her walk.
"What was your mind on, anyway?" Emma asked Angel.
"I think you mean, who was her mind on," Trend said with a shining bright smile. "Am I right, Angel?"
"What?" Angel asked. "No, it was nothing." She waved off the subject.
"If by nothing, you mean Prince Brandon of Solaria," Trend said with a laugh. "Honestly, Angel, you're so transparent about your feelings for him."
"Is it really that obvious?" Angel asked.
Cicada nodded. "I'm afraid so."
Angel sighed, her shoulders sagging a bit. "But how do I find out if he likes me the same? I mean, I can't just go up to him and tell him, because he probably thinks of me as just a friend." Her eyes were glued on her shoes.
"Fret not," Trend said. Angel looked up to her new friend. "Just leave it to me. I will dig up the dirt on him and know if he feels the same about you in no time!" She stood tall for a moment.
"And by that," Emma said. "I think she means she'll call her brother and ask."
"Hey, I can't just ask Marvel what Brandon thinks of Angel," Trend said with a huff. "There is a science to it. I would know. After all, my best friend on Popularis is the Fairy of Love."
"Really, I would have thought your best friend there was a mirror," Emma said.
"Emma!" Trend gasped. "You are so mean sometimes!"
Emma held up her hands in innocence. "Sorry," she said, though she was still chuckling. "That might have taken it too far."
"Just a bit," Cicada said, taking a seat in Griselda's classroom.
"Quiet down, ladies," Griselda said, standing from her desk once the girls were all seated. She waved her hand and a stack of papers on her desk magically landed on the desk of each girl. "Today, we'll be having a surprise quiz."
"It's only the third week of classes," Cassandra said, raising her hand. "What could we have already learned about magic that can be tested?"
"And we haven't had time to study," Trend said worriedly.
"Not like you would have," Avery mumbled from the back of the classroom.
"Thus the term 'surprise,'" Griselda said. "And, Cassandra, it is only a small quiz. Just answer true or false for each to the questions. It shouldn't take you more than half an hour."
"But, Miss Griselda, it's fifty questions," Cicada said.
"Then I suggest you stop complaining and start working," Griselda said. "You'll notice that Kaida already has three questions answered."
As the girls finished, they walked their finished tests up to Griselda's desk. The class was surprised, and many annoyed, to see Avery walk up her finished test first. The next few consisted of Kaida, Emma, and Cicada.
"I see it didn't take you very long at all," Griselda said.
Cicada just smiled. "I won't tell you my secret," she said before returning to her seat.
Angel, however, was having trouble concentrating. She had been surprised to see it was a test on when it was appropriate to use magic. Her mind, however, was still all jumbled with thoughts of the Solarian prince.
When your house guests are bored, it is appropriate to use your magic to entertain them.
Of course, Angel knew this was false, but before she could mark the answer, a different scenario played in her mind. She was in the ballroom on Eraklyon and was transformed, tossing up fireballs and flying as houseguests, including Brandon, stared on in awe of her skills.
She answered true.
It is appropriate to use your magic when a monster is attacking in a public park.
Once again, Angel knew the answer on instinct. Of course it was true, as a strong fairy, it was her job and responsibility to fight off monsters to keep the people safe. But, suddenly, she swore she could hear Brandon's voice in her ear. No, Angel, I couldn't bear it if you were hurt. Help the people escape whilst I slay the beast.
She answered false.
"Time is up!" Griselda announced very suddenly, at least in Angel's eye it was sudden. "Everyone, out of your seats. Leave your test if you have not finished it. It is time for lunch, and remember you're returning here after you eat."
"How do you think you did?" Emma asked as the girls all sat down at their usual table.
"I'd like to think I did rather well," Kaida said. "But it was a little hard to focus."
"I guess we're all having trouble focusing," Trend said with a nod. She turned to the others. "We're you also having trouble focusing?"
"Not me," Emma said. "I guess you're mind is just on something else. New designs maybe?"
Trend shrugged. "I guess you'll just have to wait to see if I have anything new come out soon."
"I had no trouble whatsoever," Cicada said.
"Did you actually read the questions?" Emma asked.
"Nope," Cicada said.
The other girls all dead-panned at that. "I was just joking," Emma said.
Cicada shrugged. "I just answered whatever felt right, which was yes. You should always use magic."
"I believe most of the answers were actually false," Kaida said.
Cicada just shrugged again. "Then I figure it's not actually toward our grade, as we haven't actually learned about when to use magic."
Kaida sighed. "You really do need to start caring about your grades, Cicada," she said.
"I survived for years at my old school," Cicada said.
It was a short while later that Emma was poking Angel's arm. Angel was surprised. "Yes?" she questioned. "What's up?"
"You haven't touched your lunch," Emma said. "The period is almost over."
"Oh, sorry," Angel said.
"Why are you apologizing?" Kaida asked. "You're going to be the one that is going to be sorry."
Angel shrugged. "How about we head to Magix after classes let out and grab an early dinner?"
"You're going to be the only one hungry," Kaida said.
"That sounds great!" Trend cheered. "Oh, and we can go shopping!"
"Oh, yeah," Cicada nodded. "I saw a Magix souvenir shop last time and I really want to stop in and pick up some trinkets to send home to my siblings. And I need food for my insects."
"I am not impressed," Griselda growled handing back the tests. "Never in all my years as an instructor has this test been received with such… You girls have got to start putting your minds into your studies and less into your clothes."
"But Miss Griselda," Trend said anxiously, throwing her hand into the air. "I have to think about clothes. I'm a fashion designer."
Griselda gave her a stern glare. "You did better than some of the class," she said slamming Trend's test on her desk. It read 30/50. Griselda continued on. "Good job, Emma, highest in the class, but still room for improvement."
"What?" Kaida's dark eyes widened as she looked over to see that Emma had gotten all but two questions right. Her test, placed on her desk a moment later showed she had gotten five wrong.
"Believe it or not, Cicada," Griselda said, placing Cicada's test on her desk, "You should not use your magic in every situation." The class laughed as Cicada just shrugged.
Griselda slammed Angel's paper onto her desk. "I am very disappointed in this, Angel," she said. "And I'm sure your parents would be ashamed as well."
Angel grabbed her paper as Griselda moved on. On the top was a big fat 0. Angel stared down at it in shock.
"Avery, good job, second highest score in the class," Griselda said, moving on.
"Correct me if I'm wrong," Avery said before Griselda moved past her desk. "The tests were jinxed to make our minds wander, so it was half a test of when to use our magic, and half a test of the will of our mind."
Griselda lifted an eyebrow. "Congratulations on coming to that conclusion," Griselda said. "And, for mentioning that, I'm giving you an extra point."
"Wait, so it wasn't a fair test," Kaida said, raising her hand.
"Oh, but it was," Griselda said. "Because when you're in the world, there will be distractions. You'll need to have a strong will of mind to survive."
As soon as classes let out for the day, Trend and Cicada rushed to their room to get ready for an evening in Magix. It was a few minutes later that Emma, Kaida, and a very upset Angel walked in.
"Hurry up and get ready before the next transport leaves," Cicada said, digging through her purse.
"Transport where?" Kaida asked.
"Magix, remember," Cicada said.
"Oh, uh, no, not for me," Kaida said. "I've got to study. As for that matter, you both should study as well."
"But studying is so boring," Cicada whined.
"Shop now," Trend said. "Study later. We can study after the stores close, but we can't shop after they do." She smiled brightly. "It's always worked for me in the past."
"You had private tutors in the past," Emma said. "It's a little different at school."
"What is your excuse?" Trend asked. "You got the highest grade in the class. If there is anyone that doesn't need to study it's you."
"We have more than one class, Trend," Emma said.
Angel looked down at her shoes. "I really should study," she said. "I just totally bombed that test."
"You're too tense to study," Trend said. "Come with us. We'll get lattes, shop a little, relax, and then you'll be able to study better."
Angel took a deep breath. She was tense. "You know, I think you're right," she said and grabbed her purse. "Helena would never let me study when I'm so strung tight."
"Last chance," Cicada said as the two princesses walked out the door.
"Bye," Emma said, taking a seat on the couch. Kaida just walked into her and Cicada's room.
—
That afternoon, the trio of witches known as Hex happened to be in Magix as well. They had been slowly making their way toward that moment's witch hang-out, a dark club know as Warped Senses.
"So, then I laughed at him," Ebony said, explaining a story to her friends. "Sometimes, Trine is just pathetic."
"And yet you're still more attracted to him than you are to anyone else," Frosty said.
"Not anyone else," Ebony said.
"You once told us you prefer him even to Marvel," Bryony said. "As in Prince Gorgeous."
Ebony shrugged. "He's okay," the witch of darkness said. "I just think that Trine is a better option."
"Why, because he's not a real royal and therefore you're allowed to use love spells on him?" Frosty asked.
"I do not need love spells to get Trine," Ebony said.
"Then why did you use them all last year?" Bryony asked. Ebony chose not to respond to that.
"The thing is, no prince would be allowed to seriously date a witch by his family without first giving up his right to the crown," Ebony said. "On the other hand, with Trine, I can become glorified when I help him win back his kingdom… and then I'd become queen."
"That's likely to happen," Frosty laughed and rolled her eyes.
"Oh, look who it is," Ebony stopped walking as she spotted Trend, Cicada, and Angel walking out of a small cafe.
"Stupid pixies," Bryony said rolling her acid green eyes.
"We still owe them for making fools of us at the dance," Frosty said.
"Then I say we teach them a lesssson," Bryony said, her last word sounding like a hiss. She smiled and stepped into an alleyway before shrinking down, becoming a bright lime green snake.
"Um, not that it doesn't suit you," Frosty said, bending forward, "but maybe something a little more… discreet?"
Bryony hissed, but the scales rippled becoming a smaller, brown snake. She then slithered away, following the three Alfea fairies.
"That test was so unfair," Angel said. "I mean, I was already distracted, so add in the distraction jinx and I was bound to fail."
"Then maybe you should do something about that distraction," Trend said, poking Angel's side.
"Yeah," Cicada said. "You've got his digits. Call him up."
"But, what if he doesn't like me like that?" Angel asked. "I mean, we've known one another since forever." She sighed. "I can't imagine that he sees me as more than a friend. If that. He probably just sees me as his sister's friend."
"He totes sees you as more than a friend," Trend said. "Trust me. Prince Brandon is into you."
"He could have any girl he wants in all the realms," Angel said. "I mean, just look at me. I'm so plain."
"No you are not," Cicada said.
"Actually, it is a rather average look," Trend said. Cicada glared at Trend. "Which we can fix with a little hair style and some accessories," she quickly added. "But it's not about how you look. If he was after looks, let's be serious, he'd be after me."
"Oh, that's not narcissistic at all," Cicada said.
"But Brandon is into you for who you are," Trend said to Angel. "Not how you look."
"I'm still not sure," Angel said.
"Then let's call up your cousin and ask," Trend said. "You always trust Helena. You text her, like, every day."
However, by that time, Bryony had all she needed. She slithered back to her roommates and returned to her human form. She smiled. "Oh, this is good," she said.
"What is?" Frosty asked.
"Apparently, Princess Angel, cousin to your beloved Phillip," Bryony glanced at Frosty for a moment to see if Frosty blushed. She didn't. "Is head over heels for Prince Brandon of Solaria."
"Oh, we could use that," Frosty said, smiling. She turned to Ebony and cast a quick spell, so she looked like Brandon.
"Hey, why do I have to be the one to play the boy?" Ebony asked.
"Because Brandon isn't your type," Bryony said. She cast another spell, changing Ebony's voice.
"Not your type either," Ebony said, though she sounded very much like Brandon.
"Well, more my type than your type," Frosty said. "Now, take us up where we will cross paths with them."
Ebony waved her hand and they were enveloped in darkness, reappearing in an alley a few feet ahead of the Vixen girls. The two smiled and stepped out. "Oh, Brandon, it has been such a fun day," Frosty said, wrapping her arms around 'Brandon's' arm as they began heading down the street. The three Vixen girls stopped, staring at the scene coming toward them. They stepped to the side as the two passed by. "But are you sure that it's okay to cut our date short to meet with Bryony and Ebony at Warped Senses?"
"Of course, Frosty," 'Brandon' replied. He turned Frosty's face towards his own. "I only want to please you. After all, one day, you will be my Ice Queen."
Angel, Cicada, and Trend just stared after them for a moment. Angel shook her head. "I… I… Her?"
"No," Cicada said. "There is no way that he is into her."
"It must have been a love spell," Trend said. "Brandon was so into you the other day at the dance, there is absolutely no way that he is into her."
"I know you're just trying to make me feel better," Angel said, looking away.
"It must be a love spell," Cicada said.
"Yeah!" Trend agreed.
"And we'll prove it," Cicada said, pounding her hand into her fist.
"Definitely," Trend agreed.
"We'll follow them," Cicada said.
"We… wait, what?" Trend asked. "Into… Warped Senses? That's a witch hangout."
"You're not afraid, are you?" Cicada asked. She smiled and grabbed each of the princesses' wrists. "We're going in."
Standing outside the door, the three Vixen girls stopped. Saying they were going in was one thing, but actually doing it was another. The windows were all black and the lights outside the door were flashing. The words 'Warped Senses' were above the door in red, jagged letters, and a little music could be heard outside.
"We'll stand out like sore thumbs in there," Angel said.
"I won't," Cicada said, her hair gaining the volume that it took when she was transformed. "My family produces both witches and fairies, so we tend to look like either."
Trend wiggled her fingers, turning Cicada's clothes maroon and navy blue. "Good thing I'm the fairy of Fashion and Glamour," Trend said. She cast a small spell, changing both her and Angel's looks. Each of them had dark lined eyes, flattened hair, and bright red lips. She put herself in a short purple dress with long lace sleeves and Angel into a forest green jumpsuit with shorts and no sleeves, matching boots up over her knees. "Now we'll fit in."
They eased open the door and peeked in. They did't see Brandon anywhere, but they did see the Hex witches all sitting at a table and laughing. "Let's go," Cicada said, walking in. Angel and Trend followed, a little less thrilled.
Little did they know that Hex spotted them immediately. "They actually followed us, can you believe it?" Bryony laughed.
"They're so stupid," Ebony agreed.
"Let's make them freak," Frosty said quietly. She sat up straighter and laughed loudly. "He is such a sucker. He fell for me immediately. Can you believe it? Prince Brandon thinks he's good enough for me. Not likely."
The three Hex laughed, but Angel felt her blood boil. "What have you done to him!" she yelled, drawing attention to her, Cicada, and Trend. All the witches that hadn't noticed the three fairies turned and cocked their heads, before evil smiles appeared among them.
"What do we have here?" Bryony asked standing up.
"Three little fairies that seem to be lost," Frosty said, standing as well. Ebony circled around them, and suddenly, they were surrounded.
"Where is Brandon?" Angel asked again.
"Brandon?" Ebony asked. She flashed as Brandon quickly for them to see. "You mean me? Can't even tell the difference between a Specialist and a Witch."
They witches all laughed again. "You wanted us to follow," Angel said. "Why?"
"This is why," Frosty said and shot an ice attack at the three. They all dodged.
"Let's go Vixen!" Angel yelled and the three girls transformed. Of course, as soon as they did so, the witches all transformed as well.
"This is suddenly feeling like a really bad idea," Cicada said as she, Angel, and Trend were all back to back.
"What other option do we have?" Trend asked.
Angel was trying her best not to show fear, but she was afraid. She was stuck in a club filled with witches. And then she remembered the test from Griselda's class. And one specific question.
It is appropriate to transform and fight every time a witch is encountered.
Before coming to Magix, Angel had only heard about witches in stories and swore up and down that all witches were evil. But looking around, she realized that she and her friends were the ones that snuck into their club. She had met a few at the dance, and Alfea and Cloud Tower were in good terms with one another.
"We don't want to fight," Angel said. She lowered back to the ground and transformed back into her human form.
"Angel, what are you doing?" Cicada asked.
"Let us leave," Angel said. "Please." She looked up at Cicada and Trend.
"Pretty please?" Trend asked, smiling and following Angel's example.
Cicada sighed, but did as well. The witches all shrugged and returned to their own business. All but Hex.
"Not happening," Ebony said.
"See if you can dodge this," Bryony yelled, shooting off an attack at the three. They all dropped to the ground to dodge, and then made off toward the door. They barely tumbled out and fell at several pairs of male feet. Angel looked up to see Marvel, Charm, Trine, and a very not in love with Frosty Prince Brandon.
"What's wrong?" Marvel asked helping Trend to her feet.
"Witches attacking us," Cicada said, dodging behind the boys as Hex followed them out of the building.
Prince Charm rolled his dark eyes and held up his hand, forming a shield to block Hex from attacking the three fairies. "This stops now," he said looking at Frosty, Ebony, and Bryony. He looked at the three. "Power down."
The three girls stood, hands on their hips. Ebony looked at Trine and smiled. "Hey," she said with a small smile.
"Back inside," Trine said, walking forward, ushering the three girls inside. Bryony and Frosty simply huffed while Ebony gave Trine a kiss on the cheek before following.
"How'd you get mixed up in that?" Brandon asked, looking at Angel. He looked at the outfit Trend had put her in. "And… what are you wearing?"
"Oh, you know," Angel said with a shrug. "We misheard them on the street. They said they were going to Warped Senses, but we thought they said they were going to warp senses, as in the senses of people."
"How would you ladies like a ride back to Alfea?" Marvel asked. "We were just about to head back ourselves."
"Oh, we'd love that," Cicada said.
Not more than fifteen minutes later, the three fairies were climbing off the Wind Riders. Trend shakily, having ridden with Trine who had gone faster and performed several tricks with her on the back. Cicada smiled at Marvel as she got off his. And lastly, Angel slowly climbed off Brandon's Rider.
"It was nice seeing you," Brandon said. "Even only for a few minutes."
"Yeah, it was," Angel said, her cheeks getting a little red. "And thanks for saving us back there."
"I believe that it was me that saved you," Charm said, though she paid him no attention.
"I'll call you sometime," Brandon said, holding Angel's hand for a moment. "We'll get together, do lunch or something."
"That'd be great," Angel said. Brandon smiled at her and gave her a kiss on the cheek before following the other three Red Fountain heroes out of the Alfea courtyard. And then Angel broke into her happy dance.
"I can't believe we embarrassed ourselves so much," Trend said.
"Oh, don't worry," Cicada said. "I'm working on pay back already."
The next morning, the three Hex woke up, and screamed. Apparently, during the night, spiders had snuck into their room and they were bitten up and down with no way to hide the big red marks.
Well, finally, another chapter. Let's see, changes...
Well, I had Angel day-dreaming about the Brandon before the test, so it wasn't just a single moment. As well, I had Griselda jinx the test to make people's mind wander, which I think makes it more likely that Angel would answer all the questions incorrectly. I showed a little of Kaida still having trouble with some magic as well.
Most importantly, I tied in the use of magic into the end of the chapter.
I feel like the end might be rushed, so if you agree, please let me know. Otherwise, I hope you enjoyed and please review.
