First of all, I am so sorry that I've kind of just let my story die. I apologize for starting and failing to finish this story. I'm updating now because I've FINALLY found some free time with which to write. I can't promise speedy updates, but I will try to do better with updating the story. I just reread the whole thing, and it inspired me to finish it. So here you go; another chapter to this yet-to-be-finished story. Thanks for reading---eerocks12
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" Flora!" barked the Alchemy professor, "head down to Miss Faragonda's office immediately." Her teacher read this information from a pale yellow slip of paper, motioning to Flora that she should take her leave. Flora was disappointed; she was in the middle of a complicated experiment involving the tooth of a vampire and blue bonnet petals.
Why does Ms. F want to see me? Flora wondered.
I hope she doesn't know that I snuck into Red Fountain.
Flora let her mind wander as she strolled to meet her headmistress. She hadn't spoken to Riven in two weeks. He was still upset with her for accusing his "beloved" of casting a love spell on him. She hadn't spoken to Bloom for nearly the same amount of time, but that was because Bloom was always with Riven, not out of anger.
Flora sighed. While her friendship with Riven had been short, it had been fulfilling, and she found herself missing her friend.
Why did Bloom have to go and screw everything up?
Don't think that way! She's your friend and she didn't do it out of spite. She truly has feelings for Riven.
Too bad his feelings for her are artificial.
Flora reached the regal, purple doors that led into Ms. Faragonda's office, and tried not to think of her mixed feelings towards Bloom.
"Ms. Faragonda, you wanted to see me?" Questioned Flora, waving the yellow slip as proof.
"Yes Flora, come here dear." Replied Faragonda. Flora stepped up to the imposing, dark mahogany desk and looked into Ms. Faragonda's eyes.
"I need to ask a favor of you" she began. "But I need your word that, if you accept, you will follow through; no backing out." Flora was startled, but eager to help. She needed something to distract her from all the Riven drama, and this provided just the antidote.
"I'd love to help." Replied Flora. The Headmistress's face relaxed and turned grave all at once. "Well, follow me then" she commanded tersely. Ms. Faragonda led them out of the office and through the winding corridors until they reached the library. She nodded to the librarian, and continued into the depths of the library.
"Do you know of the orbs of Neftalian?" Asked Ms. Faragonda.
The Orbs of Neftalian! That's what Madison was asking Helia about that day at Red Fountain! Screamed Flora's inner self.
Play dumb, Flora, play dumb! You'll look suspicious if you know what they are. They're obviously supposed to be a secret.
"No" she lied. "Well" continued the principle "There are three in all; one is in Cloudtower, one is in Red Fountain…and one is here." They had reached the entrance to the restricted section.
"Flora, very few are supposed to know about the Orbs of Neftalian, and for good reason. One orb takes away the ability to move, one takes away the ability to think independently and speak, and one takes away the ability to see and hear. When all three are together, they take away persons free will, and that is a most dangerous force to be reckoned with."
Flora still couldn't see where she was going with this, but let her lead her farther into the depths of the restricted section.
They stopped among the rows of books. Mrs. Faragonda turned to her and said "The Orb from Red Fountain was stolen last week. There are no traces of the thief anywhere near it's hiding place, and Saladin suspects that they will strike here next. He's already warned Ms. Griffin at Cloudtower to keep an extra close eye on their orb, and me as well. That's where you come in. I need someone to be the guardian of Alfea's orb, and I feel that out all my students, you're the most capable."
Flora stood there stunned. This was typically Bloom's job: protect the sacred artifact, fight the bad guys, and win the hero's heart. Since when had Flora become Ms. Faragonda's fairy of choice? All Flora managed to blurt out was "Shouldn't you be asking Bloom to do all this hero work? She's so much stronger, and braver, and prettier…." Flora trailed off.
"Normally I would ask Bloom" stated Ms. Faragonda bluntly. "But something is telling me to trust in you, Flora. I believe you're the best person for the task. Now, if you please.." Ms. Faragonda ended her speech by lugging a heavy-looking book from one of the upper shelves.
"This" she said while opening the book "is where our own orb is hidden". Inside the book was a carved out space where something secret could be hidden. And the book contained just that-something secret. The orb was pearly white and opalescent, and a faint glow reverberated around the sphere.
"Where best to hide something than in the plainest, most obvious place? Everyone expects our secrets to lie behind a massive vault door that takes 8 keys, 3 spells, and one correctly answered riddle to enter. No will ever think to check the simple hiding places. Brilliant, no?"
"Ms. Faragonda" Flora began "I won't be any match for that thief if he comes here to steal the orb. Bloom's the strongest, Laila's the bravest, Tecna's the smartest; why don't' you get one of them to be the guardian?"
"I've already had this discussion with you Flora; my instincts are telling me to put you in charge, and I plan on listening to them. Believe in yourself and what you can do; you'll be surprised that you're truly better than you think you are." Ms. Faragonda closed the book and put it back on the shelf. They left the library and continued their conversation in the hallway.
"There's only one thing you need to remember, Flora. Don't tell anyone you're guarding the orb. The orbs are secret, and they need to remain secret. If you tell your friends or loved ones, you could put their lives at risk, not to mention your own. I'll need you to check periodically on it to make sure it's safe, and I already told Ms. Clidel to allow you access into the restricted section."
"Okay" she answered, not sure that she could even keep her promise to protect the orb.
"Good luck, Flora. I hope to see you soon; go back to Alchemy, and good day." With that, Ms. Faragonda left her standing there.
Oh God, what am I going to do? Wailed Flora's mind as she walked to back to Alchemy class. As she left, Madison stepped out from behind the corner, having heard everything that had just passed.