Chapter Nine

An hour later, the four fairies, the BFFL, and Obsidian were sitting at a picnic table, eating lunch. The old troll had packed it before following them out to the park, and now that the crisis was over, it was time to celebrate.

Mirta had taken the last of her healing potion so was feeling much better. She got the box of burgers and drinks and added it to the food.

Apologies were made all around, and Mirta forgave Amaryl. She told Kimmy and Ahisa that they had nothing to be sorry for, but if it made them feel better, they were forgiven too.

Mirta explained her history to the trolls, and that, while she was in training to be a fairy, she still had a lot of dark magic within.

"I'm glad to learn all witches aren't evil," said Topaz. "But after meeting those other three, I was wondering."

"Nobody is all one thing or the other," said Ahisa.

"Oh, Amaryl," said Sapphire, "Did you recover that spell bead you tried to use?"

"Yeah, I've got it in my room. Once in a while, I try to activate it. So far, nothing," she replied.

"Well, good luck with that," said the blue-haired troll.

"Let me know if you ever do manage it," said Obsidian, "It would be a first."

New friendships were made between the trolls and fairies.

Trolls going through the park were wondering at the tall people, and some even came over to see what was going on. The idea that the general troll population would accept the taller people gained more support. Simon was still around, and taking care of him was still a priority. Until that happened, the trolls would not rejoin the rest of the Magical Dimension.

"Topaz, I want to thank you," said Mirta, taking a sip of Trolla-Cola. "You were afraid of me, but you still tried to help even after I hurt you."

The blond troll-girl smiled. "Yeah, I was afraid, but once I knew what was going on, I had to help." She gave Mirta the once-over. "And I still want to help you."

Puzzled, Mirta said "Help me how?"

"You could really use a fashion makeover," was the answer.

"What's wrong with her clothes?" Onyx, interjected, "I think they look good."

Topaz eyed her dark friend. "You would."

Everyone laughed.

"I'll... keep it in mind," said Mirta.

Topaz started to say something else, but Amethyst caught her eye and mouthed to drop it, which she reluctantly did.

Lunch wound down and they policed the table before heading for the park entrance. They decided to go back to Obsidian's spell shop and contact Faragonda.

Obsidian caught a taxi, being still weak from the long-distance portal spell. The BFFL took their skoots, and the fairies transformed and flew.

wc/bffl wc/bffl wc/bffl

They found the Alfea headmistress was already on the crystal ball, and told her what happened, and that Mirta had recovered.

Faragonda told them a Red Fountain ship was on the way, and to expect a call from the Trollzopolis Airport soon.

To pass the time the BFFL took the fairies around the mall and showed them their favorite stores. More trolls came over to meet them.

They spotted their school rivals Coral, Opal, and Jade in the food court, and made sure to parade by them. The three cheerleaders sat with their mouths open, staring at the tall girls with the Best Losers For Life (as they thought of them). When they came back by, Ruby took great pleasure in introducing the cheerleaders to the faires, and leaving them stunned.

They also found their boyfriends at the arcade and introduced them to the fairies.

By the time they got back to Obsidian's Spellz, the Red Fountain ship had arrived. They took their leave of the old troll woman and the fairies flew behind the troll girls who guided them to the airport. They nearly caused more than one accident along the way.

Finding the RF ship was easy, and they discovered the pilot once again to be Spencer, who had become Priscilla's boyfriend after the Alfea War.

At the foot of the ship, Mirta turned to the trolls and squatted down.

"Thank you all so much!" she gave each one a hug. "I hope we'll meet again, under better conditions."

"Me too," said Sapphire.

"Same here," added Amethyst.

"You fairies are so much fun!" said Topaz.

"we're glad we could help," said Ruby.

"Just try not to let it happen again," smirked Onyx.

Amaryl, Kimmy, and Ahisa also gave the trolls a hug, and with a last wave, went up the ramp into the ship.

The BFFL moved away, and for the second time watched as the ship took off for Magix.

wc/bffl wc/bffl wc/bffl

The four fairies were dropped off at Alfea, and Spencer took off for Red Fountain. They found Ms. Faragonda, Ms. Griselda, and Professor Palladium waiting for them.

"How are you, dear?" asked Faragonda.

"I'm fine now, ma'am," said Mirta.

"Well, you're going straight to the infirmary and be checked out," said Griselda, "Come with me."

Nurse Ophelia gave Mirta a thorough examination and kept her overnight for observation. The next morning she was declared healthy and released.

Heading back to the dorm she was swarmed by the other students, who wanted to know what happened, and told her they were glad she was back. That made the half-witch feel much better about attending the school. She had more friends than she thought.

After a shower and change of clothes, the four roommates went to Faragonda's office, where they were expected. Griselda and Palladium were there as well.

"Young lady, the stunt you pulled is the kind of thing that can get you expelled," said Griselda.

"Yes, ma'am, I know," answered Amaryl with guilty expression. She hung her head.

"Ma'am?" interrupted Mirta, "She's really sorry, and I've forgiven her. She's still my friend, and I want to ask you not to do that." She put an arm protectively around the blond fairy.

"That's the punishment for such a foolhardy action!" the severe teacher exclaimed, adjusting her glasses.

Ahisa stepped forward. "Kimmy and I are just as guilty. We ask for the same punishment."

Kimmy nodded her agreement. "we didn't try as hard as we should have to talk her out of it."

"No, you can't do that!" said Amaryl, turning to them.

"We can and will," said Kimmy, with resolve in her voice.

"Well, if you insist," said Griselda, "I declare..."

"If you throw them out, I'll leave too," said Mirta.

Griselda stared at the redhead in shock. But before she could answer, Faragonda spoke up.

"That's the attitude of real fairies. Forgiveness and reconciliation with those who did wrong," said the headmistress. She stood and stepped around her desk. "Admitting guilt and accepting the consequences. Determination to do better. Protecting friends." She smiled at the students, then turned to Griselda. "I think a lesson has been learned here, don't you?"

"As you say, ma'am," answered Griselda, tightly.

"You will not be expelled, but next time think before you act," she admonished.

"I will, ma'am, thank you," said Amaryl. She looked over at the other teacher who, to this point had said nothing. "Professor, I'm really sorry, and promise not to do anything like that again."

"Glad to hear it. You do realize there will be extra homework coming?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," she answered. She'd expected that, at the very least.

"For all three of you, since you insist on sharing punishment," he added.

"Thank you, sir," chorused Kimmy and Ahisa.

"Is that acceptable, Mirta?" he asked, turning to the redheaded student.

"Yes sir, that seems fair. It was an ordeal, but I did learn something from it, met new friends, and saw a new place. I think the benefits are worth the trouble," she answered.

"With an attitude like that, I think you'll make a fine fairy someday," said Faragonda, "Now the four of you go get breakfast and reconnect with each other."

"Thank you ma'am," answered Mirta with a smile, and the four friends left the office, closing the door behind them.

The End