Chatta caught up with them and landed on Mirta's shoulder. "Flora told me to stay with you," she explained.
"Thank you," replied the upset girl, "That makes me feel better."
"You can stay with her, as long as you don't interfere with police business," the policeman told Chatta.
"I won't. I don't want her to get in any more trouble, so I won't interfere with you. That's not a problem for me..." said Chatta.
Mirta reached up and touched the Pixie on the head, signaling her to be quiet for the moment. Chatta took the hint, even though it was against her nature.
"I'm Officer Brannan," he said.
"I-- I'm Mirta, and this is Chatta," was the reply. "What's going to happen to me?" Mirta asked, nervously.
"You'll be documented and questioned, then held until your fairy friend gets there. I hope there is some kind of explanation for this." He gestured at his scanner. "This definitely says you're a witch, but you aren't acting like other witches I've arrested."
"Uh...what do you mean?" said Mirta.
"All the others gave me trouble, but you haven't," he said.
"She IS a fairy!" exclaimed an outraged Chatta, "I told you that already!"
"If you really are a fairy, there will be no problem. If you aren't, you'll probably be deported and forbidden to return," he added.
Mirta hung her head. Now a whole WORLD that didn't want her. Her self-esteem dropped even lower.
wcwcwc
Inside the police headquarters, Mirta found herself the center of attention. Some looked curious, while a few glared at her.
A tall, middle-aged officer came over, almost radiating hostility. "So, an unregistered witch, huh? We know how to deal with YOUR kind!" he said, leaning over the half-fairy.
Mirta shrank back against Brannan, and Chatta hid behind Mirta's neck, peeking around at the man.
"I- I'm not a witch!" said Mirta, in a voice that quavered slightly.
"Back off, Alhain," said Brannan, "We'll do this by the book."
Alhain snorted, and went on about his business.
Brannan took Mirta over to a box about the size of a phone booth, and told her to get in. She saw him type on a keyboard for a moment as Chatta watched over his shoulder, then a square of yellow light appeared above her head. It passed down over her to her feet, then went back up, where it disappeared.
Brannan motioned her out. "That's that. We now have a complete physical profile of you. Now we fill out these information forms, you answer some questions, then you can wait for your friend." He picked up a clipboard with blank forms and a pen on it, and led Mirta toward a door in the back.
"Hey, Meggy, which room is open?" he asked a female officer at a desk.
She glanced at a screen. "Room Two," she replied, and returned to what she was doing.
Room Two turned out to be small and windowless. A table with several chairs around it were the only furnishings. The table had a built-in computer console.
Brannan motioned Mirta to one side, and he took his place in front of the computer. He glanced at the clipboard, and gave a snort.
"I grabbed the wrong papers," he said, standing up, "Be right back."
Just then Mirta's cell phone rang.
"Can I...?" she asked.
"Sure. Just don't touch the computer, and don't try to leave the room. The bracelet will stop you," he replied, and left the room.
Mirta flipped open the phone, and found Flora's concerned face on the screen.
"How you doin' sweetie?" she asked.
"We're fine, still a bit nervous," answered Mirta, "Right now we're in a room where he's going to ask me questions."
"Hurry up and come get us!" put in Chatta, "I don't like this place!"
"We contacted Ms. Faragonda, and she AND Ms. Griffin are sending us papers confirming your status. Did you bring that letter with you?" said Flora.
"Yeah, in my suitcase, outside pocket," she said.
"Okay, as soon as the papers arrive, we'll be there," said Flora.
"Thanks," said Mirta, "You're a better friend than I ever thought you were."
Flora grinned. "I'd never abandon you. See you soon." The screen went blank.
Mirta sighed and put away the phone.
"It'll be okay," said Chatta, "We have to rely on Flora and her parents."
Just then Brannan came back in.
"That was Flora. She and her parents will be here soon to get me," Mirta said.
"Okay," said Brannan, sitting down. He hit the 'record' button on the computer. "Name?"
"Mirta," was the reply.
"Family name?" he asked, glancing at the clipboard.
"I don't have one," she said, miserably, hanging her head.
"No family name? Why not?" he asked.
Mirta proceeded to tell him the story, of her becoming a fairy, and her family disowning her for it. She explained that she was here to relax for the rest of the summer, invited by Flora.
"Wow, that's really tough. I hope things work out for you," said Brannan. He then proceeded to finish the questions.
There weren't that many, though, and soon he said, "Okay, that's all, now you wait for your friend to get here."
Just then the door opened. "She's got company," said Meggy, and left, leaving the door open.
"Can I ask something?" said Mirta.
"Sure, what is it?" asked Brannan.
"Why do witches have to register to visit Linphea?" she asked.
"This world is home to many powerful and dangerous plants, which can be used in evil magic and potions," he replied, "And keeping track of witches who come here helps keep the plants safe. Let's go see your friend."
Mirta nodded, and followed him out of the room, Chatta on her shoulder.
In the lobby they found Flora, Rose, Ivy and Rowan. Chatta flew to Flora and hugged her. "I am so glad to see you!"
"You too. I missed you, and it's only been a hour or so," replied Flora. Then she gave Mirta a strong hug. "See, sweetie, I told you it would be okay. We've gotten you cleared."
Brannan came over, reading papers. "Well, these confirm your story, so there won't be any charges," he said. Then he handed Mirta a card. "But to be on the safe side, we're registering you anyway. If you're questioned again, just show the card."
"I can prove I'm a fairy, if you'll take this off," said Mirta holding out her wrist.
Brannan did so, and stepped back when Mirta motioned him too.
She held out her arms, and transformed into fairy form. Her two-piece outfit was magenta, while her wings were pale, translucent white with pink spots.
"Humph," said Alhain, who came over to see, "Some kinda witch trick." Chatta glared at him. She was feeling much more courageous in Flora's company.
Mirta changed back to human form. "If I had done that in the first place, you wouldn't have arrested me," she said.
Brannan pulled out his scanner, and took a reading. "No, I still would have had to bring you in. You still have more dark magic than light."
Mirta shook her head, but made no reply.
"Just watch your step," said Alhain, "I'll be watching too."
"If there's nothing else, we'll be going," said Rowan. He took his wife by the hand, and led his family and guest out of the station.
Outside a huge leaf was waiting for them. Everyone but Mirta got on and settled down quickly, but Flora had to persuade Mirta it was okay. Finally she settled down, but clutched the leaf hard. The ride was smooth, and she finally relaxed a bit before it was over.
Once inside, Ivy turned to Mirta. "Dear, I'll bet you're hungry. Dinner will be ready soon."
Mirta shook her head. "No, thanks. I'm going to my room. I want to be alone for a while." And she headed down the corridor, Flora and her family looking sadly after her.