Thumbelina's Path: Door with the Flower

Key:

"": Speaking

(): Thoughts

*Alakazam!*: Spell Incantation

/Hello, Readers\: Magic Book Speaking

Chapter 1

I walked calmly towards the door with the Flower on it. I opened the door and saw the flowers all around me in a field and a small stream to my left. Stepping through the door and allowing it to close behind me, I sealed my path.

My eyes widened as I looked around me. The field was covered with flowers of all shapes and sizes, and I saw a town not too far from where I stood. There was also a rather large tree behind me.

I sat down and leaned back against the tree, taking my satchel off and setting it beside me. Looking at the door that brought me here, I watched as it slowly disappeared. "Just as I expected. The door is gone. Let's get started!' I pulled out my Magic Book. '*Ut mihi non loquaris Magicae Libro!*"

The book flew open, stopped on an empty page as silver mist rose from it forming words. /Welcome! To speak with Magic Book, press 3. To speak with a Magic Book Service Representative, press 4. To leave a Message, press...\

I rolled my eyes and swiped at the smoke which made the letters all jumble, looking like weird shapes. "Give me the details."

The letters rearranged back to normal before rewording. /Well, as you know, Magic Doors disappear once closed in order to prevent misuse. There are two options you have. One: You wait a hundred more years till you are powerful enough and had more training, but I doubt you'll want that. So that leaves the second option: Pray for people's happiness, fulfill their wishes and grow as an Enchantress.\

I sighed. "Very well. I still will practice some of my magic daily."

/Fair enough. I'll not mess with your training, but I'll withhold anything that's above and beyond your level at the moment. Remember, this is a test for you, to make you grow into a first-class Enchantress. Use your magic to make someone in this world happy. When you do, you'll pass the test, and the door will reappear.\

Looking around the field as the Magic Book closed and returned to my satchel, it reminded me of the field in Disney's original animated version of 'Alice in Wonderland'. So, I just went with it.

"~Cats and rabbits

Would reside in fancy little houses

And be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers

In a World of My Own~'

I leaned away from the tree and lied down on my back among the flowers. I look at some that were bending towards me, and I sat up a bit to press my nose to the center of a daffodil before putting my hands behind my head and laying back down.

'~All the Flowers

Would have very extra special powers

They would sit and talk to me for hours

When I'm lonely in a World of My Own~'

I saw a small swallow fly down and land on a branch above me and I inclined my head to him.

'~There's be new birds

Lots of nice and friendly how'd-you-do birds

Everyone would have a dozen bluebirds~'

I stood, grabbed my satchel and went over to the stream.

'~Within that World of My Own

I could listen to a babbling brook

And hear a song that I could understand...~'

I lied down on my stomach and propped my head on my fist, my other hand dipped a finger in the water, making ripples and moving it around in a mindless pattern.

'~I keep wishing it could be that way

Because My World would be a Wonderland!~"

For the next hour or so I laid there making meaningless patterns in the water till the sun was high. I suddenly felt a tingle of magic in the air. I quickly stood up and backed away from the stream as I started to shrink. I closed my eyes tight as the feeling of being pushed down through a funnel and straw began to make my stomach turn. When the feeling stopped, I opened my eyes and starred up at the now huge Dianthus flowers around me. They were radiant reds, whites and purples as the white clovers shined like snow and grew thickly around me. The sky seemed to extend forever, seemingly higher than usual.

I jump as a cabbage worm came towards me from the left. I stepped back, out of its way as it made its way past me. I then turned to a rustling noise behind me to see a cabbage butterfly. Flapping its wings created a blustery wind and I covered my face and planted my feet trying to block the wind from blowing me away.

I was knocked onto my rear, and I ran my hands through my hair to straighten and untangle it as the butterfly flew away. Shaking my head, I stood and brushed myself off. (Now, let's see if there's anyone in this world as small as me.)

I started towards the direction the stream was in, half looking around in awe of this new perspective. Reaching the stream, now more like a river, to see large Lili pads and water lilies dotting the surface and the shinning sun-colored parts of the clear water in a rainbow. "Wow, so pretty!"

I giggled as I hopped onto a small rock and soon hopped from Lili pad to Lili pad. Landing on the one that seemed to be in the center of the stream, I ran around the whole rim before plopping down in the middle, giggling like crazy.

My head snapped toward the white clovers and crawled to the edge tilting my head to the side as I heard a sound coming from them.

"One, two, one, two, move quietly, Ribbit!"

I quickly hid behind a water lily and waited for what I knew was a toad and its prisoner. Grandma had taught me all about toads. They were the nastier version of frogs, in looks and in personality. The reason toad are used in potions is because of that. And most frogs are princes that are waiting for their princesses to kiss them, so no frogs in potions. That's why I don't eat fried frog legs, as they could actually belong to an enchanted prince.

Soon, a rather large toad came hopping into sight. Upon his back was a walnut shell. "One, two, one, two... Ah, I'm tired. Ribbit." The toad panted and placed the walnut shell down on one of the lily pads.

"Ribbit, Ribbit. Well, it's a relief to get here. Ribbit.' He wiped his brow and crouched in the usual toad-like position. He took some deep breaths, seeming to steady its heart and breathing. He then peered inside the walnut shell. 'It's kind of pretty. Ribbit."

Whatever was in that shell, I felt sorry for it. To be the object of affection of a toad was never a pleasant thing to be, because in the end you might become a toad yourself. Curious, I pulled out my staff, tapped myself on the head saying, "*Mi nascondere da occhi curiosi.*"

Immediately, I became invisible. Heading towards the walnut shell, I got on my knees and crawled just in case. Reaching the shell, I grabbed the rim and slowly lifted myself up to look inside. I gasped seeing a young handsome man sleeping inside. (A bed then? Looks soft. Rose petal mattress, cotton ball pillow and honeysuckle petal blankets.)

"I took you away while you were sleeping, but it can't be helped. Ribbit.' the toad whispered apologetically, folding his arms. 'I can't turn back. Ribbit. I have to brace myself. Ribbit."

As his throat expanded like a balloon, my eyes widened and I quickly ran back to my former hiding spot, ended the spell and covered my ears to try and block out some of that toads' croak.

"Oh no."

I blinked and slowly took my hands away from my ears. Looking over I saw that he was looking at the walnut shell.

"Hm... Where am I?"

"Oh, he's(you've) woken up. (Ribbit.)" Both the toad and I said together, however mine was a whisper and I certainly don't croak.

The figure sat up. He was wearing black boots, pants and an almost tight light purple almost white robe that turned dark purple at the flowing cuffs of the sleeve. It was accented with black and gold along the sides in a strange pattern that seemed to form a flower if you tilt your head to the left and a dragon if you tilt your head to the right. A golden belt wrapped around his waist along with a chain of golden leaves and three round emeralds. Two similar belts and chains wrapped around his upper forearm above his elbow. The shoulders were of a red cloth as well as near his collarbone as a high black collar reached his neck that was patterned with golden leaves. All in all, he gave off an exotic vibe.

(His figure is manly, and yet beautiful like a flower.)

His face was sharp, his skin almost transparent and his hair was a pale... Violet? Odd as the color was, it seemed to suit him. His eyes I couldn't see but I knew they no doubt would be emerald, green because of what he was: A Lilac Flower Spirit.

"Yes, I've woken...' he said. He tilted his head curiosity at the toad. 'Who are you? A bullfrog?"

I winced. Never call a toad anything related to a frog, it will only make whatever they do to you worse.

The toad narrowed his eyes. "A toad, Ribbit. While you were sleeping, I brought you here. Ribbit."

"What, a house moving company? Not that I asked for this."

I giggled at that response but was still worried. I would have to jump in if he pushed too far.

The toad growled as much as a toad could. "No, no, not that. Ribbit. I came to pick you up... In other words, I brought you here of my own accord. Ribbit."

The man sighed, placing his head in his hands. "Oh, you kidnapped me. Not again..." he whispered the last part, but I could read lips.

He sighs lazily and I was confused. (That's not the kind of behavior you should have when your kidnapped. What's he up to?)

"... Why did you bring me here?" he asked grumpily, perhaps because he was just woken up.

The toad smirked and stood to its full height and the man's eyes widened in a bit of fright. "Well, you're incredibly beautiful, so I decided you will become my daughter's husband. Ribbit."

He fell his bed in shock. He immediately stood back up and looked at the toad. "No way! A toad's daughter... No, I don't want to marry a female."

He turned his back to the toad and crossed his arms. The toad seemed to become angry. "Don't say that... She looks like me, she's quite cute. Ribbit!"

"No way!"

I really was on the verge of running out, staff brandished and get rid of that toad! But I knew the Flower Spirit had something up his sleeve.

"But I can't find her a good partner! I don't know what else to do! Ribbit."

He sighed. "Can't you stop with all the 'Ribbits'?' he said annoyed a bit and I had to agree about those 'Ribbits'. He then placed a hand on his stomach. 'I'm hungry."

He suddenly spread out his arms and closed his eyes. After a few seconds, he slowly opens his eyes and looks at the toad. Before my eyes, a light of blue and violet seemed to wrap around his body. I gasped surprised but confused. (Is this really happening or is it an illusion? Wait... What a sweet scent... smells kinda like honey and chocolate.)

Next thing I know, the man was sitting on a Lili pad. Looking to the toad I was surprised to see he looked a little dazed. "Wow, amazing... Ribbit. I'll listen to everything you say and give you anything."

My eyes widened. An unknown magic? Well, the Flower Spirits are elusive with their powers. I really shouldn't be so surprised but it's one thing to hear about the Flower Spirits powers and another to see it in action.

"Could you find me some food?" the man asked.

"Of course, master! Ribbit. Please wait here! Ribbit! Ribbit, hurry!" With that, the toad hopped off.

"Oh, dear.' The man sighed then looked in my direction. 'Hey, don't hide! Come out." Part of me was startled over the fact he knows where I was hiding but the other part of me knew that not everything was known about Flower Spirits.

It seems that while lost in my thoughts he thought I was refusing. "How long do you intend on hiding for?"

I sigh. Slowly, I walk out from my spot and bowed politely. "I'm sorry... That toad barged in my direction, and I've been taught that they are not the nicest of creatures." Straightening, I saw him look at me shocked.

"You're a girl...?' he whispers, and sighs deeply. When he reopens his eyes he looks at me sharply. 'Did you follow me? Or are you an accomplice of the toad?"

I frowned. "If I was following you I would have gotten the toad to leave you alone myself. Besides, you had it handled. And with what I know of toads, I wouldn't even work with him if you gave me the universe."

He blinked before he smiled slightly and walking towards me. "Oh, so you're not?"

Before I could answer, he extended his arms and watched me. And then, the soft light wraps around his body once again. The scent of honey and chocolate drifts over me again.

I raised an eyebrow and crossed my arms. "Is something supposed to happen?"

"Huh?' He tilted his head in slight surprise. 'You're neither?"

I blinked. "What are you talking about?"

"That's weird.' He muttered as he watched my face seriously. 'What's your name?"

I blinked but then curtsied, placing a hand over my heart. "Enchantress Anneliese. Granddaughter and Apprentice to the Enchantress Hime."

His eyes widened in awe and curiosity as all others do when I introduce myself fully. "Anneliese...' He bowed back to me. 'I'm Thumbelina. Nice to meet you."

My eyes widened. "Thumbelina? Like the Flower Spirit from the stories of old?"

He opens his mouth to speak then sees and points to my satchel. I look and see my broom poking out. I take the satchel off my shoulder and open it. My broom suddenly jumps out and walks around the Lili pad, much like the brooms from the 'Sorcerers Appreciate' from Fantasia 2000, arms and all. I could see Thumbelina's eyes widen out of the corner of my eye and I smirk a bit.

I stood and placed my fingers in my mouth and gave a sharp whistle. The broom froze and turned towards me. "I thought I told you to rest after we finished flying practice.' The broom drooped and I rolled my eyes with a sigh. 'Fine. We'll go flying later today or tonight... Oomph!" I was suddenly hugged by my broom, how awkward. 'Okay! Okay, I get it! You're welcome! Get off me you crazy broom!" It jumped back a bit and saluted me before jumping back into my satchel.

I looked up and over to Thumbelina to see him staring at me wide eyed. Suddenly, the toad returns. I quietly whisper to him, "Don't eat anything he gives you. I can see some type of magic on the food. Toads are known to capture beautiful people and force them to marry their children, become slaves and soon become toads themselves."

His eyes widened at me as the toad hopped up. "Sorry for making you wait! Here is your meal! Ribbit." In his arms are a bunch of small, red berries.

Thumbelina took them giving his thanks and I looked at him like he was crazy until I saw him looking from me to the berries. I nodded and looked at the toad and point north. "Look a dragonfly!" "Where?! Ribbit."

He turned and hopped around looking for the bug, while I summoned the toad drug that the berries were soaked in. The red berries became a lighter color as a black liquid floated from them and I threw the stuff away. I took a berry and took a bite nodding that it was now safe to eat. Thumbelina nods in thanks to me and starts eating.

"You're making a mess. Ribbit." the toad said. I pulled two napkins out from my bag and handed one to him. He took it gratefully and laid it in his lap before continuing to eat. I watched as the toad had pulled out a handkerchief made of petals and wipe both our mouths, like he was a servant.

"Who are you child? Ribbit." The toad asked me, eying me up and down. I didn't like the look in his eye.

"Anneliese..." I said slowly.

The toad smirked. "Rather pretty young thing aren't you?' he grabbed my chin and lifted it to look in his eyes that began to swirl. 'You know, my wife was killed by the big folk a few years ago. Ribbit. I wouldn't mind taking you as my new wife."

"I want to test her again."

We both turned to Thumbelina in confusion only to see he had closed his eyes and held out his arms again, taking a deep breath. Breathing slowly, Thumbelina opens his eyes and watches me. The scent of chocolate and honey filled the air once more, but I just blinked and looked at him. "Um...?"

"How does it feel?"

"What do you mean?" I had a feeling I knew what was going on, but I wanted to hear it from him. (At the moment I don't really feel anything, so I don't know how to answer.)

"Wow! My chest became tight! My heart is pounding. I think it's love... Ribbit."

I blinked looking towards the toad before looking back to Thumbelina. (So that's it! Magic Made Love! Doesn't he know how dangerous that is?)

Suddenly, the toad leaps at Thumbelina.

"This doesn't involve you!" Thumbelina growled out as he ducked before straitening and kicking the toads face with all his strength. I clapped in admiration of his strength but pulled out my staff when the toad got back up and tried to leap towards us.

"*Congelare!*"

The toad froze mid jump in the air. Thumbelina starred in shock.

I gave the toad a sweet smile. "Never mess with an Enchantress. Now, *Vattene!*" With a flick of my staff, the toad flew backwards over the water.

"Ribbit!" The toad fell into the water and sinks below the surface.

I nodded with a small smile and turned to Thumbelina who now had a frown on his face. "That's strange... It's working properly on the toad..."

Again and again, Thumbelina repeats the action letting the strange mist surround him and me. Every time, a sweet honey and chocolate scent drifts over. I gave a slight smile when the scent drifted over but it didn't affect me like it did the toad. (Perhaps it's because I am from a different world?)

He turned to me, his eyes showing a bit of awe yet at the same time fear. "Hey, do you really not feel anything?" he asked seriously and solemn.

I answered honestly. "Nothing. Sorry, I think?"

He looked sad. "You don't need to apologize... I wonder why...?"

He started to jump from Lili pad to Lili pad till he reach land and I followed. He turned to me and stared. He was rather tall, taller than me. Though I really shouldn't say anything, I'm short for my age.

I look at him for a minute before pouting, crossing my arms and looking away. "No fair! Why is every man I meet far taller than me?"

He laughs quietly. "You really are a mysterious girl, Anneliese. I'm a little intrigued.' As he says that, he places a hand on my shoulder and moves closer. His face comes closer to mine, and I half have a feeling to turn away. 'You won't mind if I kiss you, right?"

My eyes widen and I open my mouth to tell him to stop. However, it was when his lips touched mine that my mind went blank for five seconds. They were soft and had a hint of honey on them as well as the taste of those berries. What's more... I felt a spark!

Coming to my senses, I pushed him away with as much strength as I could.

"Hm... Violent, aren't you.' He said a bit in shock, obviously he felt it too. He then laughs in amusement. He then saw my face. 'I just kissed you... You don't need to get so angry."

"Well, I'm not fond of it when men kiss me without my consent." I replied, my hand over my lips.

I then stepped away, pulled out my broom. Allowing it to hover I hopped sidesaddle on it before mentally ordering it to fly. I was suddenly launched into the air, leaving behind a rather shocked Lilac Flower Spirit named Thumbelina.

Chapter 2: CLICK 10