Chapter 3: Destination Earth

Vanessa sighed as she once again picked up the phone, making sure she hadn't missed a call at some point.

"If you're hoping that through sheer willpower you can make her give us a call, I'm afraid I have to remind you that she's the magical member of the family," Mike said from behind his newspaper.

"I know," the brunette worriedly sighed, as she put the phone back down again. "But it's just... We've had to cut almost all contact and still it's not enough." She folded her arms. "Maybe I should just call her right now?"
"Or maybe there isn't anything new to report," the blond suggested. "I mean, I haven't seen any ominous people in black clothes around town. Just those teens from the club with the really bad hair." He shrugged. "Maybe it was a fluke."
Vanessa took a moment to look at him. "A fluke?" she sceptically asked.

"Okay, so maybe there haven't been a lot of flukes." He put the newspaper down. "Look, I'm just as worried as you are. But if anything required our attention..." The doorbell rang. "Like that for example."

Vanessa walked out to the front door, pondering who it could be. She figured it was most likely one of Bloom's friends that wanted to ask for the umpteenth time if they had gotten the redhead's new phone number already. Privately, she worried that the complete lack of communication was ruining some of the friendships Bloom had made before she became a fairy. She took a deep breath and opened the door.

"Uhm... Hi, Mom," Bloom greeted her.

Vanessa stared at her adopted daughter, then at the twelve people behind her, then stared at her daughter again.

"Yeah, I know," the redhead chuckled embarrassedly. "We were kinda in a hurry and I forgot to call you ahead of time. Can we come in?"
"Of course." The shocked brunette got out of the way, letting the dozen people get in.

"What's up with the home invasion?" Mike asked as he entered the room. "Bloom. Good to see you again." He embraced the redhead in a hug. "It's been too long."
"Yeah. I agree," the Dominian princess quietly said, as she returned the hug.

"Not that I'm not happy to see you, but weren't you supposed to stay away from Earth?" Vanessa asked concerned.

"Things have changed," Brandon told her. "Turns out that there's still one fairy left on the planet. But the problem is that the governments of the various realms have no intentions of rescuing the last fairy of Earth any time soon. Bloom decided to come here and find the person before the Black Circle does."
"Sounds like we might soon have to renovate again," Mike commented, as he let Bloom go. "Wait, really? So somebody is in danger and the only ones who are coming to their aid is a bunch of school kids?"

"Unfortunately, the wheels of politics grind slowly and sometimes incredibly inefficiently," Nabu explained. "Ah, hello. You must be Bloom's mother. I can see where your daughter's radiance comes from."
Vanessa chuckled and replied: "Sorry to disappoint you, but if Bloom resembles me it's purely coincidental."

"But Bloom was raised by you and your husband, yes? Surely, her gentle soul and lovely personality had to come from somewhere."
"Is he...?" Mike asked confused.

"That's how he talks to all women, Dad," Bloom replied. "You get used to it. He's actually in a relationship with Aisha at the moment, so don't worry about him trying to woo Mom."

"Anyway, to get back on track, given that Earth is kinda cut off from the rest of the worlds... Well..." Brandon cleared his throat. "We kinda lack any lodging options and I doubt our money is any good here, so renting hotel rooms is out of the question."
"So... Uhm, yeah. Can we stay here for the time being?" Bloom asked, doing her best puppy dog eyes.

Mike stared at the flock. Then he sighed dramatically. "I'm gonna get a lot of mileage of the fire station bathroom, aren't I?"
"Honestly, you might as well move your toothbrush and shampoo down there," Vanessa commented, as a thankful Bloom hugged her father again.

...

Mike was drying a plate with a dishtowel, when he suddenly paused, staring into thin air. He cocked his head, apparently absorbed in thought.

"You okay, Dear?" Vanessa asked, as she started cleaning another plate.

"Do you hear that?"
The brunette paused and focused. "I don't hear anything?"
"Exactly," Mike happily sighed. "Blessed silence."
Vanessa chuckled. "Okay, so maybe having thirteen people over is a bit noisy at times."

"This place was never meant for that many people," Mike commented and looked into the living room. Mattresses, field beds and sofas decked out as beds made the room an obstacle course. "Even with some of them sleeping in Bloom's room, the place is starting to look like a battlefield."

"It's not that bad," Vanessa argued. "No, if I'd have to complain about anything, it's how much shopping we have to do. Remember when a package of bread could last us a week?"
"Yeah. Now it barely lasts coming in through the doors." Mike took another dish to dry. "At least they've all been very helpful with things around the house. Cooking for that many people would be brutal without a couple of extra hands. And despite the mess in the living room, they've done a good job keeping the place clean."
"Even if Stella finds non-magical cleaning annoying," his wife added, handing him another dish to dry. "Would have been nice to see how magical cleaning works, but the girls are right. Better to lay low for now."

Mike snorted. "If that bearded creep shows up again, I'll give him a piece of my mind." He put one of the dishes into a cupboard. "But to be honest, what I'm most worried about right now is that everyone is coming down with cabin fever. Between the stress of their mission, the draining effects of Earth and having to live cramped together like this, everyone's getting kinda snappy. I swear, had Mirta not intervened, I'm pretty sure Musa would have tried to stuff Sky in the toilet."
"Well, what can we do?" Vanessa asked. "This is better than living on the streets after all. Not that I'd ever want to kick Bloom and her friends out." She paused. "Besides, things have definitely become more lively."

"Yeah. It's like one of those slumber parties she'd occasionally host back in the day, only it never ends." Mike chuckled. "They're good people, no doubt about it. That Timmy fellow helped fix up the reception on the TV, you know. Crisp and clear like mountain air now." He paused, starting to dry a pot. "But no, I'm serious. As fun as this is, we need to find a different solution before somebody turns into a cannibal."

"You're right, of course," Vanessa sighed. "I did talk with Bloom about maybe finding some odd jobs. Preferably something that wouldn't require any paperwork."
"Yeah, that wouldn't exactly go well." Mike mimicked a female voice, saying: "Sorry, I can't show you any of my papers. They're in another dimension."

His wife paused again. "This could go so wrong so easily, you know that right?"
"Hey now, I'm supposed to be the worry wart here," Mike harrumphed, causing the brunette to chuckle.

"I know. Since my shop has been expanding, I've considered getting some more help. It's honestly getting a bit too big for just Blair and me." She stopped to consider things for a moment. "But there's no way I could afford hiring all of them."
"Let's just focus on what we can do right now," Mike reassured her. "The rest we'll handle later. If they can get some odd jobs around town and help fund it, we could potentially rent an apartment for them. Or at least some of them. That should help alleviate the burden."

Vanessa paused. "There's going to be some rough patches ahead, isn't there?"
"Yep," Mike simply replied. "And that's before they even begin engaging a very dangerous, international organization of magicians." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Though from what Bloom tells us, that's not the only dangerous things she's been doing lately."
"Please don't remind me," the brunette sighed, as she handed over the last pot for drying. "I think I lost a couple of years of my life just listening to what she's been up to recently. All that business with her... Half-brother or something and those witches and whatnot. I hoped she would be safer than this."
"So did I. But there's no stopping her. Now that she has the power to do so, Bloom is willing to risk herself doing what she thinks is right." Mike looked thoughtful for a moment. "I know that feeling. It's why I decided to become a firefighter."

"Heh, it seems like that Nabu guy is right. We really have rubbed off on her," the brunette commented.

...

Bloom pouted before sighing loudly. Even lying on the park grass in the beautiful Californian spring weather didn't help.

"I think that means she wants our attention," Aisha suggested.

"Nah, she's just thinking. Give it a minute or two and she'll bring whatever is bothering her up with us," Stella said, reading a shopping catalogue. "You know, like, I need to figure out how this Earth currency works. I can't tell if these shoes are cheap or not and it totally bugs me."
"It's just... Do you girls feel like we're using my parents?" Bloom asked, as she sat up. "I mean, we're emptying the fridge every day, have made a mess of the living room, practically banished my Dad from the bathroom and so on."
"On the other hand, we have also helped with the chores," Flora said, as Mirta tried to weave a crown of flowers into her hair.

"Yes, but still, we must kinda be a drain on them."
"We could go looking for jobs I suppose," Musa, who was sitting in the shade of a nearby tree, suggested. "I mean, didn't your Mom offer something to you and Flora?"
"She did," the redhead confirmed. "But then she is paying us. That doesn't stop us from being a drain."

"Well, what kind of job can you take were we can run off at a moment's notice?" Techna asked. "Because as soon as we know where that fairy is, we have to take action."

"Action? What exactly do you think we'll be doing?" Mirta asked. "I mean, we're hopefully just going to be talking with him or her."

"I think Techna was already expecting car chases, gun fights and huge explosions," Musa commented.

"So we have to find jobs that allow us to run off whenever we want and which also won't require us to show grades, birth certificate or something like that," Bloom summarized. "Well, I guess it's not that bad for me. I still exist in Earth paperwork. But the rest of you..." She sighed.

"And what of when our families find out about this mission we have taken upon ourselves?" Aisha asked. "I sincerely doubt my parents will be impressed." She paused. "In fact, they may just be motivated to actually send someone, if only to have me hauled back."

"Just get Nabu to wave that sign of his around. Maybe they'll respect that," Stella joked. "My parents are probably still going to, like, flip at bit since I didn't talk with them first and such. What about you, Techna?"
"Dragon's scaly ass, can my Mom ever bitch someone out," Techna commented. "Honestly, I'm going to get an earful for this stunt."

"Well, maybe if all those important people did their fricking job, we wouldn't have to pick up the slack for them," Musa added. Her phone rang. "Oh, got one on the hook." She put the call on loudspeaker. "Hey, there."
"Ey, Musa? It's Riven," came the soldier's voice. "Still haven't seen anything. Then again, place is kinda big."

"Guess we should be thankful the fairy didn't choose to hide in the middle of New York," Bloom commented.

"Dunno the place, but I'll take your word for it that I should be grateful. Anyways, the others called a few minutes ago and bragged about how much nothing they managed to find," Riven continued. "Honestly, was kinda hoping the fact that the fairy regularly used magic meant people would have seen things."
"Not necessarily," Flora said, as Mirta finally finished the crown. "Magic can be very subtle, which could make people write it off as coincidences or skill."
"I know," Riven groaned. "I'm the one with the magic so subtle most of you didn't notice. But that does not make things easier. Also, it's really hard to ask questions without seeming weird. This would be a lot easier if people knew magic was real."
"Yeah. But they don't," Stella said. "Totally sucks for them in my honest opinion."

"We'll just have continue the search and hope we find something," came the magenta-haired soldier's reply.

"Do you need us to help?" Aisha asked.

"Nah. With the four of us out here, it should be okay. For now. Just stick with Bloom. She's the one those creepy fuckers would recognise after all. Anyway, I gotta go. Can only hide in this public bathroom for so long. I'll see you all for dinner tonight." Then the call ended.

"Amazing, isn't it?" Bloom dryly noted. "I'm the one who called everyone to action, yet I have to stay low because Brandon is concerned the Black Circle will recognise me."
"Well, to be fair, it's not..." Stella twiddled her fingers. "I mean, you must have... Like, you know, kinda stood out to them. What with how often they came looking for you. Plus, we're fairies. Dunno about you, but I'm totally drained."

"We are all getting low on magical energy," Flora said. "It is better the trained soldiers handle it for now."
"I know," Bloom sighed. "Doesn't make me feel better."

...

There was a series of knocks on the front door. Seconds later, Mike opened up and peered outside at the black-haired and blonde girl.

"Hey," Mitzi said. "So I know you're probably really tired of us coming by, knocking on your door and asking 'bout Bloom every other week, but Thomas said he saw her the other day. Is she really home?"

"For once, yeah," Mike replied. "I'll call her down." He turned around. "Hey, Bloom! Some of your friends are here!"
Bloom stepped down the stairs. "Mitzi? Selina?" she said, before running the rest of the way down to the front door, as her father got out of the way. "I'm so glad to see you two again. I'm so, so, so sorry I've been so out of contact lately and I've felt really bad about it and I swear that I didn't want to and I..."
"Bloom, breathe," Selina, Mitzi and Mike ordered the redhead.

"You should really just get a Facebook profile," the black-haired girl commented, as the Dominian princess took a moment to gasp for breath. "So, what, vacation or are you already done with the exams?"
"Exams? Oh, yeah, I've finished the exams," Bloom stated. "That's why I am here. Because I'm done."
"Huh. That's early. My last exam is next week," Selina remarked. "Lucky you I suppose."
Mitzi cocked her head, looking over Bloom's shoulder. "Sheesh, what happened? Did you bring back a marauding horde of vikings?"
"Not exactly, no," Mike commented. "I dare say, I think the vikings were much less messy with their underwear."

"Daaad," Bloom pouted. "That's not nice."

"Are these your lovely friends, Bloom?" came a voice. Mitzi and Selina turned around to see Nabu and Riven making their way up through the front yard. They were clad in civilian clothes, which for the former meant khaki pants and a royal purple jacket, and for the latter meant black sweatpants and a white, armless shirt. "Why haven't you introduced us before? My day would have been blessed with their company."
"Give me five minutes and I can have a hole ready for you to bury him in," Riven offered.

"My, my, Riven. Jealousy does not suit you. Do not fear that my charming personality will outshine you. On the contrary, I believe that my gallant behaviour will bring out the glamour of your rugged charm by the power of contrast," the dark-skinned magi offered.

"Seriously, five minutes. Just need a shovel," Riven insisted, as the two of them walked into the house.

"Who are they?" Selina asked confused.

"Bloom, are you starting a harem?" Mitzi inquired suspiciously.

"They're just two friends from school I brought back with me."

Mitzi took another look at the living room. "How many friends did you bring back?"
"Just a couple," the redhead said evasively.

"Ah, there you are, Bloom," Flora said, as she walked up the garden. "I have finalized the terms of my employment with your mother. Now we just need to see if we can find a job for Mirta." She turned around to face Mitzi and Selina. "You would not have happened to come across a job fitting for an eighteen-year-old girl?"
"Ehm... No," Selina said, looking kinda confused. "Have we met? You look kinda familiar."
"I believe we encountered one another at the Halloween party two years ago. It has been far too long," Flora said and extended her hand. "My name is Flora Canto. I am pleased to meet you again."
"Selina. Likewise."
"Anyway, Techna got Stella a job online, so I will go see if she can also help me out," the brunette continued and headed inside.

"Just a couple?" Mitzi questioned suspiciously. "Bloom, how many are just a couple?"
"Oh, you know. Just twelve people," Bloom replied, trying to make it sound casual. The fact that Mitzi was rendered so shocked that she was unable to come up with a witty reply indicated that she had failed.

"Twelve people?" Selina echoed. "And you're all looking for jobs? What exactly is going on here, Bloom?"
"Okay, okay, I'll level with you," Bloom sighed. "School has been stressful for me and my friends, so we're taking a... A sabbatical. And we all agreed to move to Gardenia while we're taking said sabbatical. So now we're trying to find a place to live and get some money, because I'm not going to leech my parents dry."
"Starting to see why you haven't had time to come back," Mitzi added. "Twelve people. Christ, you really should get on Facebook. Might make it possible for you to keep track of everyone."

"Yeah. But don't worry, I'm home for now and I will have time to hang out with you," Bloom quickly assured them. "Don't worry." She scratched her neck. "Just not today. We're kinda still getting everyone settled in. Most of us have been job hunting. Me and Flora have been hired by my Mom. Techna managed to get an online job as tech consultant on some forum. Stella was hired as personal shopper for some people at the Gardenia Retirement Home and Musa delivers packages. Mom is going to help us rent an apartment soon, so once that has been settled I'll have more time for you."
"And what about the dudes we just saw?" Mitzi inquired. "They also found jobs?"
"Nothing yet I'm afraid," Bloom sighed. "But we'll find something. Eventually. I'm sure. Reasonably sure, anyway."

"Oh well. It was just good to see you were still alive," Selina said as she turned around. "See you later, Bloom."
"Yeah. And try to stay in contact this time," Mitzi added. "I mean, I know effort isn't your strong point, but you should give it a shot."
"I know. Guess you've rubbed off on me," Bloom shot back. "See ya." Then she closed the doors and breathed out.

"A sabbatical. Good explanation, but if you guys managed to find the fairy tomorrow, it might be hard to explain why you're all gone," Mike said.

"I'll burn that bridge when I get to it," the redhead replied and walked over to an available sofa. "I feel awful."
"Well, you did just hide something important from some of your oldest friends. I'd be more concerned if you felt good about it," Mike replied. "Take what comfort you can in that."
"What must they be thinking about me? I haven't said a word for over a year and suddenly I come back with twelve people in tow. Maybe they think I forgot about them." She gritted her teeth and groaned in frustration ."I am so going to pummel the first Black Circle guy I see."
"Get in line," the blond joked. "Listen, Bloom, I know it ain't easy. Every time I had to come up with some fabrication, I felt bad." He paused. "And kinda scared, to be honest. If anyone got suspicious, it would be easy to find out that you were just plain missing. And that could have led to a lot of trouble." He paused again. "You hear all kinds of crazy stories about equally crazy people after all."

"Would be awful if people thought you dumped me off in a lake with a pair of cement shoes," the redhead agreed. "Might actually have to stage an intervention if that happens. Won't that be fun." She ruffled her hair, sighing once again. "This would be so much easier if we had any idea of how big the Black Circle is and what power they have. If they aren't as powerful as we fear, I could just go on national television, show off some skills and ask about fairies."
"On the other hand, the government might be put off by having members of foreign governments walking about looking for one of their citizens," Mike offered. "Look, the situation is far from optimal, but it could still be worse. Just focus on what's going right for now and try to find that fairy as soon as possible. As you said, as for the rest we'll burn those bridges when you get to it."
"Dad, you're a firefighter. You're supposed to put out the fires, not start them," Bloom argued.

"On the contrary, my dear daughter. For forest fires, for example, more flames can actually be helpful," Mike argued.

"Are you encouraging me to set more things on fire?" the redhead inquired, eyebrow raised. "Because I can do that quite easily, you know."

"I'm just saying, sometimes to do the right thing, you have to do things that don't seem right on the small scale," Mike elaborated. "For example, it doesn't feel nice to be less than open with your friends and hand them a cover story. But it protects you and it protects them."
The Dominian princess pondered it for a bit. "I suppose you're right. Thanks, Dad."
"Any time, Bloom. Any time."

It was that moment Helia walked in, looking rather thoughtful. The moment he eyed Mike, he walked over and handed him a fistful of dollar bills and coins.

"Yowzers. That's actually quite a nice bit of money," the firefighter said surprised. "How did you get it?"
"Turns out that people around here really like having their portrait painted," Helia said with a shrug. "I didn't even ask for money, most of them just gave it to me. Consider it my contribution to the upkeep."

...

"It's spacious, with plenty of light and ventilation," the salesman said, as he led Vanessa and the girls around the empty apartment. "I admit the view isn't spectacular what with being on street level, but one does avoid long trips up staircases and elevators. Location is also optimal, with many nearby options for sightseeing and shopping." He paused, before adding: "And I should warn you, these apartments are selling like hotcakes right now."
"Understandable. What do you think, girls?" Vanessa asked, turning to the fairies. "It's you who'd have to live here after all."
"The location is very practical," Flora stated.

"And we might have a little less room than back at the boarding school, but we'll still have plenty of space," Stella added. "Though a new coat of paint will totally be necessary."

"You're not colour coordinating anything. And that's final, period," Musa insisted. "No way am I living inside one of your psychedelic nightmare landscapes."

"Come on, Cacophony. Think of the possibilities," Techna insisted.

"I am and they scare me."

"Isn't this also close to where some of you had gotten work?" Aisha asked. "That would make this a good place. And if I understood the rent properly, we should be able to manage the upkeep together."

"Mom, are you sure?" Bloom asked, turning to Vanessa. "It's not exactly cheap after all."

"I'm sure you'll be able to pay us back eventually," the brunette replied. "As long as you make sure to pay the monthly rent, we'll be fine."

Bloom looked to the others. "Any objections?"
"None I can think of," Mirta said.

"Maybe if, like, somebody got a job that's really far away," Stella added. "But we're tots capable of commuting."

"Sounds like we're taking it," Musa stated.

"Excellent choice. If you'll follow me, I have the papers in my briefcase," the seller said and lead Vanessa away.

"Are we sure these are really selling? The way his aura was jumping around, I think he wasn't being entirely honest," Mirta added.

"Spirits, I look forward to when I stop seeing those," Musa groaned. "I don't need to see any more purple gimps following well-dressed business people around."

"It should fade soon enough, but when it does... Well, it'll mean we've gotten low on magic," Bloom said. "I admit, that makes me a bit concerned."
"Speaking of being concerned, seems like we'll all have to share rooms," Techna said. "Not enough here to get us one each. Bummer if we want to get horizontal with the others." She chuckled. "Well, I suppose Flowergirl and Pumpkin won't have that problem. They have already reserved one room for themselves."

Mirta started blushing quite heavily and gained a sudden fascination with the windows.

"Why is that a problem for you? Didn't take you for the shy sort," Musa commented. "If you don't mind me saying."

"I'm not. I've had audience before," the scarred girl added nonchalant. "It just happens sometimes when everybody's drunk, horny and happy." She smirked. "You'd be amazed what having somebody cheer can do for you."
Aisha suddenly turned around and marched out of the room with an unreadable expression, as Stella said: "Right, okay. I'll go, like, bleach my brain. I don't need these images in my head, thank you very much."
"You people are way too sensitive," Musa cheekily commented.

"Ehm... Well, anyway," Bloom tried, feeling her cheeks heat up. "It's a really nice apartment, so I think we'll have... I mean, uhm, we'll be happy for it. With it. I meant with it."
"The park has ducks in it. I think that's something we should focus on," Mirta insisted.

"Pardon me for asking, but is it then out of consideration for the rest of us that you bring this up?" Flora asked Techna.

"What? Well, also that, yeah," the scarred girl replied. "But, see, thing is, Timmy's still kinda... Well, conservative I guess. Mostly out of shyness. He's not completely comfortable with switching things up. I can barely get him to try new things in simulations, let alone in real life." She shrugged. "Don't misunderstand me, I think everyone needs to do these things at their own pace. I can be patient. But it is something to have in mind."

"Simulations? You use those things for sex?" Musa asked surprised.

Techna smiled knowingly. "You can do stuff in those you'd never be able to in person. Ever wondered what it would be like to switch genders for a romp?"

"I think this conversation has gone to some weird places now," Bloom said, as she walked out the room. "I'm going to see what Mom is doing."
"Don't leave me here," Mirta pleaded, as she hurried after the redhead.

"So yeah, a shy partner. I get the feeling that you know how it works," Techna stated.
"True. But like you, I agree that the more experienced one should not put pressure on their partner just because they miss certain things," Flora agreed.

"Wait, what? You're experienced?" Musa asked. "I'm sorry if this seems personal, but you always struck me as... Too professional and business focused for that."
"Quite the contrary, in fact," the noble brunette replied. "On Limphea, there is no stigma against casual sex. In fact, since the world is dangerous and we have to be very professional and on guard while on duty, we are encouraged to let out steam, so to speak, whenever we can. Wild partying and such are just seen as natural ways to do it. So yes, I am quite experienced."

"I'm feeling like I'm kinda missing out," the black-haired commented.

"Don't worry, you and Grouchy will get there eventually," Techna said and patted Musa on the shoulder. "You've got nothing to prove in that regard. But if ya end up needing advice, we'll be happy to help."
Flora looked around. "It does appear that we managed to scare the others off."
"They're going to quarantine us all in one end of the apartment for this, when they finally decide come back," the black-haired musician commented.

...

The bouncer stood outside the Gardenia Dance Hall, keeping watch on everyone that came by. He was rarely necessary, as Gardenia was by and large a pretty peaceful town, but his presence helped bring some comfort to the guests. Plus, he doubled as cashier. His interest peaked when he noticed two girls approaching. "Hey, Bloom," he started. "Come by for a good time?"

"Hey, Tom. Not right now, sadly," the Dominian princess replied. "Is Jason here?"
"Sure is. You want to talk with him? I can get him out here pretty quickly."
"Would be appreciated." Bloom said gratefully.

"The guy was very nice last time we visited Gardenia, but you sure he can help?" Musa inquired, as the bouncer called somebody on his cellphone.

"Trust me, the Suitshave got their finger on the pulse of Gardenia. And Jason knows everything the Suits know," Bloom replied. "If he can't help us, then there's nothing left to do."
"Yo, dolls, wassup?" the leader of the Suits said, as he stepped out of the club, his great purple hairdo billowing in the wind. "Back for that rematch you promised?"
"Not today. But I'll have you down on the floor begging for mercy soon enough," Musa promised.

"Looking forward to it, babe," Jason said, winking. "So, what can I do for ya?"
"Well, me and some of my friends are taking a sabbatical from school," the redhead began. "And as part of that, my Mom has rented us an apartment."
"No surprise. She's real nice," Jason added approvingly. "So, let me guess. You're all looking for some jobs to get some dough so you can repay your mommy?"
"Well, most of us have already gotten jobs. Except Aisha and Mirta," Bloom said.

"Aisha was that other girl that was here with me when I last visited," Musa elaborated. "You probably also saw her at the Halloween party."

"Vaguely," Jason replied. "Didn't get much chance to talk, you know." He rubbed his chin. "Might know of a couple of opportunities. But if you want something with my seal of approval, which you should know stands for quality classiness, the Dance Hall is actually looking for staff to man the bar, serve drinks and such."

"Did a couple of old timers move out?" Bloom asked.

"You know it. Seeking greener pastures across the great American plains," Jason replied, making a sweeping arm gesture. "But back to that whole job thing. I can get them set up for an interview real easy. Not exactly a well-paid job, but the owners aren't handing out peanuts either. Doesn't demand much, plus, the Suits are more than ready to help out should the goings get tough. Not helping people in need ain't classy, ya know."

"Boy, do I know some people who could really need a lesson in class from you guys," Musa grumbled.

"That sounds great, Jason. Could you give me a call once you've set something up?" Bloom asked, bringing out her cellphone. "We'll probably need to update our numbers though."
"Sure thing, doll," the Suits leader said, as they exchanged phone numbers. "So, a sabbatical, eh? Means you'll actually be hanging out in town for a while. Sure will be nice."
"Yeah, I know." The redhead gave a brief and very false laughter. "Everyone in town likes to remind me of that."
"So you say you've both gotten some jobs, yes? What are you working with?"
"I zoom around town, delivering packages," Musa said. "Still haven't gotten the layout down to pat though."
"Good thing they're not sending you out with pizzas then," Bloom remarked. "As for me, Mom offered me a job in her expanded flower shop."
"So basically she's paying her money that she's going to use to pay back the money she spent," the black-haired musician elaborated.

"Your mom's shop is real nice," the Suits leader added approvingly. "Delivered flowers for the school last year. Fantastic. I know who I'm contacting if I'm ever setting up a fancy dinner." He adjusted his white smoking. "Anyway, gotta get back to ma boys and girls in the club. Don't be strangers, babes." Then he waved and walked back to the club, briefly arguing with the bouncer who cheekily tried to demand an entrance fee again.

"Aisha as a serving girl. Don't know what it says that I can actually see that working out," Musa commented, as the two girls walked away.

"That she has grown as a person? That she has gotten really far?" Bloom asked.

"Something like that." She sighed. "So what happens if we find the fairy today and have to leave town?"
"I'll probably feel really bad," the redhead sombrely replied. "Everyone is so happy to see me back. So happy that I'm actually going to stay for a while. I'd almost prefer if they'd just forgotten me." Her hands balled into fists. "God damn it. It's not fair. I don't want to choose between Earth and everything else. I don't want to have to lie and make promises I can't keep. What the Hell am I even supposed to say when we skip town?"

"I really don't know. There's no easy answers for this one," Musa said and looked at a wristwatch she had borrowed from Mike. "Anyway, I gotta go. I was told some packages would arrive soon, so I gotta go get ready to roll."
"Sure thing. See ya later today," Bloom said, as the black-haired musician ran off.

...

"The Frutti Music Bar," Musa said out loud, as she looked at the paper with the addresses. Then she looked up at the brightly coloured beach bar, its rainbow-coloured name surrounded by plastic fruits. "Would probably have gone with another name if it was me. Which probably means Techna would love this place." She parked the bike and circled the building, looking for a service entrance in the back. She found it, knocked twice and waited.

A girl with long dark-pink hair, a sea-green, long sleeved top and a pair of denim capris opened the door. "Yes? Can I help you?"
"Got a package," Musa said, handing her the square box.
"Oh. Must be those spare parts Dad ordered." The girl took the package and placed it on a nearby table. "I can sign for him."
"Sure thing." Musa handed her the paper and waited for her to sign.

The girl pulled a pen from her pocket and signed with the name Roxy Whitley.

"Thank you. And do have a nice day." Musa turned around and stopped. A tan dog was limping up towards the door, keeping one paw raised.

"Oh, Artu, what have you done now? Sit and give me your paw," the girl ordered, as she made her way around the black-haired delivery girl. She kneeled down and took the dog's paw. She inspected it for a moment, before pulling out a thorn. "There we go. Good doggy."
"Your pet?" Musa asked.

"Yep. Best friend in the world, even," Roxy replied as she got up. "He's a Croatian bloodhound. Very loyal. He normally stays out back in an enclosure, but occasionally he manages to get out. He doesn't stray, but still, you shouldn't do that," she strictly said, turning to the dog. "You could get seriously hurt."

Artu responded with a whimper and looked as apologetic as he could. Then he took a couple of steps forward and sniffed to Musa, before sitting at her feet.

"Heh, he's cute," Musa said and petted him. "Anyway, I gotta keep going. Have a nice day and good luck with those spare parts."

As the black-haired musician walked away, Roxy stared at her dog, who looked back at her. She wasn't entirely sure why, but for some reason, she had the impression that Artu thought the delivery girl smelled really weird. She looked after her, as Musa got on her bike and drove off. Then she shrugged and headed back into the juice bar again.