Bloom yawned and stretched as she woke up. Ah, another day at the oh-so wonderful Alfea. Except, when she opened her eyes, she didn't see her pink bedroom. Or Flora getting ready and commenting on Bloom should be more of an early bird. In fact, Bloom saw nothing but a completely empty blue space. She wasn't even sure if she was in the right dimension by the looks of it. There was no ground, which greatly confused the fairy because she had no problem standing up.

"Blooom!"

W-who was that? Bloom looked around, but couldn't see anybody in sight.

"Blooom!"

Was that a ghost? Damn it, Aunt Cece wasn't coming back for her $5, was she?

"Blooooooo-"

"What?!" Bloom snapped, "What?! What is it?! Who the hell are you?!"

A large spirit appeared in front of the fairy. The beautiful spirit was masked, holding an aura of mystery and grace around her. She spoke, "Blooom, come to me!"

"Like right now?" Bloom asked, "Or do you want me to come over? Do you want me to walk to you right now? Like what's up?"

"Come to me!"

"That's literally impossible right now!" Bloom snapped, "Who are you anyway?"

"I am Daphne, Nymph of Magix. Blooom, come to-"

"I swear to God if you say that one more time, I'll-"

"Scream!" Bloom yelled as she suddenly sat up in bed, panting. Flora spun around and screamed.

Bloom raised an eyebrow, "Flora? Why'd you scream?"

"You said to scream," Flora replied.

"I didn't say-oh wait, I did say that. Sorry," Bloom apologized. She scratched her head, "I had a bad dream."

Uh oh. Flora froze, suddenly feeling very awkward. She really hoped Bloom wasn't going to open up to her or anything.

"It was really weird," Bloom took her pillow and hugged it. "This nymph named Daphne told me to come to her."

Damn. Flora groaned internally. She walked over to Bloom's bed and sat down. Flora asked, "Like, what do you mean?"

"I'm not sure. But something's telling me I shouldn't ignore it," Bloom said. "Something's telling me that maybe...meeting Daphne was a milestone in my journey to becoming a true fairy. But I don't know what to do, Flora. I barely know anything about where I am right now."

"Hm," Flora suggested, "why don't you ask Miss Faragonda?"

"Flora, you really think that the principal is going to set aside her time for me just because I had some weird dream?"

"I can always return my work pile later," Faragonda said, setting aside papers. "Come, sit. Let discuss this unusual dream of yours."

Bloom was surprised, but sat down in one of the seats in front the desk. For once, Flora was actually right. Yet Bloom didn't know if she should find the fact that Faragonda ignored her work to listen to Bloom about a dream alarming.

"Uh, well, this nymph named Daphne told me to "come to her"," Bloom told her. "And I really feel like this dream's important. I don't think it's best to ignore it, y'know what I mean? Headmistress Faragonda? Headmistress?"

A grave look had grown on the principal's face at the mention of Daphne. She sighed, "Bloom."

"Headmistress, if you even think you know anything about Daphne," Bloom said, "please don't hesitate to say anything."

Faragonda began to chortle, "Oh, Bloom, Daphne is a mere fairytale adults tell their children. The beautiful and graceful lady approaches you in a place of safety, tells you to leave said place to come to her, and when you do, she has you for dinner. And by that, I mean she eats you. She's a character that taught children back in the olden days not to stray too far from home, and to be careful of strangers. It's not told very much anymore, but I remember the tale from when I was young."

"Oh," there was a pang of disappointment in Bloom's chest. "I apologize then, Miss Faragonda. I didn't mean to waste your time."

"It's alright," Miss Faragonda assured. "Right now, you're just a naive young girl. You don't know very much about the world around you. But don't worry, Bloom, soon you'll learn."

"Thank you," Bloom stood up, feeling guilty. "Goodbye, Miss."

"Goodbye, Bloom. Enjoy your weekend," Miss Faragonda returned back to her paperwork. The young girl walked out of the room, still feeling displeased.

Musa swore she's been staring at her phone for the longest time. This was stupid! Why was she waiting around for some dude she met last week? Musa had a life of her own. She had goals, aspirations, dreams-

She suddenly heard a vibration, and Musa had never grabbed her phone so quickly in her entire life. Her eyes became half-lidded as she saw it was just a YouTube notification. Musa groaned in frustration for the fifth time in fifteen minutes.

Tecna, who had been perfectly minding her business so far, rolled her eyes and looked up from the textbook below her. Couldn't a girl study for her history test in peace?

"Musa, can you not right now?" Tecna said, "I'll be damned if I can an A- on this history test."

"Fuck off, Tecna," Musa snapped. "Can't you see I'm experiencing emotional turmoil right now?"

"You're always in emotional turmoil," Tecna snapped back. "Maybe if you coped with your emotions in a healthy way instead of bottling it up all the time, life would be easier for you."

"Look who's talking about emotions," Musa retorted.

Tecna glared at her, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're a goddamn robot! Everything's an easy equation to you. You think you can solve everything with these stupid formulaic "rules"? Life's not like that, people are not like that, Tec! You're gonna learn that very soon," Musa yelled. "And don't you dare talk to me about an easier life. You're a motherfuckin' princess! As for me? My father could barely afford the scrap meals we had."

"Musa...why don't you listen to some music to calm down?"

Musa felt like there was smoke coming out of her ears. She immediately took her keys and phone and began to storm out of the room.

Tecna sat up, still glaring, "Where are you-"

Bang! Musa had slammed the door, leaving Tecna alone in the silence that she longed for in the first place.

An angry Musa strolled through the corridors of Alfea. She needed to pass time. Musa wasn't sure on what exactly to do at the moment. The fairy just didn't wanna be near Tecna right now.

Heartless bitch. How dare she? She knew Musa hated the m-word. Musa loathed the m-word. What did the m-word ever do for her? The m-word killed her mother and put her family into poverty and debt, that's what. Or at least, that's what her father told her. Musa trusted her father. There was no reason for him to lie or twist the truth.

But then why did she go to Alfea? Wasn't it a curse to be the fairy of music? Why would Musa want to practice that kind of magic?

Well, to her, music equaled destruction. And that's just what she was going to use it for. You see, before her mother died from a rare illness, the married couple sought out the help of the cheapest doctor they could find in their region. They begged and pleaded with him. They told him about how they spent their savings on many other doctors, and he was their last hope. They told him about how they didn't want their daughter to grow up without a mother. And yet, he turned them down, in favor for a wealthy man who had a small cough.

So what did that have to do with Alfea?

Well, you see, turns out the doctor was married with a daughter of his own. A daughter who had big hopes and dreams of going to Alfea. Luckily, his daughter of his and Musa were the same age.

Musa had no regrets about what she was doing. He messed up her family, and she was going to return the favor. He should just be glad Musa wasn't taking the murder route.

"Musa!"

Speak of the devil. Musa put on a fake smile, turning around, "Robin! What's up, girl?"

Her bright pink curls bounced as she ran over to Musa, "I need your help! Like majorly!"

'Majorly'. Musa hated that word. Musa also hated Robin. Laced with false sweetness, she asked, "What do you need?"

"It's the musical."

"What musical?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you about it!" Robin explained, "Okay, so I persuaded Miss Faragonda to bring theatre back to life, right? But then, like, it came with a catch. The school's paying for the basic essentials, but I still need a crew and most importantly a cast. I've got my crew, but I've barely got my cast so I was wondering if maybe you'd like to-"

Musa cut her off, "I'm not big on acting."

"That's the thing!" Robin replied, "You don't have to be the greatest actor if your singing makes up for it."

"Singing?"

Robin nodded, smiling, "Yes! Singing! I love, love, love musicals! I mean, how can I not? I'm from Melody. Anyway, we're doing the classic Wizard of Oz. And me, the director, I would love it if you went to auditions and tried out for a part."

"Why me?"

"Because you're an amazing singer!"

"You're never heard me sing."

"You're from Melody. Everyone of Melody blood is a great singer," Robin said.

"Then why don't you ask someone else from Melody?" Musa asked, "Like Princess Galatea?"

"She's composing the music already," she replied. "Please, Musa, it would be an honor to have you even come to the auditions. We've only known each other for, like, two weeks, but you're still a friend. And I want my friend to be in the musical."

There was a bit of malicious intent in her voice, "Sorry, Robin, but I can't. I'll be too busy looking for a job. I've gotta buy things for myself, y'know, and I can't do that without money."

"I'll pay you!" Jeez, this girl was getting desperate. She was also getting interesting. Money was a topic that always got Musa's attention.

"You'll pay me to go to the audition?"

"To act and sing in the play," Robin said. The girl folded her hands together, "Please, will you do it for me?"

Musa wasn't lying when she said she needed a job. Even if she had a full-paid scholarship going on, she was still poor as shit. Musa sighed, rubbing her temples, "Sure. Fine."

"Yay!" Robin cheered. She clapped with a huge grin on her face. Musa had to fight the urge to roll her eyes. The giddy fairy then hugged Musa tightly, "Thank you so much, Musa! I owe you one! Meet us in Room 239 this coming Friday, alright?"

"Yeah."

Robin happily walked away. There was a little bounce to her steps. Musa glared daggers at her back.

Suddenly, Musa felt a vibration in her pocket. She took out her phone. Her dark blue eyes widened at the caller ID. She picked it up and smiled, "Hello?...Riven, hey!"

Bloom ran into her bedroom, and looked around. Flora didn't turn to face Bloom. The nature fairy was too focused on tending her plant. She tipped the watering can a little bit more.

"Flora, have you seen my phone?" Bloom said, "I don't wanna be late for my first day on the job."

Flora asked, "Have you checked your pockets?"

"Of cour-" Bloom paused, hand in her sweater's left pocket, "-never mind. Thanks! See ya and-wait, are you planting weed again?"

"Not today," Flora said. The brunette set the watering can aside. She walked over to a window and pulled aside the curtain, letting the sun shine through.

"Okay cause if you're gonna keep doing that, do it in the greenhouse."

"Noted."

"Alright, see ya."

"Bye."

Bloom closed the door behind her. Flora walked to the plant and picked up. She walked back over to the window, and placed the pot of flowers in the sunlight. The girl stepped back and observed the plant a little longer. Flora turned around and walked to her bed. The girl kneeled down, and looked under her bed. She pulled out a book and stood up again. Flora opened the book.

She softly spoke, "Page 42."

The book's pages flipped at her command. The page was presented to her, and a certain spell caught her eye. Flora looked up and walked over to the vivacious plant. Her eyes were glued to the flowers before. A dark green glow surrounded her as she closed her eyes. Flora recited the words from the page, "Lure my victim to prick their finger, upon this thorn, lies are forbidden and truth shall come out from the spot it's been hid in."

The plant glowed with enchantment for a moment, and then resumed to looking untainted. Pleased, Flora closed the book and put it under her pillow.

Flora walked into the flower shop, a pot of flowers in her hands. She turned her head and her eyes met another girl's. She smiled, but the other girl glared back at her.

"Flora," there was venom in her voice, "what are you doing here?"

"Harley," her gentle voice replied, "I brought you a gift."

Flora noted the growing vigilance in Harley's brown eyes as she took a step forward. When Flora was close enough, she reached out her arms, pushing the potted plant forward. She said, "Bougainvilleas."

"Should've just gotten store-bought," said Harley, hands on her hips. "And I'll ask again, what are you doing here?"

"Somos una familia," Flora replied. "I can't visit my cousin and give her some flowers? Huh, our families' relationship really is strained."

"Stop wasting my time. What the fuck do you want?"

"Nothing," Flora said. "I'm a fairy, right? We do nice things just for the hell of it. Like is it bad that I just...I want to restore the connection between me and my maternal family? Is it really that weird?"

"Hmph," Harley crossed her arms. "We're not family."

Flora sighed, "The least you could do accept the bougainvillea."

"You couldn't get me weed?"

"C'mon, I grew this for you."

"Whatever. Give it to me," the dark brunette rolled her eyes. Harley snatched the plant, observing it. She was slowly being pulled into a trance.

"I never imagined you'd be working here after Cloud Tower," Flora told her. "I don't think any witch would. What happened?"

"No respectable place in Magix wants to hire a witch," her cousin explained. "I hate this job, but it was the only thing I could get at the time. I'm trying to save up money to get out of this damn city."

Flora said, "So, are you done being 'witchy' or whatever?"

"Hell no," Harley said. "You see that lady over there?"

The fairy turned her head. There was an elderly lady behind the counter, happily minding her own business. Flora asked, "She's your boss, right?"

"Yup," Harley said, smirking, "and everyday, I take a little something something from the cash register. And since she's nearly blind as a bat, she doesn't notice a thing!"

Flora turned back to her cousin. She frowned, "Grow up, Harley."

"Shut the fuck up, Flora," Harley snapped. She focused her attention back on the plant, touching the petals. "Next time you wanna visit me, try not to do it when I'm working. Also, bring some kush, dumb-ah!" Harley winced, pulling back her finger. A trail of blood dripping from its small wound.

"You okay?" Flora asked.

"It's nothing," Harley said. "Ugh, how did that happen? I didn't even noticed my finger was near a thorn."

"It's not your fault. It's a simple mistake."

"I know it's not my damn fault, it's yours. Instead of having a pricked finger, I could be high off my ass right now so thanks a looo…" the witch trailed off. She had been completely entranced by the thorn.

Flora smirked, "Harley?"

"Whuut?"

"Where's the book?"

"What...book?"

"Where's the Book of Carnage?" Flora asked firmly.

"How...am I...supposed to...know?"

"Harley, I am not afraid to dig your grave," Flora snapped. "Where the fuck is the book? I need to know where it is."

"I...don't-ow!" Harley clutched her head in pain, "I don't...I'm not...sure."

"Where do you think it is?"

"Last I heard...Cloud Tower...in a case...in the library."

"Really?" Flora asked, "Why would they put such an esteemed book in Cloud Tower?"

"Cloud...Tower...is the Alfea...for witches." Harley explained, almost losing her footing. "It is...highly praised by...witches...but not by...others."

"Then Cloud Tower it is," Flora decided, crossing her arms. The fairy smirked, "Say hi to your mom and dad for me, kay?" Flora then turned around on her heel, and walked out of the shop.

This was Bloom's first job. Well, second, if she counted occasionally helping her mother out with the flower shop. Anyway, Bloom desperately needed this job. When she realized that she had no money to buy a dress for last week's formal, she remembered she had no money at all. She came to the magic dimension broke as hell. So Bloom went job-searching yesterday and landed one at a restaurant named White Horse. It was honestly pretty cool. It was very popular among teenagers and tourists. The beach next to it was a bonus too. The job also came with a cute uniform. Bloom had to wear a pink shirt and capris with a white apron and grey shoes.

Bloom laid down four dishes from her tray. With a dazzling smile on her face, she said, "Here's your order, fellas! Chicken wings, nachos & cheese, a hamburger combo, and a chicken sandwich-hold the mayo."

"I'm allergic to mayo," one of the men nodded with a toothy grin. "I could die a horrifying death from it.

"Cool story bro," Bloom said, still painfully smiling.

"Excuse me, Miss," another one of the men said, "I ordered a cheeseburger combo."

"Yes, but you said to hold the cheese."

"Oh. Right."

Bloom turned around and walked back to the counter. Bloom picked up another tray of food. She mumbled to herself, "Table #7, Table #7…Table #-shit." Her eyes widened as she spotted the table of three nearby Table #7. Stella, Sky, and...Brandon all looked up at her. The blonde fairy smirked.

"Oh waitress!" Stella called.

Bloom rolled her eyes and groaned. The customers at Table #7 raised their eyebrows, but thanked her. The young girl walked over to the other table.

"Bloom!" Stella said, clapping, "What a coincidence! What are you doing at White Horse?"

"I work here, Stella," Bloom said. "Remember? I announced it to the dorm, but you told me to find someone who care-"

"Let's not focus the past right now," Stella replied. "Come, sit with us."

"I can't. I told you I work here," Bloom said. Her eyes were working hard to avoid Brandon right now. She brought out her notepad and a pencil, "And I'm working right now so may I get your order?"

"I would like a salad," the sun fairy told her.

"I'll have some nachos," Sky said.

Bloom nodded and wrote down the orders. She looked to Brandon, "You?"

"I'll have a bacon breakfast sandwich," he replied.

"Um, you'll have to order something else."

"What? Why?"

"Cause that's breakfast food," Bloom said. "We stop serving breakfast at noon. It's 2:00 p.m. right now."

"So I can't have a damn breakfast sandwich?"

"You can. Just not here at 2 o'clock."

"Ugh, this is ridiculous. Isn't the customer always right here?"

"Not if they want a damn breakfast sandwich at 2 o'clock," Bloom snapped. "Just order something else, Brandon. It's not that hard."

The two had begun to glare intensely at each other. Stella and Sky looked at each other awkwardly. Maybe Stella should've thought about it more when she planned for Bloom to run into Brandon.

"Dude," Sky said, "just get something else."

Stella frowned, "Yeah, Brandon, you're making this a bigger deal than it is."

Brandon tore his eyes away from Bloom, ashamed. They were more than right. He was being a punk for no reason. He sighed, "Bloom, can we talk?"

Bloom sighed also, "Sure. My shift ends in four hours though."

"I'll come back by then," Brandon said. Then he stood up and walked away. The three were left in awkward silence.

Stella spoke up, "Uuumm.."

"So that salad, huh?" Sky said.

"Yeah, salad! I heard it's good for the body and stuff," Stella said.

"Heh," Bloom smiled, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "I'll go get your order."

Stella nodded and smiled at the redhead. Bloom walked away.

"Bye, Miss Greta! See you tomorrow!" Bloom waved as she went out the door. Bloom turned her head to see Brandon, standing by a red motorbike. She took a deep breath and approached him.

He looked up, "Bloom."

"Wow," Bloom told him, "I didn't think you'd show."

"That's nonsense," Brandon said. "I'd wait as long as I have to if it means I get to see you."

She smiled, "Smooth."

"Not as smooth as Sky," replied Brandon. "Bloom, I'm really sorry about my behavior lately. I haven't been acting like myself. Like at the dance. I didn't meant to leave you like that. I'm just...afraid."

"You're afraid of commitment?"

"No, I'm afraid of...I don't know." Brandon said, "There's so many factors to it. You know how Sky's a prince?"

Bloom raised an eyebrow, "Yeah, and you're his squire, his bodyguard."

"It's very dangerous in Eraklyon. Tensions are always high, and there are some people who still think war is always the answer." Brandon explained, "My home has many enemies who are ruthless and will kill without mercy. And even though Sky and I have come here, it doesn't mean that we're free from being targets. Being affiliated with Sky has put my life in danger many times."

"Oh my goodness," Bloom asked, "are you okay?"

"I'll be fine. I'm just worried about what will happen if you're seen with me too much." Brandon said, "I barely know you, but you seem like a really sweet girl, Bloom. And I really wanna go out with you but-"

"Brandon, don't worry about me," Bloom said. "I can handle myself. You will not believe what I've been through these past few weeks."

He looked deeply into her eyes, "Bloom. You're brave."

She looked at him and into his eyes also. She nodded, "I am."

His blue eyes trailed down to her lips. The boy closed his eyes, leaned in, and planted a kiss onto her pink lips. She closed her eyes also and kissed back. They then parted after a minute.

He smiled at her, "So how does Friday sound to you?"

"It sounds perfect," the redhead smiled back. Bloom took his hand in hers.

"Awesome. I'll pick you up at 5."

"Great, I'll bring bacon breakfast sandwiches."

They both laughed.

"Hop on," Brandon said. "I'll drop you off at Alfea."

"Thanks," Bloom replied. She let go of his hand and walked over to the motor bike. She sat on the second seat, "Y'know, I had the weirdest dream about Daphne the nymph. It was weird because I never heard of her before, but apparently, she's some old fairytale."

"Fairytale?" Brandon raised an eyebrow as he sat on his motorbike. "Daphne's not a fairytale."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"She's not a fairytale." Brandon explained, "I once heard the king talking about her in some political debate. She's some water nymph living in the waters of Magix."

"Like...she's alive and real?"

"Alive wouldn't be the right term," He told her. "There's just a lot of mystery concerning her and her whereabouts. But she's been gone for the longest time. Sixteen years, I think."

"What?" Bloom muttered under her breath, "But then that would mean she lied to me."

He asked, putting his helmet on, "Who lied to you?"

"I'll tell you later," Bloom said. "Brandon, I need to get to Alfea. Like now."

Brandon raised an eyebrow again, "Alright, hold on tight."

Bloom wrapped her arms around his stomach. He started up his motorbike and speeded away.