Chapter 114: Most Precious Treasure...
After Flora finished her pumpkin pie she decided to step outside for a bit in order to get some much needed fresh air. Slowly the faerie took a stroll through the city lit up with beautiful Christmas lights on each building, lamp post and even the windows all matched the large Christmas tree in Covenant's square. Flora paused as she stopped to admire a small gingerbread house in one of the store's windows. Glistening with icing decorated with candy of all kinds. Everywhere she went there were couples and families shopping and taking in the night air. It was all so beautiful. But as Flora continued walking she came to a store selling all kind of origami shaped as Christmas decorations. And paused as a wave of memories hit her all at once. All of them of Helia.
The faerie remembered well the first day they met. It was her second year at Alfea and there was a special celebration for the unveiling of the new Red Fountain campus after being destroyed by the Trix and the army of decay. Helia had been watching from the sidelines drawing several doves nearby. From the moment she saw his artwork she was captivated by him unable to cease the feelings that were growing inside her. And from that point on their love for each other only grew...or at least that's what she was led to believe. It was only when Helia accepted the invitation to become an Orchid Knight at Lymphia to serve beside Princess Krystal that Flora realized their feelings for one another was not as strong as she thought.
Even so when Flora decided to become a teacher at Alfea with the rest of her friends she still held a faint hope, that Helia would come back to her and tell her that they were meant to be together. That his feelings for her hadn't changed. So she waited patiently for him to call. But even when he did she could tell from his voice that he wasn't the man she thought he once was. And it hurt her deeply. But, instead of taking time to heal she clung to the one person she knew she could trust. Joey. When her heart broke into a million pieces she didn't think twice about trying to get back what she herself had lost. But in doing so she was only hurting herself and Joey.
Back when Flora was with Helia for all those long years, she thought she understood what love was. But the truth was that she didn't understand anything at all and it took the deity of love to show her. Now, Flora realized that love was about placing someone else's needs above your own, to be there when they needed you the most, to give without expecting anything in return and potentially sacrificing your own happiness to ensure another's. It wasn't until Flora saw a true example of all of those actions, that made her realize just what that word meant by Cupid's sacrifice for Bloom.
All he had to do was seal Bloom's powers and by performing such he had a chance to break the curse that kept him from what he wanted above all else in this world. But instead, he cast his own potential happiness aside to protect the smile he came to hold so dear. Cupid could have easily manipulated her heart with his powers however rather than break it he chose to mend it instead by assuring Bloom that Kaiba still loved her no matter what the circumstances. Even when Bloom fell victim to Bakura's nasty trick, Cupid dove into the frigid cold water disregarding his own safety without a second thought. Just because he cared so much about her that he couldn't bare the thought of losing her. Despite the fact that his feelings for Bloom would never be returned.
Infact, Cupid never stopped thinking about Bloom. The fact that he was willing to lay down his life at Bakura's hands in order to prevent his curse from claiming hers spoke louder than any words possibly could. That was the reason Flora realized why she jumped in front of Death's scythe. Because she wanted to protect the heart that loved so deeply but couldn't be loved in return. It was tragic. In more ways than one. At that moment she found herself thinking "if only I could be his special person" because the love that Flora saw Cupid display towards Bloom was one she had always longed for herself.
The scars on Flora's hands left no more room for doubt in her heart. She wanted to give to Cupid what others had always taken from him. The love he deserved so very much. When she realized that Flora understood what she was feeling inside of her growing strongly since that day. This was real. Even so the curse yet still remained and Flora didn't care. Although, she was scared to once again wear her heart on her sleeve. In fear of possibly being hurt. But this time she didn't want her fear to stop her. If she did that then she'd be doing what exactly Cupid himself was trying to do. Still trying to keep his distance from her and everyone else. Flora paused as a building in the distance catches her eye and makes her way over to it.
The building was a restaurant with the same name as the one she and the others visited in Domino City. Melt-Me-Not the fondue dining experience although, they didn't actually get to try anything on the menu but chocolate sculptures made from the chocolatier store connected to it. The inside seemed so beautiful and elegant. Even everyone inside seemed to be enjoying themselves. Flora couldn't help but want to go inside as her hand reached for the door only for her to pause as a Winter Rose blossoms in front of her. In excitement Flora walked towards it to get a closer look. But as she did a trail of Winter Roses manifested before her.
"There are more? I wonder where they all lead to..." Flora murmured before she followed them only to be led to the large Christmas tree in the city's square with Cupid holding a bouquet of Winter Roses there waiting for her. "CUPID!" Flora exclaimed excitedly. "What a pleasant surprise! I didn't know you were out here as well." the faerie told him. "Well, I was waiting for a lovely young lady to take a walk around the city with. What do you think? Know anyone who might be interested in the bouquet of freshly made Winter Roses?" the redhead asks as he hands Flora the roses. "So what do ya say? Want to?" Cupid ask as he holds out his hand towards her with a playful wink. The faerie only giggles. "Yes i'd love to." Flora answers as she takes his hand before they begin to walk around Covenant.
As Cupid and Flora walk around the city in the falling snow Flora takes a moment to smell the Winter Roses taking in their fragrance. "...I don't know why but when I walk with you like this surrounded by the beautiful Christmas lights and the glow of the white snow...it's as if all the troubles in the world just melt away...it's very calming and peaceful...I like it alot..." she begins. "It was on a day like this that I found Bright in the Christmas tree sitting all by himself...wishing that his feelings would somehow reach Xuri...and I assured him that they would...so I hope that when we bring him back that Bright and Xuri will also be able to take this walk like we are now..." Flora murmured softly before Cupid smiled.
"That's one thing i've always admired about you Flora-Chan...you're almost always thinking of others...a trait that I always wished I had...although...i'm not thrilled to admit that for me...it was always easier to hate people than to love them..." Cupid admitted before Flora looked towards him. "Kindness is something that takes time, like a tiny seed that you water until it begins to sprout, pushing its way above the ground and into the sunlight...soaking up all of sun...and with enough care it blossoms into a beautiful flower...and that flower exists within you too Cupid..." Flora told him as he looked back at her not saying a word. "Bloom told me about how worried you were about Bright...that you went to check on him to make sure that he was ok..." she murmured. Cupid only smiled sadly.
"While my powers allow me to see a person's soulmate...they also let me feel the pain of a broken heart...as if it were my own...so I knew how much Bright was hurting...it felt as if his heart was made out of glass...and shattered in the very instant he lost the one who meant the most to him..." Cupid explained to Flora as she frowned. It reminded her of how she could sense plants and flower's pain and emotions even when no one else but her could understand and be there for them."It's funny...I never realized just how complex the heart really was...I believed that loving someone would bring great happiness...but, I didn't understand that having such strong feelings for another could bring such heartache and pain as well...I suppose i'm just a hopeless idiot..." Cupid murmured as he boped himself on the head. Flora only shook her head in response.
"No you're not...because I was thinking the exact same thing to myself earlier...as I took time...to reflect on the past...and...what it was I really wanted..." she confessed. "...And did you figure it out?" Cupid asked Flora softly in return as they continued to walk side by side. "Yes...I think so..." the faerie murmured as she squeezed the redhead's hand holding hers tightly. "But, right now I'm just really glad to be spending time together." Flora admitted to Cupid before he smiled warmly back at her. "Me too...I I...REALLY wanted to take this walk with you Flora...at least before we left for Draconia..." the redhead told the faerie which only made her smile all the more. But it made her nervous had the same time as to what he was going to say next.
"Really? What for?" Flora asked him as she looked him in the eyes. But she could already see the confliction building within them."...To talk about...the trial ahead...or to trials to be more accurate..." Cupid answered simply. "Oh right, Bloom mentioned that her sister Daphne said that we have to to acquire Eight flames that represent each different elemental realm." Flora recalled before Cupid nodded. "The Firelands, Waterlands, Icelands, Thunderlands, Earthlands, Prismlands, Darklands and Skylands...and with each flame comes a test that only one person among each group can face...and the flame is the one who chooses from among them...the tests will push everyone in the party to their limit, beyond what they themselves can take...you may even be unable to distinguish between what it real and what is not...the trials dig deep into your soul and bring to the surface what you normally hide within...not wanting anyone to see...past present or future...that's why normally no one even dares to try to undergo the tests of the flames..." Cupid explains to Flora whom's eyes widen in surprise.
"Cupid...you speak as if you yourself have experienced all of this once before." Flora points out. "Yeah...I did..." the redhead admits. "I tried to undergo the trials a while back...I thought that if I could get into the Ancient Draconian Secret Library that I could find a way to lift the curse that was placed upon me and my family...but...unfortunately I failed...I couldn't pass the test of the Firelands...The Test Of Fear...so...I was sent packing...honestly the thought of going back...is a little nerve wrecking..." Cupid confessed as he trembled. "Oh Cupid...I had no idea..." Flora murmured softly before they both paused looking upwards as the snow began to get heavier and the temperature slowly dropped.
"Yikes! Why did it go so cold suddenly?!" Flora cried out. "Probably cuz the sun's already set, it gets chillier around night time and the snow tends to accumulate the darker it gets." Cupid remarked before the faerie quickly looked around for a place they could take shelter in. However Flora's eyes couldn't help but be drawn towards the fondue restaurant she had been eyeing earlier. "Follow me I know a place where we can go for awhile just until the weather's calmed down a little, it's this way!" the faerie urged the redhead and pulled him into the fancy building nearby. As Cupid found himself in the new environment he couldn't help but feel his nerves getting the better of him especially as a host appeared before the two of them.
"Table for two?" the host questioned as Cupid's face lit up like a Christmas tree. The redhead only managed to nod as Flora found she also was too embarrassed to say a word covering her face flushed with red. "Right this way please." the host continued before he showed them to their table. Afterwards both Cupid and Flora took a seat across from each other. "Your server will be with you shortly." he assured them and left them to look at the menus on the table. "...So...Menu..." Cupid began. "Menu..." Flora squeaked out. She was so embarrassed she couldn't even look the redhead in the face hiding behind her menu.
This was beginning to feel less like a pleasant outing and more like a...date...But at least Cupid didn't seem as apprehensive as he was before. Thought saying he was relaxed was a far cry from it. Or her for that matter. Flora decided she needed to say something before this got even more awkward than it already was and opened her mouth to speak. "Um...this is a beautiful restaurant...don't you think? When we were back in Domino City on Earth there was a place that was just like this...in here we can just sit and relax while keeping warm at the same time...and look we even get a view of the snow from our window seat." Flora smiled as she tried to start the conversation. Cupid smiled in return."Well if I knew we were going out to eat I wouldn't have had that second piece of pie." the redhead joked which caused the faerie to giggle. "That would make two of us." Flora laughed as did Cupid.
"Is there anything specific you want to order?" Cupid asked her simply. "Would you mind terribly if we got something without meat in it? O-Of course if you want any I-I don't have a pro-Problem with that...is what I-I meant to say...is!" Flora murmured as she found herself tripping nervously all over her words. Cupid only blinked a few times. "Flora-Chan." the redhead interrupted before she looked towards him flustered. "Don't be so tense. You don't have to worry about my likes and dislikes. Just be yourself. Ok?" Cupid grinned before Flora paused and smiled afterwards. "Then...would it be ok if we just ordered vegetarian friendly menu choices?..." the faerie asked the redhead softly.
"For you? Anything my cute little flower." Cupid winked at her playfully. Flora only found herself smiling more. "Then why don't you pick out the chocolate for the dessert Cupid." the faerie offered. "I think I can manage that." the redhead chuckled as he looked through the menu. "What about the Blazing Snail? It's got milk chocolate, caramel, pecans all flambeed." "Yum! That sounds delicious! Oh but what about the cheese?" Flora questioned. "Cheese?...Oh yeah there is cheese on there too." Cupid noticed as he returned his eyes to the menu. "Then...how about this one...spinach artichoke?" the redhead asked her. "That sounds good to me. Are we ready to place our order then?" Flora asks in return before the waitress approaches their table. But, the faerie of nature nearly found herself speechless as she saw whom was going to be waiting on them.
"Spice!? Is that really you!?" Flora questioned as a young woman approached them with medium length red hair tied into pony tails at both ends with teal eyes wearing a waitress's uniform with a jeweled barrette in her hair shaped like a piece of wrapped candy. "FLORA! I can't believe it!" Spice exclaimed excitedly before both girls shared in a hug. "I haven't seen you since you helped me with my test in Professor Palladium's potion class back at Alfea in our third year!" the faerie exclaimed cheerfully. "Yes I remember! You were trying to make a new kind of chocolate!" Flora continued before Cupid sweatdropped. "Uh hello...remember me? I'm kinda lost here." Cupid waved at the girls trying to get their attention.
"Oh! I'm sorry Cupid!" Flora quickly apologised. "This is Spice, I helped her out awhile back with a few classes she was having trouble in back at Alfea during our third year. She's the faerie of Sweets and Spices. In return, she helped me learn how to use spices in order to help make my herbal remedies even stronger." the faerie of nature introduced them. "Spice this is Cupid." Flora told him. "Helllooo." the redhead grinned. "Ah Cupid...it's very nice to meet you..." Spice murmured slyly as she looked in Flora's direction. "Sooo can I get you guys started with a drink? I can recommend a VERY romantic specialty drink for two. My own specialty of course! I call it pierced with an arrow." the faerie giggled before both Cupid and Flora turned bright red.
"I think i'll just have a sweet tea..." Flora deadpanned. "Water's fine for me." Cupid echoed as Spice wrote down their order. "And are we ready to order?" "Uh yeah...we'll have the Spinach Artichoke cheese dip, the Vegetarian special and for dessert the Blazing Snail." the redhead told the waitress before she finished writing on her notepad. "Alrighty! I'll be back with your drinks shortly...don't have TOO much fun while i'm away you too." Spice winked at Flora and Cupid before she made herself scarce. Cupid himself couldn't help but to laugh a little. "Well you're faerie friend sure is...something that's for sure." the redhead chuckled. "Oh! I am SO sorry Cupid...Spice is a little excitable..." Flora apologised.
"I can see that...so what is Alfea? Is that some kind of planet or something?" Cupid questioned. "Not exactly, it's a school for faerie's all over the Magic Dimension where they come and study magic and learn about their powers. It's three years of intense training but it's also a lot of fun. Our third year was our last year there and then we became teachers...or that was the plan anyways but there was so much more instore for us than I could have ever possibly imagined...and now we're here in The Sealed Words...it's almost too incredible to believe..." Flora admitted to the redhead. "Honestly i'm more interested in learning about you Cupid, you've lived in this world for a lot longer than I have and i'm eager to get to know you better." the faerie confessed but the redhead only frowned as her folded his hands on the table. "Flora...i'm not so sure...someone as wonderful and kind like you... should get involved...with someone like me..." Cupid told her honestly before the faerie paused as he spoke.
"...What do you mean by that...I'm afraid that I don't understand..." Flora murmured softly taken back as she felt as if someone had grabbed a hold of her heart. "...A heart that is filled with so much light and love...can often be the most vulnerable...and I have no desire...to see another woman die because of me...especially not the one...who gave me a reason to live...when I had none..." Cupid began as his voice shook. "...I really tried to keep my distance...because of this curse placed upon me...so I wouldn't cause you anymore pain then what you've already endured...you see...ever since I was born Flora-Chan...all i've brought to people is unhappiness...even to my own mother and father..." he confessed to her as Spice approached the table and placed their drinks on the table before she walked away.
"...Oh Cupid...that can't possibly be true...all parents love their children...as if they were precious gifts...they wouldn't trade or cast away any of them for anything else in all of the known universe! Why would you even suggest something so horrible...?" Flora questioned as she looked directly at him. Cupid only looked up at the faerie with a saddened smile. "...Why you ask...? Because...it was my very existence that brought my mother's and my family's existence to an end...the reason the Rosen household was cursed...was my birth..." the redhead murmured softly. For a moment the faerie remained silent as she searched for the words to speak.
"...Cupid...just what is The Rosen Curse?...I WANT to know...maybe by knowing more about it I can find some way to help you!" Flora tried to convince him before Cupid's gaze hardened. "...Are you sure you want to? Because, in this story there is no happily ever after...but if you're minds made up...i'll tell you...everything..." the redhead warned before Flora swallowed hard knowing there was no turning back after this. But more than anything she wanted to understand Cupid. To know the real him. And to share the pain he always seemed to deal with alone with no one else beside him.
"Yes...even if it's difficult to hear...I want to understand you better...the good...the bad...and the ugly...I want to close the distance between us...by knowing the truth...the real truth...so I ask you...please share with me what happened to you..." Flora pleaded before Cupid let out a soft sigh. "Alright...but it's not something I usually like talking about..." the redhead admitted to her.
"A long time ago...The House Of Rosen was very prosperous...they enjoyed spreading romance and joy to young and blossoming couples...several people would hang rose wreaths on their doors in hope that they too would be blessed with love...however...one day a young woman from the house of Rosen my Mother, was arranged to be married to her cousin in order to keep the bloodline pure...but destiny placed another young man my Father, in her path...and she fell in love with him...and that love in turn...gave birth to a child...a baby boy...me..." "Unfortunately though...as I mentioned before...their story doesn't have a happing ending..."Cupid began. "What happened?" Flora asked him although she was terrified of learning the answer.
"For several years my mother raised me..without any repercussions...she married the man to whom she was promised but still met with my father afterwards...since she was not in love with her husband both of them believed what they were doing wasn't wrong...eventually though...they were caught by him...and there were no more secrets..." Cupid continued. "Oh no..." Flora frowned. "My mother's husband was furious...as he came to the realization that I wasn't really his child that she had given birth to...and using his powers he manipulated my father's heart and forced him to turn against my mother..." the redhead muttered.
"My father pleaded for my mother to run but she refused and in doing so against his will her husband controlled my father like a puppet...he grabbed my mother and wrapped his hands around her throat attempting to choke the life out of her...and I saw everything from behind the door way nearby...I rushed into the room...I couldn't understand why everyone was fighting and why that man was hurting my mother...since at the time I was only a child...I didn't know that my mother's husband wasn't my father...but that other man instead...and the one who loathed me beyond all reason...turned his wrath towards me the moment he saw my face...instead he let my mother go and had my father draw his blade from its sheath and directed his sword towards me..." Cupid told Flora as she continued to listen.
"My mother, forced herself up and ran as fast as she could...as she saw my father beginning to approach me...i'll never forget hearing my mother scream the night...as the blade came closer and closer...but she wouldn't allow her husband to take away her precious only child...and shielded me with her body...my father's sword coming down upon her instead...showering me in her blood..." the redhead's voice shook as Flora's eyes widened as she remembered getting between Cupid and Bakura. His scythe plummeting down towards Cupid. Grabbing the blade with her bare hands. And the look on Cupid's face when she had done so.
Back then...he had been remembering his mother's own act of love towards him. And right now Flora hadn't felt the thing everyone called Destiny so strongly than this moment as she covered her mouth with her hands. "As my mother's life was stolen from her...the spell cast on my father was finally broken...immediately he dropped the sword and cradled my mother's body as she died in his arms...screaming at top of his lungs...even I couldn't move covered in my mother's blood...I suppose I must've been in shock...especially as a blood seal appeared below the man that I had once called father...Apparently...he had made a contract with Death...the one whom has possessed Bakura...and my mother was the blood shed to seal it...only once the deed was complete...did her husband utter these chilling words
"...Death Shall Rule Your House This Day...As Blood Is Spilled As Red As The Roses That Offer Broken Promises Of Love...For Once Those Symbols Of Romance Begin To Bloom...They Will Wilt...Cut Away By The Thorns That Are Cursed To Pierce Their Flesh...Whilst You Watch... Tasting The Bitterness Of Your Agony...Of The Pain You And Your Family Have Brought Upon Yourself...One Grave Stone Will Be Carved One After Another...Until You Are Wiped From Existence...Then And Only Then Will You Be Freed From This Burning Hell I Cast Upon You." But He was far from done...as he turned to me next and uttered words that have haunted me since the day he spoke them.
"I Simply Can't Wait For The Day...When I Can Savor The Taste Of YOUR Agony...As Your Heart Cries Out For Another...And You Watch Them Die In Your Arms...All Because They Chose To Fall In Love With Someone Like You...Well...I Suppose There Is One Way You Could Keep From Being Inflicted By My Curse...If You Sealed Away Yourself In Solitude...For The Rest Of Your Days...And Refused To Get Close To Anyone...Or Anything...To Be Content With The Company Of The Shadows...And Became A Prisoner Of Your Own Flesh And Blood...Then...You Wouldn't Have To Watched Your Loved One Die...Because Like Me...You'd Have No one To Love...And Your Only Way Out Of Such A Hell Would be...Death..."
Cupid told Flora as tears fell down her face one after the other as she just looked at Cupid. "...At first...we thought his curse...was nothing more than a bluff...that is...until what he said...really did come to pass...all around us...one person died...then another...another...and another...until we came to realize...the curse was real...each year brought about a new death...sometimes the curse would be inflicted right away...others claimed lives as time continued to move forwards...that's why no one took it seriously at first...we were fools in the end...and as I grew...so did the bodies...until there was no one else left...even the children born of Rosen blood...weren't allowed to take a living breath into this world...and that was the end of House Rosen..." the redhead murmured softly.
As she listened to Cupid, Flora felt her own heart breaking as she imagined how it would feel to have everyone around you die and know that the curse was inflicted because of a choice your parents made to bring you into the world. "...So do you understand now...?" Cupid asked her as he took her hands resting on the table in his and squeezed them tightly. "This pain...only I should bare it...Flora-Chan...you're a wonderful girl with a kind heart and a bright future...i'd imagine with just your smile alone...you could blossom in anyone's heart...but...it's not for me...it...can never be for me...no matter how badly I wish it were otherwise...so i'm begging you...don't fall in love with me...anyone but me..." the redhead pleaded as he forced a painful smile as tears fell down his face.
Without another word Flora got up from her seat. As she did Cupid closed his eyes and tried to get a hold of himself. It was for the best. He knew it was. But if that was how he really felt...then why did it hurt so badly. Cupid was ashamed of how weak his heart truly was. It didn't matter. He had to let her go. The redhead paused as he felt warmth envelope him only to open his eyes finding himself in Flora's arms holding him close to her. "...Did you know...that even though the Moon shines brightly in the night sky...that it is constantly getting hit by meteorites on the other side...? And yet...it STILL hides its scars and continues to give us light in the darkness..." she began.
"Just as Winter Roses bloom in the coldest weather...still standing tall...I will blossom eternally for you Cupid..." Flora choked out through her tears and turned his tear stained face towards her as she caressed the side of his left cheek. "Because...I DO love you...and I want to be by your side ALWAYS...i've been searching and searching for someone special...and now...i've finally found you...curse or no curse...I don't want to give this up...so please...don't push me away..." the faerie pleaded with Cupid as his eyes widened as the remnants of tears in his eyes trickled down his cheeks. Slowly the redhead lifted up his hand and placed it over Flora's on the left side of his face. Afterwards they both looked deeply into each other's eyes.
"...I won't..." Cupid barely whispered as a smile slowly worked itself onto his face before released her hands and pulled her gently into an embrace instead holding her close to him. Flora in turn wrapped her arms around him. "...I'll give you my heart...if you really want it..." "I do...and in return i'll give you mine...but only if you promise to take good care of it...it's fragile...and easy to break..." "It's beautiful...like a stained glass window..." the redhead murmured softly. "...I can feel the warmth in yours...but now...neither of them will be alone anymore...because there are two of them...and where one goes...the other will follow..."
Flora promised in return before the two looked upwards silent. Neither one of them spoke before both Cupid and Flora moved towards one another until their lips met exchanging a sweet and sweet kiss. So this was what love was. He couldn't lie to himself anymore. Cupid wanted to tell her the words that she had longed to hear all of this time. "...Flora-Chan...your heart...I consider...my most precious treasure...I love you...Flora..." the redhead confessed as his face nearly lit up three different shades. "T-To be honest I got you something the other day...but...I couldn't work up the nerve to give it to you...it's an early Christmas gift...since...you know...we probably...won't be back by then..." Cupid squeaked as he pulled out a small box wrapped with poinsettia on golden wrapping paper.
"A present for me?!" Flora asked the redhead excitedly as she gazed at the beautiful wrapping before the faerie looked back up at him. "Can I open it?" Flora questioned. "I got it for you didn't i?" Cupid teased. "Yep! Go right on ahead!" the redhead gave her permission. Without any further hesitation Flora's eyes opened wide as she found inside of the box was a beautiful jeweled butterfly barrette.
"OH CUPID! It's beautiful!"Flora cried out ecstatic as she took it out of the tissue paper. The barrette was green and pink to match her outfit. The gemstones glistening under the light's. Cupid only grinned in return. "I thought the color would really bring out your brown hair and your pretty green eyes." "Awww I love it! Thank you so very much! It's such sweet and thoughtful gift..." Flora smiled brightly and hugged Cupid tightly as he laughed. "Good i'm glad you like it Flora-Chan. But you're squeezing me a bit too tight..." the redhead pointed out.
"Whoops! I'm sorry!" the faerie apologised as she let go before they both saw Spice approach their table with their appetizers and cheese dip. She was relieved to see the two with smiles on their faces again. "Hey you two! Sorry to keep you waiting! I have your cheese right here and ready to go!" the faerie exclaimed and placed a bunch of vegetables and bread to dip in the cheese. Just as Spice placed the fondue pot down she caught a glimpse of the jeweled butterfly barrette in Flora's hand.
"Oh my gosh! Is that what I think it is!? It is! That's the barette the store in Autumn had in one of their shops! It's sooo pretty! Oh I know! Here let me help you put it on Flora!" Spice exclaimed excitedly and placed the butterfly barrette in place of Flora's green ribbon she wore in her hair. "Here lookie!" the faerie directed Flora as she turned the empty pot just enough to where the faerie of nature could see her reflection in it. "Thanks Spice! That's so nice of you...so what do you think? Does it look ok?" Flora asked. "That's silly! Of course it looks great! Even the prettiest butterfly would be jealous." the faerie remarked. "Yep! Yep! Yep! That's a ten out of ten in my book!" Cupid remarked. "Oh you guys! Stop it!" the faerie told them as she giggled in return embarrassed.
"Teehee you have a point, if I slack off anymore than I already have my employer might scold me later...I was just so excited when I saw you at my table that I wanted to explode into a million different colored sprinkles! What was I doing...? Oh! Right the cheese! One Spinach Artichoke COMING UP!" Spice exclaimed before she directed her finger at the pot and with a spinning motion she conjured up white cheddar right into the pot melting it. Afterwards she summoned a mixture of pepper, basil and chives into her hands and added them afterwards. Snapping her fingers she boiled everything in the pot until it was just at the right temperature.
"And Voila! Your appetizers are served!" Spice exclaimed before both Cupid and Flora applauded the faerie's efforts as she bowed playfully in response. "It looks wonderful, thank you Spice." "For real! I can't wait to chow down!" Cupid echoes in agreement. "It was my pleasure really! Well! Enjoy and i'll see you later when you're for the main course!" the faerie informed the two of them before she headed back towards the kitchen doors. As she entered waiting on the other side was none other than Headmistress Faragonda. "...So...how did I do...?" Spice asked the headmistress once she was behind closed doors. Miss Faragonda only let out a soft sigh.
"I really do hate sneaking around like this...but the dangers the girls will have to face aren't like any that they've ever encountered before...even compared to the Magic Dimension's enemies...and you as a faerie from Draconia's Prisimlands have knowledge and skills that my girls just don't have...knowledge that they're surely going to need in order to succeed in their mission. I apologize for calling you out so late in the evening Spice but, I do appreciate your willingness to come and meet me." Miss Faragonda extended her gratitude.
"Of course! You're the reason that I was allowed to come to Magix and attend Alfea in the first place Headmistress. Besides, thanks to you I met some wonderful people and shared an experience that normally, I never would have gotten the chance to have! Especially, getting to meet Flora again. That in itself made the trip well worth it!" Spice smiled brightly. "Well, i'm relieved to hear that. Right now my son Professor Takuna, is traveling with Bloom and the girls along with the rest of those accompanying them. But, even with his powers i'm afraid that he is limited in what he can and cannot do...and the trials will indeed be trying...even for an Enchantix Faerie of The Magic Dimension..." Miss Faragonda began.
"While the Winx may have achieved Celestix, a power unique to The Sealed Worlds...they're still a far cry from mastering their new powers...and since you were once Daphne's apprentice and inherited the role that was once hers...you are a Faerie whom has mastered the Arcane Artes...allowing you to use much stronger magic than most faerie's here or in The Magic Dimension...I need you to act as a guardian in my place...and don't forget...you are the only one whom can reveal the location of The Gem Of Destiny Daphne has hidden in The Secret Ancient Draconian Library...as for unlocking the power within it...that shall be left up to someone else..." the headmistress instructed the faerie.
"I understand Miss Faragonda, I promise that when the time comes I will guide them towards The Gem Of Destiny without fail and bring out their powers to its fullest! To repay everything you've done for me...and Daphne as well..." Spice promised before Miss Faragonda removed something from her pocket and placed it in the faerie's palm. "...What is this headmistress?" the faerie questioned.
"It is a powerful item that will allow your presence to extend beyond time and space...this way you can be there even when it is physically impossible..." the headmistress explained to Spice as she looked down. In her palm was a jewel that resembled a golden tear. Just by holding it the faerie felt its incredible power and placed it securely on her choke collar afterwards. "Well, I should go ahead and ready the lovebirds second course! After i'm finished here i'll grab Flora and Cupid on their way out so I can learn what I can about their plans moving forward! Keep in touch Kay!?" Spice shot Miss Faragonda a playful wink before she returned to work. The headmistress of Alfea only watched as the faerie hurried out with another large platter and smiled quietly to herself.
"Daphne would be proud of you...Spice...Nymph Of The Sealed Worlds..."
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