⸻Musa tugged at the hem of her oversized magenta hoodie as the September breeze slid through her like a coin through a slot. It wasn't just the crisp air that bothered her; it was the mix of anxiety and anticipation she felt as she trudged through the gates of Alfea College. She tried her best to stay focused and positive. The school was enormous, with countless doors leading to who-knows-where, making it easy to get lost within its walls. She couldn't help but wonder what it had been like for her mother when she attended Alfea during her prime, under the guidance of the renowned headmistress, Faragonda.
As she walked, a pang of longing hit her chest. She missed her mother fiercely, wishing she could share this moment with her. Her mother had always believed in her, and Musa wondered if she was doing the right thing by coming to Alfea. Deep down, she knew the answer. Her mother would have wanted her to follow her passion for music, to find her own path and make her mark.
Still, she felt a twinge of doubt. Was she really ready for this? The thought of leaving behind her home planet, Melody, made her heart ache. Melody was a place of peace and tranquility, a stark contrast to the silence that had enveloped her home after her mother passed. The serene melodies of her planet had always brought her comfort, even as she lived in a house where music was forbidden, where her father's grief created an unyielding silence.
But now, at Alfea, Musa had the chance to break free from that silence. She could immerse herself in the music she loved and honor her mother's memory by becoming the best music fairy she could be. With each step, she reminded herself that this was her opportunity to find her voice and heal the wounds of her past.
She continued to squeeze through the bustling crowd, holding back her slight agitation at the sight of everyone being in her way. She didn't enjoy crowds—the kind where you feel as if you can't escape and are squeezed like a tight blanket. Yet, paradoxically, she loved being in front of a crowd to perform. Before her mother passed away, Musa remembered standing on stage with her during one of her shows while her father stood in the shadows, a proud manager and family man.
Those memories were bittersweet, filled with the warmth of her mother's voice and the love that had once surrounded their family. Being on stage had felt like home, a place where she could connect with her mother through their shared passion for music. Her father's supportive presence had been a constant reassurance, a reminder of the bond they all shared through music.
But that was before everything changed. Before her father's grief turned their home into a place of silence and sorrow. Musa shook her head slightly, pushing away the painful memories. She was here now, at Alfea, ready to create new memories and reclaim the joy that music once brought her.
Suddenly, a body collided with hers, almost knocking the wind out of her petite frame. She couldn't help but feel her peace subside as her crimson red headphones slid off her neck and onto the ground beside her, waiting to be crushed at any moment by the unrelenting flow of students.
Musa let out a huff before reaching to grab them, but a hand, the color of rich espresso, swiftly picked them up instead. Musa's midnight blue hair fell slightly from her low buns, and she cursed herself for spending twenty minutes styling it, only to now have to shift it into a messy one.
Her eyes met with a beautiful pair of cerulean ones that mirrored strength and caution.
"Didn't mean to do that," the voice filled her ears with such a soft and warm timbre.
Musa couldn't help but stare in dumbfoundness. Speak, you idiot. You're not mute.
She cleared her throat as she was brought back into the reality around her. "All good, I'm in one piece, that's for sure."
Their hands intertwined for a second as Musa was pulled from the ground and onto her feet again. The girl in front of her had pulled her lengthy, coily, chestnut brown hair into a ponytail with ease. Musa wondered how she did that with such precision while she struggled with her shoulder-length hair in her bathroom mirror.
The girl gave her a small smile as she dusted off her green crop top and navy cargo shorts. "It's kind of hard to maneuver through these damn crowds. It's like trying to swim upstream in a river full of fish."
Musa chuckled softly, appreciating the apt comparison. "Yeah, tell me about it. Thanks for grabbing my headphones."
"No problem," the girl replied, handing them back. "I'm Aisha, by the way."
"Musa," she responded, feeling a little more at ease. "Nice to meet you, Aisha."
Aisha nodded, her smile widening. "Nice to meet you too, Musa. Let's try to get through this crowd together. Strength in numbers, right?"
Musa smiled back, feeling a newfound sense of camaraderie. "Yeah, let's do that."
As they trailed through the courtyard, Musa couldn't help but observe the acquaintance next to her. She paid attention to the way Aisha strode with so much confidence and slight poise, her face resting so easily that others would either admire her or feel intimidated if they wanted to ask a simple question. And Musa had to admit, Aisha did have a nice style of clothing. It wasn't too feminine nor tomboyish like herself; she was only wearing a hoodie, cargo pants, and sneakers, keeping it as minimalistic as possible.
"So, what's your ability?" Aisha's voice erupted, breaking the somewhat awkward silence with an attempt at small talk.
"Music," Musa answered lazily. She didn't intend to sound so blank, as music was her passion, but after years of living in a home where her ambitions were blocked, her response seemed so natural. She used to envy those who could roam freely, singing, humming, and being surrounded by harmonious melodies. There were nights when she had rebelled, of course, sneaking out to public outings to let her troubles wash away.
Aisha nodded with amusement despite the emptiness in Musa's tone. "Music, huh? From my intuition, I'm suspecting that you're from Melody?"
Musa felt a warmth of sheepishness filling her. She gave a lopsided head tilt to the darker girl. "Is it that obvious?" she asked, absentmindedly changing the song playing from her headphones around her neck.
"More of a coincidence. I came across a music festival in one of the towns there on a news article on my phone. And, of course, the best place to incorporate music is the home planet of music itself," the cerulean-eyed girl responded.
Musa caught on to Aisha's words. She knew exactly what festival it was. It was one of the grand annual celebrations that she had longed to attend openly, but had only ever experienced from the shadows. The memory of sneaking out, feeling the thrum of the bass in her chest, and losing herself in the rhythm flashed through her mind.
"Yeah, Melody is all about music," Musa said, a small, genuine smile creeping onto her face. "I used to sneak out to those festivals. The energy, the performances... it was the only time I felt truly alive, even if it was just for a few hours."
Aisha's expression softened with understanding. "I get it. Sometimes you have to break a few rules to feel free. But now you're here, and Alfea's the perfect place to let your music thrive without having to sneak around."
Musa nodded, feeling a sense of relief and excitement. "You're right. This is my chance to really embrace it."
Feeling more warmed up, she reciprocated Aisha's ice breaker. "So how about you?"
"I'm a morphix fairy. I am also from Andros."
Musa blinked several times as she realized it all. The face that she had seen on blog websites and in multiple articles about Andros' kingdom, ruled by King Teredor and Queen Niobe. She realized she was standing next to the princess of Andros.
Aisha looked over her shoulder as she was a pace ahead of Musa, who had slowed down.
"You're the pr—"
Aisha let out a tired sigh, already expecting the next words all too well. "Princess of Andros," she stated flatly. "Yeah, yeah. It is I. No need to get all excited."
"I feel so damn stupid. How the Omega did I not recognize you?" Musa sputtered out.
"Maybe that's a good thing. I would like to keep it that way, if that's cool with you."
Musa nodded quickly, feeling a little embarrassed. "Yeah, of course. Your secret's safe with me."
As they continued walking, Musa's mind churned with thoughts. She had always envisioned royalty as being distant, unapproachable, living lives filled with luxury and devoid of everyday struggles. Yet here was Aisha, walking beside her, dealing with the same anxieties and desires for normalcy that Musa herself felt. It was a humbling realization that no matter the titles or backgrounds, everyone had their burdens to bear.
Aisha gave her a grateful smile. "Thanks, Musa. It's nice to just be another student here, you know? Not a princess with a million expectations."
Musa understood that feeling more than she mcould say. She had spent years suppressing her love for music, hiding her true self in a household steeped in grief and silence. Now, at Alfea, she hoped to break free from those constraints and embrace her identity as a music fairy. "I get it. Sometimes you just want to be yourself, without all the extra stuff people pile on you."
Aisha eyed her with a newfound respect. "Exactly. You know, I think that you and I will get along just fine."
Musa mirrored her expression. "Hopefully I don't run you off."
Aisha giggled. "You'll be the least of my worries."
They came to a complete stop as the army of students walking in rows had surrounded a figure who stood faintly ahead. Musa and Aisha glanced at each other, mirroring confusion as the cool breeze swept across.
"Wonder what's the hold-up," Musa spoke aloud, more to herself than to Aisha, who had audibly heard.
Aisha's eyes scoped ahead as she saw a woman who stood at about 5'8" and was middle-aged. She had fair skin with a face that contrasted the school's spirited atmosphere. Her expression was stoic and patient, as if she were used to the environment around her. Her ear-length, brunette bob framed her face, matching the attitude she projected, along with a pair of dark triangular framed glasses. She was scanning away on her clipboard, which was grasped by her long-shaped nails as she scribbled with a black pen.
"Looks like someone official," Aisha murmured, her curiosity piqued. "Maybe she's here to give us our dorm assignments or something."
Musa nodded, trying to get a better view of the woman. The crowd seemed to part slightly, allowing her a clearer look. The woman's presence exuded authority and precision, every movement deliberate and controlled. Musa couldn't help but feel a twinge of nervousness as they approached.
The woman finally looked up from her clipboard, her sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered students. "Welcome to Alfea College for Fairies," she announced, her voice carrying effortlessly over the murmurs of the crowd. "I am Griselda, the Head of Discipline, and I will be assisting you with your initial orientation. Please form a line and be ready to receive your dormitory assignments and schedules."
A collective murmur of excitement and anticipation rippled through the students as they began to organize themselves into a semblance of order. Musa glanced at Aisha, who gave her an encouraging nod. They joined the line, inching forward as Griselda efficiently handed out assignments and answered questions with a calm demeanor.
When it was their turn, Musa handed over her acceptance letter. Griselda scanned it quickly, her eyes flicking back to Musa with an appraising look before handing her a folder. "Musa of Melody, you'll be in Dormitory C, Room 214," she said briskly. "Your schedule and other important information are in here. Welcome to Alfea."
"Thank you," Musa replied, taking the folder and stepping aside to let Aisha through.
Aisha received her assignment with the same efficiency. "Aisha of Andros, Dormitory C, Room 216," Griselda stated, passing her a similar folder. "Welcome to Alfea."
As they moved away from the line, Musa opened her folder, scanning the contents. It contained a map of the campus, her class schedule, and a welcome letter with tips on settling in. Aisha did the same, glancing over her materials with interest.
"Looks like we're in different dorms," Aisha observed, a hint of disappointment in her voice.
"Yeah," Musa replied, feeling a similar pang. "But at least we have classes together and we are a few doors away."
Aisha smiled, her earlier enthusiasm undimmed. "Absolutely. And we can always meet up after classes. Besides, exploring a new place is always better with a friend."
Musa couldn't agree more. As they navigated the bustling campus towards their respective dorms, she felt a sense of camaraderie and excitement. The challenges of the past seemed to fade with each step, replaced by the promise of new beginnings and the thrill of possibilities.
The grand towers of Alfea loomed above them, and Musa felt a sense of awe. This place was full of magic, history, and potential. She was here to embrace it all, to turn the page on her past and write a new story. With Aisha by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came next.
End of Chapter Two
Okay, next chapter we will all meet the Winx and the specialists. I have decided to bring Aisha in because why not. And I feel that it would be better to put her in a different dorm, but don't worry, she will still tag along with the others. In all honesty, I hope to not have writers block with this story because there's going to be a lot of things occurring and with the main ship, it will take some time.