Author's Note: Happy Wednesday! New week, new chapter. Decided to update early. I really appreciate the viewership and the reviews, and it means a lot to me that there are still Jake/Trixie readers out there :) We must keep the community alive, whether it's supporting other writers or even writing stories on the pairing.

I'm interested to know your opinions on how the pairing doesn't really get much attention in the archive. Personally, for me anyway, I feel like there's so much potential with Jake and Trixie's friendship. From what I remember from the show, they'd spend so much time together. So naturally, attraction and feelings would come as they grow older. *Shrugs*

Anyway, before I go on and on (which I could go all day explaining this), let me get this show started. Happy reading :)

Disclaimer: I don't own anything, so please don't sue me. My current nursing wage is not high enough to afford a lawyer for defense lol.

Warning: Ehh, this chapter is more of a filler – not really, but sort of? It served its purpose in connecting the dots. Minor fluff. Humor. Suspense.

Tattoo

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

Chapter 15: Fixed and Settled

"There is nothing permanent except change."

The darkness wrapped around Spud like a heavy fog, thick and suffocating. He knew instantly—this wasn't just any dream. It was her again.

A soft, smooth, and knowing chuckle echoed in the void. " It took you long enough to return," Inner's voice purred.

Spud exhaled, steadying himself. He was done being caught off guard. "Yeah, well, you've been invading my head for weeks now. Figured I'd make myself comfortable."

Inner materialized in front of him, and this time, he took in her appearance with clarity. She looked like Trixie, but at the same time, she wasn't her. The resemblance was there—the full lips, the sharp cheekbones, the confidence in the way she moved—but everything about her was otherworldly. Her feline eyes, dark violet and unnervingly piercing, glowed against the black void. Her hair, once just similar to Trixie's, had taken on a life of its own—spiral curls cascading down her shoulders like coils of midnight silk.

Her outfit was straight out of a gothic dream—black and purple lacy Lolita fashion layered with intricate embroidery, ribbons, and corset-like detailing. The contrast of delicate lace against the sheer power she radiated was striking, as if she were both untouchable and dangerously close all at once.

She tilted her head, observing him like a puzzle she was piecing together. "You've changed."

Spud crossed his arms. "Yeah? And whose fault is that?"

Inner smirked. "Oh, definitely mine. But you surprise me, Spudinski. I expected you to crumble under the weight of the truth. Most would have."

Spud's jaw clenched. "I almost did. But I've had time to think. You got in my head, messed with my mind—but in the end, I made my choice." He took a step forward, standing taller than he had before. "I'm telling Trixie the truth. She deserves it."

For once, Inner didn't mock him. Instead, she let out a low, almost appreciative hum. "Interesting. You actually believe that?"

Spud nodded, unwavering. "Yeah. I do."

Inner studied him for a moment, her expression unreadable. Then, to his utter shock, she let out a small laugh—not mocking, not cruel—something almost… pleased. "I was right about you. You're stronger than you look."

Spud blinked, caught off guard. "Wait—what?"

Inner stepped closer, the glow in her dark violet eyes softening just slightly. "I don't waste my time on weak minds, Spud. And you? You've held your own. You've grown. You chose not because of fear, but because you understand what's at stake."

Spud swallowed hard. "So… does that mean you're done messing with me?"

Inner smirked, a hint of amusement flickering in her gaze. "For now."

He let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. "Well, that's… kinda a relief."

Inner watched him, an unreadable emotion flickering across her face. "You intrigue me, Spudinski." Her voice was softer now, almost… fond. "You may think of me as a nightmare, but nightmares don't respect their dreamers."

Lightening up, Spud scoffed. "So what, you're saying you respect me now?"

Inner smirked but said nothing. Instead, she simply stepped backward, her form beginning to dissolve into the shadows. "Tell her, Spud. And when you do, remember… some truths can't be undone."

As she was about to fade away, Spud called her out. "Hey Inner!"

A fine eyebrow of hers quirked up, acknowledging his call.

"What's up?"

He offered her a sincere, genuine smile. "Laugh more often. Your laughter is beautiful."

Spud hadn't heard back from her as she faded away, but unbeknownst to him, right before she completely disappeared, a blush could faintly be seen forming on her cheeks.

Something changed. The suffocating darkness surrounding Spud began to shift, transforming into something light—something clear. The weight on his chest lifted, and suddenly, he felt… free. The void around him melted into warm hues like dawn breaking after a long, sleepless night. A gentle breeze moved through his hair, whispering promises of clarity and relief. He closed his eyes, inhaling deeply.

And then—

Spud woke up.

His eyes fluttered open as the first golden streaks of sunlight peeked through his window. The warmth of morning settled against his skin, a stark contrast to the shadows that had haunted him for so long. For the first time in weeks, his body felt light, his mind unburdened.

He sat up slowly, rubbing his face, and then—without even thinking—he smiled. Not a forced, nervous grin. A real smile. One of resolve.

He knew what he had to do.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

Jake Long sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the ceiling, his mind racing. The sun had barely risen, but he had been awake for hours, haunted by a single thought.

Trixie.

It wasn't like before. This wasn't just friendship, wasn't just the easy camaraderie they had built over the years. This was something deeper, something that sent his heart hammering in his chest whenever she looked at him with those sharp, knowing eyes.

And he kissed her.

His breath hitched at the memory—the way his hands had moved on instinct, the way she had responded, the way everything else had blurred into nothingness except the heat between them. He could still feel the way her lips had molded against his, the way his heartbeat had pounded in his ears as if telling him what he refused to say out loud. That kiss wasn't an accident. It wasn't some mistake.

He wanted her. More than that, he needed her.

And if her magic hadn't intervened at that moment, if it hadn't sent that pulse of energy between them like a desperate barrier—

They would've gone further.

Jake ran a hand over his face, feeling the heat creep up his neck. He had never been that close to completely losing himself in someone before. It wasn't just the way she fit perfectly against him, the way their bodies moved in sync—it was the feeling behind it. The tension, the need, the ache that had been building between them for so long that he hadn't even noticed until it all came crashing down on him in that moment.

For the past week, they had both pretended like nothing happened. They tried to train as usual, tried to fall back into their natural rhythm. But it wasn't the same. They weren't the same.

The kiss clearly proved that.

The way she looked at him now—longer, softer, like she was figuring him out—he felt it in his bones. The way their hands lingered too long when they sparred, the way their voices dropped lower when speaking to each other, the way his stomach tightened whenever she smirked at him in that knowing way.

It was different now. Everything was different now.

And then there were the dreams—visions so vivid they didn't feel like dreams at all. A home filled with warmth, with laughter, with two kids running through the halls. A little girl with Trixie's sharp wit, a boy with his mischievous grin. Their voices rang through the space, full of joy, full of love. And there she was—Trixie, beside him, rolling her eyes at their antics but smiling that knowing, amused smile. His hand found hers without thinking, their fingers lacing together so naturally, so effortlessly.

It was too much. It wasn't just lust, wasn't just fleeting attraction. It was something inevitable.

Jake sat up, exhaling sharply. This wasn't fair—to him, to Trixie, to Rose. He cared about Rose, and in another life, maybe things would have worked out. But what he had with her… it wasn't this. It wasn't fire and warmth and something he couldn't run from, no matter how hard he tried.

He couldn't keep pretending. He couldn't keep holding onto something when he knew, deep down, his heart was already gone.

With a deep sigh, he reached for his phone and sent Rose a message.

Hey. Can you come over? We need to talk.

As he set his phone down, Jake ran a hand through his hair, steeling himself. He had time before she arrived, time to sit with the weight of this decision, to prepare for the words he knew would change everything.

The minutes passed slowly, stretching as he paced his room. He thought about what he would say and how to say it. He didn't want to hurt her, but there was no way around it. The truth was going to hurt, no matter how he tried to soften it.

The doorbell rang.

Jake inhaled deeply before moving toward the front door. When he opened it, Rose stood there, arms crossed, expression unreadable. She took one look at him and knew.

Jake swallowed hard, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey. Thanks for coming."

She nodded slowly, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. "What's going on, Jake? You sounded… off."

He let out a breath, motioning for her to sit, but she remained standing, arms crossed. He could see it—the walls going up, the way she was bracing herself. She already knew what this was.

"Rose," he started, his voice softer now. "I… I don't want to hurt you, but I can't keep doing this."

Her jaw tightened, but she didn't look away. "Doing what?"

Jake hesitated before meeting her gaze fully. "Lying to you. Lying to myself. You're right. I care about you. I always will. But… my heart isn't where it should be. And I don't think it has been for a long time."

There it was. The truth lay bare between them, unfiltered and real.

Rose's eyes flickered with something unreadable—pain, maybe, or understanding. "Trixie."

It wasn't a question.

Jake sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah."

Silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken words. Then, Rose let out a breath, shaking her head, a small, almost bitter smile ghosting across her lips. "I always knew deep down this was going to happen. I just didn't know when."

Jake felt his throat tighten. "I never wanted to hurt you, Rose. You mean so much to me."

She let out a dry chuckle. "Yeah. But not the way I wanted to."

The words cut deeper than he expected. He didn't know what to say, so he just sat there, watching as she processed it all in real time.

Finally, she straightened her shoulders, nodding more to herself than to him. "Thank you for telling me the truth. I would've hated it more if you had kept pretending."

Jake looked up at her, surprised. "You're… not mad?"

Rose exhaled, rolling her shoulders back. "I'm upset, yeah. But I think… I think I already knew I had lost you before you even realized it yourself."

She gave him one last look—one that held history, familiarity, and just a tinge of regret—before turning toward the door.

Jake stood, taking a step forward. "Rose—"

She paused but didn't turn around. "I need space, Jake. I'll be okay. But I need time."

And with that, she walked out, leaving Jake standing in the doorway, watching as she disappeared down the street. The door clicked shut behind Rose with a soft finality, her departure lingering in the air like a sigh.

Jake stood in the doorway for a long moment, exhaling deeply, his hands buried in his pockets as he stared at the closed door, eyes glazed in thought. Eventually, he turned and walked back inside, moving slowly into the living room before sinking into the couch with a heavy sigh.

For the first time in a long time, he felt both relief and sorrow wrapped in one. He had done the right thing, but that didn't mean it didn't hurt.

Still, deep in his chest, beneath the weight of the moment, there was something else—

Clarity.

A soft creak broke the silence.

Hayley peeked her head around the corner from the hallway, arms crossed, her hair in a lazy side braid, eyes already locked onto her brother like she was about to roast him into another dimension.

"Soooo..." she drawled, stepping into the room, "why did Rose look like she just walked out of a teen drama?"

Jake groaned. "Hayley, don't."

"Don't what? Ask why your girlfriend—wait, ex?—looked like she just had her heart body-slammed?" Hayley crossed her arms tighter. "What did you do now, you walking heartache?"

Jake sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "We broke up."

Hayley blinked. "Wow. Finally. Took you long enough. Wait—hold up. Who broke up with who?"

Jake narrowed his eyes. "I did. I broke up with her."

Hayley tilted her head like she was trying to process that, then hit her chest dramatically. "That's even worse! Getting broken up by you? Yikes. Should've been the other way around."

Jake raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for the support."

"No problem." She grinned. "I just don't get it. I don't see what these girls keep seeing in you. I'm looking at a menace in sweatpants."

Jake scoffed. "Menace? Seriously?"

She stepped closer, jabbing a finger at his chest. "You got all this magical dragon potential, bro, but emotionally? You're, like, a confused golden retriever who forgot where he buried his bones."

Jake let out a dry laugh despite himself. "Glad to know I have your respect."

Hayley smirked. "Respect? Please. I'm just trying to keep your ego in check. Trixie and Rose? They're way too good for you. But... at least Trixie actually sees through your nonsense. So maybe there's hope."

Jake's smirk faded into something softer. "Yeah. Maybe."

Just then, their mom's voice floated in from the kitchen. "Everything okay out there? Was that Rose I just saw leaving in tears?"

Jake winced. "Yeah, Mom. We… broke up."

She appeared in the doorway, drying her hands on a dish towel, eyebrows raised with the sharpness only a mother could pull off. "Hmm. About time. I was starting to wonder if you'd ever grow a backbone."

Jake stared. "Seriously?"

Hayley burst out laughing. "See? Even Mom's on board."

Their mom shrugged, heading back into the kitchen. "I just hope you told her gently. Rose is sweet. Don't make me call her and apologize for you."

Jake groaned, running both hands down his face. "I did my best."

Hayley gave him a playful shove. "Just don't mess it up. Again."

She turned to head back to her room, already pulling out her phone, leaving Jake standing there with their words—and their combined roast—sinking in.

He chuckled under his breath, shaking his head.

"Menace in sweatpants, huh? Rude."

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

The morning air was crisp as Trixie slowed her jog to a stop, her breath coming in steady pants as she leaned against the railing outside her house. The faint burn in her legs was a welcome distraction but not enough to stop her mind from wandering.

It hadn't even been 24 hours since that moment with Jake—since that kiss that still tormented her every waking thought. And today was the day. The day they would be heading to the magical realm. She had no idea how long they'd be gone. They had spring break as the perfect cover. They wouldn't have to worry about missing any school days. But still, she had to make sure her grandmother wouldn't question her absence too much. A few well-placed excuses and reassurances had done the trick. But despite all of that, her mind was elsewhere.

She bit her lower lip, the memory flashing behind her eyes. The way his lips moved against hers, slow at first, hesitant, then needy. The way his hands had gripped her waist like he never wanted to let go. The way her own body had melted into him, craving more, needing more. If not for her magic acting on its own, she wasn't sure how far they would've gone.

Her face burned at the thought, and she groaned, rubbing her hands over her cheeks. Get it together, Carter.

It wasn't just the physical part that got to her—it was how they had acted afterward like it hadn't happened. Like they hadn't come this close to crossing a line that could change everything. But a part of her should've seen this coming; there'd been this tension between them for weeks before the kiss. No matter how much they tried to go back to normal—sparring, training, hanging out—it was different now. She could see it in the way he looked at her, in the way his voice softened when he spoke her name, in the way her stomach flipped whenever he smiled at her like that.

And yet, guilt gnawed at her chest. Jake was still with Rose… at least, as far as she knew. She had no idea they were taking space from each other, no idea that Jake had been wrestling with his own thoughts just as much as she was. All she knew was that every time she closed her eyes, she could still feel him.

With a frustrated sigh, she pushed off the railing and made her way inside. Today was too important to be stuck in her own head—she had to pack for the magic realm trip.

As she entered the bathroom in her bedroom, she turned on the faucet, letting the cool water run as she leaned against the sink. She needed to clear her head to shake this feeling off, but the moment she glanced up at the mirror, she froze.

Inner was there. Cladding that goofy-ass smirk.

"Well, well, well. Look at you, almost making it to second base. I'm so proud."

Trixie yelped, stumbling back against the counter, her heart hammering in her chest. "Damn it, Inner! Stop popping up like that!"

Inner giggled, tilting her head as she examined Trixie through the glass. "What? You're thinking about it anyway. I'm just here to celebrate your self-growth." Her smirk widened. "And my, what progress you've made."

Trixie glared, crossing her arms. "I am not having this conversation with you."

"Oh, but I think you should." Inner leaned closer, placing her hands under her chin. "You're finally stepping into your own. Emotionally, physically… and let's be honest, magically." Her eyes gleamed. "It's about time you stopped denying yourself what you want."

Trixie's stomach twisted. "Jake's still with Rose—"

"Correction: Jake was with Rose." Inner wagged a finger. "You don't even know the full story, babe. And even if you did, would that really change the way you feel?"

Trixie clenched her jaw, looking away. She hated that Inner could read her so well.

Inner sighed dramatically. "Listen, I didn't come here to drag you. I actually came to give you some sound advice." She grinned. "You've done well so far. And I gotta say, your friends? Spud and Jake? Solid choices. I approve."

Trixie blinked. "Wait. You approve?"

Inner nodded, twirling a curl around her finger. "They've had your back. They will always have your back. No matter what. Never let them go."

For a moment, there was something almost… genuine in her voice. No teasing, no mocking. Just truth.

Trixie side-eyed Inner, "Of course you'd say that – especially about Spud."

"What's that supposed to mean?" She started playing with one of her curls, suddenly becoming more interested in its symmetry.

"Girl, what's up with you and Spud?" Trixie pointed accusatorily to the mirror with her manicured finger, subconsciously realizing how ridiculous she must look, talking to her own reflection. But in her defense, this reflection wasn't even her - Inner was her own person. "I sensed a slight jealousy from you when we last saw Spud boo'ed up and cuddly with Stacey."

Being distracted, Inner cleared her throat and said, "Stop with this stupid topic. Let's focus on your friends; don't let them go."

Trixie swallowed hard, staring at Inner through the mirror. "Why are you telling me this?"

Inner smiled, but this time, it was softer. "Because, despite everything, you and I? We want the same thing." She tapped the glass once. "Don't screw it up."

Trixie hesitated, a thought forming in the back of her mind. Then she smirked, "If you like 'em so much…" She folded her arms. "Then how about you do Spud a favor and remove that tattoo you put on him?"

Inner's smirk matched Trixie's, amusement flickering in her dark violet eyes. "Oh, sweetheart, that's not how this works."

Trixie's stomach sank. "So you can't remove it?"

"Oh, I could," Inner purred. "But where would the fun in that be? Besides, if you really want it gone, you're going to have to earn it. Work for it." She leaned in closer, her voice dripping with amusement. "Nothing worth having comes easy, Carter."

Trixie scowled. "You're impossible."

Inner winked. "And yet, you love having me around." Then, just as she was about to fade from the mirror, she paused, smirking. "Oh, and by the way… it really wasn't me who attacked you guys last time. You've got a little admirer out there—someone lurking, sniffing around for your kind of power." She sighed dramatically. "Thanks for not falling for their stupid tricks. Would've made things way too messy."

Trixie sweat-dropped, her mind grinding to a halt. "Wait—what?"

But Inner was already gone, leaving Trixie standing there, staring at her reflection like she hadn't just been casually handed a bombshell.

Trixie let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, gripping the edge of the sink. Her heart was still pounding, but for once, it wasn't out of fear.

It was out of realization.

She turned the faucet off and straightened up, glancing back at her reflection. Inner was right about one thing—she did need to stop denying herself.

With renewed determination, she turned on her heel and made her way to her room.

She had a trip to prepare for.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city, but for Trixie, Jake, and Spud, today wasn't just another day in New York—it was the beginning of something much bigger. The three of them had agreed to meet at Lao Shi's shop, a place that had always felt like a gateway between their normal lives and the magical world.

Trixie arrived first, duffel bag slung over her shoulder, her nerves humming beneath her skin. She had spent the morning shaking off Inner's cryptic words, but they still lingered in the back of her mind. Someone else was out there. Watching. Waiting. And now, they were about to leave the one place that felt familiar.

She sighed, glancing up at the faded Lao Shi's Electronics sign before pushing the door open. The little bell above the entrance jingled, and the scent of old wood and incense welcomed her. Lao Shi was already there, behind the counter, looking as composed as ever. Fu Dog lounged beside him, chewing lazily on a beef jerky stick.

Trixie adjusted her fit—a sleek black cropped hoodie over a fitted long-sleeve mesh top, paired with high-waisted cargo joggers and combat boots. She needed to be comfortable but prepared for anything. A simple chain necklace rested against her collarbone, the only accessory she allowed herself.

The door jingled again as Jake and Spud entered.

Jake was wearing a deep red bomber jacket layered over a black T-shirt, dark jeans, and fresh white sneakers, a mix of black. His outfit was casual and battle-ready. His usual relaxed confidence was muted today, and his expression was thoughtful, as if he were still processing everything.

Spud, on the other hand, was going for full comfort—an oversized hoodie in shades of green, joggers, and classic Vans. He looked oddly at ease, like someone who had finally shaken off a heavy weight.

The two boys exchanged daps, a silent check-in passing between them.

"You good?" Jake asked, his tone casual but laced with meaning.

Spud grinned, looking more refreshed than he had in a long time. "Yo, dude, I actually slept. Like, real, peaceful sleep. It's kinda amazing."

Trixie grinned, stepping forward to wrap Spud in a quick hug. "Look at you, all glowing and well-rested. What, did you get a spa day while I wasn't looking?"

Spud wiggled his eyebrows. "Nah, just finally shook off some demons. Literally."

As Spud pulled away, Trixie turned to Jake, hesitating for only a second before stepping into a hug with him as well. It should have been casual. Friendly.

But it wasn't.

The way Jake's arms lingered around her waist for just a second longer than necessary, the way her fingers curled slightly against his back before pulling away—there was something there, unspoken but felt.

Fu Dog, ever the observer, raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. Yeah. Totally normal hug. Nothing to see here."

Spud snorted. "Mhm. Real casual. No chemistry at all."

Trixie shot them both a warning glare, her face heating slightly, while Jake cleared his throat and focused on Lao Shi. "So, uh… about that portal?"

Lao Shi, who had definitely noticed the moment but chose to spare them, simply nodded. "Not just any portal. The gateway to the magical realm is one of balance. It only opens at precise locations, and today, we will take you to one." His gaze swept over the trio, lingering on Trixie. "You will not be the same when you return. Be sure you are prepared."

Trixie nodded, gripping the strap of her bag a little tighter. "We're ready."

Lao Shi motioned for them to follow, leading them toward the back of the shop. They passed rows of outdated electronics and magical artifacts hidden in plain sight until they reached a wooden door reinforced with ancient carvings. Lao Shi pressed his palm against the center, murmuring a phrase under his breath. The carvings glowed faintly before the door creaked open on its own, revealing a hidden chamber.

Jake exchanged a glance with Trixie and Spud before stepping inside. The air inside the chamber was thick with energy, swirling tendrils of magic pulsing along the walls. At the far end stood an archway, its edges lined with glowing runes. The space inside the arch shimmered like heat waves rising off the pavement, but instead of the other side of the room, the portal showed something else entirely—a vast sky filled with floating islands and towering structures, a world that looked like it had been pulled from a forgotten legend.

"Whoa," Spud breathed, stepping closer. "That is… a lot."

"This is the entry point to the core of the witches' and wizards' community," Lao Shi explained. "It exists outside of time in relation to this world. However long you spend there, you must be mindful of the consequences when you return."

Trixie swallowed. "So we could be gone for weeks, and only days pass here?"

Lao Shi nodded. "Or the opposite. Time does not flow as it does here."

Jake took a deep breath. "Well, we don't have much choice, do we?"

Fu Dog smirked. "Nope. So you better hop through before you overthink it."

The three of them stood before the portal, the weight of what they were about to do sinking in. Trixie glanced at Jake, who was already watching her. She didn't say anything—she didn't have to. They understood each other now in a way they hadn't before.

"Alright," Trixie said, stepping forward. "Let's do this."

With that, she took a deep breath and stepped into the portal. The sensation was immediate—like being pulled forward and weightless at the same time. Magic curled around her skin, wrapping her in warmth before the world flipped—and she was gone.

Jake and Spud exchanged one last look before following.

And just like that, they left New York behind.

ஜ۩۞۩ஜ

The sensation of stepping through the portal was unlike anything Trixie had ever experienced—like being weightless and pulled forward at the same time. A rush of warmth curled around her body, tingling at her skin, and for a moment, everything was light—too bright, too surreal. Then, suddenly, the feeling of gravity returned, and she landed firmly on solid ground.

A breeze, crisp and cool, washed over her, carrying the scent of earth, magic, and something floral that she couldn't quite place. As her vision adjusted, she found herself standing on an open cobblestone path, surrounded by an ethereal cityscape that looked like it had been plucked from a fantasy novel. Towering spires floated in midair, suspended by unseen forces, while bridges of woven vines connected enormous tree-like structures, their bark humming with enchantments. The sky above them was a shifting blend of deep blues and purples, scattered with floating lanterns that pulsed with soft, golden light.

Jake and Spud landed beside her moments later, both stumbling slightly before regaining their footing. Spud groaned, rubbing his head. "Okay, that was not like stepping off a subway."

Jake took a deep breath, eyes scanning their surroundings. "Welcome to the magical realm, I guess."

Trixie turned, taking everything in. "This place is… unreal."

Before they could take another step, a figure emerged from the shadows of a grand stone archway ahead of them. A woman, cloaked in deep violet robes embroidered with ancient sigils, approached with deliberate grace. Her sharp, golden eyes studied them beneath the heavy hood she wore, and her voice carried the weight of authority.

"You are the outsiders," she stated. It wasn't a question.

Jake squared his shoulders. "Yeah, we're here to—"

"I know why you're here," the woman cut in, her gaze flickering toward Trixie. "You."

Trixie felt a shiver crawl up her spine. But it wasn't fear. It was… familiarity. Like something deep inside her recognized this woman. For a brief moment, she felt connected—like she had finally met someone she had lost long ago. A piece of her that had been missing.

It wasn't just the woman's piercing golden eyes or the weight of her presence—it was something in the way the air shifted around her, the way the magic in this realm seemed to hum in response to her existence. For the first time, Trixie felt something she hadn't realized she had been missing her entire life.

Home.

"Me?" Trixie asked, her voice quieter now, uncertain.

The woman nodded, stepping closer. "The magic within you is… unusual. Different from what walks these lands." A brief pause. "You will be watched closely."

Trixie's fingers curled at her sides. "So, what? You think I'm a threat or something?"

The woman tilted her head, considering her. "That remains to be seen. Come. The Elders will decide how to proceed."

Spud gulped. "Man, I do not like the sound of that."

With no other choice, the trio followed the woman through the winding streets of the mystical city, where the air itself thrummed with power. Enchanted creatures flitted above their heads—small dragon-like beings with iridescent wings, wisps of sentient light weaving between the floating lanterns.

As they walked, the woman spoke, her tone even, yet holding an air of authority. "This city, known as Astralis, is the heart of the magical realm. It was built centuries ago as a sanctuary for witches and wizards who sought harmony between the different branches of magic. The floating spires you see house ancient tomes of knowledge, while the great vine bridges connect the homes of our people. Time does not move here as it does in your world."

Jake glanced up at one of the towering spires. "So, this is like… the magical capital?"

"Of sorts," the woman confirmed. "This is where the most powerful wielders of wizard magic reside, remaining hidden from evil eyes. Those who guard the knowledge of our ancestors. And those who ensure that power is not misused."

Trixie glanced around, taking in the way the air vibrated with energy. She could feel the magic coursing through the city—an invisible force moving through the streets, the stones, and even the buildings themselves. It was alive and pulsating, and she could swear it was responding to her presence.

They continued deeper into the city, crossing over a magnificent glass bridge that arched above a swirling river of glowing blue liquid—pure mana, the woman explained. It was the life force of the realm, sustaining the magic that flowed through its people.

Finally, they reached a massive white stone structure, its surface carved with intricate runes that shimmered faintly under the city's floating lanterns. It radiated power—not the overwhelming kind, but something old, something deeply rooted in history. Two figures in robes similar to the woman's guarded the entrance, their expressions unreadable.

The woman turned to face them. "The Elders await inside." She then looked at Trixie once more, something unreadable flickering in her gaze. "Be prepared for what you learn."

Trixie swallowed, forcing herself to stay calm. She had wanted answers. Now, she was about to get them.

The grand doors opened without a single touch, and the trio stepped inside.

Author's Note: You've made it this far. Astralis means revealed by the stars in Latin. That means my filler of chapter was that interesting :D! Let me know what you think so far. See y'all next week.