The Stolen Element

A New Beginning

She was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Hey, roomie!" A cheerful voice called from the hallway. The door swung open to reveal a girl with short brown hair and warm brown eyes. She carried an armful of books and wore a friendly grin.

"I'm Terra," the girl said, stepping inside and setting her books down. "You must be Vanessa."

Vanessa managed a small smile. "That's me."

"Dowling said you were new to all of this, so I thought I'd stop by and introduce myself. If you have any questions-or if you just need a tour guide-I'm your girl."

"Thanks," Vanessa said, genuinely grateful. Terra's kindness was a welcome change from the overwhelming first impressions she'd had so far.

Vanessa's first class was Elemental Magic, and she felt like she was drowning before it even began. The room was large and circular, with glowing runes etched into the floor. Students took their seats on raised tiers, their chatter filling the space with a low hum.

Professor Harvey, a middle-aged man with a stern expression, stood at the center of the room. He raised his hand, and the room fell silent.

"Elemental Magic is the foundation of all fairy power," he began, his voice carrying easily. "It is not something you control-it is something you harmonize with. The elements are not tools; they are living forces."

Vanessa felt a spark of hope. This, at least, made sense. She had always felt a connection to the elements, even before she understood what it meant.

"Let's start with a simple exercise," Harvey continued. "Focus on the element you feel most drawn to. Let it guide you."

Vanessa closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. The air around her seemed to shift, growing cooler and lighter. She imagined the wind, how it had always felt like a quiet companion, wrapping around her like a protective shield.

A faint breeze stirred around her, brushing against her skin. When she opened her eyes, she saw the air shimmering faintly, visible only to her.

"Well done," Harvey said, his tone neutral but approving. Vanessa's cheeks warmed at the small acknowledgment.

Not all classes went as smoothly. Combat Magic was a disaster.

Vanessa stood awkwardly on the training field, surrounded by fairies and Specialists who moved with confidence and precision. She had always been more of a thinker than a fighter, and the idea of physical confrontation made her stomach churn.

"Pair up!" Silva called, his voice sharp and commanding.

Vanessa hesitated, unsure of who to approach. Before she could decide, a tall boy with dark brown hair and piercing green eyes stepped in front of her. He had an intense, almost brooding expression, but there was something warm in his gaze.

"Alex," he said simply, extending a hand.

"Vanessa," she replied, shaking his hand.

"New, huh?" Alex asked, his tone unreadable.

She nodded. "Is it that obvious?"

"Just a little," he said with a faint smirk. "Don't worry-I'll go easy on you."

Vanessa wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or insulted. But as they began the exercise, she quickly realized that Alex wasn't teasing her-he was genuinely trying to help. He gave clear instructions, pointing out ways to improve her stance and balance without making her feel inadequate.

By the end of the session, she was still terrible at combat, but she felt a little less out of place.

That evening, Vanessa sat by the window in her dorm room, staring out at the glowing lights of Alfea. The day had been overwhelming, but it hadn't been bad. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she was somewhere she might belong.

Terra walked in, carrying a cup of tea. "You okay?"

Vanessa nodded. "Just... thinking."

"Alfea can be a lot," Terra said, sitting down beside her. "But you'll get the hang of it. And if you ever feel like you're drowning, just remember: everyone here is figuring it out in their own way."

Vanessa smiled. "Thanks, Terra."

As she stared out at the lights, a small spark of hope flickered in her chest. Maybe this really could be a new beginning.