☾*✲⋆.✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
"I can't believe we're back at Alfea." Bloom smiled, her voice light, like it hadn't been years since we first set foot here.
"And now we're teaching here!" I couldn't help the grin tugging at my lips, a sense of disbelief running through me. Teaching? It sounded almost too unreal.
Layla wrapped an arm around my shoulders, pulling me in for a quick side hug. We exchanged a smile, a silent bond of shared excitement. "Professor Layla and [Name] here!" she declared with mock pomp, as if she were announcing something grand.
"Technically, we're teaching assistants, Layla," Tecna corrected, her voice steady, always the voice of reason. "But yes, it's still pretty fantastic."
"Yeah, I guess," I muttered, still letting the novelty of it sink in. "But we're not the ones who have to grade everything." Stella's voice cut through the moment, a playful whine in her tone.
"And I'll be the one assigning quizzes and tests," she continued, dramatically flinging her arms out. "Wait, who's grading all this stuff?"
"It was only three years ago that we were the freshmen," Musa chimed in, her eyes gleaming with nostalgia, but she was interrupted.
"The Winx!" a group of students cheered as they rushed toward us, cameras in hand, eager for pictures.
"Superstars," Stella finished with a smirk, almost as if it were second nature now.
"No, Musa," she added when Musa rolled her eyes, her sarcasm barely veiled. "I was going to say we're all grown up... maybe not all of us." Her voice was barely audible, but I caught it.
One of the students turned to me, eyes wide with excitement. "Can we have your autograph?"
"Let's take pictures!" another suggested, the cameras already aimed at us.
"That song you sang during sophomore year? Amazing!" someone else shouted, and I felt my cheeks warm, unsure how to respond.
"Can you show us your Dragon?" someone asked, an almost childlike excitement in their voice.
Before I could answer, Bloom laughed, dragging me away. "We're going to be late!"
"I know, I know," I sighed, relieved to escape the throng of eager fans. I quickened my pace, grateful for the distraction.
"Hurry up, Stella, we're late!" Musa called out, and we all walked towards the school entrance. Griselda was already waiting for us at the stairs.
"Hello, ladies, it's a pleasure to see you again. Welcome back," she greeted with her usual stern smile.
"Morning, Miss Griselda!" I greeted cheerfully, my nerves beginning to settle. It was easy to feel at home here, even though things were changing so fast.
"Follow me, please," Griselda instructed as she started up the stairs. We followed in silence, the weight of the moment heavy in the air. "Before you meet the Headmistress, I'll show you to your rooms."
"Oh, don't worry about that!" Layla interrupted, suddenly zipping past her. "We know the way!"
Griselda almost stumbled, but Flora and I caught her in time. "Wait!" I called, and we ran after the others, entering the dorm just as we found a group of freshmen.
"Who are you?" Layla asked, her brow furrowed. "This is our room."
"No, it's not," one of the freshmen replied, a touch of defiance in her tone. "This is ours."
Before we could respond, Griselda entered behind us.
"Clarisse is correct," Griselda said calmly. "This area is for students. Your rooms are down the hall in the teacher's wing. I thought you knew that."
Faragonda stepped in then, her presence filling the room with authority. "You're no longer students, girls," she said with a knowing smile. "You'd better get used to it."
"Hi, Miss Faragonda!" I greeted, feeling a mix of admiration and awe for the Headmistress.
"Come to my office," she said, turning on her heel. "There's much to discuss." We followed her through the hallways, a quiet anticipation growing within me.
When we reached her office, we gathered around her desk, the sense of reverence in the air palpable.
"Thank you for accepting my offer to teach," Faragonda began. "As the youngest fairies to achieve Enchantix, you have the ability to inspire, particularly for the new students who are just beginning their journey with magic."
"I just hope we live up to their expectations," Bloom murmured, her voice soft but tinged with uncertainty.
"You don't have to do anything other than be yourselves," Faragonda reassured her, her tone firm but gentle. "Oh, and I almost forgot!" She reached into her desk, pulling out a golden-glassed box. "These are for you."
Inside, nestled like treasures, were seven golden pins shaped like Enchantix wings. My breath caught in my throat. "Enchantix wings," I whispered in awe. "They're beautiful."
"Yes," Faragonda agreed. "They're keys to enter the heart of Alfea."
The pins floated toward the mirror, and a hidden passage was revealed. Faragonda led the way, and we followed her through the doorway into a hidden library.
"Welcome to the Hall of Enchantments," she said, her voice filled with pride. "Only a few honored individuals know of this place."
"I thought I knew every inch of Alfea," Bloom murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. "But this place... it's new."
"This is the entire history of the Magic Dimension," Faragonda explained. "Think of it as a Museum of Magic, where the past, present, and even parts of the future are kept."
"Wow, we're even in here!" Musa said, her voice filled with excitement as she pointed at a hologram of us in our Enchantix forms.
"Yes," Faragonda nodded. "You've achieved great things, but never forget that a fairy's journey is never over."
"I thought Enchantix was the end of that 'hard work, search for meaning' stuff," Stella muttered, disappointment creeping into her voice.
Faragonda picked up a beautiful golden book from the shelf. "This is the Book of Fairies," she explained. "Each level of magic leads to a new opportunity for growth." She handed me the book, and I started flipping through it, the other girls gathering around me.
"With new outfits too!" Stella squealed, her eyes alight with excitement. "So couture..."
"Don't just look at the pictures, Stella," Faragonda warned gently. "You need to read it. That's how you'll understand the infinite potential of a fairy's power. The next level after Enchantix is called Believix."
"What's it about?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Faragonda smiled. "As Enchantix fairies, you've gained the ability to stop floods, put out fires, and defeat evil wizards. But Believix will give you the power to reach people's hearts, to affect their emotions, to make them believe in the power of good."
"Woah," Bloom said, her eyes wide with awe. "Helping people believe in the power of good... that would be amazing."
"Just think," Flora added, her voice filled with excitement. "We could make every realm a happier place, full of positive energy!"
"Believix will also give you greater magical strength," Faragonda continued. "For you, [Name], your water healing magic will grow even stronger." I exchanged looks with the others, a thrill running through us.
"It will take time and effort," Faragonda warned. "But when the time is right, the secrets of Believix will be revealed. In the meantime, read."
...
"I've got something that'll pique the class's interest. Trust me, it'll be worth their attention," Tecna said, a knowing smirk curling on her lips as she clicked a button on her gadget. The air shimmered, and a series of holograms flickered into view, the familiar faces of the specialists appearing before us.
"Hey!" Musa greeted with her usual enthusiasm, walking up to Riven with a grin plastered across her face.
"Adan!" I said with a faint smirk, reaching out to mess up his perfectly styled hair. He shot me a playful glare, but there was no real malice in it. I could tell he was trying not to laugh, his usual stoic demeanor cracking slightly.
"Is this real?" Layla asked, her voice tinged with disbelief, as she hugged Nabu tightly.
"They're the specialists, alright," Tecna confirmed with a confident smile. "Not in the flesh, but close enough. I downloaded my video chat program into a teleportation prototype."
"I missed you," Adan confessed quietly, a soft edge to his voice.
"I missed you too," I replied, my tone almost lazy but genuine. I pulled him into a hug, the warmth of the gesture grounding me. "It'd be better if you were here, though."
"We wanted to be there in person, but we're buried under work," Brandon added, his voice coming through clearly despite the distance. "Too many things happened all at once."
"Where's Sky?" Bloom asked, her eyes scanning the holographic faces for the one person she hoped would appear.
"Sky?" Timmy echoed, his expression somewhere between bemusement and sympathy. "He's not here, Bloom."
Bloom's face fell slightly, and I noticed the way her shoulders slumped. I didn't hesitate. I pulled her into a hug, offering a silent show of solidarity. She returned a faint smile, though it didn't reach her eyes.
"But he did leave a message," Timmy continued, before he gestured for Tecna to upload it. "I'll have it transmitted to you now."
"Got it!" Tecna responded, already tapping commands into her device.
"Let me see!" Bloom's voice carried a hint of hope.
Then, in an instant, a new hologram flickered to life. Sky stood there, regal in his royal attire, though there was a weariness behind his smile that spoke volumes.
"Hello, Bloom," Sky's voice was warm, but his expression showed the weight of responsibility. "I wish I could be there in person, but I'm knee-deep in Kingly duties here in Eraklyon. It's... harder than I thought, honestly. You wouldn't believe the amount of meetings, audiences... everything a King has to juggle, even when still in training," he chuckled softly, his tone fond. "But Bloom, I miss you. Good luck on your first day back. I know you'll do great. And I promise, I'll be back soon."
The hologram flickered out as Griselda entered, her usual stern expression in place. The sudden shift from heartfelt messages to the cold reality of classroom obligations made the moment feel all the more jarring.
"Your class is waiting, ladies," Griselda said, eying us with a mixture of confusion and impatience. "Stop laughing and get to work!"
With a collective sigh, we bid the specialists goodbye and walked toward the classroom. The students were waiting, eager eyes turned toward us, and I couldn't help but give a faint smirk at the thought of what was to come.
"Welcome, everyone," I said, my voice calm and composed, as I leaned casually against the teacher's desk. "My name is [Name], and this is our first time teaching a course, so naturally, we're a little nervous." I allowed a soft chuckle to escape. "Although, I think we were last frightened when we were stuck in the Dark Dimension of Obsidian, so there's that." The class let out a small laugh, a few giggles rippling through the room at my comment.
"I could go on about spells and potions," I continued, my tone lazy, "but honestly, I'd rather focus on how inner magic shapes each fairy into who they are. Let's start with that, shall we?" I trailed off, glancing at the girls for confirmation. "Do we even have a course name?"
"Winxology," Tecna piped up with a wink, and the class burst into applause. I gave a nonchalant nod, pretending to be unfazed, but secretly enjoying the unexpected ease of the situation.
"Alright, time for the fun part," I said, a quiet confidence in my voice. "Let me show you how it's done."
My hand glowed faintly, the familiar pull of magic surging through me, and in an instant, I summoned my Water Dragon. The smaller version, of course—Ghidorah. The dragon's form swirled gracefully around the room, its movement captivating the class. Gasps of awe filled the air as they watched, even Clarisse, who'd initially been uninterested, seemed slightly taken aback by the spectacle.
"The source of my magic comes from the Water Dragon," I explained with a relaxed tone, my gaze shifting to Flora as she prepared to demonstrate her own magic.
Flora summoned a delicate flower, which bloomed with a soft glow. The petals burst forth, floating gently around the classroom. Clarisse, always the skeptic, used her book to shield herself from the petals, but I could see her eyes flickering with an unspoken appreciation.
Bloom then stepped forward, summoning her Fire Dragon. The intensity of her flames illuminated the room, and the warmth of her magic was palpable.
"The source of her magic comes from the Dragon Flame," I added with a soft chuckle. "Now, let's see what Tecna's got for you."
Tecna summoned a screen from thin air, demonstrating how magic could be used to manipulate everyday technology.
"And when things get too serious, we know how to lighten the mood," Stella added with a mischievous smirk, her light magic manifesting as bubbles floating around the class.
"Musa's magic is music," I said, my voice more neutral. "It's all about the rhythm and flow, and she shows us that with every movement." I gestured to Musa as she twirled, her body covered in musical notes, creating a visual symphony that had everyone's attention.
"Layla," I continued, "shows us that if you want your magic to stay strong, you have to stay strong physically too." Layla's graceful movements only confirmed my words, her flexibility and strength clearly reflected in her magic.
Tecna took over once more. "We'll also be covering physical training, because it's the foundation of any fairy's skills," she said, her voice full of conviction.
Clarisse scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "This is a college for fairies, not a gym. I came here to learn magic, not do aerobics."
"Training doesn't have to be boring," I pointed out coolly, my hands slipping into my pockets as I strolled toward the door. "Come on, Tecna set up something in the courtyard."
"A special obstacle course," Flora added with a smile, and we all moved outside.
The sight of the course had the class in awe, and I couldn't help but feel a bit smug.
"What's this?" Stella gawked. "Why didn't I know about it?"
"It was an independent study," Tecna said, her voice filled with pride. "Worked on it with Professor Palladium." Layla, Flora, and I were to demonstrate, while the others watched.
Musa's voice broke through the silence. "Ladies and gentlemen, fairies and professors, please give it up for [Name], Layla, and Flora!"
"Enchantix!" I felt a sudden surge of energy lift me higher into the sky, and my arms began to glow with a radiant light. In an instant, elegant, elbow-length gloves materialized, their soft fabric shimmering like starlight, while delicate sandal-like straps spiraled up my legs, glowing as they reached just beneath my knees. Sparkles surrounded my neck, swirling until they solidified into a glowing Fairy dust bottle, hanging gracefully from a delicate chain. A large water bubble enveloped me, shimmering in the moonlight, and when it burst, I was transformed into my Fairy outfit, its colors vivid and full of life. I twirled, feeling the fabric of my dress flow with the movement, and as I did, immense, sparkling wings unfurled from my back, shimmering with an array of colors and adorned with jewels and charms at their tips. Ghidorah swooped around me, completing the transformation.
The air around me was thick with the scent of burning metal and charred wood as the obstacle course loomed before us. The moment we three transformed into our Enchantix, I felt the familiar surge of power, the strength that came with mastering my magic. Fluttering my wings with ease, I dove through the course, weaving between obstacles with the precision of a well-rehearsed dance.
I glided effortlessly, every motion controlled, until I reached the fire—the swirling, menacing flames that seemed to beckon, daring me to approach. For a moment, I stood there, hovering, and my heart skipped a beat. The fire burned brighter, almost mocking my hesitation, and I could feel my breath catch in my throat.
"It's fire from the Obliteron Dimension," Professor Palladium's voice cut through the tension, his words only adding weight to the growing sense of unease.
"Meant to burn fairy wings!" Stella cried out, her tone laced with panic.
"Maybe we miscalculated..." Palladium muttered, his voice thick with uncertainty.
I rolled my eyes, fighting the urge to scoff. Typical. Panic never got anyone anywhere. I glanced at the fire, then back at the course, mentally calculating my next move.
"Professor!" Tecna's voice rang out, firm and unwavering. "You know [Name], she can do this!"
I pushed off from the air, a steady calmness settling over me. I didn't need reassurance, but it was nice to know someone had faith. The flames came rushing toward me, but I evaded them easily, my wings slicing through the air with practiced precision. Each maneuver felt effortless, but my mind was already two steps ahead, calculating the next move.
The moment I crossed the flames, I allowed myself a small sigh of relief, landing softly on the ground. Bloom, ever the enthusiast, ran up to me with an infectious smile, tackling me into a hug.
"Nice one, [Name]!" she said, her voice full of admiration.
I returned the hug, trying to keep the corners of my lips from turning up into a grin. "Almost gave up there..." I muttered, only half-joking. "But hey, I didn't, right?"
I turned to Layla, who was already sizing up the course, her competitive streak coming through loud and clear.
"Your turn," I said, half-expecting her to show off.
She smirked, and just like that, a pink Morphix Surfboard materialized beneath her feet. Layla's confidence was infectious as she flew through the course, effortlessly dodging obstacles. She reached the flames, and for a second, I thought she'd be stopped cold, but no—she didn't falter. Her board disappeared, but she kept her balance, flying through the flames with ease before landing triumphantly.
"Okay, Flora, let's see if you can beat that," Layla said with a wink, crossing her arms.
Flora smiled gently, her demeanor always the calming influence, but the determination in her eyes was unmistakable. "I'll try, but the important thing isn't who wins. It's about teaching our students to overcome obstacles!"
Flora's magic bloomed as she summoned a burst of Nature Dust, turning the fiery obstacle into a mass of vibrant flowers. It was breathtaking. She continued to weave through the course with grace, but just as she neared the finish line, something unexpected happened.
An explosion shook the ground beneath us, and Flora plummeted from the sky, crashing to the ground with a sickening thud. My heart skipped a beat as I shot forward, panic rising in my chest.
"Flora!" I shouted, the world slowing as I rushed to her side. Bloom reacted almost as quickly, stopping the debris from flying into the others, her protective instincts kicking in.
I kneeled beside Flora, reaching out, my hands glowing with a soft blue aura as I called upon my Water magic. I could feel the familiar pull of the liquid energy, flowing through my veins, and I gently hovered my hands over her wounds. The scratches and burns evaporated with each wave of my magic, but despite the healing, Flora remained unconscious.
"Come on, Flora," I whispered, my voice barely more than a breath. My usual calm demeanor cracked slightly under the weight of the situation, but I wouldn't let it break me. Not now.
I glanced up at Bloom, who was standing nearby, worry evident on her face. "She's going to be okay," I said, more for my sake than hers, though I wasn't sure if I believed it yet.
...
I sat in the quiet, sterile space of the infirmary, staring at Flora as she rested on the bed. The soft hum of the machines around us only added to the sense of tiredness that had settled in my bones. I didn't feel particularly concerned, not in the way everyone else did. It wasn't that I didn't care about Flora—of course, I did. But I couldn't afford to panic. Not when it was clear that something more was at play here.
"How are you feeling, hun?" I whispered, keeping my voice low and steady as I sat down beside her.
Flora reached out, her hand finding mine, and squeezed it gently. Her eyes were still cloudy from the shock, but she smiled softly. "I'm fine, really. It was just the smoke and the shock."
I glanced at her, unimpressed by her attempt to reassure me. "Right," I murmured, the words flat. "Just smoke and shock. No big deal."
Musa scoffed from the corner. "Stupid trick by a student," she muttered, as if the idea alone irritated her.
Flora turned to her, confused. "What are you talking about, Musa?"
Layla stepped in, cutting off any further confusion. "Don't worry, Flora. Thanks to Tecna, we caught the suspect." She paused, her voice turning serious. "It was Alice."
Flora sat up in shock. "Alice?" She shook her head, still processing the information.
I didn't let her get too far with her movements. Reaching out, I gently stopped her. "Where do you think you're going?" My voice was calm, almost bored, as I looked down at her. "You need to rest, Flo."
"I want to speak to Alice," Flora said, her voice firm but tired.
"Forget about it," Stella snapped, her voice laced with frustration. "Don't you think you've had enough drama for one day?"
"I want to meet her!" Flora persisted, determination flashing in her eyes. "I want to know why."
I let out a long sigh, my mind already calculating the odds of this not ending poorly. "Fine," I muttered, finally giving in. "But don't expect me to be thrilled about it." The others sighed in defeat, and while they went their separate ways, I followed Flora to the courtyard.
We stood there for a moment, the air tense, but the courtyard was eerily quiet. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
"Where did she go?" I murmured, narrowing my eyes as I scanned the area.
Flora frowned, the frustration palpable. "She just took off."
I felt it before I saw it—the heavy weight of dark energy, thick with malice. Then, it appeared: dark smoke swirling around us, charged with sparks of lightning. I stepped in front of Flora instinctively, my stance protective as my eyes searched for the source.
And there they were—four wizards materializing before us, their energy crackling in the air. My instincts kicked in. Without a second thought, I raised my hand and shouted, "Water Dragon Beam!" A stream of water shot from my palm, coiling like a serpent, aimed straight at the man with the red hair. But to my disbelief, he absorbed the magic without so much as a flinch.
"Impossible," I gasped, my eyes widening in shock.
"Nothing is impossible," the man smirked, his voice dark and amused. "Your magic is quite interesting and strong, Princess [Name] of Aalto." His gaze shifted around, taking in the surroundings. "So this is Alfea, the famous fairy school."
"Are you okay, [Name]?" Bloom's voice cut through the tension as she sprinted up to us, her face full of concern.
"Peachy," I said flatly, my eyes not leaving the wizard as I assessed him. The situation wasn't ideal, but it didn't faze me. I had a plan. Always had a plan.
"What happened?" Layla asked, her voice sharp.
The wizard chuckled, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. "She wasn't very cooperative." His gaze turned to Bloom. "Perhaps you could be a little more helpful. We're looking for a girl named Bloom."
"I'm Bloom," Bloom said, her voice icy as she stepped forward, her fists clenched.
"Good news, wizards," the man said with a twisted grin. "We've found her!"
I didn't wait for him to finish. My mind already worked faster than my body could keep up. I locked eyes with the others. "Winx!" I called, my tone commanding and cold. They didn't hesitate. They knew what to do, and we all gathered in an instant, the magic of our powers converging as one.
"Enchantix!" I felt a sudden surge of energy lift me higher into the sky, and my arms began to glow with a radiant light. In an instant, elegant, elbow-length gloves materialized, their soft fabric shimmering like starlight, while delicate sandal-like straps spiraled up my legs, glowing as they reached just beneath my knees. Sparkles surrounded my neck, swirling until they solidified into a glowing Fairy dust bottle, hanging gracefully from a delicate chain. A large water bubble enveloped me, shimmering in the moonlight, and when it burst, I was transformed into my Fairy outfit, its colors vivid and full of life. I twirled, feeling the fabric of my dress flow with the movement, and as I did, immense, sparkling wings unfurled from my back, shimmering with an array of colors and adorned with jewels and charms at their tips. Ghidorah swooped around me, completing the transformation.
We all ascended into the air in a seamless, synchronized movement, wings shimmering against the sky.
"Such beautiful wings," one of the wizards said, his voice dripping with mock admiration. "That's what makes a fairy so special." His words had that same tone people use when they think they know better, but something about the way he said it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.
"It's almost a shame to tear them off," another wizard with pink hair sneered, flying upward and landing a brutal punch to Tecna's face. She collapsed with a gasp, pain flashing across her features.
I felt the sharp spike of irritation shoot through me, but I didn't rush in with wild abandon. No, I took my time, letting the anger simmer beneath the surface. "Whoever you are, this is the worst place to spread your stupid dark magic!" I snapped, my voice steady, calculated. With a flick of my wrist, I summoned my magic. "Enchantix Water Dragon's Energy!" A large dragon-shaped wave of water surged from my hands, crashing into the man who had punched Tecna, knocking him forcefully to the ground.
"I don't think so," he muttered as he rose, his eyes dark with defiance. "This is exactly where we want to be." With a sudden, terrifying twist, he transformed into a hawk and soared toward Bloom. I had barely registered the movement when I felt the blast from behind. The wizard with the long, blonde hair unleashed a wave of pure energy, sending me tumbling backward.
I cursed under my breath, but before I could fall too far, Musa grabbed my hand, her grip firm and unwavering, helping steady me.
"Enchanted Plasma!" Layla shouted, throwing a powerful orb at one of the wizards. The orb vanished into thin air before it could make contact.
"Looking for me, fairy?" The man with the blonde hair's voice was dripping with amusement. His eyes sparkled as he taunted us, stepping closer, almost playfully. "You're so slow..."
Before I could react, he launched an attack. My mind quickly sorted through the options, weighing the best response. "Water Doublesis!" I chanted. Two orbs of water shot forward, striking the man in his chest. He was knocked back, just as he was about to land a blow on Layla.
I landed hard on the pavement, the impact rattling my bones, but I stood tall immediately, letting my thoughts sharpen. It wasn't about power—no, it was about precision. I gathered my magic, feeling it hum in my palms, a river of energy just waiting to be unleashed. "Water Dragon's Ray!" I shouted, sending a beam of intense water magic hurtling toward the four wizards. But before it could make any impact, the red-haired wizard stepped forward, absorbing my attack without so much as flinching.
"Can't learn from the same mistake, can you little fairy?" he taunted, a smirk on his face. "But it did feel good, if I do say so myself." His mocking tone sent a cold shiver down my spine as he shot a wave of dark magic at me. The force of it threw me to the ground, and I rolled across the pavement, dazed. "You're not my target just yet."
"Stop!" a voice yelled suddenly, cutting through the chaos. Alice ran from her hiding spot, positioning herself between us and the wizard.
"Alice, don't!" I tried to call out, pushing myself up. "It's too dangerous!"
"Listen to [Name]!" the blonde wizard barked. "There's no chance!" He was about to launch another attack when Alice aimed her magic at the wizard who had transformed into a wolf. The wolf whimpered, momentarily faltering, but quickly regained his aggression, charging toward Alice.
"Magic Base Boom!" Musa's sound wave shot toward the blonde wizard, but he just flew through it, unfazed. "Disco Shell!" Musa created a protective bubble around herself, but the wizard kicked it, sending Musa flying and shattering the shield.
"I prefer something with a little more kick to it," the man laughed, enjoying the chaos as if it were some kind of game.
From a window above, Wizgiz and the professors finally took notice. "What's going on here?" Wizgiz called down, peering out.
"Everything's under control, little man," the red-haired wizard growled, his patience wearing thin. With a wave of his hand, he slammed the windows shut with force.
"Fire Ray!" Bloom shouted, sending a burst of flames toward the red-haired wizard, but he absorbed her magic, his face a mask of smugness.
"I have bad news for you, Bloom," the red-haired wizard sneered. "The Wizards of the Black Circle can't be hurt by your fairy power!" His voice was cold, calculating.
"Sun Energy Burst!" Stella's magic lashed out at the blonde wizard, but he dodged it with terrifying speed.
"How is he moving so fast?" Stella gasped, her eyes wide with frustration.
"Dragon—" Bloom started, preparing another spell, but I grabbed her arm, stopping her.
"Bloom, I don't think that's a good idea..." I muttered, my thoughts churning. "He can absorb our powers."
"That's right," the wizard mocked. "The more you attack me, the stronger I get."
I took to the air, calculating the odds in my mind, assessing the situation. There was no room for error. I gathered all my magic, letting it swirl around me as I prepared the most powerful attack I could muster. "Dragon Storm!" I shouted, sending the force of the storm crashing toward the ground. But the red-haired wizard wasn't caught off guard. He summoned a stronger orb, swallowing my attack whole and sending a blast back at me. My wings faltered, and I plummeted toward the ground, the impact brutal. Thankfully, Stella and Bloom caught me before I hit the pavement.
"I've been waiting for you for a very long time, Bloom," the red-haired wizard said, his voice cold and venomous. "The Black Circle welcomes you!"
The four wizards formed a circle, their combined power creating a massive surge of negative energy. "Hunters unite, may the doors of the Black Circle open wide!" The energy engulfed us, and I reached out for Bloom, grabbing her hand before the darkness could claim her.
"Don't try to resist. Allow your destiny to be fulfilled!" The dark force tugged at Bloom, pulling her toward the circle.
"Bloom!" I cried, stepping forward, but Stella's grip on my arm held me back.
Finally, the circle flung Bloom out. The energy dispersed, and the red-haired wizard scowled.
"Hey, Ogron," one of the wizards spoke up, his tone confused. "What's happening?"
"It's the universe spirits," Ogron explained. "The Circle has rejected her, this fairy. She's not the one we're looking for." The wizards' faces twisted with irritation, and all around us, students began to gather, drawn by the chaos.
"There's nothing for us here, wizards," Ogron growled. "The hunt is still on." With that, the four of them vanished in a swirl of negative energy.
I didn't wait a second longer. I ran to Bloom, pulling her into a tight hug. "Are you okay?" I whispered, though I already knew the answer. We had a long road ahead of us.
...
I leaned back against the cool stone of the office wall, the weight of the conversation settling around me like a heavy fog. I'd been through worse, of course. This wasn't the first time I'd had to face something unexpected. But still, the air in the room was thick with guilt, disappointment, and a strange sense of responsibility that no one had asked for. Faragonda's calm voice cut through the tension.
"There's nothing to be ashamed of," she said, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world. "You see, the Wizards of the Black Circle are formidable enemies."
I raised an eyebrow and let out a slow sigh. "Formidable, huh?" I muttered under my breath, more to myself than anyone else. I was so used to overthinking everything that now, even in the midst of this mess, my mind was already running through various strategies and counterarguments. It was just the way I was. Sometimes I wished I didn't think so much, but that was me.
Layla, who seemed far more emotionally involved, frowned deeply. "We disappointed everyone," she said, her tone full of frustration. "Especially those girls out there who look up to us."
I let out a dry chuckle. "Popularity is fleeting," I said, mimicking Faragonda's earlier tone but with a bit more cynicism. "What matters are values and inner strength." The words slipped out easily, but the truth behind them wasn't as simple as it sounded. I wasn't exactly one to give speeches. I preferred to let my actions speak louder than my words.
Tecna, looking more thoughtful than usual, raised a question. "Who were they anyway, and what did they want?"
Faragonda's response was like a shift in the room, her expression growing more somber. She stepped towards the mirror and began unlocking a hidden passage. "It's an ancient story, Tecna." Her voice became softer, almost nostalgic as she led us down the winding corridors. I wasn't sure what I expected, but I wasn't exactly brimming with optimism about whatever tale we were about to hear.
The walls were lined with portraits, their faces frozen in time, all of them villains from past eras. Faragonda stopped in front of one particular painting, her fingers brushing the glass as she looked at it with a mixture of reverence and wariness.
The faces in the portrait were unmistakable. Ogron and his band of fairy hunters. I'd seen them in the heat of battle, but it felt like staring into the abyss now that I knew more about their true power.
"Ogron and the Fairy Hunters are from the darkest time in the history of the Magic Dimension," Faragonda explained. "To face their power, you'll need to be even stronger than you are now. You'll need to go beyond the Enchantix stage to a more advanced level."
I didn't need to hear more. My mind was already working, calculating. There was always something else, something new to reach for. Strength was never enough; I knew that better than anyone. But I didn't let that show, not in front of the others.
Faragonda gestured toward me. "Summon the book," she said.
I held my hand out, and the familiar golden sparkles appeared, surrounding my palm as if they had a life of their own. The Believix book materialized in my grip, the weight of it a reminder of the journey ahead. It felt a little absurd—another stage of power, another layer to peel back. But this time, it seemed different. The stakes were higher.
"Girls," Faragonda's voice broke through my thoughts, "your journey as Believix fairies begins today. This book will show you the way. Follow its teachings, and your magical possibilities will be endless... Your journey will not be easy, but I believe in you all."
"We're ready for anything, Miss Faragonda." Bloom's voice was filled with the kind of determination that made her sound like the hero she was destined to be.
I kept my gaze steady, my mind already processing the reality of what she said. But the truth was, we were just stepping into the unknown. Even Bloom's words couldn't mask that nagging feeling in the back of my head. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, not with the kind of enemies we were up against.
Faragonda's expression darkened as she prepared to continue. "Then it's time I told you the story I hoped I'd never have to tell again."
I felt the weight of those words sink in. This wasn't just about magic, about power, or even about us. This was bigger than all of us. And though I wasn't one for dramatics, I knew that the story she was about to tell would change everything.