#winxau

The next morning, Bloom headed down for breakfast with her suitemates. “I never got a chance to thank you all for last night,” she said as they descended the many staircases. “How did you figure out where I was?”

“Well, you said you had just wanted a quick call, so I gave you change for a ten-minute-max call. But then ten minutes passed and you didn’t come back,” said Stella.

Tecna continued. “I looked up the location of the nearest phone booth, which wasn’t very far.”

Flora said, “We investigated, and you weren’t there. Musa heard a commotion, though, so we followed her ears to where you were.”

“What I can’t believe is that they were associating in the open with an ogre,” Stella said. “Ogres are creatures of dark magic. The Trio hasn’t gotten where they are by being careless.”

“It would have had to be something really important,” Musa said, thinking.

“They said they really want Stella’s scepter,” Bloom said. Turning to her friend, she asked, “Do you have any idea why?”

Stella shook her head. “It’s an heirloom that’s been in my family for millennia,” she answered. “Other than its ability to channel and amplify magic, there’s nothing too special about it.”

The newly-named Winx girls let the subject drop over breakfast before they headed to their first class, Mayhem, taught by Professor Zarathustra. The tall woman stalked purposefully before the lecture hall, looking them over critically. “Witches thrive off the energy of chaos,” she said as she walked back and forth. “In this world where people constantly seek some semblance of order, we witches must know how to draw on the chaotic nature of the universe and harness it. We can feed off the emotional turmoil of other beings just as well as we can use the energy of a thundering waterfall. With this knowledge alone as your tool, we will commence our first exercise in magic. Draw on some source of chaos, either from within yourself or from your surroundings, and focus it between your hands. Begin.”

“That’s not a lot of instruction,” Bloom whispered to Stella.

Stella shrugged and held out her hands. A ball of silvery light appeared above them. “It’s not too bad,” she said. “But then again, I’ve been doing this for years.”

Musa also easily focused a ball of fuchsia light in her hands. “I can hear the soundwaves bouncing all over this room, and they’re in no way orderly,” she explained to Bloom.

“You’re making a rather good source of inner turmoil,” Tecna commented as an electric green glow appeared in her hands.

“Glad to be of assistance,” Bloom said as she held out her hands and focused. “This was so much easier when I was being attacked by an ogre.”

“That’s because you were scared,” Stella said as she juggled several silver balls of light around idly. “Fear and battle are great for mayhem.”

Bloom peeked over at Flora and saw that her eyes were closed, and that she was whispering to herself. “The wind whistles freely outside – there is both order and chaos in nature. Let me embrace the beautiful chaos.” A weak, golden glow bubbled over Flora’s hands, leaving Bloom feeling rather inadequate.

“Most of you seem to be making progress,” Professor Zarathustra said as she peered over their group. She turned her attention to Bloom. “Hm. You’re the last-minute enrolment. An uncharted dimension, if I recall. No exposure to magic. You’re going to have a lot of catching up to do.”

Bloom chewed her lip as the professor walked away. “I’m doomed,” she groaned. “Come on, work!” Something faint and orange flickered between her fingertips and died.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” Flora said encouragingly. “We can work on it together later if you’d like.”

Later found Bloom in Flora’s room, practicing the exercise. “I just don’t understand what I’m doing wrong,” Bloom said with a sigh. “How am I supposed to focus chaos between my hands?”

“It’s difficult,” Flora said as she practiced alongside Bloom. “I’m more of a potion’s person myself. I like working with controlled, predictable chaos, which sounds rather contradictory, I know, but it’s different.”

“No, I get it,” Bloom said. “It’s like chemistry, but with magic. Stuff doesn’t obey the laws of physics, but it does it consistently.”

Flora nodded. “This whole energy thing is just a little difficult to grasp.”

“Tecna and Musa were able to get it right away,” Bloom said with a sigh. “Stella doesn’t count since she’s been learning magic since she was little. Maybe we could go ask those two for help?”

So, they did. Musa lazed on her bed as she described her process. “Soundwaves are all around us, and I just happen to be able to detect them,” she said. “They bounce all over the place, and my power allows me to tap into it. I don’t know how else to explain it.”

“It’s similar for me,” Tecna said. “I’m the Witch of Technology, and so, naturally, I’m in tune with all sorts of waves and electric signals that most other beings aren’t. Some of them are orderly, but many aren’t. I’m also more observant that most people, so I can easily identify sources of chaos.”

“Theoretically, it all makes sense,” Flora said as she continued trying. “Nature is all around me. It’s just a matter of focusing properly.”

“At least you know what to look for,” Bloom said glumly.

“You still practicing?” Stella asked, poking her head into room 14J. “You worry too much.”

“If I can’t get at least decent fast, I risk being kicked out,” Bloom said.

Stella strode over to her side and squeezed her shoulder gently. “Don’t worry about it. We’re not fairies. We don’t get a new transformation and suddenly have all this magic available to us. We earn our powers through hard work.”

“Their way must be nice,” Bloom muttered.

“Come on, what happened to the girl who was so confidently talking about taking a stand for witches?” Stella asked. “You’ve held off an ogre with a stick! You can do this!”

“Yeah,” said Flora. “We’ll be all the stronger because of all the work we give.”

“All this talk about work is gonna make me sick,” Musa complained.

“Why is that?” asked Tecna. “You’re in a school environment, where such talk is generally unavoidable. Also, it’s just words. They shouldn’t have any impact on your physical wellbeing or the pathogens that make their way into your body.”

“She does have a point,” Stella said. “It’s just the first day. Sometimes the simpler things are harder anyway. You just need to relax a little.”

“The suggestion to remove the chaotic energy from your person does not sound unreasonable,” Tecna remarked. “Perhaps being surrounded by external yet tangible chaotic energy will be more basic for a complete novice.”

“You speak so pretentiously,” Musa remarked.

“And you complain too much,” Stella said, voicing what Bloom had been thinking.

“About the ‘surrounding ourselves with tangible chaotic energy’,” Flora said hesitantly, “how should we do that?”

“Simple exposure to multiple living beings would suffice,” Tecna said.

Musa rolled over onto her side. “I know some spots in Magix,” she offered. “Sure, they’re not where the most upstanding members of society hang out, but they’re bustling with energy all the same.”

“I’ve got a better idea,” Stella said. “I just happen to know that there’s a party in Alfea this weekend. It’s some formality between Alfea and Red Fountain, and naturally, Cloud Tower isn’t invited.”

“How do you know about it, then?” Bloom asked.

“Oh, I’ve got contacts,” Stella said flippantly. “Anyhow, the energy there will be alive with magic, which could be the perfect place for you and Flora to get a sense for lively chaos.”

“And Magix City doesn’t have enough?” Musa asked. “Look, a party is cool, but I’m not about to go within thirty measures of a bunch of preppy girls who would love an excuse to put me away. Plus, there are clubs out in the city that serve some pretty sweet drinks.”

“There’s no drinking age in Magix?” Bloom asked.

“Not in Magix, no,” said Stella. “People around here realize that making a big deal over restricting something is a surefire way to make sure people use back roads to get it. But, anyway, I still say we should head to Alfea’s party.”

Flora looked uncertain. “I don’t know. I think Musa has a point.”

“But Stella’s right about the energy,” said Tecna. “The power of uncontrolled, teenage magic is far greater than the rage of a slightly-intoxicated club.”

“We’ll stand out immediately,” Musa argued. “Everyone knows you, Stella, and the rest of us can’t exactly pass for fairies.”

“That’s where the glamor comes in!” Stella said excitedly. “At Alfea, one of the first things they teach is metamorphosis. Last year, all the girls used it to hide their blemishes, make-up their faces, and fix up their clothes.”

“Metamorphosis is a fairy power,” Tecna said. “It’s constructive and builds up an illusion. It’s totally incompatible with witch power, which, you should know, is destructive.”

“That’s why I said ‘glamor’,” Stella explained. “I’m the Witch of the Sun, Moon, and Stars. My power comes from light! I can just change what’s reflected off us, and no one will know the difference.”

“That sounds both complicated and exhausting,” Flora said.

“Yeah,” Bloom agreed. “There’s got to be a better option.”

“Yeah, like going to a club,” Musa pointed out.

Stella pursed her lips. “Flora!”

“Yes?” The girl looked up at her with surprised, innocent eyes.

“Do you know any morphing potions?” Stella asked.

“Well, yes, but…” the girl trailed off.

“But what?” Stella asked.

“Morphing potions require something off which to base their model,” Flora said.

“Meaning?” Bloom asked.

“I’d need some biological artifact from a person we want to emulate,” she answered.

“Even if we’re just going for body type?” Stella asked.

“The best thing that I can brew in time for the weekend would be an imitation potion,” Flora explained. “More specific ones, like for body type, would take longer, and could possibly have some adverse effects. An imitation, however, will fade after a few hours or so.”

“We’re really going to this fairy party?” Musa complained.

“Hey, if we don’t start breaking down barriers, no one will,” Bloom said.

“Barriers?” Musa scoffed.

“They discriminate against us,” Bloom said. “You know it’s wrong. And we have to do something about it.”

“By trying to fit right in with them?” asked Musa.

“To be fair, the Trio did get a pretty clear look at our faces yesterday,” Stella said.

“Bloom is right,” Tecna said decisively. “All these other dimensions are so behind the times. On Zenith, anti-discrimination laws have been in place for hundreds of years. It’s about time that someone decided to push things along.”

“Once again, by trying to look like them and go to their parties?” Musa asked. “Sorry, but that’s not for me.”

“We’re not trying to play their game here,” said Bloom, feeling herself getting more confident. “We’re trying to learn how they play their game so that we can get familiar with it and then tear it apart before the public.”

“That’s optimistic,” said Musa. “But it doesn’t look like I’ll be able to convince you guys otherwise, huh?”

“You’re in, then?” Stella asked.

“If we witches can’t stick together, who else do we have?” Musa reluctantly pointed out. “Plus, there may be a day when I want you guys to have my back. Something for something, you know?”

“That’s the spirit!” Stella exclaimed.

“You haven’t said anything, Flora,” Bloom noted. “This whole thing relies heavily on your potion-making. Are you okay with this?”

Flora shrugged. “I’ve done worse things than sneak into a fairy party.”

“Really? Like what?” asked Musa. “Squish a bug?”

“Well, that too,” Flora admitted. “My little sister is slightly allergic to hornets, so there was no question in my mind. Anyhow, like I said, I’ll need biological material of someone whose form we want to emulate.”

“I’d offer mine, but I don’t know if the potion takes into account my physical maintenance,” Stella said.

“Oh, it should,” said Flora.

“Then here.” Stella plucked a long, blonde strand and handed it to the smaller girl.

“So, we’ll all end up looking like you,” Tecna stated.

“That’s right,” said Flora.

“We’ll remedy that by using makeup, hair dye, contacts, and different shoes,” Stella said. “It’ll be the mother of all makeovers – making one person look five unique types of different!”

“Shoes?” asked Tecna.

“To throw off the heights,” said Stella. “We’ll all be the same, and it’s unlikely for five friends to be that way, even if we’ve all got the same body type.”

“I’ll get started right away,” Flora said.

“Tell me your style preferences, and I’ll whip something sweet up for all of us!” Stella exclaimed.

*~*~*

The weekend came more quickly than Bloom realized, though she supposed it was understandable, with all the extra work she was putting in alongside the required homework. She had finally started getting a feel for the chaos energy that Stella, Musa, and Tecna could feel so easily, but was still nowhere near consistent when it came to being able to do the simple energy concentration that Professor Zarathustra had assigned on the first day.

It was Friday afternoon after classes had ended when Stella called them all into her and Bloom’s room. “I’ve taken all of your requests into account, and this is what I’ve got. Come see the drawings!”

Stella was a talented artist, Bloom discovered, and she knew fashion inside and out. She admired the simple, royal blue dress that her roommate had designed for her before noticing the alternative hair color on the model. “Auburn?” she asked Stella.

“It’s just a suggestion,” Stella said as she inspected her large and well-organized box of makeup. “We’re all going to start off as clones, and we can’t just go in there looking like- like- what’s the name for six kids all at once? Six-tuplets or something like that?”

“Sextuplets,” Tecna said. “You think that my hair should be white?”

“Silver,” Stella corrected. “You said you wanted to keep a strong Zenith style, and, according to my research, silver hair is very in right now. Combine that with a slightly metallic lavender and a dash of white and dark gray, and you’ll be the model of Zenith fairy fashion.”

“On Zenith, we don’t make that distinction,” Tecna commented.

Stella waved her off. “You know what I mean.”

“Blonde?” Musa asked as she looked at Stella’s designs for her. “Blonde is overrated.”

“Darker or lighter?” Stella asked as she waltzed over.

“Edgier,” Musa said. “If I’m changing my look, I wanna go hard.”

“The outfit is okay, though?” Stella asked as she looked it over.

“Definitely,” Musa said. “The knee-high boots are perfect.”

“The skirt isn’t too short?” Tecna asked, peering over. “My analysis of your style says that you’re very practical and prefer pants.”

“We’re trying to blend in with a bunch of impractical fairies,” Musa said. “Say, how about colored highlights? Is that fairy-fashion-acceptable?”

Stella thought a moment. “As long as they aren’t black,” she answered. “Pastels are most common, but I think light metallic may be what you’re looking for.”

“Are these makeup notes?” Flora asked.

“Yup,” Stella confirmed. “I’ve gotta find a way to make sure our faces don’t all look the same since I’ve got pretty big, recognizable eyes, you know? Oh, and while I’m thinking about it, does anyone want to add a little color to their skin or go super pale?”

A good portion of the rest of the day was spent finalizing details. By the time evening came, Bloom was fashioned out. Tecna knocked on the door after dinner and dropped off Bloom’s newly-updated cell phone, so she decided to call her parents before getting some much-needed rest.

“Bloom? Bloom!” her father’s voice came through as if he was sitting next to her. “Wow, your reception is great over there. I’ve never been able to hear so clearly through this thing!”

“Yeah, one of my suite mates is a tech genius,” Bloom said. “She fixed up my phone for me.”

“Sounds like you’re meeting some pretty cool people,” her father said, and Bloom could hear the relief in his voice. “So, how’s the magic?”

“It’s…” Bloom tried to think of a good analogy. “It’s like trying to learn a sport,” she said finally. “It’s not formulaic, like learning history or science. The only way I can get better is by practicing. It’s like when you were trying to teach me to kick a soccer ball into the net. You could explain to me all the physical mechanics, but when it came to me actually doing it, I tripped over my own feet.”

“It’s harder than you thought,” he summarized.

“Yeah, kind of,” Bloom admitted.

“You know, you can always come back home,” he said. “Your mom and I miss you.”

Bloom laughed. “I can’t just give up,” she said. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I’m learning magic. It doesn’t matter how good or bad I am at it; that I’m able to do it at all is amazing in itself.”

“That’s my passionate little girl,” her father said, and Bloom could hear his smile.

“How’s Mom?” she asked.

“Oh, busy, busy,” he said. “She’s out getting flower food right now, or something like that. She’ll be sad she missed you.”

“It’s okay, I’ll call you guys tomorrow- wait, not tomorrow. I’m going out. I’ll probably call you guys the day after tomorrow or something like that,” Bloom said.

“You’re going out?” her father asked. “There better not be any boys involved.”

“Oh, come on, Dad,” Bloom said. “I’m sixteen! I’m going out with my suite mates to a party near the city, and there will be boys, but they’re not the main object of the night.”

“Be careful all the same,” her father advised. “I don’t care if they’re aliens from other dimensions; they’re still teenage boys who are probably full of hormones and bad judgement.”

“Okay, I promise,” Bloom said. “I’ll watch my friends’ backs, and they’ll watch mine.”

The two of them talked for a little while longer before Bloom very noticeably could not stop yawning. After she hung up, she rolled over in her bed and was asleep in what felt like seconds. When she woke, she saw Stella sweeping around their spacious room, surrounded by beautiful clothes.

“Good morning, sleepy!” Stella sang. “Somewhere, the sun’s shining bright, I can feel it!”

“Good morning,” Bloom said blearily. “Are these tonight’s outfits?”

“Of course!” Stella chirped. “Here, this one’s yours.” She snapped her finger, and in her place stood the auburn-haired, very naturally made-up version of herself that Bloom would be that night. “It really is a great color, hm? And are you still alright with your hair in a braid? If you do, I think a ribbon added in could be a great contrast.”

“Whatever you think is best,” Bloom said. “I’m not great at the whole fashion thing.”

“Then a ribbon it is,” Stella said as she changed back into herself. “You’re gonna look sweet tonight!”

“How are we getting there?” Bloom asked as she sat up.

“Oh, you know those boys I called before when we were fighting the ogre?” Stella asked. “Well, they’re going to the party, and I’m going to have them let us in.”

“Can they do that?” Bloom asked.

“Of course,” Stella said. “Prince Sky is, well, a prince. He can do almost anything and it’ll be fine.”

The day passed slowly. Bloom did her written homework before meeting Musa and Tecna in their room to work on flying, a skill that was basically essential for life in a tower-filled school. “No Flora?” Musa asked.

“She’ll be working on the potion,” Tecna said.

“Right. Well, let’s get back to work. Can you still float?” Musa asked.

It was another grueling practice, and Bloom ended up with more than a few small bruises from managing to get herself briefly a little off the floor before tumbling down. “My analysis says that your focus has certainly improved,” Tecna remarked as Bloom rubbed her sore bottom. “You’re able to hover for nearly ten seconds uninterrupted.”

“How did you guys learn?” Bloom asked as she lay back on the floor, tired.

“Yeah,” said Musa, looking at Tecna. “How in the worlds did you learn? You’re one of the most unfocused people I’ve ever met. I swear, you declare you’re bored every other second.”

Tecna shrugged. “I got bored and realized that I could float. That was exciting, so I figured out how to do it at will.”

“Aw man, I can see it before my very eyes!” Musa exclaimed. “Baby Tecna, bored out of her mind, so she stares at the ground, trying to make something happen, and then boom! She’s floating!”

“How did you do it?” Bloom asked, looking at Musa.

“Eh, I was running away,” Musa said. “I was just learning to pick pockets, and I messed up. I took a wrong turn and was at a dead end. I really needed to get out, and force of will helped me out.”

“How did you replicate it?” Tecna asked.

“Tenacity,” Musa answered. “It wasn’t hard to realize that flying is really useful and had the potential to help me out of many a sticky situation, so I forced myself to figure it out. Once, I ran into a known witch and I begged her for help, and she gave me a few pointers. She told me what I’ve been telling you, Bloom. In the beginning, you can’t think of anything other than the flight – not your position in the air, not the excitement of your new position. You’ve gotta build up the magical memory before you can even think about multitasking.”

“But getting to the multitasking point is rewarding,” Tecna said. “Now I can fly and think about my projects simultaneously. My next goal is to be able to use other magic while flying.”

Flora’s voice suddenly drifted through the air. “Potion’s done! Come and get it!”

The four other girls rushed into room 14K. Bloom was first surprised by how much light there was, and then by how many plants filled space. She thought she could even hear running water.

“How did you smuggle all of this into the school?” Musa asked, impressed.

“I didn’t,” Flora answered. “I got full permission to set up a potion garden in here, so long as I contributed to the school’s supply. I’m a certified brewer, you see.”

Stella peered into the happily bubbling cauldron. “How long did you say this will last?” she asked.

“Four hours,” Flora answered. “There’s enough so that we each can have two doses, if needed. Anything cosmetics or spells applied while under the potion will disappear when it wears off. According to the instructions, this includes, but is not limited to, tanning oil, hair dye, nail polish, and glamor.”

“Alright, then,” Stella said. “Let’s all take a picture now so we can do a before and after comparison, and I can show it to the boys so they know who we are.”

“The boys?” Musa asked suspiciously.

“I know some guys from Red Fountain,” Stella said. “They’ll escort us in. If you want, I can even arrange for us to have dinner with them!”

“Why?” asked Tecna.

“Oh, to be friendly. I haven’t chatted with the guys in a while, and while I can’t monopolize them anymore, I’m more than happy to share,” Stella said.

Musa scowled. “Years of living like I did taught me to be slow to trust boys.”

“Oh, you don’t need to worry too much about these guys,” Stella said. “They’re real sweethearts.”

“Even that Riven guy?” Bloom challenged playfully.

Stella hesitated. “He does need a little work,” she admitted. “But even if he’s got a bad attitude, he’s definitely hot.”

“That adjective does not compute,” Tecna said, confused.

“It means that his body is attractive,” Musa explained.

Tecna looked blank. “I cannot claim to be an expert in that area.”

“Don’t worry,” Bloom told her as they lined up and Stella floated her phone an appropriate distance away. “Looks aren’t the defining aspect in a guy. Personality is much more important.”

“Alright, everybody, cheers!” Stella said, raising the small cup of steaming potion that Flora had just poured for her. “Here’s to a fun night of dancing and friendship!”

“Cheesy, but let’s roll with it,” said Musa.

They drank their potions in a gulp, hardly tasting it. As soon as Bloom put down her cup, a tingling feeling began in her stomach and quickly spread out through her body. She felt like she was stretching slightly, and her very blood bubbled. A rush flew up through her scalp and her eyes itched. “Is anyone else feeling really weird?” she asked in a voice that was not quite her own.

“Yeah, my entire body’s cramping,” a voice that was not really Musa’s said.

“This must be what it feels like to be toothpaste being squeezed out of a tube,” Tecna commented.

“I did just watch you grow six inches, Musa,” Stella said. “Of course you’re cramping! Now, who’s up first for makeovers?”

It took hours, of course. First, Stella cut Tecna, Musa, and Bloom’s hair, and then everyone had their hair dyed. After the initial cut and color, Flora and Tecna applied a magical tan to darken Stella’s bronze skin while Musa and Bloom went for skin lightening. Only then did Stella start on the styling and makeup.

“How does one put these flimsy pieces of plastic in their eyes?” Tecna asked, suspiciously examining the pink contact lenses before her.

“I can help you,” Flora said as she slipped her own brown lenses in.

“Stop fidgeting, Bloom, or I’m gonna mess up your eye makeup!” Stella exclaimed as she held her still.

“Sorry, I’m just not too used to this sort of thing,” Bloom said as she forced herself to freeze. “I’m sure you can see that I’m not a makeup type of girl.”

“Good thing I am, then!” Stella chirped as she did something fancy with one of her brushes.

“It’s strange being four inches taller,” Flora commented as she pulled on the gloves that went with her dress.

“Try being six inches tall plus four-inch heels,” Musa said. “It’s great!”

Bloom twirled around in her dress, feeling like she was five as she watched the skirt flare out. “I love this!” she exclaimed. “It’s so simple and classy and- and beautiful!”

“I told you to trust me,” Stella said cheerfully sprayed hairspray over her own do. “Tecna, how’s yours?”

“Quite appropriate,” Tecna said as she inspected herself in the mirror.

When everyone was finally finished, Stella lined them all up for a picture. “Say cheese!” she said as she snapped her fingers, setting off her phone’s flash. “Now, the boys say they can’t do dinner since they’ve got to deliver some things to Alfea before the party, but we’re to meet them downtown, where they’ll pick us up after we’ve eaten.”

No one had time to argue, as Stella swept them away with her ring’s teleportation powers, insisting on treating everyone to an expensive restaurant as compensation for coercing them into going to the fairy party. When they had eaten their fill and left the restaurant, they found a bright red ship waiting for them. “That’ll be our ride,” Stella said with a grin. “Hello, boys, it’s us!”

“Ah, Princess Stella!” Bloom recognized Prince Sky stepping out of the ship to greet them. “Well met, your highness.” He gave a dramatic bow, and his brown bangs fluffed with his exaggerated movement. She stifled a giggle.

“You’re so dramatic, your highness,” blonde-haired Brandon said as he knocked his prince lightly on the back. “Hello, ladies.”

“Let’s see if I’ve got this right,” Timmy said from the pilot’s seat. “Princess Stella’s got the headband, Flora’s got the curls, Musa has the ponytail, Bloom’s got the braid, and Tecna’s got the short cut?”

“You’ve got it,” Stella said. “Now, you’ve all met Bloom before, but these are my other suitemates, Flora, Tecna, and Musa. Girls, these are some friends of mine from last year. They’re from Red Fountain. The gentleman is Prince Sky, the blonde is Brandon, the pilot is Timmy, and the grouchy one is Riven.”

“Nice to meet you,” Flora said with a polite bob of her head, and Tecna mimicked her. Musa gave a curt nod as well, but said nothing.

“Well, off we go to the party,” Timmy said. “Take a seat, everyone!”

“So, princess,” Sky said as they took off, “How do you want this whole escort to work? You mentioned in your message that you wanted to keep this discreet.”

“Yes, well, it wouldn’t do if the Alfeans discovered that my friends and I crashed their party,” Stella said. “So, if you all could pretend to have brought outside companions, that’d be excellent.”

“Now, you ladies have one on us,” Brandon said. “How do you want that to work?”

“I’ve made myself up to mimic Prince Sky here,” Stella said, flipping her long, brown hair. “I’ll pretend to be a relative who insisted on coming, so he can escort another girl.”

“So how are we splitting off?” Bloom asked.

Stella shrugged. Brandon said, “Prince gets first call?”

“And I’m guessing no one really gets a say at all?” Riven asked crossly from the copilot’s seat.

Musa looked at him sharply. “Where’re you from?” she asked.

“Magix,” Riven answered. “You?”

“Originally from Melody,” she answered. “But I know your accent. South side?”

“How’s a Mel like you distinguish the South side accent?” Riven asked, sounding less aggressive than usual.

“Lived there since I was twelve,” Musa said.

Riven was quiet for a moment. Finally, sounding less crass than Bloom had ever heard him, he said, “We should talk some time.”

“Perfect, then you two are a pair,” Sky said. “Now, I’m already responsible for Princess Stella, but which other lady should I take under my wing?”

“Tecna,” Stella said immediately. “She’s unfamiliar with party culture and could use my expertise.”

“Your proposition has merit,” Tecna agreed.

Bloom realized that left her and Flora. She would have loved to spend the night with Mr. Swedish-Model-Brandon to see if there was a personality behind those good looks, but she had a sneaking suspicion that shy Flora and slightly nervous-looking Timmy might not make the most natural pair. “I’ll go with Timmy,” she said.

Brandon nodded. “Then I’ll escort Miss Flora.”

The ride was short and sweet. Timmy let them all off at the door before taking off to park the ship. Bloom walked with Stella, admiring the openness of Alfea College. Tall, slender girls, well made-up and dressed to the nines, mingled with young men in the military unitards of Red Fountain. Her patron had not been joking – the stones of Alfea really were pink. “I’m not quite sure what I was expecting,” she whispered to Stella, “but I don’t think it was this.”

“It is quite different from our current accommodations,” Stella agreed. “But let’s avoid talking about that for now, hm?”

Bloom nodded. “Got it.”

“Now, tell me,” Stella said as she glided elegantly through the throngs of people, “why did you choose Timmy? I know you had your eye on Brandon from the moment you met him.”

“It was for Flora’s sake,” Bloom said. “I have a feeling that Brandon will take very good care of her.”

“I see you’re point,” Stella said. “Now, you just enjoy the party and feel the energy, okay? It’ll be a good time!”

It was, at best, a decent time. Bloom was a book person, not a party person, and Timmy shared her sentiment. After Timmy presented her with a golden egg that melted into a flurry of butterflies, she attempted to make small talk with the boy who had managed to put an electric collar on a troll, but it seemed that social interaction was all together a different type of monster to him. Finally, Bloom gave up and was content to sit at a table with Timmy while his fiddled with his high-tech, probably magical phone-like device. She closed her eyes and tried to feel the energy of chaos around her. To her surprise, she could hear the air buzzing with warmth, like a happy, crackling fire, dancing about with the chaos that accompanied excitement. It really was different than practicing in a room with a cynic, a shy potioneer, and a genius.

As Bloom felt her senses stretching out across the party venue, she became aware of the burning presence of her friends, to which she had become attuned during her days with them in the suite, that stood out in the bubbly yet muted magic of the fairies. There was Musa’s sharp, crackling fire, Flora’s warm, smoldering coals, and Tecna’s flickering candle-like flame that danced with her attention. Stella’s open flow was also there, but it felt strange and dull. Bloom knew that Stella had been accustomed to hiding herself among fairies, but to feel that she had gone so far as to alter her magical presence blew her mind. What stood out, however, was the ring on her patron’s finger, the Solarian heirloom that the ogre had been trying to steal when they had first met. It pulsed with energy and light, and even a novice like herself could sense its power.

Then Bloom became aware of three other distinctive presences. They were strong, as strong as her friends’, if not stronger. One felt clean and cold, like a glistening glacier, one felt soothing and hypnotic, like a lullaby, and one felt strong and lively, like a happy dance. Somehow, Bloom instinctively knew that they were fairy presences, and she knew just whose they were. It was no surprise that the Three Fairies would be here, on their home turf.

Suddenly, the calm energy that must have been Darcy’s spiked, and Bloom’s eyes snapped open. She saw the beautiful Fairy of Night scanning the crowds, her hazel eyes narrowed. Bloom felt a chill in her stomach. Could she see through her and her friends’ disguises?

When Bloom stood up, Timmy noticed. “Uh, you can just sit,” he offered awkwardly. “I can get you whatever you want.”

Bloom smiled. As bad as he was at holding a conversation, he was definitely a sweet and considerate guy. Maybe he and Flora would not have been as bad off as she had thought. “Don’t worry about it, Timmy,” she said gently. “I just want to stretch my legs and show off this fabulous dress. I’ll be back in a minute, okay?”

Timmy nodded and turned back to his phone, and Bloom slipped into the crowd. She was not sure if she was fleeing or investigating, but so far, her instincts had yet to lead her wrong in the magical world. She found herself drawn near but out of the eyeshot of the Trio. From her spot, she could hear the three older girls clearly.

“Are you sure it’s the ring?” Stormy was asking. “Everyone’s wearing their finest jewelry and magic items tonight.”

“I’m positive,” Darcy whispered. “It’s distinctly Solarian. Plus, as hard as Stella tries to hide her witchy presence, I can sense it. Her new, witchy friends are also here in disguise. They’re not bothering to hide themselves at all. I’m surprised you can’t tell, they’re so loud.”

“We’re not all natural sensors in our civilian forms,” Stormy said.

“Peace, sister,” Icy said. “Darcy is rarely wrong, and we do know that the Solarian princess can’t resist a party. I’m not surprised at all that she’s here.”

“Are we gonna do anything about it?” Stormy asked. “She knows too much.”

“We’ll need to take it outside,” Icy murmured. “Once we’re there, cover is no issue, yes, Darcy?”

“Of course not,” Darcy said. “But there are more subtle ways to deal with this.”

Bloom watched the fairy look in Stella’s direction, and she followed her gaze. Something on Stella’s hand flickered, and her ring slipped off and floated away. Yet when Bloom looked again, the ring was still there. Stella, who appeared to be deep in conversation with Brandon, spared her hand a glance, as if someone had brushed it with their clothes, but noticed nothing. Meanwhile, the ring wove its way through the party, toward Darcy.

Now, Bloom disliked thievery. Maybe she had read too many stories with codes of chivalry, or maybe she was just a decent human being who respected others’ belongings. She also disliked people who stood by, watching something that they knew was wrong occur. So, naturally, Bloom had to take a stand against the Trio’s blatant theft. She slipped between partiers, following the ring as best she could, trying to catch up. She reached out, trying to snag it before it could fall into the fairies’ hands. Was it the best idea she had ever had? Absolutely not, but what else could she do as a witch on fairy territory who did not know magic?

A warm hand closed around her wrist. “Let’s take a walk,” the deceptively sweet voice of Darcy murmured in her ear. Bloom tensed up as she realized that she could not run. Darcy led her through the crowd and out the door to where Icy and Stormy stood waiting.

Something shiny glinted in Icy’s hand, and Bloom realized that she had Stella’s ring. Against her better judgement, she muttered, “Thieves.”

“Oh, sweetie, I don’t think you’re in any position to be saying such nasty things,” Stormy said, crossing her arms. “A witch shouldn’t harbor such a powerful magical object in the first place. This is hardly stealing; it’s keeping Magix City safe.”

Bloom’s blood boiled. She suddenly personally understood the fire that had fueled the Civil Right’s movement in her country, and why so many oppressed peoples had been ready to resort to violence. If they had been exposed to this kind of hatefulness for hundreds of years, it was no wonder that peaceful talking had not seemed like enough. And to think, she had only been living in the Magical Dimensions for less than a week!

“This is the second time this week that you’ve stuck your nose into our business, little girl,” Icy said coldly. “You got away last time because of your little coven, but you’re all alone this time.”

“I speak for myself when I say it’s nothing personal,” Darcy said with a shrug as she released Bloom, nudging her in the center of the triangle that the three of them had formed. “It’s just, you’re too curious and have seen a little too much. That’s all. You’re new here and haven’t formed strong bonds yet. No one will miss you for long, if that makes you feel better.”

Icy stepped forward. “I have to say, it would give me great personal satisfaction to be the one to eliminate this slippery little thing.”

“Be my guest, sister,” Stormy said. “I’ll be happy with a good show.”

“I’ll cover,” Darcy said. “Are you ready, sisters?”

Together, the three chanted, “By the power invested in me, by the sign of three, give me the power of a fairy!”

Bloom watched in awe as the three were engulfed by colored light. She felt the energy around them surge, and realized that the powerful presences that she could feel when they were in civilian form were a mere fraction of their power transformed. She gulped. This was not going to end well. “Don’t panic, don’t panic,” she whispered frantically to herself. “They have aerial advantage, they’ve got firepower advantage, they’ve got home turf advantage…”

Bloom quickly realized that her pep talk was having the opposite of the intended effect. “Okay, Bloom, think,” she thought to herself. “You can’t fight them, so you have to flee. If they feel threatened, they’ll expose everyone, so you need to escape the premises. But how?” Shaking herself from the splendid light which drew her attention, she turned on her heel and darted back into the party.

Inside, Timmy was looking for her. “Oh, hey there,” he said, waving awkwardly. “I was starting to get worried when I didn’t see you.”

“Sorry, Timmy, but I’ve gotta go,” Bloom said. “Do you know where my friends are?”

“Yeah.” Timmy pointed to Musa and Tecna, who both looked to be on high alert.

“Thanks, Timmy, catch you later,” Bloom called as she rushed over to them.

Musa heard her coming and headed toward her. “What was that out there?” she hissed. “I heard everything. Are you crazy?”

“They stole Stella’s ring!” Bloom whispered back.

“So what?” Musa asked. “It’s just an heirloom, and we’re in the middle of enemy territory! We need to get out of here. Where’s Flora?”

“Got her,” Stella said as she swept up to them, looking alert. “I told Sky to tell the others not to worry about us. We need to leave!”

“All the exits are monitored,” Tecna observed. “Teleporting will be flashy.”

“The ground is hollow beneath our feet,” Flora said.

“Because of the basement?” Tecna asked.

Musa pulled them toward an exit. “No, it’s deeper than that,” she said. “There’s something else. I can feel the echoes.”

“Echoes?” Stella asked. “Whatever, let’s get out of here!”

“What about your ring?” Bloom asked.

“What about it?” Stella asked.

“Darcy stole it,” Bloom answered.

“She thinks she did,” Stella corrected. “I wouldn’t bring my distinctive scepter into this place. Faragonda and Griselda would sense it immediately.”

“But she said…” Bloom was confused.

“A trick,” Tecna said. “To what end?”

“They’re after my scepter, and I wanted to know how desperately,” Stella said with a shrug. “I knew we’d never make it by Darcy’s sensor abilities.”

Musa looked sharply at her as she led them down some stairs. “What?”

“Don’t be mad,” Stella said. “Chaos is what we wanted, right? Well, chaos is what we’re going to get!”

“You’re insane,” Musa muttered. “They’ll wipe us out.”

“The earth is strange here,” Flora said as they descended. “It’s saturated with magic.”

Tecna touched the walls as they hurried along. “It’s ancient,” she said. “An old defense mechanism?”

“Great,” Stella said.

“This was your idea,” Musa reminded her.

“No, this is good,” Bloom said. “Our magic might be masked by this power, making it hard for them to find us.”

“Something’s not right,” Flora warned. “We’ve got to be careful. Tecna, do you have something we can use to look ahead?”

Tecna pulled out her phone. “Yes,” she said. “Scanning… Hm, it seems as if there’s a sort of tunnel system down her.”

Bloom felt a chill tickle her spine. “An ancient, magical tunnel system? This sounds dangerous.”

“I’m fairly certain it’s a labyrinth,” Tecna reported. “Meaning it’ll be easy to lose the fairies, but also easy to lose ourselves.”

“Well, it’s fight the fairies on their turf, or risk the labyrinth,” Bloom said.

“I’ll take a labyrinth any day,” Musa said. “I’ve got some echolocation skills that we can pair with Tecna’s scanner.”

“We’re in my element now,” Flora said. “The earth is my friend, so I can help us navigate as well.”

“We’re definitely out of my element, but I can light the way all the same,” Stella offered.

“I- I think I’m a sort of sensor,” Bloom said. “I could feel the three fairies up there, just like I feel all of you around me. I don’t know if that’s useful, but it’s all I’ve got for you now.”

Musa looked behind them. “They’ve entered the labyrinth,” she said. “Let’s move.”

Tecna typed on her phone as they hurried along.  “I’m connected to my computer in my dorm,” she reported.  “We have a solid location to keep us oriented.”

Flora gestured.  “I think can feel the forest thinning this way,” she said.

“Lead on,” Stella said, and they followed her.

As they crept through the labyrinth, Stella’s dull glow lighting their way, Bloom could feel the presence of the three fairies mixing into the magic of the maze.  Occasionally, a flare of frustration would burst up into her awareness, but it quickly faded.  With Tecna acting as a sort of anchor to their goal, and Flora and Musa as their immediate navigators, Bloom steadily grew more and more confident that they would come out alright.

“There,” Tecna declared, pointing at an empty spot in the wall.  “That’s our way out.”

Stella frowned.  “There’s nothing there,” she said.

“As if Cloud Tower wouldn’t have defenses against intruders,” Musa said.  “No, she’s right.  There’s an empty space behind this spot that’s not like the rest of this place.”

Bloom hesitantly felt around the wall with her hands.  “What are you doing?” asked Tecna.

“I’m looking for a secret handle of some sort,” she said.  “I imagine this place is immune to magic, so maybe there’s a physical trigger.”

“Here,” Flora said as the wall opened.

The other side was a hall in Cloud Tower.  Tecna marked the location on her map of the castle.  “You never know when something like this might come in handy,” was her rationale.

The potion which changed their appearances had been cancelled in the labyrinth, so the girls stumbled along to their tower in their now ill-fitting dresses. “It’s too bad the night was cut off short,” Stella said when they were safely upstairs.

“I think I’ve had my fair share of chaos for at least a week,” Bloom groaned as she kicked off her shoes.

“But hey, at least we got to hang with the boys,” Stella said cheerfully. “We should do it again sometime!”

To Bloom’s surprise, it was Musa who agreed.  “Yeah,” she said.  “That Riven guy, I wouldn’t mind talking with him again.”