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Chapter Text

The night scene in Gardenia, California was barely alive. It was a small town with stores and shops that catered to the longtime locals rather than trendy tourists. Barely anyone was awake past 10 pm, except for a few drunks stumbling out of the few bars and wandering the streets without a care in their intoxicated minds. If anyone with a clear mind was around, they would swear a portal appeared near the streets of Elm and Main.

A figure emerged from the portal, stepping carefully onto the pavement with a soft thump of their shoes. Her head turned from side to side, cautiously examining their surroundings. In a few seconds, the portal closed, leaving her alone in the darkness. She walked with a purpose, she couldn’t stay here for too long. There were risks to what she was doing, it could damage herself and her loved ones if anyone found out she was here. Not just that, but the relations between Earth and her own world would be torn apart.

She glanced at the buildings, checking on the numbers for apartments. She hoped he lived in the same place, though it wouldn’t be bad if a different person showed up at the door. As long as it was taken care of, they didn’t care. She eyed the small basket that she kept close to her.

            She stopped at a small apartment, packed in between streets row after row. She carefully walked to the front door, every step filled her with dread and fear. She placed the basket down at the entrance. It began to stir, the blankets shifted with the smallest of moments.

            “Shh, it’s okay, please be quiet.” Her hushed voice was filled with anxiety and panic as the basket shifted for a few seconds as small noises came from it. She couldn’t face him, not now, not when she was about to betray him.

Tap…tap…tap. With three loud knocks, the hooded woman fled and disappeared into the night. The door swung opened to reveal a disheveled man with black hair and a beard. His eyes sluggishly looked around for a moment, trying to find the person who knocked on his apartment door.

“Must’ve been a prank.” He muttered as he started to walk back inside.

Then he heard it, a small yawn. He almost brushed it off until he saw the small basket sitting on one of the steps of his front entrance. A pair of sleepy eyes gazed up at him. As he pulled away the blanket, he gasped. It was a baby, someone had dropped an infant on his doorstep. It had a tuft of black hair on their head and its eyes were cerulean blue.

“Hey there.” He smiled as he gently picked up the baby bundled in soft blankets. “Where did you come from, little guy?” He then noticed something among the cloth, it was a piece of paper.

He opened it as the baby cooed and gurgled in his arms. The words were beautifully written, yet there was no love or emotion in them.

I’m sorry, she’s yours, take care of her.

He frowned at the writing, there was no name to identify the person behind the letter, but he already knew who it was.

“She couldn’t even stay and talk?” He groaned, crushing the piece of paper in his open hand. The baby girl seemed to like the sound and tried to reach out for the crushed ball of paper. 

“You don’t want this, kid.” He chuckled as she tried to reach it. “You’ll only get hurt by this and I don’t mean a paper cut.” He moved back into his apartment with the child still in his arms. 

The woman watched from afar, concealed by her magic. She told herself It was better this way. It was better for her to be with him instead of her. If anyone knew about her, the woman’s life and the child’s would be in shambles.

With a reassured smile, she disappeared into light, leaving only sparkles behind her.

~15 years later~

Nicole Michaelson could hardly contain her excitement. She was so excited that she nearly fell down the stairs, only able to catch herself in time by grabbing on the stair poles and avoiding breaking her face on the floor.

“Hah! Take that gravity!” She smiled as she once again regained her balance.

“Woah! Where’s the fire?” Her father chuckled as he watched her stunt from the kitchen.

“It’s only the greatest day of the year!” The girl in pajamas hopped in joy, “I'm finally going to Alfea!”

“Really? That was today?” He smiled at her happiness, but couldn’t help to tease.”I don’t recall you telling me this before.”

“I’ve been telling you about it since the acceptance letter came!” She couldn’t believe her father right now.

“I know, sweetheart.” He ruffled her hair, “Aunt Seline texted me and she should be here any moment. You have everything packed for your first year?”

“Yep, I’ve got my clothes, my chargers, my…” Then she realized she was still in her pajamas, “Oh crap, I forgot to change! I’ll be right back!!” She rushed back up the stairs, real panic in her eyes.

He shook his head but smiled as he watched his little girl in an excited yet nervous wreck. She hadn’t stop talking about it, since the letter first arrived. Thankfully it arrived by mailbox than an owl, otherwise his allergies would’ve flared up. A loud knocking came from the front door.

“Yo, Andy. Let me in, you jerk.” A woman’s voice came from the other side of the front door.

“Hey, Selina. Glad you could make it.”

“Are you kidding me? I wouldn’t miss her big day even if the world was being destroyed.”

Both Selina and Andy turned at the loud crash as Nicole came down with a large suitcase.

“Sorry I may have ov-Aunt Selina!!” Her eyes became bright as she tackled the woman in a hug.

“Hey, kid. How’s my little apprentice coming along?”

“Great! I mean I haven’t been able to do a spell, but I know I can feel it.”

Selina glanced at Andy who shrugged, “She did manage to set fire to the couch.”

“It was one time.” Nicole pouted. She hadn’t meant to torch the couch, it was just randomly. It hadn’t been the first time she had done magic. That time she ended up causing the school’s sprinkler system to go off, drenching herself and others in the school. 

“We should get going, orientation should be starting soon.”

“Right, how are we getting there again?” Nicole asked. She knew it was on an entirely different planet and Earth did have transportation to and from the Magix dimension, courtesy of the fairies of Tir Nan Og. Only Gardenia had no functioning transports and it usually took several days for departure and arrival. It may seem quick, but the time change in between was no joke.

“With this.” She pulled out a folded up piece of paper from her pocket. It was a bright pink color and folded in multiple places.

“Okay, but how is this going to help us?”

“Be patient, aperta onerariis .” With those words, the paper unfolded, spread itself onto the floor, and smoothing out the creases in its corners. It was a map of a pink building with blue towers and a vast forest surrounding it. The map began to flow and shimmer, moving like the gentle waters of a lake. Selina stepped onto it without hesitation.

“Come on, it’s safe.” She said as she was slowly consumed by the map. 

“O-okay.” Nicole turned towards her father who looked just confused as she was. She hugged her father tightly, “I’ll miss you, dad.”

Andy embraced his daughter, “I’ll miss you too, sweetheart. But if you get into any kind of trouble or just want to talk, I’ll always be a call away or I can have Selina take me there. You make sure to study hard, make friends, and stay away from guys.

“Dad!” She flushed with embarrassment, “No, ugh! I’m not going to get a boyfriend at an all girls school.”

“I’m kidding. Have fun, honey.” He gave a gentle kiss on the forehead before she stepped into the portal with her suitcase.

He waved to her as she vanished into the map. A small pain pricked Andy’s heart as the two adults stood in the kitchen in silence.

“Are we doing the right thing?” Andy questioned, “Should I have told her before she left? Would that have made it better? Or worse? Or-”

“I don’t know.” Selina responded, picking up the now folded up map. “If she knew, she might’ve resent her and by extension resent her magic. Maybe one day we can tell her, but not now, not when she’s about to embark on her new adventure in life.”

“When did you get so wise?”

Selina shrugged, “Being manipulated and controlled by a dark wizard gives you clarity.”

“Noted.” Even if Nicole never knew her mother, both of them saw much of her in the young girl. They just hoped she had more sense than to lose herself in the magical dimension.

“I am never doing that again.” Immediately as soon as Nicole found solid ground, her stomach was in knots and she almost threw up.  It was as if she had been thrown into a tornado then spat out a few seconds later. Thankfully Nicole didn’t, she rather not throw up at the entrance to her new school. She wasn’t quite sure if it was just from the portal or from her nerves, most likely both.

Then again, she was standing at the front entrance of the Alfea, the most prestigious academy for fairies in Magix dimension. 

“You’ve come too far to back out now.” She mumbled as she grabbed her suitcases off the ground. She looked up at the gates, like everything else there it was pink. The doors resembled butterfly wings with the scales having a shimmer to it as the light reflected into rainbows. The entire place gave off a fairy tale vibe with the building having a palace structure to it. At least the pink was not an annoying neon like a doll playset, it was soft, almost calming. Except it did nothing to relax Nicole. As she walked, her eyes caught other girls with colorful hairstyles and distinct clothing styles. She had to do a double take as some had animal features? She didn’t hate it, but seeing a girl with furry ears and a tail made her confused. Aunt Selina had told her that Magix would be different from Gardenia, California, but she felt as if she was stepping into a fairy tale. 

It made her feel out of place, here she was wearing her dark blue sweatshirt, jeans, and sneakers. Her hair wasn’t as long, voluminous or colorful as others, just an ink black color and only went to her shoulders.

“You ruined my clothes!!” Nicole was so distracted by her surroundings that she accidentally crashed into someone. “Don’t you know how to walk properly?!” The screaming girl had fiery orange hair, had golden jewelry all over her, and was giving her a death glare. She wore a pink t-shirt with a blue sparkling skirt with heels and heart motifs across her clothing. To Nicole, she resembled a doll than a person. 

“I’m sorry?” She didn’t see anything out of place or dirtied up. Her pink tank top was a bit bunched up, but still in good condition.

“You should be! Do you know who I am?” 

“No, should I?” Was she a celebrity? Or an influencer? She definitely had the entitled part down.

The girl looked confused at her words then laughed,“Seriously? Have you been living under a rock?”

“I actually come from-”

“Ugh, I didn’t ask for your life story. Now move.” She cut her off while rolling her eyes and deliberately bumped into her shoulder as she walked away.

“She’s pleasant.” Nicole tsked as others seemed to know better and moved out of the diva’s way. Nicole noticed a line of students and common sense pushed her towards it. As she stood, the line was heading towards a stern looking woman with thin glasses. With that scowl on her face, Nicole wondered if she was related to a certain fictional professor from another magical academy.

“Don’t worry, she looks scarier than she really is.” Nicole turned behind her to see a lean girl with dark magenta hair and stormy blue eyes. Her style was punk and rugged, the most dark color she had seen so far on campus.

“How do you know that?”

“My mom actually went here when she was my age. Seems like that old fossil didn’t retire with the old headmistress. Don’t worry, as long as you stick on her good side, you’ll be fine.” 

“Full name and Planet of Origin?”

“Um, Nicole Michalson of Earth.”

She looked down at her tablet until she stopped at her name, “Here is your year 1 class schedule along with your room number and ID card.” From the tablet, a piece of paper appeared and formed into her hands.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Do not lose that card, it has your monthly allowance for monetarial use, bus ticket, and dimension identification.”

“Good to know, ma’am.” She awkwardly shuffled off with her new stuff. 

“Full name and Planet of Origin?”

“Minuet Lu of Melody.” The dark haired girl stated.

The woman flipped through her tablet, “Ah yes, Musa’s daughter. I hope you have a better track record here at Alfea than her.”

“I can’t make any promises, Ms. G.” Her stare made Minuet sweat, “I mean Ms. Griselda.”

“Let’s hope so.” She scratched something on her tablet then waved her off. Minuet strolled next to Nicole who had watched the exchange from closeby.

“See I told you.” Minuet nudged her shoulder.

“She still gives me goosebumps.”

“Which suite are you? Maybe it’s close to mine.”

“Room…” Nicole examined the paper, “122?”

“Really? I’ve got that too.” There was a spark of light in her eyes, “You don’t mind noise, do you?”

“Nope, let’s hope the others don’t either.” The two girls laughed. They walked the inner hallways, smushed into the mobs of freshmen and other students. Then came the long and winding staircases, which made the duo more lost than before. 

“Why do all these doors look the same?! And pink!?” Nicole said out of breath and frustrated. It wasn’t that she didn’t like the color, it just made the building more difficult to figure out when everything was the same color. 

“I think we’re in the wrong wing.” Minuet squinted at the paper. “No, wait, we’re in the right wing.”

“Oh thank god, I don’t think I could take another hour of this.”

“I thought my mom was kidding when she said this place was a labyrinth.” She chuckled, “What about you? How’s your family taking this?”

“Oh, my mom went here, I think.”

“You think? What, was she private about it?”

“She’s dead. ” Nicole said, her smile fading as she spoke. “She passed away when I was a baby. I only knew she was a fairy and went here.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn't have asked.”

“No, it’s okay.” Nicole quickly responded, “I mean how can I miss someone I never knew?”

“Still, she’s your mother. Just because she’s not around physically doesn’t mean she doesn’t stay in your heart.” Minuet’s tone turned serious, then she relaxed.

“Thanks, where did you get that line from? A self help book?”

“Nah, just something my grandpa said.” She shrugged then saw their room number, “I think this is our stop.” The door like everything else was pink but with golden wooden fringes. They opened it, revealing a furnished common room. It reminded Nicole of a five star hotel room. Three marble like doors were placed on either side of the living space.

“Minnie!” Minuet was suddenly tackled into a hug. “It’s been too long.”

“It’s Minuet, not Minnie. I haven’t gone by that name in years, Sereia.” She gently pushed Sereia off of her.

“Of course, of course, Minnie.” She brushed it off and turned to Nicole. “Hello there, I’m Crown Princess Sereia of Andros and heir to the throne of Andros.”

“Princess? Should I bow?” Clearly her aunt forgot to mention that she would be rooming with actual rooming. Her attire screamed shimmer and shine as her cerulean ruffled shirt dazzled as well as the pearl necklace and bracelets. There was some muscle to her, though it was more of a swimmer type than a bodybuilder. Her hair was very curly cascading down her back in waves. Her dark blue eyes had a calming feel to it, like the depths of an ocean.

“Oh, no, Just a handshake will do.” She giggled and shook her hand tightly. 

“How do you know each other?”

“Our parents were friends.” Minuet groaned, “They expected us to be friends too so we would hang out alot when we were kids.”

“So I’ve already claimed my side of the room, I just need your help with my orientation outfit.” 

“Oh, goodie.” Minuet was dragged off by an excited Sereia. Nicole now stood in an empty living room.

“I guess I should find mine.” Nicole said to herself as she dragged her suitcases along towards the doors. She decided to try her chances with the first one on her left. 

SMACK!! A pillow had been thrown and hit her in the face as soon as she opened the door. As the pillow dropped, she saw two girls having a heated argument, one was a dark brunette wearing all black while the other was a sunny blonde haired girl wearing fashionable yellow and orange colors.

“Get your plants away from my side!”

“They need sunlight, your highness!”

“Well I need the windows for me, why don’t you just get some lamps?!”

“They won’t survive under cheap artificial light, you idiot!”

“I am not an idiot! I know plants and those abominations aren’t plan-“

Nicole sneakily closed the door as the argument continued. She stepped towards the other door, almost facepalming herself as her name was on the plague next to it. The writing was in cursive, above her own, there were the words Princess Bridgette of Eraklyon. She opened the door to see the diva who she crashed into earlier.

“What are you doing here?” The girl snapped in annoyance.

“This is my room. Are you Bridgette? I’m Nicole, your roommate.” She hoped to at least make a better impression towards her. Though inside the girl was screaming at the universe for this unfortunate arrangement.

“You’re joking, right? I was promised a single room this year, I’m not sharing my space with a nobody like you.”

Nicole was getting annoyed by Bridgette’s voice, “But my name is on the door.”

“Well then you can sleep on the couch.” 

“Excuse me?” Nicole raised an eyebrow, “I am not sleeping in the living room.”

“Great Dragon, are you dumb?” She pinched her nose in anger, “I do not want to share a room with you.” She said in a very slow voice as if talking to a child. With a wave of her hand, orange and red sparkles formed around Nicole.

She was suddenly levitated and thrown out of the room along with her suitcases. “Hey! Let me go!!”

“Better find a transfer, nobody.” Bridgette smirked before slamming the door in her face. Nicole resisted the urge to bang on the door, knowing it won’t fix anything with her royal highness. Nicole placed her things close to the couch and waited until they traveled to the auditorium for orientation speech.

The auditorium was packed with the freshman year of Alfea. On her left, Minuet sat by Nicole, relieved that Bridgette was on the other side of the row. The two roommates she hadn’t met before both scowled at each other as they stormed out of their room. The dark brunette sat on her right, wearing all black as if she was at a funeral. 

“Hi, I’m Nicole, I’m in the room next to yours.” She decided to introduce herself to her.

“Rhea, and you’re rooming with the fire princess, right?” She asked, referring to Bridgette.

“Yes.”

There was a sympathetic look in her eyes as she muttered, “Good luck, she’s a nightmare.”

“Oh, she’s already kicked me out of the room.”

“Wow.” Nicole was confused as to why Rhea was laughing, “I did not think she would stoop that low just to her own private room. I thought it was bad with her last roommate.”

“What happened with her last roommate?” Nicole almost regrets asking.

“This is just a rumor, but it got so bad that the roommate had to be transferred to Beta Academy and little miss perfect had to be held back a year. Looks like that last part is true.” Rhea eyed the ginger princess who was lazily browsing her phone.

           Nicole’s eyes lingered to the stage, she had a good enough view that she could make out the figures standing on the raised platform. She immediately noticed a handsome ginger haired man who resembled an elf from a fantasy book series. Clearly she wasn’t the only one who spotted him as the other girls around her blushed and whispered about him. Next to him was a man who was dressed as if he was about to run off with a bowl of marshmallow breakfast cereal. There was also the woman with a large red hat (reminding Nicole of a cartoon super thief) and another woman who had curly dark purple hair. Of course, there were some more ordinary looking women such as Ms. Griselda and the tan skinned woman with a green flowy top and a long floral skirt. She looked like a model with her long brown hair and a youthful appearance. 

             “Good afternoon, young freshmen fairies.” The pale blonde haired woman with a shining smile spoke into the microphone, the auditorium hushed down as she spoke. “I am Headmistress Seraphim and it is our pleasure to welcome all of you to your first year at Alfea.”

            “Here at Alfea, we believe each of you has the potential for greatness. Even the Winx started out here as normal first years like yourselves.” The word Winx caused a stir in the audience. “Standing behind me are Alfea’s own staff who will teach you and guide you to being the best version of yourself you can achieve in your future.” She motioned her hand towards the adults behind her. I would like to introduce my colleagues, your professors, the Alfea faculty staff.”

“First off we have Ms, Griselda head of security.” The woman from before took a bow as the students politely clapped for her.

“Next Professor Wizgiz who teaches Metamorphosymbiosis.” The leprechaun took off his hat and bowed rather dramatically. Though his eyes held some mischief as his ears weren’t human but long like a rabbit’s. Many of the audience laughed, including Nicole, while the staff around him were holding in theirs. Headmistress Griselda just shook her head and sighed, but anyone close enough to her could see a small grin on her face. Professor Wizgiz tried to put his hat back on, but his ears kept pointing straight up. With a snap of his fingers, the rabbit ears disappeared and the professor was able to place his hat back on again. Nicole could tell he was the kind of teacher who liked to make his students laugh, though she wondered how he pulled off that trick? She pushed it from her mind as the next professor was being introduced.

“Next we have Professor Flora, caretaker of the Greenhouse and will be co teaching potionology with Professor Palladium.” It was the tan skinned woman’s turn. As she stepped closer to the audience, Delphine noticed her white with pink floral printed dress, the golden loops hidden within her bunned up chocolate hair, and how several front streaks were a lighter color than the rest of her hair. Her emerald eyes shined like a grass meadow.

“Moving on, we have Professor Palladium who teaches Potion-“ Before she could finish her sentence, squeals came from the audience.

“We love you, Palladium!” The elf’s face turned red and his coworkers gave him some teasing looks.

“You’re amazing, Flora!!” The flower skirt woman blushed with all the attention on her and waved to her fans.

“Winx rule!” There was that word again, it must mean something, but Nicole didn’t quite know what it meant. 

“Yes, you’re all exc-” Headmistress Seraphim voice was dampened by the commotion coming from the audience. The woman mumbled something to herself and a burst of energy flowed from her hand, causing a loud booming sound to echo throughout the room like a plane breaking the sound barrier. Nicole could only stare at the display in shock and wonder.

              The headmistress continued her speech, “As I was saying, Professor Palladium will teach Potionology and…”

“Hey, isn’t that your mom, Rhea?”

Rhea glared at Andromeda “Yeah, got a problem with that, sparkles?”

“I was just asking a question. Great dragon, are you still upset over your stupid plants?” Andromeda rolled her eyes.

“I've been growing my garden for years and I don’t have mommy’s credit card to magically fix all my problems. Though your issues probably consist of getting more useless clothes for your ever expanding wardrobe or which guy to hung.”

“Okay, let’s just calm down.” Sereia tried to mediate, but her voice was drowned out by the other two..

RING! RING! Immediately their argument was silenced by a loud ringtone.

“Ugh, finally.” Bridgette took out her phone and answered the call.

“Hey Iris! I’m so glad you called. This place is so boring.”

Is she seriously on her phone right now? All of the girls including Nicole just stared at her as Bridgette talked loudly in the rows. Didn’t she know it was rude to be on your cell phone in an auditorium? How spoiled was this brat?

“Okay, that’s it.” Nicole stood up from her seat. She was getting really tired of Bridgette’s attitude.

“I can’t believe I’m stuck with the newbies! I should be with the more mature sophomores, not the babies-hey!”

Nicole snatched the phone from Bridgette and spoke into it, “Sorry, but Bridgette is busy right now, please call back later once she’s done being a rude, inconsiderate person.” She hung up and handed it back to Bridgette.“I believe this is yours?”

Everyone looked at Nicole in shock as if she had just spit in Bridgette’s face. The girl in question looked ready to burst with anger and Nicole slowly started to back away from the volcanic temper she may have just unleashed.

“Who in the omega dimension do you think you ar-”

“Ladies, is there a problem?” Both of them turned to see the entire auditorium looking at them. The headmistress was the one to speak, raising an eyebrow as the entire auditorium stared at them

“No, ma’am.” Nicole slinked back into her chair as Bridgette huffed and returned to her own seat.

“So, how would you like your funeral prepared?” Rhea smirked, “Because I know the princess won’t let this go anytime soon.”

Nicole shuddered as Bridgette gave her a death glare from the other side of the row.

Oh, she was screwed.

Chapter Text

Nicole’s first night at Alfea had been okay enough since she was sleeping on a couch instead of a bed. All of the girls seemed to give her various pitiful looks as they walked past her in the living room, Sereia had offered one of her extra blankets for her to use.

The next morning hadn’t been any better. Her alarm hadn’t gone off at the right time so she had to scramble to get ready for her first class. 

Nicole stepped into her first class of the day with an empty stomach and in a panic. Fortunately the professor didn’t seem to be in the classroom.

She took a seat near the front, her stomach growling loudly making her embarrassed.

“Here, you look like you need it.” The blonde haired girl next to her offered a muffin.

“Thanks, I’m Nicole.”

“Princess Lyra of Melody, but you can call me Lyra.”

“How many princesses are in Alfea? I swear they’re like gophers.”

“A lot, I do know a lot of royal influential families send their daughters here as they also teach etiquette and other important lessons for young ladies like ourselves. Not that I need any of the- oh Arcadia is that a mouse!?” Lyra squeaked as she scrambled onto her desk.

Sure enough on the professor’s desk was a small brown mouse.

At Lyra’s exclamation, half of the girls in the classroom panicked. Nicole kept her eyes on the mouse which was difficult as Lyra was now grappling onto her for safety.

“Someone get a teacher! Or an exterminator!”

“Aww, it’s cute.”

“It’s not cute, it’s disgusting!”

“Sorry to startle you, ladies.” The mouse spoke before it transformed into Professor Wizgiz. “Just a quick demonstration of what you can achieve in this class.”

“Could you please let go of me now?” 

“Of course, apologies.” Lyra gently came down and sat back into her seat. “I wasn’t afraid, it just took me by surprise.”

“Right.” Nicole ate her muffin as she listened to the professor’s introduction speech. It seems even in another dimension, teachers still have to go over syllabuses and introduce the class on the first day. As she boredly gazed across the room, she realized none of her roommates were in the same class as her. She chalked it up to them having different classes and continued to listen to Professor Wizgiz.

“Right now, we are going to begin an introduction activity. I would like you to say your name, your home planet, and your fairy title. You may also demonstrated your magic if you want.” He gestured for Lyra to start.

“I’m Princess Lyra of Melody and I am the Fairy of Symphonies.” A soft melody echoed through the room as she spoke.

“I’m Princess Azalea of Linphea and I am the Fairy of Blossoms.” A girl with cotton candy pink hair demonstrated by waving out her hands, illuminating in a hot pink color and a nice smelling aroma wafted around the room.

“I’m Cordelia of Andros and I am the Fairy of Coral Reefs.” The girl next to Azalea smirked as she created bubbles in her hands.

A girl with her brown hair in a braid sheepishly stood up, “I’m Gwenivere, Princess of Domino, and Fairy of Draconic Tempest.” She made some papers fly around in a small twister before sitting back down.

Nicole awakardly waved her hands around as she spoke, “I’m Nicole of Earth and…I blow things up?” Unlike the others, nothing came out, not even a small spark.

She got some scattered clapping, including some confused looks.

“That’s alright, dear. It’s okay not to know what you can do, that’s why you’re here, to learn and grow as a fairy.” Professor Wizgiz said with a smile.

              His advice didn’t make Nicole feel any better.

The group known as the Neo Winx stood in the headmistress’ office with similar confused as well as tired looks.

“Does anyone know why we were summoned?” Minuet finally said the thing they were all thinking.

“No clue.” Andromeda yawned, “But you know it’s getting in the middle of my beauty sleep.”

“You definitely need it with those dark circles under your eyes.” Rhea teased, causing Andromeda to freak out and check in her phone’s camera.

“I was kidding.”

Andromeda huffed, “I knew that.” 

“Ladies.” Headmistress Seraphim entered the room, “Sorry for making you wait, I had some last minute duties come up.”

“I am honored that such an amazing legacy of fairies was able to attend and learn at Alfea.” Her smile felt prideful rather than encouraging. “You all have exceptional magic and-“

“Get to the point, why are we here?” Minuet spoke up.

Headmistress Seraphim seemed offended that she was interrupted but regain her composure, “Right, as you know the Magix dimension has been comfortable with this era of peace and tranquility. Thanks in part to your mothers, most threats have been eliminated. But that does not mean evil is still lurking.” 

A holographic image appeared above her desk. Disasters, chaos, death flashed across the screen. 

“You will be a part of a special program, the Neo Winx Initiative.” The headmistress explained, “In the event of a magic terriorism, you will be deployed to protect and save from dark forces such as demons, dark wizards, and witches.

“So we’re your soldiers?” Rhea raised an eyebrow at this.

“Not soldiers, Ms. Saladin.“ Headmistress Seraphim smiled, “You’ll be heroes.”

“Just visualize…just…” Nicole waves her hands over her head, trying to follow the professor’s instructions. Nothing, thirty minutes and still nothing.

“Hey, it’s okay, not everyone gets it on their first try.” Lyra had changed her hair from blonde to blue easily. That would make her feel better if everyone else wasn’t completing it on their own. 

“I’m doomed.” She mumbled as she laid her head on her desk.

“Maybe try thinking of a memory?” Lyra commented, “I heard once that some fairies do better if they link an emotion with their magic.”

“I’ll try.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She began to concentrate, focusing on her mother and her hair. Her father didn’t have many pictures of her in the house, he didn’t even like talking about her either. Once, she did find an old picture of her father with a red orange haired girl as teenagers. As she thought more and more, her black roots slowly turned orange.

“Yes, you’re doing it! Keep going!” Lyra encouraged.

The orange slowly made its way down until…

POOF! The orange dissipated and a fire erupted on top of her head.

“AH!” Nicole shouted in a panic.

As she panicked, freezing cold water unexpectedly dropped on her head, the fire was out. She touched her hair, relieved that it didn’t singe her head or burn her hair off. But now her hair and her clothes were now soaked.

Laughter consumed the room as Nicole stood, soaked with water.

“Who messes up such an easy spell?” Azalea snickered.

“Seriously? What a loser.”

“Careful, she looks ready to explode again!”

Nicole’s face was flushed red with humiliation and anger as she stepped out of the classroom, the mocking laughter continued as a damp sloshing sound trailing behind her.

“Great, just great. I had to make a fool of myself .” Nicole mumbled as she attempted to dry off with paper towels. She then noticed someone entering the bathroom. It was the brunette who sat with the mean girls. 

“Hey, um, here.” A strong gust of wind blew right into her face from the brunette’s hand. Nicole’s hair and clothes were dried instantly like she went through a car wash without a car.

“Thanks, I needed that.”

Gwenievere curtized politely. “I’m sorry about my friends, they’re not very nice.”

“If they’re your friends, why are you with them?” She asked.

“They’re my roommates and I-I don’t have a lot of friends outside of them.”

“Well, now you have me, Gwen.” Nicole smiled at her, “I’ll show you what a real friend is supposed to be.”

When lunch time rolled around, Nicole and Lyra sat together at a table. She waved at Gwen as she  passed by, but got snickers from the mean girls.

“So what is it like rooming with the Winx Club’s daughters?” Lyra looked on the edge of her seat.

Nicole looked at her confused, “People keep throwing around the word Winx Club but I have no idea what it means.”

Lyra looked shocked, “You don’t know who the Winx are?”

Nicole shook her head, “No…are they celebrities or something?”

“They’re heroic fairies who have protected the realm multiple times! They fought big baddies like the Trix, dark wizards, even evil

“Oh.” Nicole wasn’t quite sure what to say to that. She knew they had to be popular but magical fairy heroes? If she wasn't currently a student at an academy for fairies, she would’ve rolled her eyes at this. But now she had some inkling to believe that.

“Oh? Professor Flora, one of our teachers, is a member of the Winx and all you can say is Oh?” Lyra pouted.

“Huh… cool.” No wonder everyone was going crazy over Professor Flora. It was like seeing a major celebrity in person or royalty.

“You are ridiculous.” Lyra huffed, “Anyway, I heard you got rooming with the princess of Eraklyon herself. So spill.”

Nicole rolled her eyes, “Definitely not worth the fan fare, she kicked me out of the dorm room on day one.”

“Wow, I mean I heard she was bad, but she sounds like a total witch.”

“What’s so great about her anyway? She’s a princess, so what?”

“Well, she’s connected to the Domino royal family who are holders of the Dragon Flame. Her mother was a wielder of the flame and is a powerful fairy along with her sister, who is a nymph of Magix…and you don’t understand a single word I’m saying do you?” Lyra noticed the girl’s blank expression as she began to speak.

“No, not a single word.” Nicole hesitantly chuckled.

“It’s fine, I don’t mind it. That’s just common knowledge.”

“I guess I got some current events to catch up on.” She felt like a step behind a lot of her classmates. 

“Anyway, you got a dress for the party?” Lyra changed the subject which was a relief to Nicole.

“What party?”

“The start of the year party, it’s highly encouraged for fairies to attend, especially with the specialists from Red Fountain coming.” Lyra had a dreamy look in her eyes as she mentioned the specialists.

Nicole shrugged, “I don’t have a dress so I probably won’t go.”

Lyra gasped, “As your friend, it is my duty to take you to Magix and get you the best dress we can find for you or die trying.” Lyra said dramatically as she pulled out a slim looking card, “Or until my card goes bankrupt.”

“Hooray?” Nicole didn’t like the excited look on Lyra’s face. She was screwed, wasn’t she?

Chapter Text

“So how does this work?” Nicole glanced at the machine Lyra had shoved her in as soon as they entered the clothing store.

“You type in the outfit you want and it magically puts it on you.” Lyra explained, “I don’t know all the details, but it’s technology from Zenith. Now hold still or the machine may disintegrate your original clothes.”

“I’m sorry, it may what now?” Before Nicole could object, her vision was enveloped in bright light and sparkles. When she opened her eyes, she was now wearing a puffy blue dress.

“Woah.” Nicole looked at her new threads curiously, “Wait, what happens to my normal clothes?”

“A bit too avant garde for you.” Lyra ignored the question and pressed another button, “Oh, this one has ruffles.”

“Can I at least see what you’re picking for me?” Nicole asked.

“Nope, sorry.” Lyra gab her a mischievous smile as she pressed yet another button. The next dress was more slim dark red flashy low cut dress.

Lyra shook her head, “Too flashy?”

“Seriously? Sewn up hemming? That’s so last season.” A familiar voice made Lyra scowl.

“Andromeda, the self proclaimed fashion critic.” Lyra gritted her teeth as the Solarian princess spoke in a stuffy tone. “I see you still working the bedazzled jeans, that’s so brave.”

Lyra responded with a condescending laugh, “It’s called thrifting, something your little privileged head wouldn’t know about, Ms.high in the clouds.”

“Well unlike you, I have a dress that will blow everyone else’s out of the water and so will the rest of the Neo Winx.” Andromeda seemed proud about that fact.

“Wouldn’t that cost a lot?” Nicole asked, getting dresses for 5 people sounds expensive.

“Maybe where you come from, but I’m the Princess of Solaria.” She emphasized the planet name smugly, “I can get anything I want.”

“Um, miss?” One of the attendees hesitantly walked up to Andromeda and whispered something into her ear.

“What do you mean my card has been declined?!” Andromeda’s screeching drew the attention of other shoppers, “Check again!”

Andromeda stormed off in a huff, leaving Nicole to stare at the retreating brunette while Lyra seemed smug.

“Serves her right.” Lyra smiled proudly, “It’s about time karma got back to her.”

“What was that about?” Nicole asked, she felt as if she stepped into a soap opera.

“Oh, just Andromeda acting as if everyone else circles around her like the sun. She’s been like that since we were kids.” Lyra rolled her eyes, “Now onto shoes, what’s your opinion on pumps?”

“If I don’t feel like I’m balancing on a high tightrope, then I’m good.” Nicole sighed, knowing this will be a very long night.

The rest of the Neo Winx had to deal with Andromeda’s constant fuming outside of the high end clothing store. She was arguing with someone on the other line, but then hung up and looked ready to explode like a star at any moment.

“I can’t believe my mom!” Andromeda ranted, “I spent a few hundred to get the perfect dress and she blocked me out all my cards to teach me a lesson.”

“About time.” Minuet mumbled under her breath.

“What’s the big deal? Don’t you have other cards to use? Just use those.” Bridgette waved off her concern, more interested in her phone than this conversation.

Andromeda huffed, “I can’t, mommy and daddy blocked me out of those too.”

“We could try Eirwen’s boutique?” Sereia suggested, “I heard they have good clothes there.”

“I’m not going to Eirwen’s, that place isn’t good enough for us, we’re the Neo Winx, protectors of Magix!”

“But we haven’t protected anything.” Minuet mumbled under her breath.

“Not yet, but headmistress Seraphim said that danger could be around any corner.” Bridgette looked up from her phone to speak, “When our mothers were our ages, they were battling evil witches.”

“Well, we aren't our mothers.” Minuet spoke up, speaking more clearly, “And Headmistress Seraphim is wrong for thinking we’ll just be her little soldiers.”

Bridgette rolled her eyes, “We won’t be soldiers, we’ll be heroes, celebrities!”

“So that’s all you care about then? The fame and glory!?”

“Of course.” Bridgette said this as if it was obvious, “You should understand, your mom is a music star.”

“What does my mom have to do with this?!”

“Please, you act all modest and humble but you’re just as spoiled as us.”

“Stop fighting, both of you.” Sirena put herself between Bridgette and Minuet, “We’re all friends here so can we just get along?”

“Friends? What makes you thinks I’m friends with little miss princess here?!” Minuet snapped at Sereia.

“Remember when we used to play together as kids, we used to have so much fun and-“ Before Sereia could continue, Minuet cut her off.

”Oh shut it! We haven’t played together in years!”

“Um guys, where’s Andromeda?”

The four girls realized that their blonde companion was now gone.

“I don’t need them, I can get back to Alfea on my own and then they’ll be sorry.” Andromeda huffed as she strutted the streets of late night Magix alone. As she walked, the earlier heated call between her and her mother echoed in her mind.

“Until you learn responsibility, your father and I will be blocking you from your personal account.” She recalled the disappointment in her mother’s voice and her face as she spoke. “I know it might seem unfair, but you’ll thank us later.”

Andromeda loved her mother, She loved her so much, she became her shadow. Everything her mother liked, she also liked. If her mom needed a model? Andromeda gladly volunteered. If she need a spa day buddy, then sign her up. So why did her mother look at her as if she was a rotten apple found at the bottom of a barrel? Mom didn’t know what she was talking about, Andromeda was responsible! It’s not her fault everyone around her were idiots!

Honk! A car drove by and splashed her with dirty street water.

“Great! Just great!” She fumed in anger, “First my card, then my mom, and now I’m all wet!” She used her magic to attempt to blow dry her hair, but it only made it fizzle up and get all tangled.

“Stupid mom, stupid magic, stupid friends.” But were they really her friends? Sure they used to hang out together as kids, but the only one she had actually seen over the years was Bridgette. If Bridgette was the sun, Andromeda was a disco ball. She reflected Bridgette, made her look good next to her. But the other girls, they were like shadows, constantly getting in the way and making her feel…bad about her actions. They didn’t understand, none of them did. She had the perfect life, now it was getting swept under her unexpectedly.

“You lost, blondie?” A smooth sounding voice made the girl stop in her tracks. It came from a hooded figure.

“No, I’m meeting a friend here.” Andromeda played it cool.

The figure didn’t buy it, “You’re meeting a friend in the bad part of Magix City?”

“W-well, I am and if you think I’m lying then, don’t because I am Andromeda, the princess of Solaria and I’ve been taught not to lie.”

“A princess? Well then your majesty, would you please follow me?” His voice became sensual, rhythmic, almost hypnoti-Wait, were his eyes always glowing yellow?

Andromeda didn’t have time to process this before her world went black.

“Please tell me, this is the last spot.” Nicole struggled to keep up with Lyra as they walked. The Earth girl had no idea how she could still have energy after several hours of shopping and shopping.

“We just need to find some accessories and then we’ll be on the bus back to Magix in no time.” Lyra magically carried her bags with her as she walked.

“Hey, is that Andromeda?” Nicole noticed the familiar blonde haired girl walkimg with a hooded figure. But her walking felt off, she was leaning on his shoulder for support, like she was drunk or in a daze. Nicole tilted her head in confusion as Andromeda turned her head towards them. Her eyes were usually brown, not purple.

“She’s probably just got some guy to-Nicole?” Lyra watched as Nicole stormed up to the hooded figure.

“HEY!” Nicole didn't waste any time and clocked the hooded figure right as he was turning around.

BAM! The guy went down with one strong hook.

“Agh!” The purple hoodie guy fell to the floor with a thud. “You littl-“

“Andromeda? Are you alright?” Nicole ignored the curse words coming from the man and turned her attention to Andromeda.

“What? What happened?” Andromeda’s purple eyes shifted back to brown as the spell lifted. She looked around confused and surprised.

“It’s okay now, you’re safe.” Nicole then turned her gaze to the hooded man, “You want to tell me why you were mind controlling her?” Her tone turned cold and deadly

“You shouldn’t get involved, this is personal.” He scowled at her as blood dripped from his nose.

“Well, you made it personal when you hurt one of my roommates.” Nicole returned the scowl back

“Nicole! What happened?!” Lyra rushed up to her.

“I think this guy was trying to do something shady with Andromeda.” Nicole glared at the guy.

He tsked, “This isn’t over.” With a flick of his wrist, he vanished into the shadows.

”Hey! Get back here!” Nicole tried to chase after him, but he was already gone.

“Are you okay, Andromeda?” Gwen asked.

“I’m fine!” The blonde yanked her arm from Gwen’s touch, “Don’t touch me.”The three girls stared as Andromeda stormed off.

”Damn, she could’ve least said thanks.” Nicole huffed.

”Well, what did you expect? An apology?” Lyra scoffed.

A dark cloaked figure watched the duo from a rooftop.

”Mission failed, unknown variables intruded.” Their voice was cold and void of emotions. They scanned the two fairies as they walked away.

“Subjects irrelevant, refocus on targets.” The person’s feet clunked as they kept their pace behind Andromeda.

Their mind whirled with information, constantly analyzing, constantly scanning their surroundings. Keep distance, monitor, do not give away your location. Keep distance, monitor, do not let anyone know of your presence.

The plan would not fail, they would not fail. No matter what stood in their way.

Chapter Text

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!

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…..

You guys still there?

GOOD!

For anyone still invested/interested in this fic and the Of Fairies and Changelings series, I have just created a tumblr blog for the 2025 reboot of this series (@legaciesandlegendsofmagix). There you can find character art, eventual updates, and ask me stuff about the AU!

Check it out! And see you all in late June 2025!!