The Fairies' Path

by Ava Corrigan

  Oh, poor Silva, Terra thought. Poor Sky.

  She didn’t know Sky well, but last year she’d been thankful to him for taking care of Riven. It had been so nice of Sky to reach out and help someone. Not many guys would’ve done it. Especially not sons of famous heroes.

  Sky was patient enough to put up with Riven and Stella, too. There were so few kind people in the world. Sky didn’t deserve this.

  “How is he?” Terra asked nervously. “Headmaster Silva?”

  Dad’s frown of concern was instantly replaced with a smile. Pacifying, and … Terra thought uncertainly … a bit patronizing.

  “He’ll be fine, love. Let me worry about that.”

  In other words, Don’t worry your pretty little head about it, Terra. “Oh yeah. Obviously. But … Musa and I did bring him back, remember?”

  You said you were proud of me then, Dad, Terra thought. Remember.

  Dad said, in his my-little-girl voice, “And I’m sure that was very scary.”

  “No,” Terra told him flatly. “I mean you can tell me what’s going on. I’m not a kid anymore.”

  Dad kissed her on the top of her head before he moved on. “Of course you aren’t.”

  Yup, Dad, very convincing. Terra sighed. She did have faith in her father. Maybe she should let him handle this and concentrate on the terrifying prospect of going to a party. Still, it hurt.

  Dad believed Terra was a little kid who couldn’t be trusted with the truth. And Terra believed Silva was dying.

  Water

  Bloom was sitting on her bed, poring over a stack of yearbooks. Aisha was working on a hopeless mission of her own. She was at her desk with a bowl of water, laboring over her magic. Not a single droplet had risen from the bowl since she sat down.

  Bloom flipped back and forth between the pages of the yearbooks so they rustled like wind through the trees in a storm. Aisha’s eyes darted over to her in silent inquiry.

  “The memory is starting to fade,” Bloom admitted. “It’s getting harder and harder to tell who it could be.”

  She closed the yearbook as a new idea formed. “But I was thinking … I had the memory after I used magic to fight the Burned One. A lot of magic. Maybe wherever she is, she could sense it. Or it opened a magic gate in my head or—something. So what if I go to the stone circle and draw on as much magic as—”

  Aisha looked at Bloom with grave concern. “Please do not tell me I have to explain why that’s a terrible idea.”

  Aisha felt they had enough problems without Bloom causing a full-on forest fire.

  “A few weeks ago, I’d agree with you. But you saw me in class, right?” Bloom’s eyes shone. “I’m way better.”

  Aisha stared down at her bowl. “Yep,” she told her roommate flatly. “You’re killin’ it.”

  The awkward moment was interrupted by Terra, calling out desperately for help.

  “Does anyone know how to do a good cat eye?”

  They found Terra in the bathroom, standing in front of a mess of makeup. A cat-eye attempt had been made. Attempt was the operative word.

  Glad to have something to fix, Aisha dived in to help Terra immediately. She wielded the eyeliner as if flourishing a sword.

  Bloom lingered at the door. Aisha knew Bloom wasn’t much of a party girl, but she hoped Bloom would stick around. Strength in numbers was clearly called for at this critical juncture.

  Musa peeped into the bathroom. “This is weird. What’s happening in here is weird.”

  Musa was even less of a party person than Bloom was, and Aisha knew Musa had her reservations about her roommate.

  “Get changed,” Terra ordered Musa. “We’re all going to this party. And we’re gonna show … people … that we’re cool and fun and—”

  Obviously, Terra was thinking about that Beatrix girl again. Her voice went higher and more rapid as she spoke, clearly about to launch into a full-fledged rant.

  Then Aisha moved away from Terra’s eye, and showed her in the mirror. Aisha couldn’t fix her own magic, but she’d fixed Terra’s makeup.

  Aisha was pleased to see Musa smile at Terra in the mirror.

  “Hot,” Musa told her reassuringly.

  That was when Aisha knew they were all headed to this party.

  Specialist

  Stella’s makeup junk was spread out all over Sky’s desk. Even Saint Sky, coming into his and Riven’s room, couldn’t repress a twitch of irritation. Riven’s twitching had become a steady vibration of irritation some time ago.

  “Sorry,” Stella told Sky airily. “But four first years getting ready for their first party is a nightmare inside a nightmare.”

  Riven sneered, “Fun fact, if everyone around you is a nightmare … It’s not them.”

  She’d been complaining about Terra’s annoying attempts to do a cat eye for some time.

  Undoubtedly, Terra was panicking in a hilarious manner about actually attending a party, and Riven would also have made fun of her, but he didn’t see why Stella thought she could do it.

  Sky turned to face Riven, who was carefully pouring vodka into his flask. Everyone got party-ready in their own way. Riven was dressed for the party and excited for trouble.

  “You’re already drinking?” Sky raised his eyebrows.

  Riven explained the situation. “She’s been here an hour. So I’ve been drinking for an hour.”

  Riven was not the one who’d invited Stella back into their room and their lives. Riven was a martyr to Sky’s terrible girlfriend decisions.

  “Can you take it slow tonight? Last year you vomited in no less than five places.”

  And what, Sky wanted Riven to be a quitter? He didn’t believe he could beat his own record? Riven gave him a disappointed look. Like, have a little faith here, buddy.

  Then Stella said that Marco, one of the most badass Specialists in the business, was on the hunt for the Burned One. She was sure that the monster would be taken down and Silva saved soon.

  Finally, Stella came in useful. Finally, Sky could relax and have a good time.

  But Sky still said he wasn’t gonna drink. Riven was all out of ideas. He had no clue what would make Sky feel better.

  Earth

  The abandoned East Wing, with its cracked stone and dark corners, was anything but abandoned tonight. Beer was spilling over plastic cups. A bonfire burned and music played. The room was suffused with purple light, as though Musa’s magic was filling the air and people’s thoughts were painting the walls. Fairies in jeans and sexy tops were shaking their feet in a ring, tossing their arms in the air, and making out.

  Terra clung to her Tupperware and tried to cover her nerves by telling the others fascinating historical facts.

  “This is the East Wing of Alfea. It was used for war preparations. But since there hasn’t been conflict in a while, nobody comes down here.” Terra paused. “Except for tonight.”

  Terra could see Bloom looking a little overwhelmed. That was nice, that Bloom felt overcome as well. It was totally fine: They were the Winx Club, and they were gonna stick together.

  Aisha noticed Bloom’s expression, too. “You need a beer.”

  “I need a beer,” Bloom confirmed.

  Bloom and Aisha split off and headed toward the keg. That was totally fine, also! Terra was sure they’d be back soon, and Musa was still here, and perhaps they could find Dane, and with any luck Dane wouldn’t be with Beatrix. Or Riven. Terra craned her neck, looking around.

  “Looking for somebody specific?” Musa asked, her voice wry.

  “What? No. Just wondering where I can put these down.”

  Terra was aware fibbing to someone who read emotions was futile, but Musa let her get away with it. Musa led Terra over to a shield case that was serving as a makeshift bar.

  Musa started to pour herself a drink while Terra put down her Tupperware. She opened it to reveal brownies. Musa glanced at the brownies casually, but then cocked her head.

  “Are those …? Terra!”

  “W
hat?” Terra asked defensively. “I can be a cool nerd.” Just like Beatrix.

  An annoying voice broke in on them. “Look who made an appearance.”

  Musa turned swiftly to see Terra’s brother approaching. Poor Musa, Terra thought. She would feel she had to make nice with her roommate’s brother.

  “With Mom’s Tupperware, no less,” Sam drawled.

  “What do you want, Sam?” Terra snapped.

  Musa looked startled by Terra’s tone. Musa was an only child; Terra was pretty sure. She must not realize how irritating brothers could be.

  “Just getting a drink. Relax,” Sam told Terra. Then he turned to Musa with an interested air. “Musa, right?”

  Musa twinkled. “That’s me.”

  Sam twinkled back, a gleam passing between them. “Hi.”

  Wow, was Terra’s brother trying to flirt with her roommate? Gosh, how embarrassing for him! Terra would have to explain to Sam that Musa was only being polite.

  Just then, Sam’s attention was diverted. “What reeks?”

  Sam looked down at the Tupperware, then at Terra.

  “They’re for the party, not me,” Terra said stiffly. Sam shouldn’t judge.

  Just then, she spotted Dane coming toward them. Okay, it was game time! Party time! Party game time.

  “Didn’t think you’d make it,” Dane said. He looked so cute. That was a great shirt on him.

  “Yeah,” Terra said, desperately casual. “Decided to come last minute. Anyway. Brownie?”

  Dane reached in to grab one. He was so polite. He was eating her food! Terra had a sudden misgiving about her food. She’d seen Dane throw up after one drink. Her delinquent brownies might be too much for sweet Dane.

  “I’d take a half,” Terra warned. “Even a quarter just to be safe. Like, a bite.”

  Dane took several brownies. It was so nice of him to be enthusiastic about her baking! Terra was chill.

  Terra gave a chill laugh. “Or, you know, whatever.”

  “I’m gonna take a few to Riven and Sky,” said Dane, with his charming smile. “See if they want some. Cool?”

  Terra continued her mission to be chill. “Totally cool. Cool cool cool.”

  Silva might be dying, so Sky could have as many brownies as he liked, but Terra had a dark suspicion about who those brownies were actually for.

  Just what she’d always wanted—to feed Riven and his apparently smart bimbo.

  Fire

  On a bench to the side of the revelries, I saw Sky nursing a water with his eyes glued to his phone. I approached, beer in hand.

  “Haven’t seen you all day.”

  “Have you been looking?”

  I smiled. Busted. Sky cracked a smile, too. The smile looked rusty, almost painful, as though it was the first time he’d smiled the whole day.

  I sat down next to him. “How’s Silva doing?” I asked.

  Sky sighed. “Rough. But they’re closing in on the Burned One. It’s just a matter of time before he gets better.”

  I pushed, gently. “How are you doing?”

  It was a simple question. An obvious one. But he looked at me like it was a bizarre query, as though nobody else had asked. I wondered if I shouldn’t have.

  Then Sky confessed, “I feel like garbage, Bloom. I know I’m supposed to be strong, but …”

  He looked at me with beseeching eyes. I held his gaze, trying to show him that I was listening, that he didn’t have to be strong for me. Nobody could be strong all the time.

  “Silva basically raised me after my dad died. They were best friends. I know we train to fight. To risk our lives. But I never let myself think that Silva …”

  This must be so rough for him.

  I murmured, “I’m so sorry.”

  It wasn’t much, but I could be sorry and sit with him. Next to me, almost imperceptibly, I felt Sky relax.

  “Are you close with your parents?” Sky asked at last.

  “That’s … a tricky question,” I told him.

  “They live in the First World, right? Not many fairies live out there. That why it’s tricky?”

  I went quiet, stricken by uncertainty. Would Sky think differently about me if he knew I was a changeling? Besides, he was another girl’s boyfriend: I shouldn’t pour out all my troubles to him.

  Sky, too charming for his own or my good, said: “It’s okay. I like a good mystery.”

  I played it off, waving my beer around. “Don’t worry, a few more of these and I’ll be an open book.”

  Sky suggested, “Maybe I’ll have one, too. I could use a little distraction.”

  I offered, “I did hear mention of beer pong, if you want a big distraction.”

  Sky hesitated, then smiled, shimmering as bright as the party bonfires around us.

  “You’ve just made a huge mistake.”

  Specialist

  It was girls against guys in a match to the pain. Sky and Riven, the ultimate beer pong bros. Up against Bloom, the ginger from the human world, and her roommate Aisha, the sporty chick.

  When Sky went up to drink, the redhead’s eyes glowed red. He nearly spat the beer out.

  “Did you …? Is this beer hot?”

  “Drink up. Them’s the rules.”

  Bloom and Aisha erupted into laughter as Sky downed the drink. On the whole, Riven thought Bloom and Aisha seemed like cool girls.

  Riven was up next.

  “Get cocky,” Riven advised the ladies, “get schooled.”

  Bloom leaned over to Aisha, whispering. Aisha nodded. Riven shot the ball, but before it landed in a cup, Aisha’s eyes glowed blue, and beer sloshed right out.

  Then every drop of beer from every cup foamed and spilled out like a tidal wave and onto Riven.

  Not cool. Riven swore.

  “Oh my God,” said Bloom.

  Bloom and Sky both stifled a laugh, but Aisha wasn’t laughing. She looked mortified at the mess she’d made. As well she should. She’d made Riven look ridiculous in public!

  Aisha mumbled, “Sorry. Honestly. Sorry. I’m gonna get some paper towels.”

  As Aisha headed off, Bloom moved to help Sky pick up the cups on the ground. Riven’s mood wasn’t improved as he noticed both of them were trying not to laugh at him.

  “Feel a little better?” whispered cute redheaded Bloom conspiratorially.

  “Certainly drunker,” Sky conceded.

  Riven clocked the sparks flying, and recalled the first day of school. How Sky had got hold of the redhead’s number and talked about what he should text her. Until he hooked up with Stella again.

  “So much for not drinking tonight,” said Riven, and then hesitated. “But this one is a bit more fun than Stella. Reminds me of Ricki.”

  “Who’s Ricki?” asked cute redhead Bloom.

  Well might she ask.

  Sky shifted, suddenly uncomfortable. “Riv,” he said warningly.

  Riven didn’t plan to listen to any warnings. He was soaking wet and looked stupid and felt cranky.

  “You live with Stella and don’t know what happened to her last roommate?”

  “I don’t. But I’d sure like to,” Bloom said with conviction.

  Sky glared at Riven, but it was far too late to go back now.

  “Ricki was Stella’s best friend. Till she flirted a bit too much with Sky here and Stella showed everyone what a legit psycho she was.”

  “What does that mean?” Bloom asked tightly.

  “Stella used her magic to blind her. On purpose. She blinded her best friend.”

  The words sounded too real when Riven said them, the weight of them crushing out the happy party sounds. Sky wasn’t smiling anymore.

  “That can’t be true,” Bloom breathed.

  Sky cleared his throat. “That’s—yeah. That’s the story.”

  Having spilled the tea, Riven headed out to dry off. Yeah, Riven was a jerk. You can count on him to be that.

  But the redhead had a right to know what she was getting into. And Sky should rea
lly think more about what he was climbing back into.

  Riven tried to wring out his dripping shirt as he stomped off.

  This was a terrible party. Where was Beatrix, the sexpot who actually liked him? Failing Beatrix, where was Dane? Probably with Terra, but he shouldn’t be with Terra. How was Riven supposed to mentor Dane and teach him to be awesome if Dane was never there?

  Fire

  I wandered through a side hallway in the East Wing, trying to avoid fairies making out. This party made me think of lines from a poem, “the lonely of heart is withered away, / While the fairies dance in a place apart …” This abandoned wing was a place apart all right, and I was feeling pretty lonely.

  And I was desperately attempting not to think about Sky, and what Riven had said about Stella. I searched the corridor for Aisha, for company and help, but instead I saw piles of framed photos leaning discarded against the wall.

  There was one in particular that stopped me. Because standing in the middle of the students was a woman wearing a military-trimmed coat with sunken eyes and an intense expression, her thin mouth set in a grim line and her shining blonde hair pinned back.

  She was the mystery woman from my vision.

  I pulled out my phone to record the evidence when a girl’s voice startled me.

  Beatrix’s words were very slurred. “Are you photo collaging at a party? How are we not friends?”

  I turned to see Beatrix. Remembering Terra talking about Beatrix’s interest in history and realizing in a flash of inspiration that Beatrix might know something, I picked up one of the pictures. I pointed to my mystery woman.

  “Do you know who this is?”

  Beatrix’s face shifted. It was almost imperceptible. Almost.

  “Why?” she asked in an odd voice.

  “I just know you’re all about history—I thought you might know.”

  “Still curious about the why,” Beatrix said archly.

  I shifted, uncomfortable. The why was tough to explain.