Guardians: A FairyTopia Fanfiction

Chapter 1: The News

A/N: Hi, folks! Before the chapter begins, I'd like to give a major shout-out to artificialblue22, who helped me out with brainstorming ideas for the apprentices' backstories. You rock! :D

--ouatfan

Elina stepped out into the Magic Meadow feeling well-rested and at peace. A warm, soft glow blanketed the sprawling hills and colourful flowers, courtesy of the early-morning sun that had yet to finish rising. The sky itself was painted a breathtaking mix of pink, orange and gold, the clouds a misty silver. Sights like these were why the flower fairy liked to awaken early in the first place, though the same could not often be said for the loyal yet sleepy puffball that was trailing after her.

Also admiring the sunrise just outside Peony was Elina's best friend Dandelion, whom she had known since early childhood and trusted more than anyone in the realm, except perhaps Azura. Dandelion and her family had been there for Elina during all the best and worst times of her life, and for that she would be forever grateful.

"Morning, Elina," Dandelion greeted cheerfully, "Sleep well?"

"I slept great, Dandie, thanks," Elina replied, then noticed Bibble's half-awake state. "I think someone wishes he was still asleep."

Bibble hurriedly insisted he was awake, making both fairies chuckle.

"Ready?" asked Dandelion. Elina nodded and the two took flight, Bibble rushing to keep up. Flying around the Meadow together had become a joyful morning ritual for Elina and Dandelion ever since the Enchantress had given the young hero her wings.

It still felt rather surreal to Elina that those wings had since transformed twice, but when one examined the circumstances of each instance more closely it could hardly be considered a shock. Her only regret following the first was that she did not retain her Crest of Courage, a sure mark of her time in Mermaidia and a beautiful reminder the challenges she and Nori had overcome together in the Depths of Despair.

She had briefly wondered if her second transformation brought the Crest back, but a single glance at her arms proved it hadn't. Of course, she'd been too preoccupied with trying to save the then-dying Blush of Spring to further concern herself with it, a feat which proved successful in the end thanks to the other six apprentices' help.

Elina had no idea what to expect now that they had all graduated and returned to their homes. Remembering the friendly note things ended on after the ceremony, she was able to deduce that she and Sunburst's differences were finally behind them (for real this time) and, of course, she knew being Azura's apprentice meant becoming a Guardian one day, but she didn't know when that would be or what would lead up to it.

Today, she would get her answer.

As she and Dandelion landed on a pale pink flower not very far from where the flower sprites liked to dance, Elina heard another fairy approaching, calling her name. "Azura!" she exclaimed after turning to see who it was, thrilled to see her Guardian once more.

"Hello, my dear," Azura replied with a warm smile, landing on the flower in front of them and pulling Elina into a hug, "How have you been?"

"I've been great! What about you?"

"Quite well, thank you," said Azura, "though I'm afraid this isn't much of a social call. There's something I need to tell you."

Instinctively, Elina wondered if this visit had to do with Laverna. But, she reasoned, the way the evil fairy had vanished after they protected the Blush made it seem like she was truly gone for good this time. So instead, she asked, "What is it?"

"The Enchantress has asked for all the apprentices to return to the Crystal Palace," Azura began, "to continue your training."

This revelation confused the flower fairy. "But...didn't we already graduate?"