𝚩𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃 𝚩𝐎𝚴𝐃𝐒, 𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝚴

𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐃

'SKRRRTT', HER skates scraped against the ice. Augustine decided to go ice skating today. If her mother was here she'd tell her, "Go easy on yourself."

Her mother always said that when she saw Augustine with her skates. Almost like she knew about the inner turmoil her daughter faced.

So far, life at Alfea hadn't been the most relaxing. She was doing fine in her class but unlike most students— classes weren't the stressor. The Burned Ones, understanding her Aquamancy powers, Riven— those were the stressors.

The situation with the Burned Ones honestly terrified her, and she hadn't even seen one yet.

Her skates scraped against the surface. Augustine bent her knee and spun slowly. The cold air nipped at the exposed skin on arm, but she didn't care.

When Augustine thought about Bloom, she didn't understand her. She wasn't from the other world, she was a fire fairy with no control — a dangerous combination. The most interesting part? Her determination to get Stella's ring back. That— Augustine admired.

Around her birds chirped cheerfully. The sun had retreated and the moon had come out to play. Augustine always loved the moon, its presence warmed her better than any sun could.

She skates took her to the edge of the frozen lake (that she had frozen herself). She had decided to skate while waiting for Terra's Zanbaq to clear her mind. The girls had come up with a plan to get Stella's ring back.

She skated over to where she had left her phone. Clicking it open, she saw dozens of missed messages from Stella and one missed call from Bloom.

Her heart dropped as she realized that she lost track of time.

"Fuck." She cursed, taking off her skates carefully and putting on sneakers.

Augustine used a trick her mum had taught her. She froze over her ice skates and minimized them using the frozen water around it. She slipped it into her pocket and ran off.

She didn't make it a foot away before she realized she had to unfreeze the lake.

Groaning, Augustine ran back to where she stood and placed her palm on the frozen lake. Her eyes flashed her signature blue and the lake went back to normal.

Satisfied, she went to find her friends.

Running through the forest was a hassle. Augustine carefully stepped over roots, ducked under branches, all while hoping her skates hadn't fallen out of her pocket.

When she neared the group, they were all there. Augustine almost turned back, craving that peaceful feeling she felt when she skated.

Stella stood with her arms crossed, giving Augustine a disappointed look.

"Look who decided to show up." Stella snarked, her eyes narrowed.

Augustine sighed, panting slightly, "I know, I know. Sorry, I lost track of time."

As Stella opened her mouth again, Aisha cut her off. "As much as we'd all love to hear this conversation, we're here for Bloom."

Augustine nodded her head. She wiped a bit of sweat off her forehead.

Together, the group crossed the barrier.

"Do we know where the barn is?" Aisha asked.

Terra replied, "Um yes, North." She laughed to herself, "There's this little stump that looks like an old-."

Stella interrupted her, "Show. Don't tell." She said.

"Uh guys, what if Stella's ring isn't with the Burned one?" Augustine asked.