Just Winx

Chapter I: An unexpected event

Chaos.

It's the only word I can think of to describe what I'm seeing.

The palace is on fire. The walls and ceilings are falling. People flee in horror in all directions trying to save their lives. Monstrous creatures of all shapes and sizes attack anyone who crosses their path. Winged beings defend themselves by shooting halos of energy from their hands.

Fairies. That's what they are. What a beautiful word.

Then someone takes me by the hand. I look up and see a woman, a young woman, but older than me. She wears a gold strapless dress until her feet, with a long ribbon tied around her waist. Her auburn hair is tied up in a high bun and two loose strands of hers frame her face. She wears a strange headdress: large, golden and similar to two wings born from her head that expand until they end at the height of her neck.

Two aspects distinguish this lady from the others.

Her skin shines in an extraordinary way, as if there was a light inside her so intense that it pierced every pore of her, struggling to get out. It is a radiant, warm and powerful light.

The second feature is more disturbing. The upper part of her face is hidden under an elegant golden mask. I can only see her brown eyes looking at me with concern.

Despite everything, I trust her. Despite everything, I follow her.

- Who are you? Where are you taking me?

She doesn't seem to hear me. We keep running. I repeat the questions insistently. Then, she turns around, and she looks at me with infinite sweetness. But it is a sad sweetness.

- We need you, Bloom. You have to come back. You have to help us -Her voice is stern but welcoming. I believe in what she tells me without doubting.

- Come back where? What do I have to do? -I want to attend to her pleas, but I don't know how. I don't understand anything.

- It's in you -She points to my heart, smiling. Her smile conveys unease and hope at the same time-. You will know at the appropriate time.

- Aren't you going to tell me your name? –I decide to be totally honest-: I have the feeling that we know each other...

- Follow your instinct, Bloom. Never forget who you are -As soon as I say the last word, she releases my hand and vanishes, her figure dissolves into golden dust.

- No! Do not go! -I beg her desperately, looking around for her. Tell me your name!

Bloom! Bloom, wake up!

The images fade before my eyes until everything is in shadow. Then, I can see light beyond my closed eyelids, and I hear the noise of the blinds going up.

- Bloom!

That is my mother. I narrow my eyes.

- Mom, please, let me sleep...-I moan as I curl up on the bed.

- Bloom! Don't you know what time it is?

My sleepy brain takes a few extra seconds to assimilate the information. When it does, my eyes widen and I rush to my feet.

- Oh no! Shit, shit, fuck! - I curse as I grab my clothes from the floor.

- That language, miss! – My mother scolds me while I put on my jeans as fast as I can.

- Why didn't the alarm clock go off? – I mumble annoyed putting the top over my head.

- Maybe you forgot to put it... Just like you forget to tidy up your room. – She bends down to pick up the rags I have lying around the room.