The Fairy of Space [REVISED]

Chapter 11: Strange Meeting

[A/N: long chapter as an apology for a few weeks in between updates hehe. lots of dialogue but it's important stuff i didn't wanna gloss over! hope u enjoy <3]

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The next day, Faragonda had called a meeting soon after returning from Red Fountain. Griffin, the headmistress of Cloud Tower — the school for witches — was with her. Both of them wore grim looks on their faces as the students assembled. Palladium, Wizgiz, Avalon, and Daphne stood off to the side, worry clear in their expressions. 

It had been an overnight effort to help repair Red Fountain's destruction, and none of it bode good tidings for the cause of the attacks. Now, in the evening following dinner, all of Alfea had been assembled for a meeting to discuss their findings.  

The air felt heavy, as if the concern of the higher-ups had infected the breeze around them. Everyone was quieter than usual, keeping their gossip to whispers as they all seated themselves. 

"Everyone — quiet, please," Faragonda called out. At once the murmuring hushed, everyone eager to hear the news. By now, rumors of the attack had spread all throughout the halls of Alfea. The Blix girls kept their heads low, too tired (and embarrassed) to recount the details of their defeat to everyone.

"...By now I'm sure most of you are aware about the attacks on Red Fountain during the event today. We can assure you first and foremost that the situation was handled, and no lives were lost — some injuries, unfortunately, but hopefully nothing that won't heal with time and magic."

Some girls nodded, a few whispers following the statements. But most of them stayed quiet, leaning forward for the next words. Faragonda hesitated, glancing at Griffin as she spoke.

"...We have reason to believe that the attacks were a coordinated effort on behalf of a few witches, based on some sightings and the negative energy coming from their magic."

More whispers and small gasps. A witch attack? The schools hadn't had to deal with something like that in awhile, save for the Trix's occasional nonsense. Even then, the Winx usually made quick work of it. 

Speaking of the notorious three, a senior student yelled out in concern, "Is it the Trix!?" 

Faragonda somberly shook her head. "No... the Winx have sealed them up in another dimension, far from any of our reach. We are certain that they are gone for good, this time. But... this may be a copycat group, attempting to follow in their footsteps."

Dread pitted in Selena's stomach. The professors always told them that the witches of Cloud Tower weren't evil, they just harnessed negative energy instead of positive. Just because they were mischievous and conniving, it didn't mean they all had to be bent on a dark path. 

But just about all she'd ever heard from Cloud Tower was trickery and plots like this. Frowning, the tan-skinned girl leaned back in her chair, glancing around at the murmuring girls. A particular head of fluffy black hair caught her attention — Jaylin. 

The fairy was hanging on the outskirts, leaning back casually and wearing a bored, yet surprisingly calm look on her face. Unless Selena was hallucinating, she thought she could see the faintest upturn of Jaylin's lip — almost like a smile, of sorts. 

Is she... happy about this? Maybe she thinks it's funny. If any fairy would find any of this amusing, it would be her!