Chapter one

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As the new school year began at Alphea, the fairies returned to the familiar halls with a blend of excitement and anticipation. Their first year had gone by and they had emerged stronger, bonded by the trials they had faced. Now, with the start of their second year, they were ready to embrace whatever new challenges awaited them.

The sun bathed the Alphea grounds in a warm, golden light, casting a soft glow over the clusters of students gathered in the courtyard. Laughter and chatter filled the air as both new and returning students exchanged stories and caught up on their summer adventures. The energy of fresh beginnings was palpable, buzzing in the air like the gentle hum of magic.

The courtyard, once marked by the scars of battle, had come alive again. Vibrant flowers bloomed in colourful patches, and the greenery had flourished, a testament to the healing that had taken place over the summer.

As the fairies arrived for their second year, a renewed sense of hope seemed to permeate the air. The fairies who had fought so bravely the previous year were greeted with respect and admiration by their peers. The new school year felt like a fresh start, brimming with endless possibilities and the promise of new adventures.

The fairies gathered near the fountain, their faces lit with excitement and anticipation. The trials of the past were behind them, and now they looked forward to the challenges and discoveries that awaited them in their second year at Alphea.

"Can you believe we're back for our second year?" Luna asked, her voice filled with disbelief and a hint of nostalgia. "It feels like just yesterday we were first-years, struggling to figure everything out."

"Yeah, and now we're the experienced ones," Danielle added with a grin. "I never thought I'd be this excited to get back to classes and training."

Artemisia nodded, her eyes sweeping over the familiar surroundings. "There's a lot to look forward to. I have a feeling this year is going to be even more challenging, but we're ready."

Crystal, adjusting to her newly cut hair that now brushed her shoulders, rolled her eyes playfully. "I can't believe you girls were missing school. I don't miss it at all." The other fairies laughed at her usual nonchalance.

"You have such a laid-back attitude toward your studies, yet you manage to pass every test," Lithia remarked, narrowing her eyes at Crystal.

"Maybe it's because I'm a genius," Crystal teased, sticking her tongue out at Lithia.

"At least the witches won't be here to bother us," Carissa chimed in, her voice tinged with relief.

"Yeah, they were taken to Light-Rock, right?" Danielle asked, glancing around the group.

"Yes, for rehabilitation," Crystal replied, smirking. "As if those three could ever learn to act like decent human beings."

"Well, at least they're out of the way," Luna said, her tone optimistic. "Everything will go smoothly this year."

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After the witches' failed attempt to conquer Magix, the monks of Light-Rock decided to separate them, hoping to make their rehabilitation more successful. This method only seemed to work for one of the three witches.

"What beautiful weather," Scarlett mused as she sat cross-legged under a tree, taking in the fragrant air. "And the flowers smell lovely too. Even though nothing really changes here, each day feels like a new experience. The mundane is... nice."

The old Scarlett would never have imagined embracing such a peaceful attitude. Perhaps this change was for the best.

Two monks approached Scarlett, which was unusual. Startled, she quickly stood up to meet them.

"May we speak with you?" one of the monks asked. Scarlett nodded, and they led her through the monastery's winding hallways to a secluded building. As they reached a door, Scarlett's anxiety grew.

With a deep breath, she opened the door, only to find Electra and Tasma fighting. "Oh dear!" she exclaimed in alarm. The two witches paused, glaring at Scarlett with a mixture of confusion and disdain.

"You have given up your earthly attributes to be reborn in the light," one of the monks explained to Scarlett, "but these two still harbour so much darkness in their hearts. It's difficult to reach them."

"Let me speak to them," Scarlett offered, stepping into the room.

Tasma narrowed her eyes at her. "You're joking, right? You were the cruellest among us."

"Not anymore," Scarlett replied calmly. "I've given up my old self to follow the path of light." Electra responded with a piercing scream.

"Look at what they've done to Scarlett! Am I going to end up like that?" Electra shrieked, covering her ears. "This place is driving me mad!"

"Stop it! Friends don't scream at each other," Scarlett pleaded, her voice trembling, tears welling in her eyes.

"She's lost it," Tasma muttered, shaking her head.

"I'm not mad," Scarlett sniffed, wiping her tears. "I know it's just the darkness speaking in you two. I won't take offence, but I swear on my faith, I will bring you both to the light." With determination, she stepped forward and took their hands.

"Very well, Scarlett. We were hoping you could reach your sisters," one of the monks said, stepping back. "We'll be right outside if you need us." The monks closed the door, leaving the three witches alone.

"I want to leave!" Electra wailed, her voice filled with desperation.

"But it's peaceful here," Scarlett tried to reassure her.

"Exactly, I hate it!" Tasma snapped, biting her nails anxiously.

"But it's always bright and sunny, and the flowers smell nice," Scarlett tilted her head, genuinely puzzled.

"I don't do bright and sunny. I'm the witch of darkness, and you, Scarlett, are the witch of Crimson Frost. Ice and scarlet—you're supposed to be powerful, not... whatever this is!" Tasma retorted, her voice laced with frustration.

Scarlett's expression softened, but her resolve remained firm. "Power doesn't always come from darkness, Tasma. I've learnt that true strength is in control, in understanding, in the light."

Electra, still trembling, pressed her back against the wall. "This place... it's twisting you, Scarlett. You're losing yourself. What if we lose ourselves too?"

Scarlett stepped closer, her voice gentle yet unwavering. "You won't lose yourselves. You'll find who you really are beneath all the darkness. It's scary, I know. But we've all been through worse, haven't we?"

Tasma crossed her arms, scepticism etched on her face. "And what, you're going to lead us into the light? Just like that?"

Scarlett nodded slowly. "Yes. I believe in you both, even if you don't believe in yourselves right now. I was just like you—lost, angry, drowning in darkness. But the light showed me a different way, a way to find peace and purpose."

Electra buried her face in her hands; her voice muffled as she spoke. "I want to get out of here so bad."

Scarlett placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We can leave if we prove to the monks that we have changed, Electra. I'll make sure to help you in that aspect. We can help each other. We're still sisters, aren't we?"

Tasma watched the exchange, her expression hardening. "And what about me? What if I don't want your help? What if I like the darkness?"

Scarlett stood, turning to face Tasma. "Then I'll respect that. But I won't give up on you. I'll keep trying to show you there's more to life than darkness, more than just pain and anger. And when you're ready, I'll be here."

The door opened slightly, and one of the monks peeked in. "Everything alright in here?"

Scarlett glanced back at her sisters, then nodded. "Yes. We're alright."

The monk nodded in return, closing the door quietly, leaving the three witches in the room alone.

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