Happily Ever After

Chapter Six-Me First?

Well, I guess, we're not going back home anytime soon....

"That's a little harsh, Head Master. I'm sure if the portal wanted to, it would take them back to Earth."

We all jumped, even the Head Master, at the voice. I turned my head, only to see that beautiful lady with the black cloak again. I narrowed my eyes at her, irritated. I really wish I could push her into something... like a pool. She doesn't look like the kind of person who would like to get wet. Hah, just imagining that image made me smile.

"Oh, Selena, I was only trying to scare them. They don't believe that they are here for a reason. They don't even remember who they really are." He said, smiling. "Would you like some tea?"

She walked over to him and Cindney backed up. "No, thank you. Besides, they aren't suppose to remember. The fairies erased their memories of the short life they had in Askaria. I'm sure if they get into some familiar territory here, their memories will come back."

She looked at all of our confused and shocked faces. The Head Master's smile widened...again. "Girls, this is Selena. She's the portal keeper." He said.

So, Selena was her name. Selena pushed me into this creepy place. I walked over to her, about to give her a price of my mind. When I got to her, I saw her eyes and stop. I don't know why I didn't notice them before but they were a light purple, and they were looking at me with sympathy.

"I'm sorry I pushed you, Wendelyn. But I knew you wouldn't go in the portal if I didn't." She looked at Bella, then Cindney. "I'm also sorry for pushing you two, as well. It seems only one of you was brave enough to just jump."

I looked back at Riel, still in her bikini. Yeah, Riel would do a sort of thing like that, take a leap of faith. She smiled sheepishly at me, making me smile back.

"How does the portal work? You act like it's alive." Bella said, speaking up again.

"The portal is alive, in a way. It flows throughout any land and only transports people when it feels that the person is needed somewhere. I am the portal's servant, I follow it wherever it may go and I retrieve whom it desires to send to places." She explained.

"So if your here, you must be retrieving someone." I commented. I don't think the portal will take any of us home, but I don't want to go out into this great world without knowing anything.

"Yes, I am. The portal wishes to send you, Wendelyn, out into Askaria." She said, still looking at me.

Wait, what? No! I can't be first! I looked back at Riel, my face filled with terror, confusion, and hopelessness. Riel had the exact expression as I did.

We both knew that if what the Head Master said is true, then Askaria is filled with giants, ogres, dragons, and other creatures that could kill me. Sending me out there will only get me killed! I mean, I don't really believe all this, but... I don't know what else to believe.

"Me-me first?" I asked, my stuttering giving away my emotions.

"Yes...hmmm..but you can't go out there in that.." She said. Then, she flicked her hand and a cloud of blue smoke swirled around me. For a split second I thought she was trying to suffocate me with poisoned air but then the smoke disappeared just as fast as it came.

Cindney's eyes widened. "Whoa.." She said, looking at me.

I was now wearing a dress that had loose white sleeves that tightened at my elbows and the same material made the skirt that went a little pass my knees. The top was light teal that made a weird V at the point where the skirt and top were connected. I was wearing leather boots that tied in the back. To top it all off, I was wearing a beautiful silky cloak that was embroidered with flowers.

I examined myself, trying to believe my sweater and leggings just disappeared right in front of me.

"There." Selena said, looking satisfied. "Oh, and you'll need this." She handed me a leather satchel, that I'm pretty sure appeared out of thin air, and I took it, curious. "It has a map of Askaria with food and water. I don't know where the portal will take you but just in case you're in the middle of nowhere, you'll need stuff for you to survive."

I nodded, hesitantly putting the satchel around my shoulder, so it hung diagonally around my body.

Selena just did all that... With magic? Changed my clothes and gave me supplies? This situation just got crazier.

"Now, if you are ready Wendelyn, it's best that you get going."

I started walking with her when I heard, "WAIT!" I turned around to see Riel running towards me.

"Can I talk to her, before she leaves? Alone?" She asked, looking at Selena. Selena nodded and Riel pulled me aside, away from everyone.

"I don't want to go, Riel. This whole situation is giving me a headache. She just changed my clothes with... MAGIC!" I whispered so no one could here us.

"It's Ariel." She said, grimly.

"What?! You actually believe all this?" I asked.

"What else do we have to believe Wendy? Besides, their explanation makes sense... in a way." She said.

"Ugh! I'm still calling you Riel." I said, looking away.

"Wendy, please don't get mad at me and this stupid situation. I know you always think that science and reason explains everything but here, you're going to have to think differently." She said, her eyes filled with worry. "This day has been so strange, but I do believe that what the Head Master says is true."

"That we're in a land where all fairy tales are true and your Ariel and I'm..."I looked down, I still haven't thought of who I am.

"You're so obviously Snow White."

"Wh-what?"

"Listen, if what the Head Master said is true, then you're about to jump into a land where anything can happen. There's magic, fairies, apparently mermaids, dragons, knights, anything we read in books are here!"

"So what should I do?" I asked, feeling like a total weakling right now.

"Find the jewel and don't eat apples, just in case. It's all we can do to insure that we'll get back home." She looked over at the Head Master drinking his tea. "Don't you think he looks familiar?"

"Excuse me? You'd think I would remember someone as creepy as him." I said.

"No, it's just one, he likes tea, two, his psychotic and creepy behavior, and three, he has a ton of hats. Remember all the hats in the room we came in?"

I gave her a crazy look. "And what your getting is..."

"He seems like the Mad Hatter."

"What?!? I mean it makes sense... I guess. But the Mad Hatter is from Wonderland."

"Maybe Wonderland is in Askaria."

I sighed. Riel, then, gave me a hug. "Be safe." She said. I hugged her back, hoping this wouldn't be the last time I see her and her red hair.

We pulled away. "Remember, some people will do anything to ruin other's happiness, especially here." She said.

I nodded and walked back to Selena. I really hope this isn't a trip to my end.