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Description
It was time for the Winx to help in the kitchen this week. On the menue were omelets, mushroom and potato stew as well as a large pre-frozen bread. In short, the four girls were on kitchen duties, except Stella who managed to get a permission to skip them.

"I'm not good for this type of chore, muttered Bloom who hated cooking, I don't get it.
-What is it that you don't get, asked Musa as she was peeling a potato
-Why in a magical school don't we use magic to cook. All it'll take is a few waves of the wand, a few finger snap and just wiggle the nose a little bit and voilà! everything prepared effortlessly!"
As she said those words, the chef Spolia entered angrily. "Home-cooked meals are much tastier and 'ealthier. he said in his thick Southern-French accent
-Hi, chef Spolia! waved Bloom before returning to her potato
-So, how is the stew going? he demanded
-We're almost done!
-This isn't nearly done and the potatoes are way too peeled. Also, you should 'ave done the omelets AFTER peeling ze vegetables! At least don't forget to turn zem! Show me as I taught you!" "Cooking is an art!"

The four girls went to their pans to turn the (overcooked) omelets. Turning without a spatula was something quite new to the girls and only Flora did it perfectly. Tecna left a little bit of egg fall on the cooking top, Musa slightly missed but the egg eventually went to it's rightful place in the pan and Bloom...Well, her eggs were now stuck to the fan.
"I'm so sorry!" she muttered.
"Shut the fan! ordered the chef
-Yes!" said Flora as she ran to the interrupter. Unfortunately, she wasn't good with technology, and thus only managed to make the fan turn even faster.
"Come down, cute lil' omelet, no one will eat you?" joked Musa.
The omelet eventually came down, right in the face of chef Spolia as Flora finally managed to turn off the fan. "I said to turn it off! Anyways, I'll arrange myself to never have you in my kitchens again! You do far more harm than good and I'll have to clean everything before dinner! At least surveil the roast!" he spat before leaving.
Flora obediently checked the roast and closed the door, meaning everything was going well.

As if on cue, Stella entered. "Gals, you won't believe it! she announced cheerfully
-I know, you arranged yourself to be off kitchen duties. Congratulations, responded Tecna sarcastically
-But I have a good reason, answered the solar fairy playfully, I am going out tonight.
-Oh yes, it's an excellent reason, commented Bloom in a slightly bitter tone
-I received an invitation, wanna know by whom? continued Stella
-Yes, we are just dying to, answered Musa in a sarcastic tone
-The Prince Sky! You realize this, an invitation to the Black Lagoon!
-A boy who knows you and wants to see you again!" said Musa in a tone of disbelief that sounded almost rude.
Stella sighed dramatically. "But I have no idea what to put on, can you help me dress for the occasion?
-Ok." accepted Bloom, winking naughtily.

Stella's wardrobe was nothing short of impressive from the sheer amount of clothing. "I never saw so much clothing!" exclaimed Bloom.
"That's the issue. Too much choice. I need to dress up in something exceptional and romantic." said Stella.
Very soon, the five girls were looking through the various dresses. Flora soon took out a black dress with long sleeves perfect for the season. "I recommend this: pure and classical elegance. It's perfect. said the plant fairy.
-Perfect for funerals, but not for a galant date. answered Stella
-You can put on this if you want to seem like a mondaine." said Tecna, pulling out a form-fitting dress adorned with a garish (and ugly) amount of glitter and it's neckline surrounded by a feather boa. "How can you buy such a horrid dress! she kept commenting
-I didn't buy it, said Stella
-Someone gave it to you?
-I did it, design and all.
-In the dark."
As Tecna and Stella kept fighting, Bloom had set her eyes on a dress of a beautiful sky and midnight blue, with a wide oval neckline, form-fitting sleeves and a little bit of flow at the skirt. "I prefer this one. said the dragon fairy
-Oh, it's perfect!" cheered Stella.
Stella eagerly changed. "Will Brandon be there? asked Bloom
-No, Sky gives days off to his servants answered Stella
-Brandon isn't his servant but assistant, it's quite different!
-I know, I just kidding! You like him? I know, it's none of my business.
-Anyways, you cannot treat him like that." gently scolded Tecna
Stella sat on her bed to put on a pair of narrow high heels of candy blue. "Musa, can you please pass me this coffer? asked the blond girl
-Sure."said Musa.
The black-haired fairy could barely lift it. "What's in there? she asked in wonder
-Oh, nothing. Just a bit of jewelry. answered Stella as she opened it with her foot.
-Just a bit!" said Flora in disbelief.

Stella soon found herself two bracelets, one golden incrusted with opals the other of wood painted blue incrusted with grenats. "Those bracelets are beautiful, but the rings a bit much." she commented. "Hey Bloom, can you keep it for me?
-But it's your magic ring! protested Bloom
-I don't need it this evening! What I'll do of a magic scepter if I have my prince to protect me!" giggled Stella with a romantic glee, spinning in joy.
"I don't trust this Sky. Smells fishy, commented Tecna
-I also smell something...It's, the bread! said Musa in a worried tone!
-I'll take the extinguisher!"said Flora.
The five girls ran towards the kitchen, although Flora lagged behind as she fetched the extinguisher.
"What a waste!" said Bloom.
"A waste! More like a disaster, a catastropher, a calamity. Your unreliability is inexcusable. I hope you have a good excuse!" scolded a deep, feminine voice behind them. It was Miss Griselda. "Aerolux!" she casted to get rid of the smoke.
Before any of the girls could answer, Flora ran towards the kitchen with the said extinguisher and turned it on, resulting in half the room being covered in white and Musa barely saved the potatoes. Luckily for the students of Alphea, Griselda took most of the white stuff.
"Go back to work. Dinner must be served on time! I rely on you, misses"

When she left, Bloom asked: "Mind cheese sandwiches?"

After an entire day of sandwich making and boiling what they could save of the stew, the girls were exhausted. "I'm exhausted, and not even hungry anymore." sighed Bloom as she sat on her bed. "And you Flora, how are you?"
Flora just fell asleep, and Kiko the intelligent rabbit pulled a blanket on her.
Bloom went to the bathroom to brush her teeth before bed where she met Musa. "I too wanna go out, with or without a date. she complained, toothpaste frothing out of her mouth.
-Yes, but it would be better if we were invited. added Bloom as she also brushed her teeth.
-Bah, dates never interested me, commented Tecna, with also a mouthful of lather
-You should try, it's nice, Bloom justified
-What's nice. It's a irrelevant experience, a true waste of time.
-Thus you have nothing to lose. added Bloom
-Oh, and you'll probably be glad to invite Timmy, Musa continued
-Oh, time to turn off the lights."

The morning after a night full of sleep, strange noises woke Bloom and Flora out of there beds. "What's this? asked a worried and sleepy Flora
-Don't know." answered Bloom. She went out of bed to follow the strange noises. "Seems like it's from Stella's room."

Bloom and Flora walked to Stella's room. The red-head knocked, and was soon joined by Tecna. The sun fairy opened the door, a strange smile on her face and still wearing the same dress as the night before.
"It's early so we just wanted to check, said the magenta-haired girl
-Oh, my bag just fell off, nothing to worry about. You can go back to sleep. said Stella
-It's useless, said Bloom, the alarm will go off soon anyways
-When did you come back, last night. We didn't even heard you enter? asked slyly Flora
-Um...It was late and I didn't want to wake you up.
-So, how did it go, you can tell us? asked Bloom, just as eager as Flora for a juicy story
-Oh, but there is nothing to tell!
-And you think we'll believe that? You can tell us! added the earthling
-Oh, but I said there is nothing to tell, so please leave me alone! Go mind your own business!" said Stella before shutting the door.
"Who does she think she is! exclaimed Musa angrily
-Don't, leave her alone." said Bloom calmly. Something about that date had a weird effect on her.

The last class of the day was with professor Wizgiz. For the day's lesson, the girls had an exercise were they were supposed to temporarily transform their heads into Jack-o'-Lantern.
"Now, repeat after me! Pumpkin disappear! said professor Wizgiz
-Pumpkin disappear!" chanted the class, and soon all but one girl returned to their original form.
"Professor Wizgiz, it didn't work it didn't work! cried the only one with the pumpkin head
-Calm down, this is what happens when we lack concentration.
-Please, do something about this, I bed you!"
The professor showed her a mouse to scare her, which made her turn back to her original, brown-haired self.
"Thanks fill! said Wizgiz to the mouse
-Oh, nothing Wizi." responded the creature, in an surprisingly deep voice
The bell rang. "Tomorrow, we will start our lessons on entomosaviosis, or the art to transform one self into an insect." announced the male fay to the class, many girls of which uttered a sound of discuss.

Coming out of the classroom, Musa commented: "Our little princess couldn't even be bothered to come to class
-I wonder what's happening with her, worried Flora
-Maybe something happened and she doesn't want to tell us, wondered Tecna
-But I believed we were her friends. pounded the caramel-skinned fairy
-I'll try to talk to her." said Bloom before leaving for Stella's room.

"Flora is right, I believe we are friends." thought the red-head. It was starting to get strange and a thousand thoughts ran through her head. She just hoped it was there was just a fight with Sky or something like that. Nothing too serious. Still, she was very strange this morning. But surely there was a logical explanation behind it and everything would go back tomorrow.
When she entered the common room, it was an utter mess. The furniture was turned over and there was stuff all over the floor.
"Stella!" cried out Bloom, increasingly worried.
Bloom opened Stella's bedroom, and it was even messier than the common room, the furniture was turned over and the pillows ripped open, including the mattress. It seemed like a tornado just past through.
"It's me you're looking for, Bloom?" asked Stella.
It was her, standing in a corner. "Stella, you did this?" asked Bloom. Stella approached menacingly, an evil glow in her amber eyes. "But why?
-Because I want my ring, Bloom! she answered, I looked for it everywere and I did not find it. I want to know where you HID IT!"
Stella, or what looked like Stella threw a chair and continued creeping closer. She was plain terrifying. It didn't seem like her at all. "Are you okay? asked Bloom timidly
-I'll do much better once I have found that ring and you know where it is!
-This isn't like you, Stella. How about we sit down and calmly discuss about it? suggested Bloom
-I don't want to discuss. I want my ring and you'll give it back to me, you thief!"
Stella (?) threw a ball of purplish light at Bloom, who barely dodged it. "I had enough of this!
-Thief!"
Stella turned herself into a purplish light and escaped through the window, breaking it.

After this incident, Bloom gathered her other friends and told them the events.
"This is impossible, I don't believe it! reacted Flora
-We'll have to, it wasn't a dream, responded Musa
-What could have possibly happened to her? asked the caramel-skinned fairy
-This is surely yester night's date, it got to her head, offered Tecna in a dry tone
-You mean Stella might have lost her mind? I have trouble believing Sky is responsable for this?" answered Bloom who didn't grasp the sarcasm despite her good intuition. "You must have seen her, she was diabolical. It wasn't like her at all!
-I wonder what's up with this ring. Why is she looking for it when she gave it to you herself? pondered Musa
-Unless she lost her memories. Something must prevent her from remembering things correctly. theorized Flora.
-We must check this. For now, nobody should know a thing about this. agreed Bloom
-Well, it'll be impossible to keep this secret for very long. reminded Tecna.
-We need to start by finding her, and she doesn't answer the phone.
-Of course, that'll be too easy, said the magenta-haired girl
-Where do we start then? asked Bloom
-By yesterday's infamous date. The Prince Sky of Eracleon, our number one suspect."answered Musa, as she bent over a book to find the invitation.

There wasn't a second to loose. Stella was in danger of an unknown nature, and the sooner they figured it out the better. As the next bus to Magix was in five minutes, they didn't even bother dressing up for the cold weather and ran, thankfully catching it. As soon as possible they arrived near the Red Fountain, they ran towards it as fast as they could.
As soon as they found Sky, they asked him about the invitation Stella received.
"Girls, I'd like to help you, but I have absolutely what you are talking about. Yesternight, I worked till nine-o'-clock and fell asleep. I didn't see Stella nor did I sent her this word. By the way (he took the letter from Bloom's hand), it's not even my handwriting."
Riven, who was passing by to carry a coffer joked rudely: "Of course, it's common knowledge Sky is illiterates!
-Very funny, Riven, I'm dying of laughter! replied Bloom sarcastically
-Goodbye.
-Someone must have tricked her. I hope nothing too bad happened." added Sky as a golden-furred bitch approached him, standing on it's hind legs to touch his chest. The dog, not getting his attention, playfully ran towards Tecna and doing the same attempt at grabbing her attention. "Can someone do something for this dog, pretty please! she asked, quite displeased with the situation
-Lady, lady, lay down! ordered Sky but to not effect
-Lady, sit down, sit my pretty." said a voice. It was Brandon. The golden-furred bitch sat down. "She spends way too much time with Brandon and won't listent to me anymore." explained Sky.
Bloom saluted Brandon, her face blushing with pleasure. Before they could continue their conversation, a gruff voice called out: "Boys, say goodbye to those misses. A horde of ferocious dragons are can't wait to see you!
-Yes, professor!" answered the two boys.
"It's Cordatorta the Terrible, better not keep him waiting." explained Brandon.

Next plan was to hit the city, taking the very next bus to Magix. They searched the streets in the more luxurious district susceptible to have a spot called the "Black Lagoon", but to no effect.
"You think Stella can be here? asked Tecna
-I'm at a point were I think she can be anywhere. answered Bloom
-But why start with the city? asked Musa
-Because she talked about the "Black Lagoon". It's where she was supposed to have spent yesterday's evening." said Bloom.
The magenta-haired girl sat down at the nearest bench. "I'll just look at my research program." she explained. Tecna opened something that looked like a glowing box which opened a holographic screen, which showed in a synchronic GPS map and then several websites of spas and restaurants. She searched and studied it for a good ten minutes and then said: "It's strange, there is no Black Lagoon.
-Well, we'll then use my program. said Bloom
-What is it?" asked Stella.
Soon, Bloom asked a passerby about the Black Lagoon, and he answered that he didn't heard of it. Thus the four girls walked through the city, asking all the passers they could about the Black Lagoon. They have left the central plaza to go through alleys, back alleys and they descended to the local metro station. All the people they asked still didn't heard of the Black Lagoon. Cold and exhausted, the four girls sat down at the corner of a random street.
"This is worrisome, said Flora
-This city really like signs. It would be time they get up to date. complained Bloom
-But no one heard of it, it's a bit fishy, don't you think? noticed Musa
-We would maybe get back to Alphea and talk to Miss Griselda, suggested Tecna
-You've already abandoned! said Bloom
-Sometimes perseverance is a waste of time, Bloom! explained Tecna
-Electronic gadget's aren't better! answered the red-head
-Stop, this isn't the time for disputes!" said Flora, and she was right. Bloom said an angry "sorry" before sitting back down.

Soon, the group was approached by a strange-looking man clad in a 70s outfit completed with oval glasses. "I couldn't help but notice you were asking questions to passersby. You may say it's none of my business but...
-Are you kidding me! Why didn't you tell us sooner! exclaimed Bloom in an exited voice
-You heard of the Black Lagoon! If you know where it is, tell us, please! Please! added Musa
-Yes, it's a restaurant that just opened at the city exit. Just follow the main road and turn right to the bridge. You cannot miss it, there's a huge oak tree near it's entrance. he said
-Thank you good sir!" said Bloom, but no avail as the strange man already left. "Where did he go!" many of the girls asked themselves.
"He was rather odd, said Tecna as a thought
-Agreed, indeed, he was a rather strange character."responded Bloom.
The girls followed the main road, in about an hour of walk they arrived at a park which would have been beautiful if not for the fact it was late fall. The bridge was elegantly carved and since it was away from the heat-trap of the city center, the trees were leafless. They soon found the oak which still have brown and orange leaves somewhat attached. Soon, they found a building that was cottage-like in appearance.
"When we're back at Alphea, don't forget to update your research program, commented Musa
-My program works perfectly, it's this place that's strange." responded Tecna.
As they spoke, Flora approached the tree and touched it gently. "I have a funny feeling about this. It...It's incredible, this tree doesn't breath and it's ice-cold like an illusion, a phantasm, as if it doesn't exist. noticed the caramel-skinned fairy.
-Are you sure of it, Flora?" asked Bloom.
Suddenly there was a wind so strong it stripped the oak of it's leaves and the girls barely managed to keep their balance. The night sky turned from it's midnight blue to a sickly green color and a strange mist surrounded them. Looking from shelter from the strange meteorological event, the girls ran towards the door of the restaurant.
"Oh, welcome here, dears. Come on in, we were waiting for you." said the strange man from before as he approached the door from inside.
"It's a trap, I should have guessed it! said Musa
-Yes, but now it's too late to turn back." said Bloom, coming in towards the door.

"Wait, who are you? she cried out, but the man ran towards the stares and dissapeared behind a door.
-I guess he wants us to follow him, said Tecna
-I don't like this place, not at all, commented Flora in a fearful voice
-A bit of paint, normal furniture and some nice carpets and this place could be very charming, joked Musa to give herself courage
-It's not the time to kid now, Musa." scolded Tecna.
As if on cue, Stella or what looked like her came down stares where the four other Winx were. "My dear friends, I am so glad to see you." she purred in a voice dripping with sadistic glee. The door shut and locked, making running for the exit impossible. "I have come here only to take back what's mine. I want my ring and you will give it back to me, because you have no choice!"
She casted a the same blast of purplish light as before, and did it a few times forcing the four Winx to take improvised cover. Bloom and Flora hid behind the pillar connected to the sealing. The additional boxes and turned chairs added additional cover but also limited their movement. A few extra blasts forced them to crouch even further.
"Bad idea to hide there!" Bloom whimpered.
Tecna, who saw what was happening transformed into her fairy form to cast an energy shield. She ran towards Bloom and Flora to take them with her to the turned table used as an improvised cover. They could now all see Stella (or her image) was levitating.
"Ready to surrender?" she asked.
"Enough! I'm tired of being a target! spat Musa in a whisper
-But we can't defend ourselves without harming Stella, said Flora in a quiet voice
-But this isn't Stella. She doesn't have any powers without her ring." explained Bloom. The red-head fairy rose to all her height and shouted: "Enough of this disguise!
-You are right, little fairy. It is time to move on to more serious things, to remove my mask and finally be myself." she said with her hand covering her face. As she spoke those words, Stella's voice became sultrier until it was recognizable as the one of Darcy (since then, Bloom was told of their names: Darcy, Icy and Stormy). Gold hair turned khaki and tan skin became pale. Soon appeared the blue-eyed Icy and the curly-haired Stormy. The Winx also chose to transform into their fairy forms. As they did, the strange man ran towards the witches and begged: "Me too mam, me too!
-Of course, Nutt."agreed Darcy nonchalantly. Nutt now returned to his usual yellow-skinned self.
With a gesture of her hand, Icy magically summoned Stella, still clad in the dress she went out in, from an upstairs' room, roughly dragging her in the process. Stella was made to levitate two three feet in the air, her neck and body surrounded by magical energy disks which prevented her from moving.
Her friends were horrified.
"Stella, cried out Bloom
-I'm so sorry! I fell right into their trap, apologized out Stella
-It's not your fault." reassured Bloom. "What do you want, Trix!
-How come, you haven't guessed it already? mocked Icy. "We want Stella's ring. Poor little fairy, she's my prisonnier with energy disks constricting her tighter and tighter. I suggest you hurry!
-This ring is very important to us, added Darcy
-You better give it to us without questions, threatened Stormy
-Take your decision swiftly, the life of Stella or the ring?" ordered Icy.
Stella's eye widened with fear. Tears soon ran down her cheeks and her face reddened as the disk around her neck narrowed further and further. She thrashed in her restrains fruitlessly.
"This is blackmail! cried out Flora
-Fairies never give into it! declared Tecna
-You'll regret threatening us!" said out Musa, ready to attack.
Bloom's eyes were on Stella as she struggled and thrashed in a desperate attempt to get away from the magical restrained which would slowly but surely strangle her. The Trix showed no intention to stop, and Bloom could sense that they were not above killing. However, giving them the ring would mean giving a powerful magical object to people who were truly twisted. But no matter how many people this would endanger in the future, there was no way she could let her friend be murdered in front of her.
"I decision is taken. No, I refuse to endanger Stella's life further!" Bloom turned back into her civilian form and handed Icy the ring. "I hope you'll keep your promise.
-A witch never keeps her promises, but I no longer need her, nor her corpse for that matter." responded Icy, promply releasing Stella who fell to the floor clumsily but unharmed. "The scepter is ours!" she giggled before leaving with her two so-called sisters.

Bloom ran to Stella who sat up awkwardly. It was heartbreaking to see the usually glamorous and fashionable Stella so messy and dirty, mascara stains on her cheeks, her hair a bird nest and she seemed like she didn't wash, brushed her teeth nor was given a lavatory break. The illusion of a building also disappeared, leaving the girls in an empty field of grass and moss close to the park. Stella quickly hid into the bushes, while Bloom. Musa, Tecna and Flora went to the closest shop (a small store with a clientele of construction workers and tourists), and came back with the sanitizer, bandages, eight sandwiches, canned meat and veggies and for some reason the store had a vending machine selling coffee and instant mash potatoes, of which the girls brought a hearty amount. In the mean time, Bloom performed a cleaning charm on Stella. They found a random bench in the park and ate to their heart's content (which was practically all the food except for a single can since they were ravenously hungry). It felt rather naughty, and Bloom tasted her first ever cup of coffee. The drink was quite bitter, and the store ran out of sugar, but it was nice to drink a "grown up" drink without mom and dad knowing.
It was almost 10 PM when they came back, and they ran as discreetly as possible to their dorms, washed and went to sleep.
The end!

Description
It was time for the Winx to help in the kitchen this week. On the menue were omelets, mushroom and potato stew as well as a large pre-frozen bread. In short, the four girls were on kitchen duties, except Stella who managed to get a permission to skip them.

"I'm not good for this type of chore, muttered Bloom who hated cooking, I don't get it.
-What is it that you don't get, asked Musa as she was peeling a potato
-Why in a magical school don't we use magic to cook. All it'll take is a few waves of the wand, a few finger snap and just wiggle the nose a little bit and voilà! everything prepared effortlessly!"
As she said those words, the chef Spolia entered angrily. "Home-cooked meals are much tastier and 'ealthier. he said in his thick Southern-French accent
-Hi, chef Spolia! waved Bloom before returning to her potato
-So, how is the stew going? he demanded
-We're almost done!
-This isn't nearly done and the potatoes are way too peeled. Also, you should 'ave done the omelets AFTER peeling ze vegetables! At least don't forget to turn zem! Show me as I taught you!" "Cooking is an art!"

The four girls went to their pans to turn the (overcooked) omelets. Turning without a spatula was something quite new to the girls and only Flora did it perfectly. Tecna left a little bit of egg fall on the cooking top, Musa slightly missed but the egg eventually went to it's rightful place in the pan and Bloom...Well, her eggs were now stuck to the fan.
"I'm so sorry!" she muttered.
"Shut the fan! ordered the chef
-Yes!" said Flora as she ran to the interrupter. Unfortunately, she wasn't good with technology, and thus only managed to make the fan turn even faster.
"Come down, cute lil' omelet, no one will eat you?" joked Musa.
The omelet eventually came down, right in the face of chef Spolia as Flora finally managed to turn off the fan. "I said to turn it off! Anyways, I'll arrange myself to never have you in my kitchens again! You do far more harm than good and I'll have to clean everything before dinner! At least surveil the roast!" he spat before leaving.
Flora obediently checked the roast and closed the door, meaning everything was going well.

As if on cue, Stella entered. "Gals, you won't believe it! she announced cheerfully
-I know, you arranged yourself to be off kitchen duties. Congratulations, responded Tecna sarcastically
-But I have a good reason, answered the solar fairy playfully, I am going out tonight.
-Oh yes, it's an excellent reason, commented Bloom in a slightly bitter tone
-I received an invitation, wanna know by whom? continued Stella
-Yes, we are just dying to, answered Musa in a sarcastic tone
-The Prince Sky! You realize this, an invitation to the Black Lagoon!
-A boy who knows you and wants to see you again!" said Musa in a tone of disbelief that sounded almost rude.
Stella sighed dramatically. "But I have no idea what to put on, can you help me dress for the occasion?
-Ok." accepted Bloom, winking naughtily.

Stella's wardrobe was nothing short of impressive from the sheer amount of clothing. "I never saw so much clothing!" exclaimed Bloom.
"That's the issue. Too much choice. I need to dress up in something exceptional and romantic." said Stella.
Very soon, the five girls were looking through the various dresses. Flora soon took out a black dress with long sleeves perfect for the season. "I recommend this: pure and classical elegance. It's perfect. said the plant fairy.
-Perfect for funerals, but not for a galant date. answered Stella
-You can put on this if you want to seem like a mondaine." said Tecna, pulling out a form-fitting dress adorned with a garish (and ugly) amount of glitter and it's neckline surrounded by a feather boa. "How can you buy such a horrid dress! she kept commenting
-I didn't buy it, said Stella
-Someone gave it to you?
-I did it, design and all.
-In the dark."
As Tecna and Stella kept fighting, Bloom had set her eyes on a dress of a beautiful sky and midnight blue, with a wide oval neckline, form-fitting sleeves and a little bit of flow at the skirt. "I prefer this one. said the dragon fairy
-Oh, it's perfect!" cheered Stella.
Stella eagerly changed. "Will Brandon be there? asked Bloom
-No, Sky gives days off to his servants answered Stella
-Brandon isn't his servant but assistant, it's quite different!
-I know, I just kidding! You like him? I know, it's none of my business.
-Anyways, you cannot treat him like that." gently scolded Tecna
Stella sat on her bed to put on a pair of narrow high heels of candy blue. "Musa, can you please pass me this coffer? asked the blond girl
-Sure."said Musa.
The black-haired fairy could barely lift it. "What's in there? she asked in wonder
-Oh, nothing. Just a bit of jewelry. answered Stella as she opened it with her foot.
-Just a bit!" said Flora in disbelief.

Stella soon found herself two bracelets, one golden incrusted with opals the other of wood painted blue incrusted with grenats. "Those bracelets are beautiful, but the rings a bit much." she commented. "Hey Bloom, can you keep it for me?
-But it's your magic ring! protested Bloom
-I don't need it this evening! What I'll do of a magic scepter if I have my prince to protect me!" giggled Stella with a romantic glee, spinning in joy.
"I don't trust this Sky. Smells fishy, commented Tecna
-I also smell something...It's, the bread! said Musa in a worried tone!
-I'll take the extinguisher!"said Flora.
The five girls ran towards the kitchen, although Flora lagged behind as she fetched the extinguisher.
"What a waste!" said Bloom.
"A waste! More like a disaster, a catastropher, a calamity. Your unreliability is inexcusable. I hope you have a good excuse!" scolded a deep, feminine voice behind them. It was Miss Griselda. "Aerolux!" she casted to get rid of the smoke.
Before any of the girls could answer, Flora ran towards the kitchen with the said extinguisher and turned it on, resulting in half the room being covered in white and Musa barely saved the potatoes. Luckily for the students of Alphea, Griselda took most of the white stuff.
"Go back to work. Dinner must be served on time! I rely on you, misses"

When she left, Bloom asked: "Mind cheese sandwiches?"

After an entire day of sandwich making and boiling what they could save of the stew, the girls were exhausted. "I'm exhausted, and not even hungry anymore." sighed Bloom as she sat on her bed. "And you Flora, how are you?"
Flora just fell asleep, and Kiko the intelligent rabbit pulled a blanket on her.
Bloom went to the bathroom to brush her teeth before bed where she met Musa. "I too wanna go out, with or without a date. she complained, toothpaste frothing out of her mouth.
-Yes, but it would be better if we were invited. added Bloom as she also brushed her teeth.
-Bah, dates never interested me, commented Tecna, with also a mouthful of lather
-You should try, it's nice, Bloom justified
-What's nice. It's a irrelevant experience, a true waste of time.
-Thus you have nothing to lose. added Bloom
-Oh, and you'll probably be glad to invite Timmy, Musa continued
-Oh, time to turn off the lights."

The morning after a night full of sleep, strange noises woke Bloom and Flora out of there beds. "What's this? asked a worried and sleepy Flora
-Don't know." answered Bloom. She went out of bed to follow the strange noises. "Seems like it's from Stella's room."

Bloom and Flora walked to Stella's room. The red-head knocked, and was soon joined by Tecna. The sun fairy opened the door, a strange smile on her face and still wearing the same dress as the night before.
"It's early so we just wanted to check, said the magenta-haired girl
-Oh, my bag just fell off, nothing to worry about. You can go back to sleep. said Stella
-It's useless, said Bloom, the alarm will go off soon anyways
-When did you come back, last night. We didn't even heard you enter? asked slyly Flora
-Um...It was late and I didn't want to wake you up.
-So, how did it go, you can tell us? asked Bloom, just as eager as Flora for a juicy story
-Oh, but there is nothing to tell!
-And you think we'll believe that? You can tell us! added the earthling
-Oh, but I said there is nothing to tell, so please leave me alone! Go mind your own business!" said Stella before shutting the door.
"Who does she think she is! exclaimed Musa angrily
-Don't, leave her alone." said Bloom calmly. Something about that date had a weird effect on her.

The last class of the day was with professor Wizgiz. For the day's lesson, the girls had an exercise were they were supposed to temporarily transform their heads into Jack-o'-Lantern.
"Now, repeat after me! Pumpkin disappear! said professor Wizgiz
-Pumpkin disappear!" chanted the class, and soon all but one girl returned to their original form.
"Professor Wizgiz, it didn't work it didn't work! cried the only one with the pumpkin head
-Calm down, this is what happens when we lack concentration.
-Please, do something about this, I bed you!"
The professor showed her a mouse to scare her, which made her turn back to her original, brown-haired self.
"Thanks fill! said Wizgiz to the mouse
-Oh, nothing Wizi." responded the creature, in an surprisingly deep voice
The bell rang. "Tomorrow, we will start our lessons on entomosaviosis, or the art to transform one self into an insect." announced the male fay to the class, many girls of which uttered a sound of discuss.

Coming out of the classroom, Musa commented: "Our little princess couldn't even be bothered to come to class
-I wonder what's happening with her, worried Flora
-Maybe something happened and she doesn't want to tell us, wondered Tecna
-But I believed we were her friends. pounded the caramel-skinned fairy
-I'll try to talk to her." said Bloom before leaving for Stella's room.

"Flora is right, I believe we are friends." thought the red-head. It was starting to get strange and a thousand thoughts ran through her head. She just hoped it was there was just a fight with Sky or something like that. Nothing too serious. Still, she was very strange this morning. But surely there was a logical explanation behind it and everything would go back tomorrow.
When she entered the common room, it was an utter mess. The furniture was turned over and there was stuff all over the floor.
"Stella!" cried out Bloom, increasingly worried.
Bloom opened Stella's bedroom, and it was even messier than the common room, the furniture was turned over and the pillows ripped open, including the mattress. It seemed like a tornado just past through.
"It's me you're looking for, Bloom?" asked Stella.
It was her, standing in a corner. "Stella, you did this?" asked Bloom. Stella approached menacingly, an evil glow in her amber eyes. "But why?
-Because I want my ring, Bloom! she answered, I looked for it everywere and I did not find it. I want to know where you HID IT!"
Stella, or what looked like Stella threw a chair and continued creeping closer. She was plain terrifying. It didn't seem like her at all. "Are you okay? asked Bloom timidly
-I'll do much better once I have found that ring and you know where it is!
-This isn't like you, Stella. How about we sit down and calmly discuss about it? suggested Bloom
-I don't want to discuss. I want my ring and you'll give it back to me, you thief!"
Stella (?) threw a ball of purplish light at Bloom, who barely dodged it. "I had enough of this!
-Thief!"
Stella turned herself into a purplish light and escaped through the window, breaking it.

After this incident, Bloom gathered her other friends and told them the events.
"This is impossible, I don't believe it! reacted Flora
-We'll have to, it wasn't a dream, responded Musa
-What could have possibly happened to her? asked the caramel-skinned fairy
-This is surely yester night's date, it got to her head, offered Tecna in a dry tone
-You mean Stella might have lost her mind? I have trouble believing Sky is responsable for this?" answered Bloom who didn't grasp the sarcasm despite her good intuition. "You must have seen her, she was diabolical. It wasn't like her at all!
-I wonder what's up with this ring. Why is she looking for it when she gave it to you herself? pondered Musa
-Unless she lost her memories. Something must prevent her from remembering things correctly. theorized Flora.
-We must check this. For now, nobody should know a thing about this. agreed Bloom
-Well, it'll be impossible to keep this secret for very long. reminded Tecna.
-We need to start by finding her, and she doesn't answer the phone.
-Of course, that'll be too easy, said the magenta-haired girl
-Where do we start then? asked Bloom
-By yesterday's infamous date. The Prince Sky of Eracleon, our number one suspect."answered Musa, as she bent over a book to find the invitation.

There wasn't a second to loose. Stella was in danger of an unknown nature, and the sooner they figured it out the better. As the next bus to Magix was in five minutes, they didn't even bother dressing up for the cold weather and ran, thankfully catching it. As soon as possible they arrived near the Red Fountain, they ran towards it as fast as they could.
As soon as they found Sky, they asked him about the invitation Stella received.
"Girls, I'd like to help you, but I have absolutely what you are talking about. Yesternight, I worked till nine-o'-clock and fell asleep. I didn't see Stella nor did I sent her this word. By the way (he took the letter from Bloom's hand), it's not even my handwriting."
Riven, who was passing by to carry a coffer joked rudely: "Of course, it's common knowledge Sky is illiterates!
-Very funny, Riven, I'm dying of laughter! replied Bloom sarcastically
-Goodbye.
-Someone must have tricked her. I hope nothing too bad happened." added Sky as a golden-furred bitch approached him, standing on it's hind legs to touch his chest. The dog, not getting his attention, playfully ran towards Tecna and doing the same attempt at grabbing her attention. "Can someone do something for this dog, pretty please! she asked, quite displeased with the situation
-Lady, lady, lay down! ordered Sky but to not effect
-Lady, sit down, sit my pretty." said a voice. It was Brandon. The golden-furred bitch sat down. "She spends way too much time with Brandon and won't listent to me anymore." explained Sky.
Bloom saluted Brandon, her face blushing with pleasure. Before they could continue their conversation, a gruff voice called out: "Boys, say goodbye to those misses. A horde of ferocious dragons are can't wait to see you!
-Yes, professor!" answered the two boys.
"It's Cordatorta the Terrible, better not keep him waiting." explained Brandon.

Next plan was to hit the city, taking the very next bus to Magix. They searched the streets in the more luxurious district susceptible to have a spot called the "Black Lagoon", but to no effect.
"You think Stella can be here? asked Tecna
-I'm at a point were I think she can be anywhere. answered Bloom
-But why start with the city? asked Musa
-Because she talked about the "Black Lagoon". It's where she was supposed to have spent yesterday's evening." said Bloom.
The magenta-haired girl sat down at the nearest bench. "I'll just look at my research program." she explained. Tecna opened something that looked like a glowing box which opened a holographic screen, which showed in a synchronic GPS map and then several websites of spas and restaurants. She searched and studied it for a good ten minutes and then said: "It's strange, there is no Black Lagoon.
-Well, we'll then use my program. said Bloom
-What is it?" asked Stella.
Soon, Bloom asked a passerby about the Black Lagoon, and he answered that he didn't heard of it. Thus the four girls walked through the city, asking all the passers they could about the Black Lagoon. They have left the central plaza to go through alleys, back alleys and they descended to the local metro station. All the people they asked still didn't heard of the Black Lagoon. Cold and exhausted, the four girls sat down at the corner of a random street.
"This is worrisome, said Flora
-This city really like signs. It would be time they get up to date. complained Bloom
-But no one heard of it, it's a bit fishy, don't you think? noticed Musa
-We would maybe get back to Alphea and talk to Miss Griselda, suggested Tecna
-You've already abandoned! said Bloom
-Sometimes perseverance is a waste of time, Bloom! explained Tecna
-Electronic gadget's aren't better! answered the red-head
-Stop, this isn't the time for disputes!" said Flora, and she was right. Bloom said an angry "sorry" before sitting back down.

Soon, the group was approached by a strange-looking man clad in a 70s outfit completed with oval glasses. "I couldn't help but notice you were asking questions to passersby. You may say it's none of my business but...
-Are you kidding me! Why didn't you tell us sooner! exclaimed Bloom in an exited voice
-You heard of the Black Lagoon! If you know where it is, tell us, please! Please! added Musa
-Yes, it's a restaurant that just opened at the city exit. Just follow the main road and turn right to the bridge. You cannot miss it, there's a huge oak tree near it's entrance. he said
-Thank you good sir!" said Bloom, but no avail as the strange man already left. "Where did he go!" many of the girls asked themselves.
"He was rather odd, said Tecna as a thought
-Agreed, indeed, he was a rather strange character."responded Bloom.
The girls followed the main road, in about an hour of walk they arrived at a park which would have been beautiful if not for the fact it was late fall. The bridge was elegantly carved and since it was away from the heat-trap of the city center, the trees were leafless. They soon found the oak which still have brown and orange leaves somewhat attached. Soon, they found a building that was cottage-like in appearance.
"When we're back at Alphea, don't forget to update your research program, commented Musa
-My program works perfectly, it's this place that's strange." responded Tecna.
As they spoke, Flora approached the tree and touched it gently. "I have a funny feeling about this. It...It's incredible, this tree doesn't breath and it's ice-cold like an illusion, a phantasm, as if it doesn't exist. noticed the caramel-skinned fairy.
-Are you sure of it, Flora?" asked Bloom.
Suddenly there was a wind so strong it stripped the oak of it's leaves and the girls barely managed to keep their balance. The night sky turned from it's midnight blue to a sickly green color and a strange mist surrounded them. Looking from shelter from the strange meteorological event, the girls ran towards the door of the restaurant.
"Oh, welcome here, dears. Come on in, we were waiting for you." said the strange man from before as he approached the door from inside.
"It's a trap, I should have guessed it! said Musa
-Yes, but now it's too late to turn back." said Bloom, coming in towards the door.

"Wait, who are you? she cried out, but the man ran towards the stares and dissapeared behind a door.
-I guess he wants us to follow him, said Tecna
-I don't like this place, not at all, commented Flora in a fearful voice
-A bit of paint, normal furniture and some nice carpets and this place could be very charming, joked Musa to give herself courage
-It's not the time to kid now, Musa." scolded Tecna.
As if on cue, Stella or what looked like her came down stares where the four other Winx were. "My dear friends, I am so glad to see you." she purred in a voice dripping with sadistic glee. The door shut and locked, making running for the exit impossible. "I have come here only to take back what's mine. I want my ring and you will give it back to me, because you have no choice!"
She casted a the same blast of purplish light as before, and did it a few times forcing the four Winx to take improvised cover. Bloom and Flora hid behind the pillar connected to the sealing. The additional boxes and turned chairs added additional cover but also limited their movement. A few extra blasts forced them to crouch even further.
"Bad idea to hide there!" Bloom whimpered.
Tecna, who saw what was happening transformed into her fairy form to cast an energy shield. She ran towards Bloom and Flora to take them with her to the turned table used as an improvised cover. They could now all see Stella (or her image) was levitating.
"Ready to surrender?" she asked.
"Enough! I'm tired of being a target! spat Musa in a whisper
-But we can't defend ourselves without harming Stella, said Flora in a quiet voice
-But this isn't Stella. She doesn't have any powers without her ring." explained Bloom. The red-head fairy rose to all her height and shouted: "Enough of this disguise!
-You are right, little fairy. It is time to move on to more serious things, to remove my mask and finally be myself." she said with her hand covering her face. As she spoke those words, Stella's voice became sultrier until it was recognizable as the one of Darcy (since then, Bloom was told of their names: Darcy, Icy and Stormy). Gold hair turned khaki and tan skin became pale. Soon appeared the blue-eyed Icy and the curly-haired Stormy. The Winx also chose to transform into their fairy forms. As they did, the strange man ran towards the witches and begged: "Me too mam, me too!
-Of course, Nutt."agreed Darcy nonchalantly. Nutt now returned to his usual yellow-skinned self.
With a gesture of her hand, Icy magically summoned Stella, still clad in the dress she went out in, from an upstairs' room, roughly dragging her in the process. Stella was made to levitate two three feet in the air, her neck and body surrounded by magical energy disks which prevented her from moving.
Her friends were horrified.
"Stella, cried out Bloom
-I'm so sorry! I fell right into their trap, apologized out Stella
-It's not your fault." reassured Bloom. "What do you want, Trix!
-How come, you haven't guessed it already? mocked Icy. "We want Stella's ring. Poor little fairy, she's my prisonnier with energy disks constricting her tighter and tighter. I suggest you hurry!
-This ring is very important to us, added Darcy
-You better give it to us without questions, threatened Stormy
-Take your decision swiftly, the life of Stella or the ring?" ordered Icy.
Stella's eye widened with fear. Tears soon ran down her cheeks and her face reddened as the disk around her neck narrowed further and further. She thrashed in her restrains fruitlessly.
"This is blackmail! cried out Flora
-Fairies never give into it! declared Tecna
-You'll regret threatening us!" said out Musa, ready to attack.
Bloom's eyes were on Stella as she struggled and thrashed in a desperate attempt to get away from the magical restrained which would slowly but surely strangle her. The Trix showed no intention to stop, and Bloom could sense that they were not above killing. However, giving them the ring would mean giving a powerful magical object to people who were truly twisted. But no matter how many people this would endanger in the future, there was no way she could let her friend be murdered in front of her.
"I decision is taken. No, I refuse to endanger Stella's life further!" Bloom turned back into her civilian form and handed Icy the ring. "I hope you'll keep your promise.
-A witch never keeps her promises, but I no longer need her, nor her corpse for that matter." responded Icy, promply releasing Stella who fell to the floor clumsily but unharmed. "The scepter is ours!" she giggled before leaving with her two so-called sisters.

Bloom ran to Stella who sat up awkwardly. It was heartbreaking to see the usually glamorous and fashionable Stella so messy and dirty, mascara stains on her cheeks, her hair a bird nest and she seemed like she didn't wash, brushed her teeth nor was given a lavatory break. The illusion of a building also disappeared, leaving the girls in an empty field of grass and moss close to the park. Stella quickly hid into the bushes, while Bloom. Musa, Tecna and Flora went to the closest shop (a small store with a clientele of construction workers and tourists), and came back with the sanitizer, bandages, eight sandwiches, canned meat and veggies and for some reason the store had a vending machine selling coffee and instant mash potatoes, of which the girls brought a hearty amount. In the mean time, Bloom performed a cleaning charm on Stella. They found a random bench in the park and ate to their heart's content (which was practically all the food except for a single can since they were ravenously hungry). It felt rather naughty, and Bloom tasted her first ever cup of coffee. The drink was quite bitter, and the store ran out of sugar, but it was nice to drink a "grown up" drink without mom and dad knowing.
It was almost 10 PM when they came back, and they ran as discreetly as possible to their dorms, washed and went to sleep.
The end!