Chapter Text
Six months ago, Saul began his first year at Alfea, excited to carry on the legacy of his parents, both specialists. From his early years, he dreamed of leading the royal guards of Solaria, so when the Burned One killed his father in front of his very eyes, he swore to rid the Otherworld of this dangerous threat. After the first few months of school, he was making significant progress, ranking among the top students in both theoretical and practical skills in strategy, tactics, and defence.
Now, sitting on the grass of the training ground, he was eager to begin the class. Today's training was special, they were watching a collaboration of a fairy and specialist for the first time. He knew that fairies and specialists often worked together during times of crisis, making them one of the most powerful defensive forces in the Otherworld. His mother was bonded with fairy as an active soldier and he briefly remembered his fairy godmother Clara, from his childhood. He hoped that he, too, would be paired with a fairy in the upcoming months to defend and support their magical abilities.
He was also excited to watch his roommate and friend, Andreas, take part in the demonstration. Andreas was a highly talented specialist in his second year, and the heir to the Eraklyon throne - the second largest realm after Solaria. He was known for his great combat skills and precision, as well as his self-confidence, condescension towards others, and his interest in girls. Saul did not admire the latter, but he was able to create a working friendship with his roommate, who took him under his wing and even seemed to like him. Andreas' fairy, Luna, was a third-year student and the princess of Solaria, destined to become a future queen. Together, they made an unbeatable, albeit possibly the most annoying team in school. Saul was thrilled to see his friend and the future queen finally working together, as Luna had not yet shown him anything, despite his wishes.
Andreas proudly blew air in front of the class while waiting for Luna. However, he rolled his eyes when he spotted another fairy approaching the training ground with the Headmaster of specialists. Farah Dowling was a second-year fairy who had already made a name for herself as a powerful and talented student. She wore a light blue jumpsuit that accentuated her slim, tall frame, and her honey-colored hair was tied in a long, loose French braid. Her hazel eyes sparkled with laughter, catching the attention of several students, including Saul. She looked elegant next to the masculine headmaster, who was dressed in black training uniform.
"We're supposed to be demonstrating a combat simulation to our newbies, not putting on a catwalk," Andreas sneered as Farah approached the combat circle. "Where is Luna?" he barked.
"Princess Luna has royal duties, but I believe you can behave Andreas and show what Alfea stands for," Headmaster Clay intervened.
"I have my magic, and you have your sword. Hopefully, you can use it as well as my former partner. Aim for your best and do not embarrass us," Farah retorted sarcastically.
Saul didn't fully understand the argument, but he was impressed by how the fairy stood up to Andreas. It was definitely something he had not seen before.
"Who is she?" Saul asked a girl sitting next to him.
"I think she's Tomy's fairy, Farah, from the second year," she replied. "He left the school two months ago when he clashed with Andreas. Apparently, Andreas intentionally broke both of his wrists after Tomy beat him during practice. But you know Andreas, he'll never admit to that. Tomy's parents wanted Andreas expelled, but that's not easy to do with the future king..." continued the girl.
"We don't have time until dinner, Dowling. Eraklyon, take your position," interrupted the Headmaster as he tossed the disk which brought forth the Burned One.
As the simulation commenced, Farah and Andreas sprang into action, executing their roles with precision and expertise. Farah's movements were fluid and graceful as she weaved through the air, casting spells at their opponent. Andreas, on the other hand, was stoic and unwavering, entirely focused on defending against the creature’s attacks, providing support for Farah.
They worked together seamlessly. Farah would send a wave of energy crashing into the Burned One, sending it reeling, while Andreas followed up with a precise strike from his sword, slicing through its defences. It was a perfect balance of offense and defence, with neither Farah nor Andreas ever leaving themselves vulnerable to attack.
As the fight wore on, the Burned One grew impatient, resorting to more violent attempts. However, Farah and Andreas remained steadfast. Andreas focused on keeping the beast occupied, while Farah focused on creating the final blow - a perfectly aimed bolt of energy that sent the Burned One crashing to the ground. Andreas rushed in to finish it off with his sword, and the simulation disappeared.
"Not bad, five minutes forty-three. Thank you both," said the headmaster. Farah and Andreas stood side by side, breathing heavily but triumphant.
When Farah looked out at the crowd in front of them, she felt a strong gaze on her, stronger than from the others. Saul realized he had been staring with his mouth open, completely mesmerized by Farah's grace, skill, and beauty. He closed his mouth and looked away just as she spotted him.
"Today, we will practice hand-to-hand combat, create pairs," ordered the Headmaster. Andreas started walking towards Saul, but the Headmaster interrupted him, saying, "Andreas, I want you to train with Emma today. Silva, instead of your friend, you can partner with our fairy if she would like to join us," added the Headmaster in a much softer voice.
"With pleasure," smiled Farah as she approached Saul.
"I am Farah," she began. "Saul, Saul Silva," he replied, feeling his cheeks flush. "I hope you fight better than you choose friends, Saul," she added with a grin. As the practice began, Farah's eyes changed colour. Instead of hazelnut, they looked like shining stars - silver and bright. Saul cleared his throat and swallowed hard.
"Is everything all right?" Farah asked, concerned.
"Sure, absolutely. I mean, I haven't fought a fairy yet," Saul admitted, feeling slightly nervous.
"I see. Don't worry, I will not hurt you," she assured him with a warm smile.
"I'm not really afraid of you hurting me," Saul said, trying to sound confident but coming off as a bit too cocky.
Soon, Saul found himself lying on his back with Farah on top of him, one knee on each side. He was completely bewildered - every move he made seemed to be anticipated by Farah. It was like she could predict his next move before he even made it. Farah could sense that he was a skilled fighter, but she could also sense his confusion.
"Keep your focus, but don't overthink it. Try to feel it," Farah whispered from above as she pinned him to the ground for the third time. It was easier said than done, especially with her looking down at him like that. Saul felt like he was melting under her gaze, watching her lips move and feeling her breath on his neck as she spoke into his ear. If it had taken just a little bit longer, she might have felt another distraction from underneath his pants. Quickly, she offered him a hand to help him up, and they started over again.
"Hey, Barbie, be nice to Saul. Your flower friend would be sad if some of his plants were to burn to ash," barked Andreas suddenly from the other side of the ground, creating an opportunity for Saul. Farah, distracted by Andreas, lost focus, and Saul flipped her over his arm, pinning her to the ground. A small grin appeared on his face as he told her, "Keeping focused." Her annoyance with Andreas suddenly changed to unexpected heat that she felt all over her body. Her eyes fixed on his smile, and she felt the need for extra air.
This new sensation was broken by the Headmaster's voice: "That will be all for today. Get ready for the next class." Saul pulled Farah up and a bit closer than necessary, but it was ruined when she felt another gaze on her. Andreas was standing just behind her.
"Hope you didn't ruin your fancy dress, little fairy. Maybe you should run to the Headmistress to cry on her shoulder."
This time, Farah rolled her eyes and made them briefly change the colour, just like when she was fighting.
She turned to face Andreas and said, "Why do you have to be such an arsehole?" before turning back to Saul and leaving. Just a few moments later, Andreas fell to the ground in a clumsy move and started screaming, "You stupid fairy, I'll kick your arse."
Saul looked at Andreas on the ground, his feet surrounded and tied together with small roots with thorns, causing Andreas to fall when he tried to move. The thorns had caused a few wounds on his legs, which were now bleeding. Now he understood why her eyes had changed colour.
Farah turned with a smile on her face, happy with the burst of laughter her prank had caused in the group of specialists. "I almost forgot that Ben is sending his regards," she said and waved towards Andreas before leaving the training area. Saul couldn't help but laugh at his friend's silliness too, as he watched the fairy leave. He felt drawn to this brave young lady and wanted to get to know her better.