Part II - The Inside Job

——————————————

The day for the Fairy Gala has arrived at last.

Our six individuals and our loud-mouth raccoon, were putting the final touches for their plan. And getting into their 'costumes'.

"Uh, where's this go again?" Kalim looked confused.

"Here." Jamil assisted. "Put it around your shoulder like so. And...there." He finished the placement of the sash like a banner for crowning a prom king.

"I knew wearing expensive things like these would make me feel tense...it's so itchy..." Ruggie scratched his neck with one finger.

"Yea, it's imposing...but it suits you. Don't be so nervous." Leona "supports".

Charlie pinned the last flower in her hair and checked her lipstick and eyeshadow for any smudges. Couldn't be too sure, but having attended so many school dances, having to check her makeup was a bit of a habit.

"Okay! Good to go!" She smiled and plopped the closed lipstick tube into her clutch.

"So shiny...and sparkling!" Grim awed.

"That's to the embroidery thread, or it could be the pixie dust sprinkled over." Jamil nods.

"Looks like we're all set then!" Charlie joins the two, making sure her platforms are secured. She had gotten used to walking in heels since she was 11, which shouldn't be appropriate for a child to start wearing them, but hey: she had to start somewhere.

"Hey, Rabbit..." she turned to see Leona had joined her. He wasn't looking at her, and she couldn't tell if he was actually blushing or if it was just makeup. "Y-you look good." He coughs.

"Grazie." She smiled gently.

"He's right. You look just like a fairy. If not, more." Jamil nods and takes her hand, kissing the back gently.

Charlie giggled awkwardly and her heartbeat started to Increase at the gesture. She wasn't familiar in seeing this side of Jamil.

"Is everyone ready?" Vil calls for attention. "Now Remember: if you end up relaxing too much, your strict training regime will fly out the window. Double check and makeup just to be sure. At first, such an insightly group that I had a strong feeling would flop.... but after seeing the final results, I must say-"

"Vil-Sensei!!" Kalim started bawling happily. "It's because of you I can finally conquer this dance! I'll give my all to the real deal!!"

"But never forget your real goal:" the third year reminds. "Steal back that gem. Without it, chaos will ensue...you understand: that runway is your battleground! Snatch those gazes and that tiara and give them your all!"

"Yes, Sir!" They all cheer.

———————

Making our way towards the greenhouse, We clearly looked like those slo-mo figures walking in action movies: the wind in our hair, and we're walking like bosses!! And that garden is where the action begins....

"There's the garden they're using for the Gala...remember: anyone we come across, will be a fairy, but remember: we are human. Take careful precaution, even when-" Jamil stops talking. He sensed something off. "Wait...where's Kalim?!"

"Huh?!" Ruggie looked around, but the white-haired second year had vanished. "He's gone!!"

"Oh my god...for once, can he stop walking around...?" Leona groaned in annoyance.

"Guys!! GUYS!!" We heard him shouting as he came barreling towards us with a frantic look in his eyes.

"Kalim! Can you stop wandering off alone?! We're in a fight or flight situation here!" Jamil scolded him.

"It's urgent! You gotta help me!" Kalim was panicking.

"This is no time for any jokes-"

"ITS NOT! Please!!"

I felt my third eye awaken...and I saw....a tiny body....lying on the ground, in pain...

"He's telling the truth!" I say. "My third eye...It sees someone!"

Kalim grabbed my hand and dragged me to where he had found what he needed to show us.

"What is it?!" Jamil had followed us to a nearby bush, the others trailing behind.

"This little guy!" Kalim kneeled down, and pulling back a few branches, unveiled the tiny body I saw from my vision.

"I knew it..." I breathed sadly.

Lying on the concrete path, a small fairy with a mushroom hat was curled into a ball, face cringing in hurt.

"A fairy?" Ruggie whispered.

The sound of jingling bells reached our ears.

"I found him while we were walking, he doesn't look so good...and I don't know what he's saying! I'm not sure what to do..."

"Wow... he's like a real hero out of a storybook..." Ruggie nods.

"Tch, were wasting time..." Leona spat but I hit him on the chest to tell him to shut up.

"Somebody needs our help. And I, for one, won't leave an innocent creature to suffer!" I scolded him and walked carefully to the pixie, bent down and scooped him up gently in my hands, careful not to cause it more pain.

"Don't you have the right medicine, Jamil?" Kalim joined me as he stared helplessly at the small body. "I thought you might know something..."

"I don't know much about fairy biology...I'm not too sure..." Jamil shook his head. "He's clutching his stomach..,it must be a stomachache..."

The fairy let out a loud jingle as if he was saying 'yes'.

"A stomachache...hold on!" He started digging around in his pockets, then his eyes lit up and he brought out an average-sized bottle. "A vial in case I feel sick from food!" He uncorked the top

And tilting the vial slowly, the clear liquid started dripping from the tube into the fairy's open mouth. "There's some herbs that Jamil prepared ahead of time. Go on and take it. You'll be better soon." He smiled as the fairy drank a bit more.

After a few sips, he leapt up from my hand and started jingling.

"Huh? What's up?....yea, I honestly can't understand what you're saying..." Kalim said sheepishly.

The little fairy grew annoyed until his eyes lit up. He flew off my hand And he started brewing up a cloud where loud clanking could be heard.

"What with the hammering now?"

"He's probably building something..."

Then, what looked like a mix between a bell and a lantern on a long sturdy chain was lifted up.

"A...bell? And he's giving it to me?" The fairy pushed the device towards Kalim. "Hey! Stop being pushy! What are you doing?!"

"I'm trying to say thanks!" A tiny voice erupted.

We froze. That voice...came from the fairy...and cue the freakouts.

"My stomach felt fine right away!" The fairy smiled. His voice sounded a little almost like Cheka's... but a little more mature. "Thanks for the medicine!"

"Ah, it's no biggie..." Kalim blushes.

"Wow...now we can understand you..."

"Mhmm! The bell I gave you: it's a translation device! Larger fairies need it when they're talking to smaller ones like me! It's a must at events with large gatherings like the Gala! Don't tell me you forgot yours?" He giggles.

"Is that so? Well I never kne-" but Jamil was fast to cover his mouth.

"You're right. It's a vital device, we just lost track and misplaced them. Sorry for that." Jamil spoke.

"Yea, clumsy us..." Ruggie played along.

"Non è affatto come noi..." I acted.

"Still made it that fast. What are you exactly?" Leona finished.

"It's no trouble. Really! I'm a tinker after all! Oh yea! My name's Maisy! I'm the primary leader of the tinkers! If you ever forget the bell, just tell me! I'll be happy to make another one as thanks!" Maisy grins.

"Really? Thanks!" Kalim smiled back.

"It's like they say: 'one act of kindness can lead to another'." I smile as Maisy flies off, and we follow inside.

————————

When we made it inside, it's like we didn't recognize the place!

Beautiful Flower lanterns dotted the ceiling, drapes of fabric arched above, and flowers of different kinds I recognized and never knew existed lined the green carpet.

"Awesome..they put decorations all over the garden!" Kalim gaped.

"Ugh...no matter where I look, there's sparkle, and it's hurting my eyes..." Leona shields his eyes.

"What's up with the luxury? Every plant here is decorated in glitter!....But...the food...it looks so goooooood!!" Ruggie prepared to make a beeline, but Jamil caught him by the collar of his shirt.

"Don't even think about it. We need to focus."

"Well, there's a chair by the runway..." Grim pokes his head out.

"That's gotta be the VIP section. Where the queen will sit." Leona sniffs.

"Yes. And where Ruggie's making the switch."

"But that's the thing: it's right in front of the audience!" Grim frets.

"We're gonna have witnesses on both sides!" I added. "The only place he can hide is behind the chair."

"If I take that crown from an obvious place, I'll get caught in no time!"

"You've got the sub zone nearby...you can run straight there once it's in your hands. Just keep Going till you see the exit." Leona waves.

"Just because it's not your problem doesn't mean you can make it easy for US!! One slip, me, Charlie and Grim are as good as dead!!"

"Hey, enough..." Leona shushes him. "The only thing you've done so far is whine about the chances of this going wrong...like I said, that ain't happening..."

"Still!! I'm not letting you forget you said that!!"

"Don't worry! We've got this!" Kalim smirks.

"Okay, let's all split up." Jamil nods. Ruggie grabs my wrist and drags me to the Sub zone.

"Okay, listen: Since I'll be the one to grab the tiara, I've got other jobs for you." Ruggie whispered. "Grim, you'll be the lookout for any nearby trespassers. Charlie, watch the show, and signal for the time when I'll make the switch. Just put me on speed dial..." he snatches my phone and inserts his number into my contacts. "Here's my number. My phones on vibrate so don't worry about it making any ringing. I won't be able to see a thing! As soon as the queen's gaze is on something; at that moment, when the crowd goes wild, throw out the signal! We've only got one chance! Get ready!"

"I got your back!" I nod. I slip Out the decoy tiara from my dress pocket, and give it to him. And he disappeared.

—————————

The show was well underway and needless to say, everything went splendid.

The Emcee roared over the sound system, "Now is Entry 14, and their very first appearance! Welcome: 'my servants and I'? What kind of performance will they show?"

Backstage, being ready to go on, the others were....a range of emotions.

"That has got to be one of most horrible stage names I've ever heard..." Jamil shook his head.

"I had to say something to the receptionist when they asked. Don't judge me." Leona scoffed.

"Weird name or not, though, we need to give them a show." Jamil mumbled.

"It's all led up to this! We've got this even if you do fumble, Leona!" Kalim pats his back.

" 'Fumble'? Who the hell do you think you are to say that? You're just here to back me up." Leona brushes off. Soon, their signal was given for the green light, and he nods. "Let's go!"

As soon as they stepped out, every single eye was on them and their extravanganza.

"I've never seen them before! Who are they?" One asked.

"This is the first time we've seen this kind of style! It fits our theme perfectly!" Another compliments.

"What kind of show will we see?" A third mused.

"That's a lotta people watching us...just seeing them watching makes me jittery..." Kalim says, not losing his smile.

"Calm down. And remember your training." Jamil reassures as they strut their stuff. "Their reactions are what we're looking for."

"Seems like Crewel-Sensei is more than just arrogant. He's got quite the sense of what passes off for fairies." Leona admits.

"Time to kick it up a notch!" Kalim grins. "Let's show em what Vil taught us!"

"Just don't get too crazy!" Jamil warns before they launch into their skills.

If their outfits were just the appetizers, the entree was their breakdancing skills.

"Their footwork is so airy!" One squealed.

"It's working!" Kalim was smitten.

Jamil launches into a windmill, his feet never touching the ground.

"The way his body's moving so seamlessly...I've never seen such refined moves!" Another cheers.

Up in the VIP venue, Maisy spots them immediately. "It's Kalim and the others!" He smiles.

The Queen looked at him. "Are they friends of yours?" She asked.

"Yes, my lady! They're wonderful....magnificent!" He confirms.

"Indeed. Extremely supreme." She smiled and kept watching.

Jamil, who had turned backwards for one special move, had caught a glimpse of the Queen inspecting them. "She's starting to look at us." He whispered.

"Alright!" Kalim winks.

"Alright, make way." The two look behind to see Leona, standing tall. "Time to show what I've got."

He pushed his way to the front, and suavely claimed, "Let this be branded into Your minds forever!" And then....

He started to vogue. (Video at the top)

The audience roared.

"The one in the center...his aura is so bright! It's overwhelming!"

"His moves are so polished!"

"Wow. And to think, you got insulted yesterday for only learning how to walk on two legs." Jamil snarked.

"Zip it. As long as we're standing out, it's fine." Leona gritted his teeth.

"Where did they get such clothing? The designs are so coutoure! Stunning..." the Queen sighed blissfully.

"She's still watching us!" Kalim frets.

"Keep it up! We're near the end!" Jamil pushes.

"Let's finish this." Leona narrowed his eyes. "It's gonna pain me, physically...but Now's trump card time...time to finish this!" And launches into more extreme voguing.

"Let's get those aces up our sleeves out! Get everyone moving!" Kalim smiles. "To spring!"

All at once, the fairies started swaying to The rhythm like branches on the wind.

"Rejoice, my people! Rejoice!" The Queen cheers. "Spring has arrived at last! Such a magnificent spectacle!"

From the shadows, Charlie watched the entire area with precision.

And that's when she saw the Queen flash a smile.

That was the signal.

"Now!" She tapped the call button, and Ruggie felt his phone in his pocket go off.

"Gotcha!" He nods. With lightning fast reflexes, the switch was made, and he runs for it.

"Nya-ni?!" Grim was speechless. "That was so fast! I didn't even see it!"

Ruggie joined him, panting quietly. "It only took six seconds to undo the pin keeping the crown in place and then back. To think I needed ten....Leona just underestimates me!" He snickered. "Charlie! There you are!" He spots Charlie staggering time run carefully, but made it without tripping. "Perfect timing!" He hands the crown to her and dumps it into her purse.

"And no one had a clue!" She smiled.

"Well, amateurs couldn't pull it off like me." He bragged. "Now let's scram!" He sprinted towards the Subtropical zone.

But running turned out to be more of a challenge than planned. Charlie struggles to stay balanced, but kept leaning on the balls of her feet, making her steps awkward and slow. She hauled up the skirts of her dress, which would've gotten a backhand from either Crewel or Vil, to give her legs more space to run.

"Ruggie! Slow down! You're too fast...!" Grim Screamed.

But if things were bad before, they were about to get worse. Because, at that exact point, the sprinkler system went off.

Charlie and Grim shrieked at the cold water hitting them.

"Crap! The garden sprinkler system!!" Ruggie felt water being poured down on him.

"Grrr! Stupid heels!!" Charlie shouts and wrenches her heels off in a blind fury. "We need to find shelter or the pixie dust is gonna get washed off!"

"Shit! Someone's coming!! Hide!!" Ruggie grabs Charlie's arms and they duck behind a nearby wall of leaves for camouflage.

"Scarmax Obscuru!" She whispered. Her enchantment made all three of them invisible. But it wouldn't last for a long time.

"What the-?! This area...it smells like humans!" A water fairy said. "They have the audacity to sneak into our festival?! The heathens!"

The other, a fire fae, sneered, "It's nearby....where are you?! Reveal yourselves!"

"Crap! We're cornered!" Ruggie was scared.

"Hey, you!"

The two froze.

I peaked around the corner, and saw-

"Thank god!"

"Hm?" The water fairy turned at the voice to see Leona. "Oh! It's you! The one who caught all the attention with your dancing....you were amazing!" She smiled.

"Leona! Nice timing!" Ruggie sent a thumbs up Towards his senior. For the distraction.

"The water in my dressing room's warm. I only take iced...get it changed." He demands.

"That arrogant acting suits him too much..." Grim sweatdropped.

"Nah, that's not acting. That's just how he always is." Ruggie corrected.

"Oh! But I'm not responsible for-"

"Do you have cotton in your ears?" He rebuffed. The fairy shook

"No! What I mean is-h-huh?! I'm moving on my own?" She piqued.

"Wow...being overwhelmed by one's presence...that's power in its own right..." I murmured. "They see no one else but him..."

Suddenly, Leona started mouthing something while the fairies' backs are turned. Ruggie squinted to read his lips correctly.

" 'Hurry up and get the hell outta here'....that's our signal!" Ruggie nods and they run.

—————————

Outside the greenhouse, we halted running.

Too out of it, and from running barefoot, I fell onto the pavement, the skirts falling into a pool as I kneeled. Putting the heels down, I started to massage my feet, sore from wearing them on hours end.

"We....we made it out..." Grim faints.

"We can relax. No one's following." Ruggie assured.

"And the magic gem is back in our possession!" I held the crown up over my head like a trophy and kissed the gem. We got back the gem and made it out by the skin of our teeth!

"Booyah!"

"Let's find the others and get back to the gates!"

————————

By the time they had regathered on Main Street, the sky was tinged a blend of orange, pink, and purplish-blue.

"Can't believe you messed it up, Ruggie." Leona frowns.

"Don't blame me! Blame the college! They're in charge of the sprinkler settings!" Ruggie fires back.

Charlie sighed wistfully. "It was such a beautiful thing...". Going to something close to the New York Fashion Week was a thing our Seer was never to forget. She had to write down everything, from the tiniest of details, much like Happy Beans Day, when she and Grim got back to their place.