“So, how did you get daddy to postpone your debut ball?” Stella asked, raising an eyebrow in askance as Sunset held up a pair of shoes.

“Really, do you need a pair of six inch heels along with the other thirty pairs of shoes?” Sunset returned, shaking her head in disbelief. If she didn’t know better, she would think this girl really was a spoiled brat of a princess at the moment. Then again, she only knew her for a few days.

“I might need them at some point.” Stella huffed, crossing her arms as outfits and shoes were strewn around her room, covering every surface as several suitcases laid open partially filled. “And stop deflecting! How in the world did you convince daddy to postpone your debut ball?”

“If you must know, I used logic. You should try it sometime, as in right now and cutting some of this down. Stella, I like you, but this is insane. We are going to be living in dorms for not even a full year, when are you going to have time to use thirty pairs of shoes and a small boutique worth of outfits?” Sunset replied.

“I’ll tell you what, I’ll let you help me cut this down if you tell me what you told daddy.” Stella said, giving a long drawn out sigh. She knew it was overkill, but she hated being away from home like this and taking as much as she could to help a little.

“Deal.” Sunset grinned, making Stella wonder if she had been tricked as Sunset started putting shoes back into the closet. “I told him it was too close to going to Alfea to properly plan something as important as this and just making an announcement for now would be more logical. Then I promised I would make sure that both of us come back for every holiday that we could. And finally, I promised to help you cut down some of your luggage to some of the more essential stuff instead of trying to fit a lifetime of shopping into a small dorm room.”

“You what? You traitor!” Stella gasped in mock shock and outrage.

“I did it for both of us, if you keep fretting over every little thing we won’t make it in time for early orientation.” Sunset said, a small part of her excited about going to a school for magic again. A part of her missed Canterlot, but the more time she spent here, the more right it felt to her. As if she belonged here, which if she was being honest with herself, she never felt in Equestria or at Canterlot High.

“Oh, you just want to see the boys again!” Stella smirked, the tease making Sunset blush and splutter denials.

“I do not! I don’t care about those idiots. They aren’t capable of licking my boots, much less standing up to an ogre.” Sunset huffed with crossed arms making Stella smile. She had been worried for the fiery haired girl as the last couple days Sunset spent in Magix was in that stupid training program at the arcade. Ever since Sunset had admitted to being a pony, and all of the pain and loneliness she had gone through, Stella had wanted to stay close to make sure the girl knew she had people here who would be there for her.

Not that her mother had made it easy as the woman tried to monopolize the blonde’s time. Stella loved her mother more than almost anything, but that woman had been getting on the teen’s nerves a lot over the last few days, insisting they spend every minute possible together before the school year started. Something she normally would have been happy for, but she wasn’t stupid. Luna was trying to keep Stella away from Sunset with little barbs here and there that the blonde quickly put a stop to.

It gave her a small window into what her parents' problems were, and why they were currently separated. Thankfully they haven’t divorced yet, but if the woman didn’t stop her prejudice and hate against dark fairies, then Stella wasn’t sure things could go back to the way they were before. She couldn’t wrap her head around why her father respected dark fairies and wanted to support them so much when her mother seemed to have a huge disdain for them. She knew Sunset would eventually get through to her mother and things would be better between all of them. Maybe they could be one big happy family again.

“Deny it all you want, but the blush says otherwise.” Stella said with a smirk, a teasing lilt in her voice. “So spill, which hunk caught your attention? Personally I like Prince Sky.”

“Stella, I really couldn’t care less about any of them.” Sunset sighed, “Yes, I felt an attraction, but it doesn’t mean I have to have anything to do with them. Now come on, we need to hurry up and get you packed.”

“What about you?” Stella asked, confused when Sunset laughed.

“I was done packing yesterday, I didn't wait until the last minute like some people.” Sunset teased.

“I’m proud of you, acting like a bratty sister already.” Stella said, sticking her tongue out.

“Hmph, I only learn from the best.” Sunset replied, sticking her own tongue out, only for them both to burst into giggles.

“Come on, help me finish packing.” Stella said, the two of them cleaning up the mess they made while condensing the blonde’s luggage to not even half of what she originally wanted. And for once, it didn’t bother her at all.

Despite how good Stella was at teleporting, the blonde and Sunset were forced to ride a shuttle from Solaria to a hub in Magix and checked in as students before boarding some kind of bus that was full of other prospective fairy students to Alfea. Unfortunately, Sunset didn’t see the other girls of their group and leaned against the window as her new sister sat beside her. The fiery haired girl couldn’t help worrying for the girl as it actually seemed they were forming some kind of bond. Hell, Sunset almost felt as if there was one there already as it was far too easy to become friends with the girl. And she knew that she did consider the blonde as a friend, despite her trust issues. What was going to happen though when everything was over and Sunset was cast out? Well, if Radius actually would, which Sunset was starting to think the man was serious about making Sunset a part of their family.

Family. The one word that Sunset had sought for so long, even when she wasn’t sure what it was she was looking for. And she was starting to think there may actually be something to them being a real family as there was far too much coincidence for Stella’s cousin's names to be the same as the golden woman called her from her dreams. Was it possible that just maybe the golden woman really was her big sister?

“Bloom.” The voice of Daphne called, seeming to be coming from the lake they were passing.

“That’s Lake Roccaluce, I saw it when we were taken to Black Mud Swamp last year for a field trip.” Stella said, the fiery haired girl jumping as she was lost in thought. “We should be to Alfea within minutes.”

“That’s good, I really wish we could have teleported in.” Sunset sighed. She really hated these long trips when magic was at hand and could easily cut down on the travel time.

“Girl, I would have killed to just teleport us straight in. Unfortunately, we have to deal with bureaucrats and their paperwork, checking students in from their shuttles and again when they get to the schools they are going to.” Stella explained with a look of disdain on her face.

“Ugh, I should have known. Even in worlds full of magic, you still have to deal with red tape.” Sunset groaned.

“Actually, in some places it is even worse. I visited a world with my dad and I swear you had to fill out paperwork for every single thing you did. And you had to have ten copies of it for different filings.” Stella said, giggling a little at the memory.

“You can’t be serious!” Sunset gasped in shock.

“Very serious. Within an hour, daddy was ready to call it quits and we just left the planet. As far as I know, he has never gone back or sent any delegates there.” Stella giggled, “Daddy couldn’t get out of there fast enough.”

“Sounds like it would have been funny to see.” Sunset said, turning to look back at the lake one last time as they passed it by and was pulling up to the gate of Alfea. It looked just like the pictures Stella had shown her. She would be lying if she said she wasn’t nervous, especially after seeing Flora’s reaction. While she couldn’t say the two had become friends, Flora had warmed up to her the last few days.

“Last stop girls! Alfea, College for Fairies!” The driver called as the bus lowered to the ground and the doors slid open. Sunset waited until all the others got off the bus before getting up which got a confused look from Stella.

“I just want to let some of them get in before I go so not everyone knows what I am yet.” Sunset said, before turning to look back out the window at the large, beautiful facility. “Why do they call it a College? Wouldn’t Alfea High School be more accurate?”

“Well, from the world you came from I suppose. Different world, different naming schemes.” Stella explained, “Besides, this would be college for some worlds seeing how some of them graduate when they reach anywhere between twelve and sixteen before going into studies for the field of study they choose.”

“Come on girls, I don’t have all day.” The bus driver huffed from his spot getting Stella and Sunset to hurry off the bus while giving apologies as they stepped off. Sunset had to shield her eyes for a moment at how bright it was as she realized the bus’s windows must have been tinted slightly.

“Great... Griselda is the one checking everyone off at the gate. Maybe if we wait long enough somebody will replace her.” Stella groaned out.

“Bad history?” Sunset asked.

“Let’s just say that she probably still has it in for me after my little accident that got me expelled last year.” Stella grinned, as if proud of it. “Might as well get it over with so we can get our room assignments.”

“Maybe she will be over it?” Sunset suggested as they got closer only to see the woman glare at both of them.

“Stella, I’m surprised you actually showed your face after last year's fiasco.” Griselda sneered at the blonde before turning to Sunset, “And whom might this be?”

“This is my sister, Sunset Shimmer. She’s a first year student.” Stella said, getting a gasp from the woman.

“You can go in, Princess, but remember I am watching you! There will be no shenanigans like last year.” Griselda growled, tearing off a small piece of paper from her clipboard and handing it to the blonde.

“That’s ok, I’ll wait for my sister thank you.” Stella said, crossing her arms.

“It’s okay, Stella. I’ll meet you by the entrance in a few minutes.” Sunset assured the girl who reluctantly left the two alone.

“Listen here you little brat!” Griselda hissed angrily, “I don’t know how you weaseled your way into the Solaria royal family, but if you cause any trouble I’ll make sure that not even King Radius’s money and influence will be able to protect you from being expelled! Honestly, what was Faragonda thinking? Letting not only a dark fairy into this prestigious school, but a worthless piece of gutter trash like yourself?”

“Yeah, yeah, big bad monster. Heard it before, can I go now?” Sunset snarked at the woman earning a growl before being waved off with a piece of paper like Stella’s.

“Fine, scurry along you little rat. Just remember that I will be watching for any excuse to get you thrown out like the trash you are.” Griselda snarled before Sunset spun around and followed the path that the blonde took.

“What was that about?” Stella asked as Sunset caught up to her.

“Just getting a warm welcome.” Sunset snorted out in disdain.

“Sorry, she was probably pissy because of all the trouble I caused last year.” Stella apologized, the two walking into the foyer where Faragonda was surrounded by a lot of girls around their age. There really wasn’t a lot which surprised Sunset, then again that shouldn’t be much of a surprise. This was a school for a species of creature that was becoming more and more rare as they lived longer lives than a normal human yet didn’t exactly have dozens of children as the concentrated magic made it harder to conceive.

“Greetings my lovely first year fairies. I am Headmistress Faragonda, welcome to Alfea’s College for Fairies where you will learn to transform for those of you who haven’t mastered that as of yet, while also learning to use your magic for the greater good.” Faragonda said, smiling at all of those around her.

“Watch, next she will say to stay away from Cloud Tower.” Stella giggled softly so she wouldn’t draw attention to the two.

“Thank you Stella.” Faragonda said, earning a bunch of giggles while Stella’s face grew red in embarrassment. “As mentioned, please do stay away from Cloud Tower and any other dangerous places. In fact, it would be best if you stayed on school grounds unless going into the city itself or getting permission first as there will be a curfew. As for Cloud Tower, don’t let my warning make you think bad of them as it is meant to protect you both. I know every year a few misguided fairies are goaded into proving their so-called metal and sneak into Cloud Tower and vandalize it, to cause a commotion because of the rivalry, or misguided notions of the witches there being evil. Remember, magic is neither good or evil, no matter if it is light or dark. No, my dear fairies, true evil comes from the individual using their magic for evil purposes.”

“What about the dark fairy I heard would be attending this year?” One voice asked from the crowd.

“You mean that was real? I thought it was just some kind of hazing joke!” Another called out.

“Who would let a monster into the school?” Another voice called.

“Monster? I think it’s freaking awesome!” Another voice snarked back before Stella could defend dark fairies. It soon turned into the group seeming to be split in half with some arguing that the dark fairy was a monster while others defended the dark fairy either thinking them cool or just like any other fairy. It touched her heart to see Flora defending the dark fairy despite the opposition. Musa and Tecna quickly backed her up and Stella and Sunset were heading over to before there was a loud, shrill whistle.

“Now girls! There will be no more talk like that here! A dark fairy is just like any of you girls, and I expect you all to treat her with the same dignity and respect you give to others! Do I make myself clear?” The angry voice of Faragonda sounded from everywhere. Sunset had to admit that was a nice spell and could be really useful.

“Yes, Headmistress Faragonda.” A chastised chorus of voices echoed, getting Faragonda to smile.

“Good! Now you girls should go get settled into your dorms. There will be a ball tonight welcoming the first years and there will be those from Red Fountain and Cloud Tower attending. It isn’t mandatory, but you all are encouraged to attend as you will be working with both schools from time to time.” Faragonda explained.

Sunset groaned as she realized she dodged a bullet only to step into the line of fire from another. She wasn’t really interested in it, but she knew Stella was going and would likely get dragged to it.

“Hey girls, what rooms did you get?” Musa asked as the group met up as the others left in search of where they would be living for the rest of the school year.

“Same as last year.” Stella grinned, flashing her paper. “Rooms are permanent assignments for as long as a fairy is here.”

“Looks like we all got the same suite.” Tecna said as she glanced over all of their slips.

“Well, let’s go see what our digs look like.” Musa said with a grin, the others followed Stella as she knew where they were going. It was a really nice suite, much more than Sunset expected it to be with a large common room and kitchen area, three bedrooms with two of them being meant for two people to share as they were much larger and one somewhat smaller single room. She had to admit it was nice that each bedroom had their own bath.

“Sorry girls, but as Princess of Solaria, I’m already assigned the single.” Stella said with a cheeky grin showing she wasn’t that sorry about it.

“It appears that Musa and myself will be sharing a room.” Tecna said.

“Which means that Sunset is with me.” Flora said with a shy smile.

“Are you sure you’re okay, Flora. I can crash on the couch and you can have the room to yourself.” Sunset offered.

“You will not, we are going to share the room like two adults.” Flora said sternly, making Sunset see why the others thought of her as the mother of the group.

“Technically, we’re still teenagers.” Tecna said.

“Flora!” Musa mockingly gasped, “I never knew you swung that way!”

“Huh? What way? Swing what?” Flora asked in confusion as Sunset walked up to Musa and smacked her upside the back of her head.

“It’s nothing, don’t worry about it.” Sunset said, giving the confused girl a smile while Musa snickered.

“If we’re going to be staying together, how about we come up with a group name?” Musa asked.

“That could make things a bit more efficient.” Tecna mused.

“Yeah, but what do we call ourselves?” Flora asked.

“How about Stella’s Best Friend Squad and Sister.” Stella suggested.

“That doesn’t sound very efficient.” Tecna mused.

“How about the Winx Club?” Sunset asked.

“Winx? What does that mean?” Tecna asked, curiosity filling her expression as she heard a new word she never heard before.

“Nothing really, I just think since we’re all going to win at every challenge thrown our way here, and since we are fairies and it seems every fairy level ends in an x, why not win-x, Winx?” Sunset said, growing a little nervous as she thought it over. It did sound kind of weird, maybe even dumb. Why would they want to use that name?

“You know what, I like it.” Flora said with a supportive smile.

“Yeah, it does have a certain ring to it. Maybe we can even make a song with it.” Musa said, tapping her chin in thought.

“It does sound a lot more efficient than Stella’s idea. Short and to the point. I too like the idea.” Tecna voted.

“Well, I liked my idea.” Stella pouted, earning giggles from the group except for Sunset who was giving her a nervous look. “But I do like Sunset’s better though. It’s cute and sassy!”

“Then I guess we are now the Winx Club!” Tecna said, earning cheers from the others.

Author's Note

Also, a big thanks goes out to Sunny Scriber for editing this chapter and the awesome additions he added. Also, thanks to ScisetShimmerEvan and Seven Fates for showing me fixes than needed to be made.