“Are you okay?” Daphne asked as soon as Sunset woke up to see herself back in this weird underwater place. It was starting to annoy her as she knew dreams like this, especially with how often they have been occurring, was more than just a dream. And yet she couldn’t bring herself to hope that it was all real no matter how a part of her would love more than anything for it to be true.

“You should see the other person.” Sunset snorted, crossing her arms. While the bruise faded, for the most part thanks to Flora’s floral remedies, there were still faint traces of it.

“That isn’t funny, that witch could have hurt you.” Daphne cooed as she gingerly poked around the edge of the bruising and black eye. She let her energy wash out from the points of contact, healing it the rest of the way.

“As if that witch could hurt me.” Sunset snorted, refusing to admit that she may have been distracted by Brandon and their little match and missed the sneak attack from the Trix.

“This isn’t funny, Sunset. You need to be careful around them, there’s something not right about them.” Daphne warned.

“I’ll be fine, don’t worry.” Sunset said, waving her fears off, “You were saying something about a way to prove that I am who you say I am.”

“First, don’t tell anyone about this yet. There will be a lot of people who will want to use you as a political pawn. I know there are those you can trust such as Stella, and you are ok to talk to her about it, but don’t trust any adults right now with this.” Daphne warned.

“So I shouldn’t trust Faragonda?” Sunset asked, wondering if she was being manipulated by Alfea’s headmistress all for the sake of this prophecy.

“Faragonda is trustworthy, but she will let it get out too early about your status which would cause problems. And if she doesn’t, there are those around her who would.” Daphne explained, floating back and creating a sphere of energy in her hands that solidified into a map, then images of a location that seemed like it was inside of a cave. “After I sent you away to protect you, I fled to several places trying to escape the ancestral witches. During one of our altercations I lost my locket in this cave and was unable to retrieve it before our final showdown here. My locket will pave the way to not only proving who you are, but providing you what is yours by birth.”

“Why is this locket so important?” Sunset asked as she floated over to study the cave. The image shifted and showed a golden heart locket with Sunset’s cutie mark engraved in it.

“A dear friend of mine helped me make it as well as register it as a holy relic since it was forged in the Dragon Flame. It is nearly indestructible and the most important part of it can only be accessed by him.” Daphne grinned, “Behind the picture of you is a lock of your hair.”

“And that can be tested to prove my identity...” Sunset said, all of a sudden excited and scared as it would prove all of this was real and as much as she denied it, she realized she really wanted it to be real. She wanted a sister who actually loved her like Daphne seemed to and an Uncle and cousin who also thought of her as close family.

“Of course there are a few other ways, but since my locket is registered as a Dragon’s Flame Holy Relic and my friend is a high up noble in the courts and is highly respected and trusted, none of the naysayers can dispute the results. And he can do it in a way that won’t reveal your name to them before the time is right so nobody can try and influence you or push you to do what they want.” Daphne explained.

Sunset floated through the energy sphere that was showing the images and hugged Daphne tightly. “Dream or not, I’m actually happy to have an older sister like you.”

“And I’m proud of the young woman you have become, little sister.” Daphne said, returning the embrace as Sunset faded away.

“Damn it.” Sunset groaned as she slammed her hand down on her alarm clock next to her bed, silencing it. She didn’t want the dream to end yet, but it left her with a lot to think about. She was having a harder time dismissing the dreams as they happened too much and too often for them to be just a figment of her imagination or stress creating someone who would be a big sister figure.

At least the morning went without any problems as they gathered in the common room for a quick breakfast before heading off to their first class. It was pretty exciting for Sunset even if a little worrisome as she knew sooner or later it would get out that she is the dark fairy. At least she knew a lot of the students weren’t prejudiced against them, but she also knew that there were plenty who were. She really hoped that they wouldn’t cause her any problems once they found out, but she doubted her luck would be that good.

Filtering into class, she found that it reminded her of one of those magical anime that Rainbow Dash always wanted to watch. For a moment, the thought of Rainbow Dash gave her a twinge of sadness at missing her friends before the hurt and anger at them reasserted itself. The desks looked to seat two at each one with five per row in a semicircle facing the magical displays that replaced chalkboards and the teacher’s desk. Each row was on a riser so it kept the ones in front from blocking the view creating a step like setup with five total rows. Not that it looked like they were all filling up as Sunset and Stella took one to the back with Musa and Tecna sitting to the one in front of them and Flora sitting to the one to their left.

“Good morning class.” A leprechaun looking creature said as he walked out of the small office and hopped up onto the desk to face the gathered students. “My name is Professor Wizgiz and I’ll be explaining to you what to expect during your first year at Alfea.”

“Don’t they take roll call here?” Sunset asked Stella quietly.

“Roll call? Oh, that thing where the teacher calls all of the students names? Nope, it is magically done as you enter the room and added to the Professor’s log books.” Stella explained in a hushed whisper.

“Thank you for explaining to your friend, Miss Stella, but please make sure that all of you listen as this will be important.” Wizgiz explained, making both Stella and Sunset blush at being called out while a few of the surrounding students giggled. “First of all will be your schedule for this year which will be as follows. On Monday and Tuesdays you will report here for three hours, have lunch, then report to Professor Palladium for three hours. Afterwards you will report to whatever electives or tutors you sign up for.

“On Wednesdays, you will report to me for one hour to turn in and go over any assignments you get before reporting to Professor Palladium for the rest of the day for training or field trips.”

“Thursdays we mix it up a bit and you will report to Professor Palladium for an hour to go over and review anything he sees fit before reporting here for the rest of the day for lab work.”

“Fridays will be one hour each for us before you are excused the rest of the day to work with your tutors or work on team assignments, which will normally leave the weekend free for you. Except every third Saturday you will be participating in an inter school exchange program with Red Fountain and Cloud Tower so you can learn what they do and they can learn from you. Any questions?”

“What about lunch on days after Tuesday?” One girl asked without raising her hand.

“Excellent question Miss Megan, but please raise your hand when you have a question.” Wizgiz gently admonished, earning another round of giggles from some of the girls. Mostly the same ones that giggled at Stella and Sunset minutes before. It made her wonder just how serious they were before realizing that the Rainbooms and her would possibly be doing the same in good nature a few months ago. It forced her to push any thoughts of the girls out of her mind once again. “To answer your question though, you will be given a break to get lunch.” Wizguz finished before he pointed to another girl, “Yes, Rikki?”

“You mentioned electives, what can we choose?” A girl with bright red hair asked, taking notes on her personal computer. Unlike the personal computers Sunset knew, these things were tiny and many were wrist mounted while others were a device like a phone or even hidden in jewelry like a necklace or earrings. She didn’t understand how they could be so tiny yet so powerful that they pretty much did everything from communications to note taking.

“Another excellent question, Miss Rikki. You will get a chance to go over available electives after everyone has completed their entrance packet that you will receive via your school mail by the end of the day. They are due Friday and depending on how you do on them will decide what electives you can get. For those who pass with flying colors, you will be free to choose any elective that will help you on your path to becoming a fairy. For those who don’t do so well, you may have to take one of the tutors and take classes to help you with your basic knowledge for this year.” Wizgiz explained, “You will have to have it all decided by the end of day Friday as while I did say every three Saturdays, the first one will actually be this upcoming Saturday. You girls will be given a tour of Red Fountain as well as see a few demonstrations. And for those brave enough, you will be able to participate in some of the demonstrations as you begin to get to know your future allies better.”

“Miss Sunset?” Wizgiz asked as he pointed up to Sunset who awkwardly raised her hand. She was sure he was getting to what he will be teaching, but she admittedly was getting a little inpatient.

“What will you be teaching us, Professor?” Sunset asked, getting a smile and nod of acknowledgement from the short man.

“That right there is the question of the day, Miss Shimmer. I will be teaching you Metamorphosymbiosis, or in other words basic shapeshifting. While it is possible to turn into a cat, I will be teaching you the basics for now. For example, changing one’s hair color.” Wizgiz explained, waving his hand and mirrors rose up out of the desk in front of each student as if they were melting in reverse until a mirror was formed. “This is just a simple spell, a taste of what I will be working with you girls on. Of course, this isn’t all we will work on as we will look more into light magic throughout the year.”

“What do we do with these?” Riki asked, taking hold of the ornate silver mirror.

“These are so you can see your hair as you change the color of it.” Wizgiz said, going into an explanation on how to channel their light magic and having it affect the pigment of their hair to simply change it into another color. While a few got it right away, Sunset wasn’t one of them. It was frustrating her to no end as the rest of the Winx quickly figured it out while she was trying her best. “Okay girls, we only have a few minutes left. Congratulations are in order for the ones who were able to do this. For those who haven’t caught on, just give it time and we will get you there.”

“Looks like class is over.” Sunset yawned and stretched while a bell went off.

“Not just yet girls, one last thing. Groups are already assigned to you for when we have group assignments. And this will go for every class. The girls in the suite you are staying in are your teammates from now on. Look out for one another and help one another. Their success is your success. Sunset, please stay behind for a moment. The rest of you girls are dismissed.” Wizgiz said, a few of the girls giggling at Sunset, already thinking she was getting in trouble.

“Want us to wait?” Stella asked, squeezing Sunset’s arm.

“I’ll be okay, go on ahead.” Sunset said as the rest of the Winx reluctantly filtered out with the rest of the students.

“You can relax, Miss Stella, I don’t plan to do anything untoward to Miss Shimmer. I just need to talk to you about not really being able to help you or teach you much.” Wizgiz explained, Sunset’s stomach feeling as if it dropped while Stella momentarily saw red. “There is no need to dread or be angry, the fact of the matter is that I’m a changeling. A creature born of light magic literally and physically can not help you beyond a little knowledge and the few spells you may be able to convert into a dark magic format.”

“So what am I supposed to do?” Sunset asked, she couldn’t help feeling dejected.

“That is easy, I suggest you take up Professor DuFour to help you learn the history and hierarchy of the Magix Dimension, seeing how you don’t come from here. Second, I suggest you see a tutor I will be introducing you to after you finish up with Professor Palladium. Just wait in his class and I will be along with her shortly after.” Wizgiz explained, “Worry not, Miss Sunset, I will do everything in my power to make sure you succeed.”

“That sounds like a good plan, you do need to learn more about how the Magix Dimension’s royalty works. I know you have had a crash course so far, but getting an official education in it wouldn’t hurt.” Stella mused, Sunset nodding in agreement.

“Thank you, Professor Wizgiz.” Sunset said, giving the changeling a small smile.

“You are very welcome, my dear. Now off to Palladium’s class before he thinks I’m trying to monopolize one of the best hopefuls of this year.” Wizgiz said, motioning the two to leave.

The next class was the exact same as the first, including where everyone sat it seemed. As the two entered, what Sunset could only describe as an elf welcomed them with a clap of his hands and a warm smile. “And here are our last two students today. Don’t worry, Professor Wizgiz already let me know he needed to discuss something with you. Please take your seats and we can get started.”

“Thank you Professor Palladium.” Sunset said, already guessing what the teacher’s name was since Wizgiz mentioned him more than once.

“You're very welcome, my dear.” Palladium said, waving at the boards making them light up with charts and diagrams of what looked like several rooms in Alfea. “As I’m sure, you already know the schedule for this year. What you don’t know is how I will be breaking up your schedule even more. I will be teaching Potionology in this class as well as teaching you about nature and how to defend yourself. We will be making use of the Simulator Room and Practice Room to work on self defense and how to survive hostile environments. Lastly, we will be visiting several natural areas of different types here on Magix such as a lake, swamps and forest. Yes, Miss Sunset?”

“Potionology? As in mixing potions?” Sunset asked, a little unsure about this as she never bothered with something like this before.

“I know it has a bad reputation because it is popular among witches, but you have to remember that witches are not evil. No magic is evil, it is only the intent that makes it good or bad. As for potionology itself, unlike a lot of magic categories, this is neutral. Someone who is considered a dark magic type can make use of this just as easily as a light magic type. You won’t be learning anything dangerous here, but there are more than a few potions that all fairies should know as they may end up saving your life.” Palladium said as he waved his hand, chemistry looking sets rising from the desks much like the mirrors did from Wizgiz’s class. “Before you is everything you need to make a simple mana boosting potion. None of the ingredients before you are harmful in any way so there is no worries if you mess up. Follow the directions on the board carefully and you should end up with a pink colored potion that will have a bubblegum like flavor to it. It will restore a small amount of mana so when you drink it, you should feel a slight boost in energy, not unlike those energy drinks you younger generation seem to enjoy so much.”

With Sunset’s help, Stella and her easily finished the potion quickly. Flora and Tecna soon followed with Musa finishing last, though still before any of the other students. Palladium gave a warm smile as Sunset downed the potion, feeling a warmth wash through her and a small energy boost. Palladium congratulated the group before asking them to not talk until the others finished. So while the others in the class worked, Sunset pulled out a sketch pad and began sketching the cavern from her dream. She decided it would be a good idea to figure it out sooner than later, but just how would she figure out exactly where it was? She remembered the images Daphne showed her, but how would that help her find a location of a place she knew nothing about?

“That is a very beautiful drawing, Miss Shimmer. It reminds me of the small cave that is the natural habitat of shalecats.” Palladium mused from over Sunset’s shoulder.

“What’s a shalecat and where would this cave be?” Sunset asked, a little hope filling her as she might just get this done with sooner than she thought.

“A shalecat isn’t dangerous normally, it’s a magical, grayish cat-like creature that is made up of rocks. It’s a few miles before you reach the Barrier Mountain Range.” Palladium said, dismissing the class while pulling up a map on his holo display showing the location of the cave he was talking about. “This should be the location of the cave. You may stay behind, Miss Sunset. Professor Wizgiz should be along shortly.”

“We’ll wait with you.” Stella said, all of the girls agreeing as Sunset shook her head.

“It’ll be fine, you already heard Professor Wizgiz. I’m just waiting to talk to this tutor so you girls can go ahead and head out. No use in all of us waiting for her for who knows how long.”

“If you need anything, you know our numbers.” Stella sighed in defeat at seeing the determined expression Sunset was sporting. So instead she hugged her sister figure and headed out with the others who gave their goodbyes.

“It’s good to see you have already made a good group of friends so far.” Palladium said, “They will help you get through the trials you will face at the school.”

“Thanks, Professor Palladium. I just hope everything works out okay.” Sunset said, letting a little bit of her nervousness show. She still wasn’t fully sure what to expect here as she knew nothing about these teachers.

“I’m sure everything will be fine, both Professor Wizgiz and myself want to see you succeed.” Palladium said, sitting on the desk in front of Sunset and gave an encouraging smile. “We know you will face some tough challenges with your situation, but we plan to give you every advantage we can to make sure you get the most out of your education here.”

“I swear you little pervert, this better not be some sick prank.” A voice growled out from just outside the door before it swung open hard and slammed against the doorstop before what could only be described as one of the most gorgeous women Sunset had ever seen walked through the door. Like Palladium, she had pointed and elongated ears though her skin tone was a darker color. She had long silvery blue hair that seemed to be styled in spiky locks with brown eyes that seemed to be more reddish depending on how the light hit them. She was dressed in what looked like a fusion of oriental and western clothing that was deeply low cut showing a generous amount of cleavage in the largest bust Sunset had ever seen. She could almost feel an allure towards the woman, a somewhat attraction and knew that if she was into girls she would be into her easily.

“Ryoko dear, what are you doing here?” Palladium asked in shock before Wizgiz walked in behind her with a smug grin.

“See, I told you it wasn’t a prank. I need your help tutoring the young miss here as I am a creature of light and can’t do much for her.” Wizgiz explained. Sharp eyes turned to Sunset to look her up and down, making the girl squirm a little as the woman nodded in satisfaction at whatever she gleaned from the short inspection. Crossing her arms under her breasts, which Sunset had to force herself to look away as the action did distracting things to her chest, the woman turned to Palladium.

“Imagine my surprise, dear husband, when the little pervert here came to me with a sob story about being unable to teach a student fully because of her magical alignment.” Ryoko said, making Palladium shrug.

“While I admit Wizgiz can be much at times my love, you and I both know he gets serious when students are involved.” Palladium replied.

“As I can see, to imagine not only a dark fairy, but one with so much potential to even surpass Queen Marion in raw power. My word, wherever did you come from dear?” Ryoko asked as she turned back to Sunset, who was trying not to blush from the woman’s attention. “I apologize dear, the attraction you may be feeling will wear off soon. Sadly I can’t control it as I’m half dark elf and half succubus. My dad was an idiot, I know.”

“Wait, demons are real?” Sunset asked in surprise, she couldn’t help wondering if maybe Daphne was wrong and she was actually part demon herself. That would explain her transformation. “How would someone know if they are part demon?”

“You, my dear, are not part demon. Or infernal as most of the Magix dimension will refer to them as. No my dear, you are pure fairy, and I mean that in the truest sense. You reek of dragon though you aren’t a dragonling.” Ryoko mused as her eyes seemed to bore straight into Sunset.

“Wait, you aren’t suggesting that she is-“ Palladium said before his wife cut him off.

“I am, but that isn’t something to discuss here as the walls have ears. I don’t trust Faragonda’s little dark magic hating pet or the old bat herself.” Ryoko snorted, “She’s lucky I haven’t cut that bitch’s head off yet.”

“Now dear, let’s keep language a bit clean for our student here.” Palladium said while blushing.

“Oh dear, you are sometimes too naive for your own good. Please don’t ever change.” Ryoko giggled, “I’m sure our resident bad girl has heard worse.”

“Said worse.” Sunset supplied.

“Oh I definitely like you!” Ryoko grinned, “So tell me, who are you? Who are your parents?”

“My name is Sunset Shimmer, I’m an orphan. I never knew who my family was but spent the early years of my life in an orphanage and spent a few years taken care of by someone who more or less promised to be a mother but was a teacher at most.” Sunset said, shaking her head, “Why?”

“I have a hunch, but as I said, not here. I will meet you every Tuesday and Thursday after your normal classes to teach you. I’m Ryoko, this idiot’s wife and resident witch. I teach defense against dark magic for the fourth years here.” Ryoko explained, “We will talk about everything at our first session.”

“If that is everything, you can run along to meet up with your friends. I’m sure they are worried for you.” Palladium said, tearing Sunset’s mind off the woman and what she implied about possibly knowing something about her past. She wanted to go check out the cave anyways now that she knew where it was and planned to do so before curfew.

“Thank you.” Sunset said, truly grateful for the three actually caring for her and wanting to help while wondering just why Ryoko kept calling Wizgiz a pervert. The thought made her think of the tiny old man in that martial arts anime that Rainbow Dash loved where the main character was cursed into changing genders with a splash of water. Gathering her things she hurried out the door and wanted to facepalm when she heard Wizgiz’s cry of “Sweeto!” before a loud thud could be heard and the smaller creature moaning in pain.

Author's Note

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.

As for the anime with the cursed martial artist, it's called Ranma 1/2. Ryoko is from Tenchi, but only her name and likeness is used here, but some of her personality will be here too.