The morning light shines throughout the academy, saying good morning to everyone it shines upon. Like every morning, Linden projects his voice through the halls ringing in everyone’s ears.

“Good morning, everyone. I hope you had a wonderful time picking out your dorms and roommates. It’s very important to have a welcoming environment for everyone. But we all must keep moving to see the future. Here, will see the past. Today we will all be taking a field trip to the Evergreen tree. A tree that’s been in witch history for centuries. We will leave around 9:30 Thank you.”

After announcements, everyone heads to the dining hall for breakfast. Trotting her hooves, Rosaline spots Onnie at a table devouring food. “Good morning,” Rosaline yawns mid-sentence. “Onnie, you’re up early.” “Morning Rose, what can I say. I’m hungry,” says Onnie, mouth full.

“Good morning!”

Onnie swallows and looks behind her. Their Jewel is fluttering in with the others. “Morning Jewel.” Rosaline turns to Mortimer. “You’re up I see,” says Rosaline. “Come on Rose, I had this soak for thirty more minutes.” says Mortimer.

“Yeah, Rose, cut him some slack he has to soak.” says Naga. Rosaline giggles, “Good morning, everyone.” “Since everyone is here, let’s talk. Who did you all room with?” Onnie says. “I’m with Mortimer.” says Rosaline. “Me and Jasper are together.” says Naga.

“I’m assuming you roomed with Jewel, right Onnie?” says Rosaline. “No, I sleep at my treehouse.” “Oh Jewel, do you have a roommate?” “Don’t worry about me Rose, I found my very own roommate.” says Jewel. “May I ask who?” “You remember Moxxie from miss Vivian’s class?” “That fox boy?” “Mhm, he’s pretty cool!” “You all should get some food before it’s time to go.” says Onnie. “Heck, you don’t have to tell me twice.” Jewel says, making everyone giggle. The friends have a nutritious breakfast and a pleasant chat passing the time till 9:30.

***

“Hello everyone, I’m glad we are all here this morning. I know everyone is excited. I’m pretty excited myself, but we’ll get nowhere if you don’t cooperate. So, before we begin, would everyone get in groups?” says Linden. “Everyone ready?” The children nod and give a thumbs up. “Alrighty, then lead the way, Necho.” Necho nods and leads them into the forest.

“Is everyone excited? I feel you all are not excited enough.” says Onnie. “You seem pretty excited Onnie.” says Mortimer. “You can tell?” “I mean, you have that stupid grin on your face.” says Naga. “Sorry, I’ve been ready my whole life to see this tree. Not only is it the gateway to the spirit world. It’s the tree that made this world. Also, I’ve recently learned that my great, great, great, great, great, grandfather used his magic to help form the tree,” says Onnie.

“That’s amazing. I never would have thought a tree could be so important.” says Jasper. “Yes, so important that this school was created to protect it and teach young creatures about their home.” says Onnie. “You learn something new every day. But I think the, my grandpa made is a stretch.” says Naga. “You don’t have to believe it to be true.”

“There it is.” Jewel shouts.

They arrive at a gate. Inside is a tree so tall it appears to scrap the horizon. The tree has an oak-colored wood that is speckled with what seems like golden glitter. The crown of the trees is weeping and its leaves are a deep green and have a slight glow. So does the base of the tree. The surrounding flowers show the rainbow with its pedals and the tips of the grass are the color of pearls.

“What a beauty,” says Rosaline. “This is where we stop. My children, I show you the Evergreen Tree!” says Linden. “Mr. Linden, may we go in the gate,” says a child. “Oh no dear, we must not for the tree’s safety.” “But sir, if someone wanted to get in, can’t they just go over the gate?” says some other child.

“Well, aren’t you a curious one?” says Linden. “Since you wanted to know, this is a magic gate made by the spirits themselves to keep anyone that’s not supposed to be there out. That’s why you can see animals passing through fine. It’s as if you forgot it’s a magic school. Okay, my lovely children, Necho has prepared some facts for you all.”

Necho looks Linden in the eyes and drops a lengthy stack of papers in his hands. “Did I hurt you?” linden whispers. He shuffles through the sheets and reads. “Well, first is the tree fifty-five feet tall,” says Linden. “Many animals in the Evergreen live in this tree. And last, it’s the door to the spirit realm. Cool, isn’t it? Now it’s time for my favorite part of the tour. The history of The Evergreen. But before we start, we all must hold hands and close your eyes. Then something special will happen. Trust me.”

The children lock hands, and their eyes close. Their minds are nothing but black and empty. Nothing seems to happen. Until images pop into their minds, telling them the tale.

Long ago, in another world there were people call humans. Their lives were like the animals of this world. Short and mundane. Till one day humans were born with an internal power. To use this power, they need a vessel to contain it. Known as a wand or magic relic. Although some could use magic without a vessel. Soon after, other creatures emerged from nowhere. Some even have characteristics that resemble animals, each with their own unique abilities and distinctions. The people coexisted peacefully, embracing the newfound talents they had gained. Unfortunately, it was short-lived.

Sadly, there are those who were not born with a gift. That led to feelings of jealousy. There were those who thought it was not natural and wished to exterminate it. They soon would act on this thought. People started using the term ‘witch’ to identify those who possessed so-called supernatural powers. Their actions were driven by fear. They relentlessly pursued us as if it were a game, refusing to stop until every one of us was gone. Nowhere provided refuge.

Overwhelmed by fear and lacking alternatives, we sought help from the best of us all. Oziel the legend and Nora the kind. In our time of need, they did what had to be done to save us all. The two of them agreed that a new creation is necessary. Create a new home where everyone can live in peace and harmony again. They then called upon a spirit for help with the task. That spirit’s name was Aurora.

Together they created The Evergreen. All those with a gift leaped into the portal, ready to start a new life. When we arrived there, a tree stood in the center. The spirits made that their home.

Without delay, we constructed our new residence and shortly thereafter; we reclaimed the term witch. But before Aurora settled their self, they rewarded Oziel and Nora. For not only accomplishing something remarkable, but for their individual accomplishments. Him being the youngest to master all known magic. And her showing kindness towards everyone she meets, while inventing a new type of magic despite her blindness.

“The gifts were to granted to them were to let her roam the world once passed, and to watch over his family for generations,” says Linden. “And that’s the end of the story. That also concludes our tour. Okay, everyone, let’s be heading back now.”

“Wasn’t that a great story, everyone?” asks Onnie. Before anyone answers, Onnie says, “That’s good. It was great hanging out with you, all but I have thing to do here. I’ll see you back at the academy later.”

“Okay, see you later Onnie.” says Jewel.

“Bye Onnie.”

“Hey Linden, can I stay here for a bit?” says Onnie. “Are you sure, love, it’s a long walk.” “I’m sure, I have my broomstick.” “Okay then, be safe.” Linden says. Linden ventures off back in too the wood where the others follow.

“Mmm, one, two, and he’s gone. Finally, just me and you at last,” says Onnie. “If only this gate weren’t here.” Onnie Puts her hands on the gate, making it fly open. “Huh… well, that’s convenient. Oh, what a beautiful sight you are.” Onnie takes a deep breath, fanning the air into her nose. “So, it’s true, the air is fresher here.”

Onnie takes some grass and leaves as she heads back. “Okay, I think it’s time to go.” As Onnie begins to leaves bright light at the top of the tree forms. “Hmm?”

Onnie slowly turns her head behind her. The light makes a line to the base of the tree. “What!” At the base of the tree, a portal to a new world opens. A dear looking spirit steps out the portal. Onnie jaws drop. She’s too stunned to speak. The deer then kneels to transform into a half human, half deer creature with beautiful short white hair and glowing white skin. Onnie pulls out her broom. She goes to fly away, but the spirit grabs her ankle.

“Wait, don’t go please, I need help!” says the spirit. “Sorry, I would like to but I’m not-” “Please!” the spirit pleads. The spirit stands to grab her hand. “I’m really late and I need to protect kid!” says the spirit. “Fine, okay, who are you looking for?” says Onnie. “Thank you, here.”

The spirit shows Onnie an old, stained picture of a baby. “Uh, it has mud on it. This is a picture of a newborn. How late are you?” says Onnie.

“Um.”

“I’m sorry it’s okay, don’t worry, maybe they go to my academy. Hop on,” says Onnie. Onnie helps the spirit on her broom, then they head off. “Hey spirit. You have a name right, what is it?” asks Onnie. “It’s fauna.” “Also, I know you’re like a godly being but, what do you identify as?”

“Identify?”

“Yeah, you like a girl, boy, what are you.” says Onnie. “Oh, my kind doesn’t really do that, but you can call me whatever feels comfortable with.” “Well, you seem like a pretty girl.” “Hehe, thanks.” says Fauna. “Guess what we’re here.” says Onnie.

“That’s good, so where first.” “Well, as the owner of this academy, I will give you a tour.” Onnie leads Fauna. “First is the downstairs gate that goes to the bottom lobby. If you look in front of me, it leads to the dining hall. The left and right of us are the hallways to the classrooms. A good access point to the bottom lobby. Going in the dining hall, the left of us is the gym, on the right of us is the swim house,” says Onnie. “And in front is the kitchen. If you turn around next to the doors is the inner stairs, which go to the dorms and the office. If you go to the top lobby and go outside, you have the outer stairs next to the lobby are the elevators. They go up five more floors of dorms. At the very top is the library. That’s also where the clock base is.”

Fauna takes everything in with starry eyes.

“Fun fact, the clock is the only thing here, not running on magic. It only needs maintenance once every two years. Going outside is the back garden with a statue of my father. Also leads to the trail that leads to the Evergreen tree. But that’s easy to figure out,” says Onnie.

“This school is so beautiful, a little wonder in the middle of the forest.” says Fauna. “Well, that’s the tour. The only thing left is the seller. But that’s just for storage uses, yeah, storage, nothing else. Now, if you don’t mind, I would like you to meet my friends,” says Onnie.

“Oh yes, let’s go,” says Fauna.

Onnie searches the dining hall when she sees her friends through the windows of the swim hall. Fauna to the swim house. “They should be in here. Okay, you stay here till I call you into existence. Okay, okay.” Onnie walks over to her friends. “Hi guys.” “Oh, hi Onnie.” says Naga. “What’s happening.” “Nothing, just watching Morty swim.” Naga replies. “He’s so graceful.” says Jewel. “Yeah, yeah, but look what I got.”

Onnie waves to fauna in the corner. A brief silence fills the room as they wait for something to happen. “What are we looking at?” says Jewel. Fauna appears out of thin air. She tries to land on her two hooves but slips on water, falling to the floor gracefully. “Ah, sorry,” says Fauna. “Are you ok?” Jasper asks as he helps her off the floor. “Yes, I’m fine,” says Fauna.

“Maybe that was too much.” says Onnie. Mortimer comes out the water. “Is everything okay?” asks Mortimer. “Yes, Onnie was just showing us her new friend,” says Jewel. “Oh, hello, I’ve never seen someone glow as bright as you do. What are you, may I ask?” says Mortimer. “Okay, don’t tell no one but.” Onnie whispers. “She’s a spirit.” Everyone gawps at fauna and shouts “What!!!”

“Yep, she followed me home after you all left,” says Onnie. “What why!?” says Jewel. “Well, I’m helping her find someone.” says Onnie. “Who is she searching for?” asks Mortimer. “We don’t know the picture was of a child and was muddy.” “Oh, that’s a shame,” says Mortimer. “Yeah, we were going to my tree, but want to stop by before we go. Where’s Rosaline?” says Onnie.

“She’s in her room studying.” says Mortimer. “Okay, thanks, I’ll go see her later today. Bye.” Fauna hops on the broom with Onnie and waves. “Wait, is it okay to fly your broom inside?” says Jasper. “Umm…no.” Onnie says, then shrugs her shoulders. “Hmm ok.” says Jasper. The friends shout “Bye!” as they leave.

***

“Well, here we are, Fauna. I might get the mud off and looking good as new with Nana’s help.” says Onnie. “Thank you, you’re really helping me out I just hope, Aurora doesn’t find out how late I am.” says Fauna. “Hey, better late than never.” says Onnie. “You’re right.” “Why are you so late, anyway? Nobody just let’s years go by, right?”

“Yes, but time moves slower here. A year is a month in my world, even so, I should have been faster.” says Fauna. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I promise we’ll help you,” says Onnie. “Nana, are you home!?”

“Upstairs!”

“Come here!” Nana runs down the stairs. “Yes, dear? Oh, my gosh! Is that a spirit?” asks Nana.

 “Yes, and it needs help,” says Onnie. Onnie grabs Nana’s hand and takes her upstairs. Once upstairs, Onnie shows her the ruined picture. “Of course I can help. Put the photo in water with cleaning petals.” Nana stirs the mixture with her wand. “There, good as new.”

“Thanks.” Onnie hugs Nana tight.

“No problem, dear,” says Nana. Onnie inspects the picture. She squints her eyes and notices it’s a photo of her mother holding her when she was a baby. “Is, is this me?” Onnie sprints downstairs. “Fauna!”

“Yes?”

“I think I know who you’re looking for.”