Preiously on "The Otherworlders": In Inez's bedroom, she, Fiona, and Ava prepare for the Enchanted Chancellor's Ball. Ava feels her dress lacks elegance, while Fiona despises her plain one and is self-conscious about her "man-arms." 

Inez offers her jewelry, except for her cherished mother's pearls, and encourages the girls to focus on their strengths. 

Discovering the issue is Fiona's dress cut, not her arms, Inez suggests raiding her sister Marisol's closet. Amidst a plethora of gowns, Fiona's defeatism about her looks prompts Inez to play "What Makes You Beautiful" and dance to uplift her. 

Their fun is interrupted by Señor Hidalgo, reminding them of their appointments. After a light-hearted moment and a group selfie, they end the day on a high note, despite their initial reservations.

**********

A black stretch limo barrels through the city center towards the Grand Hall where the Enchanted Chancellor's Ball is to be held. Inez and her father sit on one side of the limousine, while Fiona and Ava sit across the way.

The girls are decked out in vintage dresses, plucked from the depths of Marisol's closet, each designed to show off their most attractive features. Inez wears a black crepe and lace 50's style halter dress, reminiscent of a young Elizabeth Taylor. Fiona wears an off-the-shoulder 60's style gown with a simple black top, a long, shimmery silver skirt and short sleeves that actually compliment her perceived man-arms. Ava wears a one-shouldered, warm cream 70's style gown with an expensive vintage black lace overlay that cost more than every single stitch of clothing in her closet... combined.

The limo pulls to a stop at the head of a dark alley, the shadowy location unexpectedly heightening Fiona's senses, a subtle reminder that she's a Vampyr in Enchanted territory.

Ava and Fiona peek out of the car window, surprised that the neighborhood for an event like this would look so sketchy. Holding up her hand in front of her mouth, Fiona leans over to Ava and asks, "This is where Enchanteds hold their fancy parties?"

Ava leans in, whispers back. "Yeah, not quite what I expected."

The limo driver hops out to open the door. Sr. Hidalgo and Inez pile out of the limousine and then lead Fiona and Ava down a long, dark alleyway that abruptly ends at a solid brick wall.

Nervous, Ava and Fiona exchange confused glances.

Standing in front of the wall is a big burly bouncer, stuffed awkwardly into an ill-fitting tuxedo. He's the sort of man usually working the door at an exclusive nightclub; but instead, he's playing gatekeeper for the season's most anticipated Enchanted event.

As he takes in the potential guests coming his way, his gaze lingers a beat too long on Fiona, and although there's nothing outwardly about her that screams "Vampyr," there's a flicker of recognition that flashes in his eyes.

Fiona swallows hard as Sr. Hidalgo holds his hand out to the man, to show the bouncer his signet ring--a thick gold piece of jewelry with an intricate engraving of the Hildago family crest, denoting the family's station within Enchanted society. The ring serves as his invitation, granting him and his guests access to the event.

The bouncer, instantly recognizing the ring, pulls out a small wand from the interior pocket of his tuxedo jacket. He takes the wand and draws an enormous circle on the wall. Sparks fly as the bricks instantly dissolve into ashes, creating a passageway through the wall and out onto a long walkway lined with a red velvet carpet. Paparazzi — actual paparazzi — line both sides of the walkway, shouting out guests' names and snapping pictures as the Enchanted guests saunter by.

Fiona freezes as her heart plummets to her stomach, the lights of the cameras blinding her with their pop and their flash. "Oh, no." She shakes her head violently, "No, no, no, no, no!"

She gathers up her skirt and starts backing away, as if contemplating a Cinderella-style escape. "Holy crap, Inez!" Her voice creaks with anxiety. "You didn't say anything about press or pictures! No, there's gotta be another way into the hall. Seriously! Like, I'll climb through a bathroom window if I have to!"

Inez rushes back to her friend. The look of sheer terror on Fiona's face is heartbreaking. Of course this would be overwhelming, for anyone, especially a Vampyr who didn't grow up in the limelight like Inez had.

Inez takes both of Fiona's hands into hers. "I'm sorry, Fiona," she says. "I totally forgot about this part." She looks back at the crowd, the cameras, the chaos. "Unfortunately, there's no other way in. "Look..." She gives Fiona's hands a comforting squeeze. "We'll move super-fast through the line, and if anyone asks you a question, just leave it to me. Okay?"

Fiona looks over at Ava who looks nervous but not nearly as terrified as she does. Then she turns back and shoots Inez a skeptical gaze. "I don't know," she says, her voice starting to tremble. "I wasn't expecting... well, I wasn't expecting all of this!" She gestures towards the celebrity circus.

"I know it can be a bit much," Inez replies. "Enchanteds love to show off." She rolls her eyes as she chuckles lightly. "But because of my father's position, we sort of have to go through the line and get our pictures taken. It's a protocol thing. Is that okay?" she urges. "Do you think you can do it, for me? I promise it will go quickly."

Fiona inhales sharply through her nose, in an attempt to calm her nerves. Vampyr parties can get fancy, but nothing like this! This is like the Oscars! And she loathes parties as well as being in the public eye. It's torture for her because despite her attitude, her snarkiness, and her bravado, when it comes to social situations, the truth is, she's actually painfully shy.

Fiona looks at Inez's expectant face and forces a smile. "Okay... let's go," she says tenuously.

Inez smiles back at her, then turns around and links her arms through Fiona's and then through Ava's. Lifting her chin, she turns on a million dollar smile and begins walking them, confidently, down the red carpet.

"Okay, girls," Inez says as she hugs Fiona and Ava tightly to her side. "Let's rock this!"

***

Back at the Academy, Aidan and Sebastian are on the main floor of the gym, working with Master Achebe on their roundhouse kicks. Cameron, Jake, and Farid, bored out of their minds, lounge on a side bench, waiting for their turn.

Cameron reaches over and pulls his cellphone out of his gym bag. To kill time, he begins to check his messages. As he's scrolling through them, he gets a text from Inez.

Inez 5:45 PM: We're at the Chancellor's Ball

I know how much you LOVE these parties.

Don't you wish you were here?

Cameron chuckles as he types back.

Cameron 5:45 PM: Not on your life! What are you nuts?

He tips his water bottle back and takes a sip as he waits for her response.

Inez 5:46 PM: Hmm... R U sure???

Cameron shakes his head and laughs, then he notices a picture attached to the text. He clicks on the thumbnail and coughs out water as the image of the girls, looking stunning in their evening gowns, expands.

"Whoa!" He wipes away the water dribbling down his chin.

"What?" Jake asks, intrigued.

Cameron holds out his phone so Jake as well as Farid, who's now intrigued, can see it. They both slide down the bench to join him.

Jake's eyes go wide as he looks down at the picture attached to the text. "Wait, whaaat..?" he says.

"Is that..?" Farid adds.

"Yeah!" Cameron says.

"Damn!" Jake scratches his head.

"I know!" Farid confirms.

"Riiiight...?" Cameron finishes their verbal exchange in awe.

All three boys are dumbfounded, unable to find the proper words to express just how blown away they are by the girls' makeover and just how much more beautiful they look than in their everyday clothes.

Sebastian walks up to them. "Farid," he says as he wipes his face with a towel. "Master Achebe wants you and Jake on the floor... now," he adds.

Neither Farid nor Jake responds.

Sebastian scowls. "Farid!"

But still nothing.

Annoyed, Sebastian walks over to see what's captured the boys' attention. He leans in and peers over Cameron's shoulder, then nods slowly with casual approval. "Wow... the girls look really good."

"Uh-huh... Yeah... They do..." Farid, Jake, and Cameron murmur in unison.

Coming around to stand before the three of them, Sebastian rolls his eyes as he takes in just how ridiculous they look. He drags a towel over his face and up through his hair as he scoffs.

"What?!" Farid finally looks up and sees Sebastian shaking his head.

"You know you guys are toast, right?" Sebastian says to him.

"What do you mean?" Farid asks, while Jake looks up and narrows his eyes while Cameron just tilts his head in confusion.

"You three..." Sebastian points at each of them. "...are so hooked it's really kind of pathetic. C'mon guys," he cajoles. "You've got to get your act together, or else you'll have no game."

Farid shakes his head. "What are you talking about? You're not making any sense," he protests.

Sebastian just takes one look at the puppy dog expressions still present on all three of the boys' faces and laughs as he walks away.

Looking back over his shoulder, he adds, "You know it's a pity you guys are this far gone already because at this stage, you can't even call it sport! You're not even close to being a match for those three!"

***

Inside the Grand Hall of the Chancellor's Ball, chandeliers cast a soft glow over the throngs of guests milling about.

Set against the white, mirrored walls, decked with elaborate gold trim, the exquisite dresses worn by the women create a jewel-colored palette of emerald, ruby, sapphire, and amethyst with the black and white of the men's tuxedos accentuating the tableau.

A low thrum of chatter resonates throughout the space, punctuated by soft classical music wafting in from a full chamber orchestra situated at the front of the room.

Of course, this being an Enchanted orchestra, there's not a single musician present — just a lone conductor using his magic wand to make the instruments play themselves.

Linen-covered tables line the parquet dance floor, each table having a tall floral bouquet at its center with tiny blue butterflies fluttering above them, dipping in and out of them, in perfect time to the music.

The scene is lush, exquisite, magical.

This ball is for the crème de la crème of Enchanted society — the richest, most glamorous, most important Enchanteds in all the land, and it's unlike anything either Ava or Fiona have ever seen.

Sr. Hidalgo escorts the girls to the welcome area where the receiving line for the Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor, and both of their families awaits.

The Chancellor, Jacques Reneau, is a youngish man in his mid-forties who, although the son of a former Chancellor from a previous administration, was never destined for politics.

With his dark, rugged good looks, his boyish charm and his taste for adventure, he'd spent most of his time after university taking photographs, volunteering to help the poor, and putting together an environmental documentary, all the while competing on a worldwide professional surfing tour.

The Vice-Chancellor on the other hand, well, he's a very different story. Vice-Chancellor, Richard Longbottom, is a paunchy, oily, mess of a man who stumbled into politics without any political agenda or experience. In fact, he's the exact opposite of Chancellor Reneau.

And none of his questionably accumulated wealth can hide the fact that he is — at his core — a petty, old man with a laughable combover and an absurdly large ego who, to his immense disappointment and surprise, lost out to the young upstart standing next to him in the election for the Chancellor's seat.

Sr. Hidalgo and Chancellor Reneau greet each other and shake hands.

"Senior Hidalgo, it's very good to see you again," Chancellor Reneau addresses him with genuine warmth. "Is Marisol not with you tonight?" he asks.

"No, unfortunately not. She could not make it tonight," Sr. Hidalgo replies.

"Oh, that's such a shame," Reneau says with regret. "Well, I want you to know how proud we are of the work she's been doing with our foundation." He leans in, his tone soft and soothing. "She would have made her mother very proud," he whispers.

Sr. Hidalgo smiles. "Thank you, Chancellor. Thank you. I'm touched to hear you say that." He takes a step back and raises his voice. "But tonight, I'm here with the other light of my life." He motions for Inez to take a step forward. "Chancellor Reneau, may I introduce you to my youngest daughter, Inez Amelia Constancia Hidalgo."

Inez respectfully bows her head, as is the customary greeting for a high-ranking official.

Chancellor Reneau bows his head in return and smiles. "Miss Hidalgo, I am honored."

Inez gestures behind her. "May I introduce my friends to you, sir?"

"But of course," Reneau responds.

Inez motions for Ava and Fiona to come forward and they do, they bow their heads as Inez had shown them back at the house.

"Chancellor Reneau," Inez says. "I'd like to present to you Miss Fiona Campbell, of House Campbell, and Miss Ava Liwanag of the Si'ahl tribe."

Recognizing their Vampyric and Shifter origins from additions Inez gave to them in her introduction, Chancellor Reneau is at first surprised, and then pleased to have guests from the other races at his ball.

"Well, it's a great honor to have you both at our event tonight," he says, smiling.

Ava and Fiona reply simultaneously, "Thank you, sir."

Sr. Hidalgo then guides the girls further down the line to officially greet the Chancellor's family.

Standing next to the Chancellor's wife is his seventeen-year-old son, Gabriel — a tall. very good-looking young man of obvious wealth and station with curly black hair, a lean athletic build and hazel eyes that are much more green then brown and spark with kindness. He seems to take a particular interest in Fiona, much to her embarrassment, holding her hand just a little longer than expected and giving her a second glance and smile as she continues to make her way down the line.

Next up is the Vice-Chancellor who reaches over and slaps Sr. Hidalgo, ungraciously, on the shoulder taking Sr. Hidalgo by complete surprise.

"Hidalgo!" he booms, his voice loud but surprisingly high and thin. "Good to see you again, my man! How's it hanging?"

Sr. Hidalgo blinks and stands mute in response to the rather course greeting, then quickly recovers. "Um, I am fine, sir. And how are you?"

"Good! Good!" Vice-Chancellor Longbottom says with a bit too much gusto to be believed.

"And may I introduce you to my daughter, Inez, and her friends, Miss Fiona and Miss Ava." He gestures at the girls.

"Well, well, well..." Longbottom says in that slimy way he has. "And what do we have here?" He raises his brow and stares lasciviously at the girls — so much so that Sr. Hidalgo quickly shoos them to the end of the receiving line before the lecherous old man can undress them with his beady eyes.

Before Sr. Hidalgo can make his escape, Longbottom grabs his arm and stops him. He leans in and quietly asks, "So, when am I going to get your public support for the wall I want to build around the Province, huh, Hidalgo? You know, the one to keep the riff-raff out?"

Sr. Hidalgo stares at Vice-Chancellor Longbottom and then pulls his arm gently from his grasp. "First of all, sir," he says, "I find the idea of a border wall both offensive and abhorrent. And second, you seem to be under the impression that I should be the one to pay for it, and I'm not quite sure where that assumption came from."

Longbottom laughs indignantly. "Oh, c'mon, Hidalgo. You're the richest man in the Province. Haven't you ever heard of a private-public partnership before? That's all this is you know." He leans in and lowers his voice. "And if you invest the funds now, I can absolutely guarantee that all the maintenance contracts will make their way to you and make you an even richer man than you already are."

Sr. Hidalgo shakes his head slowly, stunned by Longbottom's perpetual plots and intrigues, even at such an auspicious occasion as this. "It seems that all you really want, Longbottom," he says to the Vice-Chancellor, "is a private-private partnership made up mostly of my money; and frankly sir, I'm not in the least bit interested in your latest scheme."

And before he loses his cool, Sr. Hidalgo excuses himself, offering a terse greeting and tight smile to the Vice-Chancellor's wife and family, before quickly moving on.

***********

A/N - Interesting fact. Both Chancellor Reneau and Vice-Chancellor Longbottom are based on actual politicians. And while they didn't run against each other, since they're from different countries, can you guess who each of them is based on?

And honestly, I didn't have a particular Harry Potter character in mind when I chose the name Longbottom. I was thinking of an apt description for the politician the Vice-Chancellor is based on. The coincidence in names was entirely accidental! 😂

See you next week!

~ Paula ❤️

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