Word spread around Menaginary that there was going to be a ball for Prince Ryder with the intention of him finding a romantic partner. Everyone in the Menaginary who was of age and single was sent an invite to attend. Jason was fond of social gatherings, but he always heard about everyone’s excitement about it no matter where he went. Even Philip was excited about it, not for the sake of getting with Prince Ryder, but for the sake of getting with the Royal Advisor since, according to Philip, the Royal Advisor was cute judging by the few times he saw him at the shops. Philip kept trying to persuade Jason to go with him to the Ball just for the sake of him getting out of the house and maybe even finding a quiet place.

On the day of the Ball, Jason was muttering to himself about the possibility of actually going to the Ball while baking a peach cobbler. He thought it would be a good idea to just go for the sake of saying he went and finding a quiet place to keep to himself. He certainly wasn’t hoping the stranger he met in the wood would actually be there. Not long after he started muttering did he hear laughter sprout behind him. He turned around to see his stepsisters wearing (in his opinion) too much makeup and blinding dresses.

“You? At the Ball? Why bother when you already are one?” Missy spat at him.

“Yea, the moment he steps into that palace, everything will start shaking,” Debby added.

Jason barely heard footsteps head in their direction before Daeva was seen with a maroon dress and her hair down.

“That’s enough, girls. We all know that the Prince would be a fool to not call any of us his bride-to-be. Just make sure you don’t inhale the wedding cake you make for us when he wants to tie the knot, pumpkin,” Daeva declared before they all left.

Jason sighed as he finished the cobbler before he went to his tree behind the house and looked up at the sky. He wasn’t too surprised that they’d shove him to the ground just as his pride in himself started to rise. He heard footsteps coming his way, but felt relieved and confused when he saw that the footsteps were coming from a nicely dressed Philip.

“Philip, what are you doing here? I thought you were eager to go to the Ball,” Jason stated.

“I was, but as I came over and saw...them come out of the house without you, I figured something was wrong,” Philip answered.

“Well, you know, you can’t exactly flirt with the Royal Advisor just staying here with me.”

“I know, but he doesn’t know I exist and my best friend needs me.”

Jason covered his face with his hands to hide the smile growing on his face.

“You know, for the sake of his mental health, I hope that Prince doesn’t choose any of them,” he claimed before looking down.

Philip glanced at the somber look on Jason’s face and gently placed his hand on the latter’s shoulder.

“I’m sure your mother was much better,” was all Philip could think of to say.

Jason smiled at Philip before he glanced up at the sky. He nudged Philip and brought his attention to a shooting star.

“Let’s make a wish!” Philip suggested.

Although Jason wasn’t usually the type to believe in making wishes, he complied as it meant he was doing an activity with his best friend. He closed his eyes and made a wish, but as he opened them, it looked as if one star was getting closer to them both. Jason nudged Philip again so he would see and they were surprised to witness that what they thought was a star had become a figure with a lavender gown and a stick in their hand.

“Ah, Jason, it’s so good to finally meet you,” the figure said.

“Um...who are you? And how do you know who I am?” he asked shyly.

“Oh, sorry. I’m your Fairy Godfather. I’ve looked over you since you were a baby. Actually, both your parents have looked over you with me,” the figure explained.

“Wait, you know my parents?”

“Of course. They’ve wanted to do so much more for you. Plus, you made a wish on a shooting star at a time you needed me the most, so those are the reasons why I’m here.”

“So...you can make me skinny for the Ball tonight?”

“If that’s how you want to go about it, I will certainly comply.”

The Fairy Godfather waved the stick in his hand around Jason until sparkles and smoke surrounded him. After some time, the smoke disappeared and Jason was seen as a smaller frame in a fancier outfit of black and purple. He and Philip were both in shock to witness something they never thought they would.

“Oh my, you actually did it! I’m actually slim like Daeva and her daughters!” Jason stated in shock.

As they looked at Jason’s new figure, the Fairy Godfather made a carriage and horses appear for the two as well.

“How can I repay you?” Jason asked the Fairy Godfather.

“Just have as great a time as you can. But, remember, the magic will be undone when midnight strikes,” he warned Jason.

As Jason made his way to the carriage with confidence guiding him, the Fairy Godfather turned to Philip and chuckled.

“You know, that wasn’t the only thing he wished for,” he muttered.

“Really? What else did he wish for?” Philip asked.

The Fairy Godfather whispered the piece of information into Philip’s ear and the latter’s face turned into surprise before turning into an expression of understanding.

“Let’s just allow him to figure it out for himself,” the Fairy Godfather said with a chuckle.

“Philip! Come on! We have a ball to attend and you have a Royal Advisor to get to know!” Jason called out.

Philip waved to the Fairy Godfather as he rushed to the carriage and the Fairy Godfather was eager to watch the events unfold alongside Jason’s parents.