Author's note: Thanks to Inu-midoriko for all of her help with this chapter, and I'm sorry for the long wait! Oh just so you know Dakota is her character, not mine.
Finally, after a week of nervous waiting, it was the big night of the party. Rumors had been bouncing off the walls as to why Griffin was throwing a party, though it could have been closer to call it a ball. All the witches and wizards from rival schools had also been invited to attend. However, despite the dark witch's brief show of concern, Rose still remained as distant as ever. She hadn't even asked Darcy to join her when she went shopping for a new dress, instead, she had asked a small handful of 'reject' witches to come along.
Darcy watched Rose laugh and talk with the three rejects of the school. Her eyes narrowed at the sight. "How could she?" The dark witch muttered under her breath. Icy had gone to see one of her teachers to help her prepare for this weeks big test, so Darcy decided she look out the window for a bit. She didn't expect to see Rose leave the tower with Lucy, Mirta and Dakota. She also didn't expect to feel red hot betrayal course through her veins.
Rose looked, if not happy, than at least content as she laughed at something Dakota said. Lucy however said something that made the slender redhead's cheeks go quite scarlet. Mirta just grinned and casually linked arms with Lucy.
Darcy huffed and turned away from the window, she didn't like the feeling she was getting every time she watched Rose laugh.
"So Rose, why haven't you been hanging out with Darcy anymore?" Dakota asked in a soft voice.
"After Icy informed to me that Darcy was only using me for last month's project, and Darcy confirmed it, I found it hard to trust her. She had almost convinced me otherwise, but I guess her sister talked her out of it. We had another rather nasty fight and that was that." Rose said, working to keep her voice steady, and pretended to be occupied with keeping her covered dress off the pavement.
"But Rose is this really what you want? Do you honestly really want to give up your friendship with her?" The short, thin brunette asked. Her wild curls bounced about her shoulders as she turned her head to look at Rose.
"Were we really friends, she and I? Looking back, I can't help but wonder." Rose shrugged. "I shouldn't keep you; you need to get ready for tonight. Thank you again for accepting my offer, even though it sounds weird and different."
Dakota quieted when she recognized the hint to drop it. "Anytime Rose." She smiled and bent down to hug her new friend. "It may look like her, but after everything you two have been through, do you really think she'd turn on you without help from something strong?" She whispered so only Rose could hear and stood up straight. "I'll see you later."
Mirta and Lucy both smiled at Rose. "And miss out on this, after all the crap we've been put though? Not a chance!" Mirta replied with a wicked grin.
Lucy smiled, though she was still a little pale. "You are forming something strong and wild with your choice tonight. The Trix sisters won't be happy about losing control, but you won't be without those you chose to guard your back." It was the closest Lucy had come to admitting that the time had come for change regardless of her hero worship of the Trix sisters.
Nodding once in both agreement and acknowledgement, Rose slowly pushed herself inside towards her room while the others went their separate ways.
Icy came back, walking down the hall in a very slow, almost distracted stride. She briefly noticed Rose and ignored her as she passed. "Rose." She called almost too softly to be her voice.
Surprised despite herself, Rose stopped and turned her head slightly. "Yes Icy?" She asked calmly, though ready to defend herself if needed. She remembered all too clearly what Icy was like.
The ice witch opened her mouth, looking back at Rose. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "How's Bloom?" She was almost afraid of being lectured about how she shouldn't be asking since her and Bloom weren't friends anymore.
"She's doing as well as can be expected." She answered calmly. "Considering that she was betrayed by both sides." There was heated ice in her tone now.
Icy glared, her temper coming into play but she took a breath and nodded. "All right, thank you for telling me." With that she walked off.
Relaxing her will slightly, Rose continued on her way. It was only once she was safely in her room and laid her gown neatly on the bed that Rose felt herself shaking from the inside out. "Too close, that was too close." She whispered to herself.
Icy took a deep breath. She was so close to doing something she knew she'd regret. She silently felt proud of herself for controlling her temper yet at the same time she felt as if she should have made Rose take back what she said. In the end she knew it wasn't going to be worth it. If she was going to get Bloom back on her side, and this time because she wanted her, she was going to have to be civilized to everyone Bloom cared for.
Griffin was coming down the stairs. "Is everything all right Ms. Trix?" The principal of Cloud Tower asked.
Icy quickly looked up, the headmistress was someone she didn't expect to see. "Yes, I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
"Sometimes there's more to what Rose says then the words she uses. Especially if she knows something that she wants to tell but can't for whatever reason. Don't do anything rash until you ask yourself why she said what she said in the way that she said it." A small smile curved Griffin's lips. "And don't blow anything else up tonight please."
Icy smirked. "Don't worry I have more important things on my mind." She watched as Griffin walked passed her.
Stormy had by then returned and was in the shower, humming gleefully to herself while being careful of her newly done nails.
Darcy went into the bathroom and stopped abruptly when she heard Stormy's surprisingly pleasant humming voice. "Stormy?"
Behind the curtain, the humming stopped abruptly and something fell with a heavy sounding thud. "Ow! Shit! Yeah Dar?"
"I didn't think you had such a pleasant voice, that's all." Darcy remarked. "What did you drop?" She sat on the toilet seat, putting a hand to her aching head.
"Just a very heavy shampoo bottle hit me in the head." Stormy replied, rubbing her throbbing head. "Is Icy back yet?"
"No, she should be back soon." As if on que Icy came through the door and proceeded to flop down head first onto her bed.
Stormy smiled to herself as she shampooed her hair again. "Are you excited for tonight sis? This might turn out to be Rose's coming-out party. I can't wait to see what happens."
"Yeah sure you do." Mumbled Icy and let her long blue hair out of it usual high ponytail.
"What's got you so far down in the dumps?" Darcy asked, trying in vain to distract herself from her aching head.
"It's nothing to worry about Darcy, just a lot of planning for me to do." Icy replied, her voice sounding muffled through the pillow.
"You're not planning on us blowing things up again are you?" Darcy asked, barely catching her sister's reply.
"No, this is a solo mission for me."
"If tonight turns out to be what I think it will, don't try to go after Rose Icy." Stormy said sternly, as she came out of the bathroom, a dark towel wrapped around her damp body.
Icy growled in frustration. "What the hell makes you think I'm the slightest bit interested in her? If anything you should be warning our other sister."
"I'm not the hard core planner here Icy." Darcy retorted, having come out of the bathroom behind Stormy and sitting on her bed.
"Bloom's been spending a lot of time with Rose, and it's very possible that Bloom will be in Rose's group tonight, if not her date." Stormy informed her older sisters, looking smug.
Icy's head shot up. "What?" Her gaze was dark and dangerous, warning Stormy that if she was kidding, she'd better state so.
"Rose personally invited Bloom, her Circle, and Ms. Faragonda to the dance as her 'honored guests'. I don't know why." Stormy said, toweling herself dry.
"Why would she do that?" Darcy tried to keep her temper under control. Icy's dangerous gaze lifted to Darcy.
"What the hell do you care? I thought you two weren't 'friends' anymore." The ice witch hissed in anger and hurt.
"Like you're one to talk, I thought you were only in it for the Dragon Fire." Darcy snapped back.
Stormy ignored the backbiting going on behind her as she began to dress with great care. Her purple hair was no longer frizzy and standing up, but instead looked glossy and hung loosely around her shoulders. Her dress was form-fitting scarlet velvet, buttery soft to the touch as she slipped into it.
Icy shot Darcy a death glare. "Things change."
"Nothing 'just changes'." Darcy growled back. "You've liked Bloom from the very beginning haven't you?"
Icy snarled. "Get ready for the party." She barked and slammed the door to the bathroom after getting up.
Darcy flipped her sister the middle finger before turning her back on the door and taking out her dark purple dress. It came down to her ankles. She slipped on a pair of black open toed heels. The dark witch fixed her makeup and took her curling iron and curled two thick pieces of hair on either of her face, leaving the rest of her hair straight.
Stormy added a pair of ruby clips in her hair. "Are you going to wear the necklace she showed you?" The youngest sister asked quietly.
Darcy's eyes brightened. She had forgotten about that. She went over to her dresser and took it out of its box and put it on.
Her younger sister smiled sadly when she saw her sister's normally cold golden amber eyes light up. "Were you falling in love with her?
Darcy's head shot up, her heart skipping a beat but quickly coated over in ice once more. "No." She said coldly. The necklace went well with her dress and complexion. Rose had good taste.
"I see." Stormy replied softly. "Then let her heal and live her life as best she can."
"Back off before you get hurt Stormy." Darcy hissed, getting up on the defensive side.
"I mean it. If Rose has found comfort and happiness elsewhere, then don't add more salt to the wounds you put there." With that, Stormy walked to the bed and put on her tan fancy dancing shoes.
"You don't understand any of it." Darcy muttered, checking her appearance once more to distract herself.
"Maybe I do, maybe not. Maybe I've grown up. All I have to say is that you're not getting a third chance. She doesn't trust you anymore." Stormy stood and walked toward the door.
"Whatever Storm, I don't care anymore. Icy hurry the hell up!" Darcy bellowed, not wanting to be late.
Icy walked out, completely ignoring Darcy. "You're looking good Stormy." Her pale blue, strapless dress swayed with her as she walked towards the door. Her dark blue heels clicked on the floor as she walked passed Darcy.
Stormy quietly slipped out, not bothering to wait for her sisters. Disgust felt thick in her throat. Seeing Bloom and her Circle, it broke her heart when she saw the hope in Flora's eyes die when she saw Stormy shake her head even as Flora offered her arm to the storm witch.
Taking Flora's arm, Stormy murmured. "Darcy threw away the best thing she's ever had. I hope Rose finds her happiness elsewhere."
Icy and Darcy walked in the room, tension obvious between them.
The room filled slowly, making it easy for Stormy to ignore her sisters. Griffin was talking to Ms. Faragonda, but Rose was nowhere to be seen.
Icy wandered off, walking in no particular direction while Darcy stayed in the shadows, discreetly looking for Rose.
Silently, Rose entered the room, limping slightly. The spells she was using for the night to support her weight allowed her to walk, but they weren't perfect. Catching Griffin's eye, she took her place near the stage, making sure she wasn't noticed.
Darcy's mouth opened slightly, her defenses coming down once more. It was bad enough that Stormy caught her off guard but if someone else were too, it would mean her reputation. She closed her mouth and moved further into the shadows. No harm done if no one knows she's staring right?
Concealing a smirk, Griffin ascended the stage and raised her hands for silence. The headmistress was dressed in a formal black gown with silver designs. She knew that she was about to do something that others who knew her, or thought they did, completely off balance.
Icy frowned, something was up, the look in Griffin's eyes and the slight grin on her usually stoic face had Icy wondering what the big news was. If the headmistress was going to do what the ice witch thought she was going to do, things weren't going to look well for Icy.
"Witches, Wizards, and Honored Guests, I thank you for coming here this night. Tonight is not just a chance for new alliances and feuds. While I have no intention of stepping down as Headmistress of Cloud Tower, I feel that the time has come to name my successor."
Darcy didn't catch a word of what Griffin said, her attention was on still looking for Rose. Icy, on the other hand swore and mentally kicked herself, realizing her mistake.
"My successor is a young woman with intellect and heart. It is my hope that her amazing inner strength will lead to new discoveries in regards to Magic and Power..." Griffin smiled now as her triumphant eyes swept the crowd. "Tonight, it is my honor to introduce my adopted daughter: Rosemary Aradia Aurora Griffin! Step forward my daughter!" The Dark Headmistress's voice rang with pride and joy.
Holding her head high, Rose joined her mother on stage, the limp seeming to add dignity to her step. The redhead was dressed in a simple slivery-white dress. Her hair was in a simple high ponytail and she wore no jewelry except for a simple silver bracelet on her left wrist.
Icy stared along with Darcy now. Not out of awe, but out of shock.
Darcy slapped her forehead, how could she have been so stupid? Why didn't she see this coming?
Bavalon, who was standing next to Icy made a choking noise. "She's so ugly... What spell did the cripple use to worm her way to Griffin?" She asked in a low strangled voice.
How can she be your successor when she has no Coven to support her?" Icy spoke up loud enough for Griffin and everyone else to hear.
Rose however, looked completely calm as she curtsied in Icy's direction. "Who says I do not?" She asked serenely. Holding up her bracelet, it flashed once. "Behold my Cirven! It is neither Circle nor Coven, but both!" As Rose spoke, Bloom and Her Circle looked triumphant as they each raised their left arm in answer. Nearby, Dakota, Mirta and Lucy did the same. All of them wore a bracelet that matched Rose's.
Darcy's heart sank as betrayal swept over her.
Icy narrowed her eyes and stayed silent. She had no choice but to accept the fact that Rose was going to soon take over Cloud Tower.
The redhead's silver eyes blazed in triumph, but her voice rang with honesty. "I am a humble woman, and while I do not feel worthy of the honor that my adoptive mother has now placed on my slender shoulders, I will do my best. However, I will only give those assembled here tonight only one warning: Those who wear that bracelet are members of my Cirven, do not think that you can slip on a bracelet and pretend to be a member. You won't like the results. Any who harm any member of my Cirven will answer directly to me, and you have my word that I will not be gentle." As she delivered her warning, there was steel in her eyes and ice in her voice. She seemed to be looking directly at Icy.
Icy gave her a cold stare back, perhaps not as intimidating as Rose's but it said that she would have to do what she had to do to stay safe.
Darcy moved closer to the front, fully intrigued in with this new arrangement. Her headache was slowly dissolving as she made her way closer to Rose and her Cirven.
Ignoring Icy's stare completely, she turned and curtsied before her mother, accepting an embrace before descending the stage. Bloom offered one arm, and Dakota took the other.
Dakota smiled warmly. "You did great." Her soft voice filled with affection.
"Thanks, I thought it sounded a bit pompous, but I wanted to be certain that no one would get any ideas about hurting any of you." Rose said softly, grateful for their support. "Now I have to open the dancing before I can rest..."
Dakota frowned softly. "You can take a break before you go out there."
"Dakota, resting now will mean that everything I've just said won't be taken seriously." She answered, hiding a wince as pain shot up her right leg.
Thoughts and feelings Darcy didn't understand were flooding in her chest and mind faster than every breath she took. Could she have been falling for Rose? What had happened to her feelings then? How could they have been coated over with ice in just one night? After Darcy thought for a moment, she remembered Icy's strange behavior that one night. Could her own flesh and blood have given her a potion to conceal her feelings?
All of this was giving her an even bigger headache. She shook her head and left for the deserted balcony for air and quiet thinking.
Icy wasn't taking the news of Bloom allying with Rose too lightly. How could she? Sure, Rose and Bloom were friends, but how could their friendship have grown and bonded so tightly that Rose was willing to risk her life for them? Silently, Icy pondered on the fact and possibility of making a big mistake. She realized she needed Bloom, wanted her, but her pride and Bloom's broken heart were in the way of anything getting better, of anything going back to the way things were. The ice witch put a hand to her head and rubbed her temples. "What have I done?" She muttered.
Meanwhile, Bloom had let go of Rose's arm and curtsied to the red-haired witch. Rose smiled and nodded, allowing Bloom to lead her onto the dance floor to start the dancing off. Both redheads danced in measured step. Bloom laughed as Rose seemed to be apologizing for her awkward movements. The fairy's dress, a silvery blue a shade darker than her Winx outfit, swirled gracefully as she danced.
Icy was feeling stunned as she watched Bloom dance gracefully with an awkward-looking Rose, who continued step on Bloom's feet and trip every so often. Jealousy filled her eyes, she considered asking Bloom to dance later but fear of rejection had her standing in the shadows, watching.
After the dance, they curtsied to each other before Bloom led Rose off the dance floor. Neither noticed Icy standing in the shadows. "No Rose, you were fine! We'll just need to adjust the spells a bit, that's all. Considering this is the first time you're on your feet, you did very well." Bloom told Rose encouragingly and beamed at her friend as she led Rose to a nearby chair.
Now Icy's dark gaze landed and froze on Bloom's face. She looked so happy and so confident. She used to look that way all the time at her when they were on friendly terms.
The fairy playfully kissed Rose's hand and told her that she was going to get drinks before somebody spiked them. Then she walked away.
Rose started slightly before then nodded to Icy. "You look nice tonight, blue suits you very well." She said calmly.
Icy gave her a small smile. "Thanks. You look good yourself." She looked away slightly. "I wanted to ..." She took a deep breath, she rarely ever did this but if she wanted to be on Rose's good list she'd have to do it. "…apologize about my outburst earlier."
Rose smiled, revealing her dimples. "It's okay Icy. You asked a reasonable, intelligent question. Though, I must admit, I hadn't planned on making that announcement tonight."
Icy gave her a smirk. "Everyone was going to know sometime right?" She glanced away again, this time noticing Bloom was starting to make her way back. "Listen. I don't have much time, I was wondering if there's anything between you and Bloom."
"I was waiting for the proper time to say it. After all, can't give too many shocks in one night." The girl was silent for a moment, and then answered as honestly as she could. "At present, maybe, I'm not sure if Bloom is just using me as a shield."
"Using you as s shield from what?" Icy's brow creased in concern, she caught the emotion on her features and as quickly as possible made it disappear.
"She doesn't want to get too close to anybody right now. Though, I'll admit, this is the first time she's flirted with me."
Icy looked back again, Bloom was surprisingly closer to them and only getting closer. She turned back to Rose and leaned forward, wrapping her arms around the slender woman and whispered. "Don't say a word of this to Bloom." She quickly retracted and left.
Smiling, Rose reassured a worried-looking Bloom that she was okay. A few minutes later, Bloom went off to dance with Flora and Stormy. Finishing her punch, Rose put down her empty cup and stood, moving carefully out onto the balcony. She knew that her Cirven would be able to find her is there was need to thanks to their bracelets.
Filling her lungs with clean air, Rose leaned her upper body carefully on the railing to take some weight off her legs while still standing, her clear silver eyes gazing at the moon as though seeking either guidance or comfort.
Darcy glanced over at the sound of another person out on the balcony. She had her back turned to the door with her arms propped up on it. Her body was slightly bent over. Her breath caught slightly in her throat at the sight of Rose. "Hey." Her voice came out soft.
Rose jumped slightly, but recovered fast. Slowly, the red-haired witch turned her head toward Darcy, trying desperately to ignore the jackhammer beating of her heart. "Hello Darcy."
Darcy smirked at her. "It's really nice out here." It was a pathetic start of a conversation but she needed credit for trying. She tried to ignore the pounding of her heart and the slight skip of her breath as she looked Rose over and turned her head back around, finding herself staring at her hands.
"Yes it is. It's a beautiful night." She answered. "Mother sure surprised me tonight..."
"Really? You didn't expect her to announce you as her successor tonight?" She took a slow, heart calming deep breath.
"No, I didn't expect that at all! I know she was adopting me, and that was more than honor enough..."
"Then why did she surprise you? What was there to be surprised about?"
"I honestly don't know. It was all I could do to walk up on that stage."
Darcy snorted. She was angry and felt betrayal yet she also felt something else she couldn't name. Irritated, she pushed the silly emotion to the side and concentrated on the emotions she knew and had an understanding on. "This Cirven of yours... what made you choose these… people as members of your group?"
Rose turned her attention back to the night sky. "I wanted people that I knew would understand what I was trying to do. The people I chose were those who were dedicated to their form of magic, while at the same time remaining able to learn from and accept each other."
The dark witch snorted in disgust. "Right… you wanted the goody goods of the schools." She muttered.
"I wouldn't call them 'goody-goods'. I have no reason to explain my reasoning to you. Mother approved, she's been bugging me for a while now about a coven, and had no problem with my choice to create my own." Rose snapped softly.
Darcy glanced back. "Right, the principal of the darkest school in Magix had no problem once-so-ever with you choice..." The sarcasm dripped from her voice before Darcy stopped leaning over and turned around to face Rose. "There's always a problem with something in this school. I hope you chose the right people, you never really know who's loyal."
"I know I did." She seemed about to say more, but looked at her bracelet, which was glowing slightly and chuckled instead. "Musa and Dakota are both calling me." She said, straightening up and turning around. Her silver dress swirling around her, Rose slowly walked back inside without another word.
Furious at the redhead's cold dismissal, Darcy narrowed her eyes and huffed. "Whatever." She muttered, aware that her retort wasn't heard.
Upon going back inside, Rose was quietly but thoroughly scolded by the aforementioned members of her Cirven, who had been looking for her. They were on edge because they knew that Rose could have made some very powerful and dangerous enemies that night. Smiling, Rose nodded and apologized before being asked to dance by Stormy.
From where she was standing, seeing her youngest sister act so friendly toward their rival only fueled the anger that was coldly burning in Icy's heart. Disgusted and unable to watch, the eldest sought out her younger sister.
Darcy was taking deep breaths, wanting to calm herself down before going back in the party room. She then spotted Icy the same time Icy spotted her waited until her eldest sister was outside with her.
"Some party huh Dar?" Icy's voice was dripping with scorn and disgust. "I can't believe this..." Without waiting for an answer, Icy pounded her fist against the railing. "What is Griffin thinking?! The twit is only a freshman!"
Darcy sighed. "You're acting like Stormy on her PMSing days. Calm down and lets think rational here."
"Did you have something in mind to get rid of her?" Icy asked, looking at her sister.
Now Darcy's head snapped up as she looked up at her older sister is surprise. "You can't be thinking... No Icy, every time we try one of your stupid plans it always backfires."
"Why not get rid of the twit? It's clear we can't drive her away. Even if Stormy worms her way into Rose's 'Cirven', what a stupid word for an even stupider idea, she'll be of no use to us." Icy pointed out, somewhat offended.
"I see what you're saying but approaching this the way you want will never work. What if we worked our way into her 'Cirven', earn her trust back and then take her down?"
"It wouldn't work Darcy; you saw the looks on the faces of the members! If we try that they'll be watching us like hawks. Especially those reject witches. I will say this, if nothing else that cripple knows how to pick the people who would be the most loyal to her..."
"You got any better ideas?" Darcy snapped back.
Icy sighed, remembering the look of fierce determination on Bloom's face when she had held up her bracelet. "We could hope she dies fast, but Stormy..."
"We've already lost Stormy." Darcy muttered, looking back in the party room to see Stormy now dancing with Rose.
"I wouldn't be surprised if she asked Griffin to switch dorms." Icy agreed darkly. "Do you have any plans?"
Darcy shook her head. "Sorry, I give up." She sighed, suddenly not in the mood to party anymore and walked to the door.
Ending her dance with Rose, Stormy caught up to Darcy. "Leaving early?" She asked.
The dark witch gave her sister a side glance and a small smile. "Yeah, I'm getting tired."
"Okay." Stormy said, silently relieved. "I just wanted to say good-night, Flora and I are going to leave early, so I won't be coming back to the dorm tonight." The witch of storms gave Darcy a nervous smile.
Darcy's eyes widened. "You're actually admitting to going out with her?"
"It seems like the right time Dar. Flora's been very patient with me while I sorted though everything and... Well, I love her and I want to make it official." Stormy said, swallowing a little.
Silent betrayal coursed through her. It seemed as if tonight she was being betrayed by everyone around her.
At her sister's continued silence, Stormy knew that whatever shared bond that they had formed during the past month and two weeks was no longer there. Tears of hurt pooled in Stormy dark eyes, but she stood her ground. "Look, I'm not asking you to agree with it, or accept it. All I ask is that you not tell Icy where I am. I'll... tell her myself… later." She said quietly, understanding now that Rose had made the right choice in breaking all ties with Darcy while she still could.
Hurt also coursed through Darcy, tears of hurt and betrayal as well as longing and loneliness wanted to shed, only one escaped and rolled down her cheek. "Whatever makes you happy Storm." She then turned her back on the person she thought was her sister and left.
Stormy swallowed her own tears, fought down the urge to run after her sister and reassure her, and turned and went to hug Rose good-bye. After Bloom had claimed Rose for yet another dance, she took Flora's hand and left the party.
Darcy fiercely wiped away her tears and when she was far enough from the party and everyone else, leaned against the wall, slid down, buried her face in her arms and let out every negative emotion she bottled up inside out through strong continuous tears.
Eight dances. Rose had danced eight dances with Bloom and none with her. Then again it was mainly everyone else who had gone up to the redheaded witch and had asked her to dance. Darcy tried in vain to get her tears and sobs under control but she failed over the headache roaring in her brain and the memories of the two together. She had worked so hard to get Rose back and she blew it. The question was why had she blown it?
It was well past midnight when the party finally wound down. Rose's feet were hurting tremendously from the unaccustomed dancing and standing and she had been secretly glad that Bloom and the others declined her offer to walk them back to Alfea. Still, they had not gone unescorted, because Dakota and Mirta had gone with them for their safety.
The redhead only hoped she could manage to make it back to her room without having to face a pissed off Icy. Bloom had danced with her twenty times before the night was over, basically whenever Rose hadn't been dancing with another member of the Cirven or people from another school.
Darcy had finally gotten the worst of her tears and sobs under control by the time midnight struck. She tensed when she heard someone walk her way. If she just stayed silent and not make a sound, maybe the person wouldn't pay attention. She just hoped it
wasn't Icy who was about to come around the corner.
Rose leaned against the wall for support. "Ouch… ouch… ouch..." She muttered as she took her heels off her swollen feet hidden by her tights. "Why did I ever let Stella talk me into wearing these Goddess-accursed heels?" She said to herself quietly, forcing trembling legs to hold her upright.
Darcy tensed even more upon hearing Rose's voice. She then smirked, considering giving her a smart comment about Stella but decided against it.
Tired to her bones, Rose sighed, shaking her head. "Damnit, now what am I going to do? I wish that Darcy hadn't turned into such a bitch... now I'm really in a pickle..." She muttered. "Bloom overdid the shield thing..." Looking sad, she winced as she pushed herself away from the wall and continued limping painfully towards her room.
Darcy smirked. She didn't care what Icy thought, she was going to try and make her plan work, even if she ended up falling for Rose. She then wiped her eyes from her running mascara and stood. She made her appearance known by gently taking Rose's arm and holding her upright, taking some of the pressure off her legs. "You okay?"
"I've been on my feet too much and made a real mess of myself." Rose replied, too grateful for the offered support to hold her anger. "Bloom's been using me as a shield all night. Twenty dances, and not easy slow ones either!" Rose winced. "I'm not a good dancer."
"You did fine." Darcy muttered before she thought, then cringed. She hadn't meant to say that. Mixed feelings coursed through her, confusing her real intentions on wanting to get back into Rose's heart. "Ready?"
"Yeah, thanks. I want to get to my room before Icy shows up." The semi-graceful movement had turned into slow jerky movements by now.
Darcy caught both arms. "We both know you won't make it the rest of the way." She moved the side of Rose, bent down and put one of her arms under Rose's legs. "Hold on tight." Without giving Rose enough time to answer she picked her up bridal style, surprised at how light she really was.
Rose bit her tongue sharply to keep her feelings inside, and wrapped her left arm around the dark witch's shoulders for her real support.
The dark witch started moving towards the direction of Rose's room. "What's she shielding from?"
"Icy threatened her when she dumped Bloom, and Bloom didn't want to be anywhere near Icy tonight without backup."
Darcy nodded. "Yeah, Icy's a bitch that way." She muttered and smiled upon walking through the hall they had fought Bavalon. "Remember when we fought Bavalon around this area? You were good." She panicked a bit at the jumping of her heart for even mentioning that time. Something caught in her chest and made it ache.
"I was scared to death that day." Rose admitted. "I was scared shitless tonight."
Amused now, Darcy smirked down at her. "Scared of what? You're the bravest red headed cripple I know."
"I know I made many enemies tonight, your sister among them. Some people weren't exactly happy with mother either..." As they came to Rose's room, the redhead snapped her fingers and the silver shield on her door vanished, causing Rose to smile in satisfaction.
Trying to be careful, Darcy carried Rose into her room and set her down gently on her bed. She turned towards the door to leave.
Rose sat up, watching warily, remembering what happened the last time Darcy was in her room. Open fragile notebooks and new blank ones were scattered across the room.
Darcy stopped by the door. "I'm... sorry for my behavior." She said it low, deep down knowing she really did feel sorry for what she did.
She took a deep breath. "I don't know why you tried to wreck my notebook again, or why you accused me of seducing you."
"Neither do I. Something just... happened."
"Did your fight with Icy scare you?"
"No, we didn't fight. She bought me dinner instead and said something along the lines of fighting gets us nowhere."
She nodded quietly. "I see. Thank you for your help tonight."
Darcy nodded and left, not forgetting the last time she had left and scattered all her papers over the floor.
Rose let the tears come out as she replaced the shield and got undressed, wishing with all her heart that things could have turned out differently.
Once out of sight, the dark witch got around the corner to Rose's room and stopped for a moment, sighing and dragging a hand through her hair. It was going to be hard but she was willing to go through it all to gain Rose's affection back. Maybe it was for Icy, maybe it wasn't, she wasn't sure but right now she was sure what she felt for Rose was beyond friendship, she could actually be falling for the weaker witch.
Meanwhile, in the Trix dorm, the ice witch was absolutely seething with jealousy as she paced the length of the room. She wondered where her sisters were, but was really too angry to care very much.
Darcy finally opened the door to the room and nearly jumped out of her skin at the look of Icy's face. "What's up?" She tried to act casual but knew something was up and Icy wouldn't let whatever was bugging her slide.
"I don't care what that little freshman bitch says... I think she and Bloom are dating! The damn pixie was all over Griffin's girl tonight. Twenty dances! Can you believe that?!" Icy hissed in wrath as she spun to face Darcy, a thin skin of ice covering her hands.
"Calm down before you melt your own damn ice!"
"I asked for one dance with Rose, and her little pixie gave me the middle finger!" Icy snarled, as though she hadn't heard.
Darcy sighed. "Now you're going to go on and on about this." The dark witch muttered to herself, strolling further into the room and started to take off her dress.
"Rose didn't stop her either, we need to take down that little princess, and fast."
"Leave her to me. You worry about your own fairy." Darcy snapped, pulling an oversized t-shirt over her head.
"I can't. The bracelets all have Rose's protective shields in them…" Icy growled back, also removing her dress.
"Then approach your revenge in a discreet and unexpected way, perhaps seduction."
"No go. Bloom's made her interests very, very clear." Icy answer as she slipped into a sexy nightgown.
Darcy smirked at Icy. "With your curves and 'new attitude', it shouldn't be that hard for her to come around."
"Not if Rose has also made her claim." Icy shot back. "And considering that she or her so-called Cirven didn't try to stop Bloom, I'd say she has. Darcy, whatever you are planning, it won't work."
"We'll see."