Chapter 20: Strange Journeys
Faragonda felt very old. Normally a magi, especially one as powerful as her, simply stopped ageing in their prime. But Faragonda had been through enough, seen enough and done enough that she felt a certain weariness that she could only describe as feeling aged, resulting in her grandmotherly appearance. Recent events had done little to alleviate that feeling. Despite all their precautions, all their preparations, Darkar had still managed to sneak in a timed bomb right under their nose inside Bloom. And as a result, they had lost another piece of the Codex and Bloom, who was currently sitting in the chair on the other side of Faragonda's desk, looked ready to have another nervous breakdown. The whole situation didn't just make Faragonda feel old, it made her feel irresponsible and careless. Wasn't it her job to keep her students safe? And wasn't she supposed to be able to take care of her ward now that Bloom was unable to visit her parents? Yet despite everything she did, her students kept ending up in situations where they had no business being. She could only hope she could make up for it somehow.
"So, you wanted to speak with me, Bloom," Faragonda began.
"Yes. I've been thinking... I need to get away from Alfea," Bloom insisted. "At least for a little while".
Faragonda sighed. "I figured as much. Honestly, I do not blame you for wanting to get out of here for a while. So I'll allow it as long as you go somewhere safe. But where will you go? You can't go back to Earth".
"I know," Bloom added a bit sadly. "But I was thinking that spring vacation is coming up soon. So that would be the perfect time to take a week off somewhere. I've already spoken with the others and they'd like to go with me. The guys from Red Fountain apparently also have some of their vacation that week, so they'll probably come with us. It's just... Well..."
"They want you to decide where you should all go and you have no idea of any vacation spots around here?" Faragonda guessed.
"Yeah, that sums it up pretty well," the redhead replied. "I mean, I know they only do it because they want to be considerate of me, but... But I just wish one of them would pick a spot. I have no idea where we could possibly go".
"Well, I think I might be able to help," the headmistress said, searching for something in her desk. "The schools constantly receive brochures to lure the students to various resorts and such during their vacations. I'd suggest... Now where is it? Ah, here it is. I'd suggest the Wildlands resort," she finished, handing the brochure to Bloom. "It has a fairly big resort town, a mountain perfect for skiing and with very beautiful nature".
"That does sound great," Bloom said, scanning the pages. "The hotels in the area have some really fair prices too".
"Indeed. They receive a lot of money from nearby countries for taking care of dangerous creatures in their wild animal sanctuaries, so they don't need to charge tourists for a lot of money," Faragonda explained. "Which makes it a popular travel destination for students, which in turn also helps keep the prizes low".
"Well, couldn't be more perfect," the redhead said. "I think we can get the boys to give us a ride. I'll just need to ask the others if they are okay with going there. Thanks".
"No problem, Bloom," Faragonda said. "The only thing you should keep in mind is that the Wildlands is a very low magic environment. You will still be able to cast some spells, but you and the others will run out of energy in no time if you are not careful".
"I don't see a problem in that, to be perfectly honest," the redhead sighed. "Right now, I think I need a break from magic".
"I figured as much. Another reason I suggested this place," Faragonda said. "I think this vacation is exactly what you need after everything you've been through. And I am happy to hear that your friends are coming with you". She glanced at a calendar on the wall. "Reminds me that I myself could use a vacation after everything that has happened this year. But that will have to wait until summer".
"I suppose. Anyway, thanks for the help, Faragonda," Bloom said as she left her chair.
"You're welcome, Bloom," the headmistress said with a warm smile. "Have a nice trip".
...
Palladium stretched his arms as he marched through the woods that surrounded Alfea, closely followed by Avalon. "Nothing like being out in the sun, eh Avalon?"
"I must admit, I've been holed up in my office for too long," the paladin replied. "It's nice to get some fresh air that hasn't been breathed by hundreds of students".
"Heh, I agree. It gets so stuffy in there at times," the elf added. "It's much better to be out here to enjoy the nice spring weather".
"So, what are we looking for?" Avalon asked as they continued their walk through the woods.
"Well, anything interesting, really," Palladium replied. "We want to stock the greenhouse with as many samples as we can get. Just keep an eye out for anything unusual". He opened his satchel and pulled out a large tome titled 'Flora of Magix'. "By the way, it was really lucky you ordered these books from the central library, what with our restricted archives being... Well, almost completely destroyed". He paused for a bit. "On that note, how's Bloom doing?"
"As well as one can after such an experience," Avalon sighed. "Poor girl. It breaks my heart to see her go through all this".
"Yeah, she's been through enough as it is," the elf agreed as they left the path and began entering the deeper parts of the woods. "All of our students have, to be honest. It makes one feel... Inadequate at times".
"Don't be so hard on yourself. I am sure you have done everything possible to safeguard your students," Avalon assured him.
"Heh. That does make me feel a bit better. Thanks," Palladium replied with a smile. After a moment, he continued with: "By the way, why did you order books we already had in stock?"
"To be honest, I've been so swamped with work that I quite frankly forgot," Avalon admitted with a shrug.
"Oh. Well, that happens," the elf replied. He looked around the forest floor, his keen eyes scanning every detail. His face suddenly lit up in a smile and he happily exclaimed: "Is that a blue snapflower? Oh, I got to have that one".
"Snapflower?" Avalon questioned.
"Well, they bite," Palladium said as he neared the flower. "Not dangerous to people of course, though it will hurt. Like being... Well, kinda like being pricked with a dozen thorns at once".
The paladin took a step away from the blue flower while saying: "I think I'm going to keep my distance".
"Fair enough. Just give me a minute. I'll have to dig it out of the ground very carefully," the elf said as he brought out a very tiny spade. "Gotta be gentle".
"Right. I'll check the vicinity for any other interesting flowers," Avalon said and started walking. He jumped over a fallen log and started looking around for something suitable. He eyed a strange red flower hanging from a tree. "I guess you'll do," Avalon commented as he neared the flower. "Come here". He grabbed the flower, only for it to suddenly squirt a stream of clear liquid into his eyes. "GAARGH!" Avalon gasped as he stumbled away, clutching his face. "Oh spirits. IT BURNS!" He stumbled before tripping over a log and banged his head against a tree.
"Avalon! Avalon!" Palladium called as he stormed through the bushes. "Is everything okay?" He gasped and immediately rushed to the fallen paladin to help him up. "What happened?"
"I... I found that... Flower over there," the dark-haired teacher gasped and pointed in the general direction of the flower. "I touched it and it squirted something in my face".
"That's a venomous norschithia," Palladium gasped.
Avalon paused for a moment. "And?" he finally asked.
"It has a very potent acidic venom," Palladium replied. "If we don't get your eyes fixed as soon as possible, you could be blinded for months. I'll need Wizgiz to mix up a batch of antidote immediately".
"Then summon that pixie messenger Alfea has employed. That's why we got her," Avalon said as Palladium slowly helped him up on his feet. "Do you have the whistle?"
"Yes, right here," Palladium said and pulled the brass instrument out of his pocket. "Here we go". He blew into it as hard as he could.
...
"The Wildlands," Techna echoed. "Didn't we hear about that place in class or something?"
"Yeah. It's a low magic area," Bloom replied. The six girls had gathered in the common room to discuss a possible trip to the area.
"And it's tots cheap," Stella said as she went through the folder. "Normally I'd be, like, suspicious, but these are some glowing reviews from some totally well-respected people". She paused for a moment. "You know, I could, like, tots easily pay for all of us".
"Really, you don't have to do that," Bloom said. "I know I have more than enough money stashed away".
"Nonsense, Bloom. I got, like, so much money I barely know what to spend it on anyway," Stella insisted. "Might as well give us all a good vacation".
"Explains why you always give so generously whenever I bring up charity," Musa commented.
"I have a question," Aisha said, lifting her hand. "What do you do in such a place?"
"You've never been on vacation?" Musa asked surprised.
"Well, I have, but that usually involves a yacht trip to a private island where servants constantly attend my every need," Aisha responded. "I might have misunderstood something, but I'm under the impression that's not what we're going to be doing".
"Indeed. It will involve a lot less service," Flora said. "And a lot more of us figuring stuff out for ourselves. Personally, I look forward to trying out skiing".
"You should. It's awesome," Techna said excitedly. "Man, I remember back home. Me and the gang would make our own equipment and then go to the junk-yard when it had really snowed. The caretaker constantly chasing us with his dogs while we had to avoid various pieces of junk, oh, it was life".
Aisha eyed the scarred girl, who looked lost in nostalgic memories, before asking: "Will this trip also involve being chased by dogs?"
"No, that is not a feature they are advertising," Flora responded. "But they do have a modern ski-lift that they are pretty proud off".
"Well, it sounds like we would all like to go," Musa commented. "Now we just need to check if the boys are up for it".
"I should also go ask Mirta if she would like to come," Flora said as she got up. "She has been wanting to go on a trip with me for a while and this seems like an excellent opportunity".
"Then I'll, like, give Brandon a call," Stella said and pulled out her phone. After a moment, she said: "Hey, Brandon darling. It's me, Stella. Me and the gals have been talking and we'd, like, like to go to the Wildlands during the vacation. How about you?" She paused for a moment. "Also, who's yelling in the background? Do those two have to constantly fight? I suppose, but could you break them up for a moment? Okay, I'll wait".
"What's happening?" Bloom asked.
"Well, apparently Riven insulted Sky's aircycle skills for the umpteenth time and he's now responding with an impromptu pillow fight," Stella said as she listened to the noises on the phone. "Ouch, sounds like Brandon just stopped them, like, very hard".
She had to jerk the phone away from her head as Brandon's voice bellowed from it: "WOULD YOU TWO KINDERGARDEN BRATS STOP COMPARING YOUR DICKS FOR FIVE SECONDS AND PAY SOME FUCKING ATTENTION?!"
"Your boyfriend has... Quite the volume," Aisha commented.
"He's got quite the lung capacity, yes," Stella said with a proud smile.
"And with that comes a lot of stamina," Techna grinned. "Hooking up with military folks has its benefits".
"I think we should end that particular line of conversation right now," Aisha said quickly, blushing a bit.
"So, what was their answer?" Stella asked Brandon. "Great, I'll say that to the others". She ended the call and said: "They'll love to join us".
"Great. Let's hope they can behave," Bloom commented.
"Wouldn't count on it," Musa added. "If it wasn't for Sky constantly going after you, I'd think him and Riven were only fighting to hide their attraction for each other".
"Funny thing, there's apparently a betting pool going around on Red Fountain about whom he'll propose to first," Techna said. "Brandon, Riven and Bloom are the top contenders".
"Seriously? Ugh, people sometimes," Bloom grumbled while pinching the bridge of her nose. "The moment the press gets wind of this..."
"Oh... Uhm... Well..." Techna began, rubbing her neck before pulling forth a newspaper. "You better take a look at this".
"What... Soon to be Queen in competition for Heir of Eraklyon's affection... WHAT!?" she exclaimed. She crumpled the newspaper while grumbling: "If I see so much as a single journalist in the Wildlands, I will seriously freak out".
...
"You called?" Livy said as she darted between the trees. "Oh no, what happened to Avalon?"
"He got hit by venom from a venomous norschithia," Palladium replied as he slowly helped Avalon back towards the school. "I need you to hurry back to Alfea and have Wizgiz prepare a batch of antidote. If we don't get Avalon some as soon as possible, he'll be blinded for months. And that will be the best case scenario".
"We can't afford to have me going around blind for that long," Avalon commented. "What if Darkar attacks or something? Things have been bad enough while I could see". He sighed. "Wish I had some healing sap on me right now".
"Healing sap... Wait, we make that in Pixie Village," Livy said, face lighting up. "I can go get some".
"No. It's too dangerous," Palladium insisted. "Darkar could follow you to the village. It would be a disaster. We need to trust that Wizgiz can make an antidote before Avalon's sight deteriorates. Now go. We don't have much time".
"Aye, aye," the blond pixie said and darted off. As she hurried between the trees, she began talking to herself. "Poor Avalon. I can't imagine how awful it must be to be blind. Even if it's only for a little while". She pondered it for a moment. "Wait a moment," she gasped as she halted mid-air. "What if Darkar does attack. We'll need Avalon at his best but... He won't be at his best if he's blind". She bit her nails. "And what if the antidote fails? What if they can't cure his blindness? Oh, why didn't I bring my cards along? What should I do?" She flew in circles while loudly pondering her dilemma. "What if... Maybe Darkar wouldn't know. Why would he keep an eye on me? I'm just a pixie messenger. Yeah, I'm sure I could get there in time. But what if I can't?" She pondered the thought for a moment. "I know. I'll send Wizgiz a message and then go to Pixie Village myself. That should cover my bases". She pulled out a letter and began writing: "Dear Wizgiz. Avalon has been hit by a virile north chatterer. Make antidote ASAP". She used some of her magic and the letter flew off. "Now I just gotta get going," Livy said as she hurried off. "I'm sure it will be just fine".
As she flew towards her hometown, eyes followed her from the shadows.
...
"Oh, the delicious irony," Darkar stated as he watched through the eyes of his forsaken spy. "You have played right into my hand, pixie. Soon, I'll..." He looked around his throne room. "Nobody's here," he sighed. He cleared his throat and called: "ICY!"
After a few moments, the white-haired witch opened the doors and said: "You bellowed, my lord?"
"I need an audience for my monologue," the Shadow Phoenix replied. "And once I'm done, I have a mission for you". He cleared his throat. "Now, where was I? Ah yes. Soon, I'll bring utter devastation to your home, little pixie, and the Codex shall finally be mine. Aha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha". He paused for a moment. "Well, how was it?"
"Good, though I think I lack context," Icy responded.
"Fair enough. One of the pixies of Alfea has decided to go back to Pixie Village to get some medicine for one of the teachers," Darkar explained. "Which means we'll just need to follow her and then take the Codex from them. And that's what you're going to do. Follow her, find Pixie Village and do whatever it takes to get me that Codex piece".
"And I'll be doing this alone?" Icy asked.
"Yes. Sending Darcy on a solo mission again would be a bit cliché," Darkar explained. "Plus, she's more of an infiltrator than a fighter. And I think Stormy's heart would break if she had to hurt something as cute as a pixie. But I know you will have no such qualms. In fact," he added. "I'm sure you will relish the opportunity".
"Well, I'll admit, it has been a while since I could just let loose," Icy replied with a smile of eager anticipation, frost forming in her hands. "This ought to be interesting".
"One of my mooks will carry you and some of my forsaken hunters to the surface," Darkar continued. "Now go. And bring me that Codex".
"It shall be done, my lord," Icy said before leaving the room.
...
The girls stood outside in the Alfea courtyard, bags and suitcases ready to go.
"So, do they have a car or something like that?" Mirta asked.
"Nah. Red Fountain students are allowed to borrow owls for private use if they file a request in good time," Stella responded. "And they filed and requested one along with their vacation request".
"Vacation request?" Bloom asked.
"Right. You see, as a military academy, they, like, need to keep their schedule flexible," Stella responded. "So the students have, what was it, six or so weeks of vacation they can request every year".
"Oh. I guess that makes sense," Bloom replied.
The girls heard a whoosh and they looked up to see the Red Fountain owl fly over the school.
"And there's our ride," Techna said eagerly while picking up her stuff. "Let's go say hi".
The crimson owl landed on the plains behind the school and Sky and Brandon went down the ramp.
"Need a hand with the baggage?" Sky offered.
"Sure. Thanks," Aisha immediately said and handed him everything she was carrying. "Be careful, my perfume is kinda fragile".
"You heard the lady. Hop to it," Brandon commented with a grin.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going," Sky grumbled with a strained voice as he stumbled back into the owl.
"Anyone else need a hand?" Brandon offered.
"Nah, we got this," Stella said as the girls carried their luggage on-board.
Inside, Timmy sat by the control panel and Riven was keeping an eye on the radar. Or rather, he was sitting by the radar while reading a book.
"Hey," Musa said as she entered the room.
"Hi. Good to see you all," Timmy offered.
"Yo," Riven said, looking up from the book for the minimal amount of time required to not be uncouth before returning his attention to its pages.
"A bit engrossed, are we?" Musa snarked.
"What can I say? It's certainly more fascinating than luggage," the magenta-haired warrior replied with a shrug.
"You could, oh I don't know, have offered a hand?" Musa suggested.
"Eh, I'll let Brandon and Sky handle the whole being chivalrous thing," Riven commented. "I'll stick to the things I actually know how to do".
"And that would be swinging a sword and being an ass?" Musa asked.
"Yep," Riven replied without hesitation. "Also, aircycling".
The black-haired musician mused for a moment, before saying: "Alright, I guess that is pretty hard to argue with".
"Riven's a consummate professional," Sky joked. "Why, once he's done here he'll probably seek a position as Red Fountain's officially appointed ass".
"What would that even entail?" Techna questioned.
"I'd guess he'll be a sort of anti-diplomat," Timmy offered. "You know, we'll send him to piss people off and stuff".
Flora counted heads for a moment, before saying: "Alright, everyone is here. We are ready to go".
"Finally," Riven said and put the book down. "Yo, Timmy. Hit the gas".
"On it," the bespectacled warrior said and pushed a couple of buttons. "Alright, the engines are warming up. Everybody, please take a seat and remember to wear seatbelts". With those words, the group blasted off towards the Wildlands.
...
"Maybe I should have told her to come back after delivering the message," Palladium speculated out loud. "Oh, watch out. Root".
"What worries me is that you've blown that whistle, what, three or four times now," Avalon commented. "Then again, she could be staying inside. How powerful is that whistle anyway?"
"Well, plenty powerful. It is magical, after all," Palladium replied. "Let's take a step to the left here. Tree stump".
"Ah, I see," the paladin said as he followed his fellow teacher's lead. "Well, no, actually I don't. But I do follow".
"Well, I can see Alfea now. We just need to cross the yard," the elf reassured him as they got near the walls. "I'm so sorry by the way. It was never my intention that you'd get hurt on this trip".
"Well, lesson learned I guess," Avalon replied as they made their way through the school's iron gates. "No sticking my face in random flowers".
As they passed the school's fountain, Palladium noted that Wizgiz was waiting for them at the entrance. "Ah, you got the message," he said relieved.
"Aye. Though I did have to take some time to figure out what the ballix a virile north chatterer was," Wizgiz replied. "I've readied some things that should help alleviate the problem until the cure itself is finished. Bring him to the hospital wing and we'll get to work".
"Will do," Palladium said as he helped the blinded paladin up the steps of the school. "By the way, where is Livy?"
"Dunno. Lassie just sent me a letter," the leprechaun responded.
"But if she's not here, where could she have gone?" Avalon pondered.
"Oh no," the elven teacher groaned. "She might have gone to Pixie Village to get some healing sap for your eyes".
"That's not good. Red Fountain has reported that several of Darkar's monsters are haunting the woodlands," Wizgiz said. "Let's hope she gets lucky and gets back here unnoticed".
...
"Well, we've just entered the Wildlands," Timmy commented. "We'll land in Stranglethorn City within the hour".
"Lovely name," Musa snarked. "So I take it that's Mount Murderhorn and Skullbone Forest over there?"
"If they were actually named that, I think we'd found somewhere else to take our vacation," Bloom quipped.
"I dunno. We'd almost be guaranteed to star in our own horror movie," Techna offered. She thought about it for a moment, before adding: "Then again, cool chicks like me always seem to die in those".
"As a matter of fact, the place is apparently named after an indigenous plant," Riven commentated while scanning through the brochure. "So don't worry, the place was just named by very frustrated gardeners".
"Well, at least it looks lovely," Bloom commented, glancing out the window.
"So, let's just go over the plan for today one more time," Flora said. "First, a trip to town to unload our luggage, buy whatever we need for the trip and maybe do some shopping if there is time for it. Then we will go skiing for the rest of the day".
"Ehm... Hey Flora. I actually don't know how to ski," Mirta admitted.
"Neither do I. It will be a learning experience," Flora replied.
"Just watch us pros and you girls will learn in..." Riven started, before suddenly yelling: "SHIT! TIMMY, BOGEY AT NINE!"
"ON IT!" Timmy yelled, pulling the steering wheel with all he had. The owl jerked to the side and Bloom, Sky and Flora where hurled to the floor as the vehicle barely avoided a confrontation with a large, winged beast. It screeched angrily as it passed, great leathery wings keeping it airborne.
"Was that... Was that a pterodactyl?" Bloom gasped, starring out the window from her position on the floor. "You have frickin' dinosaurs around here?"
"I... Maybe," Techna said with a shrug. "I have no idea what those two words mean".
"They are usually called leatherwings around here," Flora said as Mirta helped her up. "As we have no idea what your... Pterodactyl was it? Anyway, since we do not know what it is, we cannot accurately answer whether or not the leatherwing would qualify".
"Well, fair enough," the redhead replied.
"Hey, do you need a hand?" Sky offered.
"I can get up on my own," Bloom snapped. After an awkward moment of silence, she sighed and said: "Sorry, didn't mean to snap. Just been a bit stressed lately".
"Hey, that's cool. I understand," the blond prince replied as the redhead got up. "As long as you're okay".
"I think so. Though I'll probably get a bruise," Bloom replied.
"Riven, how the fuck did that thing get that close without you noticing as much as a blip on the radar?" Brandon asked.
"I have no idea," Riven admitted. "Hang on a moment. Timmy, can you check the version on the data".
"Sure, I'll take a look," the pilot replied. "Wait, that can't be right. Version 0.9? The software should be at 2.9 by now".
"Wait, who updated the ship's software?" Techna asked.
"Last time? Well I asked... Sky... To do it," Timmy said in realization. Everyone turned to face the prince.
"What?" he asked. "I popped in the disk and just put it on auto".
"But did you put it the newest version?" Timmy asked.
"I think so," Sky said, rubbing his neck. "Then again, I have a hard time reading the handwriting on those things. You'd think the tech geeks are writing with their mouths the way it swings all over the place".
"So most likely, you downgraded the ship's radar software, setting it back by at least three years," Timmy stated. "Well, at least we discovered that before we had to go on an actual mission again".
"That's great and all, but could somebody go check on my perfume?" Aisha asked. "It's very fragile".
...
Less than an hour later, the vessel had been permitted to land and the boys and girls had spread across the city to buy various items.
"So, it's been rough I gather?" Sky said as he, Bloom and Brandon walked down one of the streets.
"Yeah. But fortunately Avalon has been a great help," Bloom replied. "He's been very supportive of me lately".
"That... That's great," Sky tried. "Hey, you talked about learning healing. How is that going?"
"Great. Avalon has been really helpful, getting me the books I need and such," the redhead replied. "I mean, I'm nowhere near able to heal, but he assures me that I'll get there".
"So how's school been in general?" the blond prince asked in a strained voice.
"It's been going as well as it could I suppose," the redhead replied. "I mean, Avalon has been teaching us more about the philosophy of fusion spells. We're getting close to being able to pull it off reliably. Oh, gloves. I need some of those".
As Bloom hurried into a small shop, Brandon edged a bit closer to his prince.
"Not. A. Word," Sky warned him.
"What?" Brandon asked defensively. "I just wanted to help. You look kinda stressed". After a short pause, he added: "I'm sure if you ask, Avalon will help you out. He'll probably be really supportive".
Sky hissed, before grumbling: "Dude, one more word out of you and I swear by the Dragon, I will push you out in front of a truck. Seriously, I will. No judge would convict me".
In another shop, Musa was trying out a new beanie. "So, what do you think?" she asked Riven.
"It looks... Warm I guess," the magenta-haired warrior offered.
"Anything else?" Musa continued.
"Well... I guess it's kinda... Fuzzy?" Riven tried.
Musa paused for a moment, before saying: "I see why you handle radar duty. You're the observant one on the team".
Riven sighed and said: "It's a hat. Not much to say about it".
"Fair enough I suppose," Musa said, returning her attention to the mirror. "I just wanted to know if it complemented my clothes".
"To be honest, I have no idea," Riven said with a shrug. "Colour coordination is really not my thing".
On the other side of the street, the rest of the girls were trying to find fitting clothes.
"What about this jacket?" Mirta suggested. "It's even got a kitty on it".
"Yeah, but the material will easily tear," Flora said. "That will increase the risk of exposure".
"Flora, you should tots relax," Stella advised her friend. "We're not, like, going on a survival trip".
"We are going to be hurling ourselves down a mountain while trying to maintain balance on two boards, all the while risking broken limps, exposure to sub-zero temperatures, avalanches, wild animal attacks and the like," Flora replied. "I think considering our survival is paramount to ensuring a safe trip".
"Geez, you really know how to suck the joy out of this," the blonde grumbled.
"You know, I think I should make my own ski-jacket. I just need some cloth and a lot of feathers," Techna suggested.
"You are going to get proper equipment, even if I have to tie you up and force you into it," Flora warned her scarred companion.
Techna eyed her for a moment, before turning her attention to Mirta while saying: "You two must go on some really interesting dates".
The ex-witch just blushed and muttered something.
Not far from them, Timmy and Aisha were looking at helmets.
"From my research, I'd say this one is the best pick," Timmy said and pointed at one. "The foam inside is a plus. It'll absorb the impact if you fall".
"But that one over there matches my outfit," Aisha countered.
"And it will break like an egg if you trip," the warrior nerd replied. "You want to look at function over form".
"You sure we can't get something that matches?" Aisha asked. "I'd just... Feel really awkward without a coordinated wardrobe".
"I guess we can ask if they have them in other colours," Timmy replied with a shrug. "But if they don't, well, I think you'd feel a lot more awkward with a broken neck".
Aisha rubbed her neck for a moment, clearly uncomfortable with the thought. "I suppose I can't argue with that".
"So, am I forgiven yet?" Timmy asked.
"For breaking all of my perfume bottles?" Aisha asked. "No, I still need help picking out snow-boots".
...
Livy kept flying through the forest, her keen sense of direction slowly leading her home. She kept throwing nervous glances over her shoulder. She felt watched, pursued even, but every time she turned to look, nothing but forest. She had even made a couple of confusing detours whenever the paranoia got to her, just to be safe. She was pretty sure she wasn't being followed. She kept telling herself that it was just because of Palladium's warning. Yet part of her didn't buy that train of thoughts. Part of her screamed at her to go back to Alfea.
But then Avalon...
Livy shook her head and sped ahead, now nearing the invisible borders of her hometown. She took a deep breath as she burst through the barrier, behind which lay Pixie Village.
The villagw centred around the giant, glowing mana tree that served as the village foundations. Below it, pixie-sized houses filled every nook and cranny of the forested area. Livy breathed a sigh of relief. She was home.
As she darted into town, several other pixies, both human and animal-like, noticed her.
"Hey, Livy. Didn't know you were coming back today," one said.
"Hey there. Unfortunately, I'm not staying long," Livy said. "I just need some healing sap. One of the teachers from Alfea got poisoned".
"Well, we got some in stock," another said. "You just have to talk with Ninfea about it".
"Wait, weren't you and the others at Alfea, like, supposed to stay there?" another asked. "Because of Darkar".
"I know, but I really had to help Avalon," Livy insisted. "Don't worry, I took every... Is that... Snow?"
True enough, flakes of frozen water started to gently fall from the sky.
"Weird weather," one pixie commented.
"Oh no," Livy muttered, fear setting in.
With the sound of breaking glass, part of Pixie Village's barrier exploded. The diminutive citizens immediately started panicking, as several forsaken vaguely shaped like dogs charged in, followed by Icy.
"Alright, let's make this simple," she ordered as she stepped in. "I'm here for the Codex. The sooner you give it to me, the sooner I'll leave".
One pixie flew up in front of her and declared: "Get out of our village, you..." She was cut off by an icicle piercing her chest and nailing her to a wall. "Guh... Gah..." she gasped before going limp, her body dissolving into the magical essence it had been formed from.
"Anybody else feeling brave?" Icy asked with a sadistic smile marking her face. "No? Okay then, let's try this again. Where's the Codex?"
The pixies slowly backed away, obviously terrified.
"Right then, how about this?" the white-haired witch began. "You have, let's see, ten seconds to answer me or I'll order my little friends here to tear you all apart. How does that sound?"
Suddenly massive roots exploded from the earth and snapped the neck of one of the growling horrors.
"Well, that's new," Icy said and turned.
Flying towards her was Ninfea and several other elder pixies.
"You will leave now," Ninfea warned her, threateningly brandishing her wooden staff. "Or we will..." Only one of her companions raising a shield of earth prevented the guardian pixie from being skewered on an icicle.
"Not here for the speeches," Icy warned her. "Just hand me the Codex". Another root burst from the earth and tried to bind her, but it burst apart as Icy's touch froze it. With a wave of her hand, she sent several icicles flying through the air, which the pixies dodged. One flew behind Icy and charged a fireball, but the white-haired witch was quicker, launching a block of ice that crushed the elder pixie against a tree. Icy manifested another block and hurled it after Ninfea, but the guardian pixie dodged, the block instead tearing through a house.
Icy concentrated and with a burst of magic sent a flurry of snow through Pixie Village, obscuring everything.
The elder pixie with earth powers squinted, trying to discern Icy's location through the obscuring weather, only to gasp as a frozen blade flashed through the snow, cleanly bisecting him.
The sudden blizzard abated and Icy had to dodge as a barrage of projectiles were hurled at her. She responded with a fierce wave of icicles, the projectiles tearing through houses and pixies alike.
A rock hit her face and she stumbled, landing on a house and crashing through its roof. With a snarl, she forced herself up, launching deadly projectiles as she went. Her every step froze everything around her, flash-freezin any pixie unfortunate enough to get close.
Another root burst from the ground and Icy covered herself in a frosty layer of armour as it encircled her and began squeezing. Ninfea concentrated as she tried to break the sadistic witch in half. But with a burst of power, Icy broke through and used the moment to launch a solid ball of ice at the stunned guardian. Ninfea reacted quickly and summoned a wall of roots to protect her, but the projectile smashed through and knocked her out of the air, sending her crashing to the earth. She gasped as her arm broke upon impact. Slowly, she flew into the air and looked around.
Already, Pixie Village was in ruins, several houses crushed by ice and snow. Not far from her, one of her fellow elders gave a last scream as one of the forsaken began chewing on her. And Icy laughed as she launched more blasts of ice, trapping several pixies in cages of ice and condemning them to a gruesome death by asphyxiation.
"ENOUGH!" Ninfea yelled. She gasped a bit and said: "You win. I'll give you the Codex. Just... Just leave us alone".
"Don't worry, I will," Icy said delighted. "Just hand me the Codex".
Ninfea sighed sadly and lifted the oaken staff she carried. It shone and morphed into another Codex tablet. It floated into Icy's awaiting hand. She studied it for a moment, gleeful at having completed her objective.
"Now, leave us be," Ninfea begged.
"Actually, on second thought," Icy said, turning towards the guardian pixie. "I think it's better if nobody knows I got this".
Ninfea opened her mouth to protest, but not a single word left her lips. She slowly looked down at the frozen projectile that had pierced her body. "Guh... Gah..." she weakly gasped as she tried to remain in the air. Her consciousness faded and darkness overtook it. She fell from the skies, her body dissolving in the cold air, until all that managed to hit the ground was the projectile that had ended the guardian pixie.
Icy turned to finish off the rest of the pixies, but suddenly a piece of paper smashed against her face. As she tried to tear if off, Livy flew by, using all her strength to rip the Codex piece out of Icy's hand. With tears in her eyes, she darted out of the village.
"COME BACK HERE, YOU INSECT!" Icy yelled as she began her pursuit, the forsaken hunters following along. "GIVE ME BACK THAT CODEX OR I WILL HURT YOU!"
As the village fell silent, several pixies hurried out of their hiding spots to assist their still living comrades.
...
"Listen up everybody. Does everyone have everything they need for the trip?" Flora asked. The group had assembled by the ski lift, all of them loaded with warm clothes and the like. "We will be going far up the mountain in order to get to areas where skiing is still viable, so we will not be able to get back down here for some time. So I implore you to check your equipment and make sure you have got everything you need".
After a short pause, everyone else replied with various confirmations.
"Okay, then let us get moving. Everybody inside the cable car, no pushing," Flora advised as she directed them in.
"Does she think we're, like, little kids or something?" Stella grumbled as they went inside.
"Dunno. I'm kinda used to it, to be honest," Brandon said. "Kinda reminds me of Belisma".
As they all got in, the doors closed and the cable car was dragged up the mountainside. Slowly, the green pastures and woods were replaced by rocks and thick snow.
Finally, the car came to a halt and the people inside walked out.
"So, ready to get beaten at snowboarding?" Sky asked Riven as they neared a slope.
"What? You plan on making me laugh my ass off with your pathetic flailing?" Riven asked. "Because then you might actually have a bit of a chance".
"I'm flailing?" Sky asked. "You're the one who constantly looks like you're about to shit yourself. Or maybe you just can't handle the high speed".
"Considering how I always own you in aircycling, I think I've proven I can handle speed," the magenta-haired warrior retorted.
"Dragon's scaly ass, either the two of you get a move on or I'll personally hurl both of you down the mountain," Musa warned them in an annoyed tone.
"Whatever. Let's go," Riven said as he set off.
"Don't think you've won just yet," Sky declared as he started his pursuit.
"So, how do we do this?" Mirta asked as she eyed the skis.
"Hang on, I brought a manual," Flora said as she pulled a book from her backpack. "This should give us some hints".
"If you need help, I can also give you some tips," Brandon offered. "Being from Sparx, I do know how to handle snow".
Meanwhile, Riven and Sky continued their trip down the mountain.
"Still trying to win?" Riven loudly taunted. "With those moves? You sure you come from a cold planet?"
"Keep laughing. Good way to work up your appetite for when I make you eat your words," Sky taunted back. He suddenly looked up and yelled: "RIVEN, WATCH OUT!"
The magenta-haired warrior immediately braked, stopping to avoid whatever danger it was Sky had seen.
He looked around and frowned as a laughing Sky passed him by.
"So that's how it is," he grumbled as he set off again. "Fine, I'll get you yet". He cleared his throat and called: "So that's how the crown prince of Eraklyon wins! By cheating!"
"Everything's fair in war," Sky called as he looked over his shoulder.
"Well, in that case... WATCH OUT, SKY! A TREE!" Riven yelled.
"Yeah, sure," Sky said disbelieving as he returned his attention to the track. His eyes widened seconds before he barged into said tree.
"Told you so," Riven called in the smuggest voice possible as he passed the blond.
"Murgleflurgle," the Eraklian heir muttered, mouth full of bark and snow.
Back up the mountain, Brandon and Techna were instructing everyone in how to ski.
"And you want to bend your knees," Brandon advised. "Don't stand too stiff. Okay, let's try this little slope here. You ready people?"
The group confirmed their readiness.
"Alright, who'll go first?" Techna asked.
"I am willing to try," Flora offered as she stepped forward.
"Alright, just remember what we have taught you," Brandon said reassuringly as he let the brunette get to the edge. "Good luck".
"Thank you," Flora said a bit nervously as she started her trip down.
Brandon and Techna watched her progress.
"YO, FLOWERGIRL! LEFT! TURN LEFT!" Techna yelled after her.
"BRAKE! BRAKE!" Brandon called.
"That's gotta hurt. AVOID THE BUSHES! TURN! TURN!"
"Oh no. SHARP RIGHT! AWAY FROM THE EDGE! AWAY FROM THE..."
The two of them winced in sympathy. They turned towards the others, who stared in shock.
"I'll go pick her up," Brandon offered. "Don't let this scare you. Anyone, even professionals, can get unlucky like this". Then he set off.
"Don't worry, Flowergirl's as tough as they come," Techna offered.
In the distance, they could hear the echoing yell of: "THRICE-DAMNED, USELESS PIECE OF SHIT PLANKS!"
"THAT'S IT, FLOWERGIRL! JUST LET IT OUT!" Techna yelled in encouragement. She turned towards the others with a smile. "So, who's next?"
...
Livy flew as fast as she could through the forest. She was breathing heavily, still clinging to the Codex piece with all she could. Every time she thought she had gotten far enough away, every time she thought she could take a moment to rest, Icy and her forsaken beasts found her.
Her arms felt like they were burning from the strain of carrying the heavy Codex. She gasped as she flew through a thicket. She could hear them gaining in on her. She knew that she would soon be unable to continue. And if that happened, well, she would be lucky if Icy merely killed her. She gulped and looked around. Suddenly she eyed a hole in the ground. It looked like there was a tunnel beneath. Maybe if she was lucky, she could find a hole or something too small for Icy and the hunters to follow her through.
Resolutely, she dove underground, following the snaking tunnel deeper and further away from the surface. Even as she flew through the darkness, barely able to see where she was going, she could her the howls of the pursuing monsters. Close to panicking, she accelerated. She was burning every last reserve of energy she had, desperate to get away from her pursuer. Suddenly, she collided with a hard, rocky surface. She spun out of control and crashed to the stone floor. She tried to move, but she was utterly spent. He body refused to budge as much as an inch, every muscle burning with white-hot agony. She just lay there, breathing heavily, waiting for the inevitable.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the dark: "And I want this entire area scouted. We need to know if we can start sending refugees to this area now and that means making sure Darkar's forces can't get here easily".
Lit up by several glowing crystals, ten massive troglodyte warriors marched into the area. As the glow lit up the area, Livy could see that she had flown into an abandoned village.
Commanding the troglodytes was a more slender, orange one with a spear in her hand. "Alright, Dividus, you and three others go that direction. If anything goes wrong, call for help immediately. I don't want to take any chances"
"At once, princess" the one named Dividus said and marched off with three others.
"Now then, I... What is that?" the commanding troglodyte said as she saw Livy. "A pixie". She gently picked Livy up. "Whatever happened to you? Were you kidnapped by Darkar's forces?"
"Please... Help..." Livy croaked. "Darkar... Codex..."
"Codex? This thing?" the female troglodyte asked as she picked up the block of wood.
"Princess Amentia. Darkar's monsters," one of the guards suddenly barked, and Amentia quickly swirled around to face the intruder.
In one tunnel opening stood Icy, flanked by the forsaken hunters. "Ah, I see you've found my pixie," she said as she walked closer. "And the thing it stole. Would you please hand it over, I'm kinda busy?"
"I don't know who you are, but I can already tell you work with Darkar," Amentia said, eyeing the forsaken. "And that means you're not getting anything out of me".
"Really now, I'm just here for the Codex piece," Icy assured her. "Give it to me and I'll be out of your hair... Well, out of your life anyway".
"She... Attacked... Pixie Village..." Livy groaned.
"Don't listen to it. It stole my stuff and now it won't fez up," the white-haired witch said dismissively.
"Her," Amentia corrected the witch, a sharp edge in her voice. "It's her, not it. I gotta say, I'm kinda impressed".
"How so?" Icy asked.
"We've not even been talking for five minutes and already I hate your guts," Amentia responded. "GUARDS! FORWARD!"
"Have it your way!" Icy snarled as the forsaken rushed ahead to attack.
...
"You sure you do not want to do some skiing before we are done for the day?" Flora asked her girlfriend. In the distance, the sun was setting, colouring the mountain snow a fiery orange.
"After watching you break your leg? I think I'd rather just stay here and keep you company," Mirta offered, leaning against her girlfriend for extra warmth.
"You're doing better than before, Aisha, You almost made it to the bottom this time," Techna offered encouragingly as the dark-skinned princess got up.
"Thanks. At least I've learned how to shape the snow into a cushion," Aisha replied, moving slowly due to her aching limbs. "How about you, Bloom?"
"I think I've had enough of having my face smashed into the snow for today," Bloom replied, brushing some snow out of her red locks. "What about the rest of you".
"I don't know. Maybe Sky would like some more time to kiss his favourite trees," Riven suggested.
Sky, who was sporting a quite noticeable black eye, just grumbled.
"Maybe we should call Avalon. He could probably make you feel better," Brandon joked.
If looks could kill, the blond prince would have erased his squire from existence.
"Sounds like everybody is just about ready to get back to the hotel," Musa said. "And the cable car is coming back up the lift, so now would be a good time to go back to the hotel. Or is anyone else up for more death defying stunts?"
Various variations of no were uttered.
"Alright, everybody into the cable car. And be careful, most of us are kinda sore," Flora instructed as Mirta helped support her.
"Ho-ho-how did you con-con-convince me to c-come along for thi-this," Stella stammered as she entered the cable car, furiously rubbing her body.
"Dunno. I think you've just forgotten how cold snow was," Bloom suggested.
The cable car shook as it began its trip down.
"So me and Flora we'll be going to the healer real quick to get her leg fixed," Mirta said. "We'll join with you for dinner at the hotel as soon as we can".
"Take your time," Techna advised. "Rather that leg get fixed all proper like, than risk having it get even worse".
"Well, I'd say it's been a fun day," Brandon declared. "Rough and tough, but fun".
"And we've gotten some memorable pictures from it," Riven said. "Here's one of Stella ploughing into a big pile of snow".
"If I wa-wasn't fre-freezing my butt off, I'd ki-kill you," the Solarian princess muttered. "Ri-right now, I ju-just want to go-go back and ta-ta-take a ni-nice warm ba-ba-bath".
Suddenly, the cable car stopped and all lights went out. The loudspeakers crackled as a bored voice said: "We are sorry, but we are currently experiencing technical difficulties, which has cut the power. Just sit tight and stay in the cart, we will probably have it fixed within an hour or three".
Everyone glared at each other in the fading light.
Then Stella screamed in frustration.
...
"Well... Is it done?" Palladium asked anxiously. He and Avalon had gone to the hospital wing, where Ophelia had done her best to take care of the blinded paladin until Wizgiz could finish the cure.
"Yes. I just hope it's not too late," the leprechaun replied, vial in hand. "Countering this stuff, especially after so many hours, is... Well... Tricky". He walked up to Avalon, who was patiently lying in a bed, awaiting help. "Now, this might sting a lot," Wizgiz warned. "But try to lie still. We want as much to get in yer eyes as possible". Slowly, he tipped the vial and the clear liquid dripped into Avalon's eyes. The paladin hissed and the liquid in his eyes began to audibly bubble as it began counteracting the blinding venom. The paladin began writhing as Wizgiz carefully poured more of the cure onto his milky orbs. Palladium placed a comforting hand on Avalon's shoulder as they waited for the pain to subside.
Finally, the noise stopped and everyone waited to see how the paladin had fared.
"Everything's... Kinda blurry," he commented.
Wizgiz let go of a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding. "We got the cure to ye in time then. Still, ye should probably expect yer eyesight to be... Less than optimal for a week or so. I recommend ye go see Ophelia daily so she can make sure it heals properly".
"Well, could be worse," the paladin commented as he sat up. He squinted as he looked around. "Palladium, that is you, right?"
"Yep, I am right here," the blond elf confirmed.
"I'd just like to thank you for your quick aid," Avalon said. "Without you, I am sure this could have been much worse. I am very grateful of your assistance". After a short pause, he added while putting his hand on the elf's shoulder: "You've been a very good friend to me, you know that, right?"
"Don't mention it," Palladium replied with a slight blush. "Only did my duty".
"And of course, I should thank the rest of you as well," Avalon said, shifting his gaze to the approximate location of Wizgiz and Ophelia.
"Don't ye worry, Avalon," Wizgiz assured him. "We were happy to help. Just be careful about touching any strange flowers next time".
"Yes, the... Whatever it was called," Avalon replied. "I must admit, I am surprised Magix even has plants like that".
"It goes unmentioned because with planets like Limphea around, no one can be bothered to talk about it if an area only has one kind of toxin spewing plant life," Ophelia commented.
...
One of the troglodyte guard stumbled back, bleeding wounds marking his chest. The forsaken hunter he was facing growled and leapt at him again. But he was ready this time. He swung his club and it smashed the monstrosity out of the air with a satisfying thwack, sending it flying through the air. He followed up by rushing it before it could get up and repeatedly bludgeoned it until its body had the consistency of ketchup. He took a deep breath as he ceased his attack and looked around. He had been separated from the others and now the abandoned village echoed with the sounds of furious struggle.
In what once had been the village square, Amentia ducked behind a pillar as Icy launched a barrage of icicles at her. The troglodyte princess had dropped off her new pixie acquaintance in a relatively safe spot before engaging the witch, who had responded to the attack with unrestrained hostility. But Amentia easily found a pattern in her untrained opponent's attacks. The moment the assault ended, she leapt forth from her hiding place and rushed the white-haired witch.
Icy responded with another barrage, but Amentia rolled under it and jabbed her spear at her opponent. Icy tried to evade, but the spear tore through her clothes and opened a wound in her side. She gritted her teeth and hurled a block of ice at the troglodyte royal, but Amentia dodged to the side and attacked again, forcing Icy back.
She tried to counter by stomping the ground and covering it in a slick layer of ice, but Amentia's clawed feet dug into it and secured her footing as she rushed forward. She attacked again and Icy had to clumsily leap back to not be stabbed, the point of the weapon lightly scraping her cheek as she jerked back.
"YOU INSOLENT BITCH!" Icy hissed as she stumbled, before launching a barrage of ice balls at Amentia. The troglodyte princess didn't reply to her taunt, but instead silently leapt to the side and rushed the witch again, refusing to give up ground.
Icy turned and jumped up a stack of boxes, trying to put more distance between herself and her opponent. She landed on the roof and turned to fire again, only to find Amentia sailing through the air towards her. They collided and Icy was forced to the ground. Amentia planted her foot on the white-haired witch's chest and stabbed at her, but Icy desperately grabbed the spear, barely preventing it from piercing her neck. Feeling the point slowly digging into her soft flesh, Icy concentrated and poured her magic into the weapon. The spear cracked and splintered as ice grew inside it.
Amentia, having placed her weight on the spear, stumbled off her opponent as the weapon broke. She threw the now useless shaft away and turned, preparing to dodge potential counter-attacks. Icy stumbled on her legs, murderous intent in her eyes, as she got ready to blast the troglodyte with her magic.
Amentia, however, was faster and hurled several metallic stars at her white-haired opponent. Icy reacted and barely blocked with a shield of ice. Her opponent thus distracted, Amentia rushed to attack her again, drawing her sabre as she ran. She swung and the blade dug deep into Icy's frozen defence. The white-haired witch responded by trying to kick her troglodyte opponent, hoping to freeze Amentia with her touch, but the princess easily evaded her clumsy kicks. Finally, the enraged Icy lashed out with her other hand, a blade of ice forming from it, and Amentia had to break off the assault and back off to avoid harm.
"HOW THE FUCK ARE YOU SO HARD TO KILL!?" Icy yelled, fatigue obvious in her voice. "YOU'RE NOT EVEN A MAGI!"
"As opposed to you," Amentia calmly responded. "A magi is the only thing you are. You're predictable, easy to read and barely in control of yourself".
Icy responded with a scream of frustration as she unleashed a barrage of barely aimed icicles. Amentia rushed forward, sustaining a few glancing cuts as she weaved through the clumsy attacks. Icy's eyes widened with pain as Amentia barged into her shoulder first. The white-haired witch stumbled back breathlessly, only to suddenly realise a very unfortunate fact.
She had run out of roof.
With a scream, she fell backwards and crashed to the stony floor below.
Coughing, she slowly forced herself back up, her head ringing with pain. She stumbled forward, pained tears obscuring everything. "I'm... Not done yet," she hissed as she staggered away from the wall.
"Wrong," Amentia declared as she leapt down from the roof and began advancing on Icy. Even as she neared her opponent, several orange troglodyte guards lumbered into the yard where the fight had ended up, ready to assist their princess if necessary.
The white-haired witch hissed and hurled a couple of ice-blocks at the advancing princess, which Amentia barely had to make an effort at dodging, before the troglodyte planted a solid fist in Icy's face and sent her sprawling on the ground. Amentia raised her blade and prepared to end the fight.
"Hold it!" a voice called.
Everybody's attention turned to a nearby rooftop.
"Now, I gather from my new friend here that quite frankly, killing Icy is more merciful than she deserves," Darcy said, holding up Livy. By her side stood Stormy, who looked very displeased. "That being said, I kinda need my acquaintance back, so I'd like to propose a trade. You get the pixie, and I get the idiot".
"And if I refuse?" Amentia asked.
"Well, then you'll most likely force feed Icy your sword while I'll snap the pixie's neck like a twig," Darcy said with a shrug. "And that'll be that".
Amentia mulled it over for a second, before backing away from Icy. "Fine," she said. "We have a deal".
"Good. Fantastic to know that there's still reasonable people in the world," Darcy said. "Just let her pass through your encroaching ring of guards and I'll let the pixie go".
The orange troglodytes moved out of the stumbling witch's way, as Icy slowly struggled to get out of the area. As she rounded the corner, Darcy let Livy loose. The exhausted pixie barely had the energy to slow her fall as she drifted to the ground. Then the two witches turned and disappeared from sight.
As soon as they were gone, Amentia hurried to the pixie and helped her up. "Are you okay?"
"No," Livy sniffed, tears streaming freely from her eyes. "She... She took the Codex".
...
"A co-co-couple hours my-my fro-frozen ass," Stella stammered annoyed.
Brandon, who was currently holding the blonde in his arms to provide her with some extra heat, comfortingly said: "I know, sweetie. I know".
The rest of the group had unpacked a set of cards and were now slowly teaching each other various games.
"And if I don't have any, I say go fish?" Aisha asked for clarification.
"Yep," Bloom confirmed.
"It kinda reminds me of a game we used to play in Zenith," Techna said. "Except the cards were different and you had to take a shot every time you guessed wrong".
"I hope we don't have to sleep here," Sky commented as he studied his cards. "Kinda cold in here".
"There better be a fire or something else equally serious going on down there," Musa grumbled. "Otherwise, I'll be pissed".
"And if there isn't, I might just start my own fire," Riven commented. "That or lock the one responsible for this mess in a freezer".
"That'd be tempting," Musa agreed. "Seriously, there's no heat in this thing. You could freeze your ears off in here".
"Good thing you brought that cute hat then," Riven commented.
"Yeah I... Wait, what did you say?" the black-haired musician asked in surprise.
Riven briefly sported a look like a deer caught in the headlights, before responding: "I said good thing you brought that hat of yours".
"You called it cute," Musa teased with a smile.
"I did no such thing," Riven insisted.
Bloom giggled and leaned back against the wall. "You know, this still sucks, but I'm actually having fun".
"Good to hear," Flora said. "I was getting worried you would sink into depression again".
"Yeah, I guess I almost did," Bloom admitted. "It's just... After everything that's been going on, I guess I was starting to lose hope. It just seemed like everything we did was for nothing". She sighed. "But I guess I was just being a bit of a downer. Thing's probably aren't so bad after all".
...
Darkar's attention was peaked as his three witch minions entered the throne room, Darcy walking in the middle to keep her irate companions away from each other. She had also had to enforce a strict policy of silence and threatened to drug them and drag them back by the hair unless they behaved.
"So, how did it go?" Darkar asked.
"Well, it could have gone way worse I suppose," Darcy offered. "I mean, Icy could have died for example".
"What a shame that would have been," Stormy muttered sarcastically.
Darcy cleared a throat loudly, indicating the whole silence thing was still in effect. "Despite some... Disagreeable practises, we got it". She held forth the wooden block. "The final Codex piece".
Darkar stared. Then slowly, almost as if he couldn't believe his eyes, he got up. He carefully made his way down the steps, as if a sudden movement could ruin everything. And he took the Codex into his hand. Slowly, a smile started spreading on his face. "Finally," he quietly said. "After all these centuries of searching". His voice got louder and louder as joyous realisation set in. "At long last, after a thousand life times, the complete Codex is FINALLY MINE! AH-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAAAA".