Aboard the Red Fountain ship, they secured the bomb and got ready to leave. Before the ramp was retracted, Lucy turned to the Pixie. "Zing, let's go outside. We need to talk," she said.
Timmy and Mirta turned to look at them, and Mirta returned to human form.
Zing glanced at Mirta, who nodded, and followed the witch outside. Lucy went to a tree away from the dark-magic affected area, and leaned against it. She folded her arms and looked at Zing.
"Well, you were right and I was wrong. You were useful on this mission," she said. "I lost the bet, and now it's time for me to pay."
"You're admitting you lost, and you're letting me take the prize?" asked Zing, surprised.
Lucy nodded. "I always pay my debts, bug. So, what are you going to do to me? Agony spell? Skin rot? Send those giant wasps to sting me?"
"Well, I admit I've thought about it since we made the bet," said Zing, "But I'd never do those things to you.
No, I've got something much worse in mind." Zing grinned.
That made Lucy uneasy, but she hid it and stood up straight. "I'm not afraid," she told Zing, "You have a Witch in your power, and you'd better make the most of it."
Zing flew up so she could look Lucy in the eyes. "I sentence you... to be a friend to all Pixies, forever."
Lucy blinked. Her brow furrowed while she thought about it. When the implications came clear, she realized that it WAS much worse than any physical pain the bug could have inflicted.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" she finally shouted, startling Zing who flew back from her a bit.
"Yes, I am," replied Zing, folding her arms and looking smug.
"But why? What's the big idea?" asked Lucy.
"You already have Fairies as friends, but their Pixies are afraid of you, for one thing. For another, we DID work together on this trip, and it would be easier in the future if there wasn't fear and distrust," explained the Pixie of Insects.
"You hate me. You said so," Lucy shot back.
Zing looked sorrowful. "I'm really sorry I said that. It wasn't your fault, but I felt guilty about... what I did, and I blamed you."
Lucy tilted her head slightly, staring at the pixie.
"I'm really, really, sorry," added Zing, "I'd rather be friends."
Lucy looked down, thinking.
After a minute, Zing said, "Lucy, I can't really force you to be friendly with other Pixies, that would be just as wrong as hating you for what wasn't your fault. All I really want is for you to... expand your circle. We might be useful to each other in the future. Everyone would benefit."
"Don't have much choice, anyway," muttered Lucy. Maybe it wouldn't be too bad...
"All right, I accept," replied Lucy, "On condition that it be kept secret, like my friendship with the Fairies."
"I wouldn't let you be humiliated in front of other Witches, so that's reasonable. Agreed," said Zing.
"Then let's get back to the ship, and get out of here," said Lucy. She started walking toward the craft at a good pace.
Zing tried to land on her shoulder, but Lucy stopped her. "No, don't," said the Witch, "I may be your friend now, but it's too early for that. I need time to adjust."
Zing nodded in understanding, and flew on ahead.
wcwcwc
"We're airborne!" Timmy announced half an hour later. He guided the ship above the trees, where it pitched up,
and began gaining altitude.
"Repairs are holding up," said Mirta, "Main power at 42 percent capacity, batteries on standby. Internal systems all show green." Zing sat on her shoulder, watching, but was utterly baffled by what her bonded fairy was doing.
"Debris screens up, no sign of any other craft," reported Lucy.
"Acknowledged. Hitting space in fifteen seconds," said Timmy. Then: "Switching to space controls; setting course for Magix. Mirta, is the cargo still secure?"
Mirta hit a couple of buttons. "Yes, it hasn't moved."
"Still no sign of any pursuit," said Lucy.
"Good. Going to star drive... now," said Timmy, and hit a control. The stars began rolling slowly aft. He hit another control, and the countdown timer showed 30:01:46.
As they stood up from the controls, Mirta said, "Lucy, what happened to your glow? It isn't green any more."
The Witch was a bit embarrassed, with Timmy standing there, but she answered, "When I thought you had died, all I could think of was taking revenge. All the emotions I was feeling got converted to power, and that changed the color of my magic."
She lifted a hand and a ball of black with a green edge appeared. It's like a breakthrough for me, and this level is now my norm."
"Wow..." said Mirta, looking at the ball, "I can feel it from here. That's a lot more powerful than anything I've ever seen you create before."
"I'm pretty sure that I'm now the most powerful Witch in Cloud Tower, and it's thanks to you," said Lucy, and put her hand on Mirta's shoulder with a smile.
"Well, let's eat," said Timmy, for once realizing he should refrain from commenting.
This idea was welcomed by all, and they headed for the galley.
While they ate, Mirta looked at her best friend. "What did you and Zing talk about outside?"
Lucy stopped in mid-bite. She glanced at Timmy, but realized as Tecna's boyfriend he should know too.
"My punishment from Zing," she answered, "From now on I have to be a friend to all Pixies."
Mirta smiled. "I think that was pretty wise of you, Zing. It's been a barrier for Lucy to be accepted completely."
Zing nodded, but didn't say anything. To Mirta, the Pixie of Insects looked oddly uncomfortable.
wcwcwc
Back on Bekisan, the three witches were dragging themselves into their ship. A rushing noise in the distance caught their attention.
"They're leaving! We've got to hurry, if we're going to catch them!" said Inez, starting up the ramp. The other two groaned, but followed.
The three witches settled into the chairs at their consoles, and began the sequence for takeoff.
"I'd be more willing to do this if I got some healing first," grumbled Megan.
"Stop witching and keep working. You can heal after we're on the way," said Inez, adding, "I'm hurt too, ya know."
Zee rolled her eyes, but kept quiet. That blow to the back of the head had her feeling dizzy.
"Activating main power," said Megan, tapping controls. A blinding blue-white light and loud ZZZAAAPP! caught them by surprise. Dense electrical smoke filled the cabin.
"What happened?" sighed Inez.
"Short in the main bus," said Megan, studying readouts, "It'll take an hour to fix."
"Well, get to it," ordered Inez.
"No, not until I've healed. And don't start with me! Even with this setback, we'll catch them. Our ship is faster than theirs," said Megan, and turned to her cabin.
"I'm with her," said Zee, standing up but having to grab the chair to stay upright. She followed the other witch.
Inez actually agreed with them, but would never let them know that. She followed the others, and they spent some time healing themselves and changing out of ruined clothes.
They grabbed food from the synthesizer and got to work on the electrical short. Other repairs that had been ignored while they fought with the students were also made. They had to open the vents and get the smoke out, as well.
"I think we're ready," said Megan, sitting down at her console.
"About time," muttered Inez.
Megan rolled her eyes but didn't say anything, knowing any more delay would be blamed on her. She activated power,
and within a few minutes they were spacebourne, and in pursuit of the Red Fountain ship.