"I screwed up Master Aithlin," Iolas stood in his Order Master's office in the Council Headquarters.

Aithlin looked up from his papers, "This is the second time this year you are using those words. Last time was at the Desertia hearing when you were nearly bested by a Horror Mud and lost your escort." He sounded displeased and concerned. "Are you in need of some vacation? A retreat?"

"No, I – I was simply sloppy." Iolas sighed, he had gone upstairs from the prison department as the fuck-up with Queen Stella had to be dealt with and he wanted to sort it out quickly, but he couldn't just leave the Headquarters. And he was still not sure how to best solve this. "I might need some help with this. I have to sort it out quickly. Please Master…"

Aithlin grumbled, "Spit it out, what did you do?"

"Blade-" Iolas started and instantly earned a scorching stare from Master Aithlin. "Blade was roaming the hallways – she's up to something and as etiquette is not her forte… I wanted to make sure that she doesn't do something stupid. Yet, Queen Stella of Solaria, butted in and wouldn't listen… neither did Blade…short version is, they got into a fight and Queen Stella ordered Blade's imprisonment for two hours which we were forced to oblige."

"…" Utter silence from Aithlin at first. "What?" He stared at Iolas but he wasn't joking. "Why would Queen Stella imprison her own scholarship student, a Fairy." He couldn't wrap his mind around this news, "Wait, how is that your fault?" He rubbed his nose bridge.

"Her charm was active. She was a bit… well herself; and Queen Stella took it upon her to solve the situation. Apparently, neither King Brandon nor Queen Stella can connect Lucia's appearance with her. But they are on their way to Griffin and Codatorta. As I said, I screwed up." Iolas looked a bit like a lost puppy.

"Iolas! Seriously, you're supposed to be my best team leader of the Council Guard. How could you let this happen?! When she finds out… aaaahhh, who was watching? How big will that blow up in our faces? This can have major consequences, but you know that. This could endanger the integrity of Solaria's Crown, Blade's scholarship and the whole project we have been working on for years with Headmistress Faragonda. What in the Great Dragon's name were you THINKING?! Did you think at all?!" The Order Master couldn't believe it. "I should demote you right on this spot, no matter the outcome. Unbelievable…" He knew Iolas knew. He didn't need Aithlin telling him how bad it was. 'Nine-hundred years old and… ahhhh… knowing Iolas it must've been some wrong place wrong time thing... the absurdity I have to deal with sometimes I…'

A knock at the door, an urgent one.

"Yes, come in," Aithlin breathed out. 'Who is it now…?'

"Good day… uh, something wrong?" Nerrocean entered and instantly picked up on the room's mood. Not to mention that Iolas for once was as readable as a bedtime story for kids. "What did you screw up, Iolas?" Nerrocean slithered in and closed the door behind himself.

"He let Queen Stella imprison Blade in our dungeon below. Two hours, people saw," Aithlin had his composure back. His initial outburst helped to vent his initial frustration.

"Wait, what? She was in prison today? Busy bee…" Nerrocean smirked, "Before or after her charm got activated?"

"After…" Iolas sighed. 'I was so stupid.' He looked up. "How do you know? Is she still in the building?"

"Oh well, I saw her running about…" Nerrocean grinned, "Well then, where lies the problem? Most Councillors have no idea how she looks in Witch form. Isn't it just you, me, Votzaak... Eaden…would be able to distinguish her… and maybe the Councillors of Andros, Melody, Domino and Linphea, but they have no reason to spread that," Nerrocean added. "The rest has no idea who the redhead is."

"Yeah, if only Queen Stella wouldn't be on her way to Griffin… how do you think that discussion will go? The Tower had a fit because our dark Fairy got beat up in Police custody, which as far as I know, our esteemed Headmasters didn't tell them, any of the Winx club members," Aithlin sighed and sat down. "What a mess…"

"So, actually the problem lies just between Blade and Queen Stella?" Nerrocean asked.

"Yes…but they both have a temper… and I don't really see an outcome where Blade… She wasn't even in the wrong per say. Running her mouth wasn't the best choice on her part, but the Queen boxed her in, she knows how to run a Court and make people trip, plus King Brandon has picked up some chatter of a raid gone wrong," Iolas elaborated. "All this because Blade was so stubborn and didn't state anything at all about why she is in the Council building this entire day… if she had just said… she'd… I just wanted her to be cautious and prepared. Instead, I made everything worse," Iolas was still displeased with himself.

Nerrocean smirked, "Well, I have an easy way to solve this."

"You do?" Aithlin was surprised. That was great news.

"But if you want me to help out, you," He looked straight at Iolas, "are mine for at least two months. And no complaints, even if I sent you only on coffee runs," He grinned devilishly.

Iolas frowned, "If it truly solves the problem, I can work with that. Ararel can easily take over the squad." He looked to Aithlin.

"You do whatever I ask, no complains, no matter what?" Nerrocean stared him down.

"Yes, as long as it is within the law…I'll do as ordered," Iolas sighed, 'Gremlin was already a pain in the ass, what is it with those two?! Oh well, I screwed up, gotta live with the consequences, two months with him as boss – that I can survive.'

"It's a deal then. First order of the day cut your hair," Nerrocean requested seriously although he was joking. 'Time to test some resolve. Plus, I always wanted to make that joke. Votzaak loves it so much to tease Elves with this.'

Iolas went utterly pale, "You…"

"Please, Nerrocean, I am upset with him too, but you can't possibly ask that of him!" Aithlin jumped to protect his subordinate like a mother bear.

"Well," Nerrocean stared at the Elf, "You said you'd do anything. It's not against the law to get a haircut."

Iolas with a shaking hand reached out to unlock his knife from his belt.

"Iolas, don't! Nerrocean, this isn't funny!" Master Aithlin ground his teeth.

"HA! Gotcha both there," Nerrocean swiped the knife from Iolas and inspected it before it even got near his hair. "We'll work on your attitude Eques Iolas. You are way too reluctant to follow orders," he snorted, "You Elves and your hair…aaahh, so easy to tease." He watched both of them exhale deeply. "I would never ask such a thing from you, not to worry. Now the Stella situation looks so small in comparison, right? You two should learn to chill," Nerrocean patted Iolas on the back and stuffed his knife back into its holster. "Oh, and Aithlin, I want his squad as well. Plus, an additional task force of Council guards about six hundred strong and chip in some of those quick-reading librarians from Yaggdrasor," Nerrocean grinned oh-so-pleased.

Aithlin's heart had stopped for a second there before he could refocus, "Six hundred? ... if you need an army use your Order," Aithlin declined at first, still pissed about that dark humour joke. "Wait, why would you need my Council guards in such numbers?"

Nerrocean enjoyed this way too much to have caught him so off guard, "But Councillor Aithlin, are you telling me I can't have my task force? Me, the Councillor of Magix? You wound me."

"Yes, you can… but I need a reason, a good one if you request so many," Aithlin found his posture again. 'Damn those two, he turns more Votzaak-like, that pain in the ass, every year…'

"But that would ruin the surprise…" Nerrocean pouted theatrically, "Tell you what, besides his little screw-ups, Iolas is a fine lad. He knows what is worth six hundred guards or not. Let him spearhead this from the Council guard side, all the paperwork included. And surely, he will prove he is more than worthy of the title of Eques and I'll erase that hick-up of his with Queen Stella today as if it never had happened. Well, he will with some pointers." Nerrocean chuckled, "You can always demote him later if you are unsatisfied with the outcome. Just no matter what, don't interfere with his work until I give him back. It will work out in the end. I promise you, you won't regret it. Councillor's promise," The merman was giving off this predatory feeling, the one he usually gave off when he was sure to catch his next target. His fin twitched.

Aithlin knew that intent all too well after all those centuries of them working side by side, "Fine…he is all yours. One condition though, no cutting the hair," He stated clearly. "I'll sent a squad shortly to relieve his team from prison duty. And make sure that assignment will be a pain in the ass within reason. I don't want my people to think that screwing up will get them good jobs, but I don't need them shaking in their boots; we're not the Hunter Division…" He glared at Nerrocean; Iolas was still a bit pale. 'Black Magic Hunter Division,' he revised mentally, 'Ah, this will get annoying to keep the old one apart from the reformed one, if I want to use the short name... has Votzaak even found something on that? He has not said a word since he was back from wherever he went.'

"Ahhh, fine, no haircuts with any Elf. I'm sure I have enough paperwork for him to munch through not to worry," Nerrocean slung his arm around Iolas and choke-held him as he dragged him out of Aithlin's office. "You're mine now. Oh, and remember Iolas, I take my coffee black with six spoons of honey, you hear. Don't forget that."

"Yes…Councillor Ner-" Iolas was let go of once they stood outside and the door fell shut. He straightened out his tunic and readjusted his helmet.

"Call me Master. For the next two months you work under me after all," He chuckled, "And you always say it with such posture to your own."

"Yes, Master Nerrocean," Iolas rolled his eyes, 'What did I just agree to...?'

"So, about your hick-up, tell me exactly what happened…"


The girls were on their way to Alfea to pick up some of their prepared picnic supplies. After their initial joy, they poked around to hear why Blade got arrested by the Council guard and how Queen Stella fit into all that and Blade indulged them.

Kitty hissed yet again she couldn't get over the fact that it had been a Winx club member of all people, "What a bitch. How can she behave like that and call Griffin her friend? What nonsenses. Royals seriously…"

"Hello? We are royals too you know…" Tasu cleared her throat, "How often do you want to repeat that? You are way too much hung up about this."

"You are different, guys," Marble chuckled. "You are like Dusk!"

"I know you meant that as a compliment, but it isn't," Dusk shook her head.

"Ah, your ratings aren't that bad. I mean you are a Queen! You rank higher than our butterflies here." Marble consoled her and earned some upset outcries.

"But Court wise, Eventide is... is that a Council guard?" Dusk stopped. "Could it truly be him? Guys, at the ready…"

Blade squinted her eyes, that guard was hovering in the air with his winged boots. 'Voice of nature…it is him.' Blade nodded slightly.

"Ms Ashfallow…please join me," Iolas addressed her as the group had come to a hold mid-air in front of him.

"Why? Need to arrest her again?!" Kitty bared her teeth, "I think not." Promptly she flew in between them. 'Let the game begin!'

Birdy laid a hand on Kitty's shoulders, "What does the Council want of her? We just came back from it. We have other things to attend to."

Iolas had sensed her voice of nature and simply waited on Blade to make a move. 'And this's supposed to work? Nerrocean and his far-fetched ideas… he's even worse than Votzaak with his strange battle plans.'

"I think all was said and done," Blade answered first a bit salty they had joked around she should play a little Court game on him to get even. 'Did he really come to apologise again? He already said he was sorry. Right, right, play a Court game…' Her sigh was followed quickly by an icy cold, "What is it?" She felt a bit bad, she knew Iolas felt bad and Virion had been so kind to her and he had been as concerned as Iolas about that secret meeting. 'Maybe something else came up? I'm not sure I can make a Court game work…what nonsense…'

"Don't give him a second glance, he doesn't deserve it!" Marble glared at the guard. "Piss off. You have no grounds to arrest her." She stared him down. 'Ha, yes, Blade go for it! Show him!'

"Please," Iolas gestured towards the forest to have a private conversation.

Blade closed her eyes, 'Well time to practise some more Court-shit. I'll show him. If I can fool him, surely, he will think twice about snatching my hall pass the next time.' She chuckled inwardly. 'Hmmm… what to do, make someone grovel is top of the crop Court games, the girls said that would be befitting. But how do I achieve that,' Blade crossed her arms and gave him a dark stare, "Fine, Eques Iolas, make it quick, we do indeed have other matters to attend to."

"You are way too kind!" Kitty hissed, 'At it, girl! Make him beg, ahahah,' She turned her back towards him this was so much fun to her. "The least he can do is kneel and ram his head into the ground and apologise, again!" Kitty ground her teeth. "You shouldn't let people walk all over you all the time, Blade." She flared up some magic for good measures, "Have you any idea what torture you put her through?! Stupid asshole!" Yet the Guard truly stayed unphased by anything she did. 'Uuurgh, I hate that kind, I can't read him at all…he's good. Is he buying it or not?' Marble flared up her magic as well.

'They are overdoing it again…we want to play him not kill him…' Tessa shoved her arm in front of Kitty. "We're above this. He's not worth our time. She's not wrong though an official apology would be the least you can do, Eques Iolas." She stared at him expectantly. 'We might get it just now. But he is stuck up, so unlike what Blade had said about him.'

"I was within the law, she's the one who broke etiquette," Iolas answered. "Now please, Ms Ashfallow, come with me." He addressed Blade yet again. 'Nerrocean…that plan of yours…ahhhhh. I should just apologise now nonetheless… truly, that snake is as much trouble as the gremlin. They are so pissed, all of them, for good reason. That way I'll never be able to teach them the values of Court. I am losing my foundation of trust in them from the get-go. Stupid snake. He had to make this hard, didn't he.'

"Come again?" Dusk nearly had it now; all they wanted was to help Blade impress him. But he appeared to be seriously thinking that he had been in the right. Quickly she found her composure again unlike the other two Sorceresses. Their playfulness was swapping to pure anger now.

"Oh, you! Answer my call-" Kitty started to conjure, but Blade flew towards the guard. "What are you doing!?"

Blade stared Iolas in the eyes challengingly, "Fine. After you Eques," She somewhat growled. She mirrored his icy cold facade, the one she knew all too well from Laciport. 'Why is he playing the asshole again…what is he up to? This makes no sense, we should have him bowing and apologising by now …' She turned towards the forest, "I'll meet up with you at Alfea. This won't take long," She didn't give Iolas a second glance as she addressed her friends a bit on edge. 'Did something happen? No, he would have said so. What is he playing at? I hope he doesn't see through me… damn, this is so hard…but how do I make him beg?'

Nebula nodded, "He doesn't deserve it, but your choice." She nodded to Blade, 'Go get him! You can do this!' Iolas took Blade's hand and in a bright flare vanished out of sight, but it wasn't a teleportation spell, that was clear. "What the?! How did they vanish into thin air?!" Nebula looked around but she hadn't even seen them take off and now the skies were clear, "Voice of nature!" But even nature didn't give an answer, they were nowhere to be found. "HOW?!"

"She'll be fine. I doubt he would harm her. After all, he knows that we know and he's supposed to be her ally. I think Blade even sees him as a friend," Birdy calmed everyone down.

Dusk nodded, "She's so forgiving…do you truly think she can make that Court game work? Blade's so straightforward all the time, especially with friends."

"Who knows? If she puts her mind to it maybe. Let's go prepare the food. Can't wait to hear that outcome," Nebula laughed so hard. "I'll bet she'll blow it big time. That's not how she runs things. Not to mention she already forgave him."

"Yeah, but from what she told me, he doesn't know that," Marble grinned.


"You know kidnapping is a criminal offence?" Blade ripped her arm free as they had landed. Yet she swayed this had been so fast, 'Was that the same technique as Avalon's…'

Iolas placed firm hands on her shoulders, "Careful, high-speed flight might make you nauseous since your brain isn't trained to keep up with the speed of information… wait, you are doing great considering…are you training to…never mind, discussion for another day," Iolas refocused. "Blade, I truly am sorry. I got you into trouble, that was not my intention." He gave a deep bow. 'Well, first step, piss off the Sorceresses, done…. Now to the other steps…Nerrocean, this is crazy…'

Blade brushed off his hands and created some distance as she leaned against a tree, "…Why play the bad guy routine on them if you just want to apologise? Princess Tessa is right, you should apologise publicly that's the least you can do." She hissed, still she wanted to make sure first that nothing bad had happened; before she tried to run that Court game, and assumed a mock-offended pose.

"…" Iolas eyed her, "You figured it out already, huh. You catch on quick, BladeMaster." He chuckled a bit trying to break the ice again. 'She is still pissed alright…normally she is quicker to forgive…' Internally he growled, 'They'll pay for what they did to her.'

"… … …," Blade stared and blinked at him a bit dazzled. 'Does he know? Wait, he might just…ahh, stay cool Blade, stay cool. At least nothing bad happened if he starts off like that. Okay, let's do this, Blade. Grovel game.'

"Nice server, two hundred Officers, you've been busy," Iolas smiled at her proudly. 'She needs to rebuild trust in authorities, yet again.'

Blade's eyes widened, "How do you-? We barely left the building!" She simply couldn't hold up that cold demeanour. Not to mention it made her so happy a true praise from him meant a lot to her and he was genuine about it. 'Ah, shit. Stay an asshole don't let him sway you…you can do this Blade.'

"Well, I am Co-Leader to Master Nerrocean on this," He smirked, he could see that compliment made her happy. "We have our first mission together." Iolas eyed her, 'Still, she has not accepted the apology yet…she ignores all my attempts...that's not a good working base. She seems indecisive. She probably needs more time to work through...'

"Mission… now?" Blade was confused he was catching her off guard yet again. "But, I, we… urgh…" Her stomach rumbled quietly. 'Ahhh, how can people stay angry at people for no good reason…' She couldn't refuse a mission; he was her superior. "Nerrocean wanted to work us to the bone… fine, what's the mission?" She answered yet again a bit cold. 'I just have to pull this off. But how?'

"Fix our prior mess-up with Queen Stella and meanwhile help your Sorceress friends understand the value of upholding the etiquette," Iolas elaborated. 'Not sure how to do the third part of this mission, though…'

"Our mess-up?" Blade crossed her arms, 'Ha, my in. You're done for now.'

Iolas sighed, "I was wrong to take the hall pass. And again, I am truly sorry, Blade. It wasn't my intention to get you into trouble, into a prison cell. Had I known you were that well prepared…," saddened he closed his eyes shortly. "That was why I told you to be careful how to treat political figures. Even if Queen Stella didn't know who you were. You knew her. She's your sponsor and it was out in the open. I know you tried. You worked on this I can see that, yet that were barely five minutes she needed to make you snap. What will you do if you ever attend a real ball that runs all evening? You have actual political enemies. We need this solved quickly before it blows up in your face. My reputation can take a punch, I'm not afraid of earning my demotion for failing horribly, but you, this could go horribly for you. Your reputation and standing are still too frail. Are you even aware you could get kicked out of Alfea if Queen Stella decided to go all out on the offensive now? She went to Griffin to complain," He stepped closer to her. "I truly am sorry, Blade…" He repeated as he sighed deeply yet again.

Blade simply started walking towards Cloud Tower without a second word and turned a cold shoulder towards him. "Kicked out of Alfea? Over that little misunderstanding? People don't even know it was me," Blade tried to grasp the situation, this sounded a bit over the top. 'He's really concerned… Wait would he get demoted? Queen Stella and Griffin… that can only end in a disaster, we should hurry.'

Iolas walked after her but it was clear to him that she took paths where a bush or tree or something was between them as often as possible. He stuck with his calm and friendly way though, "Well, they'll know at some point, Council isn't planning to hide Shadion forever. Either your Lucia persona will be obsolete or Shadion will be sealed and nobody wants that. Well, none of your backers at least. Shadion is controversial after all," He tried to explain, 'She still didn't say that she accepted my apology… how do I fix this, we need a good base for the next two months, she's the reason why so many students rallied…at least she's listening.'

Blade pondered for a minute, "So, you want me to go to her and what, apologise? She forced it, she wanted that! If I had walked out it would have gone even worse. Why am I the one to apologise!? I'd rather not have her as a patron if she is so biased to-" She pretended to get upset again. 'Power gaps are such a pain in the ass. Seems I will have to apologise if I want to or not…wonderful, I rather would have that Queen grovel. Ahhh, he pulled me into the conversation again. But I need to understand this, how can I still get him to beg though? Why would that be so important in a Court, make someone beg? I don't get it, Tessa…'

"Blade," Iolas was concerned yet he had expected as much, "Without the members of the Winx club, your scholarship would not hold up in Court, politically, that whole construct hangs on a thread everyone else is eager to cut. If they find an in to break apart the Winx unison not even the Headmasters can save you. The Winx are just humans as well and don't spend as much time together as they used to and have their own kingdom's Courts to worry about." He paused, "The Desertia battle, while extensive, was a mess, so was its Court hearing and Phere-Moan is more like a one-off wonder and like you already said, it wasn't you Fairies per se but the Lous and wisps who won that victory. Not to mention you, yourself, had to retreat because of your injuries. I'm sorry I left you wide open, it was stupid of me, I should have rather taken the political hit and in the worst case leave my Order."

"Leave your Order?! Why in Magix would you do that?" Blade nearly stumbled and he reached out to catch her. Quickly she batted his hand away again to keep up the facade, 'Ahhh… I'm like a rollercoaster... that way this will never work… I hate Court games.'

A smile flitted over his lips, 'She's so pissed and still, she is concerned, what is she doing? Is she by any chance pouting? Hmm, I don't know her well enough.' Iolas refocused on his task at hand, "Blade, everything one says in Court, in the Council, even what you do at school… you are a Fairy, not a Sorceress. Everything earns you points or diminishes them. The same goes for me, I move in the same circles. The backlash of refusing a Queen in her rights even for the right reasons…well, Queen Stella needs to be taken seriously, she would be forced to file against me and at worst get me expelled if I had refused to arrest you. She can't ignore such behaviour. People would see it as weakness, she's a young Queen, and they would start walking all over her, if a 'lowly' guard can do it, why shouldn't her political adversaries?" Iolas had a hard time making Blade understand this and her swapping her opinion about him every three seconds wasn't helping.

"What bullshit, can't you say sorry and be done with it? Why does everyone need to be so dramatic? It's a waste of time," Blade shook her head as she growled. This was all nonsense to her, 'He could have lost his job for this, his Order even!? Great, Ilrune was right, should have just kept my mouth shut.'

'And yet I apologised and we aren't done with that topic either. Or is she? What is she doing? This is so unlike her. Half the time she behaves like she has already forgiven me. Then again, only had a week with her and that was before… something's off,' Iolas gazed at the Fairy who got riled up yet again searching for a path apart from him, "That's Court and politics, it's all about reputation and power." He simply continued; this hot and cold confused him quite a lot, he knew Blade to be straightforward, one or the other, not both at the same time.

Blade grimaced, "Yeah, waste of time and effort…Sorceresses are right, that system sucks." She was losing her cold appearance she was way too comfortable in his presence he always made her feel at ease and was so patient with her, 'Damn it…I'm so bad at pretending to be angry when I am not.'

Iolas laughed shortly amused, "Well, I heard that a lot in my time as a Council guard. Yet no one ever managed to break that system. And even you, extraordinary as you are, won't be able to. Some things simply can't be changed, you just have to live with it or cut yourself loose from everything connected to it." He jumped up a massive fallen tree trunk. He had overtaken her as he simply took the easiest path through the forest, now he had to wait on her. He looked towards Cloud Tower. 'Gotta hurry. We can't let that Queen reach Alfea before we talked to her.'

'Ahhh, no, no way, I can do this, icy cold bullshit, icy cold…come on, can't give up yet. I gotta trick him. Why is he not on his knees already? He always stays so fucking calm, aaaahhhh. What would a salty noble do…ha! That's it!' Blade out of the blue rose her hand and amassed dark magic. "Well, then I better cut myself loose now, before I become like them, fuck Court." She balled her fists angered as she focused her emotions, 'I'll never become like that Queen, never!'

Iolas utterly surprised turned around ready to defend himself his magic staff just appeared, he was ready, but she didn't aim at him.

"Shatter!" Blade threw to obliterate the tree trunk Iolas stood upon. 'That gotta scare the shit out of him and make him think we are at odds.'

Iolas quickly jumped up high and upwards to escape the splinters. 'By the Dragon! I misjudge completely. She didn't take my apology at all, that's not just pouting.' He watched her walk through her created path like a yellow boar stampede. 'With that attitude…how am I to reconcile those two?!' Iolas stared at Blade with her ready-to-fight expression. "Blade please," He jumped in front of her to stop her in her tracks. "Be angry at me, hate me even…" he paused shortly, "But at least let me help you reconcile this with Queen Stella before it really becomes a problem. Once that police mission is dealt with, you won't have to ever see me again, I promise." He looked her straight in the eyes he truly meant this. "Don't throw your future away like this." He was beyond worried now.

Blade looked at him, 'He truly thinks I hate him, doesn't he? HA! It worked! I played him! He is begging! I did it right,' But this didn't feel good at all, the opposite – it turned her stomach upside down. She tensed all up, 'Does he truly think I could be so vengeful? His apology at the prison was already enough for me. I know he meant well. If anyone's at fault it's that Queen.' She squinted her eyes hard and stomped past him as her mind raced.

"Blade…" Iolas was lost for words. 'If she faces off with Stella like that…' He went pale.

'How is that behaviour to help anyone? Court makes no sense. But that is how one handles this in Court, right? Being two-faced, how could anyone want that? How is one supposed to trust another person in an environment like that!?' It made her so angry. This felt all kinds of wrong.

"Blade…" Iolas really worried looked at her. 'She can't forgive me or that Queen, Nerrocean, we completely misjudged. She just had a traumatic event in a prison cell… I ripped open all her wounds. She just pretended to be fine with it. She is way too young to handle it this well, of course, this would break her,' He stood still watching her walk off towards the Tower. He closed his eyes, 'The world sometimes is just too cruel, Nerrocean, I was the worst choice to deal with this… Reconcile her with Queen Stella, what a joke, she can't reconcile with me.' Iolas remembered Nerrocean's words, 'Teach her the importance of Court, oh and those Witches, they suck even more than her, you have till evening, make me proud!' He sighed 'That's impossible, Nerrocean, you read her wrong. She's not the same person, she can play tough all she wants, under pressure it shows.'

Blade gazed over her shoulder. Iolas just stood there he even was a bit pale. She could read him like a book for the first time. Suddenly she felt nauseous her hands were all jittery, 'What am I doing here?!' this was going too far. 'This is horrible… I don't want my friends to look like that at me.' She stopped and balled her fists, 'No, this is never how I'll do things. No way to the shadowlands with Court play,' She stepped towards him hurriedly.

Iolas watched her approach, unsure of what would happen next. Her face was written with all kinds of emotions.

"I'm so sorry! Forgive me! Please, don't leave your Order! I'll apologise to her, I swear I'll make it work! I couldn't be happier to work with you on that police problem. Please, just tell me what I need to say. You can't leave your Order it's important to you!" She suddenly blurted out as she trembled she was bowing so deeply. "I'm so sorry. I wasn't thinking, I…" This day had been so stressful she had barely eaten anything and slept maybe four to five hours a day max for the last two weeks. This was too much, she even started to cry as the combined pressure and worries finally caught up with her. "You can't lose your job not for something that petty, not because of me, I'm sorry…I'll fix it okay somehow…I'll make it work!"

"What?" Iolas had expected anything, but not that. "Blade," he stepped towards her. 'What is going on here?! What's wrong with her?' Blade simply sank to the ground sobbing. He kneeled down. "Hey, hey, talk to me, what's going on? Blade, look at me." Unsure what the heck was going on he tried to console her. He actually flared up some magic to check for a curse or other spells someone might have put on her outside the Headquarters he found nothing of course. 'Did her prison trip make her so unstable? I need to get her to Professor Avalon and go to the Tower myself…she's an emotional mess. Ahhh, and Ararel warned me to be calm and collected and not to jump to conclusions. I'm so distracted today. Fuck, why didn't I see the warning signs?'

Blade raised her head, "I didn't want to hurt you. I hate Court stuff. What are those games to achieve anyway? …They make no sense at all!" She shouted into his face. "What's the point? There is nothing to be gained to get someone to beg and kneel and feel bad. Court is a stupid waste of time!" She was so upset with herself. This wasn't fun as the others described, it wasn't even satisfactory like the Sorceresses said it would feel to get even with someone. "Making someone grovel is top of the crop Court games… my ass... makes you nothing more than a prick." She ground her teeth, she had a hard time stopping crying.

Iolas blinked, "Wait…" He inspected her once more he even infused some magic to check her body, 'She truly is fatigued. Virion was right, how many extra hours did they work? And in that state of mind she tried to, oh foolish little Fairy,' he eyed her still closely, "You pretended to be angry to play the grovel game with me?" He couldn't help but snort a bit, "You do know your opponent is the one supposed to grovel before you, right?" He conjured her a tissue as he tried to cheer her up. 'Foolish girl, I'm not so young that I would ever consider that. There are way better ways to solve problems like this.'

"Shut up…" Blade growled, took the tissue and blew her nose. "I just wanted to prove to you that I can…" Her eyes were red and her stomach grumbled so loud.

Iolas had a hard time staying composed this was ridiculous, "Blade, you are missing years compared to your peers. You don't need to play the games just yet. You simply need to avoid falling into the traps others use against you. That's more than enough. If you need to play a Court game with someone, just take one of your Fairy friends with you. Or ask your Headmistress Faragonda to battle in your stead she can mop the floor with them all despite her young age. She's one scary Lady you know," he looked around and pulled her to her feet quickly. "Wait here." He dashed off and not thirty seconds later he was back with some fruit. "There, eat. Can't have you face off with Queen Stella on an empty stomach. So, just to clarify we two are good?"

"Of course, you already apologised back in the prison. Unbelievable, the others said you'd come to apologise again…" Blade growled now she felt a bit embarrassed, and she caught his gaze. "What? Need to hear it? Apology accepted."

"Thank you," He gave her a slight bow again. "Now," He breathed in, 'I rather would have her sleep… but we don't have the time…' Iolas gazed at the Tower, "Can you transform? We lost quite a bit of time. We can't have Queen Stella leave Cloud Tower before you two are reconciled. Griffin's a good mediator for this, they have history. Queen Stella will be more manageable in her presence. We got to use Griffin's talents for our cause. I'll explain the full mission on the way …and if you truly are eager to learn a Court game, let's play something easier and more beneficial to our cause," He smirked.


Stella had taken her time to get to Cloud Tower. First of all, she had insisted on staying at Brandon's side so besides it was a major detour for their shuttle pilot. They first made their way to Red Fountain and then she moved on to Cloud Tower alone. After holding Griffin yet another lengthy speech about how much the Tower was in dire need of some interior changes. She finally stated her actual reason for visiting Griffin.

"Really, Griffin, I am glad that with Blade Ashfallow's actions and strives Witches have become more proactive in working together with the Police and Council," Stella looked outside the red windows. This place still gave her the shivers after all these years.

"I sense a but coming… get to the point," Griffin sighed. 'Who screwed up this time…'

"Hmpf, is that a way to speak to a Queen?" Stella pressed her hand into her hip.

"Of course not, but we are friends, are we not?" Griffin smirked at her. "I don't play Court if it has no purpose." Griffin laughed.

"Ahhh, you are as boring as ever…" Stella complained. "Well, today I was at the Council and one of your students walked all over some noobie squad of guards, WHILE she was showing off your school badge. She basically was proclaiming to the world, that's how we run things… how you run things." Stella gestured with her hand, "That is the last thing you need right now. Desertia, the hearing, Cloud Tower's rampage…Griffin, why didn't you ask for help? You know we would come if you'd only ask. Why do you still take the burden on your own-"

"I don't and don't tell me you believe you would have been faster than the Hunter Divison," Griffin smirked as she walked up to the window where Stella stood, "Times are changing. There is a new generation on the rise. You are Queen now, many of you are. Priorities change in life. You, Aisha, Bloom and Roxy are Queens now, you have a whole kingdom to manage and protect at all times. Flora is a mother, Musa wanders the realms to leave a light of hope wherever she goes with her music and Techna is busy creating systems to connect kingdoms and creating security measures so that magic threats can be detected and dealt with faster than ever before. You are not young students anymore, who can rampage through the universe and are just five minutes away, but Guardian Fairies of your kingdoms."

"I miss those days…" Stella reminisced for just a second, "Not the ugly fashion atrocities of those evil overlords though, urgh, some had no fashion style at all," Stella overplayed her prior comment. "Griffin, you do know that for friends we'll always make the time, right? The boys too." She addressed her concerns anew.

"Ha! Dear Queen of Solaria, I have you know that I led this school when you were still in diapers. Don't you dare underestimate me," Griffin told her off superiorly.

"Then what was that debacle with Cloud Tower and the Black Magic Hunter Division? Not to mention that on the same day, there was a…huge misunderstanding with the police? Your Witches can't ju-"

Griffin glared at her, "It's Sorceresses." She corrected her promptly.

"Eh," Stella blinked confused that was new coming from her of all people, "Your Sorceresses can't just battle stuff out with the police like little brats. Not if the political situation is so…fragile, your standing is not as strong-"

"Oh?" Griffin's face darkened, "Battle the police? Why ever would we do that?" Her voice got sharp and she tensed up. 'Who the fuck talked!? I'll-'

Stella puffed offended, "That's what I came here to ask. Those students can't just walk all over the place behaving like they own the City or the Council for that matter. They unlike you have no grasp of Court reputation. They just mimic you without any thought or reason. I don't want you to-"

"Students? I thought it was one?" Griffin eyed her closely.

"Yes, that brat, even after two hours of prison she was, less than susceptible to my warnings. You got to get that under control and where there is one Witch," She earned a scorching glare from Griffin, "…I mean Sorceress. There are more. You aren't so foolish to believe that only one of your students would behave like that, I know you aren't." Stella crossed her arms. "It was out in the open no less, the nerve, truly, people heard." Stella was still so pissed about it.

Griffin rolled her eyes, "Great, which one do I need to send to your palace to properly apologise?"

"Hm, well that redhead…what was she called…I know that the Guard said…hmmm… the one with the curls, waist-skirt, black T-shirt with a skull, truly no fashion sense… name starting with an La…Lu…"

"Lucia!?" Griffin wide-eyed stared at the Queen.

"Yeah, that's the name. My, from your reaction she must be a real troublemaker. You really should have a talk…" Stella got silent as she noticed Griffin growing angry towards her. "Uuuhh…"

"YOU PUT LUCIA IN PRISON FOR TWO HOURS!? HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!" She thundered so loud their ears rang.

Stella squeaked as she jumped backwards, "What's gotten into you?!"

"Into me?! What's gotten into YOU?! Lucia is BLADE! You let your own scholarship holder get arrested and people saw!" She hissed at her. 'Her!? Two hours in a prison alone!? All alone…' Griffin couldn't grasp what she was hearing. "Have you lost your MIND!?"

"What…? What do you mean she is Blade? Blade looks nothing like her! She has no spells to…" Stella held her thoughts. "Wait…you mean…That's where Brandon had read the name… it was in the reports about Blade Ashfallow." Stella stumbled backwards like a fainting lady.

"Imbecile!" Griffin yelled, "Do you even know what you have done!" Griffin couldn't get the thought out of her head, Blade, barely had made her recovery from her trauma. "Is she alright? Where is she now? Did you see…" Griffin rushed to her desk and activated her glass sphere. The control centre popped up, Brandon and Codatorta stopped reminiscing of the good old times as the enlarged outlines of Griffin's head flickered up out of nowhere. "WHERE IS SHE?! Give me her location right now!" She hissed at Codatorta.

"What? You mean…" He nodded to one of the students at the consoles. "Something happened? Is Blade alright?" Codatorta got skittish. 'Not again…not again, not again…'

"Sir, at Cloud Tower," the student replied to his Master's request, "All vitals normal."

Brandon watched as Codatorta breathed out relieved, "Okay… what the heck am I missing? What's going on?" He had been ready to rush off in an instant.

Griffin already closed the channel and focused her magic to find Blade within the school as a knock resounded from the door.

Stella tiled her head and simply stared at Griffin, the queen was as lost as her darling, "Not now." She answered the door but Griffin was ignoring it completely.

The door handle lowered, "Queen Stella…" The redhead, Blade, accompanied by a Council guard entered and they closed the door right behind them.

"Blade!" Griffin opened her eyes and rushed around her table. "Are you alright? Do I need to call Shanna?"

Blade smiled, "Why are you so rattled?" She wanted her headmistress to calm down.

"So, it is truly you…" Stella shook her head and rubbed her forehead before she got really pissed, "Why didn't you say something? How dare you talk to your sponsor like this! Do you know what mess you have created?!" She stormed at her not a second later.

"Oh, piss off!" Griffin hissed. She simply was furious. She knew Stella didn't know of Blade's trauma, but to think that she didn't even bother to remember her charm persona was inexcusable to her.

A strident whistle echoed through the air as Iolas cut both women off. "That's enough bickering. This was our fault, all of us. I apologise, Queen Stella," He bowed so deeply, "The truth is I snatched Blade's hall pass because I wanted to make sure that she wasn't up to something, since she sucks at etiquette. She wasn't walking all over us and we didn't need your saving grace. We know each other, I am EQUES Iolas and I trained her at Laciport for a week, so we are a bit more informal with each other. You misread the situation." He only now rose from this bow.

"…and I am sorry, too," Blade answered honestly, "I thought you were testing me or well…didn't care at some point in the dispute…And once you were spouting around like all those nobles from Desertia I - I lost it. I didn't care that you are my sponsor, heck I didn't even want you as a sponsor anymore. Jewels… I, all my friends, we fight so hard to change the image of Sorceresses. I wasn't thinking, there is no excuse. Please, don't blame Iolas, he meant well, it was just a happenstance that got us into this predicament. He truly is a worthy leader a good and righteous man. Please, forgive him." She bowed anew. "I should have known better, please, forgive him," Blade looked up her eyes teary. "He can't lose his order or position because of this. Please, Queen Stella just tell me what I need to do to fix this." She looked up to her. 'Hope those tears work…'

Griffin growled but stayed out of it for now. She gazed over at Stella. 'They going that way? Oh boy…well, good choice with Ms Sunshine.'

Stella cleared her throat, "Well… I…" Her mind was still running. "Let me get this straight you are, Blade?" She stared at the redhead.

Iolas nodded and quickly cast the runes and deactivated the charm.

Blade stepped forward as her normal self, "Yes, I am. Please, forgive him." And bowed anew deeply.

Stella theatrically stumbled backwards, "I truly might faint today…why didn't you say something?"

"Well, I did try…yet in your eagerness to see justice done and be as helpful as you and the Winx club are renowned for, it went under. Sadly, there was no telling if that was a ploy for a mission of some kind or truly a misunderstanding, I should have been more assertive. Had I known her Sorercess's persona is unknown to you…" Iolas reminded her kindly.

"And I just could have said, that I had come to see someone I'm well…" Blade blushed a bit, "Well…"

"Oh, I know that look anywhere, a boy you like?" Stella was intrigued for a second before she sighed deeply. "Wonderful, what a flop…to tell you the truth if you had said so, I would have thought it a lie…" She pondered, "Great, well, a quick bow in my Court should do the trick… for Lucia."

A smirk flitted over Blade's lips shortly, "No, it won't. I don't plan on losing Shadion so once it's public, people will know it was me and Lucia probably will cease to exist. This won't do, not in the long run."

"Hmm, you're right," Griffin commented, 'What's that Elf playing at…' She glanced at him. Blade was way too collected than her normal self. She instantly picked up that this was a ploy of some sort from the Elf. She knew Blade, after all, she wasn't good enough to play such grant games. 'Is she really fine with being stuck two hours in prison alone already? Wait, if that is the Eques from Laciport…'

Stella eyed the two, "Hm, you seem to have this thought through. So, what is the solution? You didn't come her empty-handed, did you now?"

"Well, I took the initiative to prepare a little game to rectify this problem. All that would be needed is for you to play your part," Iolas answered pleased. 'Nice going Blade, she's already calm and compliant.'

"Oh?" Griffin sounded intrigued that sounded like fun.

Stella crossed her arms, "I'm listening…"

"Well, you were right, my attempts at etiquette are …lacking… quite frankly I don't see the appeal. It's a waste of time to me, and only hurts people." Blade shook her head shortly. "Anyways…"

"Wait, you think it's a waste of time?" Stella got a nod from the young Fairy. "My dear Blade, Court – etiquette, is like a dance where your sword fails your words might succeed. One word placed carefully in Court can save you from a thousand battles. It's beauty in itself," Stella elaborated with grant words.

"Hm…" Blade didn't share the sentiment but bit her tongue.

"Now, now, speak your mind. I want to hear it," Stella breathed in and relaxed. "I'm your sponsor. I gladly listen to your honest opinion."

"It's a two-faced game. Why not ask and state what one wants? Going around five corners to say the same thing is foolish and can lead to misunderstandings. Not to mention hurt relationships." She glanced at Iolas. "I don't like it. I don't like to hurt my friends."

"Ah, two major misconceptions. Number one, you don't use it against your friends, you use it WITH your friends. If you want something from your friend you indeed should be straightforward. Number two. It's not running around corners or running through a maze. It's a dance, like a ball… no wait." She thought for a second, "It's like a sword fight, yes. Every word, and every gesture is part of your stance, and every sneaky comment is like a thrust. You are not misleading, you are fencing with words and the loser takes his bow and leaves the battlefield. If you parry your opponent's attacks and use their own words for your cause, you'll achieve true victory. It's an art, an art of war, a weapon you should hone always. The sharper it is the more you'll accomplish, never ever underestimate Court," Stella was proud of her explanation.

"An art of war? Fencing…" Blade had never heard anyone explain it like that. "Well, I am surely lacking in that art. So are my friends. And we want to work with the police, build a strong bond. But… well… we'll lose every – war in Court as you put it." She smiled to charm her. "We aren't ready yet. I at least understand somewhat why etiquette is so important for my Fairy friends. But my Sorceress friends are completely oblivious of it even more than me."

"Oh, I wonder why," Stella glanced at Griffin.

"There are more important things to learn. More important threats to prepare for…" Griffin's gaze lay on Blade. 'She's playing her quite well, that Eques knows his stuff. I wonder what they'll talk her into.'

"You should make the time," Stella addressed Griffin sternly. "Especially if this is what the next generation is working towards. It'll be a necessity."

Blade felt as Iolas poked her unseen in the back and she twitched slightly, "That's easy for you to say. You have no worries in the world."

"Come again?" Stella rose an eyebrow. "I have a whole kingdom to take care of, my dear."

"Yes. Yet you already have a status, people who love and like you, you are a Fairy, a Winx club member and above all you have money," Blade crossed her arms challengingly.

Stella squinted her eyes, "What does money have to do with that?"

"You never had to worry about how you pay your bills, what you will eat the next day. You could go on a shopping spree every day and still be fine," Blade elaborated. "You have the TIME to hone those skills. They don't."

Stella chuckled, "If it's important one should make the time. It's a question of priorities."

"No. It's not that simple," Blade countered firmly. "I have school, a lot of it. And then on top, I have to finance my Sorceress missions on my own as I have decided to do it their way and not use my Uncle's money. And that alone already takes around ten hours a week. And I am lucky with that. I don't have to collect the herbs for potion class or other ingredients I can use them freely at Alfea. I have lower shopping prices as a Fairy as well. People or other Sorceresses don't attack me as a Fairy they feel delighted to even see one. I don't even need to pay for the bus or teleportation. We Fairies are truly blessed. We have enough money so we can focus on such things like etiquette. For a Sorceress etiquette is not a necessity, it's luxury." Blade didn't waver in her words or determination. Nothing would change her mind. Griffin nodded on the sidelines in agreement to help that plan of yours even if she wasn't sure where that was going.

Stella had listened to her closely, "…So, you are saying if they had more time, they would improve their etiquette?" Stella asked straight forward. She simply mirrored Blade's directness as the young Fairy was way more forthcoming this way.

"Well maybe. They at least would have some time to spend on it," Blade nodded. "Thing is, I was nice and calm to you. I stayed within the law and yet this was the outcome. There is no reason for Sorceresses to uphold etiquette it won't gain them anything. No matter how hard one tries it gets ignored." Blade sounded a bit scolding.

Stella went silent again. Blade had tried in the Council Headquarters to stick to the etiquette and she simply had bulldozed over her to get the triggered reaction she had wished for. "My apologies…" She mumbled half loud.

Blade smiled kindly, "Apology accepted. I get it, you couldn't get me for what I presumably did, so you searched for evidence of another crime to nail me. I would do the same thing in your shoes. After all, if one is sure that someone is a criminal, we Fairies stick to them until it's proven." Blade cleared her throat quickly, she didn't want Griffin to pick up on their little operation.

'Hm, she's doing fine. Ha, she even got an apology from her. Not bad, Queen Stella is known to rarely say those words... So those two are reconciled I'd say. Now to the last part of the mission…' Iolas cleared his throat. "Well, as relieved as I am that we could clear up this hick-up in private, we still need to fix it in public."

Stella nodded, "Hmm, let me guess. You want to create a cover-up." She propped her hands into her hips. "I'm correct, right? Nothing short will work for a long-term solution."

"Yes," Blade nodded. "And there's no better place than at Alfea right now. Iolas already had them riled up. He thinks ahead a true leader."

"Oh, Alfea, why's that?" Griffin raised her voice as she squinted her eyes staring at the Council guard. 'He's a mastermind in his own rights…'

"Simple, I already told my ALL friends about what happened. Plus, there are lots and lots of nobles hanging around in the afternoon in the courtyard before they leave for their kingdoms. It's Friday after all. So, we'll pretend it all was a ploy from the start. The meeting in the Council hallway included. My delayed visit to my, well," Blade cleared her throat quickly. "You are my sponsor, and the Winx club is pro-Sorceress. Yet as you said, Cloud Tower students need to understand the importance of etiquette. So, what we do is…" Blade explained the plan Iolas had come up with.

Stella smirked brightly, "Ha! Oh, I like that! Yes! That will spread like wildfire for sure. I see why you are an Eques," She looked to the Elf.

"I don't know what you mean, Blade's a smart Fairy," Iolas declined to take the credit.

"Indeed, she is. Well then, Blade Ashfallow, I believe you should hurry along, I'll catch up no problem," Stella was all excited to pull that one off. "Hop, hop! Off you go." The young girl nodded to her and rushed off towards Alfea.

Griffin chuckled to herself, "Watch out, Queen Stella, my students won't take this lightly. I can promise you that."

"I can take on some Witc-Sor…students of yours," Stella puffed insulted. "I beat Valtor."

"Ha, I believe there were six of you," Griffin smirked as she sat down in her chair.

Stella stomped her foot, "Oh you, next time you can fight him yourself."

Iolas gave his bow, "Let's hope he stays in that prison dimension for a long time. I'll be on my way as well, Queen of Solaria. Thank you for obliging us and for your kindness." He gave her one last deep bow and used a glamour before he left as well.

"Well, I'm no monster and this will be fun, oh, I can't wait to tell Bloom!" Stella was fidgety she couldn't wait.

Griffin smirked inwardly, 'They have her wrapped around their fingers… at least I and Fara don't have to sort that shit out, that Blade…truly,' She picked up her pen, "Well then, Queen Stella, if you were oh so kind, I have some paperwork to catch up on."