'Oh boy…' Mercury rolled his eyes unseen. He and Seth stood at the police officer's desk for like half an hour now. He was taking forever with the paperwork. Amber and Tessa had camouflaged as Spezalists as well. Thallan had placed a rune on them so their magic would not be cancelled if they went into the cellblock to get Dusk out once the paperwork was sorted out.

The Officer squinted at the screen, he was of the older generations, "AH… that system update…" He complained. He felt a bit uncomfortable with the youngsters growing restless next to him.

"Can I help, Sir?" Seth asked for the tenth time.

"No, no, it's just that stupid console," The Officer defended himself

'Right… or the fact that he is as blind as a mule and needs glasses or a good healer…' Mercury sighed deeply. "We can wait not to worry." He scratched his head, this was getting ridiculous. 'At least he's not an ass…just blind…'


"Take aim!" Codatorta shouted out.

The students raised their bows. All lined up their targets on the other side of the arena.

"FIRE!" Codatorta gave the command. The arrows soared through the air. The Drillmaster rose his eyebrows. "Again…" He sighed to himself. "Team A, Team E stays. Rest, get lost you know your missions." The other second years hurried away not to end up in the crossfire in the end.

Lion and Julius looked at each other, 'We're so fucked…'

Codatorta took a deep, deep breath and then like a thunderstorm his rant unleashed, "What's wrong with you people? Do you think this is a joke? That we won't throw you out?!" He pointed at their target circles not even one of their arrows had hit them.

"No, Sir," They all answered in one voice. They had been out about all night long and therefore even Michael was utter shit and he never missed at that distance. Normally.

Saladin joined them and walked behind their lineup, the boys weren't even sure where he appeared from, but he did that sometimes, "Your grades are slipping as whole teams. We already gave you more than enough rounds to run, yet you seem still to find time to occupy yourselves with other entertainment."

"We would never…" Julius tried to smooth it over.

"DID I SAY SPEAK?" Drillmaster Codatorta shut him up harshly, "Didn't think so. Well, since it is obvious that you don't take this education seriously," the boys looked shocked at the edge of saying something but with one glance they fell silent again. "We decided that from tomorrow on, you'll do stable duties till the end of the year." Wide eyes met his, yet he stayed cold and unimpressed, "And since you have time on your hands…"

"You'll do your chores with these," Saladin stomped his staff and an old wooden cart, some pitchforks, buckets and a simple metal machete appeared. "You can bring your paladin training amour and phanto-weapons as well as elemental weapons into the armoury tomorrow.

The boys looked at each other, "But…"

"You won't need them for feeding dragons and cleaning their stables and not for any other monsters we have in our stables I assure you. YOU ARE DISMISSED," Saladin turned around with Codatorta all was said and done. He walked slowly, hoping for them to finally spit it out, go on a rampage of a protest and slip up, but- nothing.

"What?" Mercury whisper-screamed to the others as those two were away far enough, "How are we to-"

Damon couldn't believe it and elbowed him into the side to tell him off not to speak out loud, "That is what you are worried about?" He ground his teeth.

"Are we getting expelled?" Tyson asked into the round.

Keith shook his head, he understood his brother's worries, "Then we would be gone already…but till the end of this year…" He looked devastated to the ground.

"It's the same as saying we have to repeat this year…" Lion sighed, "I'll never get into the Crown guard of Solaria like that…"

"Really? We are…" Mercury growled. "This is worth it."

"I know…" Lion closed his eyes. "Let's go…"


The girls stood all in Faragonda's office lined up neat and tight. Griselda had the darkest cloudy face they had seen this week and even Faragonda had that look, that inquisitor look. "Well, I am sure you all know WHY we have called you here." The headmistress started off.

The Fairies gave each other some side glances but stayed silent.

Professor Griselda huffed annoyed, "Your grades are slipping, you are sleeping in class and just yesterday one of you smacked their head open when she hit her head on the table," she was beyond being pissed by now. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING? And don't even start with that merged study group at the big library in Magix. We all know that's not the truth – the full truth. And most certainly not a reason for you to ALWAYS fall asleep during classes or forget your homework…since you stated you are doing them there."

'Oh great…thunderstorm from Cloudy Face,' Tasu breathed in deeply. They had prepared for this scenario and they were ready. She cleared her throat, "You wouldn't believe us even if we told you the truth. So, yes, it's not the full truth, but be reassured we are studying together with the Sorceresses and Specialists as we stated prior as well."

"Mmmmh," Faragonda eyed them closely yet she could already see that the young Fairies were as prepared for this meeting as she was. 'Good choice to have Avalon here as well…'

"Well, the thing is…" Tasu breathed in once more deeply to concentrate and calm down. They could not give away the operation so close to the finish line.

"Yes?" Faragonda raised her eyebrows in anticipation.

"Palladium lied. There is no such thing as a teacher transformation! Your staff lied as well. There is no way he could have grown that much in one summer. That would most likely be time magic, which is prone to end in Black magic, but you all support that statement. Something must have happened to you, Headmistress, you would never let Black magic stand at Alfea, none of the Professors in fact. But fear not we'll rectify this situation - somehow. We just need a bit more time," Tasu gestured with her hands to underline her statements. 'This is complicated… if we lie she'll spot it…. Need to choose my words carefully… ahhh. Probably has some spell running to find lies.'

The rest of the girls nodded in agreement, "We won't let you down. We'll reveal the truth!" Sienna proclaimed loudly to support Tasu in her statement.

"Yeah, we'll solve the problem, which is bugging us all," Blade added firmly. 'Police problem that is…'

Never had they seen Faragonda have that expression of disbelieve, worry, relief, even a hint of amusement, yet concern. She was about to speak yet stopped just to think again, 'That is why they are so tired? They are trying to find a cure for a black magic curse, that doesn't exist…and most likely dragged the other classes into it as well…my word. Panamonium class is an understatement.' She rose from her desk to walk to the window. She had camouflaged Avalon right at the left pillar near the curtains and she needed to see him without them noticing. 'This still could be a ploy.' So, the headmistress turned around. Now with Avalon in sight in the corner of her eye. "So, let me get this right. You think, that your Professor Palladium used Black magic to age himself?" She cross-examined.

"No, in that case, the Council guard or someone who attended the hearing should have noticed it," Birdy countered. 'She's digging deep… crap…'

"In short, we don't exactly know what he did," Nebula focused in her mind on her next police target, they had used that tactic to fool Avalon before, it should at least help a bit with Faragonda and Griselda, "But we'll proof it and if it is a curse. Of course, we're ready to jump to action. And if it was something else we'll figure out the truth. That's a promise. We won't lose someone to Black magic ever again. Only over my dead body." She clenched her fists as she simply had to think of Jewels at that moment.

Professor Avalon squinted his eyes as he inspected their auras. They were cohesive with what the girls said. But he was well aware that they could hide them behind a redirection. Blade and Nebula had fooled him once. Yet he knew them much better now, 'They are much more nervous than they should be. Black magic here at the school…ridiculous, only someone as strong as Dakar and his minions were good enough to pull that stunt unseen. They're choosing their words carefully. Then again, anything else would be suicide if there truly would be a Black Witcher around…Pallakar you dumb idiot, that boy...truly. Still, they're stating a lot of roundabouts, then again it would be hard to figure out what black magic is affecting us since there is none and nothing theoretically would fit all the 'symptoms'. Don't tell me they truly spent all those nights researching in the big library. They are crazy and stubborn enough to do so. What are we to do now?' He exchanged glances with Faragonda to relay his opinion.

Faragonda stroke her chin and finally sighed, "There is no Black magic at work. As much as I appreciate your concerns you should just have come with your findings straight to me. I AM here to guide you."

"But-" Tessa got bumped into the side by Snow. "Hey. If not Black magic what is it? What happened exactly? There most certainly is no teacher transformation ritual. Professor Avalon lied us straight in the face, and he is a gentleman. He never does that." She protested.

"It was a bet…" Griselda spoke up as she still shook her head in disbelief. 'Only those Fairies would dig into a mystery and waste hours on such a thing…unbelievable.'

"A bet?" Dahlia looked confused at Amber.

Faragonda sat down again, "Yes, Professor Palladium lost a bet with another Elf from his Order, so he transformed into his younger self, using metamorphosis magic. There never was any Black magic involved."

Rise frowned, "But how do you explain his personality change? At the tea party, Queen Stella clearly stated that he was shy and no one listened to him in his first year at this school. He was like -a different person- the next one." She quoted her Queen and crossed her arms. 'Blade said that Iolas mentioned a bet as well, hmmm…the Council doesn't know the truth either then…'

'They are thorough... I'll give them that. But for the sake of this school, I can't tell them the truth if that spreads even only if by accident…' Faragonda's expression was unreadable to all the young Fairies. "I do treasure Queen Stella, yet she does tend to exaggerate at times. Professor Palladium was simply not used to human teenagers, yet. It is different from teaching young Elves. You girls tend not to follow as ordered and don't listen."

"Yeah, we figured that one out -when researching the teacher transformation ritual," Blade nodded in agreement.

Professor Griselda was still furious, but she was also somewhat proud and moved that they were so concerned for their wellbeing, she cleared her throat. "Well then, since this IS CLEARED UP. No gossiping about this and wasting time on senseless hunts for truths!" She admonished them harshly. "Or you'll wish there WAS a Black magic user at this school. IS THAT CLEAR?" She gave them her glare and shooed them out of the office once they had agreed.

Faragonda, Griselda and Avalon discussed this a bit longer. "Well, they know how to conceal intents partially. But as I stated before their emotion did fit their statements… still…they were mighty tense and scared," Professor Avalon looked out of the window where he could see the girls leave campus in the direction of the sandbox. He looked at the time, "Palladium a Black mage…" he had to snort at that thought. "Well, I should be going, only fifteen minutes, I do have them in battle class and need to help our Black mage move some training tools for today's session. Headmistress," He gave her a gentle nod and made his way to pick up his friend for their battle class with the girls.


"Spit it out," Headmistress Griffin growled once. One short hiss that froze the whole group, made their skin crawl and they were all stiff as a mountain.

"We're helping the Fairies to break a Black magic curse," Alyssa stated promptly. No one would even dare play the Whac-A-Mole game with her.

"Black magic? What? Where…when?" Griffin was instantly concerned yet also confused. She hadn't heard anything before she suddenly got angry real fast. "You are in no place to deal with something as dangerous as BLACK MAGIC! What were you thinking!? Is that why everyone is tired? Is it an area spell, an aura, maybe? No Tower would have picked up on it… it's just one thing after another…" She hissed annoyed.

None of the Sorceresses was keen to elaborate on that far-fetched yet needed excuse they all had come up with and worked on besides their extra workload to boot.

Griffing stared at them expectantly. "…"

Misery bit her lip and took one big breath, "It's Professor Palladium or whoever he is. There is no such thing as a teacher transformation. He was a totally different character in his first school year. That one is a fraud or whatever. He bewitched all of you and evades the Council somehow. I know you won't believe us, but-"

Their Headmistress blinked followed by a deadpanned stare just to break out into utter laughter, "Palladium? A Black Mage? Oh, please, I know you are gullible as young as you are, but the Fairies are pulling your leg. Stop making utter fools out of yourself and get back to your studies!" She yelled in disbelief, "If you don't take these studies seriously and waste everyone's time with your stupid favours to help you out - I swear I kick you out of this school faster than you can say Alfea!" She growled again. 'Idiots!' She pointed to the door, "IS THAT CLEAR?"

"Yes…" Everyone answered.

Kitty turned quickly around like the others to get out of that office as fast as possible, 'Great…why did we have to be the sacrifices. She literally could have picked half the school to have this talk…. We informed everyone…Geesh just two more weeks…fuck. We just have to keep this under wraps. Ahhh, better hurry now, before we are late…'


"Headmaster Saladin…" Julius and Lion approached the old wizard after closing the door behind them.

"Yes?" he looked up from his papers in his office. He just had finished a short conference call with Griffin and Faragonda.

Lion cleared his throat, "We finished stable duties. I know we are excluded from training. But today is the joined training here in the arena grounds. And well…"

Julius shook his head, "We wanted to inform you that our squads will partake in it during our lunch break at least. You are of course free to give us additional duties, we can do after our lunch break. Since we have to wait till evening to have actually something we can do," He was a bit more affirmative.

"Right, it's about to start…" Saladin puffed, 'All they would need to do is to come clean about what they are doing and that ridiculous punishment would be lifted… Black magic, unbelievable. They are stubbornly holding on to that notion. They would never betray their friends' cause their honour code forbids it.' He cleared his throat, "I do encourage loyalty. But quite frankly, Black magic at Alfea? Stop wasting time, see reason." Saladin stated out of the blue.

"How do you-?" Lion looked to Julius, 'Fuck, no one called us… we're already in the second stage of this?!'

Saladin gave him the really stare, "There is NO BLACK MAGIC. Professor Palladium lost a bet, that's all that there is to it. Headmistress Faragonda just informed the girls. Now, leave and participate in the joined training before I change my mind."

"Yes, Sir!" The two boys answered firmly. Julius still looked a bit puzzled. "Does that mean?"

"No, it doesn't. You may partake in this since you finished your stable duties till the evening. You're not getting off the hook. You withheld vital information, and neglected your other duties and training for a wild goose chase. If this had been Black magic, we'd be in deep trouble by now." He admonished them quite harshly. "YOU are NOT ALONE. So, STOP fighting as if you are. IS THAT CLEAR?" The boys nodded heavily. "Now, off you go! Don't' be tardy and late." He threw them out of his office. 'Kids, and just when we are preparing to make a special education track where THEY have been chosen to go first. Unbelievable.'


"Wait let me get this straight? They thought that I used Black magic to age myself? But they behaved the same around me. Are you sure? Well, they know how to keep low… still… they are just kids, I very much doubt that they could pretent…" Palladium couldn't believe it. They just had gotten the weights from the sports room and approached the sandbox. "Uhm…where are they?"

"I…don't know. They were already heading here after they left Faragonda's office. They should be here," Avalon turned around searching the treeline but nothing. "Don't tell me they think they have to go into hiding from your wrath or regroup…"


"Okay, I am ready!" Snow was all energetic. They just in time had arrived in the arena grounds of Red Foutain. Most of the Specialists besides the task force members were a bit overwhelmed by the sheer masses of Sorceress that had practically stormed their school.

"Is this a hostile takeover?" One asked another drillmaster of the school nearby.

"Well, the flyer stated open for all students in Magix. Cloud Tower is one of them there are also some Beta students here. Still, this is a lot of Witches. Why would they even be interested to join such a training?" He was as baffled as the rest of his students. 'Maybe they came for a free meal? Barbeque is free for those who applied ahead of time…' He still was as confused as most of the staff at Red Fountain.

Amber shrieked suddenly, "Oh shit, I forgot to place the note since we totally forgot to tell them beforehand…" Everyone looked at the note, they originally had prepared together, in her hand.

"Oh, crap…" Dahlia was a bit speechless, "How could you forget?!" They had avoided the direct way since the Professors already were pissed at them so asking for forgiveness rather than permission had seemed the better course.

A Council Guard stepped closer, "Everything okay?"

"Yes, sure, all good. Are we starting with stretches or running laps?" Blade asked quickly, they could do nothing about it now besides leaving a message via a bracelet.

"Ha, we're starting with safety rules, so your students don't blow up half the arena," The guard laughed amused and moved on to his spot.


"Blade and the others?" Codatorta overlooked the arena as everyone started to group and face the direction of the leading Council Guard for this training. "Of course, they made it safely here staring at them, right now. I know the boys went overdrive to persuade Saladin to let them enter that joined training besides their lack of enthusiasm for anything else. But since when did you decide to let your Fairies go?" Codatorta answered Avalon in their bracelet call, while the training rules for today were laid out to everyone.

"Of course, they went…" Palladium sighed in the background.

Avalon sighed deeply as well, "Figures…they rather ask for forgiveness than get a no from the start…ahhhh. They spent waaaay too much time with the Sorceresses..."

"Since when do our students think our ruling is optional? Seriously. I'll drag them out there right now and send them your way," Codatorta shook his head displeased.

"No, wait, we're coming over. I got a better idea…" Professor Palladium growled.


Blade and her friends lay on their backs panting heavily, all of them, 'This is… why is the rest so chilled!? I know I am not as good as some boys, but come on I should beat like ninty per cent of all Sorceresses at least…' All the other teams for the joined training already had finished like two hours ago and were already at the barbecue below in the forest.

"I'm going to throw up…" Dusk stated next to her as she suppressed a gag, "You do this crap every day?"

"Yes," Dean stated without further elaboration. But even for him, this was a bit much.

Tasu shook her head, "How are we so bad at this?!" She couldn't even get up. "We are the one team used to at least fight together a bit more than most and we're dead last…" Every muscle backed.

"You got one more minute people," Their Council guard trainer in full armor stood by patiently and waited yet everyone could swear they saw him smirking every once in a while.

"Stuff your minute up your-" Kitty hissed and promptly got an arm flailed into her stomach.

Mercury shook his head and sat up this was torture, "Grind your teeth, we can do this. Up-up," he jumped to his feet and extended a helping hand to Blade first as Kitty next to him was still pouting.

Blade took the offered hand and smiled at him a slight tingle in her chest just for a second, "Well, well… off to the next challenge. Come on, people we are try-hards, not drop-outs." She tried to encourage the rest of the girls the boys already were getting onto their feet on their own. The Sorceresses were already fed up, though. "Oh, come now, do you really want to hear THAT chatter once today is over and we're the only ones who didn't finish?" Blade tickled their egos a bit.

"UUURGH," Gilliana rose, "FINE!"


Iolas had snuck up to the stances where Codatorta and Avalon were hanging out and watched their dear friend Palladium having a field day with their students, "They're still at it, are they?"

"Aye, Eques, they're not even questioning it," Codatorta chuckled, "Never saw noble Ladies so eager to lift weights. Are they always so…"

"…Stubborn? Motivated? Headstrong? Try hard? Oh, yes they are. Come to think of it even more so since nearly two months now." Avalon had to smirk, "Still, I thought they would catch on. Palladium did enchant the weights a lot heavier than the other guard leaders did for their teams."

Iolas stared at the kids below, 'Definitely need swap-ins for their missions this night…great and we are so short on time by now… They are truly hard on them. Can't wait to see the look on the Professors' faces once they know what their poor little students were up to all along.' Iolas chuckled to himself. "That's probably double the weight… strong ones got triple, Dean's doing great though, helping the others out where he can. He changed from Laciport." Iolas focused back on the Professors, "Palladium does know that the last stop before the barbeque is swimming, right? Don't drown them in OUR training, okay? I already am indulging your little game here."

"Oh, it's not a game, it's a disciplinary repercussion. They just should have asked," Professor Avalon held strongly against it.

"Aaaahh, and the reason why they shouldn't have asked? Blade seems much more stable now than ever. What reason could they have suspected that you would say no?" Iolas asked intruiged.

"Yes, she is stable. Remarkable recovery…" Avalon seemed to ponder a bit. "And I thought they used it to go out partying. But- well, since today that doesn't seem to be the answer, still, their statement still lacks… I swear one of these days I'll just spend a night tracking them." He would not mention that Black magic debacle straight away and come off as alarming.

"Oh? A Professor, esteemed as you, has the time to track at night? Why not make it a Council mission? We at least have the manpower to follow them all," Iolas suggested straight-faced. "If I heard correctly you tracked them via Red Fountain students, but they found nothing. Why not use our Council Guard operative in the Central Command Centre here at Red Fountain? Maybe that helps." Iolas looked at the two. 'Of course, they didn't find something our Operative hacks the bracelets for the missions. Ha! I thought Codatorta would find out, but he would never ever suspect such a sucker punch from us.'

"Yeah, we did check, In conclusion, Team A, E and the others down there are basically all hacking their bracelets… I swear Memphis with Chaos Squad is too… but he is a sly one. There is no way they all can be THAT tired from going to the library," Codatorta answered straight away. Saladin had not updated him so far.

"They just might, just today we found out that they search for a way to destroy some Black magic curse - Because they somehow figured out that there is no such thing as a teacher transformation…Still, that they would waste that much time on it…Sadly, I'm still not so sure that's all that there is to it," Avalon sighed deeply.

"Wait, what? Because of that old…" Codatorta stopped just for a second, "…bet… that Palladium lost, all this!?"

Iolas titled his head and looked to the students below, 'That is the grand plan, they sometimes wrote about in chat?' He refocused on the Professors, "Black magic? Teacher transformation you say? From Palladium? Ah, kids, the wisest thing would be to contact the Hunter Division if that is what they thought…Do tell, how did they learn there is no such thing as a teacher transformation? Did they read all the books they could find or what? Hm, maybe Blade asked some Council Guards back at Headquarters…hmmmm…didn't hear anything about it though." He projected to be serious none of the two teachers even noticed he was bullshitting them. "My offer still stands the Council could stake them out…"


Amal sat in the secretary's office of Zenith checking reports as an alert blinked up on his console. "Ah, another call…. Let's see what are you talking about gentlemen…" They had bugged a few phones by now and that guy always seemed to have something going on.


"Hey, I got the special doughnut order placed. All good on your end for the special guest?" A manly voice resounded over the speakers.

"Last preparations are in the works. Pretty sure they'll find the time to make their speech." The other Officer on the line answered. "It will be glorious."

"Oh yes, a night not to be forgotten for a long time. I heard many plan on joining our get-together in person, not to mention online."

"Of course, they would, it will be his fortieth-anniversary speech and with the Bitches," the man sounded extremely disgusted, "mocking up so much. It's about time someone rallies the forces. We got to do something. They are cocky as fuck and getting out of-"

"Shut it, not on the phone, you idiot. Keep those speeches for the assembly. I am more than sure that'll be inspiring and encouraging, don't worry. You know HIM. He always gets the party going. And we always have doughnuts."

"Indeed, HE does. Nothing better than some nice fresh doughnuts," the other person snickered amused. Yet his laughter sounded a bit more menacing than it would fit for some pastry comment.

"I'll be there live. See ya then, lunch break is over!" The Officer hung up.


Amal stared at the console, "Assembly? Rally?" He didn't like the sound of that.

"Sounds like some extremist meet-up…" Blade grimaced sickened.

Amal nearly shrieked he had concentrated so much on the call that he hadn't heard her enter, "B-B-Blade! W-When did you…?"

The Fairy smiled at him kindly, "Hey there." Blade yawned and rubbed her eyes, her dark rings under the eyes had only grown since last time. "I brought us some really good sandwiches. So how about you finish up saving the log, so I can get some sunshine? It's a beautiful day outside." She smirked at him as she tipped along the console with her fingers.

"You look worse every time I see you these days," Amal smirked at her as always, he felt that tingling feeling in his stomach and so he hurried it up.

"Thanks for the compliment," Blade snorted.

"No, I mean, I, ugh" Amal already regretted his words, "This is worth it and we're nearly done. To me, your dark rings look beautiful because I know the work behind them. You always go beyond and above. It's inspiring…"

Blade shook her head in disbelief, "You always make everything a compliment somehow. You work as hard as any of us. But life doesn't only consist of work, Amal. Now come on, hurry up, let's go. I want to get the most out of our lunch." She got a bit impatient as her stomach rumbled.

"Not to worry, my famished warrior queen," Amal shut down the console and stood up. Charming and with perfect etiquette he opened the door for her. "So, how's it going with the weird guy?"

"Surprisingly good, he is super generous. I did some more jobs for him. He's super nice. I'm not really sure if we'll find anything on him…" Blade paused, "Then again…"

"Yes?" Amal was all ears, he couldn't stop smiling as he gazed at her walking down the stairs.

"I don't know. Maybe he is too nice? I mean… He is a trained Paladin, so, his family must have some money… yet, I don't know, if he is that generous to everyone, how does he pay his bills?" Blade puffed. To a certain degree that Officer Shane was still a mystery to her.

"Hmm, well, your instincts are often on point. I'm sure you'll figure it out. Yes, most certainly, an astonishing, smart Lady like you will figure it out in no time," his eyes had that sparkle again.

"Not a Lady though," Blade laughed out once, "I would make for a horribly noble."

"Ahh, but you are already noble at heart, it's not far to a title. I heard chatter that King Cyros just might ennoble you to the rank of a Lady. And I got to agree, though for me you would be more of a Princess, you are stunning after all."

Blade rolled her eyes, "Your honey is dripping again, Amal." She commented as always when he went into his flattery mode overdrive. Though it was nice to get so many compliments, especially with so many lectures from their Professors.

"Still, isn't as sweet as you," Amal grinned, which got him another eye roll from Blade.

"Thank you for your time, Hagen, dear, it was good to see you," Faragonda's voice echoed from the hallway on the next floor as the door to the staircase got opened, which they would reach in a few steps.

"OH SHIT!" Blade got startled and pressed the lunch box into Amal's hands. Faragonda could not catch her here. She would ask questions, too many questions. In a flash, Blade leapt onto the railing beside her and jumped as high as she could, reaching for the top edge of the staircase and quickly pulling herself up to the next floor. However, she slipped off the stone railing but managed to catch herself, resulting in a dull thud and a gasp for air as she dangled from the marble railing.

Faragonda walked with Hagen through the door and irritated looked up the stairs just to spot the Zenith official.

"Everything okay?" Amal unsure what to do looked concerned up the staircase. "Need some help Councillor?"

Blade pressed to answer replied in a high-pitched voice, "No, no, all good. Just dropped my coffee. How very kind fo you to ask mister?" She clawed into the stone, she dangled there the climbing noise would be too loud.

"Intern Amal, Zenith office," he answered kindly and walked on. "just one of those days." He mumbled half loud to himself. As he gestured to the Headmaster and forger to let them go first as it was custom, which they did with a nod.

Faragonda was about to look up as her gaze wandered out of curiosity.

"Ah, Headmistress Faragonda, I forgot, I seem to have misplaced the last notes for the report to the King about Ms Ashfallow…" Amal quickly addressed her and kept eye contact with her to guide the old Fairies gaze away from Blade still dangling from the railing in the staircase.

Blade heard the three walk down the stairs further and further. Blade sighed relieved, "So close…" She could hear quickened steps and promptly a shadow fell upon her as a guard expressionlessly seized her arm with a tight grip and pulled her up and over the marble railing.

"Miss, what do you think you are doing?" It was a random Council Guard on duty. He instantly flared up some magic to check her for curses. "Hallpass, please."

"I, eh," Blade pulled out her permit. "Undercover mission for Eques Iolas."

The Elf rose his eyebrows, "And that requires you to flee from your Headmistress and jump staircase railings?" He handed the permit back everything was in order. "You nearly fell and could have hurt yourself badly. That's a DEEP drop."

"I didn't. I know what I am doing," Blade defended her hastened escape.

The Elf still straight-faced replied, "I doubt it. Please refrain from endangering yourself. Sleep deprivation is not good for your health. Let's go," He gestured to move on with her. Those eyebags were obvious to anyone.

"Eh? Where to?" Blade was utterly confused.

"Your Eques in command, unless you prefer the cells instead," The Council guard answered dryly.

"Fine…" Blade sighed deeply as her stomach rumbled again.