Truth or Dare – Justice be done


The last day before the hearing had been uneventful. Headmistress Griffin had been true to her word and Nebula had been stuck to the ceiling of Griffin's office with a gag. Of course, Griffin had dealt with the blood curse of Blade and she had joined Nebula shortly after the curse was broken. The day had been the most boring thing ever. No talking, no homework, no sparring, simply hanging around in the literal sense. Blade had tried to convince Cloud Tower to let them go, but the Tower didn't answer to any of her pleas. The grimoire was gone. And only a woozy headache was left for Blade as an aftereffect of the blood curse that had knocked her out cold. Not that an ancient cookbook would help her in any endeavours at all. Their little stunt had cost them and given nothing in return. The only slightly more interesting part was when the two girls could listen in for the preparations for the hearing in the afternoon for an hour. It was the early morning of the next day then Blade and Nebula felt as they suddenly plunged down from the ceiling and their gags vanished.

"Holy!" Blade just in time caught her fall just for Nebula to crash on top of her. "Ouch…"

"Sorry…" Nebula moaned and got of Blade and pulled her up. "Ever heard of waking someone gen-"

"You are awake, aren't you? Now stop complaining. You got an escort downstairs waiting for you," Griffin shoed them out her office. She seemed in quite the hurry and stressed.

"Escort?" Blade was confused. "I thought we are going back with you?"

Griffin laughed, "Of course not. They have to check if we bewitched you, while you were here. You are thoughtless insignificant fairies after all, which need handholding. Who knows maybe we get lucky and anything you say is worth squad - because you got cursed." Besides her sarcastic attitude, it was obvious that she was beyond furious about that.

"Oh…" Nebula wasn't sure what to answer. This was horrible news. They themselves of course had plans for the hearing. If their word would be deemed invalid they would be screwed. "Shit…" She looked to Blade.

"We'll simply explain what happened. I can't be the first Fairy that got cursed by accident in Cloud Tower…." She looked to Griffin, who ignored the question entirely. 'Or maybe I was the first…yeah…'

The headmistress guided them down the stairs to the entrance hall. An eagerly Professor Palladium awaited them with an entourage of twenty other Elves in full armour. The second the Professor saw his students he sighed relieved just to swap to an angry death stare to gloat at Griffin. "Are you two alright? If you did anything to…"

"That's enough, Professor Palladium. I am sure the Headmistress of Cloud Tower knew exactly what she was doing, when she decided to keep key witnesses' hostage," An elven Paladin stepped forward and pointed his sword directly at Blade and Nebula, which lid up in the brightest light.

Blade didn't wait a second transformed into her Winx, "Piercing spear! What's your problem!?" She held her spear at the ready to engage.

Nebula laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, "Don't, that's a Magic Council Member…" She had noticed the brooch on his robe.

"And if he were your Grandpa, no one is pointing a sword at my friend or me for no reason," Blade was a bit flustered now.

"Hm, no mind alterations. Residue of a curse," The Paladin raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah, they got hold of one of the Tower's grimoires, my apologies Councillor Aithlin," Griffin sighed deeply annoyed.

Aithlin shook his head in disbelieve, "I thought the last funds went into securing the crypt. This will be discussed at a later date." He remarked.

Blade still held the spear at the ready. That guy was weird, 'How did he? Was that a spell? What is going on!?' He didn't look older than Palladium, but the way he talked, moved and presented himself was as if he was stone old and with tons of experience. "Hey, I duck that up fair and square outside the crypt. I want that thing back by the way." She glanced to Griffin. 'Not that I know what to do with a cook book…'

"I think not, young Lady." Aithlin declined the notion and put away his sword. "You are a Fairy. You have no need for a dark Witch grimoire."

"But-" Blade really didn't like that guy.

Aithlin crossed his arms, "None of your rash actions show me any reason to support this notion and bickering won't change my opinion. You are way to childish to handle such a responsibility."

"Councillor Aithlin, she didn't curse herself. That was my mistake. Please reconsider," Nebula tried to smooth the enflaming fight over. "Put away your weapon." She whispered into Blade's ear.

"So, your both inept, noted," Aithlin concluded as Palladium was signing the girls to shut up already. Aithlin bowed shortly and respectful, "Now, thank you for your hospitality Headmistress Griffin. We'll be on our way." The envoy readied a formation to escort the Fairy students back to Alfea.

Nebula stepped down the stairs followed by Blade with her spear at hand. "Will you put it away?" Nebula requested again. She was already focused on salvaging their reputation, that had taken a gut punch.

'He's so…urgh…' Blade stared at the Councillor, "No, last time we got shot out of the sky. I rather be ready for anything."

"Blade…" Professor Palladium answered calmly and worried. "You are safe with us."

Aithlin chuckled, "Let her, with her reaction time the fight would be over before she can throw the spear. If it relaxes you, young Lady, keep it. A calm ward is always better, makes the job easier. Your Professor is right though. No one would be so foolish to attack us."

"My reaction time is just fine," Blade mumbled to herself. She noticed the snickering of her guards on her flank. She would have attacked to make her point, yet Nebula's hard pad on the back startled her so much that she instead glared at her friend. "Nebula! What the heck?!"

Nebula grinned, "There was a mosquito…"

Palladium breathed out heavily, "Would you two please take this seriously? This is an official envoy. Etiquettes included." He reminded them kindly. 'Thank the Great Dragon they are alright…"

They reached Alfea without even the slightest hiccup. Griselda shooed the girls up their dorm room to get changed. Blade was fiddling around with a dress the other girls had shopped for her.

"Where? How? This is more confusing than the Cloud Tower hallways…" Blade was so fed up with the formal wear there were so many straps and fabric.

"Oh, girl…" Amber shook her head and helped her. "We haven't even finished your nails."

Rise was doing her finishing touches on Nebula's nails, "Don't worry. If there is one thing one can learn from Queen Stella. It's how to become presentable in no time. There all done."

"Ahhh, thanks, you're a treasure," Nebula inspected the master piece.

"Do Alyssa and Steela know? You haven't told us anything yet," Amber got the hair brush for Nebula.

"No…" Blade answered shortly. She leaned to the side to check their little balcony. There were elven guards everywhere. "Gesh, they are like cockroaches. Everywhere and hard to get rid of…"

"Blade, they are here for your safety," Snow giggled. "You should feel honoured. Someone wants you alive and well."

"I get that. But who knows who they are working for," Blade nearly fell over as she noticed on of the guards looked back over his shoulder straight at her. "Chhhhh. They have eyes and ears at the back of their heads…."

"Will you stop fighting me!" Dahlia complained as she tried to figure out what earrings would complement Blade's dreadlocks. A guard knocked, "Yes?"

A rune dispersed on the door. "Is everything alright?" The guard scanned the room for trouble as his eye glowed brightly for the duration. He relaxed quickly as he couldn't find trouble.

"No, there are two strangers standing on the balcony…" Blade answered frustrated. She had hoped for a secret talk with her friends before the hearing, but with so much security around it felt impossible.

The guard stated politely, "Those are guards for your protection. Councillor Cahagan specifically requested that we keep you safe and in Alfea till the proceedings are over. Not to worry, no Witch, not even the Headmistress of Cloud Tower will get past us."

"We're not worried about Sorceresses, though," Nebula commented sneakily. "This feels more like a prison than Cloud Tower dungeon…"

The guard raised an eyebrow in irritation, "Excuse me?"

Sienna laughed forced, "Good one. Don't mind her, just the chitters. Now unless it is your knightly duty to watch the Lady of Andros change her garments, could you possibly close the door behind you again?"

"Of course, …" The guard slightly shook his head and closed the door and the rune reappeared.

"Am I glad the hearing will be over in the evening," Blade sighed.

Snow looked at her perplexed, "You do know a hearing can go on for days, right? You'd be lucky if they even talk about the topic today. We covered this in class."

"What? Wait, you're kidding. Since when are you a clown? ... …. Really. Oh, come on?!" Blade moaned. "Why? I thought this to be an important hearing about who is guilty for what happened on Desertia."

"Exactly," Dahlia agreed and explained further, "That's why there are so many high-ranking Council members here and Kingdoms diplomats and so forth. Not to mention eye witnesses and specialists on their field that got invited. Because you two got spit out of the Ocean gate EIGHT weeks late." She pondered between two earrings. "These. If you get lucky they finish the introductions today."

"I hate this already," Blade complained.

Nebula laughed, "Oh, keep your head up. At least with you it won't be boring. It will be a brawl. You already pulled out a magic spear on the first council member. Can't wait till they are all up and in arms. For greater impact use your Zo-dark Fairy form. I am sure you can sweep them off their feet that way." She slipped into her puffed up dress in one go. She was amused about their pending doom.

"Nebula!" Rise scolded her, "You very well know that unauthorised usage of magic is forbidden. She could land in an actual prison or lose the scholarship depending on how she handles this. The weapon of a hearing are WORDS not glowing spears."

"So, you are talking on our behalf?" Blade stared at Nebula.

"Kinda. You still will have to answer the same questions, but basically no one will give a rat's ass about your answer. Even if they say differently. I am a noble and you are well, you. My word weighs heavier so to speak. Unless you pull one of your trump cards." She twinkled at her.

Blade scratched her head, "Great…we should have just told Alyssa… now no one is fully updated. Did the others gave us a go?"

"You can play that card, yes, although more time would be better. So more like a last resort. They have not all told the once that got dispatched." Sienna answered Blade's question. It was hard to sort their cards without using the actual words. But none of them trusted the guards fully. The problem of spies and traitors was not solved at all. And the secret of the three princesses on Phere-Moan was there biggest trump card.

Nebula nodded, 'Alright, so if push comes to shove. We make a Phere-Moan trip. I wonder if the Crowns sent people to the hearing they trust or if they sent people they want to test…' She finished her outfit with putting on a neckless with a sea shell. "Alrighty. Let's do this. If all goes wrong we just gotta run faster than all of them." She grinned. Everyone knew Nebula was quite nervous herself, besides her chipper front.

The Amphitheatre had been transformed. It looked much more like a court room. There was one stance for the Magic Council which was at the wall opposite of the entrance. To the left and right was seating for everyone. Blade easily noticed that the seating was split by alignment. She spotted Griffin and her Professors on the left side, while Alfea's staff was on the right. They were joined by most Crown houses' personal like diplomats. Shanna and Basil and Blade's parents were sitting there as well. The family members were sitting apart as always. The right side was packed full with people who just were there because they had to be or it was etiquette for the Kingdoms to send someone. Blade could make out so many kingdoms crests that had nothing to do with the incident at all. While the side of the Sorceresses was full of cloaked and hooded people besides official figures like Griffin, who saw no need to hide. But even then, the seating on their side was barely filled at all. 'Yikes, if this would be a sports game. One would already know who would win this…' Blade sat down somewhere near the front on an extra row. Still accompanied by a bunch of elven guards. In general Blade noticed that the elves had the security detail in place. And the ceiling and walls were filled with runes and protection spells she couldn't even start to decipher. Blade really had a hard time staying awake. What followed was an endless name and rank listing and standing up, bowing and seating back down again, which went on for hours. It was ridicules. Everyone who would make a statement was called out. It all went by hierarchy. It started off with the Councillors. For the light faction there were Sea king Neptune or Councillor Neptune for this hearing. Councillor Cahagan a wizard; Councillor Aithlin a paladin and elf. The Dark faction was represented through Councillor Votzaak a leprechaun wizard; Councillor Eaden a PSI master; and Councillor Nerrocen a merman Paladin. The neutral faction was the biggest with six members. Councillor Sybilla Fairy of justice; Councillor Argan the Lumen prince; Councillor Iawenna Linphea's Pixi Queen; Councillor Shellfieli Selkie of Eventide; Councillor Shiri a Werefox Fairy animal; and lastly Councillor Gadiel Vampire and Forger. Blade was so tense sitting in the front row that she was like a statue. Much to the discomfort of her feet. Blade could feel her left foot tingle. 'Shit. Wake up, wake up…' She slightly panicked. It had been so numb from the sitting around. The two students of course were lowest in rank and dead last and it was Nebula turn to stand up.

Nebula made a curtsy to the Council Members, "Nebula, Lady of Andros, Fairy in Training of the School of Alfea." She smiled kindly and bowed to each side of the seating arrangements and sat down again.

"And at last, Blade Ashfallow," Sybilla the Fairy of Justice from Gardinea called her name.

Blade slightly panicked hopped of her seat but her left leg gave in. So, she nearly fell over to the front, if the guard hadn't caught her instantaneously. "Tha-Thanks…" Blade simply put all her weight on the other leg for the moment and straightened out the dress as she rang for the words. She had a total blackout now.

"You look beautiful, my darling!" Trevan, Blade's father, shouted across the whole hall to break the awkward silence with another awkward outbreak of fatherly love.

"…" Blade was lost for words as was the rest of the nobility. Still it put a slight smile on her face. She cleared her throat and followed suit, "Blade Ashfallow, Citizen of Zenith, Fairy in Training of the School of Alfea." She made the curtsies and sat down again.

Sybilla smiled kindly and rose from her seat again. "Thank you all for appearing before this hearing. As prior announced this hearing is to conclude the Desertia incident, a tragedy, which shall not be repeated and has left us with many scars. Wounds we have to attended to. Judgment shall fall on the guilty. Peace and justice shall be given to the innocent and victims. Let us take this time in memory and silence to all who lost their lives on that day. The King and Queen of Desertia, Rock and Amethyst. Queen Jewels, Tasu Crown princess of Streama, Birdy Crown princess of Songwind, Tessa Princess of Storma, Shabaka Court mage and Lord of Desertia, Neferu General of Desertia..." Sybilla made a deep pause after each name. Her voice was clear and strong without any judgment or even a hint of who she thought to be guilty or not.

Truly, on the one hand it was mesmerising to Blade, on the other hand her anger was boiling up. How could they possibly name all those noble assholes that killed her friends. Even worse was to listen to the generalisation that followed at the end.

"... Captain Aryan of Desertia. We hold dear all brave wizards, fairies, soldiers and witches. Every single citizen, who stood tall in the face of danger and in dear memories all those who we failed to protect." Sybilla finished the memorial ceremony part.

Blade and Nebula couldn't help but to think of Ife. And all those they had seen die inside the palace, ripped apart by monsters or some even stabbed in the back. Or the few heroes who had given their lives willingly to protect their friends. 'Oh, Jewels...' Blade clawed into her dress. 'We'll make them pay...I swear...' She noticed a thoughtful stare of one of council members of the dark alignment. Blade looked back at him, ' What was his name again... Eaden...'

'That's Councillor or Lord Eaden to you. Do us a favour and don't make things worse. Your commoners' card will not protect you from all etiquette blunders. And you already struck out big time.' A manly voice resounded in Blade's head. His voice was deep and yet aggressive or rather pissed.

'And I always thought the usage of magic is forbidden, Councillor Eaden,' Blade asked slightly annoyed and confused.

The Lord had a stern face impression. Blade would not have guessed in a million years that it had been him. He answered with a chuckle of superiority, 'One, it's my job to search for lies. Second, I don't need magic to pry your surface thoughts. And third I am the best if I wanted to not even the detection magic would be able to track me. If you don't watch your tone, they all will eat you alive.'

Blade was even more confused now, 'What? But those are so complex...'

'My, you are so green. I helped create the runes. I am so to speak the Admin of all PSI connection that is going on in this hearing. I hear the unspoken. And any request to communicate via PSI has to go through me. Which brings me to the actual point we are talking. Shanna requested that she may set you up with PSI links, if need be need. The council has ruled to allow it on the grounds of your blunderous nature and equalising the playfield with a vote of eight to four. Terms are as followed. Any discussions can be used for this hearing. If need be the conversation will be laid open. So, don't be careless. And yes, that means I know what is being discussed. Nothing that officially is submitted has any impact on the hearing though. Do you agree to these terms?' The Councillor asked a bit rushed.

Blade looked to Nebula, 'Eh... Okay...'

'... You had to think about this? You need any help you can get, my word...Do yourself a favour and let the Lady of Andros talk as much as possible.' The voice of Eaden vanished.

And the sweet voice of Shanna appeared. 'Good to see you well, Blade, Nebula. I connected us. Faragonda wishes to speak to you after the ceremony.'

The moment of silence was gone as quickly as it had come. Sybilla took the word again, "This concludes today's agenda. Tomorrow's session will start at eight o'clock. We are-"

"What?!" Blade whisper shouted slightly and looked shocked to Nebula.

Nebula tried her hardest not du burst out in laughter. Blade's face was priceless. "What did you expect? No one can discuss anything seriously after six hours of courtship." She whispered.

"Would you like to have the word?" Sybilla asked the young fairies warm heartedly who were whispering hectically in basically the front row.

"..." Nebula wasn't sure what to say at first. "No, our apo-"

"Yes," Blade interrupted Nebula at the same time.

Nebula gave Blade a confused look.

"Very well, you have the floor." Sybilla made a hand gesture to invite her to speak at the designated podium before the council. The whole room was filled with nervous and wondering vibes and chit chat.

Blade moved to the front. She wasn't quite sure what to say or rather how. She breathed in and closed her eyes to focus.

Faragonda's voice resounded softly in her mind, 'Don't rush things, my Dear. Slow and steady wins the marathon.'

Blade breathed out, "Obviously this is my first...official hearing..." Blade started. "But you can't be serious. How is this giving peace to all the innocent and victims. You quite frankly wasted a whole day on stating ranks and how..." She paused, 'fucking stuck up...,' she continued her speech, "Accomplished everyone is. I fail to see how this gives peace or honour to all commoners. You basically skipped over them."

Sea King Neptune wasn't amused and took the word straight away, "They were mentioned. Do you want us to sit here for months naming everyone? Magic professions have given their lives for the populous for millennia without question. These long-lasting traditions have value. Even if you can't comprehend them."

Blade looked to Nebula to check. They had sworn to never shut up again, if they saw double standard for the Sorceresses. It had cost them so dearly. Nebula smiled and nodded. She knew exactly what Blade was going to play at. They had trained for it in the infirmary. "Oh, so you honour everyone of a magical profession by name. Yet somehow forget to mention a single Sorceresses? Are they not an official valued profession who uphold the balance?" Blade asked challenging.

"How dare you, insolent child. We are here because of the atrocities the Witches have committed on Desertia," Neptune got riled up without warning or rather how he was known to be. Much to the dislike of Aithlin who rubbed his nose bridge displeased. Cahagan laid a hand on Neptune's shoulder and moved him gently to sit back down.

"And I thought we are here to determine the truth and pass justice not prejudice," Blade turned on her heels and stepped down from the podium. 'What an Ass...Nebula is right. He is quick to anger...'

Nerrocen a merman Paladin from Magix, Councillor for the dark faction laughed out delighted. "If a Fairy speaks up for our faction when you are truly in troubled waters. Ha. The Hearing is adjourned." He grinned satisfied.

Blade was joined by Nebula and they were amongst the first to leave the Amphitheatre together with their Elven entourage. Faragonda quickly made her way through the crowd. She pulled them aside into one of the unoccupied classrooms. "You two, know how to rile up the emissaries. Don't overdo it if you can't back up your speeches with facts later on." She was calm and not at all angry. She simply wanted to caution them.

"I think that ceremony spoke volumes on its own…" Blade sank into a chair relieved.

Pikass knocked at the door and was guided inside by one of the guards, "You must be more careful Blade. You made a giant blunder when you greeted them incorrectly. You can't demand respect and mispresent yourself at the same time. There are many conservative diplomats here. Not everyone likes the new wind, which is blowing."

"Well then they better get used to it," Blade crossed her arms.

Pikass looked for help by Faragonda, "You talk some sense into her. Anything you'll say, anywhere, until the hearing is over will be used against you."

"Them not her," Nebula stated cold. She herself was a bit aggravated, "We kept our mouth shut the last time Sorceresses were discriminated and it blew up in our faces! No more." She was as stubborn as Blade.

Faragonda sighed, "I know. But you cannot simply go from one extreme into the other. The dosis makes the poison. If you simply storm in like a bull, you'll get shot. If you are unsure how to phrase something, please, simply think about me or Dufour and Shanna will create a link. You can count on any of your Professors. We can't and won't tell you what to say. But there is no fault in taking time to answer. Do not ever let yourself be bullied into rash answers." Faragonda warned them. Griffin really had not spent any time at all to prepare those two. Faragonda was sure the students had something in motion just like her and Griffin or the Desertian nobles and enemies of the progress of opening up the Fairy schools. She had tried and hoped for the girls to open up before the hearing. Now, it was all up to each party to make the best out of the partial knowledge they had. "Please, my girls. I have faith in you. I know all you want is justice. Still, my doors are open at all times. If you ever want to relay information outside of the hearing, we'll only do so in my office. Just ask for a recess." She reaffirmed them. That she was on her side. "Now, please take a deep breath. Go to your dorms and stay inside. You might have already ruffled some feathers. And your declaration of war will not stay unanswered, believe me. You can trust these guards. Aithlin is well-known Elf of honour and integrity, so is his security detail. They are an Elven Order specialised for occasions like this." She slowed down her own breathing and relaxed. "You are not alone. Never forget that."

Blade stared at the table in front of her, "Of course not, our friends stand behind us."

"Indeed. You do yours, we'll fill in the blanks." Nebula addressed Faragonda and grinned, "We know the truth. We were there."

The girls were guided back to their dorm room by the guards. It was weird, Blade felt so safe in the school because it was a second home to her. Yet the guards were on high alert all along the way and only relaxed a bit once the girls were safe and sound back into their room.

"Hey Nebula," Blade looked out of the window. It was a cloudy night still the moon shined brightly. The girls had moved all the matrasses into the joined living room. Blade together with Sienna, Dahlia and Rise were sitting on them.

"Yeah?" Nebula replied exhausted. She was lying upside down on the sofa with Amber and Snow.

"Think we can achieve justice for all the Sorceresses and the people?" Blade was a bit worried. 'If the council has already made up its mind... how can we possibly win this...'

Nebula sighed, "I don't know. If it were just about telling the truth. Definitely, but we also have to prove it. It's a double-edged sword. On the one side it secures that people can't just declare anything. But proving what happened inside the palace… We have read and checked the reports as much as we had access and they tell a different story. And we didn't have the time to get solid proof for any of our accusations. I seriously hope the Sorceresses are eager to defend themselves and got that proof."

Amber added as she stretched, "You both see that completely wrong. All want the truth that's why so many kingdoms sent someone. Yes, the Council members have their own opinion. But the ruling will be based on the law. That's why there are three factions on the Council. Dark faction, light faction and the neutrals."

"Yeah, three members for light and dark and six for the neutrals. I still don't get though why they are neutrals…" Snow got the brush and started to comb Ambers red hair.

Dahlia chuckled, "Well, you have Pixi, Forger and Fairy animal Councillors, because there are professions with both alignments in the universe, so they are so to speak neutral. You also got the, Selkie and Lumen Councillors, who sever all besides their light alignment. And Sybilla is the Fairy of justice, she is neutral by nature even as a Fairy. I think no one is fairer than her." This was a confusing topic for all of them, besides the fact they had it in class.

Sienna dangled her feet forth and back, "I still find the dark faction somewhat creepy. That Leprechaun Wizard is so weird. He's like the opposite of Wizgiz…"

"I find that Nerrocen merman dude scary. He is such a bulk… and full of himself," Rise finished polishing her nails.

Nebula laughed loud, "Oh well, all mermen are somewhat full of themselves. Neptune still would fit the dark faction better. He might use a light magic triton, but he is… something else…"

Blade smirked, "He worked in favour for one of our agenda points. But yeah, he's scary. But that Eaden is aggressive? I am not sure how to put this. Condescending maybe?"

"Uuh, yeah, he's from Eraklyon like me. I saw him in court sometimes. He's not getting along with anyone. But his PSI skills are superb," Snow shivered as she thought about him. "He sees into once soul with a glance…at least that's what the gossip says," Snow yawned and rubbed her eyes.

Amber yawned as well, "What annoys me most is that I don't get a good read on most of them. All of them are like super experienced and masters of their field. How great was the chance for that to happen though? Every kingdom provides one person for the Magic Council and for each hearing a group gets dispatch. Not only do we have twelve council members for this hearing in attendants, they also are long standing members of the Council in general. It's insane."

"Why so surprised? Desertia is one of the oldest kingdoms, its right up there with Domino and Solaria. Still, it went down the drain. Of course, they wouldn't send no names. Besides most Council hearings are about minor things compared to this. If the Elite is coming out of the woodworks for something, it definitely would be this," Rise crawled under one of the blankets.

Dahlia checked the time, "It's late enough. We should all get some sleep. Tomorrow will be even more nerve wrecking."

It was eight in the morning and the seating filled up quickly. Blade was tucking on her evening gloves made out of silk they felt so soft and it was somewhat irritating with all the sparkling stones and embroidery. The girls apparently had not just bought one dress for her, but for each day another. And this one was even more extravagant than yesterdays. In her eyes it was total overkill. Yet everyone seemed to have changed into a completely new garment, unless they had a uniform of some sort or another to designate them. Everything quickly calmed down as Sybilla Fairy of Justice stood up. "I greet you all," she gave a nod to both sides of the seating factions. "With no further ado the hearing to Desertia's incident is here by resumed." She paused. "Please, Lady Philopa, step forward and bring forth your accusations."

A woman with waist-long black hair stepped down from the seating area in the front. Lady Philopa was wearing a simple golden dress. Yet her cloak was a masterpiece of craftmanship. Semi-transparent with several green-coloured diamonds around the shoulder plates with an embroidered Ankh the symbol of the former Royal family at the back. She looked like a queen and her walk and attitude reflected that statement. She stepped up to the podium made a curtsy and started her speech, "Thank you, Councillor. We all know what tragedy has befallen Desertia. And I, we, the remains of a once great royal court bring forth the atrocious acts of the witches for which we demand justice be done!" Her voice was clear and yet trembling in anger. It was truly a side to behold. She had everyone's attention. "Not only have they disregarded the planetary law in the accounts of theft, demolitions, resistance against law enforcements, trespassing, tax fraud and prison break. They also are guilty on the accounts of invasion, incitement of the masses, murder, destruction of the royal palace, use of excessive black magic and unsanctioned weather magic - Plus the assassination of several noble members of the court and most vile of all the assassination of the Queen and King of Desertia."

Blade clawed into her seat. All she wanted to do is punch that woman in the face. It was a blessing that she was upfront in the first row, because only the dark faction on the other side could see her wild burning thirst for blood boil up inside. Well, the Magic Council probably took notice as well. Blade wasn't one to hide behind a porcelain façade like most people, who attended the hearing. 'You lying snake… I'll …. …'

'Blade calm down,' Nebula's voice resounded in her head. They had established a connection through Shanna even before the hearing. 'If you don't calm down. You'll flare up dark magic. The use of magic is forbidden. Remember!' She reminded her. 'They already don't think much of us, we have to endure this bull crap.' Still Nebula was balling her fists so tide one could see her veins pulsate. Nonetheless her face was picture perfect.

'How can I?! Philopa is General Neferu wife. He – you know what he did,' Blade barely had stopped herself. It was hard not to rely important information through the telepathic link. Not only was that Councillor Eaden monitoring all telepathic chit chat, but there was no telling who else might be able to read minds. PSI apparently was one of the greatest weapons for hearings. Since it could be done without magic and was harder to track.

'Just hold out till it's our time to speak,' Nebula breathed out deeply. Councillor Eaden was already glancing at them. Yet it was hard for her as well to stay calm.

Philopa had continued her opening statement speech, "…We give these Witches too much leeway and see what happened. They destroy our harvest, rile up the people. We are long past the days of witches like the Trix where they try to take all what is dear to us…," Philopa faced the nobles in the light faction seating, "…by force from the outside. No, they come for you at night, undermine your authority and use the people you have sworn to protect for generations like puppets…."

Nebula felt the tiniest spark of magic rising inside of Blade. She knew the dark magic flare of hers very well ever since the training session in Cloud Tower. Nebula wasn't sure what to do at first. To her surprise she noticed that Councillor Votzaak was squinting his eyes at Blade, who was barely holding it together, while Philopa was rambling on about justice and how vicious Witches were.

Councillor Eaden used Philopa's next theatrical pause of her grant looping speech and cut her off harshly, "There was a call for recess. The notion was granted. We are hereby adjourned for half an hour."

Philopa simply gave a nod and stepped down from the podium. She was ice cold and if she was upset by the rude interruption, it was undetectable by the eye. Only now she noticed Blade's death stare. She went out of her way to walk past the young fairies and with the warmest smile she gave them a nod, and with a solemn voice addressed them, "It's alright, my dear. We all feel the loss. It's not a sign of weakness to call for a recess."

"I didn't call for it." Blade ground her teeth so hard it hurt. She was about to jump her and rip that woman's heart out. 'I'm going to…'

Nebula quickly took her friend's arm and nearly squeezed it to death, so she wouldn't get lose, "Excuse us, we need to freshen up." Nebula barely mumbled as she basically darted away with Blade in toe. She felt Blade was tense and trembling in fury. The guards hastened after the two. It was a bit of a scene. But anything was better than Blade going bonkers right in front of everyone. They dashed around the corner along the promenade into the main building. It turned into a proper sprint. Nebula simply ran up the stairs. Her heart was pounding heavily. She herself couldn't really keep her frustration in once away from the crowd. She dragged her friend up the tower into the simulator room. Nebula felt so dizzy and collapsed on the tiny bridge inside the spherical room. They barely had made it. The reason she had gone so far was because the simulator room was shielded and magic couldn't be detected from the outside.

Blade simply burst out into dark magic sparks mixed with her light magic, she couldn't care less about the rules about magic. Yet she knew using dark magic could only complicate things, yet it again overtook her light magic. She stood their shouting on the bridge at Nebula. Much to the shock of their elven guards, who had kept up with their escape from society. "That fucking bitch. I'll kill her!" Even more dark magic rose from her body. "I'll - why didn't you let me?! I would have ripped her lying ass tongue out and feet it back to that…" Blade stood there one emotional mess, tears rolled down her face in waterfalls. "How can you be so calm?!" She was beside herself and the seemingly calm demeanour of her friend riled her up even more.

"I'm not calm!" Nebula, who barely caught her breath, jumped up to her feet again. Wobbly she stood there her head was spinning, "I stay in etiquette unlike you! So, we don't lose all of our credibility!" She hissed pissed and butted heads with Blade, flaring up some light magic of her own. As the magic flares toughed sparks flew off.

"Who they heck cares about etiquette!" Blade was furious and pushed Nebula back. "All this bullshit, how can this possibly lead to justice?" She glared at Nebula, "Just let me finish her off, actually all of them, and we'd be done with it!"

The guards ignored their confusion about the dark magic from Blade and got the two apart before they would start scratching their eyes out. "Cancel!" two of them grabbed the girl's arms, just in case, to stop their flow of magic, while one was standing by. The last two were standing guard at the entrance to the spherical room, where Professor Avalon was eagerly waiting for the chance to enter the room.

Once the magic ebbed down for a moment, because of the elven guard's spell. Professor Avalon slipped into the room, "Stop-" He admonished his students concerned. 'For crying out loud they are breaking so many rules, already...'

"Right, great plan, kill every traitor in front of the Magic Council. Solid plan, master piece, truly," Nebula continued arguing with Blade. She didn't even take notice of Avalon. They were so into their fight.

Blade growled annoyed, "At least the outcome would be clear!" She was struggling to get her arm free from the elven guard, who she couldn't shake off. "Let me go!" She glared at him.

"The outcome would be you on the floor, down in cuffs!" Nebula wasn't better off with her guard. They weren't botching at all. They were just so fed up; Cloud Tower had been a great distraction. And now all the hidden pent up feelings broke out. There was nothing else they could focus on besides getting their revenge.

"Since when are you such a coward! We swore we going to get justice!" Blade screamed at Nebula. She couldn't help it. The imagery of Philopa with the Ankh of all things on her cloak and her waltzing around like a queen was stuck in her mind. She couldn't get it out of her head. It was maddening. "She stole the Ankh, that was Jewels's symbol. Hers!" Blade screamed at the top of her lung as her voice gave in and she broke out into tears. It was too much, all she wanted was to burn the world to the ground. The elven guard, who had previously held her tide, gently set her down as her body was shaking under the pain flooding her system.

Nebula sank to the floor speechless herself. A lump stuck in her throat as big as a fist. That move of Philopa had really stung. It was irrefutable to her as well, that she had worn the cloak to make them slip up, all while proclaiming to the world that she was next in line to receive the Royal title of Queen of Desertia. It was heart breaking to see that she was getting away with it.

Professor Avalon sighed deeply at the sight of his students collapsing under the tension so early on. "…" He wasn't sure what to say at first. He wanted to admonish them for the use of magic, this simply wasn't the time for it. Their auras showed, they were simply two kids in agony haunted by a tragedy that never should have happened. "Blade, Nebula…" He started calmly. "You will not achieve justice by following down the dark paths others take to gain their desires. And I know this sounds pretentious. Truly, I understand, still it is wisdom you gain with age. It might be quicker sometimes and granted it is easier to just follow your feelings and forget the consequences. But nothing good will come of it. It's not worth losing yourself over it."

"Better some justice than none at all…" Blade grumbled.

The Professor couldn't help but laughed, "Oh, Blade, this was the opening speech. This is simply the beginning. Have some faith in the justice system. Do you truly think the Council is that incompetent?" He looked at both the young fairies, their auras were still a jumble but the intensity was calming down. 'Good thing I requested to be allowed to use my aura reading for the hearing in advance. Without my plea for recess this would have turned ugly fast…'

Blade looked to the ground, her sight still blurry from her tears. Indeed, this was simply the beginning. She simply had thought it to be so easy. A simple walk in, tell the truth and watch them all pay. Yet this was nowhere near her wishful thinking. And even then, no judgment would bring Jewels back to live. And that reality only now set in, "Sorry, I snapped at you…" Blade looked up to Nebula.

"All good," Nebula wiped away her tears, "and yes, if justice won't be granted. I am up for taking it. It's not that bad of an idea, actually," Nebula smirked.