You reap what you sow
The three had dropped off a few streets early. It was around two o'clock by now. "What an escape…" Blade puffed she was out of it. She did feel tired and her shoulder was bitching like crazy. It was dislocated but through Griffin's glamour none of the other two could actually see and she just wanted to get this over with.
"I have to say, solid fighting, Blade," Dusk was super impressed and even if she had been a hard pass at first. She now was fully up to see the mission through together. She still had her glamour up as well though.
"Yeah, you've grown stronger. Last year's fight was bullshit against this," Memphis laughed out loud. He was tipping on his phone.
"Hey, I was drunk…" Blade protested, "And I still won… but that get-up…never again. I need to shower…" She felt so yucky and while she was overjoyed to have gotten all the money. She couldn't quite celebrate that win wholeheartedly a shiver went down her spine. "Ouch, ouch, ouch," She breathed in through her teeth.
"You okay?" Dusk looked a bit worried, "Don't give in now…"
Memphis searched his pocket, "Oh, right, totally forgot in the Taxi, here." He flung her a potion. "Drink that, it numbs the pain, you have taken quite a few punches. Should get you to Alfea at least. I think. Your bruises shouldn't be so bad after all, just wear something long-sleeved in class, okay? Sorry, for the last kick. I think I went a bit too hard. And please, choose something else to wear next time. I won't play bouncer again."
"YOu can bet on that. And not to worry, all good, I knew your kick was coming and buffered. But it's getting late," Blade chucked the potion down. "Man, I'm so tired… could you possibly go and get the jewellery, while we drop off the money?" The potion was already taking effect. 'Ahhh… so much better…'
"Sure, where do we meet though? At that guy's house?" Memphis yawned himself there. He had been at crowd control all night for her.
"No, that shouldn't take so long. Unless she goes for a shower or nap…" Dusk eyed Blade but she couldn't see through the glamour even if she tried. It was hard to guess how hurt she was.
"Yeah, the grade gets better the faster I get done. Plus, there is still that ultimatum. I rather am on the safe side," Blade agreed.
"Police station then? Text me the location," Memphis took some money bundles out of the bad after checking the area and rose again. "See, ya there!"
"That you give him so much money… without even questioning it…" Dusk commented as he was gone.
"He's my friend and a Specialist. He does some shady stuff here and there, but never to hurt people. He's the guy you can count on," Blade smiled.
"Hmm…still… it's a risk. One does never know, who will betray you," Dusk set the bag down and vanished into her shadow, "We're nearly there, your time to carry that bag of stones."
"Yeah, yeah…" Blade picked up the heavy bag with her good arm.
Dusk looked at her worried from the shadows, "You alright?"
"It's fine just some-" Blade wanted to answer but got interrupted.
"Not that, I mean the… you know… I'm sorry we didn't catch all fleabags in time. They were so… if this was my kingdom I have them all arrested!"
"We both knew, what I was getting into…" Blade still couldn't shake that feeling of having done a horrible mistake. 'If that Council member calls Faragonda… But Lilly…' Her thoughts were racing.
Dusk rose again and shook her head, "No, we didn't. Promise me, you'll never ever, ever, ever, do that alone!" Dusk halted her. "Ever, again! Running around in such a get-up is asking for trouble. I mean it! Those guys are just…"
"Yuck?" Blade had no good word for it either. "Promise, next time I'll be clothed decently. I want to be respected for my skills, not my ass…"
"You think of going there, again?" Dusk was shocked.
Blade wasn't sure herself, "Well, it's a fitting way to fund my Sorceress missions and good training. The fighters and staff are okay. But that outfit, people just saw me as some doll … That was just…" She shook herself and her nose twitched as it stung a bit, "Selling my body, like that…" She gaged up.
"Hey!" Dusk got a bit worried there. "Do we need a hospital?"
"Sorry… no… just… you heard them shout that bullshit…just give me a second," Blade slid down a wall. "No word to Lilly or the father. I'll not have done this for nothing…"
"Oh, Blade…I should never have suggested it. Your skill level was more than enough, that outfit was a totally stupid bullshit idea…" Dusk sat down next to her rubbing her back. "I'm so sorry… I should have…I…" She felt super guilty there herself now.
"Not your fault could have said no. It was my decision in the end. I didn't believe in myself enough…" Blade put her head down on her legs. 'Stupid, me…'
The father was pacing up and down the living room. Lilly seemed to have moved down as well but was sleeping on the couch. The father had not slept at all apparently. "Thank the Great Dragon, you're alright!" He stepped towards Blade, but she was unscathed.
"Hey, hey, please no hugging!" Blade stepped a bit back, she didn't want to test the extent of the potion's effects too much. "I do have a few bruises under my shirt. I'm not invincible." Blade put the bag down as it was getting heavy and pushed it over. "There you go, all there fifty thousand Maggi."
The father stared at her, "You're joking!" He exclaimed.
"Nope. I said I solve your problem in return for the gems. And I keep my word," Blade grinned satisfied. 'Not gonna tell him exactly how though…'
"I can't… I just…" The man was speechless.
"Daddy?" Lilly rose from her slumber and rubbed her eyes. "It's the Sorceress! You're back!"
"Yes, I am," Blade smiled at her. "And guess what you will feel much better soon."
"But what about Daddy?" The girl hugged her blanket and was still worried.
The dad looked at her, "Oh, don't you worry about me, my dear. I promise I'll do much better now. I didn't mean to… That Sorceress, she…" He still had no words and simply hugged his girl. "How can I ever repay you?"
"Don't give up, no matter what happens. And under no circumstance push your friends away. They'll carry you through. Believe me," Blade looked into his eyes. This was why she had done all this. What she had fought for. Endured it all.
"But you did so much…" the man wanted to return the favour. He looked around if there was anything he could give of any value.
Blade stepped towards him and placed her hand on his shoulder, "The greatest gift you can bestow is that you take care - Of BOTH of you. That way my efforts aren't wasted. Just give it your all and know that is enough. That's all that any of us can do. And from now on, no more bullshit. Live an honest life. So please, go talk to William in the next few days. He seems like a good friend that cares as well. Be honest with him at least unofficially. I think he knew from the start, that's why he gave you a chance."
The man chuckled once, "I guess you're right… Oh shit, the ultimatum! His shift ends in the next hour or so. But I can't leave her alone… she's too weak, I hate to ask but could you watc-"
"Better idea. I hand in the jewels. I have my badge from Cloud Tower and it was my mission after all, if push comes to shove Griffin can bolt me out. That way no one can truly pin it on you. You never touched them after all. And I didn't bring them here," Blade suggested.
"But… you need rest if you stay just…"
"It's for the best, that I leave now, still have other stuff to do," Blade walked towards the door 'Who knows when the potion ends…' She was so damn proud there were no words to describe that feeling she had right now, "I'll finish the job."
"If you ever need anything… I mean it. Just come here, give me a call," The man stood up as the daughter grabbed his leg.
Blade looked over her shoulder and a peaceful smile was on her face, "Will do." Blade slipped through the door.
"Wait! What's your…" The man ran to the door but there was no sign of the Sorceress at all. "Name…"
Blade and Dusk ran through the streets, they had to hurry to get to the station in time.
"Why didn't you take the extra money with you?" Dusk asked out of the blue. "It was still in the bag, did you forget?!"
"No… it's for the instalments, just a little extra," Blade laughed. She felt all warm and fuzzy, who would have guessed that a simple retrieval mission could be this exciting. She was euphoric, to say the least. Getting rid of that money felt so good! No way she could have kept it or used it for herself. She would have rather burned it instead. But none of her doubts and regrets mattered now anymore. Everything was in order and the past couldn't be changed.
"You at least could have taken some…well…hmm, I wouldn't have either…" Dusk admitted. "You know, you suck as a Witch. We do stuff so we earn money, not hand it out like candy…" She joked to lighten the mood.
"Sorceress. And luckily you are right, I am a Fairy using dark magic. That won't change just because I go on missions for another school." Blade smirked at her. "I am, who I am."
Dusk slowed down as she texted Memphis, they had swapped numbers as well, "But are you truly planning to simply walk into the station, again? I'm not sure which idea is more stupid this or the outfit…If you like, I can give you another glamour…" She stared at Blade, she had been the redhead for the whole way over and Dusk was on edge because of it, the police searched for that redhead after all.
"No need, I'll go like this," Blade shook her head.
"Like that?! Are you insane, they'll bust you. No questions asked. Just let Memphis drop them off or give them to Griffin as she always tells us in classes…"
"No can do, the ultimatum remember," Blade reminded her.
"But… this is crazy! What good will that do? They shot at you, this you, at least take another form!" Dusk stopped her in her tracks.
"If I don't face William now this disguise will always be a red flag for the police. Also, all weekend, I was chased, greeted with hate and whatnot. And last time we changed my appearance it was a stupid idea. If I bring the jewellery in as myself... They'll have to admit, they were wrong. Change doesn't come from nothing."
"Change?" Dusk shook her head. "What change?"
"Oh, come on, don't you understand? If I go in and give the jewellery back. I can change their minds or at the very least Williams," Blade faced her. "All weekend I was been looked upon like a cockroach."
"You're crazy. That will never work," Dusk shook her head. "Just give them to Griffin, let her go. She always drops our stuff off once a month. They at least fear and therefore respect her enough. I'm sure she'll do even a quick run. Maybe it costs you a few favours, but anything is better than being stuck in prison or SHOT. Don't count on Griffin to get you out, she won't, she has enough other stuff to do!"
"I can't go around telling people to be honest and give it their all if I hide just because it might go wrong… No, for change to happen, someone's gotta start, you need to contest the view of the police or things will grow worse."
"Honest? Have you hit your head… we… aahh, I know what you are getting at but landing in prison will not change anything," Dusk protested? "People don't just change. This will not work."
"People told me I never can become a real Fairy. I told myself I never going to be strong enough, good enough, I thought I would flunk out in the first week in the start and look at me now. I achieved so much. Change is not about big grand gestures that make the newspapers. It's not the money that counts or the gems I'll give back. It is the honesty and empathy that will reach them. They see you as a nuisance, which Sorceresses are not. Your job is to uphold the order against chaos, like any other magic profession. You work for the commoners. I would have never ever met someone like Lilly's father or her. Fairies don't do the small stuff. You do." Blade held her ground.
"You…" Dusk sighed. "Yes, we help the little people. But not everything is lawful per se. I mean you are helping to hush a robbery. You will let him escape." Dusk faced her with reality, "that's not right in everyone's eyes."
"Yes, but quite frankly all that guy needed, was a way out, another chance. Do you truly think he will do something so stupid again? I could provide an out. You don't have to play tricks or curse people from the dark to get a client happy. That apparently doesn't work, oh, so well. And you know it. There are other ways to handle things." Blade moved on.
"That might be true for him, but…" Dusk held her back. "Not all people learn. And not all people would see this as justice."
"And yet, when one screws up all we want is some mercy, another chance to make it right, to do better," Blade shook her head, "I'm not saying let a murderer run free. There are consequences. But there is nothing more powerful than mercy if you want to make an impact. That will stay with the person. That's what they will be grateful over time."
Dusk breathed in deeply, "Not everyone changes because one nice thing happened. Bad people don't just become good. They have bad habits. And some don't even want to change. The police won't change. Just because you decide to walk in high and might."
"I know, the police are a big institution. But if I can reach just one officer. Just make them second guess themselves with the next Sorceress, think for once. I already will have done more than enough. I'm not a Queen or some royal with any political power like you. But I still can make an impact where I am. You proved that today, several times in fact. If we work together much more is possible. I am so grateful for your help. Without you, I would never have gotten it done in time. That little girl would be without a father, for sure. You made a difference for the better and that's what counts," Blade laid a hand on her shoulder. "You are a good Queen with a heart, Sorceress or no Sorceress. You said to me when we first met, they will judge you by your deeds and you have more than enough. I saw that first-hand today, you'll make an awesome Queen because you do care, besides your grumpiness, you hide behind sometimes."
"Blade…" Dusk didn't know what to say. "… I'm not grumpy…" She stomped her foot flustered. "I was wrong you're not a Sorceress or a Fairy, you, you are just…ahhh."
Blade laughed so hard, "Well, can't disagree with that, I guess?" She giggled some more before she paused.
"Still going in there after yesterday… they won't see you as I do. They see the Witch, not the person. So, please, listen to me..."
"There you are!" Memphis came around the corner. "What are you doing standing in the middle of the street so close to the station without a glamour?! You'll get caught…" He flung the jewellery over.
"Don't worry. I'm about to go there as myself anyways."
"What? You crazy? They'll arrest you for sure…" He was as squeamish as Dusk at first.
"SEE!" Dusk rose her hand and turned on the spot. "We all know it. Even the Specialist agrees, listen to him."
Memphis stared at Blade as he paused, "You sure you want to do this?"
"Yes, Nebula and I promised each other we will speak up when we see injustice for the Sorceresses. We lost Jewels over that. I will not back down, just because it will be hard," Blade nodded a spark in her eyes. "Besides, if Griffin won't get me out of prison. Faragonda will. So, what's the difference? Spent a night in a cell with police that hate my red-head or in a tower full of Sorceresses that hate me. HA!" Blade laughed "It's just some stupid shitty grade. It won't be THAT bad. It's worth the risk. I'll bring those gems back myself, Lilly is counting on me." Blade was not budging on her notion.
"Oh boy… just don't get shot… you already took enough punches today," Memphis couldn't believe it. She wouldn't change her mind and who was he to stop her. He seemed a bit proud though.
"On that notion, gotta use my time wisely. All there? Did you check the list?" Blade asked.
Memphis nodded, "Yes, checked the list. Looks all real to me."
"Memphis, stop her… they nearly shot her yesterday already. It's one thing to help Lilly another to take on the police!" Dusk was seriously worried.
"Really?" Memphis laughed loudly, "Sounds about the same to me. Our self-announced ambassador of the Sorceresses at work."
"I'm no such thing!" Blade protested. "I just want things to go differently the next time a friend needs me…" she muttered half saddened as she thought of Jewels.
Memphis looked at Blade a bit worried, he knew the story and what she was talking about. His phone rang interrupting the moment of silence, "It will…" He pulled out the phone. "Oh, shit Coda… one second." He picked up. "Hell-"
"MEMPHIS! Get your ass back here this instant!" Codatorta's voice thundered through the phone.
"Oh, come on, they just had to unload, I had stuff to do. What could they possibly have screwed up this time?" Memphis moaned. He already knew that voice.
"What can't they screw up?! NOTHING APPARENTLY! They are burning the whole hangar down! It's your job to keep them in line, you sloth!"
"Fire? But there was nothing, that… uuurrrghh…You said to give them more lea way," Memphis rolled his eyes. "The one time I…" He looked at Blade and thought for a second. "I parked the Owl on the other side of the city. It'll take a while to get to it." He was lying and both the girls knew it. He had that mischievous grin on his face.
"…" One could feel Codatorta's angry stare even through the phone. "Get here. You won't escape that cleanup! You hear me! If they destroy anything else, I'll downgrade you to the first year!"
"What?! But… You already kept me in second grade! I won't babysit them for the rest of my life," Memphis complained.
"GET. YOUR. ASS. HERE. TODAY!" Codatorta furiously hung up.
"Shit… I swear one of these days, I'll kill them myself…" Memphis nearly crushed his own phone in his fist as his hand trembled. "Alright, I get the Owl, while you talk to that officer of yours."
"Pff, she'll be stuck in prison all night…Why won't none of you believe me…" Dusk shook her head. She had given up to change Blade's mind although she didn't agree with her plan.
"I take that bet any day," Memphis smirked as he gazed at Blade. "I'll be there. Just - don't spend months in there, slaughtering inmates or something. Or you'll need to find another ride. And… run if they do try to shoot. I am not going to crash into another hangar, because you are-"
Blade chuckled, "Yes, I'll watch myself, besides I have a shadow to watch me. We'll manage… Have some faith guys. Police are there to protect people…"
"Indeed, that's their job," Memphis rushed off in the direction where he had parked the Owl.
"But... they hate Sorceresses, why won't you believe me… what is wrong with all of you!?" Dusk shook her head in disbelief, "Fine, I'll hide in your shadow, when you go in…just this ONE TIME." She walked on as she muttered to herself. "At least that way we should get you out in one piece. Somehow…"
Blade breath in the street was clear. She rushed over the street and up the stairs and to the station. The Jewellery on her back beside a bunch of rings that fit her one hand and the Cloud Tower badge affixed to her shirt. 'No time like the present….'She pulled down the door handle and pushed it open. Dusk was in her shadow.
"Welcome, how can I be of ser- …" Officer Steve looked up from the counter and dropped his pen. His hand searched instantly for something underneath the counter and his hand rushed to his gun, yet rested on it.
Blade smiled friendly and ignored the alerting action, "Let's try this again, shall we? I need to speak with Officer William." Blade bluntly stated.
"HA! Sure, to do what? Forgot to steal something?" Officer Steve didn't leave her out of sight, he was tense. "Some revenge plot?"
"No. How stupid do you think I am…?" Blade shook her head in disbelief. "I finished my mission from Cloud Tower, I am here to-"
A bunch of Policemen and women flooded the reception hall. All with their hands on the guns, still holstered.
Blade searched the faces, "Officer William, got a minute, I found your lost jewellery and am here to return it." She addressed him he was in the second row. In slow motion, she raised her hand with the rings to prove her statement.
"As if we would let you two alone…" Another Officer hissed.
Officer William stepped forward, "You got balls to show up here again after what you did."
"Really? I recall, that I saved a man you shot from falling to death, red crystals from going missing, and a Lady of Solaria from a maniac that tried to slit her throat because one of your Officers messed up, yet again."
"You broke in, pretended to be someone else and evade law enforcement," Steve growled, "You're no Saint."
"You forced my hand when you refused to let me see him in the first place. Because you wanted some extra cash or whatever," Blade held against it.
"I did not request any such thing, WITCH," Steve hissed back.
"Not with words, no," Blade stayed calm and collected. "Yet, we Sorceresses are an official magic profession. Helping the small folk, granted some go a bit off the rails. But you had no right to deny me. You didn't even ask him if he had time. Neither did your colleague or am I wrong?" She looked at Officer William.
He inspected her closely, he indeed had not been asked. And the faces of other police officers told volumes. No one would have. Yet they weren't quite yet sure what she actually wanted from him. They weren't buying that Jewellery story. "So, you want us to believe that you had only good intension?"
"That be the day…" Another one commented.
Officer William rose his hand to shush him, "You brought them?"
"Sure, I brought ALL of them. Not one missing," she wiggled her fingers yet again and then Blade let the bag slide down her shoulder.
All watched her like a hawk. Just one wrong move and that powder barrel would explode, so high was the tension. "We'll see. Don't move." He nodded to another to get their list.
Blade pulled off the rings on her hand while they waited.
William wanted to get the bag, yet another officer stepped in front of him and took it from the ground, "No tricks…" That one glared at her.
"Again. I'm just here to wrap up my mission. Students are officially required to drop off any mission items at an official station after all. Or did that change?" Blade stated.
"No, Witch, ever comes personally, that Headmistress of yours just comes into the Magic Council and drops it on their front porch." Officer Lena growled back.
"Oh, and I wonder why…if we are greeted so nicely..." Blade sarcastically smiled.
"Why come then? If you have not some other scheme running," Steve butted in again as well.
"Why?" Blade chuckled, "I am sick and tired of this bullshit. That's why. We help people, just like you. We serve the people. I bet anyone of you had asked a SORCERESS to do something for them at some point. Yet all you give is this bull crap." She called them out some averted their eyes, others ground their teeth and didn't like to be called out so bluntly.
"It's all there, Sir," The group of officers had finished checking, "Every single one. Not one missing." They also had to search for curses or traps with a runestone. "No magic we can find."
"See," Blade stared at William. "Now, can we finish this? I do want to get back today. There is still a lot to talk about and you need to write the report. Or are we doing this out here, as well?"
"Back? You broke in, the only place you are going is the cell…" Another one, one of those who had ground their teeth, stepped forward. "Turn around."
"Hold it," Officer William stepped in. "This is my case. How did you find the gems?" He asked reluctantly.
"Got some intel first, used a tracking spell. Took me a while. You know doing stuff one step at the time. Up the mountain down the hill…" Blade gave him an underhanded clue.
William tensed up, he seemed to fear the worst, "Fine, you want to talk, after you," He invited her to move past the horde of officers, he had a killing look in his eyes. "And don't even think of pulling another stunt." He warned her sternly.
Blade stepped along as Officer William put a hand down on her shoulder. He noticed the dislocation instantly and clawed in a bit, 'What the heck did she do? Did she attack him?!' He rushed her through the hallway. The flock of officers close behind. Some stayed in the hallway. They would back him up in an instant. "Sit DOWN." He pushed her a bit.
"Ouch, hey…" That one indeed stung a bit.
William closed the door and walked passed his desk. He wouldn't sit down and his hand was on his weapon at all times. "What did you do to him?" He growled. "If you attacked him…"
Blade breathed out, at least now she was only facing one gun, "I helped him out. He was on a timer after all. So, no, I did not attack him. Lilly is doing fine as well, actually even better, apparently, she got admitted to that study in the hospital. You should visit him soon, he could use a friend."
"Admitted to the study… so those are fake after all?" He glanced at the jewellery on the table.
"No, those are the real deal. The owners have a right to their stuff after all. Who do you think to set up the contract for me to find them?" Blade glanced at him and looked at the table. She spotted the report of her break in freshly printed. 'Why is this so hard to accept, for crying out loud.'
Officer William didn't like it one bit, "So, how did you…?"
"I earned it fair and square… why do you think I took so long? Tracking something is not that hard. I don't have time for the whole story, okay? I need to get back." She glanced to her shoulder. "Can we just finish up that report?"
'How bad is that injury?' He squinted his eyes, yet even with all his experience, he could not detect a lie. William relaxed a bit as she breathed out, "That's a lot of money we're talking about… don't tell me you broke the law to… I told him to come himself…" He was considering sending a squad car over.
"You stupid. If he shows up Lilly will be all alone," Blade cut him off. "She needs him. And he needs her. He did something very stupid granted, but he had his reasons."
"That's not an excuse to break the law," Officer William objected.
Blade sighed, "I know. But sometimes things just grow beyond you, he was desperate, without friends. I am sure he won't do that mistake again."
"I'm his friend," William stated clearly, "How did you get that money?" that question wouldn't stop bothering him. "If you brought any more trouble to him…"
"Off the records?" Blade rolled her eyes.
William ground his teeth, "Fine."
"I used the jewellery as collateral and I fought for the rest. All in all, it worked out just fine," Blade stayed rather vague. 'just that outfit choice…'
William tilted his head, "Who would give so much money to a teen for a fight…" He closed his eyes slowly. He seemed to have at least a hunch. "But that would take…" He looked at the clock on the wall. "Oh, don't tell me, that's super reckless!" He got a bit louder than he anticipated.
"WILLIAM?" In an instant, a group of officers rushed in.
"You can't just threaten a prisoner if he gets out!" William improvised to cover for his blunder.
Blade growled, "It worked. You got the gems back… And I can watch myself just fine." To make it look good.
The officers were a bit perplexed. "All okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine, my bad. And you young girl should know better…Thugs are nothing to joke about," Officer William waved to shoo them out again.
"Oh, I can handle a few ruffians no problem. Magic remember…" Blade reacted to this theatrical display.
The officers nodded. They followed suit after a few seconds of gazing and closed the door behind them.
"SURE, AND NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN HERE BECAUSE OF BODILY HARM!" He shouted loud enough for all outside to hear. William quieted down, "You need to go to the hospital straight away. Are you okay?"
"Took a potion am fine. Now can we please finish that report so I can leave," Blade hurried him a bit.
Quickly they had come up with a story. That would work just fine. She knew enough magic spells and the Cousin in prison had risked so much already that he surely would confirm everything if ever asked. William printed the report out and signed it. He checked it over, "Alright… that should suffice…" He placed the paper down again and stared at her. For what felt like ages. "Why?"
"Why what?" Blade was a bit confused.
"Why go so far? If your mission was just to get the jewellery back?" William asked with a calm and thoughtful voice.
"What? Are we Sorceresses not allowed to have empathy? We're not heartless. Just fed up with all this bull crap," Blade stared back. "We're working for the Council just like the Fairies. You open the doors wide for them, yet trample us. Why? Aren't we all on the same side? Weren't we proven innocent in court? I thought things would get better. It was supposed to be a victory for us. I'm not even sure if it helped or make everything even worse." Blade balled her fists. 'What have we been doing? How could we all be so blind? …' This weekend had been a real eye-opener for her.
"Bull crap, huh…" William couldn't deny that he was treating Witches differently either. "It's long been this way. And yes, things are more heated. People are afraid…"
"That's not an excuse. I came in here for the first time. This was my first mission. I am my own person. Not just some Witch, we aren't all the same. I get it some groups are more dangerous. I have nothing against caution, but how can you stand for justice if you greet us with prejudices? I did nothing wrong. And yet… …. There is no denying that I resorted to…I broke in…. I broke the law… because … because… I gave in way too easily…" Blade got quieter. Indeed, she hadn't thought about it. She had simply done and acted to a certain degree like all the other Sorceresses without even second guessing it. So quickly she herself had accepted that role.
"Yes, you did…" William pulled the report from her break-in. "Yet, I'm not sure if I would have helped. No, that's not true. I most certainly had kicked your ass out. Thinking you just wanted to find the hall for yourself. At least you are trying to change," He rubbed his forehead, and that truth stung. "Guess we both have room to grow. He picked up his glass of water, holding it above the printed report of the break-in.
"What are you doing?" Blade was a bit perplexed as she watched a stream of water rush down.
William smirked, "Seems like my hand slipped. Probably should reprint this once I have more time… I have a friend to get to…" He swiped up the wet paper and throw it into his trash bin at the door. Bullseye.
Blade couldn't help but smile. She hadn't expected that. She had hoped for some improvement, yes, but his whole posture had changed. "Well, then I better get home before Griffin has my head. Oh, that reminds me. Can you please send in the report that I finished my mission? Since I can't prove anything… She does grade us, just like we get graded for Alfea missions."
"We?" William was a bit confused.
"Them. Sorry long night, I really need some rest." Blade corrected. 'Fuck…'
"Sure thing, I write you a praise report as well, that's the least I can do for helping, John," William smiled. "Oh, and if you ever have something else to drop off come by. My door is open."
"Thanks, will do," Blade rose from the chair.
"WHAT?!" Dusk had been silent all the way through but now she busted out and rose from the shadow. "That's it, no cell? No shoot-out? No escape?"
Officer William got startled and nearly fell off his chair.
"Dusk, shhhh," Blade tried to shush her.
"No, this is… this is… Why? How? What? This is…" She was lost for words.
"William, Dusk, Dusk, William…" Blade introduced the two. "She was my backup…"
William tilted his head, "Back up? Witches work alone…"
"Sorceress." Blade corrected.
Dusk shook her head, "If I would let her run in here alone with you all being guns blazing all day long…" She hissed.
"My apologies," Officer William gave a bow. "We were wrong."
Dusk nearly fell on her ass, "My apologies… what spell did you cast…Dreadlock?"
"None, silly," Blade couldn't help but giggle. Her face was priceless.
"What's wrong? Did you got hurt as well?" William gazed at the pale Sorceress.
Dusk shook her head in disbelief, "What's wrong, is this! She should be in a prison cell. This," She waved around with her arms, "this is not how this goes. It never does…We always get locked up for whatever stupid reason."
"What do you mean? Whatever reason? We don't just go around collecting Witc-Sorceresses. There at least has to be a reason…" William frowned.
"Oh yeah? Tell that to the last police station on Ethral-Street. "I am the Queen of Eventide and they didn't even bet an eye. I was just passing by the store and still got busted for that theft. Because of course, I had enchanted him, there was no other possible explanation why that brat would steal some sunglasses." Dusk crossed her arms. "We're always at fault."
William stepped to his computer and quickly pulled up the report. "You are saying they simply cuffed you?"
"As if you care," Dusk hissed.
"I do. The law is the law. We can't just go around and arrest people. We'll lose the trust of the people," William meant it. "Why didn't you file a report with the Magic Council?" He scrolled through there was nothing else submitted.
"Well, you most certainly lost our trust, tch," Dusk was riled up, but kept her voice down, "And file? Are you kidding me? I am a student and have a kingdom to run as if I had the time to file all those reports. I would never get my homework done."
William was a bit lost for words, "Queen Dusk," He had actually pulled up photos from the magicWeb. "of Eventide…" He looked at her. "Are you saying this happens regularly to you?"
"To me? To all of us. You always stuff us in for whatever number of hours and then have to let us go, because you are missing the concrete proof," Dusked elaborated a bit upset. "Don't you get it? If we go into any police station to drop our mission items, we'd be stuck for days."
"True… your friends wanted me cuffed no further questions asked," Blade had to agree. She had heard plenty of gossip in Cloud Tower with similar stories.
"…" William closed his eyes. "Well then, come to me. I promise I'll listen from now on. But no more hacking and stealing, is that clear?" He admonished the two slightly.
Dusk picked a business card from his desk, "Oh, I will, you can count on that. And you better not be lying." Her phone buzzed. "We gotta go, ride is here." She vanished back into Blade's shadow.
"Well then, see ya," Blade turned towards the door to open it.
"Wait, I'll walk you out," William rushed around the desk. 'I need to follow up on this… I mean I arrested Witches… Sorceresses, too, but I caught them red-handed…'
Blade had the biggest smile on her face as she without cuffs walked passed all those officers standing and gazing in disbelief.
"William? Are you okay?" Steve was holding another runestone to check for mind control. Nothing.
"Yes, I am. She's free to go. And Steve, next time someone, ANYONE, asks for me, I want to know," William made this point very clear and everyone got that message.
Memphis had been on edge waiting for the two in the Owl. Blade was in the backseat dosing off a bit, she was so tired. Dusk seemed lost for words. So, after a few minutes, he finally asked. "So? What did I win?" He asked amused.
"Win?" Dusk was super confused.
"Yeah, I bet on her getting out, remember?" Memphis smirked.
Dusk crossed her legs, "No you didn't, you said you would bet on her any day."
"Ah, you remembered, so sad. So how did it go?" He was curious.
"They were close to imprisoning her… but William was at least willing to listen after Blade dropped the ball with a hint that we met his friend. They made a somewhat fake report so all is good, kid and father are safe," Dusk shook her head, but a smile did hush over her lips. She pulled out the card to save the number in her phone.
"Oh, new contact? Nice," He glanced at the number to remember it as well. "By the way? What name did Blade put down? Or did she admit she is a Fairy and not a Sorceress?"
"They wrote down her Cloud Tower badge number," Dusk took her own out.
Memphis nodded, "Makes sense…No names, but trackable for the Council if need be. Fits your Sorceress style."
"But we never used those, this is nothing more than a piece of useless metal…" She rubbed over the badge. It wasn't at all shiny like Blade's new one. A bit banged up even. Often, she had thrown that thing against a wall to vent some frustration. She gazed at it pondering.
Memphis smiled, "She has that effect on people… doesn't she?" He gazed at her. "Nebula is the same," He smiled even brighter.
Dusk waved her hand above the badge and mended it, "The curly-haired one? She has some sass, that much I know…Was Blade always this…this, eh?"
"Can't really tell, to be honest. First time I met her they were drunk in that exact fight bar… oh man, you should have seen that match, what a mess. Second time was with that Chaos Squad of mine. She was slicing up some huge Stone worms. So, she always was a fighter, that much I know from prior... Well, next was when…well, after Jewels died… Blade nearly died when I picked her and Nebula up…" He quieted down a bit as his thoughts wandered. He had been so scared back then. The images of the destroyed palace came to mind as he had joined the relief forces. It had looked horrible from the outside and since he had been told the whole story, inside had been even worse. He tensed up slightly. "I think, that changed her, all of them…They are willing to risk everything for a better tomorrow…"
"Hm…" Dusk nodded. "How could it not…"
Griffin stared at Blade sitting in her office in the early morning. Busted shoulder. She already could hear the preaching, 'Faragonda will give me an ear full, wait no, she has the bracelet, if they didn't decide to aid her, I'm just fine. Ha! Fara really butted out? No way, who would have thought… Still, how does Blade always end up in trouble? Well, was to be expected, Fairy on a Witch mission. I should be amazed that she is still alive. Hm, well, at least she was smart enough to get some help with that shoulder otherwise she should sit here screaming and squirming…'Griffin was still awake because she had so much paperwork to catch up to and at least now when most Witches were out or sleeping, she had some peace to do it. She snapped and her glamour spell vanished. "You look like a leopard." She finally spoke up, "What in Magix were you up to? This was a retrieval mission, not some big-ass monster hunt! What a mess…I knew you would screw up but that hard? Pff, ahaha, ahhhh," She enjoyed this a little bit too much, but then her smile vanished to a disproving stare.
Blade was so tired and she felt that the potion was weakening. She wanted to get this done. Plus, Memphis was waiting in the Owl. He was stretching Codatorta's patience. "Nothing. I just slipped… and fell down some stairs…"
"SURE, you did, do I even wanna know?" Griffin folded her hands and hid her grin. 'Stairs, worst excuse ever…how did this happen? Hmmm, Dusk hasn't reported yet. We chose something so easy… So, she stays safe. And still, she comes back with nothing, but those bruises …oh pathetic, Faragonda better gonna pay up that bet.'
"I fell down some stairs. That's all" Blade repeated with her court face, there was no way she would tell her of the fight bar.
Griffin wouldn't be fooled by that, but it didn't really matter in the end. She kept up her usual game face, "Oh well, if it was just stairs, where is the jewellery then? Who made the contract? Just admit it, you gave up and simply wanted to run home to your glitter bucket, didn't you?" She grinned somewhat devilishly. 'Told you Fara, she couldn't do it. No Fairy can survive what people throw at us all day long.'
"Well, I dropped the jewellery at a police station of course, as it is required from all students of all schools on missions," Blade leaned back, grinning victoriously. 'That'll teach her, condescending as ever, amazing that she is friends with our Headmistress.'
"Nice try. If you did enter a station with that kinda stuff, you'd be in prison and late for your Alfea classes on Monday," Griffin wasn't buying it.
"I'm not lying. Just check your mail, if it isn't there yet, then on Monday," Blade held against it.
Griffin couldn't detect a lie there. That girl was dead serious. "Wait - Let me get this straight." She sat upright again, "You got all banged up for whatever reason…" She grinned again, "…and then you went into a police station, with stolen goods. Gave a report and left? The police hate Witches and it only has gotten worse since the hearing. Why would you be so stupid and risk such a thing? They shot at you…" Griffin stared her down. 'This wouldn't happen in a million years.'
"How do you know that? And it's Sorceresses…" Blade was a bit perplexed, 'Shit, how much does she know? Dusk, grrrrr…'
"I have my resources…" Griffin dismissed the question. 'So, she didn't detect Dusk… she's way too blind to the dangers of the world, still… I hoped she at least would learn that. Fairies…But going into a police station. Is she crazy!? She should have heard enough stories in the Tower. She knows, she got shot at. Even she can't be that big of an idiot,' She was truly annoyed. That stunt had been really dangerous and unnecessary, "Are you trying to get yourself killed?" She admonished her.
"What? No," Blade got a bit upset. 'What's her problem?! Nothing I do ever satisfies her. Always criticising me…She should be glad! Rejoicing, I finally found an officer she can work with.'
'No? She answerers that with a no!? How far from reality is she!?' Griffin shook her head growling, "Reckless just, RECKLESS! I told you to bring it back." She hammered down on the table. 'She has no clue how bad some of those officers can get!'
Blade wasn't impressed by the outburst at all, she knew it had gone great, and no grumpy Griffin would take that victory from her, "No, you didn't. You said and I quote, you have the entire weekend to find out where the stolen goods are or what is left of it. Who paid for the hits and why." Blade had remembered that one by the letter. "I did find the jewellery and brought it to the police station. Rest that thief wasn't willing to spit out. I'm not some psychic. I found every single piece by the way and gave it all back." Blade smirked, 'Come on, say something against that. Ha!'
"Everything? Are you nuts, did you not even collect the finder's fee? How will you finance the next mission? You always keep something for yourself. If you were a graduating Witch you would starve to death! …Being a Witch means standing on your own, you shouldn't use your Uncle's money! Even if I did allow it this time…" Griffin admonished her. 'Spoiled brat, all of those Fairies, truly! Does she even think further than today? My word… they learn to run a country in that glitter bucket but something so simple is beyond them?!'
"Hey, I didn't and I won't. I stuck to the rules! I only worked with favours," Blade was a bit offended now and returned the angry stare. "I don't need your kid gloves. And how I finance myself is my problem, not yours. Now, if you excuse me, Memphis is waiting for me, to drop me off," She rose from the chair. She wouldn't let herself be insulted like this. She did great.
"Did I say you could leave? Sit your ass down," The Headmistress hissed, "Show some respect, we're not at Alfea where you can storm off. So, sit down, or I make you." She warned her.
'Oh, that insufferable…'Blade sat down protesting.
"…You still haven't answered my question, and I want an answer, right NOW. Why were you so stupid? The whole city was at least on the lookout for you. You should know better, it's not the first time someone is after you, after all," She chuckled as she shook her head, she wouldn't let this go. 'I swear, she's so reckless.' She stared at the bruises showing along her arms and legs. 'Really? Who the heck did she piss off to get that beaten up? You can't just storm every castle like a headless chicken…'
'Why tell her? She doesn't even care!' Blade glanced past her, "Tch. Why should I bother telling you?" Blade stonewalled Griffin. That face, posture, attitude, just everything, she wasn't even listening to Blade's good news.
Impatiently Headmistress Griffin glared at her, "Oh, you little… This is your mission from MY school. YOU answer to ME. Now, spit it out. Or are you finally seeing the error of your ways and are lost for words? Or do you rather want to be stuck in the wall again? I can arrange that."
Blade knew she had to report, yet she really didn't want to. 'Error? I made no error. What a…urrgh… She and her all of the world is against us bullshit! UURRGH, it's simply not true. I did more than she ever did for her students!' There was no point talking about this with her. "You want an answer, why? So, you can laugh in my face again? Besides, I think, I made myself already clear in the hearing and things have not changed. I will not tolerate double standards for Sorceresses. This is the least I can do to better things," Blade glared back at her. 'Why is she so vexing!? So many spout that shit around, but she, she does always get under my skin! WHY?!'
'Oh, come on, not that nonsense again. It's dangerous enough to try in a group, but alone, idiot! She had Council Guard and still nearly died more than once! Trying alone, that's borderline stupid! She truly will get herself killed. How can she not grasp that!?' Anger rose inside her. Griffin couldn't believe it. "FOOLISH GIRL!" Her voice echoed through the room. "Do you truly think one gesture will change all of Magix? What's next the entire universe? Oooh, truly, Blade, even you can't be that naïve any longer. You are lucky it worked THIS time! Or you got away unscathed…" the Headmistress's gaze focused on the massive bruises yet again and her voice faded. "… …Did…. did the police catch you and…?" Her eyes widened. 'Shit, Dusk had written nothing more after the plaza incident. She lost her, didn't she?! Fuck! Did she run into those hot-headed police officers with no brain cells?!' Griffin rose from her chair, "Which one was it?! Tell me, right now!" She was beyond furious, 'I thought, we taught those assholes a lesson last time they…" She bared her teeth.
Blade was super confused now, she couldn't understand her at all, "What? No! Granted they were overly cautious, but no. How can you even think that?! I walked in, explained everything calmly and left the jewellery with Officer William, who works the case. I told him everything, it's all in the report as I said. It's coming, just give it a few days." Blade frowned herself now, 'What the heck is she jumping the gun for? Is she crazy or something? Ah, don't tell me, some stupid chess game of hers I am interrupting somehow? What is she hiding this time!?'
'If I get my hands on those…how dare they attack my students, yet again!' Headmistress Griffin clawed into the table, "Tell me now, who was it?! That William? Did he pressure yo-," Griffin was trembling in rage.
"NOTHING HAPPENED!" Blade repeated fed up and raised her voice, "Yes, they were rude and I had some run-ins. You already know that. Why are you so fixated on the damn police as if they were the sole problem?! Ridicules! Everywhere was just hate and distrust. It's like the opposite of what I get as a Fairy, no matter where I went. And the Sorceress aren't better scratching each other's eyes out all the time. That mission was from the Magic Council, was it not? They outsourced. That mission was perfect for a student. Yet, everyone treated me like shit! So, I ask you, how can you expect me to ignore all that injustice? How could I possibly let that stand without even trying once to fix it? Yes, maybe it is a drop in the ocean, or maybe it works out. But if I don't try, everything will stay the same for sure! I will not lose another friend, because of such bullshit. ONE WAS ENOUGH!" Blade seriously got riled up and jumped off the chair again.
Headmistress Griffin stared at her, 'Not that Jewels stuff again. She can't just run with this sentiment blindsided. One needs to be smart about such things. Head through the wall! There's just no way to get through to that child…she'll get herself killed, trying to change the world in a day. I know, I fight them for years, but that won't work, especially not without allies…Jewels is her greatest strength and her greatest weakness, when will she realise?!' Griffin closed her eyes as she sighed deeply. "Blade…"
"NO!" Blade cut her off, "You're so concerned about the police? Yes, they are prejudiced. But you can't even accept that I found at least one who was willing to listen to me? One is a start, a base to build on to create change. You're not free of prejudice yourself, how dare you judge them and refuse to use this!?"
'What how dare she give ME a lecture on this!?' Griffin lost it, "I have been much longer around than you, Fairy! I'm not prejudiced, I KNOW how the world works, NOT YOU. You- YOU were just stuck in MY shoes for barely three days and think you know better?! You know nothing!"
Blade went on the offensive herself as she balled her fists, "OH, YOU! I gave you an opening! And yet, you're not even willing to TRY, you're just as bad as THEY ARE!" Blade panted.
"AS THEY ARE!? THEY! You know nothing of them! And what they do!" Griffin flared up her dark magic.
Blade answered intuitively with her light magic, "And who's fault is that?!" Blade shook her head. And yelled back, "Who cares what they do?! This vicious cycle has to end and it starts with every single one of us! Change needs time, yes tomorrow will be the same, but THIS HAS TO CHANGE. You might have given up or accepted things as they are, I WON'T."
Griffin barked back, "OH, you… you barely started this fight and have no clue. Running into a police station will get you killed! Why do you think, I tell my students to bring the stuff to me, huh? Ever thought about that for more than a second!?"
"WHAT?!" thundered Blade, "There are GOOD police officers out there, willing to make a change, a difference. And I WON'T let you tell me otherwise! I think I wasted enough of my time, here, GOOD DAY!" Blade turned around storming towards the door.
"BLADE!" Griffin shouted out, and in reflex commanded the Tower to hold the door shut. "WHY ARE YOU SO DENSE?! You bring that stuff to me, IS THAT CLEAR? This isn't so hard to understand, now is it?!"
"FUCK YOU!" Blade glared back at her, "Let me go! You have no RIGHT to hold me here!" Blade pressed on the door, "Whisper of creation! LET ME OUT!" She commanded the tower, furiously, yet while she could feel it being conflicted at least a tiny bit, it didn't.
Griffin couldn't believe that girl, "YOU STAY! Besides you are wounded!" She commanded.
"I'll MANAGE on my OWN." Blade turned around again, "That was what you wanted me to learn, wasn't it?" Blade ground her teeth, "How, oh, so HARD it is to be ALONE, a Witch. Well, one doesn't have to be, that's a CHOICE! Nothing of dark magic demands being a lone wolf, that are YOUR TEACHINGS! Or whoever started that BULLSHIT! FAIRY EDGE!" She amassed her light magic and the sword appeared. The Tower did tolerate her light magic, 'Sorry, Tower, I know you are under her hold. Otherwise…' She was ready to cut her way out.
"FRANGE! In Carcere!" The Headmistress destroyed the sword within a second and locked her down in a magic sphere. Griffin glared at the upset fairy. "YOU WILL LISTEN!"
"LET ME OUT!" Blade stemmed against the sphere edges and had no patients left. Her shoulder was nagging her more and more. 'Listen my ass! She's the one NOT listening!'
"I'm telling you this for YOUR BEST!" Griffin walked around the table with a raised finger.
"BULLSHIT! The only thing you want is that I do EXACTLY as YOU WISH! And if I'm just one millimetre off you do nothing but scold me every step of the way. LISTEN TO YOU? Why should I? YOU NEVER LISTEN! YOU REAP WHAT YOU SOW!"
"INSOLENT CHILD!" Griffin bared her teeth.
"PISS OFF!" Blade activated her Charmix although it nearly got taken over by her Shadion, yet she needed that extra magic boost and pulled through, "PIERCE!" The spear in an instant shot from behind Griffin, passed her head, at the dark sphere Blade was stuck in and in fact, it shattered. Blade dropped to the floor.
"STAY!" Griffin cast, 'UUUrrrgh!'
Blade dodged the rune just in time, "NO! Why should I? I'm just a stupid Fairy to you!" Blade felt her shoulder sting badly. She had stopped right at the windows and amassed more light magic in her hand creating one of her darts aiming it towards the window.
Griffin was about to cast again as she managed to temper her rage and halted in her movement. 'What the heck am I doing?! Duelling an injured student! Shit, why does she always get under my skin!?' The two in a stare down. She breathed out still angry, "Listen…"
Blade interrupted her yet again, "NO! You don't make me want to listen. You keep everything so secretively. You don't trust me, never did!" Blade used her time to load up the dart. "The only person you truly respect is Faragonda. You're so closed off and condescending! You truly reap what you sow from anyone else, DISTRUST. But unlike you, with the police it can go both ways. Not just the bad way…William and I at least agreed on some fundamentals. I can build on that. With you, there's just no common ground to go beyond the magic teachings!" Blade shot the dart and shattered the window behind her and dashed through.
"BLADE!" Of course, she had felt the magic but since those darts needed no verbal component she had thought she was preparing something bigger. Not that anything she could throw would be a real threat to her. Griffin rushed to the window, but Blade was already at the Owl storming inside. 'I could…'
Ediltrude came rushing into the office, "Are you alright!? I felt… What happened?!"
Griffin looked back at her, "… Just great…" Not too sure what to answer best.
"How dare that Fairy destroy OUR TOWER! I'll…" the Professor was ready to ground that Owl starting up the engines.
"Stop," Griffin cautioned her friend. "That won't do us any favours or her."
"Favours!? She destroyed your…" Professor Ediltrude couldn't believe it.
Headmistress Griffin used her magic to fix up the window, "So what, I do that ten times a day…we reap what we sow…" She rubbed her nose bridge. "Shouldn't have started…stupidity. I know she doesn't back down, AT ALL," She sighed deeply.
"Reap what you sow? Since when do you say such stuff," Ediltrude crossed her arms.
"Her words… yet, she doesn't want to understand that one person's grain is another one's weed. She's battling forces that don't want that kind of change. That Blade…" Griffin clicked her tongue.
Ediltrude looked a bit worried, "They'll stop at nothing and are everywhere…We know that and battle them for years…"
"No need to tell me," Griffin shook her head and stepped away from the window, "There are so many trying to bring you and your friends down, Blade. You're a spark to change, a spark bigger than any ever before. Shadion only made you shine more brightly. We can't let you get snuffed out or worse…" Griffin watched in her glass sphere as the Owl aimed for Red Fountain. 'Faragonda and I worked too long towards this goal.'
"Snuffed out, her? Her track records of trying to be killed and surviving are in her favour. That's the one good thing about her. She can take more than just a punch," Ediltrude laughed.
Griffin shook her head, "Because she made it to safety in time, reach allies. What if we are too slow? We miss something? What then? ..."
