"Nice, a desk of my own, who would have thought?" Riven swung his legs up the table and found a comfy position on the chair, "Me in Alfea - teaching."

Dufour started at him disapprovingly, "Mister Riven, I urge you to sit straight. You're a teacher and therefore have to set an example for all students." She hung her red hat on the hook on the wall.

"But I am an example for Head Hunters," he grinned from ear to ear.

Dufour deadpan stared at him, "No wonder I have problems finding male dancers for the next Ballroom Etiquette lesson. What are the worlds coming to…?"

Votzaak snapped his fingers and Riven's chair turned into some snakes without even looking at it which scared the shit out of Riven who promptly drew a phanto-knife to cut their heads off. "I can lend you, Amal. Will be a good fresh up for him," His offer was greeted with a thanking gesture.

"It's an illusion, Riven…" Haldir rolled his eyes as the boy started to truly show off his knife skills, he was so focused on not getting bitten that he didn't hear the comment and Haldir saw no reason to repeat himself again.

Griselda was utterly annoyed by their new additions to the school. They had cleared some desks in the teacher's lounge for them and all those Order members did was play pranks at each other, "I swear if I have to give you detention so you learn how to behave in Alfea. I WILL."

Votzaak sneered at her, "Now that sounds like an interesting challenge." He crossed his hands behind his back and looked over his shoulder to Nerrocean, "Make sure the runes are drawn beautifully. Wouldn't want to make Headmistress Faragonda complain. She graciously allowed us to place both light and dark magic after all."

"I always draw perfect runes," Nerrocean proudly stated as he continued his work. "But Nabu had to leave for a mission already so who will activate the light magic runes?" His green tailfins swung a bit around as he satisfied gazed at his work as the Light Magic runes suddenly glowed up.

"Not to worry," Faragonda just had walked through the door. "Hm, good work, it's a stable rune teleportation circle. Do watch out when using it. We do work and WALK around in the teacher's lounge. We wouldn't want any accidents," She pushed her glasses back, gave a confused stare at Riven and with a swish of her hands the snakes turned back into the chair in which Riven had tangled himself up. It was easy to break such an illusion. "Do keep your shenanigans to a minimum."

"Minimum!? Headmistress!" Griselda protested heavily.

Faragonda shook her head, "I rather have them do them more obviously than try to circumvent us." Then the Fairy Godmother looked to the Elf, "So, the workspace is to your satisfaction?"

Haldir nodded, "Of course," he finished some seal runes on the Council Guards desk drawers.

"And those are for…?" Riven dusted off his clothes and set down on the chair just to put his legs up again.

"Noisy Head Hunters who always snoop around," Haldir glared at him but also at Votzaak.

Dufour shook her head, "Seems like I will spend more time in my private office." She put some paper stacks out of her bag and started grading the students' homework.

"Aaah, we're not that naughty," Votzaak sounded so sincere, "Promise." His black robe danced around in his step trying to get a glance at the fading seal runes.

Daphne just opened the door. Faragonda moved a bit to make way. "Mmmmmh," Daphne sat down at a free table and massaged her temples.

"What happened?" Griselda looked at her worried straight away, "Don't tell me we need to admonish the Sorceresses again already. I told them that-"

"No, well, hmmmm," Daphne wasn't even sure where to begin, "Pandemonium class just got bigger and more…disastrous." She sighed and pushed her blond hair back. "What did I just do…?"

Faragonda stepped closer to her lay a comforting hand on her shoulders and leaned a bit over her, "It can't be that bad."

"They want to go on a transformation hunt for the Fairies," Daphne shook her head.

"Ah. Good idea," Nerrocean just had finished the Dark magic runes.

Dufour raised an eyebrow, "You can't hunt-"

"Hm, smart idea," Riven nodded, "We did that all the time back then, which transformation?"

Griselda glared at the boy, "The Winx Club never-"

Votzaak laughed out loud, "How else would you call it then? It might have been out of necessity but 'Hunt' does describe the process quite well. Besides we do this all the time in our Order if requested. Yet most of our Fairies do have the transformation they like before they even join us so this is rare." He leaned against the wall next to Nerrocean, "So, which transformation?"

Daphne didn't know if she should be surprised or not by the Grandmaster's statement. Yet indeed there had been quite a few Fairies who had come to Domino to request to read in the Sirenix book now that the Harmonix curse was gone. Then she realised, "That is all you're doing. You plotted it… that was why Fane refused to even let them scratch her once…" She stared at the Leprechaun who pretended not to know anything. "Well, the Fairies are not sure yet. However, Kitty wants to… 'tame' a Zheng. A Dark Fair Animal, yet she said she would beat it to a pulp… to make it submit, which makes no sense…"

Nerrocean snorted so hard, "A Zheng? That little Sorceress? I'll eat a broom if she manages to beat one into submission at her level. Has she found some kitten by chance?" He looked to Votzaak who was more knowledgeable about such things.

"Wait, that works? But nature wants protection to form a bond," Daphne stared at the two. She sorted her clothes out straight away as she noticed what state she was in.

Votzaak shook his head, "That might be for Fairies. You forget Sorceresses are cut off from nature. They prove themselves by beating a Fairy Animal in a solo fight. Survival of the fittest. It's a one-sided bond initiated by the Dark Fairy Animal if it deems the Sorceress worthy. Yet even if one does beat a Fairy Animal it's not guaranteed. They have to like the fighting style and attitude of the Sorceress. After all, it's a lifetime bond. If they don't see a fruitful future with the Sorceress they rather die." The Leprechaun gave a short explanation and reaffirmed Kitty's statements from class.

"So, what is a Zheng? Kitty isn't weak per se. But you think she has no chance," Riven asked intrigued a hunt sounded like fun. "The Winx got theirs fairly easy and even pretty strong ones."

Nerrocean snickered, "But they only had to prove that they want to protect nature and who wouldn't want to bond with a powerful Fairy?" Yet he skipped the topic as he saw the Alfea Professors' glares, "Anyways, a Zheng is at the same rarity level as a unicorn. They all can talk and are sentient even before a bond is established. They are very proud and hard to find as they hog Wild Rifts within mountain regions. The bigger the rift the stronger the Zheng. They use those as power to boost and feed on them so you don't see them stroll around unless they need to find a new one. In short, a very deadly Mountain cat of prey. I'd say, she gets herself killed, rather than do a scratch. Zheng don't bond eagerly as they prefer freedom. We had some Sorceresses try occasionally from our Order but we got maybe like…what - currently three or so?"

"That bad, huh? Wild rifts, hmmm. You Elves should know where those are," Riven smirked at Haldir as a typical Head Hunter he straight went to the best source.

Haldir shook his head, "Wild Rifts are dangerous even for Elves we don't go near them unless they need to be sealed. Otherwise, we would upset the Wild Magic balance or get ourselves killed."

"So, the Council Guard does know where they are," Headmistress Faragonda noted. That answer hadn't been a no. She always did like to support her students but this sounded like a plan that needed to be pinned for later.

"If Kitty wants a Zheng and has indeed to prove herself worthy as you said Master Nerrocean. Then there'd be no point in telling her. If she can't even find a Rift let alone one with a Zheng on her own. I doubt one would be impressed," Haldir declined the Headmistress and Riven.

Daphne scratched her head still worried sick, "Deadly feline predator…" She remembered the girl's words, "By the Dragon! I got to stop her!" She suddenly rose from the chair ready to storm out of the door. Kitty and the gang had seemed more than ready to go get that Zheng now.

"Woah, woah," Votzaak used some Dark magic creeper to hold her, "Stop Kitty? Have you listened? Hard to find and rare."

"Yes, but Kitty said she already knows where one is. If it's deadly to her at her current power level…" Daphne shook her head, "Hunting transformations is one thing," She used some Fairy magic to burn through the creeper. "Running into one's death to get back at your Marksmen is a completely different story! Why did you order Fane to take her out first!? You knew how eager she was to fight."

"Basic battle tactics," Faragonda answered the question first, "Summoners are trouble. Kitty might not be strong, yet, but she does have a variety of beasts and she can summon more than one copy. The combos with others could be endless if done right. They are similar to Blade's weapons simply put a different kind of construct magic. Kitty isn't able to converge her summons with Light Magic but unless someone pumps Light Magic into them they won't break by contact. On top, Kitty has bigger magic reserves than Blade and as a Sorceress her pool size depends on how much she spends prior to a fight."

Nerrocean had stared at Votzaak silently before he started grinning, "She found one, ey?" He looked up from his Grandmaster this would be fun to watch. "Been a while since we saw one. And our dear Professor Daphne is right we can't let our new student die. The girl has no idea what she's getting into. Why not tag along? With us there, the Fairy Animal at least won't be able to kill her. We could set up some healers at the closest Order compound…" He went through preparations that would be needed.

Griselda stared at them, "You can't be serious." She already pinned the clipboard between her arm ready to give a proper scolding. "You-"

"Rather want her to go alone? It's either she goes with us or she'll use her free time. If Kitty indeed found one she won't resist the allure," Nerrocean pushed off the wall. "I'll ask where she found it. Let's do it in the next Advanced Battle Magic Class session. That should keep her from attempting alone." With that Nerrocean's Red Jade tattoos lit up and he turned into some water splash and shot out of the window with a few more hops he turned back to normal giving half the Fairies in the courtyard a scare and the other half something to stare at. It wasn't much difference to anywhere else, abs ruled with the ladies. "So, who of you fine Ladies and Princesses can help me find that Pandemonium class of mine?" He gave a charming smile to his best. Normally he was so imposing and dangerous but he could play the good guy and win over some noble Ladies' hearts easily.


The boys were already way ahead with their Owl and most girls had been up for a race. Marble just liked to collect data as always and planning on power improvements was always a valid idea while Rise just couldn't be bothered to race an airship today. And Kitty still tried to explain the greatness of a Zheng.

"A unicorn cat?" Rise was still so confused her little reddish light beam formed wings hummed as they flew over the lake.

"It's NOT a Unicorn. And not a stupid CAT!" Kitty hissed furiously one could think her dark skin turned into a burning red comet. "It's a Zheng!"

Marble chuckled as she searched the MagicWeb for some useful pictures, "Your description is a cat with five tails and a horn though…" She snickered.

"IT'S NOT A-AHHHHH!" The three girls made a hard brake as a water geyser shot up from the lake.

"There you are!" Nerrocean chuckling surfaced his dark scales glistening in the sun as his fin waved slightly about within the air. He of course took Kitty straight into a chokehold. She was already rampaging like a lion in his grip, "So Shapeshifting Witch, ey?"

"SORCERESS!" The little choir of girls rang in his ears.

Nerrocean gave a deadpan stare at all of them, "That is still the official title… Now, more importantly," he glanced at Kitty who was about to bite him to get free. His face darkened at the prospect. "Think carefully, girl. Next option might be a very soaked Sorceress…" He wasn't kidding.

"Then let go, you, Leviathan!" Kitty snarled right back at him. She tried to swing her legs up to gain any momentum. 'He wants to fight, he'll get one!' Kitty was more than eager to get her claws into any of those three.

"Leviathan? Ooooh. You got to be a lot stronger before you can go name-calling me, Hissy-fit," Nerrocean's magic flickered around him and he went straight into a deep dive with her into the water.

Rise looked to Marble as she even lost the dark spot underwater out of sight, "Are we supposed to help? Or…"

Marble chuckled, "Wanna get wet? No? Then keep moving on…" She simply flew up ahead, "Remember Griffin will have your head if you're late." Her Zenith dress fluttered in the wind as she sped up. Joined track was good and all, but this wasn't a mission.

Rise unsure if she should move on or not hovered over the lake. A deadly silence. It wasn't very fairy-like to leave someone behind, yet, "Griffin…" Rise gulped that woman was scary and she would see Griffin more often than Nerrocean. "Rest in peace, Kitty." She honoured the Sorceress's sacrifice with a small praying bow and dashed after Marble.


Water swirled everything a bubbly blur her arms felt numb Kitty couldn't even manage to move a muscle and that spinning… She felt like she was in a washing machine. Before she even managed to use her magic to breathe underwater. Suddenly fresh air hit her skin and she was dropped like some wet sack onto the shore bank. A deep gasp and cough as Kitty clawed a bit further into the meadow and pulled away from the settling lake.

"You-" Kitty was ready to have another go at Nerrocean but his imposing presence and crossed arms, the black purple-streaked wild hair, that ornamented belt plating it all demanded respect and that wasn't even his facial expression. Dark. "What's it to you?!"

"What's it to you, Master Nerrocean? My dear student," Nerrocean grinned cheekily at her as he cracked his knuckles, last warning. He could submerge her once more if he had to.

Kitty begrudgingly re-phrased as she stood up drenched even her little pigtails hung flat, "Why do you ask, Master Nerrocean...?" She still wasn't content, but there was no chance of winning this and he could stay underwater indefinitely unlike her.

"Zheng's are a sight to see and powerful. Votzaak and I gladly teleport you next Battle Magic Class. It would make for a perfect education lesson for all and surely as you are so confident that you will 'tame' your Zheng a few onlookers won't make much of a difference. We can easily keep the class off your back, so no one will get in the way or die. Unless you are afraid of course…" He knew exactly how to trigger Witches, well Sorceresses and Kitty was truly easy to stir.

"Of course not! I am very well prepared," Kitty puffed already offended. "Just keep them out of the way. Especially the other Sorceresses. That. Zheng. Is. Mine," She waved her hands with some magic to dry herself off.

"Great," Nerrocean hid his smirk well, "So planet and location?"

Kitty squinted her eyes at him with her cut-leopard-print shirt she looked just a bit like a feline predator, "You want to snatch it for your Order. Forget it!"

"Kitty, please, we have more than enough Zheng within the Order we have thousands of members. You know Votzaak. YOUR Zheng he surely has mapped already. So, it's more about putting out a veto for all our Order's Sorceresses. A Master's promise. No one will touch it." Nerrocean lowered down to stare at her eye to eye, "Unless you think I as a Master would lie about something this trifle." Even his normal tattoos were imposing.

Kitty tried her best not to show it still she moved an inch back in reflex, "Of course not…" Kitty looked to the side to avoid this intense eye contact. "Melody, near the Riversong spring in the mountains... I swear if it's gone when I get there!" She couldn't help but growl at the Merman.

"Hmm, up there… alright," Nerrocean nodded, "Don't set a foot onto that planet till next class." He snapped two fingers against her forehead and pumped some Dark Magic into her before she could even react.

"Hey!" Kitty grabbed the two fingers because for some reason she couldn't move her head away and instead tried to remove the fingers from her forehead. She could feel his curse forming but her own magic wasn't enough to counter it and she didn't want to waste too much magic before her fight with her soon-to-be Zheng. 'How can his fingers be so strong!?' She truly tried to rip them away to no avail.

Once the curse was complete Nerrocean pulled his hand back and Kitty nearly crashed into him as she had been raving around so much however he simply sidestepped her, "I'll know if you go to Melody." He still couldn't believe that someone at her level would even consider this, that be something to see. He smirked, 'Or teleport anywhere else…' He couldn't be entirely sure that she hadn't pulled one over him. "Well, till next week." Nerrocean gave his goodbyes and dived back into the lake again.

Kitty rubbed her forehead as if she could remove the curse that way, "Seriously! A tracking curse?" But Nerrocean was long gone, "Tch." There was no way for her to erase that herself. And even if she found someone… A shiver ran down her spine. "The nerve…" She pouted before she noticed. "Shit, Griffin. I'm gonna be late!" Her head turned around just to see Red Fountain behind her, which was the farthest away from Cloud Tower. "YOU ASSHOLE!"


"Order, order," Professor Dufour clapped into her hands, "Ladies and Gentlemen, come now, you can do this, Serina I do see you, stop hiding…" She sighed. They had trained a few steps for a ball waltz. But as somewhat expected there were a lot of complications the Fairies of course already knew a lot having danced on many balls. The Specialists had their fair share of training as well, Red Fountain had always made sure that their students at least knew the basics. Not to mention Lion who as a noble was quite used to such practices. Yet with the Sorceresses starting at zero, there was just a huge span of knowledge and also execution. "Third group please," Dufour called the pairs out.

"Please, don't break my feet…" Michael looked at Steela a bit worried while he made the requesting bow and offered his hand to be taken.

"Tch," Steela stemmed her hands into her hips. "You just suck at leading," she simply nodded for him to get a move on to the dance floor and get this done with.

Michael raised his eyebrows and pinched his freckled nose bridge, "Right…" A bit longingly he looked to his team leader.


Dusk gave Julius a picture-perfect bow as she drew her leg out behind and gave him a charming smile as she light as a feather laid her hand into his, "My pleasure."

Julius gave a slight nod, "You're surprisingly good at this for a Sorceress." He was so glad to have matched up with her. Kitty and Volcano both had to swap to be partners with Dean as he was more or less the only one to survive their onslaught of stomps and even then, Keith had to work a bit of healing magic but not just with those two.

"Of course, I am," Dusk sounded a bit scolding as her night blue dress flung around her legs in the first turn. Even if she was as always mostly barefoot as it was an old tradition of Eventides royalty. She neither stepped on him nor did she let Julius if he screwed up here and there occasionally. She had no problem staying high on her toes even without high heels. And with a bit of magic, it was more than easy to glide over the dance floor.


Kai was so tense and couldn't help but keep looking to the ground. Breeze like a lot of other Sorceresses simply wouldn't change into some better dance shoes and she of all people had high boots on. At least he had got her to agree to take off her long coat with the chains and an endless number of zippers and whatnot. Sadly, that was the only compromise he could achieve with the Melody Sorceress who loved more the metal kind of music rather than classic and as the girls didn't listen to Dufour at all in the department of attire, this was the best he could manage. After the last turn, Kai lowered his hand on Breeze's back to guide her into the back bend.

"HEY!" She promptly slapped him as she growled at him.

Kai was so short of slapping back, "Breeze…" His eyebrow twitched annoyed.

Dufour came promptly over, "What happened?!"

"He tried to grab my ass!" Breeze puffed utterly offended.

"It was the back bend… come on, we just had the explanation like half an hour ago. The hand only lowers like to hip height," Kai facepalmed.

Dufour wanted to speak up but got promptly cut off.

"Yeah, and your hand went way too low. I saw that smirk. I'm not dumb," Breeze glared at him before she theatrically turned on the spot and walked off to the sidelines.

"I didn't," Kai already wanted to rectify himself before the Professor.

Dufour closed her eyes with a big sigh, "At least I don't need to teach them how to exit a conversation when it goes in the wrong direction…" She placed her hand on Kai's shoulder. "Marble you're up."

"What!? She totally faked! Why do I have to-" Marble protested vehemently.

Breeze and Polarissa snickered, "Scardy-cat."

"Oh, yeah… Why don't you go then Po-la-ris-sa," Marble wouldn't be so easily tricked and simply gave the tiny Sorceress a push onto the Dance floor.

"Oh you," Polarissa balled her fists but Kai already snatched her hand tightly and went into a spin with her. He sped up so much that they kind of got into a bit of a leading duel about who could force the next step faster and into which direction.


"OUCH!" Steela pushed Michael back. "How incompetent are you?!" She rubbed her foot.

Michael breathed in deeply, "Stop taking the lead and FOLLOW. The Man is the lead dancer, Steela." This was so vexing.

"If you weren't so incompetent there'd be no need to take it. If you lose it so easily you suck at leading," Steela pointed bluntly at him.

"Steela," Dufour had to get control quickly. "Please relax. Michael is a descent dancer and a GENTLEMAN if you truly are so afraid to trust another person you'll never-"

"AFRAID?! I'm NOT afraid!" Steela screamed so loud it overshadowed the magic instruments Tasu, Snow and Nebula were infusing with magic so they could auto-play the waltz.

Alyssa, Birdy and Tessa coughed as they tried their best to hide their giggling at Steela's outburst.


Tyson stood by his brother Keith who was currently healing Gilliana's ankle, "This is harder than Codatorta's survival training…"

Seth puffed, "That's putting it mildly…" He massaged his neck. He had danced with Amber and Misery, which both had been actually good.

Max, Damon and Alex from his team enviously disagreed. They hadn't had as much luck with the Sorceresses as him, "You have no right to complain…"


A few steps away Tessa nudged Mercury into the side, "Come now, why do you look so grim? You're not that bad."

Mercury stared a bit annoyed at Amal in his dashing suit he truly had gone all out. The boy stuck out like a sore thumb considering the Specialists were in their training suits, still he was the one who looked like the true gentleman around here out of them all. He was having a laugh with Blade, Lion, Rise and Dahlia. "I'm not looking grim," Mercury replied a bit on edge. His eyes always snapped back to Blade in that black dress that was embroidered with some crystals in a starlight pattern. 'Just stunning… how did he even get her to agree to ware this today? …Ahhh, why did he have to come at all? MMMmmmh, Dufour even agreed that he could always dance with Blade in her turns. He did come out to Alfea just to help out. Makes sense for the Lady Professor to agree..."

"Someone's jealous," Volcano grinned at him, she had noticed his hidden gazes. "Just ask her, Mercury. Surely, she'll oblige your request. You two-"

"No," Mercury closed his eyes and turned his back to Blade who stood with the others near the door.

"If you want the girl you gotta be more assertive," Kitty poked him in the back as she leaned over his shoulder. "Girls like that…" She smirked.

"You might like that," Mercury stared at her aggravated, "There is no reason whatsoever to do that. I am happy for Blade – both of them. It is unbecoming to steal someone else's dance partner on a ball. Not to mention they are a couple who barely had time together since the Joined Track started and Amal has lots to do in the Council. As the Second in command of Team E, it is my job to make sure she's in good spirits." He had decided against some shitty love battle back at the end of the Task Force. Blade needed peace and if she truly would be happy with Amal on the long run… He just wanted her to be happy. See her beautiful smile every day. She deserved it. 'So stupid. I need to get a grip. I see her more often than even Amal. He loves her truly, he ain't a bad guy…' Still, it nagged at him today maybe a bit more because of that dress which Amal had picked out for her. It was truly spectacular. Nonetheless, he would give anything to be the one to dance with Blade.

"Such a prude," Kitty snorted and tried to pinch him but her hand got deflected by Mercury.

Tessa intervened to help Mercury, "Wrong. He's mature. Besides the only prudes I see here are you, Sorceresses. A bit of seriousness in these dance lessons wouldn't hurt any of you. It's not that hard…" She tried to swap the topic.

"Says the princess…" Kitty rolled her eyes and put her hands on her hips. "Still, buddy. You two are a much better fit if you ask me. The way you duel-"

Mercury gave her an intense glare, "That's HERS to decide. Butt out." A fierce warning before he loosened his shoulders. "There is no point in casual dating. I don't want to be compared to another guy all the time. We guys aren't just some buffet to be strolled around and end up second or third choice. If she decides against someone it should be simply because it's not a match. Not because she could possibly have a better relationship with someone else."

Tessa blinked, "Wow, you are really serious about this." She had not expected that his reasons were so sincere. She caressed her chin, "I do know some nice girls who have the same approach. I could set you up if you want a distra-" But he already turned away and moved on to Dean, Keith and Seth, "…or not."

"Just let him suffer if he wants to," Volcano chuckled fiendishly as she thought he couldn't hear her anymore. "I could also make a potion for some cash if you want to free him from his curse." She offered Tessa.

Mercury smirked at her over his shoulder, "If anyone needs a potion we go to Misery. Hers work at least."

"HEY!" Volcano called out offended.

"Pfff, ahahahaha, walked right into that one," Tessa had to hold her stomach as she laughed so hard.

Dufour looked into their direction, "Please, order!" A deep sigh. 'What am I supposed to do with all these ruffians even our dear Ladies…'


"Yeah! Scared?" Rise grinned wide at Blade, "Don't tell me you only agree to duels you know you have a chance of winning." She leaned against Lion's shoulder.

"Let's have a battle then at the sandbox," Blade fired back.

Rise puffed, "You wish. Come on, don't tell me the great warrior is so easily backed into a corner."

It had only been a joke. Dahlia raised her hands to calm both of her friends down, "Guys… I just meant that considering you have more dance experience than Blade you'd win a dance contest against her. Not to start a dance death match…" She squirmed. It was no secret that Rise always lost in fight class against Blade. So that'd be her chance. Her one chance to beat Blade.

"Rise... leave it be…" Lion laid a hand on her shoulder pretending to be nice just to follow up with his taunt, "It's unfair to show up a commoner that way."

Amal's face grew dark, the first time for anyone but Blade, "So ugly. How unbecoming to talk like some tyrant in front of subjects of another Kingdom."

"Ehh-" Lion was a bit confused about that strange vibe that came from the ever-shy boy. He was a bit stumped. Quickly got a grip and thought about how to counter that one, "I only state the truth."

"Truth without love is worse than a poisoned dagger," Blade remarked behind Amal. The Sorceresses weren't the only commoners who had brushed up on court plays these past days.

Rise got all flustered, "Backstabbing… WE CHALLENGE YOU! Dance off, NOW!" She demanded. She knew full well Blade wouldn't be able to walk away, her pride demanded to accept the challenge. And while they weren't bad they weren't the best dancers during the exercises. Amal had talked and explained had focused more on correcting poses. The two truly had a lot of conversations.

"No need to fear," Amal turned around his shiny purple eyes reassuringly glancing over his Warrior Queen. "Trust me?" Such a charming smile as he bowed his head his turquoise curly hair streaked back even his bangs orderly combed to the sides. A perfect bow as his hand steadily rose to be accepted. 'No one plays my Blade for a fool. I'll show you…' He was raging inside.

Blade tilted her head a bit surprised. It wasn't often to saw him so passionate. "I'm in your hands," she went into a curtsy steeled for the challenge her posture perfect as she went serious just like her precious Amal. Courtesy of his fresh up. When it was about her grades Amal was meticulous in battering the know-how into her like no other. Still a bit unsure if their training was enough though.

In full synch they both rose like on a silver plate Amal guided her to the dance floor. Presenting her like a crown jewel taking the spotlight before Rise or Lion could snatch the opportunity.

The other Sorceresses eagerly made way. Finally, someone else's turn. Only Dusk left calmly the dance floor with Julius. She happily smiled as she gave the two a nod, "You show them Blade. Make Dark Magic users proud." She encouraged her and gave a thankful smile to Amal. 'They got them good there. Amal's not to be trifled with when it's about Court. He's a hidden fiend in disguise. People forget who his boss is. If he only wouldn't be so shy all the time…'

Amal lovingly stared at Blade, the dress the way it adorned her curves softly and it was as light as her movements and yet so strong in presence just when she was on the battlefield. Amal tenderly guided her to turn to face her and drew her in close. He was a bit smaller than her, but when he looked into her bright blue eyes nothing mattered.

Blade felt her heart pounding she could play it cool to the outside all she wanted if she had her bracelet on it would go crazy right now. 'Come on, you can do this…somehow…' She breathed out as she laid her hand gently on his left shoulder.

Amal with a straight back one hand positioned on his back the other slung around her hip not too far yet enough to place the tip of his fingers on Blade's spine. He gave them a few steps back and forth nothing special. "Calm down, I got this," Amal whispered to her, "blend the rest out." Once he was sure Blade had his rhythm he went into a turn and always made sure their hips kept the same distance. 'Perfect, no matter the battlefield,' his heart pounded so strongly his plan in floriation, 'You'll regret those words, Julius.'

Blade followed his every shift as he progressed the steps with a bit of uptake at the pivotal moments. 'Amal's right. It's just with face-turn attacks. I can do this.' Her insecurity faded from her eyes.

Amal pulled Blade a bit closer his hand a few inches deeper as she gracefully leaned back, over-stretched into a crescent form. 'She's got the stamina to hold that indefinitely longer than any Lady. Heh, Lion take that.' A challenging grin on his lips while his arm lifted from the shoulder onwards a bit so her hand could slide flawlessly from his shoulder down and along before it reached his hand. Nevertheless, his eyes never left Blade's.

Concentrated on her breathing Blade closed her eyes. Indeed, the same technique she and Mercury used to train sometimes. It worked not only for combat but dance as well, 'Amal's a genius. Just see this as a sequence of sword stances, Blade. This is a duo battle. Easy, he leads and I'll support.' She felt out his rhythm synced up and with her eyes closed she wasn't distracted by anything or anyone. One deep breath, 'He's the one to slash…'

'And she's the one to thrust,' Amal knew any official ball dance from beginning to end. All those move sets and he lined them up perfectly choosing wisely among all of those, picking those closest to steps she knew from combat repeating some into a wonderful choreograph.

And there were plenty to choose from which were easy yet with great visual impact. It truly shined through how much he knew the dance floor as the intern of a Councillor who travelled to many places and events a must. Yet him being always in the background and so shy everyone easily forgot anything else besides his tech skills.

Amal and Blade sped up as he guided her closer and a bit to his side like an extension of each other a sword to be drawn from its shaft. 'Time for a killing blow,' Amal with determination burning in his purple eyes gave an unseen tab on her back before like lightning he drew his sword in his hands.

Like a sharp edge Blade spiralled out her feet so close as they glided over the dance floor, each step with deadly precision a rising hit count to anyone watching. 'Now!' She stopped like frozen in time her dress like a swirl into the deepest depths of the infinity ocean. Their fingertips were barely on each other as they nailed the pose together. For that one second that felt like an eternity. Her skin tingled she couldn't be prouder.

While Blade stayed in her pose. Amal looked so satisfied, 'There you are, my Warrior Queen, in all your glory,' his eyes sparkling as he slowly walked forward his only turning point her fingertips as she like a statue held her straining pose without a drop of sweat falling. 'That's something only she can do. The body of a warrior forged in the fire of combat.' Amal couldn't be pleased. Every step he took with purpose as her fingertips were his turning point before they stood face to face once more and he reached out and intertwined his fingers with her other hand. Their pose so intimate and yet graceful only inches from each other and each other's breath on their lips. "We won…" He whispered sweet like honey to her.

Blade felt that he pulled her backwards as he slightly drew down just to pivot in the next step extended. "Amal…" Her eyes slowly opened as they made gentle turns encompassing the entire dance floor. 'He's something else always going full out. Typical him,' She lost herself a bit in his eyes. With him this felt so easy so familiar as if she had done this since birth. He knew exactly where to step what muscle to move and how to translate his next dance step to her without a single word. It was the exact same when fighting with a partner next to her. It didn't matter who was watching all eyes were upon them. Everyone was utterly stunned and speechless that only the magic instruments could be heard.

Amal smiled back at her, butterflies in his stomach, a wish for this to last forever. Yet his gaze spotted Lion in their turn just beyond Blade's fine features and her golden dreadlocks, 'That'll teach you. No one trash talks my Queen.' A piercing glare only in the blink of an eye towards Lion as he drew the dance to a slow and dramatic close.


"By the Dragon…" Dahlia was still stunned she noticed the slight flinch from Lion but that was the least of her concerns. "Since when is she such a good dancer…?" Dahlia clawed a bit nervously into her short flower dress.

"Yeah…" Rise was baffled as well, "In the exercises they weren't even half as good…" She hardened her hold on Julius's hand. This would be tough to beat just with no readied choreography.

"Amazing…" Julius had studied their step succession closely after he had taken a spot near them next to the walls in fact many had drawn to that side to make way as Amal with all their turns had demanded so much of the room just for the two of them. "I had no idea one could use her fighting skills…"

Unexpectantly Palladium with Avalon next to him resounded in the door frame none of the students had noticed them arriving, "He has her analysed inside out." Palladium had to chuckle there. 'Who would have thought that Amal could draw the noble Lady out of Blade as if it were so easy.'

"Indeed, still, never would have guessed he could so effortlessly use her sword skills for a nearly flawless execution of a ball dance," Avalon was impressed. Blade's aura had calmed down similar to when she was fighting instead of being her nervous self as she often was with such courtly things. 'The boy on the other hand… Anger and satisfaction, huh.' He glanced at Lion's aura, 'He did succeed in his goal to teach the noble Lion a lesson that's for sure.' Still, for such a shy guy that wasn't the primary emotion he would have expected. Yet there were all kinds of people in this world. Some rarer than others he was as mysterious in that regard as Blade. Avalon watched them take the final bow truly a worthy show off of skills.

"Bravo!" Professor Dufour clapped her applause. Excited and rejoiced FINALLY some top-tier dancing. A prime example that anyone could learn to dance, "See, my dear Sorceresses, nothing is out of reach dancing is not just about nobility and birthright. You can achieve anyt-"

"HEY! Why don't you do that!" Steela ignored the professor completely and hissed at Michael, "If YOU would lead like that I'd be getting an A Plus get your shit together!"

"WHAT!?" Michael growled back, "You are the one refusing to follow any step I take!" He had it with all that bitching. THEY were the problem.

"Oh, you're on Blade!" Kitty right out snatched Avalon's hand. "Here comes my A plus." She was fired up and it obviously was about the choice of the dance partner.

"The Paladin!? NO FAIR!" Volcano busted Steela to the side as she took hold of the elven Wizard. A murderous grin on her lip.

Palladium saw past the Dominonian Sorceress. Dufour was so overwhelmed with those rowdy Sorceresses. A glance to Avalon as their eyes met. 'Ooooh, you're on,' he held firm as Volcano was about to drag him onto the dance floor.

Volcano felt the jolt in her arm as she was held back furiously and turned around to give Palladium a piece of her mind. But her words got stuck in her throat as that wild blond hair settled and his hazelnut eyes glimmered before her. He looked at her so… differently, like no one had ever looked at her, "…"

"It'd be an honour," Palladium gave her a gentleman's smile as he gave the slightest bow and held out his free hand to request the dance as it was proper custom while he escaped her tight grasp unseen.

Kitty stammered quite similarly. Avalon had used her momentum to pull her back to draw her back in a spiral and slid around her before with just one finger of his hand had pushed up her own hand and in reflex, the girl had clung to it and came to a halt. Avalon's long braid fell over his shoulder to the front as he gave a gracious bow, "If I may have this dance, Princess of the Wild." A smile that could even melt the Omega Dimension.

"…Eh…Sure…yes…" Kitty was so dizzy and puzzled as Avalon guided her to the dance floor right next to Palladium. 'You'll lose,' a short side glance to Palladium.

The boys weren't sure if they should be outraged at the girls or stunned by the two Professors. They so easily guided the two most rampaging Sorceresses across the dance floor as if they were true Ladies who had done nothing other than dance. The girls didn't pull or block any turn. And the two gentlemen were so elegant even when the Sorceresses badly misstepped, which happened a damn lot, they simply outmanoeuvred them with their own steps or pirouetted the girls to reset and made those mistakes basically disappear. It was a beautiful two-pair dance they weaved around each other.

The rest of the Sorceresses stared in disbelief was this truly something they could achieve one day? Not just some foolish concept they had to endure to gain the benefits of the Joined Track? If even those two could look good. What were the possibilities if they stuck around for five years!?

Avalon was in his next turn when his eyes flew across the student crowd. 'Ouch… poor boy…ahhh…' He hated to lose to Palladium. Yet as a Professor, it would be highly unbecoming to do anything else with his next move set he slowed down and halted Kitty and himself in a pose and gave a slight bow to Kitty, who staggered a bit as she still tried to figure out what spell the Paladin had used on her.

Palladium noticed of course and as it was a tat unlike Avalon to simply give up for no good reason - he hadn't made a mistake so far after all. So, Palladium followed up with the same only seconds behind Avalon. Palladium looked up as he straightened out again, "A candle flame is as mesmerizing as a firestorm. It all depends on the occasion, Volcano."

Volcano lost for words stared into those hazelnut eyes. They weren't mocking, not deceiving, they were true. She tried to play it cool but a slight blush graced her cheeks. "Of-of…course…." She blinked so confused by her own reaction as the Elf turned to leave with the Paladin.

Gilliana and Breeze broke out into a fit, "Oh, come on, how incompetent are you guys!?" They straight out pointed at the boys.

"US?!" The bigger half screamed back, "YOU never listen!"

"YOU NEVER LEAD!"

"YEAH! RIGHT!"

"YOU ARE MORE STUBBORN THAN DRAGONS!"

"I'm not a stupid SKY SNAKE!"

A massive battle ensued and shattered that serene atmosphere. Every hope Dufour had for this to have been the turning point for this class evaporated into thin air within seconds as the Professors walked out. '… What am I going to do with them?' She didn't even try to out-scream the students. 'They are so tiring…'

Dean was probably the most dumbfounded of all of the Specialists, "How did you manage that?..." He kinda asked as the Professors left for the door and many other Specialists were eager to know as well.

"QUIET DOWN!" Avalon demanded of the raging half and to Dufour's relief, they did somewhat. Then he dead serious looked at the boys before him eager to know that secret. "Hm? It's all about Lady of course." He smirked a bit amused at the eager Specialists who were desperate for some quick fix to their dilemma. Palladium nodded in agreement and so they passed them by and left them as clueless as before as the kids didn't quite grasp the statement. And the huge onslaught of accusations that ensued, though quieter, was their cue to leave. It was imperative that they learned to function as a class.


"Ah, boys that age are so clueless," Palladium chuckled further in the hallway, "That still counts as a win for me, though. You forfeited." He straightened his blond hair out again.

"Sure, sure," Avalon pulled his sleeves up, "But you lost to me in the best Professor department, so it's a draw at best. After all, teaching comes before ego." He mocked a bit.

"Teaching, ey? Did you miss out on Volcano? Even someone so enthralled with a 'Princess of the Wild' can't be that oblivious," He snickered. "Ridiculous title…" He puffed.

"At least mine was true to Kitty's nature. I mean, 'candle flame'? You can do so much better, Mr. Alfean Sunshine…" Avalon chuckled. It was so easy for them to make female students sigh even when they didn't try. "Have fun with your new-found fan… hope you're ready for her." He snorted so hard.

"As if a lone Sorceress could make me struggle, please. We survive Aurum's class all week long. This is for the long hall, you were just too scared to take the hit for the team, Lord Angel," He sneered back. "That girl needs to dim down her temperament," Palladium shook his head. Volcano was indeed a piece of work no matter what class. So, of course, he would rub it in now being the knight in shining armour this time around. "I gave her vision. What could be more important than that?" He propped his hand upon his chest proudly.

"Granted. Just don't die by a poisoned apple when you break her heart…" Avalon laughed amused. "And to answer your question, Mr. Oblivious, not outshining or straight out destroying the little ego that was demonstrated by a student who already managed the improbable IS more important." Avalon looked over to his buddy who slowly dropped his dramatic pose.

"Cause of Blade?" Palladium couldn't believe it. He knew Avalon was invested in her training a bit more than with others yet…this seemed a bit much even for him. "Please, she can take that punch no problem. Don't tell me I have to read you the school rules about teacher and student interactions," Palladium gave him a warning glare. Charming a few Fairies or well Sorceresses here and there to motivate them was one thing, but more? Never.

Avalon sighed, his gaze wandered outside the window, "Not talking about her…" The weather wasn't the best the clouds only had started to gather. "Hmm… it will rain today…"

"Eh?" Palladium frowned as they turned around the next corner to get to their offices. "Wait… Amal?" He whispered as he rubbed his chin. "He didn't look bothered at all…Are you pulling my leg?" He intensely stared at Avalon.

"A mask well crafted. His Court skills are impressive for such a young age… no wonder Votzaak accepted him as an intern. Still, he's so shy... there's no way I as a Professor would destroy what little confidence he gained even if he isn't our student." This time around he wasn't joking. He meant it. "If he gets over that fear of disappointing people… he'll outclass at least half of nobility in no time… sadly not a trait to be taught but only encouraged."

"….Hmmm… fine a draw for now. But I'm telling you. My points will only skyrocket don't underestimate my candle play," Palladium was more than satisfied with himself.

"If she burns down your office I ain't helping to rebuild it," Avalon laid a hand on the door handle of his office as they stopped.

"Says the Paladin to the Wizard. And just so you know fire won't even singed mine. Don't tell me you still haven't fortified your runes on your office. Griffin wasn't joking around. Fire will be the least of your problems once the Sorceresses fail your written mini-test next week."