School went on. Blade truly had trouble several days were missing and she had to play along pretending she knew what had been going on. Luckily they were mostly covering things from the first year of the standard courses as everyone had to get on the same level otherwise she'd be swimming in problems. The social component was bad enough, to her relief most students gave little hints when they noticed she didn't remember. The class was on edge no matter how hard they tried to look relaxed the tension wouldn't quite subside. Especially Professor Avalon looked at them always confused and pondering though he didn't say anything just yet. The teachers eased up with the pressure of their punishment for the unsanctioned simulator use. Apparently, they had gotten too worried. The class couldn't be sure nonetheless there was no better explanation.
In the afternoon, it was the basic battle class with Avalon and Palladium. The entire class had to partake in that course like always. Yet when they reached the arena grounds, to their surprise, they also found Codatorta and Karim standing there next to Alfea's Professors.
"What's going on?" Dahlia rubbed her arm. Everything was so vexing. Any change, the wrong glance, the questions in her head her note had said not to worry and trust Blade and Seth but they seemed more out of it than anyone else.
Nebula snorted at Sienna's joke and Clue went bright red. The little Pixi was always by Sienna's side. "To the stars and beyond!" Nebula abruptly jumped on Blade's back.
"Hey!" Balde caught herself her feet slipping shorty in the sand before she glared up at Nebula but her lavender hair only got into her mouth.
"Uuuh, dragon battle!" Kai jumped on Dean's back clawing into his cloak ready for a two versus two. "Let's go, big guy!" He always was a class clown currently even more so. His note had only said one thing, 'don't ask questions and keep everyone smiling' and he be damned if he wouldn't be able to do his part.
"…." Dean shook his head, "I'm not a dragon and certainly not yours…" he grabbed over his shoulders taking hold of Kai's cloak and hurled him over his head. A muffled thud as the boy's back hit the sandbed.
"OooahhhH!" Kai tried to pull himself up while he groaned as half the class burst into laughter and the other half stared at him with a death wish they just had gotten back on the teachers' good side after all. 'Worth it,' A smile flitted over his lips.
"Someone sucks at his dragon riding class," Alyssa walked onwards and up and over Kai as if he was a stepping stone. The boy grunted shortly as his face kissed the sand once again.
Julius rolled his eyes and cut other Sorceresses off from doing the same. He gave his Team E's class clown a hand followed by a gentle head slap. "Don't let them walk all over you. We barely can keep them in line as it is."
"Yeah, yeah," Kai dusted off his blue cloak. Today they had been ordered to come in their Paladin armour for some weird reason. In Palladium's and Avalon's course, they next to never used them which had the boys guessing.
Codatorta stared at the class whose spirit at least had improved since they had eased up on their rebuke. "And straight back to shenanigans…" He grumbled under his breath. "I should-" his foot stepping forward ready to drill some sense into them.
"They're just blowing off steam," Avalon looked across the line-up happy to see their auras had improved and weren't as gloomy anymore. "Are you sure you can teleport so many?" He looked to Karim.
The Werfox raised his snout slightly offended, "Who do you think you are talking to, Paladin?" His silver tail flicked and kicked up a gust.
"I would converge but we can't. Why had there to be an emergency with the Hunter Division," Palladium rubbed his neck. It was such a commodity to have the nasty leprechaun around. Votzaak's teleportation skills were just the best.
Karim summoned his staff with the big ornament on its head end and rammed its shaft into the sand. "Well, I'd rather go hunt Vulmaro as well from the chatter I am getting, he or she, released a bunch of red crystal monsters on Dublare." It was such a pain Vulmaro always got away the Head Hunters swore they had seen a woman or smelled her, like Itzcali. And Fane was damn sure that it had been a guy. Nevertheless, Vulmaro had escaped plenty of times using the Red Crystals as distracitons forcing the Orders to sort out the Black Magic messes rather than taking Vulmaro down. Or Vulmaro vanished into thin air and once they had been so close yet weren't able to stop the teleportation circle.
Avalon and Palladium sighed at the same time rubbing their foreheads in sync. Aurum would chew their ears off in the coming days. And they had their fair share of problems with red crystals anyway. Students encountered those sporadically on missions most of the time they hadn't been active just yet. Let alone the time it took to clean Magix City from all those doves. The pandemic was at least contained for now.
"Did I say something wrong?" Karim leaned over to see Codatorta. The kids were nearly in earshot.
Codatorta gave a belly laugh, "No, no, Lord Angel and Alfean Sunshine just enjoy thinking about a golden Princess that is taxing." He shortly cracked his knuckles as he pinned down the students in front of them with his glare who were still fooling around. Promptly they behaved.
"Indeed, their nobility is… irritating," Karim smirked having just a speck of pity for the two Professors. "They pay their debts, always, sometimes a bit stingy. However, most pay a pretty sum for successful missions."
Codatorta raised an eyebrow he also had only trouble with them when he had to send Specialists. "All right, lads and ladies," Codatora raised his voice as they settled down. "Oi!" He roared at the far end where Serina had spooked Amber with another illusion. "You can unlock Charmix another day!" He crossed his arms standing there like a towering golem. "Today we're going on a school trip."
"Yesss," Birdy rejoiced happy to finally get off Magix. Her light dress flapped shortly in her delight.
Rise moaned, "School trips with Codatorta always end up in a disas…" She mumbled and went red as she noticed how all four teachers were focused on her. She gave a weak smile pretending she had said nothing.
Professor Palladium cleared his throat in a little warning measure. He stepped forward as Karim walked to the side to draw the runes. "FOCUS. Today we are going off-planet to find a Luna Fennec. Dusk, please come up front and explain your thoughts as this trip is by your request."
The entire class looked utterly surprised at the Queen of Evenide. "Of course," Dusk nodded and ignored the confusion as she walked barefoot over the sand. Her night-blue dress looked a bit more ethereal today. "I was inspired by Kitty and her wish to boost her power by gaining a dark Fairy Animal. Yet my power doesn't rely mainly on my powers but rather on my royal standing as Queen of Eventide. The Luna Fennec is a Light Magic Fairy animal that doesn't bind itself to any Fairy. And-"
"THEY'RE SO CUTE!" Rise screamed as she threw her hands up into the air. "The fluffy fur! Queen Stella made a whole collection just last year and was so upset that the fluff balls didn't want to come - not one!"
"Seriously?" Tessa rubbed her ear. "You're louder than a thunderstorm… granted though those Luna Fennecs are just adorable. But why would they bond with a Sorceress? They use Light Magic."
"And Wild Magic," Marble pulled up a picture. "Uuh, true, pink, fluffy, huge ears and baby eyes. No wonder you sparkles love that pipsqueak."
Kitty eyed the picture shortly, "Urgh, useless, a Zheng can gobble that up in a second." Her ice-blue eyes dismissed that Fairy Animal quickly. "You can't fight with that." She disapproved of Dusk's choice and didn't hide it at all.
Dusk sighed deeply, "That's because you are superficial." She didn't back down and spoke with the wisdom of a Queen pushing her black hair off her shoulder with grace. "I said my power comes from being a Queen. Can you imagine how jealous all those nobles are gonna be when I come with a Luna Fennec to the next grand ball? With the one fairy animal that no matter how hard they try they can never bond with? THAT is political power. Some I am still lacking." She stated so earnestly, and yet with her head held high.
"No more hiding in corners, huh?" Tasu gave her a nod, "That is a sound strategy. They'll be forced to talk and be seen with you if they want to even get close to the Luna Fennec." She rubbed over her chin in thought.
"Hello? That still doesn't answer the question," Polarissa groaned and stomped her foot, "IF it's light magic this trip is a waste of time. You said we'd train underwater spells together!" She growled at Palladium. She was eager to get her journey for power started. Her Sirenix guardian was so utterly useless and rude didn't even come out of the box.
Palladium shook his head curtly, "Certainly not when requested in such an improper way," He straightened his green west, "The reason for Luna Fennecs to prefer Sorceresses is simple. The planet they live on is mostly dark, their days are very short only a few hours. You could say it's a planet of endless night as some poets deemed it so. They use light magic to attract their food and wild magic to take it down. A palace where it's bright all the time doesn't suit them all too much. Simply put their compatibility is low. Also, Sorceresses are not unnecessarily handsy. Luna Fennecs don't like being touched by strangers." He trailed off a bit at the end.
"Yeah, that tracks…" Snow nodded, "any noble would hand it around like the newest handbag they got. "So, why are we all going?"
Avalon checked on Karim's progress, "You got to see more of the universe to understand it in a grand scheme. Also, you can help Dusk find hers, helping your friends, and teamwork, is the basis for the Joined Track. There is nothing better to teach you about her to-be-companion than to go with her. It'll be educational." His eyes lingered on Kitty who had botched her attempt to get a Zheng and was out of her league. 'And hopefully, you all relax. What in all the worlds has them on edge.' He couldn't make sense of all those auras which were right and off at the same time.
The shine of the teleportation subsided into a slight fog that trailed away from the class. It indeed was pitch black. If not for some fireflies and other shy critters that promptly hid and scattered as the entire class arrived.
Giant strangler figs made up the forest. There was not one real tree insight. But the root networks created hollow trees that were beautiful and haunting in the lacking light all at the same time. The calls of birds, insects, monsters and Fair animals created a symphony none of them had heard before. A planet untouched by civilisation that belonged to nature. Everyone besides the boys could feel the magic brimming around them. The Fairies even more so than the sorceresses.
"Alright then," Codatorta took the reigns again, "I hope you have listened up in Tracking class. You have till the end of the class, two hours, to help Dusk to find her Luna Fennec. How you find the newest addition to the Joined Track is up to you. Dusk as it is your request you are leading this mission. We'll be around for safety reasons and… questions. Don't get eaten, don't get lost." With that, he turned away and picked up some kindling from the ground to build one signal fire to keep warm. He'd be at the 'base camp' if anyone were to get separated. Karim already faded into the darkness of the forest. Palladium had found his first plant of interest and Avalon searched for strange auras in his range.
The kids split up. The boys did a grid search. Fairies asked nature and Sorceresses either fooled around or considered what trap to build. Dusk had given a rundown of likes and dislikes and what she was looking for exactly. And what clues to follow.
Blade stared into the endless black it felt truly like it was staring back. Her fist trembling as she stood among the strangler figs. Her hand placed on the bark she wanted to connect to nature but she never spoke the spell. She easily had vanished from sight as well after all for now it was recognisance. 'What was I thinking…?' Those hopeful eyes full of gratitude that Seth shot her every now and then were suffocating. 'Got to get a grip,' her hand pulled away and she punched the root that had supported her. "Damn it," She shuddered from pain she whinced shortly a bit of magic and the pain subsided quickly.
"Blade?" Julius resounded closely behind her. The light green crystal in his chest plate gave off enough light so he could see something. He eyed her concerned, he knew better than to ask and yet it was his job as leader of Team E. "…" No word came across his lips. They stood there in silence a thousand words screaming in their eyes that never be voiced. Unable to do anything he finally asked, "Need anything? Anything at all?" His note had been so vague 'Look out for Blade, trust Lion'. It wasn't much to go on. He did know from Shanna as she had mentioned with every student in their sessions that people were looking for Jewel's diadem ring. So it wasn't hard to place the note in general. Nonetheless, he felt so utterly helpless his shoulders slacked as Blade didn't speak a word. "You should be more careful, straying too far has its own dangers. It's not worth it."
Blade turned away she didn't want to hear it. "I know what I am doing – we'll find that Luna Fennec faster when we split. Want to give me a boost?" She looked up the root network that reached for the hidden sky behind all those leaves.
"Sure," Julius wanted to say so much more hindered by the vow of silence they had all taken for Seth to protect Jewel's last wish. Still, it all seemed so unfair.
Dusk was accompanied by Tasu and Birdy. Her eyes were piercingly sharp as she had sent out her magic to connect with the shadows and track movement off all that was around while the two were running voice of nature.
"I think it's a great idea," Birdy chimed once more. "Don't let Kitty get under your skin. All she thinks about is combat," Her pink wings fluttered as she rounded some trees fascinated by all this beauty.
Tasu traced the ground searching for underground streams no matter what Fairy animal they all had to drink if they could find a lake or river it be easy to find footprints. "Well, it would be great to also have something powerful. We too will be Queen one day. It's a lot to handle. I was sent to Alfea to get as strong as possible in the shortest amount of time as possible. It's the same for you right?"
Birdy rolled her eyes, "Yes, I know plus creating connections. Once we are finished with the Joined Track we'll have to learn even more about how to run an entire Kingdom. After all our Kingdoms aren't as rich as Solaria or Eraklyon."
"Or even Dublare," Dusk rolled her eyes, "They have so much money… and are just so… So-"
"Entitled," Birdy snickered. "Well, they print the most coins and money, as their planet has plenty of resources in that regard. And they do anything for good press and business opportunities. I think only Zenith has them beat in investments."
"Cause they are smarter," Dusk noted on the side as she halted shortly, infusing more magic into her shadows. "Cunning is the one thing I need to be. Besides no Sorceress even went for a Luna Fennec because they are so weak. Or at least nothing of worth is recorded. No one knows how strong they can grow. They don't have to push their limits on this planet it's the ideal habitat. Only adversity will make one strong." She stated so fiercely if any one of the Joined Track nobles and Royals, she knew this best. Being the first Sorceress Queen since ages or rather in this new age was utterly frowned upon. Not only had she had problems getting invited to festivities. Even if she was on balls she was the odd one standing out. Most of the time she'd been avoided entirely. Now with her new allies and friends, this had slowly changed and the grand achievements they had managed together as a class. "It's not enough. I need to get stronger. My Kingdom needs to be stronger if it ever wants to prosper and be safe from things like Red Crystals. I can't build an army with sticks and stones." Her voice had that raw bitterness and rage to it. "I promised my parents – my people…" She mumbled in a silent whisper.
Tasu halted and looked at her short of saying something. She understood her so well more than Dusk knew. It would change nothing not for her not for Dusk. "Only one way; forward," she proclaimed as she pointed in a direction, "I'd say that way. There is a pound of some sort."
Birdy gave a thumbs up, "Yeah, I can feel nature is strong in that direction." She settled back down on the ground and let her Winx vanish. "You got this. After all, you should be able to beat one of those fluffballs, no problem"
"I know I won't leave empty-handed," Dusk took a deep breath. "But I am still searching for 'the one'." Her bare feet were secure and steadfast in every step she took. A quick check on her bracelet showed everyone had marked what they had found on the map and indeed everything pinpointed to one spot.
Dean stretched the entire length of his body, "Boys, this is a forest to my liking." His trusty tower shield deactivated only his Dadao sword at the read, the black blade nearly merging into the background. The huge handle of the hefty sword was just right for the tall Specialist.
Michael chuckled, "Oooh, don't remind me of Laciport. I hope I never have to see that jungle of death again…" The redhead had his ice crossbow holstered on his back and kept poking every plant and bug in sight.
"Will you stop that!" Keith hissed when Michael saw the wonders of nature he saw the unknown deathtrap. "Do you even know what you are touching!?" the short black hair was about to stomp over and give him a piece of his mind.
Tyson laughed and gracefully flicked his ponytail, "Oh brother, you got to relax. Even Virion only gets bitchy after something happens, not before." He took him in a hold and both tried to outmanoeuvre each other in their little squabble.
"CAUSE THEY KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TOUCHING!" Keith protested vehemently as he pressed against his brother's chin. "If you're so hopeful, why don't you become a healer, huh?! Team A still has none and you all suck at first aid."
Tyson gave him a boot to the ass and then posed poetically as if he pondered the meaning of life, "Hmm, sure. Why not. Mum will get off my back to learn something besides hammering something with my mace. Besides I already know all that theoretical stuff considering how often I quiz you for minor tests. Who knows maybe I become a real healer."
"Buddy, you're missing the magic for that," Seth chuckled and stifled a laugh at Keith's inability to counter. "Though, got to say, Tyson, the medical brother duo sounds at least flashy," he was so content that just knowing the ring was safe inside the amulet was enough for him. Sure he was worried however he believed in the plan, they just had to stall time. Still, a sigh escaped him.
"Don't worry," Dean gave him a clap on the shoulder, "Blade's not mad at you. A few burned cookies are nothing to her." Of course, same as anyone else he couldn't talk about the big thing. Though his note simply had said 'not your business'. He took anything head-on and knowing someone else took care of it was all he needed to know.
"She seems pissed… I try to cheer her up, but she only avoids my gaze…" Seth looked over to Michael, "What are you doing? Are you doing some checklist? Did I miss some homework?" He asked super confused.
"No, no, Gwaine told me a little game I should play and record," Michael lowered the bracelet screen again to stare at the next plant, "I'm supposed to stare at things and try to sense what element they are closest to," his eyes squinted at the next flower this one took a bit longer than others "hmm, water," he nodded to himself before he reached to touch it. Out of nowhere a paper-thin water barrier shot between him and the flower from up the ground. "Whoa?!"
Seth, Tyson and Dean fell into laughter, "Seems like you were right."
"Yes, but the plus points go to your inspiring healer," the shadow of a small fox fleeted and outstepped Karim, "That one will eat you alive if you feed it magic. It loves to leech. And we wouldn't want a repetition of your evaluation exams." He let the water barrier disperse into a little fog cloud that huffed Michael who had gotten a bit pale further away from the flower. His ears flapped as he kept track of sounds in the distance.
"Where, how…? Were you following us?!" Keith held his breath. "And I told you so!" he rebuked Michael.
Karim chuckled bemused, "I didn't follow you, I followed him as my contract requested." His tail flicked with sass as he inspected his paw pads brushing against the shrubbery.
"Heh? But you- Votzaak doesn't take such contracts. And you were a last-minute exchange," Michael tilted his head.
"There's not much of a difference if I teleport myself or take a few people with me. Only means I have to manage my magic a bit better. We don't expect a grand fight here," He smirked like a sly fox. "Anyways, you are missing the main attraction, youngsters, When was the last time you checked your class's map positions? Hm?"
"Oh, shit!"
It was a quiet place that got disturbed by the students who had used a perimeter to make sure none of the Luna Fennecs would escape. However, everyone was entranced by that little display of nature and it's Wild Magic that seemed so serene. The smallest flower butts increased in numbers towards the little pond that wasn't much more than a few feet. Iresenct it glowed in the dark in a pastel rainbow of colours swirling into each other. Just like with rifts but here it seemed it was more of a spring. There were plenty of Luna Fennecs all around in the strangled figs at the water, in the water, drinking sleeping on the damp ground.
Though they all had tensed up growling deeply at their size. The pack was on edge. Drawing closer together their ears the form of moths translucent in a glowing green. Their plumose antenna nearly as big as their faces were picking up anything moving. The snouts and whiskers twitching they weren't the strongest nevertheless they were ready to defend themselves. Their glowing coats in vibrant pastel colours of pink, yellow, and green, blended together in smooth patterns, each one its own. The black round eyes seemed to shimmer faintly beside being all black reminiscent of the endless darkness of the forest they lived in. They were a bit unsure how they had noticed them coming.
Dusk stepped closer while the rest simply blocked the escape routes. Her shadow magic retracted from the ground around her. She had done her best to hide all their presences just like Sienna with her sound magic and a few tricks from tracking classes to hide the scent. "Greetings," The young Queen of Eventide stepped closer. "I come here in search of a Fairy Animal to call my own and to rise with to great power. I do not need the strongest or the wisest. I'd prefer someone willing…of course, I'll prove my worth in battle." Her eyes scanned the pack. It was harder to keep them separated as their fur colours mingled together so well that it was hard to tell who was who. But she could see some already annoyed. She wasn't in the market for those.
Tasu created a little gap in the perimeter for any who were all too eager to scram. Unlike Zhengs Luna Fennecs weren't able to speak as it was the same with most Fair Animals only the rarest and strongest species could do that inherently.
Kitty already yawned somewhat board, "You sure?" HE easily could pick out who of the Luna Fennecs was the strongest in the pack and there only were so many that even had that considering look. "You do know you could defeat all and simply take a pick right? Why are you asking?"
Dusk glared at Kitty, "Shut it. I didn't butt into your progress," she warned her once.
Kitty didn't mean it in a bad way and held up her hands in surrender, "Your lifelong bonded Fairy Animal choice. Just a little reminder."
"I don't need strong," Dusk repeated, "I make my partner strong. I have magic power, I have my own Kingdom to run, I need endurance and adaptability and… beauty. I'll make you a star to stand out among suns." She talked to all and yet it sounded like she was talking to a single one. There was no fear, no doubt only pride and ambition. Her own shadow magic swirling around her, backing up her claims. She let already some Luna Fennecs pass. Her eyes easily searched the once either intrigued or too scared to move in the presence of so many strong ones. 'Good, only the one left I can melt and guide to what lies up ahead. She darted from one to another.
Marble had her little program running on her bracelet searching for 'cuteness factors' and cross-referencing that with magic power levels. However, before she got a conclusive end result Dusk stepped forward. "Hey, I haven't-"
"This isn't about numbers," Dusk didn't let anyone deter her. She had made out a little runt a young one, old enough to be on its own and low in pack rank. "You're the cutest," She walked straight into the pond ignoring any Fennec around her that wasn't her chosen one.
The little female had no clue what was going on. Oe could see it in her frantic eyes searching her pack member's elders for some insight. Any Fairy Animal understood speech they simply couldn't talk back. With big black ears, it stared up at the invading Sorceress.
"Do not fear. Anything you do not know I'll teach. And everything you lack I'll counter weight. Anyone can become strong. A stubborn commoner taught me that, perseverance is above all else. The question is, are you brave enough to take that leap of fate?" She waded in the waters until they were right in front of each other.
…
The silence was unbearable yet after the short wait the magic flared to life, and the mothwing-like ears lit up in her light magic. Gums fletched as it took a jump onto some sturdy water lily leaves.
Dusk raised her hand high the air vibrating all around her, "Shadow ball!" More and more shadows trailed around her all feeding into her one spell. Never had she summoned such a ginormous sphere spell. Everyone took a step back it was total overkill.
The Luna fennec stared at the powerful Sorceress before her. Her own magic dimmed, fading out. There was no question she'd lose. There was a certain finality as the fennec bowed her head in deep submission.
"Eventide is honoured to have you, little one," Dusk closed her fist dispersing the entire spell in a shockwave that let the strangled figs tremble. She reached out her arm her hand a platform, "We're done here."
The Luna Fennec chirped a bit confused yet also excited and took a leap and easily found enough space on her shoulders as she curled around her Sorceress. She released a burst of wild magic and let it flow into Dusk to seal the contract.
"What!? But- Where… I mean. The fight! You can't- that's not how it's supposed to go!" Kitty protested loudly as she chased around the pond. "That's not how it work-"
Dusk smirked over her shoulder, "Well considering I have a Fair Animal partner and you don't, this discussion is pointless." She rubbed it in deep.
"But- the match," Kitty was so riled up it went against anything she had known, trained and seen. "You didn't even fire the spell! Nothing happened!"
Nebula snorted as she like the rest turned to leave, "Hey, you said oen needs to make the Fairy animal submit. Dusk simply made clear she could obliterate any Fennec here. So what be the point in fighting?"
Lion slung his arm around Rise again, "Maybe not picking a fight with someone out of your league next time? Does it even have to be a Zheng?" It was pointless he could see it in her pouting expression. "Just saying."
"Duuusk?" Rise sing sang her classmate's name, "Can I touch the fur when we get home….please? I swear I can get you an audience with Queen Stella."
Kai snorted, "Dusk wasn't kidding that Fennec is a Fair trap. Maybe we need to play bodyguards at the next ball for a fur ball." He nudged Max into the side who only rolled his pink eyes.