The shock was still deep for the entire class. Days felt like weeks. Shanna went into deeper sessions with everyone single and in groups. It was a bitter aftertaste even when emotions were dialled back to manageable levels. And with many nightly talks and time eventually, the horror faded into the background. Though grand in achievement, no one prided themselves on having survived an encounter with the Reapers. No one had seen them, so there still was no clue about their identity. Those maniacs had escaped yet again. And somehow by the unpredictability of the Repears' wims, they had all survived. They hadn't been their targets and the call to Red Fountain had probably forced the Reapers to retreat without having their fun with them. Votzaak wasn't quite convinced by that theory though. Reapers weren't known for mercy and they could have killed the kids themselves within seconds. Then again, Edean had survived in a similar fashion back in his childhood.
"Tchihihihihi, priceless," Kai sat there next to Keith and Tyson. He couldn't keep his eyes away from the sweet shot the Elves had sent over.
Mercury rolled his eyes as he looked over his shoulder. "Seriously? Aren't you getting tired of that picture?" He whispered to Kei. Daphne was standing in front of the class holding a history lesson about Sirenix obviously by far her favorite topic. And the first in-depth lesson about a specific transformation.
Kai's green hair whipped in his giggle, "You're kidding, right? This is worth diamonds!" He spoke up a tad too loud.
Tyson nudged Keith into the side, "You in a maid outfit cleaning Nerroceans office. Apron and cap must say the bunny ears and tail are a marvellous artistic addition, Mercury."
Keith pressed his finger on his lips, "Shhhhhhh," a bit afraid that Daphne would scold them any second now. "Not gonna lie though, a petticoat suits you," He couldn't help himself.
"Did Nerrocean book you for next Friday, too?" Kai could see how Mercury wanted to vanish into the floor.
Professor Daphne cleared her throat as she smashed the pointer against the chalkboard, "BOYS. Put away the historical monumental photo, please."
Mercury blushed deep red, "What photo!? What do you m-"
Daphne sighed and her blond locks fell over her shoulder, "Mercury… your… extra curriculum… Everything you train is documented… let's put it this way. I think everyone saw the picture by now." The boy went from red to pale. The Professor breathed in deeply. Her light amber eyes met Mercury's darker ones, "Just cause Professors don't bring it up, out of courtesy, doesn't mean we haven't seen it." A smirk on her lips. "That happens when you make a bet with Elves, let it be a lesson." She snickered herself just a tiny bit. "On that note, back to ours."
"Yes, yes, Sirenix, get three gems, get powers. Why are we going over this again…?" Marble rolled her eyes and groaned. Desintrested she twirled her pastel green braid.
Daphne sighed yet again today everything was a struggle today, "It is important for all of you to understand each profession. You want to work together. Nothing helps bond people together than going off on a journey. Now that the Sirenix curse is broken, Fairies don't get transformed into inferior Harmonix form nor are they on a time limit."
"And you are one yourself and guardian of that book…" Alyssa flung her long dark hair over her shoulder and pulled the hoody over her head. "So, come on, let's get this done. Show us the useless book…"
"Hey, don't be so mean," Tessa glared over her loop bracelets clinging against each other. "Just cause you can't use it doesn't make it boring." Her bracelets rattled as she hammered on the desk.
Lion raised an eyebrow, "Wait, you want it?" Now the kids all stared at Tessa.
"Hello? Storma is like eighty per cent ocean…" Tessa rolled her eyes as she propped her head up on her palm. "I might not be Crown princess as my brother has the rights to the thrown. Yet, I am still the first princess. I am bound to become a Guardian Fairy of my Kingdom. So, why wouldn't I go for Sirenix? It be utterly foolish not to."
"Makes sense," Dusk could only nod as Queen she knew all too well how important planning was for the future of the kingdom. "So, you want to start collecting the gems now? What about Enchantix? You don't have Charmix yet."
Daphne let the Sirenix Book fall heavy on the desk before the children, "While that is true there is no prerequisite to the additional transformations. For example, Queen Roxy from Gardenia got her Believix powers way before she unlocked her Enchantix. Enchantix change… how magic flows through a fairy therefore strengthening all transformations and the magic potential due to… how it is acquired." She didn't go into the exact explanation though. None of the Professors ever did and neither did older Fairies. It was like an unspoken rule no one talked about it with Faries who hadn't acquired it. "For Sirenix you 'simply' have to find the three gems. The form will be less strong than that of a Fairy that already has Enchantix, but not because it's a lesser Sirenix, but the Enchantix transformation is missing." She let her hand wave and with a glow the Sirenix Book opened.
A green glow shot out as the half-moon ornament glowed up. The blue adorned edges shimmering and the red fire dragon leather began to crumble slightly as the pages followed and fanned out. A sound of a thousand moving pages as what looked like a mix of a mermaid and a tadpole appeared. Remnant colours of Daphne's own SIrenix form. Bright sea greens a tad of Yellow and pinkish-reds.
"Daphne, dear," the little creature greeted the Professor wholeheartedly. A deep hug around her upper arm before she turned around to inspect the children, "So this is the class I heard so much about, hmmm?" Intruiged the Guardian of Sirenix tilted her head. It was obvious that some were indeed interested others were utterly bored and a lot gave her a polite smile as a greeting.
"Good to see you, Guardian," Daphne with equal kindness greeted the little creature back. "We got a contender. May I present, Tessa, the first Princess of Storma." Daphne's amber eyes sparkled with joy as she gestured grandiose to Tessa.
Tessa went a bit stiff all royal-like, "It's an honour." She gave a slight nod of her head.
"Boah, really? This ain't a coronation…" Polarissa rubbed over her eyes and nosebridged so annoyed, "Give her the starfish box and the stupid riddles. So, we can go gem hunting and beat that stupid Fane already."
"Polarissa!" Birdy hammered her fist on the table. "We don't ruin your encounters, now, do we?" Her two stubby ponytails wipped shortly.
"Eh, yeah, you do, you always take out my targets before I can shoot them down. Hogging much?" Palrissa smirked back.
"That's not what she meant…." Julius let his head slum on the table today was just one of those days.
"…" Tessa tried her hardest to stay calm, "ANYWAYS…"
Marble looked up from the picture she had pulled from social media, "Say, Guardian, it's a starfish box. One goes on a gem hunt yada, yada. Yet Fairies get a box that already has two gems. That sounds a lot like cheating. Efficient but cheating. Doesn't sound so honourable to me. Did people die in the first two challenges or something? They can't be ornamental right? That's way too expensive in the long run. And if they are can one sell them?"
"What?!" The entirety of all the Fairies shouted at her.
Marble shrugged, "Oh, come on, we could buy cool stuff… gems are worth a lot…. Not everyone has a treasure troth, you know…"
"Polarissa… Marble…" Tessa sparked some lightning around her as her eyebrows twitched. Those damn grins that went across their faces.
Polarissa cackled, "Oh no, a storm is coming." She snorted.
"Only if she doesn't die from embarrassment first," Marble added dryly.
"Get here you two!" Tessa transformed into her winx and shot after them her lightning-like wings gave off a gleaming shine of doom.
"Go get them, tiger!" Kitty roared enthusiastically all for it. This was so much more interesting.
Clue flew protectively in front of Sienna, "Don't worry, I'll keep you safe!" Instead, the Pixie got grabbed and pulled in by Sienna who didn't want her anywhere near that magical mess. "Woah!"
"GIRLS!" The boys scrambled to settle them back down but without flight that wasn't so easy. Lion already got his chainsickle out.
Gilliana next to Blade twirled her braid and marked something down in a small book, "Not afraid of embarrassment… damn it…" She cursed.
Blade leaned over taking a peak, "Not getting very far with the Charmix hunt, are we?" She muttered under her hand. 'Glad I have mine already….' The Sorceresses were relentless and creative.
The Guardian looked to Daphne who was speechless and shaking her head not sure how she'd respond to this chaos. "Pandemonium class makes a lot of sense, now. I thought you were exaggerating. However, they're getting along so well," She agreed. Her eyes twinkled with a deep thought of contemplation. Before she gave a decisive nod to herself. "Let me help you out. It's about time to bring old days to the surface." Shortly her gaze was set on Blade who didn't even notice it. The Guardian had that glint in her eyes. One that only Guardians of Knowledge showed off all too eagerly when they had the upper hand.
Daphne looked a bit bewildered at the Guardian, "Old days? What do you mean? You won't get to them with 'reason', believe me."
Lion's chain from his light chain-sickle wrapped around Marble's arm. As if he was fishing, he tried to reel her in.
"You two!" The Guardian shouted out and with a snap of her fins, a few harmless bubbles filled the classroom, which drew the attention of all. "Do I sense a wave of jealousy?" She put on a bit of sass to match the energy levels.
"Heh?" Polarissa stopped mid-flight as she deflected the newest bolts of lightning to the side. "How could I be jealous… of a stupid box."
"Exactly!" Marble pulled against Lion's hold, but was losing the tug of war inch by inch.
The guardian chuckled, "Not the box… the powers behind it." She pressed her hand into her hips as she flailed her tail. "Up for a bet? If you win, you'll get a power boost. A permanent one." Both Sorceresses promptly stopped their shenanigans.
"You're not bullshitting us, are you?" Marble crashed into Lion as she didn't counterweight his pull. An unhealthy rumble before she pressed up on top of him.
"HA! HAA! Patron! SCORE!" Polarissa darted past Tessa leaving her in the dust right into the face of the Guardian. "Give me the power now! Back off, she's mine!" She hissed over her shoulder.
"HEY!" Marble scrambled to the front as well, "She said the both of us!" It was a push and pull like two siblings fighting over their favourite toy, while the rest of the Sorceresses moaned in the background for the missed opportunity.
"First of all," The Guardian summoned one Sirenix box for Tessa. "I believe this is yours."
Out came another Guardian, "Looking forward to working with you Tessa, Princess of Storma," the mostly light blue-scaled Guardian greeted as she stroked through her purple-silver hair. She of course noticed the two Sorceresses at the front desk nearly drooling in expectations. "Oh, so we are doing that?" She looked to her fellow Guardian.
"Indeed," Daphne's Guardian let her hand sparkle in some magic and with a swish of her fingers the Sirenix Book closed up, floated, its cover turning darker. The moon ornament swirled into a gaining moon and turned blueish as the corner ornaments turned golden. It was a bit like an inverted version, yet still the same book.
Daphne went a bit pale, "What are you doing?!" The book began to give off Dark Magic its former Light Magic glory fading.
"Well, then," The Guardian held out two more Sirenix boxes, not golden, but silver. "Meet your challenge."
Two Guardians came out making a little swirl around each other. One in dark blues and pinkish skin. The other was in bright greens and Black hair. Both were strong in Dark Magic.
"Oh, boy, you're kidding, right?" The pinkish one sighed deeply. "What kind of tadpoles did you bring us?" She grumbled at Daphne's Guardian.
"HEY!" Polarissa headbutted with her. "The only one looking like one is you!"
A raised eyebrow, "Uuurgh, I surely didn't miss the attitude of Dark Fairies… ungrateful brat. You know this is much more taxing now that you Witches decided to abandon nature. You should be on your knees begging."
"Sorceresses!" The entire class like on command hissed annoyed like trained puppies.
"Whatever… Can't I have the Dark Fairy?" The green one bickered as she stared at Marble. They were sizing each other up like on a cattle market.
"Heck no, you're mine," Marble grabbed the box. Two gems on it already, "Nice…"
"Don't you dare! Street beggar!" The green Guardian let the box disappear. "You sure they are even worthy?! I doubt that…"
Daphne stared at it all. She had half a heart attack as she looked intently at her precious Sirenix book. Ever so slowly swapping towards the Dark Magic Guardians. "Dark Fairies…." Her head tilted to the side.
Daphne's Guardian sighed deeply, "You were the ones demanding to reveal yourself again. You could have stayed in the deepest depths. This is what you can work with. Surely you aren't that rusty." She looked at the two dark Guardians.
A death glare from both of them shot like piercing arrows. "Fine," The blue one pulled Polarissa closer by her bangs. "Gem of Generosity, Empathy and Honesty. Get going worm. Don't take a century." With that, she vanished into the box and the box fell into Polarissa's hands.
"Eh…" Polarissa stared at it, "What?! HEY! COME BACK! What bullshit explanation is that!" She shook the Sirenix box violently. Nothing happened.
Tessa's Guardian breathed in, "It's your set of gems to find. I'd advise you to find the Gem of Empathy first. You can search for it together with Princess Tessa. It's the only one that is overlapping."
"Will you stop solving the riddles for them?! Light worms, truly, stop doting," Marble's Guardian hissed pissed. "It's their journey. And only IF you manage to get the three gems THEN we'll tell you where to go for… how to name it in this day and age…hmmm…. Sorcerenix. Now, shoo! Don't make me grow algae! AND NO TOUCHING THE GEMS!" She glared one last time at Marble before she vanished herself and instead, the box reappeared in Marble's hands.
"Oh, my, they were stuck way too long in their deep chasms…" Daphne's Guardian shook her head.
"But, but… the book… How?" Daphne was dumbfounded. For years she had that book, was a Guardian of Sirenix and never ever had she heard of anything remotely like Sorcerenix.
"Tessa I believe in you, darling, maybe you can help the two Wi-Sorceresses on their journey. I am sure all three of you will do great." She gave her a short hug before she dived into her own box as well.
Tessa stared at the two Sorceresses, "Oh, by the lightnings of Storma… Why am I stuck with those two? Can you even swim?" She rubbed her forehead. It already had been daunting to go at it alone. Not to mention two dead weights. She puffed her enthusiasm quite dampened.
"HOW?" Daphne's eyebrow twitched as she glared at her own Guardian. "You never said anything! Not to mention I studied that book inside out!" Her young age for once broke through.
"Love, you never asked. Neither did your predecessors. Have you never wondered why there are so many pages?" The Guardian crossed her arms slightly defensively. "Not that I agree with how they are going about it with Dark Fairies… or well, Sorceresses. They still have the right to choose who they think is worthy."
"Huh," Michael leaned back. "So, this always was an option for Dark Faries back in the days? No wonder it was forgotten. Blade you bring the best out of every magic, don't you?" He snickered.
"Hey, this ain't on me," Blade crossed her arms promptly. "Keep me out of this." She tensed up promptly.
Daphne's Guardian sighed compassionately. "It kind of is, Blade. Many have been… waiting… hoping for the return of Dark Faries. The return of Shadion gives hope for a better future for the creatures of the Dark. They lost their companions so long ago. Witches cannot connect to nature. They also abandoned their bonds altogether in their rage. Their hatred of the light. The will to stand alone never to be bonded to anything again. Never to lose so much as they did back then. Their rage erased knowledge as well as all that was done to make Dark Faries vanish from history. My fellow dark Guardians have been in mourning ever since. It is a dire fate to be forgotten."
Tasu frowned, "But Polarissa and Marble are no Faries, not even dark ones." Her short hair fell to the front as she leaned in. "They easily could have made Sorecerenix possible a long time ago. Sounds a lot like victim blaming to me."
Daphne gazed ponderingly at the Sirenix Book. "Not quite true… I kept it safe and away from any Dark Magic user. It is one of the duties of the Guardians of Sirenix. And so did many generations before me." She looked to the guardian, "There never was an opportunity was there?"
"Indeed, the mourning, the greed of Light users… Time… Witch hunts… wars. The rift was simply too great to bridge. And quite frankly no one ever asked." The guardian paused shortly, "Shadion gives many hope. I am sure more forgotten knowledge will surface when all who hid away come out of the woodwork. Many agreements were made in relation to the 'vanishing' Dark Faries. Those treaties are expiring now. The time of silence is over." She smiled at the entire class, "All of you will profit. You are the Dark Farie's friends. You'll attract attention first. As they would put it… guinea pigs to test the waters. Your class, bonds and friendships mean a lot more to so many. Treasure your friendship." Her gaze refocused on the Sorceresses. "Please, try your best. We've all been waiting," she was already teary-eyed. Slowly she turned back to Daphne she could feel her pain and self-accusations, "Don't blame yourself, Daphne, there was no way you could have known. You always were and are a just and kind Fairy." She cupped her face with her tiny finned hands. "Just… keep Votzaak away from the Sirenix book… I do not know of any more Dark Guardians ready to pick up the mantel again. The rest will watch and wait. Save journeys" A quick look over her shoulder to Polarissa and Marble, before she vanished into her own box and vanished with it.
The classroom was in an awkward silence. No one was sure what to say or how to react. That was a lot to take in. And even more unknown variables.
Blade stared at the darkened Sirenix Book her stomach aching. Unsure she looked at Nebula next to her. This just was a bit too much. There already was so much pressure. So much history and secrets. So much chaos and now there were 'people waiting' in unknown numbers, watching from the shadows. "I'm taking a bathroom break," She stammered shortly and swung over the table and rushed outside the auditorium.
"Blade!" Julius ran through the hallways. "Hold up!" She wasn't stopping whatsoever. Across on the other side promenade he spotted Griselda who looked at him like doom was descending upon him. He gulped and slowed down to snail speed just to wait till she finally turned the corner and went straight back to top speed. "Shit," he cursed as he saw that she most likely had gone up to the girls' floor. "Seriously… why does no one ever listen? I'm supposed to be the leader…" He grumbled. Classes were still in session. He wasn't invited upstairs, 'Not that anyone would know better.' He took a deep breath and a shy look around before he sat the foot on the first step.
A surge of Dark Magic behind him.
Julius's hairs stand tall on his neck. Like a broken robot, he turned his head. Griffin.
"Are we underwear thieving? Dear Specialist?" She grinned menacingly at the boy who was about to shit his pants.
"NO. I just… was invited," Julius stammered his fingers fidgeting.
Griffin snorted, "Oh, last time I checked you have lessons and there are visitor toilets on this floor. Do you like to be a toad or a Halucinga larva?" She asked with a certain finality. Her new hairdo made her truly look like a horned dragon.
Julius waved with his hands half-panicked, "NEITHER! I'm just here for Blade." his chest was rising and falling.
"…" A deadly silence from the Headmistress.
The Specialist gulped deeply, "She bolted out of the classroom. It's just so much with all that Sorcerenix and stuff and Shadion and… I have a duty to check on my team members, that's all. No panties involved!"
"Sure, you do know it's called Sirenix. Are you slacking off that much, truly, the audacity?" Griffen activated her magic. "At least make excuses believable. BOY."
"No. No. Noooo! I swear I didn't come here to steal panties! Who do you take me for!?" Julius stumbled backwards and toppled ass-first onto the stairs. His voice hitched.
"What's the commotion about?" Professor Avalon appeared seemingly out of nowhere. A grim expression as he noticed the boy. He had been drawn to the major Dark Magic flare-up just to find Griffin and Julius begging like his life depended on it.
Griffin growled runes at her fingertips, "Pantie thief." Her metallic red dress now reminded more of blood than anything else.
"I didn't! That was never the plan!" Julius gulped so hard, pleadingly he looked to Professor Avalon.
"Sure," Griffin didn't let off. Instead, she upped her magic presence. "Caught him right when he came down."
"What?! You saw me about to go upstairs! What the heck are you talking about?!" Julius went utterly pale.
Griffin smirked, "Calling me a liar now? Bold." Chuckling like a villain she watched him squirm. 'Ahh… so much fun. That'll teach him a lesson.'
Professor Avalon stared forth and back between the two. Their auras giving away a lot. 'Still, Julius shouldn't be anywhere near the girls' dorms.' He crossed his arms in front of his chest. "Well then, follow me. I'm sure a quick pat-down will clear things up. No need to curse students, Headmistress Griffin." He gave her a knowing glance that she was also playing shenanigans.
"Fine, make it thorough," Griffin ebbed her magic down. "And for your own good, by the Great Dragon, remember it's called SI-renix…" She scolded.
Julius got up to his feet only to be taken into a firm grip on the arm by Avalon, "NO. Polarissa and Marble got their Sirenix… Sorcerenix… whatever… they got their Guardians just seconds ago in class. Dark Magic and all. Professor Daphne is like a lost lamb stammering in class. Blade just-" His eyes lead up the stairs. "Just go and check yourselves! That book turned all Dark Magic!"
Avalon couldn't see any lies, his aura was clear and forward as it could be. "Well then," he looked to Griffin still doubting that story. 'Can he be really that good with hiding his aura?' He shook his head. "A pat-down for you. And-"
"I'll check on the Professor and that 'dark' Sirenix book," She snorted so hard and turned to leave for the auditorium.
"If you please," Avalon pointed down the hallway, "To my office, we'll sort everything out there."
"I'm not lying…" Julius sighed deeply, nonetheless followed the instruction.