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Rise from the Ashes, Ch. 7
🕑 Added 2024-01-20 08:01:47 +0000 UTCMagix
“No thanks.” Bloom all but snarled, glaring at the ass trying to potion her up and possibly date-rape. Her pupils transforming to the slits of a dragon, eerily similar to Dark bloom. The flames in her hands and hate in her eyes grew in intensity, only held back by those calming hands of Harry. Before she nearly flipped out due to an insult. This time she was lucky she didn't burn him to a crisp on the spot. Or rather Darko was lucky.
Obviously surprised at her refusal, Darko faltered briefly before recovering. “Come on babe. I'll show you a good time.” the mixture of a whiny, smug and arrogant look perfected the image of spoiled brat in all their minds. The possibility of failure seemingly not even on his mind.
Not wanting the idiot to rile up Bloom anymore, lest she burn down the restaurant, Harry intervened and calmly but strongly said. “She said no!” stepping up to the jerk, Harry towered over him. His sheer presence filling the rest of the distance between them.
“Piss off or I'll be forced to hurt you!” Darko sneered weakly and promptly tried to shove Harry away. Only to meet an unmoving wall of solid muscle and bounce back.
Just raising an eyebrow in amusement, Harry sighed and told him. “Boy, I've fought opponents far more menacing and stronger than you and did so for longer than you've been alive. Go away!” he'd give him one chance to back off. “You've got no chance, so back off and we forget about it.”
“Do you let some random dude tell you what to do, Darko?” one of Darko's two cronies interrupted. One with green hair of all things. Both of them now standing behind him with some other seemingly air-headed girls hanging onto their arms. Though, they didn't look to be under a Love Potion, thankfully. Only having bad taste in men. One look at Icy confirmed that she also wasn't under any potion influence. Otherwise she'd behave differently.
Obviously not wanting to look weak and lose what little face he had in front of his 'friends' Darko retorted. “Of course not!” turning back to Harry he smiled smugly. “How about we make a bet then?”
By now there was a small audience watching the proceedings.
“A bet, about what?” Harry inquired calmly. His muscles were relaxed, ready at a moments notice.
“I bet I can beat you in a straight fight.” Darko proclaimed loudly and arrogantly for all the present people to hear.
Not interested in what kind of stakes the idiot was thinking about Harry simply accepted without asking about it. “Fine.” He knew people like Darko were prideful without having done anything to earn said pride. Next he turned to Bloom he requested politely and without much emotion. "Bloom, if you would please call an ambulance." knowing Icy, Stormy, Darcy and himself did not possess phones that worked here.
The fairy just nodded and dialled the number, having an inkling what he was about to do. "Yes, I'm calling from the White Horse. There was a brawl and a patron got beaten up." she explained calmly after someone picked up a few seconds later, not matching the sinister smile on her face.
The bully said arrogantly. "Hmm? Already calling yourself an ambulance?" He grinned and punched his fist into his palm with a meaty smack. "Good, saves me the time." some of his confidence surging again at the apparent admission of weakness.
Meanwhile Bloom told the emergency line the situation. "Yes, the patron's name is Darko. It was quite bad, whoever did it left him in a pretty bad shape." giving the idiot one last chance to back down. Somehow, knowing he was no match for Harry, but hoping he got his trashing anyway. She felt no sympathy or pity for someone that had tried to drug her.
Darko faltered a little at the words. but then growled and swung at Harry's face, who was glancing at Bloom in amusement.
Despite that the wizard easily caught the fist in his left hand. The witnesses and the bully gasping at the sudden movement. “You want my attention? Well, you have it now.” The Last Potter said menacingly, turning back to face Darko.
Glowing emerald lines appeared on Harry's arms as he used his magic to reinforce his body. A moment later there was the sound of joints popping, and then bones audibly crunching as Harry destroyed the fist in his iron grip. The would-be-rapist's eyes bugged out, howling in pain. Trying to wrest his hand free in a futile struggle.
Still acting as if this wasn't completely against what she'd normally advocate or do, Bloom told the emergency dispatch calmly. "Some description of the injuries? Well, for one his right hand is crushed." there was an undertone of vindictiveness in her voice. Her now slitted eyes twinkling maliciously, a sadistic smile on her lips.
“Pride has a price, boy. Get ready to pay it!” Harry growled out, cocked his right fist back and struck Darko's face. The sound it made was more akin to a gunshot than a regular punch. Reverberating through the whole establishment. A few of Darko's teeth decided to leave their home promptly and take up residence on the floor.
After another punch for good measure, that broke Darko's jaw, Harry let go of the hand and became a near blur after that. He struck the idiot eight times in the celiac plexus, breaking his four lowest ribs. As Darko doubled over in agony, unable to scream from the wind being literally knocked out of him, Harry grabbed his arm and delivered an upward strike with is free hand to the bully's armpit, dislocating his shoulder with a sickening pop.
Seizing the other arm, Harry held both behind the target's back, as the pale boy panted for breath he couldn't catch. With a quick twist and an upwards motion, he bent the elbows in a direction they weren't supposed to go. This time he took a deep enough breath to scream.
Satisfied Harry cancelled the magical reinforcement of his body and stepped away, causing Darko's body to collapse on the floor in a whimpering heap. One look at the dude's friends let Harry see that one had an accident, as evidenced by the new stain on his pants.
"Both arms broken at the elbows, dislocated shoulder, broken jaw, a few missing teeth and four broken ribs from the looks of it." Bloom finished listing Darko's injuries. Her voice caught between a delighted gasp and breathy whisper. "You have an ambulance and police on the way? How long? Five to ten minutes?" she looked at the pitifully miserable heap of a boy writhing on the ground and said on the verge of giddiness. "That's more than enough time, thank you." satisfaction clear to see on her face as she hung up, enjoying the worm's suffering in the meantime.
Stormy and Darcy had been watching from their table, which provided front row seats. Darcy was glad she was sitting down, being sure with her now jelly-like legs would be unable to properly support her. “Oh...wow.” she mumbled, her hungry gaze on Harry who was returning to them after leaving Darko to be picked up by his buddies to wait outside. Running away with their tails between their legs like the dogs they were. While she knew of his unmatched magical power there was something more primal in proving himself physically superior, Darcy found.
Stormy blushed, finding it quite erotic how Harry went eye to eye with Darko and laid down the law. She squirmed in place, noticing that she soaked her knickers thoroughly. Hormones, heat and desire coursed through her veins as her cheeks heated up. Not being able to take it anymore she suddenly stood up with a flushed face, about to leave as Harry came back.
Seeing that Harry asked concerned. “Tharma, is everything.....?”
“I'm going to be in the bathroom for the next ten-No! Twenty minutes,” she said in a rush. “If anyone needs me have them call me on my phone.”
Harry blinked quizzically, knowing that she didn't have one. Before he could say anything Stormy left, saying in a low purr. “It'll be on vibrate.”
“What was that about?” the last Potter asked Lysslis, confused.
The Witch of Darkness watched her sister leave with a bemused expression on her face. Her smirk grew more sultry as she said to him. “Let's just say you left a lasting impression.” her own eyes half-lidded after that fantastic display.
Having no other choice, he shrugged and didn't inquire further.
Bloom, who sat down beside Harry, bit her lower lip and squirmed a little. “Thanks for helping me.” she looked shyly away from him, putting a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Not wanting him to see her flushed cheeks. Partly from embarrassment and partly from something else. Though, she was back to a state resembling normal now that the wild beast inside her seemed content, for the moment. But ready to strike at a moments notice.
Harry waved her thanks away. “No need to thank me. You could've taken him yourself, but I doubt he would've survived it.”
“Probably.” she agreed with a giggle, not quite knowing where that came from. Giggling about killing someone wasn't something she'd normally do. In the end she shrugged it off. Simply thankful that he prevented her from lashing out and doing something foolish. She didn't need a repeat of her first year at the Day of the Royals at the Red Fountain. People still talked about that behind her back, thinking she didn't hear them. “Still, thank you.”
Nodding, Harry handed her the contaminated drink, suggesting. “Here, for when the police arrive with the ambulance. You can explain the situation and use it as evidence.”
Blinking in surprise, Bloom smiled a smile promising retribution for who messed with her. “I think I'm doing exactly that.” she didn't know exactly, but hoped with her being a princess and the last of her line that the outcome wouldn't be pretty for Darko.
Just then Bloom's gaggle of friends arrived, nearly overwhelming the smaller group with their presence if not for Harry's own.
“Is everything alright, Bloom?” Flora inquired gently, casting a concerned look at the redhead.
Smiling softly with a malicious edge to it, Bloom answered. “It is now.” the first time since them defeating Darkar she felt calm. “Why do you ask?”
“I saw some dude being dragged out a few moments earlier, turns out he was the one who nearly ran Stella over.” Brandon explained, having seen the car Stella described to him. Concern for his friend clear to hear in his voice. “Do you know what happened?”
“He messed with the wrong person.” Darcy spoke up, drawing their attention to herself. A smug smile on her lips. “Isn't that right, Harry?”
“Indeed.” Harry confirmed, an amused smile on his face. Casually leaning back against his seat, sipping at his drink. A picture of pure relaxation. “It seems someone took offence to him trying to drug Bloom with a Love Potion.”
From the looks on their faces they were confused at that. “Is that all?” a guy with magenta hair of all things opened his mouth.
That set Bloom off once more. “Is that all?!” flames came out of her mouth as she snarled, scorching the table superficially. Her nails grew sharper, as did her incisors, as she glared with her slitted eyes at the boy. “I would've been forced to do whatever he wanted! Forced to like it!” her voice got a few octaves lower than before, just short of a proper roar with her volume. She vividly remembered the time she was under Darkar's control and since then had no desire to experience such a thing again. She thought that much was obvious.
Another one, this time a ginger, unwisely spoke up. “Well, yeah, but it's not like it would've been permanent and Love Potions aren't illegal.” He mostly explained it out of habit, having learned the law due to being a Specialist. “Isn't it very similar to what fairies do anyway?” he wondered out loud. “After all Fairies use their magic to banish fear, sadness, anger and other negative emotions. How is a Love Potion any different?”
Though, upon Bloom's murderous look he stepped behind his friends, using them as shields.
Before Bloom could explode, Musa intervened. “Come on guys, let's Bloom calm down. I bet Stella would much rather know when the police will be here so that she can bring her own charges against him.” She sent Bloom a look before ushering the rest away.
Stella didn't need to be told twice, scowling at the exit of the establishment. More specifically where Darko was currently.
“Why don't you go waiting outside for the police? You could tell them what happened.” Bloom ground out, glaring at Riven and Timmy in particular. Very glad for Musa's ability to read the mood, now that they provided her with an excuse to see them gone for the moment so she could calm down.
They got the hint and left, with Stella in the lead. Most of them more confused than anything.
Feeling her hand being taking into another she sighed as the rage seemed to recede slowly. Taking deep breaths she calmed down and asked nobody in particular. “How can't they see how bad this could've been?”
Harry shrugged. “Well, you were raised in a non-magical environment, I take it?” upon her nod, he continued. “So it's no wonder that you saw a Love Potion identical to a date-rape drug.”
“Yes! Exactly! Thank you.” Bloom groaned in relief, slouching in her seat, arms crossed.
Waving her thanks away, he explained. “On Earth it is similar in the magical communities.” he took a sip from his own drink, which was actually pretty good. “Love Potions are sold in regular shops and students are even taught how to brew them.” in particular he remembered Fred and George selling them. As well as Slughorn teaching hormonal teenagers to brew the stuff. All a disaster waiting to happen. “Not many associate much negativity with Love Potions aside from the possible embarrassment for the recipient once the potion wears off, when they remember what they've done under its influence.” he wasn't surprised at Bloom's outraged expression. “Rather, for most it's a compliment, seen as a way to attract attention. I imagine it's the same here. And in case someone didn't like it there are memory charms to erase the encounter.”
“That's ridiculously stupid! Not to mention retarded.” Bloom replied heatedly, her vision growing red at the edges again. Just because you didn't remember didn't mean it never happened. Not to mention that she wouldn't want to forget the face of the bastard so she could burn it off, slowly, painfully. She took a few deep breaths to calm down again, forcing the rage back down.
Lysslis snorted derisively. “You can say that again.” surprising herself that she agreed with a Fairy and Bloom out of all of them. She didn't know why, but with Bloom's and Harry's attention on her she couldn't help but say. “Though there are various other factors contributing to that view. Starting with the fact that Fairies and Witches do have notable difference aside from where they draw their power. One of those is that Fairies can't get children until their late teens or early twenties, but for most it's around nineteen. Not to mention that they aren't very fertile to begin with. Also being a virgin isn't seen as magically important and most fairies, aside from Alfea's, are quite promiscuous.”
Darcy took a sip of her own drink, acting as if she didn't just put Bloom's view of the Magical Galaxy askew.
“How do you know all that?” Bloom questioned, never having heard of these things. “I always thought I was barren.” slipped out of her mouth as she tried to take it all in. She slapped a hand over her mouth, looking away. Virgin she may be, but until now she'd never had a monthly visitor. Now she also knew why none of her friends spoke about menstrual cramps or similar. She hadn't wanted to bring it up herself for obvious reasons. 'Though, now it makes a bit more sense why my birth parents had Daphne and myself so far apart. Seventeen years seems like a lot of time to suddenly decide to have another child.' Bloom mused internally. Secretly glad that nothing was wrong with her after all. “And why would the Alfea fairies be different than fairies from other schools?”
Lysslis shrugged nonchalantly and answered the first question. “Witches learn that stuff when learning about Fairies. Know your enemy and all that jazz.” she didn't even know why that knowledge stuck with her. “I thought it was the same for fairies.” another sip later, Darcy explained. “As for why Alfea fairies are the exception. Well, that's because they're mostly princesses or friends of ones and are expected to hold themselves to a certain standard.” a sneer again on her face as she reminded herself of the blatant nepotism.
A coquettish and at the same time sinister smile suddenly appeared on the witch's face. “Normal fairies that attend other schools than Alfea are a bit more… amorous, shall we say.” she grinned as she made an obscene gesture with her fingers to indicate what she was talking about. “It helps with staying positive, if you know what I mean.” and with Fairies drawing power from positive emotions it helped too.
Darcy laughed at Blooms embarrassed expression while Harry chuckled.
“What about witches?” Bloom asked immediately after, trying to fight the blush down. It was no use, she knew, but she had to try. The Princess of Domino guessed it wasn't taught at Alfea because everyone assumed people knew these things.
A little bit of pride entered the witch's voice when she spoke next, unconsciously sticking her chest out. “Witches aren't really promiscuous due to the fact that being a virgin comes with several benefits, magically speaking. The blood of one can be used in a variety of potions and there are even some performance-boosting rituals that sacrifice virginity.”
“You sacrifice virgins?!” Bloom hissed out with narrowed eyes. Her own prejudice and tendency to jump to conclusions not helping her.
Seeing Darcy grow annoyed at the prejudice, Harry intervened, putting a hand on her thigh under the table to catch her attention and subtly shaking his head as he said. “She said virginity, not virgins. Completely different thing.”
Blushing in embarrassment from her blunder and the topic, Bloom apologized. “Ah, Sorry.”
Seeing that Bloom was properly chastised, Lysslis rolled her eyes, just so controlling herself from unleashing nightmares on the fairy. Without Harry's hand on her thigh and him teaching her Occlumency she would've done so. Still, she sneered as she said. “Anyway, witches don't have the same problems conceiving and are fertile at the same time as mundane people.” she chuckled in a depreciative way. “No, our problem is getting a partner at all.” she wasn't quite as miffed as Icy about that, but her own past experiences didn't really give any encouragement to try and get a boyfriend. “Not to mention that witches are not seen as marriage material, more like casual flings, if at all.”
She let the sentence hang in the air. Luckily, nobody had ever tried to use a Love Potion on them, being too afraid. Though, Darcy knew that most men ignored witches entirely. That is if they knew they were witches.
Harry drew his own conclusions with that information. With Love Potions being legal and the reputation of witches as a whole, it was easy to imagine that some people took advantage of it. Of course, he also knew that witches probably would use these potions themselves if they weren't immediately suspected to be responsible for it when used on someone. He didn't think it happened all that often, but that it happened at all was enough.
Harry took one look at Bloom and saw that she came to the same conclusion. If her clenched hands and angry cyan eyes were any indication.
Forcing herself to not think about this whole thing, Bloom managed to not bring her anger under control. By now nearly having vertigo from how often she had to do that today. She did not even deign to accuse the witch of lying. Very few women lied about something like that and those who did were scum. Instead she focussed on something else and changed the topic. “Anyway, I didn't know there any magical communities on Earth. Everyone in Magix always said Earth doesn't have magic.” Her curiosity overwhelming her anger slowly in light of such a revelation.
“Well, I can't say I ever met a Fairy like they exist here.” Harry replied, putting his right foot on his left knee as he took a sip. “However, there are plenty of wizards and witches living in hiding from the normal world since around 1692.”
Bloom couldn't help but remember what else happened at that date. Her enthusiasm for everything magical before finding out she was a fairy having caused her to research anything on the subject. “Didn't the Salem Witch Trials begin at 1692?” the fairy blanched at that thought, understanding why the magicals of Earth found it necessary to hide faced with such prosecution.
“I don't know what happened at those, but let me guess. Witches were prosecuted without any evidence.” Came Darcy's snarky reply. “As if that's anything new.” she murmured, just loud enough to hear.
“Right in one.” Harry sighed sadly, frowning at nothing in particular. “It was one of the biggest reasons for the Statute of Secrecy being implemented.” while Harry couldn't understand why magicals let themselves be bullied by non-magical people, he also knew most magicals didn't have a lick of common sense and were cowards on top of it. Not to mention lazy.
Not liking such a dreary topic Bloom changed the subject, again. “If I may ask, how did you come to the Magical Galaxy? If people of Magix don't know about magicals on Earth then the reverse must also be true.”
“True, nobody knows this whole Magical Galaxy exists. I discovered it by pure happenstance due to an... accident, shall we say, and have been wandering through the wilder parts of it for ten years. I only arrived on Magix a few days ago, where I met my companions.” Harry explained easily, telling a half-truth, but one that wasn't that far off. After all the only real city on this planet was called Magix, like the planet. Seemed that naming things wasn't the strength of magicals, no matter the planet.
Darcy grinned at that understatement, taking his hand in her own when he wanted to pull it away from her thigh.
“Oh, that must've been quite the adventure. I can't imagine how I would fell if I'd be ripped away from my friends and family without a way back.” Sympathy clear to hear in her tone, sending him an apologetic look for having brought up something hurtful. Her eyes widened a little. “So that's why you wanted to know the time and date.”
Smiling sadly, Harry said. “Yes, I had no idea how fast the planet orbited around the sun and therefore no indication of how long a year was. Though, it seems a day is roughly the same as back on Earth.” at least his Astronomy knowledge came in handy for once. “I also saw a few constellations I know in the sky, but they're on the wrong spot while others are missing entirely.”
Bloom blinked dumbfounded, not having thought about any of these things in the time she was here. Too enthralled with it all to question things seriously. She now regretted that.
Somewhat amused at seeing her react that way when it was usually him in the past, Harry teasingly asked. “Let me guess, you were too busy with admiring it all to really question things. Like, what's their culture, history etc. Am I right?”
The fairy simply nodded in embarrassment. She really should question things more often. “Did the same happen to you? You alluded to being raised by normal people yourself.”
Harry chuckled at that. “I wouldn't call them normal, but yes, they didn't have magic, if that's what you mean.” despite the Dursleys insistence on being normal, none of their behaviour was actually normal. “And yes, not knowing anything of the culture of Earth's magical people did cost me very much in the end.” ten years of imprisonment and only your thoughts left him plenty of time to realize all his mistakes he made in that regard. Which were many.
Bloom swallowed nervously at Harry's expression of nostalgia tinged with regret. While she had gotten good friends she also knew that the nobility of the Magical Galaxy didn't have too high an opinion of her. Not after her starting a fight during the Day of the Royals. Not to mention most seeing her as nothing more than a barbaric Earthling. Despite her being royalty herself. From a dead planet, but still.
The somewhat tense atmosphere was broken when Tharma chose to return, asking. “What did I miss?” her face still flushed, but a pleased smile on her face as she elegantly sat down beside her sister.
“Nothing much.” Harry replied easily, his eyes having what could only be called a thousand yard stare.
Not really believing that Stormy whispered to her sister. “You'll tell me later, won't you?”
Darcy rolled her eyes and snorted. “Sure.”
'This wasn't how this was supposed to go!' Icy thought furiously, hands clenching at her side. Mind abuzz with all kinds of scenarios, none of them good.
The plan had been so easy. Give Darko a Love Potion she brewed so he could get some princess for himself. All because Darko wanted to impress his father with a plan on his own to extend their sphere of influence, which was best done with marriage. 'It isn't as if Magix lacks princesses with how many of those go to Alfea.' Icy thought condescendingly. 'So why did it have to be Bloom? Always Bloom! I could've understood any other, but Bloom doesn't even have a planet or any political clout!' she raged internally, glaring at the fairy. Her hate only amplified by seeing Bloom sitting with HER sisters and Harry.
If she would've known Bloom was Darko's target she wouldn't even have given him the potion. Not because out of any sympathy or anything. No, simply because Bloom shouldn't be the focus of something for once. Of course, Darko didn't look twice at her, despite her helping him on numerous occasions in the past and now. But like always the Fairies got it all. That didn't mean she wanted to be on the receiving end of a Love Potion, but still.
Knowing Darko to be a sore loser she just knew he'd rat her out. Which was something she hadn't considered earlier. Her own hubris in the form of arrogance coming to bite her once more, having revealed herself in private to him before going back to the Citadel of Night.
Then she stared at Harry, annoyance and more surging up like a massive wave. 'All because of him.' her voice tinged with anger at what happened, while another part of her argued he didn't even know her plan. Making it impossible for him to have acted with malicious intent.
While she enjoyed the trashing Darko got for ignoring her, Icy wasn't happy how it happened. Though, the reaction of Bloom was perplexing. Instead of lecturing Harry, she seemed to be enjoying what he did to Darko. 'Seems like Dark Bloom isn't as gone as people think.' Icy thought, confirming her suspicions as she felt the same energy as Dark Bloom coming from her, but smaller, weaker and more subdued. No less threatening though. Though, it looked to be in flux, gaining power and losing it just as fast.
The Witch of Ice looked on as Bloom's friends swarmed around her, asking for answers. Obviously, acting high and mighty. Even though they had no right to.
While she could've escaped easily, her pride wouldn't let her do so. Instead she waited for something to happen. It were more than a tense few minutes and with every further minute gone she berated herself for not fleeing.
She sighed as she saw some burly men come into the building together with the police, causing her to stand up and prepare. Ready to escape or fight her way out if required. Icy froze when she saw the people that made up the hired muscle of Darko's father. A sadistic smile on her lips. 'It seems fighting it is. I do need to relieve some stress after all.' a chilly mist escaped from her palms as she followed their every move in preparation to strike.
However, she was surprised when they didn't attack and instead asked her on behalf of Darko's father to come back to their manor.
'At least something goes right for once.' she concluded.
Seeing the law enforcement arrive, Bloom stood up and at least tried to get Darko charged. Her facial features and nails having changed back to normal during the rest of the conversation. She hoped that with her and Stella being princesses, the police was bound to hear them out at least. Which left a group of burly men to stay inside, while the police took care of things outside with Darko, Bloom and her friends.
By now the restaurant was nearly empty. Only one to two stragglers left to exit when not counting Harry, his two witches and some burly men escorting Icy out.
Making to intercept Icy, Darcy stopped him with a hand on his forearm. “What?” he asked confused as to why she was stopping him.
She tilted her head, as if listening to something only she could hear. Her golden eyes seemingly looking through everything. “We don't need to wait on Belladonna.” Darcy informed her two companions, careful to use Icy's real name in public and shooting glances at her. “She just told me that she's got other plans as I asked her if she needed help.” More than a little annoyance bleeding into her tone at how Icy brushed them off recently.
Just to be on the safe side he asked. “You sure?” frowning at Icy's back. It was one thing to let her roam around in disguise, but another to let her go with strangers. While she probably had gone where she was going now in the last few days, he couldn't shake a nagging feeling in the back of his mind.
Shrugging, Stormy interjected strongly while leaning forward in his face. Her own still slightly red from whatever she did. If it was from what little alcohol she had or some other reason, Harry didn't know. “Yeah! If she thinks she can do better then I say we let her.” just as annoyed with Icy as she was with them.
“Do you feel the same?” he asked, briefly glancing at Stormy with a raised eyebrow, before turning back to Darcy.
Answering honestly, Darcy sighed. “I don't know, but she can handle herself.” hesitating a little she continued. “I thought for sure Darko would do something stupid after his humiliation. That he hasn't shows that she's got it under control.” he'd always been a sore loser and she hadn't expected anything else now. Yet, it seemed he didn't immediately tattle on Icy. “Let's make sure anyway.” she finally decided.
“Fine.” Stormy threw her hands up in a mixture of surrender and exasperation. “Let's look for Icy.”
“Well, then we're in agreement.” Harry replied with a nod to them as he stood up. Intent to appease his conscience by keeping an eye on Icy. She may be more than a little bitchy, but at least not outright hostile to him. At least not since he showed her that he was out of her league in terms of power.
Both nodded at the same time. Darcy with a relieved look on her face and Stormy one of annoyance, but she left with him nonetheless.
With everyone gone Harry's group also left the establishment a minute later. Outside they saw Bloom finish with the law enforcement. A quick wave to the fairy saw her wave back to him as she noticed him.
However, the police also noticed and waved them over. Bloom and friends already leaving.
“What can we help you with, officer?” Harry inquired politely as soon as his group stood before them. A small smile on his lips.
One of the officers looked at him suspiciously, while the one who spoke seemed friendly. “Nothing much. We'd just like to ask you some questions.”
Knowing that it wasn't a request, Harry agreed. If only to not appear too hostile or suspicious. “Of course. We shall answer them to the best of our ability. Right girls?”
“Of course!” came the simultaneous reply from both sisters.
Nodding in satisfaction, the officer asked. “Do you know who is responsible for putting the son of Mazakis in the hospital?” the officer's eyes never wavered from Harry's form. Already having a suspicion after talking with the other witnesses. Well, more of a suspicion actually. The problem was that the victim didn't want to press charges and insisted he fought off three thugs on his own.
“I can't say I do.” Harry said nonchalantly. Butter wouldn't melt in his mouth. His voice calm and posture relaxed. “But I do hope you catch the one responsible.”
Seemingly earnest in her desire to see the case resolved, Darcy inquired. “What did the victim say happened, sir? I hope he is alright.” her eyes holding what looked like concern in them.
“He said that he barely thought of three thugs threatening his friends.” came from one of them. Disbelief and scepticism clearly colouring his features. Darko didn't look like a physically able man. Much less brave enough to do something like that. Then again, bravery and stupidity were very close, as Harry knew himself.
A few more questions saw the somewhat disgruntled policemen leave. To be on the safe side Harry subtly cast a Confundus on them, as well as an Obliviate. Causing them to forget his face and letting them think the encounter went exactly like Darko told them.
Once a few blocks away Harry summoned his black phoenix wings, which saw him flying in the nights sky. Small black embers trailing behind him as he soared up high. He still was thrilled to be able to fly without support and at the feeling of euphoria every time he took off was just addicting. 'And all it took were ten years on a frozen wasteland.' he thought sarcastically to himself, a grin on his face as the wind whipped around him.
Once he had a satisfying view of the city below he asked Darcy. “Can you look for Icy?” He knew some techniques about sensing magical auras, but he never invested much in it and therefore wasn't good at it. Which was also the reason he'd hoped at least Darcy would look with him.
“Sure thing.” she agreed easily and began to look for her sister by feeling for her magical energy. It had a distinct feel to it, like a cool and rejuvenating breeze with a taste of mint. Frowning in concentration, Darcy massaged her head. “Ugh, can you dial your aura back down a bit, Harry?” she requested, only feeling his quite frankly overpowering presence once she concentrated on sensing magic.
“Um, sure.” he nodded, not having expected that.
It took a while to manage that, mostly because a weird feeling spread out from his stomach that soon turned more into something more painful. As if he was cramming an river's worth of water inside his stomach. “What the hell?” Harry grunted, grabbing his stomach instinctively.
“Are you alright?” Stormy asked concerned, putting a hand on his shoulder as she flew beside him.
Grimacing a little he shrugged her off, gritting out words he hadn't said out loud in ten years. “I'm fine.”
“Suit yourself!” Stormy huffed, though she still glanced at him from the corner of her eyes. Mostly annoyed at him refusing her help.
After a few deep breaths Harry felt somewhat alright again. The unexpected pain muted for now. “How about now?”
Still, frowning, Darcy nodded and finally found her sister among the multitude of people. “I've got her.”
Glad that this way over Harry followed Darcy in the pursuit of Icy with Stormy.
A feeling of déjà vu came over Icy as she sat in the car with her legs and arms crossed. Her destination the mansion of Darko's father. She wasn't sure why that was so, but something seemed familiar about this situation. It was accompanied by a sinking feeling in her gut. Feeling like stones rested in her stomach, wanting nothing more than to drag her down.
Shaking her head the Witch of Ice tried to rid herself of these thoughts and feelings. However, they refused to be banished.
Looking up at the night sky, Icy didn't notice Magix City fly by as they drove to the home of Darko and his father.
The mansion was located on the outskirts of Magix City, just a few hundred metres away from a forest.
Icy was brought out of her thoughts by the vehicle's abrupt stop. Though, the uncomfortable feeling remained.
The hired muscle stepped out, ignoring Icy entirely.
'Suits me just fine.' she thought, exiting the car and looking at the lavish mansion of Mazakis.
Said man stood before the entrance.
He had white-grey hair held in a ponytail and a goatee that consisted of peach fuzz. As if he was still a teenage boy that couldn't accept it looked ridiculous. His eyes were dark and his skin was fair, showing no signs that he had ever done a day of physical labour in his life. He wore a button up shirt that was red around the collar and the shoulders. His pants were also red and his shoes that matched the colour of his top.
In the past when she saw the man she thought him a leader. Now she saw nothing but a pathetic man thinking himself as one. Same as his son. She had made the mistake of thinking of them as she remembered them as a child and not as they truly were. A failure out of which their temporary alliance was born. Something Icy now regretted once she saw them for what they truly were.
Now she saw that the only thing granting them influence was their money. Even then they had to flee Whisperia for Magix once Mazakis' shady dealings were discovered by the royal court there.
Icy knew better now than to think they held true power. Though after meeting Harry that much was obvious. People made a path for him wherever he walked, instinctively making way for a predator among them. The way he held himself confidently, but not arrogantly hammered that point home. Harry had no need to declare himself as anything. His sheer presence, magical aura and force of will did it for him. And if someone was stupid enough to challenge him? Well, Darko experienced the consequences of such first hand, as had Icy herself in Omega.
Something she wasn't mad about any longer. It was the natural right of the strong to dominate the weak. There was no shame in submitting to someone you couldn't overcome so long as the one you submit to was a worthy master. As a witch that was natural law, as it was with every other 'dark' beings. Vampires and their spawn were just one example. While werewolves and the alphas of the pack were another. Just as it was natural for her to challenge him to see if he was as good as he appeared. Something she should've done with Darkar.
On the other hand neither Mazakis or Darko had what it took to lead. Not an ounce of presence that caught everyone's attention by simply entering a room. No, they had to call out, make a spectacle of themselves or be announced. They demanded attention and did not simply get it by just existing. Nor did they have any of the posture a leader should have.
Not to mention that they did not possess that irresistible scent of power she came to associate with Harry. Something that was always present, just at the edge of her senses when she was near him. Always threatening to suffocate her, making her feel helpless but exhilarated at the same time. Knowing he could utterly destroy anything in his vicinity at any moment if he so wished. By now there was no point to deny that power, to her, was an addiction.
“Welcome back, Icy.” Mazakis greeted her formally, coldly. His form illuminated by the pale moonlight and the lights nearby.
Something about that caused a hole to open in the pit of her stomach. Though, not knowing why her body reacted in such a way, Icy simply rolled her eyes. Only for her to remember that she still wore the disguise and never told him who she really was. Only Darko.
The pit grew into an abyss. Though, nearly overpowering that was a putrid smell invading her nose. Nearly causing her to vomit at the sheer disgust it invoked in her. Just so remaining standing Icy noticed the shadow looming behind her and dodged the strike intended for her.
