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Rise from the Ashes, Chapter 14.
🕑 Added 2024-03-08 16:20:13 +0000 UTCFortress of Light.
Clouds parted before Harry and Chimera, who had arrived via portkey, swirling around them with a frigid wind.
“Easy.” Harry soothed, catching a stumbling Chimera around the waist, and pulling her close to him before she could fall. He looked from the rocky and uneven ground to her shoes. “I told you to wear something other than high-heels.” the wizard chuckled good-naturedly.
Chimera frowned, arms snaking around his in a now familiar gesture, clinging to him and in the process pressing her breasts onto him. “Who is the one responsible for fucking me bow-legged every day?” Chimera retorted with no bite, her eyes sparkling. “I feel like a newborn fawn for weeks now.” without magical remedies Chimera was sure she'd have a permanent limp by now.
“Don't pretend you hate it.” Harry told her with a grin. One hand snaked downward and began to grope her juicy cheeks. “You could've told me to stop at any time and I would have.” he added.
The fairy only huffed with flushed cheeks and a subtle grin, enjoying his hands on her body and pressing herself tighter against him as they took in their surroundings. “Besides, they could've sent us directly inside and not into this hazard.” she complained, looking up where she spied the monastery. Problem was that thetrail leading up to it was steep and strewn with pebbles and rocksas big as melons. Not that she was all that averse to it when it lent her an excuse to be close to him.
“I think we arrived exactly where they wanted us to arrive.” Harry commented as the wind picked up, urging you forward. He had enough experience to know that people in power often made it a point to engage in petty actions to remind people they deemed below them of their place.
Chimera was still snuggling into him, looking for his warmth to fend of the harsh mountain winds. “I guess so.” she said with a frown directed at the building ahead.
With that their hopefully short trek up began, making reasonable progress.
Harry caught a glimpse of a watchtower ahead, atop an outcropping of rock, sitting precariously on the edge of the mountain. It stood tall and proud above the immediate area, the pillar of stone stretched up 60 feet. Thin slits lined the walls to serve as an opening for ranged combat, and a small platform at the top jutted out in the four cardinal directions. The tower was peaked by a spire upon which a modest flag fluttered in the wind.
“By the way, does your mother know you're here?” Harry asked, worry for her in his eyes and tone. After two weeks Chimera had told him of the encounter with her mother. Something that immediately made him dislike Cassandra immensely due to his own experience with abusive and neglectful guardians. Chimera had to sneak out to meet him. Thankfully, Cassandra did not spend much time with her daughter and so did not notice her absence.
Chimera tightened her grip on him a little before she gave him a genuine smile. “No, but thankfully she's also not on Magix anymore. She went back to Solaria to help finish preparations for the Princess Ball.” she informed him, relief in her voice. “Not that she expected me to disobey her anyway.” she added as an afterthought. Normally Chimera would've caved, but Harry was more important to her now. He helped her more than Cassandra ever did, who didn't even think her daughter would disobey again, and so never even checked. It's as if she didn't know telling teenage girls to not do a thing would result in the opposite outcome of what you wanted.
All Chimera had to do was not bring Harry home. Something that was easy to do with him having his own much more impressive place.
“That's good to hear.” Harry smiled at her, glad that she somewhat stood up for herself by not caving to demands she didn't want to follow. “I'm proud of you.”
Chimera's chest swelled at the compliment, throat growing a little tighter at these now familiar but still thrilling feelings, making her feel as if floating.
However, the closer they came the more Harry felt a change in the air. It felt like he pressed through something even though the air stood empty. The last Potter raised a tentative hand, and it encountered an unseen density that grew slowly stronger the further he reached, but it was no ward. Something he couldn't identify was clearly at work here, and some sixth sense warned him against pressing ahead too far.
Someone inside the watchtower called out. “Who goes there?!”
Harry nearly rolled his eyes at that and scoffed. As if they didn't know why they were here or why, it being an arranged appointment. Something Bloom and Chimera had been helpful in making possible.
“Two guests to visit prisoners!” Chimera called back. Unseen by her targets, steel-blue eyes glared at the idiots up above.
There was some rustle and murmurs could be made out before Harry heard footsteps descending the tower. The heavy oak door opened with a groan, revealing a monk in simple robes and three paladins, armed with their usual weapons.
“Welcome to Lightrock Monastery! I'm Brother Shymel. And please, we hold no prisoners, only patients.” he was an unremarkable man with brown eyes and blond hair.
Harry cocked his head to the side and inquired. “So they're allowed to leave whenever they please?”
The monk shook his head slowly, an indulgent smile on his face. “If they are deemed rehabilitated they are allowed to leave without encountering any obstacles.” He said and checked a clipboard before looking up again. “You're here to visit the Trix, I see.” he appeared to not be displeased by that at all, nor showed any indication towards any opinion on the matter. “Please follow me to register your visit.” he led Harry and Chimera into the watchtower where they put their names, date of visit and more before proceeding.
With that done he led them further up the path, escorted by armed guards.
“Where even are we?” Chimera asked, looking around the empty mountain range and wondering just where on Magix this monastery was located.
Brother Shymel chuckled in good humour. “Nowhere you would recognize, Miss Chimera.” he explained evasively.
Harry didn't bother asking, already knowing that this place wasn't on any regular planet. No Ley-Lines were present at all that would indicate a natural world. 'Must be some artificial realm.' he deduced reasonable. 'Probably not very large at all beyond this monastery, and floating freely in the Blind Eternities. Feels similar to Relix, actually.' he thought. Something that seemed plausible given their apparent proficiency with travel to different planes and planets.
It took a while, but suddenly there before them was the peak of the mountain, soaring upwards and disappearing into the empty sky. Tattered prayer flags attached to ropes flapped in the wind, tied between the ground and the roof line of the temple, but sending their hopes to the heavens. The pillared structure maintained a stately and imposing appearance with its magnificent exterior walls, rising like a pinnacle from the earth, its soaring pillars supporting a structure that appeared simultaneously delicate and sturdy.
Upon nearing the main gates of the abbey a deafening gong sounded from a tall tower in the middle of the monastery, announcing their arrival and shattering the serene silence. The massive oaken doors banded with iron opened up to the inside, where a long hallway lined with statuary gave way to an interior courtyard adorned with fountains, gardens, and meticulously maintained hedges.
The paths and gardens were well cared for and full of life, but each monk who walked them appeared wholly immersed in some mental task that was not obvious to the visitors. The sprawling structure was truly at one with its natural surroundings; vines and ivy crawled along walls and reached up several spiralling towers. Paper globes swayed in the steady mountain wind.
Harry became even more conscious of the weirdness in the air; a curious stillness and a kind of queer absence. It felt like having a forest fall silent around him for no reason he could discern, or like reaching for an item without looking only to have his hand grasp empty air. Despite the emptiness of the feeling, it carried with it a certain weight. Each breath he took seemed to add to an invisible burden.
'What is this?' he wondered perplexed. It wasn't like the feeling of having too much magic clogging up his system. In fact, he could not feel any magic around him at all. The hairs on the nape of his neck and the back of his arms stood on end. His breath briefly stopped as a feeling of panic passed through Harry like a ghost, leaving him queasy. 'No wonder the Trix hate it here. Something is seriously wrong!'
It was an odd and uncomfortable feeling, to not be connected or feel magic in the surroundings in any way. Before it was gone Harry didn't even notice that it was there to begin with. He despised this new sensation immediately, despite it most likely being beneficial to his condition.
Chimera shivered beside him, clinging tighter to him and whispering. “What's going on here, daddy?!” she asked, showing how unnerved she was by using her nickname for him in public. Her eyes shifting suspiciously around the place. “I don't like it.”
Harry ran a soothing hand along the small of her back. “I don't know, but I agree with you there.”
Both did they best to ignore it and follow the monk without showing any discomfort.
From there Harry and Chimera saw one other locations before arriving at the prison of the complex; the eatery.
The greasy smell of roast meats and fried lard greeted them, an unctuous but sumptuous scent. A crowd of people ate and chatted, standing or sitting around long wooden tables with low benches. It looked like everyone had the same simple meal of meat, gravy, and bread with ale. A simple fare fitting for monks but it must be good judging by the smell.
The feeling from before seemed to become more oppressive here. Particularly it seemed to centre around a man, a veteran from the looks of it. There was no bluster or boastfulness, and nothing about his clothes or equipment existed for show. Everything from the way he wore his weapons to the way he moved spoke of hard-won battle experience, and not many loses. Even the rings on his calloused fingers looked like they are there more for fighting than to serve as any kind of decoration.
He was about as tall as Harry, broad-shouldered, possessing a thin waist and entirely bald. The man wore little clothing, and carried even less. No armour weighed him down, no blade hung at his hip. Garbed entirely in loose-fitting, comfortable yet functional clothes, he carried a simple quarterstaff, its haft smooth from years of constant use. Despite his unassuming, undecorated appearance and lack of obvious weaponry, Harry couldn’t help but notice the grace with which he moved, the fluidity with which he swept that staff through the air, and the coiled muscles beneath the simple garb.
Not to mention the clear respect his peers showed him. Whispers and murmurs of “High Templar” could be clearly made out by Harry.
'Dangerous.' was the only thing Harry could conclude before he was forced to abandon his observation and follow his guide. The queasy feeling marginally subsiding as he put distance between himself and the High Templar.
Finally they arrived where they wanted to be. A long and impressive wall ran before them in either direction. Two knightly statues, nearly twice as tall as a fully-grown human, were carved into the alcoves on either side of the entrance’s opening. Their service as sentinels against those who would violate the sanctity of this place. Despite its great age, the people of this place have bent their efforts towards maintaining the aged temple’s façade. Indeed, the hush and gravity of each footfall in this sacred spot reflects the solemnity with which countless prayers and contemplative mediation have taken place.
Stained glass windows, each depicting a scene of sacrifice or retribution, lined the walls of the entrance building. As if preparing the prisoners for things to come. “The patients are beyond this door.” the monk said gesturing towards the massive oaken door. “You have about half an hour before someone will fetch you.”
Harry nodded in understanding before turning to Chimera. “You better wait here.” he patted her hands consolingly. “No sense in agitating them more than necessary.” he doubted they'd like what he was about to tell them, but it was better without someone new they didn't know. Harry knew they could and probably would feel threatened.
Chimera tried to not let her disappointment show. “OK.” was all she said.
“I'll be back before you know it.” Harry reassured her, kissing her on the forehead before going. Barely managing to change course and stop himself from kissing her in earnest in front of these people. The fairy having grown on him during their weeks together.
What greeted him upon entering the cells was not what Harry had expected. Instead of cold walls and metal bars underground, free sky met him. A fragrant wind rustled the grass, green and perfect in the afternoon sun. Wrought-iron fencing flanked the cobblestone paths winding their way through gardens brimming with sweet-smelling flowers. Trees offered shade as respite from the sun.
Harry walked along the idyllic path, kind of enjoying it but also still weary. Not many prisoners were encountered so the last Potter went off the beaten path and onto the precisely cut grass. Though, those he did see were seemingly not all there, as if completely mentally absent.
'What immaculate service.' Harry thought sarcastically. 'I have to look for them on my own while on a time limit.' It was just one more jab at him, as far as Harry was concerned. Not seeing any way this could've been some honest mistake.
It took a good ten minutes but he finally could make out three figures sitting in the shadow of a tree, meditating from the looks of it.
He didn't even need to make his presence known as all three heads shot up to twist in his direction. All three wearing weird robes that covered them completely from the neck down.
“Harry!” Darcy gasped out, rushing towards him and practically leaping into his arms, hugging him tight. Surprisingly she was followed shortly after by Icy and Stormy, making it into a group hug.
“Please tell me you're here to get us out!” Stormy all but begged, real desperation mixed with a poor façade of humour that did nothing to mask it. For the usual abrasive young woman to say such words things must be worse than he thought.
Without any prompting Harry squeezed them all a little tighter. “Why, is it because of this weird feeling in the air; this unnatural absence of magic?”
All three nodded before disentangling from him, with Icy saying. “Yes, only we weren't here for so long the last time.” it had been nearly a month now in comparison to the week they spent here previously. The Witch of Ice shivered, something she definitely didn't due to any kind of cold.
“Only our connection to you kept us somewhat afloat.” Darcy explained, golden eyes looking at his with gratitude. Her hands pulling at his so they rested on where his mark sat on her body. “What about your condition? Were there any relapses?” she asked with honest concern as she sat down, pulling Harry with her so she could lean against his shoulder.
“No. I have a temporary solution and even a permanent one in the works.” he told the Witch of Darkness. “But that's not why I'm here.” he patted the grass, inviting the others to join them. “I'm here to tell you that I've made some progress with your case.”
That gave him their attention quickly. “Oh, good news, I hope.” Darcy's voice was curious as she snuggled against his right side, an eyebrow raised. Her mind already going over various possibilities. Stormy mirrored her on the other side, leaving Icy to impotently glare at her two sisters in all but blood.
Harry chuckled and, with a simple summoning spell, jerked her towards him so she sat in his lap. “There's enough place.” he consoled her half-teasingly, not mentioning her glowing red face which she hid in the crook of his neck, knowing her fragile pride. “Anyway, I did some research, contacted some lawyers, and looked for support from other avenues.”
“Spill it out already!” Stormy demanded, not liking the suspense at all. It was better to get it over with than draw it out.
Not offended by her slight outburst, Harry acquiesced easily. “Well, to be blunt, no lawyer in Magix will touch your case.” understandable, considering that they petrified nearly everyone in Magix at one point. People tended to remember that. “But that simply means I had to look outside of Magix.” Harry explained, not relishing having to explain to the Trix where he got help from. “Luckily, I got some help and was able to arrange for one from Zenith.”
“Help? What kind of help and from whom?” Icy questioned with narrowed eyes and a sinking feeling in her stomach. A horrible suspicion already formed in her mind. Harry's look was all the confirmation she needed, but she swallowed any insult she wanted to hurl. Lest she drive him away.
Harry decided to be blunt and honest. No sense in beating around the bush any longer. “I asked Bloom and some other fairies for help.” he said, looking at their reactions. They obviously were upset, but none of them interrupted him. “Without their support I would've made considerably less progress than on my own.” he emphasized it to leave no doubt. Bloom and Chimera were the biggest help, but acquaintances and friends of their also contributed with suggestions.
“Fine.” Icy practically spat, an unpleasant taste in her mouth at being helped by fairies of all beings.
The rest of his stay before saying farewell was spent talking a little more about the upcoming trial, as well as more trivial, and light-hearted stuff.
Planet Magix, Gloomy Wood Forest.
Bloom easily arrived at the edge of the forest, having flown swiftly from Alfea. The trees of the weald rose like a palisade against the sky. The fairy's cyan eyes only able to penetrate a few yards into the dense, shadowed foliage. Barely able to make out the things that stirred within the deep reaches of the wilds, their rustling and calls reaching her ears even here on the edge of the green and brown veil.
Without further ado she followed the path inside, knowing the Pixie Village was concealed by the thick foliage. At first sunlight streamed through tall trees here and there, to dapple the rocky, root-crossed pathway wending through the woodland. Flowering bushes, buzzing with insects, stretched branches out over the path in colourful arcs, while vibrant green ferns crowded in their shadows near the trail. The whole effect was one of breathtaking beauty, as if nature created a nuptial path for the marriage of some forest spirits
However, the deeper she went the darker it became. The trees here grew so large their canopies shadowed the sun near completely. Trunks as wide as towers bore the unmistakable scars of natural forest fires, and yet they persisted stubbornly. Moss coated the forest floor, creeping over deadfalls sprawled like fallen giants. The air here smelled heavy of loam and rot. Leaves and twigs crunched underfoot as Bloom navigated tangled knots of roots. All around the trees stood silent vigil, watching, listening.
After a while Bloom wasn't so sure anymore if she remembered the correct path to the Pixie Village, but pushed on anyway. Always having the option of flying over the canopy and back to Alfea. A noise broke her concentration when out of the undergrowth a chortling pixie waddled, accompanied by a bevy of excited young ones. The adult pixie stopped as she felt Bloom's gaze on her, cocked her head upwards, and then turned right around and headed back into the brush, the smaller ones hopping and tripping behind frantically.
“Wait!” Bloom called out and pursued the small beings when they did not heed her call. Multiple branches slapped her in the face as she did so. Luckily, the redhead arrived in the Pixie Village without further problems. Aside from her fiery hair being full of twigs and leaves.
A stillness seemed to accompany this part of the forest, as if the clearing deserves to be honoured by the world. Wind pulled at the tree tops, causing a chorus of quiet creaks and groans in this sterling grove. A glittering river wound its way through the lush, green landscape. Its waters lapped pleasantly at the banks where pines clustered around the rivulet, and constantly flowering trees scent the air with a subtle but intoxicating perfume. Though, there was an underlying odour she couldn't quite place, that seemed intent to ruin the redolence of this place.
Only then did she notice that here stood the heart of the forest. A titan, primordial, whose roots extended leagues in every direction, stood in the middle of the grove. It towered, wider and taller and mightier than any fortress, with boughs and branches that shadowed the sun itself, and upon which emerald leaves made their home. Moss and vines snaked up the length of the bark and dangled from its dizzying heights. Fruits as big as her fist, each a vivid crimson in colour decorated the tree's branches that strained under the weight of its fecund abundance. Birds, squirrels and squalls, a dozen varieties each, nested in its canopy or by its roots. On its base mushrooms grew as tall as her knees, serving as houses to some pixies, while others made their homes in burrows or atop the boughs of trees.
Bloom was struck by the sheer majesty of this sight, of its immense gravity upon her. “That wasn't here the last time.” she murmured, awestruck at the behemoth before her. 'Must be the Tree of Life.' she thought entranced, remembering the small bud it had been just months before. 'Would've made it considerably easier to find by flying than going through the forest on foot.' A few moments went by before she spied sunlight streaming down further ahead. Going around the trunk the grove became more and more illuminated.
The cause for it was apparent immediately.
On this half the mighty tree's limbs were shaped like spindly arms or crooked fingers. Its dried and twisted boughs, sparsely dotted with a few hundred wilting leaves and some kind of rotten fruit, crackled under their own weight. A gust of wind made the branches shift weakly, accompanied by a creaking groan of apparent discomfort, causing the fruits to drop with wet thumps as Bloom made her way along the titanic trunk. The tree provided no shade here, its bark hardened and cracked while diseased sap oozed and congealed like pus from a gaping wound. It's weak roots laid bare as if it was a few moments away from being upended by the disproportionate weight distribution of itself. The foul blue fruits of the dying tree were riddled with white blotches and reeked of a sickly odour reminiscent of clogged gutters brimming over with foetid floodwater.
On the wounded bark many pixies were busy tending to it. Either tending to the vulnerable bark with spells, or helping in a chain of buckets that transported the rancid resin away.
“Bloom!” a high-pitched voice called out frantically, followed by a blur of pink in her vision.
“Lockette!” Bloom greeted back her bonded pixie enthusiastically, but not seeing her anywhere.
Only then did she notice that the small being rummaged around in her hair, removing leaves and wooden remnants of bushes. “You should be more careful or you'll look like a treant, Bloom.”
It took a minute for Lockette to be satisfied with her work. “Thank you,” Bloom said, her gaze again on the massive tree. “But what's going on here?”
The pink-haired pixie grew apprehensive at that, a small frown marring her face as her green eyes flickered from Bloom to the sickly tree. “It's terrible! The Tree of Life is sick and dying.”
“Indeed.” came a sombre voice from nearby, revealing Ninfea, the Guardian Pixie of the village. Ninfea had light salmon skin, lilac eyes accentuated by pinkish lilac eye-shadow. Her green hair resembled a flower bulb, was short and held together by her golden crown with a lilac oval gem on its centre and white details at the sides. Her wings were pointy, lime green at the borders and the inside coloured a light yellow.
Bloom looked at the gigantic tree, wondering what could lay such a titan low. “Why, what happened?” her mind immediately went to thinking that witches had something to do with it. Only that outside of the Trix no witch knew the location of the village, and the three were imprisoned right now.
“Nothing.” answered Ninfea, dismissing Lockette with a wave of her hand, and making the young one return to help the others. “Or rather nobody of us knows what is wrong with the Tree of Life.” the pixie's purple eyes looked at her brethren steadily working to heal the tree before going back to Bloom. “The same happened to the previous one, too.” which was why this one had only been a bud last year. “Sadly, there are no pixies alive today to tell us what occurred. We are tied to it and so every pixie perished with it at the time. All of us alive today came to be afterwards.”
Bloom cooked her head to the side, asking. “Is that why there are so few of you around?” now that she really thought about it, Bloom noticed that only herself and the rest of the Winx had bonded pixies. No other fairy of Alfea or from somewhere else had one. Previously she had assumed that meant they simply didn't look for one. “Wait, how did you came to be if all pixies died before?”
“Pixies aren't born through the conventional method of procreation.” Ninfea explained patiently, pointing towards the rotting fruits lying about, and those hanging on the tree still. “We are born from the Tree of Life's fruits. I was the first that came to be from this one.”
When Bloom looked at the tree it looked perfectly separated in its two halves of healthy and sick. A sinking feeling occurred, dragging her stomach to her knees, a niggling suspicion planted in the back of her mind blooming to life. “What's the purpose of the Tree of Life?” she inquired.
“It is said that each bough of the Tree of Life stands for a world of the Magical Galaxy and each leaf for a fairy.” Ninfea began to explain. “As well as being a physical manifestation of the balance between positive and negative magical energy in the universe.”
The suspicion Bloom had now became more, the pit in her stomach yawning wider. “I see.”
What she was told may be true to some extent, but Bloom had her own suspicions. For instance, she doubted that all branches represented a world, because she didn't see a massive one that only had one leaf left, representing Domino. Sure, some branches were smaller than others, but all had more than one leaf. Neither did it seem possible that about half of the worlds in the Magical Galaxy were now basically dead. Though, the part of it showing the balance of negative and positive energy seemed to be spot on.
'Too much positive and too many fairies.' Bloom mused pensive, looking at the half nearly chocking with leaves. More thoughts followed swiftly after. 'All these things, lost, just because some people think they know better than nature itself.' she shook her head and got back on track. “How do you plant a new one should this one die, too?” if all pixies are tied to it then Bloom had no idea who could do so.
The green-haired fairy used her staff to point at the fruits again. “Sometimes two fruits intertwine around each other and slowly merge into one. The result can become a new Tree of Life.” the small being frowned in obvious displeasure. “We were forced to coax them to do so.”
“Could I have one of those?” Bloom requested earnestly, having come here for that exact purpose and knowing Harry needed such a seed. Something that would hopefully also help the pixies by proxy.
Ninfea squinted at Bloom hard before reluctantly nodding her consent. With a quick. “Wait here.” She vanished swiftly by flying out of Bloom's field of view. Not even a minute went by before she returned, holding a seed. “Here, but that's all we can spare right now and just because you helped us so much in the past.”
“Thank you!” the redhead said her heartfelt thanks, taking the small seed and inspecting it. It was no larger than a seed from a cherry tree, but possessed dark swirling patterns clinging to a white inner core.
After saying goodbye she left the pixies to their own tasks and returned to Alfea.
Planet Magix, Alfea.
Bloom arrived back just in time to pack her bags for the coming week of festivity. Even spying Stella squishing an ungodly amount of clothes in about ten coffers as she did so. Her fellow princess even had one entirely dedicated for hats. “So, are we ready?” the Princess of Solaria asked the room's occupants.
“We'll catch up with you two tomorrow. We still have a couple of things to do here.” Musa replied, lounging in the common room of their dormitory, sitting in a chair with her feet propped up on the table. The others weren't remotely finished, and they had other things to take care of as well.
“Oh?” the golden-haired fairy raised a perfectly sculptured eyebrow before a grin slowly overtook her features. “Doing some late shopping for a few extra presents? A Princess Ball is a once in a lifetime occasion, after all!”
Aisha rolled her eyes unseen by Stella, electing a few laughs out of the others. “Sure, Stella.” more like preparing to go with their own entourage of servants and royal parents in case of Tecna and herself. While Flora and Musa had obligations to their own attending monarchs.
“Well, just don't keep me waiting too long.” Stella said, looking over everything to make sure she didn't miss anything.
“I'm ready. Are this your bags?” Bloom asked coming out of her and Flora's room, knowing it to be true but needing to ask anyway. A touch of incredulity in her voice as she took in the small mountain of objects belonging to Stella while carrying her own two bags.
The Solarian princess nodded with a satisfied grin. “Yes, this time I decided to travel light.” she turned back to the others. “See, Bloom here is ready to go and already has my present.” she promptly invaded Bloom's personal space. “By the way what did you get me? Is this it?” her delicate hands in the process of taking the rectangle covered in paper. Bloom had made such a secret of it, Stella just had to know.
“Ah ah ah! That's for your birthday, not today!” Bloom evaded the greedy hands with a laugh.
With a put-upon sigh Stella shrunk her bags down and stuffed them in her pockets. “Fine.” Stella then pulled the Ring of Solaria from her finger and expanded it. The small turquoise ring then expanded into its sceptre form with an elegant twirl. “Buckle up Bloom, time to go!”
“Aren't you forgetting something, or rather someone?!” Bloom asked with a raised eyebrow, looking at her best friend expectantly.
Stella stumbled at the interruption and looked a little lost, but Bloom could see clearly Stella didn't want to deal with Chimera. Not that Bloom was any more thrilled to see the Countess' daughter. Though, that also meant leaving Harry behind. “No?” the Solarian princess tried to feign ignorance.
“Come on then. I'll remind you.” Bloom lead on, going to the courtyard where Harry would arrive.
The two left their dorm and arrived outside quick enough. Just in time to see Harry and Chimera stroll through the gates of Alfea with their own luggage. “Harry!” Bloom exclaimed, running towards him but unable to envelop the wizard in a hug with her current load.
“Hello, Bloom, Stella.” Harry greeted the two with a smile. Chimera meanwhile was clinging onto his arm and glaring at the Alfea fairies. “Aren't the rest coming?” he had met them sporadically, but certainly not enough to know them well. Though, Musa came close to being a friend. Even helping him with Alfea's library by lending out books he might want to read and bringing them back as well.
The amber-eyed fairy interrupted. “Yes, yes, they'll catch up with us tomorrow.” she twirled her staff and yelled impatiently. “Now let's go. Solaria!” promptly slamming the end on the ground and letting bright light transport them to their destination.
Planet Solaria, Royal Palace.
After a rather disorienting, but thankfully brief travel, involving a kaleidoscope of colour swirling all around, the four arrived in a massive courtyard that had more in common with a park.
Despite its open-air layout, the courtyard was partially protected by the tall, forbidding walls around the property, allowing a place of respite for the palace’s inhabitants. Finely crafted marble statues have been erected at equidistant corners of the smooth stone paths cut through the manicured gardens with equally symmetrical hedges. Several stone benches were placed along the walkways or under stone pavilions, conducive to moments of quiet reflection. Exotic birds nested in trees from a dozen distant lands. Flowers of a hundred shades bloomed radiantly, and the air was laden with their unique, mingling perfume. Fountains trickled pleasantly from every direction, and at the garden’s heart, a multi-tiered one topped with lifelike statues of golden fish stood with birds and lily pads floating lazily in its crystal-clear waters.
Though, what Harry noticed shortly after was something else entirely. There in the sky hung not one, nor two, but three suns with nary a cloud far and wide. A fact that made itself known quickly by the sheer heat he felt by just standing around.
“Bloody hell!” Bloom took the words out of his mouth, shielding her eyes from the suns' glare. “I take it rain or night don't exist on Solaria?” she couldn't help but ask.
Stella smiled smugly, evidently proud of her planet. “Of course not!” she pointed towards the biggest sun, which was yellow. “Our three suns Lumenia,” next came the one white in colour and middling in size. “Helios,” lastly came the smallest one, with a blood red colour to it. “And Asteri make sure of that.”
Harry had his own thoughts the matter. Where did the water come from if it didn't rain and the constant glare of three suns evaporated most water? How did the agriculture work? How did people sleep if there was no night? Constant sunlight should seriously mess with someone. As well as a host of other possible problems. He assumed these issues were taken care of magically, but he'd doubt there weren't any skeletons lying in Solaria's metaphorical basement.
There wasn't much further talk as the group made their way towards the royal palace on the marble walkway framed by trees. Stella set a brisk pace and soon a grandiose palace rose to the sky to greet them, easily five floors tall. Slender spires and towers with domes of glass thrust blindly upward. One could see graceful buttresses, delicate arches, fluted columns, balconies and bowers integrated into the humongous building. A few of the palace's beige marble walls were covered in thick, green vines and flowers of all kinds.
One could see aircrafts of all kinds arrive and leave, out of which nobles exited accompanied by their many servants. All of them merged into a stream of people at the entrance, ready for the grand affair. Harry had no idea if they were foreign ones or native, being unfamiliar with the sigils and heraldry of them.
Stella and Bloom could somehow simply ignore all of the hustle and did so, but Chimera and Harry weren't so lucky. Quite literally lost in the sea of people. Only able to hear a masculine voice call out with joy. “Sunbeam!” followed by Stella's reply. “Daddy!”
“What now?” Harry inquired, turning to look at Chimera. He could barely make out Bloom and Stella over the throng of people blocking the view. All the while wondering what kind of elbows Stella had to be able to manage navigating that mess. 'Probably massive amounts of practise through shopping.' he mused in his head. Sure, he could simply fly overhead, but didn't think people would appreciate that and rightfully perceive it as rude.
Chimera glowered, probably at what she perceived as Stella ditching them, before answering. “I know a shortcut.” she said with a sigh, leading him to a side entrance dedicated for servants. Once inside the temperature got more moderate and the dryness in the air became a little less pronounced.
They arrived at a corridor with a crimson carpet spanning the length of it, its soaring walls adorned with priceless tapestries, paintings, and ancient frescoes. Fresh flowers from the grounds’ gardens adorn tables here and there, set between the doors of the corridor’s many rooms. No candelabras or other objects with the purpose of spending light were present, obviously having no need for those with three suns in the sky.
Further inside Harry spied the entrance hall where the line of nobles led to, arriving at a horde of servants waiting to receive them. The hall was much bigger than the one Hogwarts' possessed, grand staircase and all. Just inside the entrance to the palace, they found themselves in front of a wide flight of stairs leading up to an expansive landing decorated with a dozen antique paintings in gilded frames. From this landing, two massive helical staircases branched out to balconies leading to the upper floors of the palace, the rich, light stone highlighted in its quality by the light coming from a dome glass ceiling above.
“Come along. I'll show you to your quarters.” Chimera said after giving a servant their luggage and invitations, and then leading him up the stairs to the fourth floor.
On and on they went for what felt like half an hour before Chimera directed him to a door. This apartment for honoured guests and permanent residents belonging to the court alike were well-appointed with beautifully crafted furniture and decorated according to a theme, much like a fine hotel suite. The apartment opened into a small sitting room connected to a bedroom on one side, and a decently-sized bathroom on the other. There even was a rune that, when pressed, darkened the windows to give occupants the illusion of night.
The rich furnishings of the bedchamber have been constructed in a wood so dark that it was nearly black, polished to a perfect shine. The sideboard and bedside table were of very fine quality, but the true centrepiece is the bed itself; an enormous four-poster affair so plush and soft-looking that a single night within its covers would make up for forty nights on the road. The room, accentuated with a fragrance of lilac and lavender, was furnished elegantly, with a pair of comfortable, high-backed chairs dominating one corner of the room. Upon a small desk along one wall, a steaming basin of perfumed water and clean towels were provided for guests, awaiting anyone who wished to wash the stink of the day away.
A shimmering bronze tub with clawed feet of silver dominates the bathroom, large enough to fit several people at a time if the need should arise. A pair of gilded spigots provided the water, heated magically. Above a large marble basin a mirror trimmed with intricate gold filigree hung.
Before Harry could say anything Chimera attacked, claiming his lips with her own. Her delicate hands hastily trying to divest him of all clothing, barely managing to lose his shirt, before stumbling onto the bed. “What're you doing?” the wizard asked after finally able to get some air, softly pushing the young woman up by her shoulders.
Smiling impishly, Chimera straddled his hips grinding her clothed pussy up and down his crotch while her hands explored his chest. “I thought it rather obvious.”
“Shouldn't we hand over our present for Stella first?” he asked, his emerald eyes twinkling in amusement.
A scowl marred the blue-haired fairy's face at the mention of the Solarian princess. “Bah!” Chimera spat with as much venom as she could muster. “She's probably busy leading her friend all over the palace, bragging about how rich, how royal and how beautiful she is.” most likely even showing Bloom the Steeple of the Suns and the Celestial Orrery, said to contain a breathtaking and elaborate model of the Magical Galaxy. Though, both were restricted to the royal family only.
Harry chuckled at her rant, knowing her dislike for Stella by now. “Are you still mad at her?”
“You aren't?” she shot back with a fierce pout, counting the offences at her fingers. “Stella didn't greet us properly! She is our host and ditched us at the first opportunity and I'm sure she wanted to do so even before we arrived at Alfea!”
This time the last Potter sighed. “She probably was just too exited for her party. Besides, we can have fun later tonight...” a look outside reminded him of the three balls of fire hanging in the sky. “I mean later today.” he shook his head and commented drily. “That's going to take some getting used to.”
Chimera reluctantly did as told and slid off him, but not before giving him a long kiss and smouldering look that promised future debauchery. “Fine. At least I can see you in the suit I bought you.” she smiled impishly. “Followed by ripping it off your body.”
With a grin Harry got off the bed and put his discarded clothes back on, as well as putting the bed back to its previous state. He also used the perfumed water to freshen up a little, lest it go to waste. “Lead the way then. You most likely know were in this maze we can put the presents.”
In just a blink Chimera lead him again, clinging to him once more. Something she seemed very fond of doing. Not that Harry was opposed to having a beautiful girl doing that. Again they wandered the seemingly endless corridors of the palace, along a spiral staircase built into the stone of this opulent palace, connecting all the floors, and emerging into foyers that lead to different corridors. Past servants and guests, as well as tapestries, portraits, curios and other baubles displayed all around.
“Wow, that's amazing! And they're all for you?” Harry could make out Bloom's voice, touched by disbelief and coming from an open room just ahead.
“Yes, and there are four other rooms full of them.” Stella commented casually, something that caused Chimera to grip his arm tighter than usual. “But, you know, most of them are nothing special.” the Crown Princess of Solaria claimed. “Old-fashioned jewels, gaudy tiaras, bulky sceptres, cloaks I'll never wear.” a dramatic sigh followed. “I tell you a princess's life is so hard.”
Just before they entered the room Chimera muttered venomously, hands clenched tightly. “That spoiled bitch!”
It seemed Stella wasn't one for currying favour with her subjects, if her loud proclamations with no concern who overheard were any indication.
To not let Chimera do the talking and potentially insult Stella or hurt, Harry called out. “Well, I hope you'll find my present more to your liking then.” his words easily heard by the only two fairies in the room, with Stella currently in the process of rummaging among the mountains of presents for something she might like.
“Harry! Where were you? One moment you're there and the next you're gone.” Bloom exclaimed, relieved to see him again. Her own present still on her person, lest Stella snatch it away.
“We were a bit lost in the sea of people outside, but we made do.” Harry told Bloom, who frowned at the now smugly smiling Chimera snuggling into him.
She lightly glared at her best friend and said annoyed. “Most likely because someone couldn't wait to drag me away.” the Princess of Domino hadn't thought Stella to sabotage her blossoming relationship with Harry, even if unintentionally. Though, it seemed Stella gave Chimera an opportunity Bloom hoped to have herself.
“You said something about a present!” the golden-haired fairy inquired eagerly, ignoring Bloom. Practically hopping up and down. “What is it?”
Bloom's embarrassment could be heard clearly as she hissed. “Stella!”
Harry waved it off with a good-natured chuckle. “No harm done.” he pulled a small box outside his pocket. Opening it revealed a glassy orb hanging on a golden chain and filled with what appeared to be liquid starlight, shimmering iridescently. “I call it the Star's Tear. One can put a precious memory inside it to store, so you may always revisit it with perfect clarity. All you need to do to put one inside is think about the memory as you hold it against your forehead.” he shrugged modestly at their impressed stares. “It can only hold one and a second memory replaces the old one, but it could be anything: Memories of your wedding or other memorable occasions.”
After a minute of staring at it, Stella took it reverently. An emotion in her amber eyes that could only be longing. “Thank you.” she said softly, clasping the object close to her heart with a smile. The princess turned to her red-headed friend. “What's your present, Bloom?”
“Fine.” Bloom said with a weary sigh, having heard that question for what felt like the thousandth time today. “If showing you will get you to finally shut up.” she said jokingly and picked the wrapped canvas off the ground and ripped the paper from it, revealing a portrait of Stella. It was no ordinary thing, however. The paint on it was not done in a usual style at all but seemed gaseous, as if Bloom had captured smoky vapours to make the portrait. One could see every detail of Stella clearly, but it seemed more alive, moving even.
“I made it using Fumage.” Bloom explained. “It's an art technique using smoke and fire to create impressions on paper.” it was in laymen’s terms painting with fire. Of course there was more to it than that, but she doubted Stella cared about the details. She could've make it a moving one with Harry's help, but decided against it. “And I also got you this.” she handed Stella a small slip of paper with both hands.
The amber-eyed young woman looked at it and squealed in joy. “A photo shoot with Magix most popular photographer Jason Queen!” she tightly hugged Bloom in her exuberance, lifting her fellow princess of the ground. “Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
“No problem.” Bloom patted Stella on the back with a laugh of her own. It seemed Harry was right on the money as to what Stella would like the most.
As soon as it came the good atmosphere was broken as Stella turned to look at Chimera expectantly. “And, what's yours out of all of these?” Stella demanded somewhat haughtily. Most likely in an attempt to potentially embarrass Chimera.
With a barely suppressed glower Chimera picked up a small box via a summoning charm. “Here is the present I got for you. I hope you like it.” the blue-haired fairy bit out with a forced smile. Upon opening it a small ring decorated with impressively cut rubies could barely be made out due to the near blinding light it emitted.
Stella wasn't bothered by the radiance and simply sniffed a little and said with a condescending smile. ”Well, it's the thought that counts.”
“Excuse me?” Harry exclaimed, kinda shocked that the usually laid-back princess was so vindictive over something so petty.
Without further ado Chimera made to leave, teeth grinding as she glared at Stella in impotent rage. “I'll see you later, Harry.” she added before hastily vacating the room. The door was slammed close magically with considerable force, letting the windows rattle.
“Did you really have to do that?” Bloom complained, arms crossed and a frown on her face. Sure, she didn't particularly like Chimera either. But as a princess, shouldn't it be Stella's concern not to piss of her subjects too much?
Stella huffed. “I was more merciful than that thief deserved.” she said before returning to inspecting her presents.
“I'm sorry, Harry.” the redhead apologized sincerely, knowing he didn't like people degrading others. All the while hoping that this wouldn't be something to put a wedge between them.
After a look at the spoiled Solarian princess the wizard turned to Bloom, shaking his head he said. “It's not your fault, but I probably should look if Chimera is alright.” he nodded to her politely, waving lackadaisically to a distracted Stella as he left, and saying while looking over his shoulder. “Maybe you can look for your boyfriend?”
Before the Princess of Domino could say anything Harry was gone, causing her shoulders to slump dejectedly. 'What did he mean with that?' her mind immediately went wild with the possible implications of his last sentence. 'Does he not want to continue developing our relationship?' she fretted before shaking her head. 'No, he said it's not my fault.' despite thinking that the queasy feeling in her stomach remained. They had spent much time together getting to know each other. Even having shared more than a few dates and even more kisses, including their rather heated painting sessions. It had all been wonderful!
That's why she paced now, worried that this would drive him into Chimera's arms. Well, more so than usual. She didn't know Chimera personally, both having avoided each other strictly, and Bloom simply disliked her on principle. Then the redhead remembered that she forgot to give him the seed from the Tree of Life she had gathered today.
“Great job, Stella.” she muttered to no one in particular.
“No problem!” came the cheery answer.
