A/N: Haha! I finally made it on time for once, Yeah!
So, in doing some research for this chapter I decided to watch the episode from the 1st season that this takes bits from...
Now, maybe it's just the 4Kids dub, which is what I grew up with and remember actually liking, but... wow, just, wow. I... I can't do this anymore! I QUIT!
. . .
. . .
. . . Oh! I don't mean the story, that's going to be going for awhile yet. No, I mean I can't watch the show anymore. That was just bad. Like REALLY bad. Stilted acting, really bad puns, flat jokes, really cheesy dialogue, and just, oh god it hurt to watch!
So as of now, if I didn't say it before, this is most definitely AU so don't expect it to follow much of any plots from the show.
With that out of the way, enjoy chapter 10!
. . . The theme's kinda catchy, I'll admit... Too catchy even. *Starts humming the 4Kids theme unconsciously* Get out of my head! Get out get out GET OUT! *Runs away screaming*
Chapter 10
"Aah! Owie."
Bloom shook her head to clear it, looking up as the other girl stood over her fallen form.
She sneered, glowing hand aimed at the downed girl's head, ready to finish her with her Gem Lancer.
"Any last words, tramp?"
Tears pricked at her eyes as she thought about how, what was supposed to be a fun day, lead up to this moment.
XXX
(Several Hours Earlier...)
Bloom was super excited, today was Exhibition Day at Red Fountain and all were invited to see the show.
"This is sooo cool! I can't wait to cheer on big brother Riven! What about you Mama Mirta?"
Said magenta haired girl smiled with a light blush across her cheeks, ruffling the smaller girl's hair affectionately while the other witches chuckled.
"Of course little Rose, I wouldn't be a very good girlfriend if I didn't cheer my man on in his moment of glory, now would I?"
Bloom tilted her head cutely and giggled, which turned into a surprised squeal as Stormy hoisted her onto her shoulders.
"We all know you'd do the same for Darcy, don't try to deny it. How's the vantage-point up there Bloomy?"
She cheered, looking around excitedly in every direction.
"Thank you Stormy, I can see everything from up here!"
Darcy nudged the chuckling weather witch.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? She's 16 after all, isn't she a bit big for that?"
She shrugged, careful not to dislodge the giggling redhead.
"She's tiny Sis, and super light, I think I can handle it. Stop worrying so much."
She sighed, shaking her head.
"Alright, fine. Just be careful."
The bluenette smirked.
"Hey, aren't I always?"
Darcy deadpanned.
"No."
She rolled her eyes.
"Well this time I will be."
Adjusting Bloom, she grinned.
"Alright, let's go find us some seats!"
Bloom pointed dramatically forward.
"To the stands!"
"You got it Princess! Hold on tight, The Lightening Express is a go!"
Crouching slightly, she concentrated her electric magic into her legs and feet for a boost, and bolted off, leaving a light trail of electrical scorch marks as well as an echoing trail of cheering laughter from Bloom.
Shaking her head, Darcy turned to the rest of the group.
"Come on girls, let's get going before those two get into too much trouble."
They all chuckled at her misfortune, but agreed, making their way to the stadium.
XXX
Bloom watched in awe as everything passed by super quick, then spotted a concession stand up ahead.
"Stormy, snacks!"
She blinked, skidding to a halt a few feet away.
"Good thinking Bloomy."
Walking up she stepped in line, and after a few minutes it was their turn, the woman at the register smiling.
"Hello dears, what would you like?"
Stormy and Bloom both looked the menu up and down.
"What sounds good to you kiddo?"
Bloom took-on her signature adorable thinking pose, the woman giggling lightly.
"Hmm, I think we should just get something light and a drink. Darcy said that there will be an in-ter-mis-sion, and we can get lunch during it, she did she did."
Stormy snickered as the woman at the counter was struggling not to squee by this point.
"Good call. Whelp, you heard the kid. Two medium popcorns and two medium drinks."
She smiled and nodded, getting to work on the popcorn.
"What would you like to drink dears?"
Stormy shrugged.
"Cola's good for me. Bloom?"
She chirped.
"Grape soda!"
The clerk chuckled, handing over their order and exchanging money.
"Here you go dears. Enjoy the show."
Stormy passed up Bloom's snacks to her, both responding.
"Thanks!"
But as soon as they turned around...
"Oof!?"
"My soda!"
"Watch it! Wah? Aah!"
Stormy had bumped into a girl the second she'd turned around, Bloom losing grip of her soda and spilling it on the other girl. Both took in the look of the girl as they apologized.
She was tall, probably around Icy's height, with long wavy pale blonde hair, lightly tanned skin and amber eyes that were currently burning with indignation.
Her outfit consisted of a red-and-ivory corset dress with puffy sleeves and two light purple swirling bracelets that traveled up her forearms. She also wore a light purple headband tiara with a large red jewel on it. Unfortunately she was also now covered in grape soda, though Bloom'd managed to keep a firm grip on her popcorn, saving her that indignation.
"Sorry, I didn't know you were behind me."
"I'm sooo sorry gem lady!"
She scowled, pulling herself to her feet.
"Look what you've done to my dress! I hope you commoners can pay for these damages!"
Stormy growled.
"What did you say-"
Bloom cut her off.
"I don't have much money, but here, I think I can fix it."
The blonde blinked when she noticed the air heat up around her.
"What are you..."
Then it stopped. Taking a quick look-over of herself revealed that the soda had all evaporated, not even leaving any residue or stains.
"Is that better?"
She nodded, satisfied.
"Yes, I guess it is. I suppose thanks are in order. Your names?"
Stormy huffed, still not liking this girl.
"Stormy."
"I'm Bloom. What's your name gem lady?"
She gave a haughty look.
"My name is Diaspro, Princess of Eraklyon. Be sure to remember it commoner."
With that she strutted off.
Stormy glared as she left.
"Well, she was pleasant."
Bloom shrugged.
"Maybe she's just having a bad day? I'm sure she's okay once you get to know her."
She shook her head.
"Sometimes you're just too kind-hearted Bloomy."
The little redhead frowned.
"Is that bad?"
She reached up and tickled her side a bit eliciting a few giggles.
"Not at all, and don't let anyone tell you different. Now I guess we need to get you another soda."
Turning to face the stand she blinked when the clerk held out a new one to Bloom.
"I saw what happened with that other girl. Here you go dear, it's on the house."
Stormy smiled.
"Thank you. What do you say kiddo?"
Bloom happily accepted the replacement soda.
"Thank you ma'am!"
She waved them off smiling.
"You're welcome dear. Have fun!"
Waving goodbye Stormy sped-off once more towards the stands, Bloom laughing happily the whole way.
XXX
Diaspro slowly walked to the stands, thinking about her encounter a few minutes prier.
"Humph! Commoners. Always mucking things up. Though I guess that Bloom girl was okay, kinda sweet actually."
Thinking a bit she slowed to a standstill.
"Wait, Bloom... isn't that the redheaded girl who Sky said got him into trouble? Flirting with him, then turning around and landing him in trouble and getting her friend to punch him in the face for no reason?!"
She screeched in anger, everyone around her jumping back and giving her a wide birth.
"THAT BITCH! She did that on purpose! Trying to make me look bad, she KNEW who I was! I bet that hussy's with her friends right now laughing it up over this. Oooh, she's so gonna pay!"
With thoughts of revenge swirling in her head she stomped off towards the stands, everyone around her feeling sorry for whomever earned her ire.
XXX
Bloom giggled cheerfully.
"Yay! That was awesome! Can we do it again? Please please pleeease? Wooah oomph!?"
Stormy snickered, taking a seat next to Bloom as she pulled her up out of her sprawl next to her.
"Maybe later kiddo, but first we've got an exhibition to watch. You wanted to see Riven destroy the competition right?"
She pumped her fist, eyes sparkling.
"Yeah! Big brother will win this thing no problem, yep yep!"
The storm witch smirked, passing Bloom her popcorn and soda.
"Damn strait! Oops. Don't tell the girls I cussed around ya, 'kay?"
She smiled as Bloom made a zipping motion across her mouth and turned back towards the event, munching some of her popcorn as she eagerly awaited for things to begin.
"Someone sure seems excited."
Bloom looked behind her, grinning.
"Musa! Where's Auntie Flora?"
Musa ruffled her hair, smirking.
"Hey there L'il Red! She's off getting snacks with Tecna."
Stormy raised an eyebrow.
"Isn't that the chick who's colder than Icy?"
The Music fairy shook her head.
"Your bad puns aside, yes. It seems during her little stay at Alfea, Red managed to befriend her. I guess she really just needed a friend."
Stormy wrapped Bloom in a one-armed hug.
"That's our Bloomy."
Then snuck a sip of her grape soda.
"Hey!"
She just gave a cheeky grin.
XXX
(Later...)
Everyone had finally gathered and the event was getting underway.
But first they had to announce some special guests.
"He is a graduate from Red Fountain and an award winning author. She is a former model and a philanthropist dedicated to educational charities. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise to welcome the King and Queen of Eraklyon!"
As everyone cheered Bloom and Stormy exchanged glances.
"Isn't that where the gem fairy said she's from?"
Stormy nodded.
"Yeah, I guess the brat really is royalty."
Darcy frowned, turning to them.
"Brat? Gem fairy? Did something happen?"
Stormy shook her head.
"We just bumped into, who I guess is their daughter, while getting snacks. She was a bit of a prat, but Bloomy helped her and she seemed fine after."
Darcy nodded.
"Alright, if you're sure."
"Yeah, no trouble."
No one noticed the death glare Diaspro was sending Bloom from her seat saved for royalty.
XXX
The first event was a race on hover-bikes, Sky winning but immediately being disqualified for cheating, trying to subtly use his phanto sword to sabotage Brandon's bike. Of course being Sky it wasn't actually very subtle and since Brandon still made 2nd the win went to him.
Next was a battle royale between the Red Fountain boys, which came down to Riven and another boy using a phanto scythe.
"WOO HOO! GO BIG BROTHER! KICK THAT GUY'S BUTT!"
"YOU CAN DO IT RIV'! YOU'VE GOT THIS BABE!"
With his surrogate little sister and his girlfriend cheering him on, he managed to get through his opponent's guard and incapacitate him.
"And the winner of the battle royale is: RIVEN!"
As everyone cheered, Bloom and Mirta being the most vocal, the announcer called intermission.
Most stood to go get lunch or just stretch their legs, Griffin gathering her group's attention.
"Alright everyone, let's all head to the food court and figure out lunch. Hmm? something wrong dear?"
Bloom stood with her thighs clamped together, hopping from one foot to the other.
"I reeeeally gotta go Mumma Griffin!"
Stormy snickered with a few others.
"Soda finally getting to ya?"
She grimaced nodding.
"I gotta go now!"
Griffin chuckled.
"Alright, Stormy, take-"
Bloom shook her head.
"No time!"
She immediately bolted for the restrooms.
"Move please! Move, move, move! Bathroom emergency!"
She even knocked over Diaspro.
"Sorrynotimegottapeebaaaaaad!"
Stormy snickered as Griffin shook her head.
"Don't worry teach', I'll go make sure she doesn't get into any trouble."
Turning she followed the trail of knocked over people.
XXX
Stormy stood guard outside the restrooms, waiting on Bloom.
"Damn, soda must fly right through that girl."
She suddenly noticed Diaspro stomping up to her.
"Can I help you?"
She glared.
"You can move so I can properly deal with that little tramp!"
Stormy glared right back.
"What the hell is your problem?"
She huffed.
"I don't have to explain myself to you, now hold still."
"What are you-Hey!? What the hell is this?!"
Before she could react the weather witch found herself restrained by neon pink energy rings, unable to do little more than struggle.
"And now to deal with that harlot."
Bloom looked up from washing her hands as someone walked in.
"I told you I'd be right out Sto- oh! Miss Diaspro, I'm sorry I knocked you ov- Waah?!"
She just barely dodged the blast of magic that flew from the manifested gem, completely obliterating the sink.
"Stop acting so cute and innocent! You're going to pay for what you did!"
She dodged another blast, wrecking one of the stalls.
"But I said I was sorry for the soda! And knocking you over!"
The blonde rolled her eyes.
"Not that! You're gonna pay for messing with Sky!"
Bloom was confused.
"For kicking him in the crotch?"
She growled.
"FOR ALL OF IT!"
She redoubled her efforts, sending Bloom crashing through the bathroom door and to the ground next to a shocked and still restrained Stormy, who struggled even harder to get free.
Shaking her head clear she got up and ran, Diaspro hot on her trail.
XXX
(Back with Stormy...)
Stormy continued to struggle.
"Wait 'til I get my hands on you, ya little-"
"Stormy?! What happened?"
Looking up she noticed Darcy, having just ran up.
"That Diaspro bitch got the drop on me, she's trying to kill Bloom!"
Darcy dissipated the gem magic.
"Where is she?!"
She rubbed her wrists.
"They headed off towards the stadium."
Darcy immediately ran off after them.
"*Sigh* I'd better go get the others."
XXX
"I didn't do anything!"
She shot some red shards of magic at her, Bloom just barely dodging out of the way, and watching terrified as they cut through the wall like it was butter.
"LIAR!"
As she shot more shards and blasts Darcy came running up, hands glowing with purple energy.
"Bloom?! Get away from her!"
Sneering at the new arrival, she cast some magic, encasing the illusion witch in a transparent crystal barrier.
"Stay out of this! I'll deal with you later."
"Darcy!"
The brief distraction was all she needed to finally catch the poor girl with one of her blasts, sending her flying.
"BLOOM!"
"Aah! Owie."
Bloom shook her head to clear it, looking up as the other girl stood over her fallen form.
She sneered, glowing hand aimed at the downed girl's head, ready to finish her with her Gem Lancer.
"Any last words, tramp?"
Tears pricked at her eyes as she thought about how, what was supposed to be a fun day, lead up to this moment.
She sniffled.
"I love you Darcy, you're the greatest mate a girl could have, I'm sorry I wasn't stronger."
Tears dripped down Darcy's cheeks as she continued to pound on the walls of her prison frantically.
"Bloom! NO!"
Diaspro blinked, lowering her hand slightly.
"Did you say... mate?"
Darcy pounded harder.
"Yes! She's my bonded mate!"
Her eyes widened.
"Bonded? But then... Oh god!"
She dissipated all the magic she'd cast, Darcy instantly running over to Bloom and pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Bloom! Little flame, are you alright?!"
Both burst into tears as they desperately grasped onto the other.
Diaspro slowly knelt down, shocking both when she pulled them both into a hug.
"You poor dears, I'm so sorry!"
Darcy glared after she was let go of by the blonde.
"Why the hell did you attack her like this?!"
She looked down, ashamed.
"I was told she'd flirted with and then got my betrothed beat up. I was never told she already had a bonded mate, if I had I'd have known it was all a lie."
Darcy narrowed her eyes.
"Who said this to you?"
She growled, finally connecting the dots.
"My betrothed himself, prince Sky."
She bristled at the name.
"HIM?!"
The fairy of gems truly felt ashamed of how easily she'd been played.
"Yes, I should've known. He's constantly getting himself into trouble, it should've been obvious this was just another one of his lies."
She stood, bowing to them.
"Please, I know it's not much, but as a small part of making things up to you, allow me to buy you and all your friends lunch today."
Darcy and Bloom nodded.
"Agreed."
Diaspro smiled sadly.
"Again, I'm sooo sorry for my behavior. Even I know that bonded mates can't be unfaithful to each other."
Bloom tilted her head.
"Unfaithful?"
The blonde nodded.
"That's right, the magical bond formed between two soulmates erases all potential thoughts or impulses to cheat on each other, and also links you both on a magical and spiritual level. It's why these bonds are taken so serious and highly respected."
Both listened in awe.
"When two people go through a marriage ceremony, one of the lines is ''til death do you part' but when a soulmate bond is formed it's rumored to go even beyond that. When one dies, so too does the other at that exact moment, thought to be of a broken heart, so neither has to truly suffer, supposedly it's because even their souls are linked and can never be separated."
Darcy and Bloom both smiled lovingly to each other.
"You hear that little flame? Looks like you're stuck with me for life."
She giggled, pulling her mate into a passionate kiss.
"And I wouldn't have it any other way, nope nope!"
All three broke into laughter, Diaspro watching the two fondly.
"I can't believe I almost destroyed something so beautiful."
XXX
(later that afternoon...)
The exhibition had ended and Bloom's group stood outside the stadium, Griffin and the other witches holding Bloom and Darcy in a group hug after hearing what'd happened.
"I'm just glad you two are alright."
"It sounds like our littlest witch once again made a friend out of an enemy."
"How could anyone accuse her of such terrible things?!"
*Ahem!*
A clearing of the throat drew everyone's attention, turning around to see Diaspro holding Sky by the ear.
"Someone has something they'd like to say."
Sky stayed stubbornly silent, until she twisted his ear painfully that is.
"Ow!"
"Say it!"
"Ow! I'm sorry I lied and almost got you killed!"
Darcy stepped forward, Bloom next to her.
"May we?"
She smirked.
"You may."
*Crack!* *Smack!*
"Gaah! Ow!"
Both delivered a strong left and right hook to his face together, leaving him with two black eyes and a busted nose.
"We're good now."
She nodded, smiling.
"Good, now come along Sky, you're punishment's not over."
He blinked.
"What?!"
She gave him the most evil look, coupled with a smile that promised A LOT of pain.
"I'm going to deal with you personally."
He struggled in her grip as she dragged him away.
"Bloom and Darcy, and all those close to you, I would love it if you were to join my family and I for dinner tonight at the castle as an apology."
They all gave their confirmation.
"Excellent, see you at 8 o'clock."
XXX
(Planet Eraklyon)
Everyone sat gathered around a huge table, enjoying dinner and discussing the events of the day.
The king and queen sat at their respective seats while the guests consisted of: Bloom, Darcy, Icy, Stormy, Griffin, Mirta, Lucy, Ediltrude, Zarathustra, Griselda, Palladium, Barbatea, Flora, Musa, Tecna, Riven, Brandon, and Timmy. Bloom sat sandwiched between Darcy and Diaspro.
"Again, I sincerely apologize for my actions, just know that you shall always have an ally in the Kingdom of Eraklyon."
The king and queen both gave their approval to this.
Bloom smiled.
"I'm glad we can be friends now Miss Diaspro, your gems sure do pack a punch, they do they do!"
The queen couldn't stop her curiosity as she watched the young girl's peculiar actions.
"I don't mean to be rude, but why does she do and say odd things like that?"
Griffin, who sat next to her, sighed.
"Well, you see, it's a long, sad story."
After getting Bloom's consent and everyone swearing an oath of secrecy, she proceeded to explain to the gathered group Bloom's sad story. Everyone who already knew were frowning, while those who didn't were either sad or livid.
The king held his wife is she let a few tears drop.
"How dreadful! And to think we were considering sending our daughter to be taught by that awful woman."
Diaspro pulled Bloom into a tight bear-hug, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Oh, you poor dear! You've been through so much!"
Bloom just hugged her back, trying to make her feel better.
"It's okay, I'm happy now, I have sooo many friends and family and I have Dar-Dar beside me always!"
She wiped away her tears, sniffling, then ruffled Bloom's hair with a slight chuckle.
"You're such a little sweetheart deary, don't ever change that."
Eventually everyone got back to eating and soon started up much happier conversations.
XXX
(? ? ? ?)
A cloaked figure sat alone in a cave, a small fire keeping them warm.
"Soon... I'll finally be home."
They grimaced as they gingerly touched their side.
"But I should probably get this taken care of first."
"So this is where you've been hiding? Cozy."
Their head snapped up as someone stepped out of the shadows.
"... It's been a long time Du."
DuFour stepped into the fire light.
"It certainly has."
The cloaked figure didn't move.
"I guess the only question now is: which side are you on?"
She smirked.
"That is the question, huh?"
Suddenly she had him pinned down, knocking his hood back and revealing his pale face and grimy blonde hair that had definitely seen better days.
Staring directly into his grey eyes with her violet, she grinned, showing her larger than normal canines.
"And I think you know the answer, Val."
Before he could respond she crashed her lips against his own hungrily.
A few minutes later both pulled away, panting.
"Du, I, you know..."
She silenced him with a finger to his lips.
"Hush, first I'm going to heal you, then I'm gonna take you back to Griff, and then, all three of us are going to have a long, thorough, talk."
Valtor couldn't hide the slight blush at what she was insinuating, no, promising.
She smirked.
"Good, now let's get you patched up so we can go home."
XXX
(Cloud Tower: Headmistress' Office)
Bloom, Darcy, and Griffin sat on the couch reading the journal of Bloom's mother, Griffin occasionally telling stories of their childhood adventures.
Bloom noticed something common through them all.
"Mumma Griffin, who's Valtor?"
She sat silently for a moment, smiling sadly.
"Valtor was a great man, he was one of my best friends and as close to a soulmate one could get without being one."
She conjured a glass of what looked to be Whiskey.
"He was actually supposed to be your Godfather dear."
Darcy gave her a concerned look.
"Was? What happened to him?"
She took another gulp.
"Something you need to understand, is that this, I guess you could call it war, with Fargonda, has been going on for well over two decades now."
They listened with wrapped attention.
"There was a another war just prior, against a Dark Lord by the name Darkar. He was ruthless, but also direct, but Fargonda intrigued him with her underhanded methods and sought her out. No one's really sure what they discussed, but after his defeat Fargonda delved fully into the mindset she has today."
She refilled her glass and took another swig.
"Only those who know the true her have become her enemy, the rest of the world sees that grandmotherly facade."
Darcy frowned, holding tightly on to Bloom, stroking her hair.
"And Valtor?"
She sat quietly for a few moments.
"The day before Bloom was born, Fargonda attacked us, Valtor stayed to hold her back while I fled to Domino to try and warn and protect her parents. When all was said and done I never heard from him, then or since."
Bloom pulled her Mumma into a loving hug.
"D-Do you think she..."
She shook her head.
"I have a friend on the inside who's positive he's alive, and that Fargonda's holding him for information."
She snorted at this.
"A pointless endeavor considering that man could be tortured 'til the end of time and never spill a thing. He's more likely to learn her secrets before she learned any of his."
"Glad to see you still hold such faith in me, my little Hippogriff."
All three jumped as two figures fell out of the shadows.
The woman stood up dusting herself off.
"I was never very good at side-along."
"DuFour!/Red Lady!"
As the other person stood, Griffin gasped.
"... Val? Is it, really you?"
He nodded, catching her as she threw herself into his arms, crying.
"I *sniff* I thought I'd lost you!"
He patted her back gently.
"I know, but I'm here now, back for good."
DuFour was caught off guard when her sobbing friend pulled her into a emotion fueled lip-lock.
"Griff?"
She wiped her eyes, hugging both her friends together.
"Thank you, Du. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I know what you've been wanting all these years, but for my sake you've held back. Now, I'm telling you with all my heart, I'm more than open to you both being in my life that way."
All three friends tightened the embrace, glad that, after all these years, they'd finally been reunited.
"Mumma Griffin?"
They turned around, Bloom taking a hesitant step forward.
"Is, is he?"
He smiled kindly, kneeling slightly.
"Hello Bloom, it's nice to finally meet my goddaughter after all these years."
Her eyes widened, tears drizzling as she flew across the room into his arms.
"Papa Valtor!"
The other two knelt down, all three holding the poor girl as she cried her little heart out.
Valtor glanced back up, noticing Darcy standing awkwardly off to the side.
"So, you must be Bloom's bonded one I've been hearing about."
Darcy gulped nervously.
"Y-yes, I mean yeah, that's right."
After a few more moments of staring, he cracked a smile.
"Well, what're you standing over there for? There's plenty of room for one more in this family group hug."
She hesitated a moment, then quickly joined in.
Several minutes later they all took a seat on the sofa, Griffin magically expanding it to fit all five of them.
"Where have you been Val?"
He sighed tiredly.
"It's a long story, but I promise in the morning I'll tell you and anyone you deem trustworthy enough everything."
She nodded, hugging him once more.
"Alright, I agree it can wait 'til morning. We'll gather all the people who are in the know about what's going on."
Bloom suddenly yawned loudly, earning chuckles from all of them.
"I think Bloom's got the right idea. Darcy, you two go head to bed, we'll continue in the morning."
She smiled, stifling a yawn herself as she guided her mate out the door.
"Good idea, goodnight everyone."
"Night Mumma, Papa, red lady."
All three smiled.
"Goodnight dear."
After a bit Valtor stood and headed for the door.
"And where are you going?"
He shrugged.
"To find myself a room and shower, it's been far to long since I've gotten to take one."
Griffin stood up, DuFour joining.
"Nuh-uh, you and DuFour are sleeping here with me tonight. I've spent years thinking I'd lost you both, and now that I have you both back, it's gonna be awhile before I let either of you leave my side for more than a few moments."
She start to lead him down the hallway, DuFour giggling a step behind them.
"Though I do agree, you don't just need a shower, you mister need a bath! In fact, I think all three of us could use one, as well as a long awaited private discussion."
He blushed, DuFour having a slight nose-bleed, as Griffin practically purred the last two words, pulling them into one of the private washrooms reserved for the staff, and conjuring a Do Not Disturb sign on the handle as the door closed and locked.
Whew! This was the longest chapter for this story yet, also the most plot-heavy. I hope you all enjoyed it, the next chapter has no set date of release, but as usual it'll be soon.
In the meantime, enjoy this sneak peek at the next chapter!
"What do you mean she's dying?"
The next day everyone trustworthy was gathered in Griffin's office to hear Valtor's story, as well as all he'd learned while being held captive by Fargonda.
"Exactly as I said."
Icy raised an eyebrow.
"But why? what's causing it?"
Valtor sat back, smiling down at Bloom, whom at the moment was nestled in his lap.
The girl had taken to him quite fast and it seemed that today she wanted to spend time with her Papa Valtor.
"It seems that in one of Fargonda's meetings with Darkar, he forged a bastardized Soul Bond with her, and ever since he was destroyed it's been slowly killing her, sapping her magic and life force. Hence the white hair that allows her that grandmotherly facade of hers."
Darcy started to put things together.
"So her obsession with Bloom..."
He nodded grimly.
"Yes, she believes that Bloom's Dragon Flame holds the key to breaking the bond, as well as returning her to full strength."
R&R please. Later!