Just deafening silence. That was all that could be heard. Two Drakens and royal family of Domino were sitting in the dining chamber. Alex, Dana and Bloom just finished telling their story. They told them how Domino was destroyed, how Daphne sacrificed herself for Bloom, thus entrusting her the Dragon Flame. Then told them about Winx, about their struggle with creatures of darkness and how they saved Domino. And then… how the timeline suddenly changed.
Oritel was leaning against the table, his hands clutched together tightly. His eyes were aiming down on the table as he was processing everything they just tell them. He was so uncertain what to think it was making him angry. He was a man of action, one that would do anything to help his children, but this… this was beyond his understanding.
Marion wasn't in best shape either. Her head was resting on her hands, leaning against the table as well. She had really hard time accepting child she's been raising for 20 years just suddenly disappeared. Of course not literally, but this Bloom wasn't the same. Of course she wanted to help her, to be there for her, but how could she help in this situation.
Nerina was probably shocked the most. Her big sister was always good in heart, but her mind… that wasn't the best thing to talk about. All she cared about was to be stronger, always to catch up to Daphne. Then there were her friends. Group of princesses she was hanging out with. All they cared about were just clothes and fashion, sometimes it was very annoying. Her Bloom sometimes had such a bad mood she was straight up bitch. Suddenly this Bloom not just had great heart, but also was very kind and always cheerful. At least according to what they just said.
Then finally there was Daphne. She wasn't sure how to feel. But I guess you could say anger was the most powerful emotion she just felt. Just thought of Bloom having HER Dragon Flame was driving her mad. She and Bloom were always rivals. Bloom was doing her very best to match her big sister and Daphne on the other hand was always trying to get stronger than Bloom. They both were pretty close to being the most powerful and skillful fairies in whole universe. And now… now this Bloom was not just powerful, but had experiences from actual combat. She actually fought for her life and that was more than Daphne could say. Ever since Dark forces were defeated 20 years ago, there was no actual evil to fight.
I should probably make clear that Stella and her daughter were not there to hear the story. Not just Alex didn't want them there, but Stella had to return to her kingdom and make sure there are no troubles with banishing former King Bane. Of course such act would be met with huge opposition, but since it was Draken who banished him, it might just be fine. Everyone in Magical Universe was respecting Elemental Wizards as heroes and ultimate fighters of light.
If they only knew the truth. But let's leave that for later.
"So…" Oritel finally broke the silence "that is what was happening with you." Obviously he just spoke only to break the awful quiet and didn't actually know what to say.
Bloom sadly nodded "I just woke up in my room and everything was changed."
"Why didn't you tell us?" Marion immediately asked with a motherly affection. Her eyes were narrowed straight for Bloom's "When did you learn this was happening?"
"In my room." Bloom replied not really looking into her mother's eyes. She felt kinda embarrassed about this situation "Everything was different. Not just I had closets I never had, but bathroom is just huge. My hair are different and then…" she paused for a little. Took a deep breath and continued "Then there was my scar."
"Scar?" Nerina asked curiously "What scar?"
"You mean the one from our training?" Alex asked seeing his cousin wasn't very glad to talk to them now. Bloom just nodded and Alex continued "Scars both received during our training. We were 8, maybe 9. My grandfather was teaching us both martial arts. We were supposed to practice with wooden swords, but grandpa left us few minutes alone and we grabbed metal ones."
"I see." Oritel was observing young Draken before him and then his daughter. She sure was different than he knew her. If she had such a scar, she would go to healers to erase any trace of it. Also, there was something different. His daughter, was always a good fighter, good student of her master, but this one… she had aura of true warrior. One that has come through various combats and even fought for her own life. He was sure Marion saw it too, that is why both of them were so accepting to this idea of changed time. They both went through fight and knew how to distinguish such fighters.
"I'm sorry, you cannot enter!" their conversation was suddenly interrupted by some commotion outside the door.
"Let me in!" this voice belonged to a girl and… not just any girl.
"I'm sorry, but King himself ordered us not to let anyone in." this was guard, that was for sure.
"That voice." Dana whispered and Alex nodded. They both slowly turned towards Bloom and almost jumped as they saw her look. Such pure rage and anger. She knew full well whose the voice was and she hated it.
"Ehhh…" Alex was thinking very hard how to avoid a disaster "Bloom, why don't you go to Solaria. Help Queen Stella with her kingdom."
Reaction wasn't exactly what he was anticipating, but it worked. Bloom's hair were almost turning into flames as her fury was getting out of control, but she somehow managed to make it. She stood up, turned around and with quite a stumping, she walked away. As she made about three steps, she disappeared in a burst of flames.
"Wow." Nick, who until now was sitting quietly alongside his siblings, said "Now that was some rage."
"What was that about?" Marion quickly asked standing up from her chair.
"I'll explain later." Alex replied just as door flew open to reveal a girl with long blonde hair.
"Where is she?" she asked immediately after charging in. Alex and Dana expected her to bed angry, but no… she was actually worried. She really was local Bloom's friend "Where is Bloom?"
"Miss Diaspro, you cannot go in there." Guards were trying to grab her arms, but she was struggling "I'm sorry your majesties."
"It's OK." Oritel stood up from his chair and gestured them to let her be and return back to their post "Welcome Diaspro, unfortunately Bloom just left."
"Really?" she asked letting her left hand grab piece of clothing at her heart "But… is she OK? She wasn't picking up her phone earlier and… I heard some strange rumors about her."
"What rumors?" Alex asked, letting his presence be known to oblivious girl. Just like Bloom, he too didn't really like this girl, but he understood this Diaspro didn't do anything to deserve bad behavior.
"They say she was planning to enroll to Alfea and that she knocked out King Bane of Solaria."
Dana slowly leaned towards Alex and whispered "And here I thought Facebook was fast."
"News always traveled fast, but this is just insane." Alex whispered back.
Oritel stepped closer to young princess that just barged in "Princess Diaspro, whether or not my daughter decides to enroll to Alfea is her own decision. As for her knocking out King Bane, that is truth. Although formally it was Draken Penonym here…" he gestured towards Alex "who defeated him, she laid the final blow."
"Really?" she asked before her eyes suddenly turned very, very wide "Wait… Draken!?"
Nick and Nerina almost laughed at her sudden reaction, but (mostly) managed to keep the straight face. Nerina actually had to put hand before her mouth and turn her head away. Nick was still watching their new guest, but traces of laughter were noticeable on his lips.
Diaspro immediately turned towards two Drakens, standing near royal family. Both in their dark capes with family symbols on their backs. From Diaspro's point of view, Dana was standing behind Alex, who looked rather intimidating. Although he was trying his best not to be against her, his disgust for Diaspro was stronger.
She immediately bowed down "Drakens, I am sorry, I didn't believe you were here."
Alex and Dana bowed their heads and Alex replied "It is all right, princess Diaspro."
"It is a great honor." She stood back up and slowly turned towards Oritel. She was used to act with him as if he was her uncle, but presence of legendary heroes forced her to use protocol "Your majesty, please, could you tell me, where Princess Bloom went?"
Nick and Nerina really had hard time keeping the laughter unnoticed. This girl was actually trying to be super proper. However, their hidden laughter was cut by Daphne. She suddenly just stood up from her chair and very angrily, stomping all the way, went out of room. She didn't even glanced at young princess she passed. She was so full of rage.
"Wow." Nerina said with real awe. She has never seen her biggest sister so angry.
"What happened to her?" Diaspro asked worried even more.
"Diaspro…" Marion took her attention "Bloom is going through a crisis. I would recommend you to leave her alone for now."
"But…" Diaspro started. Even Alex had to admit she was legitimately worried for his cousin. She had that look on her face he saw only with Winx. Could she actually be Bloom's friend, true friend? "…but she's my best friend! I cannot just leave her alone when she's in trouble."
"Diaspro, I know she agreed to arrange your marriage, but…" Marion tried to calm her, but was immediately cut.
"To Obsidian with that!" she snapped back. Both Drakens almost backed away. None of them could believe what was happening before them. Diaspro, that girl that tried to kill Bloom and steal Sky's heart for herself was now actually on verge of tears. She was ready to throw her own marriage aside to help her friend "I don't care if I marry few weeks later, as long as Bloom will be all right."
Alex caught himself smiling "Princess Diaspro." He caught her attention. Her eyes were all watery. She was practically begging them to tell her what was happening "Your loyalty to friend is admirable. However, know that this is something you cannot help her with. Trust me that if you would meet her now, it would ruin your friendship."
"What?" she asked back totally forgetting she was talking to the Draken "What are you talking about? We've been friends since we were little and you say that it can be ruined now?"
"Diaspro!" Oritel punched the table as he yelled her name, silencing everyone "Don't forget who you're talking to!" There was a brief pause before he continued "Bloom is not herself right now. Just give it time and concentrate on your marriage. She should be fine till then. You'll just have to finish all preparations on your own."
Even Diaspro had to admit defeat. It was hard for her, but if they all said she cannot help… then who is she to argue with Bloom's family? She couldn't say anything else. All she could do now was just walk away. She slightly bowed to King and Queen, then to Drakens "Sorry for barging in." and slowly walked outside.
Alex understood she felt bad for her friend, but there was nothing she could do. He knew that if Bloom was to meet her now… he would rather fight Trix, Darkar and Valtor all alone than trying to stop his cousin's rage.
Once door closed behind her again Oritel sat down and very heavily sighed "Now… what was that about?"
"In our timeline Bloom and Diaspro hated each other. You see… Sky and Bloom were engaged." Dana explained. Alex was kinda surprised. Dana was always the quiet one, but when she got into such a mood, she could be really talkative.
"I see." Oritel sighed again and let his head fall into his hands, leaning against the table "I cannot even imagine how hard it must be for her."
"Bloom is a strong girl, but…" Alex sighed too "God knows what will happen if she has to witness Sky getting married to girl she hates."
"We just have to hope." Marion sat down and put a hand on her husband's shoulder "We have to hope that she gets better."
Alex was still staring at door young princess just left. He was simply amazed just how much she cared for Bloom. He was so used to hating her for all she's done to his cousin and now… she was totally different. This girl ready to postpone her marriage just to make sure her friend was all right. As he was thinking about it, he found out he is actually able to forget everything that happened in their timeline, at least for now. Question was… could Bloom do the same?
Well… so much for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!