Chapter 8

"Bloom?" Baltor stumbled back and fell to his knees. Bloom got up and moved closer to him.

Bloom reached out and cupped Baltor's cheeks. "Baltor, I'm here." Baltor lunged forward and hugged Bloom in one of the tightest hugs she's ever felt.

"I've missed you so much Bloom." Baltor whispered into Bloom's ear. Bloom nuzzled her head into Baltor's neck and sighed deeply. "I've missed you too Baltor."

After a minute the two pulled apart. "What are you doing?" Bloom asked.

"When I left the magic dimension I traveled to a few different places, but I couldn't settle. I kept traveling until I found myself on Earth. While I was there, I started looking into possible lost magical atrifacts."

"Of course you did." Bloom said sarcastically.

"Of course I did. You know me, can't resist a good spell book." Baltor responded. "But back to my tale, I met Vidic in my travels. He had somehow learned about me and where I was from. He offered me a deal, work for him and he would allow me access to some powerful artifacts called the Pieces of Eden. I agreed and we've had a descent partnership for the past few years. But after a while of working for him and never seeing these artifacts started to spread my patience thin.

Vidic approached me with my newest assignment a few days ago. He told me about an assassin who seemed to have magical abilities that was causing troubles. He wanted me to find and eliminate this assassin. I told him that this was my last job unless he gave me one of the artifacts. He agreed and said that when the assassin is dead he would give me the Apple of Eden."

"Because he would actually give that up." Bloom said sarcastically.

"Of course I didn't believe him. I magically recorded the conversation so I can hold it over him." Baltor replied.

"So then you started hunting." Bloom said trying to steer the conversation back to the topic.

"Yes I did. Vidic gave me little information on my target except that the assassin would be visiting the royal supporters. I had been spying on the Solarian Royal Palace when I got a message from Vidic that the assassin was on Sparx. I made my way here to find the assassin." Baltor finished.

"But what was that talking to my father? Your mocking him may have given away our secret." Bloom said, tears welling up in her eyes. Baltor pulled Bloom into a hug and started gently petting her.

"I'm.. I'm sorry Bloom. I don't know what came over me. Something dark from deep inside just brought out some old habits. I never meant to hurt you."

Bloom looked up at Baltor. "It's okay. I know it's hard for you to control the darkness, and facing Oritel again probably didn't help." Bloom pulled Baltor's head down and they kissed deeply.

"I need to go help defend the palace." Bloom said as she pulled away and started walking in the direction of the palace. not knowing where they were, Baltor started following Bloom.

"I want to help." Baltor said.

"Are you sure? I don't think my parents will take to kindly to that." Bloom replied.

"Do they know who you are?" Baltor asked.

"Yeah they do." Bloom answered.

"Well then they see us fighting together against the Templars then they might not attack me on sight." Baltor finished.

"I guess that makes sense. And the help would be appreciated." Bloom said.

As the two reached the edge of the city, they could see smoke coming from inside the city. They could hear the sound of swords clashing off in the distance.

"Where should we start love?" Baltor asked.

"First we'll head towards the town center, clearing any opposition along the way. When we clear the area we'll head towards the palace. If we find my parents or the Winx along the way then we'll try to figure out how to not have them kill you." Bloom said casually as she drew her sword.

"Are you worried that when your parents see us working together that they will get suspicious?" Baltor asked.

"We can say that Vidic betrayed you and you want revenge." Bloom said as she scanned the street for any threats.

"Because that will make them feel better." Baltor replied sarcastically. "It's better than nothing." Bloom replied.

A few minutes later they made it to the town center. It's an open area surrounded by buisness building and with a grand fountain in the center. As they entered the area a group of Templars entered from the opposite end. The commander was the first to notice the assassin and wizard duo.

"Men, to arms!" The commander called out. The soldiers immediately reached by drawing their weapons.

"This should be fun. For once I actually get to fight with you instead of acting like I'm fighting you." Baltor said as he shot a fireball towards the commander.

"Just try not to actually hit me like last time!" Bloom mocked as she charged foward. Baltor just laughed as he sent a wave of fire to his right. The two were just cutting down the Templars, Baltor flanking right as Bloom flanked left around the fountain. The commander continiued to send his troops to the slaughter trying to stop them. As the duo closed in, the commander ran.

"We can't let him escape." Baltor said as he took off after him. Bloom shortly followed after finishing the last Templar in the way. The chase lead towards the residental area of the city. As the commander tried to turn a corner he tripped. Baltor was not able to stop in time and fell over the commander.

As Baltor tries to get up he hears a sword removed from its sheath. He looks up to see the commander above him.

"Traitorous scum. I'll make sure Vidic knows of your fate after I kill you." THe commander raised his arm to swing. Bloom caught up and plundged her hidden blade into the commander's neck.

"Requiescat in pace" Bloom whispered as she layed the commander down.

"You know you're scary sometimes." Baltor admitted as he stood up idlely wipping dirt off of his coat.

"I'll remember that." Bloom joked as she cleaned her blade.

"So where to next?" Baltor asked as he surveyed the area.

"We need to secure the palace and find Vidic." Bloom said as she started towards the palace.

"I can handle finding Vidic. He should still think I'm working with him. I'll let you know when I find him." Baltor said as he walked with Bloom.

"And how will you do that?" Bloom asked. Baltor teleported away, but Bloom heard his voice in her head moments later, 'Through the Dragon Fire Connection of course.' Bloom laughed to herself as she continued back to the palace.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: So due to popular demand I'm planning on working on this story the most. I will continue to with the others still but this will get the most attention. I'm almost done with the next chapter for The Flaming Wolf and will hopefully post it soon. Thank you everyone who still reads my stories when I update them.

Shoutouts to moonfur and Cookieninja16 for your positive reviews. Also thank you Peacelovefairy for the congrats.