Chapter Nine: "Find The Silver Lining"
The Specialists had decided to do some extra training once they had rested for a good hour. Oritel had placed his favourite sword back in the stands with the rest of unused blades and magical weaponry.
Oritel couldn't help but glance at Teredor for some kind answer, as the man had grabbed a the white towel and wiped off the excessive sweat from his face and bare chest. His chest heaving for breath.
Oritel had to take his mind off of things. "So I'm going back to your theory about time traveling? You've mentioned that nothing good comes out of it. Should I take that as a warning?"
Teredor placed his weaponry aside, seeing the concerned look on Oritel's face.
"Is this about the way Bloom flinched back in throne room?" Teredor asked.
Oritel sighed heavily. "Yes, and why do I get the feeling that something terrible might've happened to Bloom? I want to help her as much as I could, but I have no idea how to do that without having any information. Even a simple memory could help me understand Bloom."
"Why don't you ask Bloom herself? After all you're her father, you can get the answers from Bloom and there's a good chance at whatever she flinched back in the throne room must be some kind of lingering memory. If anything, that's probably a fresh memory." Teredor explained.
The Dominian Prince allowed the words to sink into his mind—taking in Teredor's suggestion.
Oritel had to know what was going on with his daughter, and if his parents wouldn't tell him anything, perhaps Bloom would. She had to listen to him and Marion, as they were her parents. This might be the only way.
"Once I see Bloom I will ask her."
The two Specialists had grabbed a cold refreshing drink, meanwhile Radius and Erendor continued to spar, as their sharp blades slashed against each other. Neither men could be able to handle at the idea of being defeated, which Oritel thought it to be a bit foolish (or childish in a way). Radius and Erendor were stubborn and prideful in their own ways, which their personalities often clashed with each other.
"Should we try and stop them? I think they're taking it a bit far?"
"Nah. They aren't little children and they should be able to handle a little defeat. But I'm finding this rather entertaining." Oritel chuckled amusedly.
Radius growled once he was taken by surprise, as the man had fallen backwards.
Erendor had distracted him with the use of his weakest aspect, his love for Luna.
It had caught him off guard when Erendor had 'told' him he'd spotted Luna with the other girls walking through the halls and unfortunately Radius couldn't help himself but turn in the direction Erendor pointed out.
"I would've knocked you out if you hadn't distracted me about Luna!" Radius grumbled, sounding annoyed by Erendor's full boasting.
"I'm pretty sure you would've lost anyways," Erendor mocked.
The Solarian Prince threw him a glare.
"Hello boys!" a female voice called out that was recognizable, but it was strangely familiar. It was as if they knew the forgotten voice from somewhere but couldn't exactly place a finger on it.
They turned around to see a young woman in her early twenties with thick long brown curled hair that fallen down to her mid-waist, dazzling honey coloured eyes that seemed to show pure superiority, coldness, and nothing but being genuinely self-absorbed with her own interest.
The fairy was wearing a skin tight ruby dress that reached her mid-thighs with dangling gold earrings that catched the light. Her heels clicked on the marbled floor, as the fairy approached the brown-haired Specialist.
Oritel's eyes had widened as the girl practically flung herself onto him.
"Aria! What th—"
The fairy of gems had hugged the Dominian Prince tightly to her, despite him just finishing his workout. The girl was practically glued to him as if she were a magnet to him. She enjoyed having to touch his skin.
"I've missed you so much Oritel!" Aria spoke in a honey-sweetened tone that had no affect on the prince. Oritel could only roll his eyes at the girl's foolish antics.
Oritel groaned.
Clearly, this girl was so desperate to be in his arms when he had no intentions being with Aria. Couldn't that girl understand that he doesn't want to be with her through her thick skull? Aria wasn't even his type.
Oritel pulled away from the girl's grasp and stared at her unblinkingly. "When did you come?"
"About an hour ago and I thought I should see you," Aria smiled at the brunet man. One out of poison.
Prince Oritel lifted an eyebrow, displeased by the fairy of gem's presence. He hadn't expected to see her today out of all days. "So you practically sneaked yourself into the palace, uninvited?"
"Oh! Now I wouldn't call it that Oritel," her voice sounded soft and sultry. Her honey coloured eyes sparked with an emotion that Oritel could clearly see that was filled with desire and love towards him.
Yup. Oritel already knew what Aria's motives were, as the girl had never cared about him. She only cared about his status, wealth, and for increasing her family's status.
Her parents were only on it because they wanted her to marry into the Domino's royal bloodline and would do everything for her to get the crown. What a better to do this, was to fool the crown prince himself and his parents over the fact that Aria genuinely cares about Oritel and Domino's people.
"Aria stop!" Oritel placed his hand in front her, trying to stop the girl from coming any closer to him.
"What's wrong darling?" she asked innocently as possible, batting her eyes a couple of times.
It was simply an act of concern that made the prince want to gag.
"First you've got to stop with calling me darling, love, or any of the likes. Aria, when will you understand that I'm not into you? I don't even like you and would you please spare me the drama. We all know what you want, which is the crown." Oritel told the fairy, irritation was evidence in his voice.
The brunet man couldn't put up with her any longer.
The prince hadn't wanted to snap at her, but Aria was getting on his nerves lately especially with all the calls that he'd been personally declining. Oritel was slowly beginning to lose his patient with her.
She was one frustrating fairy.
Aria folded her arms in front of her chest, letting out an exasperated sigh. She was outraged by the prince's accusation towards her despite the fact that Oritel had slapped the bloody truth right to her face. Aria was scarlet in the face.
"You think I want the crown?! You think I'm bloody selfish. . ." the fairy ranted.
Oritel shook his head. The fairy was beyond annoying.
She was trying so hard trying to play it off cool.
It simply wasn't working.
"I know for a fact that you are selfish and cold. You think of only yourself and no one else. I'm not going to be with a girl like that as my future queen, wife, or mother of my children. It's not what Domino needs or what I need." The brown-haired prince had brushed passed the fairy, leaving her fuming in her own delusional fantasy.
"And who would be your perfect queen? Is it that fairy Marion?" Aria spat out in distaste, her honey eyes narrowing at prince Oritel with ire. The fairy of gems had watched as the rest of the men had followed Oritel out of the gym leaving her all alone.
It made Oritel's blood rile up over the way Aria spat Marion's name in hatred. He wasn't going to answer her, it was only going to feed Aria's hatred even more. Oritel shuddered in fear over Marion.
The prince certainly didn't want Aria to go after his girlfriend and hurt her or far worse. What had terrified him even more, if she ever found out about Bloom's existence in this timeline, there would be no telling what Aria would do. Oritel wasn't going to allow Aria to come near his girls no matter what.
"Who does Aria think she is? Doesn't she get the fact that I'm not even slightly interested in her? Why can't she take a no for answer?" Oritel said frustratedly, running his fingers through his short hair.
Clearly, Aria doesn't know when to just give up.
It was utterly pointless talking to someone like her.
"She's an annoying witch, but you've got to do something about it soon. You should officially seal your engagement to Marion soon otherwise Aria's going to keep thinking that you're available," the Solarian prince emphasized to Oritel with finger quotes.
Radius was right. Oritel had to something about it and the sooner the better.
He will not allow anyone to tear him apart from his Marion.
Oritel groaned painfully. "My parents don't see any kind of potential in her as the future Queen of Domino. If she's that desperate, Aria could find some other prince to marry. Not me!"
Bloom had felt utterly relieved once her maternal grandmother Lassandra eased her strong and painful memories that were swarming into her mind. The young redhead fairy couldn't grasp at the interpretation of those blurred memories.
The girl had easily seen the shift of absolute worry on her grandparents' faces. No. It was beyond being worried at this point. Bloom swallowed hardly, nervously fiddling with the strands of her red hair.
Lassandra's gaze had fixated on her husband.
A look of utter discomfort had shown in her blue eyes as the woman had managed to tap into her youngest granddaughter's memories. Almost a sense of sadness had washed over the woman, as her heart was completely torn into million of pieces upon the realization of the harsh, cold truth of her granddaughter's life.
Bloom had gone through so much in her short life. It was overwhelming. Lassandra wouldn't blame for Bloom for wanting to choose a simpler life—one that wasn't filled with magic or being tracked down by vengeful, twisted, dark wizards for her magic. Bloom had a gift, but it was almost as deadly as a being a curse carrier.
What had broke their fragile hearts the most was the fact Bloom had never met any of them.
"Are you alright, Bloom?" Lassandra said softly, seeing the pained expression flitter her granddaughter's face. "I'm sorry that all those memories are overwhelming you and giving you a headache. Hopefully in time, you'll unravel those memories, darling."
Bloom had hoped that the sooner she could remember her memories the better it would be for herself and for the sake of everyone, including her own family. She hadn't even belonged in this timeline. Though there was a mysterious feeling crawling at the back of her mind that Bloom simply couldn't itch off. One that might just bite her in the back.
"Hopefully I could make sense of it soon." Bloom admitted truthfully.
The girl hated the fact that she couldn't be able to dwell on it or try to understand it or what it had meant. All those fragmented memories that were swirling in her mind were giving the girl a major headache. She couldn't even pull the strings together. It was all in small pieces that hadn't made any sense to her, each piece was fit to the unknown puzzle.
Why was this place frozen in ice? In ruins and deserted from all life and inhabitants in her own timeline? Had something tragic happened to her kingdom? Had the dark forces manage to succeed in destroying Domino and all other worlds as well? Then if that was the case, then what kind of life had she and her family led?
Queen Leilani placed a hand on her granddaughter's shoulder easing her stress.
Bloom could see the distressed expression on both sets of her grandparents' faces as they witnessed her memories. She could feel several bubbles rising within her chest out of pure guilt. The girl hadn't wanted to break her family's heart. Bloom didn't even have it in her to do such a thing. In that moment, it was just cruel.
She had another problem.
Bloom had been writing in her journal over the bits of things that she personally could remember—particular the insightful details. Unfortunately, she had left that journal back at Alfea (with written evidence of what the future may possible hold).
That could be very troublesome.
Not only that but Valtor had figured out her identity as being Oritel and Marion's future daughter, who happened to be the future Keeper of the Dragon Flame—Valtor's counterpart. That information in itself was dangerous. Her blue eyes had shifted onto her family members—appearing utterly concerned about a particular issue.
"There's another thing you should know. It's Valtor." It had took all of Bloom's strength to not feel uncomfortable in that heated moment. The truth was going to spill out one way or another and the sooner the better.
She looked at them bluntly. "He knows about my identity."
To be fair, Valtor had enjoyed taunting her with that knowledge. Just when Bloom had assumed they'd been a step ahead in the plan.
"What? How would the dark wizard have access to that information?" King Hyperion nearly snapped in exasperation, leaning back into his throne, clenching his jaw.
He hadn't expected to hear something like this coming from Bloom.
If the damned wizard had known about his grandchild's existence in this timeline, surely Valtor would have no qualms about spilling those secrets to the his mothers or their master, Lord Darkar himself. Bloom's life was in potential danger without the girl realizing it.
The situation could turn for the very worse.
"Headmistress Faragonda was under a spell and so he wanted information. He forcefully made her spill the information that he desired for. It was Madragora's dark magic that managed to infiltrate Alfea and most of the faculty members had fallen to the dark magic." Bloom explained cautiously, carefully noting the expressions the adults wore on their faces.
The news was completely unsettling.
"You've confronted him?" the king asked sternly.
"Yes along with Madragora." Bloom shuddered upon the memory of that delusional witch entering her mind.
"Mandragora? She's a dangerous witch—her dark magic is lethal. A single wound from her poisonous bugs could kill someone within an hour or much shorter, if not treated immediately," the king acknowledge of the woman's deadly magic. The man had witnessed several wizards and fairies die under the woman's dark violence in unleashing her deadly creatures. The gruesome death had burned into the king's mind.
Madragora was a twisted woman who faithfully served the Ancestral Witches and the Shadow Phoenix. That woman was not to be casually trifled with as she had a dark streak within her. Provoking her was both foolish and dangerous.
He couldn't allow Bloom to confront that dark witch or Valtor without having to put her skills to the test (due to her lack of memories). The girl had nearly died the first time when she faced Valtor in the final showdown.
"In the meantime Bloom, you'll be provided with additional training under my guidance. They are ruthless beings and I can't allow you to be in harms way again. You'll be protected all cost." Hyperion informed the young fairy.
The girl could tell that there was no room for her to disagree with her paternal grandfather's terms that seemed to be a bit overbearing. All the adults had simply agreed with his terms.
They only had the best interest for their granddaughter's safety.
Bloom could spot the anxiousness shine in the king's hazel eyes towards her—for fearing if Bloom would face them again—she would meet her untimely demise.
Bloom had a deep feeling that she was going to be monitored by the royal guards under the king's order about keeping her safe. Would her own father agree to it? It was a good possibility that he would agree with her grandfather's idea, as Oritel had been floating over her head so often.
Queen Leilani had gazed at her granddaughter with a soft expression. "Bloom, darling, before you could meet up with your father and his group of friends, there's a small request I need from you."
"Of course. Anything." Bloom had smiled tightly—though she could easily spot the glimmer in her paternal grandmother's warm brown eyes as if she had planned something in particular for her dear granddaughter.
King Hyperion had frowned upon witnessing the memories for the second time.
It had made all the adults uncomfortable with that knowledge.
Aria's older brother was stuttering through the palace's halls.
He still couldn't believe what his sister had suggest.
She had the most ludicrous idea of all times.
Sneaking herself into the palace to see Prince Oritel was one thing, but to be caught by the Queen herself. . . that was. . . another story entirely. In fact, the queen held utter disdain towards his younger sister. Aria was playing the dangerous lines. She was being absolutely foolish.
Soft voices were heard in the halls.
Familiar voices that belonged to fairies as they continued to giggle.
It had sounded like the Alfea fairies. They were here, on Domino.
"Issac?" Marion frowned deeply at catching the sight of the man. It had been awhile since she and her friends had seen him at Red-Fountain. She had narrowed her vividly green eyes at Issac. Why was he even here?
"Oh, why hello Marion, girls!" the dark-haired man greeted the fairy with such a pleasantry smile. Though his eyes had drifted onto the redhead fairy in particular. But Issac couldn't exactly say that Marion was delighted to see him again, as the fairy had her hands to the sides of her hips, glaring directly at him.
"What are you doing here?" Marion emphasized.
He kept his cool on, smiling at the fairies.
"Just enjoying the nice stroll. But I do have to say, I'm quite surprised in seeing you here, Marion."
The redhead had given him a tight smile.
Issac approached Marion, as he tried to drape his arm over her shoulders though the girl had intentionally avoided him. The black-haired man had frowned deeply once the girl had moved away from him. Confusion crossed his face.
"Is something wrong, Marion?" Issac asked, pretending to sound hurt by the girl's behavior towards him. It was very unlike her to do so. She appeared to strongly dislike him for no apparent reason. Or a reason that he simply could make sense of.
"Yes. There is Issac," the girl said sharply, sounding rather serious.
"Which is?" he asked, puzzled.
"You. You are the problem."
"What?" Issac's dark eyes had enlarged, as he seized Marion by the arms—gripping her so hard that she let out a faint cry.
Marion's heart pounded in her chest heavily. Her emerald eyes were filled with utter irritation and fear of what the man was about to do to her. He was hurting her.
The fairy had personally blocked him from all her social media accounts and her from number as well. No matter how many ways she had tried to get rid of him, for some reason, he always crossed paths with her.
Anger boiled within her as she had the urge to slap him across the face! She wouldn't regret it nor feel any guilt. Issac would deserve it. The man was clearly invading her space.
"What do you mean by I'm the problem, Marion?" he hissed.
The rest of the fairies had threw glares at Issac. He was annoying. Though it appeared to Marion that Luna wanted to screw Issac for being a complete jerk towards her best friend. Niobe had the urge to drench him in icy water, meanwhile Samara kept her lips tight—though her quietness was the most terrifying thing that any person can face.
She could handle herself.
Marion snorted.
Was he actually being serious? Couldn't he see the reason why? That he was just downright toxic to her? The way he treated her just like she were an object with no feelings?
The disrespect he'd constantly shown her.
"Are you actually serious?" Marion pulled herself away from him, throwing him a nasty glare. "How many times do I have to repeat myself to you? I don't like you nor will I ever be with you. Get that into your tiny brain."
Issac scoffed, hardly believing a word that escaped her lips. Marion was simply lying to him about her genuine feelings she truly has for him.
He watched as Marion brushed past him, coldly. "And besides, I should let you know that Oritel is my boyfriend and there's no chance in hell that we're ever going to be together."
Issac growled by the sudden fact.
It wasn't suppose to be like this.
His sister was suppose to charm the prince and capture his heart. And well, he was suppose to be the one to end up with Marion. It was all going according to his plan until things had took a drastic change when his sister, Aria, had majorly screwed up in resulting the Domino royal family holding utter disdain towards their family.
Issac was very well aware of Oritel being childhood friends with Marion due to their parents close history together, but Marion being the prince's girlfriend. . . the man hadn't thought the two were getting seriously committed in their relationship.
"You know, sweetheart. . . " he grabbed her hand, his dark eyes were filled with ire. "What makes you so certain that King Hyperion and Queen Leilani approved of their son's choice of being the future Queen of Domino."
Marion stared at him with her unblinking emerald eyes. There was a slight hint of fear in her eyes.
A sudden, loud, booming voice had pierced through the halls.
"Oh, I don't think you should worry about that, Issac."
The group of Specialists had appeared right on time and Oritel saving Marion from Issac's grips. Oritel sneered at Issac who had almost the same wicked personality as his sister, whenever he wanted to get his hands on particular things when it hadn't gone his way. The Dominian Prince had approached Marion's side. Issac had already dropped his hand back to his side.
The prince had glanced at Marion's wrist to see the mark he'd left her with. A deep color of red, almost turning purple. So it appeared to him that Issac had been holding her quite aggressively and most likely against her will. That bastard. His eyes ignited with fury. He was disturbed by the thought of Issac hurting his Marion.
Oritel's lips had curled into a cruel smile.
"I'm just going to tell you this once Issac, stay the hell away from my girlfriend, soon-to-be fiancée, or there will be severe consequences. One more thing, if I were you, I'd better leave before I have the guards escort you out."
Issac held his head high, still not appearing to be intimidated by the Crown Prince. He wasn't done yet. "This is far from over, your majesty."
"I believe it's already over," Oritel sneered.
Radius had wrapped his arm around his fiancée and kissed her on the head. The blond had smiled warmly upon feeling his presence besides her. It had made her feel safe being in his arms as he whispered in her ear. Luna was okay, but Issac had ruined their moods with his rude remarks.
"I was seriously considered blinding him." Luna said.
"The nerve of him just makes me sick," Niobe chimed in. "The way he treats women is unbelievable. He has no respect at all." Teredor approached his girlfriend's side, fully agreeing with her. Though he gazed at Oritel skeptically.
"Do you know why they're here?"
"I could only take a guess that their father is here to do business with my father. But I don't understand why his children came along." Oritel scowled.
Marion knew exactly what Oritel was referring too. Aria was here as well. She must've sneaked into the palace with her older brother Issac. It'd make perfect sense. She glanced at him. Her eyes were shimmering in worry.
"I'm so sorry Marion if he'd hurt you."
The girl smiled softly at the prince.
Oritel placed his hand on Marion's cheek, softly caressing it as he tried to comfort her. Alec, Samara, and Erendor gazed at Issac in pure disgust as the man had walked away completely irritated with how the entire situation had turned out in the end. Erendor had suggested to Oritel to increase security in the palace—to keep any intruders or those who were unwelcome—it was something that Oritel had to do.
The redhead princess had admired the luxurious, regal bedroom. Her blue eyes drinking in the stunning scene from all around. The tall glass windows were tinted that led to a balcony. The room itself was lavish and elegant, befitting for a Princess. An enormous four-poster bed stood on a dais, in the very center of the room. The edges of the bed were trimmed in gold. The curtains were made out of fine silk that was tied by a tassel that held the bed curtains back, matching the bed entirely.
The room itself was bathed in bright shades of teal, gold, and flecks of soft white perfectly capturing the essence of the luxurious room. Tall wardrobes stood against the wall to one side of the bed; beside the bed there were two wooden night stand were placed with jewelry boxes, that contained several rare gemstones and priceless jewels, and several brushes and combs than what a Princess could use. Crystal bottles of perfume were scattered around with dazzling caps.
In the middle of the room, a large crystal chandelier was hung from the ceiling with splashes of gold. Across the room from where Bloom stood, there was a fire place, followed with a perfect seating: two plush chairs, a large wooden coffee table, with an elegant white, fluffy carpet, giving a perfect view to gaze at the horizon.
Thousands of girls would have killed to have such a luxurious room.
It had a wonderful view since the room was located in the high towers, easily overlooking the entire kingdom. The vast blue ocean sparkled under the golden sun. Beautiful nature surrounding the palace with different shades of vividly green. Birds had flown in the clear blue sky, indicating no clouds in sight.
Not to far from the palace, there was an illuminating city—it was the Capital City of Domino—called "Sparks". It was said to be one of the most stunning cities in the entire Magical Universe. The city itself had possessed such an attraction view to the eye, due to its enchanted lush of nature.
Bloom could easily imagine once night would fall upon Sparks. The city would positively gleam in the darkness as stars burned throughout the night and the several moons faintly glowing, making the realm even more magical.
Several shades of blue gowns in different styles were spread all over the room, although, they were floating due to the levitating spell that had been casted, as Bloom had eyed each one of them as to chose one of her own preference that her grandmothers insisted upon.
The girl gazed at her paternal grandmother anxiously, as she had took one of the gowns to her liking. To see if her the queen had approved of her choice.
The firey princess wasn't entirely sure that this was. . . perhaps it was overwhelming especially being in a time in which she hadn't yet existed. But yet, the queen had wanted to make sure that Bloom was adjusting to her new founded life.
Apparently, Leilani had wanted to treat her like a princess that she was meant to be even though Bloom had found the situation rather odd in itself. The young redhead girl had watched as the maids had scurried off, preparing to give the princess a makeover.
She had seen the excitement spark in her paternal grandmother's brown eyes that were filled with nothing but pure love and affection towards her despite not being entirely familiar with her. Lassandra, Marion's mother, had agreed with the queen's idea.
The girl's eyes had widened instantly once the maids had stripped her clothes right off her body. It was slightly awkward in the presence of her two grandmothers that she never met from before or had remembered.
She felt the heat travel up to her cheeks.
The next thing Bloom had found herself wearing a beautiful pale blue dress, though she had let out a sharp breath upon the maid tightening the corset. They had styled her hair into an elegant updo with pearls embedded into her hair.
Jewelries had adorned Bloom's neck and ears—glittering under the golden light that streamed into the bedroom. The girl admired the stunning gemstones.
"Isn't this a little too much?" Bloom asked, appearing somewhat hesitant about the whole ordeal.
Leilani raised a questioning brow at her granddaughter. "Why would you say that Bloom? You're my granddaughter and you deserve to be treated as a princess."
"But wouldn't people notice and say something?" she casted a concerning glance at her grandmothers.
"Ah, don't worry about that, darling. That'll be taken care of," the queen smiled reassuringly.
It had sorta put her at ease. Bloom hadn't wanted to be stared by people. It had made her uncomfortable, having so many eyes staring in her direction. Being in a spotlight made her nervous. She could feel the hair on the back of her neck rise. Bloom bit her lips. She had a feeling swirling in the back of her head that whispered to her that she wasn't used to such a lavish lifestyle.
She almost frowned at the thought of it.
But why?
After all, Bloom was born into Domino's royal bloodline, so she should be used to such grand lifestyle with everything coming to her at ease, right? But yet, why was everything overwhelming to her was the better question?
Or was it due to her fragment memories that was slowly reeling into her mind?
Bright golden sunlight had kissed her pale skin as a gentle breeze blew through the air. The girl admired the beauty of the royal garden—the several different species of magical plants that had an eerie faint glow, though it had fascinated Bloom upon never stumbling across such beautiful flowers. The flowers took a similar shape to that of a lily. The girl couldn't help the urge to pluck out a flower.
"It'll just wither away if you pluck that flower, Bloom."
Bloom was completely startled by the voice, causing her to jump on her feet. She turned on her heels to see Oritel, Marion, Luna, and the entire group standing a few inches away from where she stood.
"Oh. I didn't know that, but the flowers are pretty," she commented.
It made Oritel smile.
"Well, they are my mother's favorite. Your grandfather had designed this specific area just for her."
A warm smile tugged at Bloom's lips. "It's beautiful."
The girl may not entirely remember much of her family's history, but that she could easily make out the deep affection that the king held for his beloved queen. Even with all the subtle gestures, their love had burned eternally.
Oritel took in his daughter's full appearance. It was obvious that his mother had ideas about how Bloom ought to wear or it could be her way to express her enthusiasm through her granddaughter?
"So Bloom, may I ask, what specific memory provoked you back in the throne room?" Oritel questioned curiously. He simply had to know, no matter how hard the truth might shatter him.
The smile faded off her face. It was hard to describe since it was still a botchy and an unclear memory. Like she couldn't even explain the meaning behind it. There could be several theories about how Bloom could interpret the the memory. And so Bloom had tried to explain her memory as best as she could, but still she couldn't connect the dots together.
She could see the worry shine in Marion's eyes.
Oritel seemed be silent, as he was allowing the words to sink into his mind. There was no doubt that he felt disturbed. Not that Bloom could blame him for it. The brown-haired prince held onto each word that his daughter spilled, pondering her words.
Valtor was a pain in the arse.
Oritel grimaced, knowing that Valtor wasn't going to end his reign of terror anytime soon. Too many things had entered the prince's mind, as he paced back and fourth. "Do you know where it'd taken place?" he asked, a crease appeared between his thick brows.
"No. I'm not too sure. It's still hazy, but I can say that some of my memory is slowly returning back." Bloom smiled warmly, trying to reassure her worried father. He placed a hand on her shoulder, feeling rather comforted at the idea.
Delight had sparked in Oritel's dark eyes.
"I'm glad to hear that, darling."
Bloom was feeling utterly nervous upon seeing the throne room being filled with royals from all across the dimension and high noble within the kingdom, being reminded of the Sovereigns Council meeting.
Gossip had swirled amongst the high nobles and royals about the current, tragic, event that occurred within the past 24 hours—worry and fear filled their tones. News traveled fast over the disastrous event that may have marked a ultimate victory.
The redhead princess had gazed at her mother who was dressed in an elegant green gown with her hair styled in an updo, her curled bangs fell to the side of her face. Even Marion appeared to be agitated as she appeared to smooth down her skirt.
Bloom had caught the sight of Luna from the corner of her eye with the royal family of Solaria. Her arm tangled with Radius. From across the room, she easily recognized the royal families of Eracklyon and Andros.
Her chest felt tight.
She had felt the seriousness of the situation had increasingly unfolded into series of fear and concern over the dark threat that was hung over the magical universe. Bloom had felt the darkness seep into her chest.
"Dark days soon lies ahead and it's better if we all sticked together."
Faragonda's calm voice had rung through Bloom's head. A constant reminder of the headmistress's words before Alfea and the other two magical schools had been invaded by Mandragora's unexpected assault in the realm of Magix. Bloom shuddered in over the realization that the headmistress had been under a dark spell along with the rest of faculty members.
War was on the brink of horizon.
Dark clouds were coming.
Oritel and Alec stood besides Marion and Bloom, both appearing stern as they had watched as the conversation had unfolded between the adults, each speaking from their point of view upon hearing the information from their own children who witnessed such a catastrophic, but devastating battle.
The loss of Magix had struck a huge blow to the Magical Dimension.
Oritel's eyes had widened upon the realization as to why they had targeted Magix in the first place.
Lord Darkar, the Shadow Phoenix, was after the Codex that each significant planet possessed—the very magical core that would help him unlock the Relix Dimension—unleashing the unknown horrors. The Ancestral Witches were his mere servants that were terrorizing the universe along with Valtor and Mandragora.
Gasps of fear had escaped from the adults' lips realizing the dangers the was going to sweep the universe. It was something that no realm or kingdom could face alone. Only a fool would propose such an idea.
Bloom shifted uncomfortably upon the Ancestral Witches being mentioned.
A faint, yet elderly but familiar voice had whispered in the back of her head. Something dark and unpleasant to the ears.
"A coven of evil witches seeking the Great Dragon's power, the Dragon Flame, went to Domino, where the royal family were the guardian keepers of the Dragon's Flame. But when they failed to steal the power, out of spite, they'd destroyed the entire planet."
"A whole planet destroyed. . . but who could do something like that?"
It was the sound of her own voice that responded back, but to who? Who was she discussing this with? What planet had been destroyed? Her blue eyes widened in horror . . . could it possibly . . . the planet that had been mentioned . . . no . . . it can't be. . . but it was making much more sense.
Bloom needed a breath of fresh air.
The ominous atmosphere within the throne room was making her head spin all around with burdensome news that was overwhelming her mind. Some of her memories were actually resurfacing into her mind with each minute they had spoken about Valtor, Lord Darkar, and the three crazed witches.
"Bloom? Are you feeling okay? You look positively pale." Marion said, her voice full of concern upon seeing her daughter's face. In that moment, Bloom nearly appeared to be sick.
"I just need some air."
Oritel and Alec stared at Bloom with full worry.
"We'll go with you."
The redhead princess had wanted to argue that she didn't need any kind of escort. But under seeing the stern expressions they had given her, the girl knew that there was no room for argument and just nodded.
Marion had wrapped her arm around her daughter's shoulder for fearing that Bloom might faint at any given moment and gently guided her out to the halls followed by Alec and Oritel.
Out in the halls, they had spotted their friends in a small group debating about the conversation that happened back in the throne room. Radius and Erendor were in some kind of heated argument over which of their kingdom would stand the looming threats that were on the horizon. Teredor was trying to mediate between the two, but was failing at reasoning with his two friends.
"It's good that you came Oritel. Maybe you can knock some sense into these two," Teredor sighed heavily.
Oritel raised a question brow. Sometimes, Radius and Erendor had such strong but stubborn personalities that often clashed with one another especially over trivial matters.
"Radius. Erendor. Come on, knock it off you two. This isn't the time for childish arguments, don't you think? The universe is in a major crises." Oritel pointed out.
This caused Erendor and Radius' faces to flush bright red.
"Are you okay, Bloom?" Niobe question upon seeing the girl appearing more pale than usual.
Bloom swallowed hardly. "It's just the memories. . . they're coming back rather strongly."
Alec gazed at her with a stunned expression. Of all times, his niece's memories were now returning back? How peculiar? Why did he have a bad feeling about at the back of his mind? Or maybe this was all due to his paranoia?
Who knows?
Everyone had fallen silent and their attention were turned onto Bloom.
Marion rubbed her daughter's back, trying to ease some of the girl's stress. That explained why she was feeling sick to her stomach. Her memories were most likely giving her some kind of shock and a headache.
"But why now, all of a sudden? Do you know what's triggering your memories?" Radius questioned curiously.
The girl took a deep breath in and let out her ragged breath.
The threats that the magical universe was currently facing was something that was going to be easily defeated. They had still existed in her time. Valtor. Lord Darkar. The Ancestral Witches: Belladonna, Tharma, and Lyssils. Mandragora. They had still manage to target her upon the brief, but agonizing memories that entered her mind.
Valtor had constantly flashed into her mind. His gruesome smile as he gladly enjoyed in turning the mermaids into mutants under his commands. Blinding a fairy called Aisha. Destroying Magix. Stealing the second sun of Solaria. Destroying Stella's powerful ring and tuning her into some kind of mutant creature. A pink-haired fairy giving her life away as she sealed the portal that led to the Omega Dimension back on Andros before it could destroy the entire realm.
Sky being under the Valtor's mark.
Darkar, a creature of absolute darkness had managed to almost grab the taste of absolute victory. Absolute power of the purified Dragon Flame via Bloom. Turning her into a darker version of herself. Her friends suffering under the dark wrath of the Shadow Phoenix.
The girl had winced at the memory.
Whispers of the Ancestral Witches, Valtor, or any mentions of dark witches or wizards was stirring up her memories. Ever since she'd confronted Valtor back at Alfea, Bloom had been at the very edge, rather disturbed by his mere presence.
Erendor looked utterly discontented as he grumbled. "They still linger in your time?"
"Yes." Bloom frowned.
Bloom didn't like it any more than anyone else did.
Fear had shinned in the fairies' eyes, as they glanced at their significant other.
All what Marion could do was try to comfort her distressed daughter. Give Bloom some kind of hope that everything will be alright. But will everything be okay? Will they all overcome this great evil? Or will everything end up in complete chaos and disaster?
Radius paced around as he pondered in Bloom's words. His face had lit up. A bright, but brilliant idea had come across his mind. Surely, they had to agree with him. It was the only way. The only solution that had popped up into his mind that may save the universe from the dark forces.
"This idea may be crazy, but it might work since the future isn't exactly set in stone yet."
"What is it, darling?" Luna asked.
"It's a long shot, but maybe, we can change the future's outcome."
They all glanced at Radius as if he had grew another head. Though Bloom was curious about his words. He was defiantly onto something. Changing things for the better. That didn't sounded crazy.
"Alternating the future, Radius. I don't know if that's such a good idea." Teredor said, appearing hesitant of idea.
The Solarian Prince quirked an eyebrow. "No offense Oritel, Marion, but your daughter being here in this timeline may already cause some alterations in the future."
"That could be true, but. . ."
"But what? Oh come on Oritel, she could have useful information that could benefit us all. Think about it. If we could defeat them, wouldn't that be better for the future. For all of our sake's including our future children."
Niobe and Luna exchanged glances, almost appearing to agree with Radius' idea. Samara and Erendor were engrossed in a deep conversation. Oritel looked rather hesitant. Alec and Marion shared the same thought. The duo siblings had agreed with Radius' proposal if it could grant a better and bright future for everyone involved. In the end, Oritel was convinced that it was for the greater good.
"And how are we possibly going to do that?" Erendor implied in a serious tone.
"Ah, that's where you come in Bloom, by telling us the information you know from the future. You think you could do that, but of course when you remember all your memories?" Radius asked.
"I will." Bloom promised. A warm smile stretched across her face, despite feeling a dark feeling hanging over her head. The things that the dark forces had done in the future. Wiping out several cities across the magical universe. Annihilating an entire planet from existence.
Bloom could only remember those things as hearing it as rumors, or it could've possibly happened to the major planets and realms all across the dimension.
One thing for sure: she had to get her memories fast and try to get all the accurate knowledge of the future. It was the only way to gain such an upper hand in the deadly war that was lingering on the horizon.
Firey hope had blossomed within their chest.
Author's Note
Wow! I hadn't update this story since last summer! I've been so busy with the past crazy semester! And also for being stuck in major writer's block for this chapter which is so annoying, but anyways, I'm glad it's now over and I can get back into writing this fic again! Yay! This chapter was a struggle to write especially about the whole royal council meeting going on. . . and I need to work on that *sighs*
Lots of interesting things had happened in this chapter! You've gotten introduced to new characters Issac and Aria who are siblings and they may have links to Diaspro as to why she's spoiled and why she behaves a certain way. I'm not gonna say anymore than that. I will be working on other realms history and background as well.
I know we haven't seen much of Valtor in this chapter, which is sad, but don't worry he'll appear in next chapter! On that note: I have watched FATE and I loved it! I hadn't been this excited for a Winx Club show in a long time, the last time I'd been this hyped for Winx is when The Secret Of The Lost Kingdom had been released! I can't wait for Fate Season 2!
Bellchocolate: Thank you for your amazing review! *blushes* Bloom doesn't her feistiness due to her not having her memories intact that may had changed a little bit of her personality but don't worry it'll come back once all her memories are back and yes Bloom's a fighter! So who knows how things are gonna turn out!
airotsa: Yes, Valtor is such a twisted, complicated and layered character! He is certainly falling for Bloom, but slowly since he's only interested in her background, but who knows XD
Like always please leave your reviews and comments down below! I really do appreciate it and love to hear your thoughts about it!
Until Next Time!
