Au. [Sequel To Disoriented Memories] After everything that happened within the past year, Bloom tries to heal from her unimaginable trauma and tries to cope with her new reality. Aisha and Stella struggles with the choice that would determine their future. Valtor had disappeared into thin air and hadn't been seen in months, and all seems to be well. . . or so it was. . .

Disclaimer: I don't own Winx Club, this written for pure entertainment!

Book II

Scattered Embers

Chapter One: "Echoes of Heartache"

Bloom hadn't expected it to be nightfall already.

The cool breeze had felt so good on her skin again, but it had made her shiver.

The redhead princess had suspected that they had took quite a while in the Crystal Labyrinth. She still had felt shaken up but the entire ordeal. She glanced at herself in the reflection to know that her mascara had smeared all around her eyes due to her crying.

Bloom was a spiraling mess.

Once she and Lassandra had exited out of Crystal Labyrinth, her gaze had fallen on her motionless mother who was in the arms of Luna. Her friends had been trying to wake Marion up. It was no doubt that Marion had been quite overwhelmed with the weighty truth about her mother and the fate of her younger daughter that had ended in tragedy.

Bloom's face had been drained from color once she had realized that they had been watching her and Lassandra through the labyrinth, which had meant. . . the horrifying truth that been spilled and it had most likely given Marion a disturbing shock of a lifetime.

Aisha and Stella had given her solemn, gloomy looks as they hugged her tightly as heavy sadness had washed over the Winx girls.

"Bloom," Aisha had started off rather calmly, despite the sadness seeping into her voice. "We'd seen the choice you made."

Bloom's expression had faltered. Shame had crossed her face. The girl wasn't too sure what to say to her friends exactly; Bloom had averted her gaze.

"Bloom this isn't something that you should be afraid to tell us. We know, and let me tell you, we'd be happier seeing alive and not dead." Aisha's teal-blue eyes glimmered, reassuring her dear friend.

"And if you'd chosen the latter, I don't think your mum would be able to handle your death. There's no way she'd be okay or. . ." Stella had chipped into the conversation, trying to ease Bloom's final choice.

The Solarian Princess had casted a glance in Lassandra's direction only to see Marion being utterly inconsolable in the arms of her own mother. ". . .Marion would've ended up being depressed, Bloom."

Depressed. The way the word had hung in the back of Bloom's mind had made her stomach twist and turn.

Her family hadn't deserved to be emotionally or physically tortured in any way, shape, or form. All the love that Bloom been showed by her family. . . felt as if someone had personally punctured her soul, leaving behind unhealed scars for all eternity.

Bloom had winced over the thought of her beloved older sister, Daphne. Marion knowing the tragic fate of her older daughter had been gut-wrenching. Daphne's physical body had been reduced to a bodiless spirit that was tied to the bottom of the lake in Magix for all eternity.

And now. . .

Marion knowing that her younger daughter's fate who perished during her final battle against Valtor had chilled Bloom to the bones.

Bloom's lips had twisted into a sadden frown.

The realization that Valtor had indeed killed her (quite successfully at that too) had punched her in the stomach painfully.

Goosebumps on her skin had formed at the thought of it. Her sapphire eyes had widened. Horror crossing her face in realization. If Oritel knew what had truly become of Bloom's fate back in her original timeline. . .

There would be no telling how her father's reaction would be like and that had tighten the daylights out of Bloom to a great extent.

Hold a second. . .

Had her Alec and Oritel had given her the abridge version of her fate? Had they known that she had sacrificed her own life for the sake of the Magical Universe?

It certainly had explained Oritel's raspy outburst behavior towards her for never once considering her own life before others. Or why he wouldn't allow her to be out of anyone's eyesight.

But. . .

Bloom could simply imagine Oritel's reaction to the earth-shattering news. The anger spiraling out of him, the steam pouring out of his ears, the undeniable fury burning in his brown eyes . . .

Her paternal grandparents . . . had other plans for her. . . had they known that she would never be able to return back to her timeline? There was too many questions swirling in her mind, making her feel dazed.

Everything that had been a puzzling mystery to her life had finally come into the light and needless to say it wasn't pretty. The pretty lies had been a coverup to the horrible (and dark) truth.

It was unbearable for her mind to process. Bloom casted a glance at Marion who seemed to be at arms-length with Lassandra, both fluttering towards Alec who awaited them.

Her poor mother.

Marion could never catch a break from all the misery that had surrounded her family, suffering from complete heartache.

Niobe and Luna were alongside Marion attempting to lift their friend's broken spirits, but it was to no avail, as if Marion had tuned their voices out, only lingering in her own emotional thoughts.

Bloom had glanced up at the darkened sky to see that glittering silvery stars dancing across the darkness. The full moon was out, shining brightly.

"Bloom!" A concerned voice had spoken, shattering the girl from her own thoughts. Her gaze had fallen on Sky, who seemed to be completely worried about her, had rushed to her side.

"We'll give you two some alone time," Stella had whispered in her best-friend's ear before fluttering away to Brandon.

Bloom watched as Nabu and Brandon had given their respective girlfriends a tight embrace, as pure relief had overtook their features.

Her lips curling into a warm smile.

Sky's deep blue eyes had flickered over her as he inspected Bloom for any signs of injury, but the only thing he could was the absolute sadness fill her innocent sapphire eyes he'd adored so much.

Sky had pulled his girlfriend into a tight hug, wrapping his arms around her securely, wanting her to be safe in his arms again.

"Oh, Bloom," Sky had mumbled to himself, brushing his soft lips on her head. His fingers had intertwined with Bloom's. "Is everything alright? What happened?"

Sky's concerned voice had made Bloom cry once more.

What could she tell him, exactly?

The girl had melted into a puddle at this point as she had lost all of her courageous strength to tell Sky what had gone down in the Golden Kingdom.

That Bloom had indeed sacrificed her own life for her dear friends, her family, the specialists and above all, the Magical Dimension.

Plus, Bloom hadn't wanted to be in his arms at the moment, but rather with her family. Her mother had needed all the reassurance that she would get.

Bloom had mustered on a fake small smile, sniffling. "A lot had happened, Sky."

Sky furrowed his eyebrows. "Like what Bloom?"

Bloom had fidgeted like a young child under Sky's gaze. "Sky, I really don't want to talk about it right now. I'm super drained."

"But—"

Seeing Bloom giving him a weary look had told Sky all what he had needed to know, as his lips had twisted into an uncomfortable smile. Knowing Bloom, he was certain she was going to push the matter under the carpet again without bothering him about her own problems just like usual. It had annoyed Sky, but he knew better than pressing Bloom on about the subject. It would piss Bloom off.

"Sky, please, don't take this the wrong way," Bloom spoke up faintly, but sadness was laced in her tone. Her sapphire glistened.

"But I really need to be with my family," Bloom turned her gaze to see Marion in the arms of her older brother sobbing her heart out. "My mum, she needs me right now."

"But can't you just tell me what happened? One simple word is all I'm asking. Why is everyone looking so . . . I don't know . . . miserable like someone died?" Sky had demanded a direct answer from Bloom, as he for one could not go on not knowing anything (or being left in the dark with no explanations).

Bloom had pulled back from Sky due to his hostile attitude, petrified. The girl didn't like how patronizing he could be, just like Erendor. He couldn't let things go. Nope. Sky had to cause unnecessary commotion for everyone to see and not dealing with the matter in private like a proper adult.

Bloom had eyed Sky sharply. "You're really that desperate to know."

Sky had let out a low, growl—gritting his teeth. "Dragons, yes Bloom! I don't know why this is so difficult for you! You're being awfully stubborn and selfish about it!"

"You think I'm selfish!" Bloom's blue eyes had turned into slits as she glared at him. Her face boiling red at Sky's accusation—calling her out as being selfish.

"Fine! If you really insist on knowing what happened in that final battle between me and Valtor, it turned out to be actually true! I did die, Sky!"

Once the mere word of her death had slipped from her lips. . . Sky's eyes had gone wide, too stunned to utter a word. Whatever anger had lingered in his eyes had vanished, filling with utmost terror as he glanced at her.

His rosy cheeks had lost all of its color—appearing rather pale and he was slightly twitching. Sky's lips had curled into a twisted sneer in disbelief by the outrages news that Bloom had dropped on him.

"Bloom! Don't tell me anything right now because I'm not willing to hear any of your damned excuses!" Sky had given off a deep chuckle, shaking his head somewhat amused by the entire ordeal.

"You've got yourself killed simply because you insisted facing Valtor on your own! You didn't even consider the people who cared about you!" Sky had raised his voice, sounding precisely like his father.

Bloom's headache was growing far worse. She hadn't wanted to listen to any of his pointless lectures at the moment.

Bloom really needed a break from the Magical Universe and its problems. The girl needed to get onto some resort island and stay there for who knows how long until she managed to straighten out all of her affairs.

Bloom had shifted on her feet in discomfort upon feeling everyone's intense gaze on her and Sky who argued a little too loudly in drawing their attention.

Lassandra had narrowed her eyes at Sky, disliking the young man even more than she initially thought, before looking at her own son to intervene between the two. Marion was still in her arms, but no longer in tears but she was in no shape or form to be handling the situation, despite wanting to aid Bloom's side.

"Alec, you have to calm them down. I'm not taking kindly to Sky's behaviors towards Bloom," Lassandra had urged Alec; her sapphire pleading to him.

The man had given his mother a nod and he pressed his soft lips on his little's sister head, trying to ease her worries over Bloom. "I've got this this, Mari."

"I know," Marion whispered brokenly; her bright emerald eyes falling on her daughter's vulnerable state. It had hurt to see that Sky wasn't being understanding of the situation.

Alec had easily stepped in between his niece and Sky with a deepened frown on his face. The man wasn't pleased in seeing Sky raising his voice directly at Bloom. His green eyes were filled with absolute ire.

"What in the name of the Great Dragon is going on here, Sky? You have quite a bit of nerve for treating my little niece like that." Alec said harshly.

Sky had looked unnerved, but still stood firmly. "Perhaps you should know how inconsiderate your niece is as she recklessly throws her life in danger at every chance she gets."

Alec had let out a weary sigh. "I'm aware of Bloom's impulsive tendencies, Sky. No need for you to explain that as we've already seen much of her. . . displays when she's in action."

Bloom could feel her cheeks burn as she threw an intense glare at Sky (loathing him at the moment for the way he was rudely speaking to her uncle).

"Are you aware of the fact that Bloom did die?" Sky said out of pure spite. His gaze had still remained on Bloom who had her arms crossed over her chest, huffing out of annoyance.

Alec had clenched his jawline, aggravated. His gaze had fallen on his niece who seemed to be gazing at everything else but him as Bloom fidget uncomfortably.

Alec closed his eyes, unknowing how to explain the situation to both Bloom and Sky. He and Oritel knew of Bloom's untimely demise under Valtor's hand, but of course since Bloom's fate had altered. . .

Bloom had knitted her eyebrows upon seeing her uncle's inner smokey soul that had rose from behind him; her eyes had fluttered wide open as she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise. Her stomach had churn and twisted all around, feeling as if the butterflies were trapped within her, unable to be freed.

"So you knew about it?" Bloom said under her breath, her lips trembling.

She wasn't sure what to make out of it entirely. Her father and uncle had an amusing way of communicating with her and Marion.

Men. Bloom snorted.

"And why didn't you say anything?" Sky asked, baffled, trying to pinpoint some of the blame on Bloom's uncle.

"It was under Oritel's strict orders not to tell Bloom anything and to be fair I agreed with him as well. It simply wasn't the right timing."

Bloom had blinked away her tears of anger, currently ignoring Sky. "So, you two thought it would be better not to tell anyone!"

"Because we wanted to protect you from the harsh reality! What we were doing was only—"

"For the best or for my safety! I think I got the message! But it doesn't mean it was right!" Bloom snapped right back at her uncle; her sapphire glowering out of anger. "Go tell that to grandmother and mum who had their hearts ripped out of their chests!"

Alec had glanced back to see that Marion's arm was latched onto Lassandra's as if her life had depended on it. He hadn't meant to indirectly hurt his mother or his little sister who he loved dearly to his heart. It had explained why they were in boat loads of tears.

Lassandra had been trying to calm his sister down; Marion appeared to be on an emotional melt down. Guilt had swelled in his chest.

"By the way congratulations! If you hadn't known, you have an older half-brother named Aiden." Bloom had narrowed her eyes, as anger had overtook her delicate features. The girl had snipped at her uncle in a harsh, icy tone.

Bloom had unintentionally spilled the earth-shattering truth to her uncle, who was unaware of his mother's past, nor had he had any knowledge of having an older half-brother, whom Alec had never met.

"What in the name of the Great Dragon are you on about, young lady?" Alec's bright emerald eyes had flashed in fury, placing his heavy hand on her shoulder, glaring down at Bloom. He hadn't liked his niece's icy tone with him.

Bloom had let out a puff out of irritation. "When we were in the Golden Kingdom, me and grandmother were the only ones to walk through the Crystal Labyrinth—"

"What does that have to do with anything!"

"You're not letting me finish my point, uncle. We had to walk through memories of the past to find our answers and let me tell you one thing, grandmother had a heartbreaking life story," Bloom said, as heavy tears had overflowed her eyes, "but she never told you or mum from before. Well. . . mum is now aware of her history."

Alec hadn't liked the sound of this as he took a quick glimpse of his sister being at Lassandra's side. Ever since the girls had come out of the Golden Kingdom, it had appeared that all their lively spirits had been crushed, and their joy they once had was all bruned down to the ground. A heavy pang had rippled across Alec's heart.

"Do you realize what that sounds like Bloom? My mum would never do such a thing! She married my dad at seventeen and had me when she was only eighteen . . ." Alec shook his head in disbelief over what Bloom had tried insinuate. "For Dragon's sakes, what had made you suggest that, Bloom? She's your grandmother."

"I—" Bloom had tired to defend herself, but she was cut off too soon without offering her own explanation.

"Not another word out of your mouth, young lady. I don't know what's gotten into you lately, but your behavior is unacceptable," Alec reprimanded Bloom harshly.

Bloom gazed back at Sky who had no longer wanted to interfere between her and Alec due to their constant squabbles that had seemed to not end. The ire still lingered in his features. Bloom hadn't wanted to deal with another obnoxious man at the moment especially her boyfriend.

"We need to get back to the ship, now," Alec informed, glancing at his wristwatch. It was getting pretty late. He had noticed that most of them were inside and were waiting for them to end their petty argument.

Bloom had long forgone her fairy form was back in her warm navy gown, sitting beside her own mother who had her head resting on Lassandra's shoulder, utterly exhausted by today's incident.

Marion still couldn't wrap her mind on her mother's life history. It just broke her to pieces. Tiny shards of glass scattered all over the floor, unable to put back together again. Her heart had been ripped out of her chest rather violently and merciless, leaving nothing but excruciating pain as dark crimson blood had continuously oozed out of her until she had nothing left.

Marion had no more tears in her eyes to cry—it was all dried up.

All what Marion had wanted to do was to comfort her mother and to ease her pain and remind Lassandra that she would forever be loved unconditionally.

Lewis had input the destination into the map as the ship had took off from Magix into deep space and was roaming in the darkness, among the stars. Strangely as it was, everything was quiet with only a few muffled voices being uttered.

Sky had gazed out of the window, into the emptiness of space. His hands had curled into fist balls. He was still infuriated with Bloom's heedless decisions. She had always took the matter into her own hands without managing to consult anyone or what the consequences of her actions would be. Today had been the very proof of that.

"So. . ."

Sky was ripped out of his thoughts upon hearing Nabu's voice. He glanced to see Nabu and Brandon, both looking rather unsettle by the entire situation.

"What happened, exactly?" Nabu was the one to address both Aisha and Stella rather carefully. Flicker of worry shined in his vivid purple eyes.

The Androsian wizard could feel the entire aura change for the worse. It was heavy, somber, and even depressing. All the bright colors and excitement had been sapped out of the girls.

Aisha and Stella both exchanged glances.

Stella was the first one to speak.

"As it turns out, the Elder Council had no kind of agenda on their plate."

Nabu frowned, baffled. "What? But aren't they the ones to overlook the balance of the Magical Universe?"

Aisha had interjected much to her and Stella's dissatisfaction. "In fact, they had been rather generous, but not in the way you would think, or what any of us had originally thought because they had bended enough rules as it is."

Nabu grimaced knowing that something about that felt off as it had nagged at the back of his mind. His eyes had fallen on Sky to see that he had gone rather pale, clenching at his jaw, his eyes narrowing while mumbling a few cursed words under his breath.

Cold shivers ran down his back.

"That can't be good," Brandon said, noting the girls' disdained expressions that was written all over their faces. It wasn't pleasant.

Stella had took a quick glimpse of Bloom, who was across from where she sat, winced. Her own mother and Niobe were trying their best to console Marion.

Her chest had tightened, and her heart had nearly skipped a beat, feeling utterly broken from the inside. Tears had slipped from her eyes.

"You remember when Bloom's physical body had faded?" Stella had managed to look her boyfriend in the eyes. "And we thought of the worse scenario to happen."

Brandon had studied Stella's expression, attentively, with a solemn expression. His lips had twisted into a frown. "Yeah, I do remember that Stel."

Stella had shook her head. "Well, the truth behind that is a lot worse than anyone of us could've ever speculate."

Aisha had decided to continue off where Stella was struggling to utter the words from her lips. The dark-haired princess looked at both Nabu and Brandon intensely, though her lips were slightly trembling. "Bloom had died during the final battle. . . it means that Valtor had managed to extinguish her Dragon Flame in the end."

"You can't mean. . ." a sharp gasp had escaped Nabu's lips, as his vividly purple eyes had fluttered wide open, shocked. His friend had sacrificed her life for their safety and for freeing the Magic Dimension from Valtor's monstrosities.

Not again. But. . . if Bloom was really . . . Brandon was at loss—horrified. "But how? How is Bloom even alive right now?"

Stella had a sad smile. "Arcadia had offered Bloom's grandmother a favor back in the days and so they used it on Bloom."

"You mean to tell me; they'd given Bloom a second chance at life?" Brandon's eyebrows shot upwards drastically—utterly shocked by the revelation.

Nabu was completely overwhelmed by the sudden details. He wasn't sure how to make of it. They had managed to tamper with the balance of life and death. It was beyond his widest imaginations, not something that anyone would anticipate. Although he was right about one thing, the Elder Councils were involved in the matter.

"But why send Bloom to the past?" Nabu questioned. "Was it because they had wanted to alter some changes before the events would happen?"

Stella had given him a slight nod. "In a way, yes. With both Bloom's and Valtor's Dragon Flame being extinguished, the balance of the Magical Universe would become unstable."

Sky had grimaced, still not fathoming the idea that the Elder Council had manage to lift up certain strings from behind the shadows. "And Bloom's memories. . . I assume that Valtor isn't responsible for that, or was he?"

"Unfortunately, Valtor wasn't involved with Bloom's memory loss." Aisha broke in, side-glancing Sky rather intensely. "It was the councils. They didn't want anyone knowing that they've tampered with life and death otherwise there would be an uproar."

"We're the only ones who knows of the situation," Stella added, noting Sky's uneasiness.

"So, what now? We can't possibly remain here in the past. We have to get back to our original timeline," Sky said.

Aisha and Stella had looked at one another, as the two girls stiffened in their place. A solemn expression had overtook their features. Aisha had bit her lips, a look of absolute uncertainty flickering in her teal-blue eyes.

There was a beat of a silence, before Brandon broke in a soft voice. "Is there something else you're not telling us about, Stel."

"Well. . . Bloom had two painful choices to make before exiting out of the Crystal Labyrinth," Stella begun, sucking her breath in, before letting out a heavy sigh and continued on, "one of choices was to remain in the Golden Kingdom among the dead or to stay in this timeline without ever going back."

Sky had gone numb entirely; his face ashen at prospect.

It had meant . . . No. . . no. . . it can't be. . . Bloom wouldn't do it.

The world had come crashing down upon him, realizing that there was no possibility of a future with Bloom. Sky had let out a low growl. Blinded by pure rage, Sky stood on his feet, his hands curled into fist balls.

He had wanted to confront Bloom's idiotic and careless behavior.

"Sky! Are you out of your mind!" Stella had cut in sharply, not wanting Sky to do anything stupid or behave on impulse. "Bloom's vulnerable right now. It's best not to ask her any questions that may be sensitive to her."

"Vulnerable?" Sky snorted with sarcasm dripping into his voice.

"Sky, we're warning you not to interrogate Bloom right now or you'll push her over the edge. You don't know how it could affect her or her family either," Aisha had desperately tried to reason with him, but it seemed to her that Sky was being awfully stubborn about it.

"I highly doubt that Bloom is 'vulnerable' Aisha," Sky's lips had twisted into an ugly sneer.

"Whatever happens afterwards, you don't come running back and blaming Stella and Aisha for your own mess, got that Sky?" Nabu's eyes flashed furiously.

Sky's face had darkened and muttered. "I know."

"I hope you do, Sky," Nabu whispered more to himself. "I hope you do."

Bloom had dabbed at her eyes; her sniffles had been subdued. Her gaze had fallen on an unhappy Sky. It was obvious that he was utterly pissed off at her. Bloom could easily see all the anger being directed towards her. The nerve of Sky. . .

For her part, Bloom was secretly thankful that her mother had dozed off into sleep, as Marion was being comforted by Lassandra.

Bloom had suspected that Lassandra might've used a calming spell on Marion in order to reduce her overwhelming, twisted emotions. Uncle Alec, the least to say, was rather annoyed by her. He had his fingers on the side of his temples, trying to reduce his stress.

Bloom was too tried to deal with Sky's unnecessary outburst. She simply had cut to the point. "What is you want, Sky?"

"When were you going to tell me about the choice you made, Bloom? In a year? Two? Or maybe never," Sky glared down at her.

Bloom's pupils had turned into thin slits. Her lips twisting into a frown. "Sky, I don't think this is the best time to be discussing this."

"Oh. This is the perfect timing to talk about it," Sky said sardonically. "So, you're no longer able to go back with us, is that so? Haven't you even thought what it would mean for us— for our future?"

Anger had boiled in Bloom's blood.

"You think the decision I made was an easy one?"

Sky had shook his head, not fully agreeing with her words. "This wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been so insistent on doing things your way Bloom and you wouldn't be in this mess."

Bloom had looked at him incredulously, her mouth hanging wide open. She could feel the magic build up inside of her, slowly waiting to be unleashed.

"Please do enlighten me on how we could've vanquished Valtor, Sky? Last I checked, he had easily put you under his dark mark via Diaspro."

Bloom knew she hit the nerve, watching him recoil at her own sharp words. Sky had become quite as he had dwelled on Bloom's words. He didn't think that Bloom would bring it up.

But that did not stop Sky from saying from what was on his mind, whether it was rational or not. He had unintentionally lashed out on Bloom, forgetting that everyone was in the ship.

"It doesn't matter, Bloom!"

Bloom had hardened her gaze on him. "This was the only option I had, and you know that. If I hadn't defeated him, he would've destroyed the entire Magic Dimension. You're the one who's acting a bit entitled."

Sky had mumbled under his breath, running his fingers though his shoulder-length blond hair. His ocean blue eyes were inflamed.

"And if you hadn't noticed Sky, I had a long day today and I'm tired. I don't how many times I need to emphasize that you, but I just want to relax and not deal with this right now," Bloom said frustratedly.

"You never want to deal with anything, do you Bloom? You always manage to run away from your problems like a child," Sky yelled a little too loudly, but this time catching the attention of others.

It had hurt to hear him toss those particular words at her face.

"Sky, that's enough! You don't need to raise your voice at her for the second time," Alec was right beside his niece's side, glaring at a certain blonde prince. "Yes, Bloom had made her mistakes, but don't you dare take it out on her!"

Tears had slipped down her face.

Her head had spun all around. She gazed up at Sky. Perhaps it was time for her to seriously take a break from him. Sky was sapping out of all her energy.

"Do you really love Bloom? Or the idea of her being a way out for you to rebel against your parents' wishes?" Lassandra's voice had crept into the back of her mind.

Her grandmother had words of wisdoms (just like Marion had often told her, always take heed of Lassandra's advice no matter the circumstances).

Bloom had given a lot of thought into it. Maybe it was time for her and Sky to reevaluate their relationship and to take a step back from each other.

"I think it's time that we break up."

It had took everyone in the ship by complete surprise. None of them had excepted such an outcome between Sky and Bloom's relationship to take an unexpected turn for the worse except for Lassandra and the girls. Brandon had nearly forgotten how to breath. And Nabu, well, was he quite speechless.

This had struck Sky to the cord, as it had threw him off guard. Nothing had prepared him for a moment like this. He hoped for Dragon's sake he'd misheard her. "What?"

"We need to take a break from each other, Sky."

A look of absolute betrayal had slapped Sky across the face. "I go all out of my way, sacrifice my own damned time, just to find you and to bring you back where you belong. . ." he had chuckled darkly, "and this is how you repay me, Bloom?"

Bloom had flinched at Sky's cold tone.

"I suppose my parents were right in the end. You're unfit to carry the duties of being my future wife and Queen of Eracklyon—"

Before anyone else had the second to reprimand Sky's rude comment. . .

"Don't worry I wasn't even intending to be your wife or queen of your planet," Bloom snapped right back, "and it frees me. I'd rather be a Princess of Domino."

"I assume that you were planning to break up with me for some time?" Sky asked bluntly, subtle fury lingered in his voice.

"Honestly, yes Sky. With everything that's going on. . . my life's too complicated for a relationship right now."

Bloom could feel the tight squeeze on her shoulder for support—it was her uncle—despite Alec being overbearing, obnoxious, a self-righteous prick even, and somewhat misunderstanding of the situation, he had really meant well in protecting his loved ones.

"Besides, I think Diaspro is a much better choice, wouldn't you think?"

Sky was snapped out of his thoughts, though seeing a warmer smile grace Bloom's lips when she had uttered Diaspro's name had added much to his own confusion. Bloom, in many ways, had seemed to have changed from the last time he saw her (she'd grown rather mature, and not throwing a fit whenever his ex-fiancée's name was brought up).

Tears had brimmed the corner of his eyes.

He didn't want Bloom to slip from his fingers, not again. His heart had ached for her. Sky still loved her deeply more than anything in the entire universe. Everything was so messed up. He'd been enraged, driven by his own emotions of anguish—letting his own outburst get to him. Sky had tried to step closer to Bloom in a gentle manner, but Alec wouldn't allow him to be near her.

"Look I'm sorry Bloom. I hadn't meant for this to happen. I was only angry," Sky had tried to reason with her, in a calmer voice.

"I know," Bloom whispered, "but I think this is a good thing for the both of us. We both need time away from each other and look at our relationship from a different perspective."

In a way, it had pained Bloom to step away from Sky. Bloom sat down in her seat again, tilting her head back as she closed her eyes. Pure relief had flooded her features. The girl felt a delicate hand on her arm.

"I'm so proud of you, darling," Lassandra said. "You did the right thing."

"Well, I have you to thank," Bloom returned the smile.

Lassandra had turned her attention to her son. This was perhaps the best time to tell Alec the truth—something in which she had avoided for so many years. After all Alec deserved to know his mother's life story.

"There's something I need to talk to you about, Alec," Lassandra begun, her sapphire eyes glistening. "Please sit. It's time that you know the truth about me."

"Are you sure, grandmother?" Bloom asked, worry reflected in her face.

Lassandra had given her granddaughter a nod.

"What is it, Mum?" Alec had easily detected the seriousness in his mother's voice—furrowing his brows at her. His emerald-green eyes had fallen on his sister, Marion, along with Niobe and Luna who were still asleep, in a close knitted group.

There was about a good two hours left before the ship would land on Domino, as the ship was placed onto autopilot. Everyone's attention had fallen on Lassandra.

Lassandra had opened her mouth—the words had easily slipped from her lips.

The ship had already made its way into planet Domino; the ship had landed not too far from Marion and Alec's manor, out in the vast meadows coated by thick blanket of white snow. The grey skies were beginning to darken—which had meant the sun was setting over the horizon.

Alec had a grave expression once his mother had informed him about the details of her life, about the cruelty she endured under her own father's hands. Needless to say, indignation had rose to his face. The ire burned right in his emerald eyes. Alec was utterly vexed at his so called, maternal grandfather for showing absolute ruthlessness towards Lassandra.

His eyes had widened in realization.

Alec had finally understood why his sister had been sobbing her heart out. Those sad emerald eye he'd never once seen in Marion's eyes . . had caused a pang to ripple across his chest—aching endlessly.

Bloom. . . she had been right. . . and he had chided her for it without managing to understand the gravity of the situation.

He had somehow unintentionally caused his mother even more pain. He had terrible communication with others, didn't he?

Alec had his arms wrapped around his mother, giving her the best protection possible. He pressed his soft lips against her forehead, mumbling the words, "I'm sorry mum. If I'd known, I wouldn't have allowed you—"

Lassandra had gazed at her son tenderly, as she hadn't wanted the unknowing guilt to consume him. "Alec, this is not your fault. Do you understand me?"

"If I only tried to explain the situation, then maybe—"

"I know. You and Oritel have an amusing way of communicating, but I can't say I'm any better." Lassandra had let out a sigh. "It appears that your father and sister are the only ones who are effective in getting their points across."

"Yeah," Alec had recalled the amounts of times his sister had personally called him and Oritel out for their lack of communication skills. The problem with Oritel was his stubbornness that would get in the way, even though he had meant well.

Bloom had shivered once she had gotten off the ship, not fully embracing the coldness of her realm. The bitter winds had brushed against her face, as Bloom's teeth chattered.

The girl had nearly jumped on her feet, startled by Sky's presence. He had his arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"Look, I know we've broken up, but. . . I'd like to offer my warmth," Sky tried to explain coolly, after having to manage to calm down after their feuding spasms. "Besides, it'll be really rude of me to allow a girl to freeze in this weather."

Offer my warmth, Bloom had giggled under her breath for Sky sounding so cheesy. "I suppose you can."

She had furrowed her red brows, taking notice of the grayish, cloudy skies.

"What time is it?"

"It's nearly six-thirty, Domino's timing," Brandon responded, he had managed to adjust his watch's time to certain realms' timing—listing off more than six different inter planet time zones. "We left Magix when it was nearly nine, so I'm guessing there's about three hours' time difference."

"And you'd think I'd get use to the different time zones, by now," Bloom had muttered, rather annoyed, but turned her attention on her friends. "Would any of you like stay for some hot chocolate? My treat—I mean, after everything's that happened, I'd like to thank you for coming along with me."

Stella had given Bloom a reassuring, warming smile. "We're the Winx and we don't abandon our friend in time of their need. Surely you must know that by now, Bloom."

Bloom's face flushed a bright shade of pink.

"We'd appreciate that Bloom, but I think its best that you and your family spend time with each other, alone."

Bloom knew that Aisha had a point.

She had wanted to thank her friends for everything they had done for her. Bloom was super grateful of their presence and the support they'd given her. It had meant the universe to her. Neither of them had to join her in her mission of uncovering the deep truth . . . her blue eyes were filling with tears, as Bloom had rushed over to Stella and Aisha, giving them both a tight hug. Eventually, Bloom had pulled away from Stella and Aisha.

"Oh, Bloom."

"Hey, you better take good care of yourself. No saving the universe or anything like that, because if I see you attempting something like that. . . you would leave me with no choice but to babysit you," Stella snipped, her fierce hazel eyes had ignited.

"Yeah, I figured you'd do that. But I promise I'm not going to do anything, at least not for now," Bloom said.

"That's good to hear." Aisha tuned her attention to Niobe. "Look, we need to get going. Please don't dip and reach out to us whenever you need help."

"Promise." Bloom affirmed her word.

Bloom had watched as her friends had disappeared into the swirling blue portal—to their respective home worlds, except for Sky.

"Look Bloom, I'm sorry for being an utter prick and for losing my temper on you. I should've been more understanding of your situation." Sky's deep blue eyes shined with sadness, but there was a simmer of hope. "Do you think we could still be friends?"

"Of course, Sky. We can always be friends." A small smile blossomed on Bloom's lips as she looked up at him. "And the only reason I broke up with you is not because of the argument we had, but it's because I'm emotionally and physically exhausted to be in a relationship right now. I want to deal with some of my personal issues."

"Oh." Sky mouthed, assuming that she'd broken up with him due to his hostile attitude. It had pestered him to no ends, and he had decided to use poisonous and hurtful words against her out of pettiness.

"We were both frustrated and unkind words had been said," Bloom sighed. Sky was caught off guard when Bloom had given him an expected hug tight hug. "I think it would be nice to end on good terms rather. . ."

Sky hadn't muttered a single word, not wanting to ruin the tender moment between them. He'd given her a kind smile. "I guess, I'll see you around Bloom."

"Yeah." Bloom had given her Sky her final goodbye, before disappearing into the portal that had led him back to Eracklyon.

Bloom watched as snow begin to fall the dark clouds.

She had spun on her heels—

"Oh shi—" Bloom had nearly cursed her uncle out who appeared to be leaning his body against the doorframe, arms crossed, an eyebrow raised at her. The girl had her hands placed over her chest, the air nearly knocked out of her lungs, panting for breath. "You scared me, uncle."

"Why did you give him a hug?" Alec pressed his lips together, displeased by such a sight. "You know he doesn't deserve it."

Bloom rolled her eyes. "It was my way of a farewell goodbye."

"I just hope you don't have intentions of getting back together with him, because I know how girls are especially when a guy tries to apologize," Alec said flatly. "Let me tell you one thing, they'll never change."

"Don't worry I don't plan on getting back with Sky." Bloom confirmed. They had many problems on their plates and differences that had left them to disagree on many things. "Plus, I don't think we're really compatible for each other."

Bloom had never really considered much of her own future with Sky or what she would sacrifice to be with him. Maybe some distance would do them both a favor by gaining a little more perspective.

"I know you're hurt right now Bloom, but everything will be alright. You have us." Alec had kissed his niece's forehead, and had gently placed a hand on Bloom's shoulder, guiding her inside the toasty manor.

In more than one ways, Bloom was glad to have an overly protective uncle who genuinely cares a lot about her even though his intentions were somewhat off at times or even rude. Bloom had supposed it was his way of protecting his loved ones.

Bloom's heart had sunk once she spotted the sight of a brokenhearted Marion in the arms of Adrian, sniffling, as he tried to comfort his daughter. It was such a bittersweet moment between father and daughter. Lassandra had joined her husband and daughter.

Bloom's gaze had fluttered back to Alec.

She could easily see her uncle's swirling and unstable emotions of pure rage and grief over his mother's past. It had no doubt had stung him as his heart had ached painfully. Tears were spotted in the corner of his eyes.

"You know, back at Magix I shouldn't have snapped—"

"I'm sorry—"

Bloom and Alec had spoken at the same time, causing the duo's cheeks to turn scarlet.

"I'll admit that I'm not great with communication. We should've been more honest with you, but Oritel and I thought it would be best to shelter you from the truth," Alec admitted. "I suppose we were wrong about that."

Bloom cracked a smile. "I guess it runs in the family, because you're not the only one who lacks communication skill."

Alec had let out a chuckle. "And we have to work on that Bloom."

Bloom had mused over his words, a ray of delight dancing in her sapphire eyes.

"Yeah, and we have all the time in the universe for that."

"And now I have an important question for you. So, if you're stuck here with us permanently, what's going to happen by the time Marion gets pregnant with you?"

Seeing the fear being displayed in her uncle's green-emerald eyes over her existence had made her stomach twist and churn into a tight knot as Bloom's lips had twisted into an uncomfortable smile.

"But you do promise you won't tell mum anything?"

Alec had his emerald eyes on her, carefully noting her facial expression. "But in doing so Bloom that would hurt your mother in the end."

"She doesn't have to know, well at least not right now. It would be too much for her to handle," Bloom reasoned.

"I suppose that's a fair point," Alec stroked his stubbled chin. "So would you kindly tell me?"

Bloom had shifted on her feet, as this wasn't exactly an easy topic to discuss especially after what she'd learned. It's been rather horrifying to know the absolute truth. No. Maybe shattering? All what Bloom knew, it had made her feel sick to her stomach.

"Let's say baby version of me won't exist, but rather grown me would take its place," Bloom said, stiffening, though it had sounded pretty creepy to her.

Alec's face had fell apart, losing all of his rosy coloring. His eyes had gone wide open. His mouth hung open . . . no words could slip into his mind, like at all. All what Alec knew that if Marion had found out about it. . .

. . . no . . . !

It would destroy her world.

"Marion mustn't know about this, Bloom, or. . .or. . ." Alec hadn't seemed to be himself at all—utterly lost in the sea of absolute chaos. His mind was rolling to all the heavy events that had happened today. "It would destroy her fragile heart."

"I know," Bloom whispered.

"Alec! Bloom!"

Marion had rushed over to her brother and daughter—her eyes still spilling endless of heartbreaking tears. An unbearable pain had rippled across Bloom's soul. She hated seeing the brokenness in her mother's features.

"Mum," Bloom spoke softly, though she was instantly pulled into a tight embrace.

Marion had tightened her grip on her, as if her mother was afraid of the fact that she would slip from her fingers again and disappear into the void of darkness for eternity.

"What in the names of the Great Dragons have you done Bloom? How could you do this to me? Do you realize how dangerous your spell was. . . " Marion had ranted endlessly, still holding onto her daughter. "And the fact that you actually died. . . Oritel was right in the end! Don't you dare say otherwise. . ."

Bloom had easily seen the ire in her emerald-green eyes, but her voice was trembling. . .indicating that Marion had been frightened to death. "You will never leave my eyesight again; do you hear me young lady?"

Bloom had winced at her mother's harsh tone, but she had given a slight nod, understanding Marion's undeniable anguish at the moment. It was simply better to not argue with her.

Marion had shifted her gaze onto her older brother, Alec; her eyes had soften on him. "Do you know. . ."

"Mum had told me everything," Alec frowned, his voice laced with sadness over his dear mother. "I know. . ." it was utterly hard to mention Aiden's existence, "that we had an older brother that we never knew existed."

"I think what we all need is some hot chocolate to distress ourselves. What do you say?" Bloom had tried to offer—trying to change the mood within the room.

"That sounds like a lovely idea, Bloom." Lassandra smiled gently. "Adrian will be there to help you gather the ingredients you need."

Bloom had left Alec and Marion alone with their mother, giving them some privacy, in which they had needed to talk things out.

Adrian had gladly joined his granddaughter in the kitchen, as he had wanted to spend some time with Bloom. Adrian had wanted to observe how crafty his granddaughter was while making those delicious hot chocolate, after all, he had a fond taste for sweetness, particular the rich dark chocolate.

Bloom for the first step, she had actually noticed her grandfather's appearance up close as he settled all the ingredients on the countertop. The water in the tea kettle was on the stove—boiling.

Her heart had skipped a beat upon see the faded scar across his face. The long stubble ran across his jawline. Adrian had kept his long hair back in a ponytail.

Bloom had noticed there was no signs of aging or greying of the hair, but then again, she had remembered from her lessons at Alfea regarding magical creatures' lifespans (witches, fairies, wizards, nymphs, elves. . . etc.) being quite long compared to non-magic beings (people of planet Earth).

Magical beings wouldn't start showing signs of aging until their late hundreds. . . which had meant her grandparents had been very young when they had perished during Domino's downfall.

Cold shivers had ran down her spine.

"Bloom. Bloom."

The girl was startled out of her own thoughts. Bloom hadn't realized she'd been deeply immersed in her own spiraling emotions that seemed to be clawing at the back of her mind to notice her grandfather trying to get her attention.

Bloom had glanced at Adrian with glassy eyes.

This had been by far one of the most emotional days she'd ever experienced. Sadness had lingered all around. The heaviness of the truth had weighed heavily on them all. Bloom hadn't expected such an outcome from the Golden Kingdom. If she'd had been only aware of the situation, then perhaps, no one would be suffering—swallowing in their own misery.

Had she really been selfish for the search of the truth?

And top of everything that had happened, Bloom had managed to break up with Sky. Sure, she had planned to give have time off from her relationship with Sky, but the undeniable heartbreak that came with it. . . it had truly ripped her to pieces.

Adrian had gently pulled his granddaughter into a tight embrace, trying to sooth her heartache. "Shhh. . . Bloom, everything is going to be alright, I promise."

His calm, gentle words had made her sob in his arms. She couldn't stop with the crying. . . wait, she wasn't even sure. . . all what Bloom knew that she was a mess. A damsel in distress . . . she was breaking to pieces on the inside just like her mother, uncle, grandmother, and grandfather.

"I'm sorry," Bloom had muttered through heavy tears. "I didn't mean for. . ."

"Bloom," he whispered softly, "this isn't going to be easy for anyone to process. You know as the saying goes time will only heal."

The girl had slightly perked up at his words, giving him a small nod. She had given him a small, tendered smile. "What you did for grandmother. . . it was one of the most beautiful and kindest acts you've done for her."

Bloom could easily spot the soft pink blush run across her grandfather's face. She had wiped the tear from her eyes. Guilt had swept into her heart over the realization that she had unintentionally put her family in danger.

"I just feel like a burden for dragging all of you into a world of pain."

Adrian's face had twisted into an unpleasant expression—sternness had overtook his features entirely. His green eyes had narrowed at his grandchild.

"What did you say Bloom?"

Confusion had filled Bloom's sapphire eyes. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"That b-word Bloom?"

"You mean burden?" Bloom said bluntly; her red brows knitted together, puzzled by her grandfather's reaction.

"Yes, that word 'burden' is banned from this household. I don't want to catch you saying that word ever again. No one should ever feel like they're worthless," Adrian grumbled out of irritation.

Bloom had swallowed hardly, never having to witness his furious side from before. She knew that Adrian only had subtle anger and it was quite rare of him to display his irritation out on anyone, especially with family. But apparently the word burden had trigged him to a great extent.

"Do you know why I despise that word, Bloom? It's because of how Lassandra's father had treated her. Always insisting that she's a burden and is undeserving of love, family, and happiness." Adrian explained and continued on. "And I'd never forgiven the bastard, not even until this day for the effect it had on your grandmother."

Bloom wasn't surprised by the aggression in Adrian's voice, as she was downright livid at the man who treated Lassandra like crap for the first sixteen years of her life. It had boiled her blood.

Lassandra's father making sure that. . . his own child had never knew what love and happiness. . . were. . .

The unimaginable cruelty.

Pure evil had dripped from that man.

Bloom had made a face at such a prospect. A flicker of a warming smile appeared on her face. "Grandma meeting you was the best thing to happen to her. You filled her world with love and happiness."

Adrian had glanced at her wholeheartedly. "And no matter what happens, or what we would encounter, we'll do it together as a family."

Something warm had swelled in Bloom's chest. Hearing those words from him had made her feel. . . so touched.

Bloom could smell the delighted scent of the freshly brewed hot chocolate. She had added the final touch of whipped cream.

She was sure it would lift up Marion's spirit even though it would be slightly. It was better than nothing. Bloom had placed the cups onto the tray along with biscuits. A smile had graced her lips.

"The drinks look delicious, Bloom," Adrian had offered his granddaughter a warming smile. "And I'm sure they're waiting for us."

Bloom and Adrian had walked out of the kitchen and had joined the rest of the family in the comfy living room, where the fireplace was lit.

Author's Note

Oh well. . . grins. . . looks like I published this a day easier than I originally intended too! Call it an early Christmas Present! Hahahah it kinda took me forever to think of a title name, but for some reason this title Scattered Embers was stuck in my head LOL.

But anyways I hope you all enjoy this new installment! I for one is looking forward to the sequel :)

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!