Chapter One:
Sparx palace was once again abustle with activity. Magicians were scattered throughout it, sealing up what fissures and cracks had occured during the wedding. Maids and manservants ran around, straightening furniture and running errands. But even above the usual noise of castle work, shouting could be heard; though they all pretended they didn't notice.
The shouts were coming from the visitors hall, where Prince Sky and his father were having a heated arguement.
"You cannot go through with this, Sky! It's madness!" Erendor yelled, his voice echoing off the walls of the chamber. "Surely this was a sign that you are not to marry that girl!"
Sky, with his back turned toward his father, leaned on a side table near a window, trying with effort to control his anger.
"How long are we going to continue fighting about this?" he asked, his voice tired and ragged. He had been up late that night with the now-usual nightmares, and he was in no mood to deal with his father this morning.
"Until you come to your senses!" Erendor snapped, his practiced, Kingly air never slipping. "I tried to warn you that no good would come of it..."
Sky turned suddenly, and glared at his father. "I love Bloom. I'm going to marry her, even if I have to do so in the middle of battle against the worst villian in the magix dimension. I will never give up! Don't you understand? I love her!"
He stood there, staring his father down, enraged even more by his apparent lack of compassion. Whenever Erendor talked to him, it was always King to Prince, and never Father to Son.
"Sky, you have a duty. A duty to Erakleon, and a duty to your family. You must think of them first, before anything! You have trained your entire life to be King, and as King, you must realize this foolishness and abandon it! Come back to Erakleon, be King, and forget her before it's too late!"
Sky's eyes shot open wide. "Too late? What do you mean?" Erendor turned his head, not answering.
"Why can't you accept that I love her? I thought this was over and done with! I realize what happened between you and Sparx, but Oritel and Marion forgave you, forgave our people. If that's not it, what else is there? What other secrets are you hiding that you haven't told me?" His voice cracked at the end, and he closed his eyes to hide his tears.
For a few moments, the room was still. King and Prince stood across from each other, niether willing to give in, but with nothing left to say.
Sky drew in a shakey breath, his head throbbing in pain. Erendor's facade faltered, and for a moment he was concerned for his son. As he reached for his arm, Sky turned away, leaning on the side table once more, this time holding his head.
"I love her," he said in a whisper. "And I'm never going to give up, no matter what you say. If you can't accept that, then leave." Erendor reached for his shoulder again and made as if to say something, but Sky interuppted him. "Just. Leave."
With one last look of concern to his son, Erendor turned to the door, and left.
Chapter two:
Baltor shifted uneasily on his bed, images flashing through his mind at the speed of light. One moment, he was in a large, well lit room, with floor to ceiling windows almost two stories high. He looked around, and from the looks of the rich carpets and finely crafted furniture, he could tell he was in a castle. Looking more, he saw others in the room with him, but their faces were blurred. Two childern chased each other around a sofa where a woman sat, reading a book. The woman laughed, and grabbed them both as they ran by, pulling them into a hug. Somewhere nearby, he could hear singing. Before he could discover it's source, the scene changed.
He was standing in a walled, stone courtyard, the sky cobalt blue above him. A line of young men in uniforms flanked him on either side, and someone in front of him was shouting orders, so close that he could feel the specks of saliva hit his face. When the man moved on down the line, his shoulders relaxed. His hand grazed something at his side for a moment and, looking down, he saw a sword in a scabberd. The vision changed again.
He was in downtown magix, walking through the streets in the moonlight arm-in-arm with a girl who's face he couldn't make out. "What did you think of the movie?" she was asking him. "Uh..." was all he could reply. She laughed and layed her head on his shoulder, causing a warm sensation to run through him. "That's okay, I wasn't really paying attention either. It's so nice to get some time off after everything that's happened." Though he couldn't see her face, somehow he could tell she was smiling. "I've really missed you, ...
What ever else she was saying was cut off when the scene changed again. This time, he was standing outside of a cave, overlooking Pyros. The moon lit the island up silver and amythist, the stars burning like a thousand wildfires. He heard that same girls voice behind him, but this time, slightly sorrowful, as if it pained her.
"So what are we going to do now?"
He turned to face her, but the image melted and he woke up with a start. Rubbing his eyes, he noticed that he had been...
"Crying?" He murmured in disbelief. He had been crying?
He couldn't deny that the dream had left him shaken.
"What the heck was that?" he wondered. "Images of my old life? Maybe... Maybe I was somebody else before the Ancestrals used me. But who? And where did I come from?"
He sighed frustratingly and laid back down, looking at the shafts of sunlight that poured through the pin prick holes in the ceiling, wondering about the girl from his dreams. He had felt something. Something... he didn't know what. Who was she? Had she... cared about him? Would she still be there... ?
He shook his head to dispell those thoughts. Whatever they might have had in the past, it was over now. Though he couldn't remember her, surely she would know what he had done, who he was. It was foolish to think he could go back to his old life. But then, that last part of the dream didn't feel like the past. It felt like... something else. Maybe... he didn't dare to hope, but maybe he would find her again.
It was something to ask Maia about, for sure. If his memories had started resurfacing, maybe his magic would as well.
He glanced outside, wincing at the glare of the ever-rising sun. Judging by it's position on the horizon, it was well after noon. He'd better get going if he wanted to make it to the clearing by 4:00.
Chapter three:
Bloom had just finished seeing to her royal duties, and was headed back to her room. She was exhausted, and wanted nothing more then some r&r with her prince. Hopefully, he was done talking with his father. She knew that their relationship was strained at best, and so she had left them alone to talk when he arrived. One would have thought that their whole experiance in Avram would have changed his mind about them, but Erendor was suddenly adament that she and Sky should not be together.
Tiredly, Bloom opened the door to her and Sky's room, magically changing from her formal attire to casual as she did. Long, flowing purple silk was replaced with a cotten shirt and denim jeans. She came in just in time to see a pillow thrown across the room. Sky was standing at the window, head down and eyes closed.
Sidestepping around the pillow, she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Sky, is something wrong?"
He sighed and shifted to look at her. "Nothing? Everything? Ughh! It's just..." he sighed exasperatingly, throwing his hands down in defeat and turning back toward the window, leaning on the sill. He didn't look up as he continued.
"My father is driving me crazy! Saying that what happened yesterday is a sign that we shouldn't be together! He won't let up! I thought that we had all this settled years ago when we found out what he did, but magically there's something else, some other reason I shouldn't marry you! He says that I need to "Forget this foolishness and come back to Erakleon! And before it's too late? What does that mean? "
Bloom noticed the heat before he did. She felt his shoulder getting hotter and hotter as he spoke, and he had started to glow a bit around the edges. Then, she saw it.
"Ummm... Sky?" Bloom stammered, releaseing his shoulder and stepping back a bit, but Sky continued. "And now he's claiming it's for the good of Erakleon?! And he won't even explain why!"
"Uh, Sky?" Bloom said again, regaining her voice. Sky looked toward her, and was surprised to see shock and little bit of fear in her face.
"Bloom? What's wrong?" he asked worridly. Bloom shakily raised her hand and pointed to the window frame. Sky looked down at his hands, and they were engulfed in flame, firelight flickering across his fingers. "What the... ?" He pulled his hands back quickly just as Daphne opened the door.
"I've got some bad news." Daphne said grimmly. "I've been talking to Bartelby about your headaches, Sky, and he said..." she trailed off as she took in the scene. Bloom standing there, watching Sky in wonder, as Sky holds his flaming hands in front of him, staring in shock.
"I was afraid of this," Daphne inhaled sharply. Bloom made a move toward Sky, but he freaked out, stepping back from her. "Don't come any closer! I might hurt you!"
Bloom closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and opening them, walked over to Sky and took his hands in her own. For a minute, the flames danced between them. "See,?" she said calmly, the light of the fire dancing in her eyes. "It's fine. You won't hurt me." The flames flickered and died out.
Sky exhaled deeply, and Bloom hugged him. Wrapping her in his arms, he rested his head on hers, breathing heavily, and asked, "What is happening to me?"
"I'm not sure about everything exactly," Daphne said with a look of concern. "But from what Bartleby could tell me, Sky, it sounds like you're comeing into your magic."
Chapeter Four:
"Coming into my what?" Sky asked incredulously. "I don't have magic!"
Bloom stared at Sky in wonder, finding it hard to believe what she had seen.
Daphne's brow scrunched up. "The strange part is that normally, with magical beings, they exibit some sign of powers when they're younger. To my knowledge, Sky never exibited such power."
Bloom thought for a moment, then growled out, "I'd say ask his parents, but as we know their view on honesty, that's probably a waste of time."
She was sure this wasn't the whole story though. Sky had magic. That wasn't the problem. What was odd was the level of magic he had. Just remembering the intensity of those flames, almost equal to her Dragon Fire...
Sky shook his head. "So, the headaches, the nightmares, this is all because I have magic?" He glanced at his hands again, marveling at how his skin hadn't been burnt in the fire. "Did you two go through any of this when you found out you had magic?" he asked, hoping for an answer.
Bloom glanced at Daphne, then back at him. "I did have dreams, but most of them were vivid, and I could always remember them. And I didn't have headaches like you."
Sky looked down, dissappointed. He had hoped that this was normal, but apparently not. At this point, Thoren, Nabu, Layla, and Stella joined them.
"Hey guys," Bloom said "Where's everyone else?"
Layla spoke up "Sorry Bloom. Brandon was called to Solaria on official duty, Riven and Musa had a concert in Magix today, and everyone else headed back to Alfea to help Tecna and Timmy in the Magical Archives. They're still trying to figure out what's up with the Underealm. The earthquake here yesterday wasn't the only one. Holes have been popping up all over."
They all took a moment to let that sink in.
"Any word from Mom and Dad?" Daphne asked. Thoren shook his head.
"Last the courtiers knew was that they were headed for the Great Library on the Mountain of the Roc to look for answers as to what happened at the wedding yesterday. Magical communications seem to break down near the mountain, so we won't be able to get in touch with them until they get back."
Stella put both her arms out in a "stop everything" gesture. "Hold up, rewind! What exactly is going on? Thoren's been Mr. Mums the word all morning, and it's getting pretty anoying."
"Sky's somehow come into his magic." Bloom stated simply. "We don't know how, or why. But he's got it, and it's powerful."
"It's extremely weird, isn't it?" Thoren wondered out loud. "I mean, as far as I know, Sky, you never showed any potential for magic before, right?" He turned to face Nabu. "Have you ever heard of something like this?"
Nabu thought for a moment "No. But his powers could have simply been waiting for a trigger to be activated. Bloom," he turned to her now "Weren't your powers dormant until you saved Stella in the park."
"Yeah, actually. I hadn't thougth about that. But I don't know what triggered them then any more then I know what triggered Sky's now." Bloom looked puzzeled, and then frustrated. She hated not knowing what was going on.
"That's the point though," Nabu continued. "Normally it's an emotional trigger that unlocks your magic. For you, Bloom, it was when you saw Knut attacking Stella, and you had a strong sense of right and wrong. You weren't about to stand by and let her get killed."
Stella put her arm around Bloom in a side hug. "You've kind of always been there, cleaning up my messes, haven't you?" She asked teasingly. Bloom looked up and grinned "What are best friends for?"
Nabu went on. "Perhaps yours could have been triggered by the attack at the wedding, or even by the fight you had with your Dad, Sky. Either way, it has been activated, and without training it can be disasterous."
"Disasterous?" Sky asked. "How so?"
Thoren stepped up. "Disasterous in the way that without control, your magic could spill out of you unchecked, causing danger to everyone around you. And this isn't something that will just go away." He gave Sky a knowing look "It's part of you."
"So there's nothing I can do?" Sky asked increduiously. "I've got dangerous uncontrollabled magic that I can't get rid of?"
"That's where the training comes in." Thoren said. "You've got to learn to control it. It's not so bad. You could be a Paladin, like me, which means that your magic could be naturally drawn out by protective or defensive instincts. So it wouldn't be as destructive as it could be otherwise. Whatever the case,without training, you could hurt someone. Not everyone has Bloom's connection with you." He said, with a wink at Bloom. She blushed, and the girls laughed.
Bloom shifted uncomfortably. "Did you learn anything else from Lord Bartlby, Daphne?"
Daphne let out a breath and pulled a book out of her pocket, waving her hand over it. It glittered, and grew to full size. "Selina showed me that trick," she told Bloom with a wink.
"Wish she'd show ME that trick," Stella grumbled "The new textbooks Griselda assigned this year are hea-vy!"
Ignoring Stella, Daphne waved her hand, and a pedistal appeared. She set the book of Fate down and opened it. Ghostlight shimmered across the room, comeing to rest and solidify into the golden form of Lord Bartlby.
He bowed "Princesses..."
Bloom and Daphne curtsyed, the other's following suit.
"Lord Bartleby," Daphne continued. "What were you saying before? The answer is in a prophecy?"
"That is correct, Princess."
Lord Bartlby started leafing through the pages until he found the one he was looking for. "Ahhh, here it is."
He cleared his throat.
"An act of treachery in histories past,
Will come full circle at long last.
Where two confound, one will remain,
the keepers choice, an eternal flame.
Head to the island of fire and drakes,
an unlikely ally soon to make.
tests to pass and oaths to fulfill,
a friendship won by iron will.
Delve into the dark, the tunnels of fear,
where an ancient enemy shall appear.
Find the hall of power and pain,
the tragic and desperate dragons bane.
death whispers sweet, a soul to take,
should not a choice the destined make.
A sacrifice shall be his end,
a terrible rift at last to mend."
The room was silent for a while as everyone stared and thought until, at last, Stella spoke.
"Well, that was dark, ominous, and negative."
Bloom looked at her friend, annoyed. "Yes, thank you Stella. Very helpful."
"Will that be all, Princess Daphne?" Bartleby asked. "I cannot remain out of the book long."
"Yes. Thank you, Lord Bartleby."
Lord Bartleby nods to the group, and erupts into golden ghostlight once again, before entering the Book of Fate. The book closes with a small thud.
"So what did that all mean?" Layla asked aloud.
"Hmmm..." Daphne paced back and forth, thinking.
"An act of treachery in histories past," Sky muttered. "Sounds like what my father did betraying Sparx. And apparently, he didn't fill me in completely, because according to the prophecy it hasn't come full circle yet."
Thoren chuckled nervously. "Uncle Erendor NOT keeping a secret? That would be mysterious.
Layla looked up suddenly. "Wait, what's that the second part said? Head to the island of fire and drakes?"
Daphne looked up and their eyes met. "The island of Pyros!" They said together.
"Bloom," Daphne said, walking over to her. "You have to go to Pyros. That part is clear. Maybe whoever this unlikely ally is knows what's going on."
Bloom inclined her head. "Right. Will you guys help Sky?" she asked.
Thoren and Nabu spoke seconds after each other.
"Of course." Nabu said.
"Always." was Thorens answer.
"Okay."
She walked over to Sky, who was looking anxious. "I wish I could go with you." he said bitterly. "Things are better when we're together."
Bloom chuckled and put her hand to his face. "We'll figure this out, Sky. And remember, nothing can ever tear us apart. I love you."
She smiled and hugged him. He hugged her back, hard.
"Be safe." he said ruefully.
"When am I not?" she asked teasingly. He looked at her quizzically, and she laughed.
Stella waved her hands, and Bloom's form shimmered. When the glitter fell away, she was wearing an adventure outfit, with kaki shorts, a blue long sleeve top, kaki jacket, and boots.
"And here," Stella said, waving her hand and causing a bracelet to appear on Bloom's wrist. "So you can still communicate with us while you're there." She wiped a tear from her eye.
"Oh, Stella." Bloom said, choking up a little and hugging her friend. "I'll be back soon."
"And here," Layla said, handing her a full backpack. "It's my lucky backpack. It comes with a tent, sleeping bag, first aid kit, and enough provisions for a few monthes, just in case."
Bloom turned toward her, and Layla joined the hug.
"Bloom?" Daphne called. Bloom broke free, and walked toward her sister.
"Bloom, I just wanted to say... be careful. And here," she handed her a small handkerchif. "This belonged to me when I was on my quest to find my dragon. If you use a locator spell, she should hear you and come to your aid."
Bloom looked down at the small piece of cloth. "Thank you Daphne." She hugged her and Thoren, and then pulled away. "Can you make the portal?"
Daphne waved her hand, and a large circle of light shimmered in the air, showing the island of Dragons.
Bloom took a deep breath, and with one last look at her friends, stepped through.
Chapter Five:
Baltor trugged up the final hill, grunting with exertion. "Why does Maia have to live so far up on the Mountain?" He grumbled. "Can't she live on the ground like a sensible person?"
The climb was made more difficult both by the heavy travel sack strapped to his back and the basket of roots slung over his shoulder. He had found the roots during his commute, and had collected and brought them along to give to Maia, to make up for his attitude the other day.
After all, It had been she, three years ago, that found Baltor broken and bloody, ready to be a dragons meal. She had saved him and nursed him back to health, knowing who he was. He didn't know why, but the old woman seemed to have grown a motherly fondness of him.
When he was awake, she spoke with him. He wondered why she helped him. Didn't she know who he was? She told him that she did know, but the measure of a man isn't his past, it's his future. The creator sent him here for some reason, therefore his future must be important. He had sighed frustrated, stating that his creators were the ancestrals, and his future was probably like his past. Evil, hated, and alone.
She had turned from him, wringing a cool cloth in water, before turning back. She went about her work, dabbing the sweat off his brow in silence. He wondered at it, the fact that she was taking care of him so carefully. At last, she spoke again. She simply said. "Your future is what you make of it. The ancestrals enchanted you and controlled you, yes. But they did not create you. That was a lie."
He had stared at her in shock, mouth agape. They hadn't created me?
She wrung the rag out again, continueing. "If they had, you would have dissappeared the day that they were destroyed. But instead, you were brought here, a child of the Dragon Fire."
She turned to face him pointedly. "So, child, here is your choice. You can choose to continue in the life you have led, in evil and hate, or you can start a new life, rediscover your powers, and reclaim the life that was stolen from you."
He had thought for a moment, briefly, before agreeing. It would be hard, he knew, but the chance to discover his past? To be someone else, make his own decisions? To rediscover his Dragon Fire? Hard man though he was, he didn't hesitate.
He had changed alot since then, becoming what he hoped was a better man. Though he didn't believe he'd ever recieve redemption, the memories he had drove him to strive for it. And now, here he was, owing Maia alot. He crested the last hill, leaving the basket to lean against her stone fence.
"Maia? I'm here." Baltor called, looking around for her. Not finding her, he headed to the clearing on the other side of the garden. A voice, not Maia's, spat at him.
"YOU!"
Baltor stood shocked still for a moment, staring at the firey redhead standing next to Maia. He glared. "You!" he growled. He just had time to raise his sword as she flung a firey ball of energy at his head.