Last time, Bloom were shocked at what Vicky did to Layla, a blindness curse that couldn't be cured. Ann had the idea to use a rare flower that grew only on Andros, a flower that had healing properties. With the arrival of Tatewaki, Morgan, Kurt, Mace, Payton and Kegan, Bloom and a few others recovered the flower, and at the same time, incurred the wrath of a kraken. Ann was hurt and nearly died from the kraken's poison. Layla then sacrificed the chance to restore her sight in order to save Ann's life, thereby earning Layla her Enchantix. But them the kraken showed up again. One thing led to another, resulting in Mace, Payton, Tatewaki and Kurt destroying the vile monster. 'Nuff said, on with the show!
Chapter 9: Concerning Fairy Dust and Other Matters
The trip back to Alfea seemed like a vague dream to Bloom. She did remember hearing saying that she didn't want her parents to see her like this. Bloom didn't know if Layla was afraid of her mom and dad fretting over her being blind, excited over her earning her Enchantix, or just wanted to be left alone by them.
Either way, Bloom and the others respected Layla's wishes. Making a hasty goodbye to Ann and her mermaid charges, who then went on their way to a sanctuary at the main island chain, Bloom and the others started back to Alfea.
Upon their arrival at school, Bloom would later remember that this moment would become an Alfea legend as everyone in the courtyard at the time did a triple take at the sight of Layla, sill in her Enchantix form. Even more so when the rest of the Alfea student body literary poured out of their classrooms to see Layla.
Then something unexpected happened. Stella was among the last to emerge onto the courtyard. Bloom expected Stella to make the biggest fuss of them all, for many of the students were babbling at the sight of Layla. Yet Stella was in awed silence, which was surprising since Stella always had something to say.
But then Griselda stomped out of the building, "Miss Stella! You still have two pages of that essay to complete!" she then saw Layla, "Oh my stars! Is that…?"
"It is indeed," said Faragonda as she walked towards Bloom and the others, "young Layla here is the second of The Winx to earn her Enchantix. And unless I'm mistaken, she has full use of her full powers now."
"Almost, Ms. Faragonda," said Bloom.
"What do you mean?" Griselda asked.
"It's her eyes," said Musa, "Layla's blind."
There was a loud gasp of shock from the assembled Alfea student body.
"No!" Stella exclaimed defiantly, "No, I don't believe it! Layla can't be blind!"
"Whether or not you believe it, Stella," said Tecna, "doesn't' make it any less true."
"Oh," said Stella in a deflated tone.
"What the hell is this?!" exclaimed Morgan angrily as she, Tatewaki, Payton, Mace, Kegan and Kurt walked onto the courtyard. They were delayed somewhat at the transportation hub at Magix.
"What are all you little girls doing gawking at Layla like she was a sideshow freak!?" shouted Morgan to the Alfea student body, "clear out of here, or so help me, I'll give you all such a pimple hex that you'll never forget!!"
It's a well known fact that Morgan is the kind of witch who isn't as nasty as her race was stereotypically cast, but that doesn't mean that she can't be extremely bad when the mood strikes her. Her threat of a hex caused the Alfea students to flee like the devil was after them.
"Much better," said Morgan smugly.
"A little harsh for my taste," said Faragonda, "but effective none the less. Now, Bloom, I will speak with you and The Winx in my office, we have much to discuss."
With Morgan, Kurt, Tatewaki and the others waiting outside Faragonda's office, Bloom told the headmistress of Alfea everything that happened on Andros. Joining them via crystal ball was Griffin, headmistress of Cloud Tower.
"So not only are Icy and Stormy alive again and with Darcy," said Bloom, "but now there's a fourth Trix; Victoria. She's the one who caused the mermaids to mutate."
"And she's the one who cursed Layla's eyes," said Flora, while Musa nodded in agreement.
"We've tried everything we could think of, Ms. Faragonda," said Tecna, "but nothing we did could cure Layla's eyes."
"You said this new witch's name was Victoria?" Faragonda asked.
"Yes," said Bloom, "But she insisted that I called her Vicky."
"Ah, Vicky," said Griffin, "I knew her well. She was my greatest student, and my greatest failure."
"You knew her, Ms. Griffin?" Musa asked.
"As if I could forget one like Vicky," said Griffin. She sighed, reminiscing on the past, " it was when I first attained the position of Headmistress, when Vicky began at Cloud Tower. Never before had I seen a young woman so adapt at the dark arts. Vicky mastered every hex, jinx and curse she sought to learn; every test and essay she turned in was of the highest marks. And in terms of causing chaos, Vicky committed the most brilliant scheme ever afflicted upon the city of Magix, it was like poetry."
"So it was her," a surprised and disgusted sounding Faragonda said, "That horrible day eleven years ago, when it rained animal entrails for three hours, that was Vicky."
"As I said," sighed Griffin, "like poetry. Victoria had the potential to be the greatest witch of her age. Many believe she would become head of her own coven before she was 25, which is a rare event. But then she disappointed everyone in the magical community by disappearing less than a month after she graduated ten years ago. No one had seen her since, until now that is."
"I also remember young Victoria," said Faragonda, "unlike The Trix, Victoria wasn't one who demanded attention. Rather, she preferred to work her brand of magic from concealment, always watching the fruits of her labor from a distance, and only later taking the credit for her deeds in casual conversation. Clearly from what you and your friends have told us, Bloom, that has changed.
"Yet despite her affiliation with the dark arts, Victoria was the kind of witch who was naturally respected by both fairies and witches. In the long run she always tried to do the right thing, especially if she could manipulate that right thing to her advantage. Again, that has changed.
"She truly was one of a kind, unique, and at the same time, dangerous to anyone who got in her way. And now she's been reunited with her sisters, which makes her four times more dangerous."
"There's more," said Bloom, "When I fought Vicky, she beat me fair and square. Well, I wouldn't call it fair, but I was down for the count, and Flora and the others were in no condition to help. She could have killed me then and there, but she didn't."
"We'll I'm glad she didn't," said Stella.
"We all are," said Flora, "but who knows what made that witch change her mind?"
"I don't think it was her choice," said Bloom, "I wasn't able to move at the time, but I could still hear. Vicky was talking to someone on her cellphone, someone who scared the living daylights out of her, someone who also made Icy and The Trix nervous. Anyone who can frighten The Trix out of destroying me must be someone of unimaginable evil."
"Enough about the baddies already!" said Stella with her usual impatience, "What about Layla?"
"Can you help her, Ms Faragonda?" Flora asked.
"Yes and no," said Faragonda, "the curse that has afflicted Layla has cast out the light from her eyes. But her willingness to save the life of her friend Ann allowed Layla's powers to evolve to their full potential. The curse Vicky used is unlike anything we've seen before, but Layla has the power to free herself of this cursed darkness."
"How?" Layla asked.
"When a fairy achieves her Enchantix," said Faragonda, "she now is able to use a new form of magic that lies within her wings; Fairy Dust. Layla, believe in yourself, focus your new powers and you shall find the light within."
"Okay," said Layla, "I'll try." she closed her eyes. Bloom and the others could sense something stirring within Layla, something good.
Just then her wings began emitting a bright gold powder that glimmered and radiated with pure goodness. This powder swirled on the air currents in the room, until Layla focused it into her raised hands, then allowed it to drop onto her eyes. She blinked a few times before holding one hand in front of her face, "Five fingers, right?"
"That's right!" said Bloom.
"It worked!" exclaimed Layla, "I can see again!"
At this the six fairies embraced happily, it was a very joyous sight. But then Griselda had to ruin the moment in her usual manner.
"Alright, that's enough," said Griselda, "As much as I'm pleased that Layla has her sight again, and really I am, Stella here still has that essay to finish."
"Were you always such a wet blanked, Ms. Griselda?" Stella asked as she and Griselda exited Faragonda's office, "or did you learn to be one?"
"It's an acquired skill," said Griselda.
"I do believe there's been enough excitement for one day," said Faragonda, "I suggest you girls enjoy the rest of the afternoon, but be ready for class tomorrow, for you all have a test to make up for."
"We will," said Tecna as she, Bloom and the others headed for the door.
"Please stay a moment, Bloom," said Faragonda, "There is one more matter I wish to discuss."
"I'll catch up," said Bloom to Flora and Musa. Tecna and Layla were already outside, and Bloom could hear part of Layla's conversation with Tatewaki.
"You didn't think a little blindness curse could keep me away from you," said Layla, "didn't you?"
"On the contrary," said Tatewaki, "I was all but prepared to serve as thy eyes."
Faragonda then closed the door, "Bloom, I believe I've made some progress as to the solution to the problem of your powers."
With all that happened on Andros, Bloom had nearly forgotten that she too had earned her Enchantix. "You've figured out why I couldn't control my new powers?"
"As I said," said Faragonda, "I've made some progress. Working with Griffin and Saladin, we've determined that your loss of control is indeed linked with the curse that afflicts Domino. We believe that if the curse is broken, then you will have full use of your powers."
"Okay," said Bloom, "not a problem. Wait, there is a problem. How do we break the curse?"
"That, I'm afraid," said Faragonda, "we are still looking into. The best way to remove such a massive curse it to understand how it was cast in the first place. The Ancestress Witches were the ones who cursed Domino, yet no one how they did it."
"Oh," said Bloom in a slightly depressed tone.
"But we haven't given up," said Faragonda, "somewhere in the Magical Dimension there is the means to remove the curse. I have never given up on a student, and I'm not giving up on you, Bloom."
"Thank you, Ms. Faragonda," said Bloom, "I haven't given up either." She left the headmistress office, feeling more positive about the future than she did a while ago.
********
"Exactly why did we leave when Bloom was as helpless as she could get?" Stormy asked, "I'm just not getting it."
"This is the last time I'll explain it," said Vicky, "as how Zahidia explained it to me. The new empire employs many psychics, most of which are skilled in scrying future events. Not all are accurate, and many scryers have been executed for false prophesy. But occasionally, one manages to get it right. One of the scryers predicted that it would be very bad for the empire if Bloom were to die at that time. So Zahidia decided to let Bloom live, for now."
"And just when would be a good time to destroy Bloom?" Icy asked.
"I don't know," said Vicky, "but one thing's for sure, when the time does come to get rid of that pathetic princess, it'll be easy."
"That's for sure," said Darcy, "I still can't believe how fast you took down The Winx, it was like the were nothing more than dolls."
"Spill it, Vicky," said Stormy, "What's your secret?"
"I've picked up a few forbidden skills in my travels," said Vicky, "my body has been augmented so that I'm nearly impervious to most magical attacks. And as to my physical prowess," she picked up a small ornamental sphere made of black stone and crushed it into powder with one hand, "Well, it speaks for itself."
"Impressive," said Diaspro as she and Toro entered the room, "how I wish I could dissect you, Vicky."
"I'll pass," said Vicky in a dry, disapproving tone.
"A shame," said Diaspro in a slightly dissaproving tone, "anyway, here he is, Darcy, your pet, all safe and sound."
"Did she hurt you?" Darcy asked Toro.
"Not in in the slightest," said Toro honestly, "I hardly felt a thing."
"I told you so," said Diaspro, "My examination was more than I could hope for. I must say, Darcy, when you pick 'em, you pick 'em. Now if you all will excuse me, I have a mountain of data to process." With that she skipped out of the room.
"That is one weird, evil genius," said Toro, "I was under her scanners for hours, yet I still have no idea what she's up to."
"Nothing good for anyone probably," said Darcy, "So, Vicky, what's next?"
"It'll be a while before the next piece of the Construct is located," said Vicky, "Probably by this time next week. So in the meantime, we get stronger."
"Groovy!" said Toro, "I've been meaning to check out the palace gym."
"And I want a look at the libraries again," said Darcy in an impulsive tone, "especially that Necronomicon."
"No you don't!" snapped Icy, "I'm not letting you lose your mind over some crummy old book. No, you'll stick with the more normal evil books like the rest of us."
"Well you're no fun," said a pouting Darcy.
"Say, Vicky," said Stormy, "What was that package that you had to deliver to Andros?"
"Yeah," said Icy, "What was that all about?"
"It's a surprise," said Vicky, "you'll find out before too long, assuming my aim was right, we were a couple hundred miles from where the package was supposed to go to."
"And where exactly was that?" Darcy asked.
"You'll find out," said Vicky in a teasing manner.
"I have absolutely no idea what you witches are talking about," said Toro, "just what happened on Andros that was so exciting?"
"It was like this," said Darcy, "We got to Andros and really scarred the wings of those pathetic losers. Then Vicky started talking with Bloom, and…"
********
It was after the next full day of class at Alfea, when Bloom received word that Jake Avatar was returning to Magix, and he was bringing company. As soon as classes were over, Bloom and The Winx, along with Kurt, Kegan, Payton and Mace, and because they were in the neighborhood, Riven and Brandon, went to the Magix space port to welcome Jake and the recently found survivors
As stated earlier, Jake Avatar was one of the first surviving children to be discovered. He looked about 25 years old, stood at 6'1", had light brown hair, dark blue, almost black eyes and wore a red and black jacket with jeans and tan boots.
With Jake, Bloom saw three individuals, two girls and a boy; the boy was a swordsman, while the first girl was a mage, and the other was dressed in the style of a ninja.
"I think we shouldn't tell Jake everything that happened to us on Andros," said Bloom, "Not just yet anyway. You saw how frantic Carmen got, well, Jake can be much worse." True enough, Carmen nearly gave herself a stroke when she found out how close Bloom came to the end. Morgan and the others eventyally managed to get Carmen to calm down when they told her that everything turned out alright. But Carmen insisted that the next time Bloom was to go anywhere in the Magical Dimension, she was to go with her, end of discussion.
"A good point, Princess Bloom," said Kurt as he rememberd the scene Carmen caused.
"Kurt," said Bloom in a slightly reproachful tone, "you really shouldn't call me that when it's just us and the others. To my friends I'm just Bloom."
"Well Jake uses your official title," said Kurt.
"That's just who Jake is," said Bloom.
"Princess Bloom," said Jake Avatar, he bowed, "Mr. Marshal," he nodded in acknowledgement, "I hope that nothing too dangerous occurred while I was traveling."
"We had one or two close calls," said Kurt, "But nothing too serious."
"I'll tell you the full story later, Jake," said Bloom, "But what of you? How faired your journey to find our lost brothers and sisters of Domino?"
"Not as well as I hoped it would be," said Jake, "But successful none the less. As you can see, I have discovered three more survivors. May I present Travis Bailey, Karen Moore and Rei Nakajima."
The three with Jake bowed before Bloom. Travis Bailey, the swordsman, was about 22 and a half years old, stood at 5'10", had short black hair and hazel eyes. He wore a blue and white jacket over a white shirt with blue pants and boots. He carried a sword at his belt. Despite the slightly depressed expression on his face, Bloom could tell that Travis bailey was the kind of person who was dedicated to whatever cause he served and would carry out that task eagerly.
Karen Moore looked to be about 21, stood at 5'3", had shoulder length orange hair and wore glasses over brown eyes. She wore green and yellow mage robes over a red top and blue skirt. This person, Bloom could tell, enjoyed her life and was eager to experience life for the sake of living.
Rei Nakajima, on the other hand, was all business. She looked to be about 24, stood at 5'4", had short green hair and indigo eyes. She wore a camouflaged ninja outfit. Like Travis, Rei looked like the kind of person who dedicated herself to the task at hand, but also seemed to possess no sense of humor.
But then at the sight of Bloom, Rei Nakajima's expression brightened, "It's true, you are the daughter of Oritel and Miriam."
"You knew my birth parents?" Bloom asked.
"Somewhat," said Rei," I was only seven at the time, but I remember the day I saw your mother and father as if it were yesterday."
"As do I," said Travis Bailey, "Though I was barely five myself. It was the day your birth was announced, now that was a party."
"Wish I remembered," said Karen Moore, "I must have been three years old then."
Bloom then heard the stories of the newly found survivors.
After the fall of Domino, Travis was adopted by a middle-class warrior clan. This particular clan, while possessing only modest political power, was well known for producing swordsmen of outstanding caliber; each one possessing a unique blade. Travis' sword is enchanted with elastic properties. The sword could stretch out and be used like a bullwhip, then return to its normal length yet still be as sharp and hard as the day it was first forged. Said sword was based on a design that originated from a world on the outer-reaches of the Magical Dimension that Travis and his adopted family visited once.
In his years as an accomplished swordsman, Travis vaguely remembered his true origins, his homeworld of Domino. That is, until Jake found him and helped Travis remember where he truly came from.
Karen was raised by nomadic magic users who specialized in the healing arts. This tribe of interstellar gypsies was well known for helping those in need. As a child, Karen showed a natural talent for healing magic, and she was no slouch in other arcane fields.
She had only a few fragments of memories of Domino, but when Jake informed Karen of who she really was and where she came from, Karen believed him for, like Carmen, Karen always felt like she belonged somewhere else, that someone needed her.
As for Rei, she to was adopted by those who helped bring out her natural talents. She was raised by a prominent ninja clan best known for producing some of the best bodyguards in the Magical Dimension. Rei excelled in the arts of concealment and stealth, making her a natural at espionage and intelligence gathering.
It took a while for Jake to convince Rei that she was who she was, a survivor of Domino. But then Jake told Rei that they were both at the royal palace of Domino when Oritel announced that Miriam had given birth to a daughter, Bloom. It was then that Rei remembered her true identity.
With all three cases, each eventually recognized Jake as a kindred spirit, thanks to the spell that was placed on the survivors of Domino when they were scattered.
"Now we are nine," said Jake, "nine survivors of Domino."
"Ten if you count Princess Bloom," said Kurt.
"Of course," said Jake.
"Well that leave just ninety-one left to find," said Mace, "And the dozen or so adults who helped us escape."
Just then Morgan's disembodied voice was heard, "Assuming they're all still alive." She then appeared in front of Musa and Riven.
"For the love of all things harmonious it, Morgan!" exclaimed a startled Musa, "One of these days you're going to give me a heart attack!"
"And such a lovely heart it is," teased Morgan, "We wouldn't want anything to happen to it, now would we?"
"Don't worry," said Riven to Musa, "I hate it as much as you do when she does that."
"What?" Musa asked, "using her ability to become invisible to scare people? Or just being an overall annoyance?"
"Hey, I'm more than an annoyance," said Morgan, "I may be awesomely bad, but I can be very good when the mood strikes me. Remember, witches are people to, you know."
"You're Morgan Rodgers," said Karen, "I read your grandfather's books."
"You did?" a surprised Morgan asked, "I didn't know anyone took my grandpa Patrick seriously anymore," she then looked to Bloom and the others, "He's the one I got my healing powers from."
"Everyone I grew up with has read your grandfather's work," said Karen, "everyone else in the Magical Dimension may think him a quack, but not me. Everything I know about the healing arts, I learn from the writings of Patrick Rodgers."
"Well I'm glad someone appreciates the black sheep of my family," said Morgan.
"I thought you were a black sheep," teased Musa.
"Ah, the musical one can banter," said Morgan eagerly, "I'll save you for later, my pretty!" she then chuckled in a mock villain manner, then got serious as she and Karen began discussing the more complicated aspects of healing magic.
"I don't get that girl," said Musa, "I don't think I'll ever understand Morgan."
"Me neither," said Riven. He then noticed that Rei was looking at him, "Can I help you? You see something you like?"
"You remind me of someone," said Rei as she looked at Riven in a pondering manner, then snapped her fingers in recognition (insert finger snapping sound), "I know! You're related to Euripides!"
"Euripides?!" said a surprised Brandon.
"You know Euripides?!" a shocked Mace asked.
"How do you know Euripides?" Riven asked in an accusing tone.
"I met her on Ginaz," said Rei, "It was only once, but it was a meeting I shall never forget."
"Yeah," said a slightly exasperated Riven said, "Euripides has that effect on people."
"Who's Euripides?" Bloom asked.
"She's my sister," said Riven in a disgruntled tone, "That's who."
"I didn't know you had a sister," said Flora.
"I did," sighed Brandon, "I should know, we had to put up with Riven ranting on how he'll show her up someday. Euripides is one of the few girls to attend and graduate from Red Fountain."
"I didn't know Red Fountain accepted girls," said Bloom.
"It's rare," said Riven, "But my sister is a rare acceptation, and boy did she prove herself rare."
"They had to dedicate a whole wall to house all the awards Euripides won," said Brandon.
"Big deal," said Riven in an annoyed tone, "I don't need a whole wall to show how great I am," although Bloom could sense that Riven was seething with envy on the inside.
"So that's why you've always been such an ass," said Bloom, "You're trying to get out from under your sister's shadow."
Before Riven could retort, everyone's attention was diverted as Carmen came running towards them.
"Sorry I'm late!" she gasped as she skidded to a halt, "I was delayed. You wouldn't believe the line I had to wait in at the spell book store" She then saw Jake, "oh, hi, Jake, I heard that you were back." Bloom noticed that Carmen was acting a little out of character, and was that a hint of blushing on Carmen's face?"
"Ms. Carmen," said Jake, "It is good to see you again." At this Carmen's face flushed another shade of red.
"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Stella whispered to Bloom.
"If you mean that Carmen has a crush on Jake," said Bloom, "absolutely." This was one time that Bloom approved of Stella playing at matchmaker. From Bloom's point of view, she saw both Jake and Carmen as kindred spirits on more than one level.
"I just had an idea," said Mace, "How about a sparing match. Me, Payton and Kegan, vs. the new guys."
"What, right now?" Rei asked.
"Why not?" Kegan asked in turn as he, Mace and Payton stretched, "I'm in the mood for some exercise."
"Oh, it's exercise you want," said Travis as he unsheathed his sword, the blade hummed slightly as it left its scabbard. The metal was of a kind that bloom had never seen before, colored greenish blue.
"I don't know about this," said Karen in a nervous tone, "I'm not much of a fighter." Bloom could sense that Karen was more adapt at defensive magic as well as healing.
"No problem," said Rei, "I'll fight for you." her hands them moved in several complicated gestures. At the same time, Bloom sensed a powerful buildup of energy emanating from Rei. "Ninja Art: Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Bloom had to blink before she realized that what just happened wasn't a trick of the eye; where there was one Rei, there now was another, identical to the first in every way.
"An illusion spell," said Tecna, "interesting."
"Oh this is no illusion," said Kurt, "No, it's not even a spell."
"That other Rei is just as real as the first, Ms. Tecna," said Jake, "Just watch and see."
"So it will be three on three," said Mace as he and Payton faced off against the two Rei's, while Kegan faced off against Travis.
"I think we can take these newbies," said Kegan as he got into a fighting stance, while Travis did the same.
"Don't you know it's rude to call someone a newbie?" Travis asked.
"Shall we?" one of the Rei's asked.
"Let's do it!" said the other. With that the match began.
Bloom and the others were amazed by the display of martial skills by the survivors of Domino. Mace and Payton would attack the two Rei's in their distinctive fighting styles; Mace focusing on devastating fist strikes, Payton with catastrophic kicks.
Yet they barely got one or two solid hits in. The two Rei's were much faster and agile than either Mace or Payton, each blocking their opponents with a different fighting style that Jake identified as Taijutsu.
On the other hand, Travis and Kegan were almost evenly matched. Kegan with his power pole launched strike after strike at Travis, who blocked the attacks with his flexible sword, yet Travis found his attacks parried by Kegan as well. This battle had the appearance of lasting quite a while.
But then Mace found an opening in the defenses of his Rei. He noticed that Rei always turned to the right after every third block. With careful timing, Mace got in front of Rei just as she turned, then delivered a punch to Rei's side that would have left some serious bruising, had this been the real Rei. Instead, the Rei that Mace hit disappeared in a puff of smoke.
"So that was the Shadow Clone," said Kurt, "Now things are getting interesting."
Now faced with two opponents, the real Rei was against the ropes as she had to work twice as hard to keep up with Mace and Payton, who were finally getting in some effective hits. But then Rei managed to jump back from her opponents. Grinning eagerly, Rei threw a smoke pellet at Mace and Payton, temporally obscuring their vision.
When the smoke cleared, Mace was surprised to find Rei behind him with a knife to his neck, "Looks like I win this match," said Rei, "If this were real, you'd already be dead."
"Is that so?" Payton asked as she tapped the heal of her foot on Rei's head.
"A draw," said Jake, "More or less. Ms. Payton would have won, but at the cost of Mr. Mace."
"Looks like another draw just happened," said Bloom. The other fight had also just ended, with Travis on the ground and Kegan standing over him with his power pole less than an inch from Travis' face, while Travis still had his sword in hand, the flexible blade bending so the tip was an inch from Kegan's heart.
"You're good," said Kegan as he backed off.
"You're no slouch yourself," said Travis as his sword resumed its normal shape and length. Kegan helped Travis up, who then sheathed his sword.
"That was incredible," said Bloom, "All of you."
"It was all for your approval, Princess Bloom," said Rei as she and Travis bowed, while Payton, Kegan and Mace did the same.
"Well I approve," said Stella, "You Domino survivors sure know how to kick but."
"Indeed," said Jake, "It would appear that the majority of us, we Children of Domino, are drawn to the warrior path."
"Makes you wonder just what the rest of us have been up to," said Kurt.
"Well whatever the others are doing," said Bloom, "wherever they are, I'm sure that once we find them, together we can restore Domino to its former glory."
"Well this has been a fun way to spend half an hour," said Morgan cheerfully, "But I've got a few things to take care of, so I really must be going."
"Care to enlighten us as to the nature of your activities?" Tecna asked.
"It's a surprise," said Morgan, "one that our fiery friend will really like. Catch you all on the flip-side!" with that she vanished.
"Was she talking about me?" Bloom asked.
"You know anyone else here who can use fire magic?" Carmen asked, "I really should be going as well, no doubt Morgan will need my help and Elise's. I'll call later on." With that she teleported out.
"Those two are the strangest witches I know," said Musa.
"There's the understatement of the week," said Riven.
"So what's next on the agenda?" Kurt asked.
"I shall return to Domino to inspect the progress on the recovery of our world," said Jake, "After which I shall resume my journey among the stars in search of our lost brothers and sisters."
"But you just got back," said Bloom, "And now you're heading our again, without a rest?"
"I can assure you, Princess Bloom," said Jake, "I need no rest."
"Well I insist that you take a rest," said Bloom firmly, "I want you to take some time off, relax, you've earned that much."
"Well if you insist," said Jake, "Then it shall be so. I shall 'relax,' as you so put it, Princess Bloom, before resuming my search. With your permission."
"It is given," said Bloom. With that, Jake bowed and left the area.
"We'll take the 'newbies' into town and get them settled in," said Mace, "If you need us, just give a holler."
"And I need to run some errands as well," said Kurt, "That is, unless you need me."
"Bloom will be fine," said Stella, "She's got us to protect her."
"You bet!" said Musa, while Flora, Layla and Tecna nodded in agreement.
It was almost dinner time by the time The Winx got back to Alfea. On the way back to school, Stella dragged the girls to the shopping districts of Magix; her fashion senses could pick up a sale a league away. As the girls reached the school gates, laded down with shopping bags, with Riven and Brandon carrying twice as many as all the girls put together, Bloom noticed that Sky was waiting for them.
"Way to bail on us, Sky," groaned Riven as he unceremoniously dropped his unfair share of cargo.
"Nothing would have made me happier than to be a human pack animal for such lovely ladies," said Sky, earning slight blushes from Bloom and the girls, "But I had pressing matters to take care of first," with that he pulled out several envelopes and handed one to Bloom, one to Flora and the other Winx, as well as one for Riven and Brandon.
"These are the official invitations to Eraklyon's Millennium Ball," said Sky as Bloom and the others opened their envelopes, "just printed up this morning."
"The party is this weekend?" Stella asked.
Sky nodded in acknowledgement, "I've also sent invites to Helia, Timmy, Tatewaki, Jake, Kurt, Carmen, Morgan and the others."
"Cool," said Musa. She then looked at Riven, "I hope you'll be able to dance with me this time."
"I wouldn't miss it for anything," said Riven.
"Really," Musa said skeptically.
"Honest," said Riven, "I've been taking dancing lessons. Seriously, I've improved."
"The party is this weekend?" Stella asked again, now sounding slightly nervous.
"That's what on the invitation," said Sky.
"Girls," said Stella in a voice that was mixed with nervous anticipation and overwhelming excitement, "We're going shopping!"
"We just went shopping," said Flora in an exasperated tone, while Musa and Tecna sighed in annoyance.
"That was a 'Sale' shopping trip," said Stella, "This is an 'Emergency Preparation for a Ball' shopping trip, there's a difference."
"There is," said Layla, for once agreeing with Stella on the subject of shopping.
"Besides," said Stella, now sounding like she was up to something more devious, "I'm sure that whore Cassandra will be there at the Ball, as well as her skank of a daughter Chimera. I'm gonna show them that I'm the one and only Princess of Solaria, without a doubt."
Brandon was about to say something, but Layla stopped him, "I wouldn't want to get in her way, she looks like she's about to go to war."
"I wasn't gonna stop her," said Brandon, "Anyone who makes my Princess cry deserves everything that's coming to them."
"Well I know we're gonna have a great time at the Ball," said Bloom to Sky, "It'll be even greater when we announce our little secret."
"Uh, that's the thing, Bloom," said Sky hesitantly, "Somehow it got out that we'll be publicly announcing our engagement at the Ball. By now it'll be in all the tabloids and gossip magazines in the Magical Dimension."
"Oh," said Bloom in a disappointed tone, "I hoped it would be a surprise."
"I'm sure we'll still have a great time," said Sky in a reassuring tone.
"You know what," said Bloom as she smiled, "So do I."
Unknown to the two young lovers, trouble was once again coming their way.
********
Over on Xaldo, Darcy and her sisters were watching Toro being put through the paces, meaning that he was taking on a whole lot of R'lyeh grunts, and winning, when Diaspro burst into the room, waving a magazine.
"Have you seen this!?" exclaimed Diaspro as she shoved the magazine in front of Vicky, "Have you seen it?!? Well?!"
"Seen what?" Vicky asked as she took the magazine from Diaspro. Icy saw that it was one of the many gossip periodicals that were popular among the upper class of the Magical Dimension.
"I'll tell you what," said Diaspro in her usual maniacal manner, "page 19, that's what!"
"Look at that," said Stormy as she, Icy and Darcy peered over Vicky's shoulders to see a picture of Bloom and Sky, followed by an article stating that the two of them would publicly announce their engagement at the upcoming Eraklyon Millennium Ball.
"The nerve of that Sky," growled Diaspro, "It's bad enough that he and that scraggly Earth fairy are gonna get married, but they actually have the nerve to do it without inviting me!"
"Well of course they didn't invite you, you dingus!" said Icy, "Everyone thinks you're locked up. And how much longer will that deception last?"
"It'll last long enough," snapped Diaspro, "long enough for me to complete my work."
"And just what work is that?" Icy asked.
"None of your business, witch," said Diaspro.
"So they're finally gotten around to it," said Darcy viciously, as if already plotting something nasty, "Bloom and Sky are actually gonna get married."
"And here I thought we could try to get those losers to break up one more time," said Stormy in an equally plotting tone.
"We still can," said Icy, "Assuming we can come up with something in time."
"The usual party crashing scheme?" Darcy asked.
"And maybe a discord curse or two?" Stormy asked.
"No," said Diaspro in a stern tone, as if she just put her foot down on the matter.
"Excuse me?" Icy asked in an accusing tone.
"We're not gonna break up Bloom and Sky," said Diaspro in a slightly maniacal tone.
"We're not?" a slightly confused Stormy asked.
"I myself care naught for love," said Diaspro as she paced back and forth, as if giving a lecture to lesser minds, "but that doesn't mean I can't use love as a weapon. I want Bloom and Sky to experience suffering the likes of which are legendary, even in hell. I want to use their love to prolong that suffering until their hearts and souls shatter because of it. And just before they're reduced to empty shells of their former selves, I want them to know that it was I who caused their suffering."
"That's a bold statement," said Vicky, "Care to enlighten us as to how you will deliver this suffering unto your enemies?"
Diaspro started to say something, but stopped before she could say a word.
"You have no idea of what to do," said Darcy in a teasing manner.
"I so do have a plan!" snapped Diaspro.
"Oh you've got a plan alright," laughed Stormy.
"Shut up!" spat Diaspro, "I'll come up with something."
"I'm sure you will," Icy, "just in time for the next Millennium Ball." At this all three Trix bust into cruel laughter.
"That's enough," said Vicky in a stern tone, "All of you!" she then looked at Diaspro in a sympathetic manner, "I know how hard it is when your imagination is in a slump."
"You do?" Diaspro asked.
"Do I?" said Vicky, "I remember when I couldn't come up with any mischief for almost two months, I nearly went mad with frustration before I finally got through my creative block. Relax, Diaspro, I believe I have something you'll find interesting." With that she summoned a small vial of dark green fluid that, at first glance, seemed completely innocent.
"What is this?" Diaspro asked as Vicky gave her the vial.
"That," said Vicky, "Is something so simple its bound to be a success." She then whispered something into Diaspro's ear. Whatever it was, it caused Diaspro to grin with insane delight.
"Oh yes," said Diaspro gleefully, "Oh yes! This is exactly what I want. Already I have a plan to use this draft, one that will destroy both Bloom and Sky from the inside out!"
"I knew you'd like it," said Vicky, "And I'm sure you will use it well."
"I will," said Diaspro, "how much do I owe you, Vicky?"
"Nothing," said Vicky, "It's my gift to a fellow sister in evil."
"Well that doesn't make sense," said Diaspro, a somewhat confused look on her face, "You've just given me the instrument that will lead to my revenge, surely you desire something in return."
"Absolutely not," insisted Vicky, "if you must, consider this payment for your help earlier. You gave me back my sisters, so I gave you your revenge in return."
"In that case," said Diaspro, "consider us even." With that she skipped out of the room to carry out her diabolical scheme.
"You know," said Icy, "I wasn't sure at first, but I'm starting to like Diaspro; I've kind of gotten accustomed to her."
"Me to," said Stormy, "I know that she's insane, but in a wicked way."
"Diaspro may have been born a spoiled fairy princess," said Darcy, "but deep down, she's one of us."
Just then a palace attendant handed a message to Vicky, who then read the message, "Oh, luck is with us, sisters. The next Construct piece has been located ahead of the expected schedule, and Zahidia wants us to go get it."
"Excellent," said Toro as he came into the room, his body was soaked with sweat, but he looked far from exhausted from his vigorous workout, "I'm in the mood to crush some innocents."
"You sure you're up for a mission?" Darcy asked, "After what you've been through just now?" She and her sisters looked down onto the gym below, where dozens of imperial grunts were being carried to the palace infirmary; each soldier suffering from either a dislocated or broken limp, with the odd minor head injury here and there.
"That was just a warm-up," boasted Toro, "I feel like I could take on half the Magical Dimension, and win. Besides, I missed out on the last trip you girls took, no way I'm letting you have all the fun again."
"Well at least get a shower first," said a slightly nauseated Stormy, "You reek!"
"I agree," said Vicky, "We've plenty of time for you to get cleaned up first, Toro."
"You know what," said Darcy in a mischievous tone, "A shower sounds like just the thing," she slapped Toro on the shoulder, "Tag! You're it!" With that she ran out of the room.
"Oh you're so gonna get it!" Toro exclaimed playfully as he chased Darcy.
"Those two are really getting on my nerves," said a thoroughly disgusted Stormy.
"You and me both," said Icy.
"Me to," said Vicky, "One of these days, those two are gonna get themselves into trouble, and I won't be there to dig them out of it."
"So where are we going this time?" Icy asked.
"It is another world like Arcadium Prime," said Vicky, "It exist in more than one reality at the same time. The natives of this world just call it, 'The World,' but to the rest of the universe, it is knows as Aquatica, another world that's mostly water. But instead of mermaids this time, this world has an unusually high population of pirates, and some of those pirates are gifted with rather unusual abilities, or I should say, curses."
"What kind of curses?" Stormy asked.
"The kind that, while grants the cursed incredible power," said Vicky, "leaves him or her unable to swim. He or she is doomed to drown should they become immerged in water."
"That doesn't make any sense," said Icy.
"Yeah," said Stormy, "What kind of pirate allows themselves to be cursed so they can't swim? A pirate who can't swim is just pathetic."
"I agree," said Vicky, "Yet many of these cursed pirates are just the type of soldiers that the empire is looking for. Some will no doubt wish to join us willingly, while others will need more convincing."
"So we'll also be looking for more grunts," said Icy, "As well as the new Construct piece."
"And one more thing," said Vicky, "While there, we are to keep our ears open as to any whisper of a rumor as to the location of a legendary treasure, one that would not only increase the financial holdings of the new empire greatly, but would also make us filthy rich ten times over."
"Treasure is good," Stormy said eagerly.
"Very good," agreed Icy.
"I knew you'd see it my way," said Vicky, "so we'll just wait for Darcy and Toro to get back."
Thirty minutes later…
"For the love of all that's dark and dreary!" exclaimed Stormy, "How long does it take for one guy to have a f#ck$ng shower?!"
"I think Darcy and Toro are doing more than getting cleaned up," said Icy.
"What do you mean?" Stormy asked. Two seconds later she realized what Icy meant, "Oh, they're doing 'It'. Oh, oh! Yuck!"
"I worry about her sometimes," Vicky whispered to Icy.
"So do I," said Icy.
The end of chapter 9.
As the shrew carries out her diabolical plot to bring misery to the dragon princess and her one true love, the princess of the sun and moon must face her own troubles, for she is to soon make a terrible choice, one that will affect her life forever.
Next chapter: Millennium Ball Blitz
'For those with wings, fly to your dreams.'