A/N: From here on out, all winx members and couples will again be included.
What new and evil plans will Valtor come up with now? Will he and Diaspro separate Bloom and Sky? More importantly, will it be Sky or Valtor? R&R please!
Chapter 28: Vengeance
"We need to act and fast" Diaspro pressed.
"Which of the winx is the first to go?" she asked,
"I know exactly who to begin with" Valtor said, gazing into a mirror on the wall. The mirror revealed a girl, standing on a balcony at Alfea with her pixie.
"Princess Stella of Solaria, she introduced Bloom into the magical dimension…or rather brought her back. She would make an interesting first choice",
"Hopefully Bloom will get the message once we´re through with Stella, I never liked her much anyway", she said carelessly. Apparently, stealing her identity hadn't been enough to get rid of her. She just never knew when to quit.
"We should attack when she´s alone", she proposed.
"No", Valtor said firmly.
"I´ll have to make a visit before taking action. Besides, there's no need to alert anyone just yet. We´ll let Tritannus have his fun for the time being. We might even need his help"
"So… who exactly are you going to see?" Diaspro asked perplexed.
"We´re not Princess Stella´s only enemy now, believe me" he said calmly. Diaspro shrugged not entirely understanding.
"And just so we´re clear, what happened the other day between us was nothing more than a moment of stress. Don't look further into it", he said sternly. Diaspro smirked.
"In that case you should stress more often", he glanced at her, apathetically.
"You can relax. Sky continues to be my one and only love interest. And I agree. The other day was merely something caused by the circumstances. Nothing more", she clarified. Valtor nodded approvingly. As long as Diaspro was interested in Sky, Bloom wasn't so far out of his reach. He knew the young King would do anything to protect her from him.
"I´m glad we have an understanding. Now, if you´re still willing to stay on my side, you will follow my orders. Each and every one", he said to her. She nodded.
"There´s someone on Solaria I must see",
"Solaria?"
"You´ll understand soon enough",
"I think I´ll go see my father in the meantime", she said with a grin.
"Dad, you wanted to see me?" Bloom asked, entering his dispatch and taking a seat across from him.
"Bloom, my lawyers contacted me today and they´ve consulted me on a very important issue. They consider that we should press charges against Diaspro and her family for stealing your identity. Now, despite my anger, I can think of quite a few reasons why the young lady acted the way she did. Greed, ambition, selfishness. None of which I approve of and the fact is they must be brought to justice. Truthfully I think life itself will make them pay for their felony. But I must ask, what is your decision Bloom? After all, you were the main victim in all of this",
"What they did was more than a felony, dad. They took my life. She did. Diaspro has done plenty of harm in the past, and I´ve been calm about it each time. But I can´t go easy on her, dad, not anymore", she said coldly.
"Your mother, Daphne and I are with you, and we´ll support you no matter what you decide to do",
"Well then…I think we should listen to your lawyers, dad", she said firmly. Oritel nodded.
"Which reminds me, your mother and I would like to meet your adoptive parents. We know that two very kind people from Earth took you in and raised you as their own. And our gratitude is interminable. It would be an honor to have them here at the palace",
Bloom smiled,
"I think they´d love that. You know I´ve always dreamed of this…But now that it's actually happening, I can't believe it's true", she said, bewildered.
"Well you best believe it. The last thing I want to do is pressure you, honey, but Domino needs you. And we´ve waited for this day longer than you can imagine. We´re happy to have you home", he said pulling her in for a hug, and kissing her forehead.
"And I´m happy to be home, dad", she said, suddenly remembering something,
"Dad, can I ask you something?"
"Hmm?"
"Just out of curiosity…I just have to know…did Diaspro come here on her own?" she asked. Oritel moved away from her, looking uncomfortable.
"Dad, please. And I promise not to speak of this again", he sighed.
"No Bloom, she didn't. Valtor brought her to us alleging that she was our daughter. And we took her in",
She tried to mask her anger as best as she could. She couldn't let her father know that Valtor had actually won her trust and that she now felt let down. They may have believed him but Oritel and Marion claimed to have doubts.
So Valtor brought her here…he lied to me, they both did. They took my life. And now they´ll pay. She thought, hurting deeply.
"Daphne wanted to talk to me. I´ll go see her now" Bloom said simply, leaving her father´s office.
"Your majesty" Demetri bowed before her, taking her by surprise on her way out.
"I-uhm-yes?" it would take a while to get used to being treated that way.
"I was going to notify the King, there´s someone at the gate who wishes to speak to him, urgently",
"Who is it?" she asked worriedly.
"Princess Diaspro ma´am" he said, nervously. After everything…she still had the nerve to come back?
"Don't tell the King anything. I´ll take care of this myself", she said, storming down the grand staircase.
And there she was. Standing at the gate, only she wasn't looking as glamorous as she did when she lived at the palace.
"You have some nerve coming back here" Bloom snapped,
"I didn't exactly come all this way to see you, so sorry to disappoint", she said, sarcastically.
"It doesn't matter who you came to see, Diaspro. It's my family who lives in this palace, not yours! So if I were you, I´d find my way back home",
"As if! Do you really think I´d be afraid of a-"
"A what? A peasant like me? I guess I´m not much of a peasant for you to want to be me this badly",
Diaspro´s eyes widened.
"Me? Wanting to be you? Get over yourself Bloom! I did all of this to hurt you…to get back at you for ending my relationship with Sky! He was all I ever wanted and you just snatched him away!"
"Sky isn't a part of your private property, Diaspro! He´s a person, he has feelings! Something you would never understand because all you look at is his title!"
"And you don't?! As soon as you knew he was Prince Sky of Eraklyon, you did what you could to split us up! You knew we were getting married and you just couldn't take it!"
"I fell for Sky even when I thought he was Brandon. It was never about his crown. I didn't even know he was royalty when I met him. But you know what? I don't have to prove anything to you. You did what you did, and now you´ll have to face the consequences. Nothing is going to change that", Bloom told her.
"I´m not afraid of you", Diaspro said, defiantly.
"Neither am I", Bloom answered, then continued,
"And for the record, you won't take anything else away from me. Not my family, and not Sky. He´s mine", she said firmly. She had never been the kind to claim a person as her own so fiercely, but she had to let Diaspro know that she wouldn't let go of him. She had to know.
"We´ll see about that. Sky and I had good times. He just needs a reminder",
"You better stay away from him", Bloom growled.
"And by the way, while you´re here, tell mom and dad I said hi", Diaspro replied cynically, finally walking away from the gate. Bloom glared at her. Honestly, was there anyone more irritating!? She certainly beat Mitzy that was for sure. But if Diaspro declared a war, then she would have one.
Today she would be returning to Alfea again, as a regular student. She would be going back to all her classes, normally. And yet, she didn't feel like the same Bloom. So much had changed. And she had a feeling this was only the beginning.
At Alfea:
"My dad is organizing my Princess Ball! Of course, he also wants to introduce his new girlfriend, Countess ´what's her face´", Stella said irritably, once they reunited in their dorm.
"King Radius has a girlfriend?" Layla asked,
"Yeah, I found out just recently. But it's probably nothing too serious, I mean I hope not. Anyway, you´re all invited! Of course that includes Daphne and your parents too, Bloom. I´ll be introducing Brandon as my fiancée at the party", she said, proudly.
"We´ll be very happy to be there with you, Stella" Flora said.
"I guess it's time to go dress hunting" Tecna deliberated.
"So when´s the party Stella?" Bloom asked.
"We still have time, it's on Saturday",
"Hopefully Tritannus and the trix won't try to pull any tricks", Layla said, distraught.
"Relax Layla, it´ll be fun, you´ll see. Besides with all the chaos we´ve been through lately we could use a break", Musa said.
"Sure, and besides, apparently, what Valtor wants is to conquer the Infinite Ocean. At least that´s what the council determined. And we´re going to be on Solaria so we should be perfectly safe there", Stella said to her.
"You´re right. I´m just a little paranoid", Layla replied.
But internally Bloom couldn't help but wonder if her friends were mistaken. Did Valtor really want to conquer the Infinite Ocean like everyone thought he did? Or was his true objective to have her? According to the council, Valtor had kidnapped Bloom solely because he needed her dragon flame to complete an even greater mission, to claim the Infinite Ocean with the help of Tritannus, and unleash an even stronger power. Some even believed he could be after the ultimate power of Realix.
Judging by princess Tressa and Prince Nereus´ testimony of the events on Andros, her parents and most of the royals also confirmed that Valtor was responsible not only for the oceans being polluted but also for Tritannus´ new powers.
Headmaster Saladin believed that Valtor wanted revenge. Revenge on the Company of Light for locking him up in the Omega Dimension and specifically on Ms. Griffin for ditching him and the three ancient witches. Marion and Oritel agreed with Saladin´s theory. And so all three schools had their security improved.
But no one suspected what he was really after. And it terrified Bloom to think that it may not be Realix, or the Infinite Ocean, or even revenge. Maybe it was her. No one considered the option, and to some degree, that soothed her. But just because no one considered it, didn't mean it wasn't a possibility…maybe even a reality. Nobody thought of such a thing because she hadn't revealed to anyone the number of times he´d sneaked into the palace to speak to her, or the time he appeared in her room. She had trusted Valtor but now that she knew the truth…now that she truly knew the full extent of his power, it frightened her.
Still, she couldn't quite forget the feeling of him kissing her. He had such a dark, and aggressive way of doing so. Quite contrary to Sky´s gentlemanly, soft touch. But each time she remembered, she repeated to herself over and over again that it was due to their connection. Just the link they shared. It frightened her even more to think that it wasn't just that. To think there could be actual feelings hidden underneath that hollow excuse.
"Mom, what do you think of this dress?" the girl asked, gazing at her reflection in the mirror.
"That dress is far too simple for the event, Chimera. Something a little longer would be more appropriate", the Countess replied. The girl continued holding the dress against her figure, sulking.
"You´re probably right. Radius´s daughter is going to be there and I have to make a glamorous impression!" she exclaimed.
"Now, Chimera! If anything she must be the one to impress you. Don't forget that you are the daughter of a very important countess, and soon enough, you´ll be the step-daughter of a very important King. You must bow your head before no one. You´re more than worthy of attention, understand?" her mother probed.
"Yes mother", she agreed. Suddenly a blue light shone in the room, startling both of them.
"Good evening, ladies" he said in his deep, stern voice.
"Who are you? What do you want from us?" the Countess demanded.
"You may have already heard of me. My name is Valtor",
"Yes…I´ve heard that name", the Countess deliberated.
"Of course we have, it's that powerful sorcerer everyone´s looking for", Chimera said, staggered.
"I haven't come to hurt you. But I couldn't help noticing that you´re both in need of assistance", he said, attentively.
"Assistance? Whatever are you referring to?" Casandra asked, not understanding.
"If I´m not mistaken, there is something you both desire desperately. Power, fortune, allure, everything you´ve ever wanted has been given to the princess of this realm leaving you with no recognition whatsoever", he remarked.
"How would you know that? What do you want from us?" the countess asked, now feeling intrigued.
"I´m quite observant, Countess. And I merely seek to help. I can turn the tables around, quite easily",
"What would it take? What do we have to do?" Chimera asked, frantically.
"It's quite simple, in fact. All you have to do is cast this spell", he said, handing a short scroll to Chimera.
"When the time is right, the King will start feeling weak. You shall cast this spell so that his weakness becomes extensive and reaches the princess as well",
"But-but that's absurd! How can you be so sure that the King will fall into illness? He´s a strong and exuberant man", Cassandra said, in disbelief.
"Because I´ll have an assistant of mine alter the pillar of Light, in the Infinite Ocean. The pillar of Light has a direct connection to the ruler of the realm of the sun and moon. If it were sloped even in the slightest, it would immediately affect your dearest King. And with the spell I´ve provided for you, if you cast it correctly of course, the Princess of the sun and moon will suffer the same outcome", he said, as he paced through the room. And continued,
"Therefore, with both rulers debilitated, no one will be left to rule but you", he said darkly.
The Countess smiled, taking the scroll from Chimera´s hands.
"I like what you propose. But so far, my daughter and I are the only winners, what interest could you have in bringing down Radius and his daughter?"
"Believe me, I have my reasons" he said, chuckling.
"Now, Countess," he said, bowing and kissing her hand.
"Do we have a deal?" Chimera gazed at her mother intently, waiting for her answer to the wizard.
"We do", she said, holding the scroll tightly.
"It´ll be our pleasure", she said. Valtor smirked.
"It´ll be mine" he said, before vanishing.
"Mother do you think this will really work?" Chimera asked, fascinated.
"If it does, my dear, you and I will finally achieve the place we deserve. We will be the new rulers of Solaria. And Stella will be long forgotten from the minds of these people. You´ll see", she said.
Late in the evening, Bloom received another visit at Alfea.
"Sky" Bloom breathed as she stepped out into the courtyard. He was no longer wearing his specialist's uniform but rather his royal attire, which consisted of a long blue cape, and a white suit underneath, and dark blue boots. Two of his guards accompanied him.
"Princess" he greeted, Bloom blushed.
"I´m sorry, my parents had a couple of guards come with me. They say it's a safety protocol that every king must follow", he said irritably, and gazed at her curiously.
"Bloom, is something wrong? You don't look like yourself" he noted. She rubbed her temples gently, trying to focus her attention on his words.
"I´m doing great, it's just been a long week", she lied. Truthfully, her conversation with Oritel had left her mind running wild, to say the least.
"I don't have much time. I have a conference on Eraklyon regarding the new safety procedures and I must be there on time. But I wanted to stop by and see how you were doing. Honestly, with everything that's been happening, I´m worried about you. I know how desperately some people want to acquire the dragon flame",
"Thanks Sky, I appreciate it. and the other professors have increased the barriers power level, so it should be pretty safe around here", she said, although she knew it couldn't be too safe if Valtor was able to get into her room without anyone noticing.
"Sky, speaking of security, there´s something I´ve been meaning to talk to you about",
"Your majesty, we must take our leave", one of his guard told him. Suddenly, Bloom felt lightheaded.
"Bloom!" Sky exclaimed, as she lost her balance and fell into his arms. Bloom held her head in her hands, trying to regain steadiness.
"Something´s definitely wrong" he said, eying her suspiciously.
"No, no! I just, I should get some rest, it's no big deal", she said quickly. She wrapped her arms around his neck, attempting to stay on her feet long enough to convince him that she was okay. His scent was intoxicating, yet pleasant.
"Bloom it's not the first time you´ve passed out like this. I really think we should let someone know. I´ll take you myself-"
"No Sky please. Just trust me okay? I´m perfectly fine", she insisted, although it seemed useless. He gazed at her, disapprovingly.
"Your majesty", a guard interrupted, once again.
"Bloom I have no other choice now, I have to leave. My people await. But as soon as I return we have to talk. Besides your health, you also had something important to say?" he asked. Bloom stared at the two guards who were rushing Sky. His lack of time also began to worry her.
"Before you go, just…please answer one question, Sky"
"What is it?" she sighed.
"Do I have to worry about us?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, do you think someone could come between us and ruin what we have? Someone like Diaspro, who was your fiancée, and who´s closer to you than I am, being in Eraklyon and-" she explained but Sky interrupted her,
"Bloom, nothing could possibly break us apart. Not Valtor, and certainly not Diaspro. I´m sorry I haven't spent much time with you since I left Domino. But I´ve had a lot on my hands, my people are worried for their safety and I have to do what´s best for them. But I promise, I´ll give you the time you deserve Bloom", he said, kissing her cheek lovingly.
"I understand all of that Sky. You´re an amazing ruler", she said.
"Thanks for your support, Bloom. Now if you´ll forgive me, I really must go", he said giving her a quick hug and stepping back onto the ship, his guards following after him. A few girls standing by Alfea´s main entrance gasped as the King of Eraklyon departed.
What she really needed to tell Sky was that she thought Valtor was after her and not the Infinite Ocean or any realm. He had to before anyone else paid the price. But then again, maybe it was a sign. Maybe he wasn't supposed to know? She remembered Daphne´s words from their conversation earlier,
Flashback
"Bloom, maybe Sky ought to know about Valtor´s intentions towards you"
"I can´t…if he did, he´d just break up with me. Being a King, do you really think he´d stay by me if he knew what´s happened between his enemy and I? I certainly don't think so" she said, dejectedly.
"Bloom that has nothing to do with it! Valtor kissed you and not the other way around, you know Sky would never change his mind about you"
"I didn't stop Valtor from kissing me…in fact I didn't even alert anyone while he was in my room. I didn't call for help. It makes me just as guilty",
"Sweetheart, don't be so hard on yourself. Valtor was astute. He kidnapped you, but gained your trust while he held you captive. He made sure you became familiar with his presence so that whenever he was around you wouldn't attack, so that you wouldn't see him primarily as your enemy",
"Be as it may, I don't know if I can tell Sky",
End of flashback
She had to keep the secret…no matter what.