Chapter 18
The first thing Bloom saw when she opened her eyes was the ceiling. She immediately knew she was laying in her bed.
'Damn it.' She murmured and sat up.
Daphne was so close to telling her what was going on.
'Trouble sleeping?' A voice said.
'Yeah, something like that.' Bloom didn't have to look at the person to know who it was. 'Why aren't you in bed?'
'Couldn't sleep.' Icy replied. 'I hope you don't mind. I borrowed your laptop.'
The witch was sitting at the desk. A couple of books were scattered around her and the laptop was open.
Curious to see what the witch did, Bloom walked closer to her.
'How did you get my password?' Bloom frowned.
'Oh please, at least give me some credit. I made your rabbit tell me.' Icy replied and pointed at the now sleeping Kiko who was laying on the desk, slightly snoring. 'I did some research about Medora. Couldn't find anything useful. She disappeared for a few years, but no one knows where she was.'
The witch surpressed a yawn.
'You look tired.' Bloom could see dark circles under her eyes. 'You should go to bed. I'm sure you don't want to fall asleep during tomorrow's assembly.'
'I'm fine.' The witch sighed.
Bloom slowly came to the realization as to why Icy wasn't in bed.
'I can go sleep in another room, if you want to.' Bloom offered.
'Don't bother. Even without the fear that you might strangle me in my sleep, I wouldn't be able to sleep.' Icy said tiredly. 'Why are you awake?'
'I talked to Daphne.' Bloom answered.
Icy immediately spun around to face the fairy. Bloom slightly laughed at the confused expression on Icy's face.
'We sometimes talk through my dreams. It's difficult to explain. I talked to her about my…problem.' Bloom explained.
'Did she have a solution?' The witch asked.
'Yes, I am the keeper of the dragonflame and it will find it's way back to me. In fact I think her exact words were, Icy isn't able to extinguish my fire' Bloom answered smugly.
'Pretty cheeky for someone who's…well…dead' Icy replied amused.
'I'll let her know you said that.' Bloom slightly laughed before taking a deep breath. 'I told her that our mother has been acting strange.'
'How did she respond?' Icy crossed her arms and leaned back in the chair.
'She gave me these.' Bloom walked over to her bed and grabbed the chest Daphne gave her. She took out one of the books and showed them to Icy.
'You're telling me your dead sister appeared in your dream and gave you books that magically made their way into your bed.' Icy raised an eyebrow 'We'll just pretend that's normal.'
The witch stood up and took one of the books. After reading through a few pages Icy looked up at Bloom.
'Who do these belong to?' She asked.
'Daphne said they were my mother's. I didn't even know she wrote diaries.' Bloom answered 'Why? What's wrong?'
Something about Icy's voice sounded alarming
Without further explanation Icy grabbed Blooms wrist and dragged her out of the room.
'Why are we here?' Bloom whispered.
'Shhhh.' Icy replied and gently opened a door that lead to a dorm room. The witch immediately made her way towards one of the bedrooms, dragging Bloom with her.
Gently knocking on the door, both girls waited for a reaction. After a minute of silence Icy knocked again. This time the door opened.
'It's the middle of the night. Why are you here and why have you brought Bloom.' A drowsy looking Addy opened the door. Icy pushed past her with a confused looking Bloom in tow and entered the bedroom.
'Come in I guess.' Addy said and closed the door.
'Sorry for waking you up, but this couldn't wait till the morning.' Icy spoke up and handed Addy one of the books Daphne gave Bloom.
'Icy!' Bloom hissed. 'That's personal.'
'What am I looking at?' Addy looked back and forth between Icy and Bloom.
'Something Icy shouldn't have handed to you. ' Bloom answered.
'It's her mother's 'diary' ' Icy added.
'For real?' Addy said and flicked through a couple of pages before Bloom could take the book away. After a minute the girl started to chuckle and looked at Icy 'I told you.'
Now it was Bloom who looked back and forth between Icy and Addy. 'What's going on?'
'This..' Addy held up the book '…isn't a diary. It's a journal.'
'Where is the difference?' Bloom turned around to look at Icy.
'Take a look at the entries. What do you notice.' Icy answered.
Bloom hesitated but ultimately took the book and looked at one of the pages again.
'They look like diary entries to me' Bloom sighed before her eyes landed upon something 'There are two dates above every entry. They are years apart. What does that mean?'
'The first date shows when she had the vision and the second date when the event will occur.' Addy answered.
'Vision?' Bloom asked
'It's a seer's journal.' lcy said.
'That's ridiculous.' The fairy closed the book and shook her head in denial.
'Bloom, Marion knew me. She knew my name, she knew where I came from, she knew my mother.' The white haired witch said before taking the book 'This explains how she knew all of this. She has seen it.'
'Seer's are witches. It's witchcraft, Icy. Are you aware of the accusation your making.' Bloom hissed before turning to Addy. 'You. Icy told me you said something about my mother. What did you say.'
'That your mother was born as witch.' Addy answered matter of factly before being scolded by Icy.
'Addyson.'
'What? It's true. No need to sugarcoat it' Addy replied.
'This is insane' The fairy paced through the room. 'I'll talk to her' Bloom took a few steps towards the door.
'Hey, no. Absolutely not' Icy grabbed her wrist.
'Let go.' Bloom wasn't in the mood for any games right now. She tried to yank away her arm which only made Icy tighten her grip.
'Listen to me. I get that you're upset and confused, but confronting your mother right now is a bad idea. You're just going to accidentally alert the whole school about it. And you certainly don't want any of the other kingdoms to find out that your mother is partly a witch.' Icy said.
The fairy stopped trying to break free but Icy still didn't let go.
'Besides, I want to be the one to rub it under her nose.' The witch added.
Icy hesitated to let go of Bloom's wrist, to be honest she expected the fairy to make a run for the door. It surprised her that Bloom stayed where she stood.
'You wanted to know about my mother's backstory.' Bloom quietly said.
Icy nodded.
'Do you think those journals might help us find out more about her and maybe even how to get out of this whole mess'
'Yeah, maybe.' The witch replied.
'Wait, journals as in plural. More than one ?' Addy spoke up. When Bloom nodded she added 'How many?'
'Fifteen to twenty. I didn't count them.' Bloom answered. 'Why?'
'That doesn't add up.' Addy took the journal. 'Yes, she has practiced witchcraft before, but the amount of entries in this and the fact that she has about fifteen more of these…'She paused '…That's a full-blood seer. She must have had visions every night.'
'Great.' Bloom said sarcastically.
'What I mean is…I can only sense a tiny amount of negative energy on her…Far too little for her to have had visions almost every night.' Addy crossed her arms 'She should be dripping with negative energy.'
'Maybe you were wrong?' Icy said. 'With all the positiv energy around here you could have gotten it mixed up.'
'Yeah, that's…. That's probably it.' Addy said before something caught her eye. 'Hey, have you noticed that your necklace is glowing?'
Icy frowned for a second before looking down. And indeed the blue stone one her necklace was slightly shimmering. The witch took the necklace off and let it dangle in the air in front of her.
'That's new. Don't think it has done this before.' Icy said and took a closer look at the stone.
'Take a few steps back.' Bloom spoke up.
Slightly confused, Icy took a few steps away from Addy and Bloom. To their surprise the glow slightly faded which prompted the witch to take a few more steps away. Again, the glow slightly faded.
Now it was Addy who took a few steps. She held the book and slowly walked towards Icy. The glow intensified.
'I'll put it on the list of things I should keep an eye on.' Icy said.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For Bloom it was also the most enjoyable part of the day. Getting to sit at a table with her friends and just talking to them was something she always looked forward to.
Today was a little different. Despite trying to hide it, it was obvious something made her nervous. Both Addy and Icy convinced Bloom to not tell her friends about anything discussed that night, which has proven to be quiet a challenge for the red haired fairy since she normally tells her friends everything.
The strange behavior didn't go unnoticed.
'Bloom, are you alright?' Stella whispered to her.
'Huh…Oh yeah I'm great...' Bloom replied and took a sip of her coffee. She shot a short glance at Addy, who just gave a glare that said 'Pull yourself together'
'How long do you think the assembly is going to take?' Musa asked.
'I talked to my mother earlier.' Layla spoke up 'She said it depends on what they decide to do. She suspects most of the kings and queens will be leaving for their planets later today to set up precautions in case of an attack.'
'But there will be no unitary action.' Tecna said.
'A few kingdoms think it's all a hoax the Trix came up with to get inside of Alfea.' Stella replied. 'And Medora pointing out the lack of evidence just added fuel to the fire. Not to mention the little stunt Stormy and Flora pulled yesterday. Icy is only tolerated in the assembly because of her title.'
For a minute they all just sat there, not knowing what to say.
'My oh my, I was only gone for one night. Why are you all so depressed?' Stormy said as she walked over to the group and sat down.
'Oh look, I thought you would be on house arrest.' Stella said mockingly.
'Funny.' Stormy deadpanned.
'What happened?' Flora asked. 'Did you get in trouble?'
'Nope.' Stormy answered. 'Yeah, I'm surprised as well' she added when she saw the confused looks she was getting. 'She showed me my room, made me apologize and then left me alone. Didn't even see her this morning. I decided to get out of there and found you guys here.'
'Where's Darcy?' Addy asked.
'I dunno. Her and Medora talked for quite some time last night.' The storm witch poured herself a coffee. 'And when I woke up and went to Darcy's room she wasn't there either. And then…'
'Wait, hold up.' Addy interrupted her. 'They talked? About what?'
'I wasn't supposed to snoop around.' Stormy replied. 'Sooo…I have no idea.'
'Wh..What..This is absolutely the wrong time to start following rules.' Addy hissed. 'Stormy, where is Darcy?'
'With our mother I guess.' Stormy said. 'I didn't hear them this morning. And I was supposed to stay out of trouble. Which is exactly what I did.'
'Where was the understanding of wrong and right yesterday' Stella looked at the storm witch.
'What exactly is your problem?' Stormy asked
'You want to know what my problem is?' The solarian fairy raised an eyebrow.
'Stella, stay out of this.' Flora hissed.
'Don't you wonder where Helia is?' Stella ignored the flower fairy.
Stormy and Stella looked like they were about to attack each other when they heard someone quietly say.
'My mother is a seer.'
Bloom was certain she has never seen her friends this speechless before. They all turned their heads towards the redhead in utter shock and confusion. No one dared to say something.
'Sorry.' Bloom said quietly, looking at Addy 'I couldn't keep this a secret.'
Icy knew how today's meeting was going to end. There would be no agreement. Everyone will go their own way and do what's best for their planet.
The atmosphere seemed tense. She noticed that immediately as she entered the room.
'You and Medora caused quite a division.' Sky said as he approached the witch.
'I have no idea what you mean.' Icy rolled her eyes.
'It's not often that the people in this room don't share the same opinion.' Sky continued 'Apart from Domino and Whisperia all of them have faced threats before in the last 18 years and they have never been so divided in what to do.'
Icy didn't answer but she slightly frowned which prompted Sky to continue talking.
'A few of them are siding with Medora. They think you only made this whole thing up. I'm guessing I don't have to tell you who.' Sky said and he saw Icy slightly smirking.
No, he definitely didn't have to tell her who.
King Erendor hated her and Icy suspected that his wife would do whatever her husband did. She knew King Garomius wasn't a fan of her after what happened with Galatea and Icy was almost certain King Radius was having a hard time as well with believing her.
'King Teredor, Queen Niobe, and King Cryos don't trust either of you. Which is better then them believing Medora.'
Icy agreed.
' But there are a few people that think you're telling the truth. Marion is on your side, but you already knew that, and Oritel is siding with his wife. Queen Rachel is on your side after Flora and Stormy tried to break into Medora's room last night. She said if a lynphean fairy commits a crime like that, there has to be a reason. Not to mention that the Winx believe you're telling the truth.' Sky finished.
'In other words, there won't be an agreement.' Icy pointed out.
'Too many different opinions.' Sky nodded. 'So, what are you planning to change that?'
'If there's one thing I've learned, it's that I shouldn't interfere. I just go with the flow and see what happens' Icy shrugged.
'Are you serious?' Sky asked.
'Absolutely. Even if I had a grand plan right now, which I don't, something would happen that I didn't expect and it would all go down hill.' Icy crossed her arms.
'Like what?'
'Like that.' Icy replied and pointed at the door that just opened. ' Certainly didn't expect it.'
Sky frowned and then followed her gaze. Two people walked up to them
'Good morning, Medora.' Icy said politely to her stepmother. 'And good morning, Darcy.' She added and turned to her sister who stood next to her mother.
'Isabella, Prince Sky.' Medora greeted them while Darcy actively tried not to look at anyone.
'Good morning' Sky answered back politely before excusing himself and going over to his parents.
'I didn't know it was bring-your-child-to-work-day.' Icy said. For a second her and Darcy's eyes met.
'Ohh yeah. Dakota and I have had a lovely chat last night and I thought 'Why not let her participate today'.' Medora replied. 'As I am currently Whisperia's reigning queen and she is my eldest daughter I just want to prepare her for any unexpected situation. I hope that doesn't put you in an awkward position.'
'No, of course not.' Icy begrudgingly said. 'If Dakota wishes to participate she's welcome to.'
Icy was about to go away when Medora held her back.
'I was told you don't have the intention of pursuing a career in politics.' Medora replied. 'For a second I thought it was misinformation, but with every passing minute…well… let's just say it like that, I'm afraid you might just take this as a game.'
'Because I let my sister participate in an assembly which we all know the outcome of.' Icy raised an eybrow. 'She's not really going to get a lesson for life today, is she?'
'You're dodging my question.' Medora frowned. 'Do you intend to claim the throne?'
Icy shot a small glance at Darcy. She didn't know what her and her mother had talked about last night, but her sister obviously mentioned that Icy didn't plan on taking the throne.
Darcy visibly had to swallow. She knew her sister was furious right now and she was certain it took her a lot of willpower to not throw any spells or hexes. Darcy also knew that a bit of that anger was directed at her.
'My intention is none of your business. And I am not obliged to answer to you.' The white haired witch said. 'If you do feel the need to express your opinion or ask unnecessary questions, you now have someone to share that with. So please, stop bothering me with your delusions.'
Medora seemed clearly offended by that, but before she could talk back, Marion appeared at their sides.
'Is everything all right over here?' Marion asked politely. 'After yesterday's incident I just wanted to see if you were able to…'
'Don't worry about that. And yes, I think we've discussed everything necessary, right, Isabella?' Medora asked Icy.
Medora had to take a few deep breaths. This was the first time Icy almost managed to make her explode. And what irked her even more was the fact that the white haired witch knew that.
'Of course.' The white haired witch answered smugly.
'I see we have a new guest.' Marion looked at Darcy. If she noticed the current tension she didn't show it.
'This is my eldest daughter. Princess Dakota. She's joining us today.' Medora introduced Darcy.
'Oh, is she?' Marion frowned.
'Yes, she is.' Icy answered. 'She's awfully quiet though.'
'Now, if you excuse us, we should get seated.' Medora walked past Icy, who slightly smirked at her stepmother. Darcy followed her.
'I'm not sure if turning her against you like that is a good idea' Marion whispered to Icy.
'Possibly.' Icy shrugged. 'But I like causing trouble. I'm a witch, that's what I do.'
'Who would've seen that coming, right?' Marion looked at Icy.
Everything went as predicted she knew that immediately. And if she was honest she thought Sky understated the fact that the kingdoms we're divided in what to do.
They started off with letting everyone say their opinion.
Domino insisted on forming an army to take action against the ancestral witches.
Melody pointed out that they didn't even know where to sent that army.
Andros offered to close all the ocean gates that connect the magical realms. But they wouldn't sent an army without proof. They were still trying to cope with the losses caused by Valtor. They weren't exactly war-ready at the moment.
Eraklyon made it clear that they wouldn't waste time and money for something that could be a trap by the Trix. Erendor made sure to give both Darcy and Icy a hateful glare. Sky tried to interfere with his father's decision, but there was only so much he could do.
Lynphea surprised Icy. They believed her. Unfortunately the planet wasn't known for having a strong army. But queen Rachel was willing to sent her best warriors which was…well…at least something.
Solaria had a similar opinion as Eraklyon. But they said they would keep an eye on the planets through the hall of universe. For the unlikely event that the ancestral witches are actually back. If anything weird happens alarm would be triggered. In that case Solaria would be willing to sent an army.
Zenith..well there were a lot of words that probably only Tecna would have understood..but Icy was certain they were saying that they take this threat serious. And with all the technology on the planet, king Cryos was confident they could protect themselves against an attack. He even offered to give some of the technology to other planets.
And then there was Whisperia. Which was a whole new level of division. Medora tried to label Icy as crazy and not quite sane and Icy did the same to her.
Darcy sat in the middle of them, basically as a barrier, and kept quiet. It surprised her when she was asked a question.
'What is your opinion?'
'M..my opinion?' Darcy stuttered.
'Yes, everyone had their fair share of expressing what they think. And for someone who caused so much trouble in the past I would think you have one as well.'
Suddenly everyone looked at her. She could feel both Medora and Icy staring at her, before she took a deep breath.
