A/N: This is a rewrite. Changes have been made that conflict with the original canon, characters are different so please go in knowing this, whether you like it or not please understand this is a rewrite.
Welcome back to the Love and Lonely! Oh wait, I mean welcome back to Winx Club A Different Way AU: A Dragon Awakens. God, I love that title!
I don't want to ramble too much, but just say these last few chapters were fun to write and I'm glad I did, but bad news no I'm not leaving! I'm taking a 6-month hiatus after posting chapter 12 because I'm honestly burnt out and need to just relax and focus on other parts of the story.
Sorry guys, but on the bright side these next few chapters will come out every month so maybe I will get out of my writer's block. We can only hope lol.
Seriously though, thank you for being readers of the story and holding out for these month longing postings. You guys rock! Also thank you to my new beta editor: Paranoidgirl. She rocks!
Okay without further adieu, here's:
Summary: Bloom discovers the special person from her dreams may be the answer to her questions and tensions are rising from what happened on Rose Day with a spoiled princess ruining everyone's fun and a bad boy who may hurt a chipper girl. Will the Winx be able to fix this or be lost in the dust?
Chapter 10: Betrayed
Bloom was back in the void. She was having the dream again; the lady contacting her in her sleep. She tried to keep focus this time to remember her. The shining figure emerged before her, hovering in the bleak darkness. Her illuminating body made Bloom feel a lot better like a light guiding you through a dark path.
"Blair... Blair! We meet my precious little angel once again!" the woman said with a smile. "You're so... pretty."
"It's you again," Bloom said, walking towards the figure. "You're pretty stunning yourself, although the glowing helps."
The woman came closer to her as well. "Blair-"
"Please, can you call me Bloom? I'm not Blair," Bloom replied, scratching her head.
"Bloom, your name is Bloom… now?" The woman took a step back, seeming to ponder what to say next. "Bloom… we don't have much time."
"Time for what?" Bloom asked. "Who are you?"
"You know who I am. You simply need to find me. Find me," the woman begged her voice echoing through the void. "Come find me and your questions shall be answered."
"Stop being so vague!" Bloom shouted. "You're right here, I can touch you!"
Bloom grabbed the girl's hand sending a shiver up both their bodies.
"You will know… what I mean when your journey is done. Tell me, are you ready to begin?"
"Just tell me your name, please," Bloom begged, tightening her grip around the woman's arm. "Why do you look… like somebody I used to know?"
"Because I am!" the woman said, growing in height until she was a towering figure before Bloom.
"Whoa," Bloom said, surprised. "You're…"
"Come to me," the towering woman called. "Come to me, Bloom. You must come!"
"I'm here!" Bloom said, flying up to the woman. "I'm here!"
The bright light illuminated before Bloom's eyes, and she could feel herself being enveloped in its warm, loving embrace.
…
Meanwhile, in the world outside of Bloom's dreams, Stella's dreaming was rudely interrupted by someone knocking on her door frantically. Grumbling, she sat up and put on her slippers. She walked toward the door groggily. She opened it, the light from the common room momentarily blinding her.
She snorted, wiping drool from her mouth. "Flora… this better cruddy well be good if you're waking me up at the ass crack of night."
"Yeah, I need your help," Flora said, nibbling on a hangnail. "She's, uh, having these dreams again."
"Oh right, the weird dreams," said Stella. "She informed me about those. Just let her sleep them off."
"I would, but they're like, way more intense this time," Flora said worriedly. Before Stella could say anything, the flower girl grabbed her arm and raced over to her room where Bloom was tossing and turning.
"What's so urgent about this?" Stella questioned with a yawn. "This is ridiculous."
"Just shush and look," Flora said, pointing to Bloom, shaking nervously in bed. Strange lights danced on the walls as oddly colored flames floated in the air. Bloom's body began changing from her regular pajamas to her fairy outfit. Her dreams became more intense with each transformation.
"Tell me… tell me what you want?" Bloom mumbled under her breath.
"What in Solaris is happening?" Stella whispered, concerned.
"I was surprised too," Flora whispered back.
Bloom mumbled, she let out a frightened gasp before saying, "Where are you?"
"Casting magic in your sleep isn't unheard of, but it is never a good sign," Stella said, looking at all the floating orbs. "Usually, it's an indication of extreme night terrors."
"Should we, like, wake her up?" Flora asked. "It's even scaring Kiko."
Flora pointed towards the cat who was shaking feverishly at all the different lights and Bloom's trembling.
"I wouldn't recommend it, we might startle her to the point she has a panic attack," Stella surmised. "I mean it can't get any worse."
As she and Flora looked around the room at the orbs and tried to figure out how to help their friend, Bloom sat up in her bed. She groaned, rubbing her eyes, and pulled the covers off her body.
She stood up out of bed and started walking mindlessly. Stella and Flora didn't seem notice while they stood turned away from her.
"I say we-" Stella started but was interrupted when Bloom walked past them.
She was mumbling incoherently under her breath, sometimes saying certain words out loud such as, "Find… her."
"Oh, she's sleepwalking now," Stella said, alarmed. Flora reached for Bloom, ready to wake her back up, but Stella pulled her arm back quickly. "We can not wake her up or she'll likely have a heart attack or something."
"Screw that, we can't let her wander off somewhere," Flora said, grabbing Bloom by the arm and leading her back into the room. "Bloom, wake up!"
She faced her roommate but was unnerved by the girl's eyes moving strangely. Her pupils couldn't stay still for longer than a second before jumbling around.
"Must find… her," Bloom muttered, her head bobbing back and forth. "I … find her."
"This is getting scary," Flora said, slightly shaking Bloom so she wouldn't startle her.
Stella opened her mouth about to talk before being interrupted by Bloom's comforter lighting up like a bonfire. The two girls gasped and rushed towards the bed, knocking Bloom back. The girl turned on her heel and trudged out of the room.
Kiko jumped off the bed at the fire and raced after Bloom.
"Bloom, wait!" Flora called chasing after the girl as Stella smothered the flames with a pillow. The flower girl managed to catch up with her fire-starting friend and pushed her back before she could open the door. "Okay, gotta handle this calmly… WAKE UP!"
Flora slapped her roommate sharply across the face, waking up and startling her friend.
"Oww," Bloom said, cupping a hand over her bruised cheek. "What the hell, who slaps someone awake?!"
"Sorry, it was the only way to wake you up," Flora said, chuckling nervously.
"Wake me up for what? It's the middle of the nigh-" Bloom paused looking around and noticing where she was standing. "Why am I in the living room?"
"Because you were… sleepwalking and… you set your blankets on fire," Flora answered.
"I did what?!" Bloom exclaimed running back to her room and finding Stella fanning the flames from the small fire. The small orbs of fire mysteriously went out. Flora made her way to her bed and grabbed a vase full of flowers and water then rushed over to the bed and doused the fire quickly.
It also splashed Stella in the face at the way Flora tossed it.
Stella spit out some water while saying, "Thank you."
"Bloom's back to normal," Flora said. "See, no heart attack."
"Ace," Stella grumbled, annoyed she was still soaked. "Thanks for sleepwalking at night Bloom."
"I was sleepwalking?" Bloom asked, blushing. She hadn't done that since she was a child and only her parents knew about it. She used to do it sometimes when they took their annual beach trip. She never really understood why, but it seemed to be connected to her powers. She didn't want anyone else to know about it. "That's… weird. That… uh… never happened until now."
"You've never done this before?"
"This is the first time," Bloom lied, her eyes shifting. She looked around and noticed that one important thing was missing: Kiko. She gasped frantically. "Is Kiko okay?"
A soft meow was heard behind her, she turned around, spotting Kiko poking his head out from the door frame. He slowly walked in and rubbed his head at her leg while purring. Bloom smiled and scooped him up.
"Thank goodness you're okay," she cooed.
"He's fine," answered Stella, wiping water off her face. "When the fire started, he rushed after you."
"Cool… you didn't hear anything I was saying?" Bloom asked, nervously. "Did you?"
Stella and Flora looked at each other than Stella went, "No of course not."
While Flora answered honestly, "You were dreaming about the lady again."
Stella glared at Flora who shrugged in response.
Bloom's blush grew redder before she said, "Oh… greeeat."
…
In the afternoon, the Winx walked about the quad while Bloom was giving Kiko his annual walk. He was wearing a leash, much to the girls and passerby's confusion.
"Remind me again why you walk your cat?" Musa asked while Kiko stared at the girls walking by. "It's adorable, but also confusing."
Bloom sighed. "Dogs aren't the only animals you can take for walks, it's just a thing he likes and can we please focus on my dream… or whatever… I don't even know what these are."
"Yeah, try givin' us more details," Tecna said, typing on her phone. "I gotta document this."
Stella let out a groan as she picked up her pace going a little farther from the group. The other girls didn't take notice of it and focused on the matter at hand.
"It's hard to explain," Bloom said, rubbing her head. "It was a lot more vivid than a dream… really lucid."
"And she tried talkin' to ya?" Tecna questioned, typing vigorously. "What was she was sayin'?"
Stella yawned uninterested.
"Something about finding her and that it would answer my questions," Bloom replied. "I thought it was just a random dream, but the visions, the thoughts, the message, the sleepwalking… I just-"
"Ah-ha!" Tecna exclaimed as her phone pinged. "Thank yo' realm-net."
"What did you find?" Musa questioned, looking over her shoulder.
"This is such a boring topic," Stella said with a yawn. "Can't we focus on something else?"
"Ignore her," Bloom said with a wave.
"Thanks to a powerful search engine, I found an article about recurrin' lucid dreams and there's a strong possibility that these dreams are a psycho-magic message," Tecna explained. "Quite interestin'."
Bloom stared at the girl with a raised eyebrow as she paused walking. Kiko took this as a chance to sprawl out on the ground. "You mean the chick was trying to communicate with me?"
"Through yer dreams? Yes," Tecna said. "Did yo' get any idea what she looks like?"
"Actually, I sketched her in my notepad earlier today," Bloom said, digging in her jean pockets and whipping out a blue notepad. "I just couldn't stop thinking about her."
"Of course, you couldn't," Stella said, somewhat snidely.
"Right," Bloom said, confused. "Anyways this is her." She flipped open the pad and showed the group a picture of the girl's head. Butterfly mask and all, but she had no pupils as Bloom remembered. She did capture her beauty perfectly.
"Wow, that's really good!" Flora complimented. "And I totally, like, recognize her."
"Really?" Bloom questioned eagerly. She grabbed the girl by her arms and shook her slightly. "You really know her?"
"Yuppers," Flora calmly nodded. "Now that I get a better look at her, I'm sure she's from the façade etchings of the nine nymphs in the main square in Magix City."
"I know exactly what you're talking about!" Bloom said excitedly. "Thank you, Flora!"
"No prob," Flora said with a small smile. "It must mean something to your dreams."
Stella groaned before spinning on her heel to face the surprised group. "Or maybe it's nothing!"
"What is your problem?" Bloom questioned, annoyed.
"Clearly, you're stressed, that's all. You've got too much on your plate, what with all the exams coming up, being in a new place and all that dreck. Plus, you being an Earthling means your brain isn't used to working so hard, know what I mean?"
"No, I don't," Bloom said, stepping closer to Stella with an annoyed left eyebrow raise. "Please, explain further."
"All I'm saying is," Stella started, gaining an eye roll from Bloom. "You had a weird dream and should stop bothering us with your all your blah ramblings."
"It wasn't just a 'weird dream'. This is serious," Bloom said, offended. "Why are you dismissing this? I'm trying to figure out what this… being wanted me to do and I'd appreciate some support from my friends."
"Please," Stella scoffed. "You just want all the attention on… you. You're blowing things out of proportion and want to go, 'Poor me, I don't know what I am.' Get over yourself."
"What the hell is your issue?" Bloom snapped. Her fist tightened as she tried to control her frustration. "You've been giving everyone an attitude since last week!"
"I'm fine and so are you!" Stella snidely said, poking the girl on the nose.
Bloom took a deep breath to calm her nerves after being touched on the nose. The other girls stood by, unsure of where to come in with this argument.
"What are you saying, I'm making things up?!" she said, trying to remain calm. "Well, I'm not, fine! First, I was just hearing her voice and now over the last few nights, I have seen her!" She breathed heavily now, gaining a few stares from girls walking past them. "I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry for focusing on myself, but this shit is serious to me!"
"Bloom," Stella started with a snide smile.
Bloom cut her off before she could talk. Her face turned a bright red before she exclaimed. "Look I know you're upset your parents divorced but that gives you no excuse to be a jerk!"
"Ooo," Flora, Tecna, and Musa said in shock.
Bloom pulled back, regretting what just came from her mouth. She hadn't meant to say something so rude. She even could admit she was overly focused on herself, but how Stella, her so-called bestie was treating her over it made her furious. Her rudeness and pessimism was already bothering the girls, but they gave her pass because off what she was going through, but Bloom had a lot on her plate as well and she just thought Stella of all people would be there for her.
But snapping at her the way she had and the shocked expression on Stella's face made her feel instant guilt.
"I… did not mean that," Bloom started, but the Princess put her hand up.
"So that's how you feel?" Stella said, taking a step back. "At least I'm not some Earth girl who doesn't understand her powers!"
Bloom's face turned red with rage. "I will today… and I'll prove it to you!" She grabbed Kiko and stormed off.
"Wait, Bloomie, come back!" Musa called, but Bloom was already walking off with one thing on her mind. The chipper girl turned towards Stella with a shocked look along with Flora and Tecna.
"While what Bloom said was harsh, she got a point," Tecna said, placing her hands on her hips. "What in the Sam hill is the matta with yo'? Are yo' Stella or Darcy again?"
"It's me in the flesh," Stella said confidently. "And don't blame me for being honest."
She then sashayed off casually leaving her friends behind in shock. It was clear she was going through her own troubles, but they were all in agreement that how she was acting wasn't the way to vent.
…
Bloom entered the library after dropping Kiko off back at her flat. Her mind was focused on one thing, to find out who the girl from her dreams was and no naysayers were going to stop her.
She walked over to the head librarian, Barbatea, a woman with curly pink hair and wearing a blue pants suit.
"Greetings Bloom," she said with a wide smile. "Returning to make another mess of my books?"
Bloom laughed shyly, "Yeah… sorry about that. That's not why I'm here though, I wanted to know more about the… nymphs on the front of the town hall."
"This time, check the library catalog over there?" Barbatea said, motioning to a lectern in the middle of the library. Bloom scratched her head, unsure why she hadn't used that first when she was searching for the ring.
Bloom stared back at the woman whose smile didn't waver. The girl shrugged and made her way to the research lectern.
"Wow, this is cool," she commented, placing her hands on the podium. "How do I do this?"
"Keyword?" the catalog said robotically much to Bloom's surprise.
"Holy crap," Bloom said, impressed. "Um… town hall."
The book flipped open with ease to an article about the lengthy history, some about its importance, and how old it was. Bloom shook her head.
"No, um, try the town hall façade," The catalog began to glow bright before two books flew from the shelves to her and flipped open.
"Sweet, this is faster than an online search engine," Bloom said, impressed. "Hey, this is about the Great Dragon. Keeping that one!"
She grabbed hold of the book happily and read over the history of the façade and gasped once she found what she was looking for, " The façade of Magix's Town Hall features nymphs…the supreme fairies who ruled over the Magic Dimension during the eons before the Dragon's disappearance... Princess Daphne was one of the nine nymphs after a great sacrifice. Daphne! That's her name!"
"Searching for… Daphne!" The catalog said, causing many books to fly out from the shelves to Bloom. The girl looked up terrified at what was happening as more books flew off the shelf towards her. "Oh, crap."
As books kept flying from the shelves everyone looked over at Bloom frantically backing away from the melee.
"Ms. Barbatea!" Bloom called.
"This better be goo-," Barbatea said, looking up. She gasped once she saw what was going on. "Huh? What's going on?!" Soon she saw a golden gate to a secluded room beginning to shake aggressively. "Oh no, the rare books! The Golden Gate! Headmistress Faragonda!"
"God damn it, stop!" Bloom shouted.
The books increased in speed until they resembled a cyclone.
"Closeus," a voice said, echoing throughout the library causing the books to stop spinning around Bloom and fall to the ground. Bloom looked up to see Faragonda with a concerned look on her face. "Thank goodness I was here. What's with this disturbance?"
"Oh, thank God!" Bloom said, hugging the headmistress before quickly pulling back. "Um, sorry."
"Oh, It's okay, it's not your fault," Faragonda said, smiling.
Barbatea's eyes widened. "Not her- Faragonda, the Golden Gate was about to open. If something had happened to those books, I could never forgive myself. All those powerful texts were written by and for higher-ranked magi."
Faragonda slowly turned her head towards the woman, who nervously straightened up, before saying, "There's no cause for alarm. You all right, Bloom?"
"Yeah… yeah," Bloom said, breathing heavily. "I'm just going to take my one book and head back to… study it."
"You do so, sweetie," Faragonda said, patting her on the back.
Bloom walked past her towards the check-out computer while averting eye contact with everyone in the library.
Faragonda chuckled while picking up a book on the ground and reading the pages it landed on. She gasped then grabbed another one that had similar information.
"Princess Daphne?" she mumbled. "Last witches of the coven? Ms. Barbatea?"
"Uh, yes?" Barbatea said, collecting the rest of the books.
"Put the books back in the stacks and shut the library down."
Barbatea cocked her neck confused, "Excuse me?"
"Yes, and be quick about it," Faragonda said walking past her. She stopped, turning slowly towards the librarian. "That's not an issue, is it?"
"Ye- No, we're good," Barbatea said, nervously.
As Faragonda left the library and shut the door behind her, she said under her breath, "There are dark forces at play here."
…
Back in the dorms, the Winx girls sans Bloom were hanging out and talking in Musa and Tecna's room. The girls were busy calling Stella out on her negative behavior earlier in the quad. Stella averted eye contact, seeming to not think she did anything wrong or was putting up a façade.
"I don't understand, I didn't say anything wrong. I just made an innocent remark, that's all," Stella said with a shrug. "It's her issue for taking it wrong."
"Stella, what does 'innocent' mean to you?" Flora questioned, hands on her hips.
"Don't give me 'tude. It's just constructive criticism," Stella said, placing her hand up to Flora's face.
"That wasn't very nice," Flora scolded.
"Sorry, just being honest," Stella replied snidely.
"Stella, whatever you're going through you can tell us, but being mean isn't necessary," Musa said, flipping through the pages of a thick novel.
"Musa, keep quiet," Stella said, snapping her fingers to silence the girl. "Or I'll start talking about your obsession for Riven."
"Stella, knock it off," Tecna said while combing through the knots in her hair. "I'm gettin' real sick of yo' now."
"Tecna you just don't want me to talk about your friend Timmy," Stella teased. "You're just as obsessed."
Tecna's cheeks turned a bright pink before she shouted, "That is not true! He is a friend and nothin' else! I don't have to justify myself to yo'!"
"Oh of course not, I guess I don't fault you for liking the ugly one. It's not like you're searching for a man for his looks, just look at your fashion choices," Stella said, chuckling. Tecna clenched her fist. "But Musa, your fascination with Riven is both sad and pathetic," she chastised turning her attention back to Musa. "The bloke doesn't even look at you."
Flora's jaw dropped open at those comments, but she was too surprised to say anything. Tecna looked ready to clamp the Princess's mouth shut.
Musa took a deep breath to calm her nerves, but her smile didn't waver. "I would respect it if you just let me read my book."
"What? It's true," Stella said, with a shrug. "All I'm saying-"
"Hey, maybe you should stop saying stuff," Flora scolded.
"Let me finish," Stella said, snapping her fingers.
"Girl, what is yer major malfunction?" Tecna asked, annoyed.
"Look, all I'm saying is, Riven isn't interested in you and your little fascination with him is a fruitless journey," Stella defended with a smirk.
"You're my friend Stella and as friends, I would respect you if you stopped talking about it," Musa said, continuing to read her book, but secretly she could feel herself become tenser. "I really want to finish this chapter."
"Musa, just rid yourself of those pigtails, get some contacts, acquire some better garb, and don't forget proper make-up; the right mascara can do absolute wonders, even get Riven to call you."
Musa started humming to block out Stella's words. Her body started trembling as she focused on the page.
"Darling, if you'd seen the way Riven was drooling over Darcy, you would not like him so much," Stella said. "Honestly, he thinks she's cuter than you."
"I SAID DROP IT!" Musa shouted, her face fully red and her usual happy smile was gone. The scream was so powerful that it knocked Stella off her feet, and she toppled to the ground. The chipper girl quickly covered her mouth as everyone stared at her in shock. She removed her hand, her smile returning, but it was very strained. "I have to go!"
"Where yo' off to?" Tecna questioned.
"To talk to Riven!" Musa said, grabbing her jacket and racing out the room.
Tecna and Flora glared at Stella who stood there, looking ashamed after trash-talking everyone. She started feeling it once she upset someone as chipper as Musa. She hadn't realized the girl would get so upset by her words.
"Okay… I might've gotten out of hand," Stella admitted.
"STELLA!" Tecna and Flora snapped. "DOWNSTAIRS NOW!"
…
While Musa raced down the stairs, Bloom was making her way back to the dorms mumbling to herself. She had learned a bit about the mystery woman, but it was still a lot to take in.
"Now I know her name, Daphne," she said, mulling over the information. "But I still don't know why she was in my dream. Maybe she's secretly my mom."
Bloom chuckled, but then paused considering this as an option, then shook her head. "Nah, I have a mom."
As she debated in her head if this was true Musa came out of the building and raced towards the redhead, "Hey, what's up Musa? The weirdest thing just happened to me: I was in the library, and I was trying to use the search engine thing and all of a sudden- Everything okay?"
Bloom noticed the frantic look on the girl's face as she rushed past her and headed towards the bus stop.
"Can't talk, gotta go, that sounds nice!" Musa called over her shoulder.
Stella ran out of the building next and collided into Bloom full force. Bloom fell to the ground as the body slammed into hers then quickly stood back up, dizzily regaining her footing.
"I think you bruised my shoulder," Bloom groaned. "What's wrong now?"
"Bloom, darling I'm sorry!" Stella apologized. "I have been such a bitch, it's just a lot happening right now… swarming thoughts… my par… pair of shoes never came, and I'm very upset about it!"
"Mm-hm," Bloom said, seeing right through Stella's lie. She didn't want to call her out though as she saw the sincere look of guilt on the Princess's face. "It's all right Stella. I can be emotional sometimes, too."
"Oh, thank you," Stella said happily. "Now where's Musa?"
"She ran towards the bus stop," Bloom answered, pointing behind her. "Seems like she has something important on her mind."
"Oh dear, don't say that. Musa wait, I'm sorry!" Stella called as a bus pulled away from Alfea. "She's off to see Riven! He's going to hurt her! The next bleeding bus takes another hour and a half to arrive and I'm too frazzled to teleport there."
"I have another plan," Bloom said, placing her around Stella's shoulder.
…
The bus arrived at Magix an hour later and Musa walked off with one thing on her mind.
"Stella can be a… flipping snob sometimes," Musa said, throwing in a fake swear word. She quickly covered her mouth. "Oh fiddlesticks, she's making me so… not happy!"
A few people walking past her stared at her wondering why she was talking to herself. Musa took notice and quickly booked away from everybody.
"Flipping pancakes, now I'm talking out loud!" she said approaching a nearby café.
She could hear a witch say out loud, "You should have seen the look on his face, he was totally out of it."
Walking past a window, she caught a glimmer of someone familiar. She walked backward and looked through the window where she spotted Riven with Darcy! They were laughing and having a good time.
...
"Riven, you are a riot," Darcy said, chuckling. "And very handsome."
Riven grinned, "I try."
"Babe, oh, I can call you babe, can't I? Because I mean, you are the hottest guy at Red Fountain."
"You can call me anything you like," Riven said flirtatiously.
"You're sizzling. You've got brains, and you're so full of potential. You're incredibly talented and your talent shouldn't be wasted. With me as your partner you can get the fame and recognition you have always deserved," Darcy said, running her finger on Riven's hand.
"Go on," Riven said, leaning back in his chair.
"For us, all that matters is knowing that we can count on you. The rest will come all by itself. Which is why I want you as my right-hand man on destroying those little cretins of yours. You see, we don't like the little girls who call themselves, what was that stupid name you told me, "Winx"? Or those dogs that follow behind them. We agree on this, don't we? So join me and you won't regret it."
"I'm not sure," Riven said, scratching his head. "I don't like them, but-"
"Riven, come close to me," Darcy ordered, pulling the boy close to her face. She whispered something in his ear causing him to pull back groaning. It was a murmuring, barely audible, but something that she spent years learning. Her trick with spell had made an obedient puppet, but she needed someone who still acted normally when she cast the spell upon them. This spell that would put anyone under her control if she said it just right. She still needed practice and she held her breath as she waited to see the results of her spell.
She remembered Icy chastising her for trying new spells she barely knew, but she wanted to prove her wrong. "What do you say Riven?"
The pupils of Riven's eyes flashed magenta for a second.
"I belong to you, Darcy," Riven said mindlessly.
Darcy smirked, holding up her cup to which Riven clinked it. "Good boy."
…
"What are they saying?" Musa questioned looking from outside the window as the two sipped their drinks happily. "Sweet baby cheesecakes, speak louder!"
"Why it's one of the little fairies," Stormy said, walking towards Musa and resting her arm on the window.
"Oh… hey Stormy-" Musa said but was cut off by someone clearing their throat. She slowly turned to see Icy behind her.
"Well, it's the perky one," Icy said. "What do you think you're doing on witch territory?"
"Oh, you know… hanging around?" Musa said, resting her back on the window and nearly sliding to the floor before recovering quickly. "I should head back to Alfea now."
"Not so fast," Icy said, grabbing Musa's wrist. "Why are you spying on our friend?"
"Um… I wasn't spying," Musa lied. "Just taking a casual stroll in town and came across this café, so nice."
"Right, so is there a good reason you decided to spy on us?" Stormy accused.
"Isn't it obvious, she just has a stalker fascination with Riven. Oh, sorry you've got a crush on him, don't you?" Icy interrogated. "Riven's said a lot about you."
"Mostly how annoying you are," Stormy said, chuckling.
Musa pulled her wrist away and kept her smile as she tried to walk the other way until she was blocked by Stormy. She grabbed a strand of the chipper girl's hair. The fairy shook nervously.
"Nuh-uh, we aren't finished talking," she said, turning Musa back towards her ice witch coven sister.
"Please let me leave," Musa begged.
"You know, the other day Riven said that he thinks nothing of you!" Icy taunted with a smirk. "Absolutely nothing. He said you were like a bug, insignificant, and you know that's true, right? You're a mosquito. Useless, worthless, nothing by a sucker. You'll-"
A loud slap was heard, causing the nearby witches to gasp in horror. Some even covered their mouths. Icy covered her cheek in pain as Musa lowered her hand, breathing heavily. The slap was so hard it left an imprint of red fingers on the ice witch's cheek.
Her smile dropped to a frown until she frantically apologized, "I am so sorry, Icy! I didn't mean to hurt you!"
"Oh, you're going to pay," Icy said, growling slightly.
"Damn, I can even see the prints of her fingers. Does it hurt?" Stormy asked, touching her sister's cheek.
"No, it feels great," Icy said sarcastically while slapping the girl's hand away. "OF COURSE, IT HURTS YOU DUMBASS!"
"I think it really works for you," Musa said sincerely but took a step back when the ice witch snarled. "Not to be rude, but I did ask to... leave."
"You made a fatal mistake," Icy said in a terrifying whisper.
"Please, just let me leave and we forget everything happened," Musa begged, backing away.
"Not a chance," Icy said, snapping her fingers at a group of witches. "You, fetch the others. We need to teach this little Winx a lesson she'll never forget!"
"You should probably start running now," Stormy advised with a sinister smile.
"On it!" Musa said, racing off and leaving the signature Musa cloud.
"How did she-?" Stormy questioned. "Thoughts for later, come on let's get her!"
As the two coven sisters and other witches tailed Musa, a witch rushed into the café and shouted, "Guys, fairy hunt!"
A few witches in the café left the place and followed the other witches down the sidewalk. Lucy and Mirta were there, sipping smoothies, but once the witch with the angular chin heard about the hunt, she stood up.
"Lucy, where are you going? Stay with me. It's stupid to gang up on someone," Mirta begged, grabbing her friend's arm.
"This is my chance!" Lucy said, snatching her arm away before rushing out of the café behind the other witches.
Mirta took a long sip of her smoothie before mumbling under a breath, "Moron."
Riven stood up saying to Darcy, "Want to get in on this?"
"I'll be there in a minute, gotta finish my smoothie," Darcy said casually. "My sisters can take care of the fairy trash before I get there."
…
Back at Alfea, the rest of the Winx stood in the quad waiting for a special ride to get to Magix since the bus still hadn't arrived. Stella pounded her fist together nervously.
"I should bop yo' on the head for making sho't stack upset," Tecna told Stella, glaring at her. "I swear she almost cried!"
"I know, I'm awful," Stella said, with a hair flip. "Chide me later, we need to get to Musa!"
"I hope Riven isn't being too much of an ass towards her," Bloom said concerned.
"She wouldn't be there if someone hadn't upset her," Tecna said, keeping her glare on Stella.
"Yes, well," the Princess said, avoiding eye contact. Once she noticed everyone glaring at her she held her head down. "I just… I haven't been feeling well lately, those pairs of shoes mean the world to me."
Still, sticking to that story? Bloom thought with an eye roll.
"You should tell Musa that," Flora advised. "How are we getting there exactly, because, like, the bus still has some time before getting here."
"Stella called Sky," Bloom answered.
Stella nodded. "Also, when the boys get here, play it cool."
"Why?" Tecna questioned.
"Because she doesn't want Sky to know what actually happened," Bloom replied, elbowing the Princess on the hip with a twinge of annoyance at her friend's behavior so far.
Stella kept her head down as an airship came floating down the road, it was the Red Fountain boys making their way towards the Winx. It floated down a minute later and Sky, Brandon, and Timmy exited it with their weapons drawn.
"Okay, where's the monster?!" Brandon asked, swinging his sword.
"You told them there was a monster?" Bloom questioned Stella through clenched teeth.
"That was the only way they would come," Stella replied through clenched teeth as well.
Timmy, who heard them, pinched the bridge of his nose, "So, you just called us because… this must be important if you took us from our studies!"
"Long story short, Stella pissed off Musa and we gotta go find her so she can apologize for puttin' her foot in her mouth," Tecna explained, elbowing Stella in the hip. The girl rubbed her hip but kept quiet simply groaning in regret. "Also Riven ain't with yo'?"
"Riven?" Sky said, disgusted. "After what happened at the Rose Ball, he's outta the group."
"He decided to join another squad of Specialists, which is fine by us," Timmy said. "He always fiddled with my beakers."
"Yes, beakers, great, we need to go!" Stella shouted, racing onto the airship.
"So, we just… okay," Timmy relented, following behind her.
Sky and the others entered the airship as Brandon said to Bloom, "Just a reminder she was like this when we knew her."
"I wholeheartedly believe that," Bloom said shaking her head.
…
"Get her!" a tan witch called while she and a group of witches chased her down the street.
"I said I was sorry!" Musa exclaimed, continuing to run.
The witches cackled as they started launching fireballs at her feet and one snidely said, "Dance, Freshman!"
Musa picked up her pace to avoid the fiery attacks at her shoes. She regretted deciding to come down to Magix to even try to talk to Riven as she said, "Sweet baby cheesecake, why did I tee them off!"
She turned a corner and nearly toppled into Riven. The boy leered at her with his arms crossed.
"Riven, you have to help me!" Musa begged.
Riven placed his finger on her head while saying in a deeming tone, "Sorry pipsqueak, you're not worth my time."
Musa swatted away his hand before and ran off. For the first time in a long while, she angrily shouted over her shoulder, "You're a two-faced player! Stella was right!"
The witches made it around the corner and Riven causally pointed down the road before stepping aside to allow the girls to continue their pursuit after the chipper fairy. As Musa kept on her feet, the Specialists and Winx made their way through Magix and used a front-facing camera on the airship to spot Musa. They found her running for her life.
"There she is. There's a big group of witches after her!" Brandon said.
The girls gasped.
"Timmy, speed it up!" Brandon said frantically.
Timmy gunned it as Musa reached a dead-end much to her dismay. She panted heavily as the other witches had her trapped. Her smile has changed to a frantic frown once she noticed she was at a dead end. She looked around unsure of how to escape as the witches made their way to her.
"Oh fiddlesticks," Musa swore in her own weird way.
"Sucks, those are going to be your last words," Icy said.
Musa took a deep breath as she remembered how strong she was. She may have been scared and kind of sad, but she wasn't someone who backed out of a fight against those who are evil. In a flash, she transformed into her fairy battle outfit and took a stance. She pulled off her headphones ready to use them like a boomerang.
"I'm ready!"
"Oh, going to fight, are you?" asked Icy, slowly advancing on the cornered girl. "Tell you what, if you get on your knees and beg, and I mean really beg, I might just not have your face pounded into a paste. How does that sound?"
"Sounds like you're a big chicken!" Musa taunted with a sly smile. "Come at me, chicken!"
"I hate her, I hate her," Icy said, clenching her fist, slightly offended. She couldn't figure out how this tiny girl was getting such rage out of her.
"You may be cocky now, but no spell can help you. It's like they say on the last page of every fairy tale: the end!" Stormy said, holding out her hands as the thunder started materializing around them.
Musa casually stuck her tongue out at the witch, angering the weather witch just as much as her ice sister.
"You realize the bad guy loses in those, right?" Musa reminded the cocky girl. "And I'll end up with a handsome prince!"
"Okay I hate her now too," Stormy agreed.
Just as Icy was ready to command the witches to use all their powers against Musa, the Winx all floated down to her, fully transformed and the specialists landed their airship nearby and came out, weapons drawn and at the ready.
"Oh, thank goodness you're here," Musa said happily.
"We're not missing out on this party," Bloom said, patting her friend on the back. "Now, you witches ready to fight?"
"Don't leave me out of this," Riven said, making his way through the group, weapon in hand. "Now, who's ready to fight me first?"
Brandon screamed before charging at Riven, sword at the ready. Sky attempted to stop him, but the blond wasn't listening. Without hesitation, Brandon's glowing swords met with Riven's, and that battle began.
"I- Okay," Sky said, shaking his head.
"You made a big mistake, squire boy," Riven said laughing.
"We'll see about that!" Brandon said, kicking Riven in the stomach and then making contact with his sword again.
As they battled, the other witches charged after the Winx and other specialists, Sky raised his sword and slammed it into the ground, forming a green shield that blocked the witches from making contact with them. The witches backed up nervously as the field seemed to be electrified.
"No fair!" a pale witch exclaimed. She was ready to attack until she and the other witches heard growling.
Icy and Stormy seethed before raising their hands and calling magic to their palms. Icy formed energy. Stormy shot lightning and formed a cloud above them. A chilling polar wind blew across the plaza. Some witches eyed the two nervously, they seemed to know what was about to happen.
"I have been assaulted, insulted, and now I'm dealing with this bullshit?" Icy said, a slight growl to her tone. "Not anymore, not today!"
Icy began to levitate and aimed her glowing energy towards Timmy who froze in shock and without hesitation, she shot out a bright blue glow that nearly hit the boy, who covered himself in fear.
He was taken aback when Tecna slammed into his body taking full damage from the blast. She rolled onto the ground unconscious. Timmy held her, shaking her awake, but it was no use.
"Oh, come on, not now," Timmy begged, shaking the girl. "Wake up!"
"And that is just a taste of true magic I wield. If you think I'm bullshitting: Black ice!" Icy said, cackling.
She then sent another blast to the ground towards Tecna and Timmy causing icy spikes to burst up through the pavement and crept towards the two, freezing the lower half of their bodies to the ground making it hard for them to move.
"Aw, two geeks stuck together," Icy mocked.
"Fo- fo- you got to be kidding me!" Timmy shouted, unable to stand up.
"This is for my friend," Stella shouted, holding her staff, and sending a bright energy blast towards Icy, who swiftly dodged it with ease.
"My turn!" Stormy said sending a strong storm of wind and lightning towards Stella that sent her flying back into a wall.
Stella crawled behind a car to avoid them, but Stormy kept aiming lighting blasts toward her. With each blast, Stella could feel the cars trapping her ready to crush her.
"Were you going to leave me out of this?" Darcy called, arriving in the crowd.
"Get up here!" Icy said eagerly. "We're winning!"
"I already know who to go after," Darcy said, running after Musa. The chipper fairy tried to go after Stella to help her, but Darcy appeared before her in a quick flash. "Want to see something cool?"
"Um… maybe," Musa said, trembling.
"Clone Attack!" Darcy shouted. In an instance, eight Darcy's surrounded Musa on the ground in a circle. "Now me, myself, and I are gonna finish you off!"
Musa's head began to spin, unsure of who the real Darcy was, but as the witch was laughing at her trick, a boomerang came flying by, causing the copies of Darcy to disintegrate and the real one to fall to the ground in a daze.
"You're welcome!" Sky called, catching the boomerang, and forming it back into a sword.
The other witches surrounded Sky and began to form balls of energy with which they bombarded the prince, sending him flying back and sliding across the concrete ground.
"I'm okay," Sky said, rubbing his head. "Not the worst hit I've dealt with."
"Thanks for the assistance, you're the best!" Musa said, shielding him from the witches. "Now it's my turn!"
"I got them; you go get Stella!" Sky commanded, standing back up quickly.
Bloom, who had nervously stood by unsure what to do, grew angrier as she saw her friends in peril. She turned her attention to Stormy who smirked her way.
"Voltage Slap!" Stormy shouted, sending a blast of lighting towards Bloom. The blue-dressed fairy dodged out the way only for Flora to get hit.
Flora let out a pained scream before falling to the ground, letting out a faint, "Again?"
"Ooo, sorry Flora," Bloom apologized. She glared at the cackling weather witch and calmly raised her hand while shouting, "FLAME SPHERE!"
Stormy's eyes widened before she quickly dodged the fireball. She sent a lightning bolt towards Bloom, but the girl did a backflip in the air, dodging the attack.
"You want a piece of me?" Bloom shouted, rushing towards Stormy. "YOU GOT IT!"
She threw a punch at Stormy, knocking into her nose and sending the girl's head to the side. The weather witch relocated her nose before saying, "I've been wanting to do this since we met."
With that said she hit Bloom in the jaw and then gut. The redhead growled and the two began sparring in the melee.
As the two kept fighting, Timmy looked down at the unconscious Tecna and said, "I sh- sh- should've d- d- dodged, I am so- sorry! Guess we're both guilty of that."
Tecna groaned.
"Yeah, agreed," Timmy said with a nod. He angrily pulled out his gun and shot a stunning beam at Icy's arm, delaying her from hitting any of the group with ice attacks. "You had it coming!"
"Don't worry I'll deal with you in a moment," Icy said with a sneer.
"Stella, I'm here," Musa called, sending a sonic wave towards Stormy's attack, but as she looked away briefly, the storm witch smirked and sent a lightning blast at Musa's back, toppling her to the ground. Stella was lucky enough to sneak off, but sadly had to keep protecting Timmy and Tecna.
"Damn I'm good!" Stormy said arrogantly.
Darcy took notice of her chance at Musa and floated over to her while cackling loudly.
"Musa!" Bloom called before clenching her fist. "I'm going to kill you."
As she prepared another attack, she spotted Darcy levitating above Musa and using her magic to turn on nearby cars and lift them into the air. Her evil laugh grew louder and more sinister as each car stacked atop the other. They were all aimed at one person: Musa.
"I'll make sure it's slow and painful!" Darcy shouted. "The perfect death!"
Musa whimpered, unable to stand back up.
"No," Bloom said.
"I'm enjoying this," Icy said, sending ice shards towards Tecna and Timmy which were thankfully deflected by Stella who was able to sneak away when Musa was hit.
"Stay away from my mates!" Stella shouted.
As the cars piled up more and more, Bloom flew over but was blocked by Stormy.
"Not today, ginger," she said with a sickening leer. "I wonder what the obituary will say? 'Annoying fairy found crushed to death?' I like it."
"Get out of my way!" Bloom demanded. She looked from Stormy to Brandon and Riven sword fighting, to Stella deflecting ice shards, to Flora still unconscious, and back to Musa unable to move.
She frantically thought, There's too much going on at once!
She clenched both sides of her hair and felt her body getting warmer with rage.
"Move, now!"
Release that energy you've been holding in! The comforting voice encouraged her.
"Or what?" Stormy taunted, but when she noticed the small flames coming from Bloom's arms, she floated a few inches back. "Um… Icy. The ginger bitch is starting to burn."
Icy looked over and saw the fiery bright glow surrounding Bloom as the girl grew angrier and angrier.
"Could she be?" Icy pondered, floating towards the group while retrieving her small, separated whispering crystal from her pocket. After a second the crystal flashed towards Bloom. She gasped. "You're-"
DO IT NOW!
"I. SAID. MOVE!" Bloom shouted, unleashing her power causing an overwhelming bright light. Energy exploded from her palms and surged forward towards Icy and Stormy sending them flying back.
Her blasts melted the ice around Timmy and Tecna, shattered nearby windows, and even sent some girls flying back. She screamed as the fire that was once slowly burning her chest raged like a forest fire.
GO, BLOOM, AND RELEASE YOUR ENERGY!
She then turned her attention towards Darcy and stopped the cars from falling onto Musa, sending them back into a wall of an abandoned building. The bright light caused everyone to shield their eyes.
Darcy floated back nervously.
"LEAVE US ALONE!" Bloom shouted one last time in an unnatural echoing voice that unnerved everyone around her.
The witches all ran off along with Riven, leaving the Winx and Specialists behind unsure of what to do next.
"Whoa, I've never seen this before!" Brandon noted looking over the woman he secretly adored. "It's amazing!"
"We have to bring her down!" Stella said. "But how?"
Just as she said that Bloom's eyes rolled into the back of her head and the light around her dimmed. She let out an exhausted sigh before falling from the sky.
Brandon held out his arms while saying, "I got her. I got her." As Bloom kept falling, the squire boy caught her with ease.
Bloom transformed back to her civilian clothes and said, "Why do I feel like I turned Super Saiyan?"
"Oh, I know that reference," Brandon said, chuckling. "Are you okay though?"
"Yeah, just need to rest… for a minute," Bloom said, catching her breath. She felt like an extinguished fire, but it hadn't gone out just yet. "You have really soft hands."
Brandon smiled softly.
Get some rest… you earned it.
…
The ship flew back to Alfea as the group tried to figure out what in the world they just had to deal with and saw from Bloom. It was mostly silent.
Brandon walked over to Bloom with a can of energy drink. "Here have some Omega. It'll bring you back to yourself."
Even though she wanted to calm down, not feel energized, Bloom drank the brew, and her energy was rejuvenated. "Thanks, dude."
You're stronger than you thought you were. The voice complimented.
Next time, can you just tell me that? Bloom responded back mentally.
"Are you okay?" Brandon asked. placing a hand on the girl's back. It brought her back to reality and the boy's kindness made her feel better.
"Away from the pounding headache, I'm fine," Bloom answered.
"Good, so, you want to explain to me why you went, as you put it, Super Saiyan?" Brandon asked.
"Yeah, what was that back there?" Stella questioned. "You scared us; it was awesome but still."
"You're asking the wrong person, I barely remember anything," Bloom said, brushing some stray hairs behind her ear.
"You don't remember shouting," Sky said, before standing up and shouting. "LEAVE US ALONE!"
He then tumbled to the ground as she had. The gang chuckled much to Bloom's embarrassment and blushing.
"Thank you for that," she grumbled. "I don't understand it, I really don't, I'm still trying to figure other things out."
"So, yer not sure how in the seven sectors of omega yo' were able to defeat three witches?!" Tecna questioned shocked. "This girl is nuttier than a nut bar and I love it!"
"Thanks, Tecna," Bloom said, chuckling. "You doing, okay?"
"Why I'm doin' fine," Tecna replied nonchalantly. "My cowboy made sure to protect me and keep his eye on me."
She slapped Timmy on the back, nearly knocking him into his wheel. "It was nothing, really."
"This why we friends," Tecna said. "Yo' got gumption and I love it!" Tecna ruffled the boy's hair with a wide, gap-tooth grin. "I's could just kiss ya!"
"Oh my God," Bloom said, chuckling. "Should I-"
"Let her have this one," Brandon replied laughing as well.
Timmy's cheeks turned red as Tecna chuckled. He averted eye contact with the country girl, but then said aloud, "I will never forget this day."
The gang laughed.
Tecna then stood up and walked over to Musa who was happily humming to herself. "How yo' doin' sho't stack?"
"Huh, oh well I'm down in the dumps a little and bruised, but I learned a lesson today," Musa said. "I've lost all interest in Riven. I saw him in action today and I think he's lost every bit of charm he ever possessed. One thing's for sure, I don't ever want to see him again. He's become a real jerk. Is that okay to say?"
"Please, I'm thinking of worse names to call him, you're good," Sky excused.
"I knew you liked him," Stella teased Musa, chuckling. Sky walked over to her and covered her mouth.
"Excuse my lady, she keeps putting her foot in her mouth," he said calmly. "And she won't do that right now to a sweet summer child."
Stella rolled her eyes then nodded. Sky removed his hand once he felt the Princess's tongue go across it. "Gross."
"Wash your hands next time," Stella jested. "Although Bloom, you and Brandon-"
"I will tape your mouth shut," Sky half-threatened with a sly smile.
"Pass me the roll," Bloom said, holding out her hand.
"Hey, I'm doing a little jesting," Stella defended putting her hands up. "Sorry I've been a right ol' bitch today."
"You're forgiven," Musa said, hugging the Princess tightly. She then somberly added, "Sorry if my hug wasn't as warm, I've just never felt this type of heartbreak, only when…"
"It's okay, come here," Flora said, hugging Musa.
"So, we're all in agreement, Riven's an ass?" Bloom said, raising her hand.
"Agreed," everyone said, following suit.
"You know-" Stella started, but stopped once Sky searched for a roll of tape. "Uh, um, yes, right. I think I'd better shut up now."
Everyone laughed as the airship continued floating towards Alfea.
…
Icy, Darcy, and Stormy exited the Magix bus and made their way towards the entrance of Cloud Tower.
Darcy groaned, "You think we should've cleaned up that mess back there?"
"Not our problem," Icy said. "We're not the ones who turned into banshees."
"I think I broke my nails," Stormy complained, staring at her left hand. "And that ginger bitch kind of dislocated my shoulder."
"I never even got to say goodbye to Riven," Darcy said, causing her sisters to stop walking and stare at her with the same judging look. The mind witch shrugged. "What, we are dating? Shut up!"
"Anyways, I can't believe we were defeated by a Freshman. I hope it doesn't ruin our rep." Stormy said, resting her arms behind her back as if she was laying down.
"It doesn't matter. We know who has the Dragon Flame," Icy said, nonchalantly. "Our search is complete. Now we just have to catch it."
"You think she knows?" Darcy questioned.
"Not a chance," Icy answered. "Her ignorance will make it easier to steal her power."
"Yes, we're going to rule everything and everyone," Stormy said, high-fiving her sisters one by one. "Now let's rest, I'm exhausted."
"Agreed," Icy said as they made their way towards the stairs.
…
"I sense a disturbance," Griselda said, lowering her teacup. "Some girls have done something… wrong."
Faragonda chuckled, wiping her mouth of crumbs with a handkerchief. "Jeanie, calm down, nothing bad has happened… yet."
"Yet?" Griselda questioned, offended. She placed her cup down and stood up. "I am leaving, teatime is over!"
"Aww, I still had cookies left over," Faragonda frowned, before smiling as Griselda left. "Have a good night, Jeanie."
As Griselda stormed out Barbatea entered, giving a light knock on the door.
"Come in," Faragonda said, ushering the woman in.
"I just wanted you to know that I finished reorganizing the library," the librarian said, calmly. "Any books dealing with the nymphs or town hall are all in the Golden Gate."
"Thank you," Faragonda said.
"If there's nothing else, may I-" Barbatea said about to leave before Faragonda cleared her throat to speak.
"Actually, there is one more thing: should Bloom ever try to find out about Daphne the Nymph or the last coven of witches, we must deny her access to any information for the time being. Is that clear?"
"Um… why?" Barbatea said.
"Excuse me?" Faragonda questioned, mildly annoyed.
"Nothing," Barbatea said before quickly leaving the room, and closing the door behind her.
The elderly fairy looked down at her desk, adjusting the papers before letting out a somber sigh. "I'm sorry, dear Bloom, but books aren't going to help you… discover who you might be."
…
A/N:
End
Thanks for reading. See you in a month! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, noticed errors that I can fix, or just to say hello comment down below and also tell me what you think! Like and follow this story for a more action-packed adventure with The Winx Club! Have a great day!