Winx Club A Different Way AU: A Dragon Awakens

by RayeWonderland

Bloom, a teen girl from Earth discovers she has magical abilities and enrolls in the Alfea College for Fairies. Along with her newfound friend Stella, a fairy princess, Bloom meets her other flatmates Flora, Musa, and Tecna. Together, they form the Winx Club and fight off the wicked Trix! This is a rewrite and I don't own anything from the Winx Club franchise.

16. Chapter 16: Secrets Revealed

Summary:

Fall break lead to a large secret being revealed to Bloom, she's not her parents biological child and while this gives a better explanation to her magical powers, it leads her with many more questions and concerns about herself. Will researching deeper into what she could be lead to what she was looking for or a worse outcome?

A/N: Welcome back lovelies,

I know there hasn't been many updates to this story wise in the last few months. I actually feel really guilty making empty promises about when a chapter was going to be posted just for ya'll to see nothing and for me to do nothing. A lot has been going on sadly.

Moving to a new state, mental health issues, money issues, and internet troubles along with a lack of motivation sometimes. That's what has been going on lately in my life. I should be writing, I really should, but so much has been going on with the move especially.

I want to explain a little more though:

1. Got in a car accident in my mom's car, but luckily, we're okay and the damage was fixed quickly thanks to a family friend.

2. I'm moving with my family to a new state because one of them got a new job offer. I'm really excited, tbh, living where I'm at has been so uneventful (except writing this story of course). Like dude, I should be living it up... well living it up as an introverted adhd person can live it up, but still!

3. Money has been tight, especially with the move, but it's all worth it in the end since my mom found a new place in New York! I'm so excited!

4. Internet connection issues have been a bother since I'm staying with someone while my mom and family get settled in New York and also just trying to be better online has been a factor. I'm getting better though, thankfully.

5. Lack of motivation, chalk this up to the move, the car accident, the covid I had in the past and the new mental health medicine I'm on. Everything seems to be leveling out, but I'll just have to see where the road takes me and hopefully will start chapter 17 (at least that one) sometime next week. I want to start before I officially leave for New York.

Sorry I'm laying all of this on you guys, I just feel like you needed to know. The most important thing is though that the story hasn't ended! There's no conclusion, I'm not giving up, I'm not backing down, and I will keep writing because I want to, and I have a lot of ideas I want to explore for Winx club. I've been learning as well, that while not everyone will understand every change I make in the story, what matters is what I think and if I like it and I do like writing this story.

It's just hard sometimes, because I work alone on this nowadays, which sucks to say the least, producing new ideas, fleshing out those ideas and all that isn't easy, but it's worth it :) It's worth it because I can smile and realize I wrote this. I do have a beta though and she's great! Paranoidgirl, thanks for the help dude or dudette!

Okay enough about my woes, back to the story! I can promise that depending on how my brain works, chapters 17 through 30 will be written at my own pace. IDK, because I had an original chapter idea but scrapped it so that made me upset, but I'm still figuring out how to write a lot of these out, so let's just say... expect them every month (or if we're lucky every two weeks lol). I love this story enough to start writing soon, plus hey it's new year after all! So, yeah expect them soon. Lol.

Thanks for being patient with me guys, I really appreciate it and you guys rock, you're my world! So keep being you and I hope you enjoy this new chapter with Bloom continuing her quest of figuring out who she is. Also I'm still working on making her more goth lol and the others I want to give more a voice to than they had in the show. I do still love the show though and can't wait for the new season! Whenever that is.

Without further ado,

Chapter 16: Secrets Revealed

Autumn leaves fell from the sky, signaling the change in season. It was Mirta's favorite time of year, giving her time to collect leaves for her collection. She was ridiculed for it, but she didn't care, it always made her happy to see them. She always found Cloud Tower's look a bit too drab and adding a little color, whether it be a leaf or twig to her wall always made her feel at home.

As she admired the current orange-brown leaf she had picked outside before class, she was called to the front by Zarathustra, the teacher of Mayhem and Manipulation who was getting students ready for exams.

"Since you're so distracted with little leaves, I decided you'd be the best student to ask: In your own words, describe spiritual imprinting."

"Oh um…" Mirta started hesitatingly. "Spiritual imprinting… let's see… it's when… I mean it's one of the most important aspects of transforming. Since when you transform you like, you're not the same person– I mean a thing. For example, turning into a bug, obviously, I'd have to shrink my brain to fit the creature, but that would like… um…"

Mirta paused looking around nervously as the teacher tapped her finger on the desk impatiently. Her sight landed on her somber friend Lucy who tapped her head while mouthing, "Brainpower."

"Brainpower!" Mirta realized. "If I made my brain the same as a bug I wouldn't remember to turn back because bugs aren't really smart. It wouldn't have the same brain as me. So to avoid that one uses spiritual imprinting where one's thoughts, memories, and the like are... well, are 'imprinted' into my aura so I remember who I am. The less brain the transformation leaves you with… the more needs to be imprinted, and then the aura…"

She paused, quickly recovering, and adding, "Well, it kinda works like a backup brain until you transform back and reabsorb the imprinted information," she finished. A couple of seconds passed before she said: "And it's also the most important defense one has against hostile transformations, like being turned against your will since if you can't resist the transformation, imprinting gives you a way to possibly change back without help and remember who you are."

After a moment's pause, Zarathustra said, "That was a well-thought-out answer… after help from another student, but I'd work on sounding less hesitant, a good witch needs to be confident."

"She's always like that, I'd be surprised if she could actually recite a spell," a girl with blonde hair taunted. A few girls sitting next to her laughed causing Mirta to blush.

"Shut up, Lunilla," Lucy defended.

"Oh sorry, Miss Magix, I shouldn't insult the Princess's subject," Lunilla said giggling. "You didn't bring your crown today what gives? Oh wait, you got laughed off the stage."

Lucy clenched her fist as students started laughing. The green-haired girl held her head down, her face turning red in anger.

"She's so fucking ugly!" Lunilla taunted cackling.

Mirta tried to say something but pulled back, nervous to speak up. Lucy was ready to strike the blonde witch with a powerful blast, but restrained herself and kept writing in her notebook.

Zarathustra groaned before standing up and slamming her fist on the desk. "SILENCE! Lunilla, I told you to knock it off! Front desk. Now!"

"Worth it," Lunilla said with a smirk as she stood up. Mirta took her seat next to Lucy and gave her a supportive smile, but Lucy averted eye contact with her friend still looking angry.

"It's not fair that they're picking on you," the magenta-haired witch comforted.

"It's not like this is a new thing for me, Mirts," Lucy replied. "Just leave it alone."

"Yeah but-"

Lucy dropped her pencil, annoyed. "I said drop it."

Mirta frowned with a nod.

…

At Alfea, exams were being administered to those students as well, but it was a little different from answering questions. The exam was incredibly intimidating for Bloom. Being a girl from Earth, she'd never done anything remotely close to this.

She gulped as she watched the girl before her, Judith, pass but only just barely. If she barely passed, was there any hope for her? Faragonda motioned toward her, making Bloom jolt forward into the starting position.

She watched as a rose floated away in a secure, magical bubble. The objective of this exam was to fly through the obstacle course and retrieve the rose without being hit by any traps. Easy. Although it took fifteen minutes to just transform so things weren't going well so far.

Bloom waited and watched DuFour signal the start of the exam and she flew off. The first part of the obstacle involved flying around magical barriers. Barriers that if touched, would electrify the person, sending them to the infirmary for at least a couple of days. How the hell was this even legal?!

Bloom was still having trouble maintaining her flying, but she tried as best as she could to stay above the ground. She quickly snatched the rose and quickly flew through three barriers avoiding every obstacle without a hair falling out of place.

The end of the challenge was growing closer and as her eyes focused on the end of the podium where the rose would go, she was nearly met with a bright electrifying barrier. She froze in shock and cradled the rose like it was Kiko.

"Holy guacamole, that was close!" Musa said, covering her eyes nervously.

"Almost there, Bloom," DuFour reassured, putting down her hand to show she had summoned most of the traps for the exam.

"Christ not today," Bloom grumbled, flying under the electrifying field, and finally finished at the stand for where the flower was to be placed. "Done."

With that done everyone cheered, causing Bloom, while still frustrated, to smile. DuFour whistled to silence the class before saying, "Settle down, girls. Excellent performance, Bloom. Return to your seat. Next please."

"You did so great," Musa said, hugging Bloom.

Bloom patted her arm. "Yeah, ever since I've gotten back, I've had such an energy boost."

"Well yo' was drained back on Earth," Tecna explained. "It's basically like rechargin' a phone with a Windrider battery charger."

"Yeah, I guess," Bloom said, sighing as the next student stepped up for the assignment.

"You doing okay with… you know everything going on?" Flora whispered, warily. She placed a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Eh, hanging in there," Bloom reassured with a shrug. "Oh by the way I won't be joining you guys for dinner tonight. I have plans."

"Wait a sec, yo' have plans with someone other than us?" Tecna asked, surprised. "Yo' ain't gettin' sick of us are ya?"

Tecna playfully elbowed the girl, which actually hurt with how sharp the jab was. Bloom chuckled though.

"Nah, just a friend invited me to hang out," she explained, trying to keep the rest secret.

"Who?" Flora asked.

Bloom coughed out the word, "Brandon."

The others slid closer to her while saying, "Who?"

"Brandon invited me for ice cream as friends, so shut the hell up because it's not a date," Bloom quickly answered. She looked around checking for her bestie who had left for a bathroom break. "Don't tell Stella."

She quickly heard a ping sound. Her eyes widened in fear. She looked over at Tecna, but the girl's hands were absent from either one of her phones. She pointed to Musa with a smile. The blue-haired girl had an eager grin on her face as she stared at Bloom with her phone and her finger eagerly on the send button.

"You didn't?" Bloom said, glaring at the girl.

"Well, I mean, it's not like she'll appear out of nowhere," Musa said, with a mischievous smile.

Unfortunately, those words proved to be wrong as in a flash Stella appeared in the classroom holding her staff. The other students took notice of her, along with DuFour nearly ruining the exam.

"You have a date with Brandon!" Stella cheered with a frantic smile.

"God damn it!" Bloom complained, burying her head in her hands.

"Did yo' wash yer hands?" Tecna asked, disgusted.

…

In the afternoon, Bloom and Brandon sat outside an ice cream parlor as his dog, Lady, lay sprawled out on the ground. Bloom had chocolate ice cream while Brandon ate cookie dough with sprinkles. Stella was so eager to help Bloom prepare for her 'date' which annoyed the redhead, but the bothersome Princess was away from her mind when she was with Brandon.

The two were growing to enjoy each other's company.

"You should've brought Kiko. Against popular belief, Lady loves cats," Brandon said, patting the dog's head. "Not as food or anything!"

"Thanks, but Kiko has trouble around other animals. He likes to keep to himself," Bloom replied, taking a small bite from her chocolate sundae. "I don't know why Lady isn't your dog though, she loves you."

"Well, Sky got the dog as a gift from his father. Wouldn't be right to just give it away," the blond squire answered, patting the dog on the head. The dog started panting with a smile as the young man gave her attention. "She's a lovable doggo though."

"Makes sense," Bloom said. She held her head down and scooped out another spoonful of ice cream. After eating a scoop of the frozen treat, she put her spoon down and sighed.

"Bloom," Brandon said, noticing something was wrong. "Is everything okay? You look rather forlorn. You usually look annoyed, but not so sad. What troubles you?"

"Well there's been a lot on my mind," Bloom said furrowing her brows. She paused for a second mulling over if she should reveal her big secret to him. How would he handle it? She didn't want him to judge her, but at the same time, maybe he was the right person to tell.

"I understand if you don't want to talk about it, but I am here for you," Brandon said, placing his hand on top of hers. He sounded so sincere as he talked to her. It didn't feel like she was talking to some stranger anymore.

Bloom took another scoop of ice cream, gulped, and said slowly, "I… I… I found out I'm adopted during break."

"Oh… are you okay, love?" Brandon asked softly. "I can't believe they kept such a huge secret from you." Bloom frowned at that response. Brandon sat up straight realizing what he said. "I mean I doubt they're bad people… Not that I'm implying they are. I imagine it wasn't great though, the whole adoption reveal."

"Doesn't really feel good, no," Bloom said. "I'm glad we could hang out, but I've been mentally drained from this. Thinking about who or what I am now. That the people I've known for sixteen years of my life aren't… who I thought they were. They're my parents and they love me, but like they lied to me and like, who is Daphne to me then? Is she, my mom? Why would she just give me away the way she did? Finding this out makes things so much more… it's just… I can barely control my powers and now this? It's all so frustrating."

"I mean they are awesome if that helps," Brandon complimented. "When you went, as you said, Super Saiyan, I could almost see the energy radiating off of you! It was a flaming star. You may still need work, I wouldn't know, but for what you've shown so far, it's pretty amazing."

Bloom smiled softly.

"Thanks. It's just that I feel so insecure. I hate even admitting that, I hate being worried like this! There are so many questions I have now," she said. "Who is Daphne? How did I get my powers? What am I? Why did I have to find out now? Did my real parents want me? The only thing I feel sure of right now are my friends like… you."

"You mean… you trust me?" Brandon asked, surprised.

"Yeah… that's why I told you. I trust you, Brandon. You're my… friend," Bloom said, staring at the squire boy with a sincere look.

Brandon's eyes widened as he leaned back in his chair far enough that he fell to the ground. Bloom and a few patrons at the parlor looked down at him alarmed. Brandon stared at the sky unsure of what just happened, but after a second passed, he groaned blushing.

"Bloody dragon," Brandon grumbled.

"You good?" Bloom asked.

"I am!" Brandon said, springing back up and wiping the dirt off his clothes. He sat the chair back up while the somber girl stared at him confused. "Damn these weak chairs. You see there used to be a mechanic in the chair where you could lean back real far, but they removed… it and…um…" Brandon stuttered his way through his excuse, but Bloom simply chuckled. The young man kept blushing with a smile as he sat back down. "My apologies, back to the other subject, I really am glad I'm someone you can trust, and I can give you a hand as much as I can."

"Well, did you ever ask Timmy about what I told you?" Bloom asked, hopeful.

"I did actually," Brandon replied, causing Bloom to lean closer with anticipation. "Sadly, he didn't give any answers. Sorry again, he's gone through all the relevant books in Red Fountain. So far, lots of guesswork, no answers. Chap says there's little data to go on."

"Yeah, the same thing happened when me and my friends scoured the Alfea and Magix library," Bloom groaned. "Daphne hasn't been of much help, just more ominous dreams. It would help if she cut the bullshit and told me clear answers instead of incomprehensible mumbo jumbo. She wants me to find her, fair enough, but where the hell is she? What does she want from me? Why is she golden?!"

"Just eat your ice cream, it'll calm you down," Brandon advised, moving the bowl of chocolate ice cream towards the girl.

Bloom took another large spoonful of ice cream into her mouth and grumbled. "I just hope this isn't a pointless journey. I have to find out who and what I am and what this mystical ghost woman means to me."

"Hmm, there must be somewhere we can go," the blond squire said, rubbing his chin. "I'm sure we're just missing some piece of info to make this puzzle make sense."

After a second, the two each snapped their fingers and jointly said, "CLOUD TOWER!"

A few patrons stared over at them, but they were too focused on their joint idea to notice.

"There's no way they're going to let me in though, not after what happened last time," Bloom realized, snapping her fingers in anger. "If only I could have access to their archives."

"I know a guy," Brandon said with a wink. "Give me a few hours and we can head out there soon."

"Like a stealth mission?"

"Exactly," Brandon said, taking a bite from his cookie dough ice cream with a smile on his face. "You still trust me, right?"

"I do."

"Then it's a date," Brandon said before quickly blushing and correcting himself. "Stealth mission!"

Bloom chuckled but said warily, "It's going to be risky."

"Hey, what are friends for?" Brandon replied, still smiling.

Bloom held her head down, covering half of her face with her hair while blushing shyly. She took a scoop of ice cream from his bowl causing the boy to feign annoyance, but the two laughed after that. This was the closest she had ever gotten with a boy in a while, and she was starting to like it.

…

Later in the evening at Cloud Tower, Brandon sat in his flat with Sky. Brandon was waiting for Timmy, who hadn't arrived back from dinner yet and Riven, who was unable to move rooms due to the move date passing, was in his single room with the door closed. The dorms consisted of three rooms, Brandon and Sky shared one, Timmy was able to request a solo due to allergies and Riven got the same due to lying about allergies.

"She said she trusted me!" Brandon gushed happily. He stood up and clenched his fist triumphantly while saying. "I must keep that trust!"

"Cool, so you told her?" Sky asked while playing a video game on the flat screen television. After a moment of silence, his eyes shifted to the sheepish boy.

Brandon sat back down, defeated. "That never came up."

"So the trust thing is just… fifty percent?" Sky asked, giving his friend the side eye. "She trusts you with all this, but you don't trust to tell her… you know that you're—"

Brandon quickly covered Sky's mouth and looked around making sure no one was around. The Prince grumbled angrily after missing a shot in the game he was playing.

"The walls might have ears," the squire boy whispered.

Sky groaned and quickly swatted his hand away before saying, "I'm bleeding right, you know? The time is coming."

"You don't think I know that?" sighed Brandon. "I just don't... I don't want to scare her off."

"You need to tell her," Sky insisted, pausing his game. "At least tell her something, if you really fancy her, you owe her that much."

"Well, father says—" Brandon paused when he noticed his friend staring at him with an aggravated expression. Sky looked like he could only take up so much of his friends' nonsense and he definitely wasn't in the mood now. The bodyguard bit his bottom lip angrily. "Shut up."

"I'm not saying anything that hasn't already been said by me," Sky said, unpausing the game.

Brandon glared at the prince as the front door opened and Timmy entered the room, humming to himself happily. He jolted back when the squire rushed over to him with a wide grin on his face.

"Hi, Timmy!" Brandon greeted.

"Hey… can you take two steps back?" Timmy requested. Once Brandon obliged, the glasses boy added, "I haven't found anything yet."

"Oh, okay," Brandon dejectedly said.

"But-" Timmy started, being met face to face with the squire boy.

"Yes," Brandon said, clasping his hands together.

"Man, I just had dinner, can I have a minute to breathe?" Timmy requested, walking past Brandon, and sitting on the couch. "Tecna took me to a buffet and I'm really full."

"You went on a date with Tecna?" Sky asked. "You sly dog."

"No, we're friends, she wanted to hang out and treated me out to a buffet, and… I don't think it was a date," Timmy said, blushing.

"Yes, yes, date, no date, who cares, tell me what you found!" Brandon said, sitting in between Sky and Timmy.

"Has he been-" Timmy started.

"Since he got back from their date," Sky replied, focusing on the game.

Brandon blushed.

Riven left the room a second later, chewing on an apple before saying, "Can you idiots keep it down? I'm trying to sleep."

"No, why should we remain silent for you, you've been nothing but a pain," Brandon said. "Why couldn't you try a little harder to switch rooms?"

"I was going to, but I like messing with you idiots more," Riven said, sitting on the purple recliner "Also I'd rather be a pain than obsess over a girl who doesn't care about me. Or is she supposed to like how pathetic you are?"

"I'm gonna deal with you later," Brandon said, seething. "Timmy, tell me what you found."

"I've studied the structure of Cloud Tower and talked to some classmates and while this is incredibly risky… I think I could map out a path so you could get in," Timmy replied, looking at blueprints on his phone. "If you really want to do this."

"I do!" Brandon said, shaking Timmy. When he noticed everyone staring at him oddly, he added, "Bloom was seriously upset today. She needs this."

Brandon wasn't ready to fully admit he had a crush on Bloom, he still wasn't sure why he grew so fond of her. He found her odd at times, but with that strangeness, he started to see someone he could relate to and who seemed to understand his oddities. But there was so much going on in both of their lives, he felt like now wasn't the time to reveal any of his true feelings to her. Right now he only wanted to help her find out the truth about herself because they trusted each other and were friends.

Some people didn't seem to agree with that as his eyes went over to a smirking Riven.

"You are such a loser," Riven said, chuckling. "When are you doing this stupid mission?"

"None of your business, tosser," Brandon replied harshly. "Now can you leave? I'm chatting with my teammates!"

"Whatever you say, Goldilocks," Riven said, standing up and walking back to his room.

"That name is to only be used by Bloom!" Brandon snapped, pointing angrily at Riven. The boy flipped his middle finger in response. The squire glared at the boy's door while grumbling under his breath, "Prick!"

"Right… Anyways, I can draw a map tonight, but it won't be finished until tomorrow. Think you can wait?" Timmy asked, changing the subject.

"You can't do it faster?" the squire boy begged.

"No, because I have other work and require sleep and I'm not jeopardizing my circadian rhythm for you and your schoolboy crush," Timmy replied, glaring at the boy. "So I will have it done by tomorrow afternoon. You have time."

"Fine," Brandon said with a pout. "And don't worry Sky, I'll be careful."

"I don't doubt you, but you're going to Cloud Tower. Remember the last guy that got caught sneaking into CT?" Sky asked.

"He was turned back to normal when the school got him back," the blonde reassured.

Sky sighed, facepalming.

"There's nothing to worry about, mate. I just have to look up some spells to keep us shrouded and I don't need to sleep, so I got all night."

"Look I know this is a stupid dangerous mission that you're not backing out of, but you should still be safe. My mom made me an invisibility cloak when I went home for Rose day. You can use that without being detected," Timmy offered, walking into the kitchen. "Do you want it?"

"A cloak for us to be under… together?" Brandon smiled softly. He imagined being close to her and protecting her along the way.

Sky took notice of this and immediately said, "Oh, you are not sharing a cloak with her!"

"I would love to see that mishap!" Riven said, opening his door and cackling before slamming the door back shut.

"Shut up! You guys are gross!" Brandon blushed. "Timmy, do you have another one?"

Timmy walked out of the kitchen with a bottle of juice before saying, "Yes for this exact reasoning. I've been trying to replicate it to the best of my ability. This is the perfect opportunity to test this baby out. Again I should have it done by tomorrow."

"Yes, the plan is coming together!" Brandon cheered.

"Try not to sniff her hair too much!" Riven shouted through his door, cackling again.

"Fuck off!" Brandon demanded, angrily tossing a pillow at the boy's door, causing the other guys to shake their heads in shame.

While Brandon kept planning for the stealth mission, Riven pulled out his phone and dialed a familiar number. He felt his hands shaking as the dial tone rang. He had been going through a lot since he started doing Darcy's bidding, that, and intense headaches. He wasn't sure why. Darcy was his girlfriend, he had to do what she said, right? He had no control; he catered only to her and did her bidding whether he liked it or not.

He shook his head, shaking off intrusive thoughts as Darcy's sultry voice answered from the other end, "Riven, what do you want?"

"Oh, do I have something for you," Riven said in a hushed whisper as he closed his door all the way.

"This better be good," Darcy said dryly.

"Your favorite ginger is coming to Cloud Tower. Tomorrow. Good enough for ya?" Riven said slyly.

Darcy chuckled manically. "Why Riven, you've proven your usefulness yet again."

…

The next morning, Bloom was out in the town, trying to keep her mind focused on other things, like shopping, so she wouldn't go insane. She still hadn't talked to her parents ever since she found out the truth, the phone still rang a few times a day, but she never answered. Daphne remained quiet for a while seeming to only visit her in her dreams. Stella recommended a shopping spree, to boost her feelings, but turned it down when she realized the fashion at Bloom's favorite spot wouldn't suit her taste. Bloom wanted to be alone though.

The redhead walked down the sidewalk towards her favorite store in Magix, Tainted Paradise. She entered the store feeling better and went around the store looking at the latest graphic shirts.

As she looked around, Mirta looked up from her book as she stood at the register.

"Hey, Mirta," she greeted. The girl smiled at her warmly.

Mirta smiled. "My fave customer! I'm so glad you're here, we're having a clearance sale today, so everything on the right side of the store is fifty percent off."

"Awesome!" Bloom said. "I knew you'd have good news for me."

"It's what I'm here for!" Mirta said eagerly. "How's fairy school?"

Bloom walked over to a rack of clearance clothes and started scouring through them to find the best outfits. "It's pretty good actually. How's witch school?"

"Eh, you know… well, I mean you don't… but being a witch is a mixed bag right now, but I mean it could be worse," Mirta stammered. "I don't hate it."

"Right," Bloom said, chuckling. She looked over at the counter and noticed someone was missing, "Where's the gloomy chick?"

"Lucy? Oh, she called out today, not feeling well," Mirta excused, holding her head down.

"Did you say Lucy?" Bloom asked, remembering the girl from Miss Magix, but didn't think they could be the same person. Mirta confirmed it with a nod and let out a sad sigh as well. Bloom tilted her head as she paused her shopping. "Is everything okay?"

"Huh? Uh, yeah, everything is fine," Mirta replied, surprised to be asked the question. "Just a really stressful workday… we've been really… busy."

"Yeah, I can tell by the… bustling clientele," Bloom said sarcastically as she looked around. The expression on her face showed she didn't buy the girl's facade.

Mirta chuckled sadly. "Okay I'll be honest, Lucy has been feeling really down lately. I can't blame her, considering these senior-level witches ruined her moment at that pageant a few weeks ago."

Bloom's eyes widened remembering the girl who ran off the stage better now. "Oh, she was the girl who entered the pageant and got—" Bloom bit her bottom lip, pausing her sentence when she saw how somber Mirta had become. "I'm sorry about what happened back there."

"Yeah, I am too, she was so happy when she came back with the crown," Mirta explained, Bloom kept quiet about asking if she knew how Lucy got the crown. She felt like the young witch didn't know about that part. "Then these senior-level witches spread rumors about her after that and the bullying started. People have been making fun of her nonstop. She doesn't deserve it. Lucy may be rough around the edges, but she's a cool chick."

"I don't exactly know Lucy that well," Bloom started while also remembering the girl wasn't nice to her and her friends during the pageant. "But you're her friend so I believe you see the good in her."

"Ever since she met these witches, she hasn't been the same," Mirta said, wiping a tear from her eye. "They've been using her as a lackey and forcing her to do their homework! It's so hard to watch, it's like she's struggling to find out who she is… I get it, but, like, she doesn't deserve to be tortured for it."

Bloom raised her finger ready to ask if these witches were the same as hers, but even if they were the Trix, she didn't want to make the situation even more tense.

"I know that feeling," Bloom said with a nod.

She thought back to how she still struggled to control her powers or all the new information she was slowly learning about her life, but she didn't want to focus on herself right now. She walked closer to the girl and awkwardly patted her on the shoulder. She wasn't great at comforting people, but she could at least practice.

"I'm sorry, girl. You came here to shop, not be a therapist to some pathetic witch," Mirta said, with a shy smile.

Bloom shook her head, "It's cool. I want to help. Also just call me Bloom."

"Okay Bloom, well… Lucy has always been there for me… in her own way, I want to be there for her and show her she's worth more than being the lackey to a bunch of bitches! Pardon my language, by the way."

"I've heard worse and said worse," Bloom replied with a hand wave. "Look, you're her friend and you already show you care for her, so keep being there for her. I've learned that having great friends by your side is, and this is gonna sound cheesy, a great gift."

"You're right," Mirta said with a nod, before smiling and adding, "That is cheesy." She laughed softly, but Bloom could tell she meant no harm. She playfully slapped her arm. Mirta quickly added, "I'm kidding, I know what you mean. Thanks, Bloom."

"It's no problem," Bloom said, patting the girl on the back. "Now, would you like to keep pouring your heart out or help me shop? I must warn you; I charge for the former."

Mirta and Bloom laughed.

"No thanks, doctor, I'd rather help a customer," Mirta said. "There's a pair of combat boots that are in the clearance sale that I know you'll love. They have… spikes on the side."

Bloom followed Mirta as she eagerly led her to the shoe rack. After half an hour of shopping, the fairy paid for a large bag of items. Something she wasn't fortunate enough to do back on Earth. She usually had to beg her parents to take her to Hot Topic, but at this store, she could widen her array of clothing and get better at finding her own look.

"I needed this today," Bloom said after taking her receipt. "Stel was right, shopping is a great detox."

"You know it!" Mirta exclaimed. "It was a pleasure having you come in, Bloom. You're my fave customer right now!"

"And you're my fave worker," Bloom said giggling. "See you next month."

"You too!" Mirta said as Bloom began to leave the store. "Oh and also," she called, stopping the redhead, and causing her to turn around. "Thanks for listening to my woes. You're pretty cool… for a fairy."

"Same to you, witch," Bloom said with a wink. With that, she left the store while humming to herself.

…

At noon, Bloom was by herself, pouring dry kibble into a bowl for Kiko, who sat next to her waiting for his food. She was able to find cat food at a small pet shop in Magix after getting suggestions from Faragonda. She was surprised Kiko seemed to love the new pet food from his usual Earth food, but now he waited at the pet bowl for his usual snack. She was glad she was able to find it, or she'd have to give the poor cat Flora's vegan pet food. She still had to convince the girl that vegan pet food for cats wasn't a good thing.

"There ya go, big guy," Bloom said, scratching Kiko's head.

Kiko meowed before chowing down on the food while the redhead poured him some water in the second bowl. There was a knock on her windows a second later. She finished providing for her pet and hurried to the window.

There she found a grinning Brandon on a hovering air cycle, gesturing to the second spot. "Ready for your chariot, milady?"

"Oh my God," Bloom said, giggling. "Figures you wouldn't just use the front door."

"Where would the fun be in that?" questioned the blond squire.

"Point taken," agreed Bloom. "You're really lucky Griselda hasn't spotted you."

"I'd risk it," Brandon said coyly. "Sorry I took so long; Timmy was a bit of a bother. Bloke decided to take his precious time."

"Hey, you're here now," Bloom said, resting her arms on the railings of the balcony.

"We should definitely hurry, it takes time to get to Cloud Tower," Brandon advised. "Hop on Rapunzel."

Bloom chuckled. "Let me just change and tell the girls where I'm headed. Don't want them thinking I got kidnapped by some dashing rogue."

"Dashing rogue? I knew you liked me," Brandon said cheekily. "I'll wait for you, Princess."

"Oh, you make me blush," Bloom said dramatically with a thick southern drawl, before walking off giggling.

…

Inside Cloud Tower, Mirta and Lucy sat in their bedroom eating dinner together as Lucy was still avoiding being out in public and ridiculed.

"How's the chicken for you?" Mirta said, trying to converse with the girl. "It's kind of dry for me."

"Yeah, dry," Lucy responded somberly. "It's all right."

"Yup," Mirta said, popping the 'P' at the end of the word. After a second, she dropped her fork and groaned. "Lucy I can't keep doing this, we've been eating in our room since classes started and as much as I love our room, I like eating in the dining hall. This place is starting to smell like feet."

"Nobody said you have to eat with me," Lucy mumbled. "Frankly, I'd rather eat by myself."

"Dude, nobody really cares about what happened, the teasing will die down," Mirta reassured.

"Yeah, that's why it's been going on before and after the break," Lucy scoffed. "Every day I go outside I have to be reminded of what happened. Even showing off the crown didn't work."

"Yeah, I figured they'd think it was fake," Mirta said, gaining a glare from Lucy.

"You just know everything don't you," Lucy said angrily. "As long as I'm going through this Omega torture, I refuse to show my face in public."

"You're being too hard on yourself," Mirta comforted. "After all, it wasn't your fault. Icy, Darcy, and Stormy played a cruel trick on you. You should avoid them."

"For Dragon's sake this again?" Lucy groaned. "Mind your damn business and not mine! They didn't know the spell would backfire."

"Lucy, be real," Mirta said, placing her tray down. "They totally caused everything bad that happened to you. They made the spell backfire, they've been spreading the rumors, they've been forcing you to do their homework!"

"I promised them!" Lucy snapped.

"That's not the point!" Mirta shouted, clenching her fist. "For Dragon's sake, they call themselves the Trix! They literally decided to name themselves after the word tricks with an 'x' replacing the 'ck'! That's not innocent or normal!"

Lucy pouted, in annoyance. "I think it sounds cool."

"Dude, they are using you and I can't stand by and watch this anymore. You're my best friend, Lucy, you have to trust me on this."

She tried to place her hand on the girl's shoulder, but the delusional girl simply swatted it away with a disgusted look. The denial from Lucy had happened in the past as well, she didn't want to accept that the Trix were using her as a pawn since she wanted so badly to be one of them.

"Best friend? Best friends don't shit on their friend's other friends," Lucy snapped, standing to her feet so fast she dropped her plate of food. "You don't understand, Mirta. I want to be like them. I want to be part of the gang. I don't want to always be picked on and put down or ignored! I don't want to be considered a loser, like… you!"

Mirta's mouth dropped open in shock as Lucy glared at her. "You don't mean that."

"Oh I do, did you see yourself in class yesterday? They ridicule you more than they do me! You're pathetic. A doormat. You cry when things don't go your fucking way, but you think I need help?"

"You've changed, Lucy. I hardly recognize you anymore."

"I'm a realist. Just took me some time to show my true self and by being with them I can be just as powerful as they are!"

"So, you'll just keep being around them as they treat you like… dirt?" Mirta questioned, standing up as well. "The group who decided to call themselves the Trix?! Let me tell you something: those witches are not your friends! They don't like you. All they want you for is to do their homework and when they're not doing that, they make fun of you. I don't know how many times I have to tell you this, but newsflash: They're just using you!"

"Shut the fuck up!" Lucy said shoving Mirta hard enough that the girl bumped into her desk. "You're just jealous! Jealous that I'm going to be popular soon and you're stuck at the bottom of the barrel! I'm sick and tired of being a nobody like you, Mirta! I want to be one of them. So do me a favor, stop telling me what to do, all right?!"

Mirta crossed her arms. "I'm not saying this out of jealousy, I'm a friend who wants to help their friend!"

"You're not my friend. You're a pathetic wannabe fairy who somehow snuck her way into Cloud Tower," Lucy said. "You know what… you're right, I shouldn't be in here or around you." She grabbed her jacket off her desk chair and stormed over to the door before turning her neck and saying, "From now on we're strictly roommates, not friends. Even when you pass me in the hall, don't bother to say hello."

Tears welled up in Mirta's eyes.

Lucy smirked. "Tears, every time things don't go your way."

With that, she slammed the door shut leaving behind a now crying Mirta. She couldn't just let her friendship end this way. She knew Lucy since they were little kids, and she wasn't going to let some stuck up coven of witches ruin that. The burgundy-haired girl sucked in air as she clenched her fist, furious.

"I'll show you, Lucy, I'll show you I was right," she said in an angry whisper. "She thinks I'm a pathetic witch, let's see what she says when I spy on the Trix with a… Bug spell!"

She rushed over to her desk and opened the first drawer to pull out a small notebook filled with notes of spells and incantations she's learned in class so far. She flipped open the book for a few seconds before coming across the spell she was looking for.

"I can do this!" she said confidently. "Soaria… vacon volant in…" Mirta bit her bottom lip, unsure of herself before saying, "Gotta focus! You can do it, Mirta! Focus on turning into a bug! A creepy crawly. Soaria… vacon volant in…perijumala!"

With her words fading, the witch could feel her body tingle. She resisted the urge to freak out as she felt her body shrank and her limbs and head felt like they were turning into something else. In a flash, Mirta became what she hated the most, a bug.

So gross! Mirta thought freaking out, but quickly let it go when she realized the task at hand. She knew where the Trix's room was, they made sure to inform everyone about where they were, and now she just had to get there.

…

Mirta never liked bugs, and never quite understood most witches' obsession with using or collecting them, especially with Lucy. She wished she knew other spells to spy on the Trix, in fact, she probably should have spent at least a minute thinking this plan through because not only was she a bug now, but she also had to crawl through walls and crevices with more bugs. If she still had her skin, it'd be figuratively crawling right now.

That being said, the trip to the Trix's room was the worst thing Mirta had ever experienced, and she lives with witches. It made it all worth it though once she'd made it. The Trix weren't talking about pranks for upcoming assignments. Not even pranks outside of coursework. What the Trix were talking about was something downright awful. Being a roach her hearing wasn't the best, but she had to remember her human side to maintain the proper function of her senses.

"So you were able to leave everything clean?" Icy asked.

"Yup," Darcy said, filing her nails. "I planted the book there for only Bloom to find."

"Are you sure?" Icy questioned, sounding somewhat worried. "Because if this blows up in our faces-"

"Relax," Darcy reassured. "Riven said they'd be there in the next hour or so and I made sure to leave the archive room intact besides our clever trick. I can't believe we were able to do this."

"Thank me for finding the spell," Stormy said, flipping through a thick spell book. "I love it, once she reads it, she'll panic. Think she's a bigger freak than she already is."

"Yes! Her defenses will drop, and then we'll rip the power right out of her," Icy said, eager with mischief. "And all it took was a cloaking spell and distracting Griffin. I swear if she weren't so terrifying, I'd brag about it in front of her."

"Yes, that is a downside, she would probably still be impressed," Darcy said. "I just hope this works."

"Do you doubt me so much?" Stormy questioned with a mocking pout.

"Don't make me answer that," Icy and Darcy said jointly.

Icy then chuckled, clasping her hands together, "Bloom's power will be all ours soon enough!"

Oh my Dragon, they're going to hurt… Bloom? Could that be… if it's her I have to tell her before it's too late!

Mirta stayed a few more minutes to hear details of the plan before Stormy noticed her.

"Oh Dragon, a roach!" she screamed, scurrying onto her bed. "Crush it!"

"Not with my new shoes," Darcy said. She then grabbed a textbook on her desk and tossed it towards the bug causing Mirta to scurry off while frantically screaming in fear that sounded like hissing out loud.

Icy rolled her eyes as the roach went over her shoe without her reacting. She wasn't as disgusted by bugs as her coven sisters were. She stared at her sisters judgmentally as Mirta made her way to a crack in the wall and got out without being hit or killed.

…

As Mirta frantically hurried to her room to turn back, Bloom was with her Goldilocks, gliding through the air towards an empty balcony. The redhead had only seen the massive building from the postcard, from where it certainly had seemed impressive, but seeing it in real life was something she had to stand in behold at its macabre and jagged design. She truly couldn't grasp its twisty architecture, with stairways snaking out from the building without visible support, towers twisting in ways that defied gravity, and statues of various sorts that reminded her of J. R. R. Tolkien. It was extraordinary, to say the least.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Bloom asked.

"Yeah, Timmy made sure my bike would avoid the descrambling field," Brandon said. "Just keep tight."

"Okay, don't worry I'm not letting go of your body," Bloom teased, tightening her arms around the boy's waist.

Brandon chuckled nervously as he tried to keep focus on flying. Thankfully, he was able to make it to the drop off spot of the building.

"This is amazing," Bloom finally said when they landed in a spot on the balcony where they wouldn't be spotted. A door was a few feet away from them.

"We need to re-discuss what amazing means," Brandon said, eyeing the place nervously. "Here, put this on, quick."

He passed her a teal-colored thick cloak that shined slightly under the approaching moonlight.

"What is it?" Bloom asked before being shushed by Brandon. He looked around to make sure nobody heard her.

"It's a robe to shroud you from being caught," Brandon answered in a whisper. "Once you put it on it makes you invisible to the naked eye… at least that's what Timmy told me after I didn't understand the lengthy tosh, he said at first."

Bloom gasped, grasping onto the clothing like it was a fashionable item Stella would gush over. "It's a cloak of invisibility? Like in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone? I've always wanted one, but it's not real back on Earth. Oh my God, this is so cool!" Once she noticed Brandon staring at her with a smirk, she quickly recovered her cool composure, "Some kids on Earth wouldn't shut up about it, that's how I know about it… let me enjoy this."

"I'm not saying anything at all," Brandon said, chuckling.

Bloom put on the cloak with a smile, a joyous smile that she couldn't hide. Placing it on, she immediately vanished before the squire boy's eyes making her chuckle like a child.

Brandon shook his head smiling before placing his cloak on as well and Bloom was surprised to see she could see Brandon under his cloak. She tried to contain her excitement, but she was too eager to be going through this.

"You sure we landed at the right spot?" Bloom asked as the boy led her to the entrance.

"Positive, the GPS Timmy created is supposed to be hundred percent accurate," Brandon replied. "He's pretty smart so I don't doubt his craftsmanship."

"I hope you're right," Bloom said. "I really don't feel like dealing with another angry witch."

As the two kept walking they made it to the door and headed down a winding staircase. Despite it hanging freely in the air, only connected to the tower, it felt solid enough. Although she was worried about what was in the room, she was also looking forward to getting inside.

…

A few minutes later, the two made their way through the dark hallways towards the Cloud Tower archives room that Bloom had been to not so long ago.

"This should be it," Brandon said. "The archives are right behind this door."

Bloom nodded, staying quiet as she was too anxious to say anything. She placed a hand on the doorknob, but before she could enter the place that might have the answers, Brandon placed his hand on top of hers and the knob.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Brandon asked softly. "Because if not, we can leave right now and come back when you're ready."

"No, no I want to do this," Bloom said, adjusting the cloak to keep her body shrouded. "I need to know the truth, Brandon."

With that, she opened the door to the archive room and entered the place. There was a chill in the room that sent a shiver down their spines.

"I wonder why they keep these rooms unlocked," Brandon pondered looking around.

Bloom shrugged, unable to answer. Her mind was more focused on finding information about who she might be.

"We're hidden right?" Bloom asked, looking around.

"Yeah, not even the cameras can detect us," Brandon said. "They'll just assume we're ghosts."

Brandon started making ghost sounds to mess with Bloom, making her laugh.

"Stop being silly," she said, playfully pushing him away. "I need to focus."

"Where do we even start?" the boy asked, flipping open a book, but quickly dropping it when a small spider crawled out from one of the pages. "They don't clean this place?!"

"Must want to preserve the dust," Bloom said, walking around. As she searched for the right book, something flashing caught her eye.

She followed the light to a thick book sitting on a lectern. It was brightly lit, without a bulb to light it, confusing and interesting Bloom. It had to be another trap, maybe Griffin realized they were in there and wanted to catch the girl again.

Bloom quickly walked past it, but stopped her footing when she heard a faint voice call to her: Open me.

"Okay, that was a different mysterious talking voice," Bloom said, startled. "You got anything to say about this, Daphne?"

Daphne remained silent.

Bloom's shoulders slumped, "You kind of just come in when you feel like it, don't you?"

"Should I be concerned you're talking to yourself?" Brandon asked, cautiously walking over to the girl.

Bloom replied, "Kind of. Don't worry I'm harmless, but this book… is not."

She walked over to the leather-bound, glowing book on the lectern. Brandon cocked his head, surprised he hadn't noticed it like Bloom had. She warily approached the book and read the title labeled, Domino.

"Last time I touched a random book in here, I got my powers taken away…" Bloom said hesitatingly. "But this feels different. This whole place seems different from the last time I was here."

She couldn't pinpoint what it was, but she felt like they were being watched, but not by the menacing Griffin, but something else. It unnerved her, but she couldn't ignore that the answers she was looking for might be in a book in front of her. The girl glanced nervously at Brandon. He was biting his lower lip and kept a safe distance from her.

After a moment, he said, "You know, we could always come back here at a later date. Now that we know it's here and everything."

He came close to her side to protect her, but Bloom stepped back unsure how she felt with him near her. She had to focus on the book.

"I have to know," Bloom said with determination in her voice. There could be a chance that if they did return the book might've been moved to a different spot that she couldn't find. She flipped open the book and looked through the pages. After a second she stopped on a page and paraphrased aloud, "Ancestral Witches led to the demise of Domino in the nineties which led to the… brutal deaths of the King and Queen and turned the young Princess into their lackey… they stole the Dragon Flame and with help from the Black Circle they… they… Oh my God."

Bloom pulled back, swallowing loudly. The room around her started to get dizzy with the new information entering her brain.

"You okay, love?" Brandon asked.

"They corrupted it and implanted it into an orphan infant!" She looked away from the podium, nearly falling to her knees before being caught by Brandon. "I'm not a fairy… I'm a vessel for witches."

"What?" Brandon exclaimed. "No, they must be talking about another orphan."

"Brandon, be real, it fits too well," Bloom said, she turned back to the book and kept reading, "Under the control of the witches, Princess Daphne sent Bloom to Earth for the Black Circle…" she bit her lip, waiting for the voice she grew used to respond, but it remained silent. Seeming to confirm her worry. She went silent and kept reading before finally saying, "Once she is fully developed, she'll become a walking firestorm, a weapon to be unleashed… to end it all." Bloom stopped reading as her legs began to shake. Her throat tightened and she could feel beads of sweat dripping from her forehead.

She felt Brandon place his hand on her shoulder and he said, "You don't have to keep reading. There has to be more to this than… that."

"Yeah, I'm a tool to take over the world, my parents are probably dead and the woman who has been following me is a mind-controlled Princess! I feel fucking great!"

"Okay but you were supposed to go to the Black Circle, you didn't," Brandon tried to reassure, but Bloom was panicking and was only half listening. "There's got to be more to this."

"Everything fits, my Dad found me before they did, but they will find me and use me. It makes perfect sense," Bloom became so distraught, but she fought back the tears. She didn't want Brandon to see her cry and turned away from him. She wanted to remove the cloak that concealed her from the witches' cameras and be caught, put away in a cell so that those around her, those she grew to like, would be protected from her. "The energy bursts, the fire, the voice… I'm a walking inferno ready to kill! I'm… I'm…"

She was interrupted by Brandon enveloping her in a hug. Immediately, she started sobbing into his shoulders, her body contracting with every pained gasp.

"Why are you even touching me… I'm a monster," Bloom asked, between sobs. "Just end me like you do all those other monsters—"

"I don't want to hear that," Brandon comforted. "Everything is going to be all right… I promise. I won't turn my back on you."

"I don't deserve this!" Bloom cried, clutching her hands. "Why couldn't I just be a fairy and that's it? Why the hell am I this monster!"

Brandon just stood there with her in silence, at a complete loss for anything to say. He wasn't sure what to say without making the situation worse and although he wasn't sure how to view his friend, he knew he couldn't turn his back on her, not now. After a while, he said, "You're not going to get hurt, I will do everything to protect you."

"Brandon… thank you," Bloom said, staying in the hug. "Can you just take me back to my dorm? I just want to be alone."

"Okay," Brandon said, rubbing her back. The hug lingered comfortably for another minute before the two headed out of the room and back to Alfea. The ride was silent.

…

Making it back to Alfea, the moon still out, the redhead fell to her bed and remained there silently. She couldn't cry anymore; all she could was just lay on her bed in a state of shock. Kiko crept up close to her body and snuggled his body to her stomach. Flora was asleep when she made it back but had awoken when Bloom rested on her bed.

"Hey, you're back," Flora said, tired. "How did it go?"

Bloom sighed in response. Once she sniffled, Flora cocked her head.

"You, okay?" the flower child asked. "Did—"

"I just want to be left alone," Bloom said in a hollow voice. "I just want to sleep."

"Bloom…" Flora comforted, sitting up in her bed.

"Good night," Bloom mumbled, getting under her covers, and adjusting herself to get comfortable.

She didn't want to talk, she didn't want to hear meaningless comfort words, and she didn't want to be pitied right now. She just wanted to sleep away her stress.

Flora obliged and simply went back to sleep.

…

The morning sun had risen as Tecna sat in the living room with her usual cup of coffee and ready to start the day. As she sipped on her drink, Flora came walking out of her room, rubbing her eyes.

She let out a yawn while saying, "Did you see Bloom?"

"Nah, I got up a while ago, but I haven't seen her, why? She ain't here?" Tecna asked.

Flora shook her head. She rubbed her forehead. "Her bag and Kiko are gone as well… This is bad."

"What's the matta?" Tecna questioned, placing her cup down.

"Remember how she left to go with Brandon? Well she came back and was totally crushed, but wouldn't explain why," Flora explained, fiddling her fingers concerned. "She must be going through some true turmoil."

"Check with Stella," Tecna suggested.

Flora walked over to Stella's dorm and calmly knocked on the door causing the blonde to open the door with an exhausted look on her face.

Stella yawned and stretched before asking, "Is there a reason you've woken me up before my alarm?"

"Bloom is missing, have you seen her? Did you talk to her? She was really bummed, she's gone now and it's really early and like, I doubt she'd just be going for a stroll while so bummed. I think something bad happened to her," Flora said, growing more worried.

"Bloom is sad?" Musa said, appearing behind Flora, startling the calm girl. "Why did no one tell me?"

"Yeah, Sky told me about it," Stella said, but quickly added, "Brandon was really crestfallen and divulged what transpired… It wasn't good. She apparently found out some dreadful news about her history, but he didn't disclose what. After that Sky told me."

"Oh no!" Musa exclaimed, cupping her hands on her cheeks. "Our poor Bloom is alone and sad! And we've been sleeping!"

Musa hugged Tecna who had made her way to the group. The rancher sighed and patted her on the back.

"Yea, but it's strange she'd just up and leave without any warnin'. She ain't even leave a note?" Tecna questioned.

"She probably doesn't want us to be involved," Stella reasoned. She held her head down realizing how despondent Bloom already was with the revelation about her parents, she couldn't imagine what the girl was going through with worse news piled on. "Poor girl."

"I knew something was up!" Flora said, slamming her fist in the palm of her hand. "Her energy is in a negative state and that could be some total damage to her already sullen mind. We need to find her and comfort her. No matter what she's learned, she needs to know she has us as friends."

"You're right," Stella agreed with a nod. Bloom had been there for her, so it was her turn to return the favor.

"I'm all for searchin' fo' my girl, but we don't even know where to start," Tecna mentioned. "Maybe she met with Faragonda."

"Maybe, but I have an inkling that she's somewhere where she could free her mind… somewhere to relax," Stella pondered. "I know she liked to take her drawing supplies and sketch in certain spots. Let me get ready and then we start with the fountain."

…

Hours after struggling to change back into a human, Mirta found herself sneaking out of the school to find Bloom and she knew the girl was a fairy, so she snuck through the forest to Alfea.

"Gotta find Bloom. Gotta save her from whatever those witches have planned," Mirta mumbled, running. "Gotta—" As she panicked, she tripped on a big tree branch. She groaned. "-Pay attention to where I'm going."

While the frantic witch searched for Bloom, the girl herself sat at a nearby tree with Kiko by her side, looking over a digital map that when turned off converted back into a small coin disguise. She adjusted the hood on her jacket pondering where she'd go from here. Stella had gifted it to her to help the girl get around while in a new world. It helped her understand what the places were called, but she had no idea how to get to these places.

She'd left Alfea, gathering only what she could fit in her pack, but where would she go? Not her parents, they'd be in danger, and she still wasn't sure how to view them. Magix? What could she do there? Domino was out of the option. Maybe Faragonda? She'd probably protect her, but Griselda would find out and might rat her out.

"So Daphne, mind controlled or not, are you going to help me out here?" Bloom asked aloud, but was met with only the passing wind in the fall breeze. The girl pinched the bridge of her nose. "Cool."

With a sigh, she moved on and stared down at Kiko who was focused on a butterfly on his nose, "Why did you follow me? I can't keep you… it's not safe staying with me."

Kiko meowed softly and rubbed his head on her side while purring. No matter how much she tried to push him away when leaving the flat, he kept following her. It's pretty much how he always was with her. He didn't seem to worry about who she was and simply wanted to comfort his owner.

"I need someone to give me comfort right now. I'm glad it's you," Bloom said, scratching the cat's neck. "Where am I going to go now? I could try Cloud Tower."

"I wouldn't test it," a voice said behind Bloom, startling her. The girl stood up quickly and spun around to face the stranger along with Kiko, who readied his claws for an attack.

She was met by Mirta, who had just made it to the forest Bloom was in and finally found who she was looking for.

"Bloom!" Mirta squealed, hugging her. "I've been looking for you. There's something very important you need to know."

"Mirta, hey," Bloom said shyly. She pulled away and rubbed her arm somberly. "Um, you should probably keep a distance. I'm not really safe to be around."

She took a few steps back to protect the girl from becoming a possible victim. Kiko followed behind her.

"I don't know what you've been told, but trust me, that is a lie," Mirta said. "The witches I talked about, they know who you are and they're trying to trick you!"

"What?" Bloom questioned freezing in shock.

…

While Mirta told Bloom the truth, the Trix were making their way through the same forest, searching for the walking firestorm in question. Stormy stomped on a flower as they kept walking before saying mischievously, "I can't wait to find Ginger, she must've missed me."

"What are you going to do, punch her again?" Icy jeered. "That always works out for you."

"Shut up. At least I can throw a few punches in before she attacks, unlike you," Stormy insulted back.

"I didn't get attacked by her cat though," Icy reminded, giving her sister the side eye.

"That creature dug its claws into me, doll or not, that shit hurt! Cats are terrors and you know it!" Stormy shouted, angry.

"Guys, enough arguing, we have a fairy to find," Darcy reminded, rubbing her forehead as her mind spell focused on finding the redhead. "We're close."

"You sure we can find her?" Stormy asked as she, Darcy, and Icy made their way through the woods. "That tracking spell was pretty new for you to cast."

"Trust me, it's working," Darcy reassured, rubbing her forehead. "Although we could've found her a lot earlier if someone hadn't decided to sleep in."

Darcy's eyes darted to Icy. The ice witch avoided her stare.

"Learn to make tracking spells longer than twenty-four hours next time!" Icy countered, avoiding blame.

"Got it, my fault," Darcy replied. "Point is, the moment she touched that book, I was able to lock onto her. It's supposed to lead me to her, and this is where I feel her at. I know she's here somewhere."

"Scared and all alone," Icy said, chuckling evilly.

"Oh, you should've seen it, with the spell I cast I was able to see everything going on in the archives room. She was blubbering like a baby when she read it. 'Oh woe was me, I'm a monster!'."

"I love it!" Icy complained, snapping her fingers. "I'd love to see that pixie break!"

"You might still be lucky," Darcy said. "I'm just surprised Stormy of all people came up with such a good legend to trick the little fairy."

"Hey all it took was a little creative writing and embellishing history to trick that weak-minded brat," Stormy nonchalantly said. "It's perfect. She thinks she's a walking firestorm, so we exploit that fear to trick her into giving us the dragon flame, and turn her into something revolting?"

"And that's why you're my favorite sister," Darcy said with a sincere smile.

Stormy shrugged chuckling. "You know, I'm glad we could exploit someone so well, we need to do this more often."

The girls laughed as they kept walking towards their prize.

…

"Bloom!" Musa called as she and the girls made their way down the cobblestone path towards the forest.

"I doubt she'll hear yo' from here," Tecna said, sending Bloom a text. "That girl is far from this place."

"Where could she be?" Musa questioned. She hugged her body with a nervous smile. "Poor Bloomie is all alone and sad and we're not there to comfort her!"

"She's not answering her phone either," Stella said, ending another call to the redhead that went straight to voicemail. "Oh dear, I worry we have little time to find her before something dreadful happens."

The Princess placed a hand on her chest concerned.

"There's only one option," Flora said, sounding determined. She dug into her rucksack and pulled out a small pouch and unraveled the string that kept it sealed.

"What are you about to do?" Stella asked, unsure of what was going on.

"Something my mom taught me, just use some of this pollen and something personal of the subject, like Bloom's brush," Flora explained slowly while reaching back into her rucksack and revealing a hairbrush with red strands of hair on it. Stella nodded in realization now as to why the girl had taken Bloom's brush when they left. "Get a tiny sample of hair and say, Golden Pollen, hear my plea, search for Bloom!"

With that she dropped the dust mixed with a strand of hair which formed into an arrow, pointing in the direction they needed to go.

"What in the realm?" Tecna exclaimed.

"She went that way girls, follow me!" Flora said.

"Now hold on there, girlie," Tecna said, grabbing the ditzy girl's arm. "I have a strange feelin' we ain't the only ones searchin' for our sullen friend. Yo' know what that means?"

"Um… We should…" Flora pondered, trying to put the pieces together. Tecna sighed. "Oh, right transform!"

"The way yer mind works still confuses me, but yes," Tecna said with a nod. "Let's get suited up!"

With that the girls transformed into their fairy battle forms and flew in the air, following the arrows' direction.

…

"You're telling me they planted a book to make me think I was some demon incarnate?" Bloom asked, shocked as she stood in front of Mirta.

"Afraid so," Mirta said. "That's what I could decipher before they spotted my bug form, but trust me they are tricking you. I think they want something from you."

"Oh my God," Bloom said, sitting down to collect her thoughts.

"Trust me, if that book existed I def would've known about it," Mirta said, sitting next to her. Kiko sniffed her arm, seeming to make sure she was trustworthy, but calmed down when the burgundy haired girl stroked his head softly. "I know this is probably a lot to take in."

"Those… Those…" Bloom grumbled with gritted teeth, her face turning red with anger. "Fucking bitches!" Her eyes turned bright red as she said the word as if her powers were ready to engulf the surrounding area, but she quickly regained her composure.

"Fair," Mirta said, frightened. "Although this is great, you have nothing to fear about yourself. You're not a walking firestorm, you're a walking… rainbow."

Mirta moved her hands apart to simulate making a rainbow which made Bloom laugh. The redhead breathed a sigh of relief now knowing she wasn't some monster bred for evil, but now her mind was set on how she would deal with the Trix.

"Aww, look at this sight," sounded a cold voice in their direction, the two nervously looked up to see Icy in front of Darcy and Stormy. "A freak and a loser together. It's about time you two meet."

"Speaking of the bitches in question," Bloom calmly said, standing up. "Let's see Icy, still looking constipated as usual, Darcy, nice glasses, really shows off your lazy eye and my fave person of the bunch cloud hair, whoops, I meant Stormy. How's the nose healing going?"

The Trix shared the same rage filled reaction, but kept themselves restrained.

"Everyday… I hate her more," Icy seethed, clenching her fist.

"It's over Icy, Bloom knows what you did," Mirta said standing as well.

"We don't know what you're talking about," Icy said, pretending to feign ignorance. "We were just-"

"Magic book making me think I was walking inferno," Bloom supplied. "Just wanted to refresh your memory quickly. Interesting effort to try and trick me, but there's one thing you didn't account for."

Bloom points to Mirta with a smirk. The young witch waved at the Trix with a prideful smile. Icy clenched her fist, turning a slight pink in rage.

"Mirta, I thought you would've realized by now not to impede on our plans especially after what happened last time," Darcy said calmly. "I almost feel sorry that we'll have to do something worse to you for this interference."

"Almost," Stormy added, with a leer.

"Oh please, you think she's scared of yo-" Bloom said confidently, before she noticed Mirta had hidden behind a tree, shaking nervously. "Um, yeah, besides that, I don't care why you did this to me, you won't be taking it without a fight!"

Although she didn't feel incredibly confident about transforming, she wasn't going to stand down.

Icy took a deep breath and smiled mischievously. "I love when weak fairies want to fight against me. It's like stomping on a roach."

"Finally, I get to attack first!" Stormy said, but quickly tensed up when she saw Kiko hissing at her, fur standing up and preparing himself to charge at her. "That creature is still alive?!"

Bloom looked down at Kiko who remained ready to attack. She chuckled and picked him up, stroking his head to calm him down, but he kept his glare on the witches. "Yeah, and he remembers you guys. You should probably stay back. I haven't really clipped his claws yet."

Stormy gulped.

"It's a cat for Dragon's sake, would you stop being a coward!" Icy scolded, shoving Stormy. "We're not here for your mangy furball, but unless you want that thing and you turned into sculptures again, you'll listen to us!"

"I'd love to listen to your monologue, but let's cut this short before the fight. What do you really want from me?" Bloom asked, annoyed. "Power? Fame? Or are you just typical bullies?"

"Why not all three?" Mirta said, poking out from behind the tree. "Also, I don't feel sorry for telling Bloom!"

"Oh, well you just hurt my heart!" Icy said, pretending to be offended. She chuckled, rubbing her hands together. "Figures a fairy wannabe would rat us out. Pathetic though, when will you realize you don't belong around anyone and trying to win your new fairy friend's favor will get you nowhere. Here's a thought, maybe turn into a rat and live among the vermin, you'll fit right in."

"Leave her alone," Bloom said, defending the young witch. "You're dealing with me, and I've had it with you bitches, you've messed with me for the last time!" She whispered to Kiko, "Hurry off boy, go somewhere safe." Then placed him on the ground so he could run off far from the group. "You want me, come and fucking get it!"

"Oh, the fairy is fired up," Darcy said, chuckling. "Let's ruin that mood." Without saying another word she snapped her fingers, summoning a cloud of giant mosquitoes that descended on Bloom and Mirta.

"Ow, ow, stop that, ow, ouch!" the two girls yelled as the swarm began stinging and biting her. The Trix cackled. Bloom tried to use her fire powers, but was too distracted by the bug bites to fight back.

"That's it!" Mirta exclaimed before shouting, "Exteortus Padli!"

Fireworks expelled from her fingers, exterminating the bugs before they could do serious damage.

"Thanks Mirta." She definitely didn't want to be defeated by a barrage of insects while still struggling to transform.

"I'm so sick of you!" Mirta hissed. "Relorus Inferno!" She hit Icy with an energy blast that sent the girl to the ground. "How's that for a fairy wannabe?"

"Impressive," Bloom said, high fiving the girl. "Interesting spell name."

"It's an old one, but a good one," Mirta said with a smile. "I'm not letting them crap talk me anymore."

"Son of a bitch that hurt!" Icy shouted, standing up. She wiped the smoke dust off her shirt with an angry expression. She seethed before shouting. "Well, the pathetic wannabe knows how to fight back? Unfortunate for you, I was going to spare you, slightly."

"Okay, some notes, ice bitch, less talking and more attacking. God, you're like a Saturday morning cartoon villain, but somehow more annoying," Bloom insulted, making Mirta giggle.

Icy clenched her fist and angrily launched icicles at the two girls while shouting, "Icicle impalement!"

Mirta and Bloom quickly dodged out of the way of the blasts before they could be hit. Bloom clenched her fist as Stormy was next and threw a small twister the girls' way, but Mirta quickly grabbed Bloom and they raced away behind a tree.

The redhead banged her against the tree while shouting, "Why. Can't. You. Transform!"

"Those weren't reassuring words to hear," Mirta said, pouting.

"Oh, the mighty oak tree will protect them," Stormy said, cackling. "However shall we hit them?"

"Mystic bolt?" Icy questioned with a knowing smile.

"You know it," Stormy said with a wink.

"Daphne, ghost woman, I could really use your help here!" Bloom whispered, shaking. "Literally any words of encouragement!"

"I'm not sure what's going on and no pressure and stuff, but like please hurry," Mirta begged. "I think they're charging up for a group attack!"

"Either give us what we want or you're getting a lot worse than a couple bugs to the face!" Icy demanded as her and her sisters stood together preparing themselves for a powerful blast. Icy mockingly shrugged after a millisecond passed. "Okay, we tried."

"Mystic Bolt!" The witches shouted sending a flare of lighting, ice, and dark energy towards the tree, but before the two girls could get hit, Mirta cursed as she yanked Bloom by the arm, and they ran off before being hit. The tree exploded with projectiles that almost hit the two girls, but they luckily ran a safe distance without getting hurt.

"I'm so sick of this bitch!" Icy and Mirta shouted at the same time, but for different reasons.

"I got this one," Stormy said, sending a small jolt of lightning at Bloom that hit her in the thigh sending the girl tumbling to the ground in pain. The storm witch cackled as she clapped her hands triumphantly. "I finally hit her!"

"Come on Bloom, get up," Mirta begged, trying to help the girl up. "I know you can fight back."

"Trying to… can't stand," Bloom said, shaking. "This is all my fault. God damn it, this is all my fault."

"Give up, Bloom," Darcy called, calmly walking closer to the two. "We promise… it won't hurt that much."

Mirta took Bloom's hand and closed her eyes, she hummed as the witches looked on, chuckling. Bloom wasn't sure what was going on, but she knew something was happening with the strange tingles going through her body. It felt like something that would save them, hopefully.

"Halt," declared a voice suddenly, causing Stormy and Darcy to turn around. There stood Bloom's friends from Alfea, Stella bravely declaring: "Let our friends go."

"Or we'll kick yer asses," Tecna added.

"Oh, fuck," hissed Stormy as she readied her lightning balls. "Not them."

Darcy merely rolled her eyes, saying: "Really, Mirta? You didn't think I could possibly sense all the magic you're pumping into those copies? Points for trying, but it's not going to work."

"Oh," Mirta said sadly, the illusionary fairies fading. She held her head down, but Bloom gave her a soft smile for trying.

"Now, where were we?" Icy said gearing up for another attack, but she quickly felt a sharp tap on her shoulder and was met with a swift punch to the nose that sent her falling back to the ground. "Why does this keep happening?!"

"She jest saved us some time from the pointless introductions," Tecna said, cracking her knuckles.

"Quite impressive, but how on Solaria did she know what we looked like?" Stella questioned.

"Mind trick!" Mirta called. "Thanks! It's Mirta, by the way!"

"I'm taking by my fractured nose that these bitches are the real bitches?" Icy questioned, furious. Darcy hummed in confirmation. "Okay, now I'm pissed."

"Now?" everyone exclaimed, sharing the same response.

"YOU'RE ON MY SIDE, YOU IDIOTS!" Icy snapped at her coven sisters. "Hick, you broke my nose, you're gonna pay!" Icy materialized an ice pick and charged after the girl who simply removed her belt and whipped at the ice witch, sending her flying back.

"Owww!" Icy screamed out in pain.

"Dragon damn, that felt good!" Tecna cheered, happy. "That's for the time yo' hit me, witch!"

Icy shook angrily as she stood back up dazed. She turned to her sisters who stood by, having not done anything and she said through clenched teeth, "Are you just going to stand there or fight with me!?"

"Sorry, this was just fun to watch," Stormy said, chuckling. "We're ready."

With that the two witches charged at Musa, Tecna, and Stella as Bloom started to feel her strength coming back. Flora conjured thick roots to tie up a struggling Icy before the girl could stand, leaving the two witches to attack the main four.

Stormy growled and flung a ball of lightning at the approaching fairies, Stella ducked before the lightning strike could make contact with her body, but it did cause the top of her hair to stand on end.

Stormy continued to quickly fire electric projectile after projectile, but when she hit Tecna with a lightning strike, the scarred ranch girl simply readjusted herself while smiling, "Boy howdy that felt better than shock rock candy. Lesson for yo' young one, yo' can't hurt someone who comes from a planet of electricity!"

"Well… fuck," Stormy said in surprise.

Tecna's foot then made contact with Stormy's stomach, sending her down to the ground as well. Stormy tried to stand, but Tecna knocked her fist on top of the girl's head, sending her back to the ground.

"Now you know how it feels," Icy said, freezing the vines to break free.

Meanwhile, Musa charged at Darcy and started running around her in a circle while distracting her with magical loud noises. The mind witch conjured a cloud of darkness around herself and floated off, but the chipper fairy was ready. She used her sound powers to locate Darcy while preparing her boomerang-headband.

"Wanna see something cool?!" Musa shouted with a wide grin. "Knock to the head!"

With that she flung the boomerang-headphones that bonked the witch in the face, sending her hurtling to the ground.

"Sorry not sorry," Musa said with a playful shrug.

Darcy groaned, before lifting herself and grabbed a dagger from her pocket while saying, "This was for the ginger, but you'll do!"

She swiped at Musa, but the girl was too quick to hit. She stuck her tongue out before speeding off, leaving behind a dust cloud of herself.

"How does she keep—!" Darcy shouted, clutching her hair. Usually she could remain calm, but this girl elicited a rage from her that she thought only her sisters could do. She just hated how chipper she was. "I was going to just use magic, but I'd rather slash your side!"

"Oh, is someone angers? Are you mad? It's okay to turn that frown upside down!" Musa teased, giggling playfully. "You'll never get anywhere being a grumpy goose!"

"Shut the fuck up!" Darcy angrily said. She formed into a cloud and rushed after Musa, tackling her to the ground and preparing her knife for strike. "Should've just smiled and stayed quiet."

"You should follow your own advice," Stella said, behind Darcy, yanking her by her hair and tossing her to the ground. She smiled brightly at the infuriated witch as the girl attempted to stand back up, but was shot back, by a light ball blast. It wouldn't do much damage, but it did make her foe dazed for a good amount of time. "Blackmail or not, it feels good to knock you around."

Bloom watched the melee unfold along with Mirta, her heart beating fast. Mirta stayed by the redhead's side to protect her and was doing her best to dodge any attacks aimed their way.

"You think you're strong enough?" Mirta asked Bloom. The redhead held her head down, unsure of how to answer, causing the young witch to grab her hand and say calmly, "You can do this."

"I think so, but it's going to be hard to transform… I need a minute," Bloom said, weakly standing up. "Stand back okay."

"I gotcha," Mirta said, standing in front of her a few feet to keep her protected.

Bloom closed her eyes and thought: Daphne, please answer me. I didn't know if I could trust you… I still don't know what to think of you, but please, say something. Guide me… don't leave me alone.

I'm here. Daphne finally said, making Bloom gasp, but being comforted by her guardian fairy's word let her transform in a flash, much quicker than when she took her exams. When she wasn't focused on school and more protecting those, she cared about she learned she could transform with ease.

Bloom breathed a sigh of relief.

I apologize for not being around before, my power is weak, and I can only appear… at times. My mind is as foggy as yours… but when you read that book… I wanted you to find the truth for yourself…. You're a smart woman. I am glad you deciphered the truth.

It's okay. I'll find you soon. Bloom thought with a smile. She floated to the ground with a cocky smile.

"Awesome!" Mirta exclaimed, grinning. "Get them!"

Bloom stepped forward and focused all her energy on shooting flame spheres out of her hands like she usually did. She needed to learn more magic attacks, but for right now, her enemies were dodging her attacks, so it was working out for now. Icy finally broke free from her vine bondage and kicked Flora to the ground. She turned her attention to the preoccupied Bloom and attempted to shoot ice chunks at her blind spot, but Mirta countered the attack with energy blasts that turned the giant chunks into small ones that did no damage.

"Gotta try something better than that, ice… bitch," Mirta said, nervously, but hiding it to sound tough.

"Mirta or Mirt or whatever your stupid name is, I've had it with you, you've been a thorn in my side since I met you!" Icy said, clenching her fist. "I will… will…"

"What, whine about it?" Mirta taunted, sticking out her tongue.

Icy growled as more ice formed at her hands. She glared intensely at the girl, seeming to study every detail of her. She seemed to be thinking of how to hurt the girl, but nothing was painful enough to satisfy her.

As the young witch and fiery fairy fought back against the two sisters, Darcy shot concentrated magic bursts at Tecna after dodging a blow from the girl. She attempted to cover the glade in darkness to make it hard for the fairies to spot her and her sister attack.

"Not today, barmy!" Stella exclaimed and held her staff in the air while shouting, "Shining rays!"

The bright rays dissipated the darkness, but Darcy was next to Icy, whispering into her ear. The girls couldn't hear her, but Icy's growing evil grin made them worried. The fairies charged after the two witches, but both snapped their fingers and vanished into a cloud of dark smoke.

"Where did they go?" Mirta questioned, looking around.

"Turn around," Darcy said menacingly behind the burgundy haired witch.

Mirta gulped nervously, turning around sharply ready to attack, but Darcy just smirked at her. She grabbed the frightened witch's hands, smothering her attack and said in a sinister tone, "Had to distract you."

Mirta tried to release her hands, but before she could Icy appeared floating behind her, the smoke dissipating. Her menacing leer grew as she shot a magical blast from her right finger, and it hit Mirta. The poor girl let out an ear-piercing yell in shock and pain, as magic surged through her arm.

Darcy released her grip, chuckling evilly.

With horror, the young witch watched as her arm turned green and split into leafy roots. Slowly, she shrunk, her head and torso melting into one ball, her legs collapsing under her. Her terrified shrieks echoed through the forest, she begged to be saved, but the Winx could do nothing but look on in horror. Before everyone's eyes, the girl they once knew had changed from a sweet girl to a carved smile pumpkin.

"MIRTA!" the Winx shouted.

"No," Bloom whispered, shaken.

"Awesome!" Stormy said. She clapped eagerly.

"That stupid shirt she had on gave me the best idea for what she should be, but you can thank Darcy for the main suggestion," Icy said, chuckling. "The annoying brat is silent now."

"Now then," Darcy said coldly, placing one foot on the pumpkin Mirta had turned into. "I think we're at the part where you surrender, or I can squash your friend here and now. Which is it, Bloom?"

"You… monster!" Flora hissed angrily. "You'd kill an innocent person to get what you want?"

"She wasn't a person, she was a leech," Darcy said with a shrug. "She's better off like this or crushed."

"I have an odd craving for pie, to be honest," Stormy said cackling.

Icy pointed to her in agreement, starting to cackle.

Bloom's fists clenched tightly at the insults they called Mirta. She had only known Mirta from her shopping sprees at the Tainted Paradise, she only really knew the girl as a worker, but for that time, they had grown to appreciate the other and now she was turned into an inanimate gourd.

All to protect her.

Her breathing became faster, her heartbeat erratically, and her body shook.

"You… YOU MONSTERS!" Bloom yelled, a blast of fire bursting from her hand, catching the villainous Darcy by surprise and launching her backwards. A hole had burnt through her shirt, revealing slightly red flesh underneath. Stormy rushed over to her, concerned.

"Bloom?" Stella said, surprised. She grabbed her arm, but released it quickly when she felt how warm her friend had become. She looked into the girl's eyes, noticing they had gone from blue to a deep red. "Calm down, okay?"

"Stay out of this!" Bloom shouted, shoving Stella aside. "SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS! SHE DIDN'T DESERVE THIS!"

"Just give us what we want!" Icy demanded.

"I WILL DESTROY YOU!" Bloom shouted, her body glowing as an aura of surging magic manifested around her. "I WILL MAKE SURE THEY'LL ONLY BE ABLE TO IDENTIFY YOU BY YOUR DENTAL RECORDS!"

"That was… specific," Darcy said nervously. She stumbled forward, but kept a safe distance.

"We need to go; we need to go now! She's doing the creepy glowing thing again!" Stormy exclaimed in panic.

"We should probably take the witches' advice!" Stella said.

"Bloom, relax," Flora advised, touching Bloom's arm, but quickly pulling back in shock.

Bloom, I feel your rage, but you must keep calm or-

"STAY OUT OF THIS!" Bloom shouted to both Flora and Daphne.

"Oh what is she going to do? She's just having a tantrum because we turned her new friend—" Icy taunted, but was taken aback when Bloom let out a pained visceral scream, held up hand and sent out another powerful energy blast towards Icy, but Stormy quickly pulled her away before she could get singed.

It did make contact with a bush and set it ablaze. Icy gulped in shock.

"Yeah, let's get out of here," she said in a terrified whisper.

None of the witches would ever admit it, but they were actually fearful of the blazing fire fairy. Bloom let out another angry roar and launched destructive blasts of magic in all directions that everyone dodged, but most of nature wasn't so lucky. Even though she was filled with rage, she was able to focus on the Trix and aimed her fire-covered hands at the witches, but in a flash, they vanished away before they could get hit.

"GET BACK HERE!" Bloom shouted with an echoey voice.

"Bloom stop!" Stella begged, jumping in front of the girl. "They're gone, you have to calm down."

Bloom noticed her fearful friends and the pumpkin-version of Mirta. She clutched her head trying to snap out of her angry state. In a pained gasp, she fell to the ground, body smoking.

"It's okay, you're okay," Stella said, catching Bloom. "You're really warm, like burnt cookies this one fired maid used to make me… funny right?"

Bloom groaned in response.

"No time for anecdotes, got it," Stella said.

A soft meow surprised Stella as she looked down to see Kiko was next to them. Stella completely forgot Bloom brought him with her and surmised he hid to avoid getting hurt and now came out when the witches were gone. He gently rubbed his head against Bloom's thigh.

"Oh dear, poor Mirta," Flora said, picking up the pumpkin with tears in her eyes. "We may not have gotten to know each other, but I can feel your pain even as a gourd."

"How do… How do we change her back?" Bloom asked, breathing heavily. She attempted to stand, but fell back to her knees as Stella kept a good grip on her arm. She fought back the tears, refusing to cry, but choked out, "She helped me… and this is what she gets!"

"Now don't go blamin' yerself," Tecna said, helping Bloom to her feet. "The Trix is to blame and sadly Icy's dark magic will be mighty hard to dispel."

"There's gotta be a way we can turn her back," Musa said hopeful. "Maybe a teacher can help us!"

"Wizgiz?" Flora asked. "I can try my best as well, but it's going to take a lot of magic to help our new friend."

"Yeah, well let's hurry out of this glade befo'e we get caught by somebody," Tecna said, helping Bloom out of the forest by carrying the girl like she was a baby.

…

Lucy awoke from her nap to find her room still empty. She was still holding a grudge towards Mirta, but her not being there was concerning. She pulled out her phone and dialed her friend's number, but it quickly went to voicemail.

"Hey, Mirts, uh, I know we're kind of not talking, but… I just think you should get back before you miss classes. That stuff matters to you… yeah," Lucy hesitated. "Um, I got your note, by the way, whatever you want to tell me better be important… See ya soon."

She let out a sigh as she hung up the phone and fell back on her bed. After a second she sat up and slumped her shoulders before reasoning, "She's fine… I should get the rest of this homework done."

With that she heaved a heavy sigh and went to her desk to finish Icy's term paper, one of the many she had done.

…

"Huh," Wizgiz said thoughtfully as he looked upon the potted pumpkin. Bloom and Flora were with him as the newly turned Mirta sat on the professor's desk as a pumpkin. "Never thought I'd see this."

"Can you fix her?" Flora asked, voice full of worry.

"I have to be one hundred percent with ya," Wizgiz said, leaning back in his office chair. "I'm not sure because I can't really read any thoughts on her."

"Wait… are you saying she's—" Bloom asked, shaking.

"No, she hasn't kicked the bucket, but she's deep in the recesses of her mind… a coma of sorts," Wizgiz said with a serious tone. "I hope she learned spiritual imprintin' or she'll be stuck as a Fright Night decoration for a mighty long while."

"Oh God," Bloom said with a groan.

"Maybe word that better next time," Flora advised Wizgiz while Bloom slammed her fist against the teacher's desk.

"Trust me, that wuz the best way," Wizgiz responded with a shrug.

"You have to do something!" Bloom begged, grabbing the teacher by his green suit.

"I will do everythin' I can and get Palladium to help, you trust my word, it'll be a bright day in Omega before she stays this way forevah," Wizgiz promised, patting the pumpkin. "Hopefully, she did imprint some or all of her mind, but it's going to take some serious research and magic to fix this."

"Can I help?" Flora asked. "Please, I want to do as much as I can. She protected us, it's our job to save her."

"Okay," Wizgiz said with a nod. "Also, did you tell Griselda about all that happened?"

"All right!" Flora cheered, holding her hand up to get a high-five from Bloom who kept her frown in response. "Right, wrong time."

She slapped her own hand against the other instead.

"We kind of want to keep this secret," Bloom said, fiddling with her fingers. They had only told Wizgiz small details, leaving out the archives and such, but simply told him they were fighting the witches and Mirta was turned into a pumpkin. "She'll freak once she knows what we did… we just want you to help."

"Why are you puttin' me, and Palladium when I tell him, through this?" Wizgiz questioned with a sigh.

"Because you're our fave teachers?" Flora said, with an anxious smile.

Wizgiz stared at the girl with a raised eyebrow before shaking his head with a smile. He seemed to be mulling over what to do.

"Tell Faragonda, Griselda will be much calmer when it's coming from her mentor," Wizgiz advised after a second of reflection. When he was met with despondent reactions he added, "Trust me… I know this is hard, but she's an easy woman to talk to. You don't want this to be secret forevah, do ya?"

Bloom sadly nodded in agreement, "I guess it would be easier to deal with."

"As for me and Palladium, after he's done freaking out, we will do what we can along with Flo'a."

Flora clapped eagerly. "And that's why we like you."

Bloom stared sadly at the transformed Mirta before requesting, "Keep her safe."

"I will," Wizgiz promised.

…

At Cloud Tower, Griffin picked up her phone, saying in an annoyed tone, "Make it quick, Faragonda."

"Oh, you knew it was me," Faragonda said, giggling. "Wait, this is a serious incident."

"What is?" Griffin questioned, annoyed.

"The three witches, they're at it again. They invaded Bloom and her friends' outing and attacked them. A student of yours, Mirta, was with them and got caught in the fire… she was sadly turned into a… pumpkin."

Griffin let out a long, exhausted sigh that Faragonda had to sit through silently.

"Yes, I expected that reaction," Faragonda said after the sigh ended. "Wizgiz and Palladium are taking care of her, they say whatever spell they used is hard to break. We can send her back if you'd like—"

"I can send someone over to help, but trust me, this will not go unpunished," Griffin said in a sinister tone. "The person I'm sending over will be a great help."

"Thank you, Ezzie," Faragonda said, making the dark Headmistress grumble under her breath. "We'll keep Mirta safe."

"Try to," Griffin said somberly. With that she hung up the call and sat at her desk in silence before grabbing a pen and scribbling something down on her notepad, but while writing, she noticed smoke emitting from her hand.

She was filled with rage that the three students she was impressed by for their wickedness were disobeying her on a constant basis and going so far to disfigure other students, but the best she could do was strip their powers again.

…

The living room was filled with the Winx, who sat in somber silence as they had dinner together. The day had been quite eventful and what all of them wanted right now was to eat.

"We're glad you're back Bloomie," Musa said, cutting off the silence. She sat next to the girl, seeming to not want her to get away from the group again. "Please don't do that again."

"Yeah, sorry… I just didn't want to hurt any of you," Bloom apologized. "If I hurt my… friends… I wouldn't know how to live with myself. I mean… you guys are still strange to me, but I'm strange to you… but like you're my friends. Yeah, you're my friends."

Now she realized these strange girls who had saved her time and time again were the first true friends she ever had. Her friends all smiled at her, showing appreciation at the usually jaded girl's view of them.

"We're glad to have you as a bestie as well," Stella said, giving her a side hug. "By the way, has Brandon contacted you yet?"

Bloom rolled her eyes, "That's all you can think about, boys?"

"The world wouldn't be perfect without a little romance," Stella replied with a playful smack on the girl's arm.

"Whatever, but I doubt he wants to be around me after what happened. I haven't told him the truth yet… probably for the best," Bloom said, looking down at her empty plate. "He was a good friend to have."

"Yea, friend," Tecna said sarcastically while chuckling.

"He's not my type," Bloom said, smiling softly. Although after saying that, her phone pinged. She pulled it out and read the text from Brandon. After reading it, her smile grew as she held her head down to cover her face. "We're good."

"What?" Stella asked, nearly dropping her fork. "What did he send you?"

"Nothing," Bloom replied with a shrug as she stood up to throw her plate away.

"Oh, she is not keeping this from me," Stella said, following behind the girl, now needing to know what the message said. "Tell me."

"Not a chance in hell," Bloom said, humming happily.

"As Princess of Solaria I command thee!" Stella ordered which only made Bloom laugh along with the other girls. The Princess lightly shook Bloom to shake out the secret, but the redhead just kept laughing and shaking her head.

The text warmed her heart, even though it was sweet and simple, but she wasn't going to let anyone know what he sent. That was her little secret for now.

…

End

Thanks for reading. See you soon! If you have any questions, comments, concerns, noticed errors that I can fix, or just want 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! I love you guys!

Also I want to try a new goodbye message, tell me what you think: Pace (yes, I got it from Barbie lol it means 'positive attitude changes everything') my lovelies.