The waiting was simply driving her insane. Days had gone by, maybe even weeks and there was no sounds, no news, absolutely nothing from either Faragonda or the Winx. Bloom hoped that at least Stella would pop up for a little visit, but alas she was still alone.
Just like she was in Omega, it gave her way too much time to roam inside her own head. Which, after the last year, was the last place she wanted to be. The guilt, shame and fear were all dawning down on her.
The second unbearable thing was the nightmares. About her lost parents, her dead sister, Shadowhunt and just to add to the pain, about Valtor. It seemed that not even in her dreams he could leave her alone.
It threw her back to a few days ago when she was abruptly awoken by a loud beeping sound and a wave of nurses and guards that came barging in the hospital wing. Bloom had frozen in shock and then remembered that she was under disguise. To them, she was merely a random patient. But not even that seemed to be a big enough drama to get Faragonda to check on her.
There were times when she even missed the town of her own voice or any voices really so she began quietly humming her mother's lullaby. The one she heard during Avalon's visions. At least one good thing came from that. Next to every other horrible thing.
The real Avalon was now an official professor at Alfea. Bloom remembered the day Griselda had led her to the headmistress's office. Back then she was sure that the older fairy cared about her almost like a daughter. Now she wasn't as sure. "It's your decision Bloom," she had said. The choice was whether to employ the man who wore the same face as the monster who made her a slave or to send him packing. In the end, Bloom said yes. After all, she had done, she couldn't ruin an innocent man's life. But she did plead to have their schedules set so that they don't have to pass each other in the halls. And Faragonda had agreed. She did see him once though. Only once since it all happened.
Bloom had had a moment, her head was rumbling and all she wanted was to snap at something. So she went to the lake, the same one where Faragonda's stupid magic stone thing had been. The plan was to just let off some steam, undisturbed and untouched. And it would have worked if someone wasn't already there. Avalon was sitting in on the sand, his legs crossed, hands resting in the lap. He opened his eyes when he noticed her. And instantly upon seeing her state there was terror in his eyes. Bloom couldn't blame him because the feeling was mutual. She saw red marks, wings, a yellow orb closing in around her, filled with dark magic.
"Bloom? Bloom can you hear me?" she was recognising his voice, but sounds were a mess inside her head. There was too much of everything. Her hands were covering her face so that he doesn't notice her eyes.
"Bloom, breathe." He was still speaking. Why was he speaking? Was he going to take her again? "
No!" Bloom yelled out, a fire wave shooting out of her, knocking Avalon a few meters back and onto the floor. She looked over to where he was now laying, ignoring the pain and walking closer. He sat back up and extended the hand to calm her down.
"It's okay." She let out a long breath then inhaled another. It wasn't really helping with her raging headache but it did even out her breathing. She sat down too, a good distance away.
"I didn't mean to startle you earlier, I'm sorry that I did," he said after a minute of silence.
"No, it's- I just, I saw him."
Avalon nodded: "I know." Bloom wasn't sure why didn't she just stand up and walk away after that, some part of her, she guessed, simply wanted to talk.
"I know it's not your fault professor, but- " she bowed her head down, staring at the ground. "
Whenever you see me, it makes you remember... I have the same whenever the lights are out. I remember the cave he had kept me in." Bloom wanted to apologize, for not taking it into consideration, that he too was a victim. But she kept quiet and instead asked: "Do you think it will ever go away?"
Avalon shrugged: "I am not sure. All I can do is live and not let it own me anymore." He stood up then, brushing the sand off of his clothes. He started to walk away but then turned around. "Bloom, if you ever need any help, even if it's the last thing you want, you can ask me for it." Bloom knew as she watched him pace, that she could never do so. Of course, she was aware that he was not the same person that led her into Darkar's clutches, but some things were better left untouched.
Bloom stood up from the bed, brushing her hair out with her fingers. It was still so strange to have it be so short. And purple of all colours. She knocked to the nurses' room and was greeted by a warm smile of an elderly woman. "Is there anything you need dear?"
"I was wondering if I could go out for a bit, fresh air might be good for me." The nurse studied her, taking a file off of the desk and reading through it. Bloom saw her eyes go across the page then eyeing several healing wounds on her skin.
"I am not sure that the headmistress would be pleased with that."
"It doesn't have to be for long, just five minutes. Please," she did her best to add as much emotion as she could to her voice. If she could just get out of this room, she might find a way to reach Stella. At last, the nurse agreed.
"But only for a few minutes, anything more than that and Faragonda will have my head." That made Bloom laugh, she hadn't done that in months. She put on a long-sleeved shirt and jeans that were apparently given to her by the hospital. The woman then led her through a short hallway and unlocked the door. As soon as the sunlight touched her skin Bloom almost cried out. She thought she might never see such a thing again.
"It's beautiful," she whispered.
"There is a ward around the area so don't think about sneaking anywhere."
Bloom nodded, fully aware that she was strong enough to dispel such a thing. She had done so with the girls way too many times. And if she was healthy enough to walk now, that meant some of her energy had come back. The nurse closed the doors behind her and as soon as she was out of sight, Bloom headed for the doors across from her. She focused on the spell around them, letting the small amount of magic flow through her. A small panic sounded in her head, but this was okay, she wasn't doing anything big. Soon enough the door gave away and Bloom slipped inside the other room. It looked like every other hall inside Alfea, with high walls and pastel colours. She walked along with it, taking a few turns before finally recognizing an area. It was the library, she wasn't too away from the main floor then. Excitement filled her body, soon she was going to find Stella and things will go back to normal. That would be an ideal version of events at least. Bloom passed a group of girls on the stairs, smiling in greeting.
"Hurry, hurry!"
"Oh, I'm coming. You could slow down a little you know."
"Not if we want to get to Faragonda's office as soon as possible."
Bloom recognized the voices immediately. The first one was Tecna, while the other was without a doubt Stella's.
She turned around as two of her friends came rushing up the same staircase, going past her completely. Obviously, since she looked nothing like her old self.
"Hey-" she started to say but Tecna simply waved her off.
"You can get Stella's autograph later, now we are in a hurry."
Stella's eyes shot to Bloom instantly, the word 'autograph' clearly appealing. She wanted to say something to let her know that this was her, but at the time it was better to follow them and hear what was so important to be heard from the headmistress. The two went back to bickering over how Stella always had to be late and disappeared around the corner. Bloom waited a bit before going in the same direction herself. Though she wasn't stupid enough to simply eavesdrop against the door, she needed a better method. And sure enough, there was a spell she saw once that was perfect for this. She did however sneak a peek from behind a corner wall. All of her friends were there together, so it had to be something big. But the tension between them was also super evident. It was clear as day that something was wrong.
"I bet you did something, why else would we all be called in?" Layla spoke, the words meant for Stella.
"Even if I did it's not like any of you would care," her best friend barked back and tossed an apologetic look to Tecna who stood by her side.
"So you two are never going to just drop it?" Musa asked, she too sounding annoyed.
"Maybe when Stella stops trying to save a murderer."
Bloom's heart dropped to her feet. She didn't say her name, but Bloom knew that the words were meant for her. The edges of her eyes felt wet, she pressed her back hard against the wall to keep herself from collapsing.
"What did you just say?" she didn't have to see Stella's face to know that she was furious, the ice-cold voice spoke for itself.
"Nothing that's not true. Bloom is-"
The sound of doors opening cut of the rest of the sentence. Bloom felt like she was going to vomit. Nausea crept up to her throat and tears rushed in waves against her skin.
"That would be enough."
Griselda.
"If you can't contain yourselves you can leave at once."
Then the doors got shut again, and in her despair, Bloom chanted the spell under her breath. It was like she was there, all they were saying she could hear loud and clear.
"I called you in here today to discuss a common concern. Your friend."
Even with the spell, she heard a snark coming from Layla.
"Are there any news from the Council?" Flora spoke for the first time.
"Her punishment stays. Erendor made sure of that after the- accident with Sky."
It didn't take a genius to know who hated her more than Bloom already hated herself. Erendor. Sky's father. It's not like he liked her before, she was nothing compared to the ideal vision of Diaspro. To him, Bloom was a distraction that got his son killed.
"So what more is there to say?" Stella pressed on. Bloom knew her well enough to hear a level of fright in it.
"I think you and the rest of your friends deserve to-"
The spell got caught off, Bloom looked up abruptly and saw two figures standing above her. One was unmistakably Alfea's Head of Discipline, while the other was the now sweaty nurse. It seemed that Griselda either didn't know who she was or just didn't care. She forced Bloom up to her knees and towards the office.
Bloom practically fell inside as the doors opened. Everyone was now staring at her. Layla, Musa and Flora in utter confusion, Stella and Tecna in questioning and Faragona with anger mixed with shock.
"We found her spying on you headmistress. She escaped the hospital wing by deceiving the nurse."
Bloom stared first at Faragonda and then dared to turn her head to Stella. The moment their eyes locked she knew that her best friend recognized her.
"Can someone explain what exactly is going on here?" Layla protested.
Faragonda stood up, extending both of her hands to the air. Several things happened all at once. They were no longer in the office, the Great Archive was now around them. The nurse was completely gone and all of the people were standing in a circle around her.
"Faragonda what is-" The old fairy held up a hand and Griselda stopped mid-sentence.
"What is said today can never, and I repeat never leave this room."
The girls were exchanging confused looks, all but Stella who walked closer carefully before squeezing her in a hug. As she did so, Bloom felt the light pressure of her hair touch her shoulders, and she knew the disguise was off.
"Bloom?" Flora muttered out. The flower fairy covered her mouth with her hand. Musa's eyes were wide staring at her scars, and Layla simply stood far behind.
"Now girls, quiet down," Faragonda said calmly, putting a hand on Stella's shoulder. The sun fairy stepped back, hardly restraining her smile.
"You wanted an explanation, here she is."
Bloom dared a glance at the princess of Andros. She didn't hold the same amount of excitement as everyone else. Even Griselda had a little grin, but Layla was as solid as stone.
"Maybe when Stella stops trying to save a murderer." it echoed in her mind over and over again.
"How long?" she asked towards the principal.
"A couple of days," Bloom answered instead, now watching her without breaking eye contact.
"And we find out now?"
"It's not like you would want to help us," Stella said, standing by Bloom's side again, shoulder by shoulder. A sort of protective shield.
"Layla-" the fire fairy tried, extending a hand toward her friend.
"Don't. I want to understand, but I can't," she turned her back to them.
"How can you stand there, by her side as if nothing happened?"
The silence dragged across the room, no one had the right thing to say if there even was one.
She could apologize but it would change absolutely nothing.
She could tell her how what happened was tearing her apart.
She could describe the moments when she wanted to end it all because of guilt.
But none of them would bring Sky back. None of them would turn back the time.
"Because she is our friend who did the worst thing imaginable to save this entire planet," Tecna spoke out, nodding lightly to Flora who looked too anxious to say anything. Her roommate walked over and rested a hand on Bloom's shoulder.
"Because when we were in trouble, she wouldn't blink twice before helping," Flora added.
"Because she looked death in the eyes twice and still chose us before herself," Stella finished.
Bloom's eyes were now filling with a different types of tears.
She tried again: "Layla listen to me-"
"I guess all of you can move past it.. but I- I can't."
She turned back, looking straight to Bloom now: "You- you killed Sky!"
Bloom was yet again hit with the enormous crush of shame and hatred.
"I know. And no matter how many times I tell you that I didn't mean to, it still won't matter, will it?"
"No, no it won't."
Faragonda had kept quiet until then.
"Miss. Layla, am I right to assume that at least the secret can be kept to yourself?" Her eyebrows had risen, anticipating the answer of the morphix fairy.
"Fine. But nothing more," with that she walked to the door. There was a wave of thought that Faragonda might stop her, but she let her leave.
The rest of the Winx, with Musa still a bit hesitant, stayed still, following the older fairies' movements carefully.
"Now when that's settled. We have some things to discuss."
Valtor hadn't had a good nights sleep ever since Bloom was back in her little school. Whatever the connection between them was, he was starting to despise it. The fairy would unconsciously pull him into her nightmares, her visions and memories. And it was fun to mess with it at first, but as it went on he just wanted to make it stop. He poured himself a glass of bourbon and drank it all in one gulp.
He wasn't sure what his next big plan was but it had to be big. Bigger than the cities he robbed of off magic until now. A kingdom perhaps. Luckily for him, there were plenty to choose from. And if he wanted to strike deeply, he had an idea of where to start. Or people might start to think he was growing weaker. There needed to be a statement, no more false threats. The place that had kept him imprisoned for years might have been Omega, but its entrance lay in a kingdom that had all kinds of beautiful secrets.
It was a perfect way to establish his rule, to snuff out the light from the fairies' eyes and to create an army of devoted subjects.
Valtor smirked to himself, as he teleported straight into the underwater depths of Andros.
A group of guardian mermaids appeared around him almost right away. But Valtor was ready, he stretched out a hand and all the guards around him started to shift. A red mark burned itself into their necks, transforming once-beautiful creatures into fish-like monsters.
He was pleased with the result, confidence inside of him growing by the second. It didn't take long to enslave more and more and more citizens. Some of them mere tourists, some royal guards. Anywhere he stepped people tried to flee but it was useless. Eventually, he got them all. One by one, the number of people he sired started to grow. Once he reached the Omega island no one was powerful or quick enough to stop what was coming.
He rested his hands at the very centre, pushing against the many warding spells that held the doors to Omega shut. Valtor found it quite easy, he expected more for the biggest prison in the Magic dimension. Or he was just far stronger than whoever originally cast the spells.
A smile played across his lips as he felt the protection quiver and magic flowing out the ground and into him. The change was immediate, he felt like his skin was radiating with volts upon volts of electricity. It was the most alive he felt in a while. The sky above him turned to a colour of ashes as if the very life had been sucked from it. Lightning and thunder sounded close by and the rain didn't hold back once it started to pour.
He looked to the royal palace that could be spotted in a distance and grinned.
"The move is yours Winx."
/Notes:I don't exactly know how or why I suddenly decided to write a new chapter but I did and here we are. You'll notice there is a lot of dialogue in this one, hope that doesn't bother anybody. I enjoyed coming back to this world and the character. Especially giving more voice to Bloom's thoughts and feelings. I hope you enjoyed it too. Don't be shy to leave your opinions in the comments!
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