Moving to another planet and leaving her home behind in just a day was no easy feat for Bloom. While most people only have to choose between countries, Bloom's decision was far more extraordinary. Faragonda expected the girls' arrival, knowing well that Bloom's powers brought another significant issue to the forefront: the Dragon Flame. Faragonda understood the implications of these powers and what they meant for Bloom.
As the girls trudged wearily towards their dorm, Bloom wiped away another tear that escaped her eye. Her home planet was gone. Although it was a powerful planet with sources still alive, forming the reason for the universe's creation, she felt a pang of vulnerability. Stella, sensing Bloom's distress, pressed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. They had embarked on a new journey, and Stella was aware of the immense responsibility she had undertaken. Once Bloom discovered and mastered her powers, she would become the strongest fairy in the dimension.
As they approached the dorm, Flora opened the door before Stella could reach it and immediately enveloped her in a crushing hug. "I was so worried!" Stella smiled and returned the embrace, wrapping her arms around Flora's waist. "We're fine."
For a moment, Flora was confused by Stella's use of "we," but then her eyes fell on the redhead standing next to her best friend. Slowly, she retreated from the hug to welcome Bloom with a warm smile. "Welcome, Bloom. My name is Flora."
Stella rolled her eyes as she stepped inside. "You introduced yourself last night on the phone. Remember?"
Before Flora could respond, Musa ran towards Stella, nearly knocking them both over as she hugged the blonde enthusiastically. Bloom watched their friendship with a sense of warmth, noting how all the girls now circled Stella, each waiting their turn to hug her while smiling at Bloom and welcoming her as well. The kindness and camaraderie made Bloom feel comforted, a stark contrast to the sorrow she felt over her lost planet and the family she left behind.
"I must say," Aisha remarked, cupping Stella's cheeks and studying her closely, "When the girls told me about the specialists, I barely held myself back from coming to get you. Are you okay?"
Stella nodded, letting out a deep sigh as she sat down on the couch in the common room. "We are," she replied, her voice tinged with exhaustion. The girls settled around her, offering support and understanding, creating a sense of solidarity that helped ease Bloom's pain. Despite the overwhelming changes and the grief she carried, Bloom felt a glimmer of hope surrounded by her new friends.
Bloom sat next to Stella, feeling the need to stay close to her until she got used to the girls. "We heard what happened," Musa said, handing both Stella and Bloom their coffees to help them warm up. Traveling from one planet to another was a chilly experience, especially via transportation.
"Are you still talking to that magenta-haired specialist?" Stella scolded, her eyes meeting Musa's with a flash of anger. Musa's cheeks reddened, and she shook her head, pointing at Tecna. "Timmy told her."
Tecna rolled her eyes as she gulped down her hot beverage. "Is it true, though?" she asked. Even though Timmy was loyal to her in many ways that Tecna didn't even always appreciate, she still questioned the information if it came from him. Not trusting a specialist was always safer than the alternative.
"It is," Stella confirmed, leaning back on the couch and taking a careful sip of her coffee. "The ogre attacked, and they eliminated him. If it hadn't been them, I would have had to do it myself." She shrugged, not particularly concerned about the ogre. She was fed up with ogres and was now eager to confront the witches who were sending all kinds of monsters after her.
The room fell silent for a moment as the girls processed Stella's words. Bloom felt a mix of awe and admiration for Stella's strength. Despite everything, she handled herself with such confidence and determination. "Is there going to be a war now?" Bloom's question captured everyone's attention in the room. Stella smiled reassuringly, while Tecna quickly stepped in to explain the situation to the concerned redhead.
"No, there won't be a war since it was the commander of the specialists who killed the ogre. He has the authority to eliminate creatures if they're causing significant damage outside their dimension, especially on a planet without a magic ruler." Commander? At such a young age? Bloom turned to Stella, seeking clarification. "How old are the specialists?"
Stella frowned at the sudden change in questions but shrugged. Tecna seized the opportunity to respond again, always ready to share her knowledge. "The ones you met are between 23-24 years old. There are younger specialists as well, since they join Red Fountain at age 13."
"You said commander for the brunette," Bloom said, gulping. Stella had stood her ground against those specialists without showing any fear, which was impressive to Bloom, considering she barely stood up for herself against Mitzi. "How old is he?"
"He's 24," Stella said, not lifting her head from her cup. Bloom bit her lip, digesting the information and sensing the tension in room increase with Stella's answer. Tecna, unfazed by Stella taking the opportunity to answer, added, "He is young, but his training goes back further than that of the other specialists. It's known that he's the son of the previous commander of the specialists. We don't know much about his mother, but it's known that he was born and raised in Red Fountain. So, not everyone joined at age 13; some were born there." Bloom nodded, speechless at what she heard.
"How old are you, Bloom?" Flora asked, sensing Stella's anxiety increasing because of the topic.
"Um, 19," Bloom replied, her cheeks flushing. She suddenly felt like a child. The girls didn't look older than her; in fact, they definitely seemed the same age. But witnessing Stella's warrior-like stance made her feel as small as an ant. "Oh, so we're the same age! How perfect, you'll probably be in our class," Flora exclaimed, her excitement genuine.
"Of course," Stella assured, smiling at Bloom. The mood in the room lightened noticeably as the girls saw Stella wasn't lost in deep thoughts. "We'll do whatever is necessary for you to find your powers and yourself."
The girls nodded in unison, and Bloom couldn't help but feel grateful for the fairy of the sun. Even though she knew Stella's strength didn't rely solely on the sun, Bloom saw her as a replica of it, with her beauty, posture, and power. Stella had transformed her life for the better. So much better.
"I'm fine, Mom. I was in the middle of my transportation to Magix when they interrupted, and I wasn't paying much attention to where I changed my path at that moment," Stella tried to reassure her mother for what felt like the hundredth time. Luna, being the paranoid mother she was, paced back and forth, her concern evident, while Radius stood still, only trying to see if his daughter was hurt through her hologram.
"I'm not hurt, Dad."
"Don't lie to me, Stella." His voice cut through Luna's anxious pacing. Luna approached the hologram closer, inspecting her daughter with a critical eye. She let out a shriek when she noticed the bruises on Stella's throat.
"It was the goblins, nothing serious," Stella said, though she still felt the pain of the bruises. She decided to keep this information to herself.
"You're coming to Solaria immediately. I have to make sure you're checked by good hands. I'll talk to Faragonda."
"Dad," Stella stood up immediately, gazing at her father in shock. "You can't be serious. No wonder why everyone thinks I'm a spoiled brat! The healer already did what needed to be done, and Flora is applying her healing ointments since I got back."
The healer part was easy to push, but hearing the nature fairy take care of her daughter sent immediate relief washing over him. Flora, being the fairy whom Stella befriended since childhood, was also Radius and Luna's favorite among the girls. While they held the same regard for others, Flora's significance, given her planet's association with Solaria, was a little different.
"Stella," Radius began, though uncertain how to proceed, "You know you can just choose one source as your power. Maybe then no one would trouble you, and you'll be safe." Both parents lowered their heads in defeat. They both wanted the best for Stella. Radius desired her to inherit solar powers, while Luna longed to see her daughter possess the beauty of the moon and stars. Not to mention the other benefits that owning the power of celestial bodies brought. But if they had to decide, and if it meant one of them had to step back, they would do so just to ensure their daughter's safety for the rest of her life.
Stella rolled her eyes as she glanced at her parents. "Dramatic much, aren't we?" she asked, smiling. Luna and Radius looked at her bewildered, and Stella approached their hologram, tenderly touching their faces. Her parents felt her touch like small waves of electricity gently brushing against their skin.
"I'm not going to give up on my powers just because of wrongdoing and tyrannical people want me to. Must I remind you that I'm the princess of Solaria and Lunaria? Or should I wait until you reach your thrones to remember who you are?"
Luna wiped away her tears as she watched her daughter proudly. Radius cleared his throat, not wanting to show how her speech and hologram touch had affected his fatherly feelings. "Go to your room," he murmured, causing both women to laugh in harmony.
"I love you too, Dad," Stella replied, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
Just then, a knock on the door drew their attention. Flora opened it and stuck her head in. "Stell, Faragonda is waiting for us." Stella nodded and turned her attention back to her parents. "We'll talk later. Stop worrying, okay? This isn't my first year at Alfea."
They nodded reluctantly and their hologram disappeared after saying their goodbyes. Stella stood up and looked at herself in the mirror. "The bruises are too obvious today," she murmured, not realizing Flora was still in the room.
"The ointment does that. It brings the pressured blood to the surface so the injury can heal faster," Flora explained.
Flinching slightly, Stella turned to her friend. "They saw it, though," she murmured sadly.
Flora approached Stella, her lips pursed sympathetically. "I'm sorry, Stell. But they know you were attacked by dozens of goblins and three giants. It's only natural for you to have bruises here and there."
Nodding in agreement, Stella looked away from the mirror and turned to face Flora. "Where's Bloom?" she asked as she made her way toward the door to leave her room and enter the common area.
"She's with Aisha and Tecna, touring Alfea." Smiling, both sat down on the couch while Stella put her sneakers on. They were all dressed and ready to train, but Faragonda's last-minute call had halted them before class. "What do you think she wants?" inquired Stella, fumbling with her shoelaces.
"I'm not sure. But I guess it's about Bloom." Flora nodded.
Stella rose to her feet, with Flora following suit. As they walked down the corridor, they heard shouting and screaming coming from Faragonda's office. Panic filled them, and they quickened their pace, entering the office without even knocking.
Stella's eyes met his in mere seconds. His face remained emotionless, his eyes traveling down her body just as they always did whenever their paths crossed. He sat on one of the sofas in Faragonda's office, his body too relaxed and clearly showing his indifference towards the chaos in the room. Stella's gaze then returned to her screaming friend, who was barely restraining herself from blasting the magenta-haired specialist out of the window.
As she quickly scanned the room, she started to walk towards Musa, intent on preventing her friend from getting into trouble. Faragonda was not in her office, evident from the bickering that could be heard from the corridor. "Musa!" Stella called out, grabbing her friend by the arms and pushing her away from Riven before the situation escalated further. Bloom and Tecna were holding Aisha back, her eyes sending curses towards the wizard of the specialists.
"Nabu is here?" Stella frowned, recognizing the wizard who, although not as bad as the specialists, had clearly done something to anger Aisha.
"Let me go, Stella," growled Musa, trying to push her friend's hands away. Flora rushed to help, now holding Musa as well. Stella looked into her friend's eyes, her calming presence sending warmth and tranquility through Musa's body.
"Don't use a spell on me!" groaned Musa as her eyes started to close with calmness and tiredness. Flora glanced towards Aisha, worried that Bloom and Tecna might not be enough to hold their friend back before she lunged at Nabu.
"Enough!" A voice interrupted the chatter between the specialists and the fairies as Faragonda walked in, anger evident on her face. Griselda and Codatorta followed behind, clearly annoyed. Stella let go of Musa's arms, and the fairy of music leaned back against Flora for support. Stella sighed, turning to face the headmistress.
"Five minutes I leave you alone and look how you act—like you are five-year-old's!"
Bloom flushed, feeling the gaze of the blonde specialist on her. There was definitely something wrong with these men, making a woman uncomfortable by just staring. Stella had mentioned they were bad, but what was with the looks they were giving, like the girls were pieces of meat? Trying to push the fear away, she frowned at the specialist, hoping not to look foolish. Riven sat down next to Brandon, who hadn't even moved from his seat to take control of the situation, despite being the commander. No, he was too busy watching Stella while she tried to calm her friends. Riven glanced at Brandon, clearly annoyed, but once Brandon shot him a look, his murmurs ceased immediately. The specialist stood up, already too tired of the pink color surrounding the whole building.
Walking towards Codatorta, Brandon addressed Faragonda before she could speak. "We are delaying our training because of this meeting, and your fairies are acting like spoiled children, unable to handle a joke. How long until we return to real issues, Headmistress Faragonda?"
Brandon's voice echoed in everyone's ears. Bloom felt her proud posture weaken as she took a step back, nearly hiding behind Aisha. She glanced at the other girls to see if she was the only one affected; Flora was trying to hold Musa, though her face was flushed, probably because of what Brandon said. As for Aisha and Tecna, Bloom realized their gazes were fixed on someone else, worry evident on their faces. Just when Bloom thought it was fear that made them worry, she turned her head to see where they were looking and understood the cause of their concern. Stella's eyes were shimmering, and this time, Bloom couldn't appreciate the usual beauty in that expression because the fear she felt was overwhelming.
"Your training is delayed only because of your incompetence," Stella spoke harshly as she walked towards the right side of the table where Faragonda stood, now facing the specialist without blinking. Bloom bit her lip to hide her smile, understanding the underlying message Stella was sending to the commander. Brandon's eyes, familiar with the voice he heard, locked onto Stella. No emotion passed through his eyes as he smirked, watching the young fairy direct her amber gaze at him.
"Is this how you're going to thank us?" Brandon taunted.
Stella smirked back, not stepping back and holding her ground. "I don't think I heard a thank you from you either, considering that I saved your ass first." Brandon's smirk faded. He leaned forward, placing both hands on the table, though Stella was out of his reach. She mimicked his posture, placing her hands on the table and leaning in slightly. Faragonda cupped her face, breathing out in exasperation.
"You saved yourself. It's not my fault you chose to travel with magic and were too much of an airhead to be careful of the attacks directed at you."
Airhead?! The girls growled in unison, as if the specialist had struck a nerve in all of them.
"If you're expecting everyone to protect themselves, what good are you for?" Stella shot back. "My transportation is my choice, and if I'm attacked in midair, it's not because I'm an airhead. It's because I thought you were useful for that matter before. I've learned my lesson."
Brandon let out a sound of disdain, clearly despising Stella's words. Bloom observed the specialist, trying to ignore the gaze of the blonde specialist on her. As Brandon and Stella continued their furious staring contest, Aisha nudged Bloom with her elbow. Bloom looked up at the fairy, realizing that Aisha was aware of the blonde specialist's gaze and was trying to block his view. Feeling thankful, Bloom hid behind Aisha. It was for the better until she got used to it—if she ever could.
Brandon's attention returned to Stella, who had leaned down on the table to match his posture. He knew too well that at least Riven's eyes were locked on the blonde's body. The idea alone was enough to get on his nerves, nearly compelling him to walk over and straighten her posture so that the attention of the men around the room would not be on her anymore. Clenching his jaw, his eyes met the bruise on her neck, making him frown in response. She did not have those last night. As he was too lost in examining her bruised neck, he didn't notice the old fairy who shot him a look before speaking.
"Enough!" Faragonda's voice cut through the tension, pulling Brandon out of his thoughts. "This behavior is unacceptable. Both of you need to remember where you are and who you represent."
Stella straightened up, casting a final glare at Brandon before taking a step back. Brandon forced himself to look away from the bruise on her neck, his expression hardening as he composed himself.
"We're not here to discuss last night or Bloom's situation. It's about a mission you will be attending, and no, I don't want to hear anything further!" Faragonda's stern gaze silenced the room as she turned to her fairies. Codatorta stepped forward to address the specialists. "It's an important issue, and I really don't have to listen to your childish conversations about who is what or what is not fair! Tomorrow, you'll be leaving for the mission, and yes, it is necessary!"
Stella closed her eyes, taking a few steps back and reaching for the girls. Flora and Musa also approached, now all looking at the headmistress in shock and disappointment. They hated the missions with the specialists and had never felt more uneasy than when the specialists were around them. Now, seeing that Faragonda, even though she knew how the girls felt, was pushing them into a mission with the specialists, hurt them deeply.
"Miss," Aisha started to say, but Faragonda raised her hand to stop her from continuing. "I said what I had to. Get ready; Griselda will help you with clothing and other needs. Now, please leave. I have to speak to the specialists."
The girls exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of frustration and resignation. Stella sighed, giving one last glare to Brandon before leading the girls out of the room.
As the girls made their way towards the door, Stella paused at the last minute before closing it and glanced back at Faragonda. "What about Bloom?"
Faragonda sighed, her gaze softening as she looked at Stella. She understood the weight of the situation and the toll it was taking on her. "I believe it would be better if she also joined you. Maybe the need for self-defense would awaken her powers, and she would be able to use them."
Stella nodded her head, unable to leave the office with the pang of anxiety inside her. "Do not worry dear. You were able to bring her here without a scratch on her, this time you have the girls too." Stella smiled, relieved that Faragonda didn't mention specialists as a way of protection for them. Her eyes just touched his for a second before closing the door behind her, leaving the office with a lingering sense of anxiety.
Faragonda cleared her throat, garnering the attention of the boys. However, Brandon's gaze remained fixed on the closed door, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of the bruise on Stella's throat. Riven and Nabu lounged on the couch, seemingly disinterested, while Helia and Timmy listened attentively, showing respect for the fairy.
Sensing his friend's troubled demeanor, Sky placed a comforting hand on Brandon's shoulder, his expression furrowing with concern. "Are you okay, man?" he asked quietly, noting Brandon's distracted state.
"What?" Sky whispered back, trying to keep his voice low to avoid attracting the attention of the old fairy he despised. Brandon shook his head, signaling for Sky to drop the subject. He took a few steps back, leaning against the bookshelf, his attention fully on Faragonda as she mentioned Stella's name. Every word she uttered seemed to echo in his ears.
"I'm counting on her; she will lead the girls as you have your commander to guide you," Faragonda continued. Codatorta interjected for the first time, clearing his throat to draw attention. "Brandon will not be attending the mission. He has other obligations. Sky will lead the specialists." Brandon met Codatorta's gaze squarely, the man nodding in understanding. He had made it clear that he wasn't inclined to join any mission with the fairies, but this mission was different. Even though he wasn't yet sure why it was different, Brandon felt a strong pull, an instinct urging him to take charge.
"No," Brandon said firmly, causing Codatorta to frown in response. "I will lead the mission."
Sky suppressed a cough, trying to hide his amusement. He knew the reason why, even though Brandon hadn't explicitly stated it. Sky was aware, perhaps even more so than Brandon himself.
"Brandon? Are you sure?" Codatorta inquired, his tone cautious.
Brandon offered a curt nod in response, signaling his agreement without further elaboration. Codatorta muttered a brief acknowledgment before jotting something down on his watch. Faragonda reiterated the importance of focusing on the mission, emphasizing the need to avoid conflict with the girls. She noted that the feeling was mutual, hoping that mutual antipathy would incentivize cooperation toward the mission's success.
As the specialists shared smirks, Brandon's gaze drifted outside to the courtyard, where he immediately spotted her figure. She sat among her friends, basking in the sunlight, her tanned skin glowing under its rays. Brandon's hand instinctively moved to his neck, gripping it tightly as he continued to watch her, his eyes never leaving her form.
"A couple of fairies who are nothing but trouble for us. They're not even real, just leave it," Sky remarked, his tone dismissive. Brandon shot him a sharp look, puzzled by the audacity of the blonde to engage him in conversation, especially on such a trivial matter. His stern gaze was enough to make Sky retreat, sinking back against the bookshelf, understanding the warning conveyed in Brandon's eyes.
Brandon's anger simmered beneath the surface as he refrained from looking back out the window. Though he knew he owed no explanations to anyone, something within him held him back. Frustration coursed through him, causing his fists to clench tightly. That infuriating fairy always seemed to find a way to cross his path. This mission would provide the perfect opportunity to put her in her rightful place. The thought of crushing her wings brought a twisted pleasure to his mind. Their saccharine and colorful existence was nothing more than a toy for him to manipulate as he pleased.