Sorry it took so long, but here is chapter 9. It was much bigger originally, but then I split it into two. Chapter 10 is very well on its way.
I hope you enjoy.
Planet Magix, Alfea.
Harry watched and heard as Faragonda spoke to the Paladins, making it clear that the Trix were to be given a trial. He didn't know what kind of leverage she had, but was glad she used it to help. At the same time he felt secure in the knowledge that the Trix could escape any time they wanted with their new and enhanced powers, Gloomix, as well as the inbuilt portkey.
The surprise of Darcy's kiss was still prevalent in his mind. Having no idea how to feel about that or what that meant. Did he like her that way? Should he give it a shot or ignore it and move on? He was around ten years their senior, after all. 'Questions for another time.' he mused. Now there were more important matters to handle.
Bloom stood beside the raven-haired man, uncertainly switching from looking to him and the Trix a few times. "Do they mean that much to you, that you'd go so far for them?" she finally inquired, not able to see anyone else but the Trix themselves caring about them.
Harry sighed and shrugged. "A friend of mine would call it my 'Saving-People-Thing'." a small fond smile adorned his features as he remembered his friends. "Though, I do see myself in them a little bit. I know how it is for people to expect you to act a certain way. Only because you resemble someone from their past. Be it positive or negative. Completely ignoring that you're your own person. Most do not even bother with trying to see the real you." There were many examples of that in his past. An example would be Sirius, Remus and many of their friends to constantly compare him to James Potter. Harry liked Quidditch well enough, but loved flying much more and was not much of a prankster himself, thinking it resembled bullying too much. On the other hand there were people like Snape, Petunia and Vernon.
"I gave them the benefit of the doubt and I'll see how it turns out and handle it from there." it worked for him every other time. Why not this time as well?
"I see." was all Bloom could say to that, having much to think about. She shifted in place uncomfortably at being possibly in the wrong to such a degree.
Faragonda soon finished with the Paladins rejoined them. "I made sure to that the Trix will receive a trial. I don't know when it will be, but it shouldn't be more than a month with how notorious and infamous they are." it was a high profile case and those usually were worked on faster than others. It cost her quite a bit of political clout too.
"Hopefully. I wouldn't put it past the authority figures to take them into custody and simply postpone the trial indefinitely." Harry commented casually and cynically, his gaze locked onto the retreating ship. He knew the location of their base and if necessary would break the Trix out.
"I don't think the Council of Light would do that!" Bloom protested weakly, despite that there was hesitancy and doubt in her words.
"Are you trying to convince me, or yourself?" Harry questioned with a raised eyebrow before stating. "They imprisoned them on Omega without a trial before, despite knowing Darkar was able to control people. You should know that better than anyone else." he looked into her cyan eyes briefly before Bloom broke the contact and added. "I've enough experience with corrupt governments to know that not giving people a trial and silencing their voice usual means they're afraid of what you have to say or what you can do."
"Speaking of Darkar, before you arrived with the Trix, Bloom and I had an interesting conversation connected to that." Faragonda interjected with a change of topic. Not wanting him to grow angry and potentially level Alfea. "However, that's not a conversation we should be holding in public." with that said she superstitiously cast a look around and lead them back to her office.
After arriving Faragonda closed the door, and sealed the room magically against scrying and other methods of espionage. "Now we can't be overheard or spied on magically." Faragonda alternated looking from Bloom to Harry for a few moments. Her fingers steepled in front of her, elbows resting on the desk. Finally a sigh escaped her and the old fairy began. "Bloom here explained to me an interesting problem. Ever since being controlled by Darkar she had problems with her temper, more so than usual that is." the remark let Bloom's head erupt in a blush of embarrassment. "I personally attribute it an echo of his essence. However, she also told me that being near you calms her down." here her eyes grew intense as her intertwined fingers tightened. "So, how long have you've been the Shadow Phoenix, Mr. Potter?" having decided to cut straight to the heart of the matter.
Harry was more than a little bit surprised, but still relaxed. "Figured that out during my hospital visit, did you?" he inquired curiously and upon Faragonda's nod he chuckled. "Should have guessed this would happen."
Bloom grew extremely pale, staring at him in mortification, shame and revulsion. "You're the Shadow Phoenix?!" she exclaimed loudly, nearly leaping out of her seat but not transforming. While she harboured doubts as to Faragonda's claims, it would explain much.
"Since recently, yes." he answered calmly. Not at all bothered by her behaviour, if a little surprised by it. If Faragonda wanted him gone she would've told the authorities that were here before.
Faragonda nodded, looking at him intently behind her glasses. "I thought as much. There has to be a Shadow Phoenix, always." to kill the Shadow Phoenix was impossible, after all. It's power guaranteed to search for a new host upon the death of the old one.
"What're you saying?!" Bloom demanded slightly hysterical. Not knowing what was going on and torn between fight or flight. In the end she did neither. "I thought we vanquished Darkar!"
"You did, but the power of the Shadow Phoenix simply gained a new host. As the name implies it always comes back, reborn anew." Faragonda sighed and rubbed her eyes before looking at Bloom, obviously debating just what she should tell her. Once she reached a conclusion the old fairy said. "It seems it's time for you to learn some history of the Magical Galaxy not many know about. Normally I wouldn't even be allowed to tell you this. However, because you are directly affected I feel it necessary."
Thoroughly confused, Bloom asked. "What're you talking about, Headmistress? I've learned plenty about history during class." not knowing why Faragonda didn't seem phased by the next big bad sitting in her office.
"Not the true one, I fear." Faragonda said heavily before waving her hand. A silver tray appeared one the desk, carrying an immaculate pot and cups of porcelain and intricate design, summoned by the fairy from the kitchen. Bloom declined the offer and after doling out some steaming liquid to herself and Harry, she went on. "Bloom, as you know there is the Dragon's Flame you possess within you, as well as the power of the Shadow Phoenix now residing inside Harry here. They're said to be opposites, light and dark, but that is not true." she shook her head. "What not many people know is that there also exist a third power, the Water Stars."
Despite having many questions in the back of her mind, Bloom was too stunned to speak. A third power? One nearly no one knew about? Without noticing she leaned forward in anticipation.
Faragonda sat her saucer down gently, looking at Bloom intently. "In truth, the Dragon's Flame and the Water Stars are opposites. Light and Dark. Positive and Negative. They created the Magical Galaxy at the beginning. The Shadow Phoenix came with them and in turn had been responsible for keeping the balance between them. With his own ability to absorb magic and redistribute, he took power from one and gave to the other. In case one side grew too strong or too weak." it was much like a witch being able to become a Fairy or vice versa. "This triumvirate successfully kept balance for millennia."
"What happened then?" Bloom couldn't help but ask, enraptured. She knew that Darkar had the power to absorb magic and redirect it.
Harry too was intrigued by the tale, despite not knowing much about any of it. Though, he reclined on the comfortable chair, enjoying his tea. It had been a while since he had a good cup, after all.
"Folly and jealousy happened." came the forlorn answer. Faragonda looked out the window at the idyllic scene outside her window. It mocked her words, calling them lies. "At a time when the the Water Stars and the witches possessing them were weak someone overpowered and beat them, stripping the Water Stars off them. The Water Stars themselves were locked away, banished to a pocket dimension called the Golden Kingdom." the unusual amount of venom in her words directed at the place took Bloom aback. "While Darkar was imprisoned by the High Templar himself. One of the few who could've accomplished the deed against the then weakened Shadow Phoenix." the old fairy gripped the armrests of her seat tightly. "I don't know if things could've gone differently, but those actions ultimately led to the destruction of Domino down the line." Faragonda heard Bloom's gasp but soldiered on. "Without anything to oppose it the Dragon's Flame grew out of control, threatening to consume Domino and everything else, causing the royal family to build around the Great Dragon's resting grounds and creating the Vortex of Flames."
Faragonda let the two digest it a little bit before going on. "Still bound to bring balance, but unable to uphold it, Darkar and the Ancestral Witches, the previous holders of the Water Stars, planned to use the Dragon's Flame to bring balance once more to the Magical Galaxy." here the headmistress took another sip from her tea, letting the heat sooth her old throat. "I can only guess that part of the plan was obtaining the Crystal of Power. Something that can only be summoned when two of the three powers work together to do so. With the Water Stars not available there was only one choice." that caused her to remember Valtor being in the possession of a part of the Dragon's Flame. Though, he also betrayed his creators in his lust for power.
The red-haired fairy couldn't believe her ears. The tale sounding too fantastical to be believed. It was pure madness, upending all of her beliefs, all of what she had seen and known until now. "But, why do this?" Bloom practically pleaded, hoping Faragonda to be joking or this to be a dream. It was the cold reality however, and Faragonda had never lied to her. "Why risk such dire consequences?"
"The Council of Light, those responsible for this, wanted to bring about their own version of an utopia and believed the Water Stars and the Shadow Phoenix stood in the way of it." Faragonda explained patiently, sorrow lacing her words at having to shatter Bloom's world. "If you look no further than the surface then you'd be forgiven to think they succeeded." Faragonda stood up and walked to the window, looking out with both hands clasped behind her back. "And to my shame, fool that I was, I helped them create it, learning of the truth too late to change anything." she admitted mournfully, turning back to face her guests. "Had Darkar not become so twisted from his imprisonment and consumed by revenge I maybe would've helped instead of opposing him."
Bloom slumped back in her seat, staring at nothing in particular.
Silence reigned for a while, only interrupted by the clinking of crockery. After a minute Harry took the opportunity to chime in. "I'm not surprised that the types to imprison people without a trial would do such a thing. However, this planet, Magix, doesn't feel unbalanced." it seemed very much like Earth to him, just more advanced.
"You mostly have the witches' presence to thank for that." Faragonda chuckled at Bloom's incredulous look and smiled in a self-deprecating way. "Ironic isn't it? Fairies are sworn to preserve the Magical Galaxy and yet the Witches' mere presence does more for that than any fairy could ever hope to contribute right now. Not that they're appreciated for it or even know their importance themselves." it had been all too easy to paint the Ancestral Witches and witches in general as evil. The victor decided history, after all.
"The witches, really? The same ones that live in Cloud Tower?" Bloom couldn't help but question out of reflex. Cyan eyes wide and voice thick with disbelief.
"The very same." Faragonda confirmed with a nod before sitting down again. "Without the Water Stars, the biggest source of negative energy in the Magical Galaxy, it fell the witches to pick up the slack." she sighed mournfully, remembering Griffin's troubles and resentment. "Crippled as they are that was, and still is, an impossible task. Soon they had been pushed back until only Cloud Tower remained." it was the last and only known school for witches left in the entire Magical Galaxy.
"But Stella, Tecna, Musa or the others would know when something isn't right with their home worlds!" Bloom cried desperately, trying to deny it all vehemently. In the years she had spent with them none told her of problems on their home planets.
Faragonda shook her head, elbows on her desk. "You have only seen Earth, Magix and little of Eraklyon, worlds that are relatively unscathed. While your friends have a different problem; their sheltered lifestyle." she gestured around her. "Alfea is a school for fairies, true. However, all those who attend are royalty or closely connected to them. Something that warps their perception, because they never actually saw or recognized the problem, much less interacted with it." she sighed once more. "It also isn't helped that each royal family chooses their representative on the Council of Light. So, I'd advocate against telling them these things for fear of someone being told by them."
"Why tell us this at all then, if it's forbidden to do so?" Bloom finally asked, utterly spent and exhausted. Feeling left alone as another burden settled on her shoulders. Not even able to tell her friends in fear of others learning of it. She smiled a bit as Harry laid his hand on top of hers, interlacing their fingers and squeezed in a gesture of support.
Giving the young fairy a sympathetic look, Faragonda explained. "Because your fates are intertwined now and sooner or later you'd have to deal with it." she glanced at Harry. "Especially when you want to take them on with a trial for the Trix." the older fairy then turned back to Bloom, apologizing. "I'm just sorry you had to learn this way." at Bloom's acknowledging and resigned nod, Faragonda changed the topic. "What I don't know is how you came in the possession of that power. Do you have any inkling as to how that happened, Mr. Potter?"
Harry scratched his beard with his free hand, thinking. "Well, the only thing I can think of are the Deathly Hallows." he then told them an abridged version of the legends and the events leading to him possessing them. As well as pulling the artefacts out to show them. "I can only imagine that 'Death' in that story was actually this Darkar character."
"I agree." the headmistress concurred easily, holding the silvery cloak in her hands and letting it run through her fingers. "That's why his cloak was in tatters." she murmured before clearing her throat. "It explains why he was so weakened. Evidently Darkar had imbued these items with most his power and somehow succeeded in placing them on your planet during his imprisonment. Once someone worthy had collected all three the power transferred to him, followed by the rest upon Darkar's death." it was most likely done so that he could escape his imprisonment, if only through his successor. Something Darkar hadn't needed in the end. "Quite an ingenious idea. Nobody from the Magical Galaxy would look on Earth for anything of him." she handed him back the cloak.
Mollified that Harry wasn't the same as Darkar, Bloom inquired curiously. "Are our powers responsible for that connection between us?" the question was followed by her squirming in her seat, growing a bit hot under the collar.
"Not under normal circumstances, no." Faragonda began and told her. "It seems Mr. Potter here also possesses a piece of the Dragon's Flame." another tidbit that had been revealed during the medical exam. Her eyes turned to Bloom. "While you still have a piece of his power residing inside of you, a remnant from your possession. Both calling out to each other."
"How did you get a part of the Dragon's Flame?" Bloom blurted out, demanded really. At his amused look she promptly blushed, pulled her hand back as if burned followed by fiddling with the hem of her skirt.
Harry chuckled and answere easily, completely relaxed. "My guess is that I received it from this Valtor. The time where I felt different coincides with his death." he said smoothly, no lie leaving his lips. Valtor had died by him extracting the Dragon's Flame from him.
Faragonda hummed in thought, rubbing her chin. "Well, it does seem plausible that Valtor's part of the Dragon's Flame would seek you out, considering that it also was touched by Darkar at one point." seeing Bloom about to speak made the headmistress put her hand up to stop it. "I know what you're going to ask and there is a simple solution to your problem." Harry didn't know why Faragonda was smiling somewhat mischievously. Eyes twinkling merrily like Dumbledore's always did. "To return these pieces to where they belong you simply need to kiss."
"Come again?" Bloom choked out, stunned once more before growing as red as her hair. Followed by sputtering. "Why?"
The old fairy grinned as she elucidated. "Well, the mouth is the fastest connection to the soul, which is deeply intertwined with your magic."
"That's true." Harry confirmed with a sigh and closed eyes. The Dementor's Kiss came to mind quick enough. After opening his eyes and seeing that Bloom was hesitant and uncomfortable, he tried to lighten the mood. "I hope I'm not too hideous." he joked, chuckling.
Bloom shook her head vehemently, hands waving in front of her as she stuttered. "No, no.. you..you're handsome." a blush grew on her face now, feeling as if it extended down her neck. "It's just..." a mix of guilt, want and confusion roiled in her heart. She wanted to be complete, wanted to help Harry, and still did, but this seemed too much. Dangerously close to betraying Sky.
"All a bit much?" he finished for her after which Bloom gave him a reluctant nod. "We don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with." he assured her, a soft smile playing on his face. He knew she had a boyfriend and didn't want to be a possible issue between them. "Maybe we don't do it at all."
Bloom said gratefully. "Thank you." smiling slightly, something loosened around her heart. While she didn't feel the angry pulsing and pounding behind her eyes with him present, she did feel the pull towards Harry consistently strengthening during the whole conversation. She wanted to get rid of this problem, but without cheating on Sky. The fairy ignored her more vindictive side that demanded she kiss the older man in revenge for Sky ignoring her calls and messages. Not to mention all the other things she had learned today still on her mind. Unbelievable things, considering what she believed true previously, but she trusted Faragonda.
"No problem." he waved her off. "I have to thank you for this most enlightening talk." standing up, he smiled roguishly at them. "I wish you a good day ladies." it was nice information to know, but didn't change his plans all that much. Only strengthening his resolve to go through with them.
"You should briefly visit the hospital wing before you go, Mr. Potter. Ofelia can give you some tips for your predicament." Faragonda advised earnestly.
Harry nodded again, smiling one last time at them before leaving the office, and closing the door softly behind him.
"Do you need me for anything else, headmistress?" Bloom was already halfway out of her seat.
"Yes, Bloom, there is one more thing." Sadly, it wouldn't be good news either. "It also has to do with the destruction of Domino, and what consequences that has for your next year of schooling here at Alfea."
Thoroughly confused, Bloom asked. "What has that to do with my last year of schooling here at Alfea?" these things did not seem related at all. A sinking feeling made itself known in her stomach, as if she ate a rock that now sat in her stomach, dragging her back down onto the seat.
Sighing sadly, Faragonda was briefly indecisive before squaring her shoulders to get it over with. Bloom deserved to know.
"You see, the next year has no exams or tests of any kind. The only thing you have to accomplish is gaining your Enchantix." at Bloom's nod, indicating she knew that, Faragonda stood up and continued. "Some fairies gain it quickly, while others need more than a few years to do so." by the end she knelt in front of Bloom, taking both of the younger fairy's in her hands as a show of support. "However, it only can be achieved by rescuing someone from your homeworld, and show great sacrifice doing so."
"But, but..." the Fairy of the Dragon's Flame stuttered out, eyes wide with tears beginning to pool in the pools of cyan. "Everyone from Domino but me is dead." she croaked out, the words wooden and damning all at once. Her stomach now at her knees, keeping her rooted.
"Yes." the headmistress responded with a heavy heart. "You will most likely never achieve it, though not for any fault of your own."
It took a while for Bloom to return to anything resembling normalcy, quickly going through the first two stages of grief. Denial by clinging to some hope that soon evaporated, not able to deceive herself so much. Anger was more up her alley, raging at Faragonda for even allowing her to attend Alfea, knowing she could never be a complete Guardian Fairy. Only to be reminded that she cheated her way into Alfea and everyone, including herself, had thought she was from Earth in the beginning.
Bloom hollowly said goodbye to Faragonda and took to wandering the empty halls of Alfea bereft of its pupils, reminiscing about all of them that now enjoyed the school holidays with their families.
'What should I do?' she thought, aimlessly strolling through corridor after corridor. 'Maybe looking for someone from Domino? How, putting up an add in the Magix Web?' she derisively snorted to herself. 'That'll go over great. "Princess from Domino looking for someone also from Domino, to rescue in a totally not staged manner?"' she shook her head, banishing that ridiculous thought. The act wouldn't be selfless then, would it?
She briefly entertained the thought of becoming a witch. 'If Faragonda is to be believed then they need help.' that thought was followed by. 'I did pretty good in these few classes I attended at Cloud Tower last year.' despite knowing witches were not evil, Bloom couldn't convince herself to let go of being a fairy just yet. Too many bad encounters with the Trix, her recent doubts about them nonwithstanding. As well as having too much invested in being a fairy already. "Last resort, definitely last resort!" she mused to the abandoned halls.
Absent-mindedly she noticed that her wandering had brought her to the hospital wing, having subconsciously followed that connection to Harry. Bloom perked up at that. 'Maybe he can help?!' elation filled her, causing a minuscule smile. 'Darkar did give the Trix a power boost, so maybe Harry could do the same with fairies? Or maybe getting the rest of the Dragon's Flame would help me achieve Enchantix?'
With hope in her heart she pushed the door open, staying standing in the door and listening to what should be a private conversation.
As you can see Bloom is in the bargaining stage of grief. Will she do something she'll regret? Find out next time.