So, chapter 13 is here. Sorry for the delay, but the chapter got longer than intended and I didn't want to break it up into two parts. Even though I could and probably should have. At least it is the last chapter before the Princess Ball. I'm speeding things up a bit.
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it.
Planet Magix, Citadel of Night.
In a flash of dark flames Harry and Chimera appeared in the courtyard of Harry's subterranean home.
Behind them stood an imposing obelisk. A needle of darkness thrust up from the ground, like the javelin tip of some underworld deity. This four-sided pillar of black stone stood perhaps thirty feet tall, six feet wide at its base and narrowing as it rose. The newly made wardstone bore many different bronze runes, etched all over its surface, where small currents of magical energy arced along. A low hum could be heard from the sheer power of the wards.
Chimera looked around hungrily, blue eyes roaming over every little nook and cranny, taking in the empty courtyard, the splendour everywhere, and all the other little details of the place. How a host of sharp murky crystals glowed, spending cold ghostly light into the gloom of the vast cavern, like daggers in the dark, made visible by their shining sides reflecting the green, red, and blue light from their brethren. As if twinkling stars of every colour were seemingly incorporated into the very building, they even were reflected off the waters clear as glass and flat as a mirror deep below, creating a sea of stars.
One could make out the song created by roaring waterfalls in the distance. The air, humid and heavy, drifted slowly towards them as the quiet echoes of the cave were accompanied by the distant roar of water cascading down from above. A subterranean river flowed down in a multitude of waterfalls all over the cavern. The water itself flowing into the large crystal-clear grotto below. Stalagmites and stalactites ringed the cavern, creating the illusion of teeth belonging to multiple massive stone maws.
The dark majesty of the building's architecture was quite beautiful to behold, shaped from the very cavern itself.
"Come along now." Harry chuckled seeing Chimera's enraptured look as she stopped and stared, head quickly swivelling from one point to another. He couldn't fault her for that, having done more than a bit of renovating in a futile effort to lose as much magic as possible.
At his words the young woman nodded, holding the present for Stella close to her, lest she lose it. Chimera much rather would snake her arms around his, but didn't want to come across as clingy. His words from before still ringing in her ear.
Harry led her across the courtyard along the portico and into the opulent entrance hall. The large black archway opened it's blood-red doors framed with gold on its own.
The large room opened up to the courtyard and was located in the middle of the citadel. Just after the columned entrance of the huge complex they found themselves in front of a wide flight of stairs leading up to an expansive landing decorated richly with vines of bronze. From this landing, two massive helical staircases occasionally branched out to balconies leading to the upper levels of the citadel. The rich, dark marble with veins of jade was highlighted in its quality by the crystal lamps along the walls, as well as the enormous luminous chandelier made of exquisite filigree and bound by thick chains to the ceiling of the hall.
From there one could access the stairs leading to the upper parts and the rest of Harry's humble abode. He led her to the highest point, and from there over the bridges connecting the different parts. Each bridge hung precariously over the chasm, which plunged down thousands of feet and disappeared into the coruscating lake below. Twinkling, the stars wheeled below, an abyss of light. Chimera's eyes found strange and alluring shapes within the ripples of starlight, constellations depicting gods and heroes and mighty deeds of ages past alongside dragons and villains.
The fairy just so resisted the call of the void as they arrived at the other end, soon entering the ballroom that was practically hanging in the air.
Rich, imperial purple curtains covered every corner in this chamber. Along the ceiling, six massive yet delicately crafted chandeliers sparkled at every facet, thousands of pieces of magically cut crystal shaped to exact specifications.
No wind was present and so there was no danger of being pushed over the guardrail of the vaulted room. It instead easily allowed one to see the drop towards the waters below. Only Bloom was present in the otherwise empty room, swaying on the balls of her feet to an invisible tune only she could hear as she fiddled with the controls of a jukebox.
The door must've made a noise because Bloom perked up to look at the newcomers.
"Harry!" Bloom happily shouted in greeting, her cyan eyes sparkling as she left her friends and ran towards him with arms wide to initiate a hug.
The wizard embraced her tightly, smelling her hair fragrant with lilac and elderberry perfume, falling in a cascade of fiery curls across her shapely shoulders. "Hello, Bloom." he greeted back. "I see you're using the self-made perfume I showed you." he observed, squeezing her one last time before letting go.
Bloom nodded with a smile that reached her eyes, creating crinkles at the corners. "Yes, it's incredible! Thank you for showing me how to make it!" came the enthusiastic answer. Normally she wasn't that good with potions, but the method he showed her was easy to learn and apply. It neither needed many ingredients nor any expensive ones. The latter being important for how little money she possessed.
"But this place is even more incredible!" the fairy waved her arms all around, trying to point everywhere at once. The place had changed drastically from the last time she visited it. More vibrant, more alive, more magical. She had never seen its like before.
Harry smiled at her, relieved that she didn't mind being here from past experiences. "I'm glad you like it." he replied. One could argue that it was foolish to show her this place was no longer abandoned, but she already knew more than enough to create trouble for him. Her knowing this titbit of information was the least of his worries.
Bloom twirled around once, showing of her dress. A black one-shoulder top together with a skirt and high heels of the same colour. Her Charmix, by now a familiar presence, was still wrapped snugly around her throat. "How do I look?" Bloom asked, leaning forward a bit to flash some cleavage.
Harry exhaled a little laugh, his emerald eyes twinkling. "Sorry, but the dress can only play catchup to your presence." he told her honestly, having felt as if it had washed over him like a wave. "You'd cut a fine figure, regardless of you wearing a sackcloth or a bodice made of stardust."
This time Bloom blushed only minimally, by now somewhat used to his effect on her. Though, her smile still grew a bit.
The moment was interrupted by someone violently coughing nearby.
Bloom only then noticed Chimera standing slightly behind Harry, remembering her vaguely. "You're that girl from the pizzeria!"
"Yes, Bloom, this is Chimera Celsius." Harry informed Bloom, introducing his companion somewhat sheepishly. "I met her in Magix and we got to talk a little." he gave Chimera a push with his elbow to get her going.
"Pleased to meet you." Bloom greeted with no particular inflection colouring her voice. Her hand, outstretched in greeting, soon fell to her side when it became obvious Chimera wasn't gonna take it.
"Likewise." The blue-haired fairy struggled to stop glaring at Bloom, and just so managed it. "I wanted to apologize for my behaviour from before." looking like she swallowed something nasty, Chimera pushed onward with a grimace. "Originally the dress I bought was intended as a present for the Princess Ball of Stella. Ironic, considering who I snatched it from." she held out the present, saying. "Where can I find Princess Stella, so I can apologize to her in person, too?"
Bloom looked at the young woman a good while before she answered, making Chimera fidget. "You can find her and the others in the upper floor of Alfea: Dorm 106." the Fairy of the Dragon's Flame informed Chimera, doubting that Stella would receive Chimera with open arms.
Harry summoned a rock from below before enchanting it to be a portkey to Alfea. He was not able to make it go through the wards of Alfea, but the front gates should be enough. His own form of travel plus Bloom's invitation had allowed him to bypass those last time. Something that was not the case now.
"Thank you." Chimera said woodenly, accepting the portkey and departing to where Bloom directed her, but not before giving Harry one last forlorn look full of longing. She vanished with a crack, imploding into herself.
There were a few moments of silence after Chimera was gone, soon filled by Bloom fiddling with the equipment she borrowed from Musa. "She didn't seem to be all that apologetic." Chimera's 'apology' wasn't a proper one by any stretch of the imagination.
Harry answered easily, a little smile playing on his lips. "That's probably because she isn't. Chimera is a noble from Solaria that didn't know who Stella was when she first met her. So now she wants to curry favour a bit."
Bloom frowned a little at that, reminded of what she would have to endure had Domino not fallen. "Any reason why you helped her out with that?" the redhead already had a sinking suspicion that she already knew the answer, but couldn't stop herself from inquiring.
At that Harry sighed, having hoped the conversation would not go in this direction. "Yes, she helped me in much the same way you did, so I felt a small favour wasn't too much to ask." the last Potter saw no point in lying.
"Oh." was all Bloom could say as she finished the adjustments, turning away from him once she did so, leaning her forearms against the railing. She knew the reasons for that and logically couldn't hold it against him. However, it still hurt more than expected. "That's nice, I guess?"
"You're upset." the wizard stated the obvious. A frown appeared on his face, mirroring the one marring Bloom's features.
Footsteps echoed through the opulent room, letting Bloom know Harry was now behind her. "Why would I be?" she brought out stubbornly. Before she knew it Harry gripped her shoulders softly and turned her around so she faced him. Something she didn't want right now, knowing she'd only see his earnest emerald eyes showing open honesty.
"Just because you know the facts doesn't mean you feel any better about it." Harry rebuked softy, stroking her cheek with a finger, and causing her to lean into his touch.
Bloom sighed forlornly, shoulders slumping a bit. "I know you didn't do it to hurt me." she told him, knowing his condition was forcing his hand. Her hands clenched as she remembered just why she postponed the physical aspect of their new relationship. Friendship? Whatever it was. "A part of me even blames myself for approaching things slowly." a larger part cursed Sky for being such a coward and not answering her calls.
"You have no reason to blame yourself." Harry assured her. "I actually don't mind that. From what I know of you there is much more to admire than just your body; exquisite as it is." Harry replied honestly. Her disposition, outlook and more appealed to him too. "It's simply a messy situation."
"Yeah." the fairy agreed, her eyes still looking into his, wandering to his mouth before surging back to those emerald pools of his. Decision made, the fairy took action. She slung her arms around his neck while his wandered to her hips, both meeting in the middle to taste each others lips.
Their tongues and breath intertwined, adding fuel to the still smouldering ashes of their passion and reigniting them once more. It again felt like a fire was stroked deep inside her belly, growing to a roaring inferno. The act apology and promise rolled into one.
With a slightly goofy grin Bloom said. "I guess it's not too bad." she conceded reluctantly and followed up with. "As long as there are no others!" tapping his chest imperiously with a finger, as if to drive the point home, or engrave it into his heart. 'I'll have to make sure Chimera doesn't dig her claws into him too deep.' Bloom thought decisively. 'While she has that physical aspect I'll build something of substance with him!'
Bloom knew that sex wasn't love, but could be confused with it easily enough. Not that she thought that was the case for herself. What they had was not love, true, not yet at least, but attraction and affection and potential. Even if Bloom had nothing against being used in the same manner as Chimera by Harry. Much the opposite, in fact. She desired to fuck his brains out right here and now, make sure he wouldn't be able to walk after gifting her with copious amounts of his essence and magic. Utterly cement her position and make sure Chimera knew she had no chance.
However, she wanted to stick by her decision and be true to her word, thinking Harry's opinion of her would be best if she did so. No matter how much she despised not being able to be intimate with him. Yet that yearning to be one with him once more only stroked the fires of anticipation inside her belly and womb.
"Let's dance!" Bloom enthused with a grin, wanting to forget about Chimera and her other problems right now. A flick of her right wrist caused music to play, a slow waltz perfect for ballroom dancing. The fairy placed her right hand in his left and put her other on his shoulder.
"You should know I'm a terrible dancer." Harry warned as he put his right hand on her hip, remembering his only real experience with dancing being the disastrous Yule Ball. "Your toes are likely to get hurt."
Still smiling, Bloom replied with amusement. "I'll take that risk."
With that said the pair began to move. Hesitantly at first, but after just a few moments both moved perfectly in sync to the rhythm. Their bodies seemingly attuned to each other perfectly, having already danced the most ancient dance with one another before, as if they had done it countless times. Dancing being nothing more than a conversation between two parties through their bodies, and it flowed easily between them.
From there they practise other dances: Foxtrot, Cha-Cha-Cha and a few others. Though, the one they spent most time on was the Tango. There may not have been any overtly sexual moves in the dance, but a watcher still would've gotten the impression Harry and Bloom were a hair's breath away from ripping each other's clothes off with their teeth.
Practically flying other the floor, both were a tangle of limbs on the edge of intertwining, twirling around, leaning onto and into each other. Faces close and eyes never leaving their partner's for very long, Harry and Bloom expressed a horizontal desire vertically and diagonally.
Bloom let herself follow Harry's lead, surrendering control to him almost too easily. She enjoyed being held in his strong arms, trusting him to not let her fall and guide her properly. She was not disappointed. So much so that time flew by as they danced along to the music.
Only once the music stopped did they stop too, finishing it with a long kiss full of desire and salaciousness.
Basically panting, her arms still slung around his neck, Bloom took a deep breath. A healthy blush coloured her cheeks that were pulled up by a silly smile. "We should do that more often." she said in a breathy whisper, just so refraining from pushing him onto the floor to ravish this instant. He made holding out so difficult, but tantalizing at the same time. Her lips tingled, causing her to squirm as her womb's desire for his essence grew even more.
"That can be easily arranged." Harry offered with a smile, twirling a strand of her fiery red hair between his fingers.
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you gave me a Love Potion." Bloom commented jokingly, slowly and reluctantly leaving his embrace, hoping to get the fire in her loins to cool down. It would've been reasonable to assume she was under such a potion, considering how fast they went. Though, Bloom knew this connection had been there before she had interacted with him much. Now knowing just what had drawn her to him.
Harry snorted a laugh at that. "I would never use such a thing." it sounded more than a little hypocritical to his own ears, remembering his use of the Imperius. At least he only used that sparingly and in emergency. "But I did find something out about Love Potions while looking into the law to help the Trix."
"Oh, what's that?" Bloom inquired, remembering her experience with these concoctions.
Harry sat down on the ground, beckoning Bloom to join him. She did so by plopping down into his lap instead. "What? I said no sex but cuddling and kisses are still fair game." she told him impishly at his look, squirming a bit to grind her ass onto his cock, teasing him. 'Two can play that game.' she thought wickedly, making her intentions very clear. Besides, she couldn't survive without any kind of touch from him. "So, what did you find out?"
Chuckling, Harry simply nodded at her choice of seat. One of his hands wrapped around her stomach, keeping her close. "Well, it turns out that while Love Potions are legal, there are more details we didn't know at the time." he began to explain. "For example if Darko had been successful in dosing you with it, intercourse would still have been classified as rape under law." which was good to know and something Harry approved off, but the general use of Love Potions still rubbed him the wrong way. You at least could fight the Imperius.
He still wondered why they weren't simply outright banned then, but guessed it was similar to drugs. People could always get a hold of them somehow. So, policing the use of it seemed more feasible. Not to mention the fact that different realms probably had different laws for them, creating more of a mess.
The knowledge visibly relieved Bloom as well. "Makes me feel marginally better about it." she told him with a huff. Darko still deserved the trashing he got though. "Speaking of law, what're the Trix' chance of winning their trial? I imagine it's not too great." there was a vindictive gleam in her cyan eyes. 'Such a shame.' she thought.
"It's actually not that bad." Harry told Bloom, stroking her back absent-mindedly. "From what I know they haven't killed anyone, not even when they possessed a shade of your powers. Instead they just petrified people." it was a lucky thing too.
"How do you know that they didn't kill anyone?" a little bit of frustration leaked into her tone. Not understanding why someone like Harry could possibly want to help the Trix of all people.
Harry sighed in dismay, knowing he would have to tell her something he'd rather not. "Because I know a killer when I see one."
"Oh, really?" came the disbelieving scoff. She wanted to believe him and probably did, but anything to do with the Trix set her on edge automatically.
Harry only nodded solemnly. "Yes, I see one every time I look in the mirror." hopefully Bloom wouldn't react too strongly to that revelation. He took her silence for a good thing and said. "You seem to take that surprisingly well, Bloom."
The Princess of Domino frowned and looked at something above his head only she could perceive before meeting his eyes again. "Nobody else really knows, but I possess an empathic ability, allowing me to see a person's true nature in form of ghostly shades floating above them." Bloom explained, tightening her hold on his neck. "I don't use it much because it seems invasive and gives me a headache in large crowds where the murmurers grow too loud." the shade she saw manifest above him, a reflection of Harry's true self, was smiling honestly at her and shining a bright gold in colour.
"That's also how I know you're not a bad person." much different to the Trix, who's shades were opposite to his.
'Well, shit!' Harry thought stunned. Glad that this went so smoothly, but now also feeling obligated to share things from himself equally. Though, before that his stupid self-sacrificing nature reared its ugly head. "Still, you should be aware that by now I don't even know how many people I've killed." Harry confessed uncomfortably before his eyes seemed to glaze over slightly.
"The first five, ten times you take a life, it's eerie. You remember every detail. I can still see all their faces contort as the light left their eyes. Each time it tied a little knot in my memory no amount of effort could loosen. Of course, eventually it grows easier, which is the dangerous thing. A rare few times I killed people who only did their duty or because they were in my way for nothing else than convenience." he remembered the Paladins he had killed shortly after escaping Omega. Wiping their minds would've been a possibility, but Harry had no idea as to the capabilities of the people here and if someone would notice the alteration.
Even without her empathic ability, Bloom could see clear as day that Harry took no joy in those kind of actions. His shade reflected that perfectly, too. She had known full well he was dangerous, but still swallowed heavily at such knowledge. She shook her head to get back on track. "What kind of people did you kill?" she inquired uncomfortably, knowing he wouldn't do so to innocents. She did not vacate her seat in his lap. Instinct told her that would be unwise.
Harry chuckled in relief, more than a bit surprised, having fully expected her to react differently. "The majority most likely deserved it, having been serial rapists, tyrants and worse." he told her. "Some even begged me for the gift of mercy before receiving it." those had been the ones imprisoned so long they lost all hope and most of their sanity.
"I'm feeling there is a bigger story there." not telling him that her own views on killing mirrored his own by now, after so many adventures. It was different in the heat of battle, than the cold and calculated planning of a murder.
The last Potter nodded wearily. "You'd be right." he told her with a certain amount of trepidation. "It's the story of how I came from Earth to here in Magix, and a little bit more." he looked her straight in the eyes and said. "I can show you, if you want? But I warn you now, it's not a pretty one."
Bloom agreed resolutely with a decisive nod. "I want to hear it." it'd shed some light onto things she'd asked herself. Not to mention it would show him that she was serious about this between them. To go through hardships and support one another was what relationships were all about.
Not really relishing that part, but knowing Bloom deserved to know the truth Harry prepared himself. "Normally we'd be using a Pensieve for it. Sadly, I don't have one on hand right now, so we have to make do." he looked directly into cyan eyes. "Look directly into my eyes and I'll pull you into my mind to show you the memories. Ready?"
Still looking into his eyes and not hesitating one second, Bloom replied with eyes full of trust. "Yes!"
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Harry intoned. "Legilimens!" Was the only one word uttered before the world fell away around Bloom. Replaced by one of white mist that soon coalesced into all kinds of different shapes, literally building a scene out of it.
From there Harry showed her the most important parts of his life. His introduction into the magical world. Most of his adventures and more. All before culminating in his sham of a trial and finding himself in Omega, followed by a few altercations that happened there. The last memory consisted of meeting the Trix.
Inside his mind more than a few hours passed, showing Bloom those unpleasant memories. Outside barely one hour went by.
When it was over, Bloom's shivering form slumped against his strong chest, clutching onto him with her eyes screwed shut. She tightened her grip on him instinctively. "That was horrible." she brought out between choked sobs as tears leaked from her eyes. Too much sadness at once for her to comfortably handle. "How could they do that after everything you did for them?!" her voice just short of a wail mixed with impotent anger.
Harry let her cry it out, rubbing her back in soothing circles when suddenly an idea came to him.
"Expecto Patronum." he intoned calmly, once more creating his Patronus. The presence of the ethereal phoenix made of silvery mist immediately lifted the spirits of the both of them, muting feelings of negativity. A beacon of hope.
It took a few minutes for Bloom to gather her wits and work through most of what she had seen. So long until the Phoenix vanished whence it came. "Thank you!" she said strongly, all kinds of things implied by her tone of voice alone. Biggest amongst them gratitude for trusting her with this information.
"I hope that makes it a little clearer why I want to help the Trix." Harry said, stretching a little to work the accumulated kinks out of him, cracking his neck and knuckles.
The Fairy of the Dragon's Flame could only nod mutely. Now acutely aware of his deeply rooted and justified distrust in government and authority, having been vilified by his own multiple times without cause while his godfather had been wrongfully imprisoned. Only to have worse done to himself after sacrificing his very life to rescue them all. The fact that innocents could be imprisoned in Omega didn't sit well with Bloom either.
Not to mention Voldemort's past, which led to his rise to infamy in the first place. Bloom couldn't even argue that his desire was revenge and not justice. No matter how much she might want to.
"Do you think you can bring the Trix back from going down the same path as Tom?" Bloom asked sombrely. They had already travelled on it for a good amount of time. She wanted to make the argument to Harry that he had suffered far worse than Tom Marvolo Riddle or the Trix, and did not succumb to darkness, but knew that wasn't the right thing to say. Having an inkling that this was just as much for himself as for the Trix, if not more so the former.
Harry shrugged his shoulders a little. "I can and will try, but if they don't want to I can't force them." his otherwise gentle emerald eyes grew hard then, his face set in stone. "Should they not then I'll deal with them accordingly!"
He then sighed and waved his hand as if dismissing the topic. "But that's enough heavy stuff for now. How about we grab a bite to eat?"
The pair did just that, ravenous from their physical activity and mental exertion. Smoked ham, bowls of baked vegetables, and crispy loaves of bread were soon steaming on the table. Conversation was light, with Harry offering Bloom to teach her the Patronus spell, as well as some other things that would help her. Though soon after the meal the topic was changed by Bloom.
"What kind of gift are you getting Stella for her Princess Ball?" Bloom inquired, leaning back in her seat while patting her belly that was now full of delicious food. Glad for the change in topic from befoe. "I mean, what do you get someone who already has everything?" she herself didn't even have any kind of idea as to what she wanted to get Stella. And Bloom was her best friend!
Harry already had an idea for his. "I thought of making her an ornament out of solid sunlight." to demonstrate he waved his hand to let a ball of sunshine float in his palm. It slowly grew solid before changing shape into a ring.
Bloom seemed markedly unimpressed with it. "Stella already has more than enough of those. You should see her when completely decked out in her whole ensemble." it was quite literally blinding, transforming the Princess of Solaria into a beacon. Though, apparently the natives of Solaria weren't bothered by blinding light nearly as much as ones that weren't from Solaria.
Crushing the ring of sunlight, leaving nothing but sparkling dust that shimmered out of existence soon after, Harry said teasingly. "Way to take the wind out of my sails." it would've been a gift fitting for Stella, too.
"Seems were in the same boat." Bloom said, equally as amused by this ordeal.
"What can you tell me about Stella? Maybe it'll help with selecting something." Harry prodded, weaving a spell that caused the dishes to wash themselves.
Bloom tapped her chin in thought and told him some obvious things about her best friend. "Well, as you know she is obsessed with everything fashion and clothes." As well as telling him some things that were not so well known. Like the divorce of her parents and how it affected her.
"At least you have the excuse of not knowing her very well, but I'm her best friend and don't have any idea what to get her!" she bemoaned at the end.
"From what you told me and from what I saw Stella has a vain streak you could appeal to." Harry proposed and followed up with. "I agree that you probably can't buy clothes or jewellery that are in her usual price range. So concentrate on more personal things, like some photos for example. Why not gift her a photo shoot or something of that nature?"
That seemed to spark something. "That's it!" Bloom shouted triumphantly, eyes alight as she jumped up from her seat. "I can make a portrait of Stella!" it wasn't bought and it'd appeal to Stella's view of herself.
"I didn't know you were artistically inclined." Harry mused pleasantly surprised. He briefly thought she would order it, but that wouldn't be much cheaper than jewellery or designer clothes.
Bloom nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, I designed the Winx logo for out little group. In the past I even wanted to become a fashion designer, but that got put on hold for obvious reasons." a smile of nostalgia overtook her that was soon replaced by a frown. "I haven't drawn anything in two years!" she said as if that just occurred to her. Beginning to pace around the room while chewing on the nail of her right thumb.
"I'm sure you'll do marvellously. Can I do anything to help?"
That stopped the fairy in her tracks, looking at him intently. "Yes, I think you can." She nodded hesitantly, growing surer with the action and coming to a decision. "You can model for me so I can back into the swing of things." all kinds of ideas were already floating around in her mind.
That was easy enough to accomplish. "Sure. I'd be happy to." he said with a crooked grin, even getting an idea of his own. "I could even enchant the portrait to have some characteristics of Stella, if you think she'd like that."
"Brilliant!" Bloom enthused, remembering the moving portraits from his memories. Convinced Stella would love a portrait of herself with which she could talk. "Let's go to Alfea right now! I keep all my utensils there."
With a few spells all preparations were completed. Bloom's things were all again in her possession and shortly after both arrived in her dorm room in a flash of dark flames. "I'm still not over how fast and smooth you can travel." Bloom marvelled, still delighted at being able to travel so fast.
"Benefits of being the Shadow Phoenix." Harry shrugged while looking around the room, noting the mess around Bloom's bed. Clothes and all manner of other stuff strewn about. "Not much different from Apparition. Thankfully not as nausea-inducing."
Bloom simply nodded as she dashed to her art supplies, rummaging through them to amass everything she needed. Brushes of all kinds together with pencils were stuffed in a case. A palette, her paints, some jars and rags used for cleaning, as well as turpentine followed shortly after. Lastly came the easel, a stool and some canvas. As she did so all kinds of sketches flew away from the overstuffed workspace.
Harry picked up some of them to inspect, noting them to be sketches of figures wearing clothes ranging from dresses to casual wear. He was no artist, but in his opinion these were very well made.
"Can you carry these, please?" Bloom requested, pointing towards the easel, stool and canvas.
Doing as requested, the last Potter said. "Sure. I'm guessing we're not doing it here?"
"No, we'd not have the necessary privacy." Bloom responded, leading the way through the dorm.
One could hear voices coming out of another adjacent room. A particular one was the loudest, seemingly ranting. "...does she think she is?! Expecting me to wear second hand clothes!"
"Seems Chimera's efforts didn't go particularly well." the princess of Domino commented casually, a small smirk adorning her face as she opened the door leading to the hallway. Bloom had known how Stella would react to being given what she thought were used clothes.
Harry looked at the door the voices came from with a frown, making a mental note to later talk with Chimera about it.
It didn't take long from there for them to arrive at their destination; the southern tower's highest room. It was mostly empty with just a simple red carpet and a comfortable couch. "Where do you want me?" Harry asked.
The fairy fidgeted a little, slowing in her unpacking, saying hesitantly. "Uh, you can..." the rest was mumbled incoherently as she blushed bright red.
"What was that?"
Taking a deep breath, Bloom's back straightened. "Pose nude for me?!" she blurted out, her face aflame with a blush the same colour as her hair. Cyan eyes shyly but hungrily racking over his body. If she wouldn't allow herself to have sex with him, then she at least wanted the next best thing.
"Oh?" Harry chuckled good-naturedly. His crooked smile grew into a wicked grin as he walked towards her, pulling his shirt slowly over his head. "Do you do this with every potential boyfriend of yours?" he asked cheekily, leaning towards Bloom, putting one hand onto the wall behind her, trapping her between himself and it.
Bloom boldly invaded his space, hands driving over his muscular chest, leaning upwards towards his lips. "No, only with you!" One could question why she not simply gave in, having already crossed the line with Harry before. Another voice in her mind told Bloom that her relationship with Sky was already dead and she had no further obligation to it. Only cemented by him ignoring her calls or messages.
Though, she didn't do it for Sky, but for herself. The ball was now in Sky's court and she wouldn't let him ruin her summer by obsessing over him ignoring her. She'd wait until Stella's Princess Ball to hear back from him. If not then she was bound to meet him there. If that didn't yield results then she'd simply move on.
If possible Harry's smile only got wider. His hands already skilfully divesting her of her top. "Well, we wouldn't want you to ruin your clothes with pesky paint, would we?"
Humming agreement, Bloom nodded with an eager smile and unconsciously licked her lips. "No we wouldn't."
In just a few moments both were nude. Bloom admired his chiselled, scarred physique while Harry did the same to her. She directed him to the couch and told him to try some poses, looking for the right one. Just so managing to restrain herself from using the couch for something else entirely.
Planet Magix, Adquistes.
Chimera arrived back at home in a foul mood. Her perpetual scowl and sneer back in place.
"That spoiled bitch!" the fairy ranted and raved as she stalked through the mansion. What Harry gave her had been a perfectly reasonable cover story, but Stella still didn't accept it. Only because the dress wasn't fresh of the rack. It had taken considerable effort to control herself. Lest she lash out and make things worse, be it verbally, magically or physically.
On the way to her room Chimera was intercepted by one of the servants, an old butler, who called out. "Mistress Chimera, your mother would like to meet you in her solar at once!"
The young woman nodded with a frown, showing she heard, wondering what this was about. Walking along the mansion's corridors Chimera soon arrived at her mother's solar and entered.
Cassandra Celsius sat at her expensive desk, writing on some documents, briefly glancing up before returning to work. "Chimera, take a seat!"
Chimera sat down obediently, knowing she'd be talked to when her mother chose to. Not a second earlier. She also immediately knew from her mother's expression that it could not be good. Her face being frozen and utterly expressionless.
It took a bit, but Cassandra finally spoke. "Do you want to tell me anything?" her eyes holding their usual disappointment.
The blue-haired fairy shook her head, stomach dropping to her knees. "No."
"Would you instead like to explain something to me then?" the blonde older woman questioned, elbows on the desk with her hands interlaced. "How did it happen that my inkwell seems emptier than before. Some parchment is missing, some rare tomes are in the wrong places." her amber eyes bored into Chimera, holding no warmth at all. "Any idea how that could've happened?" she raised an immaculate eyebrow for emphasis.
"Maybe you should control the servants better?" Chimera shot back sarcastically, hoping it'd work to distract her mother.
Cassandra only pursed her lips. "Don't lie to me! I know that you had someone over for the night." the servants had told her as much and she had seen the utterly stained sheets as evidence. "Do you think you could've kept that secret from me?!" her voice rose together with Cassandra, as she stood and walked towards her daughter.
"What does it matter?!" Chimera replied heatedly, her arms crossed as she glared at Cassandra. She never saw the vicious slap coming her way.
"It matters because you're worth much less now!" the blonde uttered with venom dripping from her words, cold eyes staring at Chimera as Cassandra watched her cradle her now red cheek. "What kind of noble wants a sullied bride?" while it could be kept secret, nearly all noble families employed certain invasive and informative spells to make sure the bride was pure.
Tears pooled in Chimera's eyes she tried to suppress, shooting back. "I'm not sullied!" her chest heaved as she said. "You were the one that said I needed to become stronger and I did so!"
Cassandra scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Yes, by earning your Charmix and not by becoming a whore." she shook her head in disappointment. "I expect you to behave befitting your station. It will not happen again!"
With that she returned back to her work, deeming the matter settled.
Chimera only left the solar in a hurry, practically sprinting out. Not even bothering to shout anything back, knowing it wouldn't get her anything.
Planet Magix, Lake Roccaluce.
Bloom enjoyed the tranquillity of Lake Roccaluce on every visit, and this time was no different. It's calm waters were capable of washing her worries away temporarily while she stood at the lake's shore. A scarf wrapped around her neck concealed her Charmix, while a smallish pink backpack was slung over her shoulder, in it the Sirenix book and a few other things.
Water lapped gently on the pebble-strewn beach, dislodging a few with pleasant clatter. Each rock unique, each a different hue, creating vistas of blacks, greys, browns, greens, and blues. The water, incessant, would swallow them all in time, but for now they lied gleaming in the evening sun. Reeds rustled in the breeze to either side of Bloom, and from somewhere among them she heard birds chirruping. The glassy surface of the lake stretched out before her, reflecting the swarm of fireflies buzzing all around like a fiery mirror in the blaze of twilight.
Across this calm spot in the lake's flow, the wind filled the nearby forest with whispers of the day's last gasp. The cool breeze blowing across the colourful water grew in intensity until it sent a chill down her spine. Bloom saw a glimmer near the shore and instinctively looked towards the disturbance. A silvery flash and resulting splash alerted her to the presence of fish. Despite the hour of the day the reed-fringed lake was abuzz with life. Jewel-like dragonflies zipped over the water as they chased the fireflies. Completing the ensemble was a chorus of frogs that sung from somewhere in the shallows as the dying sun glimmered off the water like shining red gold.
"Here goes nothing." she muttered, gathering her courage to ask what she wanted to know about Sirenix from Daphne.
In an instant Bloom transformed, sprouting wings and black clothes out of flames, and soon she was zooming across the lake's gleaming surface towards Daphne's cave. Not a minute later she arrived, noting a pedestal of earth and rock nearby that formed an almost toadstool-like silhouette, with a spindly spire holding aloft a bulbous top. The form seemed unnatural at first glance, almost manufactured, but the craftsman had been wind, and rain, and sun, carving into the earth little by little over many aeons.
Atop it she spied a huge squat clay bowl filled with food offerings of all kinds, ranging from fruits to grain and more. A dolly with buttons for eyes that had been repaired more than once, judging by the many stitches holding it together, sat left of the bowl as if guarding it. Together with more than a few toy cars of all shapes and sizes, all possessing different names scribbled on them in childish chicken scratch. A pile of wilting lilacs had been placed opposite of the toys, where its petals cascaded down to drop onto the moist grass below. Bloom could even see a line of ants industriously climbing up into the bowl and a second line of ants clambering out, each one heavily laden with a grain of wheat and other foodstuffs.
The Fairy of the Dragon's Flame was touched seeing what the people left here to pay homage to Domino, her parents, and Daphne; or at least remember it and them in some small way. She herself did not forget to bring her own offering. Two tall sticks of incense that she stuck into the bowl before magically lighting them with a snap of her fingers, letting it burn slowly and sending a pleasing scent wafting through the evening air and into her nostrils.
With that done the fairy transformed back to normal and entered the cave's mouth. The rich smell of earth and mould replaced the heady perfume of incense, while an echoing rhythm of dripping water greeted her enthusiastically. The sounds of local wildlife faded as she stepped further into the dim stillness of the lakeside cave. Light wavered against the slick walls, undulating patterns of fading sunlight reflecting off rippling puddles of water. Salt laced the air, and despite the dim light, she found herself somewhat at peace here. Bloom's breaths and footfalls reverberated off the algae-covered walls together with a muffled melody one could make out further inside.
"A realm once green now ruled by frost.
Where flesh and field both pay its cost.
Those dearly loved forever lost."
Going deeper Bloom could clearly make out her sister's melodic voice as it reached her ears through the acoustics of the cave.
"Now caged by winter's bitter chill,
Our people cry out, their voices still
Eternal cold breaks down their will."
"Our noble land, enslaved by rime,
Is it our fate to freeze through time?
If this be true, oh wicked crime"
The sombre voice grew louder once Bloom turned a corner, letting her see the spectral form of her sister Daphne swaying in the air above with a certain zest, singing a lament for an audience that was not there. She was thin, willowy even, with pale long limbs, a trim torso and slender curves.
As her ghostly sister swung her body to a tune only she could hear Bloom noted the way Daphne's ethereal curls moved, how they danced along with the movement. Much like hair would behave were gravity suddenly dismissed. She wore her signature mask, obscuring orbs of what had been molten gold in life. A light golden dress, with a plunging neckline, and what seemed to be starlight woven within the flaring skirt, covered her form. It billowed in a non-existent breeze, moving fluidly and suggesting a comely and lithe feminine form. Yet she was also pallid and intangible in deep contrast against the sharp vividness of her surroundings.
"Who will stay the Ice's hand,
as it and woe both grip our land?
The helpless felt its frozen brand."
Bloom didn't interrupt or make any noise to announce herself, too enthralled by her sister's performance in this natural amphitheatre. The bench seats, carved of stone by nature herself, surrounded the stage made up of soft sand, stone broken down over decades of erosion. Moss and lichen partially crept up over the seating and walls, serving as cushions while overtaking the amphitheatre with vibrant colours arranged in fantastic patterns. Unbidden, Bloom's fertile mind came to life, imagining the voices of performers carrying far, the thunderous applause, raucous laughter, and stifled sobs.
All these thoughts coalesced into possibilities of what could've been had Domino not fallen. All contained in this theatre of her mind. All glimmering away, as untouchable as the seed that spawned them: Daphne.
"Our land oppressed by silent cold,
We weary wretches, young and old,
Pray that springtime loose its hold."
She didn't know when it happened, but there were a few tears escaping her eyes that she wiped away hastily, taking a deep breath to collect herself. "Daphne?" Bloom called out once Daphne was finished, her voice choked with emotion echoing off the walls and alerting the apparition to her presence.
"Bloom!" Daphne exclaimed happily, gliding down quickly and circling around Bloom like an exited magpie. "What brings you here?"
The redhead couldn't help but smile at her sister's unusual display of levity. Normally she was quite sombre, but that came most likely from Bloom only contacting her in grave situations. The last royal of Domino banished the accusations creeping into the back of her mind and said. "I wanted to visit you. Did you create that song yourself?" come to think of it she didn't know all that much about Daphne, aside from the fact that she was her older sister. The mental incriminations only increased at that.
Daphne nodded enthusiastically, grinning. "Yes, but I have too much time on my hands anyway. I simply couldn't help myself." she gestured around at the cave, showing nothing much but stone and wetness.
Bloom hid a wince this time, knowing Daphne didn't intent for it to sound accusing, but knowing she could visit more often. "It was beautiful, if a bit mournful." she complimented.
Daphne shrugged, floating back up a little bit. "Comes with being a ghost, I guess." the spectral woman said before commenting. "Don't you have any artistic hobby? Most fairies usually have one." it came with the territory of being a fairy.
Blinking, the last living princess of Domino answered. "I very much enjoy painting and sketching, but didn't have time to do it much until recently." there was always something happening. So much so that Bloom didn't had time to go after that hobby for two years now; since she came to Magix actually. The fairy fondly remembered what she painted just today. Inspiration having overwhelmed her for once after so long a drought.
"Oh, do tell me more!" Daphne prodded and encouraged, all too eager to learn more about her sister.
So Bloom told her of the happenings in her life and Daphne did the same, exchanging their likes, hopes and dreams. Naturally, the conversation grew a bit heavy due to Daphne being a ghost, but the sisters didn't let that deter them.
The Fairy of the Dragon's Flame didn't know how long she was there, but enjoyed every bit of it, learning about her sister, Domino, its people and customs. Still, at the back of her mind she also had questions about herself.
"Daphne, can I ask you something?" Bloom questioned hesitantly, a multitude of thoughts whirring inside her mind like flies around a carcass.
The ghost tittered. "You just did, but I'll give you another." her words an attempt at levity, seeing the concern in her sister's eyes.
Bloom was only able to give her a weak smile. "Is it normal to not feel hesitation in battle, but a thrill. Nor compassion for enemies?" she wanted nothing more than to agree with the rest of all fairies on killing, if she could. Something had held her back; all the experiences in battle that she had accumulated. Bloom doubted very much she was incapable of killing. There were other things too, but those paled in comparison.
"Ah, so it's about that." Daphne sighed, ghostly wisps escaping her that carried the grave's coldness. "It is normal for the Fairy of the Dragon's Flame, if that's what you're asking." normally that conversation would have occurred long ago, but that couldn't be changed now. "It was the same for me. These instincts began from the moment my powers manifested and grew more fierce as maturity approached and calmed down afterwards. A shorter temper, increased possessiveness and pride among other things are also possible."
"So, I have nothing to worry about?" there was hesitant relief in the young fairy's voice.
"Yes and no." came the cryptic answer. "Let me put it this way: A dragon is the perfect marriage of power and the will to use it." words their mother had told her what seemed like centuries past. "A dragon has no pretence of compassion, no false mask of civilisation. Just hunger, heat and need." her voice took on a grave tone. This was important. "It's native tongue is the one everyone understands; destruction."
"You make it sound like Domino was a planet of warmongers." Bloom had no idea what to think of that. The picture of what she imagined Domino to be like in the past slowly unravelling in her mind.
"Domino's history is long. Like all we had golden ages and ones of strife." Daphne pointed out, lazily and slowly gliding about. "Due to being a monarchy most of these can be traced back to the rulers at the time." the ghost explained, painting a brief picture of Domino's rich past. "Some transformed the Court of Charcoal into a hive of unbridled hedonism, indulging their every whim, consuming all in their grasp like a fire out of control."
A wave of memories assaulted Daphne, reminiscing about the lessons learned at her mother's knee. Tales of Queen Isareth who was said to have been a beauty without compare. As ravishing as a nightmare. As radiant and uncommon as an eclipse; with exquisitely delicate features, large mesmerizing eyes, and a full figure oozing intoxicating sensuality. A voice so soft and beguiling it was said to have tingled under ones skin like the breath of a lover. Isareth had easily been able to gain loyalty, trust and adoration. Yet so very vain that she had held court naked in a throne room lined with mirrors. Not to mention so exceedingly desperate to gain perpetual youth and beauty that she killed her own subjects, forswearing her own sovereignty in that act of betrayal. No records exist that contain the details of the Night of the Blood Tithe. Only that Queen Isareth had attempted to make life and death kiss.
Daphne shook her head at that shameful chapter of history. "Others sought to curb their vanity and draconic urges to the point of impotence, letting fear control them, and making a mockery of Domino in the process." the sweet spot was obviously somewhere in the middle.
"What should I do then?" came the question from a Bloom feeling lost and scared. "What if I kill someone?" Harry's words still echoed in her ears. As well as her own mind telling her she already killed Darkar. Mostly afraid that she could grow to like it if done more than once. Accepting Harry for it due to his circumstances was one thing, he was in a war and worse after all, but doing it herself was another thing altogether.
"The Ancestral Witches did not kill me." Golden eyes were ablaze with cold fury as Daphne sharply and harshly rebuked. "Do you think what they did to me as a mercy then?!"
Bloom could only shake her head rapidly, shouting out. "What?! No!" Not having thought things through as her mouth was faster than her mind.
"Good." A little bit assuaged, Daphne replied with genuine remorse. "I'm sorry to have snapped at you. This existence does take it's cruel toll." followed by offering Bloom the same advice her mother had given her. "As long as you do not take pleasure in snuffing out lives you should be safe. Reserve it only for the worst of scum that refuse to change and who need to be culled."
It took a while for Daphne to bring out her next sentence, letting Bloom digest her words. "Besides, what about accidents, self-defence, ordering someone else to do it? Where is the line?" the spirit questioned further. "What about a king that could prevent a thousand deaths with one murder?"
Ghostly locks swung to and fro as Daphne waved her hand dismissively. "No, killing does not stain or injure the soul. The intent behind the action does, however. And like I said; those who relish killing others are the ones in danger of a fractured soul." Daphne eyed her sister up and down, lecturing. "Sometimes killing can be a mercy. It certainly beats being imprisoned forever in one place, not allowed to leave or die, nor to live or sleep. In Omega the only company a prisoner has is their mind. Silence grows deafening, even as their heartbeat pounds in their ears. Ever so slowly growing louder, letting them teeter near the precipice of madness before finally pushing them into the abyss. To fall eternally into that endless pit of nightmares as fear gnaws at their entrails until they are consumed entirely. Naught but raving husks."
She finished it with solemn words. "If there is one thing I learned by being a ghost it is that true torment lasts forever."
Bloom didn't know what to say, too stunned to do anything but swallow heavily and gape at Daphne. Her sister's words like blows to her already swaying beliefs, toppling them over like a house of cards.
In the silence Daphne began to frown, looking Bloom up and down, as if seeing her for the first time. Eyes narrowed suspiciously as she found something that felt familiar, clinging to Bloom. Or rather what she carried with her.
"What do you have in that backpack?" Daphne demanded sharply, trepidation and some fear clear in her tone, warily eyeing the rucksack as if it would attack her any minute.
"It's something I hoped you can help me with." Bloom shook her head to clear it, cyan eyes pleading with her sister. "You, better than anyone, know that I can't be a fully fledged guardian fairy or gain Enchantix." she pulled the Sirenix book out, causing Daphne to practically growl upon seeing it. "I found this in the Alfea Archive and it mentioned you, so I thought..."
"No! You will not follow me in this cursed existence!" Daphne hissed, interrupting Bloom. Narrowed golden eyes looked at that book in open hatred and hostility. Followed by waving her hand as if batting the book away, banishing the tome across the cave, and letting it roughly impact the nearest wall with a dull thump. Not a scratch was on it, nor any pages went missing from the violent action.
Completely flummoxed, Bloom could only stare at the sheer hate emanating from her older sister, thinking that alone would set the pages aflame. "What do you mean? I thought since you gained Sirenix I could too?!"
Daphne brought herself under control with supreme effort. "It seems it is time for you to learn some more about Domino's downfall and my personal failure." A grimace marred the ghosts otherwise graceful features. Reluctance in voice and demeanour. "As you are aware the Ancestral Witches attacked Domino on Darkar's orders, hoping to gain the Dragon's Flame."
Bloom nodded confused at the abrupt change of topic, knowing that part. "Yes, they killed our parents, but you ushered me to safety on Earth before they froze the planet."
"That's true enough." Daphne claimed, and upon seeing Bloom's look she sighed. "Let's start at the beginning." Daphne settled down on the ground, hovering above it a little bit, and motioning Bloom to join her, which she did after transfiguring a nearby rock into a comfy cushion. "First off, Domino was by no means defenceless, but somehow the Ancestral Witches and Valtor bypassed all of the planetary defences, which should've been impossible." a fierce frown now taking residence on Daphne's face.
"There was a traitor then?!" Bloom asked, shocked at the possibility alone, but leaning closer in anticipation nonetheless. Though, with Domino what it was he or she most likely froze to death with the rest.
Daphne nodded in agreement. "That was my guess as well. I even have someone in mind amongst the multitude of tittering sycophants that make up most of the roiling apiary called the Magix' nobility." Daphne spat, face contorting into a hideous sneer, revealing her now inhuman nature. There was a reason she had transported Bloom to Earth and not somewhere in the Magical Galaxy. Others would've gladly taken her in, but also made her nothing more than a puppet through which they could claim the Dragon's Flame as their own. By marriage most likely.
"King Erendor of Eraklyon!" the name uttered with such venom the words dripped with it.
Bloom felt her stomach fall to her knees. Sure, she didn't like the man or particularly knew him, but for him to do this? Then she remembered his condescending attitude towards her every time she met him, and everything else. Fury nearly claimed her heart and mind then. Only her experience with that in the last few months prevented disaster. Meaning she blasted a wall with a fireball of such intensity it melted the stone, letting it drip from it in molten rivulets. "Are you sure?!" she growled out, smoke wafting from her nostril. Not knowing if she wanted it to be true or not.
Her ghostly sister nodded tersely. "Yes, he was always jealous of his older brother, our father Oritel." spectral hands clenched as memories surged back to her.
"We're related to the King of Eraklyon?" the surprise of that knowledge caught her off guard, letting her anger fade a little. 'This would mean Sky is my cousin.' she shuddered at that image, which only strengthened her decision to end things with him, if she could get a hold of him that is. It also let her wonder if Sky knew and maybe it being the reason he didn't go faster with their relationship. Though, why enter into a relationship with her at all, if that was the case?
Daphne took a deep breath into lungs that were no longer there. "Indeed, Eraklyon and Domino are close neighbours; in the same solar system to be exact. Something that made them naturally inclined to be allies." here she took on a lecturing tone, recounting history to Bloom. "Due to this there were more than a few alliances sealed through marriage throughout Domino's and Eraklyon's history. However, when it came time for our mother's Princess Ball things happened nobody had foreseen." much like Bloom she took the opportunity to evade the unpleasant topic, for now.
Bloom listened with rapt attention, completely focussed on the tale now. Hungry for knowledge about her birth parents. "Our father had been the older brother and was set to rule Eraklyon, while Erendor had been betrothed to our mother, Marion." here Daphne smiled a little smugly. "Yet, our mother didn't want to marry Erendor and announced such at her own Princess Ball, proclaiming her love for Oritel in front of all the nobles. Mother had told me it caused quite the scandal at the time." a chuckle escaped Daphne that was soon joined by Bloom's giggle, her problems briefly forgotten. "Of course, due to Domino's power, influence and splendour mother had the leverage to actually get her chosen husband. Though, Domino having been a Matriarchy also helped." it took a few alterations in trade agreements and other concession, but nothing major. It wasn't that big a change in the grand scheme of things.
"I take it Erendor didn't like that?"
The apparition shook her head, sending ghostly locks floating about. "No, not at all. He was humiliated in front of everybody in favour of his older brother. Became King of Eraklyon only because Oritel was now king of the much more prosperous Domino." Daphne speculated. "He must've felt that our father stole what he saw as his, while he only got what he now has precisely because his brother didn't want it, as scraps."
"Still, would he betray our family, his family, for that?" Bloom wondered, not convinced entirely of the theory. While she didn't like Erendor, she wanted to be sure of his guilt. Even if her heart harboured suspicions about just why he acted so dismissive towards her, as if taking out a grudge on her she had no idea about.
Daphne shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know, but what I do know is that normally people had to go through customs to enter Domino or most other planets; exceptions being belonging to royalty or vessels owned by the Council of Light. Otherwise one triggered wards that in turn alert the defences or worse countermeasures, depending on the planet." There were a few exceptions, like Earth or Omega. The latter being completely sealed off outside of the single Omega Portal or being physically approached and dropping prisoners onto the surface, as far as Daphne was aware. Going through the Blind Eternities could've been an option for the Ancestresses, and was impossible to monitor or restrict. However, in that case Domino's excellent wards also would have redirected someone entering through that to the nearest destination for portkeys upon arrival on the planet.
Daphne saw Bloom's eyes widen in understanding as the redhead ground out. "You think he shipped them directly to us?!"
"The Ancestresses and Valtor simply popped up in the middle of the palace. No warning beforehand or anything. What should I make of that?" the former Nymph questioned with a raised brow concealed by her mask. Eraklyon was nearest to Domino too.
Bloom shook her head to get back on track. "What does that have to do with Sirenix or what happened to you, though?" this was just a theory, a theory making horrible, horrible sense. But Bloom had no proof. No matter how much she wanted to believe Daphne. Any attack against Eraklyon by her could spark a war she had no hope of winning.
"We're getting to that." Daphne assured her younger sister before continuing. "Now, what you also need to know is that long before their attack something was stolen from the Ancestral Witches. The..."
"Water Stars!" Bloom blurted out, finishing the sentence for Daphne, blushing and looking away from her sister's surprised but focussed gaze.
Daphne nodded reluctantly. "It seems you know more than I thought. Faragonda's doing most like." there was her mournful tone again, echoing through the cavern. "What you surely are not aware of is that Sirenix was created through the Water Stars. An attempt at harnessing them as a power source for fairies by purifying it." a sneer overcame Daphne at, what she now knew to be sheer audacity. To assume you could twist fundamental forces to your liking was nothing but folly. "Something which I now know to be impossible long term due to their very nature. Just like a witch cannot truly wield or possess the Dragon's Flame."
"Why did you accept it?" Bloom asked, storing the information about that in the back of her mind. It seemed she couldn't become a true witch either.
Turning away, and gliding a few feet from Bloom, Daphne sighed forlornly. "Because much like you I was unable to achieve Enchantix, except for no fault but my own." pure shame laced her words. "I always came too late for any kind of disaster, and these were few and far between on Domino as it were." Daphne had cursed her own world then, shamefully recalling how she wished for something bad to happen on her prosperous realm. Learning too late to be careful with what you wish for. "In short order it became an obsession, my pride demanding I achieve it. That alone made sure I would never gain it." acting selflessly was a requirement, after all.
Daphne faced Bloom once more, hands clasped in front of her, appearing timid and remorseful. "So, when the Council of Light approached me with the offer of Sirenix I jumped at the chance without a second thought, and succeeded. Or so I assumed." here she laughed bitterly. "I had been so proud then. Being the first Sirenix Fairy, getting that facetious title of Nymph of Magix. Mother and father had been so proud too." though, Daphne knew Marion had harboured her own doubts as to Sirenix.
She still vividly remembered the joy her parents felt for her, cutting herself at the sharp edges of memories not dulled by time. Neither Marion or Oritel had thought any less of her for not achieving Enchantix. More than a few Fairies never got it, after all. However, she was not just anybody, but the Crown Princess of Domino. Things had been expected of her and she heard the whispered insults from the other nobles. Her own pride had also prevented her from speaking out when she felt wrong after gaining Sirenix. Not physically sick, but that she had become a twisted mockery, having irrevocably altered something within herself.
Daphne watched with a weak smile as Bloom approached her for a hug, but her younger sister stumbled straight through. "The Ancestral Witches could sense Sirenix, deduced what it was, and took exception to it." that was the understatement of the millennium. "Due to their sheer experience and expertise with the Water Stars they were able to put me under a curse through Sirenix, making it so in hopes to control me."
"Through this curse you ended up like this?" Bloom gestured to Daphne's diaphanous form, sorrow in her eyes. That was incredible magic to curse something as powerful as the Dragon's Flame, Water Stars or even a transformation itself. She shivered imagining herself under that same curse.
"Yes. To put someone under such a powerful curse you normally need something very close to what you want to curse, some kind of representation, a link or connection. Fool that I was, I gave them a powerful one on a silver platter." having some amount of power from the Water Stars, no matter how perverted it had become, had been enough for the witches.
Bloom cocked her head to the side, thinking. "But why did they curse you like this before trying to take the Dragon's Flame from you? Even if they couldn't wield it." the Trix had had the same problem in the past. Unable to truly take but a fraction of her power.
"I suspect they originally wanted me to give it to the wizard Valtor, who already possessed a spark of the Dragon's Flame himself since his creation." the ghost stated and shook her head to loosen these speculations. They'd never know for sure. It was the same situation as with Bloom's Dragon's Flame and the Trix' inability to truly take it from her. Next Daphne drover her hands over her ghostly body, smiling bitterly at her next words. "However, after learning of Sirenix they didn't want my Dragon's Flame anymore, claiming it to be tainted. Twisted. Worthless." the last word said in such a way that it was unmistakable who she thought of as worthless. The Dragon's Flame and the Water Stars did not mix well, and once whatever had been done to the latter's power was reversed they turned on each other, tearing her apart from the inside.
"With my failure utterly complete I did what little I could to make amends. At least I succeeded in giving the Dragon's Flame to someone more worthy before dying." her death had removed the taint of Sirenix too. "I even still tried to fight despite what became of me. Only to be bound to this lake in a cruel twist of irony by the witches." she could still recall the words spoken by the witches, saying that if she wanted to be a lapdog of the Council of Light then they would make it so.
Wanting her sister to not be so hard on herself, Bloom protested, insisting. "I'm sure you would've achieved Enchantix with your sacrifice and actions that day!" what she did was the height of selfless. Bloom was sure of it.
A self-deprecating chuckle escaped Daphne's mouth. "That's nice of you to say, but..."
"No buts, it's true!" Bloom interrupted passionately, summoning the Sirenix Book, throwing it back into her bag like a diseased animal and turning towards the entrance. Followed by motioning Daphne to follow. "You rescued me and helped many more. I know others think the same."
Perplexed Daphne followed Bloom back to the entrance of the cave, floating behind the determined redhead. She couldn't leave the the premises and had never done so outside of sending Bloom visions, but was able to see the things people left outside.
"See?!" Bloom demanded, pointing towards the pile of offerings sitting there illuminated by the moon's silvery light. "People still remember you!" the last living member of Domino's royalty watched her dead sister's emotional episode and swore she'd help her, somehow.
Why did it then feel like this was just another insurmountable obstacle added to many already existing ones? Her personal problems notwithstanding. Every revelation of today swirling in her mind like a swarm of buzzing locust, gnawing at her every thought.
Daphne's last words to her cut through those like a hot knife through butter. "Bloom, let me give you the same advice our mother gave me." seeing that she had her sister's attention, Daphne said. "I know things seem bleak now, but you can't allow yourself to become buried in the shadowed vaults of self-doubt. Cannot allow thoughts of imagined disaster to spin about inside your mind like so many strife-splintered wheels. The Queen of Domino navigates her way through the terrors of perplexity with her eyes firmly set on the rising sun."
Just like that her heart lifted a bit. Sure, the tasks ahead seemed impossible to overcome, but so were many things before that.
"Thank you, Daphne! I'll do my best." Bloom promised sincerely.
So, I tried to revive Bloom's artistic side, which was only shown a little bit in the first season. Soon to be all but forgotten as the series progressed, which I think is a shame. It also is touched on by fashion, which was one of the biggest inspirations for Winx. In terms of being forgotten, the same goes for her empathic ability, which was only shown in one episode to serve as a plot device. In my fic she simply didn't use them often because it's invasive and in crowds it is overwhelming.
Also, Harry could enter Alfea despite its wards due to being invited by Bloom, after a fashion through the mark. The Trix always gained access to Alfea, despite the wards, due to an entrance underground connecting all the three schools around Lake Roccaluce.
As you noticed, in my story Sirenix isn't a natural progression of a Fairy, least of all seen by how it is obtained in canon and the consequences of failing to do so. Enchantix was said to be the last level for a Fairy and in this story it will be so. Daphne was not shown to have an Enchantix form, so I used that here. Also, Nobody really bothered Daphne because she is a ghost and can't really do much in her current state. Though, her cave isn't under water in this story, but just a normal cave above water.
I also made Oritel the older brother of Erendor. I'd like to think Domino was a Matriarchy, due to the Dragon's Flame being possessed by fairies, who are always female. So, that means Oritel married into the royal family of Domino and not vice versa. Oritel and Erendor also look alike somewhat. For those who know what Erendor did; Daphne doesn't. She has speculations, suspicions and some facts, but nothing truly concrete. Only Erendor and the Ancestral Witches know what he agreed to in their bargain. Not Sky or anyone else. Of course, Daphne is not so far off, except for Erendor's motivation.
There also was an Easter Egg in the story, but I doubt many will know what it is. :D
Hope there aren't too many mistakes.