Chapter Text
A break from everything was an understatement of what Bloom needed. As if being Valtor's target wasn't enough, Sky had humiliated her yet again. Not to mention parents having the nerve to deem her a threat to their kids. Her, of all people, even after saving Magix twice in the past two years. Being back in Gardenia gave her some sense of security, and she could already feel some weight on her chest lighten. Her parents couldn't help but wonder what prompted her unexpected visit, but they were also happy to see her nonetheless.
Bloom felt that moping at home was no better than moping at Alfea, so she decided to go out for a walk. Even after being away in another dimension, these streets were still home to her. The breeze caressing her face was a warm welcome to her, and seeing all the happy couples…
A sharp pain pierced her chest as flashbacks played in her mind of Sky. What had she done wrong? She knew she wasn't royal to the extent that he was, but did he really think that low of her? Come to think of it, he had been incredibly distant even prior to summer vacation. She was finding it more difficult to contain her emotions, and she rushed back home before falling apart all together. The moment she fell onto the sofa, tears ran down her face and she felt the weight of everything crashing back down ten-fold.
"Bloom?"
Bloom glances up to see her concerned parents staring down at her.
"Sweetie, what's really going on?" Vanessa asked, going to sit down next to her daughter.
"Yeah, talk to us, Bloom," Mike joined in.
Bloom recounted everything that had taken place in Magix, from Stella's princess ball to the fear of other parents. All the while, her parents held her as if she were still a little girl.
"Oh, Bloom…"
Vanessa and Mike let their daughter cry. They didn't quite know what else to say, but it seemed that Bloom simply just needed them there right now.
"Whatever you need, we're here, okay?" Vanessa reassured her, "stay as long as you need to, dear."
"Thanks, guys," Bloom said, wiping her face, "I love you both."
"We love you too, Bloom," Vanessa answered.
With a final squeeze, Mike and Vanessa stepped away and left Bloom to her thoughts.
Back in Andros' underwater caves, Valtor spied on Bloom yet again, while the Trix sat nearby.
"It appears Bloom has left Magix," Valtor noted, "this is rather interesting."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Icy told him, making snowflakes in her hand, "years ago, she left because Sky lied to her about his real identity."
Darcy laughed. "Heartbroken over someone like him? These pixies have some shit taste."
"Funny, I remember a certain witch being infatuated with a specialist," Icy teased, turning to Darcy.
"I was not infatuated with him!" Darcy shot back, "we were using him."
Icy grinned. "Sure, using him to satisfy you."
Darcy glared daggers at the hysterical ice witch.
"Didn't you both take a liking to Darkar?" Stormy suddenly interjected, joining her sisters.
The older two snapped their heads at Stormy, appalled she'd claim something like that.
"Don't be ridiculous, Stormy!" Icy cried.
"You mean as ridiculous as getting Darko to pretend to be your boyfriend?" the storm witch taunted, causing Darcy to burst out laughing.
"Shut it!"
"Or what, you'll turn us into frosties?"
While the Trix bantered back and forth with one another, Valtor resumed his study of Bloom. Her emotions were wild, but rage and betrayal were the two that were the most present. Dragons, her energy was strong. And for someone like her to settle for such mediocrocy…
"Are you going to keep spying on Bloom?" Icy's voice broke through his thoughts.
"I told you he had a crush on her," Darcy told Stormy.
Valtor rolled his eyes before turning to face the trio.
"Bloom has the greatest power in the universe," Valtor began, "it'd be wise to explore her potential."
"Oh she has potential…the potential to be a failure," Icy said, causing her sisters to burst into a fit of laughter.
Valtor dismissed the trio and returned his attention to Bloom. She was strong, he'd be a fool to deny that. She had the unfortunate luck of being raised by Earth parents, only to then be taught by Faragonda. Didn't that old hag know that even at her weakest, Bloom still held much more significance than Faragonda ever would?
Valtor waved his hand and made the image disappear. She was no longer in Magix, it'd be easy to attack. It seemed simple: wipe out the fairies, get to Bloom. Something was still missing however…
Remembering Icy's words, he fixed his gaze on Eraklyon. Dare he say…this momentarily peeked his interest more than Bloom. As he continued watching the scene in front of him, a smirk made its way on his face.
I'm sure dear Bloom would love to know of this.
"How about a cup of tea, Bloom?"
Her mother's voice snapped her out of her misery. Glancing up, she was met with the sigh tof her mother holding out a small, porcelain cup.
"It'll make you feel better," Vanessa reassured her with a smile.
The smell greeted her the moment she took the cup in her hands, and a warmth filled her with her first sip.
"Thanks, Mom."
Vanessa smiled at the girl, before putting on a serious expression.
"Sweetie, I understand how you feel about everything that's going on between you and Sky, but maybe you should talk to him and figure things out."
Bloom scoffed. "What's there to figure out? Sky's been playing me this whole time. He's always loved Diaspro, and he's made that pretty clear."
"Don't you think knowing why might make you feel better?" Vanessa tried to reason with Bloom, "I mean, you guys have been through so much together. Something serious must have happened."
Before Bloom could respond, Mike joined the duo.
"'Prince Sky', huh? More like a royal pain in the-"
"Mike!" Vanessa scolded.
Mike's temper died down, giving Bloom the chance to speak again.
"No, Mom, he's right," Bloom said, setting her cup down and getting to her feet, "Sky humiliated me my first year at Alfea, he then got jealous over my teacher in my second year-which I guess was his own way of warning me about him, and now he humiliates me again, with the same girl he swore he didn't love! Just what is there to talk about? How much of a sorry excuse of a prince he is? I'm done fighting for someone who's too stupid to tell the difference between who loves him and who loves his title. So no, I'm not going to 'figure things out'. They can both go to hell!"
Mike and Vanessa shared a quick glance, before staring at their enraged daughter. Bloom could smell smoke and quickly calmed down, as to not start a fire in her parents' house. In doing so, she felt that stupid wave of sadness again and turned on her heels before heading to the stairs.
"Bloom?" he mother called out.
She stopped in her tracks without looking back.
"I want to be alone."
She didn't bother waiting for a response and rushed up to her room, where she was able to be sad without the pity party. A twinge of guilt hit Bloom as she realized how harsh she'd been; she knew her parents were just worried about her. Hell, they had been since sophomore year…
The nightmares never actually stopped. A part of her felt like shit, for still shutting everyone out at times. Hell, she still could hardly look at the real Avalon, despite him being nothing like the man who had tainted her in a way she'd least expected…
Bloom forced her mind away from Shadowhaunt and back to the paper in front of her. She hadn't drawn much since going to Alfea, but every once in a blue moon she found herself cracking open her sketchbook. It seemed like even that wasn't enough to pull her out of her darkness. Crumbling up the paper, she tossed it in her already accumulating pile. Her fatigue returned and she rose from her seat, flopping onto her bed and replaying everything.
“You can’t just run and hide forever.”
Bloom’s blood ran cold. She had to have fallen asleep without realizing, because there was no way he was here now.
“I understand you never got to learn royal etiquette, but I’m certain that even on Earth it’s rude to ignore a guest.”
Bloom slowly sat up to see him seated at her desk, that smug grin of his plastered on his face. This was a sick joke, right? Falling onto her back once more, Bloom gripped her head and clenched her eyes shut.
“No…you’re not real. Goddammit get out of my head!” she cried out.
Chuckling at the response, Valtor walked towards her.
“I’m no illusion, my dear. I’ll prove it to you.”
Those words sparked Bloom’s flame, and she immediately got to her feet. Glaring at the wizard, a fireball formed in her hand, ready to deliver a blow to the intruder. The wizard’s eyes lit up with what appeared to be cold amusement.
“Do you think it's wise to risk destroying your room?” Valtor asked, taking a quick look over the space, “quite average looking really, but your room nonetheless.”
“Well, I never got the chance to live in a fancy palace and have a luxurious room fit for a princess, thanks to you and your mothers,” Bloom venomously shot back.
She could’ve sworn something flickered across his eyes, but it was gone as quickly as it came. The aftereffects of Sky’s betrayal were still suffocating her, and his intrusion was no help.
“Why are you here? What do you want with me? Haven't you done enough?” Bloom demanded.
“Is it a crime to check on Domino’s lost princess?" Valtor feigned concern, sitting at her desk, "I’d assume you were devastated seeing as how Eraklyon’s prince publicly humiliated you."
“How do you know about that?" Bloom asked, until it occurred to her, "what did you do to him?"
The wizard merely smirked. "Why do you assume I had something to do with it?"
"Because that's what you're best at," Bloom crossly responded, "manipulating people and using them as pawns for your own gain."
"A fair argument," Valtor acknowledged, "but it wasn't what I did…more so something I noticed."
"Oh, really? And what exactly did you see?" Bloom wondered, eyes narrowed.
"Well, aren't you the curious one," Valtor smugly noted, "so you do believe me."
"Not one bit," Bloom mirrored his expression while crossing her arms, "but I'd love to know what lie you'll feed me."
Valtor's face fell and he went quiet. For a moment, all he did was scrutinize Bloom, whose mask wore off beneath his gaze.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Bloom tried to sound assertive, but her voice caught in her throat.
Valtor continued eyeing her for a moment, before averting his gaze to her desk. He grabbed her blue, worn out eraser and played with it in his hand.
"I don't quite understand why you invest your energy into some measly prince-one who's been deceiving you might I add," he coolly answered.
"Sky would never deceive me, okay?" Bloom answered, struggling to keep her voice in check, "he loves me."
"He loves you, hm?"
Valtor stopped playing with the eraser, but it still remained in his grip. Turning to lock eyes with Bloom, he delivered another blow to her heart.
"Is that why he slept with Diaspro?"
Bloom was astonished. Valtor was clearly trying to get under her skin as usual, but this was a new low. She lowered her gaze to the ground, completely tuning out the sorcerer. It was true her and Sky had some issues that ended up spilling into her third year, but that was due to a lack of communication. Sky was obviously under a spell, there was no way he'd do something as vile as cheat on her.
"You mortals have a rather strange way of showing devotion to one another."
His mocking words brought her out of her thoughts.
"Joke's over," she told him, ignoring the twisting feeling in her heart, "just admit you spelled Sky and leave."
"He doesn't appear to care about your wellbeing regarding…your past," Valtor continued, ignoring her response, "so much so, he found comfort in another woman."
A bitter laugh escaped Bloom's lips as she snapped her head back up.
"What, and you do?" she sarcastically asked, now getting to her feet, "you pry into my most personal memories, just to put on some concerned act while throwing that in my face?"
Valtor frowned with a raised eyebrow.
"Well that's an awfully bold accusation-"
"I'm going to say this once, and I'm not going to repeat myself: Get. Out," Bloom spoke through clenched teeth, feeling her body growing hot.
Valtor wordlessly got to his feet, but not before turning to give her some final words.
"It's really not wise to remain in denial-"
Bloom reached her breaking point and shot a fireball at the wizard, who barely dodged the attack.
"Get the fuck out!"
Her enraged eyes still stared at the wizard, who stared at her with…well, actually, Bloom couldn't quite place it.
Pounding on the door ceased her fury, and her flame immediately died out.
“Bloom, honey, are you alright?”
Bloom whipped her head to face the door, before turning back to see that Valtor was already gone. She swore the next time she saw his face-
“Bloom, we’re coming in.”
Her father’s voice regained her attention. She looked back just in time to see the door open and her parents walking in.
“Is everything alright? We heard you shouting,” Mike wondered.
“I'm okay, just stressed,” she half-lied with a weak smile.
It didn’t appear as if her parents were buying it, but they knew better than to push her.
“If you say so,” Vanessa answered, “there’s someone here to see you.”
A flicker of warmth passed through her as she watched Stella enter her room, but she couldn’t help but wonder why her expression seemed a bit off.
“We’ll give you girls a moment,” Vanessa said, before turning back to Stella, “stay as long as you’d like, dear.”
The couple walked out the door, leaving the girls to themselves.
"What's wrong, Stel?" Bloom asked, "is everything okay at Alfea?"
Stella sighed, fiddling with her ring for a moment.
“Bloom, there’s no easy way to say this…”
She locked eyes with the girl who she'd give her last breath for.
“Sky announced his engagement with Diaspro.”
Bloom went silent for some moments. Stella grew nervous at the lack of a response and wasn't sure what to do. Part of her wanted to pull Bloom into one of her signature bear hugs, part of her wanted to leave and give her space, but what did Bloom need: space, or her best friend?
“Oh.”
The Solarian princess didn't expect this. Granted, she wasn’t sure just what Bloom’s response would be, but she appeared to be…calm?
“’Oh’? That’s it?” Stella asked.
Bloom merely shrugged. “What else is there to say? They love each other, right? And I mean it’s only fair that he’d want to be with someone who’s on his level. So if he wants Diaspro, then that’s his choice.”
“Bloom, it’s okay if you’re still hurting- “
“No, I’m fine,” Bloom cut her off, “I should’ve known we weren’t meant to be. I mean, he’s royalty. I may be royal by blood, but I don’t know a damn thing about life as a princess. I'm practically a peasant to him, so it makes sense he'd go for Diaspro. Royal, rich, beautiful, I get it. What I don't get…"
Bloom felt her throat tighten. She stopped to try and contain herself.
"…is why he lied to me. I mean seriously, does he think that low of me? I get that I'm nothing special compared to Diaspro-"
"Shut up, Bloom, okay? Just shut up!" Stella cried, startling the redhead, "you are so much more than that sorry excuse of a princess, crown or not, so don't you ever talk about yourself like that again!"
"Well clearly I'm not worth anything, considering the way Sky just jabbed his sword in my heart and tossed me like I'm nothing!"
Bloom felt her body shaking and before she knew it, Stella pulled her in an embrace just as another bout of tears began.
"I'm here, darling, it's okay," Stella whispered into her hair, "just let it all out."
The two sunk to the ground, Stella still holding Bloom. She planted a kiss on her temple and ran her hand up and down her back. As Bloom's sobs grew stronger, so did Stella's resentment towards the Eraklyon prince. Bloom talked about her childhood, how she was treated by Mitzi and how she barely had friends-except for someone named Selina. For Sky to add more pain to her life...disgusted was an underestimate of Stella's feelings.
Having watched Bloom grow the past two years, Stella couldn't help but find the irony a bit amusing: A girl deemed a loser on Earth, was the heiress of a kingdom that was once the richest in the entire magic dimension, and was granted the greatest power in the universe. Oh, if only they knew-
Stella was pulled from her thoughts by Bloom raising her head. She was preparing to say something, until she caught sight of her shirt.
"Oh, Stella, your dress is ruined," Bloom remorsefully noted.
"Bloom, don't be ridiculous."
Stella waved her hand and made the tear stains vanish, returning her gaze to Bloom.
"You are way more important to me than any piece of clothing or jewelry," she told her.
"Even more than your scepter?" Bloom weakly teased.
Stella pretended to think about it for a moment of two, resulting in Bloom shoving her.
"Stella!"
The girls shared a quick laugh, before Stella returned her gaze.
"I know you still love Sky, but he doesn't deserve you, darling," she began, wiping Bloom's tears away, "you are amazing all around-and no, I'm not just saying that because you're my absolute favorite person in the entire universe."
Bloom chuckled, causing Stella to grin.
"But because it's true. I mean, you're always there for us, you never back down from a challenge, and you are truly the best leader that anyone could as for. Even when we first met and you had no clue you were a fairy, you were still willing to risk your life for me, a whole stranger…"
Stella cupped Bloom's face.
"You're awesome, Bloom. You're the little sister I've always dreamed of, and I don't ever want to go back to a life without you in it. And if Sky's too much of a jackass to see what a treasure you are, then...I say let that little tramp have him!"
Bloom laughed and wrapped her arms around Stella, who just as eagerly returned the hug.
"Thanks, Stella. And thank you for coming to check on me."
"Well of course I'd come for you."
As the two pulled away, a thoughtful expression appeared on Stella's face.
"Although…if you really want, we can head to Eraklyon tomorrow," she suggested, before making a face, "I'd rather burn Sky and Diaspro to a crisp than go to class."
Before Bloom could answer, her parents knocked on the door.
"Can we come in, girls?" Vanessa called out.
"Stella, dear, would you like to stay for dinner?" Vanessa asked.
"Actually…if it's okay with you guys, can Stella stay the night?" Bloom asked.
Stella's eyes widened, before turning to Bloom's parents. Mike and Vanessa shared a look, before turning back to the girls.
"Of course she can," Vanessa answered, to which the girls smiled at each other, "how does ordering in sound? There's a new pizza place that opened up."
Stella grinned. "Sounds good to me."
"Me too," Bloom agreed, always eager for pizza.
The Peters walked out, and Stella turned to Bloom.
"Our first sleepover!" Stella cheered.
Bloom smiled, though there was something hidden behind it.
"You're actually the first person to stay the night at my house," she admitted.
"Really?" Stella asked, before grinning, "ha, I have bragging rights!"
Bloom giggled and Stella's expression shifted slightly.
"You're actually the first friend I've had a sleepover with, too," Stella confessed.
Bloom's eyes widened. "No way."
"Uhhh, did you forget I was a total loser growing up?" Stella mentioned.
"You weren't a 'total loser', they were just jerks," Bloom corrected her.
"And this is why you're my best friend," Stella told her, hugging her again.
Bloom returned the hug, her flame flickering contently. As much as she would've loved to have a sisterly bond with Daphne, Stella filled the role with such ease, to the point where she often wondered if they were sisters in a parallel universe.
Feeling some of the weight off her chest, Bloom pulled away and rose from the ground.
"Come on, let's wait for the pizza downstairs," she suggested, helping Stella off the ground, "we can look for a movie to watch."
"As long as it's not like that creepy movie we watched," Stella said, shuddering at the memory.
"Definitely not," Bloom said with a laugh, leading them out her room, "I'll let you pick."
"Say no more!" Stella cheered.
The girls made their way downstairs, where the following hours were spent devouring pizza, watching movies, and laughing amongst each other.
The stars and moon out now, the girls were lying on Bloom's bed. Bloom's parents had already fallen asleep and while she was also exhausted, her thoughts kept her awake.
Bloom turned to see Stella rapidly messaging someone.
"Hey, Stel?"
Stella sent the message and rolled over to face Bloom.
"Yeah?" she sleepily asked.
"You know when you brought up Eraklyon earlier?" Bloom reminded her, "well, can we go?"
This seemed to wake Stella up a bit, and she offered Bloom a small smile.
"Anything for you," Stella answered, "in fact, why don't we just head straight here after breakfast. Actually, maybe not right after. I'd hate for us to get puke on our clothes."
"Yeah, that'd suck," Bloom agreed with a chuckle.
Stella let out a yawn and set her phone on Bloom's shelf. Dramatically flopping onto her back, she turned to Bloom.
"Okay, well, we've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow, so let's get some beauty sleep," she voiced.
"We sure do," Bloom agreed, followed by a yawn, "Goodnight, Stella."
"Night, darling."
Snuggling up against each other, the girls shut their eyes and prepared for whatever would be thrown at them the following day.
Bloom had a new attitude the following morning. After her sleepover with Stella, she felt re-energized and ready to confront Sky.
"Are you sure you're ready to talk to him?" Mike asked, "you don't have to force yourself to."
Feeling a squeeze on her shoulders, Bloom gave Stella a quick smile. Returning her gaze to her father, she gave him a look of reassurance.
"I'll be okay, Dad," she answered.
"And I will make sure of that, as always," Stella chimed in, hugging Bloom.
"We appreciate you for looking after Bloom," Vanessa told Stella, "you've become family to us, you know?"
"Aww, and Bloom's basically family to me," Stella answered, throwing an arm around Bloom.
"You girls be safe," Mike said, "and if you need me to come down there-"
"Dad, we'll be fine," Bloom reassured him with a laugh, "I've got Stella."
"Okay, but I mean it," Mike affirmed, "just because you're a fairy doesn't mean you're not my little girl anymore.
"Our little girl," Vanessa teased.
Bloom rolled her eyes, but hugged her parents. "I'll be fine, trust me."
The three pulled apart and Stella slid off her ring.
"Come on, we've got a prince to knock some sense into!" Stella declared, slamming her scepter to the ground, "to the Eraklyon palace!"
The familiar lightweight yet woozy feel took over as the girls were teleported outside the kingdom.
Stella slid her ring back on before turning to Bloom.
"Are you ready?" Stella asked once more, "if you don't feel ready, we can head back to Alfea."
"No, I'm ready," Bloom assured her, "I just…I don't know what to expect."
Before Stella could answer, another voice joined them.
"What are you guys doing here?"
The girls turned, and Stella's eyes widened.
"Brandon!"
Stella lunged towards the love of her life, while Bloom watched the exchange.
"Why haven't you been answering my phone? Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Stella demanded.
Brandon laughed. "Sorry, princess, I've been busy."
Feeling awkward, Bloom walked closer to them.
"Hey, Brandon," Bloom greeted him, "what are you doing here?"
"I've been trying to talk to Sky," Brandon answered, "but since the announcement, he's been distant…"
A frown appeared on his face, "Come to think of it, it was summer when he first started acting off."
"Well, that settles it," Stella announced, grabbing their arms, "come on, let's go kick his ass."
The three made their way to the palace, until Brandon stopped them.
"They probably won't let us in," Brandon said, turning to Bloom, "you guys are gonna have to sneak through the back."
"Huh, why?" Stella asked.
Brandon looked at Bloom for a moment, before lowering his gaze.
"Brandon, what happened?" Bloom firmly asked.
Brandon sighed before running his hand through his hair, his gaze on the grass.
"Sky told his parents about…sophomore year," Brandon finally said, "they were already upset about the rumors, but hearing it right from their son..."
Brandon redirected his gaze directly to Bloom.
"His parents see you as a threat," he bluntly told her, "they already didn't see you in the best light, but this really sealed the deal."
Bloom was appalled, and a bit hurt. She knew his parents looked down on her, but she thought after finding out she was the lost princess of Domino-as well as saving the magic universe twice, they would've gained some sense of respect for her. But she had to face the truth: she will always be seen as a mere commoner.
Bloom's gaze fell to her feet, and Stella didn't waste any time throwing an arm around her shoulder and giving her a squeeze. Turning to Brandon, she changed the subject.
"How will we distract the guards?" Stella asked.
Brandon gave her a cheeky grin. "Just leave that to me."
The trio turned and headed for the back of the palace. Bloom tried to focus on the task at hand, but her nerves were getting the better of her. On top of that, Valtor's visit affected her way more than she'd like to admit. She should trust Sky, but he was acting off, even before their third year. There was no way Valtor was telling the truth, and even if he were…
Why would he help her?
"Bloom!"
Bloom was snapped out of her thoughts and turned to see the couple staring at her.
"Are you ready? Go hide in the bushes!" Stella instructed.
Despite her confusion, Bloom did as she was told.
Brandon turned to Stella.
"You ready?"
"As ever!" Stella eagerly answered.
Brandon ran towards the back entrance while Stella hid on the other side of the doorway. Bloom tried to get her attention, but Stella's gaze was on Brandon's disappearing figure.
"Guards, I think I spotted Valtor in the back entrance!" they heard Brandon call out.
Not long after, multiple footsteps were heard rushing towards where the girls were. Brandon soon came out with his sword in his hand, follow by the royal guards.
"Where is he? Show yourself, coward!" one of the guards cried.
Stella stepped out of her hiding spot and outstretched her hands.
"Freeze!" she cried.
The men froze on the spot, to Bloom's shock and relief.
"How long will they stay frozen?" Bloom asked.
"I'm not sure," Stella admitted, "but it'll buy us some time. Come on!"
Stella grabbed Bloom's hand and the trio raced through the entrance. Once they stepped inside, Brandon turned to the girls.
"I'll check this way," he pointed to the left, "you girls check the other side."
"Got it," Stella answered, "be careful, okay?"
"You guys, too."
They split up and sped-walked in different directions. Bloom's heart was racing, swirls of rage and heartache were all she felt thought about-
"Oof!"
Bloom collided into someone and the two were nearing the ground. Stella quickly caught her, but the other wasn't so fortunate.
"I'm so sorry, I was completely out of it," Bloom immediately apologized.
"Yeah, no shit."
How could Bloom not recognize the voice that made Mitzi's sound like an angel? She glanced up and was met with two eyes shooting daggers at up her, those eyes belonging to none other than Diaspro, Isis' princess. Getting to her feet, she dusted herself off before returning her anger.
"Jeez, just what is the matter with you?" Diaspro sharply asked.
Anger flooded across Bloom. Ignoring her question, she shot one back at the princess.
"What did you do to Sky?" Bloom demanded, "tell me right now!"
"Who are you to speak to me that way?" Diaspro snapped, "I can have you banned!"
"The same way we can have you banned for conspiring with Valtor?" Stella cheekily joined in.
Diaspro's face morphed into bewilderment.
"Valtor? I don't know anyone named Valtor," she responded.
Stella snorted. "Yeah, okay, and we're supposed to believe a spoiled bitch like you didn't team up with a villain? Please, I might be blonde, but unlike you, I'm not an idiot."
"Defending someone like her makes you the biggest idiot of them all, actually," Diaspro retorted.
Before Stella could gouge her eyes out, Diaspro redirected her disgust towards Bloom.
"Obviously Sky doesn't love you anymore," she told her, eyeing her up and down, "and I don't know why he ever did; you're practically a peasant, given your upbringing."
Despite her hands now ablaze, Bloom tried to keep her composure.
"My upbringing is none of your business," she growled, "and you have no right to speak on my family."
Stella's face was now inches from Diaspro's.
"Bloom may not have been raised in royalty, but she's ten times the person you'll ever be! What her and Sky had was real!"
What Diaspro said next shook them to the core.
"So real that she slept with her teacher?"
Those words were a punch to the gut. So much so that Bloom recoiled, her fire completely put out and replaced with a cold feeling.
She couldn't hear whatever Stella was shouting. All she could hear were the whispers, what Faragonda and Griselda said to her, the Trix's remarks, the comments from other parents, the way Sky reacted when she was finally out from the hospital, even her own parent's pity and concern.
Bloom felt her eyes water as everything came back to her: the shame, regret, disgust, the self-loathing…
The rage…
Bloom's composure was starting to slip and she felt her body heat drastically rising once more.
How dare she?
"…and look, she's not even denying anything!" Diaspro's voice was like an ice pick to her head.
"Shut. Up," Bloom snarled, "you don't know what you're talking about."
"I know that you broke Sky's heart," Diaspro coldly pointed out, "and I knew you were never right for him. I mean seriously, your teacher of all people?"
Unbeknownst to the girls, Brandon had found Sky and the two were approaching the trio.
"Bloom, Stella, what are you guys doing here?" Sky asked, before redirecting his attention to Diaspro. "Diaspro, what's going on?"
At her love's voice, Diaspro's demeanor changed.
"Oh, Sky!"
She wrapped her arms around his neck, but the oddly sweet moment ended once she pulled away.
"These two are accusing me of teaming up with Valtor," she explained, shooting more daggers at them, "Bloom's just jealous that you don't want to compete for her attention anymore."
"Sky, you don't really believe that, do you?" Brandon asked his best friend, "you know Bloom wouldn't do that."
Bloom's fury faltered a bit once her eyes met Sky's, who had yet to respond. Those blue eyes once looked at her with such adoration. But now…
"Why did you do that to me?" Bloom asked, feeling indignation overpower her sadness, "why the hell have you been treating me so weird lately?"
Sky opened his mouth, but Diaspro beat him to the punch.
"Are you dumb? Sky doesn't want you. I mean, who would want someone who spreads her legs for her teacher, but can't even return her boyfriend's messages?"
Quickly restraining Stella, who had taken out her scepter at this point, Brandon shot Diaspro a look.
"Okay, that's enough."
Bloom felt her eyes water once more, but she was more concerned with not turning Diaspro into ashes.
"Diaspro, I swear to the Great Dragon-"
"The Great Dragon? Give me a break, someone like you isn't worthy of that status. You're tainted, who the hell wants someone like that?"
Before anyone could stop her, Diaspro delivered a final blow.
"You know, I guess it's a good thing you're Earth trash, who knows how the world would react if they found out the supposed heiress to the throne of Domino was a whore."
That comment sent Bloom over the edge. She felt her body engulf in flames as her vision went black and she felt her body move. She thought she heard someone call out her name, but it was muffled compared to the thoughts of destroying Diaspro. Bloom was notorious for being hotheaded, but this was a rage not even Bloom's enemies had ever been a victim of. Bloom's body was hotter than it'd ever been before, to the point where even she started to feel great pain.
"…loom, Bloom!"
One moment she was in front of Diaspro, the next she was a few feet away in Stella's arms, viewing the damage she had done while trying to catch her breath. Horrible burns were across Diaspro's body, not to mention the busted lip and black eye. Sky was kneeling next to her, asking if she were okay. All he got in response were faint wheezes.
Bloom felt faint, and not just because of the realization of what'd she done.
Sky stalked over to the other three, his eyes set on Bloom. Brandon immediately stood between.
"Sky, hey man-"
"You need to leave, right now!" Sky shouted, ignoring Brandon, "I don't know what the hell you were thinking, but you have no more business being here!"
The pain Bloom felt in her chest right now made the pain she felt getting the Dragon Flame snatched from her like child's play.
"Sky…"
Bloom's vision went black once more, but this time was followed by her knees buckling. Had Stella no longer been holding her, she would've crashed onto the palace grounds much like Diaspro.
"Hey, what's going on here?"
The guards had since unfroze, and were now rushing towards the scene.
"What's all the commotion?" one of them asked as they neared them.
Stella quickly transformed and turned to Brandon.
"Come on, we've gotta get to Alfea," she urgently stated.
Brandon led the way to the red aircraft as Stella flew as fast as she could, all whilst trying to not drop Bloom. They needed to get out of there, not just to avoid punishment, but to get Bloom immediate care. The once conscious fairy was now breaking out in a sweat, her skin reminding Stella of when she was in the Underground World.
"Don't worry, darling, you're going to be okay," Stella whispered as they reached the red space shuttle.
Back in the royal palace, a number of guards stayed near Diaspro; one however, approached Sky, who was still staring in the direction the trio left.
"Your Highness, what's happened?" he asked.
Sky was unresponsive for some time, his brain struggling to put the pieces together. Regardless, one thought remained consistent.
Fighting off the twinge of guilt, he let out a deep breath. He turned to face the guard, who in turn stepped back at the intensity in his eyes.
"Bloom is no longer welcome here."