by juleic1123 » Sat Mar 22, 2025 1:08 am
Chapter 35: In the depths...
The city streets of Gardenia were still dusted with remnants of holiday cheer. Twinkling lights wrapped around lamp posts, wreaths hung on doors, and the occasional snowflake drifting lazily from the sky. Roxy stood on the sidewalk, arms crossed and foot tapping, waiting in front of Bloom’s house. The cool breeze tugged gently at her scarf, her breath visible in the morning air.
A soft hum of energy stirred the wind.
With a flash of radiant light, Bloom appeared in the air, floating down gracefully with a warm smile on her face. Her arrival caught the attention of a few passersby, who stopped to watch in awe. A pair of Nature Kingdom warrior fairies patrolling nearby looked up from a rooftop, a smile appearing on their faces as they see Bloom appearing.
Roxy rolled her eyes playfully. “About time, Miss Bloom. You’re late.”
Bloom landed lightly on the pavement and winced apologetically. “Sorry! I was in Domino with my parents. Things got a bit emotional… I needed the time.”
Roxy’s teasing expression faded slightly as she shrugged. “Yeah, well… I get it. My Christmas wasn't the greatest either. After everything with Zyron and the Trix…”
Bloom’s eyes softened. “I’m sorry, Roxy. What happened to you… it was terrifying.”
Roxy looked away for a moment. “Let’s just say I’m not exactly feeling festive. But I’m ready to go back. We’ve got work to do.”
Bloom nodded in understanding, then turned to the house. “Give me just a sec—I want to say goodbye to Mike and Vanessa.”
She reached into her pocket, pulled out a small key, and slid it into the front door. The door creaked open, and Bloom called out, “Mom? Dad? I’m leaving now!”
There was the sound of footsteps on the stairs, and a moment later, Vanessa and Mike appeared at the landing. Both smiled warmly as they descended to the entrance.
“Oh, Bloom,” Vanessa said fondly, wrapping her daughter in a tight hug. “Have a safe trip, sweetheart.”
Mike joined in, ruffling Bloom’s hair playfully before pulling her into a quick embrace. “You girls be careful, alright? We’ve seen enough excitement around here.”
Roxy gave a small wave.
Vanessa turned with a grin. “Roxy! Come here, dear.” She pulled Roxy into a quick hug as well, squeezing gently. “Take care of Bloom for me, will you?”
“I’ll do my best,” Roxy said with a small smirk. Mike offered her a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
Bloom smiled at both of them. “We’ll be fine. We’ll keep in touch.”
“Good luck, both of you,” Vanessa said, her eyes glistening a bit. “And come back when you can. You’ll always have a home here.”
Roxy and Bloom stepped back, waving one last time before the front door closed softly behind them. Bloom took a deep breath and looked to the sky.
“Ready?” she asked.
Roxy gave a quick nod. “Let’s go.”
With a burst of magical energy, the two fairies lifted into the air, leaving Gardenia behind as the light consumed them.
As the soft colors of Earth faded behind them, the familiar blue waters of Lake Roccalucce came into view below.
Bloom finally touched the ground, the mist of the lake swirling beneath her feet as she hovered just above the surface.
Roxy landed beside her, blinking in surprise. “Wait… we’re not going straight to Alfea?”
“I just want to stop by for a moment,” Bloom replied with a soft smile, her eyes drifting toward the lake’s center. “I always visit Daphne this time of year. Even when things are chaotic, I like to wish her a happy new year.”
Roxy’s expression softened. “Daphne… your sister, right? I’ve never met her.”
Bloom turned to her with a gentle smile. “You’ve never met her? Then come with me. She’d love to meet you.”
Roxy blinked. “Really? I mean—I don’t want to intrude—”
“Roxy, please. You helped save the Magical Dimension last week. Daphne will want to thank you herself. Plus, you're one of us now. She'd love to meet you.”
Before they could dive in, a small thud echoed behind them. Kiko had hopped off Bloom’s luggage, which had floated gently to shore using Bloom’s magic. He looked up with wide eyes, his nose twitching in curiosity.
“Kiko!” Bloom called, turning. “Stay here, okay? Watch the bags.”
The bunny tilted his head, then sat down obediently next to the suitcase, munching on a leaf he’d found nearby.
Bloom reached out and took Roxy’s hands.
“You ready?” she asked.
Roxy nodded. “Let’s do it.”
The two fairies stepped together onto the surface of the water, and as their magic flowed, the surface rippled beneath them. Slowly, they began to sink below. The water shimmered around them, not cold but filled with magical energy that welcomed them in.
The deeper they went, the more the world changed. Light swirled in gentle spirals, and inside a cave, at the heart of it, a soft golden light bloomed into view.
There, standing tall and regal in her elegant translucent robes, was Daphne.
“Bloom,” Daphne greeted warmly, her voice echoing through the water like a melody. “Happy new year, little sister.”
Bloom beamed and swam forward, embracing her sister with glowing arms. “Happy new year, Daphne. I missed you.”
Daphne’s eyes flickered to Roxy. “Me too sister... and this is?”
Bloom turned, still holding Daphne’s hand. “This is Roxy, the Fairy of Animals and until recently, the last fairy on Earth. She helped us fight Zyron and The Wizards of the Black Circle… and she’s been through a lot.”
Roxy suddenly felt shy under Daphne’s graceful gaze. “Hi… it’s an honor.”
Daphne smiled warmly, floating forward and extending a hand. “It’s mine, Roxy. I’ve heard of your courage, and your connection to Earth. The animals, the forest… the balance. It’s beautiful magic.”
Roxy smiled, her nerves easing. “Thank you. I've never been here before but... I have to say the same thing, it's so... peaceful here.”
“It’s sacred,” Daphne said gently. “Lake Roccalucce holds ancient wisdom. It listens to those with kind hearts.”
Bloom nodded. “We’re heading back to Alfea. But I needed to see you first.”
Daphne’s expression grew more serious. “Bloom, before you go, I sensed something… dark. Something disturbed the flow of magic across the lake just days ago. I don’t know what it was, but the ripples reached even here.”
Roxy and Bloom exchanged a glance.
“Zyron and the Trix... well, whatever it is, we’ll stop them,” Bloom said firmly.
Daphne nodded slowly. She placed a glowing hand on each of their shoulders, sending a pulse of magic through them both—a blessing of protection and guidance.
“It was a pleasure, Daphne,” Roxy said, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re welcome here anytime,” Daphne replied.
With a final embrace, Bloom and Roxy began to ascend once more, the lake parting for them as they returned to the surface.
As they emerged into the air, Kiko let out a happy squeak and jumped into Bloom’s arms.
Roxy took a deep breath, the fresh air filling her lungs as she looked back at the rippling water. “That was… incredible.”
Bloom smiled. “She always gives me strength.”
The air was crisp and serene, but Bloom’s steps had grown slower, her expression more distant.
Roxy noticed the shift right away. “You’re quiet,” she said softly.
Bloom glanced up, then looked away again, her arms crossed over her chest. “I’m just thinking about Daphne,” she admitted. “Every time I visit her, I smile and pretend everything’s okay. But it’s not. I hate that I can’t help her… that she's like that because she sacrificed to protect me...”
Bloom trailed off, and Roxy slowed to walk closer, her expression kind and understanding.
“She is with you even as a spirit, Bloom... she loves you so much.” Roxy said. “You’re out there helping everyone, fighting for peace, protecting people. I don't think she regrets that choice at all, in fact I'm sure she'd do it all over again.”
Bloom offered a weak smile. “Thanks. I guess I just wish things were simpler.”
After a moment, she turned to Roxy, her voice warm but tinged with guilt. “I really see myself in you, Roxy. Your first year at Alfea, and you’re already being thrown into full-scale battles. I’m sorry it’s been so chaotic. When we were students, at least we had some time to breathe. Lately it feels like the Magical Dimension never gets a break. More and more villains keep showing up. It's like... we can’t even have one peaceful year anymore.”
Roxy shook her head, her tone firm but comforting. “Don’t be sorry. You’ve prepared me better than anyone could’ve. Sure, I get overwhelmed sometimes, but I’m not afraid anymore. I want to fight for what’s right, just like you do.”
That made Bloom stop in her tracks. She looked at Roxy, truly looked at her, and smiled. “You’re going to be an amazing fairy, Roxy. You already are.”
They shared a quiet, reassuring moment before continuing their walk toward Alfea, Kiko hopping happily behind them.
Elsewhere... in the Royal Palace of Eraklyon
“Okay. I officially surrender,” Sky muttered as another ornate jacket was shoved into his arms.
He stood in the middle of his private chamber—well, what used to be his private chamber. Fabrics of every shade of blue and gold were draped across furniture, mannequins hovered in the corner, and royal maids scurried past, adjusting, pinning, measuring.
“This is the third outfit this morning!” he groaned.
“Fourth, actually,” said Brandon, leaning casually against the doorway with his arms crossed and an amused smirk on his face. “But who’s counting?”
Sky shot him a glare as one of the royal dressmakers gestured for him to raise his arms again.
“I thought you were supposed to be helping me, not laughing at my suffering.”
“I am helping,” Brandon said with a chuckle. “I’m providing emotional support. And documenting every one of these outfits for your wedding slideshow.”
Sky groaned. “You wouldn’t.”
“Oh, I would.”
As another jacket was tossed aside for “clashing with the embroidery on the ceremonial sash,” Sky slumped into a nearby chair, rubbing his temples. “Why did I agree to have a full royal wedding? I just wanted something simple. Small. Maybe on a mountain. Or the beach in Gardenia. This is too much!”
“Well, you are the Crown Prince of Eraklyon,” Brandon said, picking up one of the more sparkly jackets and inspecting it. “This is what royal weddings look like, buddy. Welcome to the life of a King, well, almost.”
Sky sighed dramatically. “The wedding is in one month. Just one. I haven’t even written my vows yet.”
Brandon raised an eyebrow. “Need help?”
Sky looked at him skeptically. “If your three year anniversary vows to Stella were anything to go by, absolutely not.”
Brandon grinned. “Hey, she cried.”
“She cried because you rhymed ‘heart’ with ‘magic fa**.’”
“…Okay, maybe not my best work. Helia was busy helping Riven.”
Sky stood up as yet another tailor gestured for him to try a different embroidered cape. “One month,” he muttered under his breath. “One month, and then I’ll be married to Bloom. Nothing else matters.”
Brandon gave him a nod. “Exactly. So chin up, royal boy. You’re getting married to the girl of your dreams. A few glittery jackets won’t kill you.”
Sky groaned again as the maids returned with another ensemble, this one featuring golden feathers.
“I take it back,” he muttered. “This outfit might.”
