Lost in Magic

By: Kyree Winx

Chapter 1: Bloom's Problem

Bloom stood quietly in the hallway as she listened to the Council argue with her parents in Oritel's study. She allowed herself a sigh and strode off. "What have I ever done wrong to deserve this?" Bloom fumed. "I defeated the evil that threatens the universe, I take the stupid royalty classes the magical universe insists I take, and yet they all hate and fear me!"

It's been months since Bloom last saw any of her best friends the Winx Club. She missed them so much. Stella and her constant worry over her appearance, Musa with her awesome tunes, Flora with her positive outlook on life, Tecna with her infallible logic, Roxy with her stubbornness, and Layla…

Bloom stopped mid stride. Layla was suffering and there seemed to be nothing Bloom could do about it. Nabu's death had left a hole in Layla's heart that would probably never get filled. Tears filled Bloom's eyes, but she blinked them away quickly. She had to stand strong, no matter what.

Pushing open the door to her royal bedroom, Bloom caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her flaming orange-red hair fell down past her waist. Her wide blue eyes were now dull, she was so tired and was in need of rejuvenation. When she wasn't exhausted, Bloom's skin tone was a healthy, pale peach. Now she was just white and she looked lifeless. The exquisite gown she wore did nothing to improve her tired look; in fact it accentuated her weariness.

Bloom shook her head in shock. "Look what I've driven myself to." Memories of the Annual Magical Universe Royals Conference slipped into her mind.

"Your daughter could be a danger to the universe if you allow her powers to grow unchecked." Queen Serel of the Morrcale Realm had stated.

"Bloom would never harm the magical universe." Miriam snapped.

Other royals sitting in the auditorium seating were whispering among each other. They obviously agreed with Queen Serel. A couple were even listening intently to her, nodding and agreeing with every word.

"She's already achieved a form most fairies have never even considered possible. What if there is more? Eventually your daughter could achieve some goddess like form. Are we then supposed to bow down to her? Wait, we'd already be doing so since she is the next in line for the throne of Sparks!"

Miriam hadn't been able to contain her anger anymore. " You spiteful witch! Serel, you're just angry the magical universe won't look up to you anymore. My daughter's achieved much more in the last five years than you have your whole life! The whole magical universe must be ungrateful if they all follow your radical ideas!"

"Miriam!" Oritel placed a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Calm yourself. Serel, I doubt Bloom will ever be as big a threat as you think. She's a good child, and though she is powerful, she is also wise. Before you ever go about slandering her before the magical universe again, I advise you to consider this."

It was too late before Oritel had intervened. The seed of doubt had been planted, and the royals were now questioning their trust in Bloom. Stella and Layla were at the conference, but Bloom hadn't gotten a chance to speak with them afterwards. Sky had been there…

Sky had been shaking his head the whole time. He hadn't allowed Queen Serel's words affect his love for Bloom. Bloom smiled slightly. She missed Sky so much. But his being the King of Eraclyon prevented them from seeing each other for the last few weeks. They hadn't even called each other.

"Bloom?" Miriam knocked softly on the door.

"Mother? You can come in." Bloom sat down and spotted her blue bunny Kiko nibbling on a carrot across the room. She smiled and walked over to pick him up. Miriam strode in.

"Bloom, sweetheart…"

"Mother I heard everything." Bloom's blue eyes filled with tears. " Does the magical universe fear me that much?"

Miriam sighed and nodded. "Bloom you do know the story of how the Great Dragon created the magical universe, right?"

"Of course. Ms. Faragonda told the story to me."

"Well, they key word in the story is create. The Great Dragon used its awesome power to create the magical universe. What does this tell you, Bloom?" Miriam looked her daughter in the eyes.

"I'm not sure what you mean." Bloom stated quietly.

"It means that those wielding the power of the Great Dragon are capable of creating also." Bloom turned to see her father standing in the doorway. He strode into Bloom's room.

"You mean, we can create?" Bloom asked without trying to hide the incredulousness in her voice. She sat quietly for a moment and added, "What's so terrible about that?"

"Dearest Bloom. Fire is also a destructive force. The dragon fire power doesn't only create, but it can also destroy." Miriam wrung her hands and watched her daughter's face.

Bloom stared at her parents. She'd seen her powers cause harm, but so did the other girls' powers. How was her dragon fire anymore destructive than Stella's sun powers? "So? Other fairy powers destroy ,too."

"No Bloom. This isn't just destroy as in blast the objective. The dragon fire can be manipulated to destroy by tearing the objective apart, particle by particle, and ripping the soul out from the body, forcing it into a state of non-existence." Oritel closed his eyes and shook his head.

Bloom was horrified. Her powers could do that? To a living being? She could just will her power to torture someone by tearing their soul from their body? Bloom swallowed hard, trying to keep the tears from flowing. "Why aren't they frightened of you or mother?"

"I was never able to achieve the Believix powers Bloom. Your father is considered the greatest wizard in the universe, but your powers are reaching levels unprecedented. Your dragon fire has been determined as stronger than that of your own father's." Miriam grabbed Bloom's hands and squeezed. "Your abilities were tested by mind readers. They were able to study the extent of your powers, and they couldn't seem to reach the extent. The council sees this as a threat because of the unknown. We don't know how strong you are. We don't know how many transformations you'll achieve. The council believes you may try to use your powers to force them into subservience."

"Mother! I would never ever do that!" Bloom cried out in absolute horror.

"No. I know you wouldn't my sweet daughter. We've been trying to convince the council of this, but their fears outweigh our assurances." Miriam tried to stroke Bloom's hair, but Bloom pulled away.

"After all the evil I helped to defeat? All the people I've rescued? I helped to bring the idea of magic back to Earth and yet they think I'm going to become a conqueror and take over the magical universe by force?" Bloom let herself cry now. This was too much for her to handle. She wanted her friends there, to deny all that her parents have told her, to hug her and make her happy.

"Bloom." Miriam reached toward her daughter.

"Don't touch me!" Bloom snapped and ran from the room.