Trouble

[Bloom]

"Flora, don't make me think." Bloom whimpered before realizing what she said. Whirling around, the best she could being a mermaid in a tub. Instantly regretting the sudden movement, "Is that really you?"

[Demeter]

"In the flesh, so to speak," Flora said. "Don't ask me about anything from the dance until a few minutes ago. My memory of it is non-existant," she admitted. She glanced over at the other people. "So, how do we explain this to the headmistress?"

[Bloom]

Having slipped back down into the tub intent not to move until the blasted headache went away. "Who else is here?" Bloom had to ask.

[Demeter]

"Professor Palladium?" Flora ventured, suddenly not liking the tone she could hear in Bloom's voice.

[Bloom]

She really did not want a lot of people to see her like this. Now what could she say to that they would not give her to much grief. Finally Bloom ventured to ask, "Did they get the Codex?"

[Demeter]

Flora tilted her head. There was that word again. She had no idea what they were talking about but didn't think it was wise to say so. "I don't think so."

[Bloom]

"If we still have the codex, I think it may be better if the other students don't see me like this. If Darkar and Demeter could do this to me, what would they do to the other students. What do you think Professor?" Bloom asked still plotting out how she could avoid seeing everyone else.

[Palladium]

Palladium nodded in agreement. "I think it is best not to worry the other students by raising questions as to the extent of Darkar's power." Looking at Bloom, he continued, "Therefore, until the other teachers and I can find a way to reverse the spell put that was put on you, I think it would be best for you to remain low key."

[Demeter]

"So, how do explain to the other students that Bloom's suddenly gone missing?" Flora asked, trying to see if she could come up with some way to help.

[Bloom]

"Flora's right, what do we say about my absence? They are going to notice if I disappear and where can I stay that I remain out of sight? The lake? I can't think of any place in the school."

[Palladium]

Palladium frowned as he replied, "I suppose we shall have to say that Bloom had to take an emergency trip back to Earth and that she will return to Alfea at a future date." Turning to Bloom again, he replied, "And yes, unfortunately, the lake may be the only place we can keep you." Pausing for a moment, Palladium then finished, "But, of course, I shall have to discuss this matter with Ms. Faragonda before we finalize anything."

[Bloom]

"While you talk to Faragonda, can I go to the Lake? As grateful as I am for this tub, I am feeling claustrophobic." Bloom nicely asked, she too dependent on them to be nasty.

[Palladium]

"Very well," Palladium responded matter-of-factly. "I shall go call a meeting with Ms. Faragonda at once to discuss how she wishes to handle this situation; that is, whether or not she too wants to keep your newfound state a secret from the other students, Bloom." After a moment's pause, he asked, "Do you girls think you can manage to get Bloom to the lake yourselves or will you require my assistance?"

[Demeter]

"I think Layla and I can handle this," Flora said, sounding more confident then she actually felt. She'd have to talk to the Professor later and see if he could help out. Something felt off in her head and she needed his help getting back together.

[Palladium]

Giving the three girls a curt nod, Palladium replied, "All right then," before he turned and walked quickly back inside the building.