Chapter Three: The Visit to Eraklyon

"May I go with Nabu to Eraklyon? I have to see Ethan. I've been learning this flight spell and I think baseball would be so much more fun in the air." Xavier asked Timmy.

"I don't know son, Eraklyon isn't the safest place for a kid to play." Timmy replied, skeptically.

Nabu frowned. "What do you mean by that Timmy?"

Darcy smirked. "He means Erakylon is a war-torn piece of-"

"Darcy." Timmy interrupted.

"What? He's going to find out anyway." She turned to Nabu. "Ever since your precious friends, Bloom and Sky, got married, Eraklyon was at war. The realm of Isis wasn't pleased with the way they insulted their princess. Not only did Sky cheat on her and break the marriage, but they forced her to serve the King Erendor. As soon as Sky and Bloom kissed, they attacked. Now you know the Winx weren't going to let their friend be alone in such a fight, right? Well, Princess Krystal wasn't going to let Diaspro down either. The only difference was Krystal was an active ruler and Aisha and Stella were just princesses. So Eraklyon and Domino were in a war with Isis and Linphea. Eventually there was a ceasefire. Relations with those realms haven't been easy since."

"Was that the war Aisha and Riven bonded?" asked Nabu

"I guess." Darcy answered with a shrug. "That war caused the war on Andros. Hey, which war did Riven and Aisha fall for each other?"

"Honey, I don't think it's that important." Timmy said to spare Nabu. "Eraklyon has also gone through a couple of civil wars, so to get to the palace you'll have to pass through the Wall of Fire. There's no way you can miss it. Just walk though it. You can pass through because you're Androsian."

"Most Eraklyonese can't, but the people of Earth, Domino, Andros and Solaria can come and go as they please. It's probably one of those brilliant decisions that caused their first civil war."

"Darcy, that's mean." Timmy disapproved.

"But it isn't wrong." Darcy looked at Nabu. "Ignore the bitterness. To this day, I'm still not Bloom's biggest fan. When you're ready step into my shadow."

"Huh?"

"I can send you there through the shadows." Darcy instructed. "I can't get you inside the barrier, but I'll get you close."

"Do you want us to go with you?" Timmy offered.

Darcy glared at Timmy. Xavier silently cheered in victory. It really wasn't about Ethan; the Eraklyonese prince was fun to spar with, but they weren't friends. He just wanted to spend more time with the powerful wizard who saved a world. He wanted to have courage and power like that one day and looked up to him. Nabu looked at the family and felt his heart break. They were so happy and in love. He wasn't going to get that. He wanted to see Bloom and Sky. It would be great to see something normal. "No thanks. I'll be fine."

Xavier sighed; Darcy smiled happily and placed her hand on his head. He looked up at her. "Are you holding my shadow?"

"Yes, you're staying here." Darcy ignored her son's protests and looked at Nabu. "Good luck." He was gone.

Nabu felt weightless. He felt himself moving, but he couldn't see anything. He'd never been in such darkness; however, it was over before he could panic. Nabu found himself emerging from the shadow of a statue. He was no longer in Timmy's home. Nabu wasn't sure where he was. The place seemed broken. There was nothing, but destruction for miles. He remembered Eraklyon as a beautiful place full of life and opportunity. He wasn't quite sure he arrived in the same realm at first; but, he could see the ring of fire around the palace's city. Brandon, Bloom and Sky were inside that fiery barrier, so he was going no matter what.

He was glad the fire was magic. There was no smoke and you couldn't feel the heat until you were close. The people of Eraklyon looked at him with suspicion; he returned it with caution and curiosity. The looked tired and sick. Almost of the people he spotted had coughed. Most were gathered outside a small pump well. No mater how hard they cranked it, it remained barren. Nabu used his scepter. Water began to flow from the small well. The people cheered and cupped their hands to drink. Unfortunately, the sight of water made those further back so jealous and lustful that they began to fight to get to the top. Nabu gaped and made a couple of basins full of water. He was amazed at fast people went to them.

"This isn't right. Bloom and Sky would never turn their backs to people in need. They wouldn't let these people live like this!" He told himself. He reached the fiery barrier. He took a deep breath and walked through. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. It was like night and day. There were large skyscrapers on the outskirts of the city. He saw parks, homes made of silver and gold. Nabu got angry! There were people fighting for water just outside the gates, and these people had the nerve to live so lavishly. In the middle of the city, the palace stood. It was just as he remembered. He thought of the past. He remembered how happy their group was. Bloom with Sky... Stella with Brandon... Flora with Helia... Tecna with Timmy... Musa with Riven... And Aisha with him... Maybe visiting the monarchs of Eraklyon would give him a taste of the past. He'd love to see Bloom and Sky hold hands and laugh. If they were happy, he would be too. Hopefully it would take his mind off the love of his life doing those things with his best friend.

"Nabu! It's really you!" Nabu turned to see a burly male brunette. He looked like a tough character; the man was a hulk! He had many scars and burns, an eye patch, and seemed to be covered in hair. The mischievous twinkle in his eye reminded Nabu of his days on Earth and tales of Santa Claus. "Minus the hair, you haven't changed a bit!"

"...I'm sorry, I'm not sure who you are?"

The man simply laughed. "I guess you wouldn't. I mean, I beefed up, lost an eye, and got old. You probably can't tell I'm clean-cut Brandon."

"Brandon?!" He was definitely surprised. The lack of wedding band on his finger made him hug his older friend. "It's good to see you!"

Brandon pointed to his good eye. "It's good to see you too."

"The war..." Nabu thought out loud. It explained why Stella and Brandon weren't together anymore.

"Yep, the war." Brandon frowned. "So how current are you with the group?"

"Darcy transported me here."

"Is that so? I wonder why mini-Timmy didn't tag along."

"Because Darcy doesn't trust me. I know about Tecna and Palladium."

Brandon's eye widened. "Wait. What?!"

"Timmy told me Tecna and Palladium were an item."

"Wow! Things must heat up at Alfea. I guess I wouldn't know. Sky and Bloom only had sons and my daughter goes to Cloud Tower."

"Your daughter is a witch too?!" Nabu said baffled.

Brandon frowned. "So you know..."

"Yes, I know about the king and queen of Andros. I know about their three perfect kids. I know that Andros is prosperous under their leadership. And that they are in love. Aisha and Riven, in love..."

"I'm sorry. I want you to know, Aisha really did love you. When you, you know, she left the Winx hellbent on avenging you."

"It's okay, at least Bloom and Sky are still together. Will we run into Flora?"

Brandon shook his head. They entered the palace without hassle. "I doubt it. You've seen Erakylon. Flora is out there trying to heal this entire realm, she rarely stays in one spot. It's a good thing that she stays hidden. Linphean agents seem to always be after her and Topaz."

"...Topaz?"

"Flora's daughter."

Nabu looked at Brandon. "Is Topaz your-"

"Dude no! My ex wife, wasn't a member of the Winx. I'm not sure who Topaz's father is. They don't stick around long enough for the conversation to come up."

"My apologizes. It's hard to keep up with everyone's history." Nabu said thinking of Aisha once more.

"Don't worry, I'm sure the queen would be happy to fill in any blanks."

Nabu nodded. Brandon pushed open large doors into Bloom's chambers. She was looking outside the windows when she heard the doors open. She turned to them and gasped. She covered her mouth, tears hit her blue eyes. She stood up and walked to him clumsily. Brandon caught her before she fell. "Are you alright your majesty?"

"I am; thank to you catching me."

Brandon looked at her sadly before letting her go. "It's my duty."

"Nonsense, you're my best friend." She turned to Nabu. "I am so happy to see you, Nabu." She gave him a hug. Nabu returned it. She smelled of cinnamon. Bloom had gain about thirty pounds over the years; but, she wore it well. She took off her crown and allowed her hair to fall to her waist. Her skin was still pale and flawless. Her eyes were still large and a beautiful shade of blue; they held pain, but Nabu assumed it was the state of Eraklyon.

"I'm happy to see you too. You're as lovely as ever."

"You're too kind." She smiled. "It's not everyday I get a compliment from a young handsome man."

Brandon threw his hands up in mock offense. "Hey! I tell you you're beautiful everyday!"

"I said young." Bloom playfully hit his solid chest and laughed. Nabu frowned at their interaction. Brandon and Bloom seemed very close. Bloom took Nabu's arm. "You must see Sky. I'm sure he'll be just as elated to see you again. I also would like you to meet my boys." The way she said Sky's name made him forget any silly notion of the queen and squire secretly together. Bloom loved Sky, always had, always would.

King Sky sat at the head of the table. His father was praising him to his right and his mother ate in silence to his left. Bloom sat across from him happily. Her boys Ethan and Elliott sat on either side of her. Nabu was sitting next to her oldest, his name was Elliott. In some ways, the lad reminded him a lot of Sky. He had flowing hair, those sapphire blue eyes; the only real difference was that the boy seemed irritated and unfriendly. He was also a redhead. Nabu noticed he was a Specialist. He wore his uniform and had his sword on the hilt, ready to be used at a moments notice. Brandon was sitting next to Ethan. He was thirteen and a brat. It was a betrayal of his angelic looks. Ethan had baby blue eyes and long blonde hair. The moment he met Nabu, the prince asked if he was useful and planning on serving Eraklyon.

When dinner was over, their plates were cleared. It was such a grand meal that Nabu almost forgot that Eraklyon was in shambles. He focused on Sky. He didn't change much. He still had his hair and despite some of his features being more defined by age, his looks too. Apparently he wasn't the only one who noticed. A pretty castle employee gave him a lustful gaze before gathering their utensils. Sky followed her with his eyes before excusing himself from the group. Prince Elliott growled and stormed off. The former monarchs and Prince Ethan seemed unfazed; he simply played with his video game. Bloom tried to keep a smile; when it started to fall she went to the kitchen. Brandon clinched his fists; once he realized Nabu was still there he tried to laugh about old times.

"Those were good times." Brandon said sorrowfully.

"Yes, they were." Nabu said just as melancholy.

(A/N) Yeah, Bloom and Sky are still together, but not what was expected huh... One good thing out of their marriage is Prince Elliott. He will be a part of this story. He's 21 (like me), brave, heroic, playful, flirty, but respectful (like his role model, Brandon). He has a giant white halberd as his Specialist weapon. He dislikes Sky and has a lot of love, but also shame for his mother. I'm not sure about his relationship with Ethan yet. I only wrote Ethan in because I changed Stella's child into a girl and wanted more male Winx kids.

Topaz is Flora's baby with... You'll find out towards the end. Guesses are welcome, but I won't tell. I just want to hear theories. Brandon has a daughter with... another surprise!

Next Chapter: Hearing the news of his parents long time death, Nabu flips.