Sorry it took a while :/ I´m sick. And thanks for the awesome reviews! R&R!

Chapter 10: Trust

"Riven?"

Her voice echoed in his mind. Musa froze in place, feeling like she was staring at a ghost. And Riven couldn't seem to shift his gaze from her face. Musa…and Jared? The scene crushed him and he couldn't deny it. He had never asked Musa to wait for him, or made a promise to return. But he certainly didn't expect to see her…with him…kissing him?!

Before him was a completely different girl than the one he left behind months ago. It wasn't the old Musa, with the tomboyish style, loose torn jeans, t-shirt and the head-phone like pigtails that Darcy so often made fun of. This was a mature young adult who´s pigtails were now long and sleek, she wore a short plaid skirt, stockings, high heels…and she was breathtaking. He always saw Musa as beautiful, but this.

Riven only shifted uncomfortably and cleared his throat.

"Excuse me", he said turning around and leaving the room. He couldn't stick around to see the woman he loved with someone else.

"Riven…" she repeated in no more than a whisper. She turned to look at Jared who was now looking right at her. He still had his arms placed loosely around her waist, not restraining her. His eyes reflected something she couldn't decipher…disappointment? Pain?

"Jared…I-"

"Go…" he whispered. Musa hesitated, she had never meant to hurt him. Gently she moved away from his embrace, not daring to look him in the eye.

Suddenly her feet were moving instinctively towards the door.

"Riven!" she yelled this time, running after him.

It was evident that Musa had carried on with her life, she had a new boyfriend, a new style. And he had no other option than to accept it. He was a fool to leave. And he shouldn't have come back. Of course Timmy had warned him this could happen. In fact Timmy was the only one out of the specialist who knew of his plans.

He walked hard and fast down the corridor.

"Riven, wait!" she yelled again. What was he doing here? And why was she chasing after him again? Who was she kidding! She couldn't help it, she needed an answer.

Despite her high heels, she was fast. But he was faster. Still walking tall, same broad shoulders and messy hair, she observed. The corridor came to its end and Riven began descending the first flight of stairs.

Of course he could hear her yelling for him to wait, but, why stop? Only to receive her pity and listen to her tell him about how there's someone new in her life? About how she's moved on and doesn't need him? It pained him to look back and see the woman he left behind and moreover, to see she was no longer his. So he kept going without looking back.

"Riven, will you please just stop?!" she tried.

"Musa, no!" he said firmly, trudging down the last flight of stairs. And right on that last flight, Musa realized she couldn't keep running after the man she loved. Not anymore. Her heart was beating hard against her chest. She had no energy left in her and she was far out of breathe. She felt faint, passing out completely before reaching the final step.

Riven heard a loud, terrifying sound coming from behind him just as he was about to continue down the next corridor and leave the school. For the first time, he looked back,

"Musa?!" he screamed, running back to the bottom of the staircase. Musa lied unconsciously on her side. He turned her on her back carefully. He was no expert, but he knew that if Musa was hurt, moving her too much would only make it worse.

"Musa, Musa?" he pleaded frantically tapping both sides of her face. A small bruise had formed on the side of her forehead.

"Please wake up!"

"Oh my goodness!" he heard from behind him. Immediately, two girls came rushing over. One of them had peculiar lightish purple hair, the other was a brunette.

"Musa?" the brunette tried shaking her shoulders lightly.

"What's happened!?" the other girl asked, shocked.

"She fell down the stairs", Riven answered quickly. The girl kneeled on the other side of Musa, closing her eyes and placing her hands together. Slowly, a golden coloured orb began forming between her hands and floating as they parted.

"Anna, could you please call the nurse?" she asked her brunette friend.

"Right away, Kris!" she answered and ran off. Riven had never felt so guilty. Musa was doing just fine apparently, before he came along again. All he ever did was ruin things for her. The sight of her and Jared kissing still played over in his head like a song. It was almost painful, of all people, Jared? Sure he had never known the guy for doing anything wrong or stupid, and yeah maybe he was a good student. But if this was still the Musa he knew so well, than he was absolutely sure that Jared was definitely not her type! The guy was a little too gently, he wasn't a big fan of music. Not that he knew of anyway. He liked poetry and was rather quiet. Everything Musa was not! Her ideal afternoon included chilling at a café, listening to a good song or just chatting all about her day. He remembered dozens of evenings they had spent that way! He wasn't a fan of the piano or the flute but he liked music. Electric guitar Instrumentals and rock mostly. And surprisingly, Musa enjoyed listening to that kind of music as well, something he never expected to see in a girl. On some occasions they would even kick back and read some of Riven´s comic books, the ones he never shared with anyone because it was a personal interest of his.

But Jared? He knew he had no right to say a thing, it was her choice after all. But that didn't mean it was the right one.

The girl extended her hands, with the orb between them and held it over Musa. Riven stared in awe,

"What exactly are you doing?" he asked astounded.

"An old professor of mine taught me this spell. It's meant to let me know if Musa has any fractures and if so, their exact location", she told him. He couldn't help notice how her lilac hair stood out in contrast with her emerald green eyes.

"I'm Krystal by the way, or just Kris", she told him, closing her eyes once more.

"Riven", he answered casually.

"So are you one of Musa´s classmates?"

"I´m not, but Anna is.I transferred just this year because my parents heard Alfea was the best place for a fairy to master her magic!" she said, almost excitedly.

"Alfea´s cool. Where´d you come from?"

"Linphea College. I´m a nature fairy, or one of many, actually", she said chuckling. The orb in between her hands was slowly becoming smaller and smaller.

"Any fractures so far?"

"Only in her arm, other than that she was pretty lucky". Kris commented.

"Goodness! What's happened?!" came Nurse Ofelia´s voice.

"She fell down the stairs. It seems she has a small fracture in her left arm", she said moving away quickly to give the nurse space.

Nurse Ofelia was quick to check Musa´s pressure, temperature, and examine the mark on her forehead. She carefully pressed her fingers against Musa´s arm to confirm Krystal's conclusions.

"Yes indeed, there it is", she said. She clapped her hands and on the spot a stretcher appeared. She levitated Musa and placed her onto it quickly.

"Ma`am is she going to be okay? She hasn't woken up at all!" Riven asked anxiously.

"She`ll be fine. She's a strong one. She`ll be needing a cast and a draught for all the lost energy", she told him.

Riven passed a hand through his hair, exasperated.

"You heard Nurse Ofelia, she`ll be okay" Anna told him. Suddenly his eyes widened,

"Hey, would you happen to know where I can find Bloom or one of the Winx?" he asked Anna. She looked at him sadly,

"I guess you haven't heard the news yet, huh? Bloom´s gone missing".

Outside the royal palace of Domino, a woman with a dark blue cape and regal clothing arrived at the gates, staring in awe at the sight before her.

The palace was indeed beautiful, she thought.

She had always known her daughter to be a rebellious and conceited one, much like herself. She just never imagined how far she could go. And this had gone much too far…

She stepped up to the guards,

"Yes, ma`am how may we help you?"

"I…I must see princess Diaspro please", she told them.

"Do you have an appointment scheduled?" they asked.

"No, I´m an old friend of the princess. She wasn't informed of my presence here today, but I wish to visit her". She said choosing her words carefully.

"Please wait here madam, I`ll notify the princess and return shortly", the guard told her and left toward the palace. After a few minutes, the guard returned,

"Please enter ma`am, the princess shall be informed of your visit", he told her. She stepped through the gates and toward the palace doors with the guard following close behind, escorting her.

The inside was livelier than its façade, a grand staircase with golden bannisters on either side of the court room.

"Good morning madam", the queen greeted. Her long red curls brightened her semblance. The woman bowed.

"Your majesty, it is an honor" she said.

"Andre, you may leave", she told the guard.

"Yes your majesty", he bowed and retreated.

"Andre says you're a friend of my daughter", the queen told her. Of her daughter`s?…What was going on here…?

"Yes Queen, It´s been long since we last spoke and I wished to see how the princess is doing", she said, careful with her every word. Whatever this was about, she knew her daughter must´ve had it all precisely calculated.

"Thank you so much for your concern. Oritel and I are happy to see there are people who truly care for her", the queen answered with a smile. Suddenly a pair of high heels could be heard trudging down the grand staircase,

"Yes mother, is someone asking for-", Diaspro stopped in mid-sentence as she turned her gaze from Marion to the blond woman standing before her,

"Oh you're surprised! Your friend has come to see you honey!" Marion said enthusiastically. For a moment, there was no response from Diaspro,

"Yes…are you not happy to see me dear? You haven't forgotten me already have you?" the woman inquired.

"I don't remember inviting you…" she said, with a forged smile. Marion only raised her eyebrows. Daphne, who was standing at the top of the staircase strained to understand the cold exchange between the stranger and her sister,

"Sweetheart don't be rude. Surely she´s come a long way just to see you. Please, follow my daughter into the conference room, surely you can speak more at peace there", Marion said more firmly this time. Diaspro gazed fiercely at the woman and stomped hard and fast into the conference room.

"What was that all about?" Daphne asked, coming down the stairs.

"Just of friend of Bloom`s honey, that's all", Marion told her. But Daphne could tell she wasn't entirely at ease. And neither was she.

"Mother, what are you doing here?!" she whispered angrily.

"What am I doing here? I should be asking you the same thing! Diaspro what is all of this!? Why does the queen refer to you as her daughter? Moreover, why are you in Domino to begin with!? You haven't been home for weeks, your father is worried sick!" her mother demanded.

Diaspro rolled her eyes.

"I told him I was at a friend's house, there's nothing to worry about", she answered completely absentminded.

"Diaspro you haven't answered my question, what´ve you done?" she asked again. Diaspro sighed. She knew how persistent her mother could be, and she knew she wouldn't be able to hide it from her for long.

"This is my new home", she said walking through the large conference room.

"I took Bloom´s place as the King and Queen´s daughter, and I belong here now. There's not much more to it", she said smiling slyly.

"Your new home, hmm? What about the home your father and I have given you, was it not good enough? We´ve been going through very difficult times with all the financial problems we have. But we´ve given you everything in our power!" she told her harshly.

"Mother, mother tsk, tsk, tsk. Don't look at this as a bad thing. I just needed a change that's all. I like Domino, I think it's…just the place I was looking for", she said, sitting casually on one of big cashmere seats around the table.

"Well perhaps I need a change as well", she told him, Diaspro stood up immediately, as her mother walked over to a nearby window, gazing out into the horizon.

"What are you talking about?"

"I can easily tell Queen Marion the truth this instant. A simple DNA test should clear up all misunderstandings..." she said to her daughter, provoking her,

"You wouldn't!"

"You know very well what I´m capable of doing!"

"What do you want?!" Diaspro demanded furious,

"Well...it's not so difficult to figure out. Now that you're the princess of Domino I´m sure your wealthier than you´ve ever been, correct? Give me enough money to solve our economical problems. And I´ll keep quiet about this...slight mix-up between you and the real princess of Domino", she said smiling,

"I can't believe you're doing this to me! To your own daughter!" she yelled, not being able to control herself any longer.

"My daughter? Why, you´re Marion´s daughter now", she said snickering, and walked out of the conference room leaving a less than calm Diaspro behind.

Bloom opened her eyes slowly…not recognizing her surroundings. The sunlight was coming in through the window and the air felt warm. She was lying in a bed that wasn't hers.

She sat up feeling a lot better than she had this morning. Slowly she began recalling the events of that morning, a battle in Alfea, her friends, the smoke…Valtor!

Hastily, she stood up and realized she wasn't wearing any shoes. She was still wearing the sweatpants and sweater she had put on in the morning. She no longer had a fever, nor did she feel dizzy.

The door opened, suddenly,

"I see you´ve awoken", a strong masculine voice commented,

"Where are we?! Why did you bring me here?!" she demanded immediately. Valtor set a tray with food down on the nightstand and stood by the bed, crossing his arms against his chest. Bloom couldn't help notice how his muscles showed and looked more prominent now without his overcoat. He was actually very fit.

"As you can see Bloom, I kept my word to you. You are not tied up or locked in here. If any of what I've said to you is a lie, you may leave", he told her.

"You said…you said you knew where my parents were…where are they? You didn't hurt them…did you?" she asked. He shook his head.

"I haven't. Your parents and sister are in perfect conditions. You must eat first Bloom. I placed a remedy spell on you while you slept. Just enough to help your dragon flame recover its energy faster. But you´re still weak. Those fools you call your friends haven't been doing a very good job taking care of you", he told her firmly, placing a hand on her forehead. Instinctively, she pulled away.

"Relax, I´m only checking your temperature. I´m not sure whether Faragonda has told you this or not, but like you, I too possess the dragon flame", he told her.

"That's impossible… says there's only one dragon flame in the entire magical universe, the dragon flame created the magical universe", she asked, confused.

"That's true, there is only one dragon flame, but in the beginning of our magical dimensions creation, a very small part of your dragon flame was mixed with the dark powers of the shadow phoenix. And the power that resulted, is known as the dark counterpart of your dragon flame. That dark equivalent belongs to me", he explained. Bloom sat quietly for a moment, allowing it sink in. Sensing her confusion, Valtor sat at the edge of the bed beside her,

"And you say Ms. Faragonda knew about this…?" she asked, staring into space. Valtor simply nodded.

"Let's just say that Faragonda and I go way back. I´ve known her almost since I was created. Since she was part of the company of light", he said chuckling at the memory of a young warrior Faragonda.

"Company of light?" she asked. Valtor stared at her for a moment, slightly astounded.

"You really haven't a clue, have you? I´m surprised Faragonda kept all of this a secret from you. I can't imagine why",

"How do I even know any of this is true?! You could be lying just to earn my trust", she said stubbornly.

"If I wanted to earn your trust Bloom, all I´d have to do is show you where you family is. I have no reason to lie. Unlike Faragonda, with me, there are no secrets. I would never have kept you in the dark about your history", he concluded. The more Bloom thought about it the more it made sense. But why would Ms. F do such a thing? What could she possibly be afraid of?

For the second time, Valtor placed a hand on Bloom´s forehead, and this time she didn't pull away. His hand felt cool against her warm skin. He checked her temperature and retreated his hand slowly, letting it slide down her cheek.

"The Company of Light was a group formed by your parents, Faragonda, Saladin and Griffin. They´re purpose was solely to defend the magical dimension of all and any attacks brought on by the three evil witches, or any other evil that could arise". All while talking, there was something more than interest in Bloom´s eyes…there was anger. Unnoticed by Bloom, Valtor shifted a little closer towards her.

"Why would she hide all this from me…? I asked her so many times, she knew how desperate I was to discover something, anything!"

"If I know Faragonda as well as I think I do, she must have a very strong motive. She´s a wise woman, Bloom. Faragonda is nothing but cautious. She told you about Domino´s destruction didn't she?" Valtor asked,

"She told me it was destroyed by the three evil witches, and that she was there to help that day. She said she knew my parents, but she never mentioned the company of light…she never said a word about fighting side by side with them", Bloom answered quietly. This was a cruel way to find out that the people closest to her were keeping secrets so important. Secrets she now had to discover through of their greatest enemies…and now possibly her only bridge towards the truth.

Oritel paced back and forth in his office. He knew he shouldn't, Marion would never approve! But what other way was there to find out. He felt like an animal locked inside a cage, with no news from the outside world. And all because of the promise he made to the wizard…! Surprisingly Valtor had kept his word and returned his daughter to him. They were now a family again and everything should've been well. But then, why wasn't it? Something didn't feel right…

He made up his mind and quickly picked up the phone. After all these years of course he still remembered Faragonda´s number. Daphne and Valtor said that Bloom had been a student at Alfea, surely she had to know more about his daughter than anyone. He sighed.

The phone rang on the other side.

"Hello, Alfea College for Fairies. How may I help you?" a woman´s voice said.

"Ye-yes, Faragonda?" he asked anxiously.

"No, this is Griselda speaking. I´m afraid the headmistress is busy at the moment. Would you like to leave her a message?" she asked. Oritel debated his decision for a moment,

"Hello?" Oritel cleared his voice and spoke up,

"No ma`am. I´ll call at another time. Thank you, good afternoon". He said hanging up quickly. He sighed realizing what he had just done. He almost broke his word. Almost.

Maybe this is just the way things are supposed to be…he thought.