A/N: Hi people! To answer some reviews, yes! It´s been confirmed that Valtor is returning for season 8. The first episode of season 8 was aired exclusively at the film festival in Rome about a month ago. It actually seems very fitting to me, y´know, we never did get to see a meeting between Valtor and Marion, Oritel and Daphne. So who knows, maybe we´ll see it this season. And I do feel that this story has helped me to practice my writing a great deal, but I still think I have to improve. But thank you! I still accept all criticism, R&R please!
Chapter 10
Valtor watched patiently as Bloom fidgeted with the chain of her necklace, which she kept safely tucked underneath her sweater. They sat at the foot of an enormous old tree facing a pond, out in the woods. He took her distraction as an opportunity to study her features. It seemed like every glance at her took him on another bothersome trip to the distant past.
For instance, he remembered the old and refined Queen Regina, Oritel´s mother, who he hadn't seen in nearly two decades. The woman was one of those typical, traditionally closed-minded kind of royals that weren't seen very often anymore. With graying blond hair, emerald green eyes and a permanently sombre expression.
A young Mandragora informed Valtor all about the former Queen when the witches first brought her to the place they called home. Naturally, he hadn't been the least bit interested. After all his mothers were raising him to become a powerful wizard, not a journalist.
But as the time passed, he learned to recognize where the Prince, the present King, had gotten his strength from. Regina was tough. Many said that she was a righteous Queen but it was obvious how determined she was to defend Domino. She reminded him of a lioness, fighting to protect her cubs. Leander and Regina did the best they could, training their son to become the perfect combatant, worthy of his crown. And in return, Oritel met each and every one of their expectations, never once losing a fight. Until that last, fatal battle against his ancestresses happened. Although of course, the fact that he let his guard down out of sorrow for his bratty daughters may have helped some.
Leander passed away sometime before the battle, but as far as he knew, Regina was still around. And her pride was probably still wounded. Valtor chuckled. Just sitting here, side by side with her granddaughter had to be humiliating enough. If only she could see them now…
"Why don't you tell me more about yourself", she asked, carefully. Getting Bloom to spend time with him was no longer a difficulty. In fact, she was doing it on her own accord now, but she was still pretty reluctant to trust him, he could sense it. But in spite of her doubts, Valtor had discovered that beneath that feisty façade that Bloom put on, she was plenty insecure. Faragonda held her and her friends in high esteem, and so the old headmistress was preparing them for battle against none other than himself.
It was too bad that Bloom would be completely powerless before then. Such a shame…
She picked up a few pebbles off the ground and began throwing them across the pond, strategically. He gazed at her, amused.
"Believe me, there´s nothing about myself that would possibly interest you".
"Try me", she insisted. He sighed.
"What do you want to know?"
"Where you from?"
"My home is pretty far. I can almost assure you´ve never heard of it", he replied.
"Family?"
"None whatsoever. Never found any use for those individuals"
"Any reason why?" she asked, slightly taken aback. She found his answer to be a little unsettling. Then again, Riven was also the type who didn't seem to appreciate these conversations, according to Musa.
"It´s nothing complicated. We´ve simply never treated each other as family. They´ve chosen their path, and I´ve long ago chosen mine", He answered.
"Are you upset about something?" she asked abruptly. He stared at her, clearly taken off guard.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It just seems like something´s bothering you". It was strange. She still didn't know much about the guy, and yet it was like something inside him called out to her. She could read his emotions like a book. He grimaced.
"It´s just your imagination",
"I think I´ve shared more than enough about myself. I thought you said you wanted us to be friends",
"Exactly, friends. Not shrink and patient", he said with a roll of his eyes. "Curiosity killed the cat. I take it you´re not familiar with the expression?" he asked. Bloom laughed softly.
"I am, but you wouldn't kill me" she said calmly.
"How would you know?"
"I guess it´s like you said. If you´d wanted to hurt me, you would´ve done it by now. Besides, this is one tough earthling you´re looking at", she said placing a hand on her hip. And for the first time, he seemed to give her a genuine smile.
"You´re just full of surprises, aren´t you" he said, shaking his head.
"I should probably go. I don't want to worry my friends". He stood up quickly and walked the short distance towards her, before she could take another step.
"I´d like to see you again, if that´s alright", he said, allowing his hand to graze hers lightly. Bloom felt her face heat up and something spark inside her.
"Now you're asking for permission? Not something I would expect from someone who breaks into dorm rooms" she said, sheepishly.
Hagen laughed loudly at her comment.
"I couldn't ask you for permission. We weren't friends then. I mean, that is what we are now, isn't it? Friends…?" he quirked his brow.
"…What else would we possibly be?"
Hagen smirked.
"I´ll see you around", he said, before turning around and disappearing into a portal. And even after he was gone, her smile stayed behind.
"My job is going great Nonna, the other teachers have been very supportive of me", she said smiling widely.
"Oh, I´m so proud of you, dear. Speaking of which, there wouldn't happen to be a certain professor that interests you, would there?" she asked, almost knowingly. Daphne nearly spit her tea out at the mention of said professor. Her grandmother definitely knew. Emmett must´ve sold her out.
"Well…" she tried. Her grandmother laughed.
"Professor Avalon has expressed a little interest on his part, but I think I´m alright for now. I mean, we´re just friends",
"He´d have to be a fool not to realize how special you are", she said, kindly. Daphne was blushing intensely, but forced a smile anyway, taking a sip of her hot tea. Surprisingly, her nonna didn't seem to mind at all that the professor wasn't a royal. Daphne could only guess that everything they experienced had changed her some. Or maybe she didn't think it was anything serious. In the past, her grandmother appeared to be very insistent on the kind of person Daphne should marry. But it didn't matter anyway, because she was in no condition to think about something such as marriage at the moment. At least, that was what she felt. Although the professor did seem appealing to her, at some degree.
"Nonna, you don't think I´m being…selfish do you…?" she asked doubtfully.
"Heavens, no, why would you assume such a thing?" she said, setting her own cup down.
"Because there´s so much going on around us and I´m here, attempting to begin a new life, when-"
"When others can´t? My beautiful granddaughter, the fact that you´re sitting by my side now, alive and well, is a miracle all in its own. It would be a great dishonor to all those who helped save you, and to yourself, if you simply sat back and did nothing with the opportunity you´ve been given", Daphne nodded.
"You must live, Daphne. And smile! After all, your smile may be the reason behind Avalon´s attention",
Daphne giggled, and looked at her watch suddenly.
"Thanks Nonna. I should probably go, I have class in about an hour".
Once she was gone, Regina stood up and retreated to the throne room, which was currently empty. She looked at the large portrait of her husband, which hung amongst the pictures of the last ten generations of monarchs.
"If only you could see us now…" she whispered, a tear threatening to escape. Leander never doubted that their nation would rise from any kind of misfortune. He always had faith in each of them. And she too lived on, attempting to honor his memory at every opportunity. But she was well aware of the kind of sadness that her son held within his heart. It pained her.
"Mother?" she heard a voice call out.
"There you are. Marion and I are headed to Magix, to meet with Faragonda and a few others. We´ll be preparing as much as we can", she nodded quickly, not needing to hear any more.
"Another realm´s fate is now in your hands. Ours has already prevailed",
"We´ll do everything we can to protect Andros from suffering the same fate as Domino. And if we can trap Valtor and bring him to justice in the process, that would make it all the more gratifying", Oritel responded, sighing heavily. Despite his confidence, not knowing Valtor´s whereabouts was beginning to stress him more than he wanted to let on. And he certainly didn't want his wife noticing this.
Regina nodded. "It certainly would".
She had faith in her son and daughter-in-law. Valtor wasn't much of an enemy for them back then, and that wasn't about to change now. But the couple signed their sentence along with all of Domino´s when they allowed themselves to be consumed in their grief. Regina could not, and would not blame them, knowing very well that she would´ve reacted just the same if her son had been the one killed in battle.
Valtor took away more than just sixteen years of their lives. He took away something that most likely wouldn't return. However, Regina kept her insight on the matter to herself. Some things just weren't meant to be said out loud.
But she had to make sure for herself. She had to know whether or not there was still hope.
All five of the winx (minus Stella) and the specialists were at Alfea´s field, ready to train with a few members of the Company of Light. Out of the corner of her eye, Flora could see the real Prince Sky trying desperately to make eye contact with Bloom. But she continued to look at everything, except him. Brandon on the other hand, remained a bit more focused. He looked around once, trying to spot Stella. Apparently, he still didn't know she would be coming in later. Queen Marion and Ms. Faragonda would work with the fairies, while Saladin, Codatorta, and King Oritel would do so with the specialists.
"The Headmasters tell us that you´re all willing to collaborate in this mission, so to speak. And it takes a great deal of courage to do so. But I must warn each of you, tirelessly, that this is no ordinary enemy. We´re talking about a man who was able to escape a maximum security prison. You´ve already seen what he and his creators are capable of. And there´s nothing we want more than to prevent this from happening to any other realm, including Andros", King Oritel said.
Flora placed a hand on Layla´s shoulder, comfortingly. Everyone knew what a hard time she was having with all of this and wanted to support her. But the more King Oritel spoke about Valtor, the more frightened Flora was. Still, she wasn't about to back down. And neither would the other Winx. Layla was constantly worried and even felt responsible for her people´s safety. But she needed to know that she wasn't alone. The king and queen had been very kind to her, giving her words of support.
Flora noticed a tall man, with a short stubble beard and jet black hair combed back neatly. He stood by headmaster´s Saladin´s side, making her assume that it was Helia´s father, who he mentioned would be here today.
-x-x-x-x-
"Excellent job, Brandon! But you´ve gotta learn to balance your weight", Oritel indicated as the specialists practiced fighting against each other.
"Oritel, it´s good to see you", he turned and shook the man´s hand firmly.
"Max, it´s been too long" he replied. Oritel gave the boys a few instructions and sat on the bleachers.
"Where´ve you been?" he asked, chuckling.
"In a couple of places actually, I can´t complain. After leaving Red Fountain, I traveled a bit and did some searching until I found something that truly makes me happy. I work for the council now, in the investigative area. I even started my own family. That´s my son, Helia", he said, pointing towards another tall young man.
"I spoke to him a moment ago. He seems to be a perfect gentleman, you must be very proud", Oritel complimented. Max nodded in return.
"Oritel, I came today because my father told me you´d be here. And I know you probably aren't aware of this but, your mother asked me to investigate a member of your family", he explained quietly. Oritel looked at him strangely,
"No…I wasn't aware. Who are we talking about, exactly?" he asked, concerned.
"A child of yours, actually, your second-born", he clarified. Oritel simply took the archive that Max handed to him and skimmed through it. It was very short for an investigation, only three pages.
"My mother asked you for this…?" he repeated, astounded.
"Oritel, I don't know if queen Regina had the intention of telling you or not. I´m guessing she wanted to keep this private and, for that I apologize. But as your friend, I feel obligated to let you know. I haven't found anything on Denisse whatsoever. Apparently, no one within the dimension registered a child with her description during the days that followed Domino´s destruction. But I´ve also ordered a deeper investigation, not only because it´s my job, but because we´re friends and I´m not giving up that easily. Besides, there´s no way that someone can just disappear without leaving a single trace", he said, patting Oritel on the back.
"I want you to be completely honest with me. Denisse was only a year old….Do you really believe there´s still hope?" Oritel was afraid of the answer. But he was more afraid of his family´s reaction if the answer wasn't what they all hoped.
"There always is. And I´ll do everything in my power to try and give you an answer", he said as they both stood up.
"I really appreciate everything you´re doing, Maximillian. Thank you",
"It´s no problem at all, my friend. And don't be too hard on your mother. Her heart is in the right place",
"I won´t say a word", he promised. As his friend walked away, Oritel gazed at his wife, who was training Faragonda´s students.
Each of the girls were showing their best attack to the headmistress and Queen, and in exchange, they helped them to either direct their attack more adequately, or enhance it. And so far, both Marion and Faragonda were showing the winx just why they were members of the Company.
"Alright Bloom, show us what you´ve got",
Bloom nodded and took a deep, shaky breath. The last thing she wanted to do was make a fool of herself in front of both women. She managed to transform just fine, it was everything else that was making her anxious.
Her element was fire, so she had to focus on that. Without burning anyone alive, that is. She recently learned a spell from a book, called volcanic attack. But she didn't know how to control it yet. That would be a disaster!
"Come on, Bloom. You´ve got this!" she heard Musa shouting in the background. Bloom wanted to make a good impression. She stretched both hands out, towards the enormous dartboard ahead of her.
"Flame storm!" she shouted, and shut her eyes involuntarily as she did. Bloom felt a great deal of heat in the atmosphere around her, and she immediately realized that the fire hadn't stopped. It was still leaving her at a great speed. She couldn't do it…she just couldn't stay in control. She could hear loud shrieks, and gasps. Bloom began hyperventilating, startled.
Suddenly, everything around her seemed to stop. By the time Bloom opened her eyes again, she had fallen to the ground, on her knees. The Queen had one hand on her shoulder, and the other one held upwards, creating a shield around them. And for a brief moment she stared down at Bloom, hesitantly. She didn't look upset, just…baffled.
"Oh my…" Headmistress Faragonda only held a hand to her chest,
Bloom realized that even the guys had stopped training and Sky was staring directly at her, concern written all over his face, but she looked away immediately. Even Saladin and Oritel were staring at her like she was possessed! Bloom looked up at Marion again apologetically, and blushing madly in embarrassment. But to her surprise, Marion was laughing softly.
"Don´t worry Bloom. No harm has been done. You´ll just need a little more practice controlling the intensity of your attack", just as the queen finished her sentence, the dartboard in front of them fell to pieces, making them both laugh wholeheartedly.
-x-x-x-x-
The rest of the girls continued practicing with Faragonda while Marion took Bloom away for a moment.
"Your majesty, I´m so sorry!" she apologized again.
"These things happen Bloom. Especially to someone like you, who´s just started using magic. Although I have to say, that was quite an attack", she mused, with a strange look on her face.
"I don't really know how I did it" Bloom answered, looking down at her hands. Marion was about to say something else, when a portal appeared in front of them.
"Stella, dad?!" Bloom asked, confused.
"Hey sweetie. Hello your majesty. Bloom your dad called, he says he´s been trying to contact you for hours, so I brought him over on my way back", Stella explained. Mike stepped through the portal with a folder in his hands.
"Dad!" she exclaimed, and ran the short distance, wrapping her arms around him. Mike hugged her tightly, as Marion smiled at the scene in front of her.
"Good evening ma´am, I´m Bloom´s father, Mike", he said shaking her hand.
"Please, call me Marion, it´s my pleasure"
"Oh, Queen Marion? I´ve heard very lovely things about you", he complimented. Bloom blushed.
"Why, thank you" Marion said, giggling.
"I´m afraid I don't have much time, but I had to bring this to you Bloom" he said, handing the folder to her. Marion excused herself and led Stella back toward the arena. But not before glancing at them one last time over her shoulder.
"It´s my birth certificate. But, I thought mom said it was lost, how…?"
"Well, we found it. It was just…misplaced", he explained uncomfortably. She nodded.
"I´d like to stay longer and talk but I have to get back to work, honey. But you should know that your mother loves and misses you more than you can imagine. She just needs some time to adjust. Be patient with her, sweetheart" he said, taking her hands in his. Bloom nodded, and her father planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Stella left the portal open for me, practical isn't she?" he said, grinning. Bloom smiled.
"I´ll be home as soon as I can, dad. I love you both so much", she said giving him one final hug.
"We love you too, Bloom" he repeated, before turning and stepping through the portal. Bloom closed the folder and hugged it against her chest. Finally….!
Suddenly, she felt someone tap on her shoulder.
"Hey Bloom, do you have a minute?"
"Sky"
Daphne, who had been sitting in the library, stood up abruptly as something sparked against her chest. It was that same feeling again…
She quickly pulled her necklace out from underneath her turquoise sweater. The symbol of Domino that was carved onto the medallion was gleaming even brighter than the last time. It was reacting again. But every reaction had to be triggered by something, didn't it?
"What does this mean…?" she thought, staring in amazement.