A/N: Sooo sorry this update took so much longer! I started class and I´m buried in homework sometimes, but I´ll definitely make time to continue updating. But again, thank you so much for waiting on me, 72 followers is incredible! As for how much of the story is left, I think it´ll be about 5 or 6 more chapters, but it hasn't been predefined or anything y´know? I should warn you that this chapter is probably insanely long! Since it´s been really long since the last update lol. Please R&R and feel free to give any ideas! Love to hear from you all.

Chapter 23

If he was going to take the Company down, then he would do it thoroughly. There was only one thing that he wanted even more than the dragon flame, and that was vengeance. Vengeance and pain for all those who collaborated in his imprisonment. And Mandragora longed for the very same thing. The forbidden love she harvested for the King since her youth wasn't a secret, at least, it wasn't to him.

Reaching Bloom was his final destination, but that didn't mean that he couldn't take a few others along for the ride. Of course, he would need even greater strength. Who would his next target be…? He thought while passing his hand over the images of the magical dimension.

"Ah…" he smirked, perfect.

Valtor picked up the small golden box containing the water stars. This exhibition was the perfect chance. Just a little scare would be enough to show her what he was capable of and just which side she needed to be on. Yes, he had Bloom right where he wanted her, all he had to do was play the right cards to have her running desperately after him.

The only problem was that he was becoming a prisoner of his own game. He just couldn't get enough of her.

His first and most dangerous mistake came when he decided to kiss her, once…twice…until he was doing it almost intuitively. Everything about her attracted him in a ridiculously forceful way.

The joke was on him. Now the question was, would he be able to kill Bloom when the time came? Someone of his status shouldn't have to fear anything or anyone. But Valtor was afraid of none other than himself.

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

The market was hectic in the late morning on Eraklyon. The people were lively and quite active when it came to employment. The trix observed from above in amusement.

"So you're saying we´re going to blow this city up?" Stormy asked, sounding uncertain. Icy raised her eyebrows, impressed. Eraklyon was a very large realm, and it had a certain reputation. This wizard knew how to raise the bar. Truth be told, she and her sisters never would´ve even considered taking on a task like this. It was almost too exhilarating.

"Not exactly" he mused, "Eraklyon is more of a warrior kind of nation, they have armed forces everywhere and I´ve become weaker. But there is an artifact that´s guarded here and that I need",

"How so?" Darcy probed.

"I might have mentioned this before, but I have the ability to extract the power from any magical object. And this artifact in particular will give me the boost I need to face Bloom", not to mention that it would take the attention away from her…

"Oh I don't think you need any of that", Darcy purred, laying her hand gently over his shoulder, "you´re powerful enough as it, especially more than that pathetic winx", Valtor seemed less than impressed with her compliment, Icy rolled her eyes.

"Never underestimate your enemies. No matter how pitiful they are…" he answered humorlessly.

"Well, what´s the plan?" Icy asked, she was impatient to get into action. Valtor was preparing eagerly to face Bloom, but shewasn't any less worthy. Icy wanted him to see what she was capable of. After all, she was well aware of who her ancestresses were, and she was certain that she could go even further.

"The artifact is kept in a chamber within the Royal Palace. Darcy and Stormy, you´ll distract the custodians, Icy, you´ll be coming with me" he said firmly. Her sisters gazed at her in annoyance.

"Let´s do it",

They flew over the heart of Eraklyon, too high above to be seen by any of the citizen or officers.

"There it is- the palace!" Icy called.

"Not so fast!" Valtor said cuttingly, "like I said, they have soldiers at the turn of every corner",

"How can you be so sure?" Stormy continued to ask vague questions that were wearing both his time and his patience. Valtor remembered the structure of this palace pretty well, if they hadn't made any changes in the recent years. The last time he visited this place was fifteen years ago, just days before the war.

"We´re going to do this my way", he said, "no questions asked". His crystal gray eyes were dark.

"Erendor, be prepared"

"I call upon the Sovereign Council immediately! How can this be?! Our nation is one of the strongest and yet Valtor successfully launched a surprise attack in broad daylight!" Erendor was raging. Samara only bowed her head, appalled by the sudden revelation. Despite the fact that no lives were lost, she was afraid. Just then, someone else stepped into the throne room.

"Queen Samara, I received news of the attack, how terrible!" Diaspro cried, walking hastily toward them. Samara allowed a curt nod, barely a smile. She still wasn't sure what to make of the incident on Domino. As far as she knew, the case was still being investigated.

"My parents would´ve come but they had…other business to attend" she stuttered.

"I´m sure they do, Diaspro, either way I appreciate your concern", Samara attempted to be civil. She used to think of Diaspro as the most suitable candidate for her son, highly respectable no doubt. But that was before the Council admitted to having doubts about her integrity. As hard as it still was to believe, this girl who she wanted as her daughter-in-law might have been on Valtor´s side all along. But if that was the case, Samara had to be careful around her. For the good of everyone.

"Serge!" Erendor called for his servant.

"My lord",

"Where is my son?!"

"The Prince has already been notified, he´s on his way as we speak, sire" he replied hastily.

Valtor had threatened their family once and he could easily do it again. And their son Sky was everything to them. Samara couldn't imagine her son suffering the same fate as Queen Marion´s daughter, Princess Denisse. No. Her son would live. Of course he would.

"Only a coward escapes without showing his face", Erendor spat, angrily, "His empty threats and intimidations may have worked in the past. But without his mothers, that´s exactly what they are, empty! This time, our nation will not waver. He has no clue of what he´s just unleashed" Erendor said firmly to his men. The unwavering look in each of their eyes gave him all the more purpose to bring Valtor down. It would be a difficult mission, but there were many things that led him to believe that Valtor wasn't as strong as claimed to be, or even as he used to be.

He had three young witches to aid him. Valtor wasn't the type to work alone, yet he never considered any of his helpers as partners, either. He used them, meaning that he was dependent of them, and weak. And they had to take advantage before he acquired power from any other source. Of course, that would require the Company´s help. Especially Oritel´s.

Just then, his one and only heir stepped through the doors of the throne room accompanied by his squire. Each of the men bowed as he stepped forward, honouring their sovereign.

"Father, I came as soon as I knew. How bad is it?" he asked, wasting no time. Diaspro huffed at Sky´s lack of acknowledgment.

"The wizard attacked the streets, tore down buildings! He hurt some of our men! And additionally, he´s taken the Royal seal", Erendor stated.

"Well it won't be in his power for long. I´ll see to it that it is returned to us, where it rightfully belongs" Sky said determinedly. Brandon nodded and stood by his best friend´s side, awaiting his command. Because before being his best friend, Sky was also his future King.

"We´ll have to conduct a search, it's highly unlikely that Valtor is still within the city but we can't take any chances! Brandon, I want you to lead the search. Another group will come with me to the outskirts of the realm", he ordered. Valtor was their enemy now. But they weren't known as one of the greatest nations in existence for no reason at all. They hadn't lost the war, just one of many battles.

"Very well", his father accepted. Sky excused himself and walked out with Brandon.

He was livid! He´d had just about enough of this guy! First it was Domino, then Andros, and now Eraklyon. Well he just wasn't going to allow it. Sky recalled the anguish that poor Layla had gone through for weeks, not knowing whether or not her people could be saved. His heart went out to them.

"He chose the wrong Kingdom to mess with"

"We´ll get him Sky, sooner or later Valtor will have to pay for what´s he done", Brandon seethed.

"My Prince!" Diaspro called, trotting after them. Sky looked at her for the first time since he´d arrived, taken aback.

"Diaspro…what are you doing here?" he asked, his tone had lost its usual friendly touch. She stepped in front of him, but he made sure to take a step back.

"I wanted to offer my help, I mean, if there´s anything at all I can do to help", Sky seemed to contemplate her offer, while Brandon shot him a look that said, what are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?

Sky shook his head silently, I´ve got an idea, trust me on this!

"Thank you. You know, it really means a lot to me Diaspro, coming from you", he told her. Diaspro beamed.

"You can ask me for anything, my Prince. Whatever you need", Sky smiled at her willingness.

"In that case, I´m going to need you",

"Then I´m all yours", the double meaning in her words was impossible to miss.

Brandon scratched the back of his head, here we go again…

Bloom sat by the window of the dressing room, toying absentmindedly with the brush in her hand. Sky had been on Eraklyon for two days now. Two days since the last time she´d heard from him. She probably wouldn't have been this nervous if his trip had been a casual visit. But Valtor was involved. And there wasn't a day she didn't feel guilty for not revealing his location. Maybe she could have avoided this. Or maybe it would've been worse. Maybe this was Valtor´s way of hurting her even further, through Sky.

Today was the exhibition at Alfea, the one Sky had promised to make it to. But of course, Bloom wasn't expecting him to arrive. His parents and realm needed him now more than she did, and Bloom was pretty understanding of that.

There was still fifteen minutes before it started, and she was already dressed in her fairy outfit. Only that it looked slightly different than the other times she´d transformed, probably because she was stronger now.

Bloom stepped down from the stool and walked out to breathe some fresh air.

Flashback

Sky´s intertwined his fingers through hers as they walked through the meadow. Bloom looked down at her watch.

"We should probably get back, I want to get some more practice", she said.

"Honey, relax", he emphasized, "you´ve trained enough, what you need now is to clear your mind", he said. Bloom exhaled.

"And if that doesn't work…"Sky began, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind and nuzzling his face in her neck.

"I don't see how this is going to help, I need to concentrate", Bloom protested between giggles as he reached a sensitive spot.

"I don't really either" he admitted, his words muffled against her neck. She loved the deep sound of his voice, it was so rich and soothing. His soft kisses were actually working, but he really needed to stop. The tingles he was giving her probably wasn't too appropriate for the time and place they were in, despite how secluded the area was.

"I´m sure you´ll do great. In fact, I can't wait to see you in action",

"See me? I thought Red Fountain students weren't invited?" she asked, confused.

"They´re not. But my parents were invited to the event, and since I'm Prince…" he answered slyly, Bloom grinned.

"You got an extended invitation, huh?"

"You got it, babe",

"Cheater" Bloom said, but internally she was thrilled to know he would be there. It made her day just a little bit better. But now she wondered who else would come.

"I heard Princess Daphne and her cousin are going to be there", Sky commented, as if he were reading her thoughts.

"They are?" she blurted, "Are you friends with them?"

"Well, I wouldn't use the word friends, considering that I hadn't seen them in years, or Daphne at least. But I do know Emmett, he´s one of the best known wizards after our Headmaster. He actually studied at Red Fountain before transferring to Oskuria College, a more advanced school in another realm. He gives presentations from time to time",

"And Daphne?" Bloom asked.

"I don't know much about the Princess except that she´s one of the strongest, toughest fairies out there. I´d say they´re both pretty well known through-out the dimension", Sky said. And Bloom had no doubt about it. Would the Princess be interested enough to attend? Bloom and her professor had become so close, and she was missing her terribly. Was that weird?

"Why..?" Sky asked suspiciously.

"Just curious" she said, hoping that her unjustified interest wasn't too obvious. He nodded, but otherwise, remained silent.

"By the way, I want to formally introduce you to my parents" he announced abruptly.

"You mean, the King and Queen..?" He nodded.

"What if they think it's too soon? I mean they were pretty upset when you broke up with Diaspro" she said a little nervously.

"Bloom, I know what I want. And no, it's not too soon", he paused, "not when you´re with the right person", he said, giving her a heartwarming smile, and pulling her in for a kiss.

End of flashback

"I feel like I´m playing with fire…" she whispered to herself, shaking her head. She had to tell someone about Valtor, about everything from the very beginning. But who would possibly want to listen to her once she confessed that she knew about his hideout all along?! Her friends…? There was no telling how Layla would react considering the hell that Valtor put her through. The family of Domino who she held so close to her heart would never forgive her after such a shameful confession, and Sky…?

She was doomed if he ever knew.

She needed Mike and Vanessa desperately, now more than ever. She missed them both so, so much. And Roxy. Maybe if they knew, they could help her fix this. She pulled her necklace out carefully. Bloom no longer wore the medallion since her father never returned it to her, but instead she wore the crystal angel that Queen Marion had given her as a gift. And how beautifully it shone. She couldn't help smiling whenever she gazed at it.

And then suddenly, she saw them. Daphne and her family had decided to come after all. Bloom smiled and attempted to wave at them. She hadn't seen any of them since the day of the ceremony.

"Daphne!" she called, "Daphne!"

But they overlooked her completely, not even shooting a glance in her direction. Bloom furrowed her brows in confusion. She thought she´d screamed pretty loud.

Bloom sighed. Of course they wouldn't be interested in greetings now. They had been friends to her for a while, but they were still royalty, they had lives. Now that she could at least transform on her own, professor Daphne probably wouldn't be helping her anymore.

"Bloom!" Stella called, grabbing her arm. The King and Queen turned at the sound of her yelling, but otherwise disregarded them. This time Bloom was sure they had seen her. But for some reason, the Queen seemed to avoid looking at her. Were they upset with her for something? Weird.

"Stella, keep it down", she hushed.

"It´s time, Ms. Griselda´s calling everyone", she said pulling her toward the arena.

"Alright young ladies, I want your undivided attention!" Griselda called out just as the Headmistress ended her opening speech, "you´ve all prepared for this event since the very beginning of the school year. Everything you´ll be doing today is exactly what you´ve reviewed in class since day one. Now I want you all to do your best, is that clear?"

"Easy for her to say", Stella whispered looking at the stands. The place was crowded with people. And all the professors had front row seats. Musa nudged her,

"You think Sky´s coming?"

"Not really", she whispered, "Brandon called, he says they´re with Diaspro now", Musa stared at her, in disbelief.

"With who?"

"Now, the first fairies up are Flora and Princess Krystal of Linphea!" Palladium called. Flora looked over her shoulder and winked at her friends.

"Wish me luck, you guys!"

-x-x-x-x-x-x-

"Alright kids, we´re here to enjoy the show and have a nice time, understood?" Oritel asked smiling lightly.

"Will do", Emmett answered as his uncle pat him on the back. His dad was supposed to be arriving today. Supposed to. Leander was a busy man, but thankfully, Emmett understood. Still, it didn't mean he didn't miss having his biological parents around. Or his father at least.

Regina who had already taken her seat, smiled contently. It was about time Faragonda organized something like this. After all, she deserved to receive an acclamation for the hard work she put into this school, following in Mavilla´s footsteps. On another note, she was elated that her grandchildren were having a genuinely good time. Both of them seemed more relaxed nowadays, Daphne had decided to resume her training on Domino for the time being and Emmett was presumably courting a lovely noble daughter he´d met recently.

She watched the fairies who were currently lined up, waiting to participate. A familiar redhead was amongst them. It was her, no doubt.

The mother Queen crossed her arms over her chest, as she observed the girl´s profile carefully. In spite of how or where she was raised, or what manners she might have had, her features were delicate. It was a common royal trait. And she was as radiant as her mother, no doubt. Perhaps teaching her the rules of etiquette when the time came, wouldn't be too difficult after all. Marion and Oritel however, were acting strangely, looking at everything but said person. In fact, over the last couple of days, no one in the palace had even dared to mention her name. Not even the kids. And she was far too apprehensive to ask.

"Oritel, did you know Erendor was coming today?" Marion whispered to him suddenly. Oritel looked to the row below them, spotting them instantly.

"Not at all, but I´m glad that he did. I´d like to offer him my support", his wife nodded.

"Another match is about to start", Emmett said, enthusiastically, but faltered when he realized who the next contestant was. Daphne shifted in her seat uncomfortably, making no comment.

Bloom looked around, her assigned partner was Nova but she was nowhere to be seen.

"Hey guys, has anyone seen Nova by any chance?"

"Next up, Ms. Bloom of Earth and Ms. Nova of Solaria!" Palladium announced.

"I don't think I´ve seen her since this morning" Flora said worriedly.

"Uh-oh. Faragonda isn't going to like this", Tecna warned, eyeing the Headmistress.

Bloom ran across the arena, toward the head inspector.

"Ms. Griselda, my partner isn't here!"

"What?! This is unheard of! How irresponsible of her" she said, clearly angry.

"What now, ma´am?" Griselda sighed.

"I suppose we could assign you a new partner, perhaps someone who´s already had their-"

"I´m here!" someone called, interrupting them suddenly. They both turned to look at where said voice was coming from.

"…Nova?" Bloom asked, dumbfounded. She looked so….different. Bloom could've sworn that her now dark eyes were once a pair of light brown ones.

"Sorry I took so long, did you miss me Bloom?" she asked.

"Uh-sure…?"

"Well, enough chit-chat, we´re delayed enough as it is! And I´ll have to have a talk with you as soon as this event is over" Griselda spoke harshly,

"Nova, are you sure you´re feeling alright?" Bloom asked warily.

"Better than alright, love" she said but her voice was just a few tones lower than usual, for a girl.

"Fire Barrier!" she yelled out suddenly. The crowd gasped and some even screamed as the field was suddenly surrounded by fire on all four sides.

"Ms. Nova! I haven't authorized anyone to begin!" Palladium yelled at the top of his lungs.

"I know. Except that I´m not Nova", she said, cackling. They all stared in horror as she began to morph right before everyone´s eyes.

"What…the…?" Musa whispered, dumbfounded. Bloom stood agape.

"V-Valtor…!"

"You seem surprised, my love", he mused.

"Don't you dare call me that!" she raged.

"No? You seemed to enjoy it a while back, am I wrong?" he taunted. That stung.

Faragonda stood up from her seat immediately.

"Valtor, enough!" she cried out. She couldn't allow this, never mind the show, Bloom wasn't in control yet, he would finish her!

"Professor, we have to try and get her out of there!" Layla exclaimed, truly terrified for her friend.

"It's far too dangerous, I don't know if there's anything we can do!"

"But that´s ridiculous!" Stella said angrily.

"Palladium is right, if we try to do anything at all, we may end up pushing the wizard into hurting Bloom!" Avalon said, siding with him.

"Besides, Valtor is using dark magic, not to mention a very ingenious spell, I would know. There´s no way to break in, and finding the right spell would take far too much time, given the situation" Griffin stepped in.

"It´s obvious that he´s looking for an uninterrupted battle, and he found it", she said, completely calm. The girls stared at her like she was crazy.

Marion´s heartbeat was becoming erratic. "Oritel I don't care about our agreement, our daughter is in danger!"

"I know. The deal is off, if her adoptive parents can't protect her than we will!" he said, Marion nodded in agreement.

"I need you, my mother and the kids to stay here" he said to her, quickly descending the steps towards the battle field. Those people insisted in taking their time to tell Bloom, but they were failing miserably in seeing what was best for her. They were clearly incapable of taking care of her in a dimension like theirs, and this nonsense had to stop. Mike and Vanessa would simply have to accept their limitations.

Daphne only watched, perturbed. What am I doing? Her feet wanted so desperately to move, to run to her little sister but her mind told her otherwise. She wasn't supposed to get too close. She promised she wouldn't. But would her promise even matter anymore if Bloom was gone? Her eyes became blurry as the tears began rolling down her cheeks. Emmett placed a comforting arm around her shoulders,

"I can't just sit here and watch her, Em", she cried.

"Come on Bloom, we have a battle field and we have an audience. What are you waiting for?" Valtor said smirking. She looked up at the crowd. Everyone was waiting. Just waiting for something to happen. Bloom gripped the crystal angel one last time, remembering Queen Marion´s gentle words from another difficult time she´d gone through, in the past.

"Let me guess, now that you know who I am, you´re afraid of me?" he provoked.

"You´re wrong. Now that I know who you are, I´m less afraid than before!"

"Oh come on, Bloom!" he laughed, "You wanted me just as bad as I did you" he said in a low voice.

"So you admit that you want me?" she asked, with raised eyebrows.

"That depends. I´d never set my interest on such a weak, pathetic brat", he spat with the same cruelty he´d used on her just days ago.

Sky´s kingdom was in danger and it was most likely because of her. Daphne and her family couldn't care less. Her friends probably wouldn't continue being her friends once she told them everything. She had nothing to lose.

Her voice became thick when she spoke again,

"Alright, they want a show. So let's give them a show!"

"Excellent. Flames of fury!" Valtor called, aiming his hands directly at her. Bloom was instantly thrown back, full force.

"Aghhh!", she was on her knees,

"Bloom! You need to get back up!" she heard a familiar voice call,

"King Oritel?" he was standing on the sidelines, along with Stella and the other winx.

"We´re right with you honey, up!" he signaled. If there was no way to break in, then his girl would just have to break her way out. She had the dragon flame, so whether she had experience or not, it was possible.

"Come on Bloom, so far this is a disappointment!" Valtor shot. She quickly got back up on her feet and floated up into the air,

"All you´re doing is showing everyone how weak you are! You´re an embarrassment Bloom!" he called. She inhaled and shut her eyes. She had it in her, all she had to do was unleash it.

"Volcanic attack!" She screamed with all her force and effectively threw him back, making him crash against his own curtain of flames. Bloom put her hands together preparing another attack.

"Freeze!" he yelled, trapping her within a thick block of ice.

"Bloom!" Marion cried desperately. Regina held her, comfortingly. But shut her own eyes in fear and absolute helplessness.

"If we don't do something quick she´s going to die in there!" Flora shrieked. Oritel took out his sword,

"That´s it, I have to try -" he began, when the ground began to shake underneath them. A familiar roar could be heard throughout the entire stadium. Regina gasped, could this be…?

The Great dragon emerged from the ground and wrapped its body all around the block of ice, breaking it into millions of pieces and freeing its keeper. The crowd gasped loudly, and stood up at the amazing sight. She continued to float in the air with the magnificent dragon at her side, it was her aura.

Valtor watched in admiration. Yes….the dragon flame at last…!

"Flame storm!" She called, blasting him again. He stood from the ground with difficulty. He had to do it, before she finished him off.

"Still think of me as an embarrassment?!" she called triumphantly.

"More or less", he said grinning, as he pulled out a yellow box from the pocket of his cloak and opened it carefully. Bloom watched him curiously.

"What is that?"

"Why don't you tell me?" he replied, laughing, "Water stars, deactivate the dragon flame at once!"

"Deactivate?" Bloom repeated in confusion.

"Ahhhhh!" she screamed out in agony. A sudden current of pain shot through her body as she began shaking uncontrollably, her fairy form appeared and disappeared erratically, all in a matter of seconds. Her body was instantly weak and she could vaguely recall the enormous dragon roaring wildly by her side. She held her head with both hands, desperately.

"What are you-doing-to me?!" she cried, breathing with difficulty.

"Valtor, enough of this!" Oritel exclaimed, horror-struck.

"You´ve earned it, Bloom. You brought this on yourself" Valtor said crudely.

And then she was falling. Falling hard and fast.

Everything was dark and there was only the muffled sound of voices all around.

"I´m the stronger one Bloom, as you can see", he whispered as she lay on the ground, still fighting to breathe. Everything was hazy. She stretched her hand out toward him, attempting to plead with him.

"I´ll be waiting for you on my side once you´ve recovered, if you´re smart. You know where to find me"

"Take this Marion, it´ll help calm your nerves" Faragonda said, placing a hot cup in her hands. A little over an hour had passed and the doctor had yet to give them a decent response. Oritel, Emmett and Erendor had taken this issue to the Council to put a stop to Valtor once and for all. Stella, Musa and Tecna had gone off to find the real Nova while Flora and Layla sat with them in the waiting room.

And Regina sat by a window silently, with nothing but her thoughts and Daphne´s head laid delicately on her lap. But she too remained immobile, her face tearstained.

"I don't think anything could make me feel better", Marion whispered, her old friend sighed.

"Don't be so hard on yourself",

"I was a fool to think this would work, to think she would be okay without us",

"Marion why don't you get some rest, if anything changes you´ll be the first to know",

"No" she said firmly, "I don't care what anyone says. I refuse to be away from Denisse for even an instant, Faragonda. I appreciate everything you´ve done, from the bottom of my heart, I do. But nothing, will keep me away from her. Not even Mike and Vanessa", she said.

"I want my daughter back, I´m through with waiting".