Hey all! I forgot to mention in the last chapter that the song is Rise Up by Andra Day. I also can't remember if I recommended listening to the song while reading. (I recommend it) Anyways, this chapter is not a song-fic but references the song quite a bit because it is a follow-up in the present. This is how the story will be laid out. (song-fic, then regular chapter) These chapters will not be as long and will be at least 2000 words. This chapter is about 3300 words. Enjoy!


"Hmm... I've always liked this song, ya know?" Bloom said, "It's just so uplifting."

Musa was touched. "Aw, Bloom!"

Sliding next to her on the soft ottoman, The Fairy of Music lays her head on the other guardian's shoulder. Bloom had recently renovated her bedroom in the Domino palace. The headboard and ottoman were a pale blue velvet that darkened a shade or two if you brushed your hand across the surface. Between the front and back headboards was a large bed blanketed in rich, heavy sheets patterned with gold quatrefoil, only to be covered by pillows. Night tables framed the sides, coated in precious jewels from the mines in Domino, similar to the other furniture and walls around the vast space. As expected, a miniature copy of Bloom's bed was below drapes that dipped in a dramatic way. For Kiko of course.

Blue always seemed to be Bloom's colour.

The pair had travelled to the Princess' home in the Magic Dimension for some downtime before going their separate ways for the summer. The party Stella had planned for Musa was only a week ago and the Winx Club spared no expense in spending as much time and money together in the few days they had. The host herself was off vacationing in Espero with her 'Snookums'. It felt as though they had only recently saved Espero by defeating Valtor. It's easy to forget how much you've accomplished when you're fighting villains full-time. On the other hand, Flora had gone back to Linphea with Miele as she does every year. The singer remembers her to be strangely similar to The Fairy of Nature. Meanwhile, the heir to Andros returned to the realm of oceans. Layla had to learn how to run a realm sooner or later. Personally, it seemed like a little too much work for Musa. Tecna remained in Magix with Timmy, the two saving the capital of the Magic Dimension one error at a time. Even with the Winx Club as a first priority, it didn't stop the members from having a life outside it.

"Seriously though. Why don't you sing it when you go on tour soon?"

"I probably will. I mean, it's just..." The musician shrugged, "There's a lot of baggage to it."

The red-head turned to face her friend. "I get it."

But she doesn't. Not really, anyways. Musa appreciates it nonetheless.

"Thanks, Bloom."

~o~

The red glow on the holographic clock says 02:39. 24-hour clock. How odd. For the Guardian of Melody at least. Well, everything was unusual for Musa at this time. Perhaps it didn't have to do with the time. It could just be the way Musa laid there and stared until sleep would pull her away. And the constant buzzing too. The buzz was a simplified way to describe the channels she could hear. It doesn't make sense to anyone other than her, but she just heard it. Everything, all the time. This time though, the echoes of her conversation with Bloom replayed repeatedly. What if she let her understand the complexity of the song? What if she knew it wasn't only her parents tied to the ballad, but Riven too? What if, what if, what if?

How she wished she was less stubborn and more honest.

Her lips had curled up in the thought of the familiar characteristics. The singer had thrown those exact words at a boy with strange coloured hair. Attached to that boy were also many songs, memories, and words. One song specifically being the opening to her new album. Rise Up, a tune that was intentionally about her experiences with her mother and father that ended up including Riven too. The Princess of Domino was right, the song is uplifting. It aided her in times of need like when the former specialist left and when saving the Magic Dimension was just a little too much.

The Alfea graduate recalls the small tragedy which was Riven and her separating. Okay, maybe that was an exaggeration. Her life didn't end when they broke up, in fact, some would say it started again. (Those people being Layla). Both parties in their relationship agreed that their time had expired, though separating was more difficult for her than she thought. The selfish part of her hopes it was for Riven too. Even though Musa had her girlfriends to cheer her up, nothing could comfort the vocalist like music. Musa constantly listens- she never simply hears. She listens to the strum of each cord, the changes in every key, the different melodies and varying lyrics with the help of her extraordinary ears.

Perhaps against her better judgement, the singer is drawn to the mesmerizing thoughts of her past lover. Tall, athletic, attractive, intelligent, opinionated, possessive, and hot-headed. Riven, a small coal tossed into a sea of diamonds. On the outside, he did not belong. Like most coals, with enough pressure, they eventually turn into diamonds. Not Riven though- peer pressure was not enough for him to be another copy of everyone else. Looking back, maybe stubbornness was his blessing, not his curse.

The buzzing is at full capacity once again and makes Musa's mind busy. She likes it like that; a distraction to help her creep into a much-needed slumber.

~o~

Musa's slender fingers press each piano key with experience and ease as she hums along. The music sheet in front of her was riddled with red pen marks that crossed out notes in several bars and created new additions to the ballad. A perfectionist is what close friends would say; indecisive is what the singer would argue. The goal she had in mind to complete by the end of this sunny day was to finish her adjustments to Rise Up. The Fairy was sure that her fans were bored of listening to the song over and over again. Musa sure was. Every note and lyric is expected and easily predicted- the exact opposite of what she wanted her music to be. The musician strongly believes that music is supposed to submerse listeners into a storyline and convey emotions that people would be able to empathize or sympathize with. Music is art in every shape and form. And like all art, it will never be 'perfect'. Which is why Musa has been rewriting and scrapping sheets of music to get as close to 'perfect' as possible. There was something that wasn't right. Maybe it was simply the whole song.

With a huff, she begrudgingly leaves her seat on the piano bench to rummage through her cluttered briefcase. Cluttered was an understatement- the fuchsia satchel was positively too small for what it contained. Music sheets, lyrics, notes, and scrap paper were poking out from the crack in the middle. Opening it was a disaster, but finding the original music sheet to Rise Up was simple. Musa may be messy, but she knows where her things are. A small cheer in triumph later, the Fairy returns to the bench. The old sheet covers the new and Musa begins to play the well-known tune. The original notes have found their way to her larynx without strain. Thirty-seconds into the ballad and magic had discovered its way through the music.

Shades of red, pink and purple magic take the form of sparkles and music symbols. The colours compliment the impressive ballroom in the Domino palace. The marble floor, luxurious wallpaper and detailed columns were lilac with the few exceptions of some beige particulars. The open ceiling granted the gleaming sun to shine down its golden radiance into the room. The star had made the room warm and welcoming. It was almost as if Stella was here herself- she'd make everything much brighter though. As more magic became present, it appeared in a cone-like shape around Musa and the grand piano. She found herself lost in the magic as it glowed brighter. The singer's arms covered her face to shield herself from the blinding light. Once her arms lowered, Musa caught a glimpse of the magic that started to disintegrate. The ballroom contained party-like items that were identical to the ones during the celebration that was held to commemorate the rebirth of Domino. The Royal family was revived -bar Daphne- and Bloom had gotten engaged. Most importantly, the Winx Club was named the new Company of Light. After the prophecy had been told, the Fairies were given higher expectations and pressure. At the time Musa didn't want to do it, she didn't feel the need to. She wasn't like Bloom or Layla; Musa just wanted to make music. The Guardian Fairy hadn't realized at the time that she could do both. There were more events hosted in this ballroom, but that one seemed the most important to Musa.

Releasing herself from her thoughts, the musician gathered herself and took a long glance around the room: "What the..?"

Her hearing was at full sensitivity and filled with laughter and music. Her navy-coloured eyes took in the sight of the familiar celebration that occurred multiple years ago. A gasp escaped her mouth when Musa spotted the Winx Club and the Specialists- but younger. Four years younger, that is. In an instant, the Fairy knew she was at the party held after Domino was restored. The Winx Club were all dressed in their respective dresses. Musa wore one of her all-time favourite gowns. Plum, pink and orange coloured the fitted garment to contrast against her porcelain skin. Layla was covered in green and purple in addition to the elbow-length gloves she had on. Tecna had her periwinkle A-line dress which still seemed out of character for the introvert. Musa could clearly recall that the other Fairy looked uncomfortable in the gown. (Stereotypes. Ew.) Flora wore a dress that appeared as an oversized pink flower. Bloom had her cobalt ballgown, and Stella's gown was anything less than what you would expect. The blonde's strapless dress faded like a sunset from yellow to violet. The Winx Club looked younger with rounder faces and somewhat questionable style. Though, the difference in the Specialists was even more drastic. They all wore the classic Red Fountain uniform with their own different stone of course. She wants to laugh at how juvenile they appeared with dated haircuts and clothes, especially Riven. Oh my God, his hair was a mess.

As Musa watches the scene play out before her, she comes to the conclusion that the group and herself had risen up. They fought tirelessly in hopes of aiding Bloom in her adventure to defeat the Ancestral Witches and find Domino. They had accomplished an extravagant amount as friends. The musician felt warm. Never would she change the past despite the hurt.

Perhaps the original was better. Musa had no need to change anything. Everything was fine, after all.

Looking up once more, the singer was back in the empty ballroom.

o~o

The Aces. The next step to becoming a true peacekeeper of the Magical Dimension. Riven was currently stationed in the Callisto realm as part of his training. He was continuously mistaken as a royal guard which annoyed him to no end. The former Specialist wants to scoff at the thought- dedicating his life to a Royal family. His skill and experience greatly surpassed a simple guard. Narcasistic? Plausible. Dishonest? No. He was proud to be aware of his strengths and weaknesses, not that he would reveal either. The program he was enrolled in was covered by the school due to the school board offering a position in the first place. There was no logical reason to refuse the proposal; it had more opportunities, better equipment and a distinguished education. This path he was granted was limited to few, especially since he would be allowed to skip becoming part of the Distinguished So he accepted the offer, even if it meant leaving behind a home he'd known for a remarkably long time. He wasn't sure if he would ever find something like that ever again. Sometimes he still isn't. Sure, Riven's met new people, even befriended some, but with new placements across the Magic Dimension, it was difficult to find another 'home'. It's not like he needed one though, he'd gone long enough without one before.

Presently, he was at the Aces hub in Callisto for training. The fitness room was spacious with high ceilings and mirrors that concealed the walls. The weekly training class had commenced in the morning, falling into the late afternoon. Dominic, the instructor, had shown zero mercy for the Aces in-training. Crossfit and cardio, Dominic's specialty and Riven's worst nightmare. Unfortunately for the violet-eyed boy, the instructor had been picking on him for a majority of the session. Not because Dominic hated him, but since he and Riven were friends. He didn't want to show 'favouritism' apparently. The Ace in-training never understood how public embarrassment could stop people from thinking they were friends, due to the fact that it looked as though Dominic hated him.

"Hey, Riven!" someone called, "Hello?"

Retracting his hand from striking the boxing bag, the swordsman turns around reluctantly. Irritation began to crawl up his skin as the sweat started to roll down.

"What?" Riven snapped, "Sorry, sir." Bad mistake on his part. Ever since he joined the program he had been told many times to watch his temper. So much that he had been ordered to see a shrink every two weeks.

"Mail," The instructor stated. He added, "And keep that attitude in check, you hear me?"

Riven nodded. "Sir."

"Good," Dominic replied, as he handed the heavy envelopes, "Class dismissed."

As the rest of his classmates packed up and headed out the door, Riven paced to his gym bag and threw the envelopes in it. It was probably more advertisements. He hated mail. If someone wanted to contact him, why didn't they just call? He was in a hurry to leave the stuffy place and head back to his dorm to be alone. The Red Fountain graduate preferred avoiding communication with others if it meant preventing awkward conversation. Clutching the black duffel bag in his left hand, he followed the rest of his comrades. However, Dominic was nosy and enjoyed meddling with other people's lives- Riven's specifically.

"So..." The red-head probed. Dominic was bulky, short and aggravating. It was a mystery as to why the instructor and pupil were friends; Riven could hardly endure him. Dominic stood in front of the sliding doors to block the purple-eyed boy from leaving.

"Yes?" He rolled his eyes.

"Someone's sassy today."

Riven grunted in response.

"Messages from the Palace of Solaria, eh? Had no idea you liked Princess Stella," Dominic teased.

"God, no," He protested. At no point in his time of knowing Stella had he ever consider being with her. Not when Musa was there.

"Then why did one of the royal family members message you?"

Why did someone inside the Palace of Solaria contact him? Now that he thought about it, Stella and Brandon getting married wouldn't be a bizarre assumption. Save Bloom and Sky, they would be the next pair to tie the knot. Riven shrugs anyway. "No clue."

"Fine. Leave," The shorter of the two huffs, clearly bothered.

"Later."

o~o

Coldwater slips down Riven's chest and catches onto the grey towel hanging at his hips. While reaching for the dull white pyjamas distributed to both male and female comrades, he notices the envelopes sitting in his bag. The soldier had been debating whether or not to open them. Even though it had been months since he had last seen Musa and the rest of the group, he was still considering if he wanted to stay in touch. Separating himself altogether may be the wiser choice. Or not. Riven doesn't know. Regardless, his hand has found its way into the duffel and grasped onto the mail. Dominic wasn't lying, both messages came from the Royal Palace of Solaria. Questions appeared in his head at a rapid rate. The only way to answer them was by opening the mail.

The first letter said:

.~.

February 4th.

Hey,

It's Musa. I didn't see you at the event tonight and wasn't sure if you ever picked up one. I wouldn't blame you, you've already heard most of them anyways. I hope you're doing well out there and being the best that you can be. I know you are. Anyways, talk to you soon.

Your friend,

Musa.

P.S, I didn't include track 13 on the official release.

.~.

Surprised would be an understatement. The former specialist had gotten the impression that Musa was angry and resented him. He remembered she was when he suggested they part ways. Guilty is what he felt- at times he still does. Once he kept reading, he became even more confused. What event? Was this sent here by accident? Looking at the front of the envelope, it assured the combatant that there was no mistake. The address had evidently been written by Musa. His chest feels slightly compressed knowing the blue-eyed Fairy had faith in him. She thought about him. Though, Riven didn't know what to think when his eyes caught attention to the sign off at the bottom. 'Your friend'. It's not as though he was expecting 'Much love' or anything. They weren't together. Broken-up. Separated. Whatever, it's not significant. Although, what he found left in the paper enclosure was. Her album. Dread overwhelmed the Ace. He should have known. He should have said something. Musa had worked strenuously to complete and produce the album. Riven had seen her over the years scrapping and creating songs, lyrics, melodies, and beats. He disappointed her again.

Turning the CD over, he read the tracklist carefully. Selfishly, Riven was glad she hadn't officially released track 13. He had composed that song for her only. Granted, he had serenaded her in public but that was different than the entire universe listening. At the top was one of the older songs Musa had made. It was after the whole ordeal on Earth when Riven and Musa had 'broken up' again, only to inevitably get back together. Immature is what they were at the time. After examining the first message, the swordsman tore open the next. Gold dusted borders surrounded the cardstock in extravagant patterns and lettering traced with calligraphy.

.~.

January 29th.

On February 4th, you are formally invited to the grand release of Matlin, Musa's first of many albums to come.

If you are attending, please confirm that you are following the black-white dress code.

We hope to see you there!

.~.

Oh. It was February 13th, more than a week since the latest message had been sent. This is what Musa had meant by 'event'. The goddamn mailman can't do his job obviously. How hard was it deliver mail? Clearly, all of Callisto was incompetent. Even if the invitation had been received at the proper time, Riven was unsure if he would have attended anyways. Social gatherings were never his forte. Neither was reconnecting with old teammates and friends.

His course hands slip the CD from the plastic packaging. The album cover was of Musa and a silhouette back to back. He assumed the black figure was Matlin, Musa's mother. The album was dedicated to her, after all. Pushing the disc into his laptop, Riven presses play.


Thanks for making it down here! I am so sorry for the long wait. I have no excuse, I just didn't write for a few months lmao. In case you forgot about the realms mentioned in this chapter, there are better definitions thanks to the Winx Wiki:

Espero - the brightest and most peaceful realm in the Magic Dimension (introduced in season 3)

Callisto - the home realm of Varanda (the girl Bloom pretended to be when she wasn't officially enrolled in Alfea)

Anyways, thanks for reading! If you have any questions or suggestions about this chapter or the story in general, don't be afraid to ask. Remember too favourite, follow and/or review too.

Until next time...