Hello, people. Sorry this chapter's a bit late, I had trouble writing it and it's almost a miracle that I've been able to update every two days so far. This will be another mostly romantic chapter before the story continues. The next few chapters will follow a few eps of Season 6 that I find important or that I enjoy. I have a few surprises planned there, mostly regarding Tecna and Timmy.
I think that there's been some confusion regarding the last note I'm putting at the end of each chapter, items 2a until 2f are part of the same story, not separate ideas. It's a Flora X Helia story/Hercules style that I've already started planning and I have a really good feeling about it.
For those who prefer other couples, know that I will include all the canon couples there, except for Daphne and Thoren, since it's set between seasons 1 and 3. I have already thought of great plots including Tecna and Bloom and I'm thinking about the others.
Let's get to the shoutouts:
Xdaniekje: Thanks for voting! If you like the idea, just wait until you read about it. It will be awesome!
AlexisPeaney: Now that's new, I had no idea. Well, if you're a Riven fan than you've got nothing to worry because he's one of my fav characters as well and I hated how the writers ruined him in S6. I promise that I won't do the same and he'll stick around for the whole season. I even have a surprise planned involving him and Musa.
I'm glad to hear it's one of your favorites. :)) Hey, this isn't the worst review, it's actually a very nice one. There will definitely be a lot of drama for Tecna and Timmy, these next few chapters will be their time to shine.
Sierra: Thanks for reviewing :) It's always nice to hear someone enjoyed my chapters. I love those two and you can count on them having more scenes in future chapters. After all, we still have a wedding to do.
Alemara: Thanks for voting! I hope that you do understand that 2e is an idea for my new story, FXH Hercules Style. Don't worry, I've already thought of a great plot regarding Tecna and Timmy there. They will have their chance to shine now and there will be lots of drama. But you know me, I always find a way to make everyone happy in the end, so don't worry too much.
winxkate: The scene in chapter 21 led to that. I had planned for her to be pregnant before I came up with the idea of her being sick, which is a good one to cause more drama. I'm glad someone noticed my Friends reference. I just finished the series two days ago and I really wanted to put some reference here.
To tell the truth, the original plan was to have them split up and then reunite in a few chapters, but I decided against it in the end because these two have suffered enough. Now it's all about rainbow and sunshine for them. The conversation will be referred here. 2a is actually one of the ideas I had for my new fic, FXH Hercules Style, so in the end that's what you're voting to.
Rockmantic: Thanks ;) Here it is. This one's one of my favorites.
Thanks everyone for the reviews last chapter! If you keep up like this I'll be able to reach my final goal and I'll be very happy. Now happy reading!
With Bloom, Sky, Daphne and Thoren...
The two couples walked towards the castle of Domino, the two sisters behind their partners as they chatted happily. Their mood wasn't so happy, though, they were extremely worried about what they would find once they reached the palace. Seeing the village was fine, not destroyed as Roxy had mentioned, brought them hope, but it wasn't enough. They knew that they wouldn't be able to relax until they saw with their own eyes that their parents were alright.
"So, how does it feel to be engaged?" Daphne asked her curiously and a Bloom smiled dreamily.
"Feels great. I've been waiting for so long for this to happen, it feels like a dream." The blonde princess laughed at her sister's distracted posture.
"Well, I feel the same way when I'm with Thoren. After spending so many years mostly alone, it feels too good to be true." Daphne confessed and Bloom was surprised.
"I didn't know you felt that way, Daphne." She commented and Daphne smiled.
"It's okay, I'm not alone anymore, so I'm fine. Really." She reassured her sister, who couldn't keep the worried smile off her face.
"Okay, then. And you'll never be alone again, because I'm here for you and so are the Winx." Bloom told her while giving her hand a squeeze. "You deserve to be as happy as I am, Daphne." The blonde princess smiled brightly at her sister.
"And I am happy, Bloom. More than I ever thought I could be, more than before Domino was destroyed."
"Bloom, we're here." Sky called their attention before they could say something else and both sisters looked at the huge castle in front of them.
"Everything looks fine." Daphne commented and Bloom nodded before she started climbing the stairs, the others following her closely. They opened the door and entered the throne room. For a few seconds, they stood in front of the door, frozen, as they watched as King Oritel and Queen Marion talked to Queen Samara and King Erendor.
"Oh, girls. What are you doing here?" Marion exclaimed once she noticed them and she started walking their way with a bright smile.
"We've missed you, so we thought that we'd pay you a visit." Marion's words caused them to leave their frozen positions, so Bloom was able to reply.
"Well, I am glad that you're here." Oritel added as he approached them as well. He and his wife took turns hugging their daughters while Sky's parents stood behind looking cautious.
"Good afternoon mother, father." Sky greeted them formally and they cast him small smiles.
"Sky, dear, we thought that you'd be training now." Samara said before she moved in for a quick hug.
"I was helping the Winx, but now that their latest mission is finished, Bloom and I decided to come here." The prince explained and they nodded.
"Of course. I'm glad you're here, son. There are matters that need to be discussed." Erendor told him in a serious tone that left Sky rather unsettled.
"Okay." He replied unsurely and Thoren coughed.
"Might I say it's great to see you again, your majesties." He greeted the royal couple, who looked at him with forced smiles.
"It's always a pleasure to meet you, Thoren." Samara said and before he could reply, Bloom came to Sky's side as she held his hand tightly and everyone turned their attentions to them.
"The other reason that we came here is because we have some big news to tell you." The fairy of the dragon flame said while smiling nervously and Samara gasped.
"Oh god, please tell me that you're not pregnant." She said while shaking her head desperately and Bloom was hurt. It was true that Sky's parents had never been fond of her, but after so many years, you'd expect that the idea of them being together wouldn't cause them such despair.
"I'm not." Bloom replied rather coldly and the royal couple of Eraklyon sighed in relief.
"No, what Bloom and I wanted to tell you is that we're engaged." Sky announced with a warm smile while he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"It was about time!" Marion commented with a huge smile and Oritel smiled too.
"Congratulations, you two." He told them sincerely and the couple's smiles enlarged.
"That's definitely great news." Erendor said, though his smile still seemed forced.
"Indeed. Now, where is the ring? I know Erendor haven't given Sky our family heirloom, so which ring did you use?" Samara asked the young couple, looked the opposite of satisfied with their news.
"Oh, I didn't have any ring, so I gave her this instead." Sky pointed to the emerald necklace Bloom was wearing and she took it off so everyone could take a look.
"It's beautiful." Marion said while looking at it in amazement.
"Well done, Sky. I always knew that you were different and I have to say, I loved your idea of a necklace instead of a ring." Oritel told him with a proud smile.
"Thank you, your majesty. Let it be clear that I do intend on giving Bloom a ring later." Sky quickly said and Bloom smiled brightly at him.
"We should celebrate tonight." Daphne said with a smile of her own and her parents nodded.
"Yes, we do. Now let's get to dinner so that you can tell us everything about the proposal." Marion said excitedly and they followed her to the dining room to a delightful dinner.
With Aisha and Nabu...
They walked silently around Andros, Lana safely in her mother's arms. The little girl let out laughs and screams as she stared at the landscape in wonder and amazement. The young couple found themselves laughing from time to time, though worry was their predominant feeling. Aisha thought about her father as she wondered how he would be because it had been so long since she had seen him. Getting the news of his death from Roxy had truly unsettled her and she was having trouble controlling her panic.
"Aisha, I'm sure everything's okay." Nabu tried to comfort her and she glared at him.
"How can you be so sure?" She asked desperately and before he could answer, Lana started crying. "Oh, no. Please, sweetheart, it's okay." She attempted to calm down the little girl, getting herself even more stressed in the process.
"Here, let me try." Nabu said before he picked the little girl up and soothed her. It took a few minutes, but she eventually calmed down and so did Aisha.
"I'm sorry, I'm just so stressed thinking about my father." Aisha told him after the little girl had stopped crying and he cast her an understanding look.
"It's okay, love, I know. We'll be getting there in just a few minutes." He replied and she looked around in surprise, realized that they were almost at the palace. They walked the few meters left and they were greeted by Aisha's mother, who had been waiting for them in the balcony near the sea. Upon seeing coming, she walked their way with a tired smile.
"Aisha, darling, what a great surprise!" Niobe greeted them happily before she and Aisha hugged warmly.
"Good afternoon, mom. Is everything alright around here?" The fairy of waves worriedly asked and Niobe sighed.
"As I'm sure Nabu has already mentioned to you, your father has gotten worse since the last time you were here." The queen replied and Nabu had a confused look as he attempted to understand why he would know what had happened to the king of Andros.
"How much worse?" Aisha asked fearfully and Niobe sighed once again.
"You'll see for yourself, he has been asking to see you ever since he found out that you were coming tonight." She told the young couple sadly. A cry followed her statement and a smile lightened her face once she noticed the little girl in Nabu's arms. "I see you've bought Lana here, it was about time." She joked before she approached Nabu so that she could get a better look on the small child. "Wow. How is it possible that she has grown so much in just a few days?" She asked them curiously and they recalled that she had no idea of the 3 months that had passed.
"Well, there's something that we need to tell you, mom." Aisha said nervously and Niobe cast her a worried look.
"Oh, please tell me it's not bad news. I've had my share of those recently." She pleaded and the young couple shared a look. This was going to be a long night.
"Can we see my father first?" Aisha asked her and Niobe nodded.
"Of course. Follow me." They followed her inside the castle and through long hallways, until they reached the infirmary, where King Therendor had settled himself a few days previous. Niobe knocked on the door and a quiet "come in" was heard, so they entered the room. It had purple walls, a small table filled with remedies and a big bed in the corner, where the king sat.
"Welcome home, darling daughter." He greeted Aisha with a tired smile and she quickly ran towards him and gently sat by his side so that she could give him a hug. He responded by wrapping his arms around her in an unusually soft hug. It was a small gesture that showed how sick he was, king Therendor was usually so strong and though.
"Good afternoon, your majesty." Nabu gently greeted his father-in-law and he passed Lana to Aisha so that they could share an awkward man hug.
"How are you doing, father?" Aisha worriedly asked once Nabu and her father parted.
"I was doing worse last night, but I'm feeling better now."Was the king's vague response and she knew that he was saying that just so she wouldn't worry too much. Well, it was too late for that.
"What happened last night?" The fairy of waves asked Queen Niobe sighed before she answered.
"He passed out after not being able to breathe. It took a while for the nurse to make his heartbeat returned to normal, but she thankfully was able to." Aisha sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness. I'm sure she'll figure out a cure soon." Nabu said hopefully and, as king Therendor turned to him with a thankful smile, he suddenly noticed the baby girl in his arms.
"Is that Lana?" He asked with widened eyes and Aisha smiled.
"Yes, she's been so calm lately." She mentioned to the fact that usually the little girl would be crying nonstop.
"She's so big. How old is she again?" Therendor asked her curiously and confusingly and Aisha knew that this was the time to come clean.
"Father, mother, there's something that we need to tell you." She said after a heavy sigh and both her parents looked at her. Seeing how nervous she was, Nabu gently held her hand and squeezed it before he started telling them everything that had happened in the past 3 months.
With Musa and Riven...
They had decided to visit Musa's father in Melody because it had been awhile since the fairy of music had seen him. They walked along the shores, passing through Musa's old house near the singing whales spot, where they stopped for a while to listen to the beautiful melody. Riven wrapped his arms around her from behind and both of them stayed there, feeling peaceful and calm, as they hummed to the beautiful song of the singing whales.
"It's so peaceful here." He commented and she nodded in agreement.
"That's what I love most about this place. It takes away all the worries, the stress." She told him happily while the gentle breeze made her long blue hair sway.
"Perhaps we should spend more time here. Maybe in the summer?" He asked her and she nodded once again.
"Great idea, Riven. Now, come on, my father's waiting for us." She walked away and he followed her. Not even 20 minutes later they were at her house, where her father waited for them in the porch while he sat in a rocking chair.
"Ah, Musa." He greeted them warmly and the fairy of music was quick to give him a tight hug.
"Hello, papa. How are you?" She greeted with a soft smile once they parted.
"I've been doing great, my dear. Things have been calm around here, so I'm just enjoying the weather." He replied with a smile of his own.
"That's good to hear, sir. I was just telling Musa about how peaceful it is around here." Riven piped in nervously, afraid of the older man's reaction to him being there. His relationship with Ho-Bo had never been a great one because of the man's protectiveness of Musa and Riven's sore mood. However, since the beginning of the year, when Riven had changed his attitude and attempted to be nicer, it could be said that there was improvement. Maybe the fact that he had been dating Musa for almost 3 years now had made Ho-Bo realize that he wasn't going away anytime soon.
"It's definitely peaceful. You know, you two should spend more time here when your mission is over. It's the perfect place for you to relax."The older man replied warmly, erasing Riven's fears.
"We were just talking about it, papa. We are planning on spending summer in the lake house." Musa excitedly said and Ho-Bo's smile enlarged.
"What a great idea!" He told her before there was a beeping sound.
"What's that?" Musa asked worriedly once she noticed his eyes go wide.
"The pasta!" Ho-Bo screamed before he rushed into the house. Musa and Riven shared worried looks and they followed him. Their concerns disappeared once they noticed that he had run to the kitchen and was pulling out two huge bowls containing what seemed to be spaghetti.
"You made pasta?" Musa asked him incredulously after he had put the bowls on the kitchen table.
"I've been taking some cooking lessons from Rollos, so I've learned a few things."He replied with an unusual smirk. (Let's pretend that Ho-Bo is like BFF's with Flora's parents and Tecna's too. How awesome would that be)
"It sure looks delicious, sir." Riven commented with a huge smile and he was pleased to see the older man smile back.
"Thanks, Riven. It's good to see someone appreciating my food." He joked and Musa rolled her eyes.
"Ass kisser." She muttered, referring to Riven. "I was just surprised, papa. You weren't a fan of cooking before." She recalled and Ho-Bo shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, guess this is what happens when you spend too much time around Rollos. He might not be a magical creature, but his food is certainly magical." He told them and everyone laughed. "Now come on, sit down you two so that I can serve you some delicious spaghetti with tomato sauce." He added and the young couple followed his orders. They ate the food while discussing everything that was happening in the magic dimension and making summer plans. During dinner, Riven remained mostly quiet, his violet eyes watching Musa with amazement as an idea came to his mind.
"Sir, may I speak with you?" He asked afterwards, while Musa was watching the dishes and the two man had been left alone in the kitchen.
"Of course, son. What's on your mind?" Ho-Bo asked curiously and Riven started getting nervous, knowing that what he wanted to ask was no small deal.
"I've been thinking a lot lately and I need your help with something." He vaguely replied and Ho-Bo raised his eyebrows.
"Is this about Musa? Are you planning a surprise for her?" He questioned the young man, who nodded.
"Something like that." Upon seeing the man's puzzled look, Riven quickly explained his idea, making sure that he wasn't too loud so that Musa couldn't hear them. By the end of his story, Ho-Bo was shocked and surprised, but he easily agreed to help Riven with his surprise. The fairy of music came back a few minutes later to find both men lightly discussing summer plans.
"Everything alright here?" She asked them with raised eyebrows and they nodded.
"Of course. Just discussing summer plans." Riven replied with a smile and, though she was still suspicious, Musa decided to let it go. She knew that he would tell her the truth when he was ready.
"Okay." She replied calmly. "I had an idea while I was watching the dishes, but I'm not sure if you'll like it." She told Riven unsurely and Riven cast her a surprised look.
"What is it, Musa?" He asked a bit concerned and she cast him a sad smile.
"I was thinking that you might want to visit your mom, since it's been a while." Her words left him more surprised than ever as he knew that he would have never thought of that.
"My mom?" He asked and Musa nodded.
"Yeah, I'm sure that you don't want to, but I just thought that this might be a good idea." She replied nervously, expecting him to voice his disagreement, but he didn't.
"I think you're right. We should do this." He told her and it was her turn to be surprised.
"Okay. Shall we go now then?" She asked before standing up. Though they had just had dinner, it wasn't dark outside yet, so there was no big deal with them visiting the cemetery.
"Sure." Riven replied determinately before he stood up as well.
"While you're there, you could take these to Matlin." Ho-Bo called for their attention as he walked towards the living room and came back holding a small bouquet of lilies. "I was going to go there tomorrow, but I think that she would prefer if you went, Musa." He told her and teh fairy of music nodded while fighting off tears. Riven gently grabbed the bouquet from Ho-Bo.
"We'll take them and we'll buy some more for my mother." He told him gently and Ho-Bo smiled.
"No need to buy more flowers, I've got another bouquet planned." He told them before he went back to the living room and came back with yet another bouquet, this time of sunflowers." Riven stared at the bouquet with wide eyes.
"I recall that my mother's favorite flower were sunflowers. What a coincidence." The young man commented and Musa smiled at him before she picked the bouquet of lilies so that he could pick the one of sunflowers.
"Will you be spending the night?" Ho-Bo asked the couple before they left and Musa nodded. "I'll prepare the guest room then." He added and the fairy of music rolled her eyes at her father's insistence that she and Riven slept in separate rooms. It's not as if they had never slept together, they had been dating for years after all. But that was her father and he had his rules that she thought would be better be followed.
"We'll be back before it gets dark. Goodbye, papa." She gave him another tight hug.
"Okay then. And you, take care of my little girl." Ho-Bo turned to Riven with a threatening look, however, for the first time in years, there was no anger or resentment behind it. No, for the first time there was acceptance. Musa was very surprised when her father pulled Riven in for a hug, for the first time.
"Seems like things are finally changing between those two." She muttered while she watched them with a smile. Her eyes turned to the vast sky, where she imagined her mother would be, and her smile got even brighter. "Thanks, mom." She said softly and a few tears fell, but, for the first time, they were happy tears.
The next day, in the palace of Limphea...
The Winx and specialists met in the gardens as they had agreed the day before. Flora and Helia were the first to arrive, since they had been in Limphea. The nature fairy wore a light pink dress with shoes of the same color and her hair was left in a braid. As for Helia, he wore a midnight blue suit that matched his eyes and his hair was left in a loose ponytail. They arrived there just as the party was starting, so they were able to speak to Princess Krystal before she had to greet all the other princes, princesses and lords.
"You look beautiful!" Flora complimented her once they met and it was true. Wearing a sparkling light green dress, with her hair in a loose bun and golden shoes, Krystal looked more beautiful than they had ever seen her.
"Absolutely. Is Daniel gonna be here?' Helia lightly teased her before she could respond to Flora and she blushed.
"Yes, this is like our 2 months anniversary." Krystal told them with a radiant smile that the young couple returned.
"Ah, congratulations you two. I'm so happy you've found each other." Flora told her excitedly.
"Thanks, Flo. I'm happy too." Their meeting was interrupted as Stella, Brandon, Bloom, Sky, Daphne and Thoren arrived.
"Hey there, Krystal." The fairy of the sun greeted her first with a small smile. There was some tension between herself and the princess, since Stella had never forgiven her for standing between Flora and Helia the year before.
"Hello, girls. Thank you so much for coming." Krystal greeted them warmly and each gave their congratulations. Soon, the rest of them arrived and everyone was crowding over Krystal when her attention was caught by a rather late guest. Daniel came their way with an apologizing look on his face and his hands nervously tucked inside his suit's pockets. (won't describe his appearance, so picture Sam Evans from Glee Club) Most of the Winx hadn't met him yet, so they looked at the young specialist curiously.
"Who's that? He's kinda cute." Stella commented and Flora laughed at the way her friend was analyzing their newest guest and how Brandon stared at her with disbelief.
"That's Daniel. He's Krystal's boyfriend." The nature fairy told her friends and understanding looks came upon their faces.
"Hello, guys. I'm so sorry that I'm late."He greeted them before turning to the beautiful princess of Limphea.
"It's okay." Krystal told him with a smile and she wrapped her arms around his neck so that they could share a small kiss.
"You look absolutely stunning." He complimented her after they pulled apart and she laughed while blushing.
"Thanks. Would you like to dance before the rest of the royals come?" She asked him and he nodded. With one last smile towards the group, they were gone.
"I'd love to dance too." Stella said after they left, looking suggestively at her fiancée.
"Sure, princess. But first, remember what we agreed on?" He reminded her and Stella nodded.
"Of course. We have some news to share with you guys." She turned to her friends with a bright smile and everyone stopped what they were doing to stare at her.
"Is everything okay?" Bloom asked, always worried.
"Yes, more than okay actually. Brandon and I just found out..." Stella said before she shared a knowing look with Brandon.
"We're going to be parents." He finished excitedly and the others gasped.
"Really? That's so great!" Musa told them with the same excitement.
"Wait a second! You too?" Tecna asked in disbelief and everyone looked at her even more shocked.
"Tecna?" The fairy of music questioned with raised eyebrows and Timmy laughed nervously.
"Well, this wasn't how we planned to tell you guys, but..."He stuttered and Flora and Stella squealed.
"You're pregnant too?" The fairy of the shining sun asked happily and Tecna nodded while blushing.
"This is the best day ever! Babies everywhere!" Bloom joked and they joined her in laughing.
"Yes! But seriously, Tec, I thought that you were sick." Musa said confusingly once the laughter died down.
"I am sick, which is why I'm so worried about the baby." Tecna said sadly, her mood dropping completely.
"Oh. This isn't good." Stella worriedly said before she gave her friend a reassuring smile. "But I'm sure that everything will turn out alright in the end. After all, we're here for you, both of you." She added and Tecna's eyes filled with tears.
"Thanks, Stel."The fairy of technology said before hugging her tightly.
"Stella is right, we're all gonna do our best to help you, Tecna." Bloom added after the two friends parted and Tecna gave her a thankful smile.
"Well, since this is the night for news, I think that you two lovebirds have something to tell us." Musa said with a smirk while she stared at Flora and Helia, who had been rather quiet.
"Us?" Flora asked them confusingly and Stella smirked too.
"Yeah. You're holding hands and being all lovely. Are you guys back together?" She asked them excitedly and the young couple blushed before nodding.
"Finally!"Aisha muttered and Helia laughed.
"I couldn't agree more that it was about time." He said while looking at the nature fairy with an adoring smile.
"I'm sure that you'll understand that after everything we've been through, we're gonna need some time to heal, so I won't be joining in on your mission to defeat the Trix for a while." She told her friends seriously and they sighed.
"We understand, Flo." Bloom spoke for all of them with understanding.
"So you'll be staying at your parents?" Aisha curiously asked and Flora shook her head.
"We were thinking about going on a trip, just the two of us." She replied and they nodded.
"Flora had the idea for Melody, at your lake house, Musa. Is it okay if we use it for a few weeks?" Helia turned to the music fairy, who looked surprised at first, but then nodded.
"Sure. I'll let my dad know. When are you leaving?" She asked them and the couple shared a loving look.
"After the party's over." Flora told them with a sad smile.
"I'm gonna miss you guys." Stella said with a hand on her heart and the couple laughed at her dramaticness.
"It will just be for a few weeks, so that I can think about everything I've learned about my family." The nature fairy told her and Musa suddenly remembered the notebook Kenna had given her before they left.
"Ah, I almost forgot. Here." She said before she handed it to Flora.
"What's this?" She asked her before she opened the notebook. A picture fell out and Helia picked it up for her.
"Do you know who's in the picture?" Bloom asked while she looked at it over the specialist's shoulder as he handed it back to Flora.
"Yeah, I think that's my family. I recognize my mother, of course, and this must be uncle Alex." The nature fairy muttered while she stared at the picture in amazement, recognizing the people in it. She saw her grandmother, lover of white roses and her grandfather, the most handsome man in town, as she had been told. For a few minutes, she was lost in this wonderful picture of her long lost family and she barely heard it as the other's conversation continued.
"So, does anyone else have huge news that you want to tell us? The time is tonight." Stella joked once their attention went back to the prior announcements.
"Actually, Sky and I have some news as well." Bloom said with a bright smile while she held her now fiancée's hand.
"You're pregnant? Oh, yes, now our kids can be playmates and who knows, maybe they'll fall in love and get married!"An overexcited Stella yelled before she could say anything else and they laughed.
"We're not pregnant, but we just got engaged." Bloom told them excitedly and Stella and Aisha gasped.
"Really? That's great news, Bloom." The fairy of waves told her.
"Once again, it was about time." Musa joked and Bloom and Sky's smiles enlarged.
"Where's the ring? I need to see it!" Stella pretty much ordered and they laughed once again before Sky nervously scratched the back of his neck.
"Actually, I didn't have a ring at the time, so Flora offered me to her family heirloom." He explained while pointing at the emerald in Bloom's neck and the girls gushed over it.
"Wow. That's beautiful." Aisha said and Musa, Tecna and Stella nodded in agreement.
"Flora's family over there sure knew how to pick jewelry and clothes." The fairy of the shining sun added and they looked back at the nature fairy, who was so absorbed in seeing her family for the first time that she payed them no attention. She did hear her name being said, though, and a part of her was interested. However, a larger part of her, the one that had never left home, wondered if maybe she had done the right choice when she had spoken to her mother.
Back in Paris, 1543...
King Henry stood in his office with his best friend, Charles Bonnaire. It had been two hours since the terrible events that had ruined his life and he was trying his best to stay strong, though a large part of him wondered why he even had to. He had lost everything and everyone, he was all alone with the exception of his best friend. Why should he continue to live with nothing to live for?
The thought of suicide was extremely tempting, though now that he had asked Charles to assist him in removing Catherine's body and coming up with a convincible story to tell the royal court, he knew that his friend wouldn't let him do it. There was also the knowledge that France still needed him, they were in the middle of a war and he had to help his country win it. At the thought of France, his anger built up as he wondered just how many sacrifices he would have to make for this great nation that he couldn't say he loved anymore.
He remembered how Catherine was so against his decisions to make what's best for France and he understood how she felt now. He had given up a true relationship with the woman he loved, his daughter's happiness and so much more and what had he gained? Nothing. He was miserable and alone.
"What the hell?" Charles's frightened scream brought him back to reality and he was shocked to see a bright light that soon faded away to reveal Catherine and Claude.
"Catherine?" He stared at her with eyes wide as he tried not to look back at the dead body on the other side of the room. His mind swirled with theories and his heart pounded loudly.
"Charles, may we be left alone?" She said firmly and the king's advisor decided to follow her orders, still staring at her like he had just seen a ghost.
"What...How?" Henry asked her desperately and she smiled sadly.
"When the Winx went back in time I was brought back to life. Trust me, I was surprised too." She told him gently and he gulped.
"So this isn't just an hallucination? You're really here?" He asked her with a shaking voice and she put Claude on the ground before approaching him.
"I've come to apologize. Again." She told him once they were at arm's length and he barely heard her. In one desperate motion, he himself at her and she gasped in surprise before she used her strength to hold him. Her own arms wrapped around him as she brought both of them down, with him nearly sitting on her lap, his head on her shoulder as he cried like never before. "Shh, it's alright now. I'm here and everything will be okay." She comforted him while caressing his back in a sweet gesture she had done many times when the toll of being king of France weighed on his shoulders.
"I'm sorry, I've been a crying mess today." He repeated her earlier words after he was able to stop crying and they pulled apart. His arms kept wrapped around her, though, for he was afraid that she would vanish if he were to ever let her go.
"It's okay. I know you were upset about losing me and Flora." She said with a gently and sad smile.
"I never thought that I'd feel so much pain after everyone I've lost, but this hurt more." He confessed and she sighed.
"I feel terrible for being the cause of your pain, I would have never done what I did. It's just that the thought of losing Flora his too close to home and I just lost it." Was her own confession and he smiled a bit.
"I know exactly how you felt. I would have probably killed myself too, but after Charles came here, I knew that I would never get the chance." He told her and she smiled bitterly.
"Thank goodness for Charles, then. I wouldn't want to come back here and find you dead." She replied and they remained silent for a while. The silence was broken when there was a cry from the other side of the room and both turned to look at the little girl who had just fallen down.
"Claude? What is she doing here?" Henry asked while staring at his daughter with wide eyes. Catherine stood up and ran towards her before picking her up and bringing her to where they were. The little girl stopped crying once Catherine sat back down and she stared at Henry curiously.
"Flora wanted her to come here, she convinced me." Upon seeing the confused look on his face, she elaborated. "After we were brought to life and our memories restored, we had a talk. She told me that she finally understood why I did all the bad things I've done and that, though she wasn't ready yet, she would be able to forgive me soon. I apologized to her a million times and I told her how I felt, that I didn't deserve such an amazing and kind daughter as she is.
She was so gentle, Henry, reminding me so much of Isabella. Everything she taught her was there today, Flora was calm and kind and she considered my feelings above anything else. She knew that I needed her to comfort me instead of yelling at me for everything I've done. We talked about our family and I told her everything I remembered about them. It felt like it used to, before Isabella's death. We were finally able to bond.
In the end, she told me that I should come back here and try to find happiness with you. After I told her I didn't think I deserved that, and I still don't, she told me it was nonsense and if anything deserved a happy ending, it was us. She reminded me that I wasn't the only one who lost a daughter today and thinking about how much you were hurting is what made me decide to come back." She paused for a moment and by then they were both crying hysterically while holding onto each other and the precious little girl in her arms.
"Henry, despite everything I've done, all the pain I've caused you, I always loved you. That is the truth and it will always be. I love you so much that I was able to get past the fact that your father murdered my family, that you were a king and married to someone else. Your love and Flora's is what's kept me alive during all these years, what stopped my from taking my life as I so desperately wanted.
I know that we're way past forgiving and that what I've done is unforgivable. But I want you to know that no matter what you decide, I'll be there, by your side, if you allow me."
"Catherine. You're right, you've done unforgivable things. But again, so have I, and you've easily forgiven me. Because despite what many say, you have a kind and big heart. I know it and I am so glad that I was able to know you so deeply and love you so. Losing you today made me think about all that we lived and I realized that I couldn't change the past, but I hoped that I could have happiness in the future.
It seemed like an illogical wish a few minutes ago, but from the moment you came back, I realized that all I wanted was right here. You. You're everything I need and I know that we can overcome our sorrows, our sufferings together. You helped me overcome Will's death and Isabella's too, you've been a rock by my side and that's what I intend to be for you." He finished his own confession breathlessly and she smiled adoringly at him.
"What exactly are you saying?" She asked him and he took both her hands in his.
"I'm saying let's move on and find happiness in the future. Together." Little Claude laughed from Catherine's arms as if showing her agreement.
"If that's what you want, then that's what we'll do. And Claude will be the symbol of our plans for the future." She told him happily and both stared at the curious little girl.
"She's perfect. I think God decided to send her our way so that we could redeem ourselves and start over." He said with a bright smile.
"Then we'll raise her like we never got to do with little Rose. She will be the happiest child there ever was." Catherine vowed and he use an arm to bring her closer to him and, consequently, Claude.
"Yes. This will be our new beginning." He dreamily said before he decided to do what he had been waiting for since the moment she had arrived. With care for the small child in her arms, he used his hand to turn Catherine's face towards him. She understood where he was going and she passionately kissed him before he could act. It surprised him, but he easily responded with as must passion. They had kissed before, many times, they had been together for 20 years after all, but this time was different. This kiss symbolized their second chance, their new beginning.
So, what are your thoughts?
Did you enjoy the BloomX Sky scenes? Do you think I portrayed their parents right? I was unsure about making Sky's parents colder towards Bloom, but seeing the series, it's clear they're not her 'biggest fans', as Stella would say.
What about the cute Musa X Riven and Aisha X Nabu scenes? Let's assume that all the girls told their parents about the past 3 months, okay?
And the plot with Catherine, Henry and Claude? Did you like that I gave her a sort of happy ending? I actually had a very different plan for her in mind. This was the last appearance of these characters in the story, although they may have a small part in the last 2 chapters.
Next chapter will be about an episode of S6 and there will be plenty of TXT, FXH and SXB scenes. We'll also have the appearance of a (most likely) forgotten character that was very important for this season. Can you guess who that is?
It should come by Friday, but if I get 5 reviews to this one before that, I'll try to post it on Thursday. So tell me your thoughts!
VERY IMPORTANT: (I'll be posting this by the end of each chapter)
Now that we've reached the final five chapters, it's time for me to think about what I'm gonna do after I finish this fic. There are two options here, so I'm asking you to help me choose. In order to do that, you'll consider my two options and give ONE vote to the one you like most. The one with most votes will be the story I will write after this one.
So, would you prefer if I:
1-Continued Darkness
2-Wrote a Flora X Helia fic/Hercules Style that would include:
a-FXH romance previous to S1
b-FXH working for evil
c-Gods and Goddesses: like Hades, Zeus, etc
d-Flora as the princess of Limphea
e-Scenes with all the couples, though Flora and Helia would be the main characters
f-Seasons 1 to 3
DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!