A/N: Again, thanks for the awesome reviews! I take them all into consideration by the way. Read and review please!

"And I love you more than I did before
And if today I don't see your face
Nothing's changed, no one can take your place
It gets harder everyday"

Chapter 4: Encounter

The girls had managed to get inside apparently without a sound, not knowing that a barrier had been placed around the school. While it did permit fairies to pass, it alerted the headmistress of their entrance.

"Young ladies, where have you been?!" Griselda wailed. The girls were speechless for a moment.

"Well? We´re waiting for an explanation winx", Faragonda said, standing beside Griselda.

"You left the school without permission, you went against the headmistress's specific instructions", Griselda kept scolding them,

"We left the school for a moment and…we…didn't realize how late it was-"Bloom began, but Faragonda was concerted,

"It was both foolish and irresponsible! We specifically told all fairies not to leave school grounds, and for breaking the rules there will be punishment", she said, intensely.

"We´re very sorry , we didn't mean to break the rules", Tecna tried apologizing,

"You girls aren't taking this seriously enough, Valtor is not to be taken lightly, do you have any idea what kind of danger you could have put yourselves in?" she continued, frantic.

Each of them were surprised and confused. They had gotten in trouble before but never had they seen their headmistress so upset. They snuck out of school previously, so why was she so mad?

"From here on out you are to do exactly as we ask, for your own safety. You must not leave the school grounds, is that clear?" she asked,

"Yes, ", they all muttered almost inaudibly,

"This is unacceptable! This is exactly the kind of carelessness Valtor is waiting for! Each of you should receive detention!" Griselda nearly yelled,

"Not this time Ms. Griselda, for now I´ll be asking each of your teachers to report your assistance to me daily, that way I can make sure that your all within the school and we´ll prevent this from happening again", she paused, gazing at Bloom intently for a moment,

"Now get some rest girls, good night", she told them,

"Is it just me, or is Faragonda stricter than usual?" Tecna asked them while heading back to their dorm room.

"Yeah no kidding, this whole situation must have her stressed", Musa said agreeing,

"Well I´m off to sleep you guys, there's a long day ahead tomorrow. You better wake up early Stella, goodnight!" Layla called to her before heading to her room, soon all the girls started heading to their rooms except for one,

"Bloom, I need to talk to you for just a sec! It's important" Stella urged, pulling Bloom inside her room and shutting the door.

"Stel, what is it?"

"I couldn't do it! I wanted to tell Brandon about Bishop hitting on me and the texts he sent and-"

"So you didn't tell him?" Bloom asked, interrupting her. Brandon didn't look like the extremely jealous type. But he and Bishop had a couple of classes together along with the other guys. And what was worse, Bishop knew very well that Stella and Brandon were together. Bloom knew that Stella was nervous over Brandon´s reaction when he found out that one of his very own classmates was after his girl. That senior specialist was so…bold.

Stella sighed,

"No, I couldn't" she said, slumping her shoulders.

"I know it may not seem like a big deal Bloom, but I´ve heard all about Bishop. He's a flirt, they say he's daring and when he sets his eyes on something or someone he can be very stubborn. I´m just afraid he´ll taunt Brandon, you know they´re classmates and all…" she told her,

"Aww relax Stella, why don't you try again tomorrow? I really don't think Brandon will be upset with you, but just to be on the safe side…" Bloom told her,

"Yeah, your right. Oh I have that conference tomorrow! I´ll talk to him when I get back",

"By the way, what has Bishop been telling you?"

"Ughh, It´d be easier if you had asked me what he hasn't said! So far, he says I´m gorgeous and he hasn't stopped thinking about me since that day we met at Red Fountain, he says he knows I´m seeing Brandon but it'd be good for me to consider my options, he even offered to take me for a ride on his hover bike!" She said, burying her face in a pillow,

"Wow, he sure wants to impress you!" Bloom commented in awe. It was common for Stella to have suitors, but never had she seen one so persistent! Usually guys who looked at Stella got close but didn't make much of a move because they knew she had a boyfriend. But this one didn't even care!

"I just hope my Brandon understands", she said, Bloom put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. They were a strong couple, of course he would understand, wouldn't he?

In another dorm room, Musa sat up in her bed wide awake while Tecna slept soundly. She was so confused. That afternoon Jared asked her kindly to give him a chance at getting to know her. But all she could do was miss and think about Riven. But she had to face reality, Riven left her without making any promises and for all she knew, he probably wouldn't be coming back. Meaning she would have to move on with her life at some point, was she ready? She felt a single tear roll down her face. It was times like these when she missed her mother most of all, someone to talk to, someone who would simply hear her out. Riven may not be in her life anymore, but now, there was someone else. A sweet guy asking her to let him in. Musa sighed and quietly started humming,

"Well, it's good to hear your voice
I hope you're doing fine
And if you ever wonder,
I'm lonely here tonight"

"I'm lost here in this moment and time keeps slipping by
And if I could have just one wish
I'd have you by my side"

She knew she´d have to let go sometime. Maybe this was it…

"So tell me again, what interest do you have in Bloom exactly?" Diaspro asked interested, Valtor hesitated,

"I´m not a man who reveals plans but, given that we´ll be working together, it couldn't hurt", he said chuckling, he needed to earn her complete trust after all…

"You see, like Bloom, I too have a portion of the dragon flame. Of course, Bloom holds its complete power, but I contain a…a spark of it, if you will. But it's a spark powerful enough to match her strength because of the darkness mixed with it. Because of this portion of the dragon flame, Bloom and I share a connection. As long as the dragon flame remains within the magic dimension, I can sense it. For ages I was locked up in the Omega dimension, however if the dragon flame had been in the magic dimension I still would have sensed it. But it was gone. When I was finally freed, thanks to the three witches I felt the dragon flame once again and in full force! I knew it had to be her, it had to be Bloom and I knew instantly that she had returned to the magical dimension. The question was, where exactly? Finding her wasn't hard, Icy, Darcy and Stormy actually knew her quite well and they knew where she studied. But as soon as they told me she was at Alfea, I realized that under Faragonda´s coverage, reaching Bloom would be a difficult task. That's why I need them distracted, as long as they prepare for my next attacks they won't even suspect what I´m truly after. I need Bloom with me for the dragon flame´s power to be complete, I know that with Bloom by my side we could be unstoppable", he said, remembering the redhead's fierce glare, Diaspro laughed sarcastically,

"And you really expect Bloom to willingly team up with you? I highly doubt it", she said rolling her eyes,

"That's where you come in princess", he said,

"Bloom won't want to be with me…at first. But if I bring her irritating parents and sister back, she won't have a choice. In the meantime, you´ll make sure they don't search for their daughter by pretending to be her. And while Bloom is with me, you can have your Sky", he told her, smiling darkly. He´d take everyone out of his way at all cost.

"I´m starting to like this plan…" Diaspro said in awe, how this wizard had it all figured out was beyond her, but if it was enough to reach her goal then so be it.

"I´ll make sure Marion and Oritel know that their little girl is alive and that only I know of her whereabouts, so lying to them won't be difficult but…just to be sure…" he said, a small red spark in his hand formed into an orb.

"You´ll need this" the orb turned a blood red color,

"What is it?" Diaspro asked, impressed.

"It's only a smaller portion of the dragon flame that I possess. You´ll need it to prove that you are indeed the keeper of the ultimate power and the daughter of Marion and Oritel. But use it wisely! It's only a small part, and if you were ever to stand up against Bloom herself you wouldn't stand a chance. I'm only granting you enough as to help you trick them", he told her. She nodded, not taking her eyes off the bright red orb floating in his hand. She would have the dragon flame…

The orb floated rapidly in her direction and entered her chest, causing a replenishing sensation throughout her body.

"They must believe that it's you. They must believe that you hold the dragon flame of Domino".

"When do we start?"

"As soon as I plant my next attack, I´ll bring them back…"

The next morning, Sky arrived bright and early to pick Stella and Layla up for the conference in Solaria, dressed as formally as possible. Stella made sure that both she and Layla looked stunning, she wore a sleeveless golden colored gown that matched her blond hair, and had Layla wear a blue gown with flowers all over the bottom of the dress.

"Wow, this palace is packed with people!" Layla said, looking around at all the monarchs once they arrived,

"Yeah, it's a good thing this place is so big", Sky commented,

"Sky?! Long-time no see!" came a voice, the girls and Sky immediately turned around, Sky could pick out that voice anywhere.

"Diaspro?" he asked, surprised, without warning she threw her arms around him pulling him in for a hug, Stella and Layla only glared at her,

"Of course it's me silly, you haven't forgotten me already have you? We were engaged!" she said teasingly, almost flirtatious. She was wearing a long, slim, ruby red dress with her usual pale blond curls.

"Of course I do, I just…didn't expect to see you here" Sky told her, still confused,

"My parents received an invitation to the conference. They too are worried over Valtor's actions", she informed him, with a worried expression.

"I see, well so are my parents. All of us really", Sky remarked.

"Should Bloom know about this?" Layla muttered to Stella,

"No need to worry her until this girl crosses the line", Stella replied through gritted teeth. Diaspro continued making conversation, occasionally putting a hand on Sky´s arm. Sky carried on with the conversation more out of courtesy than interest.

"So did you come by yourself, as the new King of Eraklyon?" Diaspro asked,

"Define `crossing the line´ please", Layla whispered to Stella.

"Actually, my parents were also coming. I came here with Princess Stella and Princess Layla", he said motioning to them with a smile,

"Hi Diaspro!" Stella waved sarcastically, only to become angrier when Diaspro completely ignored them both,

"I see, well it was nice seeing you again Sky, you look great!" she said giving him another hug, Sky looked uncomfortable, very much aware that both Winx were staring at them. She smiled at him one last time before turning on her heels and strutting away,

"Ughh...the nerve…" Stella said, irritated. Suddenly, King Radius stepped out to welcome all of the royals,

"I wish to thank each and every one of your majesties for joining us today. As you all know, the reason for calling upon this meeting is an issue that concerns us all. A wizard known as Valtor has become a threat to the entire magic dimension. So far he has already attacked a realm, the realm of Andros", he said, motioning to Layla´s parents who were standing behind him, both with saddened expressions,

"We know that the damage that Valtor has caused in their realm has been dreadful, and he´s threatened to continue this mayhem, which is why we must take action immediately. We must propose ways to stop this sorcerer as well as suggesting security measures. We all know how powerful this man is and the only way to stop him is by working together. I´d like to know how many here today would be willing to cooperate", he asked. Most royals began whispering amongst each other while others lifted their hands right away, Sky´s parents, Stella, Layla, Sky, as well as the King and Queen of Linphea, Melody, Tir Nan Og, Zenith, the representative of Magix, and a few others. Other royals like Diaspro´s parents, the royals of Nipheria, Marigold, and Limbo were hesitant.

Diaspro´s father raised his hand,

"I have a few questions", he said, Layla sighed,

"This is gonna be a long day…" she grumbled.

Valtor transported himself to Andros once again. The realm seemed to be deserted since he last arrived. He looked down at all the mermaids and Tritons he had turned into minions. There was one Triton specifically who he needed to see.

Valtor contemplated his encounter with Diaspro. He knew it wouldn't be long for everything to fall into place. Bringing Marion and Oritel back from Obsidian wouldn't be easy, but it could definitely be done. No one had ever dared to step into Obsidian, it was the darkest, deadliest place that could possibly exist in the entire dimension. If anyone who wasn't evil tried to enter, they would immediately feel lost, and be forced to face their very nightmares. Luckily for him, he didn't have a good heart, and the gate keeper, Mandragora, was his acquaintance, being that they were both created by the three ancestral witches and knew each other since way back.

He descended into the underwater dungeon where he had imprisoned the King and Queen and their family.

"It's you again! I command you to free us at once!" King Neptune yelled, infuriated. Valtor sneered,

"Don't get too emotional, I haven't come to see you", he told him grinning. He turned to see the triton in the next cell,

"Tritannus, I´ve come to make you a deal", he said directly. While imprisoning the royal family he felt a slight morsel of darkness inside this young triton´s heart, whatever the reason for his hatred may be, he´d be useful. One thing Valtor was glad for was the influence he exerted on people, and Tritannus was no exception. He was also good at reading people and he knew that the young triton wasn't very fond of his family. And that was something he could work with,

"What do you want?" he demanded, eyeing Valtor cautiously,

"Tritannus don't listen to him!" his brother pleaded.

"I don't believe I asked you to talk!" Valtor shouted, extending his hand and attacking him, he fell back,

"You snake!" the King yelled feeling helpless, Valtor smiled,

"Much better", he said, turning back to the young triton,

"I come to offer you my help Tritannus, I don't want to be your enemy, quite the contrary actually", he told him simply.

"Help me? How could you help me? You´ve attacked our realm, you imprisoned us! You turned the mermaids into-"he started,

"That's because I have no interest in any of your companions. You on the other hand…you have your Sirenix powers don't you?" he asked, suddenly. Tritannus was taken off guard,

"I do, but what does that have to do with anything?"

"Have you used your wish yet?" he continued pressing,

"No I haven't, I can't use it until I´ve accomplished the purpose for which I acquired Sirenix but-"

"Tritannus, do not speak to this man! He only wishes to use you!" his mother yelled from another cell,

"Silence!" Valtor screamed,

"But what?!" he demanded, furiously.

"But the reason I acquired Sirenix was to become powerful, I wanted to become the most powerful Triton of Andros, and possibly of the Infinite Ocean", he said, his expression covered in determination.

"I see, then I´ll make it happen. I can make you the most powerful triton of the Infinite Ocean Tritannus", Valtor offered, watching his eyes gleam at his words,

"What do you want from me in exchange?" he asked,

"Your wish…you must wish for the Sirenix curse to be broken forever",

"What?"

Bloom and Kiko sat on the grass just outside Alfea but within its gates. She stared at the medallion her adoptive father gave to her, wondering who could´ve place it on her as a baby. Had it been her biological mother, as a gift? Her sister probably? How long would it be before she got some answers? For some reason, she had been getting a strange feeling for days now, almost since the day of the attack on Andros. She had the strangest sensation that something or someone was watching her, as if someone knew what she was doing and when. It was a crazy idea, but even her powers were acting up from time to time. She held the medallion up to the sun. Whatever it was that was going on, she had a strong feeling it had to do with her dragon flame, and possibly her past. "Mom, dad…where are you?"

Lyrics- "Stay"-Miley Cyrus

R&R folks!

XoXo

Smiley