A/N: It's an entirely different season 3, some similarities probably but other than that, from the start it's all different And I´d love to update during the week but…college won't let me So generally on weekends!

Chapter 12: Stitches

"I thought that I've been hurt before
But no one's ever left me quite this sore
Your words cut deeper than a knife
Now I need someone to breathe me back to life"

Bloom sat by the fireplace contemplating all the recently new found information. Had she been living a lie all these years? She thought about her parents back on Earth, Mike and Vanessa. They were completely innocent in all of this, as was she. If anything they saved her, they took her in and gave her a home, a family… At times she felt guilty, guilty for searching for her family when she had already been given one. Guilty for staying by Valtor´s side and for not returning to her friends and boyfriend like she should have from the moment she awoke. Not only did she not have the strength to do so, but she wanted…no-she needed to stay with Valtor for the time being. He was the only path she currently had to finding the truth. The truth that was being hidden from her by the people she trusted most...!

Every time she remembered Valtor´s words, she felt the anger rising from within.

"Faragonda is a wise woman Bloom, she´s nothing but cautious. She doesn't do anything without having an important reason."

She couldn't trust anyone anymore….And she wouldn't…!

"He who promises, runs in debt, correct?" Valtor´s voice came.

Bloom tore her eyes away from the fireplace and looked at him. He was once again wearing a long dark overcoat, as the first time they met.

"It's time Bloom, Domino awaits", immediately Bloom´s breathing became unsteady, was he really telling the truth? A part of her continued doubting, and there was only one way to find out.

"But you must remember Bloom, after today, you´re also in debt with me..." he told her solemnly. She swallowed with difficulty,

"I know..."

"One more thing, your parent's mustn't see you. I will show you where they are located and I shall prove to you they are in perfect state, but seeing you would only implicate you breaking your promise and therefore I would have to break mine. Besides, Marion and Oritel don't know that their daughter is still alive, and as far as I know, they aren't searching for her either.

Those last words hurt..."they weren't even looking for her".

A tear threatened to fall from the corner of her eye, it wasn't their fault. It was only natural for them to think she was dead, she had only been a baby when the attack happened, and even her sister had been defeated in that battle. Twenty years had gone by, if they had ever looked for her, surely by now they would have given up. Roughly, she wiped the tear with the back of her hand.

"Let's go"

After speaking with her parents, Layla finally returned to the medical wing looking distressed.

"Guys, we have to talk", both Tecna and Flora gave her a wary look,

"What about Layla, is something wrong?" Tecna questioned.

"Definitely. And it's not good. My parents are worried, my cousin Tritannus was seen with none other than Valtor and Icy…" she whispered to them. Stella raised an eyebrow,

"Valtor and Icy?"

"Well it wouldn't surprise me if the trix were working with Valtor, it wouldn't be the first time they team up with someone else to try and reach their goal, but how is your cousin involved in all of this? It just isn't reasonable" Tecna said, perplexed.

"My point exactly. We´ve gotta do something and soon", she replied.

Suddenly, Nurse Ofelia exited Musa´s infirmary room.

"Nurse, how is she?" Flora asked almost immediately. Both Riven and Jared stood from their seats, prepared and ready.

"She´ll have to wear a cast for a minimum of two weeks, and she required a few stitches on her forehead, but she´ll be fine. I do, however, recommend absolute rest, all extra-curricular activities are included" she told them strictly.

"Well, can we see her?" Stella pressed.

"Well of course you may, but one at a time", she specified.

At that moment both Riven and Jared stood by the winx, glaring at one another. The rest of the specialists looked uncomfortable while the girls didn't know how to handle the current situation at hand.

"I´ll go in first, if it's alright with everyone", Layla said, giving Riven a comprehensive look. He nodded, earning himself a death glare from Jared.

The girls all nodded in agreement and took their seats, while Brandon took the opportunity and approached Stella.

"Stel, do you have a minute?" she nearly beamed but stopped herself,

"Of course, I also wanted to talk to you Brandon, I-"

"No, Stella wait, just, hear me out for a sec", she nodded paying close attention.

"I know…I´ve been acting like a jerk", he began, Stella felt a strong need to cut in and tell him she had been at fault but listened nonetheless.

"Stella, I´m sorry. I probably should´ve told you this sooner, but yes! It bothers me to know that you talk to Bishop and yes, I´d hate to think that you're both friends. I´ve always known you get along with guys Stella, I get along pretty well with a few girls too and I know that doesn't bother you but, Bishop´s not just anyone Stel, he´s in love with you. I guess, what I´m trying to say is…I don't want to lose you"

"Brandon if it bothers you that much I promise I´ll stop. Bishop did become somewhat of a friend but you're more important. You know that…" she said, running her hand affectionately through his messy auburn hair.

"It's not just you Stella", he said sternly, making his deep voice sound deeper,

"I…I´m not sure I follow. What do you mean `it's not just me`?"

"Stella, Bishop wants you. You don't know what he's capable of, and he won't stop until he has what he wants! I trust you completely, but I don't trust him at all. I need you to promise me to stay away from him", Stella stared at him, skeptical for a moment.

"Brandon, honey, don't you think you're taking things a little too far?" She knew Bishop was a flirt, a real ladies men much like Brandon was before her, but dangerous? How would she possibly explain to Bishop that she couldn't speak to him anymore because he was a threat? It was crazy!

"Stella, listen to me! You really don't know him like I do, will you just trust me on this one?" Brandon said, slightly annoyed. Was it really so hard for her to pull away from that one person? Stella sighed,

"Alright", she said calmly. Brandon wouldn't budge on this one and she was sure of it. What had gotten into him? Her chill, warm-tempered boyfriend who generally always had a calm demeanor that girls loved was now anxious all of a sudden. He was irritated and tense. It was the most jealous she had ever seen him. She wasn't sure just why Bishop affected him so much but she was sure it had something to do with the fact that he was just as popular. Not to mention he was a senior.

"So what do you say we make up for our last date by going out on another one?" he asked slyly, Stella laughed.

"Sounds like a plan", she said kissing his cheek.

In the same moment, Jared walked up to Riven decisively,

"Riven, mind if I have a word with you?"

"What is it?" he said, walking farther away from the group.

"I`d appreciate it if you didn't try and come between Musa and me. I don't exactly know what your plans are, but she and I are nearly a couple and as you can see, she already has me for support. So you're staying here seems to be pretty unnecessary",

Riven felt the anger rising. He knew Jared was right, and he no longer at any part in Musa´s life or business, but something made him want to stay. Something, his anger possibly…told him he had to.

"Why don't we let Musa decide?" he answered provocatively. Jared scowled.

"Why do you insist Riven? Do you really want to go through the humiliation of having Musa herself telling you to leave? Why do that to yourself?"

"You´ve got a point there. Except Musa never did ask me to leave. In fact, last I remember, we´re here because she came running after me", Riven answered, knowing he had struck a chord.

Jared´s fist tightened. It was strange, Riven thought, to see someone as composed as Jared lose his temper, but he was asking for it. Who did he think he was? Making decisions for Musa when she hadn´t given him the right? He and Musa may be almost a couple, but that almost made all the difference. If Musa wanted nothing to do with Riven, she would have to tell him herself.

"I´m warning you Riven, stay away from Musa. She´s confused, it's perfectly normal. Don't think too much of yourself",

"If Musa doesn't want to see me, then she´ll tell me herself. Besides, your almost a couple, so what are you so afraid of?"

"Just saving you the awkward moment, that's all", Jared said, Riven chuckled.

"I´m not the one you should worry about", Jared raised an eyebrow,

"How so?"

"Well if I were you, and Musa had left me standing there to go chasing after her ex, I´d be more worried about myself. Later", he called and left the hospital wing.

Jared was seeing double. But he knew Riven was right, he´d have to do something to secure his relationship with Musa, anything. But he couldn't allow Riven to take away what he had worked so hard on. Musa was his and as far as he was concerned, Riven wouldn't be a burden.

Outside of the hospice, Riven found the lilac haired girl again, Krystal was her name? She was wearing a white t-shirt tucked underneath a short flowery skirt that matched the color of her hair,

"Hey, Riven! How's Musa doing?" she asked, seeing him come over.

"She´s doing better, just needed some stitching and a cast but she´ll be alright. I wanted to thank you Kris, thanks for helping Musa", he said sincerely. Krystal smiled, her dimples standing out.

"No need to thank me, I only did what little I could",

"Hey, is…I mean, you´re a specialist right?" she asked, suddenly.

"Used to be, I left Red Fountain for a while but now I´m back to pick up where I left off, why?"

"Oh, it's just…you wouldn't happen to know a guy named Helia, by any chance would you?"

"Helia, yeah. He´s one of my buddies. You know him?" he asked surprised.

"Well, no, I mean sort of", Riven looked at her expectantly, Krystal sighed,

"I met him a few days ago, the day Alfea was attacked. Anna told me he was a specialist from Red Fountain and I was curious, that's all", she said all in one breathe. Riven nodded. Seemed like a credible reason, and even if it didn't it wasn't his place to judge,

"Helia´s a pretty cool guy, I think I´ll go pay him a visit as soon as I know Musa´s alright",

"Could you say hi to him for me?!" she asked abruptly, Riven groaned…He really didn't like getting caught in these situations…

"Listen Krystal, I don't think I´m the best person to do that", he told her uncomfortably, he wasn't the type to over analyze things, or analyze them at all really but, was this girl hitting on Helia?

"Riven please?" Krystal insisted,

"At least tell him I asked about him, alright?" he sighed,

"Fine, I´ll let him know", she nearly squealed,

"Thanks Riven, you're a good friend", she said smiling. And somehow he felt her smile was sincere, the girl was nice enough and she seemed to be fully well intentioned. She turned and started walking away. Suddenly she turned around slightly, as if she´d forgotten something,

"And…I hope… everything works out for the both of you", she said with a smile, before walking away.

Valtor transported Bloom and himself to the realm of Domino, where, as soon as they arrived, presented a warm welcome.

Incredible…it's not cold at all! She thought. She was wearing a black silk cloak with a hood that Valtor had provided for her. She wasn't sure why they were being so secretive, if her parents didn't believe her to be alive and there were really so many inhabitants as Valtor had said there were, than what were the chances of anyone recognizing her? Surely they would think she was another resident or a tourist at most.

"Valtor why´d we have to come here so late?" she asked, annoyed. At this hour, it would be impossible to explore Domino the way she would´ve wanted to.

"I can't take any risks Bloom, understood?" she sighed.

"Fine, but I don't see how I´ll be able to see my family at this hour!" she whispered fiercely. Valtor rolled his eyes…women…

They flew over what Bloom assumed was the heart of the city, where there were houses, shops, and huge buildings. It looked a lot like Magix…but bigger and with more variety of places to visit. Stella would´ve loved this…! Bloom thought.

Next, they flew over a park. There was a large fountain with hundreds of golden coins in it, trees of peculiar colored leaves and an extraordinary plant life. She was beginning to doubt this place was even real. Slowly in the distance, she saw something bigger and more outstanding than any of what they had just witnessed.

"Is…is that-"

"The royal palace of Domino, yes it is", Valtor grinned seeing the expression on her face. It definitely looked better without all the ice it was buried under. It was unrecognizable, when she had first come here with her friends to recover her dragon flame, Domino and the palace itself looked so…dead. Nothing in comparison to the glorious castle she now had before her eyes.

"Why can't the guards see us?" she asked, as they landed a good distance away from the golden gates.

"I´ve set an invisibility spell on us both. Follow me", he ordered her. They flew up and over the gates and farther in towards the palace.

"Valtor this is ridiculous, when you said I would see my family, I figured you meant awake!"

"Shhhh!"

They flew high until they landed on a marble floored balcony, a pair of glass doors that stood before them were closed.

"What is this?" she asked him annoyed, "Valtor this wasn't our deal",

"You´re right, our deal was that you would see your family safe and sound, without them seeing you. I´ve brought you to Domino, and as you can see, it is in its most prosperous time. The reason, Bloom, why I´ve brought you here so late is because I can't risk losing you. If anyone were to see you, they-"

"Valtor, not a single person here knows me! They don't know who I am. You said yourself that my parents think I´m dead, correct?" he nodded in agreement. Although Bloom´s overstated resemblance to her mother was a possible give away, at least it had been for him…

"What harm could there be in coming here during the day? I also gave you my word, I won't say a word of this to anyone",

"No harm whatsoever in coming to Domino during the day I guess…but not the palace Bloom. Never should you come near this place, we have a deal", she sighed.

"We have a deal", if this was the only way to keep Bloom calm and free of suspicions then so be it. A good player always knew after all when he must risk making a move, even if it meant losing a player….or the game. What Bloom didn't know was that her parents weren´t the only ones she wasn't allowed to see, it was Diaspro…

"Behind those doors are your parents' chambers. Of course, we don't want to wake them", he said quietly,

"invisibilia ostium" he chanted, and the glass door slowly became invisible, as if there was nothing there.

Bloom gasped almost inaudibly. The room that lay behind those door was probably three times bigger than Stella´s private dorm at Alfea. The room had the same marble floor, except it was a navy-blue color. There was a large bureau with small crystal flasks that looked like perfumes. And on a large bed in the far end of the room were two sleeping figures. And the first thing that caught her eye was a woman with bright red hair much like her own, even in the dim light provided by the moon, her hair color was evident.

She remembered staring into the mirror as a child and looking at her own red hair, wondering why on earth she had long red locks when neither one of her parents did. She always assumed it was a trait passed on by one of her grandparents. Now the sleeping figure before her answered that question.

I have red hair…like moms…she thought. She couldn't help wonder whether or not her blue eyes were inherited from her mother as well. It's too bad I´ll never know…

"As you can see…they´re safe and sound, as promised" he told her. Quietly, she took a few steps further to have a closer look, and she was about to take yet another one when she felt a hand on her shoulder,

"That's enough", he whispered. From the small distance she had advanced, she could make out her father's sleeping figure beside her mother, but she couldn't see his face, it would have to remain a mystery. The woman´s white porcelain skin shone with the moon´s light. She immediately noticed a birthmark on her right hand, which rested on her stomach. And she looked down at her own hand, her left, the same birthmark was on it. It was identical. If she had any doubt of any of what the wizard had told her, it was now gone completely. The woman before her had more similarities to her than she had ever imagined possible, it was undeniably her…mother.

"Let's go", Valtor said quietly, taking a hold of her arm and pulling her back. When they were far enough he chanted,

"aditus reditum" and the glass doors appeared once again, separating her from her parents once more. Bloom remained motionless, not believing what she had just witnessed. Suddenly she remembered something,

"Valtor my sister! You said you knew where she was too, is she-"

"She's here Bloom, I won't deny it, but our time is up. The palace of Domino is very well guarded and they could very well see us at any moment. Just know that she´s just as well as your parents are, completely unharmed", Bloom sighed.

"Shall we?" he asked her, but she was unable to say a word. Without further question, Valtor took hold of her hand and flew up into the skies pulling her along with him.

Now that Bloom had confirmed with her very own eyes that he had kept his promise thoroughly, the fun could begin…She was his. Little did he know that this wouldn't be Bloom´s last visit to Domino but rather yet, far from it.