A/N: Sorry for the delay! Made this a long chapter to make up for the wait I will try to update the epilogue of Stella and Brandon, a new beginning. Thank you for reviewing!

Chapter 16: Never Again

"Musa…what's going on?"

Musa took a deep breath.

"Jared, listen…Riven and I have a lot we still need to sort out, I´m sorry, I-I don't know what else to say", she said, looking down, truly empathetically. Jared was a great guy, he was there for her when Riven wasn't, and he didn't deserve to have his heart broken. But for some reason no matter how sweet, or how delicate Jared treated her, it just didn't complete her. It wasn't enough and it was excruciating. Looking at Jared´s current expression had never made her feel more selfish and miserable.

"Musa, do you realize what you´re saying? Are you listening to yourself? This is the guy who abandoned you, not caring about your feelings! Everything seems to be pretty clear if you ask me",

"Except she didn't", Riven answered from behind her.

"And for your information, I left Musa because I wanted to protect her feelings, not in spite of them. I left in hopes of becoming a better man. But as Musa said, that's something she and I need to discuss", Jared ignored Riven completely.

"Musa, think your decision over carefully! Your confused, that's all Riven does, he confuses you! And when you´ve finally decided to forgive him, he´ll only leave you again!"

"Stop trying to poison her mind!" Riven growled. Musa looked up at him, taking a long, deep breathe.

"Jared, I need some time. I´m not saying things between Riven and I are back to the way they used to be but I definitely need to think", she told him. She couldn't close the door on him completely, he would always be a friend. But she couldn't continue giving him hope when her stubborn heart kept racing every time Riven was near. No matter how much time went by or the distance between them. Jared looked down, reluctant to leave them.

"Have it your way Musa, just remember I´ll always be here", he said, taking one final glance at Riven before leaving the dorm. Musa sighed and shut the door, leaning her back against it.

"I´m sorry you had to go through with that", Riven said gently. Musa looked at him, taken aback. There was a time when Riven was so hard headed and proud that even if he was wrong, and he frequently was, he wouldn't apologize, always alleging that there was no reason for him to do such a thing. Now he did it freely. Whether his change was genuine or not, she couldn't be sure. But she couldn't keep someone on standby, making them wait for something that may never happen. After months of dating Jared, her heart hadn't jumped the way it did only several minutes ago. Musa took a deep breath and leaned away from the door, stepping around him.

"Riven, you need to go", she said simply.

"But Musa, I-"

"Riven I didn't want to keep giving Jared false hope. I know I said we´d talk, but now isn't the time", without a warning, he took hold of her arms,

"Musa look at me, you can't deny what happened just a minute ago. You still have feelings for me that you haven't had for anyone else! Not even for Jared, despite how much he´s tried. We can work this out if we just-"

"If we just what, Riven? You came back, what? A week ago? Riven these things don't fix themselves overnight! I need time to digest it, I-I need to think, alright!?"

The moment her words were out a look of remorse took over his expression.

"Riven, these past few days have been…chaotic…to say the least. I´m not saying no. But I need you to understand me. I understand why you had to leave, please understand that I need to heal", he nodded silently.

"Just so you know, I´m going to make up for that", he said lifting a hand to her face, caressing her cheek. Musa closed her eyes, blissfully.

"Riven, please…stop" she took his hand away from her face and held it.

"Muse I promise I won't let you down again",

"Saying it won't be enough for me. Not this time…" she whispered.

"Don't fight it", he said leaning in slowly,

"Hey Musa, check this-"Flora froze as she entered the room abruptly, taking them both by surprise. Her face reddened immediately. Riven pulled away instantly.

"I´m sorry I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay Flora, Riven was just leaving", he looked hesitant,

"Yeah, she´s right" he said with a slight smile at Flora, he waved casually and walked past her.

"See you tomorrow morning girls", he said and shut the door behind him.

"Musa…are you and Riven…?" Flora stuttered.

"I don't know…" she murmured.

Valtor slowly moved his hand to Bloom´s cheek, and then behind her head, deepening the kiss. For a moment she didn't react, she couldn't. The sensation he stimulated in her was purely unexplainable. She could feel her power stirring within her. She could feel herself unwillingly return the kiss, it was almost as if her body were responding on its own, no longer obeying her brain. She gathered all her will power and snatched his hand away from her head, pulling back and freeing her lips from his. She gasped, struggling to catch her breath.

"Bloom-", he began,

Without warning, she raised a hand and slapped him across the face. Hard. The sound echoed through the room.

"Don't you ever…do that to me again!" she said angrily, pushing past him roughly. He rubbed his face slightly with a hand, smirking. Bloom was certainly a lively one, she was fierce. It almost took him by surprise how much it caught his attention, how alluring it was. He followed after her.

"Bloom, I know you felt it too, now you know what I mean when I say that we share a connection. Why so upset?" he asked, an amused look on his face. Bloom glared at him, her arms folded across her chest.

"Besides, you enjoyed it just as much as I did",

"I don't know what you blabbering about!"

"I think you do", he taunted.

"You´re enjoying this aren't you!?" she asked, seething. He shrugged.

"Maybe", he said simply, grinning. She stomped forward, pointing a finger at him.

"You…have no right to touch me! If you want me to stay here than you´ll have to get it through your head!" a serious look took over his façade. He gripped her wrist tightly, moving her pointing finger away, and brought his face close to hers once again, his voice was deep and grim,

"Your mixed feelings are none of my concern. I merely encouraged you, if you felt something you didn't like, then I suggest you search within yourself. I´m not the problem", in one rapid movement he brushed his lips against hers, Bloom gasped. Quickly, he pulled away as Bloom´s blush deepened further, if possible.

Bloom scoffed.

"Mixed feelings?" Valtor grinned.

"If you thought even for a second that you have any kind of power over me than you're out of your mind!" She was beyond outraged! This guy was too full of himself! He was obnoxious and egocentric!

"You´d be surprised" he said with a smirk. Bloom´s reaction to his contact had been more than pleasing. Even he was staggered by the sensation it caused within himself.

"I´m very clear on who I truly have feelings for", she said, irritated.

"Whatever makes you feel better. There´s no denying the obvious, Bloom", he said firmly, putting on a pair of black, leather gloves.

"Now if you'll excuse me there's something I must take care of first" Bloom raised an eyebrow.

"First?"

"We'll begin our training in a moment. I'm more than eager to see what you're made of Bloom", a look of determination in his eyes. Testing Bloom's dragon flame was something he had longed to do since day one. He had been trained by his mothers to use his dragon flame to its full extent, but Bloom hadn't. As far as the witches had informed him, Bloom hadn't even grown up in this dimension. She had been raised on earth where magic was something non-existent, seen merely in stories and legends. He would bring out her full potential in no time.

"You'll be sorry" she murmured, still irritated. Valtor chuckled. She loved Sky! True, that kiss certainly stirred something within her, although she wasn't sure what that was. But it didn't mean anything! They both possessed the same source of power, surely those feelings were her dragon flame reacting to his. But it wasn't a crush, let alone love. No, her heart belonged to Sky and Sky only. She wasn't in love…she wouldn't fall in love…!

Tecna arrived in time to see the crowd of people, staring in awe at the ocean. The tides were high, as if it were angry and had a mind of its own. Layla was using every bit of energy she had to control them. Musa and Flora also arrived a minute after.

"Hey Tecna! The pixies told us Layla needed our help" Flora told her.

"Yeah, what's going on? Check out the ocean!" Musa discerned the problem immediately. They ran towards Layla.

"Layla what´s happening?" Tecna and Musa used a convergence spell to create a digital net in an attempt to hold the tides back and protect the citizens.

"The oceans throughout the entire magical dimension have gone mad! My parents had to go back to Andros. I just know my cousin and the trix are behind this!" Flora furrowed her brows.

"But that's impossible! How can the trix control the ocean? That's your element!"

"They can't…but Tritannus certainly can! The trix must be inducing him. My cousin wouldn´t do something like this on his own. According to my parents the balance of the ocean lies within the emperor's throne, deep within the infinite ocean. It has the power to either keep the ocean at peace or infuriate it." She explained.

"Well then they must have done something to alter its balance!" just as Flora spoke, Tecna and Musa lost control of the net, which was broken by the force of the ocean. Flora immediately created a thick vine barrier and Layla cast another spell to weaken the waves. Little by little she felt the last bits of energy draining from her body.

"Girls, I appreciate the help, but even I don't think we can hold off much longer!" Layla collapsed, not able to hold the tides back anymore.

"Energy enthral!" A booming male´s voice erupted from behind them, and a blue light struck the tides as they reached their maximum height. The waves silently obeyed and calmed down. They all turned around surprised to see who the help came from.

"Forgive my intrusion, I merely wanted to help", the gentleman said softly. He certainly was handsome, he was tall, slightly muscular and dark skinned. He held a golden staff in his hand. He kneeled down and held out his hand for Layla. She stared at him confused but accepted the stranger´s help nonetheless.

"We really appreciate the help, I´m sorry if this sounds rude but, how´d you do that?" Layla asked, amazed. The stranger laughed, wholeheartedly.

"My name is Ophir, and I´m a wizard. I´ve studied all kinds of spells and enchantments. The spell I just used was meant to captivate the ocean´s excess of energy within my staff", he explained. The beautiful sapphire placed on the very top of the golden rod shone bright.

"Wow, that was pretty cool", Musa said, truly impressed,

"Yeah, we´ve never seen anything like it before!" Flora told him.

"Princess, are you feeling alright? I couldn't help notice that much of your energy was drained during that encounter", he asked, his concern written all over his face.

"Yeah Layla, you do look a little pale" Flora noted.

"Oh, its fine, thanks. I´m just a little tired. Nothing to worry about" she said quickly.

"I´m sorry, we haven't introduced ourselves. I´m Layla, and these are my friends, Musa, Flora and Tecna", Layla said pointing to each of them.

"It is truly my pleasure", he told them honestly. "If there is anything additional that I may do to help out, Princess Layla, please count on me", he said kindly. Layla blushed slightly but thought nothing of it. As Tecna asked him another question about his staff, she noted his features, this boy looked different. His aura told her he was polite, and gentle. He even had a warm smile….

"That's awesome! You don't see too many wizards in Magix", Tecna said to him. No, she had to shake those thoughts away, she didn't even know the guy.

"Thank you…Ophir. We should really get going. We have to find Bloom so we can stop the trix and Tritannus before they can use the ocean to hurt anyone", Layla said turning to the girls. They nodded in agreement.

"Timmy and I have the device all set. Sky already sent us the map with the exact coordinates of Bloom´s location…or rather her possible location", Tecna told her.

"Well then let's go, we have to get everything ready", Musa said as they waved goodbye to the young wizard and began walking back towards Alfea. Layla turned back awkwardly and saw Ophir sitting by the shore, calmly staring at the ocean. There was something about him, something had caught her attention unlike ever before.

"Layla? Magix to Layla?" she realized Musa was calling her.

"I´m sorry guys, this entire mess just has me distracted",

"Are you sure it's just this situation that's distracting you?" Flora asked, nudging her. Layla turned to look at them, surprised.

"Of course it is…what are you talking about?"

"Oh come on Layla, the guy was hitting on you!" Tecna exclaimed, as if Layla had been missing the obvious.

"I´ve gotta say, he´s pretty cute", Musa chipped in. Layla turned away,

"You guys are wrong, it's not like that. I´m not the type to fall in love. Never have been", she said simply. All her life before the winx, she had been alone. The only friend she ever did have left her side. She was used to flying solo. And that wasn't about to change. She had seen the arguments between Stella and Brandon lately, the way Riven broke Musa´s heart, and how Bloom and Sky always had difficulties due to princess Diaspro´s interfering in their relationship. Sure her friends were in love. But no matter how beautiful her friends´ relationship´s seemed, they all came with their fair share of obstacles and difficulties at times. Did she really want that for herself? She knew all relationships worked out that way, there were good moments and there were bad. But she didn't want to get hurt, she wasn't ready. Being alone for the most part of her life had been painful enough, she wouldn't stand it if she ever became accustomed to someone´s permanent company, and then lost it. No, love definitely wasn't for her, not for now anyway. She was convinced that she´d be better off on her own. Which was why she had to get out of her engagement, somehow. Sky did it…why couldn't she?

"Guys, there's something I haven't told you…" she said finally.

"What is it sweetie?" Flora asked, Musa and Tecna remained silent, expectantly. Layla sighed,

"I´m engaged".

It was finally the day for their mission to the Golden Kingdom, the specialist would be accompanying the girls on their trip, as those were Ms. Faragonda´s orders. Meaning Brandon would be there.

Stella considered all the possible apologies, all the words she could use to express her love to Brandon. Being a princess, living in a huge palace filled with people willing to grant her every wish, meant little to her. Despite her deep interest in fashion and looking elegant, she knew nothing ever meant a thing if there was no love in what was done. She had seen her parents relationship fall apart, she lived through every stage of their divorce. They were the king and queen of one of the richest, most powerful realms, they had it all. But without love, it didn't do much to help their cause. Now she was choosing to put love ahead of it all. She loved Brandon, and although she knew she had never cheated on him, she had somehow caused her "incident" with Bishop.

While Brandon refused to speak with her, Bishop had left text messages, numerous voice mails. He had even asked for her at Alfea but naturally, Musa told him she wasn't available, which she was thankful for. She didn't know what to do about him, she couldn't tell Brandon, it would only lead to another fight. She couldn't tell him off herself. That would only lead to bigger problems. Either Brandon would think she was truly seeing him behind his back or Bishop would try and kiss her again. All she could do for now was hide, avoid him at all cost. And Brandon couldn't find out. She couldn't lose him again so she´d have to keep quiet about Bishops harassment towards her.

"Stella, move it! Are you ready? The guys are waiting for us downstairs!" Musa yelled, barging into her room.

"All set" she said simply, feeling completely out of it. But she had to be strong. For Bloom. They left Alfea and greeted the guys. Brandon kept his arms crossed at all times. He looked serene nonetheless.

"Girls, everything in order?" Sky asked, with a smile. Despite his calm façade, it was pretty notorious how much he missed Bloom. He´s probably more nervous than anyone, Stella thought. Once everyone had boarded the ship and took their seat, she took a seat next to Brandon.

"Hey", she said quietly. Brandon simply turned to her and gave her a small smile in return. He wasn't talking. That was a bad sign.

"I know we´re on a mission here, but, do you think you can listen to me for a minute? Please?" she asked, feeling her heart race.

"Sure", he said looking straight ahead at the screen in front of him.

"Brandon, about…what you said the other night, about all or nothing, well…" he remained still waiting for her to continue.

"Well I just-I wanted to tell you how sorry I am firstly. Brandon I really don't want us to breakup, I love you, and I just-I want to make things right. And if I have to choose, well then I choose to have all, but with you. I promise not to try, this time I´ll do it. I´ll do everything in my power not to disappoint you", she told him finally. He looked down from his screen, and turned to her slowly. Finally giving her that heart-warming smiling she was so used to.

"Stella, seeing you and Bishop, it hurt. I won't deny I let my anger and jealousy get the best of me. Although, it's hard not to be jealous with a girl like you", he said nudging her slightly. Stella blushed and smiled.

"But this", he said taking her hand,

"This is all I needed, compromise from both of us. I´m sorry I reacted the way I did Stel, but you´re what I love most in this world and if you meant everything you said, than I´d be more than willing to make up", Stella smiled, truly relieved and content.

"I love you" she said, as he smiled and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Suddenly her cellphone began vibrating. She pulled it out of her pocket and read the name on the screen.

"Sunshine? Aren't you going to answer that?" Brandon asked,

"No, no it's not important. Everyone knows how important this mission is, I prefer not to answer", she said quickly, putting her phone away again. Nearly at the same time, Sky´s phone also rang,

"Everything alright, Sky?" Layla asked.

"Yeah, just a message from Diaspro", Layla stared at him, astonished.

"Diaspro? You're kidding me!"

"Apparently, she's heard about Bloom´s disappearance and wants to wish me luck", he said, scanning over the text message.

"Boy please, what is she, your friend now? Forgive me Sky, but there´s something about that girl I just don't like", Layla said, with a roll of her eyes.

"Makes two of us", Stella muttered.

"Same here", Helia added.

"Hey, hey the fact that we were engaged, doesn't mean that I have complete faith in her. Diaspro may have her good side when she wants to, but I definitely know she's not someone I can trust", Sky explained. During their engagement, the people of Eraklyon seemed rather fond of their future queen. She was delicate, elegant, very poised and came from a noble family. But very few of the Eraklian citizens knew who Diaspro could turn into when she really wanted something. She had been kind to Sky, she claimed to love him strongly and seemed to be really happy about their marriage. But there had been a point in their relationship where she seemed to be more in love with the power that came with the marriage, than with Sky himself. As the months passed, she had been more infatuated with the wedding than with their relationship. Up until he met Bloom of course. It wasn't until then that she truly took notice in him once again. But he had already fallen in love with his Bloom, so it was too late. But at times he wasn't sure whether she had really gotten over him. There was no guarantee, because when it came to Diaspro, anything was possible.