Hello, people. As promised, here is chapter 14 and the one that marks the end of Part 1. If you guys don't recall, this story will be divided in 5 different Parts. Part 1 was Flora's backstory and next chapter Part 2 will begin. From now on I'll be following S1 of Winx and so the chapters will be about the episodes.
That doesn't mean that the mysteries I've discussed since chapter 1, such as the gods, Andy, Mitzi and Diaspro won't be important. On the contrary, they will be crucial for the understatement of things and will definitely be brought up again.
Let's get to the shoutouts then:
knight7572: I will be exploring dark Bloom, but that will only come in Part 3. That's a good question. I needed to have Bloom awaken her powers earlier because Hades didn't know that she was the chosen one (no one knew) and it was a way for them to be aware that Bloom's still alive. If you recall, she lost her memories of it because Mitzi erased them, but they will be returning soon. You'll see about that soon.
winxkate: I'll talk about Helia in the end of this chapter. Good thing you remember about them being soulmates, that's quite important and will be brought up in later chapters. Leo and Diaspro will have a big role in Part 2 and you'll find out many of their secrets. I wrote Andy here as he's portrayed in Winx and I think he's a very sweet guy. I hope you are able to understand why it's necessary at least. Yeah, I realized that plot hole after writing the last two chapters. I'll explain it soon.
Flora: Leo and Diaspro will have a big role in Part 2 and you'll discovers some pretty big secrets about them. I'll be talking about Helia in the end of this chapter. Zeus isn't in heaven, he's in the Golden Kingdom, which is the kingdom of the gods. Heaven is a different place that's ruled by Themis, goddess of justice.
Guest:Thanks so much for your review, it sure made my day!
CherryMusser: You'll see in this chapter. Don't worry, she's still very much alive.
lovelykavya: I'll talk about Helia in the end of this chapter. Don't worry, soon you'll have information about what happened to him, how he died, who killed him, etc.
One last thing, as winxkate pointed out, Miele was unaffected by Hades'memory spell. The explanation for that is simple: Flora's agreement with the god of death included Miele remaining safe and still her sister, so Hades simply didn't cast it on her. Remember that he's a powerful god, though he's currently trapped, and so he should be able to choose who would be affected by it and who wouldn't.
Happy reading, everyone! Or not. This chapter's pretty sad.
2 months later...
"This is too hard!"Flora complained as she attempted to keep her balance. She was currently training her abilities with guns and she was having trouble. Guns were her least favorite weapon and she hated using them, hut Hades had made it clear that she needed to learn how to use all weapons.
"Come on, Flo, you can do this!"Leo screamed while adjusting his glasses. The nature fairy glared at him as she used her magic to make two huge green guns appear.
"Take this!"She yelled as she was able to hit three of the targets. They had been conjured by Leo and he had come up with the brilliant idea to make them have Lord Remus' face in the middle weeks ago. Well, king Remus now.
It took a while for Flora to come to terms that the man who murdered her parents in cold blood and was responsible for her death as well had become king of Limphea. Seeing him receiving praise from the royals of the Magic Dimension, even Aisha's parents, was extremely disturbing and there were times when all she wanted was to go there and tell them the truth. But she couldn't.
"Very good, you took them all out."Leo congratulated her after she landed back on her feet, having taken a jump on the air so that she could take out the remaining 4 targets.
"Am I awesome or what?"Flora excitedly said. After 2 months of training, she had gotten used to it and had found herself actually being able to enjoy it. Though she was still a hardcore pacifist inside, she no longer felt like her mind was being tormented when she used her skills to take out the targets.
"You're great. Since you were able to do this in record time, how about we make the rest of the class about archery?"Leo suggested and her eyes glowed with happiness. Archery was her favorite training, she discovered that she was very good at using a bow and so she always pleaded Leo to let her practice it more.
"Bring it on!"She yelled and Leo smiled before using his magic to create new targets while Flora used her magic to change her short red dress and black leggings into a comfortable outfit consisting of a green top, light pink pants and green sneakers. Her hair was tied up in a low ponytail and her light green bow appeared on her hands. Taking one arrow out of the bag in her back, Flora started shooting.
"Remember to stay focused."Leo said and she nodded quickly before taking out another arrow. Two targets were out quickly and there were 8 more to go. Knowing what she needed to do, Flora jumped into a platform and shot out 3 quick arrows. Now that only half of the targets were left, Leo decided to upgrade the remaining ones by giving them weapons. Arrows were shot her way and it took Flora a lot of concentration to keep up a shield around herself while also shooting more arrows.
"Only two more. You're making this too easy, Leo."She told him while smirking and Leo smiled.
"Then how about we make it more interesting?"He suggested before he closed his eyes. Soon the arrows that were coming her way turned into fire ones and Flora stopped shooting so that she could strengthen her shield.
"Floraaaa, I'm super hungry. Can we have dinner already?"The fight was interrupted by the appearance of Miele, who came into the room dressed in pink pajamas and holding her stuffed bear.
"How many times do I have to tell you not to come here?"Flora yelled at her, momentarily distracted. Her shield started fading away and one of the arrows managed to get through it.
"No!"Leo screamed in fear, but Flora had been training for long enough to be able to easily avoid the arrow.
"Go, Flora!"Miele screamed excitedly and Flora gave her a smile. Unfortunately, by avoiding the arrow, she ended up losing her balance and when she tried to regain it, her foot slipped over the platform. Feeling herself falling, she tried to transform, but the shield had taken a lot of her magic. "Oh, no. She's going to hit the ground!" Miele screamed worriedly before covering her eyes.
"Not on my watch."Leo determinately said before he closed his eyes once again. A yellow light shot out of his hands and it encircled Flora. She started descending slowly towards the ground and soon she was safely sitting there.
"Thanks, Leo. I was worried there for a second."She told him and he nodded.
"No problem. Protecting you is my job."He replied and she was about to say something when she was engulfed in a tight hug by her little sister.
"What am I going to do with you, little flower?"She told Miele while holding her close. They were all too distracted to remember that there were targets throwing arrows everywhere. Thankfully, Flora remembered it just in time. "Watch out, Leo!"She screamed and the orange haired boy looked just as one was about to hit him. He quickly used his magic to make the two targets disappear.
"That was close."He said while out of breath and she nodded.
"See now why I don't want you here? It's dangerous."Flora turned to Miele and the little girl looked at her with her best sorry face.
"I'm sorry. I just wanted to have dinner."She said sweetly and Flora couldn't keep the smile off her face at how cute she was.
"It's okay, sweetie."She replied before gently kissing Miele's forehead. "Well, now that training's over, how about we have a huge bowl of spaghetti for dinner?"She asked and Miele's face broke into an excited grin.
"Yay!"She screamed before she started running. Flora and Leo watched her with amused grins.
"Ah, to be young and carefree must be good, don't you think?"Leo commented and Flora cast him a look.
"Are you calling me old?"She asked him jokingly and he smirked.
"Perhaps."He replied shortly before he stood up and she did as well.
"If I'm old then what are you?"She asked with raised eyebrows and Leo's smirk didn't fade.
"I'm forever blessed with the look of youth."He replied cocklily while running a hand through his surprisingly soft spikes. She had gotten used to his selfappreciative jokes and cockiness, that was just who he was.
"Whatever makes you happy."Flora told him while rolling her eyes before she followed the direction Miele had gone to. Leo stood there for a few seconds, a pensive look on his face, before he followed her too.
Flora was unaware of how old he truly was, since Leo's agreement with Diaspro included not mentioning when he had died, but she sure wondered about it. She hoped one day he would tell her, but it didn't seem like this day would come soon.
On Melody...
A young girl with dark blue hair and eyes of the same color sat in her bed, dressed in her usual outfit that consisted of a red top and light blue jeans. Her eyes were closed as she listened to the music coming from her dark red headphones. A sudden knock on the door made her open them and stare at the door in confusion.
"Yes."She whispered lowly.
"Musa, it's me."The response came from queen Melanie, her late mother's younger sister. "Can I come in?"Melanie's voice was soft and cautious, like she was scared of the impact her words could have.
"Why?"Musa replied, voice raising as her heart started beating faster.
"Your father wants you to come with us this year."Melania replied and Musa looked towards the huge window on the other side of the room. It was a sunny day outside and Musa could make out Galatea's figure as the blonde princess was in the gardens practicing her magic with a tuba.
"Does he want it or do you?"Musa's reply surprised the queen of Melody.
"We both want you to come and I'm sure Matlin would feel the same."Melanie's words were like a punch to Musa's face, how dare they mention her mother when she made it clear that she didn't want to talk about her, ever. Even less on the day that marked 8 years since her death.
"I don't care, I'm not going."She replied rather harshly and Melanie sighed. Trying to convince Musa to go with them to the cemetery was a hard fight they had every year and usually the young girl would win.
"Could you at least let me in?"Melanie tried a different approach and Musa nodded softly before she remembered that the queen couldn't see her.
"Okay."Her reply came as a big surprise, but Melanie didn't dwell on it for long. She slowly opened the door and let herself in Musa's chambers. The room was simple and rather empty, the only furniture there were the bed covered in red sheets, a small desk in the corner with a chair and a huge piano near the window.
It was one of Musa's demands when her father had decided that they would be moving back into the palace. She had always wanted to have a piano just for her, since it was her favorite instrument.
"How are you doing, sweetie?"Melanie asked as she cautiously approached the bed. Musa stared at her with these enigmatic dark blue eyes that were so much like Matlin's that it hurt.
"I don't want to talk about it."Musa was quick to make clear and Melanie only nodded.
"Okay, then we won't talk about it. I know this day is hard for you, even more than it's for me and your father."Musa avoided her eyes. "So, were you listening to music?" She pointed to the headphones that were now hanging off the edge of the bed.
"Yes, I was listening to their first album. It's the best one."There was no need to specify whose album she had been listening to, Melanie understood.
"I agree. Though Matlin always said how she loved the one they made when she was pregnant with you, I always loved the first one."A small smile came to her face, but Musa's expression didn't change.
"I need to practice piano."Musa said before suddenly stand up. Melanie watched her as she walked towards the piano and opened it.
"Have you been composing any new songs?"She asked before walking towards the young girl.
"It's not finished yet."Musa stated and it was clear by her tone that she desired to be alone, but Melanie wasn't ready to leave yet.
"Could you show it to me?"She asked and Musa raised eyebrows. It had been years since she had asked them, after Musa had refused so many times she had just given up. "Please, I think that would make this day hurt less if I got to listen to your beautiful songs."Melanie pleaded and Musa sighed before she started playing. The sweet sound of the piano mixed with her melodic voice as she started singing.
I miss you, miss you so bad
I don't forget you, oh, it's so sad
I hope you can hear me
I remember it clearly
Tears started falling from Melanie's eyes, though they went unnoticed by Musa since her eyes were closed.
The day you slipped away
Was the day I found it won't be the same, oh
I didn't get around to kiss you
Goodbye on the hand
I wish that I could see you again
I know that I can't
Musa's father came into the room, eyes widened and face puffed in a clear sign that he had been running. He looked at Musa then Meanie incredulously and the blonde woman cast him a small smile before making a sign for him not to say anything.
Oh, I hope you can hear me 'cause I remember it clearly
The day you slipped away
Was the day I found it won't be the same
(Slipped Away, by Avril Lavigne)
Musa suddenly stopped playing and she opened her eyes. Upon seeing her father, they widened in surprise.
"I came here to see if Melanie had convinced you to come this year."He said quickly and desperately and Musa looked between the two adults in the room.
"I want to be alone now."She softly whispered and Ho-Bo looked like he wanted to say something else, but Melanie shook her head at him. She knew that Musa was better left alone that day.
"Okay. We'll be back in a few hours, okay?"She approached Musa slowly and this time the young girl didn't move away when she sat by her side in the bench by the piano. She didn't pull away when Melanie hugged her, softly and cautiously. It had been so long since she had been hugged that if felt weird, unfamiliar. But Musa enjoyed the feeling and for a second she wondered why she hadn't allowed anyone to hug her for so long. Then she remembered.
"That was a beautiful song, Musa. I hope someday you'll show it to the world."Her father said after she pulled apart from the hug. The same sadness that was clear on her face could be seen in his. It was a feeling they shared, just as the terrible past that haunted them both. And both feared that it might never go away, that they might never find happiness again like they had many years ago. But how can you be happy when the past continues to haunt you?
On Andros...
"Aisha, darling, why are you still not ready?"Niobe exclaimed as she entered the room of the princess of Andros. Said princess was sitting on a corner of the room, dressed in a blue top combined with dark green pants and ballerina shoes.
"I don't want to go."Aisha replied and Niobe immediately realized that something was wrong. The brown haired girl was holding her knees to her chest and there were tears falling down her face.
"Oh, sweetie, what's wrong?"The worried mother rushed to her side and sat down on the floor. She had no idea how many answers that question could have, but again, neither did Aisha. She didn't know that she wasn't supposed to be alone in her room, crying or that a part of her life was missing. She had no idea of the events of 2 months before or the pain she had endured.
"I'm fine, mom, it's just...It's been 3 years."Aisha replied hoarsely before she burried her head in her knees. Niobe didn't ask her what had happened 3 years before, she knew.
"I'm sorry, I had forgotten."She gently told her daughter while caressing her curly brown hair.
"I miss her."Aisha said between sobs and Niobe's heart constricted. She knew that she had no desire to leave the room, but the meeting that night was important. They were going to discuss with her the topic of marriage and explain to the Andros princess that she was expected to get married before her 18th birthday, when she would become crown princess. Aisha couldn't just not go to this meeting.
"I know you do, sweetie."Deciding that a few moments of quietness wouldn't harm their schedule much, she let Aisha have her time.
"Why did she have to go? Why couldn't she have stayed here on Andros?"The young girl mused and Niobe smiled sadly.
"You know that she wanted to stay, honey. The decision just wasn't up to her, that's all."The princess of Andros sighed deeply.
"She was the one who taught me how to dance."She muttered out of the blue and Niobe smiled.
"And you've learned it well. I'm sure Anne is very proud of you."She told Aisha proudly and the brown haired girl looked away. The mention of Anne's name hurt even more than her absence ever did. Because Aisha thought that if she didn't say it, it would be as if Anne had never existed, as if all the pain she went through after her only friend left had never existed.
Anne had been the first person to show Aisha how to have fun, how to dance carelessly and freely. She was the reason Aisha hadn't been so lonely, even if for a few years. Because being an only children meant that the princess of Andros had been alone for most of her life. A lonely childhood that ended when Anne moved to Andros with her family.
After she was forced to leave, Aisha was left heartbroken because Anne had been the sister she never had, her best friend, the only person she had confided in about the loneliness of her childhood and the hard relationship she had with her parents. Too bad the princess of Andros had no idea that Anne was never real, she was just an illusion created by a spell. A memory added to her mind because she had forgotten what really happened.
Hades' spell to erase Flora's existence had hit Aisha the hardest. Memories of her entire life changed, her happy childhood playing with Flora and Helia was replaced by a lonely one. Her teenage years, when she realized that Flora and Helia had grown closer and knew that they were going to get together at one point, it all changed. Anne was her only friend, the only one she remembered.
"Can I dance for a few more minutes? I promise I'll get ready in record time!"Aisha pleaded and Niobe sighed.
"Okay. Just please, don't be late for tonight's meeting. It's very important!"She told the young girl firmly and Aisha nodded eagerly, trying not to think of what tonight might be about. It was rare for her parents to desire to see her at for meetings, so this truly must be important.
"I'll be there early, you'll see."She hugged Niobe tightly and her mother laughed before hugging her back. After that, she left the room and Aisha was left alone. Again. What a surprise. "Oh, how I wish that I had someone to dance with me."She admitted to herself after she got up and looked at the large mirror in the other side of the room.
"I wish you were here, Anne. It has felt like so much is missing in my life ever since you went away."She muttered and she had no idea that this feeling wasn't just for Anne. On some level, deep inside her mind, she still knew the two best friends she had had for so long, two losses that had sent her over her breaking point.
Perhaps the spell that had erased her memories wasn't such a terrible thing after all, because it had also erased the pain of losing them. However, the pain was still there and stronger than ever. Only this pain was because of her loneliness, it was based on an illusion, a fake memory. But it hurt just as much.
Later that night, with Flora...
"And so the empress sighed in relief at the mention that Anastasia was alright. She turned back to Sophie, who was smiling after reading the letter that the newfound russian princess had left on the desk. 'It's a perfect ending.' Sophie said excitedly and the empress walked towards the window and looked out with a smile of her own. 'No. It's a perfect beginning.' She wisely said and not so far, Anastasia was thinking the same thing as she watched Dimitri play with Pooka, who seemed to be enjoying himself."Flora finished reading Miele's favorite book and the little girl pouted.
"Is it over?"She asked and Flora gave her a sad smile.
"I'm afraid so, sweetie."Miele crossed her arms over her chest while holding onto her favorite bear.
"But I want to hear more. Can't you read it again?"She asked and Flora shook her head while smiling. She loved reading to Miele, it had always been a part of their routine. When their parents were still alive, the four of them, sometimes with Helia's addition, would go to Miele's room and Alyssa and Rollos would read a book and they would make the voices of the characters to make both children laugh. Usually Anastasia would be the chosen story, since it was Flora and Miele's favorite. So Flora and Helia would sit in the huge couch in Miele's room while Alyssa and Rollos lay on each of the little girl's side as they read the story.
"It's already 10 pm, sweetie. You should go to sleep because tomorrow will be a big day."The morning after would be a day of peace and joy for Flora had made an agreement with Hades, so training sessions were cancelled. Therefore, the two sisters were planning on spending the day together, watching movies and playing since Leo would be away.
"But I'm not so tired yet."Miele complained and Flora patiently smiled.
"How about I make you some tea? Will that help?"She asked and the little girl nodded while a bright smile came to her face.
"Yes! I love your yummy tea!" Miele said and Flora laughed too before she left the room and followed towards the kitchen. It was dark in the caves and she felt rather unsettled, but she had gotten used to it after 2 months. Thankfully there were many lamps that Leo had conjured and they lightened the way, but it made many shadows appear on the hallway and sometimes Flora could swear that they were moving.
Getting to the kitchen, Flora walked towards one of the light green cabinets and opened it. Holding onto a pink mug with sunflowers drawn on it, she then picked a pan and filled it with water before putting it the stove.
"I don't mind spending everyday, out on your corner in the pouring rain." She hummed silently while watching the pan. A smile came to her face as she recalled how Helia used to love this song, though he would never admit it in public. When they were alone in his art room, she would overhear him singing it softly, so low that she was sure he didn't mean for her to hear, but she did.
"Look for the girl with the broken smile, ask her if she wants to stay awhile and she will be loved. She will be loooved." She recalled the blush on his face when she dared him to sing it on his 13th birthday and the way Aisha and Miele laughed in delight at him. But she didn't, she only smiled because she thought that his singing voice was the most beautiful sound. She wondered now if he truly was a good singer or if her assumption had been due to her feelings for him. (Song is She Will Be Loved, by Maroon 5)
The thought of Helia hurt, even after 2 months she still had trouble dealing with the fact that he was gone. Forever. She would never see his face again, or ran her fingers through his soft blue hair. She would never be loved by him or marry him or have children with him. Their relationship had been over before it even started.
"Who would have thought that one song could hurt so much." She muttered to herself before sighing."It reminds me of him and I don't know why I can't let it go. Let him go." The sudden appearance of her mirror startled her and broke her train of thoughts.
"What?"She muttered before picking it up. It wasn't the first time the mirror appeared out of nowhere, without her summoning it, so she wasn't surprised. She knew it was most likely Hades, since he was the only one who contacted her through it. Leo and Diaspro had cellphones, another thing that surprised her. They had explained that if they wanted to pretend that they were a part of this world, they needed to follow its rules.
"You're distracted."Hades said, sounding accusatory.
"I'm sorry, I was just thinking about..."She didn't finish, she didn't need to. He knew who she was talking about.
"Well, you better focus from now on because I have important news for you."His words made her curious.
"What is it?"She asked and Hades smiled.
"I have come to the conclusion that you are ready to engage in a mission."Her stomach churned as she was filled with fear. She knew what a mission for Hades meant and it was never good. Just because she had been training with weapons doesn't mean she was ready to use them on a real person.
"Are you sure?"She asked him, voice trembling.
"Yes. And I already have something perfect for you."He replied with the same smile that sent chills down her spine."Look closely at this picture."The image on the mirror suddenly turned to a red haired girl Flora was sure that she had seen before. She had beautiful light blue eyes and she looked to be about the same age as Flora.
"Who is this?"She asked Hades and his image reappeared.
"Her name is Bloom. In two weeks time she will go to Alfea, school for fairies."He paused for a second and Flora realized where he was getting at. "And so will you."
"I'm going to Alfea? I know that was the plan before I died, but I never would have thought that you'd want me to go there."Hades laughed.
"On the contrary. All I want is for you to follow Bloom to Alfea. Your job will be to keep an eye on her, protect her and most importantly, keep her alive."Flora looked at him full of wonder.
"I'm guessing she must be important if you want me to babysit her."She told him and he laughed once again.
"She is, indeed. Therefore I want you to do everything to ensure she stays safe. Do you hear me? No matter who you have to hurt or kill, no harm must come to Bloom."Her stomach churned once again.
"I understand."She said tightly. "So I shall befriend her so that it can be easier to keep an eye on her?"
"Yes, that would be good. But don't get too close, keep in mind that in the end, you'll be the one who seals her fate. Wouldn't want your feelings to get in the way of the mission."His tone was firm and harsh and Flora knew that he was dead serious. She shivered at the thought of what might happen if she failed.
"Okay. Anything else?"She asked and she surprised herself with her apparent calmness.
"You need to keep a low profile, no one can know who you are. Think you can handle protecting Bloom and doing it discreetly?"She didn't think she had much of a choice.
"I think I can handle that."Hades gave her a pleased smile.
"Good. Leo already sent in your applications and you shall go to Alfea in a week. Bloom will meet you there. She won't know who you are, so again, be careful what you say."Flora only nodded and the sound of the water bubbling brought her back from her thoughts. She put the mirror on the desk before turning off the stove, picking the pan and filling the flowery mug with hot water. Then she used her magic to make the tea sac appear on the mug and the mirror to disappear.
While walking towards Miele, she couldn't help but wonder about this mission and worry about all the things that could go wrong. She had no idea of all the people she would meet and the secrets she would uncover. And more importantly, she had no idea how hard it would be to finish it.
So, what did you think? Did you enjoy the badass Flora scenes and FloraXLeo friendship? If it's not clear, Leo is a wizard and soon you'll find out what his powers are.
What about Musa? I think I'll be showing a different Musa in this story than the one in Winx. In the beginning at least, she'll be more like Flora, quiet and shy. Once you find out the truth about her mother's death, you'll be able to understand why she's different. What are your thoughts on her relationship with her father and aunt so far?
Did you understand how the memory spell affected Aisha's life? Just to be clear, Anne IS NOT A REAL PERSON. She never existed, the only reason Aisha remembers her is because Hades' spell is supposed to alter people's memories besides erasing the ones about Flora.
I hope you liked the grand finale and scene with Hades. Do you see now how I'm going to tie it all up to Winx? Next chapter will be about S1Ep1.
Now let's get to what really matters. I know everybody must be confused or mad because of the info I gave last chapter about Helia, so I'll give you a peace of mind. Just because Daphne said he moved on, doesn't mean it's true. After all, people can lie. The question here is: why would she lie? What are her reasons for uncovering Helia's true fate?
Next chapter will probably come by the beginning of next week. I just realized I have three tests coming, so I'll need time to study. Think we can make it to 5 reviews?