The Queen of Shadows - World of Winx rewrite S.1

Chapter 8: Resting, Never heard about it before

Stella spotted Bloom walking near the water channel, accompanied by the talent Alessia. Both of them appeared weary. Stella nudged Flora's elbow. "Look, there they are..."

"Thank goodness they seem fine." Flora exhaled with a mixture of relief and lingering worry. There had been no response from Bloom after they received a message that she had seen the talent thief in Venedig.

Stella felt her anxiety ease a bit. However, her sense of relief quickly shifted to alarm as she noticed Bloom suddenly come to a halt. She wondered why Bloom was holding her hand to her head. Stella approached Bloom cautiously to ascertain what was happening. The voice of the talent beside Bloom calling her name added to the confusion. In a split second, everything happened in a blur. Stella watched as her best friend collapsed and plunged into the water.

"Girls, I need help!" Stella shouted, her panic evident.

She rushed to the water's edge, using her powers to illuminate the water's surface. At that moment, Stella didn't care if anyone witnessed her powers. She strained to catch a glimpse of Bloom within the water, but the deep blue hue made it nearly impossible.

"Can you see her, Flora?" Stella's voice quivered with anxiety.

"No, can you?" Flora's response mirrored Stella's concern.The rest of the Winx had swiftly exited the Winx mobile and gathered around.

"What's going on?" Musa asked, her voice reflecting her worry.

"Bloom fell into the water!" Flora exclaimed, pointing to the dark expanse of water. The cover of night made it even more challenging to discern anything, despite Stella's glowing light.

Aisha, with her quick reflexes, manipulated her powers to retrieve Bloom from the water. Stella channeled her sun-based abilities, heating her hands for warmth. Bloom's skin felt damp and cold to the touch. Stella's heart raced as she felt her best friend's stillness, her lack of response to her efforts.

"Is she...?" Stella's voice trembled as she hesitated to complete her question.

Tecna activated her scanner, and Stella awaited an answer with bated breath. Each second dragged on, stretching into what felt like minutes.

"She... she's okay," Tecna finally confirmed. "However, she seems to have been affected by sleep dust and sustained a blow to her head."

"Let's get her inside the Winx mobile and settle her in a bed," Flora suggested.

Stella could sense Flora's efforts to remain composed, but she knew that beneath the facade, Flora was likely feeling horrified and scared. Musa and Aisha carefully carried Bloom into the Winx mobile, and Stella was about to follow suit when she heard the talent's voice.

"Will she be okay?" The concern in Alessia's voice was palpable. Stella found herself grappling with the same uncertainty and hesitated, not wanting to give false hope.

"I... I don't know," she admitted honestly.

The talent's gaze dropped to the ground, anxiety etched across her features. Stella's concern for Bloom was consuming. The memory of her friend falling into the water was etched in her mind, and she couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to her best friend, especially after the traumatic events involving the Trix. After that day they had attacked her friend on Earth and almost killed her in the ice. Stella had vowed to herself that she would always be there to shield and safeguard Bloom. But with each challenge they faced, a pang of self-doubt gnawed at her. This time, though, Stella was resolute. She was determined to go to any lengths necessary to protect Bloom.

Stella's curiosity got the better of her. "What happened exactly?"

"I'm not entirely sure. We were heading back to join you, and then I received a phone call. Next thing I knew, a mysterious man attacked me, and I fell asleep. After that... everything just went black."

Stella's instincts kicked in. It was evident that something significant had occurred. If Bloom had fallen prey to sleep dust, it indicated that their adversary had been targeting them and attempting to abduct the talent.

Curiosity piqued again as the girl's attention shifted to her. "So, you can do magic?" she inquired.

Caught off guard, Stella stumbled over her words, trying to come up with an explanation that didn't reveal the magical truth, as the rule of not using magic in front of Earth people flashed in her mind.

"Well..." Stella's voice trailed off uncertainly, struggling to concoct a plausible excuse.

The girl's response was unexpected. "No worries. I won't tell anyone. I love fairies, just like Bloom."

Stella's heart warmed at the memory of Bloom's fascination with fairies when they first met. She remembered how Bloom had shared her love for fairies and her reading of a fairy-themed book. Even though the book's portrayal didn't align with the realities of the Magical dimension, Stella found it endearing how Earth people envisioned fairies.

"That's good to hear," Stella replied, returning the girl's smile.

"Anyways... I should head back home. Please send my regards to Bloom once she's feeling better," the girl said before starting to depart.

"I can walk you home," Stella offered the girl.

Alessia's tired face broke into a grateful smile. "That would be really appreciated."

With a nod, Stella fell in step beside her new acquaintance, the two of them making their way through the streets of Venedig. Stella couldn't help but feel a connection to this girl, Alessia. She saw a bit of Bloom's fervor and determination in her, mixed with the innocence of someone who had dreams to chase.

***

Winx had returned to Gardenia, and Stella found herself at Bloom's bedside, anxiously watching over her friend. Bloom was still unconscious, but Tecna's assurances about her improving condition provided some relief to Stella's worried heart. Stella tried to maintain a semblance of calmness, distracting herself with the WOW show and its scouting activities for the day. She hoped that the hours would pass quickly, bringing them closer to Bloom's full recovery.

Amidst her attempts to keep busy, Stella arranged for Mike and Vanessa, Bloom's parents, to look after her. Their concern for their daughter was evident, but it was also a reminder of the support and care Stella had always craved from her own parents. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as she observed the loving dynamics in Bloom's family. The fractured relationships in her own family, exacerbated by her parents' divorce, were a constant ache in her heart.

Stella's thoughts drifted to her own family situation, a mix of longing and disappointment. She wished her parents could understand her on a deeper level, beyond the realm of politics and royalty. Their lack of attention to her emotional well-being was deeply hurtful. The divorce had only widened the chasm between them, and her mother's departure had felt like an abandonment.

Tenderly watching over her sleeping friend, Stella felt a surge of empathy. She whispered to Bloom, "It's okay, Bloom. I'll always be here for you. I'll never leave you." In that moment, Stella found solace in her friendship with Bloom, a bond that transcended the troubles of their respective pasts.

***Musa settled in the living room, her determination evident as she discussed her plan with Tecna. They had been experimenting with the sleep dust, contemplating the possibility of using it to establish contact with Annabelle. Tecna's analysis indicated that the dust was likely to induce drowsiness without posing any significant harm.However, Aisha had reservations about Musa's proposal. She was deeply concerned for her friend's safety and argued against the idea, cautioning Musa about the potential risks. Musa empathized with Aisha's worries but believed that the plan was worth a shot. She saw this as an opportunity to rescue Annabelle, someone who shared a profound connection with the power of music and held a special place in Musa's heart.

Musa assured Aisha that she would exercise caution and take all necessary precautions. For Musa, saving Annabelle was a personal mission. She felt responsible for Annabelle's kidnapping, as it had happened when she wasn't present during the blackout. Her determination to bring Annabelle back was fueled by a sense of duty and friendship, as well as the understanding of how vital music was to both of them.

As Musa lay down on Aisha's bed, a mixture of anticipation and anxiety washed over her. She exchanged a reassuring smile with Aisha, who remained by her side. Tecna carefully administered the sleep dust, and Musa felt her eyelids grow heavy. Aisha's voice lingered in her thoughts as she drifted into sleep, echoing the question of what they should do if things went awry.

"You'll... probably figure that... out," Musa mumbled before her eyes shut.

— Musa's surroundings seemed both familiar and alien as she stood on the shore, her senses alert to an eerie presence that she couldn't quite define. The rustling of leaves and the whispering of the wind through the dead bushes made her heart race, and she cautiously ventured into the enigmatic forest with its peculiar blue trees. Despite the dreamlike atmosphere, Musa's emotions felt real, as did the suppressed power of her Dreamix abilities.

As she struggled to harness her echolocation powers to locate Annabelle, Musa experienced a sense of disconnection. It was as though the dream realm was interfering with her abilities, cutting off her connection to the reality she was familiar with. This observation left her wondering whether she was truly in a dream or some sort of alternate reality.

The sound of her name being called drew her attention. She turned toward the voice, hoping to find Annabelle. The dense foliage seemed to move against her, almost as if the forest was alive and attempting to hinder her progress. Musa deftly navigated through an opening in the trees and spotted a figure ahead – Annabelle. Her heart leapt, and Musa called out to her friend with a mixture of excitement and relief.

However, as Annabelle turned around, the moment was tinged with sorrow. Musa's attempt to embrace her friend only led to a disheartening realization – she was merely a dream, and her touch was ethereal. Musa's apology was laden with regret, understanding the pain of being unable to provide physical comfort.

Annabelle's tears and anguish tore at Musa's heart. "I just want to go home..."

"I am sorry, Annabelle. We're still trying to find a way to save you," Musa said. "But have you seen a metal watch that can open portals?"

Musa's mention of the watch triggered a memory in Annabelle, hinting at a connection to her current situation. "Yeah in my apartment..." Annabelle answered as she wiped away some of her tears.

Yet, before the conversation could fully finish, a sinister whispering disrupted their exchange. Annabelle's eyes darkened, and her trance-like state set Musa on edge. Desperate to protect her friend, Musa called out to Annabelle, but her attempts were met with indifference as Annabelle moved toward the shadows.

"Annabelle?" Musa cried out, desperately attempting to capture Annabelle's attention. However, her pleas fell on deaf ears as Annabelle continued to move toward the encroaching darkness. Panic gripped Musa, and she was on the verge of dashing after her friend. The relentless whispers grew louder, tearing through her mind and inflicting excruciating pain. The voices seemed to beckon her to relinquish her powers to the Queen of Darkness, a chilling command that tested Musa's resolve.Refusing to succumb to the malevolent voices, Musa fought to maintain her mental fortitude. The pain was overwhelming, and she sank to her knees, clutching her head in a desperate attempt to quell the torment. The voices exuded a sinister chill, an embodiment of the darkness itself that sought to dominate her thoughts."Stop it!" Musa's voice reverberated through the dream realm, an anguished cry against the oppressive forces. Her determination to resist the darkness burned bright within her, fueled by her unyielding connection to her music and her unbreakable spirit. As the echoes of her plea rang out, a brilliant light materialized, encasing Musa in a radiant glow. The dazzling luminosity acted as a barrier against the encroaching darkness, a shield forged by her inner strength.

Struggling against the forces that sought to strip her of her essence and music from her soul. She saw a bright light encase her. This is when Musa thought, this is the end. She would never hear her music again and never touch an instrument again.

"Stop it!" Musa's voice surged once more, a declaration that resonated not only in the dream realm but within her heart as well.

"Stop it!"

—

"Stop it!"

Musa jolted upright, her movement inadvertently striking Aisha's chin with her hand. Her breathing was ragged, coming in short, panicked gasps. Her heart raced as if it were in a furious sprint, threatening to burst from her chest. The room seemed to spin around her, and a thin layer of sweat coated her skin. Everything had felt all too real, and its aftereffects clung to her like a suffocating fog.A gentle touch on her shoulder startled her, and Musa tensed, her wide eyes darting toward the source of the contact. Aisha stood there, her expression compassionate and concerned, her hand extended in a reassuring gesture. Musa's pulse gradually began to slow as the warmth of Aisha's presence began to soothe her frayed nerves. The nightmare was over, and reality was slowly returning.

"Calm down, Musa... You're safe now," Aisha's words were a lifeline, grounding Musa in the present. Her voice held a tone of comfort, a steady reassurance that everything was alright. Musa gripped Aisha's hand, holding onto it as if it were an anchor in the storm of her own mind. The chaotic whirlwind within her started to subside, replaced by a sense of security.

Tecna's voice joined the fray, her logical approach offering additional stability. She informed Musa about the use of the sleep dust and its effects, explaining how they had managed to bring her back from the dream realm. The empty container in Tecna's hand was evidence of their efforts, and Musa couldn't help but feel grateful for her friends' intervention.

But it was Aisha's presence that truly eased her turmoil. The steadiness of Aisha's touch and her calming words enveloped Musa like a protective cocoon. The echoes of the dark voices began to fade, replaced by the resonance of her friend's voice, a beacon of light in the darkness.

Musa struggled to put her experience into words, the fear and confusion still palpable in her voice. "I heard... those voices... I thought I was going to..." Her voice trailed off, the words catching in her throat as the memories of the 'nightmare' threatened to overwhelm her once more.

Aisha's steady guidance kicked in again, urging Musa to regulate her breathing. In and out, a rhythmic cadence that gradually pulled her back to the realm of reality. Musa followed Aisha's instruction, the rise and fall of her chest aligning with the comforting repetition of breath.

As her pulse normalized and the anxiety began to recede, Musa squeezed Aisha's hand, gratitude shining in her eyes. She couldn't imagine going through that experience alone, and her friend's support had made all the difference.

"I'm glad you brought me back," Musa managed to whisper, her voice filled with emotion. Those scenes she had witnessed, had shaken her to her core, but Aisha's and Tecna's presence had anchored her and brought her back from the brink of darkness.

***

Bloom found solace in the tranquil embrace of the Gardenia park. The lush surroundings provided a comforting contrast to the turmoil she often faced in her daily life, especially the unkind treatment she endured from Mitzy. With her book about fairies, she escaped into a realm of her own making, where she could shed the weight of the world's judgment and just be herself. Within the pages of her book, fairies lived in harmony and peace, a stark contrast to the harsh reality she sometimes felt.Suddenly, a loud noise shattered the tranquility, causing Bloom to startle and look around, her heart racing with unease. She set her book down, and in a disorienting twist, the book transformed before her eyes. Now an ancient, weathered tome with a cover resembling an eye, its yellow hue bore the striking image of a black cat's eye, staring out ominously.

A wave of darkness washed over Bloom, prompting her to drop the book to the ground in surprise. An intense flash of light enveloped her, and within that luminous cascade, her surroundings transformed. She and Stella stood together in the very same Gardenia park, reliving the moment when they had first crossed paths. However, this déjà vu was tinged with an unsettling difference.

As they disappeared into a portal, Bloom's attention was drawn to a figure lurking amidst the trees. It was the same green-haired girl she had seen before, an uncanny familiarity lurking around her form. Though the girl's features remained blurry, Bloom could discern the fiery intensity within her light-brown eyes. Those eyes seemed to burn with fury as the portal sealed shut behind them. In the girl's hands, the aged book appeared once more, glowing with an eerie light.

A sense of dread tingled at the edge of Bloom's consciousness. The voice that spoke to the girl felt strangely recognizable, a sinister undertone that sent shivers down her spine. Just as the voice was about to reveal the girl's name, the vision abruptly cut off, leaving Bloom perplexed and haunted by the cryptic scene she had witnessed.

"Se..."

--

Bloom's abrupt awakening left her gasping for air, her heart pounding like a drum within her chest. Beads of sweat trickled down her brow, mirroring the intense disorientation and fear that had gripped her in the throes of her dream. She struggled to regain her bearings, her head pulsating with pressure as if it were trying to contain a flood of memories that refused to come to the surface.Surveying her surroundings, she found herself lying in an unfamiliar bed within what seemed to be her parents' house. Confusion knitted her brows, as the events leading up to this moment felt like an enigmatic haze. She couldn't remember anything beyond encountering Alessia and unlocking her Dreamix powers. Everything else was like a void, a gap in her recollections that unnerved her deeply.The clock on the wall indicated that it was already 11:00, and her Winx watch rested nearby on her desk. Just then, her bedroom door creaked open, revealing her father, Mike, bearing a cup of steaming hot chocolate. The gesture was comforting, and she accepted the mug with gratitude, the warmth of the beverage providing a soothing balm for her frazzled nerves.

"Dad..." she addressed him, a mix of relief and uncertainty in her voice.

"Hi sweetheart. Did you have a nightmare?" Mike's concern was evident in his tone as he offered her the mug. "I heard you wake up so suddenly and thought this might help you calm down."

Bloom took a sip from the mug, the velvety liquid easing her tension little by little. As the warmth spread through her, she tried to put the pieces together, to remember what had triggered the vivid nightmare that had shaken her so.In the midst of this, her father's tone shifted, becoming more serious and slightly frustrated. He broached the topic that had been a point of contention between them – the constant danger that came with being a guardian fairy.

"Dad... that's part of being a guardian fairy – embarking on dangerous missions and protecting those in need," she responded, her voice a blend of determination and defense.

Mike's interruption indicated his level of concern. "I don't care about that. Neither do I or Vanessa like that our daughter constantly puts herself in harm's way.""But I'm 20, Dad. I have to make my own choices and decisions..."

"Bloom, this is about us caring for you. Remember the dangers you've faced? The witches who hunted you for your powers? You were almost lost to us," he sighed, his concern for her well-being palpable. "And Valtor... he targeted you because of your status as the lost princess of Domino. The threat was very real."

As her father recounted the perilous situations she had faced, Bloom's thoughts momentarily flashed to the other adversaries she had encountered, but she stopped herself before any of those names escaped her lips. Her parents' hearts couldn't handle more distress, she knew. They would've surely forced her to drop of Alfea, if they had got to know what happened with Lord Darkar and fake Professor Avalon.

"I know... I appreciate your concern, Dad. I love you both for caring about me," she said, her gaze fixed on the swirling patterns in her hot chocolate.

Mike's sigh conveyed a mix of resignation and parental affection. "You have a good heart, Bloom. It's always been one of your most admirable qualities."

A faint, albeit weary, smile tugged at the corners of Bloom's lips as she met her father's gaze, those blue eyes reflecting not just his concern, but also his unwavering love.

"But please... rest today. No more adventures," Mike's arms were now crossed, his stance a blend of protective concern and fatherly authority. The stern expression on his face harked back to the times when Bloom had been a stubborn teenager, arriving home late or defying his advice. "Stella mentioned that you had fainted and fallen into the water."

"Oh? Did I?" Bloom's response was a soft, almost absentminded acknowledgment, as her mind still grappled with the unsettling remnants of her dream.

"Yeah... We got so worried," Mike continued.

"Sorry... I didn't mean to worry you," Bloom said and felt a pang of embarrassment for not even remembering the whole situation.

"We know." Her father's lips brushed against her forehead in a gentle kiss, a familiar gesture that conveyed his love and reassurance. The warmth of his smile, though worn by the weight of worry, managed to bring a glimmer of comfort to Bloom's unsettled heart. With that, he left her room, the door clicking softly behind him.

Bloom remained alone, contemplating the events of the night and the words shared with her father. The empty mug of hot chocolate was now back on her desk, evidence of the soothing interlude she had shared with her dad.

Lying back on her pillow, Bloom closed her eyes, seeking solace in the calm ambiance of her room. She yearned for respite from the tumultuous dreams and the worries that had gripped her during her waking hours. She hoped that the embrace of sleep would offer her not more nightmares, but a peaceful escape into a world where the challenges she faced as a guardian fairy were put on hold, even if just for a little while.

***

As the Winx prepared to head to a new location for talent scouting, Stella couldn't help but feel a sense of unease gnawing at her. The knowledge that she had left Bloom behind, even in the capable hands of Bloom's parents, didn't quell her inner worries. She longed to be there for her friend, to offer her support and comfort directly.

A gentle voice, Flora's, broke through her thoughts. "Stella?"

Stella looked up and met Flora's concerned gaze.

"Are you okay?" Flora asked softly.

Stella nodded, though her attempt to mask her feelings was evident. "I'm just concerned about Bloom."

Flora's expression only deepened her concern. "No, I meant are you okay?"

The table was soon surrounded by the other Winx, each sharing a look of genuine worry. Stella could feel the weight of their collective concern directed at her, and it made her slightly uncomfortable.

"I'm..."

"We've noticed that it's not just Bloom who's feeling stressed," Musa chimed in.

Tecna's analytical voice followed. "Addressing your own stress is important. Sharing your feelings could help alleviate it."

Stella let out a heavy sigh, finally letting her concerns spill out in front of her friends. She confessed that ever since Bloom's recent episode, she had been harboring worries. Worries about whether Bloom's negative emotions might resurface, pushing her towards the darker side she had fought so hard to overcome back then after Lord Darkar's influence. It was a fear she had buried deep, something she never wanted to experience again- seeing her best friend be controlled by the darkness.

As Stella spoke, her friends listened intently, offering their support through their eyes and attentive expressions. The bond they shared was strong, a testament to the depth of their friendship.

She also told them about why she had an outbreak on Bloom at the hotel. It was her fear that Bloom's darker self was back.

Aisha, who was driving, chimed in with an unexpected perspective. "I don't think that was Bloom in the park. The figure I saw didn't cast a shadow."

Stella's eyes widened at the revelation. The realization that the person she had seen might not have been her friend brought a mix of relief and confusion.

"But it sounded like her, didn't it?" Musa asked, echoing Stella's own thoughts.

Aisha nodded. "It did. But I can't shake the feeling that something was off. Like it was someone else looking like Bloom... or something."

Flora's quiet voice added, "That's quite intriguing."

Stella felt relieved in a way when Aisha had shared her perspective. However, a new wave of emotions swept over her – a sense of wonderment combined with a twinge of confusion. She couldn't help but question why Aisha hadn't brought up this insight earlier.

As Stella pondered these thoughts, her earlier argument with Bloom resurfaced in her mind. Guilt gnawed at her how she had treated her best friend in that situation. She knew that when they returned, she needed to have an open and honest conversation with her best friend and apologize to her.

***

Bloom went for a walk in the Gardenia park. Her parents had given her permission to go out for a while, hoping the fresh air would make her feel better. She had to be back before 18:00 when the Winx were scheduled to return. The park was peaceful today, with only a few people enjoying the day. Children played on the grass, and the sounds of their laughter mixed with the barking of a nearby dog. It reminded her of the times when she used to play with Kiko in the park. She missed her little blue bunny, even though he was now back at Domino. Kiko seemed to be enjoying his new life, well taken care of and perhaps a bit spoiled.As she walked past the spot where she had met Stella, Bloom felt a sense of déjà vu wash over her. It was as if a memory from another time was trying to surface. She entered a space between two trees and gazed up at the sunlight filtering through the branches. It was a familiar scene, yet different. There were no battles against ogres or ghouls, no looming threats. Everything was serene, bathed in the tranquility of the day.

A voice broke through her thoughts. "Bloom?"

Turning around, Bloom saw Andy approaching. He wore his signature clothing and had his big black guitar slung over his back. Her exclamation of surprise was genuine, as she hadn't expected to see Andy again after their last encounter on the Gardenia beach. Not that she had any particular desire to talk to him, but his sudden appearance did make her wonder about his intentions. Andy seemed nervous, running a hand through his hair as he smiled and waved at her.

"Andy?" she said, a mix of surprise and uncertainty in her voice.

Andy came closer, his nervousness evident. "Hey... Um, I just wanted to ask if you'd like to come see my band play at the Fruity Music Bar tonight?" His voice held a hint of nervous anticipation.

Caught off guard, Bloom found herself at a loss for words. The idea of enjoying some relaxation was tempting, but her past experiences made her wary of sudden offers. She hesitated, her mind racing with thoughts of possible ulterior motives. Was this some sort of trick, an attempt to draw her in only to leave her feeling abandoned again?

Her response came out uncertainly. "I... uh..."

"It's alright, Bloom. I understand if you don't trust me," Andy said, his voice carrying a tinge of disappointment. "Given everything with Mitzy and Selina..."

Bloom's confusion deepened. "Selina? Who's Selina?" she asked, her brows furrowing in confusion.

Andy's raised eyebrow and perplexed expression made it clear that he had not expected that response. "You know, your best friend from elementary school?" he answered, his voice carrying a mixture of confusion and disbelief.Bloom was shocked to hear that she had a friend in elementary school. The only memories she held from that time were of her relationship with Andy, along with her interactions with Mitzy. Apart from that, she recalled being alone.

"H-how did she look like?" Bloom inquired.

"How could you not remember how your best friend looked like?" Andy's sarcastic tone and smirk filled the air. Bloom rolled her eyes and sighed, unamused. His demeanor shifted when he realized how strange this situation was.

"I mean... she had green hair, and I think... light-brown eyes?" Andy responded. "But honestly, I didn't talk to Selina that much. She preferred to talk with you, just the two of you."

This information shed light on Bloom's confusion. Her nightmares seemed like fragmented flashbacks. But now she wondered why she had forgotten her old best friend's name, why attempting to recall her appearance caused her head to throb, and why their friendship had faded away."Is... is she still around in Gardenia?" Bloom asked, her curiosity piqued.

Andy shrugged, indicating he didn't have that information. He explained that he last saw Selina before Bloom transferred to the new high school.

Speaking of high school, Andy shifted his focus. "Which high school did you switch to? I heard from old classmates that you left Gardenia High."

Bloom felt cornered, wanting to avoid revealing her fairy identity. She hesitated, on the brink of fabricating a lie. But the pressure of Andy's persistent questions made her snap."Do you really need to know everything about me?" she exclaimed, her frustration evident.

Andy raised his hands in a placating gesture. "Sorry... I didn't mean to upset you. I was just curious," he mumbled, a nervous expression replacing his previous confidence.

Bloom exhaled, attempting to regain her composure. She wrestled with her memories of her old best friend's face, struggling to hold onto the details. Each time she tried to recall the name, it felt like it was slipping from her grasp. Her headache intensified, her temples throbbing in pain.

"Why is this happening to me..." she murmured, unaware that Andy was observing her closely.

"Are you okay?" he inquired, concerned.

Bloom managed a weak smile. "Yeah... just a headache."

Deciding to leave the conversation behind, Bloom checked the time. It was nearly 6:00 PM. She decided it was time to head back to her parents' house, her mind swirling with confusion over this unexpected revelation about her past friendship.

***

Mike and Vanessa stood in the kitchen, humming along to the music playing from the radio. The delectable scent of homemade pizza wafted through the air, causing Bloom's stomach to growl. She kicked off her shoes and headed toward the dining room, her appetite awakened.

"Hi Mom, Dad. I'm back," she greeted, taking a seat at the dining table.

"Right on time, sweetheart," Mike chimed in, turning away from the stove to join Bloom at the table.

"Being a princess must have trained you to be punctual," he teased playfully.

Bloom playfully stuck her tongue out at her dad, sharing a lighthearted laugh. It was moments like these that made her cherish her adoptive parents even more. Unlike her biological father, who was always consumed by the responsibilities of the kingdom, Mike had a knack for finding humor in life.

"I love you both so much. Thanks for taking care of me," Bloom expressed her gratitude with a warm smile. Vanessa soon joined them at the table, carrying a steaming mozzarella pizza adorned with fresh tomatoes.

"We love you too, Bloom. You've brought so much joy into our lives," Vanessa replied, her heartwarming smile reflecting her affection for her daughter. "It feels like just yesterday you were a little kid."

"And now look at you!" Mike added proudly.

As Bloom basked in the love of her family, the doorbell rang from the hallway. Mike excused himself to answer the door. Bloom immediately recognized Stella's voice, expressing her exasperation about the unsuccessful day of talent scouting, comparing it to a journey through the dark night sky. The rest of the Winx entered soon after, a bit tired from their endeavors.

"So, how's Bloom?" Stella eagerly inquired.

"She's awake now, and we're about to have pizza. You're all welcome to join us," Mike offered.

Without hesitation, Stella rushed over to Bloom and enveloped her in a tight hug, her enthusiasm almost squeezing the air out of her.

"Are you okay?! I was so worried!" Stella gushed, her grip refusing to relent.

"Uh, Stella, maybe give Bloom some breathing room before you crack her ribs?" Tecna advised.

"Oh, right," Stella realized, finally releasing her grip. Bloom took a grateful breath. This hug, while almost suffocating, spoke volumes about Stella's genuine concern for her friend's well-being.

As the girls settled around the table, Flora's admiration for the pizza was evident. She used her powers to duplicate the Pizza. Vanessa invited them to join the meal, and the group happily took their seats.

"This pizza is amazing!" Musa exclaimed after a satisfying bite.

"Thanks, Musa. It's great to hear you're enjoying it," Vanessa replied, pleased with their reactions.

"They are even better than the pizzas over on Solaria," Musa said with a teasing smile on her face.

Stella couldn't resist a playful jab. "Hey, don't diss the Solarian pizza that I brought to Solaria!"

Vanessa then asked a question about whether there was pizza in the Magical Dimension, sparking a conversation about Stella's culinary influence in Solaria.

"Not really," Stella replied. "But when Bloom introduced me to pizza here on Earth, I just had to bring that fantastic dish to Solaria."

Bloom's mind drifted to memories of the time they met Chimera at the pizza restaurant before the Princess Ball on Solaria. Though she felt Solarian pizza could use some improvement, the unique toppings, like roasted something that was alike sunflower seeds, made for an interesting and enjoyable experience.

***

Musa stared out of the Winx mobile's window at the pouring rain. The recent events in her dream had left her slightly shaken, and she found herself contemplating whether it was truly just a 'dream'. Amidst the dark rain, she spotted someone standing beneath a red umbrella, holding a camera. It was the same man she had seen at the café, the one who seemed to be hiding something.

"Hey, Aisha?" Musa called out as Aisha joined her by her side in the vehicle. "Do you see that man with the red umbrella?"

"Yeah," Aisha confirmed.

"I think they might be spying on us," Musa continued. In the next moment, the person took a photo, and a blinding flash pierced through the darkness before the person vanished from sight.

"Let's check it out," Aisha suggested, changing into her spy attire. Musa followed suit, and they ventured out into the heavy downpour. Raindrops made Musa's hair heavy, and she brushed aside her wet bangs to see clearly.

"Do you think you can track the him down?" Aisha asked.

Musa prepared to use her music-based echolocation, but before she could, she heard the distinct sound of footsteps splashing through the water, coming from around the corner of a large building. She motioned to Aisha that the person was nearby, and Aisha acknowledged with a nod, using hand signals to indicate they should split up. A metal ladder caught Aisha's attention, and she quickly ascended it, her heels clicking on the metal rungs. Meanwhile, Musa headed in the opposite direction, hearing faint steps behind her.

Glancing over her shoulder, Musa saw a woman with short blonde hair, dressed in white pants, a blue button-up shirt, a brown belt, and a short pink and dark blue jacket, pursuing her. Musa sprinted toward a metal fence at the entrance of an alley and agilely scaled it, using parkour-like moves. The fence rattled from her movements as she jumped onto a small metal roof, the rhythmic tapping of her heels echoing in the night. Crouching behind a large pipeline on the roof, Musa observed the woman stopping at the alley entrance, releasing an annoyed sigh. The woman retrieved a gray phone from her pocket and engaged in conversation.

Musa harnessed her powers to enhance her hearing, trying to eavesdrop on the conversation.

"Did you find the other?... No, I lost them... They can't have gone far. Keep searching, Detective..."

"Detective?" Musa murmured to herself.

The woman eventually left the alley in frustration. Musa let out a sigh and gazed upward, raindrops splattering against her face. The rhythmic sound of droplets hitting the pipeline created a melodic tune, captivating her senses.

"Aisha, can you hear me?" Musa spoke into her Winx watch.

"Loud and clear."

"They seem to be detectives... I overheard a woman talking to her partner on the phone."

"Alright... But why are they spying on us?"

"I'm not sure yet... We need to stay vigilant. If they find out we're fairies, they might alert the entire police force."

"You're right... Let's regroup with the other Winx at the apartment," Aisha concluded.

Musa sighed, realizing they were embroiled in more trouble than they had anticipated. Not only were they being pursued by shadow creatures, a crocodile-like man, and a talent thief, but now they had to contend with two detectives who seemed oblivious to the danger they were unwittingly getting themselves into.