Fate The Winx Saga | Season 3 Episode 6 | Kingdom and a Child (1)

 

FLASHBACK

More than a Thousand years ago, In the heart of Solaria, the castle bustled with the usual daily activities, but a sense of unease hung in the air. The queen, typically calm and composed, found herself staring out of a tall window, her mind troubled. Her daughter, princess Marion, was missing, and though it was an ordinary day, the queen couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.

"Where is she?" the queen murmured to herself, her voice tinged with concern. The guards had been searching quietly, trying not to alarm anyone, but the queen's worry was growing with each passing moment.

Meanwhile, far from the castle's watchful eyes, the princess rode swiftly through the woods, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and urgency. Marion knew exactly where she was going. The path was familiar, and soon, the dense trees gave way to a small, hidden village. She pulled her horse to a stop in front of a modest shop, quickly dismounting and hurrying to the door.

Inside, her friend Faragonda looked up from her work, her expression a blend of concern and mild irritation.

"This is the last time I'm doing this for you," Faragonda said, folding her arms, though her eyes softened as she spoke.

Marion offered a grateful smile. "I know, Faragonda. Thank you."

With a sigh, Faragonda moved aside to reveal a hidden door at the back of the shop. Marion's heart fluttered as she stepped through.

In the dimly lit room beyond, a boy waited, his eyes lighting up the moment Marion entered. She rushed to him, and in that instant, the world outside seemed to disappear.

"You made it," The boy whispered, pulling her into a warm embrace.

"Of course, I did," Marion replied, holding him close. "I couldn't stay away."

The Boy's expression grew serious as he looked into her eyes. "Marion, I hate asking you to do this. It's dangerous, and—"

"I'm not afraid," Marion interrupted, her voice steady. "I'd do anything to be with you."

The boy hesitated for a moment, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small ring. "Then marry me, Marion. Let's leave all of this behind and start a life together."

Marion's heart skipped a beat, but her answer was immediate. "Yes, Valtor. I'll marry you.". The boy was Valtor!

They sealed their promise with a kiss, the warmth of Marion's Dragon Flame intertwining with the coolness of Valtor's Winter Snow. It was a beautiful, forbidden connection, one that defied the rules of their world.

As they pulled away, Marion gazed into Valtor's eyes, her voice filled with resolve. "We'll find a way to be together, no matter what."

Yet, even as she spoke, a small doubt lingered in her heart. She knew the laws of Solaria that Winter Snow keepers are not allowed to marry Dragon Flame keepers, knew that their love was something they could never reveal. But she was determined to protect it, no matter the cost.

BARRIER MOUNTAINS

Seeing Brandon die, Stella felt as though the ground had shifted beneath her feet. Her knees buckled, and she fell to the ground, overwhelmed by a crushing wave of guilt. The scene before her was a vivid reminder of her failure—a failure that had led to this moment of tragedy.

"Brandon..." Stella whispered, her voice trembling. She looked at Isobel, whose grief was palpable, and then at Brandon, whose chest was still and cold. "This is my fault," Stella's voice cracked as she spoke. "I... I brought this on you both. I'm so sorry that I ever tried to find you, Isobel"

Tears streamed down her face, blurring her vision. The weight of her responsibility pressed heavily upon her, making it difficult to breathe. She could hardly believe the situation she was in—this was the price of her actions, and it was unbearable. She felt guilty for ever coming to find Isobel in the first place.

In the midst of her anguish, something stirred within her. An intense, almost primal urge to rectify the wrong she had caused surged through her. With a sudden, desperate resolve, she turned to Isobel.

"Move away from him," Stella said, her voice raw with emotion. "Please." Her eyes started glowing.

Isobel looked up, her eyes red and swollen, but she complied, her movements slow and reluctant. As she backed away, Stella fell to her knees beside Brandon, her hands trembling.

Summoning every ounce of her remaining strength, Stella closed her eyes and concentrated. The energy she had always used for magic felt different now—stronger, more focused. A soft, warm glow began to emanate from her hands, spreading across Brandon's lifeless form.

Stella wasn't fully aware of what she was doing. Her mind was a haze of fear and hope, but her body seemed to instinctively know what to do. The glow intensified, and she felt a surge of warmth and light flow through her. It was as though a powerful force was guiding her, channelling through her hands and into Brandon.

Isobel watched in stunned silence, her hands clasped in prayer. Aisha stood nearby, her eyes wide with disbelief.

Moments later, the glow around Brandon brightened, and his chest began to rise and fall with steady breaths. The color returned to his face, and his eyes fluttered open. Stella collapsed beside him, exhausted but relieved. She had unlocked a new ability, a healing power.

Brandon's gaze met Stella's, filled with a mixture of confusion and gratitude. "Stella...?" he murmured weakly.

"I'm here," Stella said, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked at Isobel, who was now kneeling beside them, her expression a blend of astonishment and tears of relief. "I didn't know I could... I mean, I just... I had to try."

Isobel embraced Brandon, her sobs now mixed with tears of joy. "You saved him," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "You saved him."

Stella, still on her knees, looked at the scene before her—a moment of sorrow and redemption intertwined. The pain of her guilt was still present, but it was overshadowed by a profound sense of relief and a newfound understanding of her own strength.

"And for the record, I'm glad you found us that day cause if you hadn't then I wouldn't be back to normal, the dark magic took over me completely, I had lost sense of everything but seeing Brandon almost die... something just shifted in me, and I was back, the pain of losing him was too much that it brought me back", Isobel said. "So, thank you for finding me and helping us", Isobel said to Stella.

FIRE

Bloom and Andy reached the Lone Mountains amidst the turbulent waters of Andros. This was where the final Codex lay.

"Bloom... Bloom, are you okay?" Andy called out twice, snapping Bloom out of her thoughts. She was almost trembling. "Andy, I-I think I just..." Bloom's voice quivered with fear. Just before Andy had gotten Bloom out of Barrier Mountains, she had aimed an attack at Isobel to knock her out, but it had hit Brandon instead—Brandon, who was just a normal human, without powers. An attack like that could kill a human. Bloom was in shock, unable to comprehend what she had done.

"Hey, hey, focus. I know you're in shock right now, but you need to concentrate. If you don't, the entire Otherworld will face the consequences. You're the only one who can save us, Bloom. You have to stop your mother from getting the last Codex. We need you—this is your battle," Andy urged her.

"You're right. I have to fix what I started," Bloom said, her resolve hardening.

"Follow me," Andy said, leading the way. "This is where the Codex is. I saw Queen Luna and her army protecting it."

They soon arrived at the site, only to find a massive portal where the army should have been.

"What is this?" Bloom asked, puzzled.

"I don't understand. The whole army was just here," Andy said, equally confused.

Suddenly, Queen Luna emerged from the shadows.

"Queen Luna, what happened?" Bloom asked.

"Bloom, this is the portal to the Underworld, or as some call it—the Omega Dimension. The Codex was placed here for its protection. My entire army and I were guarding this portal, but Marion, with all the other Codex's in her possession, defeated my forces and entered the portal. She's searching for the Codex now. You must stop her," Queen Luna explained.

"I don't—I don't understand. How could you just let her go? Why didn't you follow her? Why aren't you stopping her right now?" Bloom demanded.

"Because, despite all my power, my abilities have limits, Bloom. You, however, possess an ancient power. Powers like mine can't survive in the realm of the Underworld, but you can. You are our only hope," Queen Luna replied.

"Come on, let's hurry," Andy said, grabbing Bloom's arm and heading towards the portal.

"No," Bloom said, stopping him. "Let me go alone. You were right—this is my battle. This is why I was given the Dragon Flame. This is what I have to do."

Andy knew he couldn't stop her, even if he wanted to. She was too determined to stop her mother. This was her fight. And so, she stepped through the portal.

ALFEA

"I hate this, I hate this so much. I feel so useless," Musa said, hurling stones into the Alfea Lake.

"Not every fight is our fight," Riven replied.

"We should be there, helping them stop Isobel," Musa insisted.

"They're gone now, and without a portal, it would take too long to reach them. You have to trust them," Riven said.

"I know, I just wish I was there when they left so that I could've gone with them. I know they didn't have time to gather everyone else, but I feel so useless just standing here while they're fighting over there," Musa said.

"You're not useless, Musa," Riven reassured her.

Musa sighed.

"No, really, I mean it. There's something I haven't told you," Riven continued.

"About how I was able to fight the Shadow."

Musa's curiosity was piqued.

"It was because of you, Musa. Your words made me believe in myself, even when I didn't. I just wanted to say thank you, and—" Riven began, but Musa cut him off with a kiss.

It was magical.

They lingered in the moment until they were interrupted by Sky, who approached them from behind.

"Have you guys seen Bloom?" he asked, his voice laced with urgency and concern.

Musa and Riven exchanged glances, saddened that they had to be the ones to break the news to Sky about Bloom going off to save the world.

FLASHBACK

Princess Marion returned to her castle. Her mother was overjoyed to see her but also furious. Marion claimed she had been out horse riding, not mentioning her meeting with Valtor or the proposal. She knew her mother would never approve. She had planned to run away that very night.

However, her mother discovered her plan.

As night fell, Marion prepared to leave, sneaking out through the back door with a bag filled with her clothes and essentials. Just as she was about to step outside, her parents caught her.

"Mom, Dad, oh my god," Marion gasped, startled.

Though disappointed, her parents didn't stop her. Instead, they asked her to stay a bit longer because they had something important to tell her.

They understood her desire to run away for love—or at least, that's what they told her. But unfortunately, there was something they hadn't told her.

Marion was to be arranged in marriage to a stranger—a prince, but still a stranger. Marion was aware of the arrangement, and her parents assumed that was why she wanted to run away, to avoid the marriage. Then they revealed the truth: the kingdom was dying. This marriage had been arranged to save the kingdom. Marion knew how much her parents had sacrificed for her, and refusing to marry the prince would destroy and bankrupt their kingdom.

She realized she had to give up her love and marry the prince from a wealthy kingdom—Prince Oritel. Meanwhile, Valtor was out in the world, waiting for Marion. But she never showed up.

FIRE

Bloom entered the Underworld through the portal. It was a dreadful place—completely dark and seemingly abandoned. The atmosphere was thick with darkness, and everything around her was in ruins. The trees were dead; it was a world of death. Suddenly, she sensed someone behind her.

"Would you look at that, the Keeper of the Dragon Flame herself," a voice said. Bloom turned to see a man hovering in the air, half-floating like a genie. His appearance was devilish.

"Who are you?" she asked.

"Oh, me? Nobody special. I'm just the gatekeeper of this realm, here to welcome you to the Underworld," he replied.

"Gatekeeper?" she repeated, finding it odd. He didn't look like a typical gatekeeper.

"Yes, indeed. Although, from the looks of it, you're not dead. What are you doing here?" he inquired.

"I'm here to find the Codex."

"Oh wow, so many people after the Codex today," the gatekeeper said, his tone devilish yet oddly playful. He spoke with a dark humour, almost like a mischievous child, though his words were laced with danger.

Bloom was taken aback by his words. She knew he must be referring to her mother. "Wait, you mean..."

"Your mother? Why yes, of course. She was here searching for it too, and now she's well on her way to getting it," he said.

"You even know about my mother? Who are you, and how do you know everything?" Bloom demanded.

"Oh, I know more than you think. I know all about you, Keeper of the Dragon Flame—the girl who's too afraid of her own powers," he taunted.

"You will be too if you don't tell me the location of the Codex right now," she retorted.

"Ooh, feisty! I like that. Looks like the Dragon Flame is in the right hands after all. Fine, I'll tell you, but you'll have to do something for me first. How about we make a deal?" he said, and with a flick of his hand, a contract appeared out of thin air. "Sign here," he instructed.

"What kind of deal?" she asked cautiously.

"Nothing much. I'll guide you to the Codex, and in return, you give me my freedom. Help me escape this Underworld. Oh yes, your powers can do that," he said.

"And why do you want to get out?" she asked.

"Wouldn't you? Anyone would. I've been here forever, and let's just say, I'm tired of the same old thing," he explained.

Bloom had her doubts. He was definitely hiding something, but she didn't have time to waste. So, she agreed and signed the contract, hoping he would lead her to the Codex before her mother could get to it.

ALFEA

Back at Alfea, Sky was furious that Bloom had left without telling him. He, along with Musa and Riven, rushed to the Alfea main hall, where they found Stella, Aisha, Isobel, and Brandon, who had just returned. They quickly explained everything that had happened. Stella noticed the anger in Sky's eyes.

"Sky, what's wrong?" she asked.

"I have to go—we have to save Bloom," he replied, his voice tense.

"Stella, I believe this belongs to you," Brandon said, handing Stella the transportation cube.

"Is that what I think it is?" Sky asked, already knowing the answer. Stella could see where this was going. Sky wanted to use the cube to go to Andros and rescue Bloom.

"Look, Sky, listen. This is Bloom's battle. You have to let her face this on her own," Stella urged.

"No, just no!" Sky shouted. "I'm tired of everyone saying that. Don't you get it? She's not alone—she has me, she has her friends. And if she can't realize that herself, then we need to make her realize it. We need to help her, we need to be there for her. She doesn't have to do this alone, and I won't let her—not again."

Sky's determination was contagious, and soon, everyone else was on board. Sky, Stella, Flora, Terra, Aisha, Riven and Musa all decided to go to Andros to help Bloom.

Before they left, Stella said a temporary goodbye to Brandon, who thanked her for everything. She was the reason Isobel was back to normal.

They arrived at the portal to the Underworld, where Queen Luna was waiting. She warned them of the risks, but the Winx and Sky were too determined to be swayed. Realizing she couldn't stop them, Queen Luna approached Stella.

"Please, Mom, you cannot force me to stay," Stella said, bracing herself for an argument.

"I know—I know," Queen Luna replied, much to Stella's surprise.

"I'm sorry, Stella, for everything. The way you handled the Shadow on your own proved that you're growing into an amazing and powerful young princess. It's all I've ever wanted for you, and I couldn't be more proud," Queen Luna said, her voice full of emotion.

Stella couldn't believe her ears. She embraced her mother tightly. "Now go, save the world," Queen Luna said, letting her daughter go with a proud smile.

UNDERWORLD

The gatekeeper of the Underworld guided Bloom, using his magic to reveal hidden illusions. Suddenly, a castle appeared not far away. It looked exactly like the real Solarian castle, but it was in ruins—it was the Underworld's castle. "Your Codex lies in the top room of that castle. Good luck. I'll be back to collect my reward after you find it," he said before vanishing.

Bloom made her way toward the castle. As she approached, everything seemed fine until suddenly, the ground behind her began to collapse. She started running as fast as she could. Suddenly, she heard a voice, "Stop trying, child. You can't stop me." It was Marion's voice.

Marion was too powerful; the ground beneath Bloom gave way, and she fell. Luckily, it wasn't a long drop. Marion appeared, ready to attack and kill her. "You are the one who took my real Bloom away from me!" Marion was furious, blaming Bloom for getting rid of Dark Bloom. She unleashed an attack that almost struck Bloom, but suddenly, someone saved her.

A man, looking like an absolute angel, riding a flying horse, appeared and countered Marion's attack, causing her to disappear.

"Are you okay, child?" he asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you," Bloom replied, still shaken.

Marion reappeared and attacked the man, but he survived the blow.

"Go, complete your mission. I'll stay and stop Marion," he instructed.

"Thank you, but why are you helping me?" she asked, bewildered.

"Come out now, Oritel! Let's finish this!" Marion's voice echoed. That's when Bloom realized this man was Oritel—her father.

"Even if you are not my daughter, I will always protect you, always," he said, then flew up to confront Marion.

"Wait, what?" Bloom couldn't believe what she had just heard. What did he mean by saying she's not his daughter? Isn't Oritel her father? But now wasn't the time to dwell on it. She quickly made her way through the underground tunnels and entered the castle.

FLASHBACK

Marion was getting ready for her wedding, tears streaming down her face. She didn't want this—she wanted to marry Valtor, but she had to marry Oritel to keep the kingdom safe. She had no choice. As a Princess and the future Queen, her responsibilities weighed heavily on her.

Suddenly, she received a note. It said, "Meet me outside." She recognized the handwriting—it was from Valtor. Without hesitation, she went to meet him. They met behind an old tree in a secluded cave.

Valtor was overjoyed to see Marion and couldn't believe the rumours about her upcoming marriage. But then Marion confirmed the truth. With a heavy heart, she told Valtor that she didn't love him, breaking his heart so he could move on. She did it for him, although he knew she was lying, he know she loved him but, she turned and left, heading back to her wedding.

Later, Marion was in her room, getting her wedding dress fitted.

"Ma'am, do your parents know?" a servant asked as she adjusted the dress.

"Know what?" Marion asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

"That you're with child, of course," the servant replied innocently.

Marion's expression froze in shock. "I'm not with child," she said, denying the truth she was hiding from everyone, that she was pregnant – with Valtor's baby!