I stood at the hangar of Silvertail alongside the Specialists, waiting for the arrival and docking of the three jets from Alfea and Red Fountain. The clear sky greeted us as we all looked up to see the crimson shade of the jet gleamed from the sun's rays, with lights signaling its intent to land. The wind became harsher in the field of concrete and the technical ground staff came rushing in to assist the pilot as he descended.

Yesterday, I had the whole day preparing for Krystal's welcome wagon and organized the briefing of the staff to accommodate her arrival - and today, she will be joining us as we leave later in the afternoon for La Satture. In a matter of minutes, I approached the jet as its hydraulic doors lifted and immediately I saw the princess of Linphea jump towards my arms, her smile so wide and thrilled to see me. Her lilac locks covered our faces as she swept in for a kiss – a greeting that she has been accustomed to whenever she sees me. I looked at her and sighed, happy that her journey had been nothing but smooth and safe.

"Helia! I've missed you!" she dug her face into my chest as she dove into an embrace and I tightly reciprocated. Despite the worries of the escorts behind her, surprised with her practically leaping from the jet's platform, she paid no attention to them. Instead, the princess clung into my arms and walked towards the welcome party that I have assigned to assist to her needs – of course, headed by Rigor of Linphea.

"Welcome to Silvertail, you're highness." Vayne bowed to the princess as she held out her hand for him to kiss. Thrilled with the arrival of a royal guest, the students of Silvertail proceeded to assist the transfer of supplies into our main jet. I gestured for Rigor to approach her and they stood in finesse before a renowned fairy.

"An honor to meet you, Princess Krystal." Rigor stated, looking at me with utmost happiness in his eyes.

"We've prepared a room for you to rest before you depart this afternoon. Let me know if you require anything else that would help you relax before proceeding to the mission to La Satture."

"Thank you, Vayne. But for now I'd love to settle in and have a relaxing walk by the beach with Helia." Krystal gleefully replied.

"As you wish your highness. I'm sure that even a brief stroll at the coast of Minerva will be something that you will enjoy truly."

I escorted Krystal into the receiving lobby of Silvertail, which was a grand hall adorned with silver and metal linings and its famous chandelier crafted, from rare dragon scales from the missions that the Specialists had finished. There we met with Sky and the others together with the Winx who immediately welcomed her.

"A delight to have you in this mission, Krystal." Bloom exclaimed. "A fairy with healing abilities would be most helpful!"

"The pleasure is all mine, princess of Domino. This will be my first mission far away from Linphea and Alfea, please take care of me. I will do my best to help." She responded. Krystal greeted everyone and lastly, she went to Flora and grabbed her hands.

"Flora, you wouldn't mind me joining the crew, right?" she smiled at the fairy of nature who had a surprised look but eventually softened and returned the princess' enthusiasm.

"I wouldn't mind at all, Krystal. An honor, actually."

"And I am also happy to work with the guardian fairy of Linphea."

After the Winx had greeted Krystal, Sky informed us to be at the briefing room by four in the afternoon for a meeting before we leave Minerva. We all agreed to start packing and prepare necessary supplies which we can get from the stores and merchants in the town. The Specialists decided to check with our main jet for anything that needs last minute tinkering and I was told to cater to any of Krystal's needs to ensure that Red Fountain gets good graces from the queen of Linphea. Before we could go on our own ways in a hallway that separates the private quarters from the common lobbies, I felt a small tug on my shoulder and looking back at me was Tecna and Nabu.

"Helia, there's something important we wanted to ask." Tecna coldly stated. As always, she's very calculating and having to stop me unexpectedly means that she is serious in getting answers. Unlike Tecna who was straight to the point, Nabu would always want to take a safe route in asking questions, as if avoiding hurting any parties involved in a certain matter.

I shifted my gaze at Krystal who was being escorted by her fan, Rigor and both seemed to be indulged into a conversation of their own so I stayed behind and gave full attention to the two in front of me.

"These past two nights, where were you sleeping?" Nabu asked. I placed my finger in my chin, curious with his question. "I gave you the room to spend time with Flora and patch things up. What happened? Why weren't you two talking since we got here in Minerva?"

"I don't understand what you mean by that, Nabu." I replied with a straight face, puzzled why he wanted my to 'fix' my relationship with Flora, knowing very well that we had already broken up weeks ago. "I've been sleeping in the room that you gave me from the first night that we've arrived and Flora was given her own room by Vayne when she told him that she didn't have any room assignment."

"What?!" Nabu's voice shifted its tone, surprised and seemed truly disappointed. "Helia. Just days earlier, as soon as we started this mission, you told us that you still love her. Why the sudden change of heart?"

Nabu was obviously at a loss as I am. I know I have broken up with Flora because of my engagement with Krystal and we do not intend to get back together because we both know too well that Flora will not forgive me for my decision to leave her. I looked at Tecna who was not saying anything but her façade tells me she is as disappointed as the man beside her.

"Tell me, Helia." She grabbed my attention with a monotonous voice. "Do you have any plans on apologizing to Flora for breaking up with her selfishly?"

"I am not selfish, Tecna. I was given the opportunity to be a protector of my realm, my decision was for the good of everyone. I realized that Krystal meant more to me, and Flora is just…"

Before I could finish my sentence, Tecna walked away without showing any emotions toward my reason. Nabu tried to stop the fairy from going but failed.

"Whatever game it is you're playing, I don't want to see Flora be in the losing team." She told me as she widened our gap. Before Nabu could follow Tecna to join the others, he once again looked back at me.

"Helia. By choosing this path you're headed to, you'll only hurt yourself the most."

My heart throbbed for a second that made my hand jerk and clasp my chest. What was that? Did Nabu's words trigger something? I started becoming confused with the whole situation and tried to recall the events from the time I broke up with Flora in La'moure Café, to the time we've spent apart before going into the mission. Flora was not supposed to join the Winx because she was unwell but joined us at the last minute. From the time we left Alfea, we did not talk… as I've remembered. I shrugged my disheveled thoughts and decided to sort out the matter later instead, because right now, my duty was to be with Krystal.

I paved my way to reunite with the princess and invite her for a quick tour in Minerva before we leave.

Musa and Riven were the last to enter the meeting room for us to discuss our plans of disembarking on our flight towards the realm we needed to investigate. The two could not stop laughing, saying how Riven made a mess in a restaurant they went to just after we split up after we welcomed Krystal. The princess of Solaria shot the couple a glare, annoyed that they had a good time compared to her whom I've heard was not able to go shopping because Brandon asked for her help in sorting out some documents.

"Alright, now that everyone's here." Sky interrupted the chatter in the room. "At 5:00 PM, we will be leaving Minerva. Our trip to La Satture from Minerva was originally estimated to by two to three more days but with the help of Vayne's knowledge in the navigating shorter routes, Timmy was able to program and locate the quickest way to our destination."

Everybody cheered, realizing that the mission will be shorter and finishing one early meant more time to spend back here in Minerva – it was as if we were all reading each other's minds. "In less than 12 hours, we will be arriving at the Port of Solace, a docking place in La Satture created by their locals as said by Vayne who passed the realm in one of his travel. Realizing it would greatly help the team finish this mission quickly, I asked grand master Saladin earlier today to let Vayne join us." Sky added.

I looked at everyone around the room who had a sigh of relief, feeling lesser burdened by Vayne's presence.

"I look forward to aiding you in this mission." Vayne bowed his head low towards the fairies who were all sitting on one side of the room.

"If I didn't have Brandon, I could've smothered this fellow with my signature smooches." Stella jokingly exclaimed with made Brandon frown and Vayne scratch at the back of his head timidly.

"I'm afraid that I can't be a good companion to an outgoing and a bright person, princess Stella." Vayne replied.

I chuckled and looked the crowd, I guess the more, the merrier but the corner of my eyes caught glimpse of the fairy of nature's long brown locks now tied up in a messy bun. I didn't realize how long it has been when I last looked at her and remembered her shy but sunny smiles whenever we'd meet at the forest grounds in between Red Fountain and Alfea. Our walks in the realm of humans and our kiss beside the beach...

WHAT?!

I shook my head, wondering why I had a sudden vision of something that I have no definite recollection of. Maybe with the continuous lack of decent sleep had made my brain create scenarios out of sheer fatigue. I shrugged these thoughts aside and focused on the reminders that Sky had to say, especially that our goals in La Satture was to only gather information on the geographic specifications of the realm and the creatures that thrive in the said location. We were to avoid any confrontation from any enemies and hostile parties because of the fact that we are too far from Alfea, Red Fountain and Silvertail at any case that something were to happen to us. We all confirmed that we understood our goals and targets and started our preparations for boarding. I asked Krystal if her things are already prepared so that she can board the jet first and I will be the one to take care of her belongings. The princess nodded and was escorted together with the Winx to settle in the aircraft while the Specialists were to ensure all supplies and utilities are in place.

Brandon, Sky and Timmy were in-charge of the technicals while Nabu and Riven were the ones looking over the supplies. Vayne and I started to check with the junior Specialists who were loading the belongings of the fairies in the proper compartments. I looked at our new companion and felt awe at how flawlessly he commanded his juniors with confidence and how the others treated him with utmost respect. Before he was sent to Silvertail, he must have been a strong warrior and a top student in Red Fountain.

"Helia, I wanted to ask you something." Vayne broke my personal train of thoughts as he smiled at me before scratching the back of his head. "I hope you won't take my question as something offensive." he added.

I smiled back and gave the passing Specialist the box in my hands to accommodate the conversation with Vayne better. "You don't have to worry about asking me anything, what is it?"

"The other day, you were with the fairy, Flora." Vayne's voice became softer and I can only assume that he was getting shy about his question about Flora. I raised a brow, curious with his musing, before assuring him that it was alright to ask. "I wanted to know if there are anything going on about you two because I don't want to overstep any boundaries or any existing relationships."

"Flora used to be my girlfriend." I replied in a straight voice and I can see Vayne's eyes grew a fraction wide. Surprised and worried. "But you don't have to worry because we've already left that relationship behind us. If you're into her, I will be rooting for you. I know you will treat her better than how I handled our relationship."

"Thank you, Helia. I'm really relieved to hear that I have your blessing to pursue her."

I placed my hand in his shoulder to assure him all is fine. In my mind and in my heart, I know that Krystal is the one I love and Flora has already moved on from our breakup and so did I. I wished Vayne the best and told him a thing or two about what Flora prefers as gifts and where to ask her out.

"Thank you for your advise. You two must have been with each other for a long time for you to be so precise with her preferences. From the exact scent of her perfume to the time of the day where she connects with nature the most, it's incredible."

My heart sank for second, catching me off guard. I looked at Vayne and wondered why such simple words caused a pang in my heart. "I have a question for you too, Vayne. Why... did you suddenly come to like Flora?" I was curious and itching to get a reply from him that could help me ease the butterflies in my stomach.

"Well, where do I start! The moment I saw her step out of the jet, there was a calming feeling around her and her voice was the sweetest I've ever heard."

I can see him blush from the way he smiled as he recalled memories 2 days ago when we first arrived in Minerva.

"I know it's just a short time but I really made an effort to strike up a conversation with Flora. I tried to call her when I saw her walking on the corridors towards the greenhouse but I let my timid attitude get the best of me. I was about to turn back when I saw something shiny on the floor, turns out it was her earring and I was more than happy to have something to return to her and a good reason to actually talk to Flora." he added. "She is easy to talk to and we could spend hours and hours talking about everything."

"I see. Flora really is a wonderful person..." I replied but the butterflies in my stomach just became worse. "Mind if I ask another question?"

Vayne replied with him widening his smile, showing his semi-sharp canine teeth and his eyes lost in the wrinkling of his face. "When you saw me and Flora together in the greenhouse, what did you think we were like that time?" I asked, with my curiosity growing and growing. I know how dangerous this question may lead to but I was already having some doubts with my recollection of happenings and events these past few days. Everything seemed bland but everyone reacts as if there was a major turn of events.

"I really thought you two were a couple with how you sat together. You were having a conversation and I was afraid to butt in."

"We were like a couple? How so?"

"For starters, the way you looked at the fairy of nature was so intent it was as if the world revolved only around you two. And second, before you settled back here in Silvertail, you were with Flora by the beach."

I frowned for a bit, trying to recall what we were doing beside the beach of Minerva. I remembered the sudden flash of memories of us kissing but I can't remember the details well. I must be misinterpreting something or reading a situation wrong. Whatever it was, I'll get to the bottom of the peculiar memories I was having. I thanked Vayne and excused myself to assist the lilac-haired princess which was assigned to my care. Vayne asked me not to tell anything that we've talked about to anyone because he wasn't ready to tell Flora that he likes her. When I turned around, I scoffed - it was not as if I wanted to tell Flora. For someone who broke up with her, I am in no position to be the first one to say that someone likes her and for some reason, Vayne's confession was making me feel confused and uneasy for unknown reasons.

After an hour of preparation and pre-departure checking of the jet and materials we have with us, we were given a signal to leave the hangars of Silvertail. Vayne bid the people of Silvertail goodbye and reminded them of their tasks that he assigned. As the jet's doors closed, we all sat in our stations ready to accomplish the mission and return safely to our institutions. With the view of the sparkling waters of Minerva's ocean became a distant scenery, the afternoon sky painted hues of red and orange ambient shadows inside our aircraft which awed the fairies and made them feel more sad leaving Minerva. We all broke into laughter as Brandon and Riven started their antics making fun of each other, entertaining the girls and removing the separation anxiety that they were feeling.

"We should definitely return to Minerva after this mission. I still need more ocean breeze to calm my nerves." Aisha stated.

"That is, if Vayne would still allow us to stay in Silvertail." Stella replied, shooting Vayne a flirtatious look.

"You're all welcome to return and stay. I believe everyone in Silvertail would love to get a good mood from the lively atmosphere that you have with you."

The girls laughed and began teasing Vayne. I then looked at Krystal who seemed to be enjoying everyone's company as well.

"I'm making myself mint tea. Is there anything you want from the pantry?" I asked her.

"A bottle of water would be most helpful. Thank you, Helia. I knew I could always count on you."

I left the crowd to make my way to the pantry and I did not realize the fairy of nature was not with us in the control room. As I pushed the door open, a sea of brown and gold locks flow in the air past me, following her calm and angelic face crossing paths with me. It was an odd feeling bumping into her in such a narrow space, that all of her fragrance came seeping into my senses. I was right on how I've described her to Vayne, she was still the same Flora... when she was still mine. The space between us grew smaller and her eyes met mine before diverting into the other direction. I decided I wanted answers with how I was feeling and wanted to clarify the status of what we are and how we should act around each other. I found myself blocking the path without the effort of extending my arms to stop her.

She froze in front of me, looking away and avoiding my gazes.

"Have we... made up?" I asked, trying to look for words to fit how I was feeling. Confusion, nothing but confusion.

"I already forgave you, we talked about it and we're fine." Flora replied in a low voice but I was not convinced.

"Then why is it that you're avoiding me."

"I'm not. I just don't want Krystal getting upset when I approach you."

I sighed, she does have a point in that but then again, I was not convinced.

"Is there anything that you want, Helia?" her voice despite being soft, was stern in the tone. "I have to join the others, so if you could-"

"Did you do anything to me? I'm feeling uneasy whenever I see you or whenever someone talks about you." my questions were getting bolder and right now, all I want are answers.

"I just said I forgave you, please Helia, leave me be."

"I'm gonna ask you again, did you do anything?" my voice was higher.

"I didn't do anything..."

"Cut the crap! Why did you put a spell on me?"

"Helia! I-"

I suddenly felt total dread when I realized my voice was too high which made Flora tear up and bite her lip, trying to hold back the tears from rolling down her cheeks. I snapped back into my senses and tried to hold her to apologize but she took a step back with fear in her face.

"Flora, I'm sorry..."

Stepping forward to be nearer the fairy, I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder with gave a rather strong but subtle pull back. I looked at the person behind me to see Vayne trying to stop me from saying or doing anything else. I felt ashamed of what I've done to Flora and never in my entire life knowing her did I ever raise my voice and scold her, or corner her into any accusations. I was haunted by unknown thoughts and I can no longer understand the actions my body and mind were getting me to do. My words trembled as they came out of my mouth, wanting to truly apologize for my aggressive behavior. Flora was unmoved, still trying to prevent herself from shaking in the fear of my aggressive approach which was way out of my character.

I had no choice but to calmly excuse myself, knowing forgiveness is not an option right now. At the corner of my eye, I saw Vayne comfort Flora and my heart started painfully tightening, trying to tell me something was wrong. Am I... jealous?