DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN WINX CLUB.

Is anyone still interested in reading this O-O?

If anyone has noticed, I merged the original first and second chapters into one because I don't really want this fic to be a super long one. Maybe 7-8-ish chapters at the max?

I kind of hope you guys are still sort of interested because this is a fic that I'd really love to continue. But then again, it depends on you!

See you in the tiny AN at the bottom and hopefully in the reviews section as well :)!

~ Kingdom of Solaria - 12:30 PM ~

"Your Majesty!" excited shrieks rang throughout the palace, alerting King Radius from his doozy slumber. He instantly shook awake and sat up straight at the commotion. Rubbing his eyes, he got up from his royal king-sized (no pun intended) bed and moved to answer the door in urgency.

He knew it. The one day he chooses to turn in miraculously early, he gets interrupted. Great. For a king, turning in a little past midnight is definitely early.

Especially these days.

He opened the doors within a flash, obviously spooked.

"What's wrong? What happened?" Radius roared in concern at the three messengers that stood by his door.

"Your Highness, Princess Stella has arrived."

Radius's eyes widened and he instantly walked out of the room in a flash, eager to meet his one and only daughter. Followed by excited footsteps, Radius made his way down the living quarters for royalty, into the corridors, hallways, and finally into the throne room.

His lips stretched into a wide grin when he saw the glowing aura of his daughter. "Stella! My baby!" Radius smiled while going up to her with his arms stretched wide.

Stella's eyes flooded with emotion at the sight of her father. "Daddy..." she whispered while hugging her father. She wanted to cry her heart out and yell and scream like crazy but she didn't. She felt so happy but also extremely emotional to the point where she wanted to break down.

"I missed you, daddy," Stella breathed. "I can't believe everything's over now..." she sniffled sadly while trying her best to keep the tears at bay. Her education was over. The reason she went to Alfea was accomplished. She was a fairy and not just any fairy. She's one of the new Guardian Fairies of Solaria.

Radius pulled back and patted his daughter's head in a fatherly manner. "Nothing's over, sweetheart. In fact, this is when the real life actually begins. Life is larger than a few textbooks and magical spells. You'll make a very fine queen one day."

"You really think so, dad...?" Stella sniffled while letting out a few tears.

"I know so," Radius stated firmly. "Now, you're free to take tomorrow off, but you must begin your training the day after."

Stella nodded solemnly. "Of course."

"Then go on and get some sleep, sweetheart," Radius smiled and Stella nodded. Two servants came by to take her luggage but she thanked them with a 'no'. Offering them a smile, she turned to leave for her bedroom.

Radius crossed his arms and frowned after his retreating daughter. He let out a small sigh for his daughter's plight, which earned him the attention of his attendants.

"Are you alright, Your Highness?" they asked politely.

He turned to them. "Y-Yes. Of course." He gave them a nod to let them get back to their duties. Obviously, not everyone in the palace is going to sleep. There is, of course, a thing called night-shift.

With a deep, exhausted sigh, he proceeded to turn in for the night as well. He needed to have a nice chat with his daughter.

She's been...quiet for nearly two years now. TWO. YEARS.

He could tell that she's a little better from the last time he saw her which was a few months ago. Emphasis on little.

He couldn't quite understand why his daughter was unable to move on from her boyfriend's death. After all, it was just a boyfriend. Not her fiance or her husband. How long is she going to grieve for that boy?

It's not that Radius didn't feel sad or anything like that. He did. What happened to the young and brave specialist was definitely sorrowful. But he died two years ago. That's a decided fact and history can't be changed no matter how much we want to. There should come a point in life where we should let go of the person. But to Stella, this point was still an infinite number of miles away.

Radius sighed again, knowing this was getting out of hand. He left her alone and let her grieve for the first few months before starting to feel impatient and a little irritated.

Perhaps indulging his daughter in strenous training will help her forget.

Radius walked back to his room, deep in thought.

Or...perhaps...a new love interest...?

~ The Next Morning - 9:00 AM ~

A loud bang on the door interrupted the blonde's peaceful, dreamless sleep as she sat up with a scream escaping from her lips. Instantly, three maids rushed in with screeches and squeals that nearly turned Stella deaf.

"Princess Stella! What are you still doing in bed?!" one of them spoke in horror with unique British-like accent.

"Oh this is not a prim manner of a proper princess!" another gasped while running towards the blonde.

"W-Wait...!" Stella let out a startled scream as they tugged on her nightgown and clawed at her sleeves before throwing her inside the bathroom. They stormed towards her closet before picking out today's perfect outfit.

The second Stella stepped out of the shower, they instantly threw her in front of the dressing table, ignoring her protests.

"Guys, p-please...!" she tried to protest but was seemingly interrupted when they started to put the dress on her with no sign of listening to her any time soon.

Meanwhile...

~ Council Chamber - Palace of Solaria - 9:50 AM ~

"How could this happen?!" King Radius's voice thundered above the others as he slammed his fist on the arm of his chair angrily. The room was filled with the king, ministers, advisors, royal guards, and commanders of the Solarian army.

The royal guards formed a perimeter around the room and kept a vigilant eye around. Long tables were perched along the reflective surface of the floor, with each table being able to seat twelve guests. They were seated opposite one another, just like a King holding court with his royal entourage.

King Radius had woken to some distressing news very early in the morning and had called for a last-minute court meeting with his royal entourage.

"Your Highness...this was the fifth attack this week," one of the royal commanders informed with distress and concern. "We need to prepare for a plan."

Radius scratched his chin in anger and concern. "Was anyone hurt? Do we have any information or suspects?!"

"We initially thought that it might be from Kingdom of Bellum, but the weapons and the way the attacks were carried out are completely different."

Kingdom of Bellum was a rival to Solaria due to some unsolved arguments in the past. But the two planets never found on turfs. Whatever miffs they had were only limited to oral confrontations.

Radius nodded as he listened with a deep frown.

This was getting out of hand. Every day, a news wakes him up and keeps him awake at night because a certain village or town has been attacked by masked fugitives.

"Many have been hurt already and we can't afford any more injuries or God forbid, casualities," a royal commander of the army spoke up defiantly.

Radius nodded. "Keep watch for suspicious or unaccounted persons. Amp the soldier force. Send an order out to increase the security in each town's police force. Send out relief funds and medical care for anyone who has been hurt," he declared angrily. He will not let his kingdom be overrun by criminals.

The people around the tables nodded in compliance. "Yes, Your Majesty."

"Have a good day, gentlemen," Radius dismissed them before telling them to inform him of any other updates or such.

Everyone waited respectfully for the king to leave first before standing up to clear the room themselves.

Upon exiting the council, Radius couldn't help but remain deep in thought. Solaria is being ravaged at random places that it was impossible to know which area will be attacked next. Houses have been set fire on, young children have been threatened, and dangerous weapons were fired upon the citizens. He didn't know what to do since Solaria has never faced an attack like this before.

The threats and attacks started about two months ago. Each attack has been more intense and aggressive since the previous one. The frequency of the assaults have also risen exponentially.

"Daddy?"

The voice of his daughter interrupted Radius as he looked up. His eyes widened to see her clad in a golden gown and her makeup applied to perfection.

"You look absolutely beautiful," Radius smiled, temporarily forgetting the plagues invading his kingdom.

Stella smiled and nodded before frowning. "Is everything okay? You looked really upset."

Radius nodded slowly. He didn't particularly want to worry her, especially since she just came here last night. Maybe after resting for a few days, she can know slowly what's happening around. "Everything's fine," he smiled.

Stella nodded. "Dad, is it okay if I go for a walk or something?"

"WHAT?! WHY?!" Radius instantly hollered, making Stella's eyes widen.

"What do you mean 'why'? You said I can have today to myself," Stella explained, narrowing her eyes and reminding him of his promise towards her.

Radius sighed. That was true but he didn't really anticipate this. "Honey, why don't you remain in the palace today? Take rest?" he offered.

Stella sighed. "Please, dad? Just for an hour or two, max," she pleaded tiredly. Honestly, this palace seemed so foreign to her. She felt claustrophobic and unable to catch her breath. She didn't want people around her right now. And being here means that following a strict set of rules enforced by over-enthusiastic martinets.

Radius sighed, giving up. "Fine. But you be extra careful," he warned.

Stella grinned in ecstasy. "Thank you! You're the best!"

Radius simply chuckled. "Guards!" he clapped his hands and instantly, ten armed guards entered the room with weapons in their hands.

Stella's eyes widened at the security. "I'll be going alone, thank you very much," the blonde scowled, obviously displeased.

"No, either you go with security or you don't go at all," Radius firmly stated in total seriousness.

"Dad, I'm only going for a walk! Not to a war!" Stella protested but was cut off by her father again.

"Stella, I'm serious. You will take security with you and they will be with you wherever you choose to go. And that's final!" he bellowed aggressively and Stella appeared momentarily taken aback at the anger in her father's voice.

Why was he acting this way? He seemed so paranoid but she can defend herself very well, thank you! Besides, she went out so many times but he never paid much attention then.

"Fine..." she said defeated before walking away, making a mental note to herself to have a chat with him soon.

Fifteen minutes later...

Stella grumbled under her breath at the security hogging around her back. With a frustrated sigh, she turned around. "Can you guys please leave?!" she fumed angrily.

The guards looked at each other before turning to their beloved princess. "Forgive us, Princess Stella. But we were given strict orders from His Majesty."

Stella sighed and wondered why she even bothered to ask her father in the first place. She should've just wandered off on her own. This was freaking annoying, to say the least.

"Well, can you guys at least maintain some distance and not breathe on my back?!" she snarled. "I can defend myself very well!"

They looked at each other for a few seconds before nodding at her.

"Thank you," she sighed before turning to exit out of the palace.

She continued to walk into a woody forest at the edge of the palace, lost in her own thoughts. Like she demanded, the security guards stayed a respectful distance behind her but it only made them be even more cautious.

Stella glanced at her current choice of outfit. It was nowhere fitting to be worn outside of the palace. It was just too noticeable and it seemed a little overboard.

She waved her hand at herself. Her magic swirled at the ends of her fingertips before her outfit changed into something that was suitable for hiking and such. Her splendid dress turned into something more mellow. Within seconds, her outfit transformed into a white blouse, dark jeans, and black knee-length boots with little heel.

She knew that she probably wouldn't have cared to be this mellow a few years ago but...

She's the type of person to want attention and glow in the spotlight. She wasn't a snob or a brat but...she still enjoyed the attention she received on a daily basis, whether it be Solaria or Magix.

Things changed at the beginning of her second year in Alfea.

Stella closed her eyes and tried not to remember the last sound she heard from him.

"AHHHHH!" he shouted as he fell into the plunging pit of darkness.

"BRANDON!" she screamed in terror before covering her mouth in shock. "NOOO!"

A lone, invisible tear rolled from her cheek as she struggled to somehow forget the traumatic experience. That was the last time she ever saw him. That was the last image she had of him as he died from the plunging heights. She'll never forget that scream as it echoed louder with each second he fell into the dark pit.

Stella dabbed at her eyelids that glistened at the pain. She never stopped thinking about him nor did she ever stop loving the one man who made her life matter. He wasn't the only one who died that day. She died too. She went into shock and her voice had died in her throat when she saw that right in front of her eyes. As reality slapped her in the face, her heart broke and her soul shattered into a million pieces. She couldn't stop crying for weeks before her spirits started to hollow.

Each day was just...each day. Nothing significant, nothing exciting, and nothing worth remembering.

"You're mad that I lied to you about being a prince..." he sighed in dejection, hating on his status for the first time ever in his life. He never cared much about his status until he met the vivacious princess of Solaria.

"Yes, I'm mad! I'm mad that you lied to me. Why didn't you tell me that you were a squire?" she asked with hurt.

"It doesn't matter anymore, does it?" he asked. "I'm sorry." With another dejected sigh of sadness, he turned around but was stopped when the blonde grabbed his sleeve. He turned again in question, wondering what she wanted now.

"I'm mad that you didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth. Not because you're a squire," Stella shook her head.

She shook her head. She spent these last two years drowning in their memories during her first year at Alfea. Oh and the summer break she spent with him. They started dating at the end of her first year after the attacks from Army of Darkness.

She just never knew that her happiness would be taken from her so soon.

"And this, princess, is how you build a campfire," he grinned proudly while Stella blushed sheepishly.

"It never really gets cold on Solaria, so we don't need campfires," she defended herself while sitting on a log in front of the fire while rubbing her hands to warm them up. He joined her and sat next to her while kissing her cheek affectionately. She smiled before hugging him tightly.

They cuddled in each other's arms while watching the crispy flames dance into the night.

Lost in her own little world, she never noticed the long path she walked away from the palace nor did she ever hear the rustling of leaves in the nearby bushes.

"Princess Stella!" the guards shouted instantly when they saw a masked man jump in front of the blonde, covered in black clothing from head-to-toe.

Stella gasped in shock and screamed in surprise when a few more jumped from the nearby trees, obviously waiting for an ambush. The masked men (were they even men?) were gigantic in size and held thick, wooden clubs in their hands. The clubs were decorated with sharp glass and nails.

Stella's eyes instantly flared angrily at them for interrupting her from her temporary happiness.

"Enchantix!" she screamed while summoning her transformation.

Her outfit instantly disappeared and her gorgeous dress fitted itself around her while her hair grew longer with pale blonde streaks in them.

"Who are you?!" one of the guards demanded while they came up to stand in front of their princess protectively.

But the perpetrators didn't speak. They were five in number. Instead, they all let out a collective roar before charging.

The guards aimed their weapons to fire solar beams but the assailants proved to be much quicker and stronger than they were given credit for.

"H'yah!" they shouted with booming deep voice while slashing their clubs left and right. A few shouted in pain as the glass embedded itself into their skin, letting blood out.

"Ocean of light!" Stella shouted while blasting her hands forward to generate a burst of blinding luminosity. "Get back!" she defended while going to help the fallen guards.

"Enchantix moon shield!" she called out before holding up her hand to hold her defense shield. She flew down to the ground to help a bleeding guard. "Go, get out of here!" she urged while helping him.

Stella grunted when she felt harsh blows on her shield, resulting in vibrations.

"But princess-" the guard protested.

"That's an order! Now leave!" Stella shouted defiantly as if daring him and the rest of them to oppose her authority.

Stella and two other uninjured sentinels defended themselves, giving time for the injured ones to escape and hopefully get help.

"Solar flare!" Stella cried out as a fierce orange sphere flew from her hands and hit one of the assailants. She gasped when she saw that they dodged the spell.

Stella fought wildly while conjuring up multiple beams and shooting them.

The other two sentries tried their best to fend off just one of the attackers while four of them advanced towards Stella threateningly.

"Ahhh!" the two cried out when they felt a heart-stopping blow to their abdomens, sending them flying and crashing painfully into a tree.

"No!" Stella cried out in concern and that moment of distraction was enough for them to take advantage.

They took a swing at the blonde. Stella noticed it at just the last second and jumped back in panic. Her heart raced as she fell backwards and landed on the forest floor. Her head started to spin with adrenaline as her blood pulsed against her chest. Blood oozed from the scratches on her arms and hotly trailed down her skin.

She slowly clutched and looked up only to see the five joining together and letting out an angry growl before aiming their weapons again to fire at her once more. She had no time to defend herself as she recoiled in fear before covering her face in terror.

She braced herself tightly, expecting the blow to her body any second. She screamed instantly when she felt a whoosh of air and a set of footsteps jump in front of her. After a few seconds, Stella blinked in shock to see that the attack never came in the first place. She opened her eyes when she heard a deep, masculine grunt in front of her.

She gasped when she saw a masked male in front of her, holding up a shield and a double-edged sword. Her body froze at the new intruder who looked as if he's on her side. She couldn't quite make out his features, considering his back was to her.

Stella watched him in shock as the man fought the five of them gracefully with little effort and zero difficulty. A couple roundhouse kicks and sword slashes were all it took for them to moan in pain. Blood covered the forest floor and Stella felt queasy to the stomach at the iron-like scent. The five soon picked up their own bodies and start running in the other direction with severe bruises and wounds.

Stella's eyes blinked with an overwhelming amount of rushed emotions as she sat on the dirty forest floor, unable to believe what she just witnessed here. She felt confusion and blurriness in her vision. It was all so surreal and so quick that she had a hard time wrapping the situation around her head.

She looked to see the man slowly turning towards her. Her eyes remained wide as she tried to see him. His face was covered with mask and his body was clothed in a black medieval outfit with a cloak behind his back. A black hood felt over his eyes just enough to let him see but also prevent others from seeing who he truly is. He was tall and his frame was brooding enough to intimidate anyone.

He stared down at her for a moment before extending his hand to help her up. Stella glanced up at the hand which was adorned with fingerless gloves. Despite not being able to see the entire hand, she could see how rough and calloused his fingers are. They were covered with proof of invisible battle scars and warrior training.

Blinking a few more times, she accepted his hand before he pulled her up with his swift strength. Stella gasped when her chest brushed against his and she instantly stepped back while gazing into his face.

And with that, he let her go before taking off in the opposite direction. But Stella's eyes peeled wide open when she remembered the last image of his face. She could've sworn that she saw those narrowed, hawk eyes somewhere.

He didn't really give her the chance to look at him or even stay long enough for a grateful 'thank you'. She only glanced at him for a fraction of a second before he turned around.

She could've sworn that this wasn't the first time she has seen those eyes.

"Could it really be...?" she whispered in shock while she continued to stare at his retreating body which grew smaller and smaller with each second.

Forty minutes later...

~ Royal Infirmary - Palace of Solaria - 11:30 AM ~

"How could you let something like this happen?!" Radius's voice boomed violently with rage and aggression as he harshly reprimanded the guards who were assigned to his daughter.

Stella sighed as she sat on one of the beds in the infirmary with a nurse tending to the bruises on her arms.

Radius continued to yell and fire away at the guards. They looked ashamed and stared at the floor with humiliation.

Stella's eyes narrowed in concern before holding up her free hand to stop the nurse. She got up from the bed before walking towards the king.

"How dare you run away from an ambush?!" he fired.

"Dad, that's enough," she interrupted angrily while grabbing his arm.

"No, it certainly isn't! You were hurt!" Radius glowered.

"So were they, dad!" Stella yelled back. "They're humans, for Pete's sake! Not animals! And no one ran away! I told them to leave and get reinforcements!"

"They obeyed you by disobeying me!" Radius glared. He went over the nuts when he heard a loud explosion from the middle of the forest. When Stella returned back to the palace in her Enchantix with wounds, his fatherly instincts kicked into drive and instantly started snapping at everyone.

Stella held up her hand. "You need to calm down. I didn't die. I wasn't hurt to that extent. THEY, however," she pointed towards them who all suffered painful blows as well. "They did. They protected me at the cost of their lives and it's not fair that you're treating them this way."

Radius's eyes widened at his daughter's fierce words. Her amber colored were lit with flames as she dared to glare at him.

She sighed and turned to the guards. "Please. Everyone, get inside and get yourselves checked. That's an order," she demanded while pointing towards the beds in the room. "Thank you for protecting me."

The guards looked up with gratitude and admiration for their dear princess before complying with her request.

"Now please excuse me as well," Stella neutrally said to her father before clutching her arm and leaving the room instantly.

Radius sighed before going up to the sentinels who're currently being treated. "Thank you. I apologize," he admitted.

"No, Sir. It's our duty, Your Majesty," one of them replied with a profound loyalty while the others concurred in agreement. The king smiled as he watched them being bandaged and tended to.

"What happened out there today?" Radius asked them while they glanced at each other before narrating the tale.

Meanwhile...

~ Stella's Room - Palace of Solaria - 11:45 AM ~

Stella stepped into the safe haven of her room before closing and locking the door shut. She let out the breath she's been holding for so long till now.

She walked towards her bed before closing her eyes, deep in thought. She tried to recollect what happened out there.

It was a battlefield. She and her security have been bushwhacked by bulldozer-sized men. Her magic did little to harm them. Just when she thought she was done for...

Stella took a deep breath, unable to get her savior out of her mind. She moved towards the balcony and leaned against the chest-high railing.

Who was he...? she thought desperately while trying to recall the only pair of features she has seen. But she couldn't even get a clear image.

Those eyes...

They flashed by in a blur but Stella couldn't shake the terror that certainly hugged her.

The familiar tint of brown...the acuteness of the eye...

She knew exactly where she has seen them. A gasp left her throat as she stood straight in a flash and covered her mouth. Her lips quivered while tears flood her own eyes.

"B-B-Brandon...?" she whispered in heartbreak while tears started to fall down her golden brown eyes.

Meanwhile...

A long distance away, a tall, hooded male perched on top of a sturdy branch while glancing into a high-powered, handheld telescope. His clothing gave him a great camouflage to blend with the closely-knitted, dense forest around him.

He adjusted the lenses closely to zoom into a certain blonde princess standing in her balcony. He narrowed his eyes when he saw her lose her footing and stumbled against the wall behind her. There was appalling distress and utter disbelief present all over her soft features.

He closed his eyes and let his hand drop to the side. Taking a few deep breaths, he opened them in a flash again later.

With another lengthy deep breath, he pulled down the hood over his head, revealing his deep brown hair.

"Sunshine..." he whispered softly before clenching a tightly-knotted fist with his hands, narrowing his focus and undivided attention onto the castle.

…

…*nervously stares at my laptop*…

I CANNOT write fight scenes, so I'm really sorry if that downright sucked or made you cringe, guys. If anyone has any suggestions or pointers to give me, I'd be so happy to listen.

So, please review?

Thanks for reading :)!