The Linphea Connection

by Robert Teague

This story was written for the entertainment of Winx Club fans, and no copyright infringement is intended. This story may be reproduced, provided no changes are made, and you let me know.

Author's Note: This starts a week or so after "Final Exam", just before graduation. The events of "Secret of the Lost Kingdom are included, but Season 4 is not.

Chapter One

On a scheduled day off from classes, Lucy appeared on the Alfea campus to the discomfort of most of the students. She knew where the Winx Club's suite was, and she headed directly there. She was met at the door by Mirta and Zing. After a hug from Mirta, Zing flew to Lucy's eye level.

"Okay, I've told the other Pixies about your... punishment, but they don't believe it," she said.

Lucy grinned, but made no reply.

"Well, let's get this over with," said Zing. She landed on Lucy's shoulder and got no objection. Then Mirta opened the door and went in, followed by the tall Witch.

She was greeted warmly by the girls of the Winx Club, who were curious to see what would happen. Their bonded Pixies were huddled in a group away from the door.

Seeing Zing sitting on Lucy's shoulder without danger stunned the other Pixies. They looked at each other, disbelief plain on their faces.

Amore, the only other Pixie who had ever had any real interaction with Lucy, flew over to them. She looked at Zing, who was smiling, then at Lucy, who's face was carefully neutral.

"So... it's true? You will be our friend? No lies or plans to hurt us later?" she asked.

"I always pay my debts," replied Lucy. "This is what Zing forced on me, so no Pixie will ever be in danger from me again. I swear it."

Zing left Lucy's shoulder to land on Mirta's.

Amore pondered Lucy's answer as she looked deep into the Witch's eyes. Finally she turned to the other Pixies, who were huddling together even closer. "She's telling the truth." She smiled. "This is cause to celebrate! We have our very first Witch friend!"

"Hey! What about me?" asked Mirta, but she was smiling, "I was your friend before Lucy!"

"Ahh... you're only half-Witch," said Lucy, sitting down, "You don't count."

The whole room exploded with laughter.

"Let's get this party STARTED!!" shouted Stella, to the enthusiastic agreement of the others.

while they were sitting and talking, Lucy was being swarmed by the Pixies. She was obviously uncomfortable about it, so Bloom made them back off of her, and approach one at a time.

Just then the door opened, and a worried Ms. Griselda appeared, with a few students behind her. Seeing Lucy she was relieved, and turned to the Fairies that had come with her. "It's okay, Ladies," she said, "Lucy has standing permission to visit the campus." And the door closed.

There was a moment of silence, then everyone laughed, except Lucy, who turned red.

"Don't worry about it, Lucy," said Tecna, "Considering the way Ms. Griselda normally acts, that was a sign of trust."

"Fairies trusting a Witch..." muttered Lucy, but Flora heard her.

"Of course we do," she said softly, "You've proven yourself. I don't know where this relationship will go, but I think we're all stronger for it." She reached down and gave Lucy's hand a squeeze.

Lucy eyed her best friend's adoptive sister, and gave a small smile.

Seeing she was no longer the center of attention, Lucy looked at Flora, who was moving toward a chair. "Thanks for what you did for Mirta. I was really worried about her."

"Everything just seemed to work out for her," said Flora, sitting down, "Linphea couldn't be a better place for a Nature Fairy."

"She was never comfortable at Cloud Tower," said Lucy, "I think she went there just because of me, and that's what her ex-family wanted."

"It's their loss," replied Flora, glancing at Mirta who was looking through Musa's CD collection. "She's a sweet girl, and my little sister absolutely adores her."

Flora smiled at Lucy. "If you ever want to visit, let me know."

Lucy shook her head. "I've heard some bad things about Witches on Linphea, about them having to register, and wear a badge showing they are a Witch. And being deported just for looking at something or someone in the wrong way. I don't want to go through that. I'd almost have to seek revenge."

Flora shook her head. "It's not like that. Witches have to register as a pledge they won't do harm, but they don't have to wear a badge, and the rules are strict about reasons they can be deported. Some local not liking the way you dress won't do it.

Don't let rumors stop you. In fact, I'm giving you a standing invitation to visit Linphea. I'll be a Guardian Fairy after I graduate, and my word will carry a lot of weight. I'll protect you and your pride and dignity if I need to."

At the green-haired Witches' look, Flora added, "You're my sister's best friend. I trust you, and you know you can trust me."

"I'll think about it," was the response, and they lapsed into silence.

wcwcwc

Some time later, Bloom and Lucy were on the balcony, drinks in hand.

"What are you going to do after you graduate?" asked Bloom.

"I don't know yet," said Lucy, "Some of the other Witches have gotten offers, but I haven't. It's kinda surprising, too, since I'm the strongest Witch there since the Trix."

"I'm sure something will turn up. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you," said Bloom.

There was silence for a moment, then they noticed a couple of younger students, probably freshmen, staring in their direction. One of them pointed, but stopped when she realized she had been seen.

"If you want to freak them out, smile and give them a friendly wave," said Bloom with a grin.

Lucy snorted, but did just that. The new fairies started, then ran into the east wing of the building. Bloom and Lucy enjoyed a good laugh.

"They have a lot to learn about Witches," said Bloom, taking a sip of fruit punch (unspiked).

"Yeah, they do," said Lucy. "You Winx got lucky with me. If it wasn't for Mirta, and what you've done for her, we would probably be enemies."

"If it wasn't for Mirta, we probably never would have met," said Bloom.

Lucy conceded the point. "I guess you're right. But we'll go our own ways after graduation."

Bloom smiled. "Yeah, but we won't lose contact. Fairies make an effort to stay in touch with friends. You'd have to lose us deliberately, or tell us to leave you alone first."

"If I did say that, would you?" asked Lucy, looking at the red haired Fairy of the Dragonfire.

"We would be sad, but yes, we would." Bloom paused, and looked over the campus quad. "I don't think you realize how important you are to us. This is, as far as I know, a unique friendship. We have to do more than just accept it. We have to see how we connect, how it changes us, see if we can make it grow. It could serve as an example for others."

"We agreed to keep it secret," said Lucy.

"Too late for that," replied Bloom. "A bunch of students know you're here."

"I meant from other Witches. It would make me seem venerable if they knew," said Lucy, giving Bloom a hard look.

"Oh." Bloom paused. "But on the other hand you would be well known across the Magical Realms for something unique."

Lucy's eyes widened for a second, and she looked into the sky with a faraway look. "That wouldn't be so bad..."

"You wouldn't abandon Mirta, would you?" asked Bloom.

"Never," answered Lucy immediately. Then she smiled. "I guess you're stuck with me, then."

Bloom offered her glass for a toast, to which Lucy responded by clinking them together, and they drained the contents.