19.1 (lord Martiya)
A furious and drenched Musa barged into the main hall of Cloud Tower shouting Stormy's name.
"Yes dear?" Stormy replied.
"I've just been attacked by every single Cloud Tower student with a weather-based powerset but you. Explain!"
"Just doing them a favor. You see, the ability to harness lightning tends to make us feel invincible. I have been mostly cured of that by having Icy as a sister, and a certain encounter during an infiltration took care of the rest, but those girls didn't have such luck… So I dared them to attack you, knowing it would be painful and humiliating enough to make them learn but they wouldn't die."
"That's obvious! Why did you do that NOW?!"
"Uh?"
"We were about to go out shopping." Darcy explained in a dangerously sweet voice.
"Oh… Well… I-"
"LOOK! A DISTRACTION!" Icy shouted pointing at the gate.
And, amazingly, it actually distracted Darcy and Musa long enough to enable Icy and Stormy's escape.
19.2
"So what am I supposed to do for the next three years?" Roxy demanded.
"Uh..." Bloom said. "Live on Earth?"
"Great," Roxy said. "So while you girls spend three years attending Alfea and having adventures I have to stay at home and serve smoothies."
"Well you're not old enough to attend Alfea," Bloom said.
"And it's not like there's anywhere else you can stay," Musa added.
Roxy glared at the Winx for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Alright, fine. At least help me deal with mom and the rest of my relatives before you go, alright?"
"Certainly!" Stella said.
"This isn't going to end well, is it?" Techna whispered to Flora.
"Probably not," Flora replied. "But it'll be fun to watch."
"Did you hear?" Flora said. "Earth's appointed a liaison to Magix in the interests of smoothing over Earth's return to the Magic Dimension."
"Like an ambassador?" Bloom asked.
"Exactly," Flora said. "They're trying to put their best foot forward."
"So who is it?" Aisha asked. "Nebula's their Regent right now, so it can't be her. A shame, given that she's supposed to be the Major Fairy of Peace."
"Morgana's in retirement with her husband," Musa said. "Diana?"
"No," Bloom said. "She's not very good at negotiating, and Aurora's even worse. Sibylla?"
"She's supposed to be neutral in everything," Techna said. "I don't think she'd make a good ambassador. Besides, she's busy being the Major Fairy of Justice."
"So who's left?" Stella asked. "We covered everyone important."
"Why don't we just watch the news and find out?" Flora suggested.
"Good idea," Musa said. "Where's that remote?"
"And in a surprise move, the Earth Fairy state of Tir Nan Og announced that it would be represented by none other than Princess Roxy," the news caster announced.
"What?" Bloom said, doing a double take. "Roxy? But she's thirteen!"
"Princess Roxy is the single most notable fairy of Earth," the news caster continued. "Responsible for the rescue of the entire population of Tir Nan Og, the defeat of the Wizards of the Black Circle, and the peaceful return of magic to Earth, Princess Roxy is considered a national hero by many, despite her young age. Now she seeks to bring about the return of Earth to the Magic Dimension."
"Well, this should be interesting," Flora said with a smile.
"When asked about her appointment, Princess Roxy had this to say:" The broadcast switched to a video clip of the pink-haired fairy herself. "Well it's a big honor of course, and it's going to take a lot of work, but I'm looking forward to it. Earth has been separated from the Magic Dimension for too long, and it's time we fixed that. There's a lot of work ahead of us, but I think it'll be more than worth it in the end." The news caster returned. "Princess Roxy has announced that she will be moving to Magix full-time for the foreseeable future. An embassy is already under construction in the city. Citing the need to continue her own education, she has also announced her plans to spend some of her free time studying at the prestigious Alfea College for Fairies. If accepted, she will be the youngest student to attend the school in centuries, but perhaps also one of the most talented. We look forward to seeing what she will accomplish. This has been Magix News, thank you for watching."
The TV clicked off as Musa pushed the power button on the remote.
Aisha was the one who finally broke the silence. "So, who wants to bet that she did this just to prove that she could get into Alfea at thirteen?"
"I don't think you're going to get any takers on that bet," Bloom said. "Roxy really doesn't like being told she can't do something."
"Yes, because we don't have anyone like that in this room," Musa said, sending the entire team into giggles.
"What do you think her first words will be when she gets here?" Flora asked.
"I'd rather not think about it too much," Bloom said. "I'm sure I'm going to be hearing about this for a very long time."
"Welcome to the loops," Musa said. "Where you can tell someone 'I told you so' for eternity."
Bloom moaned and buried her face in her hands.
Flora smiled. This was going to be a fun loop.
19.3 (lord Martiya)
"So, let me this straight: a few Loops ago you single-handedly rescued all of Earth's fairies, defeated the Black Circle Wannabes, returned magic to your homeworld, and had yourself appointed as ambassador just to prove you could enter Alfea at thirteen?" Icy asked the Terran princess.
"Yes..." Roxy replied, ready to fight or escape from those she remembered only as three deranged enemies.
"Perfect! Next time we crash Mitzi's halloween party you're the fourth sister!"
"What?"
"Dear, what you did was exactly what WE would have done." Darcy explained. "We started out trying to steal the Dragon's Flame just because we'd been told we would never surpass our Ancestors, and that was one thing they failed to do... By the way, you should find a good shrink just in case. If it's a Looper, tell me."
19.4
"So what's up with Roxy's name?" Seras asked.
"What do you mean?" Flora asked her adoptive sister.
"I mean what's up with her name?" Seras said. "I thought all fairy's names ended in the letter a. Well, except for Bloom, but she's the exception that proves the rule."
"Not every fairy's name ends in a," Flora said. "I mean there's... Well, there's... Okay, you've got me. That's weird, I can't believe I never noticed that."
"Oh, but it gets better," Seras said. "Roxy's name ends in a y, right?"
"Right..." Flora said cautiously.
"Well, that clearly means she's a witch!" Seras proclaimed triumphantly. "After all, the only witch in your loop whose name doesn't end in a y is Griffin!"
"There's Selina," Flora said.
"She's from the corrupted part of your loop," Seras replied. "She doesn't count."
"So you think Roxy's secretly a witch?" Flora asked.
"Yep," Seras said. "She fits the naming convention!"
"I think you're being silly," Flora said.
"Oh really?" Seras said. "Mark my words, one of these days she'll be a witch, trust me on that."
"Seras, this is the Infinite Loops," Flora said. "Variants happen all the time. I've been a witch. Timmy's been a witch. Kiko's been a witch."
"Bloom's rabbit was a witch?" Seras asked.
"Once," Flora said. "It's a long, long, long story. Not to mention painful, embarrassing, and disturbing."
"You got beaten by a bunny," Seras said.
"Yes," Flora said. "Yes I did. And if you tell anyone I will tell that story about the time you lost to a banana with legs."
"My lips are sealed," Seras promised.
"Good," Flora said.
19.5 (Awesomedude17)
Bloom stumbled into Mac's Bar, completely sloshed. Harry Dresden sighed and cast a spell to sober her up.
"HEY!"
"What happened?"
Bloom groaned and then sat down.
"Okay, you know Warhammer 40K?"
"Who doesn't? Almost up there for me, but Star Wars is more fun. Just don't say Little Orphan Annie around Anakin."
"Well... apparently, we installed a text to speech program into the Golden Throne last time I was there."
"Oh, you were in that variant?" A new voice spoke up. Bloom turned to see a man clad completely in golden armor.
"Uh yeah. Wait, who are you?"
"The Captain General of the Adeptus Custodes. I usually handle The Man Emperor of Mankind during those Loops. So, how was it being his personal caretaker?" Little Kitten introduced himself in the least embarrassing way he can.
"Between Valtor being Magnus, a Male, Unawake Stella as Rogal Dorn, the Trix as those male strippers and the fact that Flora as an Ork derailed the Baseline by crashing a hoverbike into the Throne Room and getting everyone drunk on fungus beer... I'd say that me coming here on a pub run was justified."
"Holy shit, that's one of the milder responses." Little Kitten muttered under his breath before speaking up. "Well, sounds like you had a rough time. Don't worry, you'll get used to it."
"I doubt it. Mac, Guinness!"
"Wait, the Trix as the male strippers? Like the Trix rabbit?" Harry said, confused.
"Oh no, they're the rest of the Adeptus Custodes. They've gotten... less sane over the years."
"Okay, Warhammer 40K is now at my bottom due to male strippers. Thanks, bud."
19.6
Flora woke up and slowly rose from the bed she and Techna shared. The other fairy murmured unhappily in her sleep, complaining about the sudden loss of warmth. Flora smiled and carefully tucked the blanket back up around Techna's chin. She made another quiet whimper, then settled back into the bed. Flora smiled and laid a gentle kiss on Techna's cheek, then turned and walked over to the window. She carefully opened the blinds and looked out on the quad and the unusual state it was in.
Winter had come to Alfea. That might not seem particularly unusual, but Alfea, like the rest of Magix, enjoyed a warm and consistent climate. Cold usually meant people wearing long sleeves instead of t-shirts, maybe with the occasional sweater. However, every once in while, Winter actually did descend upon the school, wrapping it up in her glittering splendor.
Flora looked out the window and smiled. A fresh layer of snow had fallen overnight, turning Alfea into a sparkling construct straight out of a dream. Light snowflakes still danced on the winds, glittering in the sunlight. Winter might not come often to Alfea, but when it did, it was beautiful.
"Flora?" Techna asked, her voice blurry with sleep.
"Yes?" Flora said, turning around.
"Oh," Techna said, blinking the sleep from her eyes as she sat up. "There you are."
"Right here," Flora said cheerfully.
"Did it snow again last night?" Techna asked.
"Yes," Flora said. "Would you like to take a look? It's really pretty."
"Maybe once I'm fully awake," Techna said, getting out of bed.
"You know you used to be a morning person," Flora teased. "What happened to my morning girl?"
"She discovered she liked sleeping in a lot more when she wasn't sleeping alone," Techna said, kissing Flora's cheek.
Flora smiled. "We should get dressed, they'll be serving breakfast soon."
The two fairies made their way into the Great Hall, seeking breakfast, only to be ambushed by their red haired friend.
"There you two are," Bloom said.
"Good morning to you too, Bloom," Flora said. "What's up?"
"Stella's taking advantage of the cold weather to showcase her lineup of Winter fashions," Bloom said. "She managed to rope Musa and me into serving as models."
"And Aisha?" Techna asked.
"She volunteered," Bloom said ruefully. "I don't suppose the two of you..."
"Sorry Bloom, but I think we'll sit this one out," Flora said. "But have fun."
"I'll try," Bloom said, shaking her head. "Well, at least you'll know where the four of us are if you decide to go looking. I'll see you girls later."
"What do you want to do today?" Techna asked.
"Well we don't have any classes today," Flora said. "I was thinking we could make it an 'us' day. We haven't had one in a while. Maybe we can go explore Magix?"
"Sure," Techna said. "That'd be nice." Her stomach interrupted the conversation, growling. "Breakfast first though."
"Breakfast first," Flora agreed.
The two fairies stepped out into the snow, bundled up in their winter coats against the cold.
"I know snow's pretty, but why does it have to be so cold?" Techna muttered.
"Isn't your home world cold?" Flora asked.
"And why do you think I came to Alfea for schooling?" Techna asked.
"So you could meet me?" Flora suggested.
"Among other things," Techna said. She paused as a snowflake danced in front of her face. She followed it until it settled on her nose, making her go cross-eyed.
Flora laughed. "I think the snow likes you."
"Really?" Techna said with a skeptical but fond smile. "It's snow. I don't think it cares."
"No really, it likes you," Flora insisted. "It wants to give you a hug. Here, let me show you." She pulled a snowball out from behind her back and smiled.
"Oh no," Techna said. "Flora, don't you dare- ack!" The snowball hit the front of her coat and exploded. "Alright, you're on!" Techna said, swooping down to make her own snowball.
The two fairies laughed as they waged their snow war across Alfea's quad.
"Do I still have snow in my hair?" Flora asked as she sat down on the couch in their room.
"If you did it's probably melted by now," Techna said. "Here." She handed Flora a steaming mug of hot chocolate.
"Thank you," Flora said, carefully taking the mug and sipping the liquid warmth.
"The weather's getting worse," Techna said, sitting down next to Flora and sipping from her own mug.
"I know," Flora said, looking out the window. "It's still pretty though."
"It's almost one," Techna said. "You wanted to head into the city?"
"At some point," Flora said. "But we should probably get lunch first."
Techna considered for a moment, then nodded. "Lunch sounds good."
"And then we'll catch the bus to Magix," Flora said.
"Alright, thanks," Flora said to the person manning the information desk. She headed back to Techna. "We just missed it," Flora said. "The next one's not for another forty minutes."
"Well, there's no point waiting here for it," Techna said. "Do you want to go back to the room?"
"Sure," Flora said.
Flora glanced up from where she and Techna were curled up together on the couch and caught sight of the clock. "Oops."
"What is it?" Techna asked, leaning back against Flora as she read her book.
"We missed the bus," Flora said with a laugh.
"Really?" Techna asked, glancing up as well. "It's only been- oh."
"An hour and a half," Flora said. "The sun'll be setting soon."
"It is Winter," Techna commented.
"Stella and the others will be back soon," Flora said.
"Probably," Techna said.
"You don't want to get up, do you?" Flora asked.
"I'm comfortable," Techna said, leaning her head back against Flora's shoulder.
"You're on top of me," Flora pointed out.
"And you're the one who put me there. Besides, if you wanted me to get up, you'd let me go," Techna said, gently patting the arm that was wrapped around her waist.
"I guess I would," Flora said, not bothering to move her arm.
"We're not going anywhere, are we?" Techna asked.
"Maybe later," Flora said. "Not right now."
"I guess that's that," Techna said.
"Do you want to watch a movie?" Techna asked as they headed back to their room from dinner.
"Sure," Flora said.
"Okay, Comedy, Romance, or Action, take your pick," Techna said, pushing open the door.
"Do I get sub-categories?" Flora asked, following Techna into the room.
"Nope!" Techna said, pulling out her current multi-function device. "I get to pick the sub-category."
"Okay," Flora said. "How about Romance?"
"Sounds good," Techna said, looking through her digital collection. "Let's see what I've got..."
"You know, we never did make it to Magix today," Flora said as the credits rolled.
"No we didn't, did we?" Techna said as she snuggled up to Flora under the blanket they'd stolen from their bed. "Maybe next time."
"Maybe," Flora said. "I'm kind of glad we didn't though."
"Yeah, today was nice," Techna said. "Too bad it has to end."
"I know," Flora said.
"It'd be nice if-" Techna cut herself off with a yawn, then continued. "Nice if things could always be like this."
"Okay, time for you to go to bed," Flora said. "How do you tire yourself out so thoroughly? You didn't do anything I didn't."
"It's the cold," Techna muttered. "Makes me sleepy."
"Well let's get you to bed where it's nice and warm," Flora said, getting to her feet.
"Are you going to pick me up?" Techna asked.
"If you want me to," Flora said.
"Please?" Techna said.
"Alright," Flora said with a smile, gently sliding her arms under Techna and lifting her off the couch. "Time for bed."
"Mmmm," Techna hummed, her head lolling slightly.
"You're already half asleep, aren't you?" Flora said as she placed Techna in her spot on the bed and tucked her in.
"Mmmm."
"Mmmm," Flora responded, climbing in on the other side of the bed. Even half asleep, Techna responded to her presence by cuddling up to her.
"Mmmm."
Today was a good day, Flora thought as she leaned into her girlfriend's warm embrace. I don't ever want this to end. I never want to give this up. I want this to be the rest of my life.
19.7
Techna pushed open the door to Eden hall. It had been a while since the loops had brought her here, but there were certainly worse places to be. She looked around the crowded bar, searching for a familiar face. Wait, was that- It was! Techna made her way over to where a scruffy-looking man was writing a journal.
"Doctor O," Techna said. "It's been a while."
Doctor Tommy Oliver looked up. "Techna?" He closed his journal. "I haven't seen you in ages! How have you been?"
"I'm doing well," Techna said, slipping into the seat across from her old mentor. "It really has been a while, hasn't it?"
"Ages," Tommy said. "Last time we met, you'd only just finished building your Zords."
"That can't be right," Techna said, then paused to think. "Is it? I was sure... no, that was... well, there was... Huh. I guess you're right, it really has been that long."
"Scary, isn't it?" Tommy said. "You're getting old."
"I don't think I'm getting old," Techna said. "My loop ends before I'm even halfway through my twenties, unlike some people's loops."
"Ouch," Tommy said. "So, what have you been up to since then?"
"All sorts of things," Techna said. "Oh, I've made some improvements to my ranger gear!"
"Cool, what sort of improvements?" Tommy asked.
"Well, there's the Battlegear mode," Techna said. "Oh, and I did some work on the Technoblade. I'll have to show you some time."
"Sounds good," Tommy said. "Any new Zords?"
Techna sighed. "No. The original four were so much work that I'm kind of afraid to try building another."
"It is a lot of work," Tommy agreed. "Still, it's worth it once it's done. If you want, I could help you design one."
"Maybe I'll take you up on that," Techna said. "I'm not sure what kind of Zord it would be though..."
"I think we can figure something out," Tommy said. "If you want, we could start now."
"You know something?" Techna said. "I think I'd like that. Thanks, Doctor O."
"No problem," Tommy said. "Anything to help one of my kids."
19.8
"Flora, you have to come see this, it's amazing!" Roxy said, fluttering out from among the spirit vines. "There's this maze thing the spirits live in. I've never seen anything like it! You have to come see!"
"Alright, I'm coming," Flora said. She turned to Techna. "You mind if I leave you alone for a bit?"
"Go ahead," Techna said. "I want to talk to Asami about something."
Flora nodded, then took to the air to follow Roxy into the spirit vines.
"So, that's your new looper," Asami said, walking over. "Energetic little thing, isn't she?"
"Yes," Techna said. "Roxy's quite the handful."
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Asami asked.
"I'm working on a new Zord," Techna said. "It's still in the design stage, but I'd like you to take a look at it."
"Sounds like fun," Asami said. "I don't think I've ever helped design a Zord before. What kind of Zord is it?"
"A burrowing Zord," Techna said. "It's a gap in my Zords' coverage that I'd like to fill."
"It still needs to merge with your Megazord though, right?" Asami asked.
"I was thinking it would work like Battlegear," Techna said. "Adding weapons and armor, rather than replacing an integral part of the Megazord."
"That's probably simpler," Asami agreed. "Why don't you bring the design to my workshop tomorrow? We can go over it together and I'll let you know what I think."
"Thank you, I'll bring it over first thing in the morning," Techna said. She looked over at where Flora and Roxy were exploring the spirit vines. "It's a shame Korra's not Awake this loop."
"I know," Asami said. "She'd love Roxy. Probably say she's like the little sister she never had."
"She wouldn't be the first," Techna said. "Roxy brings that out in people. Even back in baseline Bloom all but adopted her."
"I've never met Bloom," Asami said.
"You haven't?" Techna asked. "Huh. I know she replaced Katara that one time. She still uses the Waterbending she got from that loop."
"And your Firebending?" Asami asked. "Do you still use it?"
"Not much," Techna admitted. "In fact, a few loops ago I tried to use it and I almost couldn't."
"Abilities fade if you don't practice them," Asami warned.
"Well, I didn't know that," Techna said defensively, then sighed. "I don't use it much, but when I discovered how weak it had gotten, I realized I was fonder of the ability than I had previously thought."
"Well you have it back now, don't you?" Asami said. "You know what you have to do to avoid losing it again, right?"
"I know," Techna said. "I don't think I'll ever use it to fight with, but I do like having it. I'll make sure to practice."
"Good," Asami nodded, then frowned. "Why do you keep looping in as a Firebender anyways?"
"Probably because I'm the Fairy of Technology," Techna said. "I suppose I might loop in as a Metalbender at some point, but Fire has more in common with my powers. Huh. I wonder if I can use lightning?"
"Probably," Asami said. "Do you want to find out?"
"Maybe later," Techna said. "I think Flora and Roxy are about to come back out."
"You two are still adorable together by the way," Asami said. "I still can't believe you're not a baseline couple."
"And I keep telling you we're not," Techna said. "You should meet my... ex, I guess? I'm not really sure what to call him, actually. Anyways, he started looping a little while back."
"That must have been awkward," Asami said.
"Very," Techna said bitterly. "It was... not a fun moment. Still, you should meet him at some point. He's almost as good at technology as I am."
"Sounds like a plan," Asami said. "It's always nice meeting a new engineer."
"He prefers the term 'Nerd'," Techna said.
"Alright then," Asami said. "And there they are." She pointed to where Flora and Roxy were emerging from the vines. "It's almost time for dinner, how does Narook's sound?"
"Good," Techna said. "It's been a while since I've had Water Tribe food. It'll be good to try it again."
"Alright, go tell Flora and Roxy we're going, I'm going to pack up."
"Be right back," Techna said. "Thanks for doing all this for us, Asami."
"Hey, anything for a friend," Asami said with a smile. "Now get going, those noddles won't wait for us you know!"
19.9 (lord Martiya)
When Riven had accidentally called her for reinforcements (apparently he kept her number near Timmy's on his speedcall), Flora had expected many things. That Magix' famed crossdressing watchmaker was DIO Brando and was now furiously mauling the Black Circle Wizards was not one of them.
"Wh-what's happening here?!" she exclaimed when she realized it was actually happening.
"Oh, nothing!" he shouted back. "I just Awoke today, took in where I was, and just as I decided to take it easy this time these four come in, the one with the mohawk decides to rob me, and when I warn them to not even try it he says "And what can you do about it? We're immune to fairy magic"! And now you show up to interrupt my explanation!"
"That true?" she asked to Ogron, who managed to nod in spite of the beating he had just suffered.
Having to admit that DIO Brando was the innocent victim, for once… That was new to Flora. What to do?
19.10
"Do you think Roxy will be alright?" Musa asked.
"We've all had our turn beating these guys," Flora said. "She wanted to do it."
"Yeah, but do you have any idea what she's planning?" Musa said.
"No, but she said we should stick to baseline," Flora said. "So that's what we're going to do."
"Alright then," Musa said. "That's not that hard when it's just the two of us and Roxy Awake."
"True," Flora said. "Well, lets see what happens."
Roxy fled across the city, the Wizards of the Black Circle in hot pursuit. The Winx followed, skirmishing the wizards as Roxy slowly led them towards the ocean. Finally she reached the piers and ran out onto one of them.
"Fairies don't exist!" Roxy said to herself as she crouched on the end of a pier, holding her head in her hands. "They don't exist, they don't exist!"
"Oh, but fairies do exist," Ogron said, coming in for a landing behind the distraught girl. "And you're one of them."
Roxy turn and smiled, rising to her feet. "Oh, I know, I just needed you to follow me here."
"What?" Anagan demanded.
Roxy raised her hand, a white ring on her finger. Slowly, it started glowing.
"The White Circle!" Gantlos gasped.
"That's right," Roxy said. "I am Roxy, the Fairy of Animals! Creatures of the sky, creatures of the land, creatures of the sea, come to me, come to me!" The White Circle glowed with power.
"What's she doing?" Duman demanded.
The Fairy of the Animals called for help.
The animals answered.
Birds swarmed through the air, swooping down to form a massive cloud around the fairy. Rats, cats, dogs, and every other animal within a mile of Roxy's current position charged onto the pier, cutting off that route of escape. Behind Roxy, a pair of crocodiles surged out of the water to land on the pier next to her. Sharks circled beneath the pier and a killer whale burst out of the water a few hundred yards out to sea. In the chaos, Roxy took a moment to transform, her wings appearing behind her while the four wizards stared on in mingled horror and awe.
The Winx landed just outside the shell of hostile creatures and took a moment to stare.
"Did you know Roxy could do that?" Stella asked Bloom, yelling to make herself heard over the noise of the thousands of animals.
Bloom wordlessly shook her head.
"Should we do something?" Aisha asked, peering through the tornado of birds between them and the battle.
"I don't think so," Musa said. "I don't think we could even get in there right now."
"We can't just let her fight them by herself," Techna said, tapping away at her PDA.
"I don't think we have a choice," Flora said. "Right now there's nothing we can do unless Roxy lets us in. If she needs help, we'll be here."
"I really don't think she needs help..." Bloom said.
"Probably not," Musa agreed.
The cloud of birds finally parted, revealing four very battered and bedraggled wizards. Their clothes were ripped, there was bird poop in their hair, and they were very much unconscious. Just to be on the safe side, Roxy had also elected to restrain each of them by the simple expedient of having an anaconda that had escaped from an animal smuggling operation wrap itself around the four, effectively imprisoning them. The young fairy herself stood over the four wizards as she bid the majority of her helpers farewell. The animals turned around and headed back to where they had come from, flowing around the six Winx.
"Oh, hi!" Roxy said, waving at the six older girls. "It's safe, you can come out here."
The Winx shared a look. "So, who wants to give her the whole 'Fairies are Real' speech?" Musa asked.
"I already knew," Roxy said. "Thanks for playing along though. It got the Wizards right where I wanted them."
"You were using us?" Stella demanded.
"No!" Roxy said defensively. After a moment though, her shoulders slumped and she looked down at the ground. "Well... yes, I guess."
"Hmph," Stella said, turning her back on the young girl.
She wasn't the only one displeased. Techna looked disappointed, Aisha seemed angry, and Bloom... Bloom looked hurt.
"I... I'm sorry," Roxy said. "It... it seemed like a good idea at the time."
Flora walked over to the Earth fairy. "It's alright, we forgive you," the nature fairy said. "Just because they're not Awake doesn't mean they don't have feelings too," she added in a whisper.
"Yeah," Roxy whispered back. "I'll remember that next time."
"It's okay," Flora said in a normal voice. "We all make mistakes. Isn't that right, girls?"
The other Winx considered, then nodded in acceptance. "Just don't do it again," Stella said.
"I won't, I promise," Roxy said.
Flora nodded to herself, satisfied. Even she occasionally had problems remembering that non-loopers were just as real as she was, with their own emotions and personalities. Roxy had obviously forgotten. Her punishment for her thoughtlessness would be dealing with the distrust of the Winx until she could earn their forgiveness. Still, it was better that Roxy learn that lesson now than have it come back to haunt her later. Flora nodded again. Roxy would learn, just as Flora and all the previous loopers had before her.
Even after an eternity in Yggdrasil, there was always more to learn.
Author's Notes:
19.1: Stormy's halping!
19.2: Well, that's going to be a fun loop for the Winx.
19.3: Roxy's making friends.
19.4: ...Now I kind of want to write the Witch Kiko loop...
19.5: Yeah, I think Bloom's earned that beer.
19.6: Fear the almighty fluff!
19.7: New Zord!
19.8: More new Zord!
19.9: Well... That's a new one.
19.10: An important life lesson for loopers.
Keep an eye out for round twenty. Big things are about to happen. Big.