Posted December 12, 2021.

Previously on AUF…

"In the meantime, I will be sending someone else with you." Ninfea lifted her hand. A blue-clad pixie with a rainbow sash flew towards them, and they stared in surprise.

"Cherie?" gasped Digit.

"Cherie is the pixie of weather, which gives her a strong connection to nature," Ninfea said. "She is thirteen, and she must have her rite just as much as the rest of you."

-o-o-o-

"It's time," the redhead said, his eyes flashing. "Let us open the White Circle!"

Roxy stared as the men surrounded her, linking hands. Artu barked wildly as they stood together, and a horrible energy filled the plaza. She screamed as she saw a white tornado erupting, filling her with pain.

She screamed as she was lifted up into the air, her own energy draining from her body. Her entire head was spinning, and she felt as if her stomach was churning. Pain coursed through her body, and she cried out. Please make it stop, make it stop…

-o-o-o-

Roxy didn't understand what was happening until Hui grabbed her hand. She let out a yelp as the Asian woman dragged her onto the disc, flying towards the helicopter. "I'm not going anywhere with you!"

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice!" Aisha was holding onto Artu, who growled ferociously in her arms. "Come on, we have to get you to safety."

Hui shoved Roxy into the helicopter, and she slammed into a seat. The Asian woman buckled her seatbelt, sitting right next to Roxy.

"Get ready," she said grimly. "It's going to be a rough ride."

Roxy stared as Gardenia disappeared under her sight. She let out an involuntary sob, burying her face in her hands.

"I can't believe you, Hui," she whispered. "I trusted you. I trusted you to help me!"

-o-o-o-

This is it. There was only so much of this magic business that she could take. She buried her face in her hands, shaking her head.

I'm gonna find a way to leave. She had to leave the Winx, otherwise she'd lose her sanity as well. She gazed at Artu, her expression determined.

I'm gonna get out of this trap…


CHAPTER 12: MIDWINTER'S EVE, PART I

The Black Circle

On the Matter of the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice, otherwise known as Midwinter or Yule, the festival of new sun, is the celebration of a new year. It is the day that the oak king conquers the holly king, that dawn starts rising on the earth again. The darkest nights are passing, which means that the world is being born anew again.

For the fairies, the solstice is especially important. The winter solstice, after all, is one of the two days in the year when humans can cross into the world of the fay, and vice-versa. Enchantments are heightened during this time; more difficult enchantments can easily be enacted. From the evening of Midwinter's Eve to the end of Midwinter's Day, this holds true.

– From the Book of Fay


Cork, Ireland

Roxy awoke, her entire body tired. For a moment, she thought she was back home, back with her father and Artu. But then she heard the snores around her, and knew she wasn't alone. Siting up, she stared at Musa and Layla, who were lying on the floor, clearly exhausted. Their pixies, Tune, Piff, and Cherie, were lying on the table.

She glanced around the empty storage-room in the abandoned warehouse. It was grainy and dark, and paint was peeling off the walls. This place is a dump – but one I might be able to escape from. Quietly putting on her coat, she crept out of the bed, signaling to Artu. She opened the window, gently sneaking out.

She had always been good at creeping around. She and Artu had snuck out of the house numerous times, mainly to head to the forest. Today was no exception; she could see that Musa and Layla were absolutely drained. Clearly, their last mission had tired them out. Climbing out to the ground, she and Artu ran for their lives.

She'd finally had enough. All of that fairy craziness, being chased by police and Wizards, had sickened her incredibly. She was ready to just go home. She ran out to the street, gazing around.

I've got to get out of here. Since she didn't have her phone with her, her best option was to borrow someone's phone and call her father. She needed to get out of here and figure out how to get home.

But what will I do when I get home? If she went home, the Wizards would wreck their house. She would only be putting her father in danger, and the people of Gardenia, too. There was nowhere to hide.

The realization hit her like a sucker punch. I'm a danger – to everybody…

Of course, her teachers had been saying that all along. She'd been sent to several counselors, all of whom she'd ignored. After each and every expulsion, the message was clear: You are a danger to everyone. But it didn't hurt as much as this realization – this – that she was even more freakish than her bullies could've ever imagined.

She sat down on the street, staring around. A few people were walking by, but as it was the dead of the night, no one seemed to care too much. She held Artu close.

"Musa is so brave," she whispered. "I'd like to be like her, you know? Not afraid to tell those losers at school what I think of them, not afraid to defend someone else. But – I can't." Her lips trembled. "I'm too afraid to be a – a fairy."

And then, quite suddenly, she sobbed. A sadness she'd never known before overtook her, and she cried, for once not caring how vulnerable she was.

She cried because she wasn't like everyone else, people who had friends and enjoyed their place in life. She cried because of how everyone saw her as – a weak, useless girl with no strengths. She cried because they were right, that she'd never get anywhere. She had no goals towards anything. Even her own father couldn't stand to see her.

"No, that's not true," a female voice called out to her. She stared up in astonishment, but couldn't see anyone around. "You are very brave, Roxy. You have courage, far more than what you realize."

Roxy stared around. She couldn't see anyone in the tunnel, nor could she hear any movement. Not to mention, Artu showed no signs of hearing anyone, either.

"You won't find me, Roxy. I am not in a place where you can see me – I am not in the physical world. I reside inside of you."

"And I'm supposed to believe that?" she challenged. "How do I know you're not one of my other tormenters?"

"You don't," the voice said. "But I know you will soon. How could you not call yourself brave? You've stood up for what you believe in, have you not?"

"I don't need to listen to another second of this!" Roxy got up, signaling for Artu. I don't need anyone's charity! She stormed down the path, hoping the voice would leave her alone.

To her extreme annoyance, the voice didn't. She still heard the woman calling for her, louder than ever.

"Why do you think Musa has bonded with you? Do you think it's because she wanted to make you feel better about yourself? No, it's because you're clever, resourceful, and brave"–

"How do you know all this?" Roxy asked furiously. Sensing her agitation, Artu let out a bark.

"I have been watching you all this time, Roxy. I've seen how you've taken down the people who've hurt you, mocking you for being different from them. I've seen how much you've suffered, all this time" –

"Shut up!" Roxy hissed. Her tanned face was seething with rage, and she was sure she'd turned red. "Don't you even" –

"What about when you opened the Book of Fay? Do you remember the rush of power you felt then? Do you remember how you felt complete and whole?"

That halted Roxy. She stared down at Artu, as if expecting him to help her respond; he just wagged his tail back at her, his tongue sticking out. She hesitated slightly, staring down at herself.

"You cannot beat yourself down, Roxy," the voice told her. "You are the Last Fairy on Earth. You believed in the other fairies; now you have to believe in yourself. Just like I believe in you."

The woman's voice disappeared, but Roxy was still reeling in shock. She believes in me… but how can I believe in myself?

"There she is!" a voice called to her, and she turned around. Tune was glaring at her, her hands on her hips; Cherie and Piff were close behind. She saw Musa and Layla running towards her, their eyes worried. "Are you okay?"

Roxy stood up, angrily brushing away the tears on her face.

"I'm fine," she snapped.

"Were you trying to run away?" Layla asked warningly.

"No," Roxy lied, glaring at the ground.

"Good," Musa said, grabbing her by the arm. "Because you know you're safer with us."


The helicopter zoomed off into the air. Musa was glad that she had a warm coat on, because it was definitely cold outside. It never gets this cold on Melody, or even Magix for that matter… The helicopter had heating, but it was not very good, and they often felt the pressure from outside.

"Hey guys, guess what?" Bloom said cheerfully. "The winter solstice is tomorrow!"

Roxy shot her head up. "Already?" she said in surprise. "Guess time flies when you're kidnapped."

"Not only that," Bloom continued, ignoring Roxy's jab, "but it's apparently a time that's very special to the fay. Apparently, during both Midwinter's and Midsummer's Eve, humanity can cross into the realm of the fay, and vice-versa." She gestured to the Book of Fay. "Around this time, people get visions or sights."

"That explains the dream you had a few weeks ago, then," Flora said to Roxy. The girl shrugged, turning her head to the side. Artu jumped up onto her lap.

Musa, however, was watching Roxy very closely. She's hiding something… And then, it came to her. She faced the girl, who was doing her best to avoid Musa's gaze.

"Roxy," she said, very clearly, "what happened when you ran away from the hotel?"

Roxy shrugged. "Why do you care?"

"So something did happen," Musa retorted. "Can you tell us what it is, please?"

"Why should I?" Roxy answered defiantly. "Why should I tell you anything?"

There was a silence. Then Flora spoke again, her tone pleading. "Come on, Roxy. Whatever you tell us is only for your own good. If it's something to do with the Wizards, we need to know."

"You don't need to know anything," Roxy laughed bitterly.

"Fine, then," Stella responded. "Be like that. But I bet you're dying to know what's going on. We can't tell you unless you tell us."

Roxy rolled her eyes, but Musa could see the indecision in her face. She let out a sigh.

"This woman appeared to me, just like that," she admitted. "There was this voice in my head which told me to trust in myself, or something wack like that. She said she lived inside of me, or something like that. And she appeared in my dream a week ago, too."

"There's someone watching over you, then," Flora said. "You have someone who's looking after you."

"So is this, like, a normal thing?" Roxy asked. "Random people showing up in your dreams? Does that, like, happen?"

Bloom frowned. "Actually, yes. In my first year at Alfea, my sister Daphne kept appearing in my dreams, like a guardian spirit. I was raise on Earth, but I was actually born on the planet of Domino, which was destroyed by a group of witches the year after I was born. My sister was the only remnant of the destruction, but cursed to stay in Lake Roccaluce. However, she learned the skill of dream-projection, a magical power extremely rare in the Magical Dimension. She used it to convey to me my destiny, which was to save Domino."

"But it's very rare," Flora added. "Though that may not be the case on Earth. From what we know, Earth fairies are much more powerful than our kind."

"Great," Roxy said grumpily. "Haven't we already established that I'm a total freak?"

"Nobody said that," Musa said. Suddenly, she felt annoyed, her patience with Roxy coming to an end. I had to wake up last night because of her – could she just stop it with the 'tude? "It's not fair of you to" –

"I thought of another place we should go to," Digit interrupted. "Lockette and I looked it up last night." She picked up Tecna's iPhone, grimacing at the weight as she showed it to the women. They all crowded around the screen, staring down.

"An island off the coast of France?" Bloom looked puzzled. "How's that supposed to help us?"

"It's an ancient island inhabited by the Druidesses of the Gallizenae," Lockette explained. "These priestesses have the power to see into the future. Think of how cool that is!"

"That's impossible," Tecna said bluntly. "No one can truly see the future – not even the fay. There's no point in going there!"

"But there is such a thing as prophecy!" Digit insisted. "There're priestesses skilled in prophecy all around the Magical Dimension! Even if they can't accurately predict the future every single time, they get it right a lot!"

"Besides, the priestesses of Earth were much more powerful than the priestesses of the Magical Dimension," Lockette pointed out. "Since they were much stronger believers, and had the fay on their side, they were able to use their magic to find important information."

"So, do you want us to go there?" Tecna asked skeptically, looking at her iPhone. "We're in Kinsale now. It'll take us an hour to get there. And then after we're done there – well, what do we do?"

"Admire the view?" Amore suggested, staring out the window.

Musa stared downwards. She could see stretches of long farms ahead of them. They were flying closer to the ground, and she could see red ribbons tied over evergreen trees. Clouds covered the horizon, blocking out the midmorning sun. The women and the pixies gasped in amazement.

"It's so pretty!"

"I've gotta say, Earth is a lot classier from the sky," Chatta grinned.

"This place reminds me of someplace else," Roxy murmured. Musa saw that her expression had changed, that she was looking more wistful. "The farm."

"What farm?" Flora asked.

"A farm I used to go to with Daidí," Roxy whispered. "In the summers, we used to fly to Ireland and go to this farm owned by his friend – she used to own a lot of horses. We used to have so much fun there. Back when he used to think I wasn't a burden." Her voice became sour.

"I'm sure he doesn't think that," Bloom said, sounding taken-aback.

"Oh yes he does," Roxy snapped back, and Bloom shut up. "Anyways, I remember that place was so vivid and beautiful. I used to ride there all the time."

"Why don't we go there, instead?" Tecna suggested.

"Huh?" Roxy looked at Tecna as if she'd grown three heads.

"We should go there!" Tecna said. "It might give us clues about our next step. We might be able to find something important there!"

"Are you insane?" Roxy groaned. "I'm not going there!"

"You're the one who suggested it," Musa said. Suddenly, she felt annoyed, her patience with Roxy coming to an end. "Can you just quit it with the 'tude and come with us?"

"You guys just kidnapped me and dragged me halfway across Europe," Roxy snapped. "Forgive me if I have a hard time listening to you."

"But we need to go to Sein Island!" Lockette protested. "It's the perfect place to go, don't you see?"

"Yeah, why don't we go there?" Roxy muttered. "It's better than going to a random place which I can barely remember!"

"Please, Roxy," Flora pleaded. "It sounds like a good idea to me, too. I think we'll find something important there."

Roxy sighed, throwing up her hands. "Fine! We'll go on to that stupid farm, okay? Just leave me alone!"

Musa stared at Roxy. She's looking way grumpier than usual… What was up with her? Why was she acting like this?

"How about this?" Bloom suggested. "The Pixies head to Sein Island on our behalf, while we head to the farm. Digit, do you know how to get there?"

"Of course," Digit answered proudly. "Lockette entered the coordinates into her wand – she can lead us there. How long will it take us to fly there, Lockette?"

"Two hours," Lockette squeaked back.

"That sounds cool," Roxy said. "In fact, how about I go with them? Making sure they don't get lost and all" –

"Nice try," Stella interrupted. "You're staying right here, with us. If we have to drag you to that farm, then we will."

Roxy glared at Stella, but she couldn't refute the blond-haired woman's point. "Fine," she snapped. "But don't expect me to be happy about it." Sitting in the corner of the helicopter, she sighed, gazing down at Artu.

"I'm not sure it's such a good idea to send them flying in the open sky, especially such a long distance and over an ocean," Layla said doubtfully. "Pixies, are you sure you can handle it?"

"Of course we can!" Digit grinned. "We've just been itching to get outta here. As long as Lockette's leading, there's no way we can get lost!"

"That's not what I'm worried about." Layla faced Tune. "You'll keep an eye on your sisters for us, right? Make sure they conserve their energy properly – especially Piff. I'm counting on you."

"I'll do my best, Layla," answered Tune. Flying out of the helicopter, the Pixies made their way out.


The Celtic Sea expanded before them as the Pixies flew towards Sein Isle, gazing down at the churning water below them. Tune frowned as she watched Lockette leading the way, her breath coming in quick gasps.

She hadn't realized it'd be so difficult to fly this far. The most she had ever done was fly laps over Pixie Village, and that had mainly been a form of exercise, not something serious. Her wings were aching as they flew over the sea.

To make things worse, the wind was battering them. Although it was sending them east, which was helpful, it prevented them from properly flying south. They needed to go fully southeast, and the wind was certainly not helping.

"We need to stop for a break," she hissed. "We need to make landfall somewhere, so that we can eat and drink something. This isn't going to work."

"But this way is so much faster!" Lockette protested.

"It's not faster if we all crash into the sea and die!" Tune snapped back. "Layla put me in charge, Lockette. You need to listen to me!"

"You're being paranoid," Chatta said dismissively. "Nothing's going to happen! We're awesome, and we can totally fly the entire way!"

"How about we vote?" Amore, ever the peacemaker, suggested. "Those of us who want to continue, raise your hand. Those of you who want to stop" –

"This is not a democracy!" Tune glared at the pixies. "I'm the one in charge, in case you all" –

"Those in favor?" Chatta asked loudly. She, Digit, Lockette, Amore, and Piff raised their hands.

"Unbelievable," Tune snapped. "I can't believe you" –

She gasped as someone tugged on her sleeve. Turning around, she glared at Cherie, anger in her eyes.

"How dare you?" she snapped. "That's incredibly rude! Just wait until we get to the" –

She stopped as Cherie pointed to the west, looking terrified. Frowning, Tune gazed forward, and let out a gasp. A fierce wind-gust, one so powerful she could see it, battered straight into them, hitting them towards the sea.

"DO-TA!" Piff cried as she was tossed downwards.

"Piff!" Tune shouted, trying to fly down towards her. But her wings were giving way, and in any case, they were no match against the wind gust. She let out a shout as she began to plummet downwards, towards the sea's furious waves.

She saw the other pixies were falling as well, looking terrified. Pure terror captured her heart as the mouth of the Atlantic Ocean became larger and larger, beckoning to swallow them up. She knew there was no way out, that there was no way to escape –

Suddenly, a pink bubble formed around her. She found herself suspended in midair, staring around in confusion. Looking around, she saw that the other pixies had been protected as well – or rather, four of them. Where's Cherie? She looked up and gasped.

The rainbow-clad pixie was flying towards them. The wind had stopped, and she flew down, strength in her eyes. Tune gasped, seeing her adopted sister for the first time.

… "You're a weather-pixie," she said in wonder. "You have the power to stop winds from attacking us and counter them with important spells! Well, why didn't you tell us?"

All Cherie did was stare at Tune. Tune's cheeks heated, and she stared at the sea.

"Oh, right," she said sheepishly. "You can't talk."

"Thanks a bunch, Cherie!" Chatta shouted. "Now will you please get us outta here? We need to" –

"Look!" Digit pointed forward.

Tune stared and gasped. She could see a curtain of mist ahead of them, one filled with ancient power and strength. Behind that fortified wall was an enchanted island, one of great magic and power. But we're nowhere near… Shapes appeared through the mist, and she let out a gasp.

A woman stood before them, magic and wisdom in her eyes. She was wearing a white tunic and skirt, and a Celtic headdress of holly and mistletoe. She gestured to the pixies, who could only stare at her dumbly, wondering what on Magix was going on.

"Welcome," she said, "to the land of the Gallizenae."


The helicopter flew over Cork County. The Winx stared out the windows, oohing and aahing the whole time.

"The forests are so pretty!" Flora gasped.

"Look at those lakes!" Layla cried.

"It's amazing, isn't it?" Bloom smiled. "It reminds me of the Italian countryside. My parents used to take me there when I was a kid. It was just awesome."

Yeah, bet your parents were awesome, Roxy thought, a sense of bitterness coming over her. She stared out the window.

The Irish country was indeed beautiful, but Roxy couldn't enjoy any of it. Only a bitter sense of annoyance grew up in her, until she couldn't feel anything else. She stared bleakly out the window, feeling nothing but sadness in her heart.

Back when she was little, she and her father used to celebrate Yule. They used to observe the rituals of the winter solstice, and have a large feast at the end of the day. Irish heritage, after all, was a big part of their identity – something they could never lose. Until she was ten-years-old, they always celebrated the day in which light conquered darkness, the day everyone knew they had survived. They had never come to Ireland for Yule, though – they always came to celebrate Litha, the summer solstice.

She remembered the time when this trip used to be fun. It used to be a wonderful respite from school, and so much fun to be out in the heart of nature. She used to ride there all the time, exploring the trails with her father.

But now, she only felt an ache in her heart. An ache that she could no longer suppress or control. She remembered one day, when she, her father, and the stable-owner, Adrianna Baston, had gone north to County Meath, to pick up a horse for the farm. After Adrianna had gotten the horse, she'd showed her to Roxy.

"He's in the trailer over there," she said. "A mixed-breed pony, with a Connemara father and a Thoroughbred mother. Would you like to see him, Roxy?"

"I don't know," Roxy's father said doubtfully. "I'm not sure I want my daughter riding a hotblood, particularly a young one. They're far too spirited."

"Not to worry," Adrianna smiled. "This girl has a natural disposition for horses. A fine horsewoman she'll be one day! I have faith in her." She led Roxy towards the van.

Roxy stared in astonishment at the horse before her. He was well-built, but stocky and short – short enough for her to ride him. What struck her most of all was that the horse was pure black. Black, like the legends her father had told her as a child –

"He looks like Aonbharr," she breathed to her father, who grinned.

"Aonbharr, the horse of Oisín," he said. "Could fly faster than wind and travel across land and sea both. The gatekeeper of Tír na nÓg" –

"Come on, Roxy, let's go." The woman placed a saddle on his back, made out of faux leather, and motioned for her to climb up.

She could feel the young horse's excitement under her legs, the spirit he contained. Clipping a lunge-line to his bridle, Adrianna led him out to the track.

"Let's work him today," she said. "I was thinking you might want a challenge."

"Adrianna, really," her father protested. "My girl's only ni" –

"The girl's been riding before she could walk," Adrianna said firmly. "She's done this for me before. I'm sure she can handle it."

"But she's only ridden geldings and older mares!" he protested. "Roxy, are you" –

"Don't worry, Daidí," Roxy said. She smiled down at Aonbharr, feeling his strength and power. "I'll be fine."

"Start him up at a trot," Adrianna called. "Don't let him let loose just yet."

Roxy nodded. With the slightest nudge of her heels, the ever-attentive horse broke into a trot.

Controlling this horse was a lot harder than she'd ever done. He had a much stronger will than the horses she'd known before, and wanted nothing but to run. She relished the challenge, enjoying how he responded to her every whim – it was almost as if they could speak to one another.

She turned to Adrianna. "He wants to be let loose," she called.

Adrianna signaled for her to get him to a walk. She walked up to him, unclipped the lunge-line, and led the horse to the field.

"He's all yours." She stepped back, watching as Roxy nudged him into a run.

She let out a whoop of joy, enjoying the feel of his strong muscles and the excitement that coursed through her veins. She saw the stunned expression on her father's face, the smile on Adrianna's lips, and felt an incredible surge of pride. Pride not just in herself, but in her horse.

They seemed to go on forever, galloping into the heartland of the Irish country. It was emerald-green, and birds sang all around them, much like the fairy-folk. She laughed as she saw wildflowers on the side of the road, and they galloped headlong straight into them.

Finally, Aonbharr stopped at a sunken earthen mound. Curious, Roxy stared around, gazing at the place she'd landed in. She let out a gasp.

A huge stone gleamed ahead of her, rising out of the hole. It shined with the light of the high sun, and she stared, mesmerized, at its beauty. Ahead of her was another mound that rose high out of the earth – a passage-tomb.

"The Hill of Tara," Roxy breathed. She had always wanted to come here, particularly because it appeared in so many of her father's ancient stories of Ireland. It was the place where the High Kings of old were crowned, and was said to be the seat of their power. It was also the capital of the Tuatha dé Danann, the fairy-folk. She gazed at the majestic site, staring in awe.

The girl gazed up at the stone she and Aonbharr were in front, at the mound they stood upon. They were in front of the Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny, which stood atop the Inauguration Mound. According to the ancient legends, the High King of Ireland was crowned exactly at this spot, his coronation taking place right here at Tara. All of the High Kings were crowned here, in fact. She touched the stone lightly with her right hand, feeling something tingle through her fingers.

She could feel the ancient power that ran through this beautiful monument. Bowing her head down, in allegiance to the High King, she remained perfectly still. Aonbharr too was silent, and they stood carefully together. With her left hand, she gently stroked his neck, thanking him for giving them this moment together.

"You are just perfect," she murmured. In that moment, she knew they were one.

"Roxy?"

Roxy snapped her head back to the present. Musa was gazing down at her, not looking too pleased. "Tecna just asked you a question. Which way do we go?"

Roxy felt her skin prickle. "I'm not a GPS!" she snapped. "I thought Tecna had one hooked up to the antenna!"

"We do," Layla, who was piloting, answered coolly. "It's lost its signal."

"Listen, I don't even want to go to this stupid farm, just" –

"Just what?" Musa snapped. "Do you have any idea what a pain in the neck you're being right now?"

There was a silence. The Winx stared at Musa, clearly taken aback by her outburst. Roxy glared up at Musa, her eyes furious.

"Oh, I'm the pain in the neck, now?" she snarled. "What about when you guys pulled me from my life to become a fairy? What about when you took me away from my father? What about when you" –

"So would you have rather the Wizards of the White Circle came here before us?" Musa exploded. "Would you rather be another prisoner, with the rest of the Earth fairies, right now? If we hadn't have showed up to save your skin, you could've been dead by now!"

"Well, I'm sick of you making me into a freak!" Roxy yelled. "You've made me into an outcast now, sending me to" –

"Guys!" Bloom's stern voice filled the air. "We cannot fight now. We're all in this together. Remember, our objective is to get to that farm and figure out whatever's going on there."

Roxy grumbled, turning her head. She wanted nothing more than to yell at Musa, to tell her what she deserved. But she had a feeling that the music-fairy knew how to fight back. Besides, it wouldn't change the fact that they were going back to the farm.

An odd feeling of grief rose in her heart as she stared out the window. I wish we didn't have to go there…


The island appeared before them, a misty land of coldness and winter. Tune let out a gasp as she saw what was before them, gasping in surprise.

Many women were walking, doing routine chores such as churning and cleaning. They were quite undisturbed by the appearance of the six pixies, not even glancing their way. Tune saw many young girls and old crones as well.

She stared in confusion as she saw a number of women holding hands. Why are there no men here? She gazed at the woman leading them, who simply smiled.

"Come with me," she said. "The Lady wishes to speak to you."

"This place is weird," Piff complained. Tune shot her a sharp look.

"I don't understand!" Lockette said in confusion. "We aren't at Sein Island – yet, this place looks so similar! It's almost the exact same!"

"And how have you all survived?" added Digit. "I thought the civilization of the seeresses was destroyed by the Wizards!"

"There are many things that were never destroyed by the Wizards," she answered simply. "They exist far beyond their comprehension, far beyond their control."

They speak the Common Tongue? thought Tune. How was it that this woman understood everything they said? In a daze, she followed her downwards.

They landed at a square, staring forward. A lady was standing before them, her blue eyes piercing through the pixies as she saw them standing before her. She had brown hair that fell down to her waist, and she had wise eyes.

"Kneel to her," the woman who'd led them to the isle whispered. Feeling foolish, Tune knelt mid-air as the lady gazed down at them, her expression austere.

"I am the Lady of the Isle," she said. "State your names and purpose here."

The other pixies looked nervous, but Tune took charge. She stepped forward, bowing towards the woman.

"I am Tune Ramanujan of Magix," she said, trying to make her voice sound proper. "Five of them are my sisters – Digit, Chatta, Amore, Lockette, and Piff Ramanujan. Cherie has no surname. We are here to help our bonded fairies in their quest to bring magic back to Earth. We hail from Pixie Village, the only surviving civilization of the pixies."

For a moment, there was silence. Then the Lady glared at them, clear suspicion in her eyes. "You say you are of Magix, yet you speak our tongue. How is that so?"

"We speak your tongue?" Chatta asked. "How do you speak the Common Tongue?"

Tune could've smacked her. The Lady glared at Chatta for her insolence and shook her head.

"You speak Irish," she said. "It is one of the languages that we speak, amid Gaelic, French, and ancient Frankish. Is Magix known for its sensitivity to Earth's needs?" Her tone became mocking.

Tune stared at her in confusion. What's she talking about? Of course the Common Tongue was descended from Irish. Back in the Age of Blood a group of Magixian scholars tried to come up with a language that could be spoken commonly amongst all, believing it would mitigate the wars. As there was a huge population of Earthians – specifically Irish – who'd lived in Magix, they'd decided to base the Common Tongue on that language, with a few phrases borrowed from Magixian. Although Irish and the Common Tongue had evolved somewhat differently, they were still very similar. She explained all this to the Lady, and frowned.

"I don't understand," she said. "Why do you need to know Irish or French if you're an ancient society? Why don't you just speak Gaelic or Frankish?"

Now the Lady smirked. "Do you think we're a backwards society? We visit our neighbors in France and Britain, in order to have companionship with men. With the exception of the celibate priestesses, many women travel across the sea to visit their men, and bear their children. Their daughters are always raised here by the community. There are many women here who love women as well."

"Cool!" Chatta said eagerly. "So is this place, like, a sort of lesbian commune?"

The entire island suddenly stopped. The people in the vicinity turned to stare at Chatta, who closed her mouth, having realized she'd said something very offensive.

"You would dare defile us?" the Lady said, very slowly. "Villainize us the way humanity has, after the fay disappeared? Punish us for being who we are?"

"I didn't!" Chatta cried. "I never said I had any problem with it!"

But Tune could see why the Lady was so angry. Though her sisters trembled, she knew why they were upset, how it could easily be solved. She flew up to the woman.

"Pardon her, my lady," she said. "She truly meant no offense – she has no problem with women being in relationships together. Her own bonded fairy has a girlfriend. I think Chatta was actually applauding your progressiveness."

Now the Lady blinked. "Progressiveness?" she asked. "You see us as progressive?"

"Of course we do!" Digit grinned. "You're a society for women, run by women – just like us! Well, we are an all-female species – but still! The only society that has ever come close to doing that is Linphea, but even they're very dependent on men! Plus, you have zero stigma about women being in relationships, which is important!"

"Zero stigma," the Lady murmured. "That's not what humanity told my foremothers, back in medieval times. Two millennia ago, when the fay of ancient Ireland disappeared, they started a propaganda campaign against women. They began to blast us, saying that we were heathens and hags and witches. We were forced to hide, not just from the Wizards, but from humanity itself."

"That's really unfair!" Lockette said indignantly. "They shouldn't have forced you to do that!"

"I have so many stories I wish I could tell you from that time," the Lady murmured. "According to my mother, and her mother before that, the ancient years were very, very important. Two millennia ago, our society was very, very prosperous. Although Earth was never a great realm for innovations, we had tremendous power. The fay were very, very powerful. But when the medieval times came, humanity as a whole became corrupt and greedy, and the planet was plunged into darkness."

"And we can bring it back again," Tune said. "We are on a mission to bring magic back to this world, and we need to know our next path."

The woman's eyes narrowed. "That is impossible. How can you expect to do that?"

"There is a fairy still alive on Earth, one who hasn't been sealed away."

The Lady gasped. "Impossible," she whispered.

"Well, we know her," Tune answered, feeling determined. "But the Wizards are back, too, and we need all the help we can get. So please, let us see your priestesses."

The Lady nodded. "Very well. I shall do everything in my power to make sure you succeed on your quest."


"We're here," Tecna said, landing the helicopter on the ground.

Musa stared outside the window. The sky was dismal and gray, and the clouds were starting to turn dark. It feels like the middle of the night. It snuffed out the light of high-noon, making it so much darker than it should've been. She stared towards the farm.

This can't be it. The fields all seemed to be weak, not showing much life. She stared at the horses in surprise, unable to believe that those were the animals that humans so loved.

The horses of the Magical Dimension were far more sparkly than these ones. They had pointed ears and bright eyes, and their coats could be pink or green or purple. Why are these horses only brown and gray and white?

Not only that, these horses were ill. Their coats shined dully, and their muscles were lifeless. They glared up at the Winx, nothing but hatred and fear in their eyes.

"This place looks awful!" Chatta cried.

"It's been neglected!" gasped Flora. "They've cut down all the trees!"

She was right. There were no trees to be seen on the property, and the grasses were all dull. Granted, it was winter, but even then, there was no life at all.

"I don't understand," Roxy said, her voice shaking. "Adrianna wouldn't do this to the horses. Why are they in such pain?"

"Why can't the horses just leave the farm?" Musa suggested.

Roxy stared at her incredulously. "You're joking, right?"

"They can find food on their own, can't they?" Musa frowned. "I don't see why" –

"Musa, Earthian horses aren't like the ones of the Magical Dimension," Bloom said. "These horses are dependent on humans to feed and breed them. They're used for riding."

"But these horses have to have been wild at some point, right?" Flora said in confusion.

"Yeah," Roxy answered, "like, centuries ago. There are very few wild horses left in the world."

Musa frowned, trying to imagine that. On Melody, there were many herds of horses, and they certainly didn't allow themselves to be owned by anyone. Like many animals, they were capable of intelligent thought, though always kept to themselves. Similarly to the magiwhales, they had amazing skills – theirs being the ability to make incredible patterns simply out of hoofprints. She frowned, gazing at the animals ahead –

"Who do you think you are and why are you trespassing on my property?"

Musa whirled around. A man in ripped jeans and a tattered shirt was walking towards them, his eyes flashing furiously. Unlike most other humans they'd come across, this man spoke fluent Irish, which meant that everyone could understand him. As soon as he saw him, Artu's eyes narrowed, and he began to bark.

"Sir," Bloom said uncertainly, walking forward. "We were wondering if we could have a look around" –

But Roxy had a far less diplomatic approach.

"How could you do this?" she yelled. "How could you neglect all these animals? Who are you, anyways? Where's" –

The man glared down at her, at her blue jeans and yellow shirt. His eyes widened.

"You're the little girl who used to come here, all those years ago," he snarled. "What business do you have here? Why are you coming back?"

"Good question," Roxy said, shooting Musa an icy glare that made her ball her fists. "But my question still stands." She turned towards the man. "Where's Adrianna?"

"My mother's dead!" the man bellowed. "She died five years ago! Your father wouldn't have anything to do with the farm, now that I" –

"You're Adrianna's son?" Roxy asked in disbelief.

"It's Mrs. Baston to you," Baston snarled. "I've been trying to sell this place for the past five years, but no one will buy it. And now, it is my unfortunate duty to look after these useless animals." He cast a sour look at the farm. "Hire a groom to brush them every week, but that's it. Those horses are nasty."

"That's because you're nasty!" Roxy bellowed. "Look at what you've done! You ought to be ashamed of yourself" –

"You've got two seconds before I call the police and have them escort you out!" Baston's eyes were full of fire. He glared at Roxy, who let out a sigh and turned around, her fists clenched.

"Let's go," she said to the women.

"We can't leave now!" Flora objected. "Not when this farm has been treated so badly!"

"Of course not!" Roxy snapped back. "I need to see Aonbharr, okay? I need to see what he's done to him!" Breaking into a run, she ran into the pasture.

Musa stared at the fiery girl, her mouth wide open. Oh my… She had not realized that such a tragic fate had befallen the farm, nor had she realized that this man was so cruel. But neither did Roxy. Why had Roxy been so angry before they'd reached the farm?

Whatever it is, we'd better keep an eye on her. "Why are humans so disrespectful towards nature?" Stella exclaimed.

Musa didn't know. There's definitely something weird going on with this planet… All she could say was that the sooner they saved the Earth fairies, the better. She followed Roxy, but then stopped as Flora spoke up. "Do you sense something?"

Musa frowned. I don't sense anything. But clearly, the others had.

"There's magic here," breathed Tune.

Musa turned towards Roxy and Artu. They had run up to a black stallion, one who had a feral look in his eyes. She gasped. "Roxy, don't" –

"Aonbharr!" Roxy shouted desperately. The horse turned towards her, a dull gaze in his eyes and bristles in his mane. "I'm here, okay? I'm here for you!" There was a tenderness in her voice, one that she hadn't heard since that day in the grove, and one she'd almost forgot existed. "Please, Aonbharr, don't" –

She gasped as the horse snapped at her, opening his jaws. He reared instantly, his legs kicking out. Musa ran forward just in time.

"Get out of the way!" she shouted, shoving Roxy to the ground. The horse's hooves sliced the air in the exact same location where Roxy's head had been seconds before. Artu barked angrily at the horse, growling a warning in his throat.

"I don't understand!" Roxy sounded distraught. "Why won't he" –

"I'm sorry, Roxy, but we have bigger things to worry about now," Bloom said urgently. "We sense a magical object in the barn, and we need to get it before Baston does well on his threat."

Roxy turned towards her furiously. "Don't you dare!" she yelled. "I will do everything in my power to save every single horse on this farm! I will not abandon them when" –

"Abandon whom, my little fairy?"

Musa whirled around. The Wizards of the White Circle were standing before them, devious smirks on their faces. The rain somehow seemed to repel them, even though the rest of them were soaking wet. The Winx let out horrified shouts as they advanced on them.

"How did they know we were here?" Stella gasped in fear.

"It doesn't matter," Bloom said grimly. "All that matters is that we protect Roxy and make sure she doesn't get into their clutches!"

The women pulled out their weapons. Grabbing Roxy's hand, Musa pulled her out of the way just as Duman the bear pounced.

Layla ran in front of Duman, wrestling him with her bare hands. The muscular woman fought relentlessly, gasping in pain as his claws scraped her. Just as Duman was about to pin her to the ground, Stella shot him with her blaster, forcing him back.

Anagan ran towards Musa and Roxy immediately, his eyes in fire. Tecna darted in front of them, dueling Anagan with her Stone and her shield.

"Out of the way!" Bloom shouted at Ogron. She and Flora were fighting him. "Don't you dare hurt her!"

"You" – Ogron snarled, as Bloom dodged his attack. As he ran towards Roxy, Flora threw a tree-branch at his feet, and he tripped. In fury, the Wizard shot a jet of bright light straight at Layla.

But the Androsian princess dodged. Instead, the bright energy went straight into the woods, hitting the Winx's helicopter. A huge explosion sounded, and Layla stared in horror. "No!" she shouted.

Musa saw, with a realization, that she had to get Roxy out of there. She pulled her to her feet, heading towards the barn, with Artu trailing behind.

"WHAT'RE YOU DOING?" Roxy's panicked voice filled the air. "THE WIZARDS ARE GONNA BLAST THAT O" –

Musa clasped her hand over Roxy's mouth, and the fairy shut up. "I'm trying to save your life," she hissed. Pushing open the barn door, she shoved Roxy and Artu in, slamming the door shut.

She stared around. The barn was empty, and there was no one there to be seen. There wasn't a single animal held inside. It was just as well – the entire place was decrepit. Half the stall-doors were broken, and some even had mold. She could tell that the horses were better off in the field.

"I can't believe it." Roxy's eyes were filled with pain. "This entire place is so – so unrecognizable." She sat on the ground, lowering her head.

Musa stared at her. Of course she feels sad… She sat down next to her.

"Was this a wonderful place when you were young?" she asked gently.

"Yes!" Roxy cried. "I used to love spending time with the horses, feeding them, grooming them, even mucking their stalls… and learning to ride from Adrianna and Daidí. It was a place where Daidí was proud of me, where he could teach me everything he knew."

"Then what happened?" Musa asked.

"We left the farm," Roxy answered. "Around that time, I got into my first fight. Then Daidí started getting angry at me, and we never came back to the farm again. It would never be the same again, anyhow."

"I'm so sorry, Roxy," Musa said sympathetically.

For a moment, the hardened look came back on Roxy's face. "What're you sorry about? I can't bring the past back. Things aren't going to be okay with me and Daidí ever again." She shook her head.

"My mother left me when I was a baby," she murmured. "Abandoned, completely lost. Never heard a thing from her." She shook her head bitterly. "It was just Daidí and me, all my life. And now he doesn't love me anymore."

Musa look Roxy's hand. "Roxy," she whispered. The pink-haired girl looked up, unwillingly, into her eyes.

"My mother died when I was eight years old," she said. "I had to grow up without a mom as well."

"You did?" Roxy asked, startled.

"Yes," Musa answered. "I know exactly how you feel about your father. Growing up, I had difficulties with him, too. After Mama died, he became much more strict and wouldn't let me do anything. I couldn't even leave the house without his permission. It was a constant fight between the two of us."

"My dad doesn't care what I do," Roxy muttered. "Unless it's to nag me about my grades or whatever, he doesn't care. He stopped loving me the moment I started doing badly in school."

I'm sure that's not true, Musa wanted to say. But in that moment, she knew she couldn't. She took the teenager's hand, whispering, "I'm so sorry."

The two of them gazed at each other, and in that moment, Musa knew they'd made a connection. They'd both lost their mothers and had to deal with their fathers. She stared down at Roxy, understanding everything.

They sat like that for a while. Then suddenly, Roxy frowned. "I say – do you feel that?"

Musa frowned. Now she could sense what Flora had been talking about earlier. There was a tingling feeling in the air, one that was warm and magical. She stared to her right.

"I've had enough of them!" she suddenly heard a shout. "Anagan, get them out!"


Tune swallowed as she entered the cave, staring around. Like the barrier, it was filled with mist, though in this cold weather, it was absolutely frigid.

"It's cold!" Piff complained.

"What is this place?" gasped Amore, shivering.

"It's the sanctuary of the priestesses," Digit answered. "But – how are we going to" –

Just then, Tune heard a whisper. It crawled up her neck and made her shiver, gasping in shock. She stared forward, amazed and surprised.

Nine voices in Gaelic began to chant. The air filled with magic, filling her with iciness and mystical wonder. The others looked shocked, staring in surprise.

"I don't like this!" Lockette whimpered in fear. "It's" –

"Hush!" Tune commanded. "We have to be strong! We have to" –

"A prophecy of fate," the nine voices called. Tune stopped dead as they began to chant, their voices in unison.

"Malice breeds from ignorance and fear.

"When humanity finds its sins most dear,

"Six heroines shall rise to save all life.

"A seventh will join, amid all strife,

"Child of light and child of dark,

"Joins the heroines in their unlikely ark,

"And answer to the fay's call.

"To oak or to holly, the world must fall,

"Lest the fallen offer a sacrifice mighty,

"And yin and yang make a bridge of piety.

"When night leads way to permanent hate,

"There must rise an unlikely fate."

Tune gazed at them in horror. Behind her, she heard her sisters' gasps.

"The Winx are in trouble!" she cried. "We have to get to them immediately!"

"But how?" Lockette wailed. "They're so far away!" She turned to the priestesses. "Please, how do we" –

"You are bonded to your fairies, are you not?" a woman behind them said. Tune turned around and let out a gasp.

It was the Lady. She frowned at them, and her voice was low. "As you all are bonded, you can sense your fairies' locations. It is very important that you do that."

"We already know where they are!" Chatta cried out. "How do we reach them?"

"The winter-solstice gives incredible powers," the woman said. "To the fay, it grants them the powers of incredible magic and power beyond what they could've used before. Although you are not of the fay, the solstice has its own unique ways of granting power. I believe we are close enough to Midwinter that you can teleport straight to your bonded fairies."

"We can?" Amore gasped. "But how do we do that?"

"Focus your energy," the woman answered. "Think about your fairies, and all the trouble they are going through. Think about how determined you are to help them. Then imagine yourselves next to them. Imagine the place where they're at, and then go there."

"Okay," Tune answered. Holding Cherie's hand, she focused on Musa.

She could sense Musa's horror and fear, and determination to help Roxy. She could feel her worry. She was in a flaming barn, some kind of fiery edifice where there was no hope of her getting out.

I have to save her! She focused frantically, willing herself to disappear.

Just then, a magical energy floated over her. Unlike the magic she'd practiced, this one was more intense, and much more connected to nature itself. She gasped as she disappeared, heading through space and time.


Suddenly, the barn shook. Both Roxy and Musa gasped in horror, leaping back in fright. The ceiling was splitting, and wood threatened to collapse and fall.

"We have to get out of here!" she shouted to Roxy, desperately. Artu howled his assent, his eyes wide with fear.

"Wait, what's that?" Roxy pointed to her right.

Musa stared forward. Amid the shaking, there was one item which wasn't moving at all. In fact, it was completely unaffected. She gasped in alarm, staring in surprise.

It was a black circlet. The item had six oval-shapes around its circumference, shining brilliantly. They were glowing brilliantly, shining with immense powers. She stared, immediately taken aback.

She was so fascinated by the object that she didn't notice what was going on until too late. The ceiling above her broke. Musa gasped in shock as it crumbled, the wood splintering towards her.

And then it barreled straight towards Musa.

"No!" Musa shouted helplessly. She rolled out of the way, dodging just as the roofing fell where she'd been before –

A laugh filled the air. Ogron stood in front of them, holding Roxy in his arms, who'd fallen unconscious. He let out a savage laugh.

"No!" Musa shouted.

"It was nice playing with you," he smirked, "but this ends now. By the solstice, her power shall be ours!" Flying into the sky, he took Roxy away, his eyes dark.

"No!" Musa cried, falling to the ground. "No!" Her anguished shout filled the air.

"What's going on?" a voice called. Bloom had just appeared, tailed by the rest of the Winx. "We were fighting the Wizards and they just – disappeared" – They stared at Musa, who was weeping on the floor.

"What happened?" a voice squeaked. Musa looked up and stared as she saw the Pixies, who had seemingly teleported out of thin-air. "What happened to" –

"They took her," Musa whispered. "She's gone." She lowered her head, her eyes filled with pain.

Suddenly, a wail came from behind. "Who are you, and what kind of power do you have?"

Musa turned around and stared at Baston. Normally, dislike would've come over her, but she was too taken by his fear. He stared at them, his eyes wide.

"You trashed my farm!" he yelled. "You destroyed the barn!" He pointed behind him.

"That wasn't us!" Stella snapped. "Ogron and his people did that. We were trying to stop him!"

"I don't know what kind of things I'm seeing," the man gasped, pointing at the horses. "You people are crazy! I must've forgotten to – why, I'm completely hallucinating!"

Musa was about to give the man a good piece of her mind. If he had let us enter his farm and exit quickly, this wouldn't have happened! She stepped forward, but Flora stopped her.

"Can't you see he's scared?" she asked urgently.

"Well, maybe he deserves it," Musa snapped back. "He hurt Roxy and all these horses – especially after they meant so much to his mother!"

Suddenly, Baston let out a sarcastic laugh. "My mother?" He glared at Musa. "You know nothing, girl. She died to save these horses!"

"What?" Musa gasped, startled.

"She was in the barn when a fire started," Baston said grimly. "She and the grooms turned them out, and every one of those wretched creatures survived. She didn't, though – the flames consumed her before she could get out. Fired every one of those grooms for not saving her first. Horses ruined my mother's life, and they ruined mine, too!"

"You're wrong," Musa said. She turned towards the horses, and a spark lit up in her. "Roxy loves these horses – and they love her, too." Walking up to Aonbharr, she stared into his eyes.

"Your friend is in trouble," she whispered. "You and Artu are her closest companions, the ones she would die for. And we need you to be willing to do the same for her."

She knew the animal couldn't understand what she was saying, but that he sensed the danger. He must've known that Roxy had been taken away, and that she needed to be rescued.

He didn't attack her. Instead, the intelligent horse stayed where he was, allowing Musa to stroke his neck. He's healing. A determination shot over her as she gazed at the other women.

"Wait – what's that?" Stella pointed.

Musa turned. Artu was walking forward, the Black Circle around his neck. The object that stopped me from saving her… She stared at it, picking it up and showing it to the Winx.

"Let me see." Tecna scanned it with her sensors. "Powerful artifact, dating back to antiquity. It has the magic of the fay within it." She gazed at Musa. "I can tell that it must've been used by a very powerful fairy."

"It might lead us to Roxy," Bloom said softly. "We might be able to help her."

"Stop!" Baston shouted. "'Fairies'? 'Magic'? 'Artifact'? Can someone explain to me what's going on?"

Bloom walked up to him and gazed down.

"We're fairies," she said softly. "I know we don't look like it, but – we have magical powers. And so does this world. But we need your help. We need to save Roxy from the Wizards."

"What can I do?" the man demanded. "I don't have… powers like you do!"

"That's wrong," Musa answered. "You can only not do something when you believe you can't. Look at this place! You have all the power in the world to give these horses the life they deserve, and yet you won't – because you believe you can't. But you can do it, Mr. Baston. I have faith in you."

She held his gaze. The man let out a sigh as he stared at the horses, who were gazing at them with curiosity in their eyes. He lowered his head.

"Very well, then," he said. "My mother always liked that girl, and I'll do my best to help find her." He frowned. "Where do we start?"

"Let's hit the maps," Lockette said, and Baston jumped, staring as she seemingly appeared out of thin-air. "We're going to do everything we can to save her."


Next chapter:

The Winx ride horses for the first time in many of their lives.

They head to the Drombeg Stone Circle to find answers.

Roxy accesses powers she never had before.