Posted March 6, 2022.

Previously on AUF…

Roxy didn't understand what was happening until Hui grabbed her hand. The Asian woman dragged her onto the disc, flying towards the helicopter. "I'm not going anywhere with you!" she cried.

"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."

"This is the Gardenia Police!" a police-officer shouted from the street. "Surren" – He broke off as Ogron blasted him with a white wave. The people let out shouts of amazement as they saw the Winx fly into the air.

"This can't be happening!"

"How is this possible?"

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." Tecna floored the engine, and then they were off.

-o-o-o-

"There you are!" Roxy's father was standing in front of her, lifting a sheet of paper in his hand.

"I just received a note from your English teacher," he snapped. "You're close to failing English class. We spoke about this before!"

"Why should I waste my time on stupid school?" she retorted. "I'm not gonna be a teacher or a writer when I grow up. Who cares about English class?"

"That is beside the point," her father said coldly. "You speak English well when you want to. Your math is excellent, too. And yet, I'm seeing very low marks in them. How do you think you're going to do in high-school if you can't do well now?"

"I don't want to," Roxy began, but her father wasn't finished.

"And while we're on the subject," he added, "I heard from the locals that you've been fighting with Ana Rodriguez. I thought we were past this!"

"Why don't you tell her that?" she shot back. "She taunts me to no end. If school's so important, why don't you tell them to make her bug off?"

"You haven't done anything to modify your behavior, either!" he yelled. "How many times to tell you? If they try to bother you, ignore and move on! I shouldn't have to tell a fifteen-year-old this!"

"Um, Daidí, news-flash?" Roxy asked icily. "They don't stop when you ignore! They only stop when you show them who's boss, when you beat them down" –

"This is exactly the problem!" he thundered. "You keep wasting all of your time on this nonsense, and spend zero time on the things that matter! How're you going to have a future? Have you ever thought of that?"

-o-o-o-

Cherie knew she had to be brave and save her sisters and her bonded-fairy. All her life, she'd allowed others to sacrifice themselves for her, and had been cowardly herself. But now she knew she could not do it.

I choose to be brave. She burst through the net and faced Ogron, sending out a spell at him.

"What?" he gasped, rage in his eyes. "You dare defy me, pixie?" He shot a white spell at her.

Suddenly, her entire body was electrified. Agony coursed through her limbs, and she let out a piercing cry, pain bursting through every nerve. The roaring sound of static filled her ears.

She was screaming in pain. This was death, she knew it – she was dying from agony. This was it for her, the very end –

Then numbness set in. The pain exploded, disappearing into oblivion. She closed her eyes, allowing the darkness to take over her sight.

-o-o-o-

"Musa is so brave," Roxy whispered. "I'd like to be like her, you know? 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.

"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."

"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 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 face seething with rage. "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."


CHAPTER 24: PROTECTORESSES OF GARDENIA

On the Matter of the White and Black Circles

The White Circle contains the power of humanity. It is connected to the world by four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. Spirit, the fifth element, powers the Circle at its center. The five elements allow the humans to ground themselves in their lives.

The Black Circle contains the power of the fay. It is connected to the world by six of the seven chakras: earth, water, fire, air, truth, and insight. The seventh chakra, divinity, powers the Circle at its center. The seven chakras connect the fairies with both their mortal status and their immortal ancestry.

The White and Black Circles each are diametric opposites. They are yang and yin, light and dark, masculine and feminine, positive and negative. And yet, one cannot exist without the other. Though they both oppose each other at their cores, they complement each other as well.

– from the Book of Fay


Gardenia, Italy

The helicopter flew over Italy, over the pastoral countryside. Musa stared down, feeling more defeated than ever.

It had been a day since Cherie was injured in battle. Flora was still tending to her, but the pixie was just as weak as ever. The ride was mostly silent as the Winx and Pixies huddled together, and consternation and regret was in the air.

"This is why I didn't want the Pixies to come," Layla whispered, settling down next to Musa. The brown-haired princess looked sad, watching as Flora and Roxy tended to the pixie. "They're too inexperienced and young, especially for such a dangerous mission."

Musa felt inclined to agree. Though she knew Tune was mature enough to come, they all lacked battle-experience. But there was nothing they could do about it now. She sighed, gazing out the window.

They had reached Gardenia. The bustling town was back to normal, but there was still an eerie sense. Someone looked up and gasped, pointing to the helicopter.

"Tecna!" Musa facepalmed. "You forgot to turn on the invisibility booster!"

Tecna tried to reach for the controls, but it was too late. A police chopper was already flying towards them, a radio transmission coming from within.

"Land and turn yourselves in," a male voice shouted. "We are prepared to retaliate with force if necessary."

"Land," Layla whispered to Tecna, who looked defeated. Without further ado, she steered the helicopter to the field.

The ground-police were already waiting for them. As the six women walked out, the police immediately placed handcuffs on their wrists; Musa gasped as cold steel were locked in. Now I can't transform… A group of curious civilians surrounded them, gawking and pointing. Soon, the crowd was large enough that it was practically the entire town.

"It's them!" a voice shouted. Mitzi had pushed her way to the front of the crowd, sneering at the Winx. "I knew you freaks would be caught someday," she laughed.

Musa glared at Mitzi, wishing that, more than anything, she could take her down a peg. But there was nothing she could do. Mitzi's father, the mayor, gave the police a relieved, tired look as they finished handcuffing all the Winx.

"What's all this?" a voice called. The crowd parted as Roxy's father walked up to the police. "What's going on" – His voice trailed as he saw the six Winx, all handcuffed and arrested.

"Roxy!" he bellowed. "Where are you?"

"Daidí!" her voice called Musa watched as Roxy ran out of the helicopter, giving her father a giant hug. Artu walked forward, with Cherie on his back. The children in the crowd, who clearly believed in magic, let out a gasp. "There's a fairy on the dog's back!"

"Fairies?" Klaus snorted. "What is all this nonsense?" Holding his daughter tightly, he glared at the Winx with a venom Musa couldn't even describe.

"You women are gonna be put away for quite some time," he snarled. "I don't care what kind of magic or whatever it is you believe in. If you ever so much as touch a hair on my daughter's head, I will destroy you. Are we clear?"

Musa swallowed. She wanted no more than to protect Roxy, to reassure her that everything was all right. But she couldn't do anything. She felt hopeless and powerless as the police chief towered over her.

"Aisha Akbar, Iris Alvaréz, Chiara Castellini, Bloom Peters, Anastasia Porava, and Hui Yang – you are all under arrest," he said. "Do not try to escape. If you even attempt to leave, my men have orders to kill" –

"Kill who?" a sneering voice sounded from behind. Musa gasped as she stared up.

The Wizards of the White Circle flew over them, their eyes gleaming. They were wearing their white tunics, leering down over them aggressively. The Winx let out cries of shock as they towered over, white spells in their hands.

"It's the evil Wizards!" a woman cried. "They've come to destroy us all!"

"No they haven't," a voice called. Musa's eyes widened as she saw who it was.

The Specialists had arrived, with their laser-weapons. Sky, Brandon, and Timmy were wearing their Specialist uniforms, while Mirta and Nabu were transformed into their fairy-forms. Flora let out a cry of amazement. Nabu smiled, grinning at Layla. "Missed us?"

"You're here!" Bloom cried. "I don't believe it!"

"Had a great time," Brandon answered, smiling. "These Wizards did trap us in the sewer for a bit, but we managed to get out. Roxy's father was kind enough to offer us a job as waiters at the Frutti Music Bar. Lemme tell you, we've had quite the time of our lives, working here and saving enough money to get a place for ourselves. We didn't have enough money to buy another helicopter to find you ladies, so we had to wait here, watching the news. You guys scared the life out of us at times" –

"Enough!" Ogron bellowed. The Wizard looked furious as he gazed over the town. "We're ready to destroy you all!"

The mayor looked terrified. "You!" he cried, pointing at the Winx. "Do something!"

"Yeah!" Mitzi shouted, sounding equally horrified. "You have to help us!"

Funny how they all change their tune, Musa thought. Bloom smirked.

"We'd love to help," she said sarcastically, "but the chief made it clear. Your men have orders to kill" –

"I take it back!" The chief threw up his hands. "Please, save us!"

The Pixies smiled, looking at each other. Flying towards the Winx, they undid their binds. The Winx immediately transformed, into their vibrant colors and wings. Musa could hear the crowd's shocked exclamations as they flew above, ready to challenge the Wizards.

"Winx, get Roxy, Artu, Cherie, and Klaus somewhere safe!" Sky yelled. "We'll handle the Wizards!"

Musa nodded, flying down to Klaus, who was staring at her with a gaping mouth. The Wizards flew towards them, holding menacing spells.

"Hurry!" shouted Bloom, and they ran. Musa grabbed Roxy's hand and Layla held onto Klaus, Artu, and Cherie. They quickly transported, using their Enchantix powers to appear in the park.

It was still night as they landed. Darkness was covering the sky, and they landed in the city square. A fair amount of people were walking the streets, and they stopped as soon as they saw the fairies.

"Them?" they heard shouts. "The fairies are here?" And "Are they for good or for bad?"

Musa ignored the humans. She walked up to Roxy, who was still crying next to her father and Artu. She gently touched her shoulder.

"Roxy, listen," she said gently, "I know it's hard, but you have to" –

"Leave me alone!" Roxy shouted, standing up and glaring at Musa. "If I hadn't met you, none of this would've ever happened! I never wanted to be a fairy – all I ever asked for was to be normal, and have a happy life! And you can't even give me that!" She fell down to the bench.

"Roxy," Musa whispered. "I'm only looking out for your safety. The Wizards are going to attack, and I don't know if we can protect you this time!"

"You never did!" Roxy snarled. "You never protected me, so why are you even trying anymore? You couldn't stop Cherie from being hurt! So shut up and back off!"

Musa couldn't say anything. She's right… She stared down into the angry face, feeling nothing but sorrow in her heart. Bloom walked up to her.

"Musa, Pixies, you need to stay with her and protect her," she said. "The rest of us are going to find the Specialists and fight the Wizards. Take this." She handed Musa the Black Circle.

Musa stared down at it, at the six ovals surrounding the circumference. She put it on her left wrist, her dominant hand. The Dominian fairy nodded and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"We'll be off," she said. She turned to the other fairies. "Layla and I are going to take on Ogron."

"I'll take on Gantlos," Stella said. "Flora, you got Duman?" Flora nodded.

"And I'll take on Anagan!" Tecna said. "Timmy put a GPS chip on his shoulder. We should be able to track him down now!"

Musa smiled at her friends. "Thank you," she breathed. They trailed off into the sky, leaving nothing but fairy-dust in their wake.

She turned back to Roxy, who was still sobbing. I'll protect her. Fierce determination rose in her heart as she stared at the fairy. I'll prove I can save this planet from harm.


"Roxy, please explain this to me," Roxy's father said, staring around. "Where are we, and why are we trapped? Tell me what's going on!"

They were in the city square. Musa was pacing around, giving Roxy and her father the alone-time they needed, though Roxy could tell she was listening. She sighed, picking up Cherie from Artu's back.

"I was with those women," she said. "They took me around the world. One of us got injured, so we had to come back here." Tears prickled her eyes, and she stared down.

"So you went with them willingly?" he asked in disbelief. "Those women are criminals!"

I have to tell him. She took a deep breath, staring up at her father. "Daidí, they're not just any women. They're fairies."

Her father stared at her in shock. "What are you talking about?"

"It's true, Daidí," Roxy insisted. "I have magic inside of me, too. I am a fairy. You have to believe me."

She expected him to laugh, or to tell her that she was insane. Instead, he stared at her, blankly. She continued on, speaking quicker than before.

"Yesterday," she said, "Those women and I were in India. We travelled with little creatures known as Pixies – well, I guess you can't see them, even though I'm holding one right in my lap – but whatever. Anyways, so one of the Pixies got injured, so we had to fly back here and take care of her. But those Wizards followed us, and are now threatening to destroy the whole town" –

"Hold on a second," her father said, staring. "Those men have magical powers, too?"

"You saw them flying in the air, didn't you?" Roxy cried. "These awful men have been trying to kidnap me for ages. The Winx were only saving me from them. We had to go all the way around the world, just to get away from them" –

"Why," her father said, looking shocked and confused, "didn't you tell me?"

Fury like she'd never known rose in her heart. She stood up, clenching her fists and glaring at her father.

"Why do you think? Why do you think I didn't tell you? How would your reaction have been? You never listened to me all these years, not when I told you that I was being bullied by the other kids at school! You never listened to me when the teachers yelled at me for things that weren't my fault! And you ask me why I didn't tell you anything? Well, it's because you never believed in me!"

"Roxy," her father gasped, startled. "I never" –

"Never did what?" Roxy demanded. "Never supported me throughout anything! Why not? Why, did you think I was a freak? That there was something wrong with me?"

At last, the tears came. She cried like she'd never cried before, the pain of all the years coming down her cheeks. She cried because of the pain the world had put her through, the uncertainty she'd felt all throughout school, and how much of a failure the world saw her as. But most importantly, she cried because of the loss of a father. Her father placed his hand on her shoulder, his eyes awkward.

"Roxy," he said, "I never thought you were a freak. Truly, I never did. I was only disappointed in you, because I felt that you weren't reaching your potential. You're a very smart girl, Roxy, and I've always had high dreams and expectations for you. And when they weren't met – well, I can't deny that I was angry.

"But you, Roxy – why, you are my pride and joy. I would die before anything happened to you. And if you truly are a fairy, as the old legends say, then go ahead and take them on. I believe in you." His voice came out strong and defiant.

Roxy stared at him, trying to see if she could make out a lie in his face. Not a single one. Every bit of what he said was completely sincere.

She sighed, passing Cherie to her father's hands. Her father widened as he saw her for the first time, and he gently held her. "There," he said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Everything's gonna be okay."

Roxy sighed, leaning against her father. Thank heavens for that… She stared up, feeling wave of tiredness overcome her as she leaned into her father's shoulder.


Tecna flew over the forest, staring down. Following Timmy's coordinates, she headed towards the ground.

She hadn't felt this nervous in ages, at least not since the attack on Zenith last year. An attack that had determined the fate of a world, one that had also reunited her with her friends at last. Her heart raced as she remembered last year's events, knowing that now, the stakes were just as high.

But we're gonna defeat these Wizards. We have no choice. She lifted her head. We're gonna show them who we are!

She reached the forest and stared down. Timmy and Mirta were facing off against Anagan, who was easily beating them. She lifted the Stone of the Sword above her head, shooting its magic at Anagan.

He yelled as he was blasted. Tecna landed, calling on the strength of the earth to help her.

The rocks responded to her call, circling around Anagan. He yelled out as she flew towards him, surrounding him with the wheel of metal. "Are you getting tired already?" she smirked. She sent the rocks straight towards him, battering him on all sides –

He immediately pulled out, glaring at Tecna. "Feet of thunder!" he shouted, running at her before she could blink. She gasped as he pulled her wings, dragging her along.

"No!" Timmy immediately sliced him down. Mirta lifted a spell in her hands, shouting, "Call of the night!" The Earthian night listened to her as she battered Anagan down.

"This beats staying in Alfea," she grinned.

"Tecna, look out!" Timmy shouted. "Behind you!"

Tecna looked around in horror. Huh? She only had a second before Anagan slammed her down, throwing her to the ground.

"No!" Timmy ran forward, but Anagan was too fast for him. He hit Timmy with a spell, and the Specialist yelled as he was knocked down.

"You guys are like insects," Anagan smirked, staring at them. "But I've already wasted enough time on you. Goodbye!" Generating speed in his legs, he took off.

Tecna groaned, sitting up. "We have to follow him!" she cried.

"Let's go," Mirta said grimly. The three followed Anagan's trail.


Sirens blared through the city as Roxy sat next to her father, tears in her eyes. I can't believe this has happened… She gently put Cherie on her lap, focusing her energy into her.

"Heal!" she shouted. But no matter what she did, Cherie was still weak. She let out a cry, sitting next to her.

"Fairies!" she heard a shout. "There they are!"

Roxy looked up and gasped. A group of news-people were staring at them, their eyes wide. She did a double-take.

The next thing she knew, a zillion cameras were snapped.

"What are you doing?" Roxy snarled. I'm gonna show these people who I – She ran forward, but Musa stopped her.

"Don't!" she hissed, pushing her back.

"Who are you?" The man stared at Roxy. "Can you give us a statement about who you are? What about that day a month ago, when you were dueling some men? Can you tell the people of Gardenia about" –

"I'm not telling you anything!" Roxy yelled. First Musa, now them? "So shut up and leave me alone!"

The men jumped back, startled. Roxy knew that they were not expecting that, and they cowered in fear, terrified at her powers. Musa walked up to the men.

"Don't be afraid," she said, gently. "We're not here to hurt anyone – I promise. We're just here to heal."

"What's going on?" one of the men gasped. "Why did you – fairies – arrive in Gardenia?" Clearly, he was still coming to terms with the idea that fairies existed.

"We have to protect the world," Musa answered, her eyes flashing. "Those men are here on Earth, trying to take over humanity. We came from far away to help you."

"Far away?" gasped a woman. "You mean there are other planets out there?"

Roxy had just about lost her patience.

"Look," she snapped, "I would appreciate it if you didn't keep on pestering us" –

"No way," a voice called from in front of them. "No way fairies exist!"

Roxy looked up and stared in surprise. A man was walking towards them, frowning at the news-people. "Now I'm telling you, there's no way that" –

He stopped in surprise as soon as he saw Musa. Shaking his head, he said, "Those aren't fairies – they're just girls with strap-on wings!"
"They're just freaks who want attention!" the woman next to him added, crossing her arms.

"I assure you, we aren't," Musa said politely, though Roxy saw a flash of irritation cross her face. "I'd also advise you to stay all indoors. It isn't safe, getting caught up in all this."

"Stay inside?" one of the newscasters cried. "We have a perfect story right here!" He turned towards Klaus, and gasped.

"Signor O'Sullivan – do you know these fairies?" he gasped. "Come on, why don't you give us a statement, you and this fairy right here" –

Roxy groaned, burying her face in her hands. She turned back towards her father, who smiled at her gently. She let out a sob.

Please, please let this end soon…


Stella arrived on Forest Avenue just in time to see Gantlos attack Brandon and Nabu. She lifted her hands, calling on the moon.

"Nice going, Gantlos," she sneered, "but your attacks are nothing compared to mine!" Sending moonlight through her palms, she attacked Gantlos with a lunar blast.

"Argh!" Gantlos bellowed. "My eyes!"

"Oh please," Stella said, rolling her eyes. "Your eyes are the least of your problems. Change your stylist!" Lifting the Stone of Destiny, she slammed him with a spell.

"Way to go, Stella!" Nabu cheered.

"Are you okay?" Brandon came up to her anxiously. "What happened? Where's everyone?"

"We all split up to fight the Wizards," Stella told him. "Musa and Roxy are in a safe place, together. The Black Circle is safe with them."

"Then let's go find them," Brandon said, taking her arm.

"Wait!" A voice behind her shouted. "Don't listen to him!"

What? Stella turned around in disbelief as she saw Brandon coming towards them. His spear raised, he glared towards the other Brandon.

"He's Duman," he snarled, "and it's a trap. He's trying to get you to take him to Roxy so he can capture her and the Black Circle. Don't worry. I'll deal with him!" He ran after his look-alike.

The two Brandons dueled together, and Stella and Nabu stared at each other in disbelief. "We have to help him!" she cried.

"But which one do we help?" Nabu pointed out. "And where's Flora? Wasn't she supposed to take care of Duman?"

A bad feeling rose up in Stella's chest, and she gasped. "She must be trapped or ambushed somewhere!" she cried. "You have to go find her!"

"I'm on it!" Nabu flew into the sky, his wings glimmering as he headed to the forest.

Stella turned towards the two Brandons. As far as she could see, they were fighting equally-well. She stared in shock as she saw them fighting, vying for her to help.

She watched as the left Brandon shoved the right Brandon to the ground, glaring down at him. "Goodbye." He lifted his sword in the air.

"Help me, snookums!" the injured man shouted.

The left man shrugged. He plunged the sword down, straight towards Brandon's heart –

"Moonlight crash!" A yellow burst of energy knocked him to the ground, and he lost his disguise, transforming back. Stella glared at him, and then ran back to Brandon.

"Are you all right, snookums?" she demanded. Turning around to face Duman, she snarled, "You'll pay for this!"

"No, I think it's you who will pay!" A sonar wave blasted her, and she screamed as she fell. She sat up, wincing.

Gantlos and Duman were standing in front of them, their eyes glimmering. We're outnumbered… outmatched… She watched in horror as they shot a spell towards her and Brandon, ready to finish them off –

"FLORAL SHIELD!"

Stella gasped in surprise as a green light shot in front of her and Brandon, stalling their attacks. She turned around, staring at who it was.

Flora and Nabu were flying towards them, smiling. She grinned, flying up and hugging Flora tight. "How'd you escape?"

"Nabu found me," Flora answered, smiling. "I was trapped under the lake – fortunately, I managed to create an air-bubble before he threw me in. Duman forgets that I've had experience with drowning before."

"You have," Stella agreed, remembering the time when Flora saved her sister from drowning in Linphea.

Duman growled. "We'll be off!" He shouted. The two disappeared in a flash.

"Come on," Nabu said, "let's go and find Bloom and Layla, and see how they're doing!" The three flew up into the sky.


Layla watched fearfully as Sky and Bloom faced Ogron, nothing but anger in their eyes. She wished she could call on a water-source, but it was a dry night and there were few water-molecules in the air. There wasn't a river anywhere nearby.

They were kneeling on a train. Layla had always thought that Earthian transportation was slow – that was, until she'd sat on top of one. The wind forced her hair all over her face, and she knew that this was not a good situation.

"Fire arrow!" Bloom shouted, shooting Dragon Fire at Ogron's back.

But the Wizard simply caught it in his hand, shooting it back. Bloom only narrowly dodged the attack, staring in alarm.

"I'll take care of him!" Sky ran forward, lifting his sword.

But the man simply sent a light wave back. The sword fell to the ground, hitting the grass.

"You never learn, do you?" Ogron smirked, lifting a wave in his hands. This time he shot it straight at Layla.

But she was ready. "Lugh's power!" she shouted, pointing the Spear of Lugh at him. She shot energy at him, but the fairy-hunter simply dodged, flying upwards.

This time, it did hit Bloom – as well as Sky. They screamed as they fell off the train, straight to the ground…

"Morphix net!" Calling on the few water-molecules there were, Layla caught Bloom and Sky, safely levitating them to the ground. She gasped as Ogron shoved her, trying to push her off the train…

She grabbed onto the side as quickly as she could, her heart racing. Ogron glared at her, shouting, "This is your stop!"

She glared at him. "Well, I hate to travel alone!" She pulled Ogron down with her, straight to the train-tracks.

Her eyes widened in horror as a second train ran down the tracks, straight towards them. I have to get out of here! Catching the air with her wings, she managed to fly upwards just in time.

The train shot into the tunnel. She stood up unsteadily but fiercely, glaring at Ogron. "A princess only travels first-class!" she declared, quickly calling on the water of the damp tunnel.

She only had a second to collect the molecules before the train shot out of the tunnel. It was just as well, because Ogron realized it, and used that second to attack. Fortunately, she managed to swerve out of the way, all the while maintaining her balance on the train.

Come on, Layla – this is just like dance. Keep a steady rhythm, and above all, don't fall! Energized, she shot a Morphix chain at him, wrapping him with her powers.

He yelped as Layla wrapped him in the purple substance, lifting him like a cocoon. "No!" he shouted, breaking free of the net. She gasped in horror as he faced her, with renewed strength. He shot an attack down at her. For a second, instinct told her to dodge, but she held firm, lifting a shield in her hands.

I can't let the attack hit the train! If it did, she knew that the people underneath would be injured, and the train could possibly even blow up. She grimaced, holding hard against Ogron's powers…

"This is the end of the line, Your Highness," he snarled. "We've found her at last!"

Layla looked over her shoulder in horror. The train was coming to a stop, and she saw the town hall gleaming in front of her. Ahead stood Musa and Roxy, clearly unaware of the threat. No… Ogron smiled.

"Goodbye," he said. And then he punched her to the ground.


Having finished her statement for the press, Musa turned towards Roxy, who was holding Cherie in her arms. The pixie was alive – but only just. She walked up to her, placing her hand on the animal.

"Roxy," she said, gently, "there is a way to heal Cherie. Difficult, but there is a way."

"How?" Roxy whispered, tears in her eyes. "How do I do it? Tell me, Musa. I'll do anything to help her!"

"While travelling, we learned the powers of nature," Musa answered. "Cherie has a strong will, but will alone isn't enough. You need to help her fight this. This infection is unnatural, but fairy magic isn't. I'll help you." She sat down next to Roxy. "Focus your energy."

The two focused down on the pixie. Roxy called on her faunal powers, and Musa called on the air, using magic. They focused their energy, sending magical waves into Cherie –

"Ahh!"

Musa looked up. A train had come to a halt, and Layla had fallen off of it. The crowd was staring in alarm, no doubt recognizing the Wizard. She stood up immediately, glaring at him.

"On second thought, I'll take care of Ogron!" she shouted. "You focus on Cherie!"

"Musa!" Roxy shouted in fear. "I can't do this on my own!"

Musa ignored her, heading to Layla. She knelt down towards the Androsian fairy, gasping, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Layla panted. She gasped in alarm. "Look out!"

Musa turned around. Ogron was standing in front of her, a devious smirk on his face, and she lifted her hands. "Blizzard wind!"

But Ogron simply dodged. He smiled down at her, holding his own hands up.

"How pathetic," he jeered. "Care for a rematch?"

"You're on!" Musa shouted. She flew up to him, flying as quickly as she could away from the crowd of people.

She had to make sure they weren't in trouble, that they weren't going to be attacked. She slashed Excalibur at him, determined to hit him down.

But he simply shot her down. She screamed as a dark energy enveloped her, and she fell to the ground.

Her entire body ached as she lay down. He's taken too much from me… Her eyes slowly drooped, until she heard a shout.

"Musa!"


Roxy sat next to her father, staring as Musa and Ogron fought. They were furiously engaged in battle, not giving in. The news-people ran, trying to capture the fight on camera.

But that didn't seem to bother the reporter next to her. He nodded at her father, asking, "What is your relationship with these fairies and their men?"

Her father smiled. "They're my best customers. In fact, one of them is my daughter. She saved me from harm, just before those Wizards could attack me. And I am very proud of her."

Tears pooled in Roxy's eyes. Daidí is proud of me… She stared at her father, who smiled.

"Focus your energy," he said quietly. "You can do it."

She placed her hands on Cherie's body, feeling the warm pulse inside. I've got to do this… She focused on connecting to her own magic, magic that would heal her.

As she focused, she remembered everything everyone else had said about her. How Ana and Giovanni had bullied her, how her classmates had rejected her, how, for many years, she'd thought her own father hated her. She cast those thoughts aside.

I can't let them interfere, she thought. None of that matters. The only thing that matters is healing Cherie!

She felt her energy abound, filling the plaza with power. The people around her gasped in amazement as she pushed blue energy into Cherie, connecting with his life-source. It's working – I'm bringing her back! The pixie woke up immediately, and they embraced joyfully.

"Cherie!" she yelled. Her father smiled, gazing down at her with happiness in his eyes.

Then she heard a thud. Musa had fallen to the ground, and she cried out in fear. "No!" Running towards the fallen warrior, she cried, "Musa!"

Musa stared at her, weakness in her eyes. "I – I" – She stared up at her.

"Roxy, you are our last hope now," she whispered. "Take it." She pulled the Black Circle off her wrist.

"No!" Roxy cried in a panic. "I can't take it!"

"If it ends up in Ogron's hands, it'll be the end for us all," Musa said bleakly. "Take it – please – I can't protect it – you – any longer" – She collapsed to the ground, and fainted. The Circle fell to the floor.

"No!" Roxy cried out. "No!"

"She fainted," Ogron sneered, landing next to Musa. "There's nobody here to protect you now. You're all alone."

"That's enough!" Klaus shouted, running up to Ogron. "She's just a child! Leave her a" –

He broke off as Ogron punched him. Artu instantly stood up, barking louder than ever.

"What's the matter?" Ogron sneered at the dog. "Want to go the same way as baby pixie?"

"Stop!" Roxy yelled. "Don't do this!"

"This is the end now," Ogron laughed. "Your friends are all injured – because of you. What's the point of continuing to fight, now that they're all gone? Give up the Black Circle – it'll be easier that way. Come on." He held out his hand.

Roxy closed her eyes. I can't – they've all suffered – all because of me! She picked up the Circle, staring at it.

"If you give up the Black Circle and willingly surrender," Ogron added, "I'll spare your father, the pixie, and the dog. Otherwise, I'll destroy them – along with the rest of the city."

Roxy cried out, collapsing to the ground. "I can't do this!" she cried.

"Make up your mind, Roxy!" Ogron's eyes darkened with a white haze. A strong energy brewed in his hands.

It was nearly midnight. Light energy from his hands swarmed over the city, covering it with smog. The people of Gardenia shouted with fright as the energy swarmed everywhere, containing everything with it.


"Come on, we've got to get him!" Tecna led Timmy and Mirta down the path.

She gazed at Anagan, who was running quickly – but not quick enough to lose them. She and Mirta shot attacks at him, while Timmy attacked with his blaster. They growled in frustration, angry that they were unable to catch up with him.

Suddenly, the clear sky covered itself with clouds. Tecna stared up in alarm as Anagan halted, clearly confused. His eyes darkened, and he disappeared. "I'm coming, Ogron!"

"We have to go!" Mirta shouted. "Musa and Roxy are in trouble!"


Flora stared around the darkening energy, which blocked out the moon and stars. Stella let out a shout.

"I can't use my powers!" she cried.

"Let's go!" Gantlos and Duman disappeared. Flora, Stella, Brandon, and Nabu stared at each other grimly. Stella's eyes flashed as she looked at them.

"Whaddya say we go back to the plaza and see what's up?"


Bloom grimaced as she lifted her head, Sky next to her. "What the" – She stopped as soon as she saw what it was.

Black clouds were covering the sky. They were clouds like she'd only seen before a Trix attack, which could only mean one thing – they were dark pockets of energy. Sky stared up, his eyes in alarm.

"We have to get back to the plaza!" he shouted. Mounting his saucer, he sped off into the night.

Bloom followed him, fear spiking her heart. I only hope we're not too late…


Roxy stared at Ogron in distress, his eyes darkening as he laughed. A white haze had overcome his eyes. Staring down, she cried out in fear.

I can't do this, she thought. I can't let Ogron hurt my family! I have to give him the Black Circle!

But – what would happen if she did? How many more dangers would befall on Gardenia? She knew that giving up the Black Circle would be like giving up a part of herself. She had bonded with it so fiercely, she knew she could never give it up.

Stop thinking like that! she chastised herself. I'm not caught up in any more of this nonsense! When this is all over, I'm gonna go home and be a good girl, and I'm gonna fit right into the crowd!

"No, you will not," a voice inside of her said. "You cannot give up your identity, Roxy. You are a fairy, and nothing will ever change that."

What? thought Roxy in confusion. Suddenly the scene around her changed, and she stared around.

Through the hazy blue cocoon, she saw a woman walking towards her, a smile on her face. She stood before Roxy, and though her lips didn't move, she understood every word clearly.

"It doesn't matter how many evil forces there are out there, how many people want to beat you down. You cannot give up being who you are. Your character, your strength, is worth more than all of their judgment combined. You are a fairy – the fairy of animals. The Black Circle belongs to you and you alone. Use it, Roxy, for you are the only one who can end this onslaught."

Roxy stared at the Black Circle. It expanded into its natural form, and she held it in her hands, staring at the beauty of the black object, with all six eyes filled. Then the cocoon disappeared, and Ogron's furious face loomed in front of her.

She knew exactly what she was going to do. Holding the Black Circle in the air, she melded a ball of light inside of the Circle.

"No," he gasped, rage in his eyes. "You wouldn't dare" –

In response, she shot the wave at him. He gasped in fury, hitting the ground.

"Foolish fairy!" he yelled. "You've just condemned Gardenia to eternal death!" He shot a ray of energy at her.

But she was ready. Lifting the Circle high in the air, she called on the powers of nature. I'm gonna take care of him – Her eyes glowed white as she felt the magic blaze within.

Behind Ogron, she saw Anagan, Gantlos, and Duman flying in the air, focusing their energy on the dark clouds. A loud thunder echoed, splitting the sky apart. If she didn't do something soon, the lightning would soon destroy all of Gardenia.

"Now, Roxy." The voice inside of her commanded. "Call on your spirit and part the clouds that threaten to destroy this land. You are a fairy, with the powers from the heart. Use your powers for righteousness and justice!"

Roxy flew up into the air. Behind her, she could hear her father shouting, Artu's bark encouraging her on. She lifted the Circle high into the air.

The next thing she knew, she was in a turquoise cocoon. Light shined down on her from the sides, and she felt magic cover every part of her body. White energy filled her, exactly the same type as from the Black Circle.

She stared at herself, trying to make out what was happening. A green-and-yellow tank-top and capris appeared, shining brilliantly against her light golden-brown skin. Yellow boots and fingerless gloves appeared as well. A white diamond appeared on her breast and forehead. A green tiara attached to the jewel on her forehead, just above her eyelashes. Her wings spawned out, heart-shaped and pink.

A white energy glowed from within. Her own eyes blazed white and pure, covering her gaze completely. She felt the very essence of the fairies within her, strong magic that was going to save the world.

It's time now. Calling on the power of the fay, she swirled the dark clouds around, pulling them towards her. She heard the Wizards' shouts of dismay as they held their hands in the air, trying to resist her pull.

But she was far too strong. She pulled the clouds out of the air, swirling it over her Circle. It became a cyclone under her spell, sucking into the Circle. Eventually, it vanished completely, with no clouds to be seen at all.

And exactly on the stroke of midnight, the stars never clearer before this moment, Ogron fell backwards, hitting the ground in defeat. The people of Gardenia shouted in amazement and joy as they surrounded the town square.

"I don't believe it!"

"Fairies are real!"

"Way to go, ladies!"

Roxy smiled, turning around. Musa and Layla had just recovered, and were standing up with smiles on their faces. The rest of the Winx and the Specialists landed, smiling down at her.

"You did it, Roxy," Musa gushed, grabbing her hands. "That was amazing."

"Thank you," Roxy smiled. Turning around the square, she stared at the humans' disbelieving faces, at Mitzi's stunned expression, and at Musa, who was smiling with glee. Musa, who had always been there for her, who had always protected her. Her friends, who had been there for her all throughout the ride –

Just then, her father grabbed her in a bear hug. She grabbed him too, happy that they'd made it out alive. That they were a family once more. She looked down at Artu, who was barking in joy, and Cherie, who was smiling at her with pure happiness in her eyes.

"So," she said, her eyes dancing, "how about we go celebrate with some of Daidí's signature strawberry-shakes?"


"Look at this beautiful place they got us!" Flora danced around, smiling with excitement.

Musa grinned at the apartment. As a gift for defeating the Wizards, the Specialists had pooled together and put a down-payment on an apartment for the Winx. It had three bedrooms, and was surprisingly spacious. Best of all, it was across the street from the Specialists' apartment. She grinned, taking it all in at once.

"Well, I'm certainly glad you won't be cramming into my place anymore," Vanessa Peters said cheerfully. "Besides, you lot are celebrities now."

It was true, Musa thought, as she looked outside the apartment. Reporters and people were crowding around, eager to catch a glimpse of the seven fairies and the Specialists. The public's tune had changed overnight – instead of seeing the women as criminals, they were now heroines. At least, the people of Gardenia think so… They still had a long ways to go before the international community approved, but for now, she was content with what they had.

We are the seven protectoresses of Gardenia. And forever they would stay like that, even when the time came for them to return back to their home-worlds. She knew they would be icons to the world, that saving Earth was possible.


Next chapter:

The Winx go to Paradise.

Krithi follows the Winx on Chai.

Roxy receives a mysterious vision from the same woman.