Posted June 5, 2022.
Previously on AUF…
"I've looked at Eldora's notes on the six Faerie Queens," Flora said. "The Faerie Queens are allegiant to the High Faerie Queen. However, they have sole jurisdiction over their own realms."
"So – if we slowly win them over to our side, we'll be able to stop Morgana's revenge," Bloom realized.
"But how are we going to get them on our side?" Mirta couldn't help but sound defeated.
"It would seem that this is impossible," Eldora answered. "However, there is a way. On the Day of Wheels, which occurs between May Day and Midsummer's Eve, any fairy can enter the Trial of Queens – a battle against each of the seven Faerie Queens. If you manage to defeat them all, you can demand one request of the High Faerie Queen."
-o-o-o-
Eldora pointed to Roxy. "And you, my fairy, have a special task. You must open your seven chakras."
Roxy laughed sarcastically. "And what are chakras?"
"Chakras are wheels," Eldora explained, "located in certain parts of your body. They are magical centers of power and strength. When they are closed, they limit our magical ability; however, when they're open, they give us limitless power."
Roxy crossed her arms. "I'm not opening any chakras."
"If you don't," Eldora warned, "then you may not be able to defeat Queen Morgana and her fairies of vengeance. Though your raw power is incredible, you lack refinement and discipline."
CHAPTER 36: TRIAL OF QUEENS AND CHAKRAS
On the Matter of the Seventh Chakra
The cosmic chakra is located at the crown of the head. It represents divine energy and is blocked by attachments. Its representative gemstone is the diamond.
In order to open this final chakra, a fairy must renounce all worldly attachments, such as fear or resentment. She or he must be able to become one with the universe. Only then will she or he be granted great cosmic power.
– From the Book of Fay
Queen's Castle, Paradise
The castle was all decked out in flowers. Bright streamers of fairy lights shined as well, decorating the castle and its surrounding area with festive color. Fairies were dancing around, either with partners or on their own. They smiled cheerfully, colorful dresses billowing around them.
Roxy let out a sigh, remembering what Eldora had said to her the previous day. They'd had a meditation session late at night, and Eldora had explained to her the significance of the cosmic chakra.
"The seventh chakra," she had said, "is the most important of them all. It can only be opened after the others have been. In order to open the cosmic chakra, you must renounce all of your worldly attachments." She nodded. "Take a deep breath."
Bored, Roxy inhaled through her nose, sitting cross-legged on the floor. Eldora began to speak.
"Feel all of your attachments fading from you," she said. "Like water, they flow endlessly down a stream. Whatever bitterness you may hold in your heart, whatever fears, guilts, resentments, pains, lies, and illusions – all of them, you must let go of. They will flow from you, disappearing from your body for once and for all"…
Roxy clenched her fists. Memories of her father's anger with her, her mother's rage against the humans, her anger at the Wizards – all of those came to her mind. She winced, trying her hardest not to think of them –
"Don't ignore the feelings you have," Eldora's calm voice filled the air. "Accept them for what they are. Then allow them to go, disappearing from you, one by one" –
"I'm sorry?" Roxy opened her eyes, startling Eldora. "I'm not sitting here and analyzing my thoughts like some old geezer! What are you, a therapist?"
"These practices are very therapeutic indeed," Eldora answered calmly. "Let it go, Roxy. Let go of all of your" –
"I'm not doing this." Roxy slammed the door shut, heading out towards the night.
Musa gazed forward in awe. She, the Winx, and Roxy had arrived, ready to make their way into the Queen's castle. She was about to call out to the fairies when one of them noticed her, stopping mid-dance and staring at her in horror.
The other fairies stopped, too. "What is going on?" one of them shouted. "Have the Winx been invited here?"
"Impossible," another said grimly. "They must be here to ruin our celebration!"
"Wait!" Bloom called. But it was too late. The civilian fairies squealed and scattered, heading straight towards the woods.
Musa looked up hopelessly. Who's gonna let us into the castle? She was about to open her mouth when, quite suddenly, another figure appeared.
It was none other than Nebula herself, surrounded by her Warrior Fairies. Her eyes flashed as she saw the Winx standing there. "What are you doing here? Even you wouldn't be quite as stupid to walk straight into the enemy's doorstep. You do realize we have to lock you away now, do you?" Her teeth glinted at them, sharp and fierce.
"You stupid jerk," Roxy laughed, taking them all by surprise. "Even you wouldn't be quite as stupid to forget the ancient rules of the Day of Wheels, you lying, conniving cheater" –
"That's enough, Roxy," Bloom said sharply. To Nebula she said. "As today is Wheel Day, you cannot take us into custody."
Nebula pursed her lips. "And why is that?"
"Because we have come to challenge the High Faerie Queen."
Immediately, Nebula's eyes widened in surprise. Then it changed to a smirk. "Well, she doesn't need to know." She raised her arms, summoning an energy ball.
"You wanna fight, then?" Roxy snarled, lifting her own Black Circle. "Two can play at that game. We can defeat your right now, and then we'll march up to your Queen and" –
"Stop!"
Musa froze. High Faerie Queen Morgana had arrived, followed by the other Faerie Queens. She stared at them, looking surprised.
They looked quite different in civilian form. Each was wearing a fancy dress, and each had different-colored circlets on her head. Each of them wore a different color of the rainbow, Musa realized. The seven chakras. She swallowed, remembering what Eldora had told them about the chakras…
"Each color of the rainbow represents a different chakra," Eldora had explained to the Winx, pointing to a diagram in the Book of Fay. Lotus-shaped wheels marched each chakra, in different colors – red at the bottommost chakra, located at the base of the spine; violet at the topmost chakra, at the crown of the head. "None of you have opened your cosmic chakra, but you don't need them for this. Out of the other six chakras, you have each opened five out of six – and each of you has a different one that is blocked. The Queens know this – they will challenge each of you to open the chakra that is closed. That will be a part of the test."
"Should be easy enough," Stella said breezily. Eldora shook her head.
"It is not easy," she said. "You must have mental strength as well as physical. It will take all of your prowess to defeat the challenge."
And now they were standing in front of the High Faerie Queen. She bowed down low as Bloom spoke, her eyes flashing.
"We have come to challenge you," she said. "As today is the Day of Wheels, we are here to fight against each Queen. We are ready for whatever trials we face." Her eyes glowed. "It is time for us to fight against each of you!"
The High Faerie Queen glanced at her subordinate Faerie Queens. Finally, she nodded. "It shall be done." She motioned them forward. "To the Crystal Caverns."
Amazed at how quick that had been, Musa followed. They soon reached a crystalized cave, which was colored from top-to-bottom in red gemstones. Each of the Faerie Queens transformed, holding their weapons together. Queen Morgana walked up to the center of the cave, gazing around at the Winx.
"There are seven different caves within the Crystal Caverns," she said solemnly. "Each of you will fight in a different cavern, against a different Queen. We shall choose who you go against." She leaned over in her Queens' ears and whispered. Eventually, they turned around.
"We will transport you," Morgana said. "We will each take you to a different part of the cave. Each of us will face one of you in battle."
Musa watched as a Faerie Queen each grabbed one of the Winx's arms, and then disappeared with a teleport. Roxy was much more resistant as Queen Morgana grabbed her arm – she glared at her, clearly ready to slap her again. Nonetheless, she cooperated as they disappeared into a black haze.
Then suddenly, Musa felt someone else's hand on her shoulder. Before she could look at who it was, she disappeared. She gasped as the darkness came over her, and she knew no more.
Flora gazed around at the cave, covered in red garnets. She swallowed as she saw her friends disappearing, into darkness and void.
Out of all of them, she'd been the only one who hadn't been teleported out of the red cave. The caverns were large, she knew; they were filled with different gemstones and colors. She swallowed as Faerie Queen Hippolyta circled her, her eyes menacing.
"I am the Faerie Queen of Greece," she declared. "My warriors are the Amazons, a group of fairies who help me maintain balance and order in the fairy queendom of Greece. We do not hesitate to kill our enemies." She faced Flora grimly. "Prepare to meet your doom."
Flora swallowed nervously, trying not to show how intimidated she was by Hippolyta. The Queen wore a red chiton, with bronze armor. A red circlet was atop her head. Hippolyta gestured to the circlet.
"If you are to win this challenge," she said, "you must claim my circlet. That will open your first chakra." She lifted her hands. "Let us begin."
Immediately, the scene around her changed. Flora watched in horror as the room transformed, to a different scene. She was in what appeared to be a metal box. Water was gushing all around her, and she felt it pressing her down, pinning her to the floor.
"Do you remember this?" she heard Hippolyta cackle. "Remember this from your past?"
I'm in the Shrine of the Serpent! Realization came over her as she remembered the trial she'd faced last year, when she and her friends had been searching for the Serpent Water. Fear crashed over her as the water pinned her down, filling her with pain.
She remembered leaving Mirta to go on that mission, heading to the Shrine, not knowing whether they'd come back or not. She remembered the fear of them reaching the edge of the universe as they knew it, almost getting deleted by the void. But mostly, she remembered the fear she'd felt as she'd been trapped underwater, pure terror of never seeing her friends again.
I'm stuck here. I'm stuck here forever. She remembered the fears that had overcome her that day, the terror of being locked underneath the floor of the Shrine and forced to suffocate underwater for eternity –
And then it hit her. This is one of her tests! She had to open her first chakra in order to pass. She took in a deep breath, fighting against the fear.
I am Flora Fernández. I have faced many foes before. Determination shot through her. I will not allow my past fears to trap me. I will be strong and courageous, and win this fight!
And just like that, the scene disappeared. Flora found herself back in the red chamber, holding the Cauldron in her hands. Hippolyta drew back, startled. Then her eyes hardened, and she shot an arrow at Flora's head.
"Power of the queens!" Flora shouted, holding the Cauldron above her head. A force of green energy shot through it, and Hippolyta shrieked as she fell backwards. The arrow fell to the ground. Determined, Flora flew at Hippolyta, trying to yank the circlet off her head –
But Hippolyta was too fast. She slammed Flora to the ground, and the younger fairy let out a shriek as she was flattened. Hippolyta laughed, pointing the arrow at Flora.
"Goodbye," she laughed. She released the arrow, sending it straight at Flora's heart…
Not a moment too soon, Flora rolled over. The arrow hit the crystal ground, and Flora grabbed the Stone, pointing it directly at Hippolyta. She concentrated all of her power, sending green energy at Hippolyta.
The earth itself shifted, and Hippolyta shrieked as Flora created a hole in the ground, right under Hippolyta's feet. She fell underground, looking exhausted. Before she could fly out of the hole, Flora snatched the circlet from her head.
She placed it atop her head. Immediately, a rush of power shot through the base of her spine; it glowed red, shining with strength and courage.
"Thanks for the circlet," she said sweetly. Hippolyta growled as she raced into the next chamber, ready to help her friends take on the next foe.
Layla blinked as she appeared in an orange chamber, filled with amber jewels. Faerie Queen Berenice glared at her, her light brown skin shining. She was wearing an orange headdress and tunic, with white, mummy-like paper wrapped around her. She glared at Layla, defiant and fierce.
"I was once the pharaoh of ancient Egypt," she declared. "The second-to-last pharaoh before my stepsister, the famed pharaoh Cleopatra. Though my father was the human pharaoh, my mother was the Faerie Queen of Egypt before me. I once faced down the legendary Apep. Though I lost that battle, I will not lose against you." She glared at Layla, lifting her hands. "Prepare to face your own sins!"
The scene around her changed. Layla gasped as she saw visions of herself, talking cheerfully to her friends, talking about boys and dating. The other girls were all happily seated around her – all except for Flora, who had an uncomfortable expression on her face. I know why. Guilt drifted over her at the thought.
We never accepted her for who she was, back then. We weren't strong enough friends to help her, nor could we save Tecna. She disappeared into the abyss, and it was all my fault!
She swallowed hard, the guilt overcoming her in waves. Losing Flora as a friend had been one of the hardest things she'd ever gone through; even worse had been losing Tecna. Layla had been having so much fun with her other friends – Bloom, Stella, and Musa – that she'd forgotten she'd had two others as well. And now she was paying the price for it.
But she couldn't allow the guilt to consume her. She had a mission to complete now. She swallowed, facing the scene head-on.
Now she saw the other girls chatting, but it wasn't just about boys or dating anymore – they were having fun. The fun they'd had Andros, Stella's Princess Ball, even taking down their enemies – all of that came to her mind. She swallowed hard.
The second chakra was about pleasure – and it was blocked by guilt. Layla could not allow the guilt to block the pleasant memories out. For they'd deserved relaxation and fun, every single bit of it. She lifted her head.
I won't allow myself to be denied happiness. I will not let the guilt overwhelm me. I will rise up and defeat Berenice, finding the happiness in my life!
And just like that, the scene around her disappeared. Berenice stared at her, her expression hardening. Suddenly, the white paper she wore unraveled, slapping Layla in the cheek.
It stung, but Layla had certainly faced worse. She turned the paper back onto Berenice, wrapping her with it. Berenice gasped as it bound her arms to her torso, binding her stiffly. Layla grabbed the Cauldron, lifting it up in the air. Bending the water inside, she shot it straight at Berenice.
Berenice coughed madly as she was sprayed head-to-toe with water. She began to fall.
Layla caught her, but not before grabbing the circlet. She placed it on her head, feeling a warm energy rush through her lower body. Her second chakra opened, filling her with more power.
"What's going on?" she heard a shout. Flora had appeared behind her, and was gazing at Layla. Layla smiled back.
"I defeated her," she said, pointing to the Egyptian fairy. "Now we need to meet with the others."
"Let's go," Flora agreed. The two fairies headed out of the cave.
Bloom lifted fire in her hands, watching as Faerie Queen Kwan-yin gazed at her. The fairy was dressed in a yellow, traditional Chinese dress, with the yellow circlet on her head. The room was filled with yellow topazes. Kwan-yin smiled, her face devious.
"I was once the Queen of the Fairy Realm of China,' she declared in a sing-song voice. "Under my rule, the fay flourished. Humans and fairies lived together peacefully, working together to find happiness."
"So you know that humans are benevolent creatures," Bloom pressed on. "You understand."
Kwan-yin laughed. "Nice try, Winx girl. I'm taking you down." She tapped the yellow circlet.
Immediately, the world around Bloom became dark. Bloom stared as she saw herself interacting with Erendor and Sky; Erendor's disdain was apparent. Shame drifted over her as she thought of her role as future queen consort of Eraklyon; clearly, she wasn't exactly the most loved princess. After all, the news-media of Eraklyon hated her, and she was awkward and graceless.
And I'm going to be the queen of Domino one day, too. She knew she was a weak princess, one who had no idea of the rules of etiquette and royalty. Shame filled her as she thought of how new she was to everything, how stupid and uncollected she must appear.
But then she thought of how she'd taken down all her foes. How she'd defeated the Trix not once, but several times. She swallowed, remembering how strong she'd been back then.
I am a strong fairy. She remembered the problems she now faced on Domino, how prevalent they were to her life. Determination shot through her, and she nodded.
I won't dwell on the past. Whatever happens when I return to Eraklyon and Domino, I will make things work. I will make sure I find willpower and strength within myself!
Suddenly, the vision around her disappeared. Bloom faced Kwan-yin on, her teeth bared. "Bring it," she snarled. Kwan-yin shot a deathly glare at Bloom, then nodded.
"You got it." She lifted a few stones from the top of the cave. Bloom gasped as she shot them at her, dodging them as fast as she could. It reminded her of the fight she'd had with Diaspro back in freshman year, during the Day of the Royals. She swallowed, dodging past the stones.
I have to get closer. In order to do that, she'd have to go on the offensive. Using the Sword, she shot a ray of fire at Kwan-yin, incinerating the stones. Emboldened, she flew forward, straight towards Kwan-yin. Kwan-yin's eyes widened in shock as Bloom knocked the circlet off her head, catching it with the Spear of Lugh.
As she placed it on her own head, she felt a burst of energy in her stomach. Power and strength filled her, and she smiled as she glowed a yellow aura. Kwan-yin glared at her, but bowed down below her. "You have defeated me, fairy of fire." She lowered her head.
"Did you do it?" a voice called behind her. Flora and Layla had appeared, and were staring at Kwan-yin. Bloom grimly nodded.
"All right," Flora said, taking her hand. "Let's see what the others are up to."
Stella stared at Faerie Queen Rudabeh, who had a grim look on her face. Emeralds shined above them, lighting up the chamber. "You know, this is pretty," she grinned. Rudabeh glared at Stella, her voice strong.
"I am the granddaughter of Zahhāk," she declared, "king of serpents. I was nearly destroyed by him and his desire to keep the world his way. But I won't allow that to happen now." She lifted her head. "I will defeat you and make sure you don't lock me back up!"
"We're not gonna lock you up!" Stella cried. "We just want you to stop your vengeance on the humans!"
"Not happening." Rudabeh raised her arms.
The scene around Stella changed. She saw Brandon, being taken away by paramedics in Magix City. The paramedics were trying to calm Stella down, even though she was in hysterics.
"My boyfriend's hurt!" she cried. "You have to do something!"
"Ma'am, we are doing all we can," a paramedic said urgently. Tears streamed down Stella's eyes.
"He's dying!" she cried out. "You have to save him!"
"Snookums." Brandon looked up at Stella, a reassuring expression on his face. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." He smiled at her. Then the paramedics loaded Brandon into the ambulance, and that was the last Stella saw.
She closed her eyes, grief coming over her as she remembered how she'd nearly lost him. How he'd been sent to Downland with the other severely-ill people. She cried, grief overwhelming her.
Though Brandon was okay now, a part of her still would always fear losing him. Even though they were happily engaged, she knew one of them could be lost at any moment. That terrified her, the idea of losing her soulmate.
But then she remembered how her friends had supported her. How much they'd cared for her, saved her, throughout all of her endeavors. She'd been met with so much love and understanding. And that had been the most important part. For even though she'd grieved all the time she'd been without Brandon, she was learning to heal.
Love poured into her heart. She knew that the love she felt with her friends and family wasn't lost; no matter what happened to them, their love would eternally fill their hearts. She smiled, flying up into the air.
The vision disappeared. She circled around Rudabeh, who pointed blades of flame at her. She shot them hard at Stella, nearly singing her skin.
"Oh, come on!" Stella complained. "You can mess with fire, too?"
In response, Rudabeh shot another ball of flame at Stella. Stella hit it with the Sword of Light, shooting it at Rudabeh. On and on they threw the fireball at each other, like a game of Ping Pong. Stella growled, her eyes fierce and determined.
She pushed with all of her strength. "Hyah!" she yelled, pushing the fire at Rudabeh with her Stone. There was a shocked silence as Rudabeh hit the ground. Her eyes closed, and the circlet slipped off her head.
"Thanks for that," Stella said cheerfully, placing the circlet on her head. Immediately, she felt a warmth shooting through her heart, opening up her chakra. She smiled, lowering her head.
"Stella?" she heard a voice. Bloom, Layla, and Flora appeared behind her, staring at her. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Stella answered cheerfully, holding the sword at her hip. "Never felt better." She grinned. "Now, shall we find the others?"
"Let's go!" Bloom shouted. They headed into the next chamber to their right.
Tecna faced Faerie Queen Six Sky, the Queen of the Mayans. She gazed around at the blue sapphire cave, at the fairy who stood before her. She wore a blue Mayan warrior-dress, a cape billowing past her shoulders.
"You have reached my abode," she growled. "For hundreds of years, my people have been disrespected by conquerors, people who threaten to destroy their natural habitat and commit the crime of logging. I will not allow you to let them slide." She lifted her hands, pulling her circlet off her head.
The scene around Tecna changed, and she stared. She saw herself speaking to Digit, saying, "I don't want you to tell the others I'm a cyborg."
She winced, guilt coming over her as she remembered all the lies she'd told. How she'd pretended to be a regular fairy, attending Alfea without revealing who she was. How she'd acted like her emotions didn't matter, when in fact they did. And, worst of all: how she'd liked to Timmy the day she'd disappeared into the portal, acting like she didn't care about him.
I wish I hadn't done that. She wished she'd never lied to her friends, to Timmy – most of all, to herself. She swallowed, remembering the darkness that had taken over her that time.
But she wasn't going to lie again. After all, she had chosen the Stone of the Sword, and wielded it like a proper fairy of justice. If she was going to be a stronger fairy, she wasn't going to tell any lies. She lifted her head.
I will not allow myself to lie anymore. I know the truth within myself, the person who I am. And I won't let anything take me down. She lifted her head, staring defiantly at the scene. I will not let myself be riddled by this untruth!
Immediately, the scene around her disappeared. Tecna gasped as she saw Six Sky, resting against the wall. Her eyes widened as she saw Tecna, glaring at her.
"You shall not pass!" she bellowed. Raising her hands, she summoned the plants underneath their feet, calling on them to entangle Tecna. One wrapped itself around her legs.
She let out a gasp, trying to escape, but she was stuck. Queen Six Sky let out a laugh.
"Pathetic," she jeered. "I would've thought better of the great wielder of the Staff of Justice." She smirked. "Is that all you've got?"
"No," Tecna answered defiantly, holding the Staff up. She watched as the plants untangled around her. Flying straight towards Six Sky, she lifted the Stone in the air, pointing it straight at her.
Six Sky gasped as she was blasted against the wall, hitting her head on it. "You" – she growled. Then she lay unconscious, falling down. Tecna grabbed the blue circlet from her hand, wearing it on her head.
She felt a rush of energy shoot through her throat area, filling her with power. She smiled, enjoying it as she sat down. Then the door opened, and four fairies ran in – Flora, Layla, Bloom, and Stella.
"Come on," Flora said. "Let's go and find Musa and Roxy."
Musa lifted Excalibur as Faerie Queen Sita glared at her, indigo amethysts shining above them on the walls. The Queen wore a purple saree and had it draped around her shoulders, her wings sticking out from behind. She had a haughty expression on her face as she faced Musa.
"I was the Faerie Queen of India," she declared. "A powerful fairy, until Rama had me sent away to rot. I hid in the woods, eventually seeking refuge with my guardian, the goddess Bhumi. Now I have come back, and I am stronger than ever." She lifted the purple circlet in the air.
Musa gasped as the scene around her changed. She saw herself talking to Riven, fuming with anger. How much Riven seemed to answer back, how indifferent he appeared. She clenched her fists, anger in her throat.
Why is she showing me this? Why did she have to watch Riven, who cared nothing about her? She watched the scene as he spoke to her, nothing but disdain in his voice.
But something was different. She saw Riven's eyes, and, now that she was looking closely, she saw something else. Something like – regret. And sadness at what he'd done. She exhaled, realizing what was going on.
Riven's disdain for me is an illusion. Her ex-boyfriend truly did care about her. Maybe not as a lover anymore, but still – he wanted her to be his friend. She swallowed, nodding to herself.
I don't need to see what isn't there. She didn't need to see Riven's supposedly disdainful face, or remember the things of the past. What mattered was right now. She sighed, nodding as the chamber appeared back.
"Ready for a rematch?" she asked defiantly, facing Sita down. She lifted Excalibur, charging straight at Sita. Sita's eyes widened as she took her down, slashing at her saree.
But Sita was quicker. She lifted her hands, and a hole appeared under Musa's feet. Before she could catch the air with her wings, she fell down, hitting the ground hard.
She gasped as the walls began to close in on her. Sita stood above, laughing. "Have a fun time," she jeered, closing them on her.
Enraged, Musa flew upwards just before the walls crashed. She slashed Excalibur again at Sita, sending a white ray of power at her. Sita gasped as it hit her, and she crumpled, falling to the ground. Grabbing the purple circlet, Musa placed it on her head.
The area between her eyes, at her forehead, began to fill with energy. For a moment, an purple print appeared there, but then disappeared. She smiled, enjoying the energy that shot through her, filling her at her core –
"Musa!"
Musa turned around. The other Winx were standing behind her, staring at her. Layla grabbed Musa by the shoulders. "Where is Roxy?"
Musa stared around. For once, she had completely forgotten about Roxy. "I think she's in the next room," she gasped. "We need to find her!"
"Let's go!" Bloom shouted. They raced into the chamber ahead.
Roxy's heart thumped as she waited in the white chamber. Filled with brilliant diamonds, it glimmered at her, though it did nothing to alleviate her nerves. She held the Black Circle in her hands, staring at it nervously.
"Hello, Faerie Princess," she heard a voice behind her. Yelling in shock, she turned around. Nebula was facing her, her expression devious and smug.
"You?" Roxy yelled in shock and anger. "What, so Morgana won't face me? What is she, a coward?"
Nebula flicked her short hair. "It's Her Majesty to you. And yes, she has more important things to do than to exchange petty banter with you."
Rage shot through Roxy's heart. She glared at Nebula, who merely smirked back. "You – you monster!" She shot a spell straight at Nebula.
But Nebula merely dodged. All of a sudden, the scene changed, and she saw all of her resentments, playing out in front of her. Her anger at her father for his insane concern over her grades, her anger at her mother – Morgana – for leaving her as a child. And then her anger towards the Winx for not understanding her, the Wizards for nearly killing her… Then, two words flashed through Roxy's head: Let go.
Let go? How was she to let go of all these things people had done to her? She glared at the scene around her, crossing her arms.
I'm not letting go of anything. Maybe if people could be nicer to her, then she'd accept it – but for now, she wasn't going to do anything.
Then suddenly, Nebula appeared in front of her, her eyes laughing. "You failed." The scene disappeared, and Nebula raised her arms. "Prepare to meet your end!" She shot a dark beam of light at Roxy –
"Wind blockade!" someone shouted. A pink shield appeared around Roxy, and the beam disappeared into it. Gasping, Roxy turned around, watching as Musa flew towards her. "Are you okay?"
Rage rose in Roxy's heart. This woman had just tried to kill her; she wasn't going to let Nebula get away with it. She lifted the Black Circle, shooting a beam of energy at Nebula.
But Nebula gleefully dodged, shouting, "You failed the test!" She smirked. "Now you lack the energy to defeat me!"
It was true, Roxy realized. The diamond cave was draining her energy, nearly killing her. She gasped as she fell to the ground, Musa grabbing her arm. "Roxy!" she yelled desperately.
"We won't let you take her down!" Layla faced Nebula, her face determined.
"Oh yeah?" Nebula laughed. "She's already collapsing."
Roxy fell to the ground, her heart pounding. No – this can't be it. Nebula smiled, lifting her hands with a magical sphere in her hands –
"Stop!"
Roxy froze as she looked up. Morgana was flying towards them, her eyes narrowed as she looked at Nebula. "Drop the sphere now," she commanded.
Nebula gaped at her. "Why?" she hissed. "So I can let Faerie Princess go?"
"Yes," Morgana answered calmly. "She and the other fairies have all done their part. I believe, without a doubt, that they have aced the Trial of Queens."
"What?" Nebula looked outraged. "But they didn't even defeat me!"
"You are not a Faerie Queen," Morgana reminded her. "You took my place, which is unacceptable. You are on probation." Her eyes narrowed. "If you pull something like this again, you will be punished."
Nebula violated the rules? Roxy thought. But she was too weak to stand up. Morgana stood over her, her expression worried.
"Roxanne?" she asked. "Are you okay?"
Roxy didn't answer. Her head lulled as she collapsed, hitting the ground with a thud.
She was running, as fast as she could. Darkness was taking over the entire world, destroying it at its core. She let out a gasp as she saw dark clouds taking over the sky and lightning slamming into the ground.
Then destruction reigned. Rainbow fire barreled the earth, taking down humans and fairies alike together. She heard the screams as the earth split open, killing more and more people. The deafening roar of death filled the air, destruction right before her eyes –
"Roxy!"
Roxy opened her eyes. Musa and the Winx were staring at her, concern and fear in their eyes. Musa placed her hand on Roxy's shoulders. "Are you okay?"
"No," Roxy retorted, staring at the white circlet. It was now in Morgana's hands, not Nebula's – Nebula was sulking on the floor, glaring at Roxy. She blinked, staring around.
They were out of the Crystal Caverns. Now at the castle, they were seated all around each other, staring at Roxy. Roxy pulled herself up to a seated position, staring at everyone.
"It was another nightmare," she whispered. Her entire body was shaking. "Fire was taking over the world, and killing everyone" –
"Shh, shh." Flora placed her hand on her shoulder. "You're just in shock. It's okay, Roxy."
Roxy gazed around. "So, what happened?" Morgana stepped forward.
"You have defeated us in trial," she said. The Queens behind her all nodded, their expressions impressed. "And therefore, I have decided to grant one request of yours." Next to her, Nebula spat in fury. "What is it?"
"Stop your vengeance." This time it was Bloom who spoke. "Stop your fury against the humans and the Wizards. Allow a fair and impartial court to judge the Wizards. The only way to truly bring justice and peace is to cease the war and start a symbiotic relationship with the humans and fairies. Deep down, you know that's the right thing to do."
Morgana let out a sigh. "Very well. Though it pains me to do so, I will follow your words, for I now know of the wisdom you carry." She nodded. "On the Day of Justice, the Wizards will face a trial with all their rights."
The clapping started from Stella. "Let's hear it for Queen Morgana!" she shouted. The rest of the Winx applauded, and then, so did all of the other Queens. Roxy reluctantly applauded as well.
The only person not clapping was Nebula. She glared at Roxy, her eyes devious. Don't think I'm done with you, her eyes seemed to say. Roxy's heart twinged as she remembered how she'd been unable to complete the challenge, not opening up her crown chakra.
But for now, she rejoiced, for she knew this would be the end of their saga. That, for once and for all, humans and fairies would coexist together with joy.
Musa let out a sigh of relief as she entered the apartment. She flopped down on the sofá, immediately exhausted.
"I'm ready to crash," Stella complained. "That was a rough day."
"No kidding." Musa lay down on the couch. Roxy let out a sigh.
"I guess I should be heading home, then," she said, heading towards the door.
"Wait!" Eldora rushed into the living-room. "Someone is here to see you!"
Musa frowned. "Who could it be" – She stopped mid-sentence as a fairy walked out of Bloom and Flora's room, smiling at them all.
She was wearing a green dress that perfectly matched the shade of her eyes. Her hair was long and golden, falling down to her waist. She smiled at the women as they stared at her, openmouthed.
"Greetings, Winx," she said. "I am Áine, the Faerie Queen of Ireland. I am close with Eldora." She smiled at the elderly woman before continuing on. "I have watched you over your journeys, and I am very impressed with you. You have shown great wisdom and courage. And therefore, I am here to give you a gift."
"A gift?" Stella squealed. Áine frowned.
"I'm afraid it's not the pleasant type of gift," she said. "Do you remember the prophecy of the Gallizenae?"
Musa nodded, remembering what Eldora had said about the prophecy. The fairy drew out a scroll, reading it aloud.
"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 light leads way to permanent hate,
"There must rise an unlikely fate."
Lest the fallen offer a sacrifice mighty… Musa stared at the fairy, taken aback. Áine continued speaking, her voice grave.
"I shall now present you with the gift," she said, "but it is very dangerous."
"Why?" Bloom breathed.
"Because it is the Black Gift." A black orb materialized in Áine's hands. Musa stared at it, her eyes widening with alarm.
The Black Gift crackled with lightning and darkness. She could make out the power in its depths, how incredibly dangerous it was. Áine placed it in Musa's hands.
"You can only use it once," she said. "It is a spell that will resuscitate anyone on the brink of death. That is why no one likes to use it."
"What do you mean?" Bloom gasped.
"More than one person could be nearing death's doors," Áine answered, "but only one may you rescue. That is my prophecy, Winx." She disappeared into a black light.
"Wait!" Musa called, but Áine had already gone. She stared at the Winx, her eyes wide.
"That was a terrible prophecy." Stella was the first one to speak.
"Yes," Bloom answered, "and I'm afraid it may concern Merlin." She took in a deep breath. "Or one of us."
Next chapter:
– The Day of Justice arrives.
– Krithi and the Wizards face justice.
– The prophecy of the Black Gift is realized.
