Posted July 17, 2022.
CHAPTER 43: SYNTHESIS
On the Matter of Atlantis
Atlantis, otherwise known as the Nymph Isle, is a part of the queendom of Greece. The Greek fay thrive there, as do other humans who choose to live in harmony with nature. It is a beautiful city with many natural wonders, such as beautiful seasonal fruits and trees.
The island is the capital of this fairy realm. It is the seat of the Faerie Queen of Greece.
Atlantis, Greece
"Are we seriously searching for an underwater city?" Stella groaned.
She and Amore were searching for Atlantis; according to their intelligence, the phoenix and his people were hiding there. They flew over the coast of Greece, staring around.
The city was supposed to have sunk centuries ago. Once the fay were locked up, it disappeared from existence, killing all those who were upon it. There was no telling whether anyone was there now.
"Um, Stella?" Amore pointed downwards. Stella stared, and her eyes widened in surprise.
A fairy island was below. The city was filled with lights, and fairies milled around, looking powerful and formidable. The ship landed, and Stella pulled herself out.
"I guess the island has un-sunk," she said sheepishly, heading out of the helicopter and onto the island. They crept onto it, staring around.
The island was filled with olive and fig trees, all of which bore fruit during this time. There were also trees of fairy fruit, which she could make out by the way the fruit shimmered. It was truly a beautiful place. She stared in awe, then turned back towards Amore. "This place is beautiful!"
"It sure is," Amore agreed. "It" –
"Winx enemies!" someone shouted. A group of Warrior Fairies shot towards Stella, holding their staffs in the air. "Prepare to" –
Stella shot a fire-blast at them. Amore launched a spell at them as well, which made them fall back, cursing. They flew into the trees, and let out a gasp.
They were surrounded by Warrior Fairies – around them as well as from the sky. The fairies gazed at them with glee, all of them pointing their staffs to the center of the circle – to them. Amore cried out in fear. They stood helplessly, ready to be hit –
Suddenly, a volley of flames shot from outside. In a flash, the fairies all disappeared, squealing in fright. Stella looked up, and let out a gasp.
A phoenix was flying towards them, fire in his feathers. He looked delighted as he saw Sella. Landing on the ground before her, he bowed. "I suppose you are here for a reason?"
"Well, yeah," Stella answered. "We actually want you and the other phoenixes for our Rebellion, based in Gardenia. We need to defeat the fairies of vengeance!"
The phoenix bowed. "Consider it done." He smiled at her. "We shall do this."
"And so shall we!" another voice called. Two familiar boys ran up to them, their eyes determined. Stella nearly squealed.
"Justin! Jason!" she cried. "You're here!"
"We're not gonna let those fairies take us down," Justin declared. "Greek fire time!"
"Thank you," Stella breathed, bowing towards them. "Now come on." They headed back towards the thicket, towards where the helicopter was.
The days Roxy spent at Sein Isle were very unusual. For once, no one treated her differently for being the princess of Paradise, or even for being a fairy. She was expected to rise along with the rest of the women, and participate in chores that were akin to the eighteenth century. None of the people on Sein Isle had modern technology, so she had to struggle to help them do their jobs.
In addition, she still felt depressed. The sojourn wasn't necessarily helping things; even though she was busier now than she'd been before, she still felt like a failure for not being able to use her powers. The sadness was overcoming her, to the point where she just didn't know what to do.
"Roxanne?" a voice called. Roxy's head jerked up as she saw a woman calling to her. "Would you be able to collect firewood for dinner tonight?"
"Sure thing," Roxy muttered, heading away from the village and into the forest. She gazed fondly up at the squirrels that roamed the forest, at the animals that roamed freely around, undisturbed by industrial development or urbanization. She gazed around at the forest, and then frowned.
Something was wrong. She could sense something eerie in the forest, something terrifying. She wanted to run away, but didn't want the other women of Sein Isle to think her a coward. She stared at the lake ahead of her, and let out a gasp.
In the water's depths, she could see herself being tormented by Ogron and the other Wizards in Newgrange. She was flailing desperately, trying to avoid the White Circle's embrace, but the pain still overcame her. She could hear the Wizards' laugh, cruel and clear.
Horrified, she tried to pull herself away, but found that she couldn't. A second image was coming in the water, one of Merlin. He was laughing maniacally as poison flowed through her body, agonizing her. There was nothing but cruelty in his eyes.
Then a third person appeared – Nebula. She was laughing as well, her eyes devious and void of rage and vengeance. She would not be satisfied until her mission was accomplished, until every human lay dead on the earth –
Roxy turned around and ran, straight back into the village. I can't let this overcome me… She landed in the camp, gasping and falling to the ground.
"What's going on?" a voice called. She looked up and saw that the women of Sein Isle were staring at her with concern in their eyes. The Lady stepped forward.
"I'll take care of her," she said, giving Roxy her hand. "Come on."
The two of them headed into the Lady's hut, a log cabin that was large enough only to house her. Roxy sat on the floor, and the Lady sat across from her. The Lady's voice was serious as she asked, "What did you see in the woods?"
Roxy blinked. "You knew I had visions?"
"The Seeing Lake often shows them," the Lady answered, "to those who are lost and confused. Whatever it showed you, it showed you them for a reason."
"So there is a reason why I was tormented by all these men?" Roxy muttered angrily. "Good to know."
The Lady's eyes flashed. "That's your problem, Roxanne. You keep thinking of all those times they hurt you and saying, 'Why me? Why is this happening to me?'"
"Well, how else am I supposed to think of them?" Roxy demanded.
"See them as ways to better yourself," the Lady answered. When Roxy began to protest, she lifted her hand. "It sounds to me like you're carrying around those people with you. You ever thought maybe you could learn something from them?"
"You're crazy." Roxy stood up. "I had enough of this." She was about to walk out, but the Lady smacked her leg with her hand.
"Not so fast," she said. "Sit down." Reluctantly, Roxy sat back down as the Lady continued to speak.
"As any good writer will tell you, there are two sides to a paper," she said. "Thesis and antithesis. The thesis is what you are writing, your side of the story – let's imagine you have a point of view. The other side is the antithesis, the opposing point of view."
"Where are you going with this?" Roxy asked.
"That there are always at least two sides to a story," the Lady answered, "and that in order to strengthen ourselves, we must look not only at our side, but the side of the person or entity we are fighting against.
"What did the Wizards and Merlin want? A world where humans can live without fear of fairy suppression. What does Nebula want? A world where fairies can live without fear of human industrialization and urbanization. None of those things are bad things, on their own. The problem is, they took – and in Nebula's case, continue to take – their ideologies too far. They are completely out-of-balance, the same way you're out-of-balance right now."
"Me?" Roxy asked indignantly. "I'm not out-of-balance!"
"Yes you are," the Lady answered. "You're still carrying your old foes around, the same way you're carrying that poison inside of you. It's time for you to let it go."
Roxy wanted to protest, but she knew what the Lady was saying was true. She sighed as the Lady finished her tale.
"There you have it," she said. "If you take your thesis and combine it with their antithesis, you will soon have a pair working in harmony – synthesis. That fundamental understanding is the only way you will save the world and attain balance."
"I guess," Roxy conceded, finally understanding the woman's point. "But how am I going to get the poison out?"
"That's something you're going to have to do on your own," the Lady answered. "And I have full confidence that you can do it."
"Commander!" one of the sentries flew up to Musa, her eyes wide.
"Yes, Sentry?" Musa asked calmly. The sentry stared at her.
"We have reports of the human girl, Krithi Venkatesan, wandering on her horse, around the world," the sentry answered. "Her reasons for doing so are unknown. She" –
"Find her," Musa ordered. The sentry bowed, heading towards the base.
Musa watched her go, then sighed, lowering her head. I hope they find her… She stared at the ground.
Otherwise this would all have been for nothing…
Chai thundered across the seas, his white wings beating through the air as Krithi sat atop, staring down at the waters below. Her long black hair billowed in the wind, and she stared forward, wondering where Roxy could be.
According to Roxy's phone, she'd last been on the west coast of France before her phone signal had been lost. Krithi now had no idea where Roxy was or what had happened to her. She could've fallen somewhere… She frowned, fear swallowing her as she stared down at the deadening black waves.
She had no idea why she was so worried about Roxy. Why do I care so much for her? Sure, Roxy was a good friend of hers. But why was her whole heart beating frantically, so fiercely that she couldn't even breathe?
I really care about her. They had been through so much together, and it had been so devastating to watch as the poison nearly killed her friend. She couldn't let anything more happen to her. She swallowed as she watched the waves continue to rise, frustration filling her.
She still had no idea where Roxy was. How was she going to find her? She stared ahead, and let out a gasp.
Three Warrior Fairies were flying together, patrolling the area. They had suspicious expressions on their faces as they flew, trying to catch any people out so they could implement their reign of terror.
Krithi didn't know what to do. They couldn't hide; there was no place to hide, out in the open sea. They couldn't fly past the fairies. There was only one option – to turn around. But before she could do that, one of the fairies' sharp eyes pierced through the seas and found Krithi.
Immediately, her eyes narrowed in rage. "The human girl!" she hollered, pointing her followers towards the cowering girl. "Get her!"
In fright, Krithi turned Chai around. They sped across the seas, the Warrior Fairies chasing after them. "Come on!" she whispered, pushing Chai as fast as she possibly could. She stared forward as she saw what was ahead.
She could see an island ahead of her, one that was surrounded by a barrier. The barrier was obscure, and yet, she could feel a welcoming energy within it. She knew that, should she pass through it, she would be safe.
"Just a little farther!" she hissed. The Warrior Fairies were getting closer and closer. She pushed forward, allowing Chai to have full speed.
They were so close. All they had to do was speed on and get there. Just ten seconds more – five seconds – one second –
It happened the split second before Krithi crossed into the border. A fairy shot a spell at her, one that froze her and obliterated all sight. Ice shot through her veins, and she let out a horrified shriek. She fell off of Chai, her body tumbling.
She could hear the Warrior Fairies' howl of rage as she disappeared into the barrier. But instead of it being a triumphant moment, she was falling. The fall felt endless, and she squeezed her eyes shut.
I'm not going to make it…
Roxy was heading outside with the Lady when she heard a shout. The sound of a crash filled the air, and a fearful scream filled the air. Suddenly, almost out of thin-air, a white horse and a girl appeared in the sky, tens of meters above them. The girl fell off the horse, plummeting straight to the ground.
Roxy didn't even stop to think. She broke into a sprint, running as fast as she possibly could to the girl. Her arms wide out, she reached just in-time to catch her in her arms.
She staggered at the weight. Though the girl she held in her arms was thin, it was hard to hold her nonetheless, especially after the impact of such a fall. She stared down at her, and had the shock of her life.
The girl had nearly-black skin, black hair, and deep brown eyes. She wore a tattered white shirt and jeans – quite unusual for her, to wear such clothing. But there was no mistaking those eyes. "Krithi?" she breathed aloud.
"Lay the girl down." The Lady immediately rushed forward. "She's had a bad fall. I'm not too surprised this one came through the barrier."
Roxy stared at the Lady. "There's a barrier?"
"Of course, you silly girl," the Lady answered. "How else do you think we've been keeping the Warrior Fairies out? It only lets in people without vengeance in their hearts. Now, put her down."
Roxy laid Krithi on the ground, kneeling next to her. A blush came to her face as she gazed at Krithi's face, something rising within her. Something foreign and warm, heating her up to the very core.
Why am I feeling this way? Why did she feel such heightened emotions when she was around Krithi? Why did this always happen to her?
All she knew was that she was so happy Krithi had come. And… had so many questions. "Why are you here?" she whispered as Chai flew down to his mistress's side.
"I was looking for you," Krithi whispered. Roxy brushed a strand of Krithi's hair out of her face, staring down at her eyes.
She could see nothing but pure intention inside of them. Nothing but honesty and integrity. And… maybe something more. The sight of it brought tears to Roxy's eyes.
"I'm so happy you came," she whispered.
"I hate to break this up," the Lady interrupted, "but I think it's time." Her eyes hardened. "Get up, the two of you. We're going to the Seeing Lake."
"The what now?" Krithi asked. Roxy smiled.
"Somewhere where I'll learn how to heal myself," she said. "Let's go." She gazed at her in concern. "Are you sure you're all right?"
"I'm fine," Krithi panted, standing up, and Roxy noted that somehow, Krithi hadn't injured herself in any way during the fall. Because I caught her. Again, the thought made her blush as Krithi mounted Chai. The Lady turned to Roxy.
"Get Aonbharr," she said. "And let's get going." She turned around, heading into the dark.
Nebula sat on Morgana's throne. She had dreamed of sitting upon a throne ever since she was a child, but had never imagined she actually would. She smiled, relishing in the newfound power she held.
It had been different when she was a child. Growing up, Morgana had always been better than her at everything – partially because she was destined to be Queen, and partially because she was just so naturally gifted. Nebula had always had to struggle her entire life. For obvious reasons, Morgana had been very popular, while Nebula had been forced to hide in the shadows.
But the balance of power had now shifted. She was stronger than Morgana, stronger than the humans who had burned her family at stake when she was young – stronger than everyone. And she would make it. Sighing, she turned towards her attendants, her eyes narrowed.
"How is the mission going to capture Roxanne?" she demanded. The attendants bowed.
"She has not been located yet," one of them answered. Nebula growled.
"Then find her," she commanded. The attendants nodded, heading out the door.
Nebula watched them go, her eyes narrowed. They'd better find her… She turned her head down; climbing off her throne, she headed into the dark.
The sky was dark and clear as Roxy, riding Aonbharr, and Krithi, riding Chai, headed into the forest. The Lady followed close behind, her eyes ever-sharp and attentive as they headed down the path. They soon reached the Seeing Lake; Roxy stared at it with awe.
It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. The stars glittered off the lake, covering it with sparkles. The stars themselves were clear and bright in the sky, clearer than she'd ever seen them in her life. They twinkled and glimmered, filling the black night with volume she'd never seen before. Above them, the moon shined as Roxy dismounted, heading up to the Seeing Lake.
She swallowed hard, staring at the waters. No reflection appeared in them yet, though she knew the worst was yet to come. The Lady showed up behind them, placing a hand on Roxy's shoulders.
"This Lake shows us what we fear the most," she said, "but it also has healing properties. It is said to have been blessed by the gods themselves, before they departed from the earth to heavens, leaving their children, the Tuatha dé Danann, behind. Wade into the waters, and partake of its healing energies."
"I'll go with her," Krithi offered. The Lady shook her head.
"No," she said. "She must do this on her own."
Roxy stripped down to her underclothes, heading into the waters. Considering it was summer, the water was cold, and she gasped in shock at its frigidness. Nonetheless, she forced herself into the water. Soon she stood with all but her head underneath, gazing at the glittering lake around her. Taking in a deep breath, she closed her eyes.
Immediately, the memories came back. How she'd been nearly killed by Merlin, how the poison had filled her with extreme pain and fear. How she'd suffered as a result. She could feel the poison in her body now, as acute as ever. She gasped, opening her eyes, pain and fear filling them.
"That fight is over now," the Lady called. Her voice stood out strong and powerful. "You can release it."
"No," Roxy whispered, shaking her head. "I can't – I can't!"
"Yes you can!" Krithi called. "Roxy – you're more powerful than you'll ever know! You've been through so much before, and yet, you've always come out on top. Don't let what happened with Merlin bring you down! You're stronger than your fears!"
Krithi's words emboldened Roxy. "All right," she said. Taking in another breath, she again closed her eyes.
She could see the fight scene happening more clearly. Through her own eyes, she saw herself being attacked, the poison filling her body with extreme pain. Survival instinct had taken over, and she'd fought back. She saw herself suffering intensely in that moment, death nearly taking her down.
But she also saw, in that very moment, her own strengths shine through. That poison should've killed her, but it hadn't. Instead, she'd prevailed through it all. And now, the fight she'd gone through was at its end – her body was no longer in danger. She let out an exhale.
Immediately, she felt the poison slipping away into the waters, dissolving forever into its sparkling gaze. Exhausted, yet more energized than ever, she felt the stirring of energy flow within her again. Magic had found its way back into her body, more powerful than ever. Emboldened, she opened her eyes.
She was in a blue cocoon. Blue sparkles covered her naked body, and she transformed. Her green crop-top, pants, and boots appeared again, as did the yellow circlet on her forehead. White wings spun out of her shoulder-blades, and she felt energized, more than ever. The blue cocoon faded, and she opened her eyes.
Krithi cheered as she flew out of the waters, tears coming to her eyes. "You did it!" she cried. The Lady had a rare smile on her face.
"Well done, Roxanne," she said. "You have released the poison within, gaining access back to your magical self." She swallowed, and let out a sigh.
"I've been thinking myself, too," she admitted. "And I have decided that it is time for my people to take action as well. Though the cost of war is steep, we are determined to help the Winx and their allies fight against evil. Not as warriors – we shall not partake of the sword – but as diplomats and healers. We will stop the tide of vengeance and danger. Your courage inspires us, Roxanne. If you can bend the poison out of your body, then we can do more than sit idly around."
Tears came to Roxy's eyes. "Thank you," she breathed, letting the tears stream down her cheeks. She looked over at Krithi and saw that she was crying, too.
"Very well," the Lady smiled. "I have made sure you have enough provisions to get on your way back home." She patted Aonbharr's back. "Have a safe trip home."
Roxy mounted Aonbharr, watching as his wings spun out of his back. "Let's go, boy," she breathed. Krithi mounted Chai too, taking the bag of bread, cheese, and dried fruits from the Lady.
"Ready?" she asked.
"Ready," Roxy smiled. Leaping into the sky, the two of them headed home.
Next chapter:
– Bloom goes to Peristan to enlist the Persian fay's help.
– Musa makes a decision whether to support Nebula or not.
– Roxy and Krithi are captured and taken to the South Pole.
Note: This chapter has many references from The Legend of Korra.
