Posted September 11, 2022.

Previously on AUF…

"How can we fight?" one of the people demanded. "We don't have powers!"

"You have plenty of powers," Roxy answered. "The Wizards themselves were mere humans – and yet, they developed magical powers. My friend Krithi here doesn't have any powers herself, but she still joins in the effort. Humans were the ones who locked up the fay; they had plenty of power then.

"But I don't say this to blame anyone for what happened. We are all part of this world, and we all have a part to play in this war. We need to join forces and fight against the Warrior Fairies, because we are Gardenia, the Home of the Fay. But I know confidence doesn't come that easily – it took a while for it to come for me. So, I am asking my fellow friends – people of the ancient Irish cities and of Sein Isle – will you offer lessons in combat for free to the people of Gardenia?"

"It would be my pleasure," the Lady declared. Roxy smiled.

"Very well, then," she said. To the humans she added, "Just remember we are always on your side, and we'll do our very best to keep you safe. But we also need you to work to keep yourselves safe as well – otherwise, righteousness won't come back. Therefore, I am requesting all citizens eighteen and older to enlist in the fight. We will provide all households with an adequate number of weapons so everyone can be safe." She raised her hands. "Thank you!"

-o-o-o-

Uki turned towards Akna, holding out the Key. "I will trust you, Chieftain of the Arctic, with the Key that closed the Heart. You will be its guardian. I hereby declare you the Major Fairy of the North, protecting the Pole from ever being breached again."

-o-o-o-

Roxy was standing in the Gardenia square, feeling lighter than she had in ages. It was such a beautiful day. She imagined wading in the waters, Artu happily splashing alongside her. She gazed at the horizon, and then froze.

The sky was darkening, even though it was noon. She stared in disbelief as a dark haze shot across the world. The other people on the beach stared in surprise, too.

"What is that?"

"Is that a ship?"

"Is this a trick of the fairies?"

Then suddenly, rainbow flames appeared on the water's surface. It skated across the ocean, shooting straight towards them. Roxy watched in horror as the flames became greater and greater.

And then it reached the shores.

The people screamed and turned around. The rainbow energy was destroying everything in its wake, waters and beaches alike. It burned people down whole; inside, she could hear a woman's cackle. She stared, transfixed, as a flare of fire hit her in the heart –


CHAPTER 51: MIDAUTUMN'S EVE, PART I

Key

On the Matter of the Autumn Equinox

The autumn equinox, otherwise known as Midautumn, is the celebration of the beginning of the dark half of the year. The leaves are beginning to change color at this time, adding prosperity to the world.

Since the days and nights are equal in-length, this is the time when yin and yang is the most perfectly balanced. That makes the equinox the perfect time for diplomacy, negotiations, and other acts in the nature of balance.

– from the Book of Fay


Aurora's Ark, Arctic Circle

The frozen tower lay ahead of Roxy as she and Aonbharr flew forward, speeding towards it with all the power of her wings. The sun was nearing the horizon, filling the sky with a dim light. Though the Arctic Circle had experienced daylight for about six months now, it would soon turn back to dark, with the advent of the autumn equinox.

She made it to the tower. Aonbharr neighed as she leapt off his back, running towards the door. Aurora emerged from it, asking, "What's going on?"

"Nebula," Roxy breathed. "She opened the North Pole Portal. Now – she's gonna unleash the" –

"Slow down." Aurora grabbed her shoulders. "Explain."

And then Roxy explained to her everything. About how Uki had saved the world from the Heart a hundred thousand years before, but how it was going to go off again. She pointed to the white light that had appeared behind them, shining out from the Pole. Aurora listened, then nodded, her voice grave.

"We must see what is happening in the world outside," she said. Walking up to a mirror, she lifted her hands.

The mirror shined blue, then showed Gardenia. The people of Gardenia were milling around, looking quite unconcerned. As far as Roxy could see, the protection barrier was holding up quite fine. She let out a relieved exhale.

"Good," she said. "They're safe."

The words hadn't even left her mouth when a brilliant burst of black energy hit the barrier. Everyone in Gardenia let out a collective yell. The barrier broke apart, and Roxy stared at the mirror in terror.

A group of Warrior Fairies flew above the town, laughing as they lifted evil spells over their heads. Black jets hit Gardenia full-force, breaking apart houses and sending people screaming for their lives. Roxy let out a gasp as her beloved hometown was torn apart to bits, hurting everyone in the town.

"No," she whispered.


It was a quiet, peaceful day. Cherie was licking a giant ice-cream cone, sharing it with her sisters. Below them, Artu was happily bounding around. The ice-cream cone levitated in the air as the sisters ate from it, enjoying the cool breeze that passed by.

It was the day before the autumn equinox. The sky was cloudy, and the air was still cool, though the trees hadn't yet changed color. Lockette bit off a giant bite of ice cream, and Chatta glared at her.

"You can't bite!" she squealed. "You can only lick!"

"But it tastes better that way," Lockette answered. Tune groaned.

"You have no manners," she scolded Lockette. "Leave enough ice cream for the rest of us" –

Suddenly, a loud boom sounded. Tune lost her concentration on the levitation, and the cone dropped to the ground. Artu barked angrily. Cherie stared up in horror, and let out a gasp.

The barrier had fallen apart. Hordes of Warrior Fairies were flying towards them, sneers on their faces. The people of Gardenia looked up in fright as they appeared, pointing their javelins at them.

"How did they break through?" Chatta shrieked.

The Warrior Fairies advanced on the town. Cherie stared up in terror, fear rising through her throat.

What are we going to do? They were completely unprepared for the attack. As far as they were concerned, the barrier had fallen. How are we going to stay safe?

Then suddenly, a voice boomed across the town. Cherie listened as the loudspeakers, which Tecna and Digit had installed in every building in Gardenia, echoed across the park. Morgana's voice called out, oddly calm even in the face of danger.

"May I have your attention, please?" she called. "The Warrior Fairies are attacking us. Right now, the Amazon, Arctic, and Rustic Fairies are keeping them at bay. However, it will not last long."

Cherie looked up and saw she was right. The fairies of vengeance were battling the fairies of Gardenia; their fairies were keeping them away from the town. Morgana continued to speak.

"Therefore, I am asking us to mobilize immediately," she said. "Here are my orders: the people of the Lacandón Tribe and the Pixies are to help evacuate all the young, elderly, and disabled people to the tunnels below the city. Winx and Specialists, I need you at the front with me. The rest of the army is asked to join the fairies and fight. That includes all willing humans aged eighteen and over.

"I know this seems scary. After all, the fairies of vengeance seem to have more power than we could ever hope to. But if we don't stand and fight, we will never know. I am therefore asking you all to help in the battle against the Warrior Fairies. Help us fight and stay strong!"

"For Gardenia!" the people on the square shouted. Several of the adults pulled out the weapons they'd been given, by the warriors of Sein Isle. With the training they'd received, they shot arrows at the Warrior Fairies, defending themselves from their spells.

"Quick, we have to round everyone up!" Lockette squeaked. "I'll lead the way!"

Cherie leapt on Artu's back, following Lockette and the other Pixies. They reached the center of the park, where several of the children had gathered, looking frightened. The rest of the tribal people placed their hands gently on the children's shoulders.

"We have to evacuate people in groups," Tune declared. "I know there are more people out there in the city, but we have to trust that the other tribal members are searching for them. When we escort this group into the tunnels, we'll find the others." She flew to the edge of the park.

Cherie and Artu followed her, as did the children, tribals, and the rest of the Pixies. They reached the end of the park, where the bottom of a cliff stood ahead of them. Into the cliffside was a large tunnel, burrowing deep into the ground.

"The storm drain system," one of the kids whispered.

"Clever," Digit mused. "We'd better get these kids in, quick!"

"I don't wanna go!" a little girl wailed. Chatta glared at her.

"You don't have a choice," she hissed. "Come on, get in!"

"I think what she means by that," Amore intervened, "is that you're gonna be safe."

Cherie flew up to the little girl and placed her hand on her head. The little girl stopped crying. Artu nudged her forward, and she ran into the tunnel.

"I'll stay with them," a Lacandón women said. "You go find some more people!"

They flew out of the park, heading down the streets. It was complete chaos; the Warrior Fairies were battling viciously with the rest of the army, ready to kill. Cherie caught sight of a group of Sein warriors shooting their spells at several Warrior Fairies, who dodged expertly. There was no doubt about it: those Warrior Fairies were powerful.

But the people of Gardenia weren't giving up, either. Thanks to the training they'd received from the Specialists and the Irish and Sein warriors, they were fighting back. The warriors of the four ancient cities and of Sein Island fought alongside humans from all over the world, diplomats and ambassadors and presidents and officers, and even ordinary civilians of Gardenia. The fay creatures who had been called from different parts of the world were also fighting. A family of dragons drenched the Warrior Fairies with rainclouds, while the mighty sphinxes shook the earth with their snarls. The phoenixes and the simurghs shot flames at them, and a family of aluxes fought off another group of Warrior Fairies. Cherie watched in amazement as they fought fiercely, never giving up.

"Help!" she heard a cry. Two children were standing in the streets, terrified as five Warrior Fairies surrounded them. Underneath her, Artu's muscles tensed. The rest of the Pixies and the tribals stared in horror.

"What are we going to do?" Lockette wailed. Tune squared her shoulders.

"We're going to fight them," she hissed. "Three – two – one" –

Suddenly, a loud bang erupted. Fire shot out of a cannon, straight at the Warrior Fairies, who shouted and flew out of the way. Jason and Justin stood on the rooftop of a building, triumphant.

"Our invention worked!" Justin shouted. "Greek fire one, crazy fairies zero! Way to go!" They high-fived. A phoenix channeled the fire, blasting a few Warrior Fairies out of the sky.

"Thanks." For once Chatta was at a loss for words as she flew on the shoulder of one of the children. "Come on, let's get going!"

Cherie flew ahead, leading the children down the road. Soon they reached the tunnel, and they shoved the children in. She flew back towards the battlefield, her heart facing.

"If only Musa, Krithi, and Roxy could be back!" Tune shrieked. "Where is Roxy?"


"I know where the Key is," Aurora finally spoke.

Roxy stared at her. The image on the Ice Mirror disappeared, and she stood up, asking, "What do I do?"

"There is a secret chamber at the center of the Ark," Aurora said solemnly. "I have never been there, nor have my predecessors. According to our readings, it dates back a hundred thousand years ago."

"The same time that Uki defeated Meriwa," Roxy realized. Aurora nodded.

"According to your story, the first Major Fairy of the North was entrusted with the Key," she said. "Now I believe that's what the chamber is housing. It shall only be opened when the time is right. And if now isn't the right time, I don't know what is."

"I'll open it," Roxy said at once. Aurora turned around.

"Follow me," she ordered, descending down the stairs.

Roxy patted Aonbharr. "Stay here," she said, following Aurora down the spiral staircase. They passed by icy stalactites, poking menacingly out of the wall. At last they reached a door made entirely out of ice, with beautiful ice carvings on its surface. Aurora stepped back.

"I do not know how to open it," she said. "That is for you alone to figure out."

Roxy sat on the ground, staring up at the door. It stood ahead of her, shining with a powerful light. Transforming into her Charmix, she crossed her legs, holding her hands together in prayer.

"Great chamber," she said aloud, "I first saw the destruction of the Heart in my dreams. I saw rainbow fire shoot across oceans, destroying everything in its wake. And then I saw what Uki showed me. The deaths that would follow. The deaths that will follow, if I cannot access the Key of the Heart.

"I know I've made mistakes, just as much as Nebula has. I refused to work with the Winx at first, avoiding my destiny. I freed Nebula from her prison. I even failed to stop Merlin from nearly destroying everyone at the Day of Justice. But I won't make the same mistakes as I have before. Right now, I care about the world, and the fate of the world, alone."

A blue bubble of energy formed around her as she spoke. Aurora let out a gasp. Not noticing it, Roxy continued speaking to the door, her Charmix tingling at her heart.

"I need Uki's Key to stop Nebula from releasing the Heart's power. I need it to save my family, my friends, my hometown, my people – all of them, from certain death. I need to save the world. Like Uki, I wasn't born into power – in fact, I was terrified most of my life, to be the person I needed to be. But I am stronger now. I know I can do this, if you'll give me a chance." She lifted her head. "I, Faerie Princess Roxanne, do ask you: please open your doors!"

A blue burst of energy shot from her Charmix and enveloped the door. But unlike Nebula's energy, which only forced its way through everything, this magic was soft and unassuming. It coated the icy friezes, filling them with warmth. Then the most astonishing thing happened.

The door melted away.

"That's a shame," Aurora said, half-sadly, as water dripped on the ice ground. "I always liked that door." She stepped forward. "Watch your step; it's rather slippery."

Roxy flew above the wet floor, heading in through the newly-created archway and landing on the ground. A beautiful cave greeted her, one of more stalactites and stalagmites. They pointed icily at each other; one had to fly through the pointed peaks to get to the center. And that wasn't all.

The Key hung directly in front.

"Should be easy enough," Roxy said, fluttering her wings. Aurora grabbed onto her arm.

"Wait!" she said. "The Key is at the other end of the chamber. It's not going to be so easy to fly through those peaks, I sense."

"And why's that?" Roxy asked.

"Don't you feel the wind?" Aurora asked urgently. "It will blow you left and right as you fly through the cavern. One stab of those icicles will impale you to death."

As she spoke, the wind picked up. Like a hurricane it swirled around the center, blustering back and forth. There was no doubt about it; it would be a challenge to avoid the stalactites and stalagmites. Roxy stared at it, her body shaking from both the cold and fear.

But she knew she had to do it; the world depended on her shoulders. Besides, she wasn't about to give up now. She focused on her Charmix, flying into the air.

"I'll get it," she declared. Flying forward, she navigated through the wind currents, wincing at their speed.

She gasped as she was shot straight towards an icicle. Creating a blue bubble around herself just in-time, she bounced unhurt off the icicle. But then the wind tossed her around, and she screamed as she was knocked from icicle to icicle, completely out of breath.

"Focus your energy!" Aurora shouted. "You can't let the wind toss you around!"

Roxy grimaced, focusing her power. "Inner spirit!" she shouted, feeling the spiritual power she held coming to her. The blue energy surrounded the entire cavern, shooting her forward in an arc. She shot directly towards the Key, grabbing it in her left hand.

Suddenly, she stopped moving. The blue bubble had turned rainbow, and the Key shimmered just about every color possible. The wind had stopped swirling, and now Roxy's wings caught firmly onto the air. Breathless, she flew straight towards Aurora, thudding to the ground. Aurora ran up to her.

"You did wonderful," she said. "The Key is now yours." Regaining her breath, Roxy held the Key above her hands.

She could tell it was the most powerful magical artifact she'd ever come across. Uki had a lot of strength to pull it out of that wheel. And similarly, she'd had an abundance of power to save the Key herself. She nodded, turning towards Aurora.

"It is time," she said. Flying up the steps, she headed to the top of the tower, the Key levitating right in front of her heart.


Chai reared in fright as Krithi grimaced, pushing against the binds Nebula had put around her wrists. "What's happening?" she demanded.

They were in a cavern at the Central Core. After defeating them, Nebula had thrown them into a cell, binding their wrists and ankles with dark magic. Musa groaned.

"Something must be going on," she muttered. "Clearly, if they're not even guarding us, they must be doing something important."

"Then what?" Krithi asked. "What are they" –

She didn't finish her sentence. Just then, a blinding light overtook her eyes, and she gasped, closing them instantly. Chai neighed in terror. When the light had passed, she looked through the entrance of the cell.

She couldn't make out anything. As far as she knew, the outside world hadn't changed, save for some more light. Then she heard Nebula's laugh as the Warrior Fairy spoke to her people.

"The North Pole Portal has been opened," she announced. "With the power of both the White and Black Circles, I opened it. I shall use the Heart of the Earth to destroy the White Circle, as well as the rest of the human race!"

"No!" Musa gasped.

She has both the Circles now? How had she acquired those? And what was the Heart of the Earth? Krithi looked frantically at Musa.

"We have to get out of here," she hissed. "We need to break free and get back to the South Pole, so we can escape back to Gardenia!"

"But how?" Musa demanded.

Krithi stared helplessly at her feet. And that was when she remembered. I shoved the knife into my boot! She moved her leg, feeling the cold metal against her skin.

The Warrior Fairies didn't think to look there. They hadn't removed her weapon. She angled her foot towards Musa, whispering, "Pull the knife out of my boot."

Musa stared at her boot, and a wide grin stretched across her face. "Genius." She pulled the knife out with her bound hands. With one strike, she slashed Krithi's binds open.

Krithi grabbed the knife and cut Musa's binds as well. Soon they'd freed Chai from his chains; Krithi climbed onto his back. "Get on," she hissed. Musa climbed on behind her, and then Chai spread his wings. They flapped out of the chamber, straight up the way they'd come.

"The portal!" Musa gasped. "Ahead!"

Krithi steered Chai up. They shot into the white portal, the energy enveloping them as they shot out into the South Pole. Krithi and Musa cheered, high-fiving each other.

"We did it!" Musa cheered. "Kudos to us!"

Krithi grinned. We got out of the Core… Now all they had to do was get back to Gardenia. Chai landed atop the helicopter, and Krithi and Musa dismounted. She stared up at the night sky, and the snow ahead.

And that was when she stopped smiling.

An entire group of Warrior Fairies were standing in front of them, their eyes demonic. They surrounded Krithi and Musa, holding out their javelins. Chai reared in fright, and Krithi stared at them, her eyes wide. The lead Warrior Fairy stood up.

"You both are going down," she snarled. "Nebula's enemies will pay, and that includes you. This has gone on long enough. We are going to end you, right now." She advanced closer.

"No, no," Krithi whispered. This can't be it… If they moved even one bit, they would be blown apart. There was no escaping from there. She swallowed, staring wide-eyed at the warriors.

The Warrior Fairies drew closer, until their javelins were almost there. She stared, transfixed, as they surrounded them completely, climbing atop the helicopter. The lead Warrior Fairy held a javelin at her throat –

Suddenly, a huge boom filled the air. Everyone was thrown back, the earth shaking as they fell to the ground. Musa pulled herself to her feet, gasping, "What was that?"

Krithi stared up and cried out. Darkness had taken over the sky, even more so than normal. A black haze shot across all of them, straight from the pole's center outwards. And that wasn't all.

A shot of rainbow flames burst out from the center of the Pole, burning towards them. They moved at an astonishing speed, swallowing up the snow in one gulp. The Warrior Fairies immediately dropped their weapons. The flames advanced on the group, engulfing them with incredible heat and rage.

We're all gonna die…


Aonbharr shot towards the North Pole, neighing out as he charged through the air, his great black wings beating. Roxy clung to his mane, staring forward at the white light that rose into the sky. The Key was around her neck. She flew closer to the portal, her eyes desperate.

I have to get to the Core. She had to stop Nebula from setting off the Heart of the Earth. She had to close the Heart chamber, just like Uki had done, so it would never destroy anyone again. Her pink hair trailed behind her back as she flew forward, her green and yellow outfit glittering in the sun's light.

Then suddenly, a colossal boom emerged from the center of the core. Aonbharr halted in fright as rainbow flames spiraled out of it, comets flying everywhere. Roxy gasped, staring in horror.

"We're too late," she whispered. Her voice was hauntingly low as she stared down in distress, the flames melting the ice. "Nebula has already activated the Heart."


Next chapter:

Nebula activates the full power of the Heart.

Krithi and Musa work with the Warrior Fairies to get to safety.

Cherie and the Pixies defend Gardenia with all their might.

Roxy takes a final stand against Nebula.