Episode 9: Day of the Rose

"You want me to move into your suite?" Avery asked. She had been working on some yoga poses when there had been a knock at her door a few minutes earlier. She had opened it to find four of the Vixen girls, and surprisingly, not Angel. Trend had immediately noticed that she roomed alone, lamented for a minute, before Emma invited Avery to move into the Vixen suite.

"Yeah," Emma nodded. "I mean, all three bedrooms are the same size, and I definitely don't need all the room I have. Plus, there is an extra bed."

"We'll help you pack and move in," Kaida said.

"But, we only have a few hours because you know what today is," Cicada said.

Avery stared at the Insectus fairy with a blank look. "Is today something special?" She asked. She then gasped. "Is it Angel's birthday or something? Is that why she's not here?"

Emma let out a loud laugh. "No," she said, shaking her head. "It's the Day of the Rose."

"You know, people go home and celebrate their parents," Cicada said.

"Oh, then, why are you all still here?" Avery asked. She was already throwing things into bags and boxes.

"My parents have enough kids to shower them with gifts," Cicada said. "They could use one less. Plus, I sent them an e-mail card."

"Traveling can be expensive," Kaida said. "My parents and I agreed that I needn't travel back to Domino just for one day. They told me to stay here and study instead."

Avery turned to Emma. "I don't have parents," Emma said.

Avery gasped and put a hand to her mouth. "I'm so sorry. Do you... do you remember them?"

Emma lifted a green eyebrow, then shook her head. "I never had parents. I was created rather than born... from an emerald."

"Just don't touch the glowing rock she keeps in a box," Cicada said. "That gets her mad."

"I mean, I have sisters, but the creators weren't really parents to us," Emma said. She shrugged. "I'm over it."

Avery turned to Trend. "What about you? I know that Popularis has a king and queen. You definitely have parents."

"Yeah, I do," Trend said. "But, Marvel wasn't going, and he can be so lonely."

"I doubt that is going to be a problem for one day," Emma said.

"Marvel does perfectly fine having some alone time," Cicada said.

"So," Kaida cut in. "Our primary concern is getting you into our suite today."

"And your secondary concern?" Avery asked.

"Getting into Magix City to watch the Wind Rider race," Trend said, getting excited. "Marvel and Trine are both going to be in it."

"As is Emma," Cicada said.

Avery looked at Emma. The green-hued fairy shrugged. "It's no big deal," she said. She then smiled. "I just need to make sure I win."


"Angel!" The blonde princess of Eraklyon looked up when the ship she was on landed. Outside it stood six excited girls, and one bored looking girl. She was immediately pulled into a hug. As they did every year, all of the Winx Club gathered for The Day of the Rose. This year, they were on Solaria.

"What, no hug for me?" Charm asked walking off with his arms out.

"Brandon!" one of the girls cried out, left Angel's hug and ran to him, wrapping her arms around him as he was shutting the ship off. She then smiled and approached Mech. "Hey, Mech."

"Seriously?" Charm questioned.

"Oh, calm down," one of the brunette girls said. "I'm sure Bud will be thrilled to see you." She gave him a cheeky smile. "He's sulking in the palace because he's been the only guy here for a few hours now."

"Violet, always a pleasure," Charm said.

"Angel!" the youngest girl said.

"Heaven!" Angel swept her into a huge hug. "I see you're wearing one of my dresses."

"You said I could," Heaven reminded her.

"And it looks better on you than it ever did on me," she said with a smile. "Come on, I want to see everyone before the festivities begin."

The girl that had hugged Brandon looped her arm with Angel. "Come on, then," she said. "But, you know Solaria. Festivities began the moment the sun rose and will continue on well into the night."

"It's a full moon," a blonde said. She was between two girls that mirrored her face and hair, but not her style.

"And she finally got a little bit of power," one of her sisters said.

"That's amazing Chandra," Brandon said, throwing his arm over her shoulder.

"So, what's first on the schedule, Celeste?" Angel asked the girl she had her arm looped with.


"Is this how the Festival of the Rose is in all realms?" Avery asked, her eyes going wide when they arrived in Magix City.

"Not all," Emma said.

"Yeah, there's not much decoration here compared to Popularis," Trend said, apparently a little disappointed.

"This is how it is in Domino's capital," Kaida said. "Nearly exactly."

"There's not much on Insectus," Cicada said. "The day is more about the family than about the elaborant decorations." She smiled. "I bet Scarab and June are cooking about now. And I can almost smell Lady's pumpkin pie."

"I think you're smelling the pumpkin spice latte from Stardust Cafe," Emma said motioning to the line of about thirty people waiting for their coffee.

"It looks like they're handing out free samples," Kaida said, seeing one worker with a tray of cups.

"Free?" Cicada questioned, then disappeared into the crowd toward the samples.

"That girl and her free stuff," Emma said, shaking her head. "I'll meet up with you guys in a bit. I'm going to sign up for the race and get registered. Then we'll hit up a few stands until the race."

"Sounds good," Kaida said.

Avery smiled lightly, admiring the easy nature and friendship of the Vixen girls. Even Trend and Kaida, who seemed so different were close and chatting amicably.

"So, what to first?" Trend questioned, looking around. Her eyes lit up.

"Absolutely not," Kaida said, noticing where Trend was looking. "We are not going to your store."

"You have a store?" Avery asked.

"Oh yes," Trend said, nodding vigorously. "I'm a designer, didn't you know?"

"I mean, I knew you were into fashion," Avery said slowly.

"You can force Avery there some other time," Kaida said. "There is plenty to do out here." She pointed out a row of stands. "Let's see what kind of food they're offering."

Cicada rejoined them when they were near the front of a line for a pastry stand. The stands were more like the shops Avery was used to at her home, small family owned businesses. They were all working overtime in Magix as they had to have the booths and restaurants manned, but Avery was glad to be supporting them.

"I'll have four of the apple tarts," Cicada said looking at the display. "Two cheese tarts, and a cinnamon bun with extra icing to dip it in."

"Oh, I'll have one of those too," Trend said. She turned to Kaida and Avery. "What do you two want? My treat."

"I'll take a small coffee cake," Kaida said "And, a slice of cheesecake for Emma."

Avery looked at the sweets. Her father didn't approve, but her father wasn't there. "I'll take a cinnamon bun and an apple tart. And a slice of chocolate cake."

"Oh, yummy," Trend said.

The man tending the cart stared at Trend for a full twenty seconds before the girl filling the order punched him, hard, on his shoulder. "Take the money or fill the order," she said harshly. Avery was pretty sure they were siblings.

They sat down at a wooden picnic table, for which Trend made a pink, white, and yellow plaid tablecloth in case it was dirty.

"You know," Avery said. "I used to think your power was useless, but I think it might be the most useful in everyday life."

Trend smiled for a moment, then tilted her head. "Was that a compliment?"

"Yes, Trend, it was," Avery said. She took a bite of her chocolate cake and smiled. The slice was a lot bigger than she had expected, however, and she wondered how she'd eat all three of her desserts.

"You guys got sweets without me?" Emma asked, slipping into the seat next Kaida. Kaida slid the cheesecake container over. "You're the best."

"Thank Trend," Avery said. "She paid."

"Hey," Trine and Marvel came up behind Emma. Trine slipped into a seat next to Trend. "Mind if I have a piece?"

"I only have enough for me," Trend said innocently. She seemed truly sorry to Avery.

"Mind if I take a seat?" Marvel asked Avery a moment later.

"Oh, yes, no problem," Avery said, sliding down a bit to make room for him. She felt herself blush, remembering how he had carried her a few days earlier after they had battled Gaea, who turned out to be a girl named Paige that remembered nothing of her time attacking the fairies, or having the earth powers.

"Wow, I know Cicada can pack it down, but it seems you can too," Marvel said with a light chuckle.

"Oh, I didn't realize how big the pastries were until I got them," Avery said. "Would you like to share them?"

Marvel smiled at her. "I think I would," he said. "Do you have an extra fork?"

"Oh, um..." she looked around. "I can run and grab one..."

"No need," he said. "Emma?"

"One fork, coming up," she said and an emerald fork grew from her hand. Avery also noticed then that Emma's spoon was green as well. She shook it, and it smoothed out into a slim fork.

"So cool," Avery said. "The only thing my powers can do is try to kill me."

Marvel frowned slightly at that. "I think you're underestimating yourself, Avery," he said. "We never would have defeated Gaea without you."

"What's this 'we' business?" Emma asked. "I don't recall you doing anything."

Marvel chuckled before taking a forkful of chocolate cake from Avery's plate. Avery glanced at Marvel and couldn't help but blush when he look back at her.


"Come on!" Angel said. "Let's get on some rides before we get abducted by our parents."

"Oh, that one looks fun!" Brandon's youngest sister Artemis said, pointing to a large rollercoaster that had been put up during the week. When Solaria threw festivals, it went all out.

"Oh, that one looks scary," Chandra said, taking a step back.

"We don't have to go on," Heaven said.

"Oh, come on, your flying is going to be more loops than that... when you can get more than ten feet off the ground," Artemis said, patting her sister on the head.

"How about those that want to go can," Brandon said. "And those that want to stay on the ground can find something else to do."

"Oh, so reasonable," Charm said shaking his head. He began walking toward the front of the line, but backwards. "So, who is going to sit next to me?"

"Oh, I will," Selena said, grabbing Bud's hand and dragging him into the line.

"Wait, I don't want to go on," Bud argued, but before he could escape, the rest of those brave enough were in line and Artemis and Violet made it their mission to not allow him to escape.

"You and me, Brandon?" Angel asked, glancing up at him with shy eyes.

He smiled back at her. "I'd like that," he said.

"Oh, if it's three to a row I can sit with you," Celeste said, stepping between the two.


An announcement went through the main of Magix calling for all the racers to gather at the starting line. Trine, Marvel, and Emma bid the four girls good-bye and went to get ready for the race.

"Let's find a good place to stand," Trend suggested. She grabbed Kaida's wrist and wove through the crowd and to the barrier that would keep the racers from hitting the spectators. By the time Avery and Cicada caught up, Trend was already chatting up a man, his fuming girlfriend behind him with her arms crossed.

"Hey, Trend, I was thinking about getting a new dress," Cicada said, distracting Trend, who immediately began asking Cicada questions about what she was looking for, what colors, what was the dress for, could she design it.

"What was that about?" Avery asked Kaida.

"Sometimes we need to distract Trend from flirting," Kaida responded. "If there is one thing that can distract Trend it's fashion." She smiled. "We've all gotten a dress or two from needing to pull Trend away from a guy."

Avery noticed that the man's girlfriend was dragging him away from Trend.

"Oh, the race is about to start," Cicada said when she noticed the man was far enough off.

"Go Emma!" Trend shouted. "Go Marvel! Go Trine!"

"You might want to pick one to focus on," Cicada said. "The other racers won't get jealous if you're cheering for three racers."

"Why would I want them to get jealous?" Trend questioned. "And how could I cheer for a friend, but not my brother? Or the other way around?"

"You cheer for Trine," Cicada said. "Kaida and I will cheer for Emma, and Avery can cheer for Marvel."

"I what?" Avery asked, feeling her cheeks get warm.

"Oh, okay, that works," Trend nodded.

"Why am I cheering for Marvel?" Avery asked.

"Someone has to," Cicada said. "And Trend's style of cheering would embarrass him." Avery looked to Kaida who just nodded in agreement.

"But, I don't know if I'll be able to do a good job," Avery said, biting her lip. "I've never cheered for someone before."

"Just do as Trend does," Cicada said.

"Do it your own way," Kaida added. She looked over at the start line. "Anyway, I'm sure no one will hear any one person cheering over the sound of their Riders and the general roar of the crowd. Call out his name once, and technically you can claim that you cheered for him."

Avery nodded. She could do that, at least. However, just thinking about cheering for him made her cheeks heat up. She clapped her hands with the others when the racers all lined up.

"Huh, that's weird," Cicada said, a small frown forming on her face.

"What is?" Kaida asked, as Avery and Trend both looked on as well.

"It just got quiet," Cicada said.

The cheering crowd and the revving of the Wind Riders, however, were almost over-powering for Avery. "What do you mean quiet?"

"She means the insects," Kaida explained.

"It's like, they've all fled," Cicada said. "I hear… dragonflies and water spiders, though…"

"But, you'd only find those near water," Avery said. She looked around, trying to spot a water source, but didn't see one. No ponds, no fountains, not even a bird bath. However, when the Wind Riders drove by on their second lap, Avery felt a spray of water, nothing to really get her or anyone wet. She looked down to see a small layer of water on the ground. The water was moving, and it was slowly getting higher.

"Um, girls," Avery said.

They looked down and gasped. And, very quickly, others began to notice as well. The cheers turned into worried gasping and complaining. "I have a bad feeling about this," Kaida said.

"I know," Avery said. "Come on, we need to figure out what's going on."

"But, the race," Trend said as Kaida grabbed her hand.

Cicada stopped once they were out of the crowd. The water was nearly ankle high. Avery looked over and saw antennae pop out of Cicada's hair. They wiggled around for a moment. "We have a problem," she said.

"Yeah, we already figured that out," Avery said.

"We gotta go Vixen," Cicada said. The other three just stared at her. "Now!"

They all transformed and followed Cicada up into the air. Down below, the water being sprayed up by the Wind Riders was starting to really soak people, and one Wind Rider flew a little too low and lost control from the raising water.

"There!" Cicada called, pointing toward a lake not too far off. Then Avery noticed a dam, and a leak. It explained the water.

However, as they were flying toward it to make some small repairs, the leak burst open.


Angel was having a blast going through the Solarian festival. She and the other girls all got a rose painted on the side of their faces. They ate as much food as their stomachs could handle. She of course me up with her parents and the rest of the Winx as the day went on, as it was a celebrations of parents. She began sharing her stories, telling her family about all her new friends.

"Oh, the fireworks are going to start soon," someone, Angel wasn't even sure who, called.

"Come with me," Brandon Jr. said, holding out his hand for her. She smiled and took it, and the two slipped away from the group without being spotted, or at least not being spotted by Celeste. The two rushed through the palace, and soon they were at his room. Angel blushed, but he pulled her through to his balcony. "This is the best view of the fireworks," he said.

Angel smiled and glanced down below to see the rest of the crowd, their families included, below looking up as the first few went off. But, from his balcony, the explosions seemed closer and brighter. She glanced at Brandon to see he wasn't even looking at the fireworks. The colors were lighting up his face in blues and reds. However, Angel sure that the red on her cheeks was natural as he squeezed her hand and turned back to the show.

"It's gorgeous," Angel said as the fireworks display grew in size and intensity.

"It really is," Brandon said, and Angel couldn't be sure as she kept her eyes on the brightly lit sky, but she thought that he may have kissed her on the top of her head.


The four began rushing. Avery threw up an energy field, holding back most of the water, but it was coming strong and hard. "Hurry up," she said. She cringed her teeth at the power. "I don't know how long I can hold this back."

"Trend, make a tarp," Kaida said. "Something that can hold back the water."

Trend nodded and started to make a sheet of silk. Kaida grabbed it and pulled it toward the bottom of the hole. "Cicada, webbing to make it stick," Kaida called as Trend kept making the sheet larger and larger. Avery concentrated on keeping the water at bay long enough for them to fill in the leak. But she could hear the people at Magix screaming and yelling. She wasn't holding the water back enough.

"Water is still leaking through," Trend called.

"It's not water-proof," Kaida said. "Trend, another layer. Cicada, if you cover it in webbing, I can heat it to dry, and that could hold."

However, the dam burst on either side of the sheet Trend had set up. All four were blasted with water, and Avery's shield dropped. She swam up, and was prepared to be swept away, with all the town. However, the screams slowed and stopped a moment later, and she felt as the water stopped flowing Just before it tore apart the first of the city's buildings. She stood and looked over. In place of the dam was a large green structure made entirely of emerald, and Emma floating above in her fairy form. The cheers erupted as Emma flew back and landed in the middle of the Town Square.

"Oh my Dragon," Trend said, a hand on her chest as she flew to Emma and landed next to the girl. "I thought for sure we were goners. You saved us."

"She didn't just save us," Kaida said. "She saved all of Magix." She motioned to the dam. "That would have swept away the whole city. Possibly even out to the schools."

Trine walked up and grabbed her hand, throwing it up. "Everyone, let's hear it for Emma!" The crowd roared in applause again, louder than when the race was happening.

"Don't be surprised if there is a parade honoring you soon," Cicada said.

"If you even suggest it, you're dead," Emma said, trying not to smile.

"But, what about the race?" Trend asked.

"Well, when I saw you four fly off, I forfeited in case you needed my help," Emma said. "I think saving Magix was a little more important than a medal."

"Well, you wouldn't have won anyway," Trine said.

Emma glanced at him. "You wanna bet?" She smiled. "Your school to my school and back." She flicked the gold medal on his chest. "Winner gets to keep that."

Trine smiled. "You are so on," he said.


"Girls, I'm back," Angel called when she walked into the suite.

"Oh, good, you're just on time," Cicada said. "We're about to watch Emma and Trine race."

"Why are they racing?" Angel asked. "Didn't they do that yesterday?"

"Oh, Emma had to forfeit to save the city," Trend said.

"Wait, what?" Angel gasped.

"Come on, Angel," Avery said. "We don't want to be late."

Changes:

Well, instead of a random wave, I had a dam break to let in water. It seemed more plausible.

Also, showed a bit of Angel's day on Solaria and added a cute little scene in toward the end with her and Brandon Jr.

Instead of Trine just giving the medal to Emma for saving the day, they're going to race for it. I might do another little mini-chapter of that. Tell me if you'd like that.

There isn't really any scenes pulled from the original. I kind of just reread it, then rewrote it, changing a lot of it. I added the desserts, a little bit about how to distract Trend from unintentional flirting with random strangers, etc.

Thanks and review!

Also, I'd like to do a Q&A session at the beginning of my next real chapter, so feel free to shoot me a few questions. Don't ask about my stories in other fandoms, please. This will be my first Q&A, so let's just see how it goes.