Merry Christmas and Happy new year.
Here come chapter 4.
I answer any questions asked in the reviews in Pm, unless It a spoiler in which case it will be answered by (spoiler, chap nbX) or if I think the answer should be answered to everyone. So don't hesitate to ask.
For the question about Ocs, There will be but some, for example other Major fairies. However none but maybe one/two in the last arc will be really Major ( no pun intended ).
Disclaimer : I don't own WITCH or Winx
Company of Shadowed Light
Chapter 4: The last fairy on Earth?
Since they had last met with the Wizards three days had passed. Thankfully there had been no trace of them since then. Sadly neither had they had any news about the fairy they were searching for, or Roxy's strange friend as they suspected both were one and the same.
The girls had tried to ask Roxy about her when they saw her at the bar she worked at.
After trying for about a day, almost begging her for details, trying to bargain and almost revealing secrets no-one should know just yet, they finally learned two things. One was that Roxy was a fairly lonely girl and an animal lover. The second was that you could have faith in her if you had a secret to guard. They hadn't even got the name of the girl out of her, or what she looked like.
In the end Taranee was so frustrated that she proposed to directly get the info out of her mind.
"Ha..gulp.. Are you out of your mind or are you really that much of a bitch ?" Stella stifled, almost throwing her juice.
"I don't see the problem? We need to know what she knows but she won't tell us anything."
"Because she made a promise to her friend. We can't force her to break it!" Bloom answered after looking around to make sure no-one was listening. "It's just not right."
"It wouldn't be, I would just get to see her memory when we ask her questions."
"It's not just because she doesn't know what you did, that it would be right." Stella chained up. "What if there is a reason that girl doesn't want to be found?"
"She most likely has one, yes."
"Like the fact she has magic powers, or is chased by four men from the past?" Taranee pointed out.
"It's still invasion of privacy, would you like it if someone looked around your head and... did whatever that you do."
Taranee paused, a flame passing over her light brown eyes. "I did not like it no. But this and that are different matters. For one I knew what she was doing, she made it very clear..." She closed her eyes, Kadma wincing next to her. "Thanks for the reminder by the way."
"You needed it." Stella glared at her. "Doing things behind the backs of others is what lead you here!"
"That's why I asked beforehand this time!" Taranee seethed. "I thought you would be less narrow-minded than that."
"It's not about narrow-whatever, it's about moral, something I feel like you never really had."
"I had it once though, wouldn't be in this mess either otherwise." Not for the first time, Taranee was tempted to just go, but she knew she would pay a prize if she did so she just turned to someone whose opinions did matter to her. "Kadma?"
"I could easily live with the moral dilemma, but you shouldn't do it."
A chair ruffled and the atmosphere became tenser.
Somehow she had felt it coming, but Stella slight smirk of victory still stung.
"Allow me to explain. That mysterious girl is good enough that we can't find her trace and we don't even know her face even after meeting her. She would probably know if you tinker with Roxy, and be on guard. We're probably already lucky she trusted the Winx enough to have showed herself."
"I see." She bit her lips. "We don't want to spook her, she could end up doing something stupid. But what do we do then?"
"I see only one thing." Flora said, smiling.
"And that would be," Taranee finally sighed, already feeling the stupidity of the plan.
"Let's make friend with Roxy. She still needs support after ... what happened. And she seems nice enough once you pass the …"
"Gloom?" Stella finished for Flora who definitely did not like to say bad things about others. "We're already immune to that with the witches."
"Glad Hay Lin and I could be of use." Taranee deadpanned. "Now, I guess Roxy and her friend are our best lead. I'll call the others about it and we will start the stalking."
"It kinda is, isn't it?" Flora had the decency to look embarrassed.
...
After, they managed to arrange their schedule so that there didn't always have to be ten at the shop even if it was very busy. In the end whenever Roxy was out at least one of them would be with her and each of them would taste her new cat's nails.
More and more people came each day to their shop, making more people open to the possibility of magic. Combined with the help they provided in incidents around town they had started to feel like they truly could do it. Even the ever pessimistic Guardians participated and seemed to believe they could at least defeat the Wizards.
Yet the Winx were always reminded of that phantom menace that was supposed to be Will.
For her part Bloom had started to doubt it was such a menace after all. They had beaten Darkar, the so called eternal incarnation of darkness, when they were only in their second years.
Later they found out with a little surprise that the boys had found a job in the Frutti Bar owned by Roxy's father.
Flora and Tecna had been really happy that they could pass more time with their boyfriends, they had never truly begrudged them. The boys' presence had been a little harder for Bloom and Aisha to accept. They both had been a little hurt in their pride but after a little talk and a call to Miss Faragonda things were settled.
In the end they were rather happy that they were able to be with their boyfriends even during this mission.
Well at least Bloom had been until Sky saw her talk with the Frutti Bar's lead musician, who just happened to be her ex-boyfriend. This time it was her turn to be on the side of a stupid jealousy. And contrary to that bitch of a Diaspro, Andy had long passed his feelings for her.
The true reason he had been talking to her was that he had come to her for advice on his new crush. The poor guy had a crush on Kadma of all people.
She should really have told him that it was hopeless knowing the woman, but it was just too funny to see him being lead around by the Earth Guardian, who made her wings pass for a part of her robe which really made her stick out.
From what she had understood the Guardians' armour had become like a second skin for them and they had to wear it at all the time so each of them wore it as some part of a fantastical cosplay. For once, she was glad that one of their roles was to make humans believe in magic. Because how much as they tried, wings moving like that would never look like an everyday cosplay.
On the matter of their boyfriends working at the bar, and additionally to Sky being an idiot, it had brought another problem named Brandon. He could say that it was part of the job all he wanted, letting other girls flirt with him was a really bad move. One in particular seemed to take the opening left by Stella's moping with delight.
Both their egos be damned.
Each time they went to the Bar they always found Mitzi turning to Brandon, seducing him. From what she had said when Bloom went to Mitzi, she was angry at them for 'not saving her' even after she had made the 'error' of believing in them, and she found Brandon to be 'quite a treat'.
At first Stella had let it go, believing she was too good for that.
But after talking with Taranee, ( hear: having an argument with her) her natural jealousy finally took the best out of her. She was now hung in a singing match against Mitzi for Brandon's attention, under the Fire Guardian's seemingly amused stare.
If Bloom didn't know better she would think that Taranee just wanted to have fun at her friend's expense. But after talking about it with Cassidy she could now see the deep sorrow in the Guardian's eyes as she looked at the couple.
From what she had learned Taranee had had a bad experience with her last boyfriend, enough to make her dubious that love really even existed. But nevertheless she was truly caring to her friends. In her broken way she was trying to put them back together.
It didn't mean she forgave or trusted her yet of course.
And, she hated to admit it, but the duo/duel really gave a beautiful song. Mitzi's voice was nearly as enchanting as Musa's.
Talking about Musa, she too was having trouble in her relationship. But those were less about him being seduced, or here at all in fact, than it was about Musa's self-confidence. Under her armour of courage Musa was the most insecure girl she had ever met. It had already almost cost her Riven once.
It had all started after she had sung with Andy's group. Among the ones present that night had been the producer of a famous musical company and he had wanted to scout her. It was like her dream was coming true and amidst everything around them she really needed it. But Riven hadn't liked the idea and now they were fighting again.
Her love didn't support her dream and Bloom could see that it was tearing her old friend from the inside.
"Can't he even support me?" Musa cried as she seated next to her. "It's like he doesn't believe I can do anything."
"I'm sure it's not that." Bloom tried to console her.
"Then what, at least Jason believes I can do it." She said, resentful.
"Jason? You mean the man from the music company?" Hay Lin asked completing their groups while Flora, Tecna, Aisha, Cassidy and Kadma were back at the shop.
"Yes." She blushed slightly. "He even proposed that I record a song."
Bloom felt her heart squeeze, there was not as much joy as there should have been in the announcement.
"So the interview went alright." Taranee deduced, her eyes shifting from the stage were Mitzi and Stella were still 'fighting'. She had been looking at them since the moment Stella had stormed over there.
"Yes, very well, apart from the fight that I broke up with Riven." She said smug.
"I bet he's just jealous." Hay Lin analyzed while getting her arm around Musa to support the shivering girl. "After all you're truly talented and beautiful. He's afraid of losing you."
"I'm with her on that, and breaking up was a smart move." Bloom acknowledged.
"I know... But if he can't believe in me then ….I don't see what we're doing together!" She burst out, hiding in Hay Lin's arms
"Everything will be alright you'll see. You truly love him right?" Hay Lin asked looking her in the eyes.
".. Yes." She sounded unsure. But Bloom knew how much Musa loved Riven.
"Then everything will be alright, just don't push him back... and don't lie to him." Musa nodded, but it would take time for her to act on it.
"Yes, it's not like he tried to kill you." Taranee added with her now usual snarl.
"Not since the first year." Musa answered with a depressive laugh, catching even her by surprise. Bloom had not forgotten but she didn't say so Musa would still mention that.
Seeing the Guardians questioning looks, she explained. "Long story short, he was going out with a Witch before Musa."
"... Witch... I still have a problem with that name you're giving to sorceresses." Taranee frowned.
"Why? It's their name since forever after all." Musa asked, wiping the tears of her eyes. Anything was good for her to forget.
Both Guardians stopped moving, staring into dead space for a while.
"I don't like it when they do that." Bloom whispered.
"Me neither, it usually means it has something to do with their past."
"It does. That's how we called ourselves… Before... before." Hay Lin finally answered.
Bloom could guess what before they were talking about. "Before your betrayal right?"
They nodded. "Guess the name was already foreboding hum.." Musa deadpanned "But why call yourself like that?"
Both girls looked each others, the faint ghost of a smile on their lips. "Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, Hay Lin. You take the first letters and guess what you get?"
".. W.i.t.c.h.." Both Bloom and Musa whispered, realising the origin of the name. Now that she thought about it, it was curious coincidence, almost making her smile.
"Exactly. I was pretty proud of it when I found that. Now not so much." Hay Lin exhaled.
"You had not seen that we were an I.t.c.h on her side?" Taranee had a small empty laughter, which was imitated by Hay Lin.
" No, I did not." She said dryly.
A heavy atmosphere seemed to settle, even the music had stopped for a moment.
Bloom had to do something. She looked back at the scene and saw what her ears had already got, Stella and Mitzi had finished their duet. She made a sign for Musa to look who nodded and smiled mischievously. It seemed both of them had the same idea.
"Okay stop moping." She took Taranee by the hand as Hay Lin was taken along by Musa." Let's dance!"
"But..." Taranee stammered.
"But nothing. We are here to relax as well as observe. It's clear Roxy's friend isn't showing up tonight again so we might as well enjoy it." Bloom said as she went to fetch Stella who was about to strangle a smug Mitzi.
" … You're right." Taranee coincided. "But keep an eye open, I don't want the same thing happening twice with Roxy. That cat of her seems ever more reckless than her dog." She pointed to the pale yellow cat who was, as far as they knew, a present from her 'friend'.
"Why not take her with us in this case. Seems like she doesn't have much clients right now, Riven can handle it ." Musa proposed, already marching towards the bar, leaving Hay Lin with her.
"Good idea." Bloom cheered at her. Musa was at her best when it was about music, and dancing had always been the perfect way to make her forget everything for a moment.
"Shouldn't someone also stop Stella from strangling Mitzi to death?" Hay Lin pointed out.
"I'm on it." Taranee grinned. Whatever she did she would probably just shift the target from Mitzi to her.
"Well. Now that's done let's dance." Bloom cheered.
...
Dunman grunted as he was once again searching for the last fairy on Earth in this hateful peaceful city.
The last week they had a lot of false signals, but at least it had given him some action. For almost four days now they have done nothing but looking around, and it was getting tedious. Even the usual thug you found just fled when he showed up.
' Why not just attack everything until finding her?' A voice said in his head, but he just shook it away.
' It would be easy. It's not like you have something to do with human lives. ' The voice insisted, he just grunted. Landing on one of the buildings and looking down.
'Look , one of them may be the one holding what you want, what you need.' The voice stressed.
Dunman took flight once again. If it was the solution, Ogron would have already done it.
'He know it is. He is just frightened.' The voice said and this time he could not remain idle.
"Ogron isn't afraid of anything." He said angrily, getting the attention of the lowly humans below.
' He is,... even more than before the circle was formed.' The voice pulled on him. He bat his wings to the side, turning involuntarily to a side street.
"He may have been then..." He conceded. "But not anymore. None of us have been afraid of anything since that day."
'You're a bad liar Dunman, I'm in your head, remember?' The voice chuckled. The voice was chilling and he had to admit, right now he was getting slightly afraid.
"Who are you to say that? My mind never had a feminine voice."
'Hhehe , glad that you ask.' The voice laughed. 'But I won't answer. I'm truly disappointed you forgot my voice.'
"I don't have a great memory for the ones I don't consider important." He answered as he continued to fly, letting his body guide itself. Ogron had once told him that magic was like a magnet, the two sides always met.
'Well, I do think I was important. But maybe the shock was so great you forgot.' The voice seemed thoughtful.
"Big words for someone who doesn't show herself. Why would you want us to find the fairy?" He answered, having had enough of being put down.
'I prefer to remain hidden for now, it's all. You'll understand why when we meet... Now, for why I want you to find the fairy. I just want that she awakes, and you seem the best bet.' The voice was truthful, he could say that much. But it was frighteningly truthful.
"Why awake her?" Dunman asked doubtful, by now he was just getting along to find how much he could on that unknown before reporting back to Ogron.
'To each their little secret. Now, do you want to find her or not?' She was getting impatient.
"Of course we want to. But I still don't see how wrecking havoc would help." Dunman said dubious. "Not that I wouldn't like that." he admitted, seeing an appealing cat that seemed to take him for a diner. Maybe he could snack on it. He started taunting it.
'What happened each time you show up?' The voice lead him.
"Those stupid fairies appear, and we kick their asses." He grinned while turning around leading the cat.
'Almost , you show up and you have to get through them.' She corrected. 'They're getting stronger by the second.'
"I know. Now even those Winx are starting to hurt." He complained "And they hit on the scar." He completed. He still hadn't healed totally from their run in with that Demon and her pet Witch.
' Exactly, now wouldn't it be better if you found her before they're here?' It continued.
"But how are you sure she would be there?" He asked.
'I'm not. You could find her right here or in the umpteenth try, And that's one of the things Ogron is afraid of. He is also afraid she would flee.' She admitted.
"Yeah... chasing those fleeing fairies across country can get tedious." He admitted.
'But it wouldn't happen this time, I am making sure of it right now.'
"How? And why?" He asked as the cat was finally alone with him in the allay.
'I have my own preys.' She explained. 'But if I know the fairy she will try to save the people.'
"They do tend to want to save people." He acquiesced as he let the cat jump at him. "I'll think about telling him."
' Good that's all that I want, then it's your choice...' He transformed into a wolf.
"Either she dies or we get her." He snapped his claw at this poor victim.
'Hehe.' The voice and laugher echoed in the dark alley as he started to dine.
"No." It sounded like a death sentence, but he didn't mind.
…
'Huh?'
Roxy jolted. Had she felt this same sensation weeks ago she would have been looking around.
She had gotten better those days and now she new, Lou was calling for her. Will was right, having Lou with her had helped. She soothed her mind and helped her concentrating on her power.
And now Lou needed her, she could feel it in her soul.
She was already running, letting everything she had planned for today back behind her. She needn't see the blazing sky to know her road.
She ran faster than ever. Easily slaloming between the passing people. As she neared she could feel that same foreboding sensation. The Wizards were there. They were about to take away her loved one once again.
"No.. Never again." She snarled, her hand ablaze in turquoise light. She felt something itch on her back but thought nothing about it, focussed as she was on her goal.
Five minutes in a course and she was there, facing one of the Wizards. The Metamorph was in the opposite direction, running in one of the now closed market's alleys.
"Drat. Never thought a stupid cat would make me run that much. Last one was easier."
"Why don't you go against something of your own size?" She roared at him. She knew she wasn't up to it, but she would be damned if she didn't do something.
"And who are..." The black tiger turned to her, and slithered. "I see. Guess that plan was the right one after all." It changed back into a man.
As if waiting for it, Lou pounced him. With well owned reflex the beast backhanded her.
"Leave her alone." Roxy threw her hand out trying to hit him with a ray of concentrated magic.
He took it on the arm and grinned, unwavering. "That won't do anything to me."
She raged inwardly, she was still too weak. She had to think about something else, quick.
Fortunately, while she did that the man stopped moving as in deep thought.
Using the opportunity she threw a turquoise punch.
"Understood Ogron." She heard him whisper as he easily side-stepped her.
He then transformed into a big bird and took flight with Lou in his claw. "Now come with me."
"I don't care what you want, just leave her alone." She started to run after him as he taunted her and flew across the mall. Even using her magic on her legs, she soon started to lose ground.
She saw him being shot on the side by a bright red fire. Then, suddenly, he was no longer flying above her.
"You bully animals now?" A voice she recognised said from above, but she didn't care. After the hit the Wizard had let go of Lou, and she was now plummeting to the ground.
"Bloom! Hay Lin! The cat!" Someone else called out from above but she ignored it again. It was her job to protect Lou. She jumped as hard as she could, but soon found herself yanked to the ground.
"Not so quick, little fairy." Someone had caught her by behind. In front of her now stood the leader of the Wizards.
"Lou!" She shouted, trashing around.
"Got it." Hay Lin answered. Looking up she sighed, relieved. Her cat was safely in the lean Asian girl's hands.
"Let her go Ogron." Stella taunted the pale wizard, flying from the other side of the alley.
"What? Only five today?" The now named leader of the Wizards almost sounded disappointed. " For once that we have the good one."
"Roxy?!" The five fairies turned to her with various degrees of surprise. Using the distraction she punched the man who was holding her square in the part that hurt.
"Hng!" The man grimaced and doubled up, letting his grip on her go.
Artu's killer tried to catch her and something in her snapped. "Don't touch me!"
Her anger had been rising for a long time now, but this was something else . She saw the hand of the blond man glowing black and remembered all her time since she had met with Will.
It was it.
"Not anymore!" She roared. "Roxy, Fairy of beasts!"
She felt the power explode inside her, first concentrating around her heart before separating in two arrows coating her whole body in animal furs and finally piercing her itching back.
"Tiger claw." Before Gantlos could move she took another swipe at him, her hand a turquoise claw sharper than any razor.
Now he may have been immune to basic fairy magic but the beastly strength behind her hit was very real, it sent him crushing into the wall.
Once that was done, still a little disoriented, and worried for Lou, Roxy quickly took flight to the cyan and pink fairy holding her friend. 'I can't believe I did it. I really am a fairy.' She felt tears swell in her eyes. Were they from happiness, sadness or fright she didn't know.
…
' Cassidy. Come here with the others, fast.' Taranee called out. ' That fire wasn't natural. The Wizards are here and..'
'Let me guess, you found the last fairy on Earth.' Cassidy cut her over the link while Hay Lin was handing over the cat to Roxy.
Wondering how Cassidy knew Taranee turned around searching for their leader. 'Yes. Guess who it is.'
"Roxy." Cassidy appeared next to her. "Wouldn't have guessed it, but now that I see it." It was hard to believe but in front of them was the proof.
"Me neither. How long were you there?"
They approached Roxy, her hand still burning with her own fire. "I arrived when she swiped the blond cowboy into the wall, the others are not far behind." Now that they had found the real one they couldn't permit those losers to win.
"Girl." Cassidy tapped the black-green clad girl. "Do you have any idea how long we have been searching for you?"
Roxy looked at her stoically and answered on an even tone. "Almost two weeks I would say. But I don't think now is the time for questions." She pointed at the Wizards, who were finally getting up from her shot and Taranee noted the dark eyes that she was sending them.
"... You knew...?" Aisha gasped. She had arrived just after Cassidy but had been talking with Stella rather than her.
"Yes, 'She' told me." Roxy answered and Taranee could guess who she meant by 'She'.
"What about?"
"I'll answer later, promise. But I would prefer not to lose my wings."
Tecna smiled. "Don't worry you won't." She shot one of her newest spell and an electrified net smacked on the rising Wizards from behind, sending them back on the ground. " Now, Flora, Kadma."
"What is that?" Anagan shouted, trying to get rid of the newly growing vines.
"Summer Thunder." Flora called out entrapping them further and reinforcing Kadma's grasp on them.
"Taranee now with me." Bloom called at her. "Dragon Rage!"
It was one of the strategies they had practiced while they had the time. Fairies did really get stronger the more people opened up to magic. They were not at the top yet but at least they were able to hurt the Wizards.
'Alas they did not get smarter.'
"Understood princess." Taranee sighed at she set Flora's vines ablaze in hell fire. She had forced herself to learn how to use that dreadful power when they were on Pyros. It was the same flame which had killed her parents but it was a powerful thing to hold captive people like the Wizards.
And they had to capture them if they wished to know if there was a mean to get back the power they had stolen or the Fairies they had captured.
"Argh!" They heard the Wizards scream.
Taranee had a small smile. It wasn't her nemesis but hearing her foe suffer did joy in her heart. She was that screwed up.
"Not enough!" Ogron howled, breaking through the flaming wall. Kadma, Tecna, Flora, Bloom and Taranee still had the others pinned down but with their leader out they knew it wouldn't be for long.
Once out, he lashed multiple dark orbs at them.
"Sirius Shield!"
"Sonic Screen!"
"Plasma Wall!"
The orbs exploded on the shields one after the other and the three fairies were sweating profusely .
"Hay Lin. They won't hold for long." Cassidy called reaching out her hands. "Let's do it their way..."
Hay Lin grasped them and nodded. "Okay..."
"Ice storm!" The both of them shouted and suddenly an icicle storm encased them all, deflecting each of Ogron's dark lumps.
When the storm receded only 11 winged-girls were left flying in the now devastated mall.
"They fled... The co ...cowards." Stella gritted, panting.
"I prefer it that way actually." Cassidy admitted. They were good enough to defeat the others but Ogron's ability was still as problematic as ever.
Looking around Taranee noticed that they still had a little problem."Now, what do we do with the mall?"
"That's where Fairy magic is useful." Bloom cheered, her hands and that of the others fairies brightening. "Look at that Roxy, that's what fairies do." Each of their respective powers merged and illuminated the whole mall.
It was so bright that she had to close her eyes until it was done.
"Whoa." Roxy was looking around, eyes sparkling. Everything was back as if nothing had happened.
"Yes. Whoa, I know a lot of magic, but I admit that ours is not very utilitarian." Hay Lin admitted.
"See." Stella pumped out, but before she could react and go in there now usual bickering their newest addition reminded them she was there.
"You're not all fairies?" Roxy asked her. "You have sparkling wings like them."
"You should have said us there, Roxy, you're one too." Musa smiled as she flew next to her.
"Hum yes, that's true isn't it ?" She was almost blushing but quickly reverted back to her sterner side. "So, you're not fairies?"
"No, we're Guardians." Taranee said with fake pride. "Failed, and already dead ones but still Guardians."
"Dead?" The young fairy recoiled. "Like Zombie?"
"Hey Taranee, there is no use in scaring the new girl." Cassidy admonished her. "She meant we got resuscitated by powerful magic. Some needed us alive again."
"That reminds me, I never really understood how you got your lives back." Musa wondered, scratching her forehead.
"The Oracle's power is great. One of his attributes is... was to offer another life serving in Kandrakar to the Guardians and other people linked to Kandrakar who died." Kadma explained. "We just got an extention due to the circumstances you know."
The Winx and Roxy nodded, understanding. As she thought, Roxy did know more that she had let on. 'Maybe I'll have to... no not unless it's necessary, I promised.'
"So, not zombie." Roxy cocked her head. Taranee confirmed which got the girl to finally to relax a little. "What's the difference between Fairies and Guardians?"
"Well … how to explain." Hay Lin started.
"Not now Hay. The authorities are coming and by experience they tend to not believe in fairy tales." Kadma indicated outside.
The people had started to flow back inside the building and they had to hide into one of the old stores. When they had arrived they had made sure to transport them out to avoid any collateral victims, that was the reason they had almost been late to save Roxy.
"You're right. Winx Zomix." Bloom said, followed by the other fairies. Soon their wings had changed. "Back to the loft."
"Take my hand." Cassidy offered her hand to Roxy. She froze some seconds but accepted it in the end, slowly closing her hand. "Now let's go."
There was a flash of light and a moment later they were back in what had become their home.
...
The Winx had already reverted back to their human form.
While Bloom had taken Roxy with her to guide back in human form, Flora , Stella and Hay Lin had fetched drinks for everyone and the rest of them had gotten comfortable in one of the numerous sofas.
Once back in her Pink and Black T-shirt and Black pants Roxy was seated in the middle of the room. She squirmed a little under their stare.
It did look a little like an interrogation but it was one in some ways, she just wasn't accused but brought in.
"So where did we left off?" Tecna finally asked , entering data in her omni with one hand and while holding her drink in the other.
"We were trying to explain the difference between fairies and Guardians." Taranee said and everybody turned to her with different degrees of curiosity.
"Well." She cleared her throat. "Fairies, for what I understand, are Guardians of light, of their words. They process magic through themselves and their environments in a vast array, but specialized for most, ways. They use those powers to repel evil out of their worlds and better it...most of the time." She paused, looking at the concerned ones for confirmation.
They nodded. "It's somewhat simplistic but that's it." Tecna confirmed.
Once it was given she continued. "As for Guardians, we were the Protectors of the equilibrium between all dimensions. Chosen by the Heart of Kandrakar and its council to wield its powers. Five human girls called each generation that evil arises and the equilibrium gets shifted, one for each Elements.
Fire, Water, Air, Earth." Taranee pointed to each of the Guardian in their turn.
"And Quintessence, Energy itself." Surprising them, Roxy was the one to complete it. She had a sad look in her eyes. "But you're talking in the past tense. Did something happen?"
Taranee could say from the way she talked and looked that Roxy already had the answer. She was just searching for confirmation.
"We made an error, one that broke everything." Hay Lin answered with tears in her eyes. Taranee put her hand on her to remind her she was there with her. Musa on the other side did the same. "It took everything from us. We absolutely must repair it, unless everything goes to hell."
"..." Roxy muttered something , looking at them with an harsh stare. ' Did you hear what she said?' She asked Hay Lin through their link.
'Just something about her friend being right... " Hay Lin answered. 'I really wonder who is that girl. If she is not the fairy then she might be...'
'Don't... If you're thinking about who I think then don't…' She answered back. 'But I don't like this one bit.'
"Now that that question has been answered, we have questions of our own." Cassidy took over calmly, but she had heard the conversation and dreaded the same things. "Once we know what you know then we can fill you in on what you need."
"I understand. But I don't see how I can help you, even if I do want to see those Wizards pay." Roxy clenched her fist as she evoked their name.
Seated on her right Stella tried to sooth her.
"Actually that's one of the things we would like to ask." Tecna said. "Why do you hate them so much... beyond the obvious reason. Your rage is too deep for just being that."
"They took my mother away just after I was born. Because of them I was left alone with those nightmares and my father hiding everything from me." She answered bitterly.
"Your father knows?" Bloom asked surprised.
"Yes. I'm pretty sure he does even if he won't tell me. He hates my mother... If not for 'her', I wouldn't even suspect anything... maybe I would even be dead." Her voice was almost a whisper.
"You mean your mother contacted you?" Aisha asked, checking if they had heard right.
Roxy once again gave them a harsh stare. "No. she is either dead or prisoner of the Wizards. The one who saved me was... my friend."
"Her again. Who is she in the end?" Bloom asked "You mention her a lot and I remember seeing her once but... she is just too mysterious. And now that we know you are the last Earth's fairy..."
"I don't really know what she is. She... Doesn't want me to tell you about her." Roxy stammered. "She was the one who told me I should talk with you after she figured out who you were. She also helped me bring out my magic without being detected, so that I could learn about my power before they caught me." She made a pause, once again seething at the mere thought of the Wizards. "I wouldn't have known I was the fairy of beasts without her."
"Animals." Musa interjected. "Say animals, beasts sound far too aggressive, almost like a witch title." The Winx all nodded. Personally Taranee didn't mind either , but the fairies really seemed to run on positive thinking, so she guessed it could be better.
"If you want. I don't see the difference." She petted her cat, the movement seemingly soothing her. "Lou doesn't mind either."
The cat was also a mystery to her. The small being had been here from the start, it was even the reason Roxy had sprouted her wings. Yet Taranee only noticed it now. By all rights it should be have far more wounds than that.
Seated on Roxy's left Flora asked. "That cat, since when do you have it?" She was ruffling through the cat's light brown fur with her hand.
"She is a present from my friend. She gave it to me after Artu's death. I feel a little guilty but she was right, Lou helped me a lot, even in magic."
Taranee frowned at that, how could an animal help in magic? She quickly had the answer.
"I get my spells from the animals I'm bound with." Roxy explained, seeing the questioning looks. "Today was the first time I managed to transform however."
"And what transformation it was. I still can't believe you jump right to Believix." Flora cheered in congratulation.
"Though I suppose it's incomplete, like Bloom's Enchantix was." Aisha mitigated, nevertheless smiling, support clear in her tone. "It's still quite a feat."
"Believix, Enchantix? What's those silly names for?" Roxy asked with a scowl.
"Those are stages of developments for us fairies. Ones that usually come after and just before graduation respectively in fact." Bloom explained.
"Graduation... you mean there is a school for fairies where you come from?" Roxy sounded genuinely surprised. In fact if you didn't know the magical dimension's society it could be disturbing.
"Yes, several in fact, and we're teachers in the best of them." Stella puffed out.
"Well, would be if we didn't have those Wizards to deal with." Musa made her deflate.
Roxy shifted her stare to the Winx. "Teacher... But you're only two years older than me."
"Yes. We're sort of special case. All you need to know for now is that we'll help you, and protect you while we do our mission." Bloom said. "And we will need you for that."
"And what's your mission?" Roxy asked truly curious.
"First one was to find you. Then we have to bring back magic on Earth by making humans believe in magic. Once that done the Wizards should become weak enough for us to beat them and free the fairies of Earth." Bloom explained.
"And all that before Will decide she want to play games." Taranee completed, throwing a dart in the dark.
"Want to play?" The girl asked troubled. "What do you mean?"
"Just that the Wizards might not be our lone problem." Kadma cleared her throat. "You heard about Heatherfield right? "
"Like everyone.. I can't believe a city can have so much bad luck."
"It wasn't bad luck." Cassidy said darkly, sending everyone shivers up their spine. "The city was put in such a state by the lone will of that girl. If she didn't change since last time we met her. She did that just for the heck of it, and as revenge against the city."
Taranee could feel her head burn inside and was forced to close her eyes to calm down. It was the same each time she was forced to remember what she had done, it was as if a part of her wanted to pay for her guilt.
"She is that powerful?" Roxy asked with wide-eyes.
Taranee decided to explain what she thought. "Possibly more. Maybe with all the Earth fairies which got caught by the Wizards and more power we might be able to stall her. But I still think that Earth is lost."
"Here she goes again, the pessimist." Stella reprimanded her. "I continue to say that you are putting her on a pedestal. She maybe strong but she can't be that strong."
Taranee sighed, she wished she was right. "We should just hurry. We already had this discussion. We can save a part of the people but the planet itself already belongs to her."
"Hum? How could a planet belong to someone?" Roxy asked wide-eyed.
"She is the Heart of Earth. So its magic is hers." Tecna explained, she had been the one who understood the best the meaning of those words.
"...So why fight? If she is that strong." Roxy asked.
"That's obvious Roxy. Because lives depend on us! We can't let other people suffer." Bloom exclaimed. "And that's why we need you. As the last fairy on Earth you're the only one that can possibly truly put magic back in the heart of humans and defeat the Wizards."
"If it can help destroy the Wizards, avenge Artu and free my mother. I'm on it. I just hope I won't be a drag."
Taranee sternly looked Roxy in the eyes." Roxy, what we said last time about vengeance is still true."
"We'll see it." Roxy answered as like time, lowering her eyes.
"Good enough." Cassidy stood up. "Now I bet you're tired. We will get you back to your home. We still have a shop to run."
"I don't want to go home." Roxy mumbled, cuddling Lou against herself. The little fuzz ball was eying them, enjoying the attention.
"But you have too. At least until we talk your father into letting you with us, won't he be worried otherwise?" Flora asked gently.
"Yes he will." She kept her gaze down. "But he will never let me go with... or he will disown me. As I said he have a grudge against my mother. And magic by extension. I bought pets from your store but I'm forced to hide them in a barn outside the house."
"I see. Maybe we will convince him. After all that's what Believix power is for." Bloom said. "Maybe talking with my parents."
"Your parents?" Roxy turned to Bloom. "I thought I was the last fairy from Earth."
"You are. They are my adoptive parents. My sister hid me from dark forces when Domino fell, because as the princess I was the last heir to the Dragon's Flame." Bloom clarified.
"I don't really understand." Taranee could almost see the question marks on her head. "But I guess we can try. I already meant to move out either way. And for that I do need to go back home at least once." She got up.
"That's not what we meant."
"I know. I hope I can count on you as I can count on her." She went out on that strange affirmation.
She was soon followed Flora, Bloom, Stella and Hay Lin who rushed after her.
"Guess the shop is for us." Taranee said before transporting to the shop. She could see heaps of problems ahead, and taking care of those little bundles of energy did make her forget some time. At first she was against it but now they were a scapegoat. She just couldn't pass all her time in the depressive state she knew she was in.
Even Kadma and Hay Lin had managed to somewhat bound with Flora and Musa. But Stella still pushed her away. The only way she had to communicate with her was bickering. The both of them were just too hot-headed. And Stella reminded her too much of Cornelia.
"I know she isn't. But … even her boyfriend looks like Caleb for god's sake." She thought as she got to the training ground where she helped Aisha training the little dears. Soon the others arrived.
"I wonder if we really made a path in the right direction." She wondered.
"I'm sure we did." Kadma assured her. "But you're right at being cautious. Just don't tire yourself over it. We need you at your best."
"I know Kadma. I know."
'Knock-knock-knock' "My queen." Elyon was calling her from the door.
"You can enter Elyon." She was back in her room in Kandrakar. The same one where she had killed the Oracle. She had something important to do and it was the best place for a ritual of that scale. But contrary to what the Oracle had done all, she really needed was to concentrate her power and will on the right lines so she could talk.
"I'm not hindering you, am I?" Elyon asked as she entered, looking around the massive space.
"Just a little. But I suppose you wouldn't come if you didn't have a reason." Will said with a hard tone. She could hear Elyon heart-beat accelerate.
"I believe it's important, my queen. But you probably already know." Elyon answered sitting on the lone chair in her room.
"You're probably right." She grinned. "But say it still. I like knowing that all is going as I planned."
"First. Roxy has sprouted her wings." Elyon started, grinning. "After your little trip in the beast's head he was seen chasing our little trophy. The fur ball did its job great and Roxy went in, to try and save her. She transformed when fighting off the Wizards, who almost captured her if I might add?"
"I guess she didn't get out of that predicament alone, even with what I taught her." Will asked tilting her head to the side. She hadn't seen it going exactly like that, but she wouldn't be at the top if she couldn't adapt, and here she didn't even had to do that.
"Of course not. That's actually the second thing I'm here for. In that fight, Roxy finally made definitive contact with the other side and made her way into the fairy nest." Elyon snarled, then seeing she wanted explanation she followed. "They followed the havoc caused by Dunman and found the Wizard there along with Roxy. They saved little trophy and were in the first rank seat for her transformation. You should have seen their faces." Elyon chuckled.
"I can, imagine... But I think I'll just wait for the day they found exactly who Roxy's friend is to have my laugh at that." She smirked, everything was going her way in the little theatre of Gardenia. "How are the powers of the others developing?"
"They're evolving faster than I thought they would. It seems that our four old friends are also getting stronger by the day." Elyon gritted her teeth.
"Well it wouldn't be fun otherwise. Bound always makes you stronger. But they also make you an easier target for people like me, they should know that." Will retorted. No matter how strong they got, it would just add to their eventual fall.
"I guess, you're right. Still I'm not you, I might have to train again or my hunt for the sun fairy might get tiresome." Elyon pouted as she created a ball of light to emphasis her point.
"Even I have to train Elyon. Do you think I flooded Aridia just for the fun?" She asked seriously.
"Are you saying it wasn't fun my queen?" Elyon asked with exaggerated grace.
"Of course it was. I just link the useful and the distraction." She beamed. "Still I gather that you chose Cornelia's clone as your private hunt." She had long guessed that Elyon would go for her, and had already made plans for that, but it was always good to see she could read the younger girl so easily.
"Yes my queen. I have already started the game with her, though she doesn't realise it." She heard Elyon licking her lips in delight. The girl was a lost case in more than one way, but it was how she liked her. "Oh... I can't wait to break her." Elyon squealed.
"Bide your time Elyon. I almost waited a full year to get my revenge on those betrayers." She clenched her fingers, reminding the feeling of the last Itch going away. It had been almost orgasmic, if only she had endured longer. But humans had limits far behind hers, even Guardians.
She had to focus so that the sparkle of her power didn't go yet. The whole point of what she was doing was to that end.
"I know, I was there. I still wish I could have been the one to end her." Elyon's knuckle cracked. "It was a beautiful spectacle though. But we might not have as much time as that."
Will raised an eyebrow. "How so? All is going pretty much as I wish." She assured her servant.
"So it was your wish that the Guardians got suspicious over who might be Roxy's hidden support?" Elyon was sounding doubtful.
Will grinned, being her toy had not altered Elyon's thinking process.
"Of course it was." She declared sweetly. "I was expecting it from the moment I burned that dog's corpse. As long as they doubt who 'she' is, they'll never be truthful in their relation to Roxy." She took a deep breath, the spell was taking a lot from her. "Were you doubting me?"
"No my queen. I just wish I knew more, as usual. You know how much I'm devoted to you, and like to share in the laughers." Elyon voice was losing all semblance of her long-lost soul as days passed. Everyone who heard her now would know she wasn't right in the head.
Will chuckled. "I know my dear Elyon. But if you have doubts, don't hesitate. Only foolish rulers don't listen to their faithful advisers."
"Understood. But I didn't know you thought of us as anything more than slaves." Elyon cracked.
"But I do. In this strange game of chess you are my Queen." Will said seductively, smiling as she might have for Angelo.
"Stop teasing me like that." Elyon swooned, almost falling from her chair. "No, in fact don't, please, … And I suppose you're the black King."
"Oh no. Elyon. You most of all should know better." She playfully admonished the little queen. " The King is Roxy. Weak but oh so precious to the game. Lost in the middle of the 'White' territory with only a pawn to protect her." She smirked, letting the time pass.
"As for me...I am the Player... the Board! And the Arbiter!" She roared in glee, letting the energy pulse out of her. Her wings extended to their full length, electricity coursing through and striking all around the room before seeping into the walls.
On Earth the night sky turned purple for an instant.
After days of work, she had just finished one of the layers.
For a moment all was calm as Elyon had trouble to breathe.
Once her strength had returned Elyon looked back at her, curiously. "... I see. And who are you playing against?"
"In this one?... I would say Light, maybe Nature too, and of course the remaining Elements." She laughed, sensing Elyon's trouble. "Don't worry about it Elyon. After all life isn't a game of chess, it would be too boring."
"Pawns can't scream." Elyon nodded, a crazed smile creeping on her still cute face. "They can't suffer either, or doubt, or cry, or squirm, or lament, or break down or..."
"Quiet so my dear." Will stopped the girl rumble, however she was bearing a smile very much like the girl. "Now if that's all, you should go back to Earth. It seems that the other queen of Earth will find a way to pass a message to her dear daughter. I need you and Nigel to keep an eye on her during that little trip. Don't show yourself but make sure things don't go... too haywire." Will ordered as she readied for the last layer of her cage.
"I guess I won't get more information." Elyon sighed loudly. "Should I open a portal back underground now that that layer is done?"
Will waved her off. "Yes please. Don't make it too obvious. It might come in handy later. I might not have enough place down there."
"If you wish, My Queen." Her voice was longing. "Until I see them move for that trip, I think I'll prepare for our visitors."
"Good." Will acknowledged with a smirk of her own. Elyon closed the door as she went to her bidding. "Now let's get to the last one, I wouldn't want to be late to my rendezvous."
…
" My queen ?" Eric called from the door. He had just crossed Elyon opening a portal in the court. He guessed that it meant the plans were getting along great on Earth. He thought about the one he wanted there.
'Don't enter. That one is the hardest.' Will answered in his mind. 'What is the matter?'
'I just came to inform you that Lord Cedric and Lady Miranda have arrived.' He announced.
' Thank you Eric. Tell the maids to install them in their quarters. I won't need them right away, but with the closing Veils I preferred to have them on hand.' Will answered.
'Understood. But if I may, Why call us? Wouldn't it make Metamoor defenceless?' Eric asked.
'Don't worry, my knight. Drake and Aldarn proved themselves worthy military commanders, if a little slow. With the veils both I and Elyon would know if anything comes from outside.' Will explained to him.
He was always awed about how she always thought about everything.
'If strong rebellion wrought from the inside… Well, Our jails are getting rather empty.'
Eric felt a shiver down his spin. Of all her generals he was probably the one who still had problems with suffering of uninvolved people.
'Rebelling against me is getting involved Eric. Always remember that. You know how I treat traitors.' Will snarled. She always knew what was on their mind. 'As for the blood you're seeking, You will have your chance soon, even if I don't expect you to win.'
'I know Will, I'm still too weak against a Guardian. But I still thank you for the chance.' Eric answered honestly.
'You should... Now, if you could please call Lisa for my bath, I would be grateful.' She had been in there for days. He guessed it was about time.
'It will be done. Now any other things?' He asked, getting ready to leave.
' Yes, in fact. Ask Miranda to send my answer to Tats' queen. She will know what I mean.' Will announced, he could feel the laugher in her voice.
' Isn't that the name of the word that contacted us the other day for an alliance?' Eric wondered. They had received several messages from the Infinite dimensions since Will had become the Oracle. She still hadn't answered any. However there was only one who asked for alliance.
'Yes. It is... She claims to know who I am. She should know that alliance isn't what she would get from me.' Will chuckled.
' I will pass the message along.' Eric said before going back to find his loving girlfriend, and then Miranda.
"Whaaaa!" A scream echoed in the night of Gardenia.
In her room on the outskirts of Gardenia, Roxy was panicking. She had to contact the fairies. Someone was trying to tell her something in a stage manner, and it wasn't Will.
"What does that even mean? Can't I just be left alone?" She complained. Then she looked down once more at the drawing. "Yet again... Is that from you, mom?"
On the drawing were a few old photos, one she had never saw before. It had fallen down from an album which had been stuck on the upside of her wardrobe.
Those four photos were of the old ranch her father had owned before she was born. He had sold it some years ago because it reminded him too much of the woman he hated.
"What do you think about this Lou?" She asked to her cat, sitting faithfully next to her as if analysing the photos with her.
'Nya.' The cat answered.
"I guess I really have to call them then. With Will gone for that trip they are the only ones who can help me. I don't want any more nightmares." Roxy took her phone, and called the last number of the speed-dial.
"Hello, Bloom?" She asked when the tonality cut, the phone going off the hook.
"What's the matter Roxy? Are the Wizards there?" Bloom asked hastily.
"No. Nothing so grave. But I won't be able to sleep if you don't come to see that. Someone is trying to tell me something and I can't get in alone."
"Ok. Don't move we're on our way." She hung up.
"Guess Will was right, magic does mess up your life." Roxy sighed, looking back to Lou who mewed in acknowledgement.
Some minutes later the ten girls were in her room. After some discussion, they all agreed to visit the old ranch tomorrow, without taking the boys. She hoped the new owner would not be as rowdy as the last time she had visited there.
Once they had all agreed the fairies had gone back to their home.
Soon after she finally found sleep, as if a weigh had been lifted off her shoulders. She guessed whatever message she had received had been the reason of her insomnia.
That night she dreamt of a purple castle on a river side. And of a black bird flying high above circling around it as a it would for a prey. In the castle lived nothing but butterflies flying around not seeing the shadow of the bird's wings.
She had never slept so well.
FoR : 01/02/14 , this chapter is almost 1 years old today, of course I changed it a little before publishing with my new gain experience but it still feel strange.
...
What, No one today ?
? :It's winter vacation, they are at home with their friend
FoR :How, they're dead.
? :Never heard Christmas's Miracle, did you ?
FoR : I did. I just never though it really aplied there. Well
? : It does ( Smirk and leave )
FoR : That, was... I guess that mean it is time
Thank to all my readers, Please reviews . See you next time in" Chapter 5: White Lie "
