Category: Winx Club
Rating: T
Couples: none
Warnings: Major AU, Blood, Character Death
Chapter: 4
Copyright: © characters and places by Iginio; © Plot and OC by me
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As he had suggested, the Winx went to the Archives. Together with the help of Tecna's computers they checked the old records. The numbers were terrible: over 9000 students had started their education when the exam was being taken. Of those, only about 1800 actually ever finished said education. Some of the others had simply left the schools during the years, but the great majority had fallen away, disappearing somewhere. Officially, they were still attending, but the Winx knew better.
'Thousands of corpses' Darkar had said. He had not exaggerated.
"One in five survived." Flora whispered. "The rest died." Tears were in her eyes when she realized that her friends and boyfriend would have to take the very same exam.
"We have to talk to Faragonda." Helia said. "We can't possibly attend."
"The Council does not listen to her." Bloom pointed out.
"Well, they can't expect us to attend something like that." Layla pointed at the papers spread out before them. "It'll be murder."
"If you can convince them before the exam starts in a few hours, I'd be grateful." A voice came from their right. Faragonda had entered the archives shortly before, coming upon the younger people soon thereafter. She looked indescribably sad.
"Ms. F." Bloom rose from her chair. "You have to help us."
"I can't." The old woman whispered. "You will have to go through this alone."
"But how? 4 of 5 attendants died!" Helia exclaimed. "How are we supposed to ensure all three of us live?"
"By being in control of yourselves." Faragonda stated. "No matter what. That is the key to survival. And it is all the help I can offer you."
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Darkar spoke the truth: the first two test were hardly worth the bother: the first involved a simple labyrinth like could be found in parks all over earth, without monsters or hidden traps. In its' center rested three maps, one for each participant. Such was the test of Cunning.
Those maps were needed to find the place of the second test, where they faced a monster. While hideous and strong, it was no match for two Enchantix-fairies. Upon defeat they found three keys with symbols etched into them. Again, one for each participant. Such was the test of Bravery.
The third test was scheduled several days later, taking place in Alfea itself. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to convince the present Council-member from the danger the test posed. They had to do it.
In the days between the second and third test they were cut off from lunch and dinner, only being allowed to eat at breakfast. Faragonda told them that she had not even been given that much, being forced to literally fast between the tests. Aeron had instated it to 'test control under the gravest of circumstances'. They pretended they did not hear the insult the old fairy muttered under her breath.
On the morning of the Test of Control the three were nervous wrecks, barely having slept the night beforehand.
Faragonda briefly talked to them before leading them to a door they were sure had never been there before.
"The test is simple: go in, walk on until you see three boxes and open them with your keys. Bring the contents back. Do nothing else. Nothing." She opened the door. "Good luck."
As they entered, they stepped into a well-lit cave. There was only one path leading away from them, black obsidian walls glittering in the light of absent torches.
"Well, best to get over it." Bloom softly said, stepping forward. "Come on."