Revelations:
"What were you thinking?" questioned Constant in a low voice, as he massaged his forehead. Constant was annoyed by the additional paperwork that Sapphire's heroics had just brought to this desk. "This needs to be reported."
"I... uh... didn't think," said Sapphire, playing with her pendant, confused as to why she was being reprimanded. She had after all just saved a life.
"It's a good outcome for everyone involved - Us, her and the boy," came the thick voice of the holographic figure who was on call with Constant. Constant glared at Sapphire as the holographic figure continued. "Think of all the positive coverage this would give the volunteer program. More people will volunteer, specifically fairies who will want to earn their Enchantix."
"We do not allow fairies without Enchantix now. There is a new guideline, or did you forget, Patrick?" Constant asked, amused that his colleague needed to be reminded of an initiative they had voted on recently. (1)
Patrick dismissed Constant's reminder with a wave of his hand. Forgetting Sapphire was still in the room, he continued. "Logistics can be figured out Constant. Since Princess Bloom has returned to the magical universe there has been incident after incident. We just have to wait for the Winx Club to find more trouble, and then we swoop in to save the common man." (2)
"Maybe this is a conversation for later, Patrick. Coming back to the situation at hand, what do we do?" asked Constant. Secretly, Constant was proud of Sapphire. She had worked with him on many missions before this one, and he found her strength and courage admirable. The girl had given her all in the volunteer program. Had she gained her Enchantix prior, she would have been promoted to the status of a group leader. But the paperwork was not Constant's favourite job. The world would have lost a very kind soul today, thought Constant. Thank the Great Dragon! Ha! Look at me thanking the Great Dragon. Guess I am a true-blue Dominican now. A small smile crept on his face.
"We cannot let her go Constant. She saved the boy's life. Heroism is exactly what will pull more volunteers in." (3)
Noticing the change in Constant's demeanour and the support from Patrick, Sapphire smiled sheepishly and interjected, "Am I good to go then, Representative?"
Glaring at her again, Constant waved her away. Smiling her toothiest smile, she dropped the medical statistics papers on his desk and scurried away, letting Constant return to his phone call.
As a reward, Sapphire had been given the rest of the day off. She was eager to celebrate with her friends, but they were all still at the medical camp. As she walked the corridors of the palace to her dorm, her thoughts shifted to the brown-haired boy she had saved. Gaining her Enchantix could only mean one thing. Was Sapphire from Domino? Were her parents on Domino? Did they survive the war?
"Sapphire?" Lady Thorne called out after the girl. "Excuse me. Are you the volunteer Sapphire?"
"Y-yes, that would be me. H-h-how can I help you?" Sapphire asked, her voice stuttering, unsure why the esteemed Lady Thorne, Envoy of Relations for King Oritel, was speaking to her.
"Their Majesties, the King and Queen of Domino would like to see you now, child. Her Royal Highness Princess Bloom will be joining the meeting as well."
"Me?" Sapphire asked pointing to herself. Why would they want to see me? She wondered.
"Yes. Walk with me please," said Lady Thorne.
"Are you sure?" asked Sapphire.
"Were you the one who saved the boy near the hospital?" questioned Lady Thorne.
"Yes. That was me."
"Then yes, they want to see you. Now, walk with me please."
Sapphire followed Lady Thorne through the palace. As they walked, Sapphire noticed they were entering the administrative section of the Royal Palace. It smelt like paper, but the tasteful renovations were visually stunning. They had included marble statues of important figures from Domino's past.
"Is that Daphne?" Sapphire asked as they walked past a fountain. Saphire's eyes lingered on the fountain's centrepiece - a white marble statue of Daphne. The fountain was built as a tribute to Daphne's sacrifice in the war. Her face appeared serene, with a gentle smile on her lips. A thin mask covered her eyes. Each feature was meticulously carved, from the delicate curls in her hair to the fine lines etched into her brow. She appeared to be dancing, arms about, draped in flowy robes that seemed to shift with the light. So, this is Bloom's sister, Sapphire thought, recalling the tales they were told of Daphne's sacrifice. (4)
"Her Royal Highness, Princess Daphne, Nymph of Lake Roccaluce will be addressed correctly," said Lady Thorne as they continued to make their way.
Sir Roland, the royal herald, was waiting for the two women outside the doors of the throne room. On either side of the door were huge statues of women that Sapphire did not recognise. They must be revered figures too, if they are made from the same marble as Daphne's fountain. (5)
"Have they been waiting long?" Lady Thorne asked Sir Roland before he announced them.
"Not too long. But they are very excited to meet her!" commented Sir Roland.
Excited? To meet me? Sapphire wondered as she followed the conversation.
"Remember, child, you will speak only after the King or Queen has started the conversation. After we walk in, we will curtsy. There will be no physical contact unless it is initiated by the family. Please keep the conversation polite, and use the correct terms. Their Majesties for the King and Queen, and Her Royal Highness for the Princess. Any questions?"
Sapphire shook her head. Waiting for Sir Roland to walk in first, she stood a step behind Lady Thorne and played with her pendant. Curtsy. Your Majesty. Your Royal Highness. This is easy. Sapphire told herself, as she took in deep breaths. Her heart raced as she realised this meeting did not involve the Representative. Royal families had never really mingled with the volunteers, and if they had to, the Representative was always present to make sure things went smoothly.
After Sir Roland announced them, she followed Lady Thorne into the throne room. The majestic throne room stretched endlessly; its high vaulted ceilings were supported by grand marble columns. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass window, casting a mesmerising array of colours on the marble floor, almost shaped like a dragon.
The soft clacking of Sapphire and Lady Thorne's footsteps echoed as they made their way. Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. Banners bearing the royal crest were hung from the walls. There were three marble thrones at the end of the room, with dragons carved onto them. Seated in them were the royal family in their official robes. On the large, elevated central throne, was King Oritel. On his left sat Queen Mariam, and on his right sat Princess Bloom.
"Lady Thorne," acknowledged King Oritel.
"Your Majesties, and Your Royal Highness." Lady Thorne greeted as she curtsied. Sapphire, unsure what the right way to curtsy in Domino was, copied Lady Thorne but lacked the same grace and poise. "May I present to you, volunteer Sapphire," continued Lady Thorne.
Lifting her eyes to meet King Oritel's, Sapphire stood up straight. "Your Majesties. Your Royal Highness." Lady Thorne shot Sapphire a sideways glance and Sapphire could feel the weight of her disapproval. She had addressed them before she was spoken to.
But the family smiled. They had heard Sapphire's story from their staff – the young, adopted girl who joined the volunteer force to earn her Enchantix. It had resonated with Bloom, and she insisted they meet the girl in person. Sapphire had, after all, saved one of their citizens. (6)
"We have much to thank you for, Miss Sapphire," started King Oritel. "Not only did you provide aid and help rebuild in our time of need, but have also saved one of our citizen's lives. August, the boy you saved, forever remains in your debt."
"What you did was very brave, Miss Sapphire. August would have liked to be here, but he is still recovering from his leg injury. For your courage, we would like to present you with a small gift," said Queen Mariam as she motioned for a palace aid to bring forth the gift. On a pillow was a small jewellery box, and inside it was a ring.
"Please accept this gift," added Bloom.
Lady Thorne's subtle nod was all the approval Sapphire needed. She took the box and the aid walked away.
"Thank you," she said simply, as she admired the ring. She looked at Lady Thorne again, waiting for her cue to leave, but the Envoy of Relations did not budge.
"We believe we have something else for you, though this might not be completely happy news. Would you like to hear it?" asked King Oritel.
Unsure of how to respond, Sapphire nodded.
"August's father is a very dear friend to our family. He has mentioned something rather interesting. Something we think you deserve to know," Queen Mariam started. "Of course, this information is confidential. Not everything we share with you will be for others' ears. But we believe family is important and we thought this decision should be yours."
What are they talking in circles about? Sapphire wondered. Why did they give me a ring? Please tell me this boy does not want to propose! Is this Hero's Syndrome?
"Would you like to sit down?" Bloom interrupted. "We understand this conversation might be unexpected, and we would like to assure you we are here should you need anything."
"I am too young to marry!" blurted Sapphire, covering her mouth in embarrassment as words escaped her. Lady Thorne's sidelong glance at Sapphire spoke volumes on how much she disapproved of Sapphire's outburst.
Oritel and Mariam shared amused glances. "It is not your hand in marriage we seek my child," explained Oritel, "but an opportunity for you to learn of your origin. The boy you saved – August was not native to Domino". Oritel's voice lowered as he said "August was born in Zircon".
"Zircon," repeated Sapphire, the name sounding familiar yet foreign to her.
Suddenly, the doors were flung open interrupting their conversation. In walked a group of seven women behind Sir Roland as he wheezed out his announcement, "The Seven Sages from Solaria, Your Majesties" and stopped to catch his breath.
But the women did not. They continued to march down the throne room to reach the front, their movements synchronised. Clad in saffron and yellow khadi cloth, each wore a large gold sun-shaped pendant. Light glinted off the pendant, giving the impression that they carried the sun in their bosom. Their hair was tied up in a bun which was adorned with silver moons, and dots that resembled a starry night sky. As they reached the front of the room, they stood next to each other in a straight line, save one sage who had stepped forward. (7)
"The seven sages! What a pleasant surprise!" exclaimed Oritel as he and his family welcomed them. The Celestial Seven Sages, revered in the magical universe, were sorceresses. They had each performed years of penance to hone their powers.
"Bloom," called King Oritel, and waited for her to step forward. "This is Sage Ish," he said, introducing the Sage standing in front of everyone. "And these are her sisters, Sages Suya, Bre, Vish, Agni, Iti, and Mei (8). They are the Celestial Seven Sages. The last time they graced us, you weren't even born!" he reminisced.
As their names were mentioned, each woman stepped forward to join Sage Ish. The Royal Family bowed their head showing reverence.
"Please accept our humble offerings," Queen Mariam said as palace aids walked in with gifts and sweets galore.
Humble? Chuckled Sapphire to herself as she continued to watch their interactions.
Once they were done with the niceties, King Oritel introduced Lady Thorne as well as Sapphire.
"Bend your head just like they bowed," instructed Lady Thorne in a low voice, as she bowed her head in reverence. Sapphire followed.
"We were in deep meditation when we received your message, King Oritel," said Sage Agni.
"Why did you want to see us?" asked Sage Ish. It was as though they were finishing each other's sentences, connected by thought.
"Our realm has not been blessed by your sacred presence for far too long," started King Oritel. "We had family matters to discuss with you, now that Domino is alive again. But nothing you don't already know."
"Bre's prophecy came true yet again," commented Sage Suya.
"What family matters?" asked Sage Bre, her eyes meeting each member of the family and finally landing on Sapphire.
"Do we wait?" Sapphire asked Lady Thorne.
"Yes," was Lady Thorne's simple response.
King Oritel's heart hung heavy, and his eyes were full of concern. "Princess Daphne, now Nymph of Lake Roccaluce, had sacrificed herself within these walls to save her sister and the great Dragon Fire. We would like to know if anything could be done to bring her back."
"Our daughter has been separated from us for far too long. Please help us," requested Queen Mariam.
"Her physical body might be a challenge," started Sage Suya.
"But we can move her from Lake Roccaluce to the Dominican Palace," completed Sage Mei.
"We will need to prepare for this," said Sage Vish.
"Anything else?" asked Sage Ish.
"Another family issue," said King Oritel. "My sister, Euclasia, had married into the Zirconian Royal Family. Every one we have contacted said the planet has disappeared into thin air. How do we find her?"
One of the sages, Sage Bre, broke formation and walked up to Sapphire.
"May I?" she asked as she reached and touched Sapphire's pendant (9). Sage Bre's eyes began to glow, and she spoke loudly in a deep voice. "At the crossroads of the unchartered waters, darkness hides the abyss of the caged people. The elements that defend light will come together once again and shine with dazzling strength to reveal what was once hidden. The stolen princess will return and what was lost will be found once again." (10)
Author's Notes:
There will be a slight delay in uploading chapters in the coming weeks. I have started a new course which is keeping me occupied.
(1) How easily they forget their own rules!
(2) Well, let's just say that the dragon fire in the MU is causing a shift in powers.
(3) I understand all press is good press, but I'm not sure how "Come join us! You can die any time on the job but if you don't, maybe you'll earn your Enchantix!" is good press.
(4) When you see this statue, I want you to picture Daphne in S1 E21 ~7'18" (The Crown of Dreams). When Daphne appears in front of the girls, she asks them to follow her. She begins to dance her way through the corridors taking them up to the Royal Treasury. Daphne in S1 was mesmerising.
(5) In the same episode, there are two statues outside the Treasury. I've shifted their location to the Throne Room.
(6) Bloom would resonate with that. She wasn't sure how she would earn her Enchantix either. Having the Dragon Fire let Bloom push her powers to earn her incomplete Enchantix, and saving all of Domino made it a complete Enchantix.
(7) The Seven Sages from Solaria are powerful sorceresses, who mastered their magic with years of penance. Their clothes and their pendants represent the Sun, and their dark hair with the moon and stars represent the night sky. A play on Stella's magic as she is the Fairy of the Sun and the Moon. I specifically mentioned khadi as I wanted them to wear a rich fabric that isn't luxurious or royal, yet uniquely theirs. Something not everybody would wear. The sages are revered in all of MU and occasionally leave Solaria to meet with and advise other royal families. Though they are OC to my story, I would like to add some lore outside of the story in this Author's Note. Every single prophecy they have given so far has come true. Many realms have specific groups who attempt to understand and translate their prophecies. Sage Bre is the very same sage who gave the prophecy to Domino. In my story, this happened at Mariam's baby shower before Bloom was born. The sages had come to bless the baby and the mother, bringing with them water from the great Solarian River that came into existence from the tears of the Great Dragon.
(8) Their names are a small tribute to the Seven Sages of Hindu mythology. Of course, all edited.
(9) She's been playing with this pendant all day!
(10) I edited Domino's prophecy to make this one. I know that wasn't super creative of me. But I do give credit where it is due.
(11) In the previous chapter, I forgot to mention that Borderless Medics is nothing more than a word play on Doctors without Borders. Just thought I would add that here.