Roxy's Magical Journey: What If Season 5

[juleic1123]

Chapter 13: The Power of Charmix

As Stella’s teleportation spell completed, Roxy's group reappeared back at the Frutti Music Bar. The once familiar place was now a haunting wreck. Broken furniture was scattered across the floor, and the walls were marred with deep gouges and scorch marks. The air was thick with the lingering scent of burnt wood. A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional flicker of shattered lights.

Roxy’s eyes widened as she took in the devastation, her heart racing. She barely had time to process what she was seeing when she caught sight of Mirta slowly getting up, her movements sluggish and pained. She looked exhausted still. Rio, though clearly struggling himself, stumbled forward and tried to help her stand, his legs wobbling as if they might give out at any moment.

"Mirta, are you okay?" Rio asked, his voice strained as he steadied her.

Mirta nodded weakly but swayed on her feet, her eyes half-closed as though she were on the verge of falling back into unconsciousness. “I... I feel like I’ve been asleep for days,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She leaned heavily against Rio, her strength faltering. “What happened?”

Roxy placed Andy's bag on the floor, next to the passed-out boy, and was now clutching the water bottle tightly. Her breath caught in her throat as she spotted Bloom lying on the ground, unconscious and motionless. Aisha was crouched beside her.

“Aisha, what happened here?! Where's my dad?” Roxy demanded, her voice breaking. She rushed over, her eyes filled with worry.

Aisha looked up, her expression grim. “It was Klaus,” she explained, her voice heavy with exhaustion. “He managed to break free from his restraints just moments before you got here, using our distraction when you communicated with Queen Morgana. The magic that transformed him has also given him incredible strength. He tore through the thin Morphix barrier I set up around the bar and escaped. Bloom tried to stop him with another supernova, but he was too fast. He got to her first.”

Roxy’s eyes widened in horror as she glanced at Bloom’s unconscious form, a sense of helplessness washing over her. "Is she going to be okay?"

Aisha nodded, though her expression was tinged with uncertainty. “She’ll be fine, she just needs time to recover. But Klaus... he’s more dangerous in this form than we anticipated.”

Aisha looked at Andy and quickly sent soft magic toward him, creating a Morphix pillow and mattress to make him more comfortable.

Mirta, now slightly more alert but still visibly weak, looked around in confusion. “I... I remember being caught by something... but everything feels like a blur,” she muttered, rubbing her temples as if trying to piece together fragments of a dream. She glanced at Andy, who was lying nearby, his breathing shallow and labored. “Where did Klaus go?”

Aisha pointed towards the front of the bar, her gaze distant. “Downtown, towards Love&Pet,” she said quickly. “The others went after him, but he’s strong... and fast.”

Roxy’s heart skipped a beat at the mention of Love&Pet. Without a moment’s hesitation, she unfurled her wings, the urgency clear in her eyes. “I have to go,” she said, her voice sharp with determination. She clutched the water bottle tightly against her chest and took off into the air, her wings beating furiously.

“Roxy, wait!” Alice called out, reaching a hand towards her, but Roxy was already gone, her figure a blur as she disappeared into the sky.

Alice sighed, worry etched on her face as she watched Roxy fly off. “She’s not thinking clearly,” she said, glancing at Clarice and the others. “We need to catch up to her.”

Brandon, still weakened from his earlier encounter with Zyron, nodded as he pushed himself to stand straighter; however, his body failed him and he fell to his knees, leaving everyone worried.

Roxy soared high into the sky, her wings beating as fast as they possibly could as she tried to process the chaos unfolding below her. The magic waves pulsed through the air like ripples on water, guiding her instinctively towards the other Winx. Below, flashes of light and explosions rocked the cityscape. She swooped down, her eyes catching glimpses of Klaus’ monstrous form rampaging through the streets, his roars echoing off the nearby buildings.

As Roxy descended, she saw Klaus attempting to grab a car with a terrified person still inside. Stella quickly intervened, casting her “Double Eclipse” spell. A shimmering protective barrier enveloped the car just in time, deflecting Klaus’ grasp and saving the person inside. Klaus’ eyes locked onto Stella, his expression twisted in fury. He let out a deafening roar and charged at her, his massive hand swinging through the air with bone-crushing force.

Meanwhile, the Specialists were busy guiding civilians to safety and setting up barriers to keep the area clear of onlookers and reporters. Timmy quickly lent the young boy his hand and got him out of the car Stella protected, bringing him as far away from the fight as possible.

Stella barely had time to react as Klaus’ hand swung towards her. She disappeared in the blink of an eye, leaving a shocked Musa screaming her name in fear. In an instant, Stella reappeared beside Musa, now tiny and growing back to her normal size with a playful grin. "I love the Mini-Winx!" she exclaimed, flashing a peace sign with her fingers.

But the beast wasn't done with. Klaus, still seething with anger, turned his attention back to the Winx as a group, his sights set on another attack. Tecna stepped forward, her expression focused.

“Gem of Mind,” Tecna shouted, trying to connect with Klaus’ emotions and touch his heart. “Feel the logical side of you coming back,” Tecna implored, her voice calm yet determined. “Try to find the balance you know exists within yourself.”

But Klaus remained unfazed, his monstrous form driven solely by rage. He charged at Tecna, and she stumbled back, realizing with a sinking heart that Klaus’ humanity had been entirely eclipsed by the hibernation spell. “He’s really gone,” Tecna muttered, her voice tinged with disbelief. “There’s nothing left of the real Klaus inside.”

Musa quickly moved to shield Tecna, shouting, “Magical Echo!” A protective barrier materialized in front of them, absorbing the brunt of Klaus’ powerful punch. However, the force was too great, and Musa’s shield shattered almost immediately. Klaus roared, advancing on the Winx with relentless fury.

Seeing this, Nebula tried to rally her warrior fairies, her voice carrying a sense of urgency. “That's it, I'm going to summon the army of warrior fairies! We need to take him down!” she called out, but Morgana, her eyes red and swollen from tears, gently grabbed Nebula’s shoulder.

“I know it's the right thing to do,” Morgana choked out, her voice trembling. “But I can't bring myself to see him hurt any more than he already is. Please, let the Winx do this; they're doing a good job dodging and not hurting him.”

Nebula hesitated but nodded.

"Mega Watt!" Tecna's voice echoes from the distance as Sky watches the battle.

“Careful” Sky shouted as he swung his sword to block a stray projectile Klaus had knocked loose in their direction from Tecna's latest attack, protecting everyone imposing their presence and trying to watch the battle instead of running away. He turned to Riven, who was guiding a small group of people out of the danger zone. “Keep them moving! We can’t let anyone get hurt!”

Riven nodded, quickly ushering the civilians further away. “We’ve got this,” he called back. “Just keep those reporters off our backs!” he pointed behind Sky, seeing two guys with cameras and a young female reporter trying to sneak in from behind the cars.

Sky rolled his eyes, running in their direction as Helia and Timmy took his place. The two of them were now shouting at people to stop moving, ensuring the police and reporters stayed at bay from the fight, but they kept their phones in their hands, filming everything.

As Klaus shook off his latest setbacks as yet another shield forced him to get back, his gaze locked onto Morgana and Nebula on the other side, and he started charging toward them with renewed aggression. Flora, desperate to intervene, called forth “Constricting Vines,” sending resilient vines that shot out from the ground to ensnare Klaus. But Klaus tore through the vines effortlessly before they fully appeared and developed, his strength too overpowering.

With a mighty leap, Klaus lunged towards Morgana and Nebula, his monstrous hands outstretched. The Winx could only watch in horror as Klaus closed in, too fast for any of them to react in time to shield Morgana and Nebula. A collective scream of fear echoed as Klaus collided with what appeared to be his wife and Nebula.

But as Klaus’ hand struck, reality shimmered and broke apart like shattered glass. It was only a reflection of... an illusion. Morgana and Nebula reappeared to Klaus’ right in a completely different direction than the one he went for, safe but visibly shaken with how fiercely he went toward the fake them.

Helia, spotting another group of civilians trying to get closer for a better view, dashed over to intercept them. “Please, step back! It’s not safe here!” he urged, his voice authoritative and slowly getting frustrated.

Riven grunts, his face getting mad with anger. "What's the deal with Earth people?! The more we try to save their lives, the more they attempt to sneak into danger!"

Sky shrugs, confused as well.

Mirta and Clarice landed beside the Winx, while Alice approached from the opposite side in front of the beast, using her magic to manipulate the street lights, creating a dazzling array of beams that all converged on Klaus. The lights shone brightly in his eyes, disorienting him and making him stagger. Stella joined in quickly next to the student, screaming, “Solar Storm,” and using the spell to send a blinding flash that left Klaus reeling in pain, his roars echoing down the street as he tried to shield his eyes from the intense light.

In the midst of the chaos, Roxy appeared suddenly, moving with determined speed. She flew straight towards Klaus, dropping the water on him just as his monstrous form reeled back from the light. The water cascaded over Klaus. A blinding light enveloped him, forcing everyone to shield their eyes from the intense glow. The light pulsed and radiated with a warm, gentle energy that seemed to wash over the entire area. As the glow began to fade, the Winx slowly uncovered their eyes, and there, lying on the ground, was Klaus in his human form. His monstrous features were gone, replaced by the familiar, kind face of the man they all knew.

Klaus lay still, his body exhausted and weak, but unmistakably human once more. Roxy rushed forward, her eyes brimming with tears as she knelt beside him. Morgana followed, her hands trembling as she touched Klaus’ face, her tears falling freely.

At the end of the street, the Specialists watch with a smile. The reporter who tried to sneak-in starts running in the direction of the barrier with a smile, trying to jump in now that the action was over, but Sky simply places his hand in front of her and closes his eyes, nodding in disapproval.

Klaus blinked up at them, his eyes dazed. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he looked around at the concerned faces surrounding him. “Does... does me being a monster force me to give drinks on the house again?” he asked weakly, his voice laced with a familiar humor that brought a wave of relief over the group.

The tension broke with a ripple of laughter, infectious and heartfelt, spreading among the Winx and the young fairies. Morgana hugged Klaus tightly, her tears of joy mingling with those of Roxy, who clung to her father with a mix of relief and lingering fear.

Klaus winced slightly but smiled through it, his eyes meeting Roxy’s. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice hoarse but sincere. “Thank you for bringing me back.”

Roxy nodded, tears still streaming down her face. “We’re not losing you, Dad,” she said firmly, her voice filled with love and determination. “Not now, not ever.”

The Winx and their allies gathered around, their hearts lighter despite the wreckage that surrounded them. Stella wiped away a tear, beaming at her friends. “We did it,” she said softly.

Morgana leaned in close to Klaus, pressing her forehead against his. “I thought I lost you,” she whispered, her voice breaking. “But you’re here. You’re really here.”

Klaus wrapped his arms around Morgana and Roxy, pulling them close. “I’m here,” he assured them, his voice steady despite his fatigue. “And thanks to all of you, I’m going to be okay.”

Tecna stepped forward, her smile radiant as she placed a hand on Roxy’s shoulder. “Your timing was perfect, Roxy.” she said, her voice full of genuine admiration.

The other Winx nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting their heartfelt support. “You couldn't have done it better,” Flora added gently, her eyes sparkling with pride. “We’re very proud of you.”

Roxy’s eyes welled up with tears, her emotions flooding over her like a wave. She tried to speak but her voice caught in her throat. Finally, she managed to choke out her thoughts, her voice trembling with the weight of her fear. “I... I was so scared,” she admitted, looking down as tears streamed down her cheeks. “I was terrified that I wasn’t up to it—that I wasn’t good enough to help my dad, to be like all of you. Even when I volunteered to go to Linphea, I was scared out of my mind deep down. And... with the wizards, it was the same. I didn’t say it out loud, but... I was so afraid.”

Roxy paused, her tears falling freely as she glanced up at the Winx, their supportive smiles giving her the strength to continue. “But I’m glad... I’m glad I didn’t let that stop me,” she said, her voice growing stronger. “I kept going because... because you all showed me that it’s okay to be scared. And I realized that maybe... maybe I was stronger than I thought.”

As Roxy finished speaking, a soft glow began to emanate from her chest. She looked down in surprise as a small, jewel-like object appeared next to her heart in the shape of a paw, glowing with a gentle, magical light. Roxy stood up, her eyes wide with astonishment. “What... what is this?” she asked, her voice filled with wonder.

The Winx exchanged knowing looks, their expressions a mix of nostalgia and awe. “That’s your Charmix!” Musa exclaimed, her eyes lighting up. “You just earned it by admitting your fear and overcoming it.”

The group erupted into cheers and applause. “That’s amazing, Roxy!” Alice beamed, clapping her hands together. “You earned that, and you deserve it.”

"Wait? What happened now?" Klaus asked in confusion. "What are we celebrating exactly?"

Everyone simply laughs with genuine joy. Then, Nebula stepped forward, her expression warm as she nodded approvingly. “You made a good call with the water from Linphea, young fairies,” she said, her voice carrying a note of respect towards Roxy and the rest of them. “It was exactly what Klaus needed.”

Musa grinned, nudging Roxy playfully. “Compliments from the new Queen and everything, see?"

Stella chimed in with sass in her voice. "We stayed behind to handle the damage and clean up the mess. Not to brag, but I think you had the easy job in comparison, so I appreciate all the compliments we can get.” she then looked at the young fairies and winked, but they slowly turned their smiles upside down into a serious face, raising an eyebrow from Stella who quickly catched on something wasn't right.

Roxy, still wiping away her tears, managed a shaky laugh. “It wasn’t as easy as you thought, Stella,” she admitted, “Zyron attacked us while we were there. It was... it was bad. Andy and Brandon are barely holding on."

Clarice adds. "And after you left, Brandon collapsed on the ground... he also passed out...”

Stella's joyful facial expression drops immediately and she puts her hand on her heart, taking a step forward as Flora quickly grabs her arm to try and calm her down and reassure her.

Mirta nodded, her face pale with concern. “Bloom is still unconscious, too,” she added, her voice low.

Alice also elaborates. “She’s been out since the fight with Klaus, and without her, we can't heal them. We need to help them... now.”

“We need to get back right away,” Stella said, her voice firm. “Bloom, Andy, and... Brandon... they need us.”

Flora’s expression tightened, her mind racing. “We can’t waste another second,” she said, her voice tinged with urgency. “Let’s go.”

Musa and Tecna quickly whistle and give a sign to the specialists and take off. They quickly get their overboards ready and grin at the public.

"NOW you can enjoy the sights!" Sky says, quickly taking off with his group and joining the Winx in the sky. Leaving some in awe at the sight while others were mad they couldn't get any closer.

[juleic1123]

The story is honestly really well written, and I'm always eager to see what the next chapters hold.
However, I do fear that things conveniently happen because the plot demands so.
Leaving the Winx on Earth instead of Lynphea, when there's the Specialists, Major Fairies, Roxy, Alice, and Clarice feel a bit too convenient for Zyron to come in and ruin the day on Lynphea. I already talked about this in a previous discussion, but Zyron's powers really feel overpowered for a weakened wizard, espescially one who was trapped for centuries in the Omega Dimension.

I think there always has to be things conveniently happen, otherwise there was no plot to begin with. It's the same as how there's always a main villian ever since the Winx started studying despite before the magical dimension was in harmony for several years.

But I understand what you mean. It's hard when you have so many characters to juggle through. This is Roxy's story so she needed to get the water and I need her "group" to stand up.

Plus, I know Nebula, Diana and the Winx were there but the reasoning behind it made sense if you remove the looming Zyron threat. Getting the water, especially to where Stella teleported them would not be that hard. They had to stay on earth in case Klaus broke free and to help people and check on people, for example Mirta who was still unconscious so Bloom had to stay. Aisha made a Morphix barrier around frutti music to keep people out, she had to stay just in case something happened to it. The Trix could still be around, they vanished. And to be fair even Zyron could come back, it would make sense to attack them while they're weak and a wild beast right there with them. So it was a fifty fifty and they gave the "collect water and come back" to the second years who volunteered while also tecnically, if it really was just that, shield them from the danger klaus imposed or might come.

Zyron is supposed to be strong, but he also has weaknesses. He's not meant to be stronger than Valtor or The Wizards, he's just OP because he drains people, and he's still "new" to get used to. You remove that or learn how to counter it and the situation would quickly change, as we'll see in the future.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 14: Relaxing at last

As the night is settled in the sky, the Winx and their friends gathered around the Frutti Music Bar. The gentle sound of the waves on the beach provided a soothing backdrop to what was happening inside. Bloom, now fully awake and recovering, had just finished healing Andy, Rio, Mark, and Brandon. Stella, still in her Believix form, had rushed to Brandon’s side, but in her excitement, her wing clipped his forehead, sending them both tumbling to the floor in a heap of giggles.

"Stella!" Bloom chided playfully, crossing her arms with a mock frown. "If you knock him out, I’m not going to heal him!"

Brandon laughed, rubbing his forehead where Stella's wing had struck. “Guess I should just stay down then and hug my princess before I pass out” he teased, making Stella blush as she quickly pulled him to his feet, checking his head with a flustered expression. She finally transformed back into her civillian form like the others.

Despite the recent battles, smiles and relieved expressions filled the circle, grateful that everyone was safe.

Klaus takes a step forward, looking back at his property. "The bar... it’s ruined," he sighed, shaking his head. "The repairs are going to cost a fortune."

Stella stepped forward with a confident grin. "Don’t worry, Klaus! There is nothing a little magic can't fix!" She raised her hands, and in a swirl of sparkling light, the bar was restored in an instant. The broken furniture reassembled, scorch marks vanished, and everything sparkled as if brand new. Empty cups were neatly arranged in the washing machines, and every surface gleamed.

Klaus watched in amazement, a smile spreading across his face. "Thank you so much, girls! Did you see that?!" Klaus quickly kisses Morgana with the excitement of not having to pay for the repairs, forgetting momentarily that his wife isn't phased for being a fairy herself.

Before they could enjoy the moment, the doors of the bar burst open, and a flood of people, most of them reporters rushed in. They chattered excitedly among themselves about the fairies, pointing and taking photos. They were buzzing with questions, many directed at the Winx, eager to confirm if the Rockstars band was indeed the famous fairy group.

Stella, caught off guard, tried to play it off. "Oh, no! We were just... before, that was just... special effects!" she stammered, her explanation sounding more like an excuse. But the crowd wasn’t buying it, and soon they were swarmed with requests for autographs and pictures. The Winx exchanged weary glances, knowing they couldn’t avoid the attention and the fact the secret was fully out.

After what felt like an eternity, the bar finally closed, and the group could escape the crowd. They breathed a collective sigh of relief and made their way to the beach, looking forward to a quieter gathering.

As they settled in around the campfire, the mood was light and cheerful. Roxy’s parents, the pets, Alice, Clarice, Mirta, and even Nova joined the relaxed celebration. Bloom petted Kiko while Sky was carefully stroking Belle. Aisha watched Stella and Brandon, who were hugging and laughing together. She smiled, though her heart ached slightly, reminded of Nabu. She glanced at the stars, letting the bittersweet memories mingle with the joy of this little gathering.

Just then, Jason Queen and his wife appeared, slightly hesitant but greeted warmly by everyone. Musa spotted him first and waved them over. Jason smiled, though he held up a hand. “Thanks for the invite, but we can’t stay long. My wife’s pregnant as you know, so we can't be here long.” he explained. "But I just had to ask—why didn’t you ever tell me you were fairies?"

Musa exchanged glances with the others before speaking. “When we met, Jason, magic wasn’t really something people believed in yet, no one thought about it, not even you,” she said thoughtfully. “And later, we didn’t want to use it as an advantage. We wanted you to see us as normal girls, not just as magical beings.”

Stella chimed in, grinning. “That didn't stop people from having their doubts though. People recognized me a few times during our stay here. I told some of the people I was just hired by the Winx to work at the pet shop.” she laughed.

Bloom raised an eyebrow, confused. “Why am I hearing about this for the first time?”

Tecna chuckled. “And that actually worked?”

Stella nodded. “Oh, every single time!”

Aisha leaned in, in shock. “How many times did you use that excuse?”

Stella started to count her fingers, making everyone burst into laughter. Jason Queen watched, a tinge of sadness in his eyes but understanding why they had kept their secret. “I get it now, all of it...” he said. “The Frutti Music Bar really holds a lot of memories for all of you. I can see why you refused to sing here for the last time when I told you back then...” He looked around, taking in the smiles and camaraderie. “Enjoy the party,” he added warmly.

Jason's wife, shy but clearly a fan, smiled at the others but especially Musa before they left. As they walked away, Stella turned to Musa. “Think she’s a fan of your fairy side or your singer side?”

Musa shrugged, laughing. “Honestly I have no idea, I-”

Before she could say more, Riven suddenly scooped her up in his arms. “Every minute you spent talking to Jason Queen was another minute I had to spend alone,” he teased dramatically, planting a kiss on her lips.

Musa pretended to barf and rolled her eyes. “Oh, Helia! I didn't know you dyed your hair!”

Riven raised an eyebrow and looked annoyed, making Musa almost regret doing the joke... until Riven shrugged nonchalantly, leaning in again to kiss her forehead, causing her to close one eye in surprise. "Hey—" she began, but her protest dissolved into a fit of giggles as he continued to kiss her face. "I'm learning from the best, to be the best to you..." he said, under his breath, making Musa look straight into his eyes and smile warmly.

Bloom pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number. The ringtone barely lasted a second before she heard her adoptive mother's voice on the other end.

"Mom? It's me," Bloom said, her voice filled with warmth. "I’m at the Frutti Music Bar with the girls and the specialists. But I think I'll sleep there tonight. I miss spending time with you and Dad."

Vanessa’s voice, filled with joy and relief, crackled through the line. "Oh, Bloom, it’s so good to hear from you! Come whenever you want to, you know your home is always ready to welcome you!"

"Thanks." Bloom hung up, a smile playing on her lips. She turned to her students—Alice, Clarice and Mirta—and grinned. "You guys are welcome to crash in the store tonight and you can have my bed; I’m sure a quick size increase spell will fit you all comfortably."

The girls laughed, nodding in agreement. “That sounds perfect,” Clarice said, already envisioning the cozy sleepover.

Nearby, Tecna and Timmy were huddled together, sharing a small screen as they scrolled through Earth memes. Timmy chuckled at a particularly absurd one, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I don’t get this one," Tecna said, tilting her head in confusion. "What’s so funny about a dog looking confused and a rainbow flag?”

Timmy shook his head. "Earth humor is just so weird. I don't get it either."

Meanwhile, Andy strummed his guitar softly, the gentle notes weaving through the conversations and adding a melodic backdrop to the night. Roxy, catching his eye, smiled playfully and reached over, gently taking the guitar from his hands. “My turn,” she said with a mischievous grin.

Andy chuckled and moved behind her, placing his hands over hers on the guitar. “Here, let me show you.” He guided her fingers to the correct chords, his touch light and instructive. Roxy leaned back slightly, feeling the warmth of his presence and enjoying the moment of closeness.

Klaus looked at the scene and started to mumble something, but Morgana just smiled and put her head in his shoulder. "She's a woman now... my baby is so grown up... and we can't stop her from making her choices." Morgana said, her voice going from emotional nostalgia to a full sass directed at Klaus, who said nothing. He slowly placed his hand on hers and closed his eyes, his head joining hers softly.

Across the campfire, Bloom and Sky sat side by side, Bloom resting her head on Sky’s chest as he gently wrapped his arm around her shoulders. The rhythmic beat of his heart was a comforting sound, steady and strong against her ear. Sky leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. “Our wedding date is approaching soon, you know.”

Bloom closed her eyes, taking in the comfort of his words and the steady beat beneath her. “I know,” she whispered back. “I’m getting nervous. I still have to choose my dress, and there’s so much to plan... but one thing I don’t have is doubts. Not about us.”

Sky squeezed her shoulder gently. “I’m glad,” he said, his voice filled with quiet certainty. “We’ll figure it all out together.”

On the other side of the circle, Mirta, Alice and Clarice talked to Mark and Rio, enjoying to know about the wildly different Earth culture was compared to Magix and their own home planets.

Flora sat with her head resting on Helia’s lap. His fingers ran gently through her hair, the strands slipping like silk between his fingers. The soft glow of the campfire illuminated Flora’s face, casting a warm, reddish hue that made her brown skin shimmer beautifully in the light. Helia watched her with quiet admiration, his touch gentle and soothing.

Flora looked up, her eyes meeting his. “You always know how to make everything better,” she murmured, a peaceful smile on her lips.

Helia returned the smile, his thumb gently tracing her cheek. “I just want you to be happy,” he replied softly. “That’s all that matters.”

As the night wore on, Bloom stood up, stretching slightly. She glanced around at her friends, feeling a surge of affection for each of them. Walking over to Roxy, she gently pulled her away from Andy.

"Sorry, I need to steal her for just a second." The redhaired girl grinned and Andy just nodded with a smile.

Bloom quickly wrapped Roxy in a tight hug. “I’m so proud of you,” Bloom whispered into her ear, her voice thick with emotion. “And I’m so happy you got your Charmix.”

Roxy beamed, returning the hug with equal fervor. “Thanks, Bloom. You’ve always been here for me, like a big sister.” Bloom felt a lump in her throat at Roxy’s words, memories of her own sister Daphne flooding her mind. It hit her just how much she had stepped into that role for Roxy unintentionally. Guiding her, protecting her, and cheering her on, just like Daphne had done for her.

Bloom pulled back slightly, her eyes misty. Roxy noticed and frowned, concern flashing across her face. “Bloom, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

Bloom shook her head, wiping away the tears with a quick swipe of her hand. “They’re happy tears, I promise,” she reassured her, smiling through the emotion.

Roxy nodded, her expression softening. Bloom hugged her once more before finally pulling away, waving goodbye to everyone and everyone happily waved back, resuming their little get-together.

Aisha, who had been quietly observing the scene, suddenly stood up. Without drawing attention to herself, she walked toward the shore, her feet sinking into the cool sand as she approached the water’s edge. The gentle waves lapped at her toes as she closed her eyes, letting the soft breeze caress her face. Her thoughts drifted back to Nabu, the memories of their time together vivid in her mind.

Riven, who had been watching her from afar, noticed her solitary figure by the water. He pondered for a second, looking down to his own feet... then, he also got up and quietly made his way toward her. Musa, seeing him leave from the corner of her eyes, followed his gaze and spotted Aisha standing alone by the sea. Her heart ached with understanding, but she stayed back, letting Riven approach Aisha on his own.

Riven's footsteps barely made a sound, and soon enough, he was standing right next to her in silence, without saying a single word, offering nothing more than his presence. Aisha sensed him there and turned to look at him. He turned as well. Their eyes meeting for a few seconds. A small, bittersweet smile tugged at the corners of her lips. Riven returned the smile, their eyes reflecting a shared pain, an unspoken understanding between them.

They stood there, side by side, gazing out at the horizon where the sea met the sky, the stars shimmering above. Neither of them spoke, both finding comfort in the silent companionship. The gentle rhythm of the waves and the distant hum of their friends' laughter behind them blended into a soothing symphony, wrapping them in a moment of quiet reflection.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 15: Queen Varanda of Callisto

The first light of dawn broke through the windows, casting a warm, golden hue over the Love&Pet shop's second floor. The sun's rays crept slowly across the floor, illuminating the cozy corner where Mirta, Clarice, and Alice lay asleep in Bloom's now massive bed. The quiet was soon interrupted by the sound of tiny glitter of wings and paws skittering across the floor, followed by a flurry of excited cute little barks and chirps.

Belle, Pepe, and the other pets burst into the room. They leaped onto the bed, their tongues wagging as they licked the faces of the sleeping fairies. Mirta stirred first, her eyes fluttering open to find Belle enthusiastically licking her cheek. She laughed softly, sitting up and gently pushing Belle’s eager snout away. “Okay, okay, I’m up!” she giggled, scratching the sheep behind the ears.

Clarice and Alice woke next, both greeted by a chorus of chirps and wagging tails. “Morning, everyone,” Alice mumbled, wiping the sleep from her eyes as Pepe perched on her shoulder. Clarice yawned and stretched, smiling at the pets’ energetic welcome.

As the three fairies stumbled out of bed, they caught the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. They followed the scent to the kitchen, where the Winx were gathered, busy preparing breakfast. Tecna was expertly working the coffee machine, while Flora and Musa arranged a colorful array of fruits and pastries on the table. Stella, dressed impeccably even at this early hour, was engaged in a lively conversation with Nova and the Specialists.

“Good morning!” Stella called out with a grin as she spotted Mirta, Clarice, and Alice entering the kitchen. “Sleep well?”

Mirta nodded, smiling at the warm, bustling scene before her. “We did, thanks. The pets made sure we were awake bright and early,” she said with a chuckle.

“Oh, they do that,” Aisha said with a fond smile as she poured coffee into mugs. “It’s their way of making sure we don’t miss a thing.”

The Specialists, minus Sky, were gathered around the table, sipping coffee and chatting with the Winx. Brandon, looking particularly relaxed, waved at the newcomers. "We’ve got coffee, croissants, fruit... take your pick."

Clarice, still shaking off the remnants of sleep, reached for a mug of coffee. “Thanks. This is... really nice,” she said, taking a sip and savoring the warm, comforting taste.

Nearby, Stella and Nova were engrossed in a conversation about a journalist from Solaria who had recently been caught up in a scandal. The journalist was embroiled in a cheating scandal that had made waves of headlines throughout the planet.

“Honestly, it serves her right,” Stella said with a dismissive wave of her hand, her sass coming from her voice stronger than ever. “She always had it out for me, saying Chimera would’ve made a better princess. Imagine that!” She rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Like I’d let someone who dresses like that dictate Solaria’s future.”

Nova nodded in agreement, a smirk on her face. “Yeah, I remember her saying how she couldn’t wait to see Chimera on the throne. Look where she is now—Arrested with a capital a.”

Stella and Nova exchanged high-fives, relishing in their shared disdain for the journalist.

Mirta listened with a bemused smile, shaking her head. Her eyes quickly went to the windows, watching the sun rising in the distance behind the big buildings. “Earth is so different from Magix and even from my hometown, Callisto,” she mused aloud, her eyes drifting out the window to the bustling street beyond. “Everything here is... I don’t know how to put it. It’s simpler, but it’s not without its own kind of magic.”

Flora nodded thoughtfully. “It definitely took some getting used to,” she agreed, glancing at the others. “We’re used to magic solving our problems, but here, things are different. You have to figure things out without a spell or fighting. Teleporting isn't a thing for humans yet so you travel everywhere by using their normal speed cars instead of flying or using horses, dragons or fast speed vehicles...”

Riven chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “It’s been an adjustment for all of us,” he added, taking a sip of his coffee. “But I think we’ve all come to appreciate it. This place has a certain charm you don’t find anywhere else.”

Aisha smiled softly, her gaze distant as she reflected on her time on Earth. “It’s the simplicity that makes this planet special,” she said, her voice filled with warmth. “There’s no high-end technology, no imminent magical threats, no one knows anyone... People can be harsh at times, sure, but there’s a hidden beauty here that even they don’t always see.” She paused, her eyes shining with quiet pride. “I’ll always be a guardian fairy of Andros, I love my planet more than anything and I always will, but Earth... it’s shown me a different kind of happiness. One I didn’t know I was looking for.”

The room fell quiet for a moment as everyone took in Aisha’s words, their expressions softening with understanding. They knew how much staying on Earth and checking on the planet every weekend meant to her, how it had helped her heal and find peace after all she had been through.

Meanwhile, not far from Gardenia's Downtown, was Bloom. She groggily made her way down the stairs, her hair tousled and her eyes half-closed. She mumbled a sleepy “Good morning,” her voice barely above a whisper as she shuffled into the kitchen. Without fully opening her eyes, she plopped down at the table, smiling lazily at her mother who was finishing preparing breakfast.

Vanessa turned to Bloom with a warm smile. “Morning, sweetie,” she said, her voice filled with motherly affection. “Did you sleep well?”

Bloom nodded, her eyes still half-shut. “Mmhmm,” she murmured, taking a slow sip of coffee in front of her. Her parents exchanged a knowing smile.

“Good morning, Bloom,” a familiar voice greeted her, startling her out of her sleepy haze. Bloom’s eyes snapped open, and she blinked in surprise to see Sky sitting across from her, casually next to Mike.

“Sky!” Bloom exclaimed, her sleepy demeanor vanishing in an instant. She jumped up from her seat, a bright smile spreading across her face. She hurried over to him, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. Sky chuckled, returning the embrace as Bloom peppered his cheek with quick, affectionate kisses.

Sky laughed softly, his eyes filled with fondness as he held her close. “I wanted to surprise you.”

Bloom’s parents watched the scene with love in their eyes, their smiles warm and approving. Kiko, however, had other plans. The little rabbit hopped onto the table, wriggling between Bloom and Sky, clearly unimpressed with having to share his owner’s attention. He nudged at their arms with his tiny paws, letting out a series of annoyed squeaks.

Bloom laughed, finally breaking away from Sky to scoop Kiko into her arms. “Okay, okay, Kiko,” she said, cradling the bunny close. “I didn’t forget about you.” She scratched behind his ears, earning a satisfied twitch of his nose.


Far away, on the Magical Dimension, was Callisto, with its gleaming white beaches and majestic palace, was a sight to behold. The planet was bathed in the warm glow of Solaria’s second sun, which hung like a brilliant gem in the sky, casting a gentle, golden light over the land. The palace, perched on a cliff overlooking the turquoise sea, was a masterpiece of architecture. Its towers spiraled into the sky, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant stained glass that depicted the rich history and artistry of Callisto. Lush gardens filled with exotic plants and flowers surrounded the palace, their vibrant hues reflecting the planet’s artistic traditions.

Inside the palace, Queen Varanda sat on her throne, a regal presence amid the opulent surroundings. The throne room was adorned with tapestries and sculptures, each piece telling a story of Callisto’s past glories. Sunlight streamed through tall windows, casting colorful patterns on the marble floors.

Three maids moved quietly around the room, their hands busy with their tasks as they drew the heavy, velvet curtains closed, gradually isolating the queen from the outside world. The room grew dimmer, and a cool breeze swept in, freshening the air.

Varanda adjusted herself on the throne, her expression poised yet relaxed as she spoke to the holographic image of Faragonda. "Congratulations, Queen Varanda, on your marriage and ascension to the throne," Faragonda began, her voice warm with genuine pride. "Callisto is fortunate to have you as its queen."

Varanda smiled graciously, inclining her head. "Thank you, Miss Faragonda. It’s been quite the journey. I must once again apologize for not going to Alfea so suddenly a few years ago. My mother was adamant that I be educated in magic on Callisto, and I had to respect her wishes."

Faragonda waved off the apology with a kind smile. "There is no need to apologize, Varanda. I understand the responsibilities and expectations that come with royalty. Doesn't matter where you got your education from, great Kings and Queens can come from the most priviledged schools or the worst ones. Character and good values is what truly makes it possible."

The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly as Faragonda’s expression grew more serious. “But I must admit, I didn’t contact you just to catch up with you. I need your help regarding a matter that concerns us all.” She paused, her gaze intense. “I’m here to discuss Zyron. I won’t beat around the bush—I need to know what you know about him and if you’re aware that he has escaped.”

The queen’s expression darkened, and she nodded slowly. “Yes, I am aware of Zyron’s escape. However, I must admit I have little new information to offer. His actions and legacy are part of Callisto’s past, long before I was born. But I do know he’s dangerous, and his methods have left a lasting scar on our traditions.”

Faragonda’s brow furrowed. “We need to find his weakness, Queen Varanda. He isn’t necessarily stronger than enemies we’ve faced before, but his ability to drain life force makes him exceptionally dangerous. We’ve seen what he can do, and it’s not something we can afford to underestimate.”

Varanda nodded thoughtfully, her expression pensive. “I understand. I’ll do what I can to uncover more information about him. What I can tell you from the little I could gather is this: Zyron did not originally possess magic. Callisto was once a place where all beings were welcomed to explore their potential. Some had an innate affinity for magic, while others, like Zyron, had it dormant within them, needing a deep connection to awaken it.”

She continued, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “But something happened, something involving Zyron. He was the catalyst that led to the cessation of openly teaching magic to all dormant Wizards and Palladins on Callisto. It was decided that only those with proven magical affinity would be trained. His actions were too disruptive, too dangerous. I don’t have the full story, but I know he was the reason, his name is marked in our history.”

Faragonda listened intently, nodding as she absorbed the information. “The same occurred at Red Fountain,” she said gravely. “Zyron’s actions long ago echoed here as well, they were the reason why Specialists no longer receive magical training. They must master whatever magical powers they might have dormant on their own, without the structured guidance of our schools.”

Varanda’s expression tightened. “I will consult the royal archives and speak with my parents. There are hidden records, secret archives filled with knowledge about ancient spells, witches, and wizards. If there’s anything about Zyron, it will be there. I’ll make it a priority to find whatever I can.”

Faragonda smiled gratefully. “Thank you, Queen Varanda. Your help could make all the difference. We cannot afford to let Zyron’s actions endanger more lives.”

The queen nodded once more, her eyes determined. “You have my word, Miss Faragonda. I will find out what I can.”

With that, Faragonda’s hologram flickered and vanished, leaving Varanda alone in the dimly lit throne room. She exhaled slowly, her mind already racing with thoughts of where to begin her search. As she turned her attention back to the room, her gaze fell on the closed curtains and then met the maids who had closed the curtains. She noticed their odd, sly smiles and a flicker of suspicion crossed her face.

“Who ordered you to close the curtains?” Varanda demanded, her voice sharp. The maids paused, exchanging amused glances before one of them shrugged nonchalantly.

“We did,” the maid on the right replied with a smirk.

Varanda’s eyes widened in shock, her suspicion turning to realization. “You dare to defy your queen?” she snapped, her voice rising with anger. “Do you want to be thrown out of this palace?”

The three maids burst into laughter, their chuckles echoing ominously in the enclosed space. “Oh, we’re shaking in our boots, Your Majesty,” the maid in the center mocked, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

Before Varanda could react, the maid on the left raised her hand, casting a quick spell that shimmered in the air like a dark, glittering veil. The illusion fell away, revealing the true identities of the three maids—Darcy, Stormy, and Icy.

Varanda recoiled in horror, her eyes narrowing as she recognized the trio. “The Trix!” she shouted, her voice filled with a mix of shock and fury. She clenched her fists, readying herself for a confrontation.

Stormy stepped forward, her lips curling into a sly grin. “That’s right,” she said with a sassy tone, clearly enjoying the queen’s reaction. “It’s always nice to be recognized. Isn't that right, sisters?”

Icy’s icy-blue eyes glinted with malice as she stepped forward, her gaze locked on the queen. “If you truly know who we are, then you should know it’s futile to fight us,” she said, her voice dripping with cold confidence.

Queen Varanda laughed loudly and narrowed her eyes. “I may know who you are, but you underestimate me,” she declared, raising her arms. In an instant, a radiant glow enveloped her, and her Enchantix wings unfurled with a flourish. The queen’s transformation was complete, and she stood tall, her magical aura radiating with power. “You have no chance against my fairy powers,” she said, her voice firm and resolute.

Darcy rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. “You won’t last a minute, your majesty” she sneered, glancing at a clock on the wall. With a flick of her wrist, the space around the queen became pitch black, the walls of the throne room dissolving into darkness. Dozens of clocks appeared in front of Varanda, their ticking growing louder and more menacing with each passing second. The queen’s surroundings shifted, and she found herself in a complete black void with clocks floating past her.

Icy wasted no time, sending a barrage of ice shards hurtling towards the queen. Varanda reacted swiftly, summoning a shimmering shield of water. “Hydro Veil!” she cried, and the water surged around her, absorbing the impact of the ice shards. She smirked at Icy, her confidence growing as she shouted, “Riptide Strike!” A massive wave of water spun towards Icy, crashing into her with force and knocking her to the ground.

Darcy’s magic ensured that the battle remained silent, preventing the guards from hearing the commotion. As Icy struggled to get up, Stormy seized the opportunity, hurling a bolt of lightning at the queen. Varanda responded instantly, murmuring, “Bubble Fortress,” and a protective bubble of water encased her, deflecting the lightning harmlessly.

The queen grinned, her confidence soaring. “You made a mistake coming to a royal palace and attacking a queen,” she taunted, her voice filled with authority.

Icy’s eyes glowed with anger as she regained her footing. “The only mistake here is underestimating us,” she hissed, her voice laced with venom. With a fierce cry, she unleashed a blast of icy magic, pouring all her rage into the attack. Varanda remained within her bubble, confident in her protection, but to her shock, Icy’s magic froze the bubble completely, trapping her inside.

The Trix moved closer together, their laughter echoing ominously in the void. They prepared to celebrate their victory, but suddenly, the frozen bubble shattered, sending shards of ice flying in all directions. The queen emerged from the burst, her expression fierce. “Geyser Surge!” she shouted, and powerful geysers erupted from the floor, aimed directly at the Trix.

Icy, Darcy, and Stormy reacted quickly, dodging the geysers as they froze mid-air. Darcy, growing tired of the game, vanished from sight and reappeared behind Varanda, whispering in her ear, “Optical Darkness.” The queen’s vision went black, leaving her vulnerable. In her disoriented state, Icy launched an ice shard that pierced Varanda’s leg, and she grunted in pain, falling to the ground.

Stormy seized the opportunity, conjuring a powerful gust of wind that sent Varanda crashing against the wall, directly below the real clock in the room. Icy followed up with more ice shards, pinning the queen to the wall. The shards froze around her hands, wings, and body, rendering her unable to use her magic.

The Trix regrouped, standing side by side as they observed their handiwork. Darcy glanced at the clock, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Fifty-eight seconds,” she said with a smug tone. “Less than a minute, royal trash.”

The three witches burst into laughter as Varanda whimpered, the cold seeping into her bones and fear gripping her heart. Icy approached the trapped queen, her hand glowing with icy magic. She touched Varanda’s face, and the queen gasped at the freezing sensation, whispering for Icy to stop.

Icy’s smile turned cruel as she leaned in closer. “I want access to those secret archives you mentioned,” she demanded, her voice as cold as the ice that bound Varanda. “All the witch spells you have hidden there. If you don’t comply, you’ll become a permanent part of the palace decor.”

Varanda’s heart raced as tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded, her voice trembling with fear. “I’ll take you there,” she whispered, almost crying.

The Trix exchanged triumphant glances, their laughter echoing through the room as they released Varanda from the ice, but not from their grasp. The queen knew she had no choice but to comply, her heart heavy with dread as she led them to the secret archives, knowing the cost of defying the Trix would be far greater than she could bear.

Meanwhile, in Alfea. Faragonda looked at the communicator for a few seconds, sighing sadly. Her eyes met the Pixies, who were next to Livy, sneezing with a massive cold and shivering all over.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 16: Return to Alfea

After a long weekend on Earth, the sun was just beginning to rise on a beautiful morning as the Winx Club, the Specialists, and their fairy friends soared towards Alfea. The specialists using their bikes to accompany them. The magical school loomed ahead, bathed in the warm golden hues of the rising sun shining.

Stella flipped her hair with a flourish and let out a contented sigh. "That was amazing! The crowd loved our concert! Earth is going to miss me this week." Her voice was smug, and her grin even more so, clearly still basking in the afterglow of their weekend’s success.

Musa flew alongside her, a more thoughtful look on her face. "Yeah, it was great," she admitted, though her tone was tinged with a hint of hesitation. "But I'm a little worried about next week when I release my new solo song. Now that everyone knows I’m a fairy, it might blow up just because of that. I don’t want my powers to influence the way people see my music."

Flora glanced at her with a gentle smile, tilting her head. "Why would that be a bad thing? It’s a part of who you are, Musa."

Musa frowned and shrugged. "I just don’t want people to like my music more—or less—because of my magic. Earth has so many talented musicians, and I want to stand out for my talent, not for being a fairy. I’ve worked hard to be seen for who I am, without the fairy stuff."

The specialists, flying close by on their hover bikes, nodded in agreement. Helia chimed in, his voice thoughtful. "You’re incredibly talented, Musa. Your voice is a natural talent that some Earth people also possess and anyone who doesn’t see that on its own is missing the point."

Riven simply smirked, saying nothing but sending Musa a supportive nod.

As they neared Alfea, Alice, Clarice, Mirta, and Roxy, flying just behind the group, shared excited glances. "It’s good to be back," Roxy said, her voice filled with anticipation. "But I have to admit, I already miss Earth a little. We need to go back next weekened as well."

Mirta grinned, her red hair shining in the last rays of the sun. "For sure. There’s something about Earth... I can’t wait to return eventually."

Alice chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling. "Yeah, the planet is definitely special."

Stella swooped in, her voice dripping with mock seriousness. "Oh, I’m sure it’s the planet you all want to go back to," she teased, raising an eyebrow. "Not a certain boy band you’re all swooning over, right?" Her words were followed by a sly wink.

Alice and Mirta shared a laugh, but Clarice, arms crossed, shook her head firmly. "No," she replied with a resolute tone, her voice leaving no room for argument.

Stella laughed, clearly enjoying herself.

As they landed gracefully in front of Alfea’s grand entrance, the Specialists dismounted their bikes. They exchanged quick goodbyes with the Winx, ready to return to Red Fountain. Stella started waving dramatically. "Bye, Brandon! I’ll miss you! Go back safely, my sweet Brandon!" she called out, her voice echoing through the courtyard as the Specialists revved up their bikes and sped off into the distance. She sent a few more kisses as they disappeared in the distance.

Before the fairies could do anything else, a familiar set of voices squealed in delight, their Pixies appeared out of thin air. "Hi girls!" Lockette cheered, fluttering around Blooms’s head, while Piff zoomed straight into Aisha’s arms, hugging her head tightly.

"Piff!" Aisha exclaimed, laughing as she hugged the tiny Pixie close. "You’ve learned so many new words, haven’t you?"

Piff nodded excitedly, her tiny voice calling out, "Aisha! Aisha!" Aisha was amazed at how much Piff had progressed, and her heart swelled with pride.

"Amore! I love your new outfit!" Stella spinned her Pixie by gently grabbing her hand. "You looks fabulous, oh my!"

Tecna smiled warmly at her own Pixie, Digit, who hovered in front of her with an exasperated expression. "I’m so sorry for not replying to your latest email, Digit. Earth’s internet and Magix’s network just don’t work well together," she apologized sincerely.

Digit, looking slightly miffed but understanding, simply shrugged. "Well, at least now we can catch up!"

Musa, spotting Tune flying towards her, gave an exaggerated and playful bow. Tune smiled, clearly pleased with Musa’s well-mannered jest. "It’s nice to know you haven’t forgotten your manners, Musa."

Meanwhile, Jolly, the Pixie of Fortune-Telling, appeared suddenly in a burst of confetti, her mischievous laugh filling the air as the confetti exploded right in the Winx’s faces. "Surprise!" she yelled gleefully.

The Winx, startled at first, soon burst into laughter. Even Clarice, standing off to the side, found herself smiling. Jolly’s eyes locked with Clarice’s, and something unspoken passed between them—a connection, a bond forming. Clarice grinned. "That was actually kind of fun," she admitted.

Jolly blushed, growing shy. "Thanks," she mumbled softly.

Roxy, standing nearby, noticed the glow in Clarice’s eyes as she interacted with Jolly. "What’s happening to her?" she whispered curiously to Musa.

"I think... they’re bonding," Musa whispered back with a smile.

Just then, footsteps are heard approaching the entrance and Faragonda appeared, her expression warm but serious. In her arms, she held a small, shivering Pixie—Livy, who was clearly ill, sneezing and coughing. Faragonda stroked the Pixie’s back gently, her eyes filled with concern.

"Welcome back," Faragonda greeted them, her voice kind but firm. "I trust you all had a pleasant weekend?"

Before anyone could respond, Stella piped up. "Pleasant? Oh, Miss Faragonda, you don't know half of it. You should ask that question to the Trix. They decided to play catch up with us back on Earth, you see?"

Faragonda’s expression shifted, her brows knitting together in concern. She glanced at the Winx and then at Alice, Clarice, and Mirta, understanding immediately that a confrontation had taken place. "I see you're already aware of their escape," she said softly, nodding. "There’s much we need to discuss. All of you, come to my office immediately."

As they entered her office, the room filled with an air of anticipation. The Headmistress took a deep breath, turning to face the fairies who were already asking her questions.

"But how is that even possible?" Stella continued. "Only a handful of enemies have ever been strong enough to suppress their inhibitors!"

Faragonda nodded, understanding their disbelief. "The Trix, even in a place designed to suppress their powers, were able to fully tap into their energy, channeling enough strength to equal the power of the ancestral witches. They are relentless and bolder than ever. I fear they have reached a level of magic we’ve never seen before coming from them."

The Winx exchanged worried glances. Tecna's brow furrowed as she crossed her arms. "If they’ve grown that powerful... they may be a bigger threat than they were before."

Faragonda continued, her expression growing even graver. "I spoke with Queen Varanda from the planet Callisto regarding this and also because I wanted to ask her about Zyron."

At the mention of Callisto, Stella nudged Bloom with a playful smirk. Bloom rolled her eyes, suppressing a smile as memories of her first day at Alfea crept into her mind. She quickly refocused on the matter at hand.

"Zyron?" Mirta interrupted, her face reflecting shock and recognition. "Wait... the evil wizard who almost assassinated one of Callisto’s queens? I didn’t realize he was the same Zyron we've been facing until now! That was ages ago!"

Faragonda nodded. "It’s him. I talked to Queen Varanda, unaware that shortly after our conversation, she was attacked by the Trix. They stole all the hidden witch spells and ancient books from Callisto’s secret archives. They’re likely planning on using that knowledge to grow even stronger."

Anger flickered across the Winx’s faces. Musa clenched her fists. "How could they do that to her?"

Flora shook her head. "They don’t care who they hurt. They’ll do anything to cause destruction and pain."

Faragonda’s expression softened slightly as she added, "They also attacked Livy." She gestured to the small pixie, who was curled up on Faragonda’s desk, sneezing and shivering, her once tan skin now pale.

Chatta, who wasn't with the other Pixies at the entrance, came forward, leaving Livy's side. "I stayed behind to take care of her here. You know, if it weren’t for the fairy animals spotting her and warning the Nymphs, who then told me which in turn I told Faragonda, Livy could’ve... she could’ve died!" Chatta’s voice quivered, her words pouring out in a rapid, emotional stream.

Roxy’s eyes widened in horror. She quickly knelt by Livy’s side, gently brushing her small cheek with her finger. "Oh, the poor thing…" she whispered, watching as the tiny pixie let out another weak sneeze.

Bloom stepped forward, her face resolute. A soft blue glow enveloped her, and she raised her hand over Livy. "Strength of Life," Bloom whispered, her magic flowing gently into the pixie. A warm light enveloped Livy, and slowly, the color returned to her skin. Her eyes fluttered open, her strength returning as the Winx watched in relief.

Livy’s eyes fluttered open. She blinked up at Bloom with a small, grateful smile. "Thank you," she whispered softly.

The Winx erupted into cheers, and the Pixies rushed forward, enveloping Livy in a big, joyful group hug. They laughed and cried in relief, overjoyed to see their friend safe and sound.

Roxy, who had stayed quietly by Livy's side, watched the scene unfold. After the initial excitement, Livy turned her gaze toward Roxy, her small eyes filled with curiosity. "Who are you?" she asked, her voice still weak but full of wonder.

Roxy smiled warmly and knelt down to be at eye level with the pixie. "I'm Roxy," she said gently, "I'm the Fairy of Animals."

Bloom stepped forward, her voice calm yet filled with respect. "Roxy was the last fairy on Earth," she added, glancing at Livy with a soft smile

Livy looked back at Roxy, her eyes shining with admiration. "The last Earth fairy? That's the fairy you were looking for! That’s amazing..." she whispered, her tiny voice full of awe. Then, hesitantly, she asked, "Were you scared... of those wizards?"

Roxy nodded, her expression sincere. "Yes, I was," she admitted. "But they’re gone now."

Livy’s small hand reached out, and Roxy gently took it. They looked at each other with a deep sense of understanding, as if something unspoken passed between them. A bond had formed—one built on shared strength and mutual respect.

The others stood by, watching the exchange with soft smiles. They could see the lifelong connection that had just been created between the two. Faragonda glanced at the rest of the Winx who all nod positively. She quickly turns to Roxy. "I heard someone here has also earned her Charmix this weekend."

"Sorry, I had to tell her!" Stella chimed in, her voice filled with excitement. "And just so you know Miss Faragonda, it was epic!"

Faragonda beamed with pride. "You’re progressing faster than I could’ve imagined, Roxy. Well done."

The room was now filled with happy smiles and the serious conversations were finally past them. Faragonda quickly brought everyone’s focus back to tak about the upcoming event. "Now, I want to remind all of you that Alfea's Annual Gala will take place at the end of this week in honor of our new students."

Mirta’s eyes lit up with a smile. "Now that the Cloud Tower is also part of the party, I’m sure Lucy will be there! She’s been working as a teacher’s assistant, helping Miss Griffin."

Faragonda nodded. "Yes, and it will be good for all of us to come together."

As the Winx nod positively, knowing that as teachers and guardian fairies, they're presence will be more important than ever, Faragonda takes a step forward in Mirta's direction. "I need to ask for your help."

The room quieted as everyone’s attention turned to Mirta. However, Faragonda gestured toward the door, signaling for the others to leave. "I’ll need to speak with Mirta privately for a moment."

The Winx and the others exchanged curious glances but obeyed, filing out of the room one by one. As the door clicked shut, Mirta turned to Faragonda, her heart pounding slightly in her chest. Faragonda’s serious expression had returned, and the weight of what was coming next filled the room.

"Mirta," Faragonda began, her voice calm but firm. "I need your help with something very important."

Mirta swallowed, feeling the gravity of the moment. She nodded slowly, waiting for Faragonda to reveal the task that lay ahead.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 17: Glooming Presence

The sun was high in the sky as the Specialists at Red Fountain prepared for one of the most challenging tests of the year. In the expansive training grounds, students moved with precision, their expressions focused, sweat dripping from their brows. At the center of the arena, Professor Codatorta stood tall, his sharp eyes watching their every move. Beside him was a gleaming display case, housing the newest weapon Red Fountain had developed—a sophisticated ring that could transform into a shield.

Codatorta’s voice boomed through the training grounds. "This ring is the finest of our technology and it can be yours forever. It’s not just a weapon—it’s a defense, a tool that could save your life. But it’s not given to just anyone. Only those who can pass the Dragon Test and the flying challenge will earn the right to wield this and own it after you complete your studies."

The students exchanged determined glances. The Dragon Test was legendary, a trial that demanded both physical strength and mental resilience. Failure was not uncommon, but the rewards were worth the risk.

Sky, Brandon, Helia, Riven, Timmy and the rest of the senior Specialists lined up, ready to prove themselves once again. The tension was palpable as they prepared for the upcoming trials. Behind them, younger students from first and second year watched in awe, hoping one day to be in their position.

"Are you ready?" Codatorta’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

Sky stepped forward, his usual confidence shining in his eyes. "We were born ready, Professor."

Codatorta nodded, a smirk forming at the corner of his mouth. "Then let’s begin."

He pressed a button on his wrist, and the ground beneath them rumbled. Suddenly, the training arena transformed. Massive stone dragons emerged from hidden compartments, their eyes glowing with magical energy. They moved with terrifying speed, their wings beating as they took to the sky, circling above the students.

"Your task," Codatorta explained, "is to defeat the dragons and retrieve the golden orbs from their necks. Only then will you pass the Dragon Test."

Without hesitation, the Specialists sprang into action, leaping onto their hover bikes and racing towards the sky. The dragons roared, their fiery breath lighting up the horizon as the students weaved in and out, dodging attacks and striking back with precision.

Meanwhile, in the shadows, a lone figure moved unnoticed. Zyron, his hair loose and flowing, his wizard tattoos hidden beneath the blue Specialist uniform, walked casually through the corridors of Red Fountain. His eyes gleamed with dark purpose as he observed the students training.

No one paid him any attention, mistaking him for one of their own. His stealth was impeccable. He studied the school’s layout, the security measures, and more importantly, the key figures in charge in today's world. Today, he wasn’t here to strike—he was here to learn and to plan.

As he walked along the edge of the training grounds, his gaze landed on Headmaster Saladin, who sat across the benches, reading an ancient spellbook. Zyron smirked, his eyes narrowing as he watched Saladin casually glance over the students. He had Callisto's cane next to him, passed only to the strongest wizard of the planet generation after generation after the previous one is defeated. He almost had that cane before... what are the chances of finding it again and so easily?

Suddenly, Saladin froze. His senses kicked in, detecting a strange presence. His eyes snapped up, locking directly onto Zyron’s. For a moment, the world around them seemed to slow down, the air thick with tension.

Saladin’s expression darkened as he recognized the dark energy emanating from Zyron. Without hesitation, he rose from his seat, shouting, "Fulgur Mortiferum!"

A blinding bolt of lightning shot from Saladin’s hand, crackling with deadly energy as it raced across the school grounds towards Zyron. The students gasped, diving out of the way as the bolt tore through the air. But Zyron simply took a step to the side, his movements calm and measured. The lightning missed him by inches, striking a wall behind him with a deafening explosion. The wall crumbled, leaving a smoldering hole in its wake.

Saladin's voice rang out, his tone filled with authority. "Defense positions! We have an intruder!"

Chaos erupted as students scrambled into formation, confusion and fear in their eyes. They scanned the area, searching for the source of the disturbance, but Zyron was already one step ahead. He cast an invisibility spell, cloaking himself from sight before they could pinpoint his location.

The younger Specialists rushed to the walls, grabbing weapons from the armories strategically placed around the school. They aimed at the sky, preparing to defend their school from the unseen threat.

Saladin, his heart racing, joined the students on the field. His eyes swept the sky, searching for any sign of Zyron. The fact that the wizard had dared to show himself so openly—and in the heart of Red Fountain, no less—was a bold move, one that filled Saladin with both anger and unease.

Zyron hovered above them, invisible to the na*** eye, a smirk playing on his lips. He watched the commotion below with amusement. The students’ efforts were admirable, but futile. With a final glance at Saladin, Zyron flew off.

As he flew away, he noticed from the corner of his eye a shadow closing in—a massive shape, nearly brushing his form. One of the stone dragons from the Dragon Test swooped by, its glowing eyes faintly registering his presence, its enchanted senses almost detecting the dark magic cloaking him.

Below, Sky’s head snapped up, his sharp instincts sensing something was off. "Did you see that?" he asked, his voice barely audible over the wind. "One of the dragons just veered off course."

Brandon squinted at the sky, trying to follow the dragon’s path. "Yeah... and I can barely hear Codatorta yelling something," he muttered. Faintly, in the distance, the unmistakable voice of their professor boomed, “Search! (...) Guard the doors!”

Before Sky could respond, a second-year Specialist sped up beside them on his hover bike. It was Manuel, a fair-skinned young man with olive green eyes and short strawberry-blond hair. Despite his youth, his posture was tense, as though he was ready to battle.

“There was an intruder! We need you to come back.” Manuel shouted breathlessly, glancing around. His face was pale, and his hands trembled slightly, a clear sign of the adrenaline coursing through him.

The senior Specialists exchanged glances and Sky, Helia, and Riven leaned in, listening intently as Manuel tried to explain further. But before he could say more, his body tensed. His eyes widened in shock, his magic flaring up instinctively.

“Something’s not right,” Manuel muttered, his voice shaky. His gaze fixed on the air in front of him, as though he were seeing something no one else could. The air around him shimmered, distorted, as though reality itself was warping. Without thinking, Manuel raised his hand and shouted, "Revela quod in aperto latet!" A pulse of magic surged from him, spreading out in all directions like a ripple in a pond.

Codatorta, Saladin, and all the students froze, their eyes following the magical wave as it traveled through the sky. The senior Specialists looked around in confusion, some even thinking Manuel was attacking them out of nowhere.

But then, Zyron’s form flickered into view. The distortion in the air snapped, and his invisibility spell shattered. The dark wizard grunted, visibly irritated. His eyes burned with fury as he realized his cover had been blown.

Zyron’s gaze locked onto Manuel, his anger focusing into something far more dangerous. He fed off Manuel’s life force with a single, piercing look. Manuel gasped, his body wracked with pain. A guttural moan escaped his lips as his strength drained from him. His grip on the bike slipped, and he nearly tumbled, but a senior Specialist grabbed him just in time.

Helia didn’t hesitate. In one swift motion, he threw out his cords, wrapping them around Zyron’s body with expert precision. “Got him!” Helia shouted, pulling tight, immobilizing the dark wizard before he could cast another spell.

The other Specialists swarmed around Zyron, forming a tight circle, their weapons drawn, ready to strike. Zyron grunted, his expression growing more savage as he was pinned down. But instead of fear, his lips curled into a menacing smile.

With a sudden, ear-splitting shout, Zyron raised his head to the sky and shouted angrily. "Metamorphosis!" His body convulsed, shifting unnaturally as he transformed into a massive, sinuous black snake. In an instant, the cords around him fell slack as he slipped free, plummeting toward the ground at incredible speed.

The Specialists could only watch in shock and anger as Zyron disappeared from sight right away mid-fall, vanishing before they could make a move to stop him. The frustration was palpable.

Sky’s fists clenched at his sides. "He got away," he muttered under his breath, his voice thick with frustration.

Helia wiped the sweat from his brow, still catching his breath. "That was the same wizard from the Frutti Music Bar," he said quietly, the realization dawning on him.

Riven's eyes narrowed, his face darkening with recognition. "It’s Zyron," he spat, his tone filled with disdain. Then, the Specialists' eyes slowly turned toward Manuel. The realization hit them like a wave—he had just used magic.

Helia’s sharp eyes locked on Manuel, his mind racing. Only equipment and strength were allowed in Red Fountain for combat. His gaze darted over to his grandfather, Saladin, who stood in the grounds of the school watching them, his expression unreadable but clearly processing the same thought.

Timmy turned to Riven, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Did we ever see Manuel use magic before? I don’t remember him having any affinity for it.”

Riven shook his head, his eyes still on Manuel as Helia helped him. "No, it’s not in his file. Manuel wasn’t listed as having any magical abilities. He’s always been like the rest of us—just equipment and strength." He paused, frowning in thought.

Sky and Brandon look at Helia, knowing that sentence wasn't exactly true to him, he was naturally born with magic as well and can wield it, but he chooses not to learn it.

"He’s probably learning it on his own." Brandon adds.

Timmy’s eyes widened slightly at that realization. "He will get expelled for this just like the others for sure..."

Brandon’s gaze darkened, thinking about what they had just witnessed. "Yeah, but the way he reacted… I don't think it was reckless. He knew what he was doing. That spell may very well have saved us from being drained or our school attacked."

There was a heavy silence, broken only by Manuel’s labored breathing as he struggled to stay upright on his bike. Helia quickly moved toward him, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.

“You’re weak. Come on, I’ll give you a ride,” Helia said softly, leading Manuel over to his bike. As he helped Manuel climb on, he leaned in closer and whispered, "You did the right thing. I’ll talk to my grandfather."

Manuel, still dazed from the magic he had cast and the life force Zyron had stolen from him, nodded weakly. His body was trembling, but his mind was racing with the implications of what had just happened. Helia began to guide the bike back toward the school

As the senior Specialists continued to process what had just happened, Saladin started looking down now to the floor, deep in thought.

The warm afternoon sun bathed the courtyard of Alfea as Roxy sat with the Pixies in her dorm, listening to Livy tell a captivating story. In front of her, Livy used tiny papercut silhouettes shaped like the Winx in their Enchantix forms, each one brought to life by her delicate magic. The other Pixies gathered around, eyes wide with fascination as Livy’s voice rose and fell with the story. Roxy looked enchanted at her bonded pixie.

“And then,” Livy said dramatically, “the Winx faced off against the ancestral witches, their powers blazing like the stars themselves! Stella, with her radiant light, blinded the witches, while Musa’s music overwhelmed them with harmony.”

Stella sat a little straighter, flipping her hair back with a self-satisfied grin. "I mean, what can I say? I was amazing," she said, clearly relishing in the praise.

Aisha, sitting next to her, rolled her eyes playfully. "We all passed out, Stella. Bloom did most of the heavy lifting."

Stella, in the middle of biting into a piece of chocolate, cut her off with a smirk. "Oh please, Aisha. Let’s not fix what isn’t broken. Misinformation is the source of all the best legends!" She waggled her chocolate-covered fingers in the air, earning giggles from the group.

Alice, sitting quietly on the edge, couldn’t contain her excitement. "You know," she said, her voice filled with admiration, "your name is starting to echo throughout the entire magical dimension. Everyone knows the Winx Club, and your popularity just keeps growing after everything you’ve done. So many worlds and people you saved in so little time... your name will never be forgotten."

Roxy nodded in agreement, her eyes bright with admiration. "Yeah, you’ve saved so many people, including me. If anyone can defeat Zyron, it’s you."

The compliment hung in the air, and the Winx smiled, appreciating the warmth and encouragement. But before the moment could stretch on, Clarice’s phone buzzed. Her face went pale as she glanced at the screen. "It’s my parents," she muttered nervously with a fake smile, standing up abruptly. Without waiting for a response, she hurried off to take the call. Jolly tried to follow her quietly, but Clarice closed the door before her pixie could reach her.

Alice’s smile faltered as she watched Clarice leave. Roxy noticed the change in her expression but chose to remain silent.

Meanwhile, Flora had begun pouring tea for everyone, the delicate scent of herbs filling the air. As she set down the teapot, Kiko hopped onto the table, a straw in his paws. He eagerly dipped it into Bloom’s cup, slurping up the tea.

Tune gasped and popped open her tiny umbrella. With a huff, she tapped Kiko lightly on the head. "You’re such a neanderthal! Don't you have manners?!"

The room erupted into laughter. Kiko dramatically fell over, clutching his head as though Tune’s light tap had caused him grave injury. He flopped onto his back, rolling around, pretending to be mortally wounded. Bloom pat his head, rolling her eyes while giggling.

"Stella has competition in the drama-queen department." Musa teased and Stella sent an ugly face in Musa's direction.

As everyone laughed and relaxed, Mirta appeared in the doorway with a serious expression. She stood silently for a moment, glancing at the group before giving them a soft, almost tired smile. Without a word, she walked over to her bed and lay down, turning her back to the room.

The Winx minus Stella exchanged concerned looks. Something was clearly bothering Mirta, and it's clear she needed space, Tecna fakely glanced at the wrist, even though she had no watch. She quickly gave a fake smile and pretended. "Well, it’s been fun, but we’re late to teach our next class."

"Yeah, that's right..." Bloom says in a high-pitched voice, getting up with Tecna and Flora and walking towards the door, all the Pixies but Livy and Jolly following.

Stella popped another piece of chocolate into her mouth with a confused expression. "What? Our next class doesn’t start for another three hours.—"

Before she could finish, Musa and Aisha grabbed her by the arms, lifting her to her feet. "Come on!" Musa said, dragging her towards the door.

"Hey! What are you doing? Let go!" Stella protested, flailing her arms, but the two friends hauled her out of the room, laughing as they went.

The door swung shut behind them, and the room quieted.

Roxy and Alice stayed, watching as Mirta lay still on her bed. Slowly, they approached her, concern in their eyes.

"Are you okay?" Roxy asked softly, her voice gentle.

Mirta turned to face them, her eyes tired and filled with something unspoken. She hesitated for a moment, then shook her head. "No," she whispered.

Alice and Roxy exchanged a glance, both sensing that something important was about to be revealed.

Not very far away, Zyron groaned as he pulled himself up from the dirt, the protective glow of his shield bubble flickering briefly before dissipating. The area where he had landed was scorched and cracked, the impact evident on the ground. With a swift motion, he brushed the dust off his shoulders and, with a single gesture, replaced his Red Fountain Specialist uniform with his usual dark, towering black leather jacket.

As Zyron began to walk away, a voice called him from the shadows of the trees.

"Stop right there, dude."

His steps halted, and he turned slowly to face the source of the voice. Emerging from the dense foliage were the witches he fought against and with before back on Earth. Each with a wicked grin plastered across their faces. They strode toward him with an air of malicious confidence.

"What are you doing in these parts?" Icy asked, her voice laced with suspicion and intrigue.

Zyron smirked, crossing his arms over his chest as he met their gaze. "Studying the schools, learning about who's in charge nowadays," he replied coolly. "Planning on conquering them, maybe." His eyes gleamed with dark intent as he spoke, the very thought of his plan igniting a fire within him.

Darcy’s grin widened, her eyes narrowing as she stepped closer. "Conquering the schools, huh? The usual plan for every beginner." She glanced at her sisters, exchanging a knowing look.

He grunted, preparing to fight them by calling him that. Darcy quickly put her hands up. "Hey, I didn't say it was a bad plan, just that it's what every villian attempts once they're free and powerful!"

Stormy’s lips twisted into a cruel smirk. "If you really want to do it right, though," she said, her tone mocking, "you should start with Alfea on Friday."

Zyron’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Why Friday?" he asked, his voice cautious yet curious.

The Trix chuckled in unison, their laughter echoing ominously through the trees. Icy stepped forward, her eyes gleaming with malice. "You'll see," she whispered, her grin turning wicked. "Let’s just say... the stars will be in perfect alignment for chaos."

Zyron joins the Trix, grinning with them.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 18: Decisions

In Saladin's office, the atmosphere was thick with tension. The room was dimly lit, save for the sunlight streaming through the window that overlooked the training grounds. Saladin stood by the window, arms crossed behind his back, staring out.

Behind him, Helia stood next to Manuel, who was seated, his posture stiff with nerves. Manuel's face was pale, still recovering from the drain he suffered in the sky, but he sat up as straight as he could, waiting for the inevitable conversation to unfold.

Without turning, Saladin's voice cut through the silence. "Manuel," he began, his tone sharp yet controlled, "when did you begin studying magic?"

Manuel swallowed hard before replying, his voice quiet but steady. "A few months ago, sir. I… I went on a trip to Andros. They teach magic openly there as you know, and I got curious. I bought a few books, started studying on my own."

Saladin finally turned to face the two of them, his eyes narrowing slightly. "And you never thought to inform anyone of this? Not your professors, not your fellow Specialists?"

Manuel shook his head. "No, sir. I only ever told my best friend, Rory. He's my roommate. He's in 3rd year, sir."

Saladin's gaze hardened as he stepped closer to Manuel. "Do you understand the rules of this institution? Red Fountain does not allow magic from self-taught students. Only those from bloodlines of wizards and paladins are recognized to study magic, and only after their Specialist training is complete." His voice grew harsher. "You should be expelled."

Helia immediately interjected. "Grandather, please," he said, his voice firm.

"In this office, you call me Headmaster." Saladin cuts him before he can continue. Helia nodded and continued.

"Manuel did something good out there. He used magic to reveal Zyron when none of us could. Without his intervention, things could have gone much worse. I, for one, would never be able to do what he did!"

Saladin's eyes flickered with frustration as he turned to Helia. "Exactly my point, Helia. You come from a bloodline of wizards. You have the right to learn magic, but you’ve chosen not to. That is your choice." His voice rose. "Manuel does not have that right. Rules exist for a reason!"

Helia’s jaw tightened. "I choose not to learn, headmaster Saladin, and my point remains. I could never have done what Manuel did. He acted quickly, and it probably saved us."

Saladin's patience snapped, his voice booming. "Saved us? The wizard escaped!"

Manuel was still, his hands joined together and trembling as he listened in silence. Saladin continued. "Perhaps you should reconsider your choice then, Helia! It is your rightful duty to learn magic, to prepare to replace me when the time comes. You should be using your powers, not ignoring them!"

Helia glared back at his grandfather, his voice rising to meet his tone. "I never wanted that! You know that!" He gestured to Manuel. "But he clearly gave it a try! What he did was good, and it helped us take control of the situation. You can't deny that. Zyron ran away the moment he was visible, he could easily attack us if he was invisible!"

Saladin shook his head, his expression fierce. "And if I start making exceptions now, what then? If one student can study magic and use it, what stops the others? This is why we don't allow it. Your friend Nabu was not allowed to become a Specialist because he relied on his powers and didn't come from a bloodline of wizards!" His eyes locked onto Manuel. "If you want to pursue magic, then go to Andros, where they welcome it. But not here."

The room fell into a tense silence. Helia’s fists clenched at his sides. "Maybe Andros is more advanced than most planets," he muttered, a sharp edge to his words.

The tension was palpable, thick in the air between the two. Manuel, feeling the weight of their argument pressing down on him, gathered every bit of strength he had to speak out of turn. "Please… don't fight because of me," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "I understand the rules. This is my fault."

Saladin turned back to him, his expression softening ever so slightly. He took a deep breath and looked at his grandson, knowing this was important to him. "Does your family have any history of magic? Anyone at all?"

Manuel hesitated, then nodded slowly. "My uncle... Taboc. He was born and raised with magic in Callisto. He finished his studies in Andros, and the Wizardry School of Callisto recognizes him as a natural-born wizard."

Saladin regarded Manuel carefully for a long moment, then sighed, walking over to his desk and shuffling through some papers. "Very well," he said slowly. "I will use this information to find a way to let you stay, but only under one condition. If anyone asks, you have a bloodline of magic. Your uncle's connection will be enough for now. But if you use magic again, and I mean ever, I will have no choice but to expel you."

Manuel nodded quickly, relief flooding his features. "Thank you, Headmaster. I understand."

Saladin’s eyes met Helia's, the tension still crackling between them. "This is not about bending the rules, Helia. This is about ensuring that what happened today doesn’t happen again. The wizard you just faced is exactly why these rules exist."

Helia said nothing, his eyes narrowing, but he gave a small nod in acknowledgement.

Manuel, still shaking slightly from the ordeal, stood up, his legs unsteady. "Thank you again," he said softly, bowing his head in gratitude.

As he left the room, Helia followed, but not before exchanging a final glance with his grandfather. The tension between them lingered, unspoken but heavy. Helia then turned to Manuel with a small smile, clapping him on the shoulder. "You did good today. Don’t forget that."

Manuel smiled weakly and nodded negatively, the words of his grandfather clearly scarying him enough.

The dorm room was quiet. Riven leaned back against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, an all-too-familiar smirk playing on his lips. Timmy sat at the desk, absently adjusting his glasses, while Sky and Brandon lounged on their beds, their postures relaxed but their minds clearly elsewhere.

"Every year, someone like that appears," Riven said, breaking the silence with a shrug. His tone was casual, almost indifferent. "He’ll be gone for sure. It always ends the same way."

Timmy frowned, spinning slightly in his chair to face the others. "It’s unfair that it happens, though," he said, his voice thoughtful. "I mean, if I learned magic, I bet I’d be stronger too."

Riven’s smirk widened. "You? Stronger? Come on, Timmy." His tone was teasing but carried an edge. "Nothing could make you strong."

Brandon immediately straightened up, shooting Riven a warning look. "Shut up, Riven," he said, his voice firm.

Riven chuckled, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I was just joking, relax."

Sky, who had been quiet until now, sighed heavily. "It’s true, though. Magic from wizards without any family history is always feared. But if someone comes from a well-known wizard family and uses magic for good, they’re praised like heroes." His voice carried a note of frustration. "I never got that. My parents always told me that all I need to do is be a strong king. Magic would make me better if I truly attempted to learn a few spells, but they say that no one in my family has it so I can't. And I think it's st**id."

Brandon nodded in agreement. "History books aren't exactly clear why this rule exists, but I have to admit, it is outdated."

Before anyone could respond, the door swung open, and Helia stepped inside, looking drained. The others immediately perked up, all eyes turning to him.

"How’d it go?" Sky asked, the question hanging in the air as the tension in the room grew.

The rest of the Specialists practically jumped on him, each one bombarding him with questions.

"Is Manuel staying?" Brandon asked.

"What did Saladin say?" Timmy added, his voice filled with curiosity.

Riven, though leaning back casually, raised an eyebrow, clearly interested despite his earlier comments.

Helia ran a hand through his hair, his expression hard to read. "Manuel’s staying," he said flatly. "But I don’t want to talk about it."

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed a towel from his bed and headed straight for the bathroom. "I’m going to take a shower," he said over his shoulder, his tone making it clear the conversation was over. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving the room in an awkward silence.

Riven let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "That bad, huh?"

Sky exchanged a glance with Brandon, who shrugged. "Guess we’ll find out later," Brandon said quietly.

Timmy sighed, spinning his chair back around. "Well, at least Manuel’s staying. It could’ve been worse."

Riven just smirked again, leaning back further. "Could still be worse. Give it time."

Brandon grabbed his pillow and threw it at the red-haired specialist. "Bro, shut up!"

In Roxy's dorm back at Alfea, the room was quiet. Mirta sat on her bed, her knees pulled up to her chest, lost in thought. Across the room, Clarice had just gotten off the phone, her face serious and tense. Jolly fluttered up to her, concern in her eyes. "Are you alright?" Jolly asked softly.

Clarice let out a tired sigh. "I'm fine, Jolly. Just... tired. I don’t want to talk about it." She walked over to her bed, her steps heavy with the weight of whatever had been said during the call. As she approached, she noticed Mirta sitting with Roxy and Alice by her side, all with serious expressions.

Clarice's brows furrowed as she moved closer. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice low, filled with concern. She sat down near Mirta, looking between the others.

Livy, perched on the edge of the bed with her tiny wings fluttering softly, spoke up. "That’s what we’re trying to figure out." She glanced at Mirta, waiting for her to explain.

Mirta looked at her friends. She sighed deeply, then spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. "Miss Faragonda wants me to leave Alfea for a while."

The group gasped, eyes wide with shock. Roxy leaned forward, her voice filled with disbelief. "She's expelling you?!"

Mirta blinked, realizing her mistake. "No, no, it’s not like that," she quickly clarified. "I phrased it wrong." She took a deep breath before continuing. "Zyron is a threat, and Miss Faragonda thinks the Queen of Callisto—or maybe even the wizardry school itself—might be in danger. So she wants me to go to Callisto, to be ready if anything happens." Her voice wavered slightly as she continued. "She thinks it could help me finally earn my Enchantix, too."

The room fell into a stunned silence. The weight of the situation pressed down on all of them, the reality of Mirta leaving for such a dangerous mission sinking in.

Alice looked around at the others, her brow furrowed in concern. "That sounds dangerous, Mirta," she said.

Clarice, still sitting nearby, folded her arms over her chest. "Even with guards, if the Trix managed to attack the Queen, it means those guards aren’t as great as everyone thinks." The others look at her with serious expressions, almost telling her she's not helping. "No offense but it's true, if they couldn't stop the Trix, how can we be sure you're safe there?"

Mirta shook her head, her expression determined. "It's still my responsibility. Callisto is my home. I can't just ignore this."

The group exchanged uneasy glances. Alice sat up straighter. "Sure. Then, I’m going with you."

Mirta’s eyes widened in surprise, shaking her head immediately. "No, Alice. The Headmistress will never allow that. It’s too dangerous."

Clarice stepped forward, "She doesn’t have to know," she said firmly. "If we leave together, she won’t realize we’re gone right away. And by the time she does, it’ll be too late to stop us."

Alice turned to Roxy, a silent question in her eyes. Clarice joined her, both of them waiting for Roxy to speak. Roxy fidgeted, uncertainty clear on her face. "I just got here. I’m not sure…"

Mirta placed a gentle hand on Roxy’s arm. "It’s okay if you want to stay. I’ll understand. It's the right choice after all." Mirta said the last part louder while looking at the other two, trying to give them one last chance to take back what they said.

Livy piped up, her wings twitching nervously. "I don’t think this is a good idea. It could get all of you in trouble."

Jolly waved her tiny hands in dismissal. "The cards show good things ahead of them, so I say a little mischief never hurt anybody!" she chimed in. Clarice smiled at Jolly’s comment, the tension in the room easing ever so slightly.

Roxy let out a deep breath. She glanced at her friends, at Mirta, who was trying so hard to stay strong. After a few moments, she stood up, her resolve clear. "I’m going too," she said firmly. "We’re friends. I can’t just stay back and wonder what might happen to Mirta." A small smile tugged at her lips. "Plus, if we do end up having to fight that guy, I’ve been dying to try out my Charmix."

The others giggled softly at her comment, the tension in the air lightening for just a moment.

Mirta looked around at her friends, her heart swelling with gratitude. She smiled softly, her voice filled with appreciation. "Thank you," she whispered, her eyes shining with warmth. "I don't know what I'd do without you all."

They exchanged smiles, hugging each other.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 19: Family Rift

The morning sun filtered through the windows of Alfea, casting a warm glow across the halls. The students of the second year gathered in the grand library, chatting excitedly as they waited for their lesson to begin. The Winx entered the room, their presence immediately calming the crowd. Bloom stepped forward, her smile lighting up the room.

"Good morning, everyone," she greeted, her voice warm and welcoming. The students quieted down, turning their attention to the group.

Stella waved enthusiastically.

However, as they began to prepare for the lesson, Tecna's sharp eyes scanned the room, realizing some absenses. She frowned slightly and leaned toward Lyna. "Have you seen Clarice, Alice, and Roxy? They’re not here."

Lyna shook her head."No, I haven’t seen them since yesterday."

Tecna’s eyes narrowed, confused. Is she late?

At that very moment, on the planet Callisto, Mirta stood with Roxy, Alice, and Clarice, Livy and Jolly fluttering beside them. The portal that had brought them here shimmered for a moment before vanishing, leaving behind a scroll, sealed with Alfea's logo.

Mirta stepped forward quickly and picked it up, a sense of urgency in her movements. "I’ll open this again to summon the portal back to Alfea when the mission is complete," she explained, tucking the scroll into her bag with care. The others nodded in understanding, their attention soon turning to their surroundings.

Callisto was breathtaking.

They stood on a cliffside overlooking the vast, glittering oceans that stretched endlessly before them. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze carried the scent of salt and fresh blooms. Above them, the twin suns of Solaria shone brightly, casting a radiant golden light across the waters.

Roxy, her eyes wide with wonder, gazed up at the sky. "This is incredible," she whispered, her voice filled with awe. "I've never seen anything like it."

Mirta smiled at her friend’s reaction, her own heart swelling with pride for her home. "Callisto is unique," she began, pointing upward. "The second sun of Solaria—the bigger one we see now—is the sun that all planets in the Magical Dimension orbit around. It’s the primary source of light for all worlds."

Alice looked up in amazement. "Solaria is right next to Callisto, right?"

Mirta nodded, pointing to a bright, shimmering planet in the sky. "That's right. Look over there, we can see the planet with our na*** eyes! That little dot over there? That's Solaria," she explained. "And see that?" She pointed to a second, smaller sun. "That’s the first sun of Solaria. We can see both from Callisto because of the unique position of our planet."

Clarice, who had been quietly observing, finally spoke up. "This place is almost like a paradise. I had no idea Callisto was so... vast and bright."

Mirta chuckled softly. "It is. Callisto is about 80% water, so most of the planet is covered in oceans and beaches. We’re known for our connection to the sea, and our cities are built along the coasts." She gestured to the horizon, where distant islands and cities could be seen dotting the waters.

Roxy's eyes sparkled as she took in the view. "It’s so different from any place I’ve ever been."

Clarice nods. "My planet, Dolona, has a lot of beaches too, but we barely have nature contrary to here and we only have a single continent and ocean, there are no islands. Everything uses water or light to work and we have lots of different variety of species inside and outside our ocean."

Livy, who had been quietly fluttering by Roxy’s side, chimed in. "I can see why people from Solaria come here often. It's like a perfect vacation spot! Nature, beaches, good weather!"

Mirta smiled warmly. "Solaria and Callisto have always had a good relationship. The royal families know each other very well, and before Stella came to Alfea, she used to visit here often to spend time with the Queen."

Jolly, always the optimist, fluttered up excitedly. "Sounds like we’re going to have quite the adventure here!"

As they stood on the cliff, gazing out over the ocean, the warmth of the twin suns overhead, the girls exchanged smiles. Mirta sensed their curiosity about her home planet. "Let’s take a little tour," she suggested, her voice filled with excitement. "Callisto has so much more to offer than just these cliffs."

With a gentle wave of her hand, Mirta summoned a glowing, soft blue bubble that encased the group almost like a carriage. The girls realized everyone was using it in the distance. "The Bubblaine will help us travel quickly," she explained. The bubble lifted them gently into the air, gliding over the sparkling ocean below.

As they floated above the water, Mirta pointed to their left, where a series of vibrant coral reefs could be seen just beneath the surface. "This is the Coral Gardens," she explained. "It's one of the most beautiful attractions Callisto has to offer. People come from various parts of the world just to see it! The colors of the coral change depending on the time of day and the twin suns. It’s like watching a painting come to life." The coral shimmered in a rainbow of colors, casting a mesmerizing glow that danced with the sunlight filtering through the water.

Clarice leaned closer to the bubble’s edge, her eyes wide. "I’ve never seen anything like this!" she marveled. "On Dolona, we have some coral, but nothing this vivid."

Roxy added with a forced smile, almost letting all her friends know she found it weird. "On Earth corals are... just corals."

The bubble sped up slightly, carrying them further along the coastline until they reached a secluded beach. The sand was a soft, pastel pink, and the waters glistened in shades of turquoise. "This is Pearl Cove," Mirta announced. "It’s a favorite spot for those seeking peace and quiet. The pink sand is made from tiny fragments of shells that have washed up over centuries."

Alice knelt down in the bubble, gazing out at the peaceful scene. "It’s beautiful," she whispered, enchanted by the tranquility of the place.

Next, they flew towards a series of towering cliffs that jutted out from the ocean, covered in cascading waterfalls. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks was soothing, and mist rose from the falls, creating rainbows in the air. "This is the Cliffside Falls," Mirta said. "It’s said that the waterfalls have magical properties, and many come here to meditate and reconnect with nature. Personally, the water is always refreshing, no matter the season."

Alice smiled, looking at the falls with admiration. "No wonder Callisto feels like paradise. Everywhere we go is more breathtaking than the last."

They continued their journey, the bubble gliding smoothly through the air. Mirta directed their attention to a distant cluster of islands on the horizon. "Those are the Star Isles," she said. "They’re named after the way they sparkle at night under the twin suns. Each island has a unique landscape and ecosystem, and the wildlife there is incredible."

As they neared the Star Isles, the group saw dolphins leaping playfully through the waves, their silver bodies catching the light as they swam alongside the bubble. "These dolphins are native to Callisto," Mirta explained with a smile. "They’re incredibly intelligent and often guide travelers across the ocean."

Roxy gasped in delight. "They're so cute!"

Their final destination was a towering crystal structure that rose from the ocean’s depths. The Crystal Spire, as Mirta called it, was a natural formation made entirely of gleaming crystals that reflected the light of the twin suns. "This is one of the most magical places on Callisto," she explained. "The crystals are believed to amplify magic, and many witches, wizards and fairies come here to harness their powers."

The girls were silent for a moment, awestruck by the sheer beauty and magic of the place. The sunlight refracted through the crystals, casting rainbows in every direction.

As the bubble began its gentle descent back to the cliffs where they had started, Mirta turned to her friends, her eyes filled with pride. "Mirta's amazing tour has come to an end. We can go to the palace now!"

Livy fluttered closer to Mirta, her wings twitching with curiosity. "What about your parents, Mirta? Shouldn’t they know you're here?" she asked softly, her voice laced with concern.

Mirta’s body tensed at the mention of her parents. She shifted uncomfortably, her gaze falling to the shimmering ocean below. "I... I barely talk to my parents now," she admitted, her voice strained.

The others exchanged puzzled glances. Clarice looked down, feeling some sort of understanding. Roxy, her brow furrowed in concern, was the first to ask. "Why? What happened?"

Mirta hesitated for a moment, the weight of her thoughts clear on her face. Then, as if coming to a sudden decision, she took a deep breath. "Maybe I should try," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "They wouldn’t act the way they usually do with guests. At least, I hope not."

The group nodded in agreement, their support evident. Mirta smiled faintly, grateful for their understanding. "But we’ll have to walk," she continued. "Bubblaines aren’t allowed inside the cities."

They descended onto the outskirts of the city, leaving the comfort of their bubble behind. The path before them was lined with vibrant flowers and strange, glowing plants that seemed to pulse with life. As they walked closer to the heart of the city, they began to see more people—both male and female fairies, as well as regular citizens—going about their day.

Roxy’s sharp eyes quickly caught something strange. "Look at that," she said, pointing to the arrows scattered throughout the streets. Each arrow was carefully crafted and brightly colored, clearly meant to direct tourists. One set pointed to the areas filled with fairy magic, while another set pointed toward sections of the city known for wizardry and witchcraft.

"Why is the city divided? I don't like it," Roxy muttered, her tone uneasy.

Mirta sighed, nodding in agreement. "Neither do I. I was born into a family of witches, so I naturally have an affinity for witch magic. The thing is, even though witch magic comes from painful or angry memories, trauma, or stress, it isn’t bad." She glanced at Roxy, her expression serious. "It actually helps. Witches often feel better after casting spells. Just doing a spell can make you feel like you’ve healed from something heavy. We wash over our fears by feeding it to our magic. Of course, witches are temperamental by nature, but they can still be nice and gentle. Right and wrong is universal, after all."

Clarice, who had been quietly listening, spoke up. "Your planet doesn't seem to think the same way. No offense."

Mirta’s gaze darkened. "It's ok. It depends on where you go, I guess. On Callisto, witches were burned alive centuries ago. They appeared on this planet after fairy magic, and the fairies tried to get rid of them. A huge battle followed, but neither side won. After almost a century of fighting, a witch and a fairy who ruled both sides came together to end the war and create a planet where both could coexist."

Alice looked around, taking in the city’s divided nature. "So, what happened? If they decided to coexist, why is it still like this?"

Mirta’s expression softened, but there was a trace of bitterness in her voice. "Centuries have passed, and while the killing stopped long ago, the division has always sort of remained. Many people on Callisto don’t care anymore, but plenty still don’t like to mix. Witches usually stay on one side, fairies on the other. Wizards and paladins are the only ones who move freely between both."

Roxy frowned. "That’s so... sad." Jolly nodded in agreement.

"It is," Mirta also agreed quietly. "Growing up as a witch was hard. I had trouble making friends with fairies, and it made me hate who I was for a long time. I felt always like the odd one out here and even at Cloud Tower..." She glanced at her friends, her gaze softening. "But now that I’m a fairy, I'll admit... I miss some of the witch magic. It helped me deal with a lot of my frustration and pain. Some spells helped me feel better, like they were healing old wounds or my stress away. That's why I want to be a full, fledged fairy through Enchantix and hopefully learn new ways to mix both witch and fairy magic together to create at least one fairy spell capable of doing the same thing."

Her friends listened quietly, understanding in their eyes. Alice reached out and placed a gentle hand on Mirta’s arm. "We’re here with you and we can't wait to see you accomplish that."

Mirta smiled, the warmth of their support easing some of the tension in her chest. "Thanks, guys. I’m really glad you’re here."

As they continued walking toward the city center, the streets became more crowded, but the divide between the two sides of the city was more and more palpable. The buildings became smaller and older, the streets less crowded. The wind blew gently, carrying the sounds of children’s laughter as young witches ran around, practicing magic in playful ways. One little witch turned her friend’s dress into candy, when moments before an adult voice from inside a house screamed that she was grounded and couldn't have any.

Roxy's sharp eyes caught sight of a small girl crouched down, focusing on something in the street. As Roxy approached, she saw the girl gently enlarging a spider, making it big enough to cross the street safely, ensuring cars would see it.

Alice grimaced, stepping back. "Ugh, a spider? Why would witches want to help that?"

Roxy turned to Alice with a soft smile. "All beings just want to live, Alice. The spider is no different than any other animal. If you look past your fear of it and focus on what the girl’s doing, you’ll see the kindness in her actions."

Alice hesitated, glancing at the spider again. "I guess... when you put it that way." She sighed, rubbing her arm awkwardly. "It’s still gross for me, though."

Mirta chuckled softly.

They continued on, the streets growing quieter as they approached a modest-looking house at the end of the lane. Mirta’s pace slowed as they reached the front door, her usually confident demeanor faltering. She stared at the doorbell for a long moment, her fingers twitching nervously.

"I don’t know if I’m ready," she whispered, stepping back slightly. "Maybe I rushed this… maybe we should go."

The others exchanged glances, unsure how to respond. Jolly tried to lighten the mood by conjuring a ball of confetti, floating it toward Mirta to distract her. But as Jolly fluttered by the door, the ball accidentally brushed against the doorbell, causing it to ring.

Mirta’s eyes went wide in horror. "Jolly, no!" she hissed.

Jolly fluttered back, looking sheepish. "Sorry! So sorry! I know how to fix this! I can read the cards if you want… see if this will go well!"

Before Mirta could answer, the door creaked open. Standing there were her parents. Her mother, dressed in dark, gothic clothes with heavy eyeliner, had long blue hair. Her father, with the same fiery red hair as Mirta, looked surprised, but his expression softened when he saw her.

Her mother’s eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a cold smirk. "Did you invite the betrayer?" she asked her husband, her voice sharp as she glanced toward Mirta's friends, fairies.

Her father, more composed, shook his head. "No… but it's nice to see her, I guess." He stepped forward, gently patting Mirta’s shoulder in an awkward way. "Err... would you all like to come in?"

Mirta nodded, though her face was pale with anxiety.

Before anyone could step inside, her mother, Clara, sneered and waved her hand. In an instant, large, grotesque larvae appeared, slimy and wriggling, sliding toward the group. Before they could react, the larvae slithered underneath them, lifting them up and carrying them inside the house, their disgusting forms forcing Mirta’s friends to sit awkwardly on their squishy bodies and grunting with disgust.

"Clara…" Mirta’s father muttered under his breath, clearly displeased with her antics.

Clara rolled her eyes, dismissing him with a wave of her hand. "What? Our daughter chose to abandon her roots. Doesn't mean we have to. She knows guests are brought inside the house by our pets."

As they were deposited inside the dimly lit living room, Roxy, Alice, and the others tried to mask their discomfort with very painful smiles. Alice using one of her hands to clean her trousers behind non-stop, afraid the slimy monsters left a stain.

Clarice grimaced, wiping her hands on her top. "That was disgusting," she muttered, her tone a mixture of annoyance and disbelief.

Roxy shot her a glance, lowering her voice as she asked, "Let me guess, you don't mean to offend anyone?"

Clarice leaned in slightly, whispering with a rare sharpness in her tone, "This time? I literally don’t care."

Mirta sighed, her face flushed with embarrassment. "I’m really sorry, everyone," she said, her voice soft.

At that moment, Mirta’s father appeared again from a hallway, approaching the group. His steps were cautious, but there was a warmth in his eyes as he glanced toward his daughter. "Your mother’s in the kitchen," he said, attempting a smile.

Mirta nodded, trying to remain composed. "How are you guys doing?" she asked, her voice hesitant.

"We’re fine," he replied gently. "You should call more often. We miss you, you know."

Mirta looked down, avoiding his gaze for a moment. "I just didn’t want to be a burden."

Darko placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "You’re not a burden, Mirta."

Mirta gave a small smile, though her heart still felt heavy. "Thanks, Dad." She turned toward her friends. "Everyone, this is my dad, Darko."

The group nodded politely in greeting, and Darko acknowledged them with a slight nod before turning back to Mirta. "So, why are you here? It’s been a long time since you've been back home."

Mirta took a deep breath. "I was sent by my Headmistress to help protect Queen Varanda after the recent attack."

From the kitchen, her mother’s voice rang out sharply, "Miss Griffin? How’s she doing?"

Mirta rolled her eyes, clearly irritated. She raised her voice just enough to be heard. "It’s Miss Faragonda, as you know."

Darko glanced awkwardly between his wife and daughter before sighing. "We were all shocked when we heard those witches attacked the queen. I never thought something like that could happen here."

Just then, Mirta’s mother emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray. Her expression was indifferent as she set the tray down in front of them. "Those witches might’ve gone a bit extreme, but honestly, this planet could use a change. Should’ve done more than just steal." She spoke harshly, her words clearly intended to provoke.

Mirta’s face flushed with anger as she clenched her fists. "Those witches turned me into a pumpkin for months, and if it wasn’t for the fairies, I’d still be stuck like that!" Her voice trembled with frustration as her friends stared in shock. "How can you support them after what they did to me?"

Clara’s indifferent expression shifted, her eyes narrowing as she straightened her back. "Maybe you should’ve used that experience to become stronger," she shot back coldly. "Instead of relying on the fairies, you could’ve had your revenge and shown them you weren’t someone to mess with. But no, you took the easy way out—let others save you and stay weak."

The room fell silent, tension hanging thick in the air. Mirta glared at her mother, her heart pounding, and for a moment, no one dared move. Her friends exchanged uneasy looks, unsure of whether to step in or stay silent. They exchanged angry glances among each other, feeling for Mirta and the bitterness in Clara’s words. But they could also tell that she didn’t fully believe what she was saying. She was doing it to hurt Mirta.

Clara gestured to the mugs on the tray. "I'm just joking. I'm sorry, please, drink up," she said with a soft grin, her eyes looking warmer now and more inviting. "It’s my special recipe."

The aroma from the mugs was surprisingly pleasant, and Mirta’s friends couldn’t help but smile, reaching for the drinks.

Before they could take a sip, Darko, clearly suspicious, asked in a whisper, "You didn’t do anything, did you?"

Clara merely smirked in response.

Mirta’s eyes widened in alarm. "Wait! Stop!" she exclaimed, standing up abruptly. "I’ll try it first."

Everyone froze as Mirta took one of the mugs, bringing it cautiously to her lips. The moment she took a sip, her face contorted in disgust. She almost spat it out, coughing violently. "What is this?!" she choked.

Clara’s grin widened. "Snail saliva."

The entire group recoiled in horror, jumping to their feet in outrage. Roxy’s eyes blazed with fury. "You were going to let us drink that?!"

Mirta wiped her mouth, standing up with fire in her eyes. "Coming here was a mistake," she declared, her voice trembling with emotion. "It’s been over four years. You need to get over my decision to become a fairy. If you ever want to talk to me again, you know where to find me."

Before anyone could react, Mirta’s body glowed with magical energy. She summoned a fairy spell, making sure the light was as bright as possible and the glitter heavily felt, her gaze fixed directly on her mother. In a flash, the group was teleported just outside the house, leaving Clara and Darko behind.

As they landed softly on the ground, tears threatened to spill from Mirta’s eyes, but she held them back. She turned to her friends, her voice strained. "No comments, please. Let’s go to the palace. We’ve wasted enough time here."

Her friends nodded in silent understanding, following her lead as Mirta started running as fast as she could toward the fairy side of the city.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 20: The Hidden Archives of Callisto

The girls continued their walk toward the palace in silence. No one spoke a word, all too aware that Mirta needed time to process her emotions after the encounter with her parents. They exchanged glances of concern, but none dared break the quiet.

Mirta allowed herself to get lost in the beauty around her. She watched as huge boats approached the nearby port, their sails billowing in the gentle breeze. The sight was calming, slowly bringing her back to a sense of peace. This was her home, after all, and she couldn’t let her mother's bitterness ruin it. Deep down, she knew this behavior from her was exactly what she had expected.

As they approached the main square, the sound of cheering caught their attention. They looked over and saw a public performance in full swing. Wizards lay on a floating carpet, playing cheerful rhythms on small Djembe drums. A girl in her basic transformation danced gracefully in the air, spinning and occasionally flying as the crowd cheered her on. Her movements were elegant, full of joy, and infectious energy filled the atmosphere.

An older paladin, perhaps around thirty, walked by with a warm smile, clearly enjoying the scene. Without hesitation, he conjured a flute and joined the performance, his melody intertwining perfectly with the beats of the drums. The crowd cheered louder as their two Pixies fluttered into the square, joining in the dance. Their tiny bodies moved in sync with the music, adding an extra layer of magic to the performance. The square buzzed with excitement, everyone enchanted by the spectacle.

For the first time since leaving her parents' house, Mirta found comfort in her people. The joy of the performance, the unity between the wizards, fairies, paladins and pixies—it was a reminder of the harmony that still existed here, despite the divides.

When the performance ended, the girl descended from her floating carpet and transformed back into her regular form, waving at the crowd with a big smile. However, when her eyes landed on Mirta, her expression quickly shifted. Her smile faded, replaced by a look of confusion that soon turned into disgust. Realizing who Mirta was, the daughter of Clara and Darko, the girl gasped and walked away without another word to even the people who were creating the music for her to dance to.

Mirta clenched her fists, trying to keep her composure. Clarice, always quick to defend her friends, noticed the scene that had just happened and immediately stormed after the girl. She grabbed her by the arm, pushing her back in Mirta’s direction. "What was that look for?" Clarice demanded, her voice sharp with anger.

The girl looked between Clarice, Roxy, and Alice, her demeanor softening slightly as she realized they weren’t witches. "It's nothing against you," she said defensively, "but you're hanging out with a local witch." Her eyes darted toward Mirta, clearly uncomfortable.

Alice stepped forward, her voice firm. "She's no witch. Mirta is about to finish her fairy studies at Alfea! Plus..." But before Alice could finish, a massive pumpkin appeared out of nowhere, its jagged maw roaring loudly as it swallowed the girl whole. The crowd erupted into panic, people screaming and running in every direction.

"What is this?!" Roxy shouted, scared.

"Come on!" Alice said, and the fairies prepared to transform and rescue the girl.

Before they could react, Mirta held up her hand. "It was me," she said, her voice cold. The illusion vanished, and the massive pumpkin disappeared. She stepped forward, her gaze locking onto the girl’s terrified eyes. "Do you have a problem with me? Do you even know me at all?" Mirta asked, her voice firm yet with a hint of sadness.

The girl, now trembling, shook her head and quickly turned on her heel, running away in near tears. Mirta, seeing her expression, was now sad herself. She tried to call the girl, to apologize, but it was too late and she was too far away.

"Mirta..." Clarice whispered.

"I'm sorry... I don't know what..." Mirta started, but had trouble finishing. "I just... I never meant to scare her, I was angry..."

Suddenly, two royal guards who had been patrolling the area approached the group. "Magic is forbidden on this street due to the high number of vehicles. You'll have to come with us. You’re under arrest."

Roxy and Alice immediately protested, stepping in front of Mirta. "You can't do that!" Roxy exclaimed, her voice filled with urgency. "She wasn’t hurting anyone!"

Clarice’s temper flared. "This is ridiculous!" she shouted at the guards. "Are you dumb by any chance? She casted an illusion, anyone can simply walk through and it will vanish!"

Without hesitation, the guards placed handcuffs on Clarice as well, and one by one, all the girls found themselves under arrest. As they were led away toward the police department, the crowd watched in stunned silence, and the magic of the performance now felt like a distant memory.


Helia walked through the dimly lit halls of Red Fountain, his thoughts heavy after the tense conversation with his grandfather. The weight of the argument still hung over him, leaving him conflicted and tired. As he turned a corner, he heard someone calling his name.

"Helia!" a voice called out.

He looked up, not immediately recognizing the Specialist approaching him. The young man had short, spiky hair and an athletic build, his expression serious as he jogged up to Helia.

"I’m Rory," the Specialist introduced himself. "Manuel’s best friend."

Helia’s mind clicked as he remembered. Manuel had mentioned Rory, the roommate who knew about his magic studies. "Right," Helia said, nodding. "What’s going on?"

Rory glanced around nervously before gesturing for Helia to follow him. "Come with me. I need to talk to you. It’s important."

Curiosity piqued, Helia followed Rory down the hallway and into his dorm room. The room was relatively simple, but there was an unmistakable tension in the air. Rory closed the door behind them, making sure no one else could overhear their conversation.

"Manuel’s outside right now, in class," Rory began, his voice low. "But he told me everything that happened in Saladin’s office. About how you defended him." He paused, searching Helia’s face for any signs of hesitation before continuing. "And I think I owe you the truth."

Helia raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "The truth?"

Rory nodded, his expression serious. "Manuel didn’t go on a trip to Andros and buy books like he said."

Helia felt a chill run down his spine. He had suspected something was off with the story deep down, but he hadn’t pressed the issue with Manuel. Now, it seemed that suspicion was being confirmed.

Rory took a deep breath before confessing, "I’m the one using magic mostly."

Helia’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but he remained silent, letting Rory explain.

"I accidentally learned a spell a while back. It was just a levitation spell at first, but I pushed it further, and eventually, I figured out how to turn it into short bursts of flight." Rory’s voice was steady, though there was a hint of nervousness beneath it. "I didn’t want to try anything else because, well… I’m not from a wizard bloodline, and I was scared of being caught."

Helia’s gaze softened as he listened. He understood—the weight of expectations, the feeling of being restricted by rules that didn’t always seem fair.

"One day, Manuel found out when I used the spell in front of him by accident. He promised to keep it a secret, and from that day on, he decided he wanted to learn too... during the summer, we decided we wanted to learn more," Rory continued. "We didn’t have any ulterior motives or anything, we just… well, wanted to learn in case we ever faced a battle where we needed magic. So, Manuel started stealing books from his uncle, and we’ve been learning on our own. We know it’s against the rules, but we did it because…"

"Because you wanted to be prepared," Helia finished for him, understanding the motivation. "In case you ever needed magic to survive."

Rory nodded, relief washing over his face. "Exactly. Every person in the magical dimension has the capacity to learn magic. It’s part of us. It's unfair that not all can. I wanted to stop, I swear. But now that we’ve unlocked that potential, I don’t want to. I don’t know when a spell might just save our lives."

Helia stared at Rory for a long moment, absorbing everything he had just heard. "Why are you telling me this?" he asked finally. "I’m the headmaster’s grandson. It’s risky for you."

Rory met Helia’s gaze squarely. "I know it’s risky. But I’m telling you because I don’t want Manuel to get in trouble if this ever comes out. I know you defended him today, and you didn’t have to. You barely know him. But you did, and that means something." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I also get the feeling you’re like us. You don’t study magic because you think it’s unfair that only certain people can learn it."

Helia stiffened slightly at Rory’s words. He didn’t respond right away, but the truth of what Rory was saying gnawed at him. Helia had always felt a quiet resentment toward the rules, a bitterness that some people—like him—had the right to learn magic while others were denied it. But he had pushed those feelings down for years, choosing to focus on his path as a Specialist.

Slowly, Helia nodded. "You’re right," he admitted, his voice quiet. "It is unfair."

Rory smiled faintly, clearly relieved to hear Helia’s words. "I’m going to teach you one spell," he said, leaning in slightly. "Just one. It might save your life if you ever face Zyron again."

Helia shook his head, taking a step back. "I don’t need to know it. I’ve accepted that I’m not learning magic. I'm not my grandfather."

But as Helia turned to leave, Rory’s voice cut through the air one last time. "Flammae Ardentes," he said, the words carrying weight. "Remember that."

Helia paused in the doorway, the words lingering in his mind. Without looking back, he nodded once and left the room, his thoughts swirling. The spell’s name echoed in his head.

Back in Callisto, inside the royal patrol building, the Pixies fluttered about anxiously, trying to reason with the officers. Jolly and Livy hovered in front of the guards, desperately trying to explain the situation.

"You have to release them!" Jolly exclaimed, her tiny voice filled with urgency. "Mirta is here to protect the queen, you can’t just lock her up!"

"Yeah, or the others for that matter!" Livy quickly added.

The guards exchanged amused glances and burst out laughing. "Protect the queen?" one of them said between chuckles. "These Pixies think these nuisances are the queen's bodyguards now!"

"Go back to Magix, Pixies. You’re out of your league here." Another guard said, his tone serious.

Jolly crossed her arms, her cheeks puffing up in frustration, but before she could respond, the room was suddenly bathed in a radiant display of golden light. The laughter from the guards was abruptly cut off as the Queen of Callisto herself appeared in the building, her presence commanding immediate attention. The shimmering light surrounding her dimmed just enough to reveal her regal form, her elegant gown glimmering in the room’s light. A small bruise on her leg—barely noticeable—served as a reminder of her recent battle with the Trix.

The queen’s gaze swept across the room, her eyes narrowing as they landed on the girls. She scanned the guards with a cold, piercing stare. "Release them," she commanded, her voice icy and authoritative. "This is my bodyguard you have detained."

The guards, who moments ago were full of smug laughter, immediately straightened up, their faces draining of color. The one who had laughed the hardest glanced nervously at Jolly, realizing that the tiny Pixie had been telling the truth all along. As he fumbled to unlock the handcuffs, he stumbled over his own feet, nearly falling over in his haste.

Jolly, still hovering nearby, couldn’t resist a tiny, satisfied smirk.

Once the girls were free, the queen’s demeanor softened slightly, her lips curling into a knowing smile as she looked at Mirta. "Trouble already, minutes after arriving?" she teased, amusement twinkling in her eyes.

Mirta looked embarrassed, while the girls quickly approached her with a comforting hand.

The queen, still smiling, thanked the guards briefly before turning to the group. With a wave of her hand, she teleported them all back to the palace in a flash of shimmering light. The fairies found themselves standing in the grand hall of the palace, the regal atmosphere washing over them.

The queen regarded Mirta for a moment before speaking. "I’ve never met you in person, but I know of you, Mirta. Your parents have quite the reputation." She smiled warmly. "I know all about journey so far. Faragonda and Griffin have spoken highly of your accomplishments."

Mirta shifted slightly, her cheeks flushing with both pride and slight embarrassment. She opened her mouth to apologize for the incident in the streets, but the queen raised a hand, dismissing her concern before she could even begin.

"Don’t you dare apologize, if you're about to," the queen said, her tone light and playful. "I know that girl you scared off. I must admit, I wish I could have done that myself." A mischievous grin tugged at her lips. "She used to be my classmate here—and quite the bully to weaker fairies. She sugarcoated me because of my status, but I always hated her and how she picked on everyone."

The fairies’ eyes widened in surprise, but the queen wasn’t finished. She leaned in slightly, her smile turning sly. "Though, Mirta," she added with a mock scolding tone, "next time, make sure your illusion is convincing enough that she truly believes she’s being swallowed and digested. It would have been more satisfying."

The room erupted into giggles, the girls caught off guard by the queen’s unexpected humor. Even Mirta couldn’t help but laugh, the weight of the day finally lifting from her shoulders.

"Sure thing, your Majesty," Mirta said, still smiling, "I’ll make sure to keep that in mind for next time." The fairies shared a conspiratorial look, their spirits lifted as they stood in the presence of a queen who understood them more than they ever expected.

As the laughter subsided, the queen gestured for them to follow her deeper into the palace. "Come," she said, her tone returning to its warmth. "We have much to discuss, I have a few things to tell you that I believe will help you."

The queen led them deeper into the palace, the grandeur of the halls contrasting with the tension that hung in the air. As they walked, the queen’s light-hearted demeanor faded, replaced by a more serious expression.

They entered what appeared to be the palace hidden archives, a vast room filled with towering shelves, each brimming with ancient tomes and scrolls. The air was thick with the scent of old paper and the faint hum of magic. The queen moved purposefully toward a far corner, where a section of the archives stood noticeably sparse. Only a few books remained.

"This is the witch section," the queen explained, her voice low.

"Clearly..." Clarice whispered, noticing how empty it was in comparison to everything else.

Mirta, Roxy, and Alice exchanged glances. The queen continued, her tone somber. "The Trix were too good. I now understand why the Winx Club struggles to fight them." She paused, her eyes distant. "Anyway, I didn't call you here to show you the cost of my failure. I called you here to show you something else."

She reached for one of the old books on the Wizards section and placed it on a nearby table. With a flick of her wrist, a projector nearby hummed to life, casting a soft light onto the book. The queen stepped closer and, with a clear voice, commanded, "Page 578."

The hologram flickered to life, displaying the page before their eyes, even though the book remained closed. The girls gasped in amazement, particularly Roxy, whose eyes sparkled with curiosity.

"As you can see, the page makes no mention of Zyron’s name directly," the queen said, her tone grave. "But it does detail a critical event: the day magic was banished from the hands of regular wizards. Only those with natural magical abilities—those born with it—were allowed to continue practicing. This law, enacted by Queen Giselle herself, changed the course of history."

Clarice crossed her arms. "We’re aware," she said, her voice carrying a hint of sass.

The queen smirked at her, clearly liking Clarice’s boldness. "I thought you might be," she replied. "But what you might not know is the date." She pointed to the bottom of the page, where the words "October 21st, 1818" were inscribed.

"Now," the queen said, her voice taking on a mysterious edge, "watch this."

"Page 217," she commanded, and the hologram shifted, displaying a list of the most feared villains in Callisto’s history. As the girls scanned the list, they found a familiar name: Zyron. Beneath his name, a subsection detailed his attempted assassination of the queen. The date was unmistakable—October 23rd, 1818.

The girls stared at the hologram, the realization sinking in. The events were connected—Zyron’s failed assassination and the banishment of magic from regular wizards had happened just two days apart.

Clarice’s eyes narrowed as she pieced it together. "So, Zyron tried to kill the queen right after the banishment," she said, her voice laced with realization.

The queen nodded. "Exactly. Zyron’s failure wasn’t just about seizing power. It was a direct response to being stripped of his ability to use magic. And now, he’s more dangerous than ever, desperate to reclaim what was taken from him."

The room fell silent as the girls absorbed the little new information they can gather. He was still a huge monster, but at least they were slowly trying to crack him open and understand him. If they find out more, they might be able to know how to defeat him.

[juleic1123]

Chapter 21: Teachers' Meeting

In the library of Alfea, just inside the Golden Gate, a rare gathering was being hosted.

Headmistress Faragonda stood at the head of the table, her calm and wise demeanor steady as ever. Seated around her were the key figures of Alfea, Cloud Tower, and Red Fountain, with more teachers than usual.

Among them, for the first time, sat the Winx. It was their first teachers' meeting, and they felt a mixture of pride and unease. Bloom was focused but quietly aware of the weight of the conversation. Aisha crossed her arms, uncomfortable with the formality of the setting. And then there was Stella—who leaned back in her chair with a smile.

"So this is what it's like, huh?" Stella whispered with a smirk, leaning toward Tecna. "Being in these super serious meetings, talking life or death, secret missions… I kind of feel... exclusive."

Tecna responded with only a slight roll of her eyes, though a hint of amusement danced at the corners of her lips.

"Focus, Stella," Faragonda’s calm voice cut through the room. "We have much to discuss, and time is running short."

Stella’s smirk faded as the conversation turned to the pressing matter at hand: Zyron and the Trix.

Professor Griselda leaned forward, her eyes sharp. "Zyron's ability to drain the life force from others makes him more dangerous than expected."

Professor Palladium spoke up. "He was only 22 years old when he was trapped. How much of a threat can he really be? Surely, his age makes him less of a concern."

Headmistress Griffin from Cloud Tower narrowed her eyes. "Don’t let his youth deceive you, Professor Palladium. Zyron's ability to drain life force is no ordinary magic, 95% of wizards can't heal or steal life force and energy from people, the fact he does it on a daily basis says enough."

"But with the right shields, we can prevent him from draining the life force of our people," added Professor Palladium. "If we can weaken him, he's just a boy. A powerful one, but vulnerable nonetheless."

"The Trix are the wild cards here," said Headmistress Griffin of Cloud Tower, her voice dark. "They escaped from prison and are working with Zyron it seems."

"It was really weird. They attacked each other, but then they fought together..." Musa quickly spoke, raising her voice.

"I'd say they met and joined forces right then and there." Tecna added.

"If they do, they must have a plan—perhaps to raid our schools for ancient spells while everyone is distracted by the Annual Gala."

Heads nodded in agreement. The upcoming Gala would leave the schools empty, the perfect opportunity for an attack.

"We cannot let that happen," Headmaster Saladin said firmly. "We need to prepare without raising alarm. The students must be protected, but if they sense something is wrong, rumors will spread. They might know we're onto them if they truly are planning something."

"That’s the dilemma," Faragonda said, pacing slightly. "We must split our forces, but subtly. I propose dividing the Winx and some students among the schools—three at Cloud Tower, three at Red Fountain."

"Some students?" Bloom asked, a little surprised.

Faragonda nodded. "Yes. Mirta and Alice at Cloud Tower. Clarice and Roxy at Red Fountain."

"Roxy?" Flora asked, glancing at her fellow Winx. "But why? She’s only just beginning."

The teachers looked knowingly at each other, but Faragonda simply smiled. "Roxy may be young, but she has already shown a deep connection to her powers. In fact, I believe we need to understand more about how her magic works, especially against Zyron. And let’s not forget that she skipped class to fly off to Callisto on my back with Alice, Clarice and Mirta. I'd say they'll willingly want to help."

The Winx exchanged confused looks—none of them had known that about Roxy.

Faragonda continued, "They’re already in too deep, I’m afraid. Plus, call me crazy, but I want to see what will happen between her powers and Zyron’s. I think we missed something in her story."

A slight tension filled the room as the teachers considered the risks. The Winx, meanwhile, wondered why such relatively new students—especially Roxy—were being trusted with such responsibility.

Stella raised her hand slightly, unable to hold back. "So, just to be clear, we’re going to split up, guard two of the most powerful schools, and stop the Trix and Zyron all while pretending nothing’s wrong in the party? Ok, we've done far more in the past." Her tone carried the faintest hint of sass.

Professor DuFour shot Stella a disapproving look. "This is no time for jokes, Princess Stella. This is serious."

Stella grumbled and leaned toward Tecna, whispering, "Ugh. They're so serious. I hate it here already." Tecna raised a finger to her lips, silently signaling Stella to quiet down. With a huff, Stella crossed her arms, pouting.

Professor Wizgiz cleared his throat, trying to redirect the conversation back on track. "The moment we take his life-draining power away, he’s just a boy with little left to fight with."

"That’s our goal," Faragonda agreed. "We can’t let our guard down, but if we plan this carefully, the Trix and Zyron won’t stand a chance."

The teachers and Winx nodded in unison. It was clear—Zyron and the Trix had to be stopped, but it would take stealth and strategy. As the discussion deepened, the weight of the mission settled on everyone’s shoulders.

Outside the grand doors of the Golden Gate, the Pixies were gathered, each trying to press their tiny ears against the door, hoping to catch snippets of the important meeting inside.

Lockette was the first to speak, whispering loudly, "Shhh! I think I hear something!"

Tune tutted, adjusting her gloves. "Well, if you would stop shoving, we could all listen properly!"

Amore added. "Important meetings are always so scary. With all the teachers inside, I sure hope they're getting along..."

Digit rolled her eyes. "It's ok, Amore. It’s probably just a debate on strategy and—"

Suddenly, Kiko scampered between them, ears twitching as he tried to squeeze under the door.

Piff fluttered around sleepily, mumbling something incomprehensible as she hovered next to Chatta, who was far too eager to whisper her own theories.

"We should just knock! I bet they’re talking about some super cool secret mission!" Chatta said, bouncing on her toes.

Lockette turned to her with wide eyes. "No! If they know we’re here, Griselda will catch us! And then we’ll all be in big trouble."

As if on cue, the door creaked ever so slightly, and the Pixies all froze, wide-eyed. Kiko took one cautious step back, his nose twitching with curiosity.

"Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea," whispered Lockette, starting to inch away.

"Too late for that," Tune muttered, as Kiko gave the door a mischievous nudge with his paw—causing it to swing open just a crack.

The Pixies gasped, and in a flurry of wings and tiny limbs, they scattered into the shadows, trying to hide. Kiko just sat proudly by the door, flicking his ears, clearly very pleased with his contribution.

Inside the library, the conversation came to a halt as every teacher turned toward the door. A tense silence filled the room as they spotted the small bunny sitting innocently in the doorway.

Professor Bittersmoke from Cloud Tower narrowed his eyes. "What is this? Espionage? Has someone sent a spy to listen in on our plans?"

Before anyone could respond, Bloom quickly jumped to her feet, her face flushed with embarrassment. "No, no! That's not espionage! That's—uh..." She gave an awkward laugh and tried to wave it off, though her cheeks turned a deep shade of red. She quickly got up and ran towards the small animal with a stern but embarrassed face.

Aisha crossed her arms, smirking, "It’s just Bloom’s bunny."

The Winx couldn't help themselves and burst into laughter, the tension in the room dissipating in an instant, though the teachers didn’t seem quite as amused.

Professor Ardan from Red Fountain gave them a withering look, his brow furrowing. "How can you laugh in times like these?."

Faragonda smiled nervously. "It’s... a different generation," she said, trying to maintain control of the situation but unable to suppress her own small, amused smile.

The teachers exchanged mildly irritated glances, clearly not as charmed by the Winx’s lively behavior as Faragonda.

As the stars twinkled in the velvety sky above Callisto, Mirta stood quietly on the balcony of the palace. The twin suns had long set, leaving behind a deep indigo night dotted with brilliant constellations. The tranquil sound of the ocean waves crashing gently against the cliffs below filled the air, and for the first time in hours, Mirta felt a sense of peace.

Inside, Roxy, Alice, and Clarice sat together, their laughter echoing through the room as they shared stories from their past.

Suddenly, a soft chime interrupted their conversation—Roxy's phone. Alice glanced over, grinning. "That’s the app Tecna installed! Looks like someone from Earth is calling."

Roxy picked up her phone, quickly unlocking it. On the screen, the faces of Andy, Rio, and Mark appeared, waving enthusiastically at them. "Hey, Roxy!" Andy greeted with a big smile. "How’s it going? We didn't talk much after you returned. Are you all okay?"

Roxy, her face lighting up, nodded. "We’re fine! So much has been happening! We’re actually on a whole new mission now. We're on a planet called Callisto." She turned the phone to give the boys a view of the stunning Callisto skyline, the stars shimmering brightly in the distance.

"Whoa!" Mark said, leaning closer to the screen. "A whole new planet? Again? We can't even leave our own! What’s it like over there?"

Alice chimed in, smiling. "It’s a planet filled with oceans and beautiful beaches. We’ve been exploring all day. It’s like paradise, really."

Rio, who had been watching intently, suddenly piped up. "Hey, where’s Mirta?" he asked, scanning the room behind them.

Roxy laughed and pointed her phone toward the balcony. "There she is, stargazing like a proper Callisto native."

Rio’s face softened into a smile as he saw Mirta, but then he quickly disappeared off-screen, leaving Andy and Mark to carry on the conversation.

"Anyway," Andy said with a laugh, "we’re about to perform at the bar in a few minutes. Just wanted to check in and see how you all were doing. Sounds like you’ve got your hands full with that new mission!"

Roxy and Alice nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it’s been a lot, but we’re hanging in there," Roxy replied. "Good luck with the show tonight!"

Suddenly, Mirta’s phone buzzed quietly in her pocket. She pulled it out, surprised to see a message from Rio. Glancing at the girls, she stepped back onto the balcony for some privacy and opened the message.

"Hey, just wanted to say I hope you're okay. You seemed a bit down. I'm here if you need to talk."

Mirta smiled softly at his words, feeling a warmth in her chest. She hesitated for a moment before typing her reply.

"Thanks, Rio. It’s been a tough day, but I’m managing. It means a lot that you checked in."

As she put her phone away, she glanced up at the stars again, feeling a little lighter.

As the girls chatted with Andy, Mark, and Rio on her phone, a loud voice suddenly echoed from the background of the Frutti Music Bar. Klaus, Roxy's father, could be heard over the chaos.

"You! Are you talking to my daughter?!"

Andy’s smile faltered live, a forced grin spreading across his face as he quickly tried to reassure him, "N-no, sir, I’m just—"

But Klaus wasn’t having any of it. The camera started shaking violently as Klaus approached the phone, him flickering into view with his voice booming. "My daughter barely calls me, and you're here, wasting precious time talking to my little girl?"

Roxy burst into giggles, unable to contain herself. She leaned into the phone and shouted, "Hey, don't blame me, Dad! Andy was the one who called me, not the other way around!"

Klaus paused, his voice now full of disbelief as he repeated with sass in his voice, "He called you?!"

The girls erupted into laughter at the scene, except for Mirta, who remained on the balcony, smiling quietly at the amusing chaos. The camera on the phone continued to shake as Klaus gestured wildly, clearly flustered by the whole situation.

Andy threw his hands up in mock defeat. "I was just checking on her... like... uh, like a big brother!" He laughed nervously, backing away slightly as the camera continued to bounce around, capturing the increasingly comical moment.

"Oh, it seems I missed your birth then!" Klaus said.

As the girls kept laughing, the camera shook less and less, finally stabilizing. That’s when Mirta approached them, catching a glimpse of the screen. As the view cleared, she saw Rio reappear on the screen, giving her a warm smile and a thumbs-up. Mirta felt her cheeks flush with heat and, feeling a little shy, returned the gesture with a small smile of her own and a hesitant thumbs-up.

Alice, noticing the interaction, grinned knowingly and waved at Mark, who was still laughing in the background. "Bye, Mark! Tell Andy to stay safe from Roxy’s dad!"

With a shared laugh, they waved goodbye, and as they all waved goodbye, including Roxy's dad, the call ended, leaving the room filled with warm laughter and a lighter atmosphere. Mirta, still smiling, turned to her friends, grateful for the distraction after such a tense day.

"Your dad sure knows how to make an entrance," Alice teased Roxy.

Roxy just shook her head, still giggling. "He's the best!"