The Queen of Shadows - World of Winx rewrite S.1

Chapter 10: A Green Heart with Passion

Flora gazed out of the window, captivated by the unfolding landscapes as they journeyed toward the town of Manaus. Her excitement grew at the prospect of stepping out, stretching her legs after the long trip, and immersing herself in the embrace of the forest's vibrant life. The thought of conversing with the trees, feeling their harmonious energy, and basking in the dreamlike ambiance filled her with a sense of wonder. It was a stark contrast to Lynphea, where nature intertwined seamlessly with the architecture of the houses, and treehouses were a common sight. In Manaus, though devoid of tree houses, the proximity of human habitation to lush greenery felt comforting to Flora, a stark contrast to the urban sprawl and limited green spaces she had witnessed in South Africa.

As they traversed a roundabout, Flora's gaze was drawn to the grand river on their right. Cargo ships and boats navigated its waters, painting a picture of bustling trade. Adjacent to the water's edge, a sprawling bridge extended, bridging the gap across the river. A sign caught Flora's attention, displaying the words 'Ponte Rio Negro.' Intrigued, Flora turned to Bloom with a question.

"What does 'Rio Negro' mean?" she inquired.

Bloom took a moment to explain, "Well, 'Rio' means 'River' in Portuguese. In Spanish, it's 'Río.' And 'Negro' means 'black,' which is the same in both Spanish and Portuguese."

Flora pondered this linguistic insight, attempting to reconcile the name 'River Black' with the sight before her. The river certainly didn't appear black, and she couldn't help but compare this to the naming conventions on her home planet. On Lynphea, names often carried historical significance or directly reflected the appearance of natural features. Reflecting on the different pronunciations and shared vocabulary between languages, Flora marveled at the rich tapestry of linguistic diversity.

"What are 'river' and 'black' in Italian?" Musa inquired, adding to the linguistic discussion.

"River is 'Fiume' and black is 'nero'," Bloom promptly responded.

A grin grew on Stella's face and she turned her attention to Bloom. "Fiume, huh? That sounds like a perfect nickname for you."

"What?" Bloom raised her eyebrow.

"It's like you're saying 'fuel me'!" Stella explained.

Bloom protested, "It does not sound like—"

Stella interjected, "—well, it does, though?"

Bloom shook her head, "No... and besides, you're pronouncing it wrong."

Stella, undeterred, doubled down on her stance. "No, no, I'm fully pronouncing it correctly."

Musical notes of laughter joined the banter as Flora found the exchange amusing. She wasn't typically fond of playful teasing, but in this moment, the light-hearted repartee felt like a breath of fresh air.

Flora's laughter was joined by Musa's witty retort, adding another layer of amusement to the conversation. "Are you sure, Princess? Your brilliance is like a dying star – fading fast and leaving a void of ignorance in its wake."

Stella's expression shifted, her playful demeanor momentarily taken aback by Musa's unexpected comeback. As Flora giggled at the friendly jesting, she couldn't help but appreciate the camaraderie among the Winx. It was as if these moments of shared humor created a bridge that connected their hearts even further.

"A dying star? No, this star shines brighter than all of you and has a lot of passion. Who needs brilliance when you can outshine all the others in school?" Stella exclaimed, infusing her words with a playful undertone.

Laughter erupted from the group, the jovial atmosphere continuing as they reached their destination. Aisha adeptly parked the Winx mobile, and the companions stepped out into the open air. Flora, in particular, relished the sensation of the environment embracing her. The whispers of nature resonated with her, harmonizing with her inner connection to all living things – a sensation she cherished deeply.

As they strolled through a nearby market, Flora's senses were overwhelmed by a riot of colors from the fruits, vegetables, and foods on display. Many of the items were unfamiliar to her, a delightful novelty that sparked her curiosity. Her desire to explore this new country and its offerings grew, and she envisioned sharing her experiences with her family back on Lynphea.

Bloom's voice pulled her attention back to the task at hand. "If any of you find a talent, don't forget to let everyone know," she reminded the group.

Agreeable nods spread among them, setting the stage for their dual missions – scouting for talents and indulging in a bit of exploration.

"While we're at it, let's make the most of this opportunity to explore," Bloom continued.

Stella, her enthusiasm hardly containable, promptly seized Bloom's arm. "Come on, Bloom. It's time for shopping!"

The two friends disappeared into the bustling crowd, leaving Flora and the others behind. Tecna seemed on the verge of commenting, but whatever she intended to say remained unspoken as she opted to focus on her own task.

"Wait, don't anyone maybe want to...?" Flora tried to get her friends attention. But they all were already gone. Musa and Aisha had gone to find a music store and maybe fins some good music. But no one seemed to ask, what Flora wanted to do.

She found herself standing alone, a hint of melancholy tugging at her thoughts. She contemplated the recurring feeling of being left out, a sentiment that she had encountered before, both on Earth and back on Lynphea. Even as Alfea had transformed her, there were echoes of past insecurities that lingered. Still, she acknowledged her gratitude for the Winx – a group that had welcomed her with open arms and embraced her unique qualities.

Recalling the mission at hand, Flora reaffirmed her commitment. She would immerse herself in exploring this vibrant place, seeking a potential talent and a deeper connection to the environment. Perhaps, amidst the discoveries and experiences, she would also find a new layer of camaraderie within the Winx.

***

Flora meandered through the diverse market stalls, her curiosity piqued by the assortment of herbs and ingredients on display. Among them were herbs she couldn't recognize, their intriguing scents beckoning to her. She recalled instances of experimenting with various herbs while cooking, an endeavor that had yielded both delicious surprises and amusing mishaps.

Her gaze shifted to a vibrant display to her right – a collection of red-orange powder and oblong, unfamiliar red items. A spark of interest ignited within her, prompting her to inquire about these unknown ingredients. Speaking in English, she sought permission from the vendor to taste the intriguing items. The vendor, standing with a plastic bag in hand, nodded in agreement.

As Flora sampled the reddish item, a delightful heat began to spread in her mouth. Despite its spiciness, she found herself enjoying the flavor. It reminded her of the dragon fruits back on Lynphea, which grew close to the planet's core, where the Great Dragon had created Lynphea, had added a unique fiery touch to their local cuisine. Intrigued and satisfied with her discovery, Flora decided to purchase two of the "Pimenta chili," as the vendor had referred to them. With the transaction completed, she headed back to the Winx mobile, her mind already racing with ideas on how to incorporate this new ingredient into a dish.

Upon her return, Flora embarked on her culinary experiment. She meticulously washed the chilies and proceeded to chop them into small, manageable pieces. Armed with coconut milk and an array of vegetables, she crafted a vegetarian stew, thoughtfully infusing it with the chopped chilies for a hint of spiciness. As the stew simmered, she carefully ladled it into six bowls, each topped with a single chili pepper and its seeds.

Setting the stage for an impromptu outdoor meal, Flora arranged a wooden table and matching chairs near the Winx mobile. The setting exuded an inviting charm, ready to accommodate her fellow Winx members. Just as her preparations were nearing completion, the sounds of her friends' approach reached her ears, signaling their arrival.

"Hey, Flo, what have you been up to?" Musa inquired.

"I've been exploring the market and cooking up some soup with new ingredients," Flora responded, her smile warm and welcoming.

"Nice," Aisha chimed in, taking a seat at the table.

"Did you manage to find a spot with good music?" Flora asked Musa.

"Unfortunately, not really. We did discover a relaxing spot that felt like a spa, though," Musa replied, taking a sip of the soup.

"A spa? Where was it?" Everyone turned their attention to Stella, who appeared with a sizable bag in hand, followed by Bloom.

"Stella, only one bag? That's a new record," Musa teased.

"I must admit, I'm rather impressed, Stella," Aisha added with a chuckle.

Stella held a finger to her lips. "Shh... Don't remind me. It was challenging enough, and I had to make some tough choices."

As Stella joined the others at the table, Flora's attention shifted to Bloom. "Did you find anything interesting, Bloom?"

Bloom shook her head. "No luck, unfortunately. I didn't come across anything that caught my attention."

Flora's smile remained kind, acknowledging Bloom's efforts. Just then, Tecna arrived, clutching a new device in her hand.

"And what have you been up to, Tecna?" Stella asked with her signature curiosity.

"I've been crunching the numbers to determine the probabilities of our next talent's location, as well as the likelihood of our success in protecting it," Tecna explained, her Winx watch flashing with various calculations. "Additionally, I've been studying the technological landscape of this country's devices. There's definitely room for improvement in many aspects."

No one seemed to understand everything was taking about and everyone fell quiet for a brief second.

Flora appreciated the town's connection to nature, with the presence of forests and water rather than a concrete jungle. The proximity to the river offered both practical benefits like shipping and the opportunity for relaxation along the shore. It seemed that this place embraced the calming influence of nature, making reliance on technology less crucial.

In her musings, Flora recalled her earlier years on Lynphea, where phones weren't a common accessory. Her town communicated through leaves and birds, eschewing modern technology for more natural means. But coming to Alfea had introduced her to new technologies, leading her to buy her first phone primarily for communicating with her parents.

Bloom's question brought the focus back to the present. The group was ready to try the soup Flora had prepared. Aisha gestured toward Musa, who had already begun enjoying the dish.

"Musa's already diving in," Aisha noted with a chuckle.

"It's really good, Flora. Reminds me of a traditional soup we used to make in Melody," Musa complimented.

Flora beamed at the praise, relieved that her friends were enjoying the soup. As the others began tasting it, Stella, in her usual extravagant style, playfully scooped up some soup along with a hearty helping of the chili topping.

"Stel, if you're not a fan of spicy food, you might want to..." Bloom started to caution, but it was too late. Stella had already taken a spoonful, and her reaction was immediate.

"Ha...H-Hot!... So hot!" Stella exclaimed, her face turning red as she struggled with the heat.

Bloom finished her sentence with an amused shake of her head. Aisha, rolling her eyes, raised her hand and shot a stream of water in Stella's direction. Stella ended up drenched and momentarily off her chair.

"Have you never had dragon fruit before?" Musa asked, glancing down at Stella.

"Ehh... perhaps not...?"

Stella's discomfort aside, a sudden gasp caught Flora's attention. Turning her head, she spotted a young girl standing nearby, clutching a teddy bear. The girl's eyes were wide with wonder, as if she had stumbled upon a magical scene.

"Mãe!" the little girl exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. The girl seemed to have all her attention towards Aisha.

Aisha froze, and a moment of uncertainty passed among the group. They exchanged glances, silently acknowledging the predicament they found themselves in. Then, a spark of ingenuity ignited within Flora. She swiftly grabbed a nearby hose, turning the nozzle on. She aimed it at Stella, who was still in the process of drying off. A sudden burst of water sprayed out, but Flora had misjudged the pressure, causing Stella to stumble as the powerful jet hit her.

The little girl who had been observing the scene burst into laughter, her infectious amusement filling the air. Her mother's likely apologetic words, for her daughter might have been too curious, were lost amid the sounds of her daughter's joy.

Stella regained her footing, although she was now soaked from head to toe. She shot a mockingly reproachful look at Flora and spat out a mouthful of water.

"Why on Solarias' suns did you do that?" Stella exclaimed, her voice laced with incredulity.

Flora defended herself with a smile, saying, "Well, someone named Aisha used magic in plain sight. But we can say like this: Consider it as a payback for dragging me into performing earlier in Gardenia."

Stella rolled her eyes, seemingly amused despite herself.

"My apologies for nearly compromising our cover, Stella," Aisha chimed in, raising her hands in a gesture of contrition.

"Well, Stella, count your blessings that we're in a warm climate, not a cold one," Tecna added, a touch of wry humor in her tone.

Laughter filled the group as Stella rejoined them, having regained her composure. In a playful retaliation, Stella playfully splashed water at Bloom.

"Hey, hey! I'm innocent here. I didn't drench you earlier," Bloom retorted, her voice filled with mirth as she tried to shield herself from Stella's playful onslaught.

An idea formed in Musa's mind, and she proposed, "I've got an idea! Why not relive the game we played back in our first year at Alfea? You know the game you called 'Water War,' Bloom?"

Stella, ever ready for some friendly competition, interjected, "The game I won?"

Flora took advantage of Stella's momentary distraction to splash water over her, a mischievous grin on her face.

"I recall it being quite the challenge, Musa," Bloom said, conjuring a bucket and tossing it toward Musa.

Musa playfully protested, "Hey, not fair! I'm still eating..." Before retaliating by flinging water from her glass at Aisha, who had been sitting nearby, thoroughly entertained by the proceedings.

"Looking for a 'Water War,' are we? Well, let's dive in!" Aisha grinned.

As the evening progressed, the Winx immersed themselves in the game, letting loose and enjoying each other's company. Flora sensed the importance of such moments. Amid their missions, they often missed out on simple relaxation and fun. Despite the absence of a discovered talent so far and the impending start of Ace's program the next day, the Winx reveled in this carefree camaraderie.

When the water war concluded, it was evident that Aisha and Musa had emerged as the victors. Flora couldn't help but notice Aisha's use of her powers as a slight cheat, yet she found herself embracing the spirit of the game. Although Flora hadn't been part of the original game during their cleaning duties back then, she could see the enjoyment in each of her friends, even in Tecna, whose subtle smiles during the game were a rare sight.

As the evening waned, they retreated to the hotel. Flora couldn't help but appreciate the tranquil atmosphere within, where spa facilities and abundant indoor plants created an ambiance of natural serenity. A poster on the wall advertised guided tours through the " Guide Tour in Amazon Rainforest," capturing Flora's attention. She wondered about the diversity of wildlife and the vastness of the forest. An idea formed in her mind, and she shared it with the group.

"Have you guys ever considered exploring the 'Amazon Rainforest' on a guided tour?" Flora asked.

The idea resonated with the others, and a unanimous agreement was reached. The prospect of discovering new facets of the vibrant world around them stirred excitement among the Winx.

***

As they ventured deeper into the expansive rainforest, the path before them resembled the lush landscapes of Flora's home planet, Lynphea. Every direction she turned, towering trees and vibrant foliage greeted her gaze, creating a symphony of greens that stretched as far as the eye could see. The tranquility of the surroundings was punctuated only by the sounds of wildlife going about their daily routines, a natural chorus that seemed to echo through a dream.

Flora marveled at the sheer existence of such a breathtaking place on Earth. Never before had she encountered a forest of this magnitude. It was a world within a world, a sanctuary of nature's wonders waiting to be discovered. Each step she took was a testament to the beauty that existed within Earth's own backyard.

Guided by their knowledgeable leader, Flora and her friends walked along a well-trodden path. The guide shared insights about the forest's inhabitants, shedding light on the intricate lives of the creatures that called this place home. He emphasized the importance of staying together as a group, ensuring their safety in an environment that housed both fascinating wildlife and potential dangers. He cautioned against straying off the path, explaining that some animals were highly venomous and territorial, capable of inflicting harm.

The humidity in the air was palpable, matched only by the sweltering heat. The group found themselves pausing frequently to take much-needed breaks and hydrate. Flora felt grateful for their ample water supply, even if some of it had been conjured through their subtle magical abilities, unnoticed by their watchful guide.

The vastness of the Amazon rainforest left Flora in awe. Covering an astonishing 6,700,000 square kilometers, it was a realm that seemed almost otherworldly in its expanse. The thought of exploring every inch of this dense wilderness was a dream that Flora knew would remain unfulfilled. However, she found solace in capturing its essence through the lens of her camera. Tecna had provided her with this invaluable tool, and Flora intended to use it to document every remarkable sight she encountered.

As they continued their journey, Flora's thoughts turned to Helia, her beloved who remained back on Lynphea. She imagined how much he would appreciate the serene beauty of the rainforest. The peace that permeated the air and the poetry of nature's harmonious symphony would surely inspire him. With this in mind, Flora felt a surge of creativity and an urge to connect with him, even from afar.

Retrieving a small notebook and pencil from her backpack, Flora let her thoughts flow onto the paper, each stroke of the pencil capturing the essence of her experiences: