Disclaimer: Winx Club is owned by Iginio Straffi.
Author's Note: Hello! Here it is, my first multi-chapter fic, so I'm a little nervous… Oh well.
Note that in this story the Trix were never freed from Light Haven.
The Winx girls had just returned from their dangerous pixie-rescue mission. They told Faragonda everything they had discovered about the new enemy, who had kidnapped the poor pixies.
"This situation is worse than I thought." Faragonda saw the concern in her students, which started to affect on her too. "I thought what you told me, and I may know who this mystical creature of darkness is."
She didn't get to say anything else before her hologram phone rang. Griffin's tall figure appeared in front of her desk.
"Delightful to see you, Griffin," white-haired woman said with a welcoming smile.
"Faragonda, I'm afraid that this isn't social call." The witch sighed in despair. "Are you alone?"
"No, the Winx girls are here."
"Could you ask them to leave?"
Faragonda looked at each of the girls who nodded and left. She watched when the door closed and then turned her attention to her colleague. "You look awful. What happened?"
Griffin gazed her feet with hesitant expression and her shoulders slumped. "Saladin is lost."
Fairy didn't almost believe her ears. "Lost..." She had a hint of suspicion in her voice.
"Yes." Griffin coughed a little and explained, "Codatorta told that Saladin didn't leave his room. However, when he opened the door, he was gone."
Faragonda opened her mouth to comment, but was interrupted.
"And yes, we did search through the whole school." The witch seemed unpleased of her colleague's suspicion. "So, I wish you would come here. Together we could easily trace signs of his magic."
Faragonda nodded, stood up and took a deep breath. "Is it possible that Saladin would have been kidnapped?" Her question wasn't necessary, since she could have almost heard Griffin's reaction in her head.
"Kidnapped?" Griffin narrowed her eyes, it was her time to be in disbelieve. "Who could have done so? I don't think that Saladin is an easy one to kidnap."
"I doubt it too, but I'm afraid that our old adversary is returning."
"Who?"
All of a sudden the witch's eyes widened in shock. "Faragonda... Didn't you say that you're alone?"
Faragonda's gaze fastened on the witch. Griffin's shoulders had risen and she had taken few steps backwards. What could have scared her so much?
Hand reached next to her. One of its long claws pressed a button and shut down the connection. The headmistress would have recognized that arm anywhere. She turned and at the same time, metallic and cold hand grabbed her neck, digging its claws on her skin.
"D...Darkar..."
He tightened his grip and forced her to stand on her toes.
She was almost choking and struggled as much as she could. It was no use, and neither was her magic. Darkar's ability to suck his opponent's powers into himself was the thing that made him so dangerous.
"Why are you here?" Her voice was hoarse, but she tried to ignore it.
Darkar growled. "It was a big mistake to send your fairies to my castle."
"They have nothing to do with this."
"I'm not interested in those pathetic little girls." He pulled her closer to himself. "I'm here because of you."
Faragonda's breath accelerated and her eyes widened. Those were contrary to his eyes, which were angry and like bright flames.
Red glow surrounded them when he raised his hand. "This time, I'll make sure that the Company of Light won't ruin my plans!"
She screamed from top of her lungs. The overtaking darkness swallowed her voice, but not fast enough to make it unheard.
Griselda opened the door as quickly as she could, but yet too late. They were gone.