Disclaimer: Winx Club and all rights related belong to Ignio Staffi and Rainbow Studios. The story was written entirely for entertainment, not for making money.
The story is rated M because of violence and potentially upsetting descriptions in the final episode.
Knights of Revenge
Prologue
This night is nothing at all like the nights there usually are at this time of the year. It's neither quiet nor peaceful. The rain's pouring down from thick, dark clouds, making a major difference with the usual weather. All who live in the forest, where our story begins, are taking shelter from the rain. Still, sounds of branches cracking can be heard across the forest, frightening the few animals still out there. Nobody can be seen, though. Not a single shadow that could help detecting the source of the noises. But it's for sure that someone is on his way through the forest foliage.
There's a small clearing in the middle of the forest. Whoever the trespasser is, he's getting closer and closer to the clearing, the sounds of cracking becoming louder and louder. Eventually, some movement can be seen. A shadow appears at the edge of the forest, jumping from tree to tree. When he finally reaches the last one, a great, old oak, he observes the whole clearing before descending to the ground.
A boy walks to the center of the clearing. He's about twenty years old. He's wearing simple, dark and thin clothes, already soaking wet from the rain just like his short, brown hair. He doesn't seem to care much about it, though. When he reaches the center of the clearing, he starts to walk up and down just as if he was waiting for something – or someone.
Whatever he's waiting for, it's not coming. The boy's been walking up and down for so long that a whole lesson could be held in the school for fairies nearby. Nevertheless, he doesn't seem to be impatient at all.
Suddenly, there's a rattle at the opposite edge of the clearing. When the boy turns in the direction of the sound, he can see another figure in the shadow of the trees. He can only make out its outline, nodding its head slowly.
When the boy gets closer, he can make out the stranger's details. There's a tall, cloaked man in the shadows where he's protected from the rain. His cloak is not tied on his shoulders, where it should be, but a little higher, somewhere below his nose. But his nose cannot be seen behind his bone-white mask, which covers all of his face. There are only two little holes on it for his odd eyes. One of them is blue and cold as ice – but at least it's the eye of a human. The other one is more like one of a reptile. The yellow eyeball is bisected only by a thin pupil in it.
"What a joy you'd come," the man says but his voice sounds rather mechanical. His mouth doesn't move at all. "I hope you didn't have to wait too much."
"Didn't have anything better to do. Why did you call me here?"
"I have an offer for you. Should you accept it, both of us could gain much with it."
"You know something useful for me? You're making me curious."
"I've been watching you for some time now. You have strength and power. I don't know if there's another fighter this good. I would be honored if you helped me."
"And what's in this for me?"
"Our goals may seem different. I want revenge on some people who defeated me once… and my brother as well. On the contrary, you are simply hunting someone who could be a great challenge for you in battle…"
"How do you know?" the boy suddenly asks. He seems really surprised.
"I know a lot my young friend."
"Right. To the point!"
"As I have already said, our goals may seem different but they are not. Taken into account that your prey has killed many of your friends, you are also seeking revenge in a matter of fact. Just like me."
"Yes…"
"Join my side! Be my ally! Help me fulfill my revenge and you will also have the chance to fulfill yours."
"What?" the boy asks in excitement and grabs the cloak of the man. "You know where he is?"
The man nods slowly.
"I know where your target is. And I know he's busy getting used to a new power he acquired recently. I can teach that kind of power to you as well and you will have the chance to confront him. That is, if you join my side."
The boy thinks for a few seconds. The offer is really tempting.
"Where is he?"
"He became the student of a school nearby. But you don't have anything to worry about. One of my targets is also located there, so I will initiate an attack on that school. You can take your part in the assault and find your prey."
The boy starts to grin and lets the cloak of the man go.
"Sounds good. Count me in."
"Perfect. In this case, please, follow me. There are some details to be worked out but I think we can attack in a couple of days. The others are sure to accept you in our little company…"
"The others?"
"They are specially talented men and women who will help us. You will meet them soon enough. I'm sure you'll make good friends."
The man starts to walk in the direction he probably came from, the boy following him. Some moments later they both disappear in the darkness of the forest.