Chapter 3: The Rescue Mission
Alfea; 2 hours later at sunset…. Erasiel entered the medical hall alongside the now four Trix sisters, the rooms were shut bar one, in which the Winx waited patiently; Erasiel had sent Shilly and the other Witches back to Cloud Tower to tell Nimeria to put together an Elite team of Witches for the oncoming rescue mission. Erasiel entered the room to find Ayesha in a bed she was wearing a different outfit she had traded her hiking gear and cloak for a blue and pink hospital gown, she was still passed out. "I'm back, and I've brought friends" Erasiel stated, the other Winx were waiting on Ayesha to recover and had been doing a variety of things while waiting, Bloom was playing a game of Warhammer Fantasy battle with Flora and losing to her, Stella was busy reading magazines, Tecna was playing games on her phone, Diaspro was busy reading a novel, Musa was of course listen to her Music full blast and Francis was well at Ayesha's bedside.
"Nathan?!" Flora exclaimed, she was wearing a new outfit: a lime green, off-the-shoulder top trimmed with blue. On the top there is a violet flower which extends into three strands of fabric and connects to the back of the shirt. Her pants are blue, same as the trimmings on the shirt, with a lime green flower on it. She wears pink and blue/green striped sandals. She turned to Trix in their civilian threads and to an unrecognized woman with Black hair in ponytails, blue-green eyes, glasses and who wore a lime green skirt, a lime green sleeveless blouse, lime green long gloves, green silk stockings, and green high-heeled pumps. "The Trix!" Flora exclaimed.
"Hello Winx" Icy greeted.
"You're back, where were you?" Musa asked, she also wore a new outfit a short-sleeved, pink and red Cheongsam top with an orange turtleneck under it, a pair of denim capris, and white sneakers worn with pink and orange socks.
"Held prisoner in a Lighthaven prison on a hill above Lake Roccaluchee until Erasiel broke us and a bunch of other people out and leveled the place into rubble before sending said rubble into space" Darcy remarked.
"You must tell us more about that" Stella stated.
"You should ask Kaie or Eleanor, they're back along with Arabel, all the captives being held in that prison were freed" Darcy explained.
"And the Lighthaveners?" Musa asked wishing she hadn't.
"Dead, the Dark Elves killed them all" Stormy stated.
"Dark Elves?" Musa asked.
"I used my own troops to pull off that mission, don't worry the Lighthaveners will know nothing of it and if they find out about they will have to explain why one of their fortresses was on Magix a planet outside of their domain" Erasiel stated.
"Well I hope you made their deaths swift" Tecna stated she was wearing a new outfit as well: a purple cropped top with silver and green trim and matching pants. She has a silver knee-length boots with green trimming. On her left arm she wore a fingerless, shoulder-length purple glove with a green stripe.
"Don't worry they really never stood a chance" Stormy remarked.
"Anyway, now that the Trix are freed I need to know how Ayesha is doing" Erasiel stated.
"She's still out, Nurse Ofeila was overwhelmed so I sent for Maedras, he did his magic and healed her more grevious injuries, but he put her under a sleeping spell for the purposes of his work" Gripmaw explained.
"How long did he say it would last for?" Erasiel asked.
"It should be wearing off soon my Lord" Kerborg stated moving his claws for emphasize, after he said this Ayesha started to move and groan.
Ayesha opened her eyes to see Nathan, the two pixies, and two Faceless but a bunch of people she had no idea who they were. "Where am I? What happened?" Ayesha stated.
"You were beaten up rather badly by Abolithon , he threw you out the pit in the center of that room we were fighting in, I dived in after you and was followed by the Pixies, Abolithon recaptured all but these two: Zing and Livy, who have bounded with me; I took you here to Alfea; you're safe; you had some very bad injuries but nothing the nurse and Maedras couldn't patch up" Erasiel explained.
"I see, so you saved my life Nathan, I owe you one, and I owe you dearly" Ayesha remarked siting up. "What happened to my clothes and more importantly who are all these people; I mean I recognize the Pixies and Kerborg and Gripmaw though I can't tell which is which, but who are the others?" Ayesha asked.
"Alright well ladies I think you should introduce yourselves" Erasiel noted.
"I'm Bloom the Fairy of the Dragon Flame and Princess of Domino, this is Stella the Fairy of the Shining Sun and Princess of Solaria, this Flora the Fairy of Nature she's from Lynphea, this is Musa the Fairy of Music and She's from Melody, this is Tecna the Fairy of Technology she's from Zenith, this is Diaspro the Princess of Isis and Fairy of Gemstones she's from Eraklyion, and this is Francis the Fairy of Laughter and Celestial magic, together we are the Winx, or the Winx Club, Nathan's also a member" Bloom explained and introduced, pointing to each of her friends as she introduced them.
"And these four are the Trix; Icy, Darcy and Stormy are triplets, and Trixie is a younger sister" Erasiel explained.
"I'm Icy the Witch of Ice, my sisters Darcy the Witch of Darkness and Stormy Witch of Weather, and our newly met younger sister; though we haven't done a DNA test to verify that is Trixie the Witch of Oblivion Fire, we attend Cloud Tower College" Icy elaborated.
"Alright then since you've given your names I'm Ayesha the Fairy of Waves and Princess of Andros, my sister Layla is going to Cloud Tower and I'm supposed to go to Alfea, we are identical twins so just letting you know that in advance. Any way what am I saying. We have to rescue the Pixies from Abolithon" Ayesha stated.
"We will do that, right now I'm putting together a team for that mission, Ayesha you need rest, tomorrow morning we will have gotten ready and we will carry out the mission. In the meantime, I've got somethings that need to be taken care of, for example returning everyone who I rescued from Lightrock Monastery to their normal lives and letting their families know that they are safe, also I'll need to have scouts check out Shadowhaunt and figure out where Abolithon is holding the Pixies in the stronghold; I've got other things to take care of besides that, but tomorrow we will be able to do this" Erasiel explained.
"Well I guess I could use some time to get ready, I've got to call my sister and let her know I'm alright and I have to get my things, I left them in the overflow, plus I have to deal with registering and finding a dorm, so I guess it can wait, besides Abolithon is probably expecting us to make another attempt" Ayesha stated.
"Exactly, now are you feeling better" Erasiel asked.
"Yep, I feel refreshed and I don't have any pain whatsoever" Ayesha responded.
"Good, Bloom tell Nurse Ofeila that Ayesha's ok now" Erasiel stated.
"I can do that" Bloom noted.
"Good in the meantime, Trix come with me; We've got to show Griffin you three are alright and back, plus we can do that DNA test you insisted on Icy, in fact we can do that now: Maedras!" Erasiel stated, and a Faceless appeared, he was dressed as a doctor in white robes with red crosses instead of the black and purple robes worn by Kerborg and Gripmaw though he still had the purple mask like face and wings typical to the Faceless in general and had no visible legs. "Maedras: I need you to administer a DNA test, just to verify beyond a shadow of a doubt that Trixie and Icy are siblings, same goes for Darcy and Stormy because they are triplets" Erasiel instructed.
"Yes, my Lord, step forward if you will" Maedras stated, Icy and Trixie stepped forward, Maedras pulled out a two syringes and a scanner of some type. "I will need blood from both of you to verify this, hold out your arms" Maedras instructed, Icy and Trixie stepped forward; Maedras injected both needles sucking out blood from both Icy and Trixie, he then inserted both into the Scanner on his wrist after healing both entry wounds with a healing spell. The screen flashed and the words analyzing popped up. Soon it stopped. "Preliminary data has been collected, blood analysis is complete and DNA test states; Match found; exact same blood type, both blood samples verify the same parents; one male Phoenix and one female Whisperian; the genetics match up, you four are indeed direct siblings" Maedras explained.
"So, we are sisters! YES!" Stormy shouted high-fiving Trixie.
"Wait that stated we are Half-Phoenix is that accurate?" Darcy stated.
"One hundred percent, your father was the son of the Three Seers when they were under control of the Ancestral Shades and before you ask no relation to me, your mother is a Whisperian and I won't go into her anytime soon for your safety" Erasiel explained.
"So that explains why we are so powerful" Icy stated.
"That's interesting, so you four are fully sisters?" Bloom asked.
"Yep" Icy stated.
"Wow I guess I'm not the only one who has Family secrets that I don't know about" Bloom stated.
Shortly… Cloud Tower: Headmistress Griffin's office….
In Griffin's office Griffin was going thru paperwork with regards to the new students coming to Cloud Tower when the door opened. "Erasiel Come in" Griffin stated with a smile which was even happier on seeing the Trix. "Icy! Darcy! Stormy! I'm so glad to see you three again, I was so worried, don't worry everything is alright, I kept your grades, so you weren't held back, also your room is perfectly fine, I've been taking care of Knut and Pepe in your absence" Griffin explained.
"I'm glad to hear that Headmistress" Icy thanked.
"I've made sure everything is ready for you, I've even taken the liberty of buying you new things for the year; and I will cover any expenses with regards to anything you need, for the Heroes of Cloud Tower nothing is restricted for you three, also who is this" Griffin responded.
"Trixie Trix and I know my name is a tongue twister" Trixie introduced to Griffin.
"I see, well I haven't seen you since you were an infant, my how you've grown into a beautiful young woman, also I am proud to welcome you to Cloud Tower, your mother made certain to apply scholarships for your education here and you will receive the same benefits as your sisters, I'm glad to see you here, you'll fit right in; your sisters are the best students I've ever had at Cloud Tower, even better than your mother" Griffin stated.
After speaking with Griffin Erasiel and the Trix returned to their dorm, when the Trix entered they were surprised to see on their beds a Falchion and Shield of intricate craftsmanship, each had a corresponding color for each sister.
"These would be the gifts I promised for you, I forged them myself out of Relix, granted Zera helped me in the process, but each of them is worthy weapon, they have no names so feel free to call them what you want to, the shields are an extra layer of defense, all these are unbreakable, other than that I've taken the liberty to clean your room and made your beds" Erasiel explained.
"This is impressive" Icy stated picking up the blade, "I think I will call it Frostbite" Icy stated, "Sisters come up with names for your blades" Icy instructed, Darcy and Stormy nodded.
"I name mine Shade of Darkness" Darcy remarked naming her blade.
"Stormsurge is the name for mine" Stormy stated.
"I already have a sword, Nethercloud, Erasiel gave it to me for my tenth birthday" Trixie commented.
"Excellent Ladies, now I have to see to getting my Faceless in order, I'll gather intelligence on Shadowhaunt's current defenses and then I've got to see to getting a secondary team from Cloud Tower in order" Erasiel remarked.
Erasiel left the room leaving the Trix to their own devices and proceeded to summon Kerborg and Gripmaw who appeared kneeling. "Kerborg, Gripmaw, get in touch with the Faceless patrolling the tunnels around Shadowhaunt that are loyal to my father, have them observe Shadowhaunt and then you two make sure Rindus passage is still hidden, you two know the place, if it is unguarded then we will have a route in that can be used without Abolithon and his goons knowing about it; well one of several but the most practical for a rescue; other than that I want you to try and find where the Pixies are located without being detected" Erasiel ordered. "If you find the Pixies do not attempt a rescue, most likely Abolithon will be near them, if he is a surge from multiple magic users should incapacitate him long enough for an escape to take place, you two don't have that power on your own" Erasiel finished.
"Yes, Milord we will do as you've ordered" Kerborg responded.
"Yes, boss we will do as instructed, what about those garrisons away from Shadowhaunt?" Gripmaw responded.
"Best to keep those warriors where they are now, I can't afford to throw resources away on an unnecessary gamble, also they maintain important positions that will keep Abolithon from expanding outward and on top of that they keep out the nastier creatures that dwell in the caverns away from everything else; that is a danger you two know quite well can't be left unchecked" Erasiel replied, Gripmaw's expression turned grim as did Kerborg's they both knew full well what dwelt in the depths beneath Shadowhaunt and in the guarded chasms: Forgotten beasts, Primordial terrors, and far worse things; far worse things indeed, beyond the nightmares of those who dwelled above ground.
"You two have your orders carry them out to the letter, as soon as you are done, I want you two to split up, Kerborg you will head to Alfea to keep an eye on Bloom just in case she has any of her dreams, Gripmaw you'll head to the Rindus Passage and make sure it is clear of any dangers, just in case the giant cave spiders have moved back in; if they haven't make sure that it stays clear got it, in the morning Kerborg tell the Winx to head out and meet me, the Trix and the other witches in Magix City" Erasiel ordered, the two Faceless left and Erasiel proceeded down the hallway where he soon bumped into Nimeria. "Hey Nim" Erasiel greeted.
"Hey handsome so where you been all day and is it true that the Trix are back" Nimeria asked.
Erasiel then gave an account of all the things that had happened during the day in summery. "So pretty much what this boils down is that a new enemy now threatens Magix I don't know his plans yet, and on top of it all it is personal because he's trapped my father in his own dungeons in his own stronghold and there is no way he can get out of the shackles in the dungeons they were made specifically to hold Phoenixes and as such will hold him, now I've got to devise a rescue mission which if you would be so kind as to collect a small team of about 6 or 7 witches we can pull that off, just make sure they know they'll be working with faeries on this" Erasiel explained.
"I'll see what I can do, I know a number of girls who would follow you to hell and back Nathan I'm sure they'll be more than willing to help us" Nimeria stated.
"Just make sure they're fully ready for some cave exploration, and make sure you get everything ready, we'll be going into well dangerous territory" Erasiel stated, Nimeria planted a kiss on his lips.
"You worry too much, don't worry I'll choose only the best for this mission" Nimeria stated, she smiled for assurance. "So, what do you say you and I spend the evening together" Nimeria asked.
"Not tonight, I've got too much to juggle at the moment and on top of that I'm a bit worn out from all the fighting I've been thru today, what with my attempted rescue of the Pixies and my far more successful rescue of the Trix and the other captives from Lightrock I'm worn out" Erasiel answered and left Nimeria after giving her a good night kiss and returned to the Trix's dorm-room to find Icy, Trixie and Stormy passed out in their night clothes and Darcy having finished dressing into her sleeping attire: Darcy's pajamas consisted off a lilac nightgown with long sleeves which start off puffy at the shoulders, only to go down to her wrists in a different, more vibrant shade. She wore lilac sweats in the same style. "Hi Darcy" Erasiel greeted.
"Hey Nathan, by the way Trixie's taken your bed" Darcy remarked.
"That's alright I'll just sleep somewhere else" Erasiel stated.
"You can sleep with me in my bed" Darcy offered. "Besides it's the least I can do for you after you saved me from that boring and nightmare of a monastery, I love you, and my love has been all the more strengthened by you rescuing me" Darcy explained, Erasiel used his magic to change into his pajamas which consisted of an orange and purple short-sleeved shirt with the image of himself in Phoenix form and orange and purple sweatpants that were tailored with his long feathery tail in mind. Darcy lied down on her bed and Erasiel lied down next to her as she pulled the covers of them, they cuddled before passing out, on the opposite side of the room Knut and Pepe slept in their personal beds, the purple duckling saying Mommy in his sleep and Knut well snored like a freight train, however the Trix sisters slept like rocks, and Erasiel well he slept like an angel in Darcy's warm embrace.
The following morning…. Erasiel had gathered in the meeting room near Cloud Tower's cafeteria as he waited for the Trix to finish dressing he himself wore the same garb he wore the day prior for his journey into the Gloomy Wood, they had dressed for the occasion dawning clothing suitable for cavern exploration and rock-climbing, specifically a reinforced jumpsuit made of the same fiber alloy used for Darcy's Space-Strider suit, only with more reinforcements and powered exoskeleton for the purposes of climbing. "Are you sure these suits are suitable for this?" Stormy asked.
"They should be, they are made out of powerful microfiber; it's been designed to deflect a plasma round with ease, on top of that this plasteel plating should offer a good deal of protection" Darcy remarked.
"Well when Headmistress Griffin said she would provide whatever we need she meant it, this is stuff is top notch and must have cost a fortune" Trixie stated.
"What do you expect when you're one of the most powerful and influential witches in the Magic Dimension" Stormy remarked.
"Enough sisters, we don't need to discuss this; We're ready Nathan" Icy stated.
"Good now we just need to wait on Nimeria, her team should be here any minute now" Erasiel noted, then Nimeria entered the room as if on que, she was accompanied by Pusilitia, Shilly, Endora, Euphorbia, Ververine, Gerbera, as well as Vera and Ivey, they were dressed in clothing suitable for cavern exploration; though the difference between them and Trix was obvious, they didn't have the resources the Trix did thanks to Griffin and himself. "Good now we are here let's head to Magix City to meet up with the others" Erasiel stated, Erasiel then opened a portal to the city and they entered it. They arrived at a park where the Winx were waiting for them: the wore the same outfit with which consisted of a cream khaki, midriff, top and matching cream khaki shorts with pouches, with matching khaki boots; they each wore different accessories, and this set them apart from what would have been a rather uniform look. Stella was the odd one out because of her Rapier Solaria's Light and the fact she wore a purple ribbon on her right arm and a purple headband.
"Good now that we are all here I need you all to listen, follow my lead until we reach Shadowhaunt and then I will give our plan of operation, we will be heading for Ygg-Chall first where we will stock up on supplies and have guides escort us thru the caverns to the city of Igzera, once we are there we will meet up with my scouts and get their report, after that we will head to the outskirts of Shadowhaunt: I will explain the rest of our plan once we are there and after I get the Scouts' reports understand, also while we are in Ygg-Chall do not under any circumstance do anything to annoy the locals, the laws in Ygg-Chall are different then in Magix proper, it is a completely different realm, the locals in Ygg-Chall have different morals and laws then the people in Magix City, so while we are there follow my lead; we will gather supplies for the expedition then meet up with our escort and guides, while we are there DO NOT under any circumstances wander off, the last thing I need is to search the entire city for any of you, another point do not argue with the locals they know the caverns way more than you do" Erasiel explained.
"Understood we get it, don't bug the locals, don't get side-tracked, follow your lead, now can we go shopping at any of these cities" Stella remarked.
"On the way back Stella, not on the way there, also that's another thing, I'll cover any expenses, I have far more money than I know what to do with and on top of that everyone in Ygg-Chall gives me discounts" Erasiel stated, he then opened a portal to Ygg-Chall.
"Ladies first" Erasiel remarked, everyone entered the portal, the portal exited in the city center of Ygg-Chall, a grand bazaar where numerous goods were being sold and the prices went back and forth, the diversity of people at the bazaar was astounding. "Ok we are going to need to buy supplies for the journey, I've made a list, on top of that we will need to hire guides and buy Cold-One Raptors for allowing us to travel quickly, before you ask no there aren't any bikes or cars in Ygg-Chall, the caverns make use of them impractical due to all the stalactites and stalagmites, don't worry though Cold-Ones move relatively fast" Erasiel explained.
They moved about the bazaar buying the supplies, soon they met back together bar one person. "Where is Stella?" Erasiel asked.
"I thought she was with you" Flora asked Musa.
"She was, and I have no idea where she went" Musa remarked.
"I have a good idea of where she's gone; Stormy I'm going to need your assistance with this" Erasiel stated and the witch followed him, shortly they came to Mazaria's Multitude of Styles; a luxurious clothing shop.
Stella was modeling the latest in Dark Elf Fashion, a purple and orange two-piece gown that left her navel bare and a significant amount of cleavage, she also wore gloves of the same fabric and stiletto high-heeled pumps she had a bag in which were a number of other outfits and her rapier was of course at her side. "This is definitely more flexible it allows me some free movement and it is stylish" Stella commented to a number of Dark Elf girls who were gossiping with her when she noticed an irate Erasiel and an annoyed Stormy.
"Stella what did I say about shopping, it can wait until after the mission" Erasiel stated with a very annoyed expression.
"Hey Nathan, what do you think of my new outfit, it is all the rage this season, right girls" Stella stated, and the Dark elf Girls agreed with a number of things.
"Alright Erasiel, restrain yourself, Alright Stella how much is the damage in terms of how much this is going to cost me" Erasiel asked with a relaxed expression as he was restraining himself from wanting to ignite himself in anger.
"Oh that, well I've already paid for everything, it cost 850 for all this, in Solarian money of course, but I got all this on a special, so it cost a lot less then it would've" Stella explained.
"All right, now where did you put your explorer garb?" Erasiel asked.
"Oh that, well it's still in the dressing room" Stella remarked.
"Then go get it and change Stella, you'll complain about your outfit otherwise" Stormy stated.
"I'll get it but I'm not changing back into it, this dress is so fluid, I feel as free as a bird" Stella remarked.
"Alright but if you complain about your shoes hurting you I'm going to say, you choose to wear that outfit" Erasiel remarked. "I swear though, if you wander off again I'll have Stormy zap you with lightning" Erasiel stated.
"Awesome" Stormy remarked imagining Stella running off as she chased her with lightning bolts. Stella shivered at the thought.
"Anyway, no more delays, we have Pixies to save and every moment we delay is a moment where Abolithon could be doing terrible things to them, it's even more urgent because one of those Pixies is my daughter Piff, I won't tolerate any more delays
After that it proved simple to get Stella out of the store, the next step came to hiring guides, which was simpler than getting supplies, their chief guide was an Elf named Lordan who was an expert Cold-One rider, the purchase of Cold-Ones was even easier, while Erasiel purchased the Cold-Ones he sent runners to notify an honor guard for the King of the fastest and most elite Cold-one Knights. During this period Stormy named her Cold-One Pinky, when asked about the name she said "If someone laughs at the name it distracts them long enough for her to eat them, or for me to fry them with Lightning"
The journey through the caves proved simpler, Bloom actually rode alongside Erasiel. "So, Nathan we are travelling how about a travelling song?" Bloom asked.
"Well then Bloom glad you asked well I know my share of them: here's one; 'Roll-roll-roll-roll-roll-rolling down the hole, heave roll! Splash Thump! Down they Go and down they bump! Down the swift dark stream, you go, back to lands you once did know leave the halls and caverns deep! Leave the northern mountains steep, Where the forest wide and dim! Stoops in shadow grey and grim! Float beyond the world of trees! Out into the whispering breeze! Past the rushes, past the reeds! Past the marsh's waving weeds! Through the mist that riseth white! Up from mere and pool at night! Follow, follow stars that leap! Up the heavens cold and steep; Turn when dawn comes over land! Over rapid, Over sand, South away! And South away! Seek the sunlight and the day, Back to pasture, back to mead, Where the kine and oxen feed! Back to gardens on the hills! Where the berry swells and fills! Under sunlight, under day! South away! and South away! Down the swift dark stream, you go! Back to lands you once did know!" Erasiel sung.
"Wow that's a nice song did you make it up yourself?" Musa asked.
"No Musa, it's from the Hobbit" Bloom answered.
"What's that?" Musa asked.
"A book from Earth and one of my favorites" Bloom asked.
"One of mine too" Erasiel remarked.
"I can tell" Bloom replied. "Do you know any other songs?" Bloom asked.
"Well I can certainly sing one I remember fondly: "The World was young the mountains green, no stain yet on the moon was seen; no names were laid on stream or stone when Durin woke and walked alone. He named the nameless hills and dales, he drank from yet untasted wells: He stooped and looked in Mirrormere and saw a crown of Stars appear. As gems upon a silver thread, above the shadow of his head. The world was fair, the mountains tall, in Elder Days, before the fall, of mighty kings in Nagathrond and Gondolin who now beyond the western seas have passed away; the world was fair in Durin's day. A King he was on carven throne, in many pillared halls of stone, with golden roof and silver floor, and Runes of Power upon the door! The Light of Sun! And Star! And Moon! In shining lamps of crystal hewn, undimmed by cloud or shade of night, there shone forever fair and bright. There hammer on the anvil smote, there chisel clove and graver wrought, there forged was blade and bound was hit, the miner delved, and mason built. There beryl, pearl and opal pale and metal were wrought like fish's mail! Buckler and Corselet! Axe and Sword! And Shining Spears were laid in horde! Unwearied then were Durin's Folk! Beneath the Mountains music woke! The harpers harped, and minstrels sang and at the gates the trumpets rang. The world is grey, the mountains old, the forge's fire is ashen cold, no harp is wrung no hammer falls, the darkness dwells in Durin's Halls, a shadow lies upon his tomb. In Moria! In Khazad-Dum! But still the sunken stars appear in dark and windless Mirrormere! There lies his crown in water deep till Durin wakes again from sleep. Deathless is he!" Erasiel responded in song.
"That is from the Lord of Rings, before you ask Stella it's the sequel to the Hobbit "Bloom responded.
"What are these stories about?" Flora asked.
"Well I would have you read them yourself Flora they are on my shelf in our room, however I can sum them up: the Hobbit covers the story of a Hobbit or a Halfling as they are also known as, who joins a company of Dwarves who are seeking to take back their home Erebor, also called the Lonely Mountain, from a great and terrifying Dragon named Smaug the terrible, along the way he finds a ring, but this is magic ring" Bloom explained.
"Oh, is it like my ring?" Stella asked.
"No, the ring is an evil ring, it was forged by the Dark Lord Sauron, the Lord of the Rings, who is the main villain of the Lord of the Rings: in fact, the best way for me to sum up the Lord of the Rings is with a poem: Three rings for the Elven Kings, Immortal and wise, fairest of all beings under the sky. Seven for the Dwarf Lords great miners and craftsmen in their Mountain halls of Stone. Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die, but who above all else desire power. One for the Dark Lord on his Dark Throne in the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie. One ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to Bring them all and in the Darkness bind them in the Land of Mordor, where the Shadows lie. Ash-Nazg-Durbatuluk! Ash-Nazg Gimbatul! Ash-Nazg Thrakatuluk! Ag-Burz-em-Ishi Krimbatul! Ishi Amul Uzg-ob Mordor, Amul Ulu Burgul-kaat!" Bloom responded to Stella.
"Well Bloom, I'd appreciate if you didn't swear at the end" Stella responded.
"That was Black Speech Stella, it wasn't swearing Bloom was simply giving the original translation to what was written on the Ring when it was forged, also it was unique in that regard as it resembled a simple gold ring, until you put in a fire and that exposes the writing on the ring; it was written in Quenya an Elvish script but the language was that of Mordor; the Black Speech; when translated into English it is what Bloom stated before saying it in Black Speech" Erasiel explained.
"Well it all sounds like an interesting story, I'll have to read it sometime Bloom" Flora stated.
"I hope you do, it's a good read, but read the Hobbit first, it is the first book" Erasiel stated.
They continued along the caverns, passing thru many towns and cities of Ygg-Chall's territory, until they arrived at Igzera, the Dark Elf guides from Ygg-Chall left them to return home, and Erasiel hired other guides for traveling thru the caverns near to Shadowhaunt. Then from there they marched for another 30 miles avoiding going off the established paths, eventually to arrive at Familiar Ground which was actually the name of the spot as Erasiel explained, he had marked this place for the main junction that lead to Shadowhaunt when he was still a child and liked to wander off into the caverns near his home, the marker for said place was a large charred broken stalagmite with numerous glyphs in the language of the Phoenix etched in alongside hieroglyphs which depicted various things and people doing various things, the stone itself was smooth and long as two regular beds it was also good for sitting on.
"This is what I named as Irietta's stone: She and I played a lot in the caves when I was a kid and we carved this stalagmite for the purposes of finding our way home, but also we used it to record the many adventures we had over the years; when I still lived at home and whenever I returned home" Erasiel stated.
"It's amazing, how did you manage all this detail?" Bloom asked.
"Using magma pens, they are the best writing utensil for writing or drawing on cavern walls and objects; the illustrations are mostly my sister's, in fact Irietta did most of this to be honest, which is why we called it Irietta's stone: also, because she came up with the idea in the first place" Erasiel explained.
"Tell us more about your sister" Shilly stated.
"Not yet, I need to focus, now one of these paths leads to the entrance we'll be taking; the name of the place is the Rindus passage; my father made a number of secret entrances into Shadowhaunt, they are extremely hard for enemies to find and even if they did they would have to be a Darkar to open them: so be quiet and let me think, it's been a while since I last explored the tunnels near my home about five years in fact, so I need to remember, Gripmaw's got a better memory for these things but I sent him on ahead to evict any squatters from the passage" Erasiel explained, then he sat on a boulder near Irietta's stone, then thought, Vera sat next to him and held his hand while Zing and Livy hovered over his shoulders on which Kerborg had perched on the left shoulder, the other girls did a mixture of sitting down, passing and in Stormy's case grumbling under her breath, while Darcy read a book, Musa pulled out her music and played that.
Erasiel reconciled the various memories of the paths, his wanderings in the caves, his battles we some of the more expeditious threats in the caverns, as well as amorous adventures he had out here with numerous women and girls from Shadowhaunt, the most enjoyable being with Rise; his first brood mate and first partner, and with Irietta, how she moaned and giggled as he pounded her- Erasiel put those thoughts out of his mind, he was here on a mission, thinking about sex and passion would not help him figure out the pathways. "As if I can supplant those desires" Erasiel thought to himself and smirked, then he eliminated each cavern entrance, first the ones that headed in the opposite direction from where they would be heading, then eliminating the one with Darkar Crest fused into the cavern stone above which lead to Shadowhaunt's front gates, then he eliminated the path to Artas; one of the main outposts if you could call a good sized town and stronghold an outpost, then he eliminated the one he heard the flow of water coming from, then he listened, and soon it was narrowed down to two entrances, this would be the challenge. After a bit more thinking he decided to do something interesting. "Kerborg" Erasiel stated telepathically and said Faceless moved to attention. "I need your opinion, I've narrowed it down to one of those two passageways; one is the path to Rindus, the other leads to Shagra's lair, now you have keener ears then me, listen at both doors and see if you can hear that old Hydra snoring" Erasiel ordered.
At this Kerborg flew off to the two passageways and perched atop each one, the left passage he heard snoring, multiple snoring heads. He then whispered into Erasiel's ear. "Alright I've figured it out, listen up" Erasiel stated, at this everyone focused. "I've done some thinking and had it figured down to those two passages, after some intel gathering from Kerborg, the right passage is the one we need to take, and right as in on the right; the left passage leads to the lair of an old Hydra named Shagra a pet of my father's set to guard another secret entrance; follow me" Erasiel stated, everyone followed Erasiel; Zing and Livy hovered close to him everyone else followed behind, they had only been walking for ten minutes as the cavern opened to another cavern in which a towering armor clad warrior wearing full plate and cowel and wielding a star-bladed axe which was stained with yellow blood, he had only three toes on each foot, four fingers on each hand, several horns jutting from his head and he had bright purple eyes. Beside the warrior lay the corpses of giant cave spiders, which lay limp in death and covered in yellow blood.
"Boss just like you thought the Cave Spiders moved back in, I've seen to evicting them, well those who ran off at any rate" Gripmaw stated.
"Excellent job Gripmaw, anyone signs that anyone else was here?" Erasiel asked.
"No boss, these spiders have been here for a while now, about a year, I had to cleave thru a lot of webs, kill a whole bunch of the nasty monsters and smash their eggs on top of all that; trust me no one has come here that isn't already a skeleton" Gripmaw noted, everyone noted the mummified skeletons in cob webs, none of them were human, nor of any other civilized species, they were all of the fauna native to the caverns.
"Good; Gripmaw I need you stand watch outside of Shadowhaunt in case something goes wrong, I need you to create a diversion, if trouble happens loose the emergency Hydras and golems that will slow down any pursuers, which reminds me: I'm going to need a few helping hands for Gripmaw, four to be exact to help with a diversion, oh and don't worry those Hydra's are tamed to listen to Darkar family and house subjects, Gripmaw will keep you safe" Erasiel explained, the show of hands for this job was easy enough: though Erasiel refused Stella's offer in this department mainly for her safety, as for the actual volunteers Ivey wanted to be with this team mainly to see if Hydra venom was as toxic it was renowned for being; Euphorbia joined in for just causing general mayhem, Trixie for leadership, and Endora because a cool head was required for this job. "Alright now that this is cleared up let's move out" Erasiel stated then turned towards a cavern wall, muttered something in his own language, and the wall opened up, behind said wall was large entry way with statues of Darkar warriors and of the family standing on each side along columns in a spiral staircase style, but in the center was a grand gate with purple etchings into it. "Now for the main gate, and yes there are two layers of security, actually three, but this is the main one, I now have to the say words of opening: Adra Etios Rendi Vadoth Darkar Engarnak!" Erasiel explained and did, the gates folded back onto each other layer by layer. "Now to make sure we aren't followed" Erasiel stated, then pressed a concealed button which shut the outer door leaving a normal wall. "Follow me" Erasiel stated.
"So, what is the third layer of security?" Icy asked inquisitively.
"See those statues over there; the statues aren't just for show, they are actually stone guardians, if someone who wasn't a Darkar uttered the words of opening those statues would spring to life and kill any intruders; also, they are indestructible, they were made by Shanteri craftwork which makes them impossible to destroy with anything short of Relix weaponry, and even if you did use Relix weaponry they would simply reassemble themselves" Erasiel explained.
"Eek" Stella stated creeped out by the statues and she clung to Erasiel like a frightened child.
"Don't worry they won't hurt you Stella, trust me those statues have hardly ever been used for their main purpose, few have actually found this entrance and on top of that fewer can solve the puzzle of the words of opening, and those that do well they aren't a Darkar and thus the Statues dealt with them, besides Shadowhaunt hasn't been attacked by an extremely serious threat since the Phoenix Wars" Erasiel stated. They continued taking turns down the halls, then they came to an elevator.
"This isn't an ordinary elevator it is actually an elaborate train system, it can take us to any level in Shadowhaunt; now the important part is finding where Abolithon is holding the Pixies" Erasiel noted, then turned to a nearby wall to the confusion of all bar Ayesha because she knew what he was doing; the wall revealed a room with a number of computers and a large screen. "Tecna if you would I'll need your help" Erasiel stated.
"For a chance to use Phoenix technology; you know I'm interested and I'll help" Tecna replied; they then proceeded to search the many cameras for where the Pixies were being held. Shortly after they found them: in a cage similar to one they had been held in on the Flying Fortress; suddenly Erasiel then checked other cameras looking for Abolithon, no sign of him near the Pixies.
"Well we know where we need to go, right into the Throne Room right into the Dragon's lair; or in this case the Phoenix's lair, or you get the point: into the Elevator" Erasiel ordered and everyone scrambled into the Elevator in an orderly fashion, Erasiel then entered a code and stated "Darkar Eninatra" this was followed by Elevator moving a various direction until arrived at an empty room bar a portrait of Argulus and Avarra holding an infant in each hand. "Birthday photos: trust me this is one of the few times you can get my parents to agree on something" Erasiel remarked.
"Which one is you they are both blonde?" Stella asked.
"Easy the one with brown eyes; I'm a natural blonde, but I show it because my Twin Sister Eris is one too and she annoys me to no end" Erasiel remarked he then moved the portrait to reveal button which he pressed, they exited to one side of the throne, no Abolithon, no guards. Erasiel dashed across the throne followed by the Winx in a rush, they came to the cell which Erasiel immediately smashed open with a swift spell. "Come on! Let's amscray!" Erasiel noted, when he noticed something unusual happen, the Pixies gravitated towards the Winx and surge of powerful magic was sensed by Erasiel, he noted each Pixie was locking in on one of the Winx; suddenly it stopped.
"What happened?" Bloom asked.
"We're bounded" said a Pinkette Pixie in a pink dress with a Key shaped staff.
"That great, we can introduce each other later lets go before Abolithon- "Erasiel stated and a red flash occurred. "Too Late! Winx Charmix! Witches Gloomix!" Erasiel ordered and both parties transformed.
"Magic Winx Charmix!" The Winx shouted and they began to transform.
(It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the power of Charmix and you will shine Bright Spread you're wings and fly Light it up the Sky its easy if you try It's the power of Charmix. It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the Power of Charmix and you'll shine bright! Spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky!) "Bloom fairy of the Dragon Flame" Bloom shouted as she transformed.
(If you want to go far, never give up on your dreams! Because you know you're wonderful just the way you are! Deep inside your heart there is the power of a Winx just close your eyes and let it shine!) "Flora Fairy of Nature" Flora shouted as she transformed.
(It's the power of Charmix your magical light the power of Charmix and you'll shine bright, spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky! It's easy if you try!) "Stella fairy of the Shining sun!" Stella shouted.
(Every day on the edge you know what you've got to do, just give your best and you will see! You'll never be unknown! We are all for one! Burning Brighter than the Sun! Just Close your Eyes and we will shine!) "Musa Fairy of Music!" Musa shouted as she transformed.
(It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the Power of Charmix and you'll shine bright! Spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky! It's easy if you try! It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the Power of Charmix and you'll shine bright! Spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky! Charmix!) "Tecna Fairy of Technology!" Tecna shouted as she transformed.
(It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the Power of Charmix and you'll shine bright! Spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky! It's the power of Charmix!) "Diaspro Princess! Fairy of Gemstones!" Diaspro yelled as she transformed.
(This is what you are and now you're a powerful Fairy! Irresistible! You will be the Star! Come Fly with the Winx! It's the Power of Charmix your magical light the Power of Charmix and you'll shine bright! Spread your wings and fly! Light it up the sky! It's the power of Charmix!) "Francis Fairy of Laughter" Francis yelled as she transformed, Francis's Charmix consisted of a red sparkling bikini turtleneck top with a white strip down the front with black buttons and sparkling red bikini shorts. She wore red ankle boots with over-the-knee blue socks. She also wore white cuff bracelets with black buttons and a red and blue two-sided joker hat with black and red bells on the tips. Coming from her top she had a dark red two-pointed cape. Her wings curled at the tips and were light blue with cyan tips.
"Erasiel! Phoenix of order! Regal Armor of Darkar!" Erasiel yelled transforming and dawning a regal armor of interlocking plates made of Relix which covered every part of his body bar his head and were colored Orange and Purple, on the cuirass worn over the plates was the crest of house Darkar, on his head was his helmet basinet helmet with a face mask in the shape of a Phoenix's face, with two purple orbs resembling eyes, this mask was pulled down over his face. ("it's the power of Charmix!")
Erasiel tossed his staff to Bloom who caught and drew his swords quickly charging Abolithon and forcing him counter before he could speak. "Now!" Erasiel yelled, and everyone let out a barrage of Magic not even verbalizing their spells; the raw magic attacks from each fairy and witch bombarded Abolithon in cascade of Energy, in this blast Erasiel flew followed by the Pixies, Kerborg, the Witches and the Winx. "Gripmaw the distraction! NOW!" Erasiel yelled telepathically as the flew thru the entrance they came in by and dived into the elevator shutting it off once everyone was in, Erasiel then pounded a button that would take the Elevator to one of the Postern towers; which would allow for a rapid escape.
"Sure, thing boss!" Gripmaw shouted back.
Once they had calmed down Erasiel stated "Alright now we are heading to one of the postern towers"
"Alright why aren't heading back the way we came? Also, is Abolithon down?" Icy asked urgently.
"1. Never leave by the same route you come in by when you are doing an escape from an enemy fortress. 2. I doubt it, we only stunned him at worst, at best he'll be out of things for about 10 minutes" Erasiel stated.
"Now what do we do?" Flora asked.
"We head to the Postern tower, the top of it, then we fly off and split up into three groups one following Kerborg, the second following Gripmaw and the last me: no time to discuss who gets in who doesn't once we've gotten out it will be nonstop running until we've ditched them, don't worry the Faceless and I know these caves extensively" Erasiel explained.
They soon arrived atop the tower in which two armored and armed warriors were ready to fight accompanied by a number of constructs and large group of Tar Monsters. "Here's my identification papers: Purple Sun of Xereus!" Erasiel yelled, then a large purple sun blazed out of his hands and tore through the group, Erasiel and company flew a scrambled flight path around and forward soring past the walls where a large number of Hydras fought with Tar Monsters; they were joined by Gripmaw and his diversionary team. Soon they flew to edge of the caverns were numerous paths edged. The groups split off: Erasiel was followed by Stella, Musa, Stormy, Vera, Zing, Livy, Ivey, Shilly, Pusilitia and Nimeria as well as two pixies who Erasiel hadn't yet caught the names of, they dashed into a cavern entrance while the other groups followed suit down different passages, they ran, ran for minutes until they came to a dead end, cavern door which led to a 10-foot drop into a rushing underwater river.
"Crap a dead end!" Stormy yelled.
"What happened to you knowing the tunnels?" Musa asked Erasiel.
"I know all the tunnels save this passage; apparently, my father must have dug it for water access" Erasiel remarked, the howls of Tar Monsters and Hell Mastiffs heard in the distance. "The must have overpowered the Hydras, that or they ignored them; Only one way out now: Into the Drink!" Erasiel yelled then dragged Stella in, Everyone else leapt in behind them, as they were sucked into the roaring rapids, as the howls of the monsters grew distant, they were far down river when the pursuers caught up to where they had been, and they were not in a mood to go swimming after them nor were they suited for said task.
The river roared and shook as Erasiel held onto Stella tightly, suddenly Stella hit her head on a rock rendering her unconscious, Erasiel held her against his chest and swam, while trying his hardest to keep Stella above water so she didn't drown, everyone else was having an easier time staying afloat but they could only follow the current; downriver and deeper into the underground lands.
