Chapter 22: The Mission to Cloudtower

Amber's POV:

I am so happy that Dylan and I have patched up. Dylan said he will cancel this engagement as soon as he can. Now the only thing to think about is… let's just not think! "I really think it's tacky to come back empty-handed from a trip. I know we didn't find the Dragon Fire but we should've at least picked up some T-shirts," Stella said pulling me out of my gala land. I face-palmed and shook my head. Stella will always remain Stella.

"I really don't think anyone expects souvenirs from a DEAD planet Stella." Bloom said, as we landed inside Alfea and I giggled.

"Uh, Okay," Stella shrugged still unsure, as we descended the stairs from the ship. The guys followed behind us.

"Welcome home girls," Miss Faragonda exclaimed walking forwards and welcoming us with a smile and her hands spread. Professor Saladin was right next to her. "I'm glad you're all safe. It was a brave mission."

"Thanks, Miss Faragonda." Bloom smiled nervously.

"So, you were able to help the girls?" Professor Saladin questioned the guys with a smile. Why do I have a feeling that there are a lot of worries hidden behind these smiles?

"Well, they were fine without us," Dylan answered with a smile. "They would make it completely fine, without our help."

"No, he's just being modest. The boys totally saved us back there," I said pointing towards the guys, chuckling nervously.

"Uhuh… yes. They should definitely get major extra credit," Stella winked nudging me with her elbows… might I say very violently.

"Hey check it out..." Musa pointed breaking us apart and standing between me and Stella. We followed her finger and saw Kiko and a duck riding on Troy's back, playing. Wait isn't that… Pepe, Icy's duck? "...Kiko and Troy made a new friend." She continued amusement lacing her voice.

"How weird, that's Icy's duck! How did he get here?" Stella asked a frown settling on her face.

"Duh, I brought him with me." Knut smiled nervously, as he stomped to us, his one finger scratching his forehead and another pointing towards Pepe. I jumped a foot away and looked at him alerted.

"Trouble," Stella frowned deeper.

"Hmmm," Musa hummed, eyeing Knut suspiciously. What the fudge is Knut doing here?

"It's all right. The ogre is on our side now," Miss F. informed reassuring us.

"He tried to stop the Witches and we're letting him stay," Professor Saladin added walking up to Knut.

"That's peachy 'kay with me as long as he improves his hygiene," Stella shrugged while smiling.

"I'm sorry if I'm a little stinker than usual. I've had to do a lot of fighting," Knut chuckled while sitting on his knees and doing finger walking. I watched in amusement as Troy, Kiko and Pepe looked at his large fingers in curiosity.

"Oh it's fine. We have bigger problems than OBO right now," Miss F. reassured her smile disappearing, and worry etching her face.

"Well we are back and ready to help, right girls?" Flora smiled trying to ease Miss F's tension.

"I've got an extra bottle of perfume. You want?" Stella offered walking up to Knut and placing her hands on his shoulders.

"Thank you." Knut thanked, standing up and pulling Stella in an unexpected side hug. She looked shocked at first, but accepted it.

"Ah… take two please!" Stella gasped and I giggled a bit.

"Hey, the guys look really down." Tecna observed with her hands on her waist. Two red fountain boys were carrying a chest inside the school, and more of them appeared. All of them were having a glum look on their face and they hardly smiled. "It is so odd to see guys who were always so cheerful look so glum," I muttered and the girls nodded.

"Well it figures. The Witches destroyed the whole Red Fountain campus, right?" Bloom asked worried and sad. I frowned at that. Poor guys, if Alfea would have been destroyed I wouldn't be able to stand it.

"That's correct. The boys are setting up quarters here at Alfea." Miss F. sighed. We all smiled and giggled secretly giving eachother a thumb up. . Hmm, atleast, one good news. I stole a glance at Dylan and saw him already smiling at me. I blushed, a little, and looked back in the front. "Young ladies, the situation has become extremely dire," Miss Faragonda started grabbing our attention. "In my entire career I've never had to deal with anything like this," She said fear and anxiety lacing her voice. I feel so bad for her. She has the responsibility of the whole school! But I trust in her and myself and my friends. These horrible days will pass soon enough.

"Once you get settled in, we'll sit down and discuss the best course of action," Prof. Saladin added, stepping in.

"We need to be prepared for the worst now. They will surely try to destroy Alfea next," Miss Faragonda furrowed her eyebrows and warned us. She, herself looked really nervous and her warning just sent a chill down my spine.

After bidding our farewell we headed up to our dorm rooms and the guys headed to theirs. As soon as I entered I saw Celeste standing near a wall looking down with a frown. Guilt overpowered me when I thought of how I accused an innocent girl. "Oh Hey!" She greeted as soon as she saw us. "I-I just wanted to see that you all are okay. I will go now," She said hesitatingly.

"Wait!" I called out halting her in her steps. The girls smiled at her with me. I had told the girls how horribly judgmental I had been and they agreed that, they too, made the same mistake. But, we were going to rectify it now. "Dylan told me the truth." I continued making her gasp and turn around in surprise.

"He did!" She smiled. "So you forgive me?"

"Obviously! I don' have a reason to hold a grudge," I grinned. "And, neither do, they!" I said pointing towards the rest of the girls.

"Oh!" She smiled still in shock. "Thank you so so so much!" She giggled suddenly moving forward and engulfing me in a hug. And to my surprise it was not at all awkward. Wow. I hugged her back. She surely was a cheerful girl. I thought she would be distant and very prim and proper princess -like, but she was nice.

"Hey you know, I have an idea," Bloom piped in. I turned to her with my left eyebrow raised. "Since she will be living with us from now, why don't we include her in Winx Club? I mean I know, we haven't known her for long, but I think she will make a great friend."

All the girls looked at her in surprise before a smile took over their face. "I have no problem," Stella shrugged.

"Me neither!" Musa nodded.

"I don't see a problem too. A new friend is always good," Tecna said.

"I would love to have her," Flora added sweetly.

All the eyes were on me now. "What? I am okay with it too!" I said and turned to Celeste who had tears in her eyes.

"Thank you all so much! I can't believe it!" She exclaimed and we laughed along with her. I am happy this matter is settled. And we have a new fairy in our group!

It was later that day when Bloom, Stella, Sky, Brandon, Dylan and I were in Miss Faragonda's office. Professor Saladin, Codatorta, Professor Wizgiz and Knut were in the office too. "Bloom, I must ask you one more time. Are you absolutely sure you want to do this?" Miss Faragonda asked, yet again. She had already asked her this 5 times. I hope this is really the last time.

"I know that it's dangerous, but I don't have any other choice. It's what I have to do," Bloom stood her ground, her hands on her waist. Bloom and I had discussed the plan and her decision through. Though, we have to tell the others soon.

"But are you sure we should allow her to proceed?" Prof. Saladin asked looking at Miss F. quizzically and doubtfully.

"I am certain that Bloom has good instincts. Go ahead with your plan," Miss F. encouraged with a smile.

"Uh, excuse me, but what isthe plan?" Sky piped in with the most expected question.

"We're sending you on a mission to infiltrate Cloud Tower, and Bloom is the squad leader." Sky gave her an annoyed look for keeping him in the dark, and she giggled nervously. "The three of you boys will be under her direct command," Professor Saladin explained.

"What?" Brandon gasped, taking a step back.

"You've got to be kiddin' me!" I heard Dylan mutter and rolled my eyes. I mean I agree that being under someone's command can be a little frustrating, especially if she is the same age as you, but I don't think it should matter much.

"Bloom, how could you think of going anywhere near the witches when you don't even have your powers?" Sky frowned pointing at Bloom. I knew he was worried but come on; we are going with her and will protect her. And so I said it.

"Sky, we will be with her, Stella and I will protect her with our powers and you guys will also be there to help us!" I explained. "And this will be a big surprise to the witches, as they won't be expecting us!"

"You're right," Bloom nodded turning to me with a soft smile. "Listen," She turned back to a still unconvinced Sky, "I have to believe that I'll get the Dragon Fire back. I don't know how, but I do know it's the right course," Bloom said, trying to explain him. I understand where she is coming from and I am sure Sky will understand, now.

"How will you get in?" Brandon asked un-folding his arms from across his chest.

"Well, we'll take the tunnels." Knut replied, stepping in.

"When Knut was a kid, he used to play in the tunnels, so he knows how to avoid the surveillance system," I filled them in. "Once we get in, we'll figure the rest out, Okay?"

"You're disregarding the first lesson of tactics: you always need to have a plan." Sky pointed out looking at Bloom. Well that was a nice point but we hardly have time to construct a plan!

"Except that there is no way to have a plan! So the way I see it is that we can either stay here and be totally overwhelmed or we can do something," Bloom said determinedly. "So what do you guys say; are you with me?" Bloom asked looking at each one of us in the eye.

"What?" I asked. "Wasn't I with you from the start?" I smiled when I saw a little tension ease of Bloom's face. The best way to carry this plan out is to keep calm and not panic. Stella walked to her and kept a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"I see your point. Count me in." Sky agreed finally with a reassuring smile.

"Fine," Dylan and Brandon sighed.

"Ok, great. We just have to get our stuff, so meet us by the well when you're ready," Bloom stated.

"Bloom I want you to proceed with caution, but also with haste," Miss F. ordered walking forward and keeping a hand on Bloom's shoulder. "The signs are unmistakable. Look, the final attack is coming." She pointed to her mirror, and we looked at it as it dark and grey clouds appeared on it.

Right now we were standing near the well trying to explain the rest of the girls to stay here. Stella and I were already in our fairy forms. "No, you can't come. You have to stay here and protect Alfea," I said with a sigh. I can understand how they feel. I am feeling how they are feeling, literally.

"But-" Flora started but Bloom cut her off.

"And besides, we can only go with seven and the boys are coming." Bloom added.

"Come on, the boys?! They can't protect you like us!" Musa scowled clearly annoyed. I know she just wants to help us but Alfea needs them. The school needs these strong fairies.

"I need your support," Bloom pleaded walking up to them and hugging them.

"Hmm…" Musa hummed with a frown, still a little reluctant.

"Okay…" Flora mumbled.

"Hey, hugs here too," Stella demanded, linking arms with me and dragging me to the group and we hugged. I saw Celeste standing on the sidelines and pulled her in the hug too. Afterall she is in our group too and I know she is worried even though we are not that close. I was about to pull Tech in the hug when I saw tears in her eyes. A gasp escaped past my lips making everyone look at her, as she slowly wiped the tears.

"Tech," Bloom sighed really touched.

"I can't believe it. You're, like, actually crying," Stella exclaimed surprised. Tecna rarely ever expresses her emotions, but we knew she loves us.

"Well, it's just that Bloom's chance of survival is so impossibly low," Tecna sobbed making my heart quench.

"Never talk about defeat or you'll be defeated. Basic tactics," Dylan interrupted jumping out of the well, making me flinch in surprise. Brandon came up but didn't get out.

"Okay!" Bloom said standing in attention making me giggle.

"We'll all be thinking about you, sweetie. Good luck," Flora smiled. I looked down at Troy who was looking at me with worry and sadness. I sat down and patted him reassuringly. 'Don't worry, we will come back fine.' And to my surprise he barked at my reassurance. Did he understand what I said? Not the time to think. I stood up and looked at the Winx,

We gave them a small sad smile and follow the guys. Bloom jumped in first followed by Stella and then me. I gave a last wave to the girls, who waved back at me, and then jumped in. I could feel their worry in my chest. I just hope at the end of the day, everything goes back to normal.

3rd Person's POV:

In the mean while at Cloud Tower the witches were planning their final attack. "Ladies!" Icy started banging her hand on Miss Griffin's chair's arm. "We need a truly despicable plan," She continued with a hard face.

"Picture this: We send the entire Army of Decay over to Alfea at once," Darcy suggested menacingly.

"One final attack," Stormy agreed fisting her hand.

"It's perfect. We'll summon a horde so vast we'll bury those losers once and for all," The white haired witch smirked. "Darcy, Stormy, let us summon a force more powerful than anything ever seen before," Icy ordered making the fire in the fire pot start burning vigorously.

"Let the screams of a thousand years be heard again," Darcy and Stormy chanted focusing on their powers. "And the terror of the night erase all day. Everything that has rotted throughout all time, rise up now and join the Army of Decay!"

"Rise up from the deep and destroy EVERYTHING in your path!" Icy said the last words her eyes heartless.

As soon as she said that the gates of Cloud Tower opened and an army of disgusting vile creatures arose. Some were on their feet and some were flying. They were thousands of them ready to destroy everything.

At Alfea, the Red fountain student noticed the invasion. "They're invading us! Sound the alarm, now!" He shouted as soon as he saw the huge army.

"Code Red!"

"Code Red!"

"Get Miss Faragonda!"

"Call Codatorta! Muster the troops!"

A student blew a loud horn alerting everyone of the incoming battle. The troops gathered in their file their sword ready.

In the Cloud tower prison our not so liked specialist was regretting his decision. "You follow Icy around like a wannabe. Nah, that won't work," He mumbled still trying to find something that would hurt Darcy as much as she hurt him.

"Riven, who are you talking to over there?" Miss Griffin asked looking through the bars in the door.

"Ahh. No one. I'm just practicing. You know, in case I ever get to talk to Darcy again," Riven answered getting up and walking to the hole in his door and curling his fingers on the bars. He regretted it so much, ditching his true friends.

"Believe me, I understand. I have plenty to say to her myself," Miss Griffin admitted. "I should have known when I read their admission essays "To rule everyone!" wasn't a figure of speech." She sighed.

"I should have known as well. I can't believe I thought that whole bad girl thing was cute," Riven growled looking down while curling his fingers into fists. That's when he noticed a strip of metal and the lock in his door. "Hmmm. Miss Griffin, do you know any lock-picking spells?"

"Of course."

"I've picked locks in escape class, but this one's tough," Riven mumbled while picking up the piece of metal and twisting it to give it shape.

"I'll help you."

"It'd be so awesome if we could pull this off. Go Miss Griffin," He said holding the strip up for Miss Griffin to spell.

"Houdinus Escapus," Miss Griffin chanted making Riven smile in hope.

"All right, I'm gonna try it now," Saying that, he moved forward and started picking the lock with concentration. Just a few twists and turns, and he, was free. Miss griffin just stared at him with her jaw touching the floor.

"Yeah!" Riven cheered and walked out of the door. "Don't worry Miss Griffin; I'll get you out of here in just a second," He said kneeling down to open her lock which looked pretty antique with a weird design on it.

"Don't waste your time." Miss Griffin ordered slowly looking at him sadly.

"Huh!?"

"It's going to take a lot more than a simple Houdinus spell for me to break the ancient lock that Icy put on here. It's an Arcanum lock that belonged to her family. It's resistant to all spells." Miss Griffin explained turning into the cell where her students were making a potion. "Our only hope is my own family's secret dark magic brew, but it's quite possible that won't work either." Suddenly a growling sound was heard in distance making Riven stand up and turn towards the noise.

"What was that noise?" He asked looking around in confusion.

"The Vile Sentries! Run!" Miss Griffin alerted and hastily ordered him to run.

"But..."Riven turned to face Miss Griffin and looked unsure.

"Go!"

"And leave you?" He asked still unsure. But the look on her face told him he should run and that's what he prepared to do for. He just needed one more reassurance.

"Get out of here now, Riven. If they touch you they'll turn you to rot," And that was it. Riven set off running in the opposite direction.

He ran up the stairs the creatures still behind him. "All right! I have to remember 'Strategies and Battle Tactics: Chapter 9'," He muttered. "When being pursued behind enemy lines: 1. Don't panic. 2. Constantly look for ways to escape. 3. Take the first course of action that comes into your head. Do not hesitate," He reached up the stairs and turned towards a window. He turned around to see that the creatures were approaching him from another side. "Don't panic." He said turning towards the window again. "All right, look for a way to escape... like the window! And then take the first course of action that comes into your head," He jumped up on the sill and turned to see that the monsters were heading closer. "Think of something!" But his brain was only ordering him to jump. The monsters were even closer now. "Think think think!" Time was running out and the monsters were closing in. "Come on! I can't hesitate!" He said convincing himself. "All right!" He took a deep breath, "Course of action: Jump!" He jumped out of the window a loud scream leaving his lips.

At Alfea the monsters were now closer and ready to attack. But so was Alfea. "Freshmen, reinforce the east gate! Red Fountain Marksmen, Attack!" Miss Faragonda ordered and the boys complied. "Lacrosse Team, GO!" The lacrosse team did not hesitate to follow her command. "Prom committee, Now!" The fairies in prom committee flew outside and started attacking. "Honor Squad, Fire!"

"You heard her boys." Saladin the headmaster added. The honor squad followed their commands too.

Musa and Flora walked out and saw Timmy shooting some monsters. "Hey, you know what I read? They're allergic to pollen," Timmy smiled. Professor Palladium joined in the battle with his own sword. The other Alfea girls were too fighting bravely.

Flora shot, "Pollen Blast!" which disintegrated the monster. She turned around to see the pets in danger. "Kiko! Troy! Pepe!" Troy stood infront of Kiko and Pepe growling at the monster. But it was obvious that the monster was far stronger.

"Flora! Watch it!" Timmy shouted alerting Flora about the monster about to attack her. She turned right on time, to create a pollen shield and disintegrating the monster. The pets were in real danger now.

"HEY! Pick on someone your own size!" Codatorta jumped right in time and punched the monster in its face. The pets looked at him admiringly and gratefully. "Please, it was nothing," He shrugged it off and left to help others.

"Come on girls. Let's kick some decayed butt!" Tecna said and the girls transformed ready to help their beloved school. That's when a Juggernaut attacked them. The girls flew way right in time before it could crush them.

"Check it! I came up with this after their last attack. Beat Blast!" Musa informed before shooting the monster with her new spell. The monster disintegrated making the girls stand proudly.

Amber's POV:

We had finally reached the bottom of the well by climbing down the ladder. Well Stella and I flew down but others took the ladder. "Which way do we go Knut?" Dylan asked looking at Knut.

"Uh… um…" He hesitated for a second and then pointed towards a tunnel, with stones as its bordering. "That way."

"Ok come on," I said and we followed Knut inside the Tunnel. It had stone walls and was pretty dark but Knut was holding the fire lantern, in his one hand, which illuminated pretty much everything. Knut stopped and looked around in the tunnel almost suspiciously.

"Knut, are you totally sure this is the right tunnel to take?" Sky asked the question on my mind. Knut appeared to be in deep thought, still looking around.

"Gosh, I'm never totally sure about anything," Knut admitted and started moving again. What!? He does know he has responsibility of 7 lives right? We started walking with Knut hoping that this IS the right path. I looked around the dirty tunnel and a bad feeling pricked my heart. I just hope we don't lose our way.

"So, Stella, if we survive, wanna catch a movie sometime?" Brandon asked.

"Sure you're not a prince?" Stella asked looking at him.

"Yeah… definitely…. I'm just an average squire," Brandon said a little down. Aww poor guy but I know Stella can never reject him.

"Honestly, I've never once dated a non-prince before," Stella admitted making Brandon frown.

"I guess that means you don't wanna go out with me," Brandon sounded so glum and dejected that I felt like giving him a hug and saying that she was just ruffling his feathers.

"I didn't say that. It simply means that we have to take it one step at a time. Like we can start with a movie-" Stella stopped talking when Knut halted in his steps.

"All right, what is it? Why are you stopping?" Bloom asked exasperated.

"I'm worried about what you'll do, you know, if we get caught in here," Knut expressed his worries, as he glanced back his face painted with concern. Aww, it's so sweet of him to think of Bloom's safety, first. I can't believe he is the same Ogre who was hell bent on turning us into fairy dust. Sometimes people do change, for good. In this case its and Ogre!

"Don't sweat it," Stella smiled.

"Whatever happens, we'll be right next to you to protect you," I said moving forward and keeping my hand on Bloom's shoulder, Stella joining me.

"Yeah don't worry, we can totally protect her." Stella agreed.

"That's very cool of you both, but I have to be ready to fight on my own. Sooner or later I'll have to confront the Witches and I'll have to defend myself," Bloom responded, turning and looking at us seriously. I know where she is coming from. I would have felt the same if I was in her place. But she also has to understand that sometimes it's better to let others take care of the situation. We keep on walking but in the pit of my stomach nervousness grew. Why am I feeling as if something wrong is going to happen? No no no! I can't keep such negative thoughts!

After walking a little we come at halt infront of three tunnels. "Hmmm, it's the three tunnel crossroads," Knut said looking around.

"So which one do we take?" Stella asked moving forward. Suddenly a coven bird flew out and I literally jumped a few feet right next to Dylan holding his arms. Did I tell you I was really scared of those black flying birds! I hated ravens or crows; I have a phobia of them! I literally had Goosebumps on my arms.

"We are definitely not taking that one!" I mumbled my voice still panicked.

"You are scared of birds?" Dylan asked looking at me surprised and a little amused. I scoffed internally. What so amusing about this?

"Not birds but of them, I am." I said dryly, pointing towards where the coven bird flew away.

Knut looked around, confused, still trying to figure out a path. "Like, hello! Do you have ANY idea where we're supposed to go?" Stella asked walking up to Knut.

"Uh," He turned to Stella, "I don't know." Knut answered still confused. WHAT? We are following him trusting that he knows the way and now…! Oh God this is a mess.

"WHAT?! We're following you, like, entrusting our lives with you and YOU DON'T KNOW?!" Stella gasped really annoyed now.

"I heard that ogre's have a really great sense of smell. Maybe that can help us find the way," Bloom interjected with her optimism.

"Yeah let's try that and hope it works," I mumbled. Lately, I have been in a cranky mood because of the voice in my head. It hasn't come back and it's truly very annoying, cause I end up thinking about it.

Knut lifted up his nose and started smelling the area snorting a little. It looked like he picked up a scent. "I left a bag of doughnuts at Cloud Tower. I can lead you right to 'em. This way," He said walking towards the tunnel in the middle.

"Are you sure?" I asked looking suspiciously at the tunnel. It's not like it looked different, it just gave me a bad feeling.

"I smell 'em. Two chocolate, one glazed. Mmmm," Knut drooled and I rolled my eyes. "It should be clear sailing from here," he assured and I sighed in relief. But my luck wasn't too good because the next moment we were running away from creepy slimy brown monsters.

When we tried the other tunnel, Knut climbed up a wooden ladder trying to open a door which made water suddenly flow and was hell bent on drowning us. We ran as fast we could, avoiding, the water. Once we reached safety Sky and Dylan saved Knut from drowning. Next thing I knew, we were fighting wild vines which had made it their mission to squeeze the life out of us. Finally when we removed ourselves from the vines we could take a breath.

We finally found some weird looking orange rocks, and I planted myself on one of them, others taking a seat too.

"What's that?" Stella asked and my ears perked. There was a rustling sound.

"I hear it too," I nodded and looked around.

"Yeah…" Bloom trailed looking around in confusion. I squeaked as the rocks started rocking violently and I flew up. Oh my God they were freaking bugs! We quickly evaded them and ran out of the cave, where hopefully there was no other hurdle.

As soon as we reached to safety, Stella turned around angrily, "Hey! You are so not trying hard enough, Knut!" She shouted, stomping her foot, annoyed.

"I can do it," Knut protested, "Let me try one more time," he pleaded leaning against a wall and sniffing the area, with his nose held high and snorting a little. "Don't you worry, I'll find a way out," he reassured and leaned a little more in the wall. Suddenly the wall broke and Knut fell down, with a loud echoing scream, taking us along with him. A loud shriek escaped past my lips as I slid down the pipes.

I pinched the bride of my nose as the stench filled my nostrils. This isn't just my day! "Nice, we end up in the garbage dump," Bloom mumbled, sarcastically. The situation had made her a little annoyed too.

"At least we're almost there," Dylan said pointing out the positive side.

"There's probably a service entrance somewhere," Sky suggested, walking down the pipe we just slid through.

"This better not rub off of my clothes," Stella stated pinching her nose. "With the current situation it'll be impossible to find a dry cleaner that's open."

"Don't you have twelve of the same outfit?" I asked looking at her from the corner of my eyes, as pinched my nose a little more. Damn this stinky smell was making my crazy.

"Humph!" She huffed looking away and I chuckled.

Stella, Bloom and I walked to Knut and helped him up. He was pretty heavy but we managed to lift him in a sitting position.

"What is that smell?" Bloom asked and I scrunched my nose, as the stench increased. As if that wasn't enough!

"Yeah, it just got way stinker in here." Stella noticed, as we lifted Knut in a standing position with the help of guys.

Knut sniffed the air snorting again and gasped. "Beetle Roaches!"

"I think I might puke," Stella gagged.

"They'd like that," Knut countered and my skin crawled. They were large insects with metal-like skin and human-like cringing face. The beetle roaches were green and brown in color. And they had EIGHT legs! They were closing in making me shiver in disgust. "Make sure you don't touch their saliva," Knut warned making me almost gag.

"EWWW! Touch it?!" Stella shouted taking a step back. "AS IF!"

"Be ready to pinch your nose. I think these bugs release a 30-mile wide stench when destroyed," Brandon informed and the guys pulled out their sword.

Dylan and Sky were about to attack a bug when Bloom got in between them, pulling them away. "Wait! If we destroy them, the Witches will, smell their stench and know we're here," She picked up a stick from the ground.

"Yeah, that's true, but it means we're gonna have to come up with a way to make them leave us alone without having to burst them open," Sky agreed frowning. And I gagged again! Burst them open! Did he have to give us the visuals?!

"Right, let's stand here and negotiate with these giant bugs," Stella suggested sarcastically, "If you leave, I'll give you all my trash for a month." She tried, while looking at the roach that was approaching her.

"Ahh," Suddenly we heard a loud scream and I turned around to see Knut getting attacked by one of the insects. Knut was on the floor, his pant in the roach's clutches, which was about to eat his leg. I was about to fly and kicked the beetle roach on its face, but Bloom jumped first with her stick in her hands, hitting the beetle right in its face.. Take that you stupid roach! It backed away and Bloom grinned in satisfaction.

"Wow Bloom, that's amazing for earth power," Knut complimented and she smiled at him.

"Thanks," She giggled.

"Watch out," I gasped as a larger pink color roach with frills on her collar picked sky up with her claws. Oh no!

"Get off!" Bloom charged in with a stick in her hand but the beetle threw her away, and put Sky on the ground.

I flew up and grabbed Sky but the freaking roach grabbed on my skirt making me leave Sky and he fell, once again. I hope it didn't hurt him. The bug made a sound and pulled me closer to her stinky mouth. Oh no I am gonna die! What do I do? I have so many mysteries to unfold and so much to do! What do I do? And I still have to be kissed by Dylan! I can't die so early!

"He's gonna eat her!" Bloom shouted but my mind was too hazy.

"Amber!" Dylan shouted trying to look for a way to save me. He tried to attack the roach with his sword but the roach threw him away. Tears had already made their way in my eyes. Bye guys, I will miss you all a lot.

"Yee Haa!" Suddenly there was a jerk and I fell down on the ground with a groan. Yay I am saved! I didn't die! Thank God! I sat up to see a stranger riding on the monster, that was about to end my life!

"Who's that?" I asked looking at the person with gratitude shining in my eyes.

"Get lost!" My life saver shouted and zapped at the beetle roach. It jerked him of her back and ran away the other beetle roaches following her. I looked at the guy with the coat and smiled.

"How did he make the bugs leave? Huh?" Stella asked looking around in confusion.

"That was the Queen Roach, so they follow her," The mysterious life saving stranger replied, standing up.

"Hey thank you so much for saving my life! Uff I really thought my life ended there," I said and sobbed a little. What? I am not being dramatic! I was about to die!

"Long time no see, guys!" The stranger turned and dropped his ragged coat down revealing himself. I gasped when I saw that it was RIVEN! He saved MY life! "And I didn't ever think you would thank me Amber," He smirked.

"And I didn't think you'd save me," I countered immediately getting out of my shock! But this time this argument didn't have hate, it was just pulling each other's leg.

"Riven!" The guys gasped shocked. "Where have you been all this time?"

We were back inside some other cave/tunnel like thing, this time Riven was with us. Knut was holding up the flame torch illuminating the dirty passage. Riven told us how Darcy had betrayed him and how he escaped. I actually felt a little bad for him. Even though my bond with Riven was not so strong I could still feel that he was a little hurt.

"So, I gotta ask you, how did you figure out how to escape from a whole horde of Vile Sentries?" Sky asked curiously. I was a little curious too.

"I did the only thing I could do in that situation: I used what we learned in 'Strategies and Battle Class', Chapter 9 in particular. And to think, I came so close to taking that wrestling elective instead," Riven answered, sounding smart. Well I didn't know this side of him existed.

"But Riven, how did you know you'd be safe?" I asked.

"I didn't have any time to think about that. I just had to take action, so that's what I did." Riven answered with his eyes closed as if going in a flashback. "Luckily I remembered how to use my cape for aerodynamic gliding from 'Survival 101' freshman year. The grounds were packed with Beetle Roaches. I was fine, because I remembered when behind enemy lines, you have to blend in," He opened his eyes looking back at us, "And then just as I was going to make my way out, I ran into you guys."

"I've known you since the first day of orientation and I've never once seen you taking notes. No offense but all this time I thought you were like the Red Fountain slacker, but you're probably the best student in school, dude," Sky complimented looking really impressed.

"Yeah, But after me that is." Dylan joked to lighten the mood.

Everyone cracked up as we moved forward. Suddenly Riven's expression changed to one of guilt. "Uh, hey, listen you guys, I hope you can forgive me for everything that happened?" Riven scratched his head.

"Did you just apologize?" I smirked at Riven, and everyone laughed.

"Let's not forget you thanking me," he smirked back.

"Well," I shrugged at a loss of comebacks. Shoot, I should practice some comebacks! "Whatever!"

"Of course we forgive you, Riven. Anyone can fall for the wrong girl," Sky grinned putting his arms around Riven's shoulder.

"Yeah, right. This guy's big on forgiveness these days," Bloom said hopping towards them, throwing her hands around them.

"You comin' with us?" Dylan questioned as Bloom made her way forwards.

"You bet," Riven replied.

"Awesome!" I grinned walking in between of them. "We could really use an extra hand to take on those witches." I walk ahead and join Bloom. I hope we defeat them for good.

Third Person's POV:

At the meanwhile in Cloud Tower the witches were watching the troop through Arachni-cam. "She's like, irreparably pathetic," Icy said.

"I know," Darcy agreed.

"That powerless dork-io thinks she can sneak in here and fight us?" Icy mocked very annoyed.

"Let's think of something really gruesome to do to her," Stormy suggested.

"Oh yeah, something that'll make herm, cry and beg for mercy," Icy smirked evilly.

They continued watching and Icy cackled up on Amber's comment. "They're gonna need a lot more than an extra hand to take us on," they laughed harder.

"Could they be any more naive? They're making this so easy," Stormy stated looking bored.

"While the Army of Decay is wiping out everyone at Alfea we can personally crush Bloom and Stella, not to mention their loser Red Fountain groupies and that traitor ogre. It'll be the perfect end, to a perfect day," Icy laughed.

A/N

Hey guys I hope you liked this chapter. I really hope you do comment. I love reading comments and even one makes my day, comments make me feel as if my hard work was successful.

Anyways I hope you like this chapter. I can't believe I updated in a week! My last 3 exams are left. But I may write in between in my break and give you a new chapter! Love all of my readers! Thank you!

Q. Please tell me if you have a ship name for Dylan and Amber.

*Edited: 6601 words 30/03/2017