Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Video and Winx Club belongs to Iginio Straffi and Rai S.p.A (NOT 4Kids!). Song 'Asu no Egao no Tame ni!' belongs to Gatekeepers.

Note: this follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubs.

Chapter 52: We're Back! The New Semester!

It had been a few months in Nerima, but after all that time, they finally returned back to the Realm of Magix. Currently, the Nerima residents were in the office of Headmistress Faragonda. The Winx had been excused to settle back into their dorms.

"It has been a while, everyone." Said Faragonda.

"Indeed, Faragonda-san." Nodoka replied back. "I see the school is back in its pristine shape again."

"And just in time for the new semester, too." Added Griselda. "These faeries shouldn't let themselves be lax in their studies even during these times."

"Always the taskmaster, aren't you, Griselda-san?" laughed Nodoka.

There was light laughter at the head of discipline's expense, then Faragonda continued. "I see you've brought a few more guests from your world." She stood up and walked to the front of her desk. "Ranma, Shampoo, Ukyou, it is good to see you all again."

"Likewise, Faragonda-san." Said Ranma.

The headmistress then addressed the newcomers. "And for the rest of you here for the first time, I am Headmistress Faragonda, the principal of Alfea College for Faeries."

Kasumi stepped forward and bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, Faragonda-san. I am Kasumi."

"I'm Mousse of the Joketsuzoku."

"My name is Dr. Tofu Ono."

"Er… call me Sasuke…"

"And I am Cologne, elder member of the Joketsuzoku."

Griselda tilted her head in thought. "Hmmm… I could have sworn I heard that name before…"

"It should be, Griselda. If I recall about Faerie history on Earth, six faeries touched down on the planet and assisted a tribe many years ago." Said Faragonda.

"Oh! I recall that, too." Griselda looks towards Cologne and also remembered how long ago that incident occurred. 'I never knew a human could live for so long…'

"I hope you didn't mind that I brought them over, Faragonda-san." Said Nodoka.

"Oh, there's no trouble at all. We don't turn away those in need. I hope you find our college to your liking." Said Faragonda.

"Thank you very much for your hospitality." Said Kasumi gratefully as she bowed.

"Oh! I'm not worthy!" said Sasuke as he fell to his knees and practically planted his forehead to the floor.

"Er… now now, there's no need for that…" said Faragonda as she tried to urge Sasuke back onto his feet.

"If I may, Faragonda-san, I would like to earn my keep here." Said Kasumi. "It wouldn't be right of me to loaf about as I stay."

"I also agree, Madam." Commented Tofu. "As a physician, I can't let my skills rust."

"I can vouch for him, Faragonda-san. He's good in his field. I should know." Added Ranma.

"A physician, you say? Well we can never have too many of those." Said Faragonda. "Very well, I'll take you up on that offer." She took note of something else as well. "Also, the fact that you're in this room tells me you've got traces of magic in you. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here."

"I've already got a Jusenkyo curse." Said Mousse.

"And I've delved into the supernatural myself." Added Cologne.

Faragonda nodded and looked towards Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke.

"It was a choice they made, Faragonda-san." Said Nodoka.

"It's a strange feeling, getting a Jusenkyo curse." Said Kasumi.

"So what is it you all turn into?" asked Griselda.

Nodoka looked towards the four cursed newcomers, who give her a nod. The former Saotome matriarch produced a wave of water that splashed on them.

Mousse shrunk down to his usual duck form. As for the other three…

Sasuke shrunk down to a brown-coated raccoon slightly smaller than Ukyou's fox form. A striped ringed-tail protruded from his hindquarters, pointed ears on top of his head, and a natural black mask around his eyes. His whiskers in human form were on either side of his face as well as his hood.

Tofu shrank down, but was the biggest of the three. He became a full-grown dark brown wolf with a large wagging tail, sharp claws, and fangs. He still retained his eyes along with his glasses and the small tied tail that rested behind his head.

For Kasumi, she was the smallest of the three, having turned into a white rabbit. Her long floppy ears stood and slumped forward as her cottontail twitches at her hindquarters. She also retained her eyes as well as her ponytail that formed on her head fur.

"So these are your forms." Said Griselda.

"Quack!"

"Ruff!"

Sasuke lets off a chittering sound as Kasumi just wiggled her nose.

Opening (Gatekeepers style, 'Asu no Egao no Tame ni!')

As the music starts, a light passes by, revealing Ranma's eyes.

Asu no egao no tame ni! (So we can smile tomorrow!)

Zooms out from Ranma's face as it shows a group shot of him with the Winx, Shampoo, and Ukyou on either side of him. The 'Ranma Club' title shows up.

Chikara to chikara butsukareba arasoi wa hajimaru (When power clashes against power, the battle begins)
Tatakau koto ga yuuki to omowanai kedo (Fighting isn't the same as being brave)
Mamoritai yo kimi no sono egao (But I want to protect your smile.)

Ranma is seen running through the streets of Magix. Bloom is also seen running. Stella runs but accidentally trips over a small rock. Layla runs with long strides. Musa jumps with a forward flip. Tecna is seen in a classroom looking through an upgraded iPad. Flora stands in the courtyard of Alfea and raised her arms as flower petals blow by.

It then shows shots of Ukyou, Shampoo , and Mousse; the Pixies; Nodoka, Kasumi, Sasuke, Dr. Tofu and Cologne; the Alfea faculty; the Red Fountain faculty; and the Cloud Tower faculty.

Asu e no GE-TO mienai keredo (The gate to tomorrow can't be seen)
Dare ni demo aru yo (But it's in everyone)

The image burns to show a burning landscape and several shadowy figures. It first reveals the Trix, then Happosai and Ryoga, then finally pans up to Valtor, who gets obscured by the flames.

Let's open the gate!

Ranma emits his battle aura and fires off his Moko Takabisha. It flashes shots of the schools.

Kinou no namida wa kitto muta ja nai (The tears we cried yesterday weren't wasted)
Arasoi no nai mirai wa ano tobira no mukougawa (A future without fighting is just beyond that gate)
Mune no oku fukaku jitto shimaikonda (Holding high the key tightly locked deep in our hearts)
Kagi wo takaku kakagete fumidasou (Let's take a step forward)
Asu no egao no tame ni (So we can smile tomorrow)

It zooms in on Alfea as the Winx in Enchantix modes fly out at high speed. Ranma is in a battle stance as he powers up. The Phantom Specialists rise out with their weapons at the ready.

An army of demons marches up. Ranma slashes his weapons, then becomes Faerie-mode after a shadow passed over him. Bloom produces balls of flame over her hands. Stella fires a beam of light into the sky. Flora blows a flurry of petals from her hands. Musa dances on a floor, emitting sound waves. Tecna lets off a spark of green electricity. Layla summons forth a water wave.

You can open the gate!

The NWC and Winx appear and pose before a collage of the three schools of Magix

End opening

At the Alfea auditorium, Faragonda was in the middle of an announcement to welcome back new and returning students back to the school. After the debacle with the Crystal Demon Army, Alfea as well as Red Fountain and Cloud Tower had been restored to their former glories. It was also an opportunity to introduce the newest additions to the school staff with the Nerima visitors. Like with the introduction of Ranma, Shampoo, and Ukyou, the introductions of the latest additions to Nodoka's family were similar. Still, the revelations of the Jusenkyo curses they all had were still something to get used to.

After the meeting, Alfea's newest residents began to get themselves situated. Along with the repairs done to the school, there had been renovations done. Nodoka had her own room, and her neighboring rooms were for Mousse, Kasumi, Sasuke, Tofu, and Cologne. Sasuke still couldn't believe he had his own room for himself (he had to sleep under the Kuno mansion's foundations while he was still under their employ).

As for the Winx dorm, it's basically the same setup, but with some improvements. For one thing, there was an added room for Shampoo and Ukyou. As for Ranma, he was given his own single room much like Stella. It was a step up from simply sleeping on the commons area. Of course, it was a MUCH better setting than when he was staying at the Tendo Dojo.

"Ahhhh! It's good to be back!" said Stella as she plopped herself on the couch.

"I almost forgotten what the place looked like." Said Musa.

"Don't get too comfortable. It IS a new semester, after all." Added Tecna.

"Tecna, don't spoil the mood for me!" Stella said in an indignant tone, causing everyone else to laugh.

Flora walked over to open the doors to the balcony, taking in the wind. "Mmmmm… the wind feels so good…"

Shampoo and Ukyou walk in. "I have to say, I appreciate you inviting us to stay in your dorm." Said Ukyou.

"Shampoo feel same." Added Shampoo.

"It really is no big deal." Said Bloom. "We're glad to have you. I'm sure we're not the only ones, though."

The two martial artists blushed as they and the girls looked towards Ranma's new room, where the door was closed.

In his new room, Ranma stretched out on the queen-sized bed.

"Ahhh… better than any futon I've ever used…" said Ranma. He began relaxing on the plush bed and looked up at the ceiling. Still, he knew this would only be temporary. Classes will begin soon and he'll need all the rest he can get. He also couldn't help that something was coming up. With his luck, it wouldn't come as a surprise.

The next few days, while Ranma and the Winx were taking their classes alongside the other Alfea students, the others had begun their new duties. Nodoka still taught her class on ki manipulation with Ukyou and Shampoo as her TAs, but they are also joined by Mousse and Cologne, the latter assisting in more advanced methods. As per his request, Tofu was stationed at the school infirmary where he put his medical expertise to use. Kasumi took to working culinary duty to make sure the students and faculty are properly fed. As for Sasuke, he works alongside Knut in maintenance duties and deliveries.

Mousse was walking through the outdoor hallways lining the courtyard. He passed by many of the Alfea students, some who've given him flirtatious glances and giggled about how attractive he looks. Since his status as being free was revealed, the single girls couldn't resist. This in turn made Mousse feel a bit embarrassed and tried to hide his blush as this was a very foreign thing for him.

'I'm starting to understand how Ranma feels…'

"Oh ho! Looks like you're getting some admirers!"

Mousee looks off towards the voice, seeing it was Stella.

"Stella? Er… I don't know what you mean…"

"Oh come on, Mousse. Don't tell me you don't notice all the attention you're getting here." Stella teased. "Can't blame them. I mean, a handsome single guy walking among a crowd of young attractive single girls… you ought to be careful!"

Mousse turned away trying to hide his embarrassment. "Hey now! It's not like that!"

"Please, dear boy, I'm never wrong on these things! Although I'm already taken, Magix is never in short supply of adolescent beauties like myself." Stella turned to leave. "Just think about it, stud! It's time you played the field!"

Mousse gulped as he was left alone as more students gave him some predatory looks.

From the second floor of the building, a smiling Shampoo had been watching.

'Shampoo happy for you, Mousse.'

At the school infirmary…

Tofu stood before a girl with long straight blue hair who was currently lying on a sick bed facedown and topless. She had suffered a back injury after accidentally getting shot out of the air while flying during a training course.

"You took a pretty nasty fall." Said Tofu as he examined the girl's naked back. "You're lucky, you didn't break any bones, but you will be sore. Well we can't have that now, can we?"

Tofu clenched his fist, causing his knuckles to audibly crack. He hovered his hands over the girl's back, stopping to press certain points, causing the girl to tremble at the pokes. After a few more points, he stopped.

"Okay, so how do you feel now?"

The girl propped herself up, surprised to feel no pain, then turned to the doctor with her chest covered. "I… I don't believe it… I can't feel anything!"

Tofu nodded. "Just be more careful next time, okay?"

"Thanks, Dr. Tofu! And I will!" replied the girl in gratitude as she puts her top back on before leaving the room.

Tofu smiled as the student left. He was approached by the school nurse behind him. "That's quite a trick you know there. I'm surprised it's not magic."

"You'd be surprised about the inner workings of the human body." Said Tofu.

Cafeteria…

The students were eating their meals at the tables, marveling at the taste. Considering they were prepared by Shampoo and Ukyou, it is understandable. With Kasumi now part of the staff, even more so.

"I almost forgot how good this stuff is!"

"Not even Maestroforda could match this!"

"Got to love the new additions to the school, huh?"

"Got that right, girl!"

Kasumi couldn't help but feel flustered at the compliments she was hearing. She did have a bit of pride in her culinary skill, from years of performing domestic duties at home. Whenever she was off duty, she would tour around the grounds of Alfea, marveling at its beauty, a nice change from Nerima's chaos. Currently, she sat at a bench in the middle of the courtyard as she gazed out at the campus.

"How do you like it so far?"

Kasumi turned towards the voice, revealing to be Flora.

"Oh, Flora. I have to admit, this place is quite wonderous."

"I'm glad you think so. May I?"

Kasumi nods and scoots over to allow Flora to sit. "I never imagined such a place existed."

"I can't really blame you. There are many things in the universe we don't know about. Still, it is not without its dangers."

"So I have been told. So it is really true this place was overrun by monsters?"

"One of the latest, to be exact, but Alfea is a proud school, and refuses to succumb."

"Sounds much like Ranma. Probably why he's been able to adapt here so well."

Flora blushed and nodded. "It's not just Alfea that's a point of interest. There are other places to see as well. If you'd like, I and the others can show you."

"I would like that very much."

Near the weekend, an exhibition event was held at Red Fountain where the students of Alfea and Cloud Tower were invited to attend. At Shampoo and Ukyou's urging, Mousse took part in it. After some rounds, Mousse's turn was up as he stepped into the arena. He faced off against a specialist duel-wielding phantom-scimitars. As the match started, Mousse took a stance with his sleeves together as his opponent charged. The specialist threw numerous slashes and swings at Mousse who dodged and deflected with a random weapon from his sleeves. He jumps up high to dodge another strike, then comes down feet first as he goes into his Hawk Talons move. His opponent dodged as Mousse stabbed the ground deeply before retracting the hidden claws back. Without delay, Mousse pulled a certain chicken out of his sleeve, causing the specialist to nearly laugh, wondering if he was actually serious. Of course, to those who knew Mousse, that was no ordinary chicken as it laid a few eggs Mousse caught in his free hand.

"KEIRAN KEN! (EXPLODING CHICKEN EGGS!)"

Mousse threw the chicken eggs at his opponent, who thought it was a joke as he slashed at them. However, as soon as his sword made contact, the eggs exploded, knocking him back and out cold. Everyone in the stands aside from Rama's group was surprised to see the new guy had won with eggs of all things. One girl in the stands took an interest in him.

Next day…

Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke accompanied Musa to the White Horse Café(1) as she went to show them some of the hangouts of Magix. They sat at a table enjoying their choice of beverage.

"This is quite a nice place." Said Tofu.

"Nothing like back home." Added Kasumi as she took a sip from one of the straws in her ice cream soda float she was sharing with Tofu.

"I wholeheartedly agree!" said Sasuke as he practically inhaled his banana split. It was the first time he ever had such a thing, and the experience was delicious.

"I'm glad you all think so." Said Musa. "The Magix dimension has a lot of points of interest. This is just the tip of the iceberg."

"Thank you for taking us out again, Musa." Said Kasumi.

"It's my pleasure, Kasumi. And don't worry too much about the bill. This one's on me."

"Then… could I ask so kindly… for another one of these… 'banana splits'?" asked Sasuke.

Musa just laughed. "Go right ahead! You looked like you REALLY enjoyed the first one!"

Sasuke could only blush as he noticed his empty bowl which had been filled a minute ago.

At the outdoor portion of the café, a girl sat alone at a table, finishing up her ice cream sundae. She had grey eyes and light grayish purple hair tied in two places as a long, thick strand reaching her waist. She wore a primarily red ensemble consisting of high-heel boots, bangles, a short denim skirt, and a short midriff-baring t-shirt displaying a smiley face with a zig-zagged mouth on the front. Her name is Shilly.

She is also a Cloud Tower student.

Shilly may be a witch student, but she is also like any other teenage adolescent girl. To enjoy the simpler things in life, and to experience love. She still had memories of the place, where she thought she experienced such a thing. How she fell in love with Brandon after a harrowing escape together from an underground river rapid, then later attempted to earn his love despite him being Stella's boyfriend. Shilly had gotten it through the use of a love potion, but it felt fake. She had told herself that Brandon naturally loved her and not from the potion, so she went and spiked his drink with an antidote to prove it to herself. However, it only proved the love Brandon showed her was artificial from the love potion and was shocked at how he had hurt Stella as a result. After some consoling from Bloom, Shilly felt regret for what she did to Brandon and Stella. She then went to clear things up to heal their relationship, even offering Stella the same love potion to ensure Brandon would always love her and never leave (Stella chucked it as she believed she needed no such thing to keep a man). Afterwards, Shilly was assured by Bloom that she will get her chance someday as she had a few prospects. Still, despite that, Shilly felt she may not see anyone as good as Brandon again. (2)

Like with everyone, the young witch had also heard of the incident with Valtor at Portal Island where Brandon and his fellow Specialists had died saving the Winx from Valtor's last ditch attack. She grieved at the loss, and also didn't know what to think about his reincarnation with the others in a shared body. Seeing him as a soul was unnerving, especially when shared with others in a single being like that. Shilly was glad Brandong and his allies were alive more or less, but it also served to show he was even further out of reach than before.

"Place sure brings back memories…" Shilly said to herself.

She gets up and pays her tab before leaving. Shilly was lost in thought as she walked down the path lining the café's lakeside.

'After so long, the schools are rebuilt from the last attack. Brrr… I don't even want to think about the way it started in the first place…' Shilly, along with her fellow witch classmates, were among the ones who fought against the Crystal Demons that invaded the three schools many months ago. 'As if my life wasn't already complicated to begin with. One thing's for sure, I refuse to die without having a real boyfriend yet!' She looks off to the side at the lake. 'Of all things, I fell for someone I can't have.'

"Oof!"

Focused on her thoughts coupled with her looking off to the side, Shilly wound up bumping into someone in front of her and fell back on her butt.

"Ow…"

"Uh… are you all right there, Miss?"

Shilly looked up towards the male voice and froze.

"Let me help you up there." The person said as he offered his hand.

The young witch nervously took the offered hand as she was helped back on her feet. "Er… I'm fine…" 'Wow, it's him! He's even cuter in person…'

"I'm glad to hear that." He turned to leave, but was halted.

"Wait! I should be the one who should be sorry. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going… and… hold on, I believe I saw you in the exhibition matches yesterday."

"Oh? You were there?"

"I was, and I have to say, you've got an interesting way of fighting!"

"Well, it is my special style. I suppose it stood out, huh?"

"Yes, and I mean that in a good way." They both share a light laugh before Shilly spoke again. "Oh, where are my manners? My name is Shilly. I go to Cloud Tower."

The young man was shocked, as this was the first time a girl introduced herself to him in such a fashion. "I am called Mousse."

Alfea courtyard, later that evening…

Layla was running a few laps around the courtyard's interior, the cool night air blowing against her. She noticed the gate open and saw Mousse walking in.

"Welcome back, Mousse. So where have you been?" greeted Layla.

"Oh, just made a friend." Replied Mousse.

To be continued…

Ending

As the credits roll, the scene shows a dark underground cavern. A flash of light appears, revealing a dark vortex where four figures came out. At the front was the dark wizard known as Valtor.

"Finally, after so long, I've gotten my body back…" said the newly awakened Valtor. After many months spending time in his shadow form to recuperate his powers from his last battle with Ranma, he recovered enough to sneak back to the Omega Dimension to break out his original body from its icy confines then repossessing himself again. "The time has come to exact my revenge and reclaim this dimension!"

Coming up behind him were the Trix. After regaining his body, Valtor had broken them out once again to have work for him as his mark was still branded on the three witches.

"Dammit! I'll pay those insects back for this!" said Icy.

"I'll show them the anger I've built up in that prison!" said Stormy.

"Whatever, I'm just glad to be out of there." Said Darcy.

"You three should count yourselves lucky I bothered to rescue you from there again." Valtor said to the three darkly. "Otherwise, I would've just let you live out the rest of your sentences."

The Trix flinched when they heard that. They also haven't forgotten about the marks branded on them that ensured Valtor would have their utmost servitude.

"We… we haven't forgotten, Valtor…" said Icy.

"So what's the plan now?" asked Darcy.

"In due time. Right now, would be best to get acquainted with some new recruits I've picked up." Said Valtor.

"Recruits?" Stormy repeated.

Valtor nods, then turns and called out in the darkness. "Come out!"

There was some shuffling heard along with some muttering. "Which way was it again? These caves all look the same to me…"

The dark wizard sighed in annoyance. 'Damn it all, this boy's sense of direction is simply atrocious! Stupid boy…' He casts a spell that teleported the one in question to his location.

"Oh! There you are, Valtor."

"You may be a skilled fighter, Hibiki, but your directional sense leaves a lot to be desired."said Valtor in annoyance.

"Sorry about that…" said Ryoga sheepishly before looking at the newcomers. "Are they the ones you spoke of?"

The Trix looked at the lost boy and didn't think much of him.

"Indeed. Meet Icy, Darcy, and Stormy. Ladies, this is Ryoga Hibiki. He comes from Ranma's world."

"Him?" asked Stormy.

"You all have something in common: disdain for one Ranma Saotome." Said Valtor. "I figured bringing those who knew him would be of much aid."

Ryoga growled at the mention of his hated rival's name. "Ranma… hearing that name makes me want to break something!"

"So he's a thorn in your side, huh?" Asked Darcy.

"A 'thorn'!? That bastard is the cause of all my suffering! My life is ruined because of him! For that, I vowed to send him to hell for the crap he put me through!"

The Trix couldn't help but feel impressed at the level of anger and hatred he emitted towards the pigtailed martial artist. It could very well rival their own hate for the Winx Club.

"Enough of that, Ryoga. Where's the other?" Valtor asked.

"Happosai? Actually, I'm not even-"

"SWEETO!"

"KYAAAAAAAAAHHH!"

At that moment, a blur zipped by and fondled the three witches. Happosai, true to form, groped at Icy, Darcy, and Stormy in rapid succession. The caverns echoed with the screems of three angry indignant witches.

Valtor could only shake his head. 'Perhaps this was a mistake… but I can't afford to be picky…'

End ending

Preview…

Stella: School seems to have gotten off without a hitch.

Musa: We were hoping things would remain like this, but that was wishful thinking.

Stella: Thanks for the vote of confidence…

Ranma: Perhaps it's my fault. I'm a magnet for these sorts of things.

Flora: You shouldn't blame yourself, Ranma. Magix always has problems whether we like it or not.

Tecna: In fact, it could be right around the corner…

Ranma: I suppose it's too late to say not to jinx it…

Flora: Next time, on Ranma Club, 'Beware! Return of the Shadow!'

Ranma: How could THEY be here!?

Author's Notes:

And another chapter after a LONG hiatus. I apologize to my fans who have waited so patiently, but I had to take care of a few personal things. Hopefully now, I can get things back on track!

As for Shilly, she was one of the background witches who was given more depth in the comic and I thought she had some potential to use.

(1)From the comic.

(2)Also from the comic.