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, 'BLOODY STREAM' belongs to Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Battle Tendency.
Note: This follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubbed.
Chapter 53: Beware! Return of the Shadow!
Outside Alfea…
Ranma was out in a forest clearing on the outskirts of the school grounds training. Punches and kicks were thrown at high speeds as he darted about to work on mobility. At times, Ranma would summon a Specialist weapon swing them around before making it vanish in favor of another.
Even though he and the others have arrived back to the Realm of Magix from Nerima, Ranma still kept up his training regiment. Not that his time in Nerima was a walk in the park, though, far from it. It's just that he and the Winx have been gone from Alfea for a long time now. Who knows what has been going on since then? Ranma didn't want to be pessimistic, but with him, that always seems to be the case. With that in mind, he continued his rounds.
'I'm starting to get the hang of this now. Still I can never get lax in training as it is a martial artist's creed to be prepared for anything.' Ranma thought to himself.
"Sheesh… where was the hideout again? Everything looks the same to me out here…"
Ranma's eyes widened when he heard the voice.
'No… it can't be…!?'
The pigtailed boy turned around to see a certain someone walk out of the woods into the clearing. He couldn't believe it, but there was no mistaking the bandanna.
"Ryoga…?"
Ryoga suddenly turned towards the voice and saw his hated rival. He went into his usual reflex.
"RANMA PREPARE TO DIE!"
The eternal lost boy immediately charged at Ranma, who braced himself for the inevitable.
Opening (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Battle Tendency style, 'BLOODY STREAM')
The music starts as we see Ranma from behind, then his feet and he takes a step, then Sky and Brandon's sword clinging together, before finally showing Ranma punching his palm. A stone wall busts out the 'Ranma Club' title
Shijima no soko kara (From the depths of silence)
Mezameru sono hashiratachi toki wo koe (Awaken the 'Pillars' beyond their time)
Ranma's light silhouette is seen doing his katas before showing shadow silhouettes of six people casting a long shadow. It them flashes by a group shot of Nodoka, Kasumi, Tofu, and Sasuke, then a shot of Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse, then then shots of Bloom, Stella, and Flora together, then Musa, Tecna and Layla, together, before ending with a surprised Kiko.
Shinku no chishio ga (Bring together the courage)
Tachiagaru yuuki wo hikiawaseru (Of the rising crimson blood)
Light silhouettes of Sky, Brandon, Helia, Riven, Timmy, and Nabu doing katas go by, then ends as they all merge into Ranma's form, who then fills out his features.
Uketsugu ai wo sadame to yobu nara (The love you inherit is called fate)
Hohoemu me de tsugi no te wo (Now move on with a smile)
We see a naked Bloom as her hair blows in the wind, then her whole body rotates around as her hair trails her path. Her form gets obscured by sparkles, which darken to show the Codex. The hands of the cast reach out for it. Shots of Ranma's family flash by before ending on the ice crystal prison of Valtor, who then breaks out.
Yami wo azamuite setsuna wo kawashite (Deceiving the darkness, avoid the moment)
Yaiba surinuke yatusra no suki wo tsuke (Through the blade, catch the enemy off his guard)
Tsuranuita omoi ga mirai wo hiraku (Carry out the will, develop the future)
Stormy comes up and fires two blasts of lightning-laced wind. Darcy drops down and spins, unleashing a wave of darkness that obscures the view, just as Icy appears and freezes the screen. Ryoga breaks through the ice with his fist before jumping away. Happosai drops down and twirls his pipe before tossing a Happo Daikarin bomb that explodes. Valtor rises up and blasts at the screen.
Zooms out showing a darkened field where Valtor, the Trix, Ryoga, and Happosai are standing on top of a high rock formation. Ranma, the Winx, Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse stand a distance from the base gazing up at the antagonists, then take battle stances.
A shot of Valtor flashes by, followed by the shadow silhouette of what looks like a child.
Like a Bloody Storm atsuku Like a Bloody Stone (Like a bloody storm, heat up like a bloody stone)
Ketsumyaku ni kizamareta innen ni (Carved into the bloody lineage of destiny)
Ukiagaru kienai hokori no kizuna (Floating and indelible, bonds of pride)
The group spins around, unleashing their attacks. Ranma throws out some punches and kicks. Bloom swings her arms, leaving fiery trails. Stella illuminates herself before firing off a light ray. Flora blows a gust of pollen that turn into petals. Musa does a jig before clapping her hands, releasing a sound wave. Tecna pulls up virtual monitors that fire off code. Layla summons her morphix and throws a morphix fist. Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse end it by slashing at the screen with their respective weaponry.
Ranma is seen on one knee before slowly getting up, letting out a skyward yell just as the Specialists souls come out from him.
Nigirishimete (Clasped together)
Pans up to the night sky as the Lunar Gem appears.
End opening
"RANMA PREPARE TO DIE!"
Ranma immediately went on the defensive and dodged all of Ryoga's wild attacks.
"Ryoga!? How the hell did you get here!?" Ranma demanded as he was dodging.
"Don't you know? I'll always follow you anywhere to see that vengeance is served!" shouted Ryoga as he threw another punch that hit empty air.
"You mean until you're lucky enough to find me while you're lost."
"I'LL KILL YOU!"
Ranma dodged the last attack and countered with a kick to Ryoga's gut, forcing him back. 'Still, how the hell did he get to Magix? Sure, he can wind up anywhere when he's lost, but no way can he find himself in another dimension! He must have gotten assistance!'
"ROCK WAVE!" Ryoga punched the ground, causing a huge wave of boulders to jut out towards Ranma. He was surprised by the move he barely managed to dodge in time.
'What the hell was that? That didn't look like his usual Breaking Point technique!'
Ryoga smirked at Ranma's shock. "Surprised, Ranma? I've learned a few new tricks of my own!" He stomps his foot, causing a boulder to pop out of the ground, then whips out his umbrella and swings it at the boulder, grand-slamming it towards Ranma. The pigtailed boy quickly jumps it to dodge, but that was when Ryoga smirked and stabbed his umbrella into the ground. "EARTH SPIKE!"
A huge angled stalagmite suddenly juts out from the point of impact of his umbrella, stabbing right towards a surprised Ranma. Almost in an instant, Diamond Brandon comes out in front of him and blocks with the flat of his broadsword. Even blocking it sent him flying backwards into a tree.
'Great… just great! Now he has magic! But how?' Ranma had no time to ponder further as he jumped up to avoid getting crushed by a falling boulder. He lands on the boulder and launches himself towards Ryoga.
"You're dead now!" Ryoga launched another boulder at Ranma, who quickly pulls out Riven's scimitar and slices the boulder in two, causing the halves to pass by him. He puts himself into a flying kick and knocks Ryoga back a bit.
"You may have magic now, but you're still the same, Ryoga." Said Ranma.
"Shut up, Ranma! With this new power I was rewarded with, I'll finally take you down!" shouted Ryoga.
Ranma narrowed his eyes at the declaration. 'Hmmm… I wonder…' "So you getting cozy with the Trix?"
"Th-that's got nothing to do with it!" shouted Ryoga. "Those three are crazy anyway! Them and that prettyboy!"
That really got Ranma's attention. "So it's true… they ARE back… thanks for the tip."
Ryoga's eyes widened as he realized too late he had walked into that one. "H-hold on! I don't know any Trix or Baltor!"
"That's VALTOR. Only an idiot could get that wrong. Must be bad if you can't even get your own employer's name right." (1) said Ranma.
Ryoga raged at the comment. "PREPARE TO DIE!"
Ranma simply takes out Nabu's staff and stabs it into the ground, imitating one of Layla's attacks. "JET GEYSER!"
A geyser of water erupts beneath Ryoga, triggering his curse and sending him squealing in the distance.
'Damn! This is no good! I almost forgot about those headaches! I can't believe they've escaped! I'd better tell the others!'
With that thought, Ranma makes a break for Alfea.
Alfea courtyard…
The courtyard had numerous faerie students milling about in the break period. Among them were the Winx walking together.
"I wonder where Ranma has disappeared to?" asked Flora.
"He said he was out doing some training as usual, nothing to worry about." Replied Layla.
"Still, he can't just shirk on his academics." Added Tecna.
They were startles when they heard some screaming off to the side.
"What's going on?" asked Musa as she and the others turned towards the commotion.
"EEEEEK! GET IT OFF!"
"WHAT IS THIS!?"
"NO NO! GET AWAY!"
"HA HA HA! SWEETO!"
The Winx cringed when they heard the last voice.
"No way… that sounds like…" said Stella.
A familiar shriveled up gnome turns his gaze on them.
"HOTCHA! COME TO HAPPI!"
The six girls screamed when Happosai lunged at them, specifically towards their chests.
Before he could reach them, Happosai was slammed downward by a bonbori and spatula swung at him. The ancient pervert looked up to see Shampoo and Ukyou brandishing their weapons, prepared to fight.
"Well now! My other favorite playthings are here, too! What luck!" said Happosai as he leered at the two girls' bodies.
"Stop stupid talking, old pervert!" said Shampoo.
"I don't know how you got here, but you're not welcome here!" added Ukyou.
"I appear wherever there are lovely beauties waiting to be groped upon! Was there ever a doubt? Yee hee hee!" said Happosai as he tried another lunge.
Suddenly, Happosai was knocked out of the air by a flying kick from Ranma.
"You old freak! You're here, too!?" said Ranma after landing.
"Ranma!" said Bloom as she and the others turned towards the pigtailed boy.
Happosai got up again to glare at Ranma. "Insolent boy! I'll teach you to interfere with an old man's fun! I will make these lovelies mine!"
Ranma slid into a fighting stance. "Not on my watch, you damned midget!"
The two leapt at each other. Before Ranma could close the distance, Happosai made some unknown gestures. 'What's he doing?'
"SUDDEN BURST!"
To Ranma's shock, Happosai thrust his hands forward, releasing a directed explosion at him like a claymore mine. Ranma fell on his back and looked at Happosai who landed a distance from him.
"Ranma!" The girls shouted in horror.
"What was that!?" said Ranma as he was recovering.
"I've learned a few tricks myself, boy!" said Happosai. "Now I shall teach you who is the superior one here!"
Happosai then hurls several balls of light at Ranma, who quickly dodges, not willing to find out what they do.
"EVERYONE GET BACK!" shouted Ranma.
Everyone scattered when the light balls exploded once they hit the ground. Some of the students were blown onto their backs from the force.
"What's going on out here!?"
The commotion got the attention of the faculty and their eyes widened at the sight.
"Everyone! Get inside now!" ordered Grizelda. No one dared to argue.
Back to the fight, Ranma was dodging the light balls thrown by Happosai. One light ball was heading straight for him. In desperation, Diamond Brandon emerged and swung at the light ball with the flat of his broadsword, grand-slamming it right back at Happosai, which exploded against him.
"How dare you, you little punk!" said Happosai angrily. He produces another light ball, but before he could launch it, he is sent flying through the air, courtesy of a force barrier by Faragonda. As Happosai was sent sailing over the horizon, the light ball he still had exploded on him, sending him further.
"Is everyone all right?" asked Faragonda.
"We are now, thanks, Ms. Faragonda." Replied Flora.
"Just who was that dwarf?" Asked Palladium.
"One of my old headaches…" said Ranma as he walked up.
"You mean he came from Earth?" Asked Wizgiz.
"Unfortunately, yes." Nodoka added as she came up. "How in the world did he get here anyway?"
Ranma then remembered why he rushed back. "Everyone, I've got some really bad news…"
Faragonda's office…
Ranma had finished explaining to Faragonda, Grizelda, the Winx, and his family about what he had learned from his encounter with Ryoga.
"So… it is as I had feared." Said Faragonda as she rested her chin on the back of her hands. "Valtor is back, and no doubt will want revenge."
"I was hoping we'd hear the last of those jerks!" said Stella.
"Just wishful thinking…" said Musa.
"So now what do we do?" asked Flora.
"The only thing I can think of is to watch your backs, students." Replied Grizelda. "No matter where you may be."
"Grizelda is right, everyone. They'll be resuming their plan to dominate the Magi Dimension, but they still will target the lot of you specifically." Said Faragonda. "You'll all have to be careful from now on."
The Winx could only nod along with the Nerima residents. They had a feeling they'll be seeing them again real soon.
Later in the evening…
Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, and Layla were on campus separately engaged in other endeavors. Bloom was currently in the City of Magix, visiting the local museum to get some clue on the latest threat as well as more information about her home world, Domino. She found herself in the room where the Elemental Box was on display, which had been stolen in the past by Valtor to house the four powers of the elements.
'It felt so long ago since that incident.' Thought Bloom. 'Hmmm…. I'd better head back…'
Bloom exits the building to head for the nearest bus stop to Alfea. However, her magical senses kicked in as she felt herself being watched by malevolent forces. When she saw her own breath, Bloom confirmed who it was.
"I should've seen this coming…" said Bloom.
Not wanting to get any innocent civilians involved, Bloom quickly ran towards the outskirts of the city. Once far enough away, she turns and calls out.
"Alright! I know you're out there! Show yourselves!"
The redhead jumped out of the way when a blast of ice hit the ground she was standing on.
"Hello, Bloom. Happy to see us?"
Bloom's eyes narrowed at the voice as she saw Icy float down into view. She was joined by Darcy and Stormy on either side of her. "Why don't you take a wild guess?"
"So short-tempered. Let me help you CHILL OUT!" said Icy as she shot an ice wave at Bloom.
Bloom managed to block the ice attack with a shield of fire. "Fine then! WINX ENCHANTIX!" Triggering her Faerie form, Bloom gets into a battle stance.
"GET HER!" shouted Icy.
"UMBRA SHOT!"
"MANIC THUNDER!"
Darcy and Stormy fired off their attacks at Bloom. She dodged the lightning and canceled out the dark sphere with a fire blast of her own.
"FLAMING ARC!" Bloom fired a crescent wave of flame, knocking over Darcy and Stormy. She felt a cold sensation and looked down to see her feet getting frozen to the ground by Icy. Bloom grabs her legs and focused her power, melting away the ice and getting free. Quickly taking to the air, Icy flies after with a hand reared back, charging up icy mists. Just as she was about to thrust the hand at her face, Bloom quickly kicks Icy's hand upward, causing her to misfire into the night sky before countering with her own fiery blast at Icy's chest, knocking her back to the ground. Before she could react, Bloom was struck on both sides b a dark blast and a bolt of lightning, causing her to scream out in pain. As she fell, the two witches each caught and restrained an arm, holding her down. She was forced to look up at an approaching Icy.
"Got you where we want you, Bloom!" taunted Icy as she gathered magic in her hand.
"You never change. Always resorting to ganging up!" said Bloom.
"We do what we have to to win!" said Darcy.
"We're not held down by ethics!" added Stormy.
"Ganging up just to take me on only shows how weak you really are!" said Bloom.
Icy gnashed her teeth at the insult. "Weak!? I'll show you weak, stupid Faerie!" She was about to angrily launch her spell point-blank at Bloom face.
"PLATINUM SKY!"
The phantom of Sky struck Icy in the head with a flying kick, knocking her to the side. Darcy and Stormy were taken by surprise at the attack, which cost them as Platinum Sky then punched the both of them away, releasing their grips on Bloom.
"You!" said Stormy after recovering.
"Ranma!" said Bloom.
Ranma helped up Bloom to her feet as Platinum Sky fused back into him. "You okay, Bloom?"
"I am, thanks." Replied Bloom. "How did you…?"
"I was on a training run nearby when I heard the commotion." He turned to glare at the now recovered Trix. "I knew you three would pop up sooner or later."
"Look who's here, the little Faerie's boy toy!" said Darcy, causing Bloom to blush a little.
"So what do Valtor's lapdogs want now?" asked Ranma.
The Trix were furious at being called lapdogs.
"WHAT DID YOU JUST CALL US, YOU DAMNED FREAK!?" raged Icy as she shot an ice wave at the two. Darcy and Stormy followed up with a dark beam and a funneled tornado.
Ranma grabbed Bloom around the waist and leapt out of the way of the combined attack. "I call it like I see it, bitch!"
"YOU'RE DEAD!"
The three witches shot another combined attack at Ranma and Bloom. Before it could reach its mark, the attack was suddenly stopped by a barrier of darkness. Everyone was surprised by the action.
"What the?" said Stormy.
They were cut off when they get knocked out of the air by… swan-shaped training potties.
"Don't know about the barrier, but I know that last one…" said Ranma.
He and Bloom looked to the side to see a certain Hidden Weapons master and someone else. Bloom's eyes widened when she recognized who it was.
"Shilly?"
The Trix looked up to see Mousse and Shilly had entered the fray.
"I can't believe this…" said Darcy.
"It's the blind idiot and that love-starved loser!" said Stormy.
"You're not a real witch to be hanging out with these losers, traitor!" spat Icy.
"If we're losers, what exactly does that make you three, then?" Mousse challenged.
"No kidding. We're not the ones fallen on our butts." Added Shilly.
The three witches clenched their teeth in anger, then saw that Ranma and Bloom were back on their feet, glaring at them. They didn't like how things have turned out.
"We'll get you for this!" said Icy. "Darcy!"
Darcy immediately conjured a sphere of darkness, obscuring the views of Ranma, Bloom, Mousse, and Shilly. When their vision returned, the Trix were gone.
"Damn cowards…" said Ranma. They were classic bullies. They gang up on someone and think nothing of it, but would run when the fight is no longer in their favor.
"You two okay?" asked Mousse.
"We are now, thanks." Said Bloom as she reverted.
Ranma looked in confusion at the new face until his memories from Brandon came up. This in turn caused Diamond Brandon to briefly appear over him before fusing back. "Shilly?"
Shilly was shocked that Ranma knew her name, but was even more shocked to briefly see Brandon's soul appear in person. "How…?"
"Oh right, Brandon's memory." Said Bloom, then realized something. "So what are you two doing together?"
Mousse and Shilly were flustered at the question.
"Er… nothing." Said Mousse.
"Nothing? At such a late hour? Kind of hard to believe." Ranma ribbed.
"Shut up!"
Bloom couldn't help but giggle as Shilly got more flustered. It seemed to be a lucky break that she and Mousse decided to have a meetup that night. They were at the White Horse Café's patio getting to know each other when they witness Icy's skyward blast from afar and went to investigate. The rest was history.
'So that's it, huh?' thought Bloom. 'Seems she's finally found a prospect. I'm happy for her. Can't imagine what Stella would do if she saw this.'
Later that night, Ranma and Bloom returned back to Alfea. Mousse took a detour to escort Shilly back to Cloud Tower before returning himself.
In Ranma's room, Ranma looked up at the ceiling on his bed.
'The Trix are back, meaning so is Valtor. And to top it off, he's recruited both Ryoga and the old freak, too. I have to admit I did not see that coming. All I know is that things will get rough in the future…'
To be continued…
Ending
As the credits roll, Valtor is seen in his current hideout. Icy, Darcy, and Stormy walk in.
"So you three have failed again…" said Valtor. He turned to see Happosai come in as well.
"Well, can't say I didn't enjoy my scouting completely, Hee hee hee!" said Happosai as he happily recalled all the fresh new young female bodies he's had the pleasure to grope.
Valtor groans in disgust before looking around. "Where is that lost idiot…?"
He snaps his fingers, causing a dark portal to open, there Ryoga came out walking backwards.
"I know it was around here somewhere…" muttered Ryoga before stopping to notice Valtor and the others. "Oh, here I am."
Valtor and the others rolled their eyes. "It would seem they have gotten better than I thought. I'll have to think this through carefully."
"So now what?" asked Darcy.
"I'm going to look into something." Replied Valtor. "But first…"
Valtor snaps his fingers, causing a sphere of darkness to envelop Icy, Darcy, Stormy, and Happosai, making them vanish.
"Huh? Where'd they go?" asked Ryoga.
Valtor materializes a viewing orb, showing the four had been sent to a small room.
"Valtor? What's going on?" asked Icy.
"Punishment for failure." Replied Valtor, much to the witches' shock. "You'll be spending time in that magic-resistant room until I deem it fine to release you."
"What!?"
Valtor then turns to Happosai. "Happosai, do what you will to them." He cuts the feed.
The Trix look in horror as Happosai turns to them with a lecherous grin. "Oh I will! Hee hee hee!"
The screams of indignant girls echoed as they were molested by the ancient pervert.
With Valtor and Ryoga, Valtor addresses the lost boy. "And you! Stay in this room and do not leave it. If you get lost in here again, I'll transport you into a live volcano!"
"Er…. Yes, Valtor!" Ryoga eeped.
With that, Valtor leaves for his own quarters. As he left, he felt a pain in his chest.
"Dammit…. It's happening again… what the hell is causing it!?"
Somewhere in the wilderness, a small shadow was seen huddled against a tree.
End ending
Preview…
Ranma: I never thought Ryoga and the old freak would team up with Valtor.
Stella: Maybe they have things in common?
Layla: Yeah, of causing us misery!
Tecna: It just means we'll have to be more on guard.
Flora: Hold on, I feel something wrong with the trees…
Bloom: Who is that? Next time, on Ranma Club, 'Caution! From the Forest!'
Layla: Why does this feel familiar?
Author's Notes:
Annnnd FINALLY done! It seemed like forever since I've continued this. Been going through a lot of things in life, and my artistic side has come out. Be sure to check out my deviantart account to see what I've come up with!
(1)Take that, 4Shit!