~~~Previously~~~

Rachel lost a battle with Echo and became one of Splendora's servants due a cursed choker around her neck. Afterwards, Rachel was sent to eliminate the specialists and failed. The specialists escaped Splendora's tower, once they regained the ability to summon their weapons, thanks to Zane. After returning to Alfea, Carmen, Catarina, and Flora learn about the destruction of Red Fountain. Flora talked to Rosella, hoping to give her the confidence she needed. When the specialists arrive, Rexx is taken to the infirmary while the others are sent out to search for Helia and Colton. At Lake Roccaluce, they all battle an army of nightmare bats and Echo. Rosella is finally able to transform and defeat the witch. Back at Alfea, everyone is filled in on what's been happening. ~~~

Alfea

"Where are we going Catarina?" Rosella asked, as they walked down a long hallway.

Catarina smiled and continued to lead the way to their destination. "Now that you can transform, we have to train. You need to learn to control your powers. These powers of yours are quite fascinating, but you got to be ready for anything. The last thing we need is for you to lose control."

"Is it really going to be just the two of us?" Rosella asked.

"Not exactly." At that moment, Flora joined Catarina and Rosella.

"Flora agreed to help as well." Catarina said. "Carmen would be here as well, but she's busy making sure Rexx actually gets some rest. Although, he might end up in worse shape by the time she's done with him. If he's not careful, he will feel the burn. Literally."

Flora and Rosella laughed as they came to a somewhat empty room. After they walked inside, the doors closed and the room lit up. Within seconds, the entire room transformed into what looked like a target zone.

"What is this place?" Rosella asked.

"This is a special room Rosella." Catarina said. "It was the main training room before the simulator was up and running. I thought that it would be a great place for us. The first thing we have to do is free Rachel from Splendora's control. And the only way to do that is by destroying the nightmare choker. Giving that it's a small target, you need to learn to focus your magic."

Lake Roccaluce

"He's been at that for over an hour." Gale said, watching Alex take down a few targets with his arrows.

Rexx sighed and turned his attention to Zane, who was taking down targets with his whip. "Alex isn't the only one. I can understand why they are going through so much trouble."

"You shouldn't even be out here Rexx." Gale said. "How did you get away from Carmen?"

Rexx laughed a little and rubbed the back of his head. "Well, she left to get me something to eat and I kind of sneaked out."

"She's not going to be happy about that." Helia said.

Gale and Rexx glanced over at Helia, "Headmaster."

"I can't just sit around and do nothing." Rexx said.

Colton walked up behind Rexx and placed a hand on his shoulder, "You should get back before Carmen comes looking for you."

"Rexx!" Carmen called out, walking over to him. "What are you thinking? You haven't fully recovered yet. Not to mention that you sneaked out. I thought something might have happened to you. You had me worried sick."

A look of fear crossed Rexx's face when he heard Carmen's voice. "Carmen. I'm sorry for sneaking out. I don't like sitting still for long periods of time. Besides, we all need to get to stronger if we want to stop those witches."

"Fine. If that's what you really want to do." Carmen said, smiling. "Charmix! Carmen, fairy of volcanoes." After a flash of light appeared and faded, Carmen came into view. "If you want to train so badly, then all you have to do is defeat me."

Rexx sighed and walked over beside the lake. "Alright, but I won't go easy on you. There's just one condition. If I win, you have to go on a date with me."

"Sounds good to me." Carmen said, landing a few feet in front of him. "If I win, you have to rest and go on a date with me. If you were to go easy on me, I would be very offended."

Rexx smiled and nodded, as his chakrams appeared. "Let's get started then." Smirking, his chakrams ignited before he threw them at Carmen.

Alex and Zane took notice to the two fire users and quickly joined the others. No one wanted to get in their way or be close by as they dueled.

"Who's got a better chance here?" Alex asked.

Gale watched Carmen and Rexx, sighing a little. "They both use some sort of fire magic. Rexx has his inferno chakrams and Carmen can manipulate lava. It will be pretty close."

"Carmen has got the advantage." Colton said. "Unlike Rexx, she's at full strength."

Carmen waited until the chakrams got closer and put up her attack shield. "You'll have to do better than that Rexx." Within seconds, orbs of lava shot out at Rexx.

Rexx quickly dodged the attack, as his chakrams returned to his hands. 'This is going to be harder than I thought. Then again, I have a idea.' Without hesitation, he threw his chakrams in opposite directions and watched as they ricocheted back at Carmen.

Carmen took notice to the chakrams and attempted to dodge, only to have one strike her in the side. Wincing, she fell to her knees and rubbed her hip. 'That hurt a little.' Laughing, she flew up in the air and prepared for another attack. "Let's see how you handle this. Lava beam."

Without hesitation, Rexx threw his chakrams at the lava beam and caused a massive explosion. After the smoke cleared, both of them were found lying on the ground. "That was fun. How about that date?"

Carmen laughed and sat up, reverting back to her civilian form. Today, she wore a red crop top, black jeans and red boots. "I actually enjoyed myself. How about we go to Magix City for lunch?"

"Sounds good to me." Rexx said, laughing and standing up.

"Any ideas on who actually won?" Colton asked.

"If Carmen would have used her full power, she would have easily won." Gale said.

Zane leaned up against a nearby tree and stared at the ground. 'How could they possibly be thinking about dating at a time like this? Now is not the time for things like that. We need to focus on getting stronger and taking down those witches as soon as possible.'

"Something on your mind Zane?" Helia asked.

"Dating." Zane said. "There's so much going on and that's what they are thinking about. It's a waste of time if you ask me." With that, he turned and made his way back to Alfea.

Gale watched Zane leave and sighed. "That guy really needs to learn how to lighten up. At the same time, he's right. We need to be ready for the next attack."

"You can't expect him to lighten up that easily." Alex said. "Who knows how long he was in that tower. It's just a defense mechanism, nothing more. In time, he will come around and open up."

Carmen stood up and shook herself off, before joining the guys. "Zane is more like a lone wolf."

"That may be so, but we need to work together." Alex said. "By the way, where is Rosella?"

Carmen sighed and shook her head a little. "I will never understand guys. As for Rosella, she with Catarina and Flora. They are trying to help her control her magic. She will need to focus her magic in order to destroy the nightmare choker, without hurting Rachel in the process."

"I'm going to go see how things are going." Alex said. "Focus is something that I know very well. I might be able to help Rosella better than they can." Walking back to Alfea, he made his way to the special training room.

Colton watched Alex leave and smiled a little. "Alex just wants a reason to see Rosella."

"There's no doubt about that." Gale said. "Alex does know a thing or two about focus. Don't forget that uses a bow and arrow. He needs to focus in order to use it properly."

"Did anyone else notice Zane's weapon?" Rexx asked.

"He uses a whip." Gale said.

Colton and Carmen looked at Rexx with a confused look on their faces. Colton was the first to speak up. "That's a strange question Rexx."

"It didn't give off any magic while he was using it." Rexx said. "It's just a little odd."

Gale leaned up against a tree, lost in thought. "You have a point there. It was the same way in the tower."

"He's right. It is strange." Helia said. "The thunder whip has lightning based magic. It should have given off a little magic when he used it. Something must be suppressing the magic within it."

Rexx sighed and grabbed Carmen's hand. "It's probably not something we're going to figure out right away. Let's get going Carmen."

Carmen smiled and left with Rexx for the bus to Magix City. "Hopefully nothing happens while we're gone."

Alfea

Alex walked into the special training room, noticing the mess within. "What in the world happened in here?"

Catarina came out from behind a crate and turned her attention to Alex. "Rosella is what happened. She tried focusing her magic, but it got out of control."

"Things have not been going well so far." Flora said.

Alex smiled and walked over to Rosella, who was sitting on the floor. "Are you alright Rosella?"

"I will be fine." Rosella said.

Alex gently lifted Rosella up on the floor and moved her hair out of her face. "I'll take over her training. Flora, Catarina, you two look like you could use a break anyway."

Catarina and Flora laughed a little as they stood up and nodded. It was true after all. They were both tired and was more than happy to let Alex take over. Besides, they thought that Alex and Rosella needed to spend more time together. After all, it was completely obvious that they liked each other.

"Be careful." Flora said, walking over to a table with Catarina and sitting down.

Rosella smiled and released a breath. "Thank you Alex. I didn't mean to cause such a mess."

Alex laughed and summoned his weapon. "Let's forget about your magic for a little bit." Within an instant, three targets appeared in front of them. "You just have to clear your mind and focus on the target. Archery is a great way to learn focus and less destructive."

Rosella nodded and returned to her civilian form. Her outfit included a black, midriff length, long sleeve shirt with a blue vest and a black skirt that reached a few inches above her knees. She wore silver heels and a heart-shaped necklace wrapped in leaves around her neck along with a pink rose in her hair. In truth, she was excited to learn from Alex and wanted to spend time with him.

"Thank you Alex."

Alex nodded and handed Rosella his bow, making sure she was positioned right. "All you have to do is breathe. Block out everything around you and focus on the target. Go ahead and give it a shot."

Rosella released a breath and pulled the arrow back. A few minutes later, she released the arrow and watched as it struck the wall behind the target. "That didn't go as well as I hoped."

"It just takes practice Rosella. Archery is not something you can learn over night." Alex said. "That being said, you are not training for archery. This is the only way that I can teach you how to focus. If you can learn to focus with archery, you will be able to use that knowledge with your magic. Or perhaps we need to get you out of this room. Let's head down to the lake and continue there."

Catarina and Flora stood up, smiling. Catarina walked over to Rosella and nodded. "It would be a good idea. It would be less destructive at the lake anyways."

"Perhaps what you need is some fresh air Rosella." Flora said.

Rosella nodded and walked with the three of them down to the lake. 'I really hope this works or Rachel will continue to be Splendora's puppet.'

Splendora's Tower

"Where is Rave?"

"I am not sure mistress." Echo said, kneeling before Splendora. "He has yet to return."

Splendora glared as a stone orb shattered into millions of pieces. "Find him Echo."

Echo nodded and disappeared into the shadows.

"I won't allow those fairies to get the best of me."

Lake Roccaluce

"You can't be finished already." Gale said, taking notice to Alex and the girls.

Alex laughed a little and shook his head. "We're not finished. We just needed a change of scenery. Let's just say that it's safer out here."

"Did you happen to see Zane?" Gale asked.

Alex shook his head, turning his attention to Gale. "I haven't seen him since he left here. It's probably best to leave him alone."

"He sort of reminds me of you Alex." Colton said.

"What do you mean by that?" Alex asked.

"Well, for starters, neither one of you like to talk about your past." Gale said.

Colton nodded, looking at Gale as he spoke. "Exactly my point."

Alex sighed and looked at Rosella. "We should get back to training." With that he walked away from the group and over to a couple of targets.

"I'm sure they will both open up in time." Rosella said, before following after Alex.

Alex looked at his reflection in the water and sighed. 'I wish things were different.'

~~~ Flashback ~~~

"Let's play big brother."

Alex smiled at his little brother and nodded. "Sure thing Rave."

The two boys chased each other the yard and fought with toy swords. For the most part, everything was going great. Rave and Alex always played together. At that time, the two of them were inseparable. Rave would follow Alex everywhere he went. During those days, Rave had looked up to his older brother. It would be that way until the day Rave went missing. Ever since, Alex has not been able to forgive himself. He had searched a long time for Rave, but was unable to find out anything. Before he could continue his search, he was sent off to Red Fountain. ~~~

"Are you alright Alex?" Rosella asked.

Alex snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Rosella, nodding. "I'll be fine. Just had something on my mind. Let's get to work."

Rosella nodded and walked away from the targets, until she came to the perfect spot to stand. 'He must be thinking about Rave. I wonder what happened between them.'

"Remember what I told you Rosella." Alex said. "Breathe and focus on the target. Try to hit the center, or the target if you can."

Rosella released a breath and pulled the arrow back. 'I just need to concentrate.' A few minutes later, she released the arrow and watched as it hit the ground in front of the target.

"She came close." Flora said.

Helia watched Rosella before turning his attention to Flora. "Close isn't going to cut it. This is just practice, not the real thing. However, given time, she could be a very fine archer. A mistake like that could cost Rachel her life. I believe that the mere thought of that is holding Rosella back. Her true target is a lot smaller than this."

"She will be fine." Catarina said. "Now she has Alex to help her. In fact, he's probably the best person to teach her. She's definitely doing better now than she did in the training room."

Gale nodded and turned his attention back to Rosella. "She has a long way to go. Alex is unfocused as well. I'm going to see if I can find Zane. Those witches are after him as well." With that, he turned and started walking towards Alfea.

"I'll come with you Gale." Catarina said, following after him. "It would safer if we go together."

Helia watched as Gale and Catarina left, before turning his attention to Flora. "You should go with them. They are not as experienced as you are. I will stay here with Alex and Rosella."

Flora nodded and followed after Catarina. "Three is better than two. We need to stay alert at all times."

Magix City

Carmen and Rexx got off the bus and walked to a small cafe. They sat down at a table on the patio and ordered their food, spicy hot wings. While waiting for their food, they watched all the people that walked by.

"How do you think things are going?" Carmen asked.

"I'm sure that everyone else is just fine." Rexx said. "They are able to take care of themselves."

Carmen sighed and looked at Rexx. "I know. I'm just worried about them. Not having Rachel around is taking a toll on everyone. And Rosella is finally starting to have confidence in herself. Catarina always knows the right thing to say. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm supposed to do."

"You have nothing to figure out Carmen." Rexx said. "You have so much energy and happiness, that it rubs off on everyone. Don't ever doubt yourself."

Carmen smiled and nodded. "I won't. There's so much to deal with right now. What if we fail?"

"The only way we fail is if we don't try." Rexx said. "As long as we work together, there's nothing we can't do. It's the only way to defeat those witches."

Carmen sighed and looked down a little. "At least we're getting to spend time together."

Rexx nodded and smiled when their food arrived. Without hesitation, he started to eat. "That's the good thing."

Carmen began to eat until she heard people screaming. "I wonder what that's about."

"I think that we're about to find out." Rexx said, standing up and summoning his chakrams.

"Charmix!" Within seconds, Carmen transformed into her fairy form. She wore a red, short sleeve, crop top with a flame in the center; red short shorts, red knee length boots with orange heels, orange elbow length arm bands, and a yellow choker with a orange gem attached. Her wings were flame shaped with twisted tips, made up of three layers. The outer layer was red followed by orange and then yellow. "Carmen, Fairy of volcanoes. Be careful Rexx. We have no idea what's coming this way."

Rexx nodded as Echo came into view and stood ready to fight. "So you're the one behind this."

"What do we have here?" Echo asked. "A fairy and her boy toy. How sweet. I hate sweet. You don't stand a chance against me. Sonic echo."

Carmen quickly took action and flew in front of Rexx. "Lava attack shield." Within seconds, a red shield formed around them and fired off orbs of lava at Echo.

Echo winced in pain as the orbs hit and growled a little. "Not bad fairy, but you'll have to do better than that. Sonic bolt."

Rexx quickly threw his chakrams at Echo and blocked her attack. "You're messing with two fire users witch."

"You've gotten stronger, but it's still not good enough." Echo said, chuckling as waves of sound surrounded Rexx and Carmen.

Carmen cried out in pain and fell to the ground. "We have to stop her no matter what."

"Hang on Carmen." Rexx said. "I'll get us out of here." Without hesitation, he called back his chakrams. "Let's hope this works." Within seconds, the chakrams ignited as he threw them at the bars and shattered them. "Is that it Echo?"

Echo chuckled as she formed energy in her hand. "Sonic echo, sonic bolt." Suddenly, the energy burst out towards Rexx and Carmen. Before they could react, they were sent flying across the street.

Carmen winced in pain and balanced herself on her arm. "I can't move."

"That makes both of us." Rexx said, wincing. "My leg is broken."

Echo appeared in front of them and smirked. "How pathetic. You two were just a waste of my time. However, you could prove to be of some use." Within seconds, Rexx and Carmen were put in a sound cage. "You two will be an example for all those who wish to defy my mistress." Before they could react, shadow threads lifted them off the ground. "And just to make sure you don't try anything, the threads will tighten every five minutes."

"Rexx..." Carmen said.

Rexx winced and looked at Carmen. "I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you."

Echo glared, as more energy formed in her hand. "Fairy wings are so delicate. Sonic blast." The energy shot right at Carmen and shredded her wings. "You will never fly again little fairy. And don't worry, all your little pathetic friends will get to see them." Turning to Rexx, she smirked and rubbed the side of his face. "You would make for a nice pet, chained to my side."

"Not in this lifetime you psycho witch." Rexx said, glaring.

Echo smiled and glanced over at Carmen. "Choose your words wisely or I will personally take her last breath and force you to watch her die." Smirking, she gently kissed Rexx and dug her nails into the back of his neck.

"Leave him alone!" Carmen called out, as the shadow threads tightened around her neck.

Echo pulled away from Rexx, her nails still buried in his neck. "It would be a shame if I were to pierce a major artery. Be quiet fairy or his blood will be on your hands." Chuckling, she removed her nails and wiped the blood across Carmen's neck.

Rexx cried out in pain, until Echo kissed him. 'I can't stop her. There's nothing I can do.'

Carmen shivered as Echo wiped the blood across her neck. 'Rexx. If only we were stronger.' Tears flowed down her face as the threads grew tighter.

"I'm just getting started with you two." Echo said. "With the right frequency, I can slow your heartbeat." She then placed a hand over Carmen's heart and sent sound waves through it. "You can feel it can't you."

Carmen cried out in pain and dropped her head. 'I won't last much longer like this.'

"Carmen?!" Rexx called out.

Rachel appeared behind Echo and smirked. "Why don't you let me take over from here."

Echo took notice to Rachel and moved out of the way. "I shall leave this to you." With that, Echo disappeared into the shadows.

"I see that you're still alive Rexx." Rachel said, giggling. "And if it isn't Carmen. This is going to be fun." Smirking, she formed two crystals and pierced them both in the stomach. "You two are a real pain." She lodged the crystals deeper, until only a small point was shown.

Rexx cried out in pain and tried to focus on Carmen. "Rachel, stop this." He coughed up blood and dropped his head.

"Don't worry, you won't die yet." Rachel said, as the cage disappeared.

Lake Roccaluce

'They have been at this for a while now.' Helia thought.

"Let's try something else Rosella." Alex said, walking behind her. "Let me help you." Smiling, he grabbed the bow and helped her pull back the arrow. "Don't think about it. All you have to do is see yourself making the shot and then make it so."

Rosella blushed as she felt Alex's hand on hers and nodded. 'Everything feels so nice around him. It's almost as if all my fears have gone away.'

"Now's the time." Alex said as they released the arrow and struck the target. "Why don't you try it on your own now."

Rosella nodded and pulled back another arrow. 'I just have to see myself making the shot.' Breathing out, she released the arrow and watched as it landed right beside the other. "I did it."

"All you have to do now is use what you've learned with your magic." Alex said, smiling.

Watching from the shadows was a shadowy figure. 'I will get you brother. First things first, I have to get him alone.'

Alfea

"There's no sign of Zane anywhere." Catarina said.

Gale sighed and looked around. "He has to be around here somewhere. I don't think that he would just take off without a word."

"I'm sure that he just needs time to himself." Flora said.

Before anyone could say anything else, there was a dark energy that appeared in the quad. Once it cleared, a cage came into view. Looking closer, Gale took notice to Rexx and Carmen. Without hesitation, the three of them ran up to the cage.

"What could have happened to them?" Gale asked.

Flora quickly pulled out her phone and made a call.

Lake Roccaluce

"We have to get back to Alfea you two." Helia said. "Carmen and Rexx are back. Things are not good at all."

Rosella and Alex nodded as they made their over to Helia. Before Alex could say a word, he took notice to the shadowy figure. Gripping his bow, he readied himself for a fight.

"We're not alone." Alex said. "Head on back alright. I'll deal with whoever is out there."

Helia nodded and turned to Rosella. "Let's go. Alex can handle this."

"Be careful Alex." Rosella said, as she left with Helia.

Once the two of them were gone, Alex turned his attention to the mysterious figure and readied an arrow. "I know you're there. Come out before I shoot."

Rave chuckled and stepped out of the shadows. "You won't use that on me brother. Let's just get straight to the point. Give yourself up and I might leave your friends alone."

"Why are you doing this Rave?" Alex asked.

Rave smirked and moved closer to Alex. "I don't have to explain myself to you. You won't hurt me, but I would love to hurt you. Splendora is more powerful than you realize. She will rule the entire Magix dimension and there's nothing you can do to stop it."

"She's just using you Rave." Alex said.

Rave summoned his shadow sais and attacked Alex without hesitation. "That's where you're wrong."

Alex quickly used his bow to block the attack and push Rave back. "What do you think will happen if she wins? Do you truly believe that she will keep you around? Open your eyes."

"Shut up." Rave said, piercing Alex's shoulder. "You don't know anything."

Alex winced in pain and used his bow to knock Rave to the ground. "You're my brother. I don't want to fight you."

"That's funny." Rave said, jumping up. "I want to fight you." Within seconds, he pierced Alex's stomach and watched him fall to the ground. "One more thing brother. Now there is a poison flowing through your entire body."

Alex cried out in pain and began to sweat heavily. "Bro...ther." Before he could say anything, he fell unconscious.

"Too easy." Rave said, smirking and grabbing a hold of Alex. "Splendora is going to love this."

Echo watched Rave and walked out from the shadows. "This is why you haven't returned. Your revenge had better not get in the way of Splendora's plans."

"Relax Echo." Rave said. "Alex is quite fond of Rosella and she feels the same about him. We can use him to get to her."

Echo smirked as shadow threads tightened around Rave's neck. "This had better work or I will personally put an end to you."

Rave winced in pain and disappeared with Alex in tow. 'I'll make her pay for that.'

Alfea

Helia and Rosella made it back to Alfea, taking notice to Carmen and Rexx. Everyone in the quad had stopped what they were doing in order to gaze upon the cage, most of which were completely horrified at the sight.

"What could have happened to them?" Colton asked.

Rosella took notice to Carmen's wings and had to quickly look away, as tears flowed down her face. "Why would someone do this?"

"We will find who's responsible for this and stop them." Helia said, trying to comfort Rosella. "I promise."

Flora nodded and placed a hand on Rosella's shoulder. "They won't get away with this. Right now, we need to free Carmen and Rexx. They need medical attention."

"It's a sound cage." Zane said, walking through the entrance. "It will be difficult to destroy it without hurting them."

"Where have you been?" Gale asked.

Zane looked down and sighed. "I was checking on a friend of mine. He's been busy lately and I wanted to make sure his family was alright. They live in Magix City. Sorry."

"You could have at least told us." Colton said.

Zane glared at little and turned to Colton. "I don't have to tell you anything. However, I am grateful that you set me free. Now do you understand? This is why we need to focus on those witches instead of dating. You underestimate them and this is what happens. If you want to survive, we have to stay together. Going off on your own is dangerous."

"How do we get them out of there?" Gale asked.

Zane turned to Gale and glanced at the cage. "You have to disrupt the sound waves. A change in frequency should shatter them. In other words, unless you can use some sort of sound magic, you can't save them. This is one of Echo's most powerful spells and it looks like Rachel had a part in this as well. If you don't hurry, they will die."

"That's the problem." Catarina said. "None of us know sound magic."

"Did someone say sound magic?"

Upon hearing the new voice, they all looked at the entrance and smiled. Standing in front of the gate was none other than Musa, just the person they needed. Musa walked up to them and gave Flora a hug.

"Musa. I thought you were on tour." Flora said.

Musa nodded and released Flora. "I was until I heard about what was going on here. There was no way that I wasn't going to come lend a hand. It looks like I arrived just in time. Being the fairy of music, I can easily shatter that cage."

"If you release them, I can use my magic to heal their wounds." Rosella said. "Sadly, I won't be able to heal Carmen's wings."

Musa nodded and placed a hand on Rosella's shoulder. "Just do what you can. Once she's able to return to normal, her wings will heal on their own. It will take time, but they will return to normal."

Rosella smiled before realizing something important. "Oh no. Alex."

"Where is he?" Zane asked. "I'll go get him."

Rosella nodded and turned to Zane. "He's at the lake. I believe he saw someone and stayed behind to fight."

Zane nodded and ran off to the lake. 'I just hope that I'm not too late.'

Musa nodded and quickly transformed. "Magic Winx! Bloomix!" Within an instant, Musa had transformed and was standing beside the cage. "Musa, Fairy of music. Alright, let's get them out of there. Infinite Echo." All of a sudden, a crescent-shaped sonic beam struck the cage and shattered hit. "Now Rosella."

Rosella quickly ran over to Rexx and Carmen. "What about the crystals?"

"I got it." Gale said. "You got to be quick Rosella. If the wound isn't sealed quickly, they will die. Let's take care of Carmen first."

Rosella nodded as her hands began to glow. "I have a better idea. My magic can heal them as you pull the shards out." Without hesitation, she held her hands next to the shard. "Now's your chance Gale."

Gale carefully pulled out the shard and laid it on the ground, watching as the wound closed. "That was great. Now for Rexx."

Rosella moved over to Rexx and healed his wound as Gale pulled out the shard. "That should do it. I've healed them enough to keep them alive. They will still need medical attention, but they will survive."

Catarina smiled and gave Rosella a hug. "You did great Rosella. Thanks to you, they both are saved."

"I was always pretty good with my healing magic." Rosella said. "You wouldn't believe how many times I had to use it." Sighing, she watched as Carmen and Rexx were taken to the infirmary. "We can't go on like this. They have to be stopped."

Catarina nodded and stood beside Rosella. "I agree with you Rosella, but we're already down two people. If this keeps up, we won't stand a chance."

"Then we need to get help." Rosella said. "All the help we can get."

Flora and Musa walked up to Rosella, smiling. "Just who did you have in mind?"

"Do you really need to ask?" Rosella asked. "The question is, can you get them here? This affects everyone in Magix."

Catarina couldn't help but laugh and pat Rosella on the shoulder. "Alright, who are you and what have you done with Rosella?"

They all laughed and looked towards the entrance. It was going to take more than what they had to defeat the witches and they knew that. Looking up at the sky, they noticed the change in weather. The clouds had grown dark and lightning filled the sky.

"It's nice to see this side of you Rosella." Catarina said.

Rosella smiled and fisted her hands a little. "There's a storm brewing and we need to be ready for what's coming. We'll take the fight to the witches and show them just who they are messing with. At least that way, people will be safe."

Lake Roccaluce

Zane arrived at the lake and looked around. There was no sign of Alex anywhere, but there were signs of a battle. It wasn't long before he took notice to the arrows on the ground. 'There was definitely a struggle here.' Taking a closer look around, he took notice to the broken bow. 'Someone must have broken it. It would be a great way to keep Alex from summoning it. It has to be them. Rosella is not going to like this. Hold on, what's that?' Looking at a nearby boulder, he noticed deep gash. 'An arrow couldn't make a gash like this. And I can pick up traces of shadow energy. Rave must have taken him. Now to get back to the others.'

Zane was about to get up and leave when a familiar dark cloud appeared in front of him. He quickly jumped up and readied his whip. Glaring, he waited for the smoke to clear and reveal the witch.

"What do you plan on doing with that Zane?" Echo asked, chuckling. "You can't hope to defeat me. Your friends already tried that and look what happened to them. Give yourself up before someone else gets hurt or worse."

Zane glared and struck the witch with his whip. "I won't let you get away with hurting them."

Echo smirked and grabbed the whip tightly. "You're not strong enough. The two of them together couldn't stop me. What's this? No shock. Your weapon has lost its magic." Smiling, she twisted the whip and wrapped it tightly around Zane's wrist. "Let's see you stop this. Sonic Bolt." The energy shot through the whip and expanded upon hitting Zane's hand.

Zane cried out in pain and held his hand. "I'm not like them. I'm stronger."

"Is that so?" Echo asked, wrapping the whip around his neck and tightening it. "You can't even get out of this. Perhaps you should have went with a different weapon. I wouldn't even be able to hold on to it if the magic was there."

Zane winced in pain, struggling to breathe and falling to his knees. 'I have to do something quick. She won't kill me yet. No, Splendora needs me alive long enough to transfer Rosella's magic. I have to break free or Splendora will be even closer to her goal.'

"Light Spectrum." All of a sudden, Echo was struck by a spiraling beam of energy.

Zane quickly unwrapped the whip off his neck and wrist, taking notice to the burns it left behind. "Perfect timing." Without hesitation, he pulled his whip back and stood ready for another attack.

Echo winced a little and growled. "Who the hell are you?"

"Stella, Fairy of the shining sun. I won't allow you to hurt him anymore. Your in trouble now you hideously dressed witch."

Echo laughed as energy formed around her. "You stupid fairy. Nothing you do will stop me. Sonic Echo."

Stella cried out in pain as she was knocked out of the sky and slowly stood back up. "Someone really needs to work on their manners."

"A fairy and a worthless hero." Echo said. "Now where have I seen this before? Ah yes, now I remember. It was in Magix City, where I took down those pathetic fire users. Perhaps I should have killed them when I had the chance."

Zane glared and quickly ran to stand beside Stella. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Stella said. "You asked for it witch. Ray of Pure Light." Within an instant, a beam of light shot out at Echo. "Try that on for size."

Echo smirked and quickly dodged the attack. "Is that the best you can do? I expected more from a member of the Winx. Looks like you're not as great as they say. Prepare to die."

"Why didn't it work?" Stella asked.

Echo chuckled and launched another attack. "Sonic Bolt."

"Bio-Rhythmic Flow!" At that moment, Echo was struck with a green and blue electric ray.

Echo growled as she was knocked to the ground, throwing off her attack. "Another fairy."

"You got that right. Tecna, Fairy of Technology."

"Nice work Tecna." Stella said.

Echo glared and disappeared in a cloud of dark smoke.

"She's gone for now, but she will return." Zane said, wincing in pain and falling to his knees.

A few minutes later and a ship landed in an open area. Zane looked at the ship, noticing that it was an Owl. Sighing, he fell to the ground unconscious.

"You girls look like you need a ride."

"Brandon." Stella said, running up and hugging him.

'Some things never change.' Tecna thought. "If you two are finished, I could use some help over here."

"What happened to him?" Timmy asked.

"It's a long story." Tecna said. "Now get over here you guys. We need to get him on the ship and back to Alfea. By the look of things, he's perfectly fine. He's just exhausted from the battle."

The guys nodded and carefully carried Zane on to the ship. Once everyone was on board, the ship took off towards Alfea. Zane awoke a few minutes later and looked around. He was still weak from the battle and couldn't help but feel useless.

'I don't understand why the magic in my whip would disappear.' Zane thought. 'If Stella and Tecna hadn't of shown up when they did, I would be another prisoner in Splendora's tower.' "Thank you. You showed up at the right moment. I thought it was the end for sure."

"You can thank us later." Stella said. "That witch is total criminal against fashion."

Tecna sighed and shook her head a little. "You'll have to forgive Stella. Fashion is something she cares deeply about. You should focus on getting some rest until we reach Alfea."

Zane chuckled a little and closed his eyes. "You don't have to worry about me. I've been through a lot over the past few weeks. She wasn't going to kill me at all."

"What were you doing out there all by yourself?" Brandon asked.

Zane sighed and opened his eyes. "I was looking for a friend, but I got there too late. Actually, I was getting ready to head back to Alfea when Echo attacked."

Alfea

The ship landed at Alfea and Zane walked out, limping a little. Taking a look around, he sighed and turned his attention to Rosella. 'How do I tell her that Alex was taken captive?'

"Tecna, Stella." Flora and Musa said, hugging their two friends.

"It's great to see you girls." Tecna said, smiling.

Stella laughed and glanced around at her friends. "It feels so nice to be all together again."

"Helia." Brandon said. "We heard about what happened. How is everyone?"

Helia sighed and shook his head. "Everyone managed to get out safely, but the school is completely destroyed. I managed to find out who caused the explosions, even fought him. Unfortunately, he got away and who knows where he could be."

"Why is it that Red Fountain becomes a target?" Timmy asked. "It's not the first time it was destroyed."

Rosella looked over at Zane and looked down. "Did you find anything?"

"I'm sorry Rosella." Zane said, looking down. "Rave got to him before I could. By the time I got there, they were already gone. Don't worry though, I'm sure he's still alive."

Rosella let a few tears fall before walking to a part of the quad where no one was at. 'Alex. I'm sorry for getting you involved in this. There's only one thing left for me to do. I can't stand by and watch all my friends get hurt.'

"Zane." Flora said. "What makes you think he's still alive?"

Zane sighed and looked up before glancing at Rosella. "It's because of Rosella. They will use Alex to draw her out. I have to stay away from her for the time being."

"She needs all the friends she can get right now." Catarina said. "And that includes you Zane."

Zane looked at Catarina and shook his head. "I know that, but it's too dangerous. Even if they do manage to get to her, they will need me. Rosella could hand over her horn, but Splendora will not be able to use it without me."

"Which is why we need to look out for both of you." Rexx said, walking up behind Zane.

Gale sighed and looked at Rexx. "You should be resting. How are up moving around?"

"It would seem that my wounds were able to heal rather quickly." Rexx said. "And I might have woke up and used my chakram to seal the wound on my neck, which really hurt by the way. I only have enough energy to walk around, but I can't say the same for Carmen. The damage to her wings was extensive."

Colton listened to Rexx and looked at Rosella. "She's so sad. I wish there was some way to cheer her up."

"I'm not too surprised by her reaction." Catarina said. "Rosella has lost so much already and she believes that she is the cause of all this chaos. And I've seen the way she looks at Alex. It's not question that she likes him."

Zane looked at Rosella, completely saddened and sat down on a nearby bench. "No one should have to go through what she has dealt with. What do we do now? Carmen and Rexx are in no condition to fight. You've seen how strong Echo is and Splendora is much more dangerous. Not to mention that we still need to break the spell on Rachel. I'm in no condition to fight either and besides, my whip is useless."

"It is strange." Gale said. "Why would the magic suddenly stop working? It was perfectly fine in the tower."

Rosella waited until no one was looking and took off into the forest. 'I'm sorry everyone, but I must do this.' She continued to run until she came to a dark tower. 'This must be the place.'

"I could create a potion to speed up Carmen's recovery time." Flora said. "We are going to need to be full strength in order to take on those witches."

'We don't stand a chance against them.' Zane thought. 'Even with everyone here, it won't be enough. It would be foolish for us to continue. The best thing for us to do is to give up and let them take over.'

Gale looked over at Zane and got an idea. "I think I know why your whip isn't working Zane. Your keeping the magic from coming out."

"How is that possible?" Zane asked.

"Gale is right. I can feel the magical aura coming from it." Catarina said. "You have a lot of fear and doubt. And don't try to lie to me alright. I am able to sense aura and I can feel the concern you have. You doubt yourself and the abilities of those around you. Because of that, the magic within your whip will not react to you."

Zane looked down and crossed his arms. "So what if I do? I've counted on people before and was let down every time. Why should I believe in anyone now?"

Catarina smiled and placed a hand on Zane's shoulder. "We're your friends and we want to help you. If you truly believed that, you wouldn't have helped us. The magic will show itself when you realize that you're not alone. Only by standing together can we hope to win. Have faith in yourself and others."

Zane looked up at Catarina and smiled a little. "I guess that it wouldn't hurt to try." Looking around, he noticed that Rosella was nowhere to be seen. "Hold on. Where is Rosella?"

"She must have left while we weren't looking." Tecna said.

"Where would she even go?" Musa asked.

"I've got a pretty good idea." Gale said. "She giving herself up. Why else would she sneak away?"

Splendora's Tower

Rosella stared at the structure before her and let out a small breath. "I'm here Splendora. Let Alex go."

Rachel chuckled and appeared in front of Rosella. "I was wondering when you were going to show up. It's just like a weakling to hand themselves over to someone much more superior. The mistress will be pleased to see you. Charmix!" In a flash of dark energy, Rachel transformed and floated in the air. "Rachel, Fairy of gemstones. I'm going to enjoy this. Crystal Blast."

Rosella quickly dodged the attack and glared at Rachel. "You don't have to do this Rachel. We're friends and I don't want to fight you. This isn't you at all."

"You don't anything about me." Rachel said. "All you do is cry and keep secrets. You're pathetic Rosella. Crystal Bolt."

Rosella cried out in pain and dropped to one knee. "I know that you are strong and can handle yourself with ease. You don't care to tell people the truth, even if it hurts them. Sometimes, it's exactly what they need to hear."

"It's a shame that I can't kill you." Rachel said, chuckling.

Rosella slowly stood up and fisted her hands. "You're my friend, but I can't allow to hurt anyone. Carmen and Rexx almost died because of you. Charmix!" Within an instant, Rosella transformed and hovered in the air before Rachel. "Rosella, Fairy of unicorns."

Rosella wore a sky blue crop top with a single long sleeve and a translucent pink material in the center, sky blue capris and white knee length boots with pink heels. Her wings are elf like and colored a pale rainbow. Upon her head is a rainbow colored unicorn horn.

"So you can transform now." Rachel said, smirking. "It won't be enough to defeat me. Crystal Reflection."

Rosella quickly flew out of the range of the attack and released a breath. "I'm here to help you Rachel. The choker is making you act like this. Please forgive me. Light Arrow." Within seconds, an arrow of light formed and struck the choker around Rachel's neck. "Rachel. Are you alright?"

Rachel cried out in pain as a dark energy left her body. Looking at Rosella, she smiled and hugged her. "You saved me Rosella. Look, I'm sorry for everything. I didn't mean those awful things I said. That choker made me hurt people and I couldn't stop myself. I'm the weakling, not you."

"Rachel." Rosella said. "You're not weak at all. You were right all along. I was a weak and scared girl, until I met my new best friends. Look, you need to get back to the others. They will need you with them."

Rachel shook her head and stared at Rosella with disbelief. "I can't just leave you here alone."

"I will be fine Rachel." Rosella said. "They won't hurt me. Get back to Alfea and protect Zane. He needs you more than I do. They need him in order for their plans to work. Please, I'm asking you to do this for me."

Rachel sighed and nodded. "Fine. You won't get to Alex that easily. Be careful Rosella." With that, Rachel took off towards Alfea.

"You did well Rave." Splendora said, rubbings Alex's face. "It's no surprise that she came here for him. Once she has given up her horn, I will kill him myself."

Rave looked at Alex and glared a little as Splendora spoke. "He's mine to kill."

"Nightmare Spider." Splendora chuckled as a crimson and black spider appeared in front of Rave. "You obey me Rave. Your brother will die by my hands. Now then, what are you afraid of?"

If there was one thing Rave didn't like, it was snakes and that is what the spider morphed into. He fell to the ground in fear and covered his eyes. "It's not real."

Splendora chuckled at the sight of Rave and snapped her fingers, causing the snake to disappear. "Interrupt me again and I will make you suffer even more. Now get out of my sight."

Rave disappeared into the shadows, appearing in front of Rosella. "You are a fool to come here."

"Who are you?" Rosella asked.

Rave chuckled and summoned his sais. "You don't know me. I am Rave, Alex's younger brother."

"Why do you hate him so much?" Rosella asked.

"I don't know." Rave said. "Maybe because he's so special. It was always about him. He had the talent and I was just a screw up. Nothing I did was ever good enough. My family didn't care about me. They always looked down on me for having dark magic. All they saw was a evil little boy."

Rosella looked down and held her arm. "That can't be true. Alex, he still cares for you. Please, don't do this. Show them that you are not the person they think you are. I know that it must have been hard on you, but I have to believe that they still cared for you. Right now, Alex is in there and he needs help. You know that. There's goodness in your heart."

"You don't know anything." Rave said as shadows swirled around him. "I was never good."

Rosella looked down and landed on her knees, reverting back to her normal self. It was then that she took notice to the setting sun. 'It's getting dark already. Alex. I need you to be strong.' "If that's what you believe, then take me to her. Take me to Splendora. I'm the one she's after. I won't fight you." As the sun set, her horn began to appear.

Rosella's outfit consisted of a short sleeve shirt with pink bands. The shirt was colored pale blue and faded into different shades of purple. On the shirt was a design that appeared as white meteors. Her pants were white and she wore pale blue ankle boots.

Rave walked up to Rosella and used one of his sais to lift her chin up. "You can't save him. No one can save him. Splendora can not be stopped. Three are of your friends are injured. I don't understand why you would give yourself up so easily. What do you hope to accomplish?"

"I don't want to watch anymore of my friends get hurt." Rosella said, with tear filled eyes. "I just want this all to be over with, even if it means sacrificing myself."

Rave put away his sais and took a step back. "You don't have the power to stop them. Giving yourself up won't save your friends or Alex. Splendora is going to kill him once she has your horn. Get out of here while you still can. You can't do this alone."

"What do you think you are doing?" Echo asked, appearing behind Rave. "Are you actually trying to help her escape? I knew you couldn't be trusted Rave. Sound Cage."

Rave cried out in pain as shadow threads wrapped around his neck and trapped him in the cage. "Rosella...run..."

"Leave him alone." Rosella said.

Echo turned to Rosella and smirked. "You stupid girl." Within an instant, shadow threads bound Rosella and lifted her into the air. "You're not going anywhere." Chuckling, she disappeared with Rosella and Rave. "Mistress. I have captured Rosella."

Splendora looked at Rosella and smirked. "I knew that you would come for this boy. And you'll get a front row seat to his death. Echo, do what you wish to Rave and make sure he suffers." Turning back to Rosella, she smiled as chains formed on her wrists and held her to the wall. "All that's left to do now is to find and capture Zane."

~~~Next Time~~~

Rosella has been captured and Splendora is now set on capturing Zane. Meanwhile, Flora creates a potion in order to restore Carmen's wings. Echo tortures Rave due to his disloyalty and Alex is still unconscious. What could Splendora possibly be planning for Alex and Rosella? Find out next time on Scoutix Club ~~~