Author's note: Okay so I hope people are enjoy this. I'd like to give another thanks to those of you who are still reading, so thank you again.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Winx Club or Ronin Warriors. Also the poem mentioned is a poem by Gloria Matthew, it is short and sweet about loss.
Warning: Mention of Torture, and PTSD.
Chapter 13) Time together and late nights
Techna was surprised when Nasuti left her alone with Shin in the store while she ran to pick up something from a local college. It wasn't that she was still weary of being alone with one of the ronin but that Shin had managed to make their task enjoyable. He never once seemed awkward with her but rather treated her like an old friend. It wasn't something she'd ever experienced with the specialist. Each of them had stuck with their significant other and never hung out with the others, unless they were in a group.
"Techna?"
Techna hummed suddenly pulled away from her musing by Shin's voice. He was looking between a few different fruit but she didn't think she'd missed a question. The cart that they had was nearly full with many different foods, and ingredients. As he set a thing of strawberries in the cart he had a small frown on his lips.
"What do you need Shin?" Techna asked and his smile returned.
"I don't mean to pry, but you seem to be one of the ones who is, well most closed off. You were thinking about something related to the reason why you are weary of us too. I was just wondering if you wanted to talk." Shin said and Techna looked at him in surprise. She'd gathered he was good at picking up what people were feeling but this was beyond that.
"You're shoulders were tense, and you are sad, even though you were relaxed a moment ago." He pointed out and it was something Techna hadn't even realized she'd done.
"Have you always been able to read people?" She asked changing the topic a bit. After all she didn't know if she wanted to talk to Shin about the heart of the matter.
"Hmm, for most of my life, yes. I got better at it after meeting the guys. Seiji was quiet and closed off, as was Touma. Ryo never would share his burdens and Shu would joke through his troubles. I had a chance to help them in a way I wanted, and it felt right." Shin explained only pausing when he noticed Techna stopping to grab some oranges. "Something you like?"
"Yes and so do the others." She said and Shin nodded. Oranges were always such a nice treat, and they didn't have to be a favorite food to enjoy them.
"Have you.." Techna had started but she paused wondering if she really wanted to open up to talk with Shin. It was nice that he hadn't had pushed or echoed her, Shin was just watching clearly paying attention but not forcing anything. He was so different from the red fountain guys, Timmy would often miss cues, and well the others would try and force subjects or pout when they were kept out of the loop. "Is it strange for someone your friend is, well was with, not to care to get to know their friends." Techna asked she wanted to see what another guy would say. Maybe she was wrong, maybe the guys at red fountain and the ronins were similar.
"So, what you're asking is if two people are dating should they know their friends?" Shin clarified and Techna nodded. They walked down another aisle as he thought about the question. "Honestly? I would want to. I would find it strange not to know their friends or become friends with them. I think it's good to know the people who are important to the ones who are important to you. I know that the guys would feel the same. The five of us are like family to each other and it would be strange to have someone with a person we didn't know well." Shin explained as the approached the front of the store ready to check out. "I can't speak for everyone though. Some people are different and want different things. Some may be insecure enough that their friend hanging out with their girlfriend or boyfriend makes them believe the worst."
Techna sighed and nodded. Everything he said gave her a lot to think on. Had she wanted to be friends with the specialist, if they had been would Timmy still be with her? Why would he get her to open up, to show signs of caring so deeply only to hurt her. Shin was a guy but the insight he gave was as gentle and open as he was. Techna couldn't fault him for it but as illogical as it was she wanted someone to say what she believed, or wanted to hear.
"I'm sorry, I can't give you want you are looking for. Something we have to figure out ourselves, but I'm still here if you want to talk." Shin smiled and placed a hand on Techna's shoulder. He really was sweet.
"Thank you Shin. You are probably the first guy who has offered that multiple times, and meant it. That wasn't in a relationship with me." Techna smiled, it was nice. She couldn't help but feel like Shin was becoming her friend. They were nearly at the registrar when Nasuti came back.
"Hey guys. I see I made it just in time." Nasuti smiled and Shin chuckled.
"Like always, so did you get what you needed?" Shin asked and Techna looked at the older woman curious herself.
"Yes, my grandfather's earlier notes. These were the notes that lead him to find the legend, and I was hoping there might be some hint about well what they could be trying to do now." Nasuti said trying to be vague and yet clue them in.
"If you want we can get it up on my computer and we can run identification scans." Techna offered. "I would like to help if I can. Research and computers are where I feel comfortable."
"That would be great." Nasuti smiled and Shin nodded in agreement. Techna couldn't help but feel more light hearted than she had been. This trip had been a good one, as she was making new friends and while they didn't know about the source of her pain they were ready to accept her help and offer aid. There was also something about Nasuti and Shin's smiles that just made you feel like smiling yourself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
After the tense talk with the warlords, Touma and Seiji Flora had gone outside just to enjoy the crisp air and outdoors. She was sitting on the porch railing watching the wind blow through the trees when she heard the door open and saw Seiji coming out. Flora smiled to him, and he returned the smile with a nod and a small smile. Flora then looked past him as she heard the door open again and saw Anubis coming out as well. Flora watched as the grabbed a set of wooden training swords and squared off against each other without a word. There was nothing said as each lunged at the other surprising Flora.
"Don't be nervous. It's their way of bonding."
Flora actually shrieked at the voice coming from behind her. She nearly fell off the railing but she didn't. One there was something behind her two both Seiji and Anubis had steadied her. The door opened again with Bloom Roxy and Touma coming out. Anubis's hand was on her knee, Seiji held her left hand and Rajura had both hands on her shoulders, her back was against his chest till he helped her sit back up straight.
"What happened?" Bloom and Touma asked as Flora blushed. She hadn't meant to cause a scene, and no one was mad, just concerned or smiling.
"Nothing." Rajura muttered his gaze off to the side as a silent apology. He hadn't meant to scare the woman, he just wanted to chat with her.
"Hn, can't you try not to scare people. It's distracting." Anubis said as he pulled his hand away and glared at Rajura.
"Maybe you should focus on your sword play more." Rajura shot back and Touma snorted. He shook his head and headed back inside as there was no danger just some warlord foolishness.
"Are you okay?" Seiji asked ignoring Rajura and Anubis.
"Yeah, I just was startled." Flora blushed as she brushed a loose hair back behind her ear. She could feel Seiji still watching her and she wished she could think of something more to say but she couldn't. Roxy picked up on the silence between Seiji and Flora and couldn't help but smile from ear to ear.
"Okay, we'll be inside then." Roxy smiled as she practically pushed Bloom back inside ignoring the older fairies protest.
"Oh… Then just, be careful." Seiji cleared his throat and finally let go of Flora's hand his own face slightly flushed making Anubis and Rajura smirk. Flora was sure she'd missed something as Anubis started chuckling while Rajura just waved a hand like he wasn't at fault for something. Seiji instantly looked away when he caught Flora's eyes as he was rather flustered over the teasing thoughts of the warlords. Seiji went back out into the yard and still chuckling Anubis followed.
"I do apologize. I've become accustomed to people just knowing I'm here." Rajura said bowing to the fairy of nature and Flora smiled back.
"It's okay, I'm sure you didn't mean to." Flora noticed the troubled look that flashed across his eye before he turned and started to watch the sparring swordmasters. "Um, I know this may be naive but are there people in the nether realm?" Flora asked, she didn't really enjoy watching spars and would rather talk to the white haired man.
"No, people don't live there…. Arago would trap souls there torture them and drain the spirit of all energy to expand his empire and power his forces." Rajura sighed. "The nether realm was not a kind place to live. Tell me is it possible that these women you call witches, could they be controlled or are they doing this of their own will?" Rajura asked. He had to know, if Arago had enslaved new victims or not.
"Icy, Darcy, and Stormy have been as bad as they come since we met them. They've teamed up with anyone who has the same goals they do. They have never been good." Flora explained and while Rajura could see that she wanted to use stronger language it was admirable that she didn't let her feelings get the best of her.
"Good, then I will not feel bad about the fights to come." Rajura stated but he couldn't help but wonder about whether or not they should tell the fairies the truth.
~Don't say a word. Not till we speak with Kayura, Touma and Shin together.~ Anubis growled through their link to Rajura.
~I was only debating the merits of such a choice.~ Rajura snorted at their leader, and he was aware of Naaza listening in and wanting for their secrets to stay that way. Wanting to distract himself from the troubles of their past Rajura turned and looked to Flora and smirked when he saw she was watching Seiji. He could tell she wasn't watching the practice fight, only Halo, and Rajura couldn't help but smirk at that.
Back inside Bloom was laying on the couch catching a moment of peace while Touma was reading in the chair near her. Bloom eyed the cover of the book, and while the translation spell was still working she couldn't even begin to narrow down what genre the book could be.
"It's old poetry." Touma smiled his eyes peering over the book at her. Bloom couldn't help but smile back as she rolled from her side to her back. Bloom remembered back to when she first met Touma, and giggled. He'd been so shy and timid, and he had grown up so much.
"What's so funny?" Touma asked lowering his book so he could see Bloom better.
"Just thinking about when I first met you. How you were reading then too." Bloom smiled and Touma paused to think about it.
"I didn't start reading until after we spoke, and I believe you asked me to read to you."
"Yeah, because you were reading a bunch of 'squiggles'." Bloom laughed as she saw him smile at her.
"You remember saying that?" Touma asked genuinely curious and awed when Bloom nodded. "You were the first person there to try and talk to me." Touma admitted as he stuck a bookmark in his book and set it off to the side. It was odd but nice to think of the past, Touma's family travelled which meant he rarely made friends. It also didn't help how smart he was and how eager kids were to pick on the differences of another. Yet Bloom hadn't even cared, she had just walked over to him and invited him to join in a game.
"Thinking about it now too?" Bloom asked since Touma had grown silent.
"Yeah, I think I even still have a copy of the book somewhere." Touma smiled and Bloom laughed. Of course Touma would have a copy of the book, but it did raise one question in Bloom's mind.
"So the poetry you were reading, is it similar to the myths or what?" Bloom asked shifting on the couch so she could see Touma, and she was surprised to see the faint blush on his cheeks. He tried to cover it up by clearing his throat and looking away but Bloom grinned at his embarrassment.
"It's uh… well it's romantic poetry." Touma said trying to salvage a bit of the admission. After all it was love poems but there was a sort of romantic ideal buried in them, and it was in those ideals he found enjoyment. Bloom couldn't help but giggle at Touma's reaction and while he looked more embarrassed there was still a smile on his face. She doubted that Sky would ever read love poems unless he'd been trying to impress her, or for a class, but not for fun.
"Well at least one of us can enjoy the idea of love right now." Bloom sighed and Touma's looked at her in a mix of confusion and curiosity.
"Why would you say that?"
"Because my ex-fiance said he needed a break. I thought… I love him, and I thought he felt the same." Bloom sat up on the couch and pulled her knees up to her chest. It hurt to talk about him, but at the same time it felt good to tell someone. She'd thought they had true love or as close as someone could get but it seemed she was wrong.
"I…" Touma stopped after all what could he say to that. She'd been engaged and the man left her? He glanced at the book he'd been reading and grabbed it. Standing up he moved to sit by Bloom, and wrapped an arm around her. He pulled her close not saying a word while he flipped through the book to a section near the back.
Bloom wouldn't cry but she did accept the comforting gesture and turned into her old friend. She could feel his thumb stroking over her hair as he encouraged her to lean against him. Her head rested on his shoulder and for a moment she didn't have to be the one to push through, and make sure everyone else was okay. For now she could be hurt, confused, and vulnerable. True she trusted her friends with her life, and knew they would want to comfort her for how she felt but they also needed someone to comfort them. They needed one of them to be strong and so she had decided that would be her.
"Bloom…" Touma sighed as he couldn't find anything that fit. Yet one poem came to mind, he'd read it once but his memory was eidetic so he remembered it word for word. A poem by Gloria Matthew called "Memories and Peace". Touma took a long breath before he started to recite the poem softly. Though the poem wasn't a perfect match he could feel his shirt moisten with tears, as Bloom cried just a little.
Bloom wasn't sure if it was the poem or Sky, or that Touma was still just like the little boy she met on a playground. She couldn't help the few tears that slipped from her being soaked up by his shirt. She did know however that she was glad he was here. His voice so even as he spoke, and she assumed reading to her from the book. She did have memories, but there was no peace. Taking a shaky breath as Touma finished she pushed herself away from him and back to sitting up right.
"Do you… Are you going to be alright?" Touma asked pulling his arm away and looking at Bloom with concern.
"I don't know… Eventually I will be. I just wish I knew why he'd done this." Bloom sighed wiping her eyes and hiding any evidence of her crying so if Roxy or Flora came in they wouldn't know.
"Someone who is foolish enough to call off an engagement? I don't think any answer would be satisfying. In fact I would think knowing would just hurt more." Touma sighed and wondered if this was what Shin had been in tune with, if this was the reason the fairies were reluctant around them. "If… If you need to talk or, anything I… I want to help you Bloom." Touma said. For all the wisdom he had there was little he could do for a broken heart, after all every heart break was different and everyone healed in their own way.
"Thank you Touma." Bloom smiled and leaned over to hug him and he hugged her back.
"Hey guys we're back! Oh and it looks like the others just got back as well." Nasuti announced as she came into the house. Her arms were full and her attention was on trying not to drop the groceries otherwise she would have seen the friendly hug between Touma and Bloom.
"Oh let me help you." Bloom offered hurrying over to Nasuti while Touma lazily followed. Touma glanced outside while Bloom took a few bags from Nasuti and started laughing.
"I think Ryo and Shu will need more help." Touma said as he slipped on his shoes and went to help them. It seemed Stella had bought more than enough in clothes, shoes, and accessories for the warlords, Lady Kayura and some for herself and the girls.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As day went on everyone got to talk and the tense with the warlords lessened, and even the girls were feeling more relaxed around the ronin. The ronin kept showing respect, and all willingness to be friends with the Winx and pull their power together to deal with the witches and Arago. While most of the chatting and been idle conversation there were moments they spoke of the dynasty and the witches and the powers and tricks they knew about. Now though it was late and Ryo had insisted on doing the dishes so Nasuti and Shin wouldn't have to. Most people had gone to bed or retreated to the rooms they'd been given while he scrubbed down the dishes.
Bloom had felt off just leaving one person to do the dishes and while most of the others were glad to take up Ryo's offer she found herself wandering back down stairs in her slippers, fuzzy pj pants and a matching tank top. She poked her head into the kitchen and almost sighed as he wasn't even half way done and it was clear he wasn't exactly enjoying the task either.
"Hey would you like some help?" Bloom asked as she watched Ryo for a moment more. It was then she noticed the small puddle that was on the floor from when Ryo had sloshed the water to much. Slipping out of her slippers Bloom walked over barefoot.
"Uh, yeah I think I'll take that offer." Ryo sighed almost with relief.
"You could have had help to begin with if you asked." Bloom pointed out and Ryo shook his head.
"Nah, if I'd asked Shin or Nasuti would have been here, and it would have defeated giving them a break." Ryo laughed a bit as he thought about how predictable those two were. He may have had a tendency to take the burden of battle on himself but those two would take on the burden of the household tasks. "Plus I would have gotten a lecture from Seiji, and probably Naaza about how it's improper to have your guests do the chores." He smiled as he handed Bloom a plate to dry off.
"Really? Then again Seiji seems very rigid so I think I can see that." Bloom said and Ryo sighed.
"He's not a bad guy, he's just a bit shy and never been very good with talking to women." Ryo defended. "Most of us either weren't close with people or grew up alone in someway. I think Shu's really the exception to this since his family is so big." Ryo said and Bloom frowned.
"I knew Touma was shy as a kid but you were too?" Bloom asked.
"Oh yeah that's right you knew Touma. Me, though, no I was an orphan and I didn't get close to people. Shin, Shu, Seiji, and Touma were the first people I really became friends with, and now they're my family. My brothers and Nasuti is like a sister to all of us." Ryo explained handing another dish to Bloom. This was now going so much faster and he was glad to have someone to talk to.
"The warlords and Kayura seem to have a similar bond." Bloom mused as she stacked another dried dish.
"Yeah they do. Just like you and your friends." Ryo smiled and Bloom laughed after all he was right. Ryo smirked and flicked some of the bubbles on to Bloom's arm.
"Hey!" Bloom laughed as she wiped the bubbles away and then swatted him with the towel and he joined in her laughter. Which only prompted Ryo to flick some more bubbles and Bloom to smack his arm again with the towel. Before long the bubbles were flying as was the towel with both of them laughing hard.
"I thought you were supposed to be cleaning the dishes Ryo not drenching Bloom." Touma cut in and they both stopped. It seemed Touma wasn't the only one who heard them as Roxy and Stella were peeking in through the doorway.
"Hey, nothing wrong with having a little fun." Ryo chuckled and went back to scrubbing the dishes with a smile on his face. Touma sighed and walked over to them he picked up the clean dishes and began putting them away.
"Bloom you've got some bubbles in your hair." Roxy giggled as she came into the room with Stella following her. "Can we help in anyway?"
"Nah, we've got it covered." Ryo smiled looking back at the youngest of the fairies. They all were pretty none of the ronin could deny that and even the warlords were impressed by their beauty and kindness but they were also more than that. Ryo could feel the goodness in each of them, and he knew the valor and bravery in their eyes because it was the same in his brothers.
"Hey can I ask you a question." Roxy started as she took a seat. At the same time Touma had finished putting away the dishes that had been dried only to take one out along with a glass.
"Shoot." Ryo smiled and shrugged as he started on the last few dishes. He realized he could tease Touma about getting more food but decided not to as Touma grabbed some crackers and cheese and a glass of pop.
"Well…. It's just when you guys talk about the dynasty I feel like you're hiding something." Roxy stated and it shocked both Ryo and Touma that she'd been so observant. "I'm not the only one, Flora and Stella feel the same way." Roxy said as Stella nodded. Bloom paused as she felt Touma's eyes wander over to her, after all she was feeling the same way. Touma then looked to Ryo and Ryo looked to Touma.
~Are we willing to tell?~ Touma asked knowing that this could end up destroying the progress they'd made.
~Shin trust them dude, and if we put it off to long well that's not going to help us.~ Ryo sent back and when he did he could feel the curiosity of the others as they listened in. ~Whether we like it or not we need to be upfront with them. We don't need to share everything but they need to know the warlords and Kayura were at one point our enemy. That I almost died if not for the jewel of life, that Shuten and the Ancient one died.~
~We are still discussing what to tell them Wildfire! Do not make this call for us.~ Anubis growled through their mental net.
~I'm with Ryo. We should tell them, it's not going to change anything.~
~Yeah man, we were the ones who took your beatings and gave you some and we forgiven you.~ Shu joined in backing up Shin's argument.
~Fine. But don't you dare say a thing about Naaza.~ Anubis snorted and quickly pulled away from the conversation
~I agree there. Naaza's secrets are his to tell.~ Rajura added with a more calm and quiet tone then the leader of the warlords. ~Ryo… Don't tell them everything. It still shames us.~ Rajura asked in a softer tone one that he didn't want his fellow warlords picking up on. After all falling for the lies and control of Arago wasn't something any of them were proud of. Rajura also wasn't proud of of they last interacted with Shuten. They'd been betrayed but they'd also been unwilling to hear him out to attempt to break free like he had.
~Don't worry, Rajura we'll only share what's needed. After all you are right most of this is yours to tell.~ Touma reassured the warlord of illusions as everyone broke away from the mental conversation.
"You guys were doing it again." Stella stated. She'd watched the looks that Touma and Ryo had been exchanging and while Roxy and Bloom were confused she wasn't. Shu had told her after all about the mental link, in a quick and brief way.
"Uh what?" Ryo asked a bit surprised.
"Talking with each other. Shu told me." Stella sighed as she looked over her fingernails wondering if Mia had any orange nail polish.
"He did?!" Touma looked rather surprised as well but was quick to recover while Ryo stared with his mouth opened.
"Wait what's Stella talking about?" Bloom asked as she finished drying the last dish.
"We have a mental link, a connection, or bond that lets us communicate to each other. It came in handy over the war but there are times that it can be distorted, like if one of us is in the nether realm." Ryo explained plainly and the girls stared at him in amazement. That had to play into their teamwork.
"Though you are right. There was something we were leaving out, about our fight with the Dynasty. When we fought them for the first time, when we were sixteen, the warlords Rajura, Anubis, Shuten and Naaza were our enemy. Arago was controlling them, and while Shuten managed to break away the others didn't. We lost the Ancient one then too, as he helped us reach Arago at the cost of his life." Touma said his tone distant but sad, like he didn't like thinking back on that time. "Every person was gone except Nasuti and a young boy named Jun, and everyday we fought for our lives and theirs.
"Yeah, while we were able to beat Arago, it brought new problems as our strength grew and other demons looked to replace him. In the end though Arago came back somehow, and we were caught off guard. Shuten became our ally honing the powers that the ancient one had to aid us, and Kayura became our new enemy revealing herself as one of Arago's favorite generals. We… We were willing and ready to kill her but Shuten."
"Shuten took it upon himself to face me one on one and freed me from Arago's control." Kayura finished for Ryo. The three girls listened in shock at how their enemies had been the very allies that had saved Stella, Roxy, Shu and Shin. "He died freeing me, because I was the last of the clan of the Ancient ones, taken from them as a child and brainwashed and controlled by Arago." Kayura sighed heavily. "My family were killed, and I didn't even remember until after I was free." Kayura folded her arms and looked away in shame.
"Hey you didn't mean it right? I mean you said it yourself you were under the control of this Arago right?" Roxy smiled being the first to speak up.
"Yeah that's right. I mean we couldn't be angry with the one's Valtor took control of people." Stella chimed in remembering how thanks to that man, her father had turned against her.
"Then you are more understanding and forgiving than most." Kayura pointed out as she placed a hand on her hip. The duality of her voice though was something that still surprised the winx girls.
"I mean if you guys trust them now and they were your enemy, we should too right Stella? Bloom?" Roxy asked showing once more that at the moment she was the most opened of the girls. Bloom and Stella looked to each other and smiled.
"Yeah, Roxy's right." Bloom smiled and Stella nodded. "If you want we can tell Flora, Musa, and Techna." Bloom offered and the three looked between each other before nodded.
"Oh, one more favor if you could." Ryo spoke up drawing all eyes back to him. "We try not to dwell on it, or talk about that part of the war much. So if you could try to avoid the topic, it would be appreciated, those times aren't something the warlords and us don't like to dwell on." Ryo explained and Touma knew instantly why he asked this but didn't say a word.
"Yeah that shouldn't be too hard." Stella smiled before yawning. "Well I'm going to bed."
"Yeah, night guys." Roxy agreed and waved to everyone following Stella out.
"I should go to bed too. Good night Ryo, Touma Kayura." Bloom said and hurried out to follow her friends. The three echoing the good nights and waiting a moment till they knew the girls were gone before speaking again.
"They'll find out eventually." Kayura pointed out narrowing her gaze at Ryo.
"Yeah, well like Naaza's secret is his to tell, this is for Shu, Shin and Seiji to tell." Ryo stated defensively. "Besides what good would it do to say, not only were you our enemy but you watched, knew, or encouraged the torture of those three?" Ryo stated, remember how Shu told him that Kayura encouraged them to scream when they were being tortured to lure Touma and him into a trap. It was at this Kayura flinched and looked down feeling ashamed and well as sorry.
"Hey easy there Ryo, and don't worry Kayura. Seiji, Shu and Shin would have said something long ago if they still held a grudge. They've forgive you guys." Touma cut in.
"But that doesn't change the fact it was done, or that they still suffer." Kayura argued and Touma and Ryo placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Maybe, but it's only getting bad again because of the dynasty's presence. Most times they don't think about it." Touma pointed out, before ushering Kayura away leaving Ryo to finish cleaning the kitchen. After all it was late and everyone needed sleep.
