Author Note: Okay so here is the next chapter, and right now I don't know if there will be an update on the 29, because of family commitments coming up. If there won't be then there will be one on the Tuesday or Wednesday of that week or a double this week depending on how much time I have to write and how inspired I am. Also I don't know why but it came to me that I was spelling Tecna's name wrong, so now I've been going through and fixing this.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Winx Club or the Ronin Warriors.

Chapter 14) Corruption

Icy slammed her fist against the red and blue pillar of the hallway. "How could you mess that up!" she roared as ice climbed over the pillar freezing it. Darcy nervously flinched after all out of the three of them, Icy's strength was growing the most rapid.

"Are you still harping on that? It's been over a week...I think." Darcy stated as she crushed the pebble in her hand. "They had to have had help from that illusionist, but now that we know they are working together I have an idea to get the ring of Solaria." Darcy tried to placate her sister, as Stormy came into the hallway.

"Hate to break this up, but Arago wants the three of us."

"Ugh! Tell that demon to wait." Icy snapped.

"He's not going to, and if you want to continue receiving the strength he's offered I would move it." Stormy smirked, after all for the first time she was the favorite of someone and it was starting to annoy Darcy and Icy. Both Icy and Darcy growled but followed Stormy into the throne room of the Dynasty. On the throne was sitting a demon with a cracked mask, and looking about ready for his death bed, yet power was pouring off him.

"Welcome my generals. It is time to move the plan along. It is now imperative that you get the ring of Solaria, with it we can open the gates of the nether realm on any realm. Everyone will bow to the dynasty, and those who don't will power it." The demon announced in a deep rumbling voice. The trix smiled liking the sound of the plan the demon emperor had come up with. "We will also need the jewel of life."

"Why?" Icy snapped. "It's ju-"

"SILENCE! I will not tolerant such questions! Now go and opened the gates! Pull the mortals in and strength us all."

"Yes, Lord Arago." The trix answered bowing. While they didn't like playing the errand runner, the fact they were opening the gates and taking the first step to victory was more than enough to bring their moods back up. With that the three trix vanished, to gather the nether spirits and prepare the opening of the gates. After all thanks to the trix's magic they could cover the entirety of Earth in one hit.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was hard to believe a week had gone by since the warlords had join the winx at the manor where the Ronin warriors lived. For all the chaos that had ensued it ended up being a good week. True Naaza had been doused in flour when he'd been trying to help Shin cook, the tv had been knocked over in an argument between Anubis and Roxy after they'd learned Roxy was a princess, and lastly one of the cars had been dented in a spar. Each problem had been easily fixed and just allowed the Winx to realize that they had much in common with the Ronin and warlords. Touma and Tecna would spend hours talking about mechanics and even started to share theories, and for someone who didn't know about any of the technology in the magic realms, especially Zenith, Touma kept up very well and even surprised her with his own intelligence. Though it wasn't easy to admit, Touma might actually be smarter than she was. Roxy ended up spending a lot of time with Shin and Naaza helping them cook or just talking with them. Stella unlike Roxy loved the attention she got from Anubis when he'd learned she too was a princess, and was rarely without a bodyguard, and found a new shopping buddy in Lady Kayura who loved having Stella teach her about fashion. Rajura mostly watched over everyone from a far but was a pleasant man to talk to. Ryo and Bloom spoke almost as often as Bloom and Touma. Musa and Stella also managed to get the guys to loosen up playing music one night and games, and well it was learned that while all the guys could dance, at least traditional dances, Seiji was the best dancer, a fact Anubis began to tease him on.

With the day being unusually hot for fall everyone had gathered outside, in lighter clothes and while some were in the shade Shin, Roxy, Naaza and even Shu had vanished off somewhere out in the sun. Nasuti had made lemonade for everyone and passed out various glasses to the group lounging on the porch under the shade. Stella yawned and pushed her sunglasses up as she leaned back in the patio chair. She was wearing a simple orange tank top that was slanted with the hem, the slant starting mid torso and going down to her hip in a soft ruffle, and her faded jeans had a line of orange on the sides with a spiral patterning. Next to her was Bloom and Kayura.

"I'm starting to wonder where Shin and them went." Nasuti wondered out loud as she set down a lemonade for Bloom.

"Thank you, Nasuti." Bloom smiled but she couldn't answer Nasuti's question as she wasn't sure herself.

"Hopefully they are not causing trouble." Rajura snorted, and Ryo laughed while Touma and Anubis smirked.

"I'd worry about that expect Shin's with them, so it can be too bad." Seiji pointed out as he stood up and stretched out. As nice as the shade was he wanted to now feel the warmth of the sun. He started to head down the patio steps sighing as the sun hit his skin. He could feel Halo relishing in the light, as it rejuvenated him.

"Are you going for a walk?" Flora asked sitting up a bit when Seiji moved. She smiled when he turned and nodded to her. "Do you mind company?"

"No, not at all." Seiji said quickly and bit back the harsh look he wanted to give Anubis who was smirking. Still his quick tone didn't seem to bother Flora as she lightly stepped down the stairs and came to his side. Seiji managed a small if not nervous smile as they started to walk.

The group watched them before Anubis chuckled and shook his head. Since the warlord was standing, or more leaning against the house behind Stella and Kayura, the blue haired lady reached back and smacked him.

"Leave them alone, I think it's nice." Kayura scolded and Anubis huffed.

"Think what's nice?" Tecna asked completely missing the closeness of Flora and Seiji, and had been about the only winx to miss it, though the others had assumed it was just a growing friendship.

"Oh come on isn't it obvious?" Kayura asked but Touma cleared his throat causing Kayura to look at him confused. "What isn't Halo interested in her?" Kayura asked with a smirk and Touma just gave her a sharp look.

"Don't tease them Kayura." Touma stated and Kayura laughed and placed her hands behind her head.

"Wait are you saying-"

"Kayura's just joking around, Seiji and Flora have the same appreciation for nature and calm serenity, so I can't blame them for wanting to walk around today." Ryo stated knowing why Touma had snapped at Kayura. After all Touma had shared his theory, after his chat with Bloom, that he believed most had gone through a harsh break up. It seemed Ryo's comment aided in getting everyone to relax again and Touma turned his attention back to his book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Seiji and Flora had decided that they would head into the forest after all it was a prefect day to be out and about, but as they reached the back yard Seiji stopped spotting Shu, Shin, Naaza and Roxy all in bathing suits. Shin was in a simple light blue trunks with, Shu was in black and orange swim trunks, while Naaza had black trunks with green wavy stripe on the side, and Roxy was in a magenta bikini with green straps and gold paw prints on the straps and top of the bottoms. Seiji glanced to Flora who mirrored his curiosity and the two approached the group.

"Hey Roxy." Flora smiled and waved.

"Oh, hey Flora. Hi Seiji." Roxy greeted as she tied off another water balloon. Roxy grinned as both Flora and Seiji looked at the group with suspicion.

"Seiji, you may want to either leave, or find a bathing suit." Shin smiled as he gave his not so subtle warning, and Seiji shook his head and grabbed Flora's hand.

"We should go." Seiji sighed and while Flora took a few steps to follow she paused again.

"What are you guys doing?"

"Isn't it obvious? Lady Kayura insisted that we needed to relax before another attack, and Torrent purposed a water war."

"Water balloon fight, Naaza." Shu corrected. "But the points the same." Shu beamed with mischievousness.

With that Flora giggled and waved to the group and turned to Seiji letting him lead the way. Flora wondered if they should give Stella and them the heads up but stopping to make a call just seemed rude as Seiji lead her through the forest. Even though there was a path he would move some of the low hanging branches so neither of them would be hurt. Every move he made was like a gentleman, like how some specialist acted, but there was more. It was more than going through the motions or being brought up proper, he wanted to be a gentleman Flora could see that. The forest was beautiful the leaves still green as the weather had been so mild.

Seiji knew exactly where he wanted to bring Flora to show her one of the places he found the most peace at. He hoped she would feel the same. He wished he knew how to talk to her to start a conversation but this wasn't his strength. He was never comfortable around women, and less so with someone beautiful like Flora. So instead they walked in silence forgetting that they were locked hand in hand.

"It's not to much farther." Seiji finally said feeling like he should say something.

"What's not to much farther?" Flora asked looking over at Seiji. His blond hair was nearly glowing under the rays of the sunlight with how bright it was. She saw him peek at her from the corner of his eye before turning his head towards her.

"The spot I meditate at, its very serene. I thought you may like it." Seiji stated feeling awkward and too warm despite the shade of the trees. He was a 24 year old man, fought a war that no one knew about, and yet he could barely speak to a woman.

Flora nodded unsure what to say but she was excited to see it. The forest was so beautiful and it seemed Seiji was at home underneath the branches and among the trees. When she talked to him about gardening he took her tips, and explained that he liked the hobby as a way to calm his mind. It meant that over the week they both spent most of their time together, in the dirt or inside where Seiji showed Flora the few bonsai trees that were kept as decor and a source of peace. Flora had to stop thinking over the week and start focusing on where she was walking as Seiji lead her off the beaten trail on to a path less traveled. They walked down that path a while Seiji slowing and making sure Flora didn't trip, his hand guiding her as much as supporting her. The other thing Flora wondered about was the sound of rushing water. It'd slowly been getting louder.

"Here we are." Seiji said a small smile on his lips as he pushed back a few branches revealing the clearing with the running stream and the small water fall. The clearly was beautiful a few rocks with moss covering protruded from the ground and the sun twinkled off of the water. This was his refuge, a place Seiji could come no matter what was going on. He was nervous showing Flora but also excited to share it.

"Seiji, this place is lovely. How did you find it?" Flora asked stepping away from him and her hand slipping from his as she moved closer to the stream.

"Trying to get away from Shu before my frustration made me hit him." Seiji snorted thinking back. It had been after the first war with Arago and while the ronin were close they also got on each others nerves.

"Really?" Flora asked surprised.

"Yeah, we were barely seventeen, and he was purposefully targeting me." Seiji sighed. "We had so much stress to deal with that all of us were ready to snap. Ryo was healing after being hurt, we were trying to get things done for school, and figure how much control we had over the armors. I left walking around just trying to collect myself and instead I found this place." Seiji smiled as he sat down on one of the rocks. "We're all friends but there are times we get on each other's nerves. Not as much anymore but when we first came together… We didn't know each other but had to fight a war together." Seiji said watching Flora as she ran her hand through the water.

"I guess that's normal. We've been through some times where we haven't gotten along but I could never stay mad at any of the winx. They're like family." Flora smiled turning around to face Seiji. When she noticed his intense stare she couldn't help but look away blushing.

"I find it hard to believe that anyone could be mad at you. You are too concerned with everyone else and how they feel." Seiji stated. "You also just help people relax." At this Flora was blushing her hands playing through her hair shyly and Seiji found it rather nice. He wished he could get closer but it seemed to soon, and there was too much trouble stirring thanks to the dynasty.

"I think its only because it's easy to be relax around you." Flora said and she caught the surprised look on Seiji's face before he looked away to compose himself. She giggled at his shy action, and how she was beginning to figure him out. It wasn't that he was cold, only formal and not comfortable talking to people. Flora had seen how he looked subtly to Shin and Touma to talk for him.

"Or maybe we just see the best in each other." Seiji offered rather and argue who made who feel more relaxed and Flora giggled at his soft smile. "You know it's pretty amazing that you are ready to fight beside us. Fighting the dynasty isn't easy, and I don't even know if we can truly prepare you for the horrors that Arago will use to win." Seiji sighed running a hand through his hair as Flora walked over to him.

"It wouldn't be right to walk away. We know the trix like you do this Arago, and the dynasty. We want to help you." Flora smiled and Seiji sighed in amazement. If the fairies were going to help then it was up to them to make sure they didn't fall victim to the dynasty in any way.

"Then please, do me one favor. Stay close during any battle, we'll be able to aid each other, but only if we are together." Seiji said and Flora nodded. Seiji wished he could have said more or something different than the cool tactical reason but what could he say that wouldn't insult her? She was more than capable to handle herself, and it was selfish of him to want to protect her so she would never be hurt because it would stifle her. He didn't know what to truly say or do. "We should start heading back… I'm sure they are done with their mischievousness."

"Yeah I-AAHH!" Flora screamed as the forest around her did. It was as sudden as lightning tearing through her till everything went black.

"FLORA!" Seiji yelled rushing over to her as she collapsed, catching her before she hit the ground. He could feel the nether realm everywhere, and it was drowning out everything. Seiji lifted Flora up and ducked behind the rock as some of the forest inhabitants raced by in a panic. Of course they could feel the corruption suddenly invading everything. "No!" Seiji gasped as the light dimmed away and a green fog started to roll over the ground. Yet above it all what shook him to the core was the malicious laughter rolling over everything, the deep voice and cruelty in it was something he would never forget.

~Arago!~ A thought shared between all the warriors.

~Seiji!~

~Where are you?!~

Seiji lifted Flora bridal style and started to run as fast as he could. He winced each time they mentally reached out to him. They were frightened, surprised, and worried and it was making them too loud.

~Quiet we're fine!~ Seiji snapped. He turned his body so the branches knocked against him instead of Flora as he raced through the forest back to the manor. ~The gates are opened aren't they?~ He asked in a more serious voice. As silence echoed back over the mental net Seiji couldn't help but hold Flora tighter like it would protect her.

~They are… Nasuti is still with us, but…~ Ryo trailed off sorrow and self blame were in his tone.

~The likelihood that any other human escaped is not good, Halo. The gates didn't just open over Japan this time.~ Anubis finished and Seiji couldn't only imagine that the worst war yet was waiting for them.

~We'll be there soon.~ Seiji said before focusing back on running. Once he hit the main trail he slowed down only to shift Flora onto his back and began running again. It wouldn't do him any good to be caught up in the fog gate of the dynasty, or to run into the witches right now. He was breathing hard as he refused to pace himself and sprinted as hard and fast as he could. There had to be a reason Flora passed out but there was no injury so Halo's powers would be of no help. Naaza was more of a doctor than he was, and maybe her friends could help her. It didn't matter who as long as Flora was helped.

Seiji didn't spare even a glance up to the sky as he cleared the forest and found himself on the edge of Nasuti's property. He knew the sky would be covered with dark clouds, rolling with thunder and the chill of the nether spirits. He only slowed a little his sneakers splashing in the shallow puddles from the water fight that Shu and Shin probably instigated. Seiji shifted his grip on Flora as his hands were sweaty and he didn't want to lose his grip. He was careful as he opened the back door. He felt warm hands starting to take Flora from him, and catching a glimpse of the tan skin he knew it was Ryo.

"She passed out right as the gates opened." Seiji stated his voice actually trembling a bit. He rushed to get his shoes off and follow Ryo as he took Flora into the living room. "It was like the gates opening overwhelmed her, or hurt her? I-I…"

"Woah bud, I'm sure she'll be fine." Shu said trying to calm Seiji. It was strange to see him frantic, but there were few times when Halo couldn't heal someone. Shu placed a hand on Seiji holding him back as Ryo moved and Naaza knelt down next to Flora. He took her wrist in his hand right as Stella and Bloom came down stairs.

"Hey what's going on?" Bloom asked. Her hair was still wet but she was in warmer, and dry clothes so it was okay. As she drew closer both Stella and she could see Flora on the couch eyes closed. "What happened?" Bloom asked Touma catching her before she could crowd Naaza, while Anubis stepped in front of Stella. He wouldn't lay a hand on her because of status as a princess. He held up his hands trying to keep Stella from bolting to her friend. As it was Roxy, Tecna, and Musa were also hurrying down the stairs, and thankfully Shin, Ryo and Rajura were able to catch them.

"You must stay calm m'lady. Let Naaza focus, and give him space." Anubis urged Stella while Naaza checked over the fairy.

"But you can't just ex-"

"Yes, we do expect you to let Naaza work without distractions. He is a healer, and his knowledge of the body, and cures is greater than Halo's." Rajura interjected hoping to give the girls an idea of Naaza's skill. After all the warlord of venom didn't have Halo's power to heal, but could make remedies, and had actually skills as a healer, or doctor.

"She's fine, just fainted… We won't know if there was a correlation until she wakes up." Naaza said his voice tense as he stood up.

"Why did you take her so far off!" Tecna yelled at Seiji, her concern for her friend clouding her judgement, and catching Seiji off guard.

"None of us could have known they'd open the gates, and they were together." Shin tried to reason and calm Tecna down but she pushed by him before he could touch her shoulder. Shin could see she wanted to blame them for Flora possibly being hurt but the truth was no one was at fault but the dynasty.

"And this is why we shouldn't drop our guard." Anubis sneered before taking his leave. He didn't take kindly to Tecna's accusing stance and it wasn't long before Lady Kayura went after him.

"Tecna… No one could have known." Roxy offered feeling guilty. She had been the one to tell Naaza about water balloons, and had encouraged Shin to join her, Shu, and Naaza. She felt like crying right now but held it in. She didn't want to be the weak one, but if what was Kayura had told them all while they were changing was true. Roxy just had to hope and believe that her family had escaped before the gates opened.

"Hey Seiji, why don't you take Flora up to her room. I'm going to start some camomile tea. I think it's best if everyone tries to settle down." Nasuti said but she could tell it wouldn't help. The ronin had wanted to prevent the gates from opening but it was too late, and the somberness they were feeling was only matched by the fairies worry for Flora. Nasuti sighed and shivered as the air grew colder. The older woman walked into the kitchen as stared out the window, feeling helpless and horrified as she stared at the forest. The black clouds hung over it red lightning leaping between them, while the green fog oozed out from between the trees but didn't come closer than the edge of the forrest. Even she could feel the corruption and hate strangling everything that lived. This, this time it was much worse than when Arago opened the gates the first time. "I hope you guys can work together." Nasuti prayed as she set the pot to boil.