Author Note: Okay as I stated on the Autumn Halo update, real life hit hard recently. A friend of mine hard, as her apartment evicted her even though her contract was still good, because she was making to much money. (That shouldn't matter till the contract was up for the year but the place is run by horrible people and over half the people living there got evicted.) Anyways I'm back to writing and will be back to weekly posts.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Winx Club or the Ronin Warriors.
Another Note: So over all this chapter is a little lighter in content and length as I didn't want to write anything to dark, yet. That will be the next chapter.
Chapter 20) Jealousy
While everyone had wished the next day would go smoothly that was far from the case. It was barely ten and already Bloom and Tecna had a headache from arguing with the specialist. Rajura had to remove Naaza from the argument as he nearly lost it, which left Ryo, Shu, Shin and Anubis to side with Tecna and Bloom. The argument had started when Brandon overheard that Tecna planned to travel to four different locations without any specialist escort.
"I'm sorry Sky but no. You guys have to fix your ship, remember." Bloom stated trying to keep her head as best she could. She was thankful when Shin put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed. Bloom wanted to scoff as she saw Sky narrow his eyes at the action. Thankfully he was smart enough not to try and make Shin stop touching her.
"We can't let Tecna do this alone. We should go with her, it's logical. Right Tecna?" Timmy argued and Tecna folded her arms over her chest.
"I'm not going alone, Timmy. Ryo, Shin, Shu, and Seiji are going to be my escorts along with Stella and Musa." Tecna stated and Brandon interjected.
"Yeah and that's why we are going! You can't trust these guys!" Brandon nearly yelled and Shin looked beyond perplexed, while Shu growled in annoyance at the attitude of the guest.
"Excuse me?" Ryo gawked but before he could say more Brandon kept going.
"They are just humans, we've worked together for years it makes more sense to bring us. We've been trained to protect you."
"And you know nothing of the dynasty or the locations little boy." Anubis snarled even though Brandon was taller than him.
"Besides that going with the Ronin will make the trip faster." Tecna added ignoring the stunned look Timmy was giving her.
"I don't think this is a good idea. I think we should-"
"Sky don't even finish that." Bloom said. She wasn't going to listen to any more of the specialist weak attempts to keep them away from other guys. It was unbelievable how the specialist were acting towards the ronin and warlord. Or maybe not so unbelievable as Bloom sighed recalling their jealous streaks, but they weren't dating anymore! The specialist had no right to act this way.
"Here let someone make this very clear." Stella yawned as she came down the stairs with Seiji and Flora. "We. Are. Going. With. The. Ronin. That's. Final." Stella said her hands on her hip and despite being rather tired it was very clear the sun fairy wasn't budging on this decree.
"Stella's right. Oh and also, while they may be 'humans' we know we can trust them and they've been a big help against the dynasty." Tecna said and for a tense moment the specialist were staring the five men down. It was Timmy who was first to leave to go gather the stuff to fix the ship, and slowly the others followed. Helia though let his gaze linger on Flora and Seiji a frown on his face at the closeness between them.
When the specialist finally left the house Bloom sighed and slumped down on the couch. Shin frowned and sat next to her while Ryo and Shu placed a hand on Tecna's shoulders. Each one of the guys could tell how much the exchange had bothered the winx girls and that in turn wasn't okay with them. Bloom sighed and smiled weakly when she felt Shin's hand on hers and his other hand on her shoulder.
"It'll be alright. We'll get this done soon, and then you can get everything you need straightened out." Shin smiled trying to ease the girls worry.
"Yeah, it'll work out for the best and then we'll send the dynasty packing just like old times!" Shu cheered grinning and drawing more smiles just from his optimistic personality. His upbeat attitude helped draw smiles back to the winx girls.
"If you'd like we could send them away too?" Ryo joked a friendly smile on his face.
"Tempting, but I'm sure there would be too many questions." Stella yawned and she fell onto the couch next to Bloom gracefully.
"Jeez, I though Seiji was the only one that could make a fall look graceful." Shu murmured and Seiji shot him a sharp look as Shin chuckled.
"Hmmm, Shu are you watching me?" Stella asked looking to tease him, but to her surprise the strong warrior looked off to the side with the slightest flush on his cheeks.
"Maybe…" Shu muttered low enough that only Tecna and Ryo heard him.
"So Tecna when would you like to get going?" Ryo asked switching the topic for Shu's sake.
"Once Musa's up and ready it seems like we should." Tecna said and Bloom nodded in agreement.
"Why don't you girls take some time to relax and get ready. I'm going to start on breakfast." Shin smiled as he stood up. As he passed Shu he gave a look and Shu frown while Ryo chuckled and Seiji shook his head.
"Yeah but do you guys think it's safe to leave the warlords here with the specialist?" Flora asked as he left his side and moved to join the other girls on the couch.
"I don't think the warlords will hurt them." Bloom said, though as she thought about it the temperament of the warlords towards the specialist was interesting.
"They won't. They are just trying to protect you girls." Ryo said leaning over the couch just behind Tecna.
"They are used to a formal society, and they are worried about you girls. Ever since these guys have shown up you've been tense and frown more." Seiji continued as he leaned against the wall. He may have wanted to be near Flora to reassure her but he was the one who had pushed them both to wait and think about this for a while. "Besides Touma and Kayura will be here. Kayura can keep the warlords in line, and well Touma will keep Kayura in line." Seiji said and Ryo nodded.
None of the girls could think to argue with that. After all Touma had been the most relaxed around the specialist no matter what happened. Though he had missed much of the confrontation to begin with. There also was the fact that Touma seemed to go with the best strategy whether he liked it or not.
"I think I'll go get Touma up, so that by the time we leave he's awake." Seiji said evenly and Ryo and Shu nodded.
Shortly after Seiji left Ryo and Shu also left to switch off with Rajura and Naaza leaving the girls alone with the sound of soft music, and delicious smells coming from the kitchen. For a moment it felt like it had the last couple of weeks, when it was just them and the ronin. It was comforting and something the girls hadn't realized they had grown fond of until it was shattered. Each of them were left to their thoughts, thoughts about the ronin, the dynasty, the witches, the specialists and themselves. They were deep enough in thought that when Aisha, Roxy and Musa joined them they could only offer a soft hey. It was enough that Musa had decided she wanted to be closer to the lively music rather than stuck stewing with her thoughts.
Walking into the kitchen was like walking into a warm bakery, the smell of tea and coffee lifted over the smell of simple blueberry pancakes. The pancakes had been something Shin had starting making because Roxy asked for them one day. After that they would show up every so often. Musa made her way to the table and hopped up on it watching Shin and listening to the music he was bobbing along with. She could help but smile and sway herself to the cd he had on. When he turned to move to the stove was when he saw her, and Musa waved to him. It was such an odd thought to think she'd mistaken him for Riven, as they were nothing alike.
"Good Morning." Shin greeted as he poured some of the batter on to the pan.
"Morning." Musa answered hopping off the table and moving closer to him watching him. It was interesting to see how good he was at cooking as she didn't think any of the specialist could cook, well beyond making smoothie drinks, and maybe they could grill. The song changed and Musa started humming along with it. She'd grown fond of the random music Shin would play from the classical genre to more modern like, well what was play, Capital Cities "Safe and Sound". Musa couldn't help but grin as Shin put the bowl down and she squeezed by him dipping a finger into the batter collecting some long with a blueberry.
"Hey!" Musa couldn't help but laugh around her finger at the offended look he was giving her. Sure she'd taken advantage of him flipping the pancakes but it was for a good cause. Musa laughed even hard as he lifted her up and spun them so he was better her and the batter.
"Just because you're a guest doesn't mean I'm going to let you break the rules in here. I don't even let the guys or Nasuti get away with it." Shin said trying to sound and look stern but he was smiling.
"You have rules in the kitchen?" Musa teased and she tried to reach around him again.
"Yes I do." Shin stated catching her hand and spinning her around so that she was trapped against him. He was trying not to laugh but she was making it hard to stay serious laughing like she was. More curious was the girls that had gathered in the doorway to see what was so amusing. "Now behave or everything is going to burn." Shin stated though he was chuckling a bit as he let her go and turned back to the oven.
Musa laughed but see her friends smiling left the kitchen and followed them back to the couch and chairs. Musa was still grinning as were some of her friends. Stella took the one chair curling up in it while Flora, Bloom and Roxy grabbed the couch, Aisha sat on the arm of the couch and Tecna sat down on the floor next to Musa. Stella glanced back in the kitchen making sure Shin wasn't listening in and threw a pillow at Musa.
"You like him." Stella accused softly and Musa stopped smiling and just gawked at Stella. She looked around the rest of the group before pushing some of her long blue hair over her shoulder.
"No, he's just a friend." Musa insisted, and while Tecna nodded seeming fine to accept that, Stella didn't as her grin grew wider.
"Really? You flirted like that with Riven!" Stella pointed out. Why Musa was so against admitting it was beyond Stella. Shin was nice and everyone of them had grown to trust him.
"No I didn't." Musa crossed her arms and gave Stella a stern look. Bloom couldn't help be sigh and smile. It was like they were back at Alfea the way Stella and Musa were starting into it.
"Yeah you did. You would tease, him and do anything to make sure his eye was on you. Remember that little dance, while we were cleaning up Alfea?" Stella pointed out as she gestured with her hand.
"That's nothing like this." Musa said in a rather final tone right as the door opened and Naaza and Rajura walked in. Some of the girls couldn't help but giggle and the two men exchanged worried looks. They weren't used to walking in on girl talk so at first they thought something had gotten on the clothes that Stella and Lady Kayura had picked out for them.
"Don't worry it's not you." Aisha said noticing the way Naaza was looking himself over.
"Hey Naaza! The others are going to leave shortly, I was hoping maybe you and I could go over some more of the basics." Roxy jumped up. She really enjoyed training with the warlords and another session would be a good excuse to leave Stella and Musa before the got into a really argument.
"Why don't you at least eat first." Naaza said smelling the aroma of the finished food. After all pancakes never took long to cook. Naaza was starting to head to the kitchen but paused as Touma dragged himself down the last few steps. His hair was a mess and posture loose and slouched. He blinked at them a few times before attempting to say good morning.
"Morning Zombie." Aisha laughed and Touma just looked at her.
"Coffee… Coffee Zombie." He corrected and the girls burst of laughing and stood to follow him into the kitchen. It wasn't that the statement was overly funny but combined with his look and the truth of it all, it was just the sort of laugh they all needed. While they gathered up plates some food and a drink Shin and Touma stood off to the side Touma with a cup of coffee resting in his hands.
While there was a bit of general talk as they ate breakfast it didn't take long for everyone to start getting ready. Ryo and Shu were already waiting out in the yard with the specialist who were trying to figure out if they even had the spare equipment to fix the ship with. When the girls came out with the other ronin they noticed the glare that Brandon was shooting Ryo and Shu as they stood there in the base sub armor.
"Okay so it should just take a day to hit each location, if we keep moving." Ryo said to Tecna, Musa and Stella. Aisha was who had been standing near Seiji and Shin tilted her head curiously as they pulled out a orb slightly larger than a marble and in a flash of light their clothes were replaced by the same sub armor as Ryo and Shu. White base, but different colors for the accents.
"Right and for the trickery locations we'll do what we can to get you as close to the center point as possible." Shin said and Seiji nodded in agreement.
"We know. There's no way you're going to let anything happen to us." Musa stated with a smile and the four men nodded.
"Okay then girls." Stella smiled. "Let's go Mythix!" All three of them cheered transforming and hovering just above the ground.
"You guys stay focused on your mission, we'll hold the fort down here." Bloom smiled. The group leaving nodded and to the surprise of the specialist as the winx girls took off flying almost as swiftly as they would with Zoomix wings and the Ronin's were keeping up.
"I still think it would have been better to just have us teleport Lady Tecna there." Naaza stated as he came outside. He ignored the looks from the specialist putting his attention instead on Touma and the remaining winx girls.
"It would have been quicker true, but we don't know if it would draw attention. This way they have a chance of at least getting a few setup before the Dynasty notices. If its just the bucket head they'll be fine." Touma explained and at that Sky cut in.
"And if it's not!" Sky snapped. He was the leader of the specialist and while he was glad Touma had helped with the misunderstanding he didn't like being pushed out of the picture. He didn't like not being included and most importantly it was the specialist job to protect the fairies not these guys!
"Then Touma's idea of precaution by having the four Ronin go and two of our group will have been put in place for a reason." Bloom answered her voice taking on a cold tone of authority. So much so that the specialist back down and went back to trying to fix their ship, well except for Timmy.
"But having just Stella and Musa on watch doesn't seem like enough!" Timmy explained and Naaza snorted.
"It's not just them. Each location only corresponds to one Ronin. So only one of the ronin will be helping Tecna with the spell the others will be on guard with Stella and Musa. Besides I told Tecna to save Shin's location for last. As it will be the easiest to guard." Touma said and Roxy looked at him funny.
"But didn't you say Shin's spot was a whirlpool? How is that easily defendable?" Roxy asked, and Naaza smiled. He was glad she was picking up on what Anubis, Rajura and he were teaching her.
"We have to go after them! How could you make a call like that?!" Brandon snapped clutching the wrench in his hand.
"Because Torrent is invincible in the water." Naaza said calmly. "I have battled him at the very point they will be going to and in that domain none can beat him. He'll be able to protect them all himself."
"But…" Roxy frowned thinking about her first fight with Stella, Shu, and Shin. Shin and herself had been the weakest it seemed.
"Don't worry. Shin's strong and tough, and the armor of Torrent is the most powerful went in its element. Think of it as a balance exchange." Touma said with a wink. "Just trust him."
"Yeah you're right." Roxy smiled and watched as Touma headed over to a bench on the patio and sat down. It was clear he was still feeling very tired.
"I'm going to go back in and see if I can help out Nasuti." Flora said softly and Bloom followed to join her.
"Roxy did you want to still practice?" Naaza asked and Roxy nodded.
"Practice?" Aisha asked stepping closer to the two and following them as the walked around to the spacious backyard.
"Naaza, and Anubis have been teaching me how to fight with a weapon. So that if my spells don't work I can still be useful." Roxy beamed. In the back Rajura and Anubis were already sparring.
"Cool." Aisha smiled and looked over at the training weapons. "Think you could teach me?" She asked picking up a longer slightly curved sword while Roxy picked up two of the sword training weapons.
"Two hands." Anubis said, as he held up a hand and Rajura stopped. Both of them were sweating but neither was breathing hard, and it seemed they could probably continue for a while.
"What?" Aisha asked looking at the scarred blue haired man. She watched him move around her and take her wrist while his other hand settled on her elbow.
"Two hands. One here, and the other here." He said as he moved her grip. "Only get the most strength behind your swing that way." Aisha looked at where he positioned her hands and tested the weapon a bit. She wasn't sure how she felt about the grip but Roxy seemed confident in them. Aisha let Anubis continue to adjust her stance and posture but she was watching Roxy walk out into the open yard with Naaza. He held two training weapons that were longer than what Roxy had picked up but shorter than the one she grabbed.
Anubis stopped trying to move her when he realized she was more interested in watching Roxy. Roxy and Naaza weren't moving as fast as he and Rajura for their spar and Naaza was verbally instructing Roxy what to do but that was because they were still working form and the basics with the fairy.
"Lady Roxy has picked everything up very quickly. It is impressive." Rajura said and well Roxy got distracted she was still able to move her off hand to block the slow side strike.
"Why do you insist on calling me that?" Roxy asked as she tried to strike Naaza as commanded but he blocked her movement with ease.
"For the same reason we address the Ronin by their armor. To you it may not seem like it but it is respect. While at first none of us knew the others names, the titles stuck for us. The ronin are formidable opponents or allies, as are you ladies. Also you have positions of status, and will not let us call you princess." Rajura calmly explained and Roxy sighed with frustration. Through all this back and forth exchange Aisha was impress that Roxy could continue to follow Naaza's direction and how relaxed the warlords were. Without the specialist around it seemed their aggressive front was gone. Around Roxy they were honest, calm, and patient. It was quiet the switch.
"Do you want to learn as well?" The question pulled Aisha out of her thoughts and she glanced over to Anubis.
"I doubt my parents would approve… Their still getting use to my love for dance." Aisha sighed a bit and Anubis hummed.
"Respecting your parents is important, but they would prefer to see your guards to do whatever need be to keep you safe? So you would avoid being hurt?" Anubis asked an arogant smirk on his face.
"Yeah, they would." Aisha said turning to him and placing a hand on her hip. The training weapon rested in her one hand pointed down so it was touching the ground.
"Then allow us to teach you. Then pick a weapon you'd like to learn, any skills you have will be well needed against the Dynasty." Anubis said and Aisha was a bit shocked, but soon she returned his smile and started looking over the weapons.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Inside Bloom, and Flora were in the kitchen with Kayura and Nasuti peeking out the window as they finished cleaning up from breakfast. They left Shin's music playing to fill the air with something other than the silence and water. Bloom sighed as she set the last plate away and looked over to the others who were also glad the work was done.
"Roxy has gotten really good." Nasuti commented and Kayura nodded.
"She has some good teachers… Just don't tell them I said that." Kayura smiled as she sat down at the table.
"Why not? Don't you think it would be good to give them a compliment?" Flora asked and Kayura glanced away.
"I don't want to be soft. I've been a warrior, raised as one and now I'm the Lady Ancient. I don't want them to forget that I was first Lady Kayura." Kayura explained and Bloom nodded.
"It's hard when you go from being some normal person to someone important. But don't you think you over do it? You're always teasing them."
"The Ronin? Of course I am. They… They're like my brothers, it's why Touma and I didn't work out. The warlords are also like my family." Kayura said a soft and sweat smile on her face. "They know I love them like family, it's why I tease them. At the end of the day I would do anything for them. If they asked me to stop I would."
"Aw how sweet Kayura. I didn't know you cared."
"And they tease back." Kayura laughed as Touma entered the room.
"Of course we do. As long as we're out of arm's reach." Touma smirked and Kayura laughed. "I hate to interrupt your bonding but your… well the specialist are about ready to demand Tecna comes back now and won't share why." Touma said and Bloom groaned with aggravation while Flora also looked upset. "If I had to guess they can't get the ship fixed for some reason."
"Did they tell you to talk to us?" Flora asked.
"No I offered when Sky started to head for the door. I figured it would give you ladies less of a headache." Touma said and Bloom looked back outside to Roxy and Aisha.
"Probably a good idea. They wouldn't be happy about you guys teaching us how to fight with a weapon." Bloom sighed and moved to head back outside.
"Want support?"
"I definitely won't turn it down." Bloom smiled as Touma put a hand on her shoulder. With that Bloom, Flora and Touma headed back out to the front yard. Sky was clearly waiting, Brandon and Helia were moving out the broken equipment from the ship and Timmy was trying to see what could possibly be salvaged. The second Sky saw them he started to briskly walk over even though they had barely made it down the patio stairs.
"You need to call Tecna back. The ships badly damaged and it's our only way back." Sky ordered and Bloom placed her hands firmly on her hips.
"Tecna will want to finish this first. She worked so hard on it with Touma and Nasuti." Bloom argued.
"Also… I think we'll need a different means home anyways. The ship won't seat all of us." Flora added softly and Sky narrowed his eyes.
"It will."
"If you're not counting the Ronin, Warlords, Kayura and Nasuti." Bloom stated and Touma just raised an eyebrow. Sky didn't even try to deny the accusation only offered a glance of sympathy to Toua.
"You guys are our mission. Your return safely home. Not them, so stop trying to bring them with you." Siky said. Bloom actually growled in frustration at Sky her hands balling up into fist until Touma set a hand on her shoulder.
"So Earth is a lost cause?! We let the witches win!" Bloom snapped folding her arms in front of her.
"... We can beat them from our home like we used to."
"Nothing can be like it used to, and the Dynasty is too strong we need the Ronin, Warlords, and Kayura."
"Guys!" Touma interrupted and Bloom and Flora looked to him. "Let's worry about who the ship can and can't fit when it's fix. If it can be fix. Tecna's not here so why don't you explain it to me and see if I can help." Touma reasoned out and Sky just gawked.
"What, you can't help you don't know-"
"Then explain it to me. I'm the person you've got right now. If this is urgent then work with me and what you've got." Touma stated in a rather final tone. Bloom couldn't help but smile at this as it was frustrating Sky just like he'd been doing to her. Only it wasn't because of stubbornness but true logic and wisdom.
"Helia you guys will attempt right? Touma is very smart, and it's not a bad idea." Flora said, and the guys exchanged looks. With a heavy sigh Sky nodded and Touma smiled, while Flora and Bloom sat on the porch to watch. It was almost satisfy to see the specialist struggling to get along with Touma as it was very clear they were jealous.
