Author's Note: Okay so like I've said I'm trying very hard to get back on schedule but I just had a job change at the end of October, followed by some very nerve wrecking news concerning a family member I'm close to. This person may have cancer and we are still going back and forth with inconclusive test results. Hopefully it is nothing and we will hear soon. Anyways do enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: Same as always, I don't own the Ronin Warriors or the Winx Club.

Chapter 23) Light in the Darkness

Worry. It was a constant feeling knotting and twisting in the king's gut and mind. King Radius of Solaria paced back and forth in a secluded room, with only Oritel and Jun in the room with him. Oritel and Radius had talked a few times as their daughters were very close friends, and being one of the few Radius would allow near him without giving into rage Oritel stuck near by. Jun had been allowed because he knew the ronin that was with Stella. With a heavy sigh Radius stopped pacing and rubbed his hands over his face. He didn't dare try to speak as the emotions running through him were to high and too strong. He was a father, his only daughter stuck on earth, with a protector he didn't know. His ex-wife Luna, Radius knew was raising hell insisting something be done, and he would have been right beside her if he could only be more calm. The news was horrible but the smugness the specialist delivered it with, the subtle glee that these new allies of his daughter had failed made his blood boil.

His little princess was in trouble and they were happy that these people from earth failed! Failed in keeping his daughter safe! He couldn't take it. This worrying would kill him!

"She'll be okay."

Radius and Oritel looked at the young man who spoke. Radius's face held anger, hope, disbelief and more as he stared at the human man with an accusing look. Yet it didn't seem to phase the young man as he kept his composure and even smiled to the king of Solaria.

"She's with Shin, and he's not going to put her in danger. I know it's hard to believe, but Shin is someone you can always trust."

"Trust? My little girl is in danger and you want me to trust some man I have never met." Radius said, his tone intense but he didn't raise his voice. He was above yelling no matter how he felt.

"Yes sir. I'm sure it sounds foolish, but you trusted the people you knew and they failed. Even if they try to blame Ryo, and the ronin, but it wasn't because they lacked skill, just they didn't know the dynasty." Jun rambled standing up from his seat. "Shin is a ronin warrior. He fought with Ryo and the others against the dynasty twice and won! When the ronin needed him most in africa he was there, and figured out the blood lust of the armors. Shin won't let her be hurt, he'll keep your daughter safe sir." Jun smiled speaking with such certainty that Radius let his shoulders slump the anger gone but the rest remained.

"It might be hard, Radius but hope is all we have at the moment… Kid can you go see if there is more news?" Oritel asked. Oritel put his hand on Radius's shoulder trying to comfort the other king and nodded for Jun to leave.

Jun nodded before leaving the room, and walking around the large school. He hummed as he reached a cross way in the halls. Jun stopped in the middle of the hall and looked down each of the three options and hummed again. He wasn't sure which way he'd come from. This place was too big for him to memorize the layout.

"Maybe its this way." Jun mused as he headed down the left hallway. All he knew was that there would be a door at the end of the hall he wanted and that it would go to a large ball room, as that's where most people were. He'd learned a lot about how things worked around here which had annoyed many as they saw him as just a non-magical human, or earthling. He just was glad they hadn't cast the spell on him that they'd done the rest of the earthlings. They all slept in a state of suspended animation and were being watched and monitored at Red fountain.

The only noise as he walked down the hall was the tapping of his own shoes. He'd been told that classes should have started but when the crisis had begun they leaders of the realms out here decided to hold off the start of school. Sure there were some students who had arrived but classes were in session just yet. Jun smiled as he found a door at the end of the hall way. It was fancy and rather large so he was pretty sure it was the right one. Jun pushed open the door and walked in. He looked around the room and winced. Nope this was someone's office, and with the amount of typical magical items around he was sure he shouldn't be here.

"Miss F?... Miss F? Of course this would be the time she's away from her desk!"

Jun had been going to leave but the crystal ball was lighting up and a young woman's voice was coming from it. He inched closer curious about the magic and who the person was.

"Stella, maybe we should try for Bloom or the others."

Jun gasped at the sound of the second voice. Jun hurried over to the crystal ball and rested his hand on it. He had seen a blond woman but not Shin. As he pulled his hand away he jumped as an astral projection popped out of the crystal ball and he could see the blond woman and SHIN! Shin was with her.

"SHIN!" Jun laughed and smiled rushing over to the image only to find he couldn't touch it.

"Jun?" Shin looked shocked, surprised and happy, and Jun couldn't help but mirror those emotions.

"Who's this?" Stella asked stepping closer to Shin, as she kept the spell up. "Where's Miss F?"

"This is Jun. He was a kid when we found the dynasty and well he was of the two they didn't managed to take, the first being Nasuti." Shin explained.

"Oh, so this is the boy Aisha mentioned. Okay well then you need to tell Faragonda that we're on Solaria and that my father's guards are spelled and Darcy's probably going to be looking for us soon." Stella stated, and Jun nodded.

"Right I'll tell everyone now." He smiled and rushed out the room before Stella even ended the spell. He knew she told him to tell Faragonda first but he felt like Radius had to know first. Jun sprinted through the halls and barely missed a random specialist patrolling the halls.

"Sorry!" Jun called over his shoulder as he skidded through a turn and continued his fast pace. By the time he reached Oritel and Radius he could see two other people had joined them. The first he recognized as Marion Oritel's wife and the other was Luna Radius's ex wife.

"Prefect!" Jun panted drawing an angry look from Luna, surprise from Radius and Marion, and from Oritel a look of curiosity. "I…They're safe! Shin and the girl he's with!" Jun panted with a big grin on his face.

"I understand that's how you feel but-."

"No, I mean, sorry to interrupt you but I got lost and stumbled into an office and they were trying to reach a miss F. And mentioned Solaria, and the girl said her father's guards are spelled and someone named Darcy is after them." Jun rushed through his words and it was relief that flooded Radius and Luna's face. Luna covering her mouth trying not to cry for joy and Radius stepped forward and set his hand on Jun's shoulder.

"Thank you! You were right about your friend." Radius said before he left with the other adults. Jun was guessing they were going to go speak to everyone so he started to follow. They hadn't gone far before Marion stopped and turned to Jun.

"Thank you for all you've done but I want you to go and tell your friends the good new." Marion smiled to him and Jun frowned.

"But… I don't know who to find them." Jun stated blushing a bit with embarrassment. Marion chuckled and pointed him down a hall.

"Go down this hall and take the first staircase on the right. Go up to the top floor and go left. They'll be there from what Faragonda told us." Marion directed him and Jun nodded.

He had to tell Ryo and the others. True they were suppose to leave them alone but they needed to know. It didn't come as a shock that the winx and ronin hadn't shown when the hour was up. Jun was betting they were tired and worried. Ryo was probably beating himself up over everything. Like before Jun was racing through the halls, not stopping and yelling apologies to those he nearly ran over. When he reached the top floor he looked down both halls before recalling the directions.

"RYO! Ryo!" Jun yelled as he ran down the left hall. He'd passed one door as it opened and he looked back to see who was looking out.

"Look out!" The pink haired girl yelled and Jun looked. He yelped as he crashed into someone, but before he could fall back very far there was a hand on his back and a hand holding each wrist. Jun couldn't help but grin when he saw the ronin, Ryo, Shu and Touma being the ones who caught him before he could fall back and Seiji standing back with Nasuti.

Voices chorused with Jun and guys as Jun was helped to regain balance before he greeted his heroes and Nasuti again. The winx girls smiled and while Aisha was staying in the hall most were heading back into their room. They just weren't ready to face people yet.

"Wait! I have to talk to all of you!" Jun called trying to stop the winx and getting raised eyebrows from the ronin and warlords.

"What is it Jun?" Nasuti asked her hand still resting on his shoulder. It was hard to imagine that at one point she had been much taller than him as he was now taller than her by four inches.

"It's about Shin and king Radius's daughter! They're somewhere called Solaria!" Jun exclaimed and was once again meet with confusion and yet joy at the news.

"How'd they get there?" Tecna wondered stepping into the hall more

"What does it matter they're safe!" Roxy answered with a big grin on her face.

"Well mostly. They said that someone named Darcy was coming after them and the guards had been spelled." Jun shrugged his shoulders to Ryo and the other ronin since he didn't really understand what he was saying.

"That's not good. If Darcy's there she could call the other two. They'd be outnumbered." Musa stated looking worried. She didn't like the idea of Darcy chasing after Shin even if it was only because he was her enemy. She didn't want Darcy anywhere near him.

"That's the name of one of the wretched woman isn't it?" Naaza asked folding his arms over his chest with annoyance at the mere thought of the witches.

"Yes. We need to talk to everyone now. If we take the lead then maybe we can go meet Stella and Shin." Bloom stated and the group nodded yet before they could fully leave Nasuti stepped forth.

"It's a good idea but I think that the warlords, and I should stay here. Kayura's still resting after using so much strength."

"Agreed. I do not know the people here and would not trust her safety to them." Anubis said and the winx girls smiled. Bloom really now could see what Kayura was talking about how all of them were like a family.

"Okay then let's go." Aisha said and the group plus Jun quickly headed down to find Miss Faragonda. They were all so glad that their friends were safe that the specialist being with their parents and Miss Faragonda, Saladin, and Griffon didn't bother a single one of the winx girls. They walked up ignoring the looks that the specialist were giving to Jun, Shu, Seiji, Ryo and Touma. The girls took a moment to exchanges a hug and reassure their parents they were okay. Though for Bloom and Roxy they were just glad to see their families safe as they'd been so worried. Even Daphne and her new husband were here to greet Bloom and make sure she was okay. It was just so wonderful, her biological family and earth family were safe and here, along with her friends families. Yet Roxy couldn't help but glance back at the Ronin wondering how they were holding up. After all they weren't sure if their families were safe or not.

"Girls I'm so glad you're here. Its seems Stella and the ronin, Shin, did escape earth. We want to get a transport between here and Solaria as soon as possible." Faragonda said and the girls all were excited.

"We will need a small group to go to Solaria just to make sure that Stella and Shin make it to the transport. I don't think we should leave anything to chance with Darcy there." Griffon added, and everyone nodded in agreement.

"Then we'll get ready right away. Extraction missions are easy." Sky spoke but before he could leave Saladin held up a hand. Sky turned back to the group a perplexed look on his face.

"Actually I spoke with Saladin and have decided that I would like for my daughter's friends and these ronin to take the mission." Radius spoke clearly and the specialist gawked at him. The girls and ronin were also surprised by Radius's decision but the look on the king's face said his mind was made up. Bloom stole a glance to Luna and she could see that the other didn't quite agree with her ex's choice here.

"But sir we've worked with the Winx longer." Brandon bowed and pointed out. He didn't want this other group playing the hero. It was bad enough they had to deal with them longer but he was really starting to hate this new group of guys.

"If it wasn't for them, this wouldn't have-"

"Enough. Radius is the king of Solaria and made his decision. Stop the whining and move on… This is why I encourage my girls to use men and move on." Griffon scoffed as she folded her arms. She raised an eyebrow at Sky seeing if he would listen or continue his childish blame game.

"We believe that the groups should only be four people. As you'll just be going there to assist a safe return here." Saladin said after clearing his throat. It was rather embarrassing to have his students question King Radius but it was only a fault of youth. Besides even he'd been shocked when Radius argued that he didn't want any of the specialist for the mission. Luna had wanted the specialist sent but the call was made now there was no going back.

"Okay then it should be Musa, Touma, Shu, and myself." Bloom said and the girls nodded. Shu and Musa were the most worried and Bloom found it was easy to rely on Touma for quick plans and strategies. Plus Shu was the strongest of the ronin warriors and the toughest from what the girls had seen. The group was getting ready to disperse but it seem Radius wanted more.

"Bloom wait. Could you come over here with the men going with you?" Radius asked. He was still worried for Stella and wished to speak with the men. After all the new of these ronin as they'd been called was quite shocking and the buzz on everyone's mind.

"Of course king Radius." Bloom smiled and waved for the other's to come with her. "Was there something more?" She asked being as polite as she could be. Touma stood on her right while Musa and Shu were to her left.

"I wanted to meet the young men." Radius said and Touma and Shu glanced at each other and nodded.

"Hashiba Touma, warrior of the Strata." Touma said and bowed.

"Faun Rei Shu, warrior of Hardrock." Shu smiled and bowed. "Our friend with Stella is Mouri Shin, warrior of Torrent." Shu added explaining a bit more and the king nodded as Luna came up to them.

"The specialist said your group came up with the plan that put her in danger in the first place." Luna spat bitterly but neither Shu or Touma looked phased.

"If I may? There was nothing we could do that would have held no risk. You're daughter deviated from the plan because she is kind and caring. She didn't want Shin to fight alone. If I could have come up with a better plan I would have." Touma explained and Luna clenched her shaking fist. This was the first time they were dealing with a powerful enemy that the realms of magic had nothing on and her daughter was in danger.

"We tried to stop Stella but she moved too quickly." Shu added and bowed his head to once more show respect. Yet this didn't seem to make Luna any happier. Instead the queen turned away keeping her anger in check. She didn't like or trust these new men like her ex did.

"King Radius we should get ready. If you'll excuse us." Bloom smiled and Radius nodded. Bloom lead the group away and back to the rest of the winx, ronin and Jun. It didn't escape the annoyed look on many of their faces. "What's wrong guys?" Bloom asked.

"Sky and them have spun everything so that most people here believe the ronin didn't attempt to save Stella, that they're to blame-"

"It's okay. We all figured those guys wouldn't paint us in a good light." Ryo said as he set his hand on Aisha's shoulder. "But it doesn't matter. The Dynasty is the threat and we'll be here to face it, no matter what anyone thinks." Ryo smiled and the girls were stunned.

"Ryo's right, whether we like it or not. The Dynasty is our enemy, and our main focus." Seiji stated and Jun and Shu both looked even more unhappy. It was clear both of them wanted to defend the truth in their actions but it would be a waste of energy right now.

"Don't worry about us. A few words and opinions are not going to hurt us." Touma smiled and Bloom frowned. It wasn't fair or right. Even worst this reminded her of what it was like when they were kids. Touma was always on the outskirts of the children but not accepted by adults either.

"Okay let's hurry down to the transport station." Bloom said and the group leaving nodded.

"Good luck you guys." Ryo smiled and the group nodded. Yet he was worried as they had tried to reach Shin mentally but nothing which meant Ryo wouldn't be able to make sure everything was going fine. With nothing more to say those who weren't going headed back to the warlords, Nasuti and Kayura, after all they needed to keep them informed and warn the warlords about the hostility if only to help avoid in fighting.

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

Stella and Shin had taken to a small forest on Solaria, and had paused near a fresh spring. Stella kept looking to Shin with concern, as he seemed distracted by something else. She'd noticed it from the moment they had gotten out of the castle. He was more tense and jumped at the slightest surprise. She would have taken him down through the city and should him her home, if the alarms hadn't been sounded. Her own guards were looking for her under Darcy's command.

Stella knew her fairy dust could help but how could she get it to such a large group all at once. She was unsure and trying to think of something as she watched Shin splash some water on his face. It was then she noticed his hands were trembling. Stella blinked and stood up walking over to Shin.

"Shin?" She said his name and watched his body jerk with the surprise. Her hand gently touched the light blue and white sub armor and it felt cool just like the spring. "Shin are you okay?" Stella asked as he looked to her.

"I… I'll be alright. Just… just thinking about the past too much." Shin said trying to force a smile but he just couldn't. He was trying to hold on to what was here and now, because every time he closed his eyes, every time there was a moment of silence or still wind, he was there. He was there in the dynasty, the smells, the deafening silence of his capture, the taste of blood, and the sight of only darkness. It was making his stomach churn and his heart race, beating hard while it was caught in his throat. When he shook the thoughts free he saw the concern on Stella's face again. He was worrying her at best and at worst she might fear for him. "Trust me, I'll be fine."

"I do trust you. But right now you're not fine. Shin what's going on?" Stella demanded as she sat down next to him the beads on her hair sticks jingling.

"I..." Shin sighed knowing he couldn't lie or obscure the truth not from Stella. No she deserved to know. "I'm just having a mild anxiety attack. Last time I was locked up… It wasn't pleasant and I guess with everything that happened its been putting me on edge. I'll be fine, just not right now." Shin said and Stella placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Kayura said you, Shu, and Seiji were tortured… Is it because of that?" Stella asked curiously but she didn't want to pry.

"A bit yes."

"Then I understand. You don't have to talk about it or tell me, okay?" Stella winked at him and Shin offered a small smile. Stella truly was an amazing girl. So cheerful, and concerned with her friends underneath the fashionista exterior.

"Thank you Stella." Shin smiled and looked around the foreign forest. The place was beautiful and rays of sun breaking through the leaves seemed to glitter like gold. "This place is beautiful."

"Yeah, Solaria is great." Stella smiled feeling a swell of pride for her home. It was weird but this compliment was something she wasn't used to. Maybe because everyone could reach Solaria so easily. Still it touched her to hear it.

"Then this is your home? You truly aren't from Earth?" Shin asked trying to clarify, and Stella nervously chuckled.

"Well…this is my home yes. We didn't want to tell you guys but you've been brought to Magix, or the rest have so I guess it doesn't matter." Stella shrugged.

"Why didn't you want to tell us?" Shin asked a bit confused as to why this was a big secret.

"Well at first it was because not all of us trusted you. I mean the last group of guys we worked with… Well you met them." Stella sighed, and Shin nodded. "Then we just figured it'd been really hard to explain, but even that was a weak excuse. So I guess in the end it's cause I'm scared and I don't know maybe the others are too." Stella said hugging her knees close to her.

"Scared? What could you be scared of?" Shin asked and Stella looked at him.

"Because the realms of Magix aren't exactly a place for people without magic. I was worried that for some reason you guys wouldn't be allowed here, and because I don't want to share more of myself." Stella said her frown deepening. She didn't want to say more not to Shin, after all he was Shu's best friend.

"You are worried about being hurt again?" Shin mused before he stood up and helped Stella up. He had a small smile on his face and his body more relaxed now. "He wouldn't ever hurt you, and Stella he likes you too." Shin's smile grew and Stella flushed before looking away.

"Ugh, gag me."

Stella and Shin spun around to the taunting voice to see Darcy floating there with a cruel smirk. The light around her seemed to be growing weak the plants wilting just from the witch's presences. Her smirk turned to a sneer as the warrior in the sub-armor placed his arm in front of Stella. She could see the choice in his eyes stay and fight or run. Only she wasn't going to let him make up his mind. She'd been told by the nether spirits about the torture the Ronin had endured and oh how she wished they'd been clever enough to do that to any of the winx. Still his nightmare would be easy to bring to life.

Stella didn't like the darkening of the sky, and placed her hand on Shin's shoulder as her blue eyes studied the sky. She could feel the tension in the air, and she could feel the gathering of the evil energy around Darcy. She knew Shin felt it too.

"Let's see you still be a nuisance with this!" Darcy laughed dark tendrils lashing out at them.

"This way!" Stella yelled pulled Shin quickly to the left.

The spell slammed against the ground where they had been, charring it and leaving it a sickly black. The two ran as fast as they could Stella's hand still holding Shin's tightly as if letting go would split them apart. Branches snapped before them or clawed at them as they rushed by Stella wanting to look back to see if the witch was still there but looking back would mean possible tripping. Stella was the one guiding them with gentle pulls on Shin's hand but even with as far as they were running Stella could still feel the negative energy. It was surrounding them and it was starting to worry both Stella and Shin.

Shin's lips held a tight frown as he noticed the bright forest growing dim, the soft soil turning hard and dried out. It was like the dynasty was here corrupting this place. Was this woman so evil and corrupt that the dynasty and her energy were the same? Such an idea made Shin shiver with worry and fear. This wasn't a good thing.

"What's going on?!" Stella gasped as they ran nearly out of breath. She felt Shin squeeze her hand trying to offer her a bit of comfort.

"I'm not sure. We can figure it out with Touma and the others. Right now just keep running." Shin encouraged, and Stella nodded. Yet she couldn't shake her fear and worry as she watched the corruption speed around them. The darkening trees and the shadows all reaching out trying to catch either of them. Stella knew that Darcy shouldn't be this strong but then again she didn't even know her own limits now. This power in her, new and shining like the moon, stars, and sun.

~Shin?...~

~Shin?~

"It's Shu! And Touma!" Shin gasped almost stopping but Stella pulled on him to keep going. Stella was surprised, overjoyed, and excited but they had to keep moving. "Stella where are we? Or where should they meet us?" Shin asked eager to give his brothers in arms their location and the closest meeting point.

"The Northeast part of the Royal Forest. We've been running towards Celesta City, my fave place to shop!" Stella stated and Shin smiled. It was nice how nothing brought the fairy of the sun down that she always held to something she loved even in difficult times.

~I'm here, Stella too… We're North east of the castle in a forest. Heading to a city called Celesta.~ Shin sent back in a flash.

~Right!~

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

"They're okay." Shu blurted out as the group moved. The news was greeted by relief and haste. The group had ran from the transport with Bloom calling out a few apologies as they cut through a crowd to get out onto the streets. Once clear of the crowd the fairies transformed but Touma and Shu hesitated. "Uh… Should we really call on the armors here?" Shu scratched the back of his neck, and Musa shook her head.

"You'll be fine. The people here are used to magic, it won't be out of place." Bloom assured them fluttering back down to them. There were a few people who had stopped to look at the group.

Touma and Shu exchanged another look one that was more assured than the last and nodded. Each pulled out their armor orb and with a flash they both stood in sub armor. Nothing more was said between the group as they took off, though both Shu and Touma caught the surprised gasps from the people. It seemed while magic may have been common they would still be something new or strange. The sprinted and flew as fast as they could everything blurring by them as they raced towards the forest, with Touma right below Musa and Bloom and Shu slightly behind them.

"Oh no! We gotta move!" Musa urged as from their aerial point of view both Musa and Bloom could see a darkness moving through and over the forest. They had to find Stella and Shin before Darcy reached them.