Author's Note: Okay here's the next chapter. Sorry for the slow pace while things are getting better for me it looks like updates will be once maybe twice a month for a bit longer. Also there will be a new side stories coming out for this fic. The first Song and Sea focusing around Musa and Shin, and Autumn's Halo will be getting a chapter update this month as well. Also just as a note because I realized something, this is my longest fan fic I've ever written and one that I'm pretty proud of.

Disclaimer: I do not own either the Winx Club or Ronin Warriors

Chapter 25) Up and Downs.

Jun sighed heavily as he walked the grounds of the large boarding school. He knew that Naaza and Anubis were off training together, Rajura was calmly observing everything ignoring the dirty looks that were being through his way, Seiji had left with Flora to seek out a spot for meditation, Ryo had decided to lighten things up with a game and Tecna and Aisha seemed to be enjoying playing it with him, Kayura and Nasuti were resting, and well he kinda lost track of the sixth girl Roxy. He couldn't help but feel a bit jealous of her. He was sure that they were close in age, but Roxy got to help out more than he did. More than he could. Still Jun wouldn't turn his back on the Ronin now.

"I can still help… I just have to find a way to do so." Jun smiled to himself. Yet as he was wandering he heard chuckling and whispers. Jun lifted his brown eyes and looked around. There were a few groups of fairies whispering and some specialist laughing at him. Jun frowned a bit and continued moving until his way was blocked. It was the guys that had gone to earth, plus a new boy. These guys Aisha really didn't like, and for the reasons she gave Jun didn't like them either. Loyalty wasn't something that should be destroyed. Jun paused and looked over the group wondering what it was they wanted. Before Aisha left these men ignored him or would just scoff when he would try to convince Red Fountains headmaster to let him train with a photon blade. Jun started to move to the left to go around them but the one with brown hair and eyes, Brandon Jun was pretty sure Aisha called him step back into his path.

"Could you please move?" Jun asked trying not to get too annoyed yet.

"Sure, but tell your friends to back off the winx girls, and to stop messing things up." Brandon shrugged and Jun gave him a strange look.

"No. The ronin aren't doing anything wrong." Jun said sternly and watched as the blond man, Sky stepped closer now.

"Look we are sure they can handle themselves but working with the winx is what we do. We protect them, and more over your backwards friends are getting in the way." Sky tried to explain but Jun only glared.

"They're not backwards. They may not have the photon weapons but they're strong and they won't lose to the dynasty!" Jun argued his fist clench and his voice straining with the passion he felt.

"Look kid. Just tell them to back off!" The man with dark brown hair and blue eyes snapped shoving Jun. Jun lost his balance and fell back landing on his romp. He glared up at the unknown man but the glare faded to surprise as Brandon lifted him up by the collar.

"Do it or-"

"Hey!" Jun glanced over to the voice and saw not Roxy and he caught a flash of movement. In the blink of an eye he was dropped onto his feet and trying to regain balance while Anubis held Brandon's hand firmly and was glaring at the group.

"Let go!" Brandon snapped trying to pull out of the warlords grasp as Roxy hurried over to them.

"Anubis, let him go." Roxy pressed her voice sounding slightly out of breath. It was a moment of tension before Anubis narrowed his eyes and shoved Brandon back into Sky and Thoren. His eyes scanned the five men and he scoffed.

"This is pathetic. Bother any my friend again and I'll give you something to worry about." Anubis threatened and Jun shook his head. Yet the threat seemed to work as the group dispersed without challenging Anubis, though the by standers were still watching.

"You're going to get a bad reputation Anubis." Jun smiled and Anubis snorted. "Oh hi I don't think we officially met. I'm Jun a friend of the Ronin." Jun smiled and held out his hand.

"I'm Roxy, nice to meet you." Roxy smiled. Sure they knew the other's name but that's because in all the chaos from earlier names got thrown around but no introductions really happened.

"Anyways Anubis, we need to get the people here to relax around you or there is no way they are going to trust you guys." Jun pointed out gentle and Anubis shook his head.

"Torrent can worry about whether they trust us or not." Anubis said before looking off. "I must go, you did well today Lady Roxy." Anubis bowed his head to Roxy and then left the two alone. Anubis couldn't help the slight smirk as he walked away as a thought about how Jun had been when they first met. A child trying to use the jewel of life, interfering with his fight with Halo, and helping them when Arago turned on them all trapping them in the towers. He had grown so much and there was no doubt the boy took his studies of combat seriously. The smirk faded to a somber frown though as the thought of an unlikely comparison flew through Anubis's mind. Jun was loyal, loyal like Shu'ten his former leader.

Roxy waved as Anubis walked away and didn't mind that he didn't wave back. She then looked around the large hall dotted with fairy students and specialist in training staring or glaring at Jun and her. Why was it that the Ronin were being so mistrusted. They were nice people. Plus they knew about the dynasty and all the leaders plus the head masters wanted to speak with the ronin and the winx as soon as Shin and Stella were brought safely back.

"So um Jun have you known the Ronin long?" Roxy asked and Jun grinned.

"Yeah! I was ten when they fought the dynasty for the first time. Nasuti and I were the only people besides the ronin not captured by the dynasty." Jun smiled. "I even went to the dynasty with Ryo, Touma, Shu'ten and Nasuti to help them fight against Arago. I carried the jewel of Life watched over it but when I started at a University away from home Ryo and I agreed that it was best for the jewel to stay behind."

"Wow, that's pretty amazing for a kid to do." Roxy admitted as they started to walk together.

"I-it's nothing. I mean nothing compared to the guys or you! You have magic, and get to protect everyone you care about. That has to be exciting." Jun smiled and Roxy flushed. His excitement was flattering and honest.

"Thanks, but I'm still learning. I feel rather weak still, beneath the abilities of the rest of the Winx. I'm just glad that Naaza agreed to teach me how to use a sword. I think I'm getting better with it." Roxy said but lowered her voice as they passed a group of specialist. Jun looked at the group then to Roxy.

"You shouldn't be ashamed or doubt yourself. I bet you're doing amazing." Jun grinned. "If you want I would enjoy sparring with you Roxy." Jun said and Roxy smile at the offer. She was about to answer Jun when she saw Aisha running over to them.

"Aisha!" Roxy called out and waved.

"Hey, Aisha." Jun smiled and bow his head a bit.

"Guys, their back." Aisha said carrying the message. She'd been with Ryo when he found out thanks to the mental link. It was all that needed to be said before the three took off, weaving through the students who were walking to and from classes and the notable families who'd gathered to speak together. Aisha was leading the way with Jun and Roxy close on her heels till they reached a secluded part of the Medical office.

Seiji was already checking over Shin and Stella while others were gathering around and overwhelming the two with questions. Stella who looked pale to her friends was leaning on Shu while her hand rested against her forehead. Roxy winced just from the demanding sound of the Queen of Solaria.

"What do you mean they are both fine! Look at my daughter!" Luna snapped at Seiji. He looked taken back by the tone but was quick to gain composure again.

"Your highness if I may, Halo is very skilled at checking for injurie-"

"Clearly something is being missed!" Luna cut Anubis off and the warlord just humbly bowed his head and apologized for his disrespect.

"Mom I… I'm…" Stella started before collapsing into Shu's arms. Her transformation flickering out till she was left in her civilian clothes.

"Stella!" The girls yelled, and soon had gathered closer along with Radius and Luna. Radius took Stella from Shu and placed her on medical cot. There was no doubt in Aisha's mind that Queen Luna wanted to blame the Ronin for this but no one said anything as Miss Faragonda looked over her. Or at least no one said anything they could hear.

Anubis, Naaza and Rajura nodded before quietly requesting that Nasuti, Jun and Kayura come with them. Ryo sent a quick glance around the ronin and was answered with nods, and a thumbs up from Shu.

"Bloom… Can we speak to you and the winx outside for a moment." Ryo asked softly. His tone indicated that he was feeling the tension that was raising as the uncertain opinions on the ronin from the people in the room. Even Miss F seemed uncertain about the presence of the Ronin right now.

"Yeah." Bloom nodded and subtle motioned for the girls to follow her. They left slowly trying not to draw the attention of the royalty and teachers in the room. Bloom waited for everyone else before slowly ducking out of the room leaving the teachers and kings and queens to talk, while Stella was checked over.

"So what's up?" Musa broke the somber silence. Her arms were crossed and hip cocked, as she looked to the Ronin. Musa help but notice that Shin seemed more on edge until she spoke.

"You don't think it's a curse do you? Like with Icy's spell when we meet?" Bloom asked venturing a guess.

"I don't think so." Ryo answered his face lightening up. "We think she's just drained from the form she was in. It's something that happened to me after drawing on the white armor. It was something that Seiji's power of Halo couldn't heal. I just needed to rest."

"We would've said something in there, but I don't think many of them would be willing to listen… Plus we may be wrong on this." Touma explained more.

"While that is logical, it would be the first time a transformation did that to us." Tecna reasoned out. "Though I don't think I've seen anything like what Stella has become in any book." Tecna mused and the ronin nodded.

"Anyways we'll let you go back in with your friend." Ryo said and the other's nodded.

"What about you guys?" Aisha asked, though she was sure she knew that they weren't going to come back in. She couldn't blame them either. Everyone was looking at them like villains or like they didn't belong here.

"We're gonna go check on Kayura, and you know look around the school a bit." Shu smiled and motioned with his thumb over his shoulder back towards the rooms they'd been given.

"Don't worry about us, we'll be fine." Shin insisted as he noticed the worried look on the winx's faces.

Still as the ronin left the girls watched them leave feeling lost as there was no clear answer to make everyone here understand that the Ronin, something new and strange, were good people. Kind men who took their duty of protecting other serious while remaining silent, and letting their deeds and courage go unnoticed. Still with a heavy sigh Bloom turned and headed back into the room to see if Stella had stirred or if anyone had an idea why she fainted. Slowly Flora, Aisha and Roxy followed gloomy as if they'd been defeated by a foe.

"It's not fair." Musa whispered just as Tecna was turning to head back in.

"I know. But there is logic behind everyone's caution. Even we were cautious with them." Tecna argued gentle with her friend.

"This is stupid! We had a reason! They were guys who seemed to good to be true after getting our hearts ripped out! It could have been anyone and we would have been guarded!" Musa ranted and kicked the wall. It wasn't right. "I… I'm going to see them. Just holler about Stella or if something comes up." Musa said voice cracking as she walked down the hall. It wasn't right. They didn't deserve to be treated like this, like outcaste. They way they acted like it wasn't bothering them but it had to! Shu and Shin were too sweet, and Ryo and Touma were always nice and kind. Even Seiji, Naaza, Anubis, and Rajura had to be bothered. She just knew it. She knew that they had to be hiding it. Like how Riven hide things. Riven never let people see him down or feeling hurt, and Musa had guessed it was because he was trying to be strong. Well she was done with the people in her life being strong! She just wanted to help and not pretend it didn't exist if it wasn't said.

Tecna waited outside in the hall till she no longer could see Musa. She had been tore between going after Musa when she heard her voice. Tecna wrapped her arms around herself wanting to do more to but she'd been asked to stay here. Plus the fairy of logic was stumped on what she even could do. Heading back into the room Tecna quickly stepped to the side to let Queen Luna by, as well as Master Saladin. There seem to be a relief that had filled the room and soon she felt Aisha's hand on her shoulder.

"Ryo was right. Stella passed out from exhaustion." She whispered and Tecna nodded slightly.

"Girls? I want to ask you something. Have any of you transformed to the same state that Stella was at?" Faragonda asked and Radius seemed to be listening as he state by the cot Stella was resting on.

"No Miss Faragonda. Seeing her on Solaria like that was the first we'd seen of it. She also mentioned that she couldn't connect to her fairy dust, to help heal Shin; so Musa and I had too." Bloom explained and the girls all hoped that Miss Faragonda knew something. Yet the hope was dashed as Miss Faragonda just hummed and cleaned her glasses.

"Girls I'm not even sure what it is that Stella has achieved. Can we go over the last moments you were with her? Maybe there is something there that will give us a hint."

"Sure Miss F." Roxy nodded and the girls gathered in closer to talk with their former headmistress. Hopefully something would be learned about what Stella had reached. The girls let Tecna retell the story as she could be the most objective and had been with Stella in the events leading up to her disappearance, but every so often the other's would chime in. After that Bloom recounted the events on Solaria and it seemed King Radius didn't like hearing the news about what Darcy did to the people either.

"So the people of Solaria's city Celesta were curse?" Miss Faragonda clarified and the girls nodded.

"Darcy made Stella trade the ring of Solaria for their lives." Bloom admitted with defeat.

"That's my Stella… Always doing the right thing." The girls looked up to see a more composed Queen Luna in the doorway. The expression on her face was both proud and sad, and definitely far more calm. "I just now have one question. What fairy form was my daughter in? It was so elegant."

"I wish I knew but I do not… However I think we should she if there is any note of it in history or legend." Miss Faragonda reasoned and the winx girls looked at each other. Stella had reached something Miss Faragonda didn't know? Who would guide them then? Who would help Stella? "Girls why don't you stay here with Stella. King Radius, Queen Luna, Griffon, I think we should go and meet with the other's who have gathered. There is much to talk about."

"Yes… As well as fear to control, or spread. And while I enjoy watching the torment of others I despise the idea of Icy, Darcy, and Stormy winning because we are too afraid of what can help us against their new toy." Griffon crossed her arms with a tight scowl on her lips.

"We can at least agree there." Faragonda nodded and the four left. The girls founds seats or spots to lean on or an area they could relax while they waited and watched over Stella.

"Hey Tecna, is Musa coming back?" Flora asked gentle and Tecna shook her head.

"No she wanted to check on the ronin. She was pretty upset, and frustrated." Tecna explained and Bloom nodded, understanding perfectly where Musa was coming from.

"I don't blame her." Aisha snorted. "These guys have been nice, they've been way cooler than the specialist but everyone is going after the mistakes." The sarcasm Aisha used on the word mistake would have even made a deaf man cringe.

After an hour where Stella didn't stirred the girls agreed to take shift staying by her so other's could get food, stretch, and even talk with their families and the ronin. Bloom left Aisha with Stella and headed to meet up with Daphne. She wanted to talk with her sister, but when she saw Thoren with her Bloom paused. She looked away about to leave when she heard her name, not from her sister but there was no way that her sister would have missed it. Bloom first waved to Daphne who was waving to her then looked to her right where Kayura was with Rajura and Touma.

"Hey guys, hey Daphne." Bloom waved as both groups came over to her. "Daphne, Thoren this is Lady Kayura, Rajura, and Touma. Guys this is my sister Daphne and her husband Thoren." Bloom smiled as Rajura bowed and Touma nodded.

"Just Kayura will be fine." Kayura smiled and shook Daphne's hand. Though the look Thoren gave all of them wasn't missed by Rajura. The warlord noted the flicker of mistrust and horror, he also was sure Touma would have caught it if he wasn't paying so much attention to Bloom.

"It's nice to meet you. You guys helped get my sister back here safely so I'm grateful." Daphne said sincerely and Touma shook his head.

"It was nothing. We are lucky to have allies who know these witches. It will allow us more knowledge and the ability to prepare better strategies for the battles to come." Touma smiled with a shrug of his shoulders.

"It was an honor to assist Lady Bloom, princess. She has been an amazing ally, and has done her family proud." Rajura answered taking both Thoren and Daphne back by his speech.

"Rajura, you don't have to be so formal." Bloom laughed and Kayura shook her head.

"Then should I stick with the title of Lady? And allow for you to guide us when other titles?" Rajura asked and Bloom nodded with a slight blush. She hadn't thought that Rajura or the warlords would address people with their titles. For many it would be appreciated but it would surprise and shock others.

"Well I think I will continue survey the surroundings. Lady Kayura please stay with the ronin or with Anubis or Naaza."

"Yes of course. Just go already." Kayura smirked and Rajura bowed before leaving the five alone.

"He's nice." Daphne smiled as she watched the one eyed man leave.

"You mean weird right?" Thoren whispered harshly.

"Thoren! Don't be rude, please?" Daphne asked as she wrapped her arms around his and he smiled. Something about the interaction made Kayura want to roll her eyes but she didn't.

"Bloom how is Stella any change?" Daphne asked reaching and placing a hand on Bloom's shoulder.

"She's still sleeping. I hope you guys are right and that it is just exhaustion." Bloom said looking to Touma.

"I am sure it is. None of us saw the witch use any spell on Stella, and nothing has affected Shin. Logically if the witch had a chance to curse Stella why not hit Shin as well. Arago wants our armors."

"He'll need them… Unless he's found another to reform." Kayura frowned. It would be bad if Arago gained his form again. Last time he was defeated it was almost at the cost of Ryo's life and at the cost of Shuten's life.

"So who ever the witches have sided with isn't at his strongest?" Bloom asked feeling a wave of worry and fear swell up.

"No he's not. That demon was defeated twice and I figured as long as we guarded the Dynasty it would be impossible for him to regain his power. Now though I'm not sure. Those witches will help him I'm sure of it." Kayura said and Touma placed a hand on her shoulder.

"You did your best Kayura. We will beat the Dynasty again, or until Arago learns just to stay down." Touma smiled and Kayura nodded. Bloom watched Touma comfort Kayura and couldn't help but wonder if his touch was as gentle as he'd been with her. Would Touma's embrace be as warm and protective? Would he still be as close as they seemed to be know if he found someone?

"So it's true you fought them before?" Daphne asked and Touma nodded.

"Yeah, twice and won each time. We've faced other foes to, but not many can be compared to the devastation that Arago can bring." Touma explained.

"They even managed to keep up with me… Mostly." Kayura smirked, and Bloom and Touma laughed, while Daphne smiled and Thoren looked confused.