Author's Note: I forgot to say this last time so I'll say it now. Thank you to everyone who reads this and special thanks to the following people: For following the story thank you to Adora440, ChaosTatsumaki, E. Wojo, animebella90, cookiegirl28, and tienphama92, Thank you. For Reviews thank you to julissa maldonad, Sky-Hater, and E. Wojo. Lastly a special thank to all of you once more.
Disclaimer: I don't own Winx Club or Ronin Warriors.
Chapter 26) Soulix
The night flew by with the ronin and warlords settling their minds, the winx girls keeping an eye on Stella. Even the ronin, warlords and Kayura stopped by to help the girls. As the morning was raising Queen Luna, King Radius, Roxy, Shu and Naaza were in the room. Naaza was sitting on the floor back against the wall and head listed to the side as he slept. Shu and Roxy were sitting on a countertop while Radius and Luna were sitting by the bed. Shu was talking with Roxy aware that the King and Queen were listening but that wasn't stopping Shu from being honest.
It was the sound of Roxy and Shu talking that Stella registered first, followed by silence after her father said something. It took more effort than staying awake through her old classes did, to open her eyes. A moment more for her eyes to adjust to the light and be greeted by smiles and relief.
"Stella you're okay!" Queen Luna breathed with relief and Stella hugged her worried mom.
"Of course I am. Just a bit tired. Why are you so worried?"
"You passed out yesterday." Roxy chimed in. With all that's happened I think people were fearing the worst." Roxy shrugged sheepishly. It seemed the ronin were right, and sadly Roxy didn't think anyone would ever let them know, or apologize for acting as they did.
"I knew you'd be okay." Shu laughed and Stella smiled. His vote of confidence in her was refreshing. Sure she loved being fawned over and treated like a princess but she also liked how Shu believed in her and her strength.
"Thanks Shu. Where are the others? Has anything happened? What about the people Darcy cursed!" Stella pride quickly dwindled as she recalled the events on Solaria. It was her father who placed a hand on her shoulder calming her a little but the somber look worried Stella.
"There are people looking into Darcy's curse, but now one has been able to break it." Queen Luna sighed and Stella looked to Shu and Roxy.
"As for everyone else most are sleeping or in their rooms, trying to figure out what our next move should be." Roxy smiled.
"Hey there's no question there. Find the dynasty and those witches send them packing after we get back Stella's ring and Shuten's armor." Shu declared and Roxy laughed at Shu's confidence. It was very much like the broad shouldered warrior to see the simple answer. It was something that was keeping them all grounded.
"You make it sound easy Shu." Stella smiled as she rested her chin on her hand.
"Why shouldn't it be?" Shu smiled though his smiled faded a bit at the looks he was receiving from Stella's parents. He sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "I'm going to go let the guys know you're up and okay. I'll let your friends know too." Shu said.
"But Shu can't you…" Stella faded off as Shu left, and Roxy frowned. It was clear to the earth fairy that while the ronin said the looks and gossip wouldn't get in their way, it clearly bothered them. "Why did he leave?"
"Maybe it's best if they don't get involve sweetheart. Such a light attitude with a dangerous foe would only get people hurt." Queen Luna said and Stella was taken back.
"Shu would never let any of us get hurt. None of the Ronin would. Shin was willing to risk his life for us to get here. And when Darcy trapped Shu, Roxy, Shin and myself. Shu and Shin did everything they could to make sure Roxy and I were going to be safe. Even if that meant Shu had to leave Shin behind!" Stella stood up hands on her hips. "The specialist have never risked the things the ronin have for us."
"Stella…" King Radius frowned and looked at her mother. "We went on a gamble and let them help you from Solaria but they are human and many including us are not sure if they should continue to help."
"They are the only ones who have fought the dynasty and this guy named Arago. We need them." Roxy chimed in.
"I'm sorry but we only have your word, and some believe you have become bais." Queen Luna stated evenly and Stella was shocked. She couldn't believe it and she was sure this was the fault of the specialist.
"With respect, I will take my chances with the ronin. The fairies of earth were looking to connect with them, and now I can." Roxy stated proudly. "They have been there for me, and even taught me a thing or two in our short time together. I'm not abandoning them."
"Me neither! I'm sorry, mom, dad, but I believe in the Ronins and that they can help. I know we work well together and they know about the bring the trix are working for." Stella stated firmly. "I don't care if people disapprove or don't like it. I'm siding with my friends, with Shu, Shin, Ryo, Touma, Seiji, the warlords and Kayura against the dynasty." Stella like any child had argued with her parents but never had she been so certain in her side as she was now. She could tell that neither her mother or father were thrilled with her standpoint, but it was her father who stood and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I understand. Stella you know many wouldn't agree with you, or your friends if you choose this."
"I don't care. I'm not going back to working with some jealous jerks who can barely keep up with us any more. I won't trust them like I can the ronin, and if that puts me at odds with others fine. The ronin understand the real threat and so do I. It's the dynasty and the trix dad and I'm not turning back." Stella said and Roxy nodded. Radius laughed and Luna looked pretty defeated after Stella's two speeches.
"Just keep that passion Stella. This will be hard, but we know you will do what's right and can handle this." Radius said and Stella smiled and took Roxy's hand and left the room.
As they got out pass the door both Roxy and Stella saw Shu leaning against the wall and grinning happily. Shu moved over to them both and lifted them up in a friendly embracing. Both girls were left squealing and laughing as he spun them around holding each one in one arm before setting them back down. It was about then that both Radius and Luna came out of the room, and the looks exchanged left Shu with a mild blush and nervously scratching the back of his head.
"Were you eavesdropping on us?" Stella asked once her parents were out of earshot.
"Not intentionally, I mean, I am supposed to stay near you and protect you right? Even though the ring is gone, Shin said you seemed stronger than before." Shu shrugged sheepishly.
"Oh yeah, that new form." Stella mused.
"I wonder if anyone has found anything out about it." Roxy chimed in.
"Well let's go ask. Is everyone together?" Stella asked looking at Shu.
"Well mostly. Tenca was with Ryo, Rajura, and Nasuti getting food, and Aisha, Anubis and Naaza are coming in from training. Other than them everyone is up in the rooms and waiting." Shu smiled. Roxy and Stella returned his smile and took to walking on either side of Shu up to the rooms. Stella wasn't sure if it was Shu's devotion to his job or just his personality but she felt she could rely on him more than she ever could Brandon. Shu was a rock strong and steady, with an unwavering sense of justice, but as lovable as a teddy bear. When this was over it would break her heart if she couldn't see him again. It wasn't just Shu either, Ryo, Shin and Rajura had become close friends to her and she would hate parting ways with any of them.
As they reached the room Shu opened the door and a moment later Stella, Bloom, Flora, and Musa were all in one big group hug while everyone else laughed. Laughed because Stella had nearly been knocked over in surprise. The thump, clap of shoes told Shu to move quickly as both Tenca and Aisha soon joined in the group hug. Aisha's boots were a bit muddy, and clearly made the floor slick and slippery as when the hug broke and Stella stepped back she nearly fell. Thankfully Shu and Rajura caught her and easily lifted her away from the muddy prints.
"Stella we're so glad you're okay." Nasuti said as she came up to Stella and touched her shoulder.
"I knew you would be. You're too strong too quiet in the middle of a fight." Kayura smiled and flicked some of her dark hair over her shoulder. Stella smiled grateful to hear the vote of confidence from her friends.
"Thanks guys, but I still don't know what that new transformation is or why I can't connect back to my other powers." Stella sighed.
"Hey don't sweat it. We'll help you figure it out. But I think all of us just wanted to take a moment and relax now that you're okay." Ryo offered and while Anubis started to growl Seiji shot him a hard glare.
"Ryo is right. We can't make any move at the moment so why not relax. Besides I could actually use the time." Shin piped up and Touma placed a hand on his shoulder.
~It's still bother you huh?~ Touma asked and Stella heard but his mouth didn't move.
~... I didn't realise it was over that. Apologies Torrent.~ Anubis was humbled nodding his head in apology and Stella felt her lips part in shock.
~Hey are you accusing us of slacking?~ Shu teased and Stella snapped her gaze to him.
"Hey Stel are you okay?" Aisha asked feeling nearly as confused as Stella was.
"I… I just heard everything." Stella stated and every warlord and ronin looked taken back, excepted for Seiji who somehow remained calm.
"Y-You did?" Shin broke the silence looked both a little terrified, and nervous. He relaxed a bit as Touma squeezed her shoulder in support. He didn't want to be such a bother to the group. Stella had already seen his in a near panic attack.
"Yeah… I did. Touma spoke then Anubis apologized and Shu teased him. You all were listening." Stella summed up and the winx girls stared as it was their turn to be surprised.
"That would definitely be new. Maybe it's connected to this new form?" Tecna theorized and it seemed as plausible a theory as any right now.
"We could at least test to see if it goes both ways." Seiji said with a shrug.
"Yeah we should! Try it Stella, it's pretty easy. Just think of who you want to talk to, and go through it in your mind like you're practicing a speech." Ryo said trying to ease Stella into their way of communication.
Stella looked around the group wondering what she should say or to who. Yet in the end there was one thing she was dying to know. ~Shin, is this because of what happened on Solaria?~ She wasn't even thinking about communication only that it was a buzzing thought a guilty memory. If Shin was upset because of something that happened on her home realm she didn't want that. She wanted them to see her home as she did and see the glory and beauty.
~Don't blame yourself Stella. It has more to do with my past, but yes I'm still on edge. Though I'm better after talking with both you and Musa.~ Shin smiled and Stella gasped. Not only could she hear him but she could feel the sincerity and the concern beyond his words. Had he felt the same.
~Does he know…?~ Stella wondered and her thoughts were confirmed with a subtle yes from Shin.
~Don't worry though you were focused enough on me that no one else heard.~
~Heard what?!~ Shu whined and there was a faint chuckle from both Seiji and Naaza.
~If it's important Torrent or Lady Stella will tell us.~ Rajura reasoned and Shu crossed his arms while Shin just smiled.
~True, though it is good to know this goes both ways. Please Lady Stella if you have any trouble getting used to this tell me. I will aid you as best I can.~ Anubis said and Stella nodded.
"It works guys both ways." Stella said a smile breaking out over her lips and the Winx girls soon returned the smile. This was a rather interesting turn of power, but would she be able to pull away if she wanted to. Stella figured she had to be able to since it seemed that the ronin could.
"Even if we find evidence somewhere in history of this form we may, I theorize we may not find the limitation of the power with it." Tecna offered.
"I think, we should split up into research groups and try to approach this from a couple angles." Touma added and Tecna nodded.
"Agreed. One groups should go with Stella and see what she can do, another could talk with Miss Faragonda, Daphne, and maybe Morgana and Nebula from the earth fairies, the last group should hit the books and see if there's anything there." Tecna smiled to Touma. It was fun for her when she worked with Touma and Rajura. They enjoyed strategy and their insight was something new. Then there was the point that they never believed their plans above reproach and sought to work with her, instead of as an exclusive group. Such a difference from the specialist worked, and to Tecna it had made a vast difference.
"So how do we divide this up?" Rajura asked.
"Well I was thinking, that I could lead the team doing research in the library, Bloom and Roxy could talk with Miss Faragonda and others." Tecna offered.
"Its a good start. Why don't Nasuti and I join you in the library we are better suited there I think." Touma smiled.
"I would love to help." Nasuti smiled, happy to be included without pushing the ronin to do so.
"I would like to go with Roxy and Bloom, if you guys will let me." Jun offered and Ryo placed a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm in for that as well." Ryo gave a thumbs up to Bloom and Roxy.
"So why don't Anubis and myself work with Stella on powers, meditation could be useful as well as a spar." Seiji suggested.
"I like that idea Halo." Anubis smirked.
"What about the rest of us?" Kayura asked. It seemed that only a handful of them were needed and she was tired of resting.
"Well maybe we can do something together." Musa offered.
"It shouldn't take us too long then we could do something nice together, something relaxing like Ryo suggested." Bloom offered. A little work towards their goals to help the warlords feel like they were making progress, plus some relaxation for all of them to put them at ease.
"Then I think I know what the rest of us can do." Shin smiled.
"And you're not going to share are you Torrent." Anubis stated flatly.
"Of course not. Though I will promise there will be no water balloons." Shin smiled and most of the group laughed.
"Good, I really didn't like that surprise. You nearly ruined my hat and top." Stella stated and the girls laughed harder, while Flora smiled. She remembered that was the day Seiji took her out into the woods to show her that beautiful meditation spot. Would that place be okay once they beat the dynasty? Flora sure hoped so.
"Okay so we all will meet back up here tonight?" Bloom asked and everyone nodded. Soon those who were leaving flittered out and Shin shut the door so the rest could plan for tonight.
"I'd almost be worried but we are confining them to indoors." Nasuti said and Jun grinned with excitement.
"I doubt that will limit them." Anubis snorted.
"I think it will be a nice surprise to come back to." Roxy stated.
"Your faith in them Lady Roxy is fine, but we left Rajura with them." Anubis pointed out, and Ryo chuckled.
"It won't be that bad." He said as they all reached the stairwell. It was the last thing said as the group split up even more. Ryo and Jun let Roxy and Bloom lead the way down the stairs and off to the right. They passed many students and staff most giving Ryo and Jun plenty of room. It seemed that people were not going to easily accept the ronin.
"So where do we start?" Jun asked.
"Well I think it would be easiest to talk with them all at once." Roxy said and Bloom nodded.
"Yeah, plus meeting in Miss F. office will give us some privacy." Bloom said as she tried to ignore how everyone was acting towards Ryo and Jun. They never treated her like this or Roxy but they were fairies, magic was part of them. It didn't take long for Bloom to lead them to Miss Faragonda's office and thankfully she was there with Gresilda. Gently Bloom tapped on the open door and the headmistress and Gresilda looked up.
"Bloom, is there something I can do for you?" Miss Faragonda asked.
"Yes I was hoping you could help us. Miss Faragonda this is Ryo and Jun, they wanted to come with us when we asked you some questions." Bloom started. "We also were hoping to speak to you, my sister Daphne, and Queen Nebula and Morgana at the same time." As Bloom explained Miss Faragonda laced her gloved fingers together and rested her elbows on her desk. "We wanted to talk about when Stella was on Solaria. She was in a form we've never seen, and she has some new powers."
"Yeah, and she can't reach back to use fairy dust. We were worried for her." Roxy chimed in. As Roxy finished Miss Faragonda nodded to Gresilda and the school enforcer left shutting the door behind her.
"Why don't you get comfortable while we wait for the others." Miss Faragonda said gesturing with her right hand and Ryo and Jun stepped further into the room. "So am I correct to assume you, Ryo, are one of these Ronin warriors."
"Yes, ma'am. Everyone you met at that barrier with the exception of Lady Kayura and Nasuti are bearer of the armor. I lead the Ronin warriors, and Anubis leads the Warlords." Ryo said with a bow of the head for respect.
"I see, and the young man that was with Stella?" Miss Faragonda asked.
"He's a ronin, like me." Ryo said calmly. He had no problem answering her questions, and his posture was completely relax with no sense of formal rigidity that some of the others had. Miss Faragonda nodded and Ryo rested a hand on the back of the chair that Jun had sat down in.
"Can I ask what you know of us or the dynasty?" Ryo asked.
"I know what Jun has shared. Many were near a state of panic until he shown some light on the situation." Miss Faragonda explain and Ryo smiled. Bloom and Roxy watched the calm conversation noticing how Ryo was feeling out what Miss Faragonda knew already.
It didn't take to long for Daphne, Morgana and Nebula to arrive in the room and when they did Jun stood up so that someone else could take the seat he'd been in. Even Miss Faragonda rose to greet the three woman. Nebula shook Miss Faragonda's hand, while Bloom and Roxy greeted their family a little less formal.
"Thank you for meeting us here. Bloom, Roxy and their friends had questions for all of us." Miss Faragonda said and Nebula nodded, while Morgana looked to Roxy.
"The thing is Stella transformed to something beyond Mythic, and we have no idea what this power is or what it might hold." Bloom said and Daphne nodded understanding that her sister was concerned for her best friend.
"She was stronger than before but she couldn't use fairy dust." Roxy said jumping in. She wasn't sure if she should mention the mental link.
"It could be that Stella hasn't fully achieved this new state." Miss Faragonda theorized for the lack of use to fairy dust.
"Do you girls have an image of what she looked like?" Nebula asked and Roxy nodded. Roxy held out her hand and let a little bit of magic create a copy of how they'd seen Stella. The three buns with the jeweled sticks that held a sun and moon theme, the silky orange and yellow outfit with soft pinks and golds just like a sunrise. There was nothing like this that Nebula or Faragonda had ever seen. Not even one of the nine nymphs of magic looked like this.
"I don't believe I have ever seen anything like this." Faragonda said as Nebula and Morgana studied the former closer. "Was there anything that is new that could help us figure out this power?" Faragonda asked and Roxy and Bloom looked to Ryo.
"There was. The warlords, and all of the ronin, myself included have a telepathic connection. One that lets us know when we're in danger, locate each other, and communicate quickly." Ryo explained as the four new fairies listened. "Stella was able to hear this recently, and even communicated back to us, or Shin which was who she reached out to."
"Hmm, that doesn't help, though it is an interesting power to develop." Faragonda said.
"Sorry Bloom I haven't seen it either." Daphne sighed wishing
"I too do not believe I have seen anything like this." Nebula stated as she crossed her arms. There were two many new things occurring for her liking.
"It is also beyond me." Morgana said looking over the illusion of Stella. "However there may be something in an old story. One that explains why even fairies can fall to dark powers and desires, each of these stories were carried as legends at Tir Nan Og, though they aren't very well known any more." Morgana said.
"You mean the legends that speak of the Seelie and Unseelie." Nebula asked as the younger generation listed closely.
"Yes there are mentions in those tales how magic and life came to be. How the dark desires and creature that rose from the abyss of chaos sought to snuff out the growing light. Yet before the light was gone a few rose up and became the watchful eyes of the realms." Morgana said.
"So can you tell us about these tales, if you have time? They might give some level of insight." Ryo asked and Jun grinned excited to hear more on magic and the old legends. It had become a passion of his after living through the two wars with the dynasty.
"I will tell you what I can recall." Morgana nodded, as the attention of all in the room turned to Morgana. "There is a myth about the first fairies, that they worked to bring and awaken power in others, awakening them to greater things. They brought forth magic to the realms before turning to slumber believing their job was done. With this beginning nothing but darkness was able to existed as it destroyed any source of light before it could grow strong enough to fight back. During these time every realm was under the control of the Unseelie, dark fairies, witches, and more.
Eventually a brave soul reached out the the being that had brought magic to them, asking for help and guidance. The being rejected the request expecting the brave soul to crumble or beg, yet the brave soul didn't. They instead left the first fairies and fought on through the darkness. The first fairies watched the brave soul fight with everything they had until their last breath was drawn. Even in death the brave soul held their ground the darkness unable to knock them down.
The youngest of the first fairies left the place they lived to see the body of the brave soul. Seeing them so close again opened the fairies heart and she wept tears of light and magic, her voice vanishing for how long she wept. They spilled across the realms chasing away shadows and pulling others with such good natures out of hiding. That was not all her tears did for the brave soul spoke again, moved and breathed in life once more. The soul became her first knight, and she the first fairy queen given the title of the Soul queen. The Soul queen was never able to utter a word but the brave soul knew exactly what she had to say." Morgana finished and the group of four was stunned by the tale.
"That's an amazing story." Jun smiled.
"Yeah, but it feels a bit sad. Were the first fairies not good?" Roxy asked looking to her mother.
"I don't think it's that simple. This speaks of a time that is unimaginable to so many." Daphne chimed in and Roxy and Bloom nodded.
"Yeah but for that one person to rise up against the darkness, it's amazing." Bloom observed yet Ryo stated quiet. "Ryo? Are you okay?"
"Hn, yeah I'm fine." Ryo said. He was trying to commit the tale to memory to share with Touma and the others. Maybe there would be something they could pull out of the tale, or maybe they would feel the same sharp cold shiver at the mention of the darkness. There was something about it that even in this story was wrong.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"This library is amazing." Nasuti smiled to Tecna who was finishing calling the possible books they might need.
"Magic really is a wonderful thing. It has helped with research but the drawback is when you aren't sure what you are looking for, you tend to get this." Tecna looked over the piles of books that lined the table they had decided to work at. Touma laughed at the slight dip in Tecna's voice, and understood her exactly. Even for the three of them this was going to be a tedious task. Yet Touma didn't even think about asking anyone else to join them.
"I'm sure it won't be too bad. It'll be a little refreshing staying up all night reading." Touma said picking up a thick an old book titled Folklore of the Magical Dimensions.
"You know I think the last time I stayed up like this was the first time you guys fought Arago. With Grandfather suddenly gone I had so much to learn." Nasuti sighed and Touma offered a sad smile.
"Your Grandfather was with you the first time?" Tecna asked stunned. They'd been told over and over that Jun and Nasuti were the only people with the ronin when they fought the dynasty.
"Yes, at the very beginning. You see he was the one who knew all about the Ronin warriors. He even had some notes on other magical legends a few lead me to fairies, though it wasn't very thorough." Nasuti smiled. "The legend of the armors was his focus, and he even identified Ryo as a ronin just from seeing him on the news. It was so soon after the dynasty had shown themselves and after Arago used his power to scattered the ronin to the points we used for your spell. They were stuck in a sleep like state and it was my grandfather that helped Jun and I find where Ryo was. He had started to help with the others but… The dynasty sent the warlords after us. My grandfather died because of the dynasty's attack. I know it had to be because Arago feared the ronin, and that they would stop him if they joined up again. It was why they attacked us." Nasuti explained wiping her eyes a little.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something painful." Tecna said looking down at the book before her.
"It's okay. It just reminds me that we can't let them win. People will die, people will suffer if Arago is revived, if Arago wins. Its why I help out even though I'm not as strong as the guys. If there's anything I can do I will." Nasuti smiled and Tecna smiled back. She was impressed by Nasuti's resolve, faith and courage. There was much to the slightly older woman that was admirable and this had to be a time where Tecna wished she could be more like her.
"Don't worry. We're going to help you. I promise we will help you defeat the trix and push back the dynasty." Tecna promised placing a hand over Nasuti's.
"None of us will face them alone. Will stick together and we won't lose anyone this time." Touma added placing his hand over theirs. A smirk graced his face and his eyes were bright with optimism.
"Then I guess we should tackle these books together." Nasuti smiled grateful for what Tecna and Touma were doing.
They studied the books reading non stop all morning, even lunch was skipped in favor of research. It was about noon when Touma had told them to look for anything mentioning a Soul Queen. Yet with sunset coming fast it seemed there would be nothing today. No hint of the Soul Queen in any book Touma or Nasuti had looked through.
"Uh, I think I'm ready to call it quits for now." Nasuti sighed and stretched out. As if to agree with her Touma's stomach rumbled a little.
"I would like to look some more later but I could use some food and maybe coffee." Touma said closing the book he'd been working through. Their pile was done to only a fourth left which was quite impressive if you asked Touma.
"Don't you mean sugar with some coffee?" Nasuti teased him.
"I've got something!" Tecna interjected cutting off Touma's retort. She spun the book around and pointed to the page she'd been reading. Next to an easy was a yellow clad fairy in something similar to what they'd seen Stella in yet what stood out was the shape of the wings seemed almost identical. "This essay was looking at truth in old legends and found a story around a painting. That picture is the painting. Sadly I know that place was raided by a man we fought named Valtor… If I recall I don't remember the painting being returned." Tecna said sadly.
"Hey it's a start. We can look into the paint later, but does the legend have a name?" Touma asked.
"No but the painting was titled Soulix." Tecna said.
"So we now have two leads, the story of the Soul Queen and this Soulix." Nasuti smiled. "We can easily narrow down our search tomorrow." Nasuti smiled. Tecna nodded and stood up book in hand. It was as the others were starting to stand that Tecna saw Shu and Ryo coming towards them. Shu had his fingers pressed to his lips and Tecna blinked. Yet as she stayed quiet Shu rushed up behind Touma and lifted him and the chair up into the air with no effort.
"H-HEY!" Touma snapped as he flailed about and fell out of the chair. He landed on his feet but was less than amused with his friend. Touma glared at Shu, while Shu laughed and set the chair down.
"Hey dudes." Ryo waved. "We were told to collect you, and the chairs if need be." Ryo smirked and Touma frowned.
"Let me guess Kayura's suggestion." Touma said flatly.
"Nope, Shin said you guys should take a break and it was Aisha and Anubis who suggested dragging you back in your chairs." Shu gladly spilled the beans. Nasuti laughed at the explanation and was sure that Shu was using it more as an excuse.
"Well since you're here why don't you help us put back these books." Tecna smiled and dropped a few books into Shu's arms.
"What? Man this sucks." Shu sighed and Ryo laughed.
"I've got no problem with that. What needs to go back." He asked and Tecna smiled at him. It was so nice being around the three ronin. They were so different and yet she felt close to all of them. Each one of them she gladly called her friend.
