Author's Note: Sorry for the extra long wait. This was a long chapter to write and I have been working on side stories as well. I hope that the next few chapters will come out quicker and will get me back on a once a month schedule.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Winx Club or the Ronin Warriors.
Chapter 32) Celebration
Daphne didn't think her luck could be any better. Only a few days after speaking with Bloom was another meeting called between the head masters, and the royalty that had come to the school recently because of the troubles on Earth. While there were not many royals gathered there were some of the most influential and powerful gathered here. Eraklyon, Domino, Andros, Solaria, Tir-Nan-Og, Linphea, and a few others too. Most of them were powerful and held a lot of sway with the opinions of others. As Daphne moved with her parents she could seen Thoren heading towards them after speaking with Sky. After all Sky was the king of Eraklyon, after all his father had passed the title and was probably acting more like an advisor.
She knew what she had to do for her sister but she also knew that there were some who had made it very clear they were against the idea of giving any trust to the warriors from earth. Daphne closed her eyes as Thoren caught up to her and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek. She let him take her hand but her mind was far away from him and the conversations between Oritel and Thoren. While Thoren was now family, there was a tension as he was determined to defend Sky and Oritel wanted nothing to do with Eraklyon any more, Thoren excluded from that.
"Daphne?" Mariam asked catching her daughter's attention. "Is everything well dear?"
"Yes, mom. I just was going through how to bring up a topic today." Daphne smiled. She could see that her father and mother were proud and ready to support her choice to speak, but Thoren was clearly suspicious.
"Good luck, and we'll be with you no matter what." Oritel said as he gave his eldest daughter a soft hug before she headed over to Faragonda.
"What's Daphne going to speak on?" Thoren asked as they sat.
"She believes that judgement on the earth warriors is not fair as it's been hearsay. I believe Daphne wants to see if a competition can be arranged to strength faith in the choice the winx made." Mariam spoke her voice ever soft and light. Thoren nodded and smiled to the Queen of Domino but at his side he clenched his fist. This wasn't okay! Why hadn't Daphne told him, why would she do this! He had come so far with his family and now what she was doing would jeopardize it all.
Daphne clasped her shaking hands, as she glanced over everyone she would be speaking to. She was still nervous about messing up, but even more nervous about messing up for Bloom. Faragonda cleared her throat to gain the attention of everyone and Daphne gulped as she was waved over to the center of the room. Daphne brushed a blonde lock of hair away from her face as she walked over to Faragonda. Her heels clicked and clacked over the hard tiled floor as she moved to the center of the room.
"My fellow royals, knights, ladies, and headmasters. I know today we were going to talk about whether or not the warriors from Earth should continue to move freely and if they are the best choice to work with the winx against this force the Trix has teamed up with." Daphne started and suddenly she wished she hadn't. A commotion broke out instantly, people shouting and arguing. Some wanting to stay neutral, some wanting the warriors gone, and a few defending them. Daphne swallowed the lump in her throat and opened her mouth to speak again. Yet she didn't speak as she could see no one was paying her any attention. She was considered a very powerful fairy the first to gain Sirenx, one of the nine nymphs but this scared her?
"Please, allow me to finish." Daphne called out but every few stopped talking to listen. She just sighed and tried to stop her insides from shaking. It only worked a little, but she would have to move forward. "People please!" Daphne yelled and all fell silent. Her shoulders tensed as Daphne noted the many angry glares. Royalty never enjoyed being yelled at, especially if they felt they were right.
"Please I know everyone has a piece to say, but I ask you. Who here has witnessed the strength of these warriors? Who knows their skills, or intelligence?" Daphne asked and watched as a quiet murmuring began. "Before we judge them unfit to aid the winx club and us, maybe we should see what they can do. We don't even know what the strength of the Trix has become since they escaped the Legendarium." Daphne pointed out and she could see that a few people had lost their arguments over supposed failed missions. "Alfea is planning a celebration to lift the spirits of the earth fairies, and I propose that at that celebration we let the warriors of earth show us what they have in skill and strength." Daphne finished and once more the murmuring started up again.
"Why is this being considered? These people from earth couldn't cross the barrier without Headmistress Faragonda. They are not people we should rely on. As a graduate of Red Fountain, I know that specialist, and paladins alike can aid the winx perfectly fine." Sky spoke out, and Diaspro nodded smugly.
"We all understand the capability of the specialist and paladins. However there is knowledge these young men have on this enemy that we do not. Also not all of them were stopped by the barrier." Faragonda pointed out calm.
"I believe this would be a fair shot. If the warriors can not meet the challenges then we ask them to step aside." Nebula pointed out evenly. "Let the specialist and these warriors clash, and if they prove to be a match for those trained in the school we know, it will give us a clearer idea before judging them. As Daphne has suggested."
"If we are going to agree, I feel it is mandatory to first meet these warriors." Niobe stated.
"A wonderful idea, Queen Niobe." Saladin stated with a smile. It seemed after hearing Daphne's plans the Headmasters already had made a few of their own. "I believe we can have a formal introduction to all of these new warriors at the Celebration Alfea is planning. Allowing both Cloud Tower and Red Fountain to join."
"I agree. I believe this Celebration will be a perfect time to introduce them." Faragonda smiled.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the next few day Alfea started to come to life with an atmosphere that the ronins, warlords, Kayura, Nasuti and Jun hadn't seen before. There was such a fuss over the up coming event and what themes should decorations be that everyone was buzzing around. Even more surprising though was the lull in attacks and signs of the Trix. Something that bothered the ronin and warlords greatly. The gates of the dynasty had been opened even if it was temporarily somewhere that wasn't earth. Was this possibly because of the witches? Was it why they'd been after Stella's ring? While the answer was clear it was probably because of the ring.
These were questions pondered not only by the guys but by Tecna as well. With the moment without struggle, or panic from someone being injured. After Naaza's and Roxy grave injuries Tecna was glad for a break. She could step away from her emotions and logically work through the problems before them. She was walking the grounds thinking about the puzzle they'd been given along with what the witches were after. The Jewel of Life which was the only one the witches didn't have, the Ring of Solaria, and the Armor of Spring. According to the ronin Arago needed all of the armors to become whole again so why just focus on that one. What was being planned by the witches.
Tecna hummed to herself as she reached the courtyard. The question she was pondering was the dynasty reaching the realms of Magic new? Or had they been so focused on earth that they didn't know about what laid beyond until the trix showed up. It seemed to her it was a little of both, but there was more she needed to know. She needed to speak with Rajura, and Kayura with her theories. She also wondered about the puzzle they'd been given by Stella eight daughters, nine armors tamed by virtues, a demon king. It was clear and yet not. If Tecna had to guess the eight daughters would be a reference to fairies but what fairies she didn't know. The nine armors tamed by virtues were the ronin warriors and the warlords, but once more there was only eight because the armor of Spring didn't have a bearer. The demon king was Arago that was certain, but why was there no mention of the trix? Would they get more to this little puzzle?
"Tecna?"
The voice made Tecna tense as shock and surprise moved over her face. Looking to her right she could see Timmy approaching her and Tecna couldn't breath. Her heart was pounding so hard right now. It was completely illogical and frustrating. Her friends were getting over their pain and she was still stuck in the middle of it. Wondering why she'd ever let someone so close to her. Logic was safe, her friends were safe but all of it was shaken and shattered thanks to Timmy. He was standing before her and she still couldn't move or make a sound.
"Hey I'm surprised to see you without the other winx." Timmy laughed nervously and Tecna looked away. She couldn't look at him or even keep her gaze up near him.
"I just wanted a moment to think over some unanswered questions." Tecna said shying away from Timmy and hoping he would take the hint to leave.
"Well if you want help I'm sure I could figure them out with you." Timmy offered, and Tecna frowned.
"No thank you Timmy, I can work through this alone." Tecna stated firmly.
"Oh… Well sorry I just figured you'd want something accomplished before the dance and competition, especially since you're going to the dance alone." Timmy stated and Tecna was shocked.
"What is that supposed to mean!" She snapped angrily and Timmy stumbled back a step hands lifted in surrender.
"Nothing, but I thought it was important to you girls to have a boyfriend, and be in a relationship. It just seemed-"
"Seemed what that I can't define myself without a boyfriend?" Tecna snapped completely infuriated by what Timmy was insinuating. It was the most insulting thing she'd ever heard and even worst was that this was somehow something that some thought should be an issue.
"I was, I mean, I just… It was just a question." Timmy rambled and Tecna glared there was no question in there. This wasn't a conversation she wanted to have not when she was trying to work out what the trix could be plotting next.
"The only people who would get so upset over a question like that, would only do so because they are incapable of finding anyone to go with them." Tecna glanced over to the right to see Sky, Diaspro, and a few over fairies, one she was pretty sure was Chimera.
"That's not true." Tecna stated firmly. She wanted to stand her ground to stay here and have them leave but she wasn't that type of person. She saw Rajura, Ryo, and Shin in the distance and decided that she would rather be with them then in a stupid cat fight with a girl she didn't care for. "Now please excuse me." Tecna said going to leave and be the bigger person rather than fall to an argument of yelling that would do nothing but leave her even more angry. Yet Chimera stepped in her way.
"Oh please it's pretty obvious. I mean you're not exactly what a guy is looking-"
"It seems manners lack all around this place." Rajura interrupted standing behind Chimera with Ryo and Shin. Tecna couldn't help but smile as Shin walked around the group and over to her. His sympathetic smile was all she needed to see to know they would help get her away from this without feeling like less of a person.
"How dare you! You can't talk to me like that!" Chimera practically screamed.
"Why not, you seemed just fine talking in a similar manner to our friend." Ryo stated watching Sky and Timmy. It seemed Timmy was ready to leave but Sky and these few fairies wished to cause trouble.
"You really should watch how you speak to people of nobility here." Sky added making Rajura raise an eyebrow.
"Well then, how about this. We'll take our leave and do not bother Lady Tecna again." Rajura said as Shin was already ushering her away. Ryo and him stayed only long enough to make sure there weren't going to be any stupid challenges issued towards them before turning to catch up with Shin and Tecna.
"I hope they weren't bothering you for too long." Shin commented and Tecna smiled.
"They'd just started. It was Timmy who'd been talking to me for longer." Tecna pointed out and Shin touched her shoulder gentle. "I just couldn't believe what he said to me. That he thought I would be upset or ashamed for going to a dance alone."
"Is that something that would bother you?" Shin asked as they stopped waiting for Ryo and Rajura to catch up.
"No, but right now I feel like everything I do, that we do is being watched and analyzed. It's just been frustrating and I'm starting to feel like I'm fighting not only fighting the trix but everyone here." Tecna vented and Shin frowned. It wasn't fair to Tecna that their presence was causing such issues.
"Hey things will get better. That's why we're going to the celebration and fighting in the tournament." Ryo pointed out trying to give Tecna some hope that things would get better.
"And even if this doesn't ease judgement, Lady Tecna you are smart and strong. These qualities will always invite jealousy and contempt." Rajura pointed out in his eloquent way.
"That doesn't exactly make me feel better Rajura." Tecna pointed out though she was smiling at the compliment. Tecna knew why she enjoyed Rajura and Shin's company so much just from the little they'd said as they walked back to the group's rooms. The two of them though different could make her smile. As for Ryo he didn't have to say anything, just being near him made her feel more confident. It was the fact that he believed in her and everyone else here that made her feel this way. Plus he was very easy to get along with like Shu and Shin.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over the week it took to set up for the celebration Stella had been called in to head the theme and the decor of the event It had been a job that thrilled her and she even managed to get Shu, Anubis, Bloom, Roxy and Nasuti to help her from time to time. During that week Seiji had also managed to ask Flora if she would let him take her to the party. It had been such a formal request that Aisha and Kayura had fun teasing him for it. Still Aisha was glad that he had asked Flora, even if no one else was going as a couple. Even better the guys made them feel happy over their single status and talked about how the group could enjoy different things through the night. It had been such a change from when the girls were with their exes. It'd be dancing and little else sure they may sit as a group but each couple had been in their own world.
While there was excitement over the celebration it wasn't the same hype for Tecna that it used to be. Maybe she was becoming jaded or maybe she was still bothered by Timmy's words she wasn't sure. Still as Stella finished up the final touch on Tecna's hair Tecna smiled. Stella had been so excited that she insisted on helping everyone with their outfits for tonight. Tecna knew the next step was her makeup but she didn't want to put it on. At least not like when she was dating Timmy. She gently touched the pink lip gloss as Stella went over and started talking with Aisha about her necklace.
"Is something wrong?" Musa asked coming up beside Tecna. Musa also had gone back to her roots a bit, as her outfit was the ideal image of pop with a touch of the traditions of her home. Tecna was sure that Musa would receive comments from the guys since there were similarities between Japan and Musa's home and dress style was one of them.
"Yes and no. I'm bothered by something Timmy said, and logically I know I shouldn't be. Still I'm glad we are going as a group." Tecna explained and Musa nodded.
"What did he say?" Kayura asked as she took off the necklace Stella had tried to get her to wear.
"He asked if I would truly feel okay at the ball not going with a guy, with not being asked. It was insulting and frustrating. Because every other Alfea girl is going with a guy, that it was expected of us." Tecna ranted and the girls stopped. To hear an idea voiced like that to them had shocked them. Flora looked down and Aisha put a hand on her shoulder, as it became unclear if they should be worried about this image. It also was sickening and frustrating, to Bloom that the little things could still affect them so much, and gossip was the worst. They needed things to go right for the Ronin.
"So they are scared of strong single, women?" Kayura spoke up. "If these are the mindsets of the people here then I don't care for their opinions. It isn't easy but after being controlled by another I don't let other's ideas about the world control me. You shouldn't either, besides anything goes wrong and we have your back, just like you have ours." Kayura told them. Her hand traced over where the amulet she wore while under Argo's control had set. It was why she didn't wear necklaces. She didn't want to be controlled again.
"I know you're right… But it still bothers me." Tecna stated.
"I think it will bother you less once we start having fun." Nasuti offered with her usual soft smile. The girls nodded and within minutes the finishing touches were approved by Stella. The only thing she stated she wasn't thrilled about was Kayura removing the necklace again, but the Lady of the Dynasty just stuck her tongue out at Stella. She wasn't going to wear it.
The girls headed out to the party with Kayura, Stella, and Roxy assuring them that the guys had already headed to the celebration. Each of the girls were dressed formally but in a style they were comfortable in. Their make was simple, and their dresses were fashionable and appropriate without being over the top. In fact both Nasuti and Aisha were wearing simple black dresses. Kayura had chosen a dress very similar to Musa's only hers was dark blue and silver, while Musa's was a vivid red with white and black detailing. Bloom and Flora had gone for soft solid color dresses in similar styles, Bloom's was a pretty baby blue while Flora's was a gentle petal pink. Stella, Roxy and Tecna had gone for bolder colors but still had kept to the simple theme. When the girls reached the ball room the guys were waiting for them. The warlords were dressed in traditional japanese garb while the ronin had dressed in tuxedos with accent colors that matched their armor.
Seiji was first to notice the girls and walked over to Flora, a bit of a flush on his face. He gently took her hand and kissed it, and while he didn't care about the spectators the jabs that Touma and Shu were making annoyed him. Flora too blushed at the actions, but also from the stares of others that were passing them by.
~Man can't you loosen up a little?~ Shu chuckled and shook his head.
~I'm impressed Halo didn't turn tail at the last moment.~ Anubis added clearly taking amusement in his rivals struggles.
~Leave him alone.~ Roxy sent back sticking her tongue out at Shu. Shu looked at first shocked then sheepish, as he'd forgotten that Roxy and Stella could now hear them, while Shin, Rajura, and Kayura chuckled.
"Let's give them a moment." Aisha said to the girls before walking over to Anubis and beginning to push him into the ballroom. There was a quietly growled protest from the warlord of Darkness but he didn't fight against the princess of Andros. Soon the rest of the group was leaving with only Jun delaying to wave goodbye to Flora and Seiji.
"So how long before you think they'll join us?" Shu asked and Touma shook his head.
"Not to long, after all he would be mortified if you made a bad impression for us." Shin chipped in and Shu protested loudly. The girls were feeling more at eased now that they were with their new friends. The troubling ideas and worries they had were nothing with the teasing and friendly chatter of the Ronin and Warlords with them. It wasn't too much of a surprise that Faragonda approached them as Flora and Seiji caught up to the group.
"I'm glad you all came." Faragonda smiled. "I was hoping to have you young men come over and introduce yourselves to the royal families of the realms." Faragonda gestured to a large group of people that were gathered together and chatting. There were a few people that the Ronin and Warlords were able to recognize, like Bloom's sister Daphne, and Sky from the specialist.
"As you wish, after all it would be impolite to keep them waiting." Anubis said bowing his head.
"Miss F can we come with them?" Musa asked wanting more to hear the reactions of the others but Miss Faragonda shook her head.
"I'm sorry girls but for the introductions most families have requested that you take a step back. Once everyone is mingling I'm sure you can all meet up again." Faragonda said before leading everyone but the Winx Club, Nasuti and Jun away. Bloom frowned and folded her arms, she didn't like this arrangement. She thought they would be at the ronin's sides. She worried about Touma, would he be singled out by Sky. It would be a jerk thing to do but she worried because he was her friend.
"Don't worry I'm sure everything will be fine." Nasuti smiled placing her hand on Bloom's shoulder. Bloom looked to Nasuti and found some comfort in the older woman's smile. As they started to walk into the ballroom, leaving the entranceway to find a spot to gather and talk Bloom could feel eyes on her. Glancing over her shoulder she could see that Diaspro was staring her down and Bloom couldn't figure out why she was still getting such heated looks from Diaspro.
"Man what's her problem?" Stella asked noticing that Bloom was being glared at by Diaspro. Yet it seemed that there were some other people too who the girls had known, some had become friends that were giving them equally heated stares. It was too the point where some of the girls were feeling nervous and insecure. It wasn't fair or right.
"Who cares, we are going to have fun right?" Musa asked and everyone smiled. While this was something formal there was still music and plenty of room to dance. Several of the girls left to dance yet Bloom, found herself sticking near Flora and Tecna who weren't dancing. Bloom couldn't pull her attention away from Touma as he talked with the different royals. He was with Seiji and Ryo. She couldn't help but feel nervous as she watched Touma speak.
"I can't help but worry about them." Tecna said and Bloom nodded. "I trust them, but what if something goes wrong and people try to make us work with the specialist again."
"I don't think they will let that happen." Flora smiled as she touched Tecna's shoulder.
"How can you be sure? The specialist have done nothing but try to get the ronin pulled away from us." Bloom pointed out, and Tecna sighed in agreeance.
"Because of something Seiji told me. They aren't going to let us just be hurt, and are willing to fight to make us feel comfortable. I think if we return the favor then everything will work out." Flora smiled remembering their time on earth where Seiji made her promise to speak up if any of the specialist bothered her. It also had been the day he told her to wait, to hold off on making up her mind, but nothing had changed from that day. She'd learned more about the quiet warrior of Halo and had found she cared for him even more. He was a sensitive soul, gentle but fierce with many scars. No matter what the outcome Flora had made up her mind, along with Aisha.
"Yeah but, is it really that easy?" Bloom asked doubting the conviction that Flora had.
"I think so. We're not students or children we don't need the approval of the teachers to hang out with someone." Aisha pointed out.
"Yeah but it will make it a lot easier if we aren't fighting against teachers, and our parents or other royals." Tecna countered.
"There will always be someone who disagrees, and when you realise that you don't need them to stand by your own convictions. That's when you start to open eyes." Nasuti said with a smile. "I mean I had to follow Seiji up a mountain in a snowstorm to get him to realize I was going to help the ronin whether he agreed or not." Nasuti smiled remembering the first war, and while it wasn't happy it was the bonds she made that brought her joy. Yet the idea of her chasing after Seiji in a snow storm seemed to amuse a few of the winx girls.
"Somehow that sounds like him." Musa pointed out, and Nasuti nodded. Flora sighed softly as her gaze traveled back to the guys and Kayura as they talked. Yet she couldn't help but perk up as she saw several of the guys bowing and many of the royalty and teachers turning away.
"I think they've finished." Flora smiled, feeling more at ease now that Seiji and the others were coming back to join them. While there had been chatter around the ballroom many conversations were dying down and eyes were now following the ronin and warlords as they walked back to the winx club.
"How did it go?" Stella asked as soon as the guys were close enough.
"I think it went pretty well." Shin smiled.
"Yeah I mean no one was calling to have us dragged off in chains." Shuu joked and Touma gave him a playful shove.
"It seems we have made a better impression than most were expecting." Rajura stated. Hearing that the guys seemed to believe all went well all of the winx club felt both relieved and excited. It seemed that the night would finally be something the girls could enjoy and each of them noticed that even though they had been worried the ronin and warlords all were relaxed and their usual selves. They hadn't let this meeting change them, or affect them.
Bloom looked around the group and wasn't surprise to see Seiji leading Flora away after whispering in her ear. Aisha was following those two to the dance floor dragging Anubis behind her. She noticed how four more went off to talk were it was quieter and the rest headed off to dance as a group. She was going to follow Stella and go with the group but noticed that Touma wasn't following anyone. He was staying back watching his friends have a good time. She couldn't help the wryly smile that crossed her lips as she walked over to him.
"All you need now is a book." Bloom said in a teasing manner and Touma snorted before smiling back.
"This sort of this isn't my idea of fun." Touma said honestly and Bloom nodded. "Though a book would help." He grinned and Bloom laughed. Even if Touma didn't enjoy this sort of thing he wouldn't let his discomfort ruin the night for any of his friends. He lifted his gaze and watched as his best friend danced with Flora. She was smiling and laughing freely while Seiji, Touma could tell was smiling that small smile that was honest and rare. His friend was opening up to Flora and letting someone in, which Touma knew was hard for Seiji. "You're friend Flora, has done a lot for Seiji." Touma stated and Bloom tilted her head to the side.
"What do you mean?" Bloom asked as she stepped closer to Touma. She had to look up at him slightly and couldn't help but noticed how even when he was dressed up his bangs seemed messy. The dark blue blue was very striking against his fair skin. He may not have liked this event but he looked very good in a tuxedo, it only added to his charm.
"Well, Seiji isn't usually this relaxed around people. He also looks like he's been sleeping better. He talks with her more than he does with us, on some topics. Partly because they aren't easy topics and partly because as close as we are, we fear losing each other." Touma stated. After all he knew Seiji didn't talk much about his time in New York, what had been done to him. It was painful for him to talk about and Touma saw the fear. The fear of their perception changing, and while they all could say it wouldn't fear was irrational. Something about Flora had Seiji sharing these wounds and healing, and that was all Touma could ask for.
"Wow, so you keep secrets from each other?" Bloom was rather shocked to hear that there could be some.
"Of course, we're only human… Everyone has a secret, or something they are unwilling to tell their friends. Shame can easily build secrets, and would you tell your friends a secret if it could change how they viewed you? If the shame and pain was so bad you could barely deal with it your self?" Touma asked and Bloom looked over to Seiji. She heard in his voice how much what ever had happened affected him, as well. It was hard to think that these guys had been through the things they had, but it was too real hearing Touma's voice drop quietly, the subtle tremble at the end like there was more he refused to say.
"I can't really image to be honest Touma, but I'm glad that you see this as a good thing. I know there are some who don't." Bloom said touching his arm and Touma nodded. The night would soon be coming to a close and Bloom found herself realizing more and more that Flora was right, that if they stood up for and fought to continue working at the sides of the Ronin, the Ronin would continue to fight as well. They were their friends now, and while they might be scared or worried they'd get through it together.
