Author's Note: In case the new story wasn't read by some of the readers of this main story, sorry I've been gone so long life has been super busy and I really want to try and catch up over summer. No I will not abandon this project, I've come to far and I've planned out the end and each chapter, its just having the time to write that stops me from updating more steadily.
Disclaimer: I don't own the Winx Club or Ronin Warriors
Warning: Violence, and language
Chapter 33) Chaos in the Arena
The towers confining the souls of the pathetic people of Earth, and a few outer realms that were usually forgotten, were purely magnificent in Stormy's eyes. The misery that poured off them, the power that it breathed into her. It was wonderful, and she was planning on using every bit of it on the next attack. Arago was letting her lead an attack, to take the soulless soldiers, and a few demons under his command with her to attack the Winx and Ronin. The goal was to find the Jewel of Life, which Arago assured her was with the Winx and Ronin. Stormy was was beyond ready as the thunder rolled above her, the green sky swirling from her presences.
"You are a destructive force, comparable to my first general." Arago's rough voice spoke out behind her. They'd been able to revive him with the Ring of Solaria and the fall of Earth.
"It is the pure power here that bring this side out." Stormy grinned as she turned to face her master. Even if her sister's were not as loyal to Arago as she was, they still followed him which also meant her. Stormy enjoyed being the complete favorite for once and she enjoyed the power that came with it. As the demon lord gestured for her to come with him Stormy didn't even cast a last glance at the towers and instead followed him loyally.
Darcy watched from afar and rolled her eyes. Stormy was getting too attached to this guy like Icy had done in the past with some of the men they'd met. Still at least Arago was a demon and giving them the strength needed to end the winx, and dominate the realms. That Darcy could get behind, in fact maybe while Arago and Stormy planned the their next move she could test out more of her new powers.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three days had passed since the celebration, and today everyone was gathering at Red Fountain to see if the Ronin could truly be trusted in combat. The teachers there had offered the Ronin and Warlords the photon weapons, but all of them turned them down. They didn't need anything but the armors and the weapons their armors provided. For the moment all of them waited off to the side of the arena looking over the massive field with many different areas set up.
"So who wants to place a bet that we'll have to face off against Sky, and them?" Shuu asked as he scanned the audience. The winx girls weren't allowed to come with them, and instead were sitting in the front row watching and cheering.
"It's not a bet if it's a sure thing Shu." Shin countered. "They'll have found some way to pit themselves against us."
"If only in an attempt to raise their own pride." Naaza scowled. He was truly getting sick of the attitudes held by many here. It was disgusting to him to see the rampant selfish attitudes of the so called specialist and warriors here. There was little value on traditional virtues, and more focus on personal image.
"Hey, guys no use getting riled up." Touma pointed out and Anubis snorted.
"I will greatly enjoy a chance to face off with them and put them in their place." Anubis said his eyes narrowing as people started to enter the arena from the other side.
"We should still hold back against them, if we hurt them then that will be used against us." Seiji pointed out and the others nods and sighed. Anubis and Shuu didn't enjoy holding back, but Naaza was not disappointed after all there was part of him that enjoyed toying with his prey.
"So are you suggesting that we not use the armors?" Rajura asked and a silence fell over all of them. The armors were something they should show the strength of to the royalty here as it could help prove their strength, at the same time they all knew the armors would be to much for anyone here to handle.
"Yes, we will avoid using the armors unless we have to. Anything else is fair though, just don't hurt them." Ryo said, drawing his fellow warriors eyes to him. They were in a tough position trying to win over the opinions of people who wanted to believe they were not an ally. "We should be okay using the weapons of your armors, though Naaza be careful." With that stated the warriors nodded and turned to watch the broad shouldered man approaching them.
~~~~~~~~(Change of Scene)~~~~~~
Bloom felt incredibly revealed that her father and mother had arranged for her and the winx club to sit with them, where they would be able to see the whole competition. Specialist, and Paladins were clearly not holding back as their choices were the top of each group, and included Sky, Brandon, and Helia. Since Timmy was more a tactician he wasn't participating today. The ronin had to prove them self in a few different tasks. In strength, ability to handle their weapons, and a fight of two versus two. Bloom sat down next to Roxy and Stella waiting for this ordeal to begin.
"I wonder why they aren't taking the photon weapons."
Bloom glanced over at the noble from another realm but didn't say anything. Bloom knew why the guys weren't taking weapons. They wanted the weapons of their armor. She smiled as she was proven right by the glint of the golden bow now in Touma's hand. Each of them holding their main weapon and already the people around them were whispering.
"I thought they didn't have magic? How is it they've summoned weapons?"
"They can't have magic, my daughter told me Faragonda had to help them through the barrier."
The chatter was endless and it was clearly bugging some of the girls. Bloom felt bad when she saw Musa ball up her fist and Tecna's gaze fixate on the guys. Even Flora was looking pretty nervous, and it was clear they still weren't comfortable around the gossip of the nobles and royalty when they couldn't say a word back. It was hard for all of them to bite their tongues and not explain or jump to the aid of the Ronin and Warlords but they all knew the guys would prove themselves.
"I'm going for a closer look, does anyone want to join me?" Roxy asked standing up and a few of the other girls stood up too.
"I think that would be a wonderful idea." Tecna said stepping closer to Roxy and following her as she headed toward the stairs. Musa and Flora were close to follow not saying a word as they passed by any noble or royal. Roxy, Tecna, Musa and Flora had gotten half way down the stairs when the first test came up. It looked like Touma would be tested first with his skill with ranged combat. There was a specialist and a paladin that the girls weren't familiar with walking out to the center of the field too.
"Do you think Touma will do okay with hologram targets?" Flora asked looking to Tecna.
"He should do fine, the program will register his arrows the same way it does the shots from the blasters." Tecna pointed out and Flora nodded. As the two turned their eyes back to the stadium the specialist was taking his turn first. A gong sounded and the arena was filled with the projections, each one quickly falling to the shots of the specialist while the crowd of people cheered. Every moment that passed more and more projections appeared swarming the specialist and soon accuracy was traded for frantic blasts. When the gong sounded again a tally of projections felled was displayed. It didn't take long to realize that the object was to fell as many targets as possible before the time was up. Next was the paladin who managed to top the specialist score by a few.
~~~~~~~~~(Scene Change)~~~~~~~~~~
Touma stood watching the performance of the others, and admitted that they were quiet skilled. With the golden bow of strata in his hand his eyes studied the field watching how the chaos of battle was mimicked by the multiplying targets. The mistake the two were making was they were getting frazzled by the number, they weren't focusing. Like any sort of event or game the announcer herald the score of the paladin and the start of his turn.
~Good luck Touma.~ Shin smiled, ~He won't need any, you're gonna wipe the floor with them right buddy?~ Shuu chimed in.
~At least show more discipline than these upstarts.~ Anubis growled and Touma smirked.
~You wouldn't like it if any of us do anything less than our best huh, Anubis?~ Touma sent back as he walked to the center of the field.
~Considering you whelps bested us, you have a standard to keep.~ Touma rolled his eyes drawing an arrow from the quiver he had managed to get and readying himself. As Touma knocked the first arrow the energy of the bow turned the arrow to the same gold that the arrows provided by the armor were. As the gong ran Touma left the arrow knocked the time ticking down, while he stayed away from the targets flying by. He could read the crowd growing louder and louder as each moment passed every moment he didn't take a shot. No he'd watched and he learned pegging off the targets one by one was useless. It just wasn't how he dealt with true combat. They had talked about holding back and he was, he just also wanted to make sure they succeeded for Bloom and her friends.
As a few were starting to yell at the officials Touma couldn't help the smirk dancing on his lips. He could feel it being answered by Rajura, and Anubis who had figured out what he was planning, and even Seiji was smiling if not shaking his head too. Touma jumped back almost to the edge of the arena and drew the bow aiming high into the sky, just like the day he'd met Bloom again. He let go of the single arrow, exhaling just as the arrow left his fingers energy streaming from it. The soft gold glow of the energy was enough to draw in a hush over the crowd, but that didn't last long. The sky broke with golden arrows raining down, each target torn by the arrows while Touma calmly stood there watching. He didn't bother looking at the scoreboard, instead his gaze fell on the four winx girls jumping up and down on the lower end of the stadium. From there his eyes drifted up to Bloom who was clapping and cheering.
The jubilation was short lived as calls that he'd cheated rang out from the Paladin and Specialist who had gone before him. He could see the head masters and a few others heading his way and cast a glance back at Ryo. It wasn't long before Ryo and the other started to move out to join Touma on the field. Even a few of the royals were trying to get in closer.
"Here I thought it would be Shuu who would show off." Shin smiled as they reached Touma. Touma couldn't help but shrug, and soon had Seiji's hand resting on his shoulder.
"Either way, it doesn't look like people are to happy about this." Seiji said a bit of mirth in his voice as he still was enjoying the stunt his friend pulled. It was about time one of them had a chance to prove their worth.
"What was that? I thought these boys didn't have magic?"
"As far as the barriers are concerned they don't." Faragonda was trying to placate an older noble that was following Saladin, Giffon and herself.
"Then clearly that one cheated!" The Paladin huffed walking next to the noble.
"I'm sure there is a reason for this." Saladin said as the group stopped in front of the Ronin and Warlords. The Warlords each bowed their heads out of respect While the ronin smiled and some even waved. "Touma right, I was hoping you would shed some light on what just happened."
"Admit that you cheated!" The paladin interjected, while Saladin was talking but it didn't seem to bother the head master.
"You said this was to test our skills. To see how we handle battle, or for an archer multiple targets. All I did was show you. We weren't sure if you would want to see the full force of the armors."
"I even advised that Touma hold back and not use the armor, and only use the weapon associated with Strata." Ryo chimed in refusing to let Touma take the fall for the call to hold back on the tasks. It had been a group call. "We were worried the devastation of the armors would be too much. So we figured the small strength they provide us would be enough."
"What do you mean the strength's provide you?" Griffon asked. Her voice seemed louder now as there was a hush over the stadium.
"It's kinda hard to explain, since we haven't really had to explain to anyone." Ryo said looking back and at his fellow warriors, since some of them had strengths far easier to explain.
"If I may." Seiji started stepping up next to Touma. "Since using the armor of Halo, I have had the power to heal the injuries of others through the armor's power. This sword, the sword of Halo allows me to cure the blind by reflecting light to someone's eyes, and has shown me the truth reflected in the blade time and time again." Seiji stated holding the sword of Halo before him. While Saladin was looking over the sword it was clear the noble and the Paladin were shocked by the news, while Griffon was intrigued. "I have healed the specialist when they arrived to earth, and I have healed the winx, in cooperation with their fairy dust."
"Have you been able to see through Darcy's illusions?" Griffon asked her gaze scrutinizing Seiji.
"I have. They are no different than the illusions that Rajura has created." Seiji said ignoring the comment in his head from both Roxy and Rajura about him being the better illusionist.
"Saladin! What is going on! Were these young men cheating or not?" A voice broke through the silence of the crowd and the head masters turned to look back.
"I believe we can continue but after the event it seems we may need to speak with the specialist and the winx. Even if you do not have magic, these… strength's of your might be reason enough to give you a chance." Fargonda said diplomatically and the group nodded.
"They have not cheated, but shown wisdom and respect." Saladin started. "They wield armor and weapons' that gift them the strength to fight this enemy the trix has sided with. Their leader was worried that the full power of these armors would be to much for the competition and instead asked his fellow warriors to hold back." Saladin stated. "Which means what you saw was the young man Touma holding back, while using the power of Strata." Saladin announced and another hush fell over the stadium. Looks were being exchanged and some of the other contenders whom the Ronin and Warlords weren't familiar with were starting to look nervous.
"So which of us is up next? Ryo mused to the other but as Brandon grabbed his sword and started out onto the field with Sky the question was answered.
"While it was supposed to be the one on one fights it seems that those two boys wish to get their beating early." Anubis smirked.
"I don't think it's that. I think they were hoping no one would find out about our gifts." Seiji said stepping forward.
"Well to bad…" Anubis snorted heading out onto the field with Seiji at his side.
"Do you guys think this is a joke! You're lying to everyone here." Brandon snapped as the two pairs grew closer. "Do you think this will impress the winx!? It won't, they're our girls and they'll come back to us!"
"I didn't realize claiming ownership was so acceptable? Tell me boy do these tantrums truly work?" Anubis taunted Brandon and he growled at the scarred man.
"We've spoken no lies. If you still think your skill is superior then please…. Let's test it." Seiji challenged taking his stance. Both hands holding the sword of Halo while his kanji lit up and a faint glow filled his eyes. Sky leveled his sword with Seiji's and Brandon with Anubis. Seiji focused his mind, and could feel the power of Halo still with him, urging him to fight hard. He knew his own feelings against the specialist were a storm that must be quieted, that it stirred the bloodlust of the armor. He would not be controlled. With an easing deep breath Seiji let go of his thoughts and slowly the storm and the whispers stopped too. His face neutral as he stared at Sky's glowering look.
Seiji flicked the blade up and across feeling their clash, from second the gong rang. Sky had rushed him over head swing predictable first move and to someone who didn't compete the strength Sky through behind it might have been overwhelming. To Seiji it wasn't. The only thing such force did to Seiji was confirm he would need to treat this match like the ones he used to compete in. His muscles tensed and flexed as he used his own strength to push Sky back observing where the other left his openings. Easiest was how he didn't guard his legs, he held the sword to high. Sky charged again, this time with a thrust. Seiji side stepped, and allowed Sky's blade to slide against his before pushing Sky away with the specialist stumbling to regain balance. There is was an opening that Seiji could take without hurting his opponent. Sky's grip was flawed, with so much thrown into his charge he was off balance as he recovered.
Anubis had noticed how the boy, Brandon, kept trying to rush pass him. How this one trying to double team Seiji with the leader of the specialist. Or maybe the goal was something even more dishonorable. Still it did allow Anubis some entertainment as every time he moved to block Brandon's view of Sky the other would get riled up. Every wild swing had more force and power than Anubis believed the boy had but it was wild without discipline. Anubis was smirking a taunt, as he easily deflected each swing, moving with the flow of the battle for now. While he could end this quickly he wanted Roxy and Aisha want a true spar looked like. One without a teacher on the sidelines.
"Damn it. Stop messing around! Stay still." Brandon yelled at Anubis. He swung the large two handed sword right at Anubis's head.
"Watch your tone whelp, I will defeat you soon enough." Anubis growled as blocked Brandon's strike. His free hand striking Brandon hard and fast in the side right under his ribs. As Brandon reacted in pain Anubis re-positioned himself between Brandon and the view of Halo's fight with the leader of the specialist Sky. It was a little disappointing that the blow he delivered had the boy clutching his side for a moment, mostly because it meant he had to hold back even more. The best way to end this fight would be to disarm the brown haired man, and pin him with his blade.
~Are you through playing?~ Anubis directed at Seiji while he continued to just hold Brandon at bay.
~I wasn't playing around, but yes I've finished analyzing his style… They are both over aggressive, and rather emotional.~ Seiji sent back and Anubis smirked. ~They won't like it when we defeat them.~
~You mean when we stop holding back?~ Anubis chuckled and he felt the wave of affirmation from Seiji.
Seiji shifted his grip on the sword of Halo, this time as Seiji blocked and shoved Sky back he stepped into his own series of attacks. Each step forward, each swing of his sword had Sky stumbling back barely able to keep up with blocking. Seiji's stone like gaze stayed on Sky, taking in the raise of frustration, unease, and anger as he the match was swung from evenly matched to one side. Every step and swing was easy for Seiji, no pauses or hesitation as he moved, no opening left for Sky to take. Each time Sky started to recover Seiji struck harder, faster, never relenting just as if he were in a competition back home. The blade of the sword of Halo came closer and closer to striking Sky. Seiji could tell from the way the blades hit he was close to knocking the sword from Sky's grasp.
Across the ring Anubis was handling Brandon with just as much ease. Now that he was no longer toying with Brandon, it was clear the difference of skill. Brandon was not only on the defensive now but barely keeping up with Anubis. Every swing held more strength than the last, and each one was getting closer and closer to striking the specialist. While Anubis advanced with confidence and ease Brandon was now stumbling back flailing to stay on the defensive and trying to find away out of the onslaught of Anubis's attack. Every swing was proof of how much stronger Anubis was than Brandon, as he matched and beat the strength Brandon put in every swing with one hand. Finally Anubis knocked Brandon's blade back, and kicked the specialist to the ground. His foot stepping on the high tech blade while the tip of his sword rested against Brandon's cheek.
"You've lost boy." Anubis stated his eyes focused on Brandon who was both exhausted and confused. It seemed the young man truly thought he would beat him.
At the same moment that Anubis had knocked Brandon to the ground Seiji had dislodged Sky's sword from his grasp, the blade soaring across the ring. While Sky's gaze followed the sword Seiji moved in for his victory, the blade of his no-dachi touching Sky's neck and paralyzing the other. There was nothing but silence over the crowd for not only did these two specialist lose, but one of them was a prince. Sky and Brandon should have won being the superior fighters, or that's what the crowd had been lead to believe.
Seiji exhaled slowly letting go of the adrenaline of the match as he stepped back and bowed. There was pure silence with the crowd, and Seiji could feel the heat of the gaze of some in the audience. His victory wasn't welcome or wanted by those people whether he deserved it or not. Seiji shifted the blade of Halo to his left hand and extended his right to Sky. He could see the cold anger in Sky's eyes and took no offense when his hand was smacked away.
"Don't think you've won anything. You don't know the winx like we do, and no one can trust outsiders like you." Sky said as he got to his feet. "You and your friends should stay away from the winx, and Bloom."
"Are you threatening us?" Anubis asked as he walked over to stand next to Seiji. "One would think you whelps would know when you are out matched." He smirked as the two specialist glowered at him. Brandon took a step towards them and Seiji stiffened, the brown haired man was far too close for his liking.
"Please step back." Seiji said his voice colder than the winters Anubis's armor represented. Surprise took him only for a moment as Brandon fisted his shirt, yanking at his clothes as if it would intimidate Seiji.
"Stay away from them, and step aside. We've been fighting with them for years." Brandon growled. It was clear Sky was blocking what was happening with his stance from the official that was heading over, but that wasn't what bothered Seiji. The possessiveness these men had wasn't good, if anything it was dangerous.
"Now I understand why Ryo and Shin are so keen on letting you bark." Anubis snorted knowing full well Ryo and Shin would try to avoid an unnecessary battle. Seiji grabbed Brandon's hand and calmly removed it from his shirt as the other glared at Anubis.
"If you do anything to upset the winx, I promise it will be the last time you are allowed near them." Seiji stated drawing a stunned look from both Brandon and Sky. Yet before any further retaliation could be made Saladin and the officials had reached them.
"I must say I wasn't expecting two of my best graduates to be bested in swordsmanship. It is an impressive feat." Saladin said and both Seiji and Anubis bowed.
"Thank you for compliment." Seiji said as he and Anubis straightened up. "What test of skill will be next? Strength? Or maybe a solo duel?" Seiji asked wondering which of his friends would be called upon to prove themselves next. Yet before Saladin could answer him the light of the sun dimmed. All gazes turned up and the Ronin and the Winx felt a swell of disbelief.
"Hey look Icy their awe struck by our return!" Stormy laughed her voice cutting through the silence like a hot knife through butter, as the trix descended from the green clouds. The choke presence of evil grew as in the clouds there stood the red gate to the Dynasty.
"How… this is the second time we're seeing a gate here." Shin stated not sure how the Dynasty was able to reach beyond earth.
"You should just get used to the sight… Or we could show you the lovely cells back in the dynasty?" Darcy stated and grinned as she saw the people below them growing angry, and scared at the same time. "Hey Stormy I think its been to long since we've wrecked this place."
"That's for sure!" Stormy laughed before throwing her arms out. Lightning jumped from her through the sky striking the ground of the Arena, into the crowd and against some of the pillars around the edge. Screams erupted as the Winx, Ronin and Warlords narrowed their eyes on their enemy.
