Author's Note: Okay so I'm sorry I haven't been around. One I lost my login here. ^^; And two I went through some severe stuff in RL. Now that I've said that I have an update for this story and many of the side stories. Also I will be posting this up on AO3, with the side stories, and some new ones. Special thanks to everyone reading this fic and to jrflxat621, Sakura-Nozomi-Subaru Rokudo, and Lumina Rosetta for adding this story and/or side stories to their following.

Warning: Violence

Disclaimer: I do not own the Winx Club, or Ronin Warriors. I make no money from this it is just something I do for fun.

Chapter 35) Retreat to Alphea

Aisha wasn't surprised when her mother rushed to her side as Anubis caught up to the crowds of people. There was still so much panic as the fairies were realizing they couldn't help anyone with fairy dust. There were teachers and a few nobles and royals trying to keep the crowds moving towards the transports that would take them to Alfea.

"What happened Aisha! Where are your friends?!" Niobe asked, her worry for her daughter matched by her nervousness by the look of the armored man holding her.

"They're okay…. I.. Its just a scrap-"

"Hush Lady Aisha, save your energy. She's wounded badly." Anubis cut her off. There was no way he was going to let her make light of her injury when he could hear the blood lost in her voice. "The others are fine without us." Anubis said confidently as Aisha glared weakly at him, and her mother looked at him with even more worry. "I've wrapped her wound but she needs a healer, a doctor." Niobe only nodded to what Anubis said and started to lead the way over to the crowd of those who were the most injured. The smell of blood was think in the air, and the sight took Anubis back to before he ever had the armor. So many hurt bleeding out, cries of pain and anguish, battle always brought the same thing.

Anubis turned his gaze up to towards the stadium above them now that Aisha was safe. He wanted to rejoin the fight but Rajura and Touma had a point. Aisha and the people down here had no true guard or defense, he needed to stay here. They would be able to handle the two remained women and the soldiers. But if the stadium broke apart? If the women turned the attack here.

"Anubis!"

Anubis quickly turned his sharp gaze to Jun and Nastuti. Nastuti had a small gash on her head while Jun was unharmed. Dust from stone and dirt covered Jun's ripped clothes but there wasn't a scratch or scrape on him, just like when he got hit but that one witches attack. It was strange but something that wasn't important now.

"Are the others still fighting?" Jun asked as Nasuti looked to Aisha who's mother was with her and a few other people.

"Yes."

"We are going to need Halo to heal people, unless we get the gates shut." Nasuti said glancing around the people.

"We will… No!" Anubis growled his head snapping to the side. Gasps and exclamations began to rumble through the crowd while he felt the fear bleed through from his brothers in arms. Another gate was opening right before the crowd on the ground. "Jun! Stay with Aisha!" Anubis ordered taking off towards the gate. The people started to scream, run or cower as the soulless dynasty warriors poured out of the gate. Jumping over the crowd Anubis lifted his sword high calling the winds of winter, ice and snow swirling around his sword. The soldiers that had started to pour through the gates slowly as the ice covered them freezing them.

~We have a problem.~ Anubis sent to the others and could hear that Flora and Seiji would be there shortly to aid him.

"Jun! Get someone to listen and get them farther away from here!" Anubis ordered to the Jun and he turned back to the gate. Anubis smashed his claws through the frozen soldiers as he rushed towards the gate. If he could force it closed it would not only keep the soldiers from appearing but stop the air of the dynasty from affecting the fairies around him. Anubis pushed on the gate fighting to shut it, alone.

Jun bit his lip as he looked back at Anubis. It wasn't right that he was fighting alone, none of the warriors here were helping they were just protecting themselves or cowering. Jun clenched his fist as he looked around the people. He had to help Anubis but couldn't till these masses started to listen. Jun saw one of the dynasty's soldiers weapons laying on the ground a sickle and chain. Jun grabbed the weapon then climbed up on some of the rubble that had piled up nearby.

"HEY! Everyone needs to go, run to Alfea, or anywhere but here! Take the wounded first, and those strong enough to fight hold protect the rest! Anyone brave enough, fight with us! If these gates keep opening then there will be no hope of victory!" Jun yelled over the people and slowly heads began to turn towards him. "This isn't about who's better, or who has the best interest of others in mind. This is about beating the dynasty and doing what it takes. Now stop lingering here and get somewhere safe!" Jun yelled as loud as he could and he could see that some were starting to listen to him he could see the situations starting to click in their heads, the fear and panic. It was just like on earth the first time, but this would give Anubis the advantage he could use.

Anubis and Jun were both shocked as others started calling out the same orders, as they followed his lead and people started to quickly moving away from the school to transports and shuttles. It seemed there would be a break that would be in their favor and it was allowing Anubis to slow the out pour of soldiers, and close the gate even if it was temporary. Sheathing the sword of darkness Anubis hurried back to the retreating masses and found Aisha and her parents along with a few other's readying to move the princess.

"Anubis! What's going on?" Aisha asked trying to get up to see the warlord but stumble caught by her father. Aisha blinked a few times seeing some force around Anubis. She watched the odd aura that almost flickered off the armor. "Anubis?" Aisha reached out out towards the aura watching it ripple and quiver as her hand got close only to flash away leaving the warlord stepping back from recoil.

Aisha was just as confused as Anubis was on what happened she could feel it, swirling in the mix of concern, determination, and anger. She also noticed him stepping forward again his helmet vanishing, letting her take in his sweat matted hair, and the small bleeding scrap on his brow. His hand was reaching out for her and she took it without even giving anyone a chance to ask what he was doing. She could feel it. He wanted to keep her safe to protect her, like he hadn't his brother. She felt it and she understood.

"Mom, Dad I'm going with Anubis. Go with the others, hurry to Alphea and we'll be right behind you." Aisha told them as Anubis let her climb on his back. The armor was hard but the cape around her was soft. She could see the worry on everyone's face as she wrapped her arms around Anubis's neck.

"I will protect her, and we will make sure the gate stays closed while you flee." Anubis vowed and he could see the woman Aisha called mother clearly debating if she should leave or not. "Jun go with them. Find Nasuti and keep everyone calm." Anubis could see the disappointment in the young man's eyes but he nodded anyway. Anubis was glad that Jun understood the danger, but more importantly that he understood the importance of this job.

With Aisha on his back Anubis moved back to the gate frozen for now with his ice. The sharp popping and snaps sent splinters of ice flying outwards as the gates pressed and pushed to break free and open. Aisha slid from Anubis's back and stood next to him taking a defensive stance. She wouldn't be able to attack out right with her wound and even defense would be tricky but it would be manageable.

A thunderous sound shook the red gates, the ice cracking and splitting worse. The sky was darkening as the clouds turned a sickly green. Another loud clap and Aisha swore that the gate doors had jumped and rocked in the thick ice. Something felt horribly off, and she knew that Stella and Roxy had the same feeling. As Anubis stepped back from the ice with Aisha, they caught sight of the rest of the group landing and gathering near them.

"Aisha are you alright?" Tecna asked clearly worry.

"Yeah, I'll be fine." Aisha insisted sliding from Anubis's back and wrapping one arm around her midriff where the wound was. "I can make it till Seiji or fairy dust can be used to heal me."

"We may not have the time…" Shin murmured his eyes on the gate and cracking ice.

"The gates going to open." Ryo stated moving back and encouraging the group to go with his lead.

"Then we need to stall it. The people haven't all cleared out yet." Bloom pointed out. They could all see the leaving masses and they needed to give them all a chance to leave with no casualties being claimed.

"I have an idea!" Tecna exclaimed. "I know we can use convergence with the Ronin and Warlords so we should. If we put our strength together maybe we can block them in." She explained and Touma and Rajura both nodded.

"That's perfect. Anubis try strengthening the ice one last time. Shu, Flora build up the earth around the gate, tie it shut. Rajura, Tecna can you create a trap something that will delay anywho get out?"

"You know we can." Rajura smirked at Touma's request.

"Good then the rest of us will cover you while you work." Ryo nodded turning to the few green soldiers that had followed them down from the arena. The group split up each taking to their role, with the exception of Aisha. Tecna had helped Aisha over to Seiji, who was focusing on mending her wound. The green light of his armor spread over her, and she could feel the aches and pains being soothed away by a warm gentleness. It wasn't enough to take all the pain away and she didn't dare unwarp her wound. Not here at least.

"Thank you Seiji." Aisha said as the glow dimmed and Seiji opened his eyes again.

"No worries, but I would still encourage you to stick with Anubis. He's still worried about your injury and the blood loss you've suffered." Seiji balancing the sword of Halo over his shoulder. He glanced around the group and saw that they had cleaned up the rest of the green soldiers.

"We've got the gate sealed as best we can." Flora fluttered over with Shu and Anubis close behind her. Everyone was started to fatigue and it was time to retreat to join the nobles, everyday people, heroes, fairies and witches. There were only a few stragglers left as the Ronins, Fairies, Warlords and Kayura hurried over.

"Is that even going to hold?" A young witch asked looking back at the gate with fear. She had a gash on her forehead and was holding her arm like it was hurt.

"No, it won't. Nothing can stop the gate from opening but it will let us get to safety." Ryo said smiling at the young witch. The group that heard him speak looked quite uneasy but didn't stay around to question him.

"The teleporter will take us back to Alphea. Once there I think we will need to shut them down." Tecna stated and the girls nodded. It wasn't something that would be well received but it was necessary. With a final glance to the gate the group walked through the teleporters.

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

Daphne felt relief flood her her as Bloom and her friends appeared. She was the first to run over and greet the group. Like most of the people gathered in the quad and on the lawns Daphne had bruises, and cuts on her. Everyone had finally seen first hand what they were up against and fear was growing. Fairy dust wasn't healing the injured, spells were weakened and the weapons used by the heroes didn't seem to hurt those monsters they were up against. Daphne hugged her sister as Bloom dropped out of her fairy form. The rest of the girls did the same and even the armors of the Ronins and Warlords vanished.

"I'm so glad you're safe!" Daphne smiled, hugging her sister tighter as their parents and the parents of the rest of the winx came over and joined the group.

"I'm glad your safe too. But we have to shut off the teleporters now." Bloom said, and Tecna was already shutting it down despite the gasps and protest from a few teachers of the Red Fountain School.

"The gate is going to open, we need to fortify Alphea and get people back to their realms to prepare in case there is an attack." Bloom explained as the head masters and royals gathered around.

"Bloom what do you mean. The gate? What is it?" Faragonda asked keeping the group of royals and teachers calm as best she could.

"It's a gateway straight to the Dynasty. To the Netherrealm." Bloom said glancing back to Touma, she knew he was better to explain. Any of the Ronin really.

"The gates can only be closed by the rule of the Dynasty… Till we are able to stop Arago and the Witches the gate will stay opened. The air of the Dynasty will flow through to here, making corruption easier. The soldiers will kill and destroy anything in their path." Touma placed his hand on Bloom's shoulder as he spoke. He was going to support her always. It wasn't any surprise to the Ronin or Warlords when fear and worry passed over everyones face.

"Then our spells… The fairy dust. It will be weakened maybe even not work from this point forward?" Faragonda asked a worried look crossing over her gentle face.

"Yes, from what we've seen and the winx have experienced. The armors will keep their power and I mine. This is why we've been very insistent that we must be here for the fight." Kayura nodded stepping forward with the ancients staff in hand. "I would like to ask now that you trust that we have skills to help you and that we turn our attention to the defense of this place as a priority." Kayura said and the warlords nodded quickly splitting up and vanishing.

"Where are they going?" King Radius asked.

"To secure the border. They will be able to tell us if any large force is coming to. Touma answered with a shrug. He then started to levitate a smile on his face and Stella and Roxy nodded.

"Daddy don't worry about it. Roxy and I are going to go with Touma, we're going to strength the barrier and add some layers." Stella smiled before she and Roxy transformed to the new form that was still stunning everyone. The three took off flying over Alphea drawing much attention from the people who weren't gravely wounded or healing others. As much as the girls wanted everyone to understand how much the Ronin and Warlords had helped them, this wasn't the way. They could see the distress and worry that they had felt when they first started this fight as a group. It was a strange enemy from a realm they couldn't use their full strength in, and that enemy was skilled.

The girls started to split up and check in with people, Seiji went off with Shin to check the wound, Ryo and Shu went to make sure Nasuti and Jun were okay, and Touma he stayed by Bloom's side. Bloom looked over the students, many of the crying and fearful as she walked down the cleared paths. Teachers were racing around trying to help any they could, comfort them and help them calm down. This sort of fear and panic the last time they'd truly faced it was against Valtor as he attacked realm after realm. It almost seemed like a blessing that he either didn't know about the Nether realm or that he didn't get the chance to go there. Bloom didn't know if they could inspire the strength of the people here, of the people she knew had the power to fight if they believed.

It was bothersome to Touma to see Bloom so upset. It was something that all of them knew could come once the dynasty made a move but he didn't have to like it. Walking up behind her Touma put his hands on Bloom's shoulders. He gently squeezed as she placed her hand over his. Bloom answered the gesture by covering his hand with her own and leaning into him. He took the chance and wrapped his arms around her offering sympathy and support. Even if it was a brief moment he cherished it. Yet it didn't last as Bloom gathered herself and pulled away from him.

"Thanks Touma, but we should help everyone else out." Bloom said feeling tired from fighting the trix, from the specialist jealousy, and from fighting for the right to be Touma's friend. It wasn't fair and right now it was wearing her down, but she would never give up. She actually smiled as Touma squeezed her again and then stood beside her.

"I'll follow your lead." Touma smiled and Bloom couldn't help but smile back. Touma gave Bloom's shoulder a gentle squeeze, and then bowed gesturing for her to lead the way. Such an action drew a

Even with all the bad that was going on they were still together and there was a strength that the Ronin, that Touma still had. It gave her courage to continue to fight. She was about to say something more but the call of her name distracted them both. Bloom couldn't help the sigh that left her lips as she saw Sky and Diaspro heading their way.

"Hey Touma, you'll stay with me? I think I'd rather go one on one with Icy right now than Sky." Bloom tried to make a joke of it but it still hurt. What didn't hurt, and what did help was the way Touma smiled and nodded. How he was really here for her. The gentle squeeze to her shoulder before his hand slid away.

"Bloom, what are you doing over here? We should be inside with everyone else so we can discuss the best defense. We need to figure out how the Winx club will lead the fairies with working with the specialist and paladins." Sky pressed and the tension that spiked in the air was practically tangible.

"Sky, Faragonda can handle that. The girls and I are going to continue to work with the Ronin and-"

"Bloom you should think about your home and the people there. We need to show them that we stand strong together for their peace of mind." Sky argued. Bloom paused because there was some level of his argument that was right, but did that mean she had to put herself second.

"Sky, I understand what you are saying but right now, I'm needed with the ronin, I know my family can handle the people and assure them in ways I can't." Bloom pointed out and she was caught off guard from the sad look in Sky's eyes.

"Bloom look I know things have bad hard, and well maybe I haven't helped." Sky started in again and this time Touma couldn't help but tense a stirring of suspicion but he let it go. He didn't know Sky and maybe this was normal. "Look our homes are two of the most powerful leaders in all the realms. I'm just saying it would help put others at ease to see us on the same side again."

Bloom looked to Touma, and she watched him give her a gentle smile. She wasn't sure she trusted Sky, and that hurt. It hurt knowing at one point she would have said yes without a thought, but now she didn't know. She was looking to Touma for support and she wanted his okay. She took a deep breath and looked straight at Sky.

"Okay I see your point, but I want to think about it. I'm not going to leave my friends any of them out of this decision." Bloom said and she caught the jealous look thrown to Touma but it didn't last and Sky nodded. "Thank you Sky. Touma we should go find the others."

"As you wish." Touma answered and walked with Bloom away from Sky. When they were out of earshot he put his hand on her shoulder, and spoke softly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, mostly I think." Bloom smiled as she answered him honestly. She didn't know how she felt but there was a lot to talk about with the girls, ronin and the warlords.