Magic and Martial Arts 2: Children of Domino

by AndrewK9000

It's the Winx's final year at Alfea, and curcumstances have conspired to allow Bloom to be the first to earn her Enchantix, but she can't control it. At the same time, old enemies thought dead have returned to join up with new enemies. Who will survive?

18. Chapter 18: Helia Meets the Family

Last time we watched as Stella and her group arrive at The Endless Illusion, a literal haven for lost souls at the bottom of the universe. There they encountered a group of Armor Riders who helped them battle a host of bandits and innocent people who were corrupted by demonic energy. Stella and Musa used their Fairy Dust to help the innocents, while Riven and the others fought along side the Armor Riders against the bandits. But then a really big Armor, controlled by a demon, attacked. If it weren't for the efforts of the Armor Riders our heroes befriended, the day would have been lost. But then Carmen immobilized the enemy Armor long enough for the leader of the friendly Armor Riders, one Hector of the Dawn, to destroy the demon-possessed Armor. Our heroes then obtained the necessary travecite and headed back into space to meet with Bloom and her group on Lynphea. 'Nuff said, on with the show!

Chapter 18: Helia Meets the Family

The Night Rider was the first to arrive in orbit around Lynphea. As Bloom and the others strapped themselves in for the landing, they heard Beauregard's voice over the intercom, saying that The Sapphire Blaze had just exited hyperspace, and was also heading for the planet.

Bloom had never encountered a world like Lynphea before. As Flora happily pointed out, nearly 85% of the surface of the planet was covered with vast forests, with jungles and rainforests at the equator. Flora also pointed out that all the man-made structures on Lynphea weren't actually made by human hands. Magic had been used to change the shapes of specific trees into whatever building the castor required. The spaceport was just such a place; the entire complex, except for a wide concrete landing field (the plant life being relocated by magic) was made of wood.

The Night Rider had just finished landing at the spaceport and Bloom and her group were on the ground, Flora most ecstatic to be back on the world of her birth, when they saw The Sapphire Blaze landing. Both parties met in the lobby of the spaceport, each group of friends having loads of stories to share with each other.

"And then Kou and Ren Reacted," Bloom told Stella, "Ren became this sword, and Kou and her fought and sliced all those demons to pieces."

"That's nothing compared to what Hector did with his giant robot," Stella said.

They and the others shared more about their adventures, before Helia showed Stella and her group the azonite they collected, while Riven showed Bloom and her group the travecite.

"All we need is the Tears of the Black Willow," said Bloom, "and Faragonda is as good as saved."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Stella asked, "let's go!"

"We can't leave yet," said Flora.

"And why not?" Musa asked, "every minute we wait is another minute Faragonda doesn't have."

"There's some protocols that need to be taken care of with the world government of Lynphea," said Flora, "they won't let us go to The Black Willow until they say so."

"And how long is that going to take?" Helia asked.

"Not too long," said Flora, "My father has connections with the government, he said on the phone that things will be taken care of soon."

"How soon?" Stella asked.

"Soon," said Flora again, "and in the meantime, my mother and father are coming to the spaceport, them and my sisters. They're all eager to meet Helia."

At this Helia began sweating and fidgeting with anxiety over the prospect of meeting Flora's family. Flora saw his nervousness, "You'll be fine. I'm not nervous at all, so I know you'll be fine."

Bloom could tell that Flora was putting up a brave front for Helia. Flora may look calm on the outside, but Bloom could tell on the inside, her friend was about to have kittens.

Yet even while all this was going on around her, Bloom had something else to tell her friends, something she felt was important, yet not as important as finishing the task of saving Faragonda.

What Bloom had been keeping from her friends was that while in transit from Guardia to Lynphea, she had managed a few hours sleep, and during that sleep she had a dream the likes of which she had never had before. In the dream she saw the faces of her friends and loved ones, as well as every survivor of Domino that has been found to date.

Then the dream shifted, and she saw another group of people. In the front were the martial artists from Earth; Ranma, Shampoo and the rest of the gang from Nermia district of Tokyo. Another group showed those she had met on Guardia; Kou, Ren, Cisqua, Rowen and Kuea. Behind them were more people, a lot more people, but these faces that she couldn't see clearly.

Bloom then woke up, her mind filled with more questions again; why was she dreaming of everyone she cared about, as well as her allies from Earth, and those she had just met? And who were the people she couldn't see yet? It was clear, or at least Bloom thought, that the people who's faces weren't revealed would be people she would meet in the future. But why was she seeing all these faces? That was a question that would have to wait.

Just then something happened that snapped Bloom back to the present; six individuals came into the waiting area of the spaceport; a man, a woman and four girls. This clearly was Flora's family, her parents and four sisters whom she identified as such; her father, John, from whom Flora had inherited her green eyes; her mother, Laurel, from whom Flora inherited her hair and skin color, as well as her kind-hearted nature.

Flora's sisters were as such; the eldest, Chrysanthemum, age 14, was Flora's near double except she wore her hair shoulder length with green highlights and had blue eyes. Then there were the twins Willow and Ashley, age 12, who had brownish-red hair and light green eyes. The youngest, Rose, age 9, was again a smaller version of Flora, but with lighter hair and slightly darker eyes.

Before Helia knew it he was shaking hands with Flora's father and being hugged by her mother and sisters. From what Bloom and the others saw it was clear that Helia had nothing to worry about

"Look's like Helia is as good as an in-law," said Carmen.

"We all told him he had nothing to worry about," said Riven, "I didn't worry, and Musa's dad liked me from the start."

"He did," said Musa.

While Helia was having a much more relaxed conversation with Flora's parents, and while Flora's younger sisters were talking with Carmen, Mace, Payton, Riven, Timmy and everyone else, Chrysanthemum was talking with Bloom, Musa, Layla, Stella and Tecna.

"So you're the famous Winx," said Chrysanthemum, or Chris as she liked to be called, "Flora's said a lot about you."

"Flora's said a lot about her family," said Musa.

"Will you be attending Alfea soon, Chris?" Tecna asked.

"Not me," said Chris, "Willow and Ashley for sure, they'll have their wings in a few years, and maybe Rose, we're not exactly sure if she's got 'the gift', but not me, I'm just a regular girl."

"Oh," said Layla in a slightly stunned but sympathetic tone, "I'm, sorry to hear that." Bloom and the other Winx gave Chris sympathetic looks as well.

"Don't be," said Chris as she smiled reassuringly, "I'm perfectly fine not having magic. I've got plenty of other things to keep me busy."

"Like what?" Musa asked.

"Well," said Chris, "I've taken a lot of self-defense courses, you never know what life will throw at you, so I'm confident I'll be able to defend myself if someone picks a fight with me. And I've also plenty of time to follow my dream; I've always wanted to be a xeno-botanist."

"Bless you," said Stella.

"She didn't sneeze," said Musa in an annoyed tone.

"What?" Stella asked in a slightly hurt tone.

"Your lack of verbal articulation astounds me sometimes," said Elise, who just happened to be nearby to hear the conversation, "Xeno-botany is the study of plant life on other worlds, just as xeno-biology is the study of alien life in general. Chris here wishes to focus her life on the study of alien plants."

"Exactly," said Chris, "I want to travel to new worlds, see flowers and plants that no one else has seen before, and I want to be the first to give names to these new life forms, not just for the glory of being a discoverer, but just to be there and see it."

"Well I think that's a great dream," said Musa.

"A very prodigious ambition," said Tecna, "one I hope comes true someday."

It was then that Bloom noticed a girl standing by herself a few yards off, she seemed to be waiting for someone. The girl looked to be about 19 with long lavender hair and pale indigo eyes. She wore a light purple shirt under a indigo jacket, with dark purple pants and black opened-toe boots. Strapped to her left calf was a pouch of sorts Around her neck was a neckerchief that had a metal piece on it, inscribed on the metal part was a symbol of sorts.

Bloom then noticed something odd about the girl; her eyes had no pupils, just the whites with very big indigo irises. Bloom walked towards this girl out of curiosity. As she got closer, Bloom sensed an incredible power within the girl, but it was unlike any power she had sensed before. It wasn't any form of magic she could identify, or any magic if it could be called that. It was more like the energy produced by the body, but much more controlled. Bloom could tell just from looking at the girl was naturally graceful physically. She could also sensed that the girl, despite having apparently a vision disability, could not only see normally, but could also see better than most other people.

Bloom decided to speak to the girl, "Hello," she said in as friendly a way as she could.

"Umm…hello," said the girl in a shy tone. Bloom could tell that this was a person who was nervous about meeting new people, among other anxieties. But Bloom also sensed that the girl had experience dealing with these anxieties and wasn't the kind of person that allowed personal fear to run ones' life.

"First time on another world?" Bloom asked.

"Second actually," said the girl, who seemed to relax a bit now that a conversation had begun, "my friends are visiting Lynphea to help negotiate a trade agreement. One of my friends and I are here to pick up a package from home. The others are going to pick us up soon."

"I remember the first time I first came to another world," said Bloom, "I'll never forget that day; it was the day I met my best friend," she pointed at Stella, "and I also met my future husband."

"Is he here?" the girl asked.

"He's back on his world," said Bloom as her thoughts flashed back to the day Sky got hurt, "recovering from…an accident, but one that won't keep us apart for much longer."

"I know what it's like to be away from someone you love," said the girl as she blushed slightly, "my boyfriend is back home, getting into who knows what kind of trouble. Actually I do know what kind of trouble, but I think I've tamed him enough so he'll toe the line while I'm gone."

"He must be quite a guy," said Bloom.

"You have no idea," said the girl in a slightly exasperated tone, "oh, I never got your name."

"Bloom," she held out her hand, "Bloom of Domino."

"Hinata Huyga," said the girl as she shook Bloom's hand, "of the Huyga Clan."

It was then that Stella, Musa, Layla and Tecna came over, "Shame on you, Bloom," said Stella in a mocking tone, "keeping a new friend all to yourself."

"You didn't think we wouldn't be interested in meeting her?" Musa asked.

"You belittle us," said Layla.

"My apologies," said Bloom. She then introduced Hinata to the girls.

"You're a Shinobi," said Tecna, "a Kunoichi to be exact."

"I am," said Hinata.

"What's a Kunoichi?" Musa asked in a confused manner.

"And what's a Shinobi?" Stella asked, "is that even a word?"

"Oh it's a word alright," said Tecna, "Shinobi are ninjas, specifically the best of ninjas. Kunoichi is a world for a female Shinobi."

"True," said Hinata, "and you gorgeous creatures are no doubt Fairies."

"Guilty as charged," said Stella in a flattered tone as she ran her fingers through her hair.

Just then another girl entered the area, and this one was quite different. She was roughly the same age as Hinata, had green eyes and waist-length pink hair that was tied back with a headband that had the same symbol as the one around Hinata's neck. The girl wore a red sleeveless shirt with brown shorts, pale elastic elbow guards and the same kind of black opened-toe boots as Hinata wore. Sticking out from her pocket were a pair of brown gloves.

Bloom sensed that this was a woman of great passion and spiritual strength, as well as harboring quite a bit of repressed anger that had a frequent release valve. But the most startling thing about the girl was that she was carrying on one hand a large package that was marked fragile and, Bloom guessed, weighted well over 300lbs, and the girl wasn't even sweating.

"Oh, Sakura," said Hinata, "you've got it."

"Oh yes," said the girl with the package, Sakura, she spoke in a slightly annoyed tone, "I've got it alright. You won't believe all the crap I've had to put up with at 'Customs.' I had to sign at least five different forms before I could speak to anyone, then I had to wait and sign more forms, then wait while they find the damn thing, then sign a release form…" her expression changed from annoyance to cheerfulness as she finally noticed Bloom and the others, "but enough my day, who are these fabulous things?"

Hinata then introduced Bloom and the other Winx to the girl, Sakura Haruno.

It was then that Carmen, Riven and the others came over. Sakura glared at Riven, "What?" she asked in a accusing tone, "You're starring at me. You see something you like, pal?"

"Nothing," said Riven, who was more than a little taken aback by Sakura's attitude, "it's just that…well…you're strong!"

"Huh?" Sakura asked. Then she noticed that she was still carrying the big, heavy package in her hand, "oh, that, I guess I am strong." She carefully set the package down.

"Forgive me if I sound like I'm being rude," said Helia, "but you hardly look like someone strong enough to be carrying such weight in one hand, or both hands for that manner."

"Damn!" said Mace as he picked up the package and found that it was definitely more than 300lbs, more like 700lbs. "What do you have in here?"

"I'm afraid I can't tell you that," said Sakura, "and please put that down where you found it! That's very delicate and expensive."

"What kind of trade agreement are you helping with that needs such a heavy and breakable package?" Flora asked.

"The kind a Shinobi would be involved in," said Tecna.

"Of course," said Elise, clearly fascinated, "Shinobi!"

"You know about us?" Sakura asked.

"A bit," said Carmen, "I met a few Shinobi when I was younger. As for you, I'm sure you are the kind of person who can carry anything, thanks to Chakra."

"Alright, I'm lost," said Stella.

"Of course you are," said a slightly annoyed Elise, even though she did anticipate it. She then switched to explaining mode; "all ninjas have the ability to change physical energy, stamina, into a different kind of energy, Chakra, which can be used to enhance physical strengths, speed and other fighting aspects."

"It can also be used in the Healing Arts," said Tecna, "as well as create a whole galaxy of fighting techniques and illusions, called Ninjutsu and Genjutsu."

"Exactly," said Sakura in a much more friendly manner, "except for one part; not all Shinobi can convert stamina into Chakra. I happen to be on very friendly terms with one such Shinobi who can't perform a Ninjutsu or Genjutsu to save his life."

"But he makes up for it in being the best fighter in our village," said Hinata, "he's quite possibly the greatest Taijutsu user on our world."

"Ah, Taijutsu," said Payton, "the preferred fighting style of a ninja."

"And you look like quite the fighter yourself," said Sakura, "I'd like to spar someday when we have the time."

"And time isn't something we have a lot of right now," said Bloom, "Flora, when can we go to The Black Willow?"

"Yeah," said Stella, "what's the holdup?"

"Well there's the problem," said Flora, "The Black Willow is one of the most sacred trees of Lynphea, no, she is the most sacred. Visiting the tree is almost like a pilgrimage, one that needs permission from the government. Only a handful are permitted at a time to preserve the sanctity of the forests, so we need to wait for permission first."

"Bureaucrats!" spat Mace, "not even this beautiful world is immune to them!"

"We only have a few days to safe Faragonda!" said Stella, "we can't wait for a mess of red tape to clear up!"

"Anything we can do?" Hinata asked.

"I don't think so," said Bloom, "but thanks for asking."

"We shouldn't have much longer to wait," said Flora, "I talked to my father, and his cousin knows a guy who knows a girl who knows a girl who knows a guy who works in the pilgrimage certification office. The guy who works in the office told the girl who knew the girl who knew the guy who knows my father's cousin and he told my father just now that we should have permission to go to The Black Willow within the hour."

"Excellent," said Carmen, "that leaves just one question; just what is that package?"

"This package?" Sakura asked, "if you must know, it's a really expensive gift for the trade administration here."

Just then Bloom and the others noticed a car approaching the area; a green rental hover-SUV to be exact. The car pulled up swerving as whoever was driving slammed on the breaks, skidding to a halt.

Two human boys in their late teens and a very large dog emerged from the car. The first of the boys was tall with short spiky brown hair and dark eyes that had a natural black outline. He wore a black shirt and jacket with black pants and boots. Beneath his eyes were red marks that resembled fangs. His overall appearance had a canine flavor. He gave off an aura that expressed great power and loyalty to his friends, while having the ferocity of a vicious animal waiting to be unleashed.

The second boy, who was the one driving by the way, was something else entirely. He wore a long black shirt, with the collar up, and pants under a gray jacket with the hood up. He wore dark sunglasses that looked kind of like goggles, so very little of his face could be seen. His aura was that of logic and calculation, as well as the patience of a predator insect.

As for the dog, well, Bloom had never seen an animal quite like this. The dog was big enough for two people to ride on his back. He had white fur and big ears with a brown patch on each. Bloom could sense a connection between the dog and the first of the boys.

"Just where did you learn how to drive?" the canine-like boy asked the insect-like boy.

"The bumper cars," said the boy with the sunglasses in a matter of fact tone.

"Well maybe you should have taken a few more lessons," said Sakura, "the last thing we need is for you to get us into a traffic accident, Shino."

"I was in control the whole time, Sakura," said the boy, Shino, "and aren't you going to introduce us to your friends?"

"Oh!" said the canine-like boy, "new people!" he and the dog walked over to Bloom and the others and began sniffing them.

"Umm…" said a slightly unnerved Stella, "is this normal Shinobi behavior?"

"It is for Kiba," said Hinata, "his family, the Inuzuka family, are gifted with enhanced senses and can mimic animals, dogs to be exact."

"Well at least he's a friendly dog-mimic," said a slightly disturbed Riven after being sniffed by Kiba.

"Well he does keep good company," said Carmen after being sniffed by the large white dog who, having found a scent he liked, began licking Carmen's hand. Carmen responded by stroking the dog's fur.

"You must be good with animals," said Kiba, "Akamaru isn't as trusting with most strangers."

"He probably smells the steak dinner I had last night," said Carmen, "but that's yesterday's news."

"And what about you, good sir," said Elise to the boy with the sunglasses, "what Shinobi talent do you specialize in?"

"Insects and logic," said the boy, "my family has always had a connection with insects, and we're careful thinkers and tacticians as well," he held out his hand, "Shino Abruame, of the Abruame clan."

"Elise Caplin," said the incredibly smart witch as she shook Shino's hand, "I forge my own path with no clan."

"So you're all Shinobi," said Musa, "what brings you here to Lynphea?"

"We're helping negotiate a trade agreement with our world and this one," said Shino.

"And what world is it that you come from?" Layla asked.

"You know what?" Kiba said, "I really don't know what our world is called. We just call it The World."

"We came to this world through a long-range teleportation Jutsu," said Sakura, "it was only a year or so ago that it was made possible for people from our world to begin visiting others, hence the trade negotiations."

"Oniwanban," said Tecna as she used her wrist computer, "the homeworld of the Shinobi is called Oniwanban, at least that's what it says on the official world registry of The Magical Dimension."

"Now I remember!" said Timmy, "it's another of those worlds that exist within the boundaries of The Magical Dimension, yet really aren't part of it."

"Like Guardia," said Bloom.

"And The Endless Illusion," said Musa.

"Exactly," said both Timmy and Tecna at the same time.

"I had no idea that our world was part of something so much bigger," Sakura confessed.

"Me neither," said Hinata, "but I always believed that there was more than what could be seen with just eyes alone."

"Spoken like a real Alfea girl," said Stella.

"Maybe someday we'll visit there," said Hinata.

"And maybe we'll come see your world," said Bloom.

"I'd like that," said Sakura. She then checked her watch, "well, it's been fun meeting you all, but we've got to get this to the Trade Ministry, duty calls."

"As it always does at the least convenient time," said Helia.

Farewells were made as the four Shinobi and Akamaru headed for the rental car, with Sakura carrying the package in one hand again.

"I'll say it again," remarked Riven, "damn, she's strong."

"Yeah, yeah, Sakura is strong," said Kiba in a slightly annoyed tone, "so am I, so are a lot of Shinobi." he then got serious, "but the one thing to remember about Sakura is to never make her mad. Terrible things happen to those who upset her."

"How terrible could it be?" Layla asked.

"She'll most likely try to break your head open," remarked Shino.

"Sorry I asked," said Layla.

"Okay," said Bloom, "don't make Sakura mad, good advice."

"Very good advice," said Kiba. By now Sakura had the package safely in the trunk of the car. She and Hinata had gotten into the backseats, with Akamaru between them. Shino was heading for the driver's side door, when…

"Oh no you don't," said Kiba as he blocked Shino's way to the door, "this time I'm driving."

"And where did you learn how to drive?" Shino asked.

"My mom taught me," said Kiba, "and she's a much better Sensei than the bumper cars, so I'm driving."

Not wanting to argue, Shino got into the front-passenger seat, while Kiba got behind the wheel and started the car. True enough, he was a much better driver as the car drove out of the parking lot.

"There goes four very interesting people," said Carmen, "five if you count Akamaru. As Morgan would say; 'dog's are people to, you know.'"

It was then that Chris came over and spoke to Flora and the others, "Dad just heard from his contacts; the government just 'Okayed' your visit to The Black Willow."

"Finally!" said a slightly exasperated Stella, "now can we go?"

"Just as soon as we've gotten everyone and everything together," said Bloom. It took nearly fifteen minutes for all of our heroes to get all the equipment that they would need to reach The Black Willow, for according to Chris, the journey to the tree must be done on foot, otherwise it wouldn't be allowed, no matter the reasons for the journey, no matter how urgent the need.

But then Chris reassured everyone that the tree could be reached within a few hours of the spaceport, "It's just beyond those mountains," said Chris as she pointed to a nearby mountain range, "I'll show you the way."

"You're coming with us?" Musa asked.

"Of course I am," said Chris as she helped Flora put on a hiking backpack, then pulled on one of her own, "I've already been there three times, so I know the best path to take. And before you ask, I've already gotten permission from my mom and dad, they're all for it, thanks to big sister here."

"I did promise mom and dad that I'd look after you," said Flora, "and I keep my promises."

As they all headed for the trail, with Chris in the lead, Flora spoke to Helia, "that went well, with my family; they really like you."

"And I like them," said Helia. He then looked around at the foliage; now that they had left the spaceport, the natural order of Lynphea held sway, "I can see what it is you love about this world. I think I can also see myself living here one day."

"You do?" a slightly embarrassed but hopeful Flora asked.

"Uh-huh," said Helia, "especially if it's with you."

"Pick up the pace, you lovebirds!" said Stella, "you're falling behind!"

Flora and Helia looked to see that they were indeed at the end of the group, the others several paces ahead of them. Ginning at each other, silently promising to talk later, Flora and Helia hurried to catch up with the others.

As Bloom and the others finally reached the trail that would take them over the mountains and onward to The Black Willow, they had no idea that they were being watched by beings most foul, and disagreeable.

"They're moving," said Stormy as she, Icy, Darcy and Toro watched our heroes from atop a hill overlooking the spaceport. Toro was using binoculars, while The Trix had used a spell that enhanced their vision temporarily.

"I'm not blind," snapped Darcy.

"Could have fooled me," Stormy snapped back.

"Knock it off, you two," said Icy in a very grumpy tone, "I'm not in the mood."

"She started it!" said Darcy as she pointed at Stormy.

"Did not!" said Stormy.

"Did to!" said Darcy.

"Oh shut up!" spat Icy, "you're making fools of yourselves!"

"Takes one to know one," muttered Toro.

"You say something, tough guy!?" Icy asked in an accusing tone.

"Nothing," said Toro with mock innocence, "just wondering when we're going to attack our enemies, or are we just going to amble about in the sun all day."

"Well I'll discuss the plan of attack if you'll just let me talk!" said Icy.

"I'm not stopping you," said Toro, "you're the one doing all the talking."

"Whatever," said an annoyed Icy, "here's my plan."

"Your plan?" Stormy asked in an accusing tone, "your plan? I don't think so!"

"What are you talking about?" Icy asked.

"You know damn well what I'm talking about!" snapped Stormy, "It's always your plans or Darcy's, and all of them eventually end up with us getting screwed over. But not this time; this time we'll do things my way."

"I think not," said Darcy, "we have done things your way, Stormy, and none of your ideas have ever worked, so we'll go with my plan."

"You mean my plan," said Icy, "not yours, mine."

"No," said Darcy, "I meant my plan."

"Mine!" said Stormy.

"Mine!" said Icy.

"Mine!" said Darcy. By now the three dark witches were glaring at each other like they were feral cats about to get into a fight.

"Hold on here!" said Toro as he attempted the roll of a mediator, "why don't we all just calm down, take a chill pill and relax. Besides, today we'll be going with my plan."

"Says you!" snapped Darcy, "there's no way we're letting a muscle-head like you ruin things for the rest of us!"

"Yeah!" said Stormy, "we're doing things my way now!"

"Hell no!" spat Icy, "a moron like you could never think of a decent plan!"

"Well at least my head is always clear!" snapped Stormy, "unlike yours, miss oh so platinum-blond and pretty! Or should I say, ms. Bleached-haired and pretty!"

"My hair is 100% natural!" exclaimed Icy as she ran her fingers through her long locks, "where as yours are always so frizzled it's a wonder you haven't fried your brains with static electricity yet!"

"Both of you shut up for f#cks sake!" shouted Darcy, "you're just wasting air! So shut up and do as I say!"

"Not on your life!" spat Toro, "it's my turn to make the plans!"

"Not this century!" exclaimed Darcy.

As the four dark souls continued to argue back and forth, one would wonder as to how they got like this, for this sudden bout of discord wasn't natural at all.

…Cloud Tower, a short time ago…

"There," said Darcy, "all finished." The Trix had been helping the traitor witch Lucy assemble the energy draining device that Zahidia has sent them from Xaldo. They had put the device together and hooked it up to several tables, one for each enslaved Cloud Tower student, where the zombie witches would lay on and allow their life-force to be sucked out. That energy would then be transmitted back to Xaldo and used to further the efforts of the new empire.

Yet as Icy, Darcy and Stormy looked at their work and wallowed in the feeling of a job well done, there was someone with them who would prove herself to be a thorn in the side.

"Yeah, yeah," said Lucy, "it's done, now why don't you airheads get out of here so I can do the real work around here?"

"Excuse me?" Icy asked, "just who are you calling an airhead?"

"And what do you mean about real work?" Darcy asked, "We put the machine together, not you, Lucy."

"All you did was sit back and watch us," said Stormy, "so what's this real work you're talking about?"

"Running the damn thing, of course," said Lucy, "that's what. I'm the only one here qualified to hook the zombies up to the machine and suck the life-force from them, so just bugger off and let me get to work."

"I know where this is going," said Icy, "you're going to take all the credit for our work. Well it's not going to happen like that!"

"What's not going to happen like that?" Toro asked as he came into the room.

"Lucy's gonna steal the credit for our work," said Darcy, "we put the energy draining machine together, but all she's gonna do is push a few buttons."

"And just who said that she is qualified to run the machine?" Stormy asked, "I'll bet I could do it."

"In a slug's eye you could!" said Lucy, "and FYI, I received my certification for operating this device, and others like it, back on Xaldo," she pulled out an official looking document that had the Cthulhu crest at the top, while having a wax seal of the same Cthulhu crest at the bottom, right next to Zahidia's signature.

"It's official," said Darcy as she looked at the document, "yes, it is official. Lucy here is an official lackey of the R'lyeh empire."

At this Lucy faltered and sputtered, "I…what! No! I'm not a lackey!"

"Right," said Stormy, "you're no lackey, you're a toady!" At this The Trix and Toro laughed.

"Oh yeah!?" said Lucy, "just what are you then? You're wearing imperial accessories!"

"That doesn't make us mindless minions," said Icy, "and we can take ours off if we want," she and Stormy removed their Cthulhu earrings, while Darcy took her ring off and Toro removed his belt buckle.

"Where as you, Lucy," said Darcy as she, her sisters and Toro put their accessories back on, "you're stuck with a tattoo that Zahidia can use to make you obey her."

"We take Zahidia's orders because we choose to," said Toro, "if we wanted we could walk away and never look back."

"But you, Lucy," said Icy in a very cold tone, "you can never go back. By now everyone knows that you betrayed Cloud Tower to us. Nobody else in the universe will accept you, so that makes you a lackey/toady of Zahidia's."

"You," said Lucy, her voice heavy with rage and loathing, "I am so gonna…"

"You're going to do what?" Toro asked in a vicious tone, "what can you possibly do against the four of us?"

"Well?" Darcy asked as she, her sisters and Toro glared contemptuously at Lucy, "what are you going to do?"

Lucy met the uncaring eyes of The Trix and Toro, but was unable to do anything. She sighed and turned away, her eyes lowered in shame.

"I thought so," said Toro smugly, "come on, girls, let's not waist any more time with this poser here."

"That's right," said Icy, "we need to get to Lynphea at once."

"Why's that?" Stormy asked.

"Because Bloom and her pathetic posy are there," said Darcy, "Vicky wants us to take care of them before they get to The Black Willow."

"And why do we have to stop them before they get to The Black Willow?" Stormy asked.

"Because," said Icy in an annoyed tone, "it's what they'll use to save Faragonda, and we don't want that."

As The Trix and Toro left the room, they were so filled with smugness and self-confidence, they failed to notice that Lucy had hastily cast a hex on them, a hex that was timed to take effect once they teleported to Lynphea.

END FLASHBACK

So there they were, arguing like there was no tomorrow, unaware that their strife was caused by another.

"Well if you think your plan is all that, then do it without me!" exclaimed Stormy. By now she and the others were getting more than a little emotional. Stormy in particular looked like she was about to start crying, "I'll destroy Bloom and her friends all by myself, just you wait!" With that she teleported to a different part of the planet.

"Now look what you've done!" Icy said to Darcy, "you and your plans!"

"You mean you and your plans!" shouted Darcy, "you've torn this family apart!"

"You want the family torn apart?!" exclaimed Icy, who now looked like she was about to start crying, "that's fine by me! Good luck destroying Bloom on your own!" With that she teleported to a different part of the planet, but not to the same place Stormy went.

"Well good!" shouted Darcy, even though her sisters couldn't hear her, "I don't need you, either of you! I'll do it myself!!" she then glared at Toro, "and I especially don't need you!" With that she teleported to a third spot on the planet.

"Well I don't need you either!!" shouted Toro. With that he hurried down the hill and began following the trail that Bloom and her friends had taken.

As Bloom and her friends followed the trail to The Black Willow, led by Flora's sister Chris, they had no idea that their enemies were following them, each enemy from a different angle.

The Trix and Toro each attempted a plan to destroy Bloom and the others using their particular abilities; Icy tried to turn the entire party into meat popsicles all by herself, while Darcy tried to trap them in living nightmares. Stormy attempted to summon a F-5 tornado, while Toro tried to get close enough to launch a sneak attack at Bloom.

Yet even separated from each other, Lucy's curse was still affecting our anti-heroes. The curse messed with their concentration, causing their plans to backfire onto themselves in very embarrassing ways; Icy wound up as a living snowperson, Darcy was stuck in her idea of a nightmare (Think a 3D holographic version of Candyland™, only on a much bigger scale and with countless cute, fuzzy animals) Stormy ended up shorting herself out, while Toro got tangled in a thorny bush from following Bloom and the others.

All the time our real heroes had no idea that the baddies were on Lynphea and were making fools of themselves. It was for the best, for Bloom and her friends were having hard enough a time navigating the rugged trail to The Black Willow, a trail that took them across a river, two jungle canyons and up a mountain, which Chris assured everyone was the second to last part of the pilgrimage.

"The Black Willow is in a valley just over the mountain," said Chris.

"Remind me why we're doing this the hard way!" Stella complained for the fifth time that day.

"Because we wouldn't be allowed to get to The Black Willow otherwise," said Flora for the fifth time, her patience beginning to wear thin. "I promise you, Stella, once we have enough Tears to save Faragonda, we'll then be able to teleport back to the ships and go home."

"I thought you were home," said Helia.

"It is," said Flora, "I'll always love Lynphea, and I'll always love my family. But Alfea is also like home, and anywhere I'm with my friends is home," she then looked at Helia with absolute love, "and anywhere I'm with you is home."

A few minutes later they cleared the top of the mountain and were awed at the sight of a large valley filled with trees and plants of all shapes and sizes. And in the middle of this valley, situated atop a hill that our heroes saw through binoculars, was a large black tree whose branches drooped to the ground. Water of some sort was dripping down from the leaves, collecting on the ground around the trunk where a large spring formed a small river that flowed further into the valley. From her position, Bloom could sense an incredible energy emanating from the tree.

"There it is!" Chris exclaimed happily as she pointed at the tree, "The Black Willow!"

"Am I the only one who's picking up this really weird vibe from the tree?" Stella asked.

"You're not alone," said Musa, "I feel the vibrations." Bloom, Layla and Flora nodded in agreement.

"It's the magic of The Black Willow," said Chris.

"It's more than magic," said Elise, "It's a time distortion."

"She's right," said Tecna as she checked her wrist computer, "the tree itself is producing a temporal distortion field. Time itself is moving back and forth at random around The Black Will up to a radius of 20m from the tree. If we get too close, the distortions could have unknown effects on our bodies; we could either age a 100 years within seconds, or regress to infants."

"I so don't want to do that," said a nervous Stella.

"You won't," said Chris in a reassuring tone, "nobody is allowed to get too close to the tree; it's forbidden. But the river that the Tears are flowing into," she pointed out said body of water, "it's safe to go there. I've been up to the edge of the river before, it's perfectly safe."

"Then that's where we'll go," said Bloom. She and the others then began their descent into the valley, "Just hang tight a little while longer, Ms. Faragonda, we're almost finished."

Yet even as our heroes were within sight of their goal, another group was close to catching up with them, but this group still had problems to deal with. Half a mile east of our heroes position, The Trix had gathered together again, but were still under the influence of Lucy's curse.

"Well it looks like your plan didn't work, Stormy!" said Icy as she pointed at Bloom and the others, "They're almost to the damn tree!"

"Well your plan didn't work either, Icy!" said Stormy, "And neither did Darcy's!"

"Well my plan would have worked!" said Darcy, "If you two idiots had been there to help me!"

"My plan would have worked if you were there to help me!!" exclaimed Icy, "and don't you start, Stormy! Your plan would have failed regardless!"

"No it wouldn't have!!" spat Stormy, "if you two would have listened to me for once, Bloom and her friends would be dead by now! For certain, if that muscle-head of a boyfriend of yours, Darcy, had been there to help. Just where is that shape-shifting freak anyway?"

"I'm right here, bitch!" said Toro as he climbed up to The Trix, "and I'm not a freak! A shape-shifter, but no freak."

"Whatever," said Stormy, "you three are the idiots, not me!"

"Actions speak louder than words, Stormy," said Icy, "and your actions speak volumes."

"So do yours," said Stormy, "I know what you've been doing for recreation on Xaldo. I'm amazed you haven't gotten pregnant from all the imperial boyos you've been shagging."

"How did you know about that?!" exclaimed an embarrassed and outraged Icy.

"I have my sources," said Stormy. She then turned her wrath on Darcy, "and you, don't think I don't know about you and the freak here," she pointed at Toro, "I know how much time the two of you have been pounding into each other."

"What we do on our own time is nobody's business than our own!" said a very angry Darcy, "and at least we know how to have a good time."

"You could learn a thing or two from us," said Icy, "but you prefer to be Ms. 'I Think Sexual Ecstasy Is Overrated.'"

"Well at least I don't go about shagging everything that moves!" said Stormy, "At least I have enough dignity not to act like a total whore!"

At this Icy let out a screech of rage and pounced at Stormy. The two collapsed to the ground and began trying to scratch each other's eyes out. Stormy tried to get Icy off of her, but only succeeded in rolling the two of them at Darcy. They bumped into her, causing the already stressed witch to join the fight.

By now all three Trix were in the heat of a major cat fight, with Toro watching, waiting for his chance to pounce and destroy the three witches.

Just then Vicky teleported in, looking very well rested and very angry. In her hand was an ordinary-looking spray bottle, which she used to spray her sisters with some sort of blue liquid.

"Stop it!!" exclaimed Vicky as she sprayed Icy in the face with the liquid, then Stormy, then Darcy, "Stop it! All of you!! Stop fighting now!!"

The Trix did stop trying to claw each other's throats out, only to turn their wrath on their older sister, "why'd you spray whatever that was in my face!?" snapped Icy.

"It was for your own good," said Vicky in a stern tone, "and this is for you," she then sprayed Toro with the liquid."

"Tastes like blueberries," remarked Toro, "but what is it?"

"The antidote to a discord hex," said Vicky, "it should take effect any second now."

Even as Vicky spoke the words, The Trix and Toro began to feel more like themselves and less harsh towards each other.

"You're right," said Darcy as she helped her sisters back up, "we were under some sort of hex."

"How'd that happen?" Stormy asked.

"You made a certain traitor witch angry with you," said Vicky.

"Lucy!" said Icy through gritted teeth, "I'll skin her alive!!"

"You can all destroy Lucy after Zahidia is done with her," said Vicky, "I know what she did was wrong and she should have never did it in the first place," she then pulled out something wrapped in plastic from her pocket, small and slightly bloody which she then revealed to be a human ear, a right ear to be exact, "but that didn't stop me from making sure she didn't fully get away with it."

Vicky then tossed the severed ear to Icy, who caught it. The frosty-witch wasn't shocked at holding a human ear, but she was feeling very foolish at her recent behavior. Her sisters and Toro were feeling the same.

"Vicky…I…" said Darcy, "I don't know what to say."

"You can start by apologizing to each other," said Vicky, "you owe each other that much."

"You're right, Vicky," said Icy. She then looked at Stormy, "I'm sorry I called you an idiot."

"And I'm sorry I called you a whore," said Stormy, "you to, Darcy."

"I'm sorry for everything," said Darcy, "both of you." By now all three Trix were feeling very emotional towards each other, but in a forgiving affectionate way. "Let's never fight like that again."

"Agreed," said Icy.

"Agreed," said Stormy, "it was awful."

"Same here," said Toro, "I honestly don't know how I could have allowed myself to fall for such a stupid trick."

"It wasn't that simple," said Darcy now that she was finally thinking clearly again, "that hex Lucy used acted on any latent tension within its victims. Not only did it make us act really nasty to each other, it also interfered with our abilities, causing our plans to backfire."

"So that's what happened," said Stormy as she began to get angry again, only now her anger was focused on someone who truly deserved it, "well I don't know about you, Vicky, but having one ear cut off isn't enough for the likes of Lucy."

"Damn right!" said Icy, "as soon as we're done with Bloom, then I'll skin Lucy alive."

"We can't," said a disappointed sounding, but still angry Darcy, "Lucy is still in Zahidia's favor. The last thing we need is to arouse her ire by destroying one of her pets." But then a mischievous look drew upon her face, "but that doesn't mean that Lucy won't be suffering any unfortunate accidents in the near future."

"What kind of unfortunate accident?" Toro asked with wicked eagerness, "what do you have in mind?"

"You can plot revenge later," said Vicky, "right now you've got a job to do, as do I."

"What are you doing?" Stormy asked, "aren't you going to help us take care of Bloom and her loser friends?"

"I will," said Vicky, "assuming you don't destroy them first. No, I have other business to deal with on Lynphea."

"Another Construct piece," said Icy.

"They determined its location an hour ago," said Vicky, "it's in the middle of one of these suffocating forests on the other side of the planet, far away from human habitation, which is unfortunate since I'm still in the mood for some gratuitous destruction. I'd burn the forest down, but Zahidia wants this planet kept intact as much as possible, for some reason. I don't get her sometimes."

"We'll try to keep the losers alive enough for you to have some fun with them," said Icy while Darcy, Stormy and Toro nodded in agreement.

"You're too good to me," said Vicky in an affectionate manner, "I'll try not to keep you waiting, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun without me. Enjoy yourselves."

"That we will, big sister," said Icy, "That we will."

Vicky was about to teleport out, when she paused as if remembering something, "I almost forgot. I was saving this for later, but since you four are in such a good mood now, I think you are all ready for the next level."

"Next level of what?" Stormy asked.

"Of your new powers," said Vicky, "or rather, the power your Cthulhu accessories have granted you. I'm sure by now you've noticed just how much of a boost your abilities have gotten just by wearing the Cthulhu crest."

"She's right," said Darcy, "I have noticed an increase in the amount of energy I have."

"Me to," said Toro, while Icy and Stormy nodded in agreement.

"Well that's just stage one," said Vicky, "now for stage two." She told her sisters and Toro a spell (Toro could use some magic when he and Darcy are together). They said the spell, and their Cthulhu accessories began pulsing with purple energy.

The four dark souls then felt like there whole bodies were like one big party and everyone was invited. It was like some sort of drug to them.

"Wow!" said Stormy, "It's like…like…I don't know!"

"Like nirvana!" said Darcy.

"Like there's nothing I can't do!" said Icy.

"Like I can destroy anyone and anything that gets in my way!" said Toro.

"Yeah, it feels really good at first," said Vicky, "but you'll get used to the high soon. You'll need to, otherwise you'll be too overconfident to do anything."

It took The Trix and Toro a minute or two to calm down before they could think straight again, but they made it down from 'Cloud 9,' or for them it was 'Cloud 18.'

"It's like cocaine, marijuana, crystal meth and everything else in one shot," said Toro.

"One could become addicted to this," said Darcy.

"Exactly," said Vicky, "so be careful with it, don't draw on too much power from the disks or you will be addicted."

"We'll be careful," said Icy, "just don't take too long with finding the Construct piece."

"I'll be back before you know it," said Vicky. Giving her sisters and potential brother-in-law an affectionate smile, Vicky teleported to where she hoped to find the Construct piece.

"So," said Darcy as she and her sisters used the vision enhancing spell again to observe Bloom and the others, while Toro used his binoculars, "how do are we going to do this?"

"They're heading for that black tree," said Stormy, "remind me what's so special about it?"

"It's The Black Willow," said Icy, "the condensation that drips off of it has the power to alter time. The losers are going to use that water to save Faragonda."

"Now I remember!" said Stormy, "so, how are we going to stop them?"

"I can tell from all the way up here," said Darcy, "that tree has a very powerful natural energy field; I doubt any of us could get near it. But we can do something about that stream the Tears are dripping into."

"Like what?" Toro asked, "remember, Zahidia want's this planet in one piece."

"I know," said Darcy, "but as Icy mentioned before, 'accidents' happen. We should let Bloom and her friends get to The Black Willow, it'll be that much more enjoyable for us that way. Here's my plan…"

With their goal in sight, Bloom and the others eagerly increased their pace and made it to The Black Willow, or rather, within fifty meters of the legendary tree. Any closer and the 'temporal tides,' as Tecna called them, would begin to affect them in ways most unpleasant.

"So now what?" Stella asked.

"The condensation dripping off of the tree," said Timmy, "The Tears of The Black Willow, they're what we're after."

"But we need to get them when they're not as concentrated," said Elise, "otherwise it won't help Faragonda as we want it to. No, we need to collect at least a gallon of water from the river. It's safe to approach the river were the Tears have been diluted enough for our purposes."

Yet before any of our heroes could even head to the river, Bloom sensed something bad was about to happen, and something bad did happen. A sphere of dark magic shot past our heroes and fell into the river. Within seconds the entire river up to very close to the tree was contaminated with dark magic, turning the blue river to murky, poisonous brown.

"Excellent shot, Darcy," said Icy as she, Stormy and Toro admired Darcy's aim.

It was then that Bloom and the others, who had been stunned by this sudden turn of events, realized what had happened. But it was Chris who spoke first.

"The river…it's poisoned…why?"

"Why?" Darcy asked, "Why? Because I felt like it."

"You've really sunk to a new low, Darcy," said Elise through gritted teeth.

"You and your sisters," said Bloom after she and the other Winx finished transforming, "and Toro, or should I say, Pantyhose Toro."

"My name is Toro the Destroyer!" exclaimed the offended dark martial artist, "and don't you forget it, bitch!"

"Don't you call my friend a bitch, you shape-shifting freak!" exclaimed Stella.

"Don't you call my boyfriend a freak, blondie!!" exclaimed Darcy.

"This is getting us nowhere," said Stormy.

"I agree," said Icy, "sisters, Toro, let's show these losers just what our newly boosted powers can do."

"'Newly boosted?'" Bloom said. But she then sensed the incredible amount of energy within the four baddies that she was sure wasn't there the last time.

"Well let's not stand around flapping our lips all day," said Darcy, "we've got some killing to do."

"The only ones who shall die today," said Elise, "is you bastards!"

With that everyone attacked, everyone except Chris that is. While an intense magical and hand-to-hand battle went on, with the baddies having the upper hand much to our heroes surprise, Chris was standing at the edge of the tainted river, a look of despair on her face.

"It's not right," she said in a distant tone, "it's not right. The river of The Black Willow, it's ruined. It's not right!"

Clearly outraged at this atrocity, Chris then focused her anger on Darcy, who had just blasted Kegan and Riven.

"It's not right!" exclaimed Chris as she picked up a baseball-sized rock from the riverbank, "And it's all your fault!" With perfect aim and form, Chris threw the rock at Darcy. It hit her on the forehead above her left eye, not hard enough to knock her down, but hard enough to hurt her and leave a inch-long gash that began to freely bleed.

"Oww!!" moaned Darcy, "my head! What the fWck!? Who threw that!?!"

"I did!" shouted Chris as she picked up several more rocks, "and these are also for you!" she then threw another at Darcy, this one hitting her on her right forearm, not hard enough to break a bone but it left a decent sized burse.

"Stop it!" shouted Darcy, her head was muddle enough form the first rock that she was having a hard time thinking straight, "you're hurting me!"

"You deserve more, witch!!" said Chris as she threw another rock. This one missed Darcy, but Chris was far from out of ammo, "this river is one of the most sacred sites on Lynphea, and you and your dark magic ruined it! You ruined it!!"

This turn of events had caused a pause in the battle, giving Bloom and the others a chance to regain their stamina. It was clear that Icy and the other baddies had a new source of power, but until they could figure out what it was, it was all Bloom and her friends could do to hold their own, while Icy, her sisters and Toro weren't even breathing hard.

But then Chris threw the rock that cut Darcy. Everyone watched as Flora's sister dealt her own manner of punishment on the dark witch. But then Toro had to ruin everything by getting behind Chris and grabbing her.

"Nobody hurts my Darcy and get's away with it!" said Toro as he locked Chris in a full-nelson hold. Chris was hurting, but the pain of the restraining hold did nothing to quench her anger.

"Let her go!!" exclaimed Flora, "You let my sister go, or so help me, I'll…"

"You'll do nothing!" snapped Darcy, while Icy summoned a minor-healing potion and gave it to Darcy, "not at least until I've taken my medicine," she drank the potion and grimaced at the harsh flavor, "why does the stuff that's good for you always taste terrible?" But the bitter taste was worth it as her cut healed itself fully within seconds.

"Much better," said Icy, who then turned her attention onto our heroes, especially Flora, "now, as for you losers."

"I'm warning you, Icy," said Bloom in a very angry tone, "If you hurt Chris, I'll burn you, permanently."

"Oh I won't do anything," said Icy in a mock innocent tone, "this is all Toro's show; it was his woman whom the waif hurt."

"You hear that, you little brat?" Toro said to Chris, "your fate is in my hands."

"Well then I suggest that you get your hands off me!" snapped Chris, "you pervert!"

"Pervert?!" said Toro, "Why I ought to…" but then he had a vicious idea. "Hey, Darcy, just how poisonous is that river now?"

"I'm not sure actually," said Darcy as she thought this over, "That's a new curse I used, not I'm not entirely certain of it's full potency."

"That's one of your many flaws, Darcy," said Elise, while Tecna used her scanner to determine that the curse Darcy used was of the same dark nature as all the other curses our heroes had been encountering, "you and your sisters; you delve recklessly into the darkness."

"One of these days," said Carmen, "assuming we don't kill you first, you're going to get so over your heads in the dark arts, you'll be stuck forever."

"We'll worry about that when and if that happens," said Icy, "now, what is your idea, Toro?"

"It's quite simple actually," said Toro, "and it does involve delving into dark depths," he then looked at Chris with eager vileness, "I hope you know how to swim, kid, you're about to take a dip."

"Don't you dare!!" exclaimed Flora.

"Oh but I do dare!" said Toro. As if tossing an empty soda can into a trashcan, he threw Chris into the river, she screaming as she fell into the poisoned waters.

"No!!" cried Flora as she took flight and dived at the river. Bloom and the other shouted for her to stop, Helia shouting the loudest, but Flora was deaf to them; all she cared about was saving Chris, no matter the cost.

The first thing Flora noticed as she hit the poisoned water was a sensation of burning, like mild acid. Fortunately for her, Flora is one of those peoples who can hold their breath for over 4 minutes easily. It was also fortunate that her fairy form provided Flora some protection from the poisoned waters, but there was nothing to protect her sister, although Chris was reported to have held her breath for nearly 5 minutes, or so she said.

Flora soon found Chris on the riverbed, her leg caught on a driftwood log that was wedged between some rocks. Flora used her magic to move the log out of the way, freeing Chris. She then grabbed Chris, who was still conscious and had taken a deep breath before she fell into the river, and the two of them swam to the surface and to the riverbank. Both gasping for much needed oxygen, it was several seconds before Flora spoke.

"Chris…are you…alright?"

"I'm fine…Flora," said Chris, "I didn't get…any of the water in me, I held…my breath the whole time."

"You were always the better swimmer," said Flora as she smiled happily.

"You could have drowned," said Chris, "and the poison, it could have done something terrible to you."

"It would have been worth it to save you," said Flora, who for some reason was feeling very good at that time, extremely good, "I'm your sister, I'm responsible for you."

Just then Flora was engulfed in a bright light, one that left everyone stunned. Icy and the baddies were most affected by this light, cringing away from it like it was a second sun. But Bloom and our heroes looked on at the light, for they knew what it was; Flora had earned her Enchantix.

When the light cleared, everyone, especially Flora and Chris, were astonished by the change in Flora's appearance:

Flora now wore a short fuchsia-colored dress with a halter strap looped around her neck and fastened in the middle of her chest. Pink, translucent above-the-elbow gloves were on her arms and cyan barefoot sandals on her feet. Her wings had increased in size, like a butterflies', soft green and light yellow, with an orchid outlining that are bejeweled with pear shaped and colored decorations. She wore a cyan tiara on her head. Her brown hair had lengthened down to her ankles and was styled in several elegant pigtails.

"Wow!" said Chris, "look at you!"

"It's more than I imagined," said an amazed Flora as she looked her new attire over, "I expected it would be incredible, but this is…"

"Far out?" Stella offered.

"Psychedelic?" Musa suggested.

"Cosmic?" said Tecna.

"Exactly," said Flora.

The rest of our heroes were equally amazed, especially Helia, who was at a loss for words, but his expression of love and admiration spoke volumes.

Unfortunately for our heroes, there were four people there who weren't impressed at all. "I don't give a flying f#ck what you look like now, Flora!" spat Icy, "it still won't save your friends!!"

At this point in the battle, Icy was in front of Stella and Bloom with a super-charged ice-shard spell, while Musa and Riven were in Darcy's line of attack for a mind-crushing curse. Tecna and Timmy were right in Stormy's sights for a condensed hurricane, while Carmen was unaware that Toro was behind her, ready to grab the righteous witch and snap her neck.

The four villains attacked at the same time, and were equally shocked to find that their attacks failed, and failed they did in incredible ways.

Carmen was pulled out of the way of Toro by a large white dog, while a pinked-haired, green-eyed girl punched Toro in the eye, knocking the dark martial artist to the ground.

Stormy's curse hit Tecna and Timmy, but instead of destroying two humans, she was confused to see that her intended victims dissolved into twin swarms of some sort of insect. Said insects then flew into the sleeves of a white jacket worn by a boy wearing dark sunglasses.

Darcy was surprised to see Musa and Riven being pulled out of the way of her curse by a boy with canine features.

Icy was startled to see a girl with long purple hair and pale lavender eyes, jump in between Icy and Bloom and Stella, and block the ice shards with her bare hands.

"Hinata!" exclaimed Bloom and Stella.

"Kiba!" said both Musa and Riven.

"Shino!" said Tecna and Timmy.

"Sakura!" said Layla.

"And you're Akamaru," said Carmen to said dog, "right?" Akamaru responded by giving Carmen a friendly lick.

"Are you guys alright?" Sakura asked.

"We're fine," said Bloom, "a little beat up, but fine."

"Now that you're here of course," said Stella, "but how did you find us?"

"We followed your trail," said Kiba, "it was easy, especially for this old nose of mine," he tapped said sensory organ.

"And you four," said Shino to The Trix and Toro, "you must be the villains."

"Damn right we are!" said Stormy, "just who the hell are you meddling brats!?"

"And just what gives you the right to meddle in our affairs anyway?" Darcy asked.

"You were threatening innocent lives," said Hinata, "saving innocent lives from dark forces is part of what being a Shinobi of The Hidden Leaf Village is all about."

"Shinobi?" Toro asked.

"Ninjas," said Darcy.

"Oh," said Toro, "well them, you Shinobi must think yourselves pretty tough to stand up to the likes of us."

"We have our moments," said Sakura, "we have to be tough in a business like this."

"Well you're not tough enough to defeat us!" boasted Icy, "your pathetic ninja trick are no match for our power!"

"I beg to differ," said Hinata, "you obviously don't know a thing about power and what's it really for," she then began untying the knot on her neckerchief, "One should not use power to hurt others, not they themselves in that manner."

She then placed the bandanna on her head and began tying it behind the symbol of her village now acting as a forehead protector, "instead, power should be used to protect the innocent and defend the helpless. That is my nindo; the Shinobi code that I live by!"

Hinata then assumed a fighting stance that had her right arm and palm facing towards The Trix, her left arm and palm facing behind her, "although it doesn't apply to those who lack honor and discipline, such as you!"

At this Toro laughed, "honor is for the weak. And don't get me started about discipline."

"You sure to talk tough," said Sakura as she cracked her knuckles, then took the brown gloves from her pocket and put them on her hands, "care to back it up?"

"Gladly," said Toro as he cracked his knuckles, "just don't expect me to go easy on you because you're a girl."

"I don't expect you to," said Sakura as she smiled in eager anticipation of the fight to come, "just don't expect me to go easy on you because you're a boy."

"Way to burn him, Sakura!" said Kiba.

At this Darcy glared at Kiba, "thanks for volunteering to be my next victim!"

"We'll see who's the victim," said Kiba, "just as long as Akamaru can fight with me." at this Akamaru barked in an affirmative manner.

"Whatever," said Darcy, "I'll destroy you both, you and your mangy mutt!"

At this both Kiba and Akamaru growled furiously at Darcy, "nobody calls my dog a mutt, bitch!!" exclaimed Kiba.

"Don't you call my sister a bitch, you bastard!" exclaimed Stormy. She then focused her glare on Shino, "and don't think I've forgotten about you, bug boy!"

"On the contrary," said Shino as he straightened his sunglasses, "I was concerned that you that you wouldn't ignore me, since you're hardly worth my time."

"I'll show you who's worth whose time!!" exclaimed Stormy, "Take this!!" she shot a double lighting curse at Shino, but the intended victim dissolved into hundreds of the same kind of insects as before.

"What the hell?!" said Stormy.

"Behind you!!" shouted Darcy as she took flight to avoid being caught in a choke hold by Kiba, then had to duck to avoid being pounced upon by Akamaru.

Stormy also took flight to avoid being ensnared in a swarm of the insects, which was obvious that Shino was controlling somehow.

Icy was blasting Hinata with a wide variety of ice curses, which said Kunoichi kept blocking with her bare hands, while Sakura and Toro were engaged in a furious grapple.

"They certainly are something," said Riven as he and the others watched the Shinobi battle The Trix and Toro, "I'll give them that."

"I don't know how they're doing it," said Stella, "Whatever The Trix did to make themselves stronger, it's like it never happened now; now that they're facing Sakura and her friends."

"I think I can explain it," said Tecna, "how our Shinobi friends are holding their own, not what The Trix and Toro did to themselves, that I'm still working on. Anyway, you see Sakura? Well, her level of Chakra control has given her incredible physical strength and constitution, allowing her to exchange blow for blow with Toro without seriously getting hurt."

Indeed, Sakura matched every attack Toro launched at her, dodging most, while those that he did manage to hit her with left little if no damage. On the other hand, Sakura's attacks were making contact and were beginning to wear the dark martial artist down.

"Next," said Tecna, "we have Kiba and Akamaru. The two of them are bonded in such a way that they can move in perfect synchronicity; they can mimic each other's attacks and movement styles."

True enough, Darcy was at her wit's end evading the two canine fighters, both human and animal. Just when she was out of reach of one, the other would nearly catch her. Where as Kiba tried to deliver blunt-force trauma with his fists and feet, Akamaru tried to shred Darcy with his teeth and claws.

"Then we have Shino," said Tecna, "whom I'm not entirely sure about."

"I'll tell you what he's all about," said Timmy, who happened to be using a visual scanner, "He's infested with bugs. Seriously, his whole body, inside and out, he's full of those bugs, Chakra beetles I believe they're called."

"You can't possibly be serious," said a naturally disgusted Stella, "how can anyone live like that!?"

"He has a symbiotic relationship with those beetles," said Helia, "or something like that."

"Exactly," said Timmy, "Shino's body provides a home for the beetles, and they in return fight for him."

Bloom and the others watched at Stormy threw everything she had at Shino, only to have her spells intercepted by swarms of Charka beetles that Shino directed. These swarms would then regroup and attack her. According to Timmy's information, Chakra beetles feed off of excess chakra in their human host, but when sent at an enemy human, they gorge themselves on the energy of said enemy. Stormy, who had a pathological fear of all things bug, was nearly half scared to death trying to avoid being sucked dry by the beetle swarms.

"And finally," said Tecna, "there's Hinata, who somehow can anticipate every move Icy makes and blocks it."

"But how does she do it?" Carmen asked, "And what's wrong with her eyes?"

Bloom focused her attention on Hinata's face, which was deeply concentrated on blocking all of Icy's spells and attacks with her bare hands. It was then that Bloom noticed that there were raised lines around Hinata's eyes, as if the blood vessels were pushing against the skin.

"Of course," said Riven in a tone of realization, "I should have known."

"Known what?" Carmen asked.

"Back at Red Fountain," said Riven, "they had a class on fighting styles of alien worlds. They did a whole week on Shinobi, especially on techniques called Kekkei Genkai, or bloodline abilities."

"A genetic power," said Timmy, "passed down from one generation to another, all within a specific family. I remember now; within the Huyga clan, they have their own Kekkei Genkai that allows for increased visual abilities by increasing the blood flow into the eyes. Byakugan, that's what it's called."

"Well this has been absolutely fascinating," said Elise in an impatient tone, "but we've got some serious work to do," she held up her Sonic Screwdriver and her PDA, "I've scanned the river, and unless we remove the taint within the next four minutes…" she checked her PDA again, "…excuse me, four minutes and ten seconds, it'll be like this forever."

"How much Fairy Dust do we need?" Layla asked.

"A lot more than what you, Stella and Musa can make," said Elise, "And I doubt Flora can learn how to use hers in the time limit."

"Well permit me to prove you wrong," said Flora happily as she flapped her reformatted wings, a small shower of Fairy Dust falling from them.

"How'd you figure it out so quickly?" Stella asked.

"From watching you guys," said Flora.

Under Elise's directions, the four Fairies who had their Enchantix, not counting Bloom, produced a huge cloud of Fairy Dust and made it hover above the contaminated river. Bloom and Tecna then cast an upper-level purification spell and used the Fairy Dust to enrich it. They then sent the whole thing into the river, where it's cleansing energy radiated up and down the river, removing all trace of the curse. Within seconds the river was as clear and blue as before.

"Well that's one problem solved," said Musa.

"And it looks like another will be solved soon," said Riven.

Sakura and Toro were still locked in a furious battle, but The Trix had all been subdued by the opponents. Kiba and Akamaru had finally caught up with Darcy and tackled her to the ground. She wasn't hurt seriously and managed to get back up again. But then Kiba threw a small purple pellet at Darcy, which produced a purple smokescreen that blinded Darcy to Kiba's attack, a leaping whirlwind of a strike that left the witch dazed and confused.

Kiba then tied Darcy's hand behind her back with some rope and then set Akamaru to guard her, "Watch this one, Akamaru; if she moves, eat her."

Akamaru barked in an affirmative manner, then locked his eyes on Darcy, growling softly but menacingly, as if daring the witch to challenge his dominance over her.

Stormy's phobia of bugs had finally gotten the better of her. She panicked when one of Shino's beetles landed on her nose. She fell out of the air screaming for her life, but then thousands of the energy absorbing beetles swarmed over her. The foul-weather witch was paralyzed with terror, but she could still talk, "please don't eat me!"

"Fear not," said Shino, "my little friends have no desire to feed on you or your energy. There's something about your nature that is unappetizing to them. In short, you just don't taste good."

As for Hinata and Icy, the Shinobi with the enhanced vision kept blocking all of Icy's spells. Then when Hinata had guessed the time was right, she distracted Icy by throwing a pair of Shuriken, then got behind Icy and pressed several pressure points on Icy's body. The sudden pressure on her body caused Icy to lose her balance for a moment, long enough for Hinata to jump pack to her original position on the battlefield.

Outraged at the violation of her personal space, Icy tried to ensnare Hinata in an Ice Coffin, but was shocked to find that only snowflakes spurted out from her fingertips.

"What did you do to me?!" exclaimed the cold-hearted witch.

"I blocked your magic," said Hinata as she took up her fighting stance again, "all life forms have an energy network within them; especially humans. Those humans who can use Chakra have an especially strong energy network, even more so in magic users, I know, I've fought them before on my world. It's a simple matter of pressing a handful of pressure points to temporally block this energy network. You won't die from it, but you won't be able to use your powers for the next 12 hours or so."

"Which leaves us with the question," said Shino, "what to do with you?" he was referring to the three incapacitated witches.

"What to do with them indeed!" said Vicky as she teleported onto the field.

"Vicky!" exclaimed Bloom.

"I'd love nothing more than to finish our game, Bloom," said Vicky, "but I need to help my sisters, who are rapidly proving themselves to be below par."

"It's not our fault!" exclaimed Darcy as she struggled to break free of her bonds, "these Shinobi, they're…"

"They're Shinobi," said Vicky, "yes, I know what they can do. I should know, I've killed a few myself."

"Did you now," said Shino as he pulled out a small black book from his pocket and began leafing through the pages, "And when did you kill these peers of ours?"

"I visited Oniwanban about four months ago," said Vicky.

"Four months ago?" Hinata asked, "that means…?"

"She fit's the description," said Shino as he compared Vicky to whatever was displayed on a page of his book.

Kiba then pulled out a small scroll from his pocked, which he unrolled to reveal it to be a wanted poster, one with a crude but accurate hand-drawn picture of Vicky on it, "so she is the one! This is the witch responsible for the Sukiwana Temple massacre!!"

"Sukiwana Temple…" said Vicky as if trying to remember, "oh yes, I did visit there. It was fun."

"If you're the kind of person who thinks murdering innocent priests and civilians is fun," said Kiba through gritted teeth, while Akamaru growled with him, "then you are one sick puppy, lady!"

"I've been called worse," said Vicky, "and speaking of fun…" she raised her left hand at the three Shinobi and Akamaru, "think fast!!" the shot four dark spheres at them. Hinata and her companions jumped out of the way, only to find that the spheres were of the homing kind that perused them until they finally caught up with them.

But instead of destroying them, what the four curses hit was four logs that appeared out of nowhere and took the places of the intended targets.

"A Substitution Jutsu," said Vicky as she looked around to see where her opponents went to. "Impressive, but not good enough!!" with a wave of her hand, she cast another four dark purple spheres and sent them off in what appeared to be random directions. But they were in fact homing curses that locked in on the three Shinobi and Akamaru, who had emerged from concealed positions to attack Vicky.

Instead they all ran headlong into the purple spheres, which then expanded and ensnared them in a larger sphere that encased them completely. The four barely had room enough to stand up, and not much air to breathe.

"You did your best," remarked Vicky as she brushed a blade of grass from her jacket, "but your best just wasn't good enough, so now you got to pay the price," she waived her other hand, causing the spheres to constrict slowly, "in a minute or so you'll be crushed to death; enjoy!"

Hinata, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru struggled to break free of the purple spheres before they were compressed into unrecognizable piles of meat and blood, yet their efforts to get out were in vain.

Bloom could only watch in horror as her Shinobi friends neared their deaths. But then Sakura ran over and punched Vicky in the chin. This disrupted Vicky's concentration enough to stop the spheres from contracting. They still held firm against their captives' efforts to break free, but they were out of danger, for the moment.

"Not bad," said Vicky as she rubbed where Sakura punched her, "not bad at all; I can see why Toro was having such a hard time destroying you."

"That meat-head was nothing I couldn't handle," said Sakura as she pointed at the dark martial artist, who was clearly unconscious by the way he was splayed out on the ground.

"Well you're about to find out that I'm more than you can handle!" said Vicky.

They rushed at each other and began grappling. At first it looked like they were even. But then it became clear that Vicky was the advantage, being that she was nearly fully charged, while Sakura had just finished one fight and was facing what was amounting to be a superior fighter.

"Not too shabby," teased Vicky as she dodged four shuriken that Sakura threw, then dodged the four extra throwing stars that were hiding in the shadows of the first group.

"You're talented, I'll admit it," said Vicky, knowing that her taunts were making Sakura angry, and she was angry, "but talent isn't enough!" she threw a curse sphere at Sakura. It hit her, but it only caused her to disappear in a puff of smoke and be replaced by a short log that took the force of the curse.

"A substitution jutsu," said Vicky, "nice," she then threw another dark purple sphere over her shoulder, hitting the real Sakura as she tried to attack Vicky from behind, "But not nice enough."

Like her fellow Shinobi, Sakura was trapped in a constricting sphere. Vicky caused the spheres to constrict again at an equal rate.

"Now," said Vicky, "who should die first?" she looked at Sakura, Hinata, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru, postulating as to which one should finish constricting before the others, "decisions, decisions."

"Vicky!" shouted Bloom, grabbing the attention of said witch. Vicky looked at Bloom, only to find that her sisters and Toro were tied up and at the mercy of our heroes. Kurt was holding Toro at gunpoint, Elise had charmed the ropes around Darcy so they were electrified, Bloom had enflamed the ropes around Icy, and Flora had enchanted vines around Stormy, while Musa had a hip-hop beat running round the heads of all four villains that had them disoriented.

"Let them go, Vicky," said Bloom, "Let Sakura and the others go, or you lose your family here and now."

"Oh really?!" said Vicky as she focused her full attention of Bloom, causing the purple spheres to stop contracting again. By now Sakura and her Shinobi comrades had only a few cubic millimeters of room before the point of no return.

"I mean it," said Bloom, "if my friends die, then so do your sisters, and Toro."

"I seriously doubt that," said Vicky in a cruel tone, "you wouldn't give the order to slaughter helpless innocents."

"They're far from innocent!" said Riven as he pointed with his sword at The Trix and Toro, "they deserve to die after all they've done."

"I'll give you points on that," said Darcy as she, Toro and her sisters fought through Musa's disorienting beat, now able to think and speak clearly again, "we're guilty of so much, but we're also helpless."

"So?" Stella asked.

"You're dumber than I thought, Stella," said Icy in a contemptuous tone, "you're fairies, and we're helpless and unable to defend ourselves. It is in your nature to be merciful to the helpless, even if they're evil."

"She's right," said Layla in a stunned tone, "I would never harm someone in this situation; I'd want to help them."

"Me to," said Flora.

"Me three," said Musa.

"Me four," said Bloom. She knew that this strategy had failed, for Bloom's own heart and conscious would stop her from giving the order to destroy her enemies when they were like this. Fortunately, Bloom had a friend whose nature wouldn't hinder her in just such a situation.

"You may not be able to hurt them, Bloom," said Carmen, "But I can," she focused her anger-filled eyes on Icy, "I killed you too quickly the last time, Icy; remember Salusa Secundus? Remember how I tricked you into taking my Dragon Slave curse? Well, do you? Well, this time it won't be so quick and painless."

Carmen then cast a small gravity spell on Icy's hand, crushing it into a pulp, causing said witch to writhe in agony. A small trickle of blood escaped her clenched mouth from where she bit her tongue so as not to scream, for Icy would rather be burned alive than give Carmen the satisfaction of hearing her scream.

"That's just a taste of what I and the others have dished up," said Carmen to Vicky, "now, let Sakura and her friends go, or your sisters and Darcy's boy-toy are going to get it."

"Don't listen to them, Vicky!" exclaimed Darcy as she glared at Elise with utmost contempt, "they don't have the guts to back their words up!"

"No guts?" Elise asked in a daring tone, "I've always wondered how much electricity a human body can tolerate before the heart gives out. I'll wager that your black heart, Darcy, won't last long, but let's just see for ourselves."

"No!!" shouted Vicky, her face heavy with emotional anguish at seeing her sisters suffering, "no, don't hurt them!"

"Then do we have a deal?" Bloom asked.

"You drive a hard bargain, Bloom," said Vicky, "but yes, we have a deal. Let my sisters and Toro go, and I'll give you back your ninja pets."

"I know where this will go," said Layla, "we'll tell you to let our friends go first, you'll keep insisting to let your sisters go; that could go on for a while, and we don't really have a lot of time. So here's my deal; we both release our hostages at the same time. Is that reasonable?"

"It is," said Vicky, "on the count of three then?"

"On three," said Bloom, "One…"

"Two…" said Vicky.

"Three!" said both Bloom and Vicky. Vicky released the constricting curses around Hinata and her friends, while Flora released the vines around Stormy, and Elise turned the juice off the ropes around Darcy, causing them to fall to the ground. Bloom extinguished the flaming ropes around Icy, causing them to fall to the ground, while Kurt carefully lowered the hammer on his revolver and holstered the weapon, signaling that Toro was out of danger.

Stormy and Darcy helped Icy stand up, but then it was revealed that the frosty witch had hurt her ankle during her fight with Hinata. Toro carefully picked Icy up in his arms and helped carry her over to Vicky. It soon became apparent that Stormy and Darcy were also hurt; Stormy had a sprained wrist, while Darcy had a twisted ankle. Neither were as hurt as Icy, but it was clear that they wouldn't be able to fight anymore that day.

"Don't expect me to give you the royal treatment all the time, Icy," said Toro.

"I'm not expecting it," said Icy as she fought against the pain in her ankle and the agony of her crushed hand. She then tapped Toro's shoulder with her good hand, signaling him to stop.

Icy then glared at Bloom, "we will finish this later, Bloom," then at Carmen, "I will get you for this, Carmen, I'll get you for everything!"

"We'll be waiting," said Carmen.

Icy then tapped Toro's shoulder again and the continued forward again. The baddies were halfway across the field when they passed Hinata and her friends as they walked towards Bloom and the others.

Icy told Toro to stop again, then glared at Hinata, "this is far from over, ninja-girl. The next time we meet, you die. Then I'll destroy everything and everyone you care about."

"That'll be the day," said Hinata, "you may kill me, but my friends back home would avenge me before you could blink."

"And you were right about this not being over," said Sakura, "more than that. This is only the beginning."

"Of that we agree upon," said Toro. With that he, Stormy and Darcy continued towards Vicky, while Sakura and her friends kept walking towards Bloom and the others. Another minute and both sets of released hostages had reached their respective sides.

"This makes no difference," said Vicky, "you and your friends will lose in the end, so enjoy your victory today; you won't get many more like it."

"You're leaving?" Bloom asked. On the inside, Bloom and the others were relieved that the baddies were retreating, although they knew better than to let their gladness show.

"Well I'm not certainly gonna keep fighting when my sisters are suffering," said Vicky, "And I'm sure Toro would want to get his mistress home. It doesn't matter, I already have my prize from Lynphea. So go ahead, you miserable fairies and the rest of you pathetic wanabee heroes! Save Faragonda! It won't matter, for one way or another you'll all be destroyed, you and everyone else who stands in our way!" With that she, her sisters and Toro teleported out.

"Cowards," said Kiba, "we could have taken them, right, Akamaru?"

Akamaru then gave an affirmative bark.

"Sure you could have defeated them by yourselves," said Sakura in a sarcastic tone.

"But in what century?" Shino asked.

"You guys alright?" Stella asked.

"Couldn't be better," said Hinata, "We've been through far worse."

"Like what?" Riven asked, while Tecna, Timmy and Elise went to the edge of the river to retrieve the required amount of Black Willow Tear infused water.

"Oh," said Hinata in a slightly reluctant tone, as if she really didn't want to talk about it, "a villain once broke both my hands, literally snapped them in two. But I had a friend who healed me completely," she held up her hands to show that they were fine.

"Speaking of healing," said Shino, "Sakura, I do believe you have a patient."

It was then that Bloom noticed that Riven and Musa were sitting down together, and that Musa had a cut above her eye. It wasn't bleeding anymore, but the wound looked serious enough to leave a scar unless treated right away.

"I'm on it!" said Sakura before any of The Winx could use a healing spell.

"What are you going to do?" Riven asked in a slightly suspicious tone.

"Just something I learned back home," said Sakura as she took off her gloves. She then made several complicated movements with her hands before placing her hands above Musa's cut, "Healing Jutsu!"

A bright blue light appeared from Sakura's hand. Bloom sensed an incredible amount of healing energy coursing from Sakura's hands onto Musa' forehead. Within seconds the cut was gone, as if it never happened.

"That was awesome!" said Musa, "thanks!"

"Any time," said Sakura.

It was then that Tecna announced that they had the water, "now all we need to do is get back to the ships and head back to Magix."

"Oh great!" said an exasperated Stella, "another hike over the mountains!"

"Not necessarily," said Flora, "I don't believe there's a law preventing anyone from teleporting away from The Black Willow."

"It's true," said Chris, "getting to the tree is the sacred part. Going home is much easier."

"Then what are we still doing here then?!" said Stella. She then cast a massive teleportation spell that brought everyone back to the spaceport faster than a blink of the eye.

"Wow!" said a slightly disoriented Kiba, "that was trippy."

"Not as trippy as going into hyperspace for the first time," said Layla, "not that's a trip."

"Indeed," said Tatewaki, "such a venture is unpleasantly like being intoxicated."

"What's so unpleasant about being drunk?" Kiba asked.

"Ask a glass of water," said Stella.

It was then that Amanda came out to meet them, "Everything's ready with The Night Rider, we can leave whenever you guys are," she then glared at Riven, "assuming your ship is running smoothly."

"There's nothing wrong with The Sapphire Blaze," said Riven, "and I'll prove it. Remember, the bet still stands."

"Like I'll forget," said Amanda.

Goodbyes were then made between our heroes and the Shinobi. "You will come visit us on our world," said Hinata.

"Count on it!" said Stella.

"Once things have calmed down on our neck of the woods," said Flora.

"Maybe we'll get the chance to spar," said Kiba to Helia.

"I'd like that," said Helia.

"We're really sorry to have gotten you involved in our problems," said Carmen to Sakura.

"It was no trouble," said Sakura, "in fact, I'm glad. Now that we know who was responsible for the Suikiwana Temple Massacre."

"Just what was that about?" Stella asked.

"It was awful," said Hinata, "this one witch, Vicky, we know who she is now, she came to the temple about four months ago and murdered 70 people; twenty priests and fifty visitors. She then took something from the temple and vanished."

"Nobody has seen the culprit since," said Sakura, "until today that is. Now that we know, there will be hell to pay, I can promise you that. A lot of the ones murdered at the temple were connected with high-ranking clans and families, so naturally there'll be a lot of vengeance screaming once we get back home."

"Well I wish you good luck," said Bloom as she held out her hand.

"And you as well," said Sakura as she shook Bloom's hand.

A few minutes later Bloom and her friends were aboard their ships and on their way back to Magix. The two ships achieved orbit at the same time and simultaneously entered hyperspace.

Back at the Lynphea spaceport, Sakura and her Shinobi friends were waiting for the proper moment to return home via their own way.

"That was one close call," said Kiba in a tone that said he was admitting a seriously big truth, "if it hadn't been for Bloom and her friends, we would have been done for." At this Akamaru sighed in agreement.

"True," said Shino, "but we survived; survived to deliver the news to our superiors back in the Village."

"I'm sure The Hokage, Lady Tsunade, will be very pleased," said Hinata, "now that we know the identity of the witch responsible for the massacre."

"She won't be the only one happy," said Sakura, "I know one Shinobi who will be eager to kick some evil witch ass."

"You mean…?" Kiba asked.

"Yep," said Sakura, "him; The Number One Hyperactive Knuckleheaded Ninja of all time."

"Heaven pity those witches once they realize that Naruto Uzumaki will be after them," said Shino. At this Sakura, Hinata, Kiba and Akamaru nodded in agreement.

The end of chapter 18.

The Dragon Princess and her companions return to save the life of their teacher, only to discover that a greater crisis has emerged during their absence. One of her companions will be force to pay the ultimate price, while another's heart will be torn asunder.

Next Chapter: Tides of Sorrow Verse 3

'for those with wings, fly to your dreams'