Chapter 18 - About time!
Black Mud Forest
"Seriously, I can't believe it, Layla!" Flora squealed, grasping Layla's arm.
"I get that Flora but I've been telling you all along he had a thing for you!" Layla reminds her.
"Yeah, but this is real, not a comforting Pat on the head!" She cheered, Layla was sure her friend would be doing cartwheels if she could. But instead Layla looked back and saw a trail of blossoming flowers following them, Flora had no idea she had created. She was just oozing joy!
"Geez, Flora! Have some confidence, you hooked him back at the stadium. Months ago! We have been telling you this whole time but nope you won't listen instead. You let your fears get the better of you. And wasted three months!" Layla lectured.
"I know believe me! I'm still kicking myself for it every chance I get!" She sighed dreamily, "Helia likes me." Then the realization hit her, "Does this mean I have a boyfriend?" Flora sounded so shock by this realization that she stopped dead. Which in turn caused Layla to stop and turn around.
"Yes, Flora that tends to happen when a guy fesses up." Layla told her.
"But he just said that he likes me too. Not that he loves me, but likes!"
"Now, you are barrowing trouble, Flora."
"But-
"Take his words at face value." Layla suggested, "He likes you. Your the fairy of nature. You know things like this takes time. But if he doesn't come to love you than its his lose, Flora. Remember that, you are a Winx member! You are strong, you don't need a guy to help you through every battle you face. "
"You're right, I am a Winx and we are the best!"
"Yeah, we beat all the rest!" They jumped when their phones went off. Which meant, they were now close enough to the school that they could fly there!
"Let's go!" They hadn't bothered to check their phones. Instead they took off for Already straight away. Flora couldn't wait to tell the girls what happened at the village.
Red Fountain
"Ouch! My head!" Brandon clutched his head in agony, "I thought the tea was safe to drink." He whimpered.
"Cut it out, Brandon. You're making it worse." Sky nearly sobbed!
The euphoric effect s off the tea had finally worn off. And the two specialists were soundly regretting ever trying the tea.
Riven couldn't help but laugh, "you two sound as if you're hungover." He could not ignore the hilarity of the situation. "Who knew pixie tea would be potent enough to knock you guys on your butts!" When He got up to leave, he purposely slammed the dorm door. Helia couldn't resist, laughed as both of his teammates clutched at their heads in agony.
"Mayb-
ALPHA TEAM REPORT IMMEDATELY TO THE SHUTTLE BAY AND PREPARED FOR BATTLE!-red light blared to life.
Without further mention of Brandon and Sky's foolishness. The guys took to their feet, grabbing their gear in a blur of motion,
Timmy came running up to join them, "What could it be now?" he complained grease streaked his face and marred his carrot hair as he ran his hand through it. "We only just got back!"
"Would you stop yelling? My head feels like its going to burst after that page." Brandon groaned as he and Sky barely managed to keep pace with the rest.
"It might help if you ask Flora for an herbal remedy." Helia buffered, knowing that any chance of solace would be in the knowledge the Flora could heal anything.
"Why do you think they'll be part of this mission." Riven said meeting the four at the bay doors.
"Who else would be behind the reason for a red alert?" Timmy inquired.
"Good point," Riven conceded, "They do run the gambit, when it comes to trouble." The guys pulled up short as they approached their shuttle. Their headmaster stood before them, Sky heard Helia muttered "Uncle", before biting his tongue.
"Fall in boys," He called waving them closer. When the boys were within a reasonable distance. "I know the five of you only have just returned. But I'm afraid this cannot wait." Saladin said pacing in front of them, "Normally I would be inclined to send another team. But as time is of the essence, time we can't waste filling in a new squad. We are sending you as you are most familiar with the mission objective and all the players involved.
Helia heard Timmy mutter "told you so," to Riven. Who shrugged off the childish comment with abnormal ease that didn't suit Riven.
"Because of this," His Uncle continued unperturbed by the uneasiness that settled over them. "Lord Darkar seems to be ready to play his finial hand."
"How do you know, Sir?" Sky asked.
"He abducted the keeper of the Dragon fire…." He looked Sky dead in the eye as if waiting for some volatile response.
But Sky looked back at him, his jaw set. His eyes glaring, "when do we leave," was all he said. Saladin nodded acknowledging that Sky would bulldoze through any orders given, to get to Bloom. Helia noticed everyone shiver at the tone of his voice. If Helia hadn't heard it come from Sky himself, he would be terrified. But knowing it was Sky who did indeed speak. Brought a whole new level of fear creeping up his spine.
"Now, You boys have been cleared for immediate departure. Go, and show Darkar what happens when you wake a sleeping giant!" Saladin shouted tapping his staff to the ground, causing sparks to erupt from the end.
"Yes, Sir!" They saluted him before hurrying up the ramp to their ready shuttle. Before they buckled in Brandon turned to Sky.
"You know-
"I know let's go!" He snapped and took off for the shuttle.
The guys followed quickly on his heels, "I guess Darkar is about to find out what happens when you abduct a girlfriend." Brandon said, his eyes trained on Sky's retreating back.
"More like a Winx girl." Timmy said as their phones started to go off.