Disclaimer: Ranma ½ belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and Viz Video and Winx Club belongs to Iginio Straffi and Rai S.p.A (NOT 4Kids!). Song 'Believe' belongs to One Piece.

Note: This follows the Rai version of Winx as the 4Kids version butchered it too much, like with every anime it dubbed.

Chapter 66: Together Again! But Maybe Not a Good Thing?

Alfea, Winx dorm…

"What do you think? Isn't it beautiful?" asked Flora. Ranma was standing next to her as she showed off a sketchbook placed on a plush chair. The page showed a pencil portrait of Flora's face. Bloom, Stella, Musa, Tecna, Layla, Shampoo, and Ukyou look at the picture in admiration.

"Wow! And Ranma did that? Not bad at all!" said Stella.

"You're a true artist!" said Tecna.

Ranma could only nervously scratch the back of his head. "Well… I kinda had a little help…"

Flashback…

Ranma was looking at a sketchbook as if thinking about what to draw. Nodoka had always told him that he would have to expand his interests outside of martial arts. Therefore, he thought of trying actual art. Problem was, he was at a loss of the subject matter.

Almost instinctively, Ranma felt an urge as he looked at the blank page and closed his eyes in concentration. Gold Helia suddenly emerged, picked up a nearby pencil, and began sketching fast on the page. After a minute, Ranma opened his eyes and a clean sketch of a beautiful Flora was on the page. (1)

End flashback…

"Well it just shows you put your heart and soul into it!" said Layla. Everyone couldn't help but give a little laugh at that considering Ranma's special constitution.

"Besides, it shouldn't come as a big surprise he did that out of love." Said Stella. "It should be a normal thing for us girls. Just look at us! We're the most beautiful members of the human race and males should pay homage to us and spoil us like we deserve!"

"Ha! Well said, Stella!" said Tecna.

"Damn straight!" said Ukyou.

"Say something we don't know!" added Shampoo.

"Now now, you know that Stella has a high opinion of herself, maybe TOO high." Said Bloom.

"That's not true! It's never too high!" said Stella as she admired herself before a mirror. She turns to address the others. "If we don't believe it ourselves, we'll never win and boys would look elsewhere!"

"Well you certainly don't have that problem." Said Ranma.

"Of course, Ranma dear. You're still with us, after all." Said Stella. She then gets a mischievous grin. "Let's not forget your other form, too. After all, you did almost win the Miss Magix EX Pageant, so you obviously thought yourself beautiful at the time."

Ranma nearly choked. "Hey! That was just an undercover job, Stella! It wasn't like I was trying to win!" said Ranma indignantly. Everyone gets a laugh out of that.

"Fact remain you almost did!" teased Shampoo.

"Still though, it's more than just face cream and lipstick." Said Bloom.

"Well of course." Said Stella who then took on a serious tone. "However, I'm not kidding when I say that it's almost always our fault if we aren't beautiful like we should be! Beauty is a state of mind! Every girl has something beautiful for the boys to admire: two sparkling eyes, a happy laugh, a nice way of acting… to make ourselves beautiful means discovering what is best in us and showing it to others in the best light! That's what I'm trying to say!"

Everyone looked at the blonde as if she had grown a second head. Musa finally broke the silence.

"Whoa… when you say it like that, it sounds different… almost intelligent even."

"Of course it is!" said Stella. "There's a good reason I'm the beauty expert! I recall a friend of mine before I met you all, Ophelia. She was going to see her new boyfriend, but she had pimples at the time. Ophelia asked me what she should do about them as she tried to hide her pimples, and I told her to appeal to his interests. I later found out she talked for hours about the model airplanes he adores and had on display. Turned out she had an interest in them as well and they really hit it off. He never even notices her pimples! From what I know now, they're engaged!"

"Wow… I could never imagine…" said Ranma.

Stella nods. "Conquering a boy is a battle! You have to use the weapons you have, but above all else, you have to want to win!"

"I know the feeling." Said Ukyou. Shampoo nods in agreement.

Ranma could only sweatdrop. He also knew firsthand what that was like. He just wished they hadn't been so overenthusiastic about it back then recalling how it was back in Nerima. Mass property damage was wrought trying to snag him as a fiancé as a result.

Opening (One Piece style, 'Believe')

At the music, it pans several characters of the story, while at the foreground, shots of each of the Winx pass by until it goes to Ranma. The 'Ranma Club' logo appears.

Mirai dake shinjiteru dareka ga waratte mo kamawanai (I believe in the future alone and I don't care if other people laugh at me for it)

Hashitteru jounetsu ga anata o KIRAmeraseru (Your wild passion makes you sparkle)

A flying shot of Magix passes by, then reaches Alfea.

Mabushi sugi, demo mitsumeteitai (You're blinding me, but I still want to watch)

dokka 'bigaku' kanjiteru (Somehow you give me a sense of beauty)

It goes to the top of one of the towers where Ranma stands. Behind him were Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, Layla, Shampoo, and Ukyou. Kiko hops in, but then a sudden gust of wind causes him to be blown off the edge.

I'm really really stuck on you

Whoa oh oh!

Everyone panics and jumps to catch him.

Dare ni mo nitenai yume no senaka o (The end of a dream that is like no other)

Oikakete oikaketeku (I'll chase it and chase it again)

DRAMATIC te ni ireru made (Until that dramatic moment is in my grasp)

Believe in Wonderland!

Shots of the Winx in their Enchantix forms pass by as they use their skills. Layla produces balls of water, Tecna fires off green electricity, Musa does a dance before clapping her hands that releases a sound wave, Flora blows leaves and petals from her palm that orbits her, Stella emits an aura of light before being engulfed in a light column, Bloom takes a stance where a flaming dragon flies around her before launching it at the screen, finally Ranma throws out rapid-fire punches and kicks then ends with summoning his souls who all throw a punch at the screen.

Shots of Shampoo, Ukyou, Mousse, and Nodoka flash by.

Dare ni mo mienai yume no KATACHI o (The shape of a dream that resembles no other)

Tsukamaete tsukamaeteku (I'll capture it and capture it again)

The Nerima martial artists and the Winx in their normal forms start running along a beach's shore as if in a race. Suddenly, a huge wave comes out of nowhere from the background, splashing them all. Bloom, Stella, Flora, Musa, Tecna, and Layla are drenched, while Ranma Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse had their Jusenkyo curses activated.

Watashi wa tsuite yuku kara atsui KIMOCHI (I'll be with you following that warm feeling)

It then zooms in on a group shot of Nodoka, Dr. Tofu, Kasumi, Sasuke, Faragonda, Xander, Griffin, and Saladin.

TSUJITSUMA awase betsuni iranai (I don't care about making ends meet)

Arifureta nichijou yori mo (Or living an everyday life)

It starts playing scenes of the past as Ranma and the group fought against Valtor, the Trix, Ryoga, and Happosai.

PARADISE mezashite hashire (I'll run towards Paradise)

Believe in Wonderland!

Ranma stands in the courtyard with the rest of his friends as the wind blows through their hair, then goes back to the 'Ranma Club' logo.

End opening

Red Fountain, Saladin's office…

Codatorta enters Saladin's office with a report which he placed on the desk.

"The warning from the security forces came ten minutes ago, Sir!" said Codatorta. He pushes a criminal profile forward. "Viktor Krazan has been in Magix for at least three days. They have intercepted the signal on his electronic monitor!"

Saladin takes a look at the report. "Hmmm… why did they take so long to warn us?"

"They lost track of him! And it's strange, because the security system is absolutely foolproof! They said it was a temporary breakdown… but I think it's more likely an agent was distracted!"

"Whatever the reason, it's all the same to me." Said Saladin as he stood up with staff in hand.

"But Sir! This Viktor guy is a dangerous criminal and they captured him because of you. If he has come to Magix…" said Codatorta.

"Now that he has served his sentence, he's free and can go where he wants, it seems to me." Said Saladin. He walks over and looks out the window overlooking the landscape.

Codatorta follows Saladin to the window. "He's under electronic monitoring. That's why he's being watched."

"He knows it, too, right? So he'll behave."

"Yes, but…"

Saladin puts a hand on Codatorta's shoulder. "Don't worry so much, dear Codatorta. Here at Red Fountain, I am very safe. And I'm not going to change my life because of some scoundrel. There's too much to do and we can't be distracted."

"Yes, Sir." Said Codatorta.

Saladin returns to his desk to look at the rest of the report. "That reminds me… has this afternoon's inspection been confirmed?"

"Yes. The boys are waiting for us at base camp. Two busy weeks out in the open without a single incident and with maximum results! Good boys! They all do their duty!"

"I would really have liked to…" Saladin shakes his head. "Well, let me know when it's time to leave. Meanwhile, I'll take care of some last-minute things."

"Understood." Codatorta leaves the office.

Hangar bay, later…

Saladin and Codatorta wait on the airway platform where a Red Fountain ship flies in for a landing. It sets down and opens its rear door for the two men to enter.

"This ship will take us to base camp in about twenty minutes, Sir." Said Codatorta. "We will survey Selvafosca up to the foot of the mountains."

"Good. I'll enjoy the trip." Said Saladin.

Once the two men board, the ship flew off. Suddenly, not even flying half a mile away from the airway, an explosion occurred behind the ship, taking its passengers completely off guard.

"Damn! What happened!?" said Codatorta.

The specialist pilot, a young man with short red hair, frantically tried to work the controls. "The motor on the right is out! The compressor must have exploded! I'm going to try to land!" The ship was trailing smoke as it tried to right itself. It soon began a fast descent towards the ground. "We're going to make it! Brace yourselves!"

The ship continued to rapidly lose altitude until it hit the ground, digging up a trench as it skidded to a stop. It finally grinded to a halt after grinding into the ground for about half a mile. The door opened as the passengers quickly exited the craft.

"Everybody out! Hurry!" said Codatorta. He leads Saladin to a nearby log for him to sit on. "We're safe for now. Are you all right, Sir?"

"Fine. I'm fine." Said Saladin. "Make sure the pilot's okay!"

"Don't worry, he's safe, too." Codatorta pointed at the pilot who managed to get out.

"Professor! The ship has been damaged, but it can be repaired. I don't understand how it could have happened…" said the pilot.

"Did you inform the base camp?" asked Codatorta.

"Yes, Sir! They are sending another ship and will be here in a few minutes."

"Good." Codatorta looks over to Saladin. "Maybe we should put off the inspection…"

"Nothing of the kind!" said Saladin. "Those boys are waiting for us, right? After all their effort, it would be a shame not to finish according to plan."

A few minutes later, another ship flew in to pick them up and transport them to the base camp. For the next two weeks, the Red Fountain faculty put the Specialist cadets through their paces with intensive training. Ranma had also found out about it and out of curiosity decided to join in on the event, feeling he could use the exercise. It mostly consisted of lengthy calisthenics and muscle-building exercises, running long laps, going through obstacle courses with parkour thrown in, and sparring. It was a grueling two weeks for the cadets, but for Ranma, it was nothing more than a light workout. It didn't compare to his forced training journey and life in the Tendo Dojo.

Alfea, Winx dorm…

Ranma was seated on one of the plush chairs as the girls surrounded him.

"You're so mean, Ranma! How could you just sneak off for a training seminar?" demanded Stella.

"Not only that, you missed classes, too!" added Tecna.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. I had to try it out." Said Ranma. "I was just curious as to how they do special training at Red Fountain. Besides, I did get permission from Mom and Ms. Faragonda."

"Even so, it was still a mean thing to do!" said Stella as she saddled up to the pigtailed boy and clung to his arm while giving the most adorable pouty face. "I was so lonely without you!"

"Come on, Stella, quit exaggerating." Said Layla.

"I'm not!" Stella said indignantly.

"Still, we'd be more than happy to help you catch up on your classes. I take good notes." Said Flora.

Ranma smiled at the tanned girl. "Thanks, Flora. Also, there's another reason I went to the training seminar. I needed some excuse to catch up with Gramps."

"Oh? Headmaster Saladin?" asked Bloom.

"Yeah, I felt I haven't seen as much of him lately."

"You have a point." Said Musa. He had Helia's soul after all, so by extension that makes Ranma Saladin's grandson as well.

"So how is he doing?" asked Bloom.

"Well…" said Ranma.

Flashback…

Saladin was sitting at a makeshift desk in his personal tent, which was more spacious than the others. He was presently going through some schedules for the seminar until he heard a voice outside.

"Hey Gramps!" said Ranma.

"Oh, Ranma! Come in." said Saladin as he looked at the tent's entrance.

Ranma entered the large tent. "Hey Gramps. How's it going?"

"It's fine. Still, it's good seeing you." Said Saladin.

"Yeah. I feel we don't see enough of each other. To be fair, I do attend Alfea."

"Well, school would be a good excuse for that. You've got your own life to live after all."

"Yeah, but you're still family to me." Said Ranma. Gold Helia flashed in view for a moment before joining back into his host.

Saladin couldn't help but smile. "I'm happy you think that way. So how do you find the training?"

"It makes good exercise. I need to always stay in shape after all." Replied Ranma. "Can't speak for the other guys, though."

"I suppose that's true in your case." Saladin affirms, remembering the souls of the boys being a part of Ranma's being.

Ranma's demeanor then turned serious. "By the way Gramps, I've heard something concerning."

This caught the old man's attention. "What might that be?"

"I heard you and Codatorta nearly had an accident on your way here. What happened?"

Saladin looked down. "Oh that. Nothing too bad. One of the engines on the ship we were on exploded and forced us to crash land."

"Crash land!? You're lucky to be alive!"

"Yes, and as you can see, we're perfectly fine. Nothing to get concerned over."

"But still…"

Saladin held up a hand. "Don't worry, Ranma. I'm fine. But enough about me. How are you doing in Alfea? Getting along with the girls I hope?"

"Ah hahaha… well…"

Ranma and Saladin talked for a few more minutes until he had to retire for the night. A few more days passed in the training seminar that Ranma partook in. During the night before the final day of the two week program, Ranma overheard some Specialist cadets conversing amongst themselves.

"Man! This training program is insane!"

"You said it! Codatorta is really putting us through the wringer with this!"

"Well, tomorrow's the last day, thank God!"

"Yeah! I just want to go back and go to bed!"

Ranma smirks. 'That does sounds like a good idea.'

"By the way, did you hear the latest news? It's about that crash landing Headmaster Saladin and Professor Codatorta were in."

"Yeah? What about it?"

"Well, it turned out it was no accident."

"Wait, what?"

That also got Ranma's attention. 'What?'

"Apparently, when the ship was diagnosed at the workshop on campus, they found that the engine's compressor was booby-trapped!"

"Booby-trapped?"

"Yeah, they found some residue of a special liquid compound designed to explode when it reached a certain temperature. Someone definitely coated it with the stuff."

"No way! What did Professor Codatorta say?"

"That I don't know… this was definitely a deliberate hit."

'A hit? On Gramps!?' Ranma went to find Codatorta.

He asked around to find out where the instructor had gone to and found he was doing some nightly meditating just outside the main camp. Ranma saw Codatorta from behind, sitting on the ground in deep meditation.

"Uh… Professor Codatorta?" Ranma called out.

The man in question suddenly turned around and saw the pigtailed boy. "Oh, Ranma. What brings you here?"

"I've heard the other cadets talking about something earlier. Something about the crash you and Gramps thankfully survived from."

Codatorta's eyes narrowed when he heard that. "I see. What else did you hear?"

"That it wasn't an accident. Someone tampered with your ship in an attempt to assassinate you guys."

"So that's it…" Codatorta slowly got up.

"You mean it's all true?" asked Ranma.

"Only in part." Replied Codatorta as he started walking back to his tent. "I was just collateral damage. If you ask me, I believe the perpetrator was targeting Headmaster Saladin."

Ranma followed him inside his tent. "What? Who? It's not Valtor and the Trix, is it?"

"Not likely. As depraved as they are, this isn't their style. They'd probably do worse."

"Well who else is there?"

Codatorta went to a desk and pulled out a file. From it he took out a photo of a man's face. He appeared to be in his late fifties with a large nose, sunken black eyes, and a mess of shoulder length dark brown hair with a long bushy mustache and a scruffy beard with a square shape.

"More than likely, it's this man. Viktor Krazan."

Ranma looked at the photo. "Dirty looking bastard, isn't he?"

"Quite so. He was a dangerous criminal who was put away years ago thanks to Saladin. He recently finished his sentence, but is being closely monitored."

"So you think he's out for revenge?"

"That's my guess. I don't have definite proof, but I would like to take more precautions."

"Don't worry, Professor Codatorta. I'll be sure to keep an eye out once I return back to Alfea."

"I appreciate it, Ranma. Stay vigilant."

End flashback…

The girls were shocked after hearing that story.

"Headmaster Saladin is being targeted? This is serious!" said Bloom.

"Which is why we'll need to look out for this guy." Said Ranma as he pulled out a copy of the photo provided to him by Codatorta and placed it on the table.

"Wow, that guy looks scruffy." Said Stella.

"No matter how you look at him, he definitely looks like a criminal." Said Musa.

"In any case, we'll be on the lookout." Said Layla.

Red Fountain, Saladin's office…

Codatorta slammed his hands on Saladin's desk as he gave the headmaster an alarming report.

"We can no longer ignore the threat! If he managed to sabotage the ship, next time, he could do something even worse!" said Codatorta.

"And you think it was Viktor Krazan?" Saladin inquired.

"Who else could it be? He just arrived in Magix and he wants you dead! I don't believe in coincidences!"

Saladin couldn't refute the logic. "So what is your advice?"

Codatorta took on a determined look. "We will work with the police to keep track of his electronic monitor. Sooner or later, we'll catch him… and then we'll be sure it was him!"

"Alright, that seems reasonable to me." Saladin agreed.

"Yes, but in the meantime, you must be careful."

"Alright, my friend. I will follow what you say."

Magix City, next evening…

The Winx were currently dining at an outdoor café known as the White Horse. With them were Ranma-chan, Shampoo, Ukyou, Mousse, and Shilly. They were all having either a smoothie, a parfait, or an ice cream bowl.

"It's nice to be able to go out like this." Said Flora as she drank from her smoothie.

"Got that right, Flora!" agreed Stella who was enjoying a parfait.

Bloom smiled as she ate from her ice cream bowl, then looked over to Ranma-chan enjoying a chocolate parfait. "You know, Ranma, you don't have to be a girl just to eat a parfait."

"Sorry, force of habit." Said Ranma-chan. "Besides, it's more convenient for me. Girls get discounts here!"

"Can't argue with that logic." Said Tecna.

"It's true, you know!" added Shilly.

Once the group had finished their meal, they took a stroll down the lakeside walkway.

"So any news about Professor Saladin?" asked Flora.

"Nothing as of yet, Flora." Said Ranma. He had turned into his male form after leaving the café.

"Still, I can't help but feel worried." Said Musa.

"In any case, we'll be on the lookout." Said Ukyou.

Suddenly, a beeping noise sounded off. Ranma checked his pocket and pulled out a small device.

"Hey, what that?" asked Shampoo.

"An early warning device that Codatorta gave me in case someone found the culprit." Replied Ranma before he activates it.

"Subject Viktor Krazan's signal has been spotted in the industrial area outside of Magix City. All available units nearby quickly get to the area!"

"The industrial area? That's not too far from here!" said Tecna.

"Come on! The more of us looking, the faster we can find this guy!" said Ukyou.

They all break into a fast run towards the industrial area of Magix City.

Industrial area…

The group come across a place filled with numerous buildings, factories, facilities, and production plants. The air had a good amount of smoke due to the numerous chimneys, giving a polluted atmosphere.

"It so smokey here!" said Shampoo as she coughed a few times.

"No kidding…" said Shilly.

"Not to mention it stinks, too!" complained Stella.

"Just keep your eyes open." Said Layla.

Tecna looks up to see a Red Fountain scouting ship. "Look up there!"

Ranma and the others look up to what Tecna's seeing and spot the ship.

"Must be the backup patrolling the area." Said Mousse.

Bloom caught a movement out from the corner of her eye and spotted a man vaulting over a wall. "Hey! Over there!"

"That must be our guy!" said Ukyou.

"Let's get him!" said Ranma. He looks and nods to Shampoo, Ukyou, and Mousse. He then addresses the Faeries and lone witch. "The four of us will go after him. You all wait here. We'll try to force him back in this direction. Once you see him, take him down!"

"You got it!" said Layla.

With that, the four martial artists easily jumped and cleared the wall in a single bound. They found themselves in the lot of what looks like an oil refinery. Looking up, they see the suspicious man running ahead.

"Over there!" said Shampoo.

"Split up! We'll cut him off!" said Ukyou.

The Nerima residents darted off in different directions, ricocheting off the walls and structures to catch up to the man. Once getting into range, Mousse reached into his sleeve and shot out a weighted chain that lassoed the man's ankles, causing him to trip and fall. He began reeling the man in like a fish.

"Got you!" said Mousse as he started pulling the man closer.

"No! Let me go!"

"Not a chance! Now get into the light!" said Ranma as he pulled the man, turning him over to face the martial artists.

"Let me go! I didn't do anything!" said the man.

"Save it!" Ranma roughly grabbed the man by the collar and hoisted him up into the street light. His eyes widened at what he saw.

The man had a small round nose with messy grayish brown hair and his chin had stubble. He was very meek-looking, not at all like a dangerous wanted criminal.

"Wait a minute…" Ukyou pulls out a photo of Viktor Krazan that was provided to her earlier. then looks back and forth between it and the man's face. "This isn't the guy!"

"What!?" Ranma looked at the man to see that she was right. He also noticed a hi-tech bracelet on the man's wrist. "But he's wearing a monitor bracelet! How is this possible?"

The meek-looking man could only stutter out a response. "A-a man gave me money and the device… and told me to run! I don't know who he was… I just needed something to eat!"

"We were tricked!?" said Shampoo.

"Looks that way…" said Ranma. He takes out the communicator to report on their findings. "This is Ranma at the northern sector of the industrial zone. We caught the suspect, but it was a dead end… what? You, too!?" He looked to the others. "The bastard duplicated the monitor bracelets! He sent us all on a wild goose chase!" It was then he had a sinking feeling. "Oh no…"

Moments later, the Nerima martial artists ran back to where the Winx and Shilly were at.

"Hey! What happened?" asked Layla.

"We were tricked! We got to get to Red Fountain, now!" said Ranma.

Red Fountain, Saladin's office…

Saladin was before a glass table looking over the criminal files of Krazan.

'I don't know what you're planning, but whatever it is, you won't succeed! You should've been given a life-sentence after all you've done!' thought Saladin.

Click.

Saladin turned around at hearing the telltale sound of a gun getting ready to fire. He saw an unsavory-looking man pointing a gun at him. The Red Fountain headmaster immediately recognized the intruder.

"Viktor Krazan!?"

"It's me! Nice surprise, eh?" said Viktor mockingly. "While everyone was looking for me in the city, I came to find you at your own home… it was too easy!"

Saladin narrowed his eyes at the armed criminal, unintimidated. "You do realize that gun won't do you any good. I am a wizard, and with my magic arts, I could-"

"Oh sure, but you won't do it if you want to save sweet Zatura!" Viktor cuts in.

Saladin's eyes widened when he heard that name. "W-what? Who did you just say?"

"Zatura! Don't you remember her?" asked Viktor mockingly. "She was your classmate years ago, a very dear classmate!"

Saladin gripped his staff tightly. It was not a name he's heard from in years. "That was a long time ago… and Zatura was not what she seemed. I wanted nothing more to do with her, and that's still true!"

"Okay then, so you don't care if Zatura dies or not."

"You thug! Even though I'm not interested in her, you can't kill her!"

"Watch what you do! Zatura is being held prisoner in a secure place, and if I don't return within two hours, my accomplices will know what to do. But if you want to save her, you must come with me!"

Saladin growled as he weighed his options, limited as they were. "Accursed scoundrel… fine. Lead the way."

"Wise choice." Said Viktor as he opened the door and gestured Saladin to go ahead. "After you." Saladin walked down the hall with Viktor right behind him with his gun pointed at his back.

Some time later…

Ranma and the others managed to get to Red Fountain where they made a beeline towards Saladin's office.

"Gramps!" shouted Ranma as he threw opened the doors. They all entered to find the room was empty. "There's no one here!"

"No! We're too late!" said Ukyou.

"It strange, though. There no sign of struggle." Said Shampoo as she noticed the room looked clean.

"Hey, now that you mention it…" said Shilly.

Flora looked over to a nearby potted plant. Walking over, she touched its leaves and started to concentrate. "Look at this plant… it's frightened and withered… something happened here not very long ago…"

"So Saladin really has been kidnapped!" said Bloom.

"It had to be that Krazan guy!" said Mousse. "He sent us on a wild goose chase while he came here to attack him!"

"If that case, it strange they no fight." Said Shampoo.

"Yeah, Gramps is a powerful wizard, so why?" said Ranma.

"Perhaps Saladin went with him of his own free will? They must have used a ship."

"Great… how are we supposed to find them now?" asked Stella.

"Perhaps someone could tell us." Said Flora.

"Huh? What're you talking about?"

Flora explains. "A ship would certainly have released polluting exhaust that would have settled on the plants inside. By asking the plants of the forest, we would certainly get the answer we are seeking!"

Stella was impressed. "Oh! What an idea!"

"Could you do that?" asked Bloom.

"Well, I think so… plants are living things and they listen to us, you know. If we are sensitive enough, it is possible to communicate with them. However, you must help me with a spell that we all have to cast together."

"Convergence, huh? Not a problem!" said Stella.

Flora leads the way. "Let's go down to the forest! There's no time to lose!"

Later, Red Fountain forest outskirts…

Flora was kneeling on the ground as she points her palms towards the grass while everyone stood behind her.

"Do you feel something?" asked Stella.

"Yes… the grass has suffered because something poisonous covered the meadow." Replied Flora. She then stood up and gestured to Bloom, Stella, Musa, Tecna, and Layla to help her with a spell. Flora held her arms out as the others copied. "Help me talk to the grass with the spell I told you earlier."

The six Faeries started chanting in another language as light gathered in their hands. Moments later, a trail of light lined the grass, which lead through the forest nearby and over a mountain.

"Look at that! There's a trail left behind!" said Shilly.

"Quick! We gotta follow it!" said Ranma.

The teens quickly board a Red Fountain ship and flew off to follow the light trail.

Unknown area, late at night…

A lone small ship flew towards an isolated cliff where old castle ruins stood. The ship landed before the ancient structure. Afterward, the door opened as Saladin was roughly shoved out by Viktor.

"We're here. Now get out." Said Viktor as he pushed the muzzle of his gun against Saladin's back.

Saladin was guided through the open ruins, which was littered with rubble. "Where is Zatura?"

Viktor doesn't answer as he continued to guide Saladin. Rounding a corner, they come to the ruins of what was the castle's throne room. It was a simple stone structure with a slightly elevated platform where a smooth-surfaced stone throne sat. What caught Saladin's attention was that someone was currently sitting on that throne.

The person was a beautiful tanned woman with waist-length black hair wearing a daring black dress that showed off her figure, black lipstick, and dark blue eye shadow. She had a smirk on her face as she sat seductively on the throne with her bare legs crossed.

Viktor bows to the woman. "I have followed your orders, Mistress Zatura."

"Excellent, Viktor, Now leave us."

The criminal takes his leave. Saladin's eyes widened when he heard what Viktor addressed the woman as and stared at the woman in shock.

"What!? It's not possible! You're…" said Saladin.

"Zatura? Why yes I am!" said Zatura. "Surprised to see me looking like this?"

"You're not a prisoner! And… you're not old like me!" said Saladin.

"Ha ha ha! Certainly not!" said Zatura. "Viktor is my servant. I had him lie to you to convince you to come here. You would never have agreed to meet me without this little trick. As far as my looks are concerned, they are the results of my studies in dark magic."

Saladin could only frown when he heard this. "I thought you would end up this way… and that's why we broke up so long ago!"

"And aren't you sorry we did?" Zatura taunted. "Look at me… don't you think that you could be just as young? We could've been happy together… and we could still be, if you will join me in a new life." Zatura gets up from her throne and approaches Saladin. "Look at what I have accomplished with my magic! I can give you back your youth, if you will only stay with me."

"Yes, and only if I obey you like a mindless dog!" Saladin retorted.

Zatura put on a fake hurt look. "Why do you say that? You would be equal to me. Almost."

Saladin wasn't going to be tempted, though. "I am going to have to say no to you again, Zatura. Although your appearance is young and attractive, I see you for the way you really are: greedy for power and a servant of evil! I have chosen a different path, and that is to serve good and justice!"

"Hmph! You are a fool, Saladin! You don't know the incredible power of evil! And now I will demonstrate it to you! RAGE OF HELL!" Zatura raises her arms and aims her palms at Saladin, firing off a dark purple beam of dark energies.

"JUSTICE SHIELD!" Saladin held his staff before him, erecting a green barrier of light, blocking the dark blast. Unfortunately, the beam reformed itself into a large taloned hand which the gripped around both Saladin and his barrier. "AAAAAAGH!"

"Ha ha ha! I told you that you wouldn't be able to resist me!" taunted Zatura as she poured out more power into her attack. Saladin was suddenly encased in a globe of light, effectively trapping him. No matter what he tried, he couldn't break out of his prison. "Now, pledge your loyalty to me, or die."

"That's what you think, you damn witch!"

Zatura looks off to the side at the new voice. "What? OOOF!"

The dark witch was taken by surprise as Viktor's prone body was thrown against her, knocking her aside. She looked up to see six Faeries flying in the air while two boys and three girls stood on the ground below them.

"I think this belongs to you." Said Ranma after having thrown Viktor at Zatura. The group had encountered the criminal earlier and beat the whereabouts of Saladin out of him.

"And who would you be, you gnats!?" said Zatura angrily as she shot a dark beam at the teens.

"SCATTER!" shouted Shampoo.

Everyone quickly split up to dodge the magic attack. Zatura continued to fire a rapid barrage of beams, putting everyone on the defensive.

"You're all annoying! Come forth, servants!" Zatura summons up a small army of dark beings that began to converge on Ranma's group.

Some of the dark servants took to the air to fight against the Enchantix-powered Faeries. Dodging and defending against the attacks, the Winx fired back with shots of their own. On the ground, Shilly blasted at some dark servants with energy shots. Mousse backed her up with his weaponized chains. Shampoo dodged any dark servant's attempts to hit her then retaliated with her bonbaris. Ukyou managed to nail a few of the dark servants with her mini spatulas before bringing out her large battle spatula into play. Ranma ran about knocking away any dark servant coming at him as he made a beeline for Zatura.

"Let go of Gramps, you hag!" shouted Ranma as he rushed at Zatura.

"Get lost, brat!" Ranma was suddenly swatted aside by a huge energy hand, sending him flying towards where Saladin was encased at.

The pigtailed boy slowly sits back up and noticed Saladin in his energy prison nearby. "Gramps!"

"Ranma! I can't get out, but perhaps there's one way… Quick! Take my hand!" said Saladin as he pressed his hand against the inside of the globe.

"Not sure what you're planning, but here!" said Ranma as he pressed his had against the energy sphere. It took some doing, but he managed to force his hand through to grab Saladin's hand. "I've got you, Gramps!" Despite his strength, Ranma was unable to pull Saladin out of the energy sphere. "Damn! This thing's tough!"

"This sphere is made from negative energies! Perhaps with more positive energies, it will cancel it out!" said Saladin.

"But how…" said Ranma.

"Ranma!" Ranma looked behind him to see Flora flying towards him after taking out some dark servants. "Let me help you!"

Flora grasped Ranma's hand, causing a surge of energy to flow in him. In effect, he was able to slightly pull Saladin out a bit more.

"Wait! Could it be…?" said Ranma. He quickly called to the others. "Everyone! Help us out! Form a chain!"

The Faeries and their allies managed to take out the dark servants and heeded Ranma's call. They all quickly head to where Saladin was held prisoner.

"NO! HE IS MINE!" shouted Zatura as she tried to fire another dark blast. Before she could, the witch was suddenly swatted aside by Shampoo.

"Shut up, old lady!"

Zatura painfully crashed against a broken wall section, briefly knocking her out. Once she was incapacitated, everyone reached Ranma and Flora. Bloom took hold of Flora's hand, then in turn by Stella, then Tecna, Musa, Layla, Ukyou Shampoo, Mousse, and Shilly taking the end using both hands to grasp Mousse's free one. Once they formed a chain of people, everyone was glowing with a bright light. At that moment, Zatura came to and gaped at what she saw.

"No! NO!"

Feeling a new strength, Ranma managed to pull Saladin out of the dark energy sphere, which exploded into a flash of light. Zatura reeled back after getting engulfed in the flash. She screamed in pain and disbelief as she gets obscured in the light before collapsing to the ground.

"Gramps! You okay?" asked Ranma after freeing Saladin.

"I'm fine, thanks." Said Saladin. "The positive magic from all of us annihilated the evil energies of Zatura's spell."

Shilly sensed a dark energy dissipating behind her. Turning around, she saw Zatura's form transforming. "Hey! Look over there!"

Everyone turned to see what Shilly was looking at and stood in shock. Zatura's body began to rapidly age to that of a decrepit old hag. Her limbs became scrawny, her dress faded, her black hair turned to a full gray, her face bore many wrinkles, and her nose became large and hooked.

"Gyaaah! No!" said Zatura in a now raspy voice.

"She isn't young and beautiful anymore." Said Mousse.

"Indeed. Her real face has returned." Said Saladin. He walks up to the defeated witch and looked down on her. "This is the face I always saw on you. You were wrong to follow evil, Zatura, because it will never be more powerful than good. Whoever follows evil will always be alone because envy and anger will make it impossible to have any help from others. Whoever follows good, however, will always have the help and powers from others… and that's why that person will always be stronger! This day has proven just that."

Zatura grits her teeth in anger. "Damn you, Saladin! I'll remember this!" With that, Zatura teleports away in retreat.

Ending

"Sheesh, how typical." Said Musa.

Saladin looked over to Ranma. "You've all arrived just in time. For that, you have my thanks."

"It's the least we could've done, Gramps." Said Ranma.

"Yes, but you were the only one capable of penetrating the barrier in the first place, Ranma, and thus becoming the catalyst to our victory."

"Huh? How's that?"

"Because, you are family."

'Family…' Ranma thought about Nodoka, then about his extended family thanks to the Specialists' souls in him. Gold Helia flashed briefly above him before fusing back. "Yeah, you're right." He suddenly felt Flora hold his arm while giving him a reassuring look.

"In any case, let's all go home." Said Saladin.

"Best idea I've heard all day!" said Stella.

They all heard a groaning nearby and say that Viktor had finally regained consciousness. He looked up and blanched when he saw Saladin and the others looking down on him.

"Don't think I've forgotten about you, Krazan. You're going to be locked up again for an even longer time!"

The criminal could only cringe as he gets roughly hoisted up and shackled in magical binds. Boarding the ship, they all made their way to home.

End ending

To be continued…

Preview…

Bloom: We're off on a mission of good will to a planet suffering from an illness.

Tecna: This is bad. These peoples' conditions are worsening. We need to create a vaccine.

Flora: This special plant has the restorative properties needed to create one, but it's quite rare. We can find it in one place.

Stella: Great, another nature hike…

Layla: Suck it up, Stella.

Ranma: It's a race against time. Hold on! Why are you here!? This is not the time to deal with you right now!

Flora: No! Not the plant!

Tecna: Flora! Watch out! Next time, on Ranma Club, 'Going Green! The Nature of Flora!'

Flora: My… my body is…

Author's Notes:

(1)Think like when Jotaro had Star Platinum sketch out the fly he saw in the dark photo of DIO in Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders.