Winx Dorm - 16th September 

"-so I said your hair looks like -"

Bloom wasn't paying attention to Stella as she was preoccupied with recent events. Who is that girl? Why did she have such a strong reaction to that dark energy? Why did the word 'brother' come into her head?

So many questions.

"Bloom, are you alright?" Blooms looked up to see everyone worrying over her, and she assured them she was fine. Flora spoke up again. "Is it about that girl? Don't worry, I'm sure she'll be fine."

"Yeah, remember that flower? It's powerful enough to bring back the newly dead," Tecna reminded them.

"Newly dead?" Stella echoed. "How long does a body have until the flower won't work?"

"Maybe when it starts to rot?" Tecna shrugged. "There's not much known about resurrection since it's basically impossible - unless you have the Dragon's Fire."

Okay, that last part caught Bloom's attention. She sat up straight and leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with interest, "I can bring the dead back to life?" 

"Eventually," Flora answered after taking a swig of her water bottle, "it'll take a lot of time and experience, but you should be able to."

"Wow." Blooms looked at her hands in a mixture of wonder and bafflement at the thought of such a power before remembering something important her books and movies taught her. "Is that allowed? I read that there's always some sort of price for that sort of thing." 

The other girls shared a look while staying silent, which didn't ease Bloom's nerves. It's Flora who chose to answer her, "Honestly, we don't know. Resurrection is a delicate subject - even if it's done right, it may be wrong."

"Wrong?"

"Apparently, you can sometimes end up with someone or something else entirely," Stella warned before trying to change the mood. "Makes for a great horror story during slumber parties."

"Great." Bloom rolled her eyes before flopping onto her back. She grabbed her pillow and hugged it tight while trying not to think about the zombie army she could potentially resurrect should she lose control of her magic. She should avoid cemeteries for the time being as well as other places that were built upon a cemetery, which could be a lot of places... maybe she should just avoid going out.

"Don't worry, Bloom," Tecna said as she took a seat beside her friend and placed a comforting hand on her back. "Zombies are just Earth-made stories. There has never been a confirmed case of zombies existing within the Magic Dimension."

"Tecna's right. Plus, I doubt something as amazing as the Dragon's Fire could be capable of something so despicable."

"You should ask Faragonda about it tomorrow. She knows more about the Dragon's Fire than anyone else in Magix."

"You mean today," Tecna corrected, pointing to the clock, which read 2:43.

"Oh, no, none of us has slept a wink. How will we stay awake?"

The girls share a look before breaking out into giggles, "Coffee." 

"Don't worry about it. It's the first week of school, so classes are optional. We can just sleep in." Stella pointed out.

"Stella's right. Besides, even if we go to class, there's nothing important to learn this close to the start of the year."

Everyone agrees with this and heads to bed.

Red Fountain 

Kaneki found a black-haired guy leaning against a large stone shed scrolling on his phone. He glanced up when Kaneki greeted him and stared at him for a bit before shoving his phone into his trouser pocket.

'What was that about?' Kaneki wondered about the stare.

"The name's James, and I'll be your partner for today's exercise. We're preparing for cops and robbers."

"Cops and robbers?" Kaneki echoed.

"Appropriate first exercise when starting the year. We need to capture as many students as possible while they try to evade us and our traps until the time runs out."

"What traps are there?"

"Many, but the ones we'll be using are pitfalls, net traps, and smoke screens. The students are free to use any non-lethal devices." James brings out his phone, which projects a hologram of a forested area. "This is Forest Section B - this is where training will be held. We just need to set everything up."

Luckily, there were predetermined layouts on an app on their phones, so they didn't need to individually decide where to place each trap. They began to work, but Kaneki quickly realised that it wasn't as easy to set up the net trap as it was to build a pitfall so he had to ask James for help who wasn't impressed that he didn't know how to set up the net trap.

James huffed but carefully showed him what to do before letting Kaneki try on his own. Kaneki has always been a fast learner even from a young age, so he had no trouble in setting up the net trap even as James aimed sharp barbs at him. 

He leaned against a tree, arms crossed as he examined Kaneki's work. He couldn't resist one final jab, "I wonder why Saladin even brought you in. Being a muscle head will only get you so far in life."

Much to his frustration, Kaneki simply hummed as he added the final touches on the net trap. He knew what the male was trying to do but he had no idea why, it hasn't been long since he arrived at Red Fountain and he's barely talked to James so there's no reason for him to hate him so yet here they are. 

Whatever it is with that guy, Kaneki won't give him the satisfaction of a reaction. The last thing he'll do is bring trouble to Faragonda or Saladin by agitating some asshole who purposely picks a fight. No, with all that they've done for him, he's gonna return their kindness and do the best he can to help out so when he finally returns home, he'll have a clear conscious. 

Kaneki puts the finishing touches on the net, he examines it closely, and is satisfied with how it is hidden. He stands up and brushes his bangs from his eye. He turns to James, who unconsciously takes a step back, and tilts his head to the side while smiling kindly at him, "Thanks for the advice."

'You won't get to me.'

"Tch, whatever," James scoffed and stomped away in the other direction so he could finish the rest of the traps. He didn't know why, but Kaneki frustrated him to no end. It wasn't just his dark magic. There was just something about him that screamed danger.

He's trouble, and he'll bring trouble just as the Trix had done with their stupid army of decay.

"James, look out!"

Jasper's words echo in his head and he gripped the shovel tight until his knuckles turned white, he shook his head to rid himself of that terrible memory before stabbing the dirt as he worked fervently on the pitfall he had to complete.

Jasper's dead. That day will forever be branded in his brain and will continue to scar his life.

There hasn't been a single night where he doesn't wake up screaming and drenched in cold sweat from nightmares, there have been times when he sat in his room not knowing how to go and comfort his mother when she breaks down crying and he remembers his father continuously returning home late with bloodied knuckles hidden behind a layer of bandages.

He wanted to ask his father about the bandages, but he didn't dare knowing it would just lead to a harsh scolding from him about how he should've minded his own business and how if he had been a real man then he would've taken the blow and protected his brother.

His mother had gasped sharply at that and hissed at his father, who had flinched like he couldn't believe the words that came out of his mouth. His father had apologised with genuine sincerity, and then they continued to eat dinner in complete silence except for the clinks of utensils against porcelain, but those words had stayed. He knew what his father meant, and he knew his mother agreed with them. 

You should've died instead of Jasper.

And they were right. He was Jasper's big brother. It was the duty of the elder brother to protect the younger brother, but he failed. He had watched Jasper die. 

"James, Kaneki, are you done?" Codatorta's voice came through their phones, which had a walk-talkie function. Quite handy. Anyway, having finished with all the traps, James and Kaneki returned to Codatora, who stood in an open space near the perimeter of section b alongside some students. After 15 minutes, the rest of the students arrived, and the training session started.

"Excellent. Alright, today's exercise is cops and robbers. You already know the rules. Kaneki and James will be the cops. You've got 10 minutes before they come after you unless you set off their traps. If they touch you, then consider yourself captured. You're free to rescue your captured allies, that is, if you can pass me."

Codatorta smirks at his own offer as he knows no one would dare try such a stunt while he's on guard and as he watched the students throw nervous glances at one another, he knew the same thought was running through their heads.

At the sound of Codatorta's horn, the students dash off into the woods, and not even 3 minutes later, did a trap go off. Codatorta clicked his tongue and crossed his arms across his chest, Kaneki and James took note of his dour aura and wisely chose not to comment on it. He turns to the two and jerks his head in the direction of the forest with an order, "Get them."

"Yes, sir." The two dart into the forest to capture the students.

With the others

"Seriously, who set off a trap?" Riven groaned. He and the others stuck together because they had a higher chance of passing if they worked together. It may be the first class of the year, but if they fail miserably, then they'll piss off Codatorta, and he'll be sure to make them suffer for the rest of the year.

"This is bad. We need more time to formulate a strategy," Timmy said as he pushed his glasses up.

"Guess we'll just have to improvise," Sky hummed and took the stick from Timmy, who had drawn a simple map of the area in the dirt. He pointed to one area and told them that they should go there, "Let's just try to put some distance between us and them."

At that moment, Kaneki leapt out of the bushes and immediately got Timmy out before aiming for Riven, who cursed and tried to counter with a punch. Kaneki smoothly dodged and got him out, then headed for Sky and Brandon, who had no time to even reach for their weapons.

"All of you, out."

"What?" Riven grumbled.

Just then, a voice comes from Kaneki's phone, "15 minutes. That's how long it took for all of you to get captured."

"Uh-oh."

"Everyone, return to the starting point."

The guys groaned and, with their heads hung low trudged their way back to the starting point where they knew a series of pain and exhaustion waited for them.

"He sounds pissed."

"Can you blame him?" Timmy responded, "I think this is the shortest capture time in the history of this game."

"I can feel my muscles crying."

Brandon stopped and looked to Kaneki, who trailed behind the group and asked, "How'd you get here so fast? "

"My physical capabilities far surpass a regular human."

"Geez, what kind of training did you go through? Do you think you can give me some pointers?"

"I'm busy."

"Ah, right." Brandon was put off by his bluntness. It wasn't long till they reached the starting point, Codatorta stood with his arms crossed and his back to the crowd while a dark aura emanated from him. Not wanting to make him angrier, the guys rushed over to join the crowd.

Codatorta paced back and forth, and the students glanced nervously at each other while waiting for their punishment. Codatorta stopped in the centre and then turned to face his students, "It seems you lot have been slacking off this past summer. No more. Now, drop and give me 5,000."

"5,000?!" The boys begin to argue against such a number, but Codatorta shuts their complaints.

"Wanna double it?" That got them to shut up. "Then drop." 

With no other choice, the boys spread out before quietly starting the set of pushups, no need to piss off their teacher any further. Codatorta shook his head before turning to his T.A.'s, "You two can clean up the sector then head back. I don't need your help, so feel free to enjoy your free time."

Kaneki and James head to opposite ends to disable all the traps.

"Hey, you got all yours? If so, then let's head back."

Kaneki made his way through the forest, intending to return to his room to continue with his research only to step on something. He glanced down and spotted a small glimmer of light by his foot. It was a steel wire so thin he could barely see it with his naked eye.

There was beeping from a tree cavity, and Kaneki spotted a blinking red light amongst a pile of leaves. 

"Shit."

With the students

"856... 857..."

Everyone froze as a thunderous boom followed by a powerful blast of wind that actually knocked some students down and interrupted the punishment.

"Is everyone okay?" Codatorta questioned as he flat-out examined the students who quickly got back to their feet, but there were no injuries.

"What was that?"Timmy sputtered, fixing his glasses.

"My paint bomb!" Another student blurted out before slamming his hands over his mouth.

Codatorta stood in front of the student and clutched his shoulder tight while demanding an answer, his tone warning the boy not to play around, "Explain."

"I made my own paint bomb and wanted to test it out during this exercise. I mean, I noticed the air canister had a dent, but I didn't think it would be a problem," he admitted while keeping his head down, unable to meet his teacher's gaze.

"You didn't think it would be a problem?" Sky echoed in disbelief before letting his classmate really have it. "Are you insane?! Why didn't you at least check with someone to see if it was safe? You could have killed someone. Isn't it, Sir... Sir?" Sky stopped when Codatorta darted past him in the direction of the explosion. The students looked at one another before rushing after him.

"Kaneki, James, answer." Codatorta cursed when he got no reply and ran faster, hoping to reach the boys before it was too late. When he arrived at their location, what he found left him absolutely horrified.

James was on top of Kaneki with a phanto-dagger in hand. Kaneki had a foot planted squarely on James' chest, a bloodied hand covering his left eye while the other clutched the wrist holding the dagger. 

Despite having the strength to push James off, Kaneki struggled to do so, so Codatorta leaps into action by grabbing James by the scruff of his shirt and yanking him away from Kaneki "James, stand down now!" Codatorta turned back to Kaneki, still clutching his face while he muttered a single word over and over again.

Calm.

"Kaneki, are you alright? Can you speak?"

"...Y-Yesh... sorry... I was close... I think... my head..." Kaneki stammered as he slowly sat up. He moved his hand away without thinking, and Codatorta spied the flesh contorting before it was covered by a new expanse of hair. Kaneki looked to Codatorta only to be met with disbelief, and upon realising that his kakugan was exposed, Kaneki slammed a hand over his eye to cover it again. He mistook the teachers' incredulous to be about his eye rather than his regrown skull.

"Alright." Codatorta scratched the back of his head as he began to piece together Kaneki's situation. "So long you aren't a danger to the school, then I don't care. However, that's only if you're not a danger."

"I can't guarantee that," Kaneki admitted without hesitating. He knows exactly what he's capable of, and if he doesn't stay under control, then he'll create a bloodbath. 

Taking advantage of their distraction, James decided that this was the best opportunity to launch an attack, but Codatorta was one step ahead. "Dammit, James, I said stand down!" Codatorta firmly plants his foot squarely on James' chest and sends him crashing into a tree.

Incredulous, James stared at Codatorta whilst pointing his phanto-dagger at Kaneki, "But, sir, he just admitted he's a danger. How can I sit by when this monster has infiltrated our school?"

"James, don't make me repeat myself," Codatorta warned. Some of the students caught up to Codatorta and saw the scene before them.

"Holy shit, Kaneki, you're bleeding!" Sky and Brandon go over to Kaneki and try to examine his wound, but Kaneki doesn't let them. "We're just trying to help."

"Don't worry, I'm fine," Kaneki assured, getting to his feet. Once he felt his kakugan calm down, Kaneki removed his hand from his eye, which he kept close, and wiped the blood away.

Hearing this, Codatorta glanced at Kaneki and addressed his decision, "Kaneki, do you truly not need medical treatment?" 

"I'll be fine. I just need to wash away the blood," Kaneki assured.

"Are you kidding?" Brandon felt like yanking his hair out at Kaneki's continued stubbornness. "Just let us take you to the infirmary."

"You don't need to," Kaneki reiterated, but this doesn't comfort the boys who look to Codatorta for help except he doesn't support them.

"Remember what I've taught you. No one knows your body better than you. Kaneki is old enough to understand the consequences of his actions as well as take on the responsibility."

"Thank you."

Sky threw his hands into the air in disbelief. "Seriously? That's messed up."

"That's it? His head got blown up! I saw his brain! No one could survive an injury like that." And James is being a dick again, Codatorta growled at stubbornness as the students began to mutter to themselves in confusion with what he said. 

"Take James to lock up. I'll have a word with him later." Codatorta orders snapping the students from their stupor, and they do what they are told.

Saladin's Office

"-and that's what happened." Codatorta leaned back in his chair after finishing his explanation about the incident earlier. 

Saladin rests his chin on his hands as he ponders about this new development. James saw Kaneki and knew he was not normal. Not only that, but he now loathed Kaneki's existence. From what he's heard, he doubted James would leave Kaneki alone, so he needs to deal with him appropriately. 

"That's problematic. James is in lockup? And Kaneki went back to his room?"

"Yeah. What should we do with him? I saw how he looked at Kaneki. There's no way James will work with him."

"We'll have to revise their work schedules. It'll be tricky, especially with the lack of both staff and students, but we have to make it work. "

"You mean you have to make it work, I'm not in charge of scheduling," Codatorta countered with a grin, and it worked to ease the tension. 

Saladin chuckled before informing Codatorta about his decision, "Warn those two to stay away from each other for now. Keep a close eye on James, though. I have a feeling that he won't listen."

"I don't know about that. James can be as stubborn as a bull, but he's not an idiot. Once he cools off and thinks things through, I doubt he'll cause trouble."

"If you believe so, then I trust your judgement, but I still want you to talk to him. The first sign of trouble, and he's out of here."

"Yes, Sir."

Lockup

Codatorta heads down to where James is confined and finds him sitting on the bed throwing a ball against the wall.

"You've calmed down now?" James simply ignored him. Codatorta sighed and shook his head, but continued speaking, "Silent treatment, eh? Good if this was an interrogation from the enemy except it's not so stop being childish."

"Where'd that guy come from?" James stopped throwing the ball and inspected it like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"You could have asked him yourself since you were subordinates, but I doubt he'll be happy to answer your questions."

"I'd rather cut off my tongue than speak to that monster. You're not gonna get an apology out from me, so don't even try it."

"James, I'm warning you. If you want to stay here, then you need to swallow your pride and give Kaneki an apology. I'd hate to think what your parents would do when they find out that you've been discharged from Red Fountain for attacking a colleague."

"Tch." James gritted his teeth and clenched the ball tight in his fist before letting it drop to the floor. He took a deep breath and looked Codatorta straight in the eyes as he relented. "I'll apologise."

He shouldn't be stressing his parents out at this time. It's not worth the pain they'll be put through in the long run.

"That's great." And easier than he thought, Codatorta thought James would have put up more of a fight, but he shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth right now. He'll still keep an eye out just in case he decides to cause trouble later. "I'll take you to him, and after this, you two will need to avoid each other."

"Fine by me," James huffed, shoving his hands into his pockets before lumbering out of his cell. Codatorta escorts James to Kaneki's room, where he apologised to the latter with a lot of venom laced in his words. Thankfully, Kaneki did not acknowledge the venom and graciously accepted the apology if only to just avoid a fight.

James stomped off to who knows where, and Codatorta let him since he knew James wouldn't cause trouble anytime soon. 

'Dammit, I have to watch myself?' James growled as he stomped through the hall. Other people rightfully stayed out of his way. Upon hearing his name called, James looked up to see his friend Paolo jogging over while waving at him. 

"James, what happened?" Paolo asked after stopping right by him, but James continued on. "I heard you attacked someone?"

"Not someone, a monster," James corrected before informing Paolo about what he saw after the explosion. 

"His head blew open?" Paolo shuddered while holding himself.

"Yeah." James stopped in his tracks. He stayed quiet for some time whilst thinking of a plan. He turned to his friend and asked for a favour, "Do me a favour, can you check out forest section b? I can't since Codatorta will be keeping a close eye on me."

"Section b? If you want, but why?" Paolo cocked his head to the side, wondering what was there for him to investigate. 

"His head blew open," James reminded him. "There's bound to be evidence left behind."

"And you want me to bring it to you? Gross." Paolo stuck out his tongue in disgust but agreed to help his friend out nonetheless. 

Lightrock Monastery - 17th September 2005

Stood on top of a mountain was the golden temple known as the Lightrock Monastery. The saintly sky clear as crystal with the clouds gather below the temple. Inside was a garden paradise filled with reformed criminals. Some had shaven heads, including a minority of females. They were doing an assortment of activities that ranged from gardening to reading.

Kakophonix has been a monk for the monastery for as long as he could remember, so he's watched over his fair share of monstrous humans. Those who were volatile, narcissistic, demented and/or flat out incapable of empathising with those they have harmed yet in the end with the help of the monastery they were able to reveal the kindness locked deep within their hearts thus re-entering society as a civilised person.

The process is long and arduous, but the results are worth the wait. However, not everyone shares his sentiment, such as Brother Shymel. 

"It's hard to believe, isn't it? These gentle folks were once hardened criminals," Kakophonix commented as he took a seat beside his fellow comrade.

Shymel does not spare him a single glance, focusing only on the prisoners who come in his line of vision. The man who sits at the base of a tree knitting had once been content with stalking and slashing underage girls. The woman who laughs as she swings higher on the swing gave the same laugh to her clients upon finding out she's scammed them from their life savings. "I don't understand why they're allowed to walk about freely."

"We believe in rehabilitation. This isn't a prison," Kakophonix admonished lightly.

"Maybe, but perhaps rehabilitation isn't what some of them should receive."

"But can't you see what peace and meditation is doing for them?" Kakophonix queried gesturing to the redeemed denizens who go about their daily lives. "Simply punishing a criminal will not stop solving the root of the problem."

"I don't think it's working for everyone," Shymel rebuts bitterly before forlornly examining the flower bracelet gifted to him by Pepe. Poor Pepe. A babe desperately craves the love of his mother, who despises him with all her being. Too young to understand that he'll never receive the affection he craves no matter how many insults, punches, and kicks are thrown his way.

"You speak of the three witches Lady Faragonda sent us?"

Shymel nodded as he heeded the continued shrieks of blasphemy that pour from their lips, "Yes. They keep shouting; day in, day out. They've not made any progress since they've arrived here at Lightrock Monastery. They'll never be rehabilitated."

Kakophonix paused at that statement and remembered the mass complaints from the monks and counselors and the numerous meetings held regarding the Trix who they believed should be sent to the Omega Dimension or at least separated for greater and faster rehabilitation. The higher-ups rejected the suggestion saying that it would be cruel to separate the sisters and how if they reach one sister then the other two would follow, it might take longer than regular  but the Trix will reach enlightenment.

Any form of argument was shut down with hesitation, and nothing could be done except for them to continue their work. He remembered the grumblings of his subordinates as they got back to work on those three witches who continued to work on their nerves.

Despite that, Kakophonix has been here for years and never has Lightrock ever failed to rehabilitate a criminal since the beginning of its creation. With all that, he knew that no one was beyond redemption, and he assured his companion of that fact.

Inside Lightrock - Meadow

There was a bewitching expanse of grass and flowers that softy rustle in the breeze under a clear blue sky. Perfect for a picnic, relaxing, reading a book, flying a kite, or any other park activity, which were what most the inhabitants were doing except for 3 certain witches.

The Trix, clothed in long-sleeved cream-coloured turtle neck robes with neon green circlets on their foreheads, stormed over the hill only to end up in the same place as they started. 

"This is the third time we've walked straight to the horizon to end up back where we started," Darcy growled, kicking a pebble into a nearby pond and, to her annoyance, it does three perfect skips before sinking into the water.

"This is totally useless. We'll never get out of here." Stormy flopped to the ground and stayed flat on her back even when her sisters sat down near her and engaged into some light conversation, Stormy ignored them in favour of fiddling with her circlet again, the faint tingle of energy reminding her of her lost power over electricity. 

The familiar click of the PA system seized the attention of everyone in the meadow.

"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, children and seniors. We have a special guest today. Please welcome Brother Titirus, who has finally returned from Planet Wintry. Unfortunately, an avalanche from Mount Ava had devastated numerous villages trapping the poor villagers in their homes for days." 

 The other inhabitants began to mutter to each other in worry, and some shuffled closer to the speaker for more info. The Trix, however, relished the change of mood.

"Ah, destruction. Have you ever caused an avalanche, Icy?" Darcy turned to her sister, who is in deep thought, trying to recall if she has ever done that.

"Not that I remember." She should have, though. The thought of trapping humans under a thick layer of snow, the cold seeps through their clothes, their body heat fading fast, all while slowly losing oxygen. The snow melts into ice, cementing you in place with no room to even wiggle your fingers.

Nothing but pitch black. Your body battered and bruised is contorted unnaturally where you can't tell which way is up or down and the madness that comes as you realise there is nothing you can do but wait for the slow and inevitable death. 

"You should do it. Imagine the chaos."

"Excuse me, ladies, but I do pray that it is not misfortune you wish to spread."

The Trix groaned and rolled their eyes at the annoying and familiar voice of Mr Dixit that came through a different speaker, it Darcy who chose to answer through gritted teeth, "Of course not, Mr Dixit. After all, you're the one who taught us that kindness and love are what we should be expressing."

Mr Dixit is a counselor who had been assigned to the Trix and no matter what they say or do that disgustingly sweet smile never faltered, there hasn't been a moment where she or her sisters haven't wanted to punch that slimeball in the face. Stormy's tried and was promptly subdued. Now, she has to take extra sessions away from her sisters. 

Darcy remembers that incident, when Stormy was being shoved face first onto Mr Dixit's desk she spewed hateful things about him, she said things so vile that even the most despicable of criminals would be like, 'What the fuck?'

And then that's when Darcy saw it. It was only for a brief moment, but that stupidly perfect smile twitched. Mr Dixit simply fixed his tie before requesting the guards that they leave Stormy here while escorting Darcy and Icy back to their rooms when they were halfway through the door. The guards glanced at one another before obliging, Darcy tried to spy a glance, but the door slammed shut, so she had to wait until Stormy got out for all the juicy deets except nothing happened.

Unfortunately, according to Stormy, all he did was go on and on about letting go of the anger and hatred in her life, and only then will she understand the joy that love and peace will bring. Darcy felt like vomiting. She thought that finally, one of these pricks would vent their frustrations on the prisoners here only to prove the hypocrisy of this place.

Darcy is snapped from her thoughts when Mr Dixit spoke up again with sarcasm intricately woven into his words, "Wonderful, Darcy. Since you are all doing so wonderfully, should we sing the goody goodness song?" 

Their eyes widen, but before the trio could vehemently turn him down, another person chimes in happily, "Ooh, I love that song. Come on, everyone, let's sing." The denizens rise to the feet and hold hands as they sing along to the jubilant tune coming from the speakers. It's a catchy yet abhorrent song that stays stuck in your head for months on end.

"No, no, no no no no no!" Darcy clamps her hands over her ears.

"I swear that when I get out of here, you'll feel my wrath, all of you!" Icy shrieks at the top of her lungs, but it is drowned out by the singing.

Infirmary - Night 

Voices.

Aisha heard voices and laughter. They were muffled and unfamiliar, but it was loud enough to stir her from slumber.

"Hey, she's waking up." Aisha opened her eyes, and the first thing she sees is a hand bringing a damp rag closer to her face. In a panic, Aisha bolted up and swated the hand, which is met with numerous gasps.

Thoughts still muddled, Aisha ended up staring at Flora before realising that she hit someone who was just trying to help her. "I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me."

"It's fine," Flora assured, waving off her concerns, "you've had a rough time, it's natural for you to be on edge."

"Where am I?"

"You're at Alfea," Musa answered. 

Alfea. So she's still on Magix. Aisha laid back on the bed to gather her thoughts. She was staying at the hotel in Magix City with her guards, but then she had to find Piff-

"Piff!" Aisha shoots up and gets to her feet only for her head to start spinning, and her knees buckled. Flora and Musa grabbed her before she could hit the floor and have her sit on the bed.

"Piff is fine. She's sleeping." Flora pointed to the tiny bed where a little pixie was snuggled under the covers snoozing peacefully. 

"Thank goodness." Aisha picked up her little pixie and brought her close to her face. Piff's thumb pops out of her mouth, and she begins to whine and cry, upset that her sleep has been disturbed. Her eyes fluttered open, and to her happiness, the first thing she saw was her beloved fairy, Aisha. She babbled excitedly and rubbed her cheeks against Aisha's. 

"Piff is your bonded pixie, isn't she? I learned that fairies and pixies bond like sisters or soul mates."

"That's right. Piff is my whole world."

"You've been through a lot. Why were you at the lake?"

"The lake?"

"That's where you were found. You didn't have a lot of injuries because you were healed by some rare flower, but according to Tecna, the flower that healed you only grows in areas of great evil. If you need help then we'll help you."

"We're strong so we can handle anything thrown at us."

"You can count on us."

Aisha could tell that they're being sincere. They truly mean to help her, but how could they? They just met. Why would they help her? Even so, Aisha couldn't have them involved. She couldn't live with herself if she got them killed and, without a doubt, the Phoenix would kill them with a snap of his fingers. She may need help to rescue the pixies, but there's no way she can involve people she's just met. She needs her parents and the soldiers from Andros.

"Thank you, but I'm fine. My parents are probably worried so I should go."

"You should wait for Faragonda. Ofelia mentioned going to a staff meeting, so I'm not sure if it's finished."

"We can check," Bloom volunteered to go along with Musa and Stella. 

"I'll make you some tea." Flora got up and went to the beverage station to fix up some tea.

"If you want to call your parents, then you can use my phone. I've done some upgrades, so the connection will be smooth."

Aisha accepted Tecna's phone, but she didn't dial her parents' number. Instead, she looks to Piff, who understood exactly what her bonded fairy wanted.

Piff pulls out her magic pop and transforms into her pop pixie form, which shocks and intrigues the two other fairies who come closer to get a better look.

"Your pixie has a magic pop?" Piff brings a closed fist close to her mouth and then opens her fist, blowing sleeping dust at the two, causing them to fall into deep sleep.

"Sorry." Aisha didn't have time to regret her actions. She didn't know how long it would take for the other girls to return with the teachers, but it won't be long. She needs to work fast. Grabbing all the sheets from the other beds, Aisha ties it into a long rope and climbs out of the window.

It might have been a bit extreme, but extreme measures must be taken. If she's still here when her parents arrive, then they'll drag her back home without even hearing her out, especially since she has Piff. And, honestly, by the time any kind of rescue is initiated, the pixies will have withered away into nothing.

She must reach the Shadowhaunt, and then her parents will have no choice but to send soldiers after her and save the pixies.

Aisha examined the area. It's late at night with only a few lights on, so it's unlikely she'll be caught outside by anyone. Aisha made her way to the front gate, and no matter how much she pushed, it didn't budge, which was to be expected, but one could still hope. Now what? The wall and doors are too smooth, so climbing isn't possible, and her magic is still weak, so she can't transform. 

Wizgiz Office 

"And you have no idea what happened to them?"

"None whatsoever." Wizgiz shook his head. "Their cities were abandoned, but their furniture and belongings were left behind. It was if they've just vanished into thin air."

Thin air? I guess with magic, anything is possible, but still, to make an entire race disappear is astounding and terrifying. Kaneki sighed at the thought and glanced out the window only to see a familiar figure running towards the front gate. What's she doing? He watched how she reached the gate and tried pushing it open. Is she trying to sneak away? "Sorry, professor, but I'm gonna have to cut our talk short."

"What-agh!" Wizgiz turned around to find Kaneki jumping out an open window from his office, which was located on the third floor. It was then he remembered that Kaneki is a ghoul and a jump from this height is probably nothing for him.

Kaneki watched as she felt the wall and gate for any kind of holding, yet there was nothing to help her climb.

"What are you doing?" Aisha jumped and spun around at the unfamiliar voice.

"Who are you?" Aisha demanded, eyeing him in suspicion before focusing on his white hair, which she recognised. "I remember you. You're the one who saved me."

Kaneki nodded and introduced himself, "My name is Kaneki. I'm glad you're okay. You gave me a good scare." 

"I'm Aisha. Thank you for helping me. If you hadn't come when you did then..."

"I was happy to help," Kaneki assured. "But that incident was 2 days ago, I don't know much about healing magic, but there's no way you can be up and about this soon."

"Ofelia told me I could go," Aisha lied. She didn't know much about the three schools, but she knew Faragonda was the headmistress of Alfea, so Ofelia, the other name mentioned earlier, must have referred to the school nurse.

"Really? Strange, why would she send you off in the middle of the night? It'd make far more sense to leave in the morning, and it'd be much better to have your parents or guardian to pick you up considering the circumstances." 

"Um," Aisha stammered as she tried to think of her next reply.

"Also, you're walking around in sweats and no shoes in the middle of the night, I doubt Ofelia would ever allow such a thing. It's clear you snuck out. You need to go back."

Aisha took a step back when Kaneki came closer. She desperately searched for an escape route, but Kaneki warned her against running away since he could catch her in a second. He is about to take hold of her wrist when Aisha collapsed onto her knees, tears streaming down her face.

Kaneki stumbled back, nervously looking around in case anyone was nearby. The last thing he needed was to be labelled as some sort of creep or bully.

"Um, don't cry, I swear I didn't mean to scare you. We don't have to go back if you don't want to. We can just talk," Kaneki continued to babble as he just wanted her to stop crying.

"I'm sorry. It's not you," Aisha assured while fervently wiping away her tears, but they just kept coming. "I just don't have time. If I don't go back then my friends will die. The Phoenix, he'll..." Aisha trailed off, and her breaths became more erratic, and Kaneki realised she was having a panic attack.

"Okay, Aisha, I think you're having a panic attack. I'll help you through it. Take a deep breath in and then out like me." Kaneki breathed deep and slow, and Aisha mimicked his actions. She continued to breathe while Kaneki assured her that she's safe and that he'll help her through this, which comforted her. "That's great, you're doing great. Do you want to sit down?"

Aisha nodded, so he escorted her to a nearby bench and offered her some water from the bottle in his bag. She gulped down every last drop, but he didn't mind.

"Do you want to talk?" Instead of responding, Aisha just stared at her hands, which lay on her lap. She knew her face was flushed red and didn't want him to see. She's ashamed by how she's acted, bursting into tears like a child and then going into a panic attack? She's never been so pathetic.

And Kaneki - he's been so kind and patient. Should she tell him about the pixies?

Seeing her hesitation, Kaneki speaks to her once again, "Listen, I don't know what you went through, but I'm more than willing to help. I may not look like much, but I'm strong, so I'm more than capable of dealing with this phoenix guy."

"Really?" Aisha scrutinised him for any chance of deceit, and yet she sees nothing but sincerity. She can trust him. 

"I never really had many friends. Since I'm the crown princess of Andros, my parents were strict about what I did and who I was around. I did have a friend named Anne, but she moved away. All I have left are the pixies."

"Pixies?"

When Kaneki first arrived, Piff had taken herself to hide in Aisha's hair, the little baby now wary of strangers due to her experience in the Shadowhaunt but now that she thinks about it, Piff was okay around the other girls although she did spend more time with the girls since Aisha was on bed rest. Anyway, Aisha coaxed Piff out of her hiding spot and the little pixie, who stuck her thumb in mouth and lightly sucks on it, pops her head out and stares at Kaneki

"Yeah, this is my pixie, Piff. Say hi."

Seeing that the pixie was still wary around him, Kaneki knelt down slightly and offered her a small and kind smile, "Hi Piff, aren't you adorable?" Piff's face brightens, and she puffed out her chest out at the compliment.

Aisha giggled as she stroked Piff's cheek, "Piff is the pixie of sweet sleep. She helps me out a lot."

"And there are other pixies?" Kaneki wanted to confirm.

"Yes, and they are the friends who are in danger. They have a village in Magix, though it's more like a mini city, and I snuck away to visit them whenever I could. A few days ago was the autumn festival. That was the only reason I was in Magix so Piff could attend, but something went wrong. I felt the fear that Piff felt, so I ditched my guards and went to Pixie Village. Out of all those who went to the festival, only Lockette and Glim returned. The rest had been kidnapped by shadow creatures. I followed a trail left behind by the shadow monsters into some tunnels until I reached a castle deep underground. And I managed to rescue them, that is, until he came along."

"He?"

"The Phoenix. It swooped down from the sky, all monstrous and evil-looking, and then it transformed into a man or at least something similar. He was in armour with ultra sharp claws. He stole the pixies away from me, then let me fall into the water. I had them in my hands, I could have saved them!"

Kaneki watched how Aisha fell to her knees, hands buried in her face as she sobbed hard enough for her shoulders to shake, and he couldn't stand seeing her in distress. It made his stomach churn uncomfortably and tugged at his heartstrings.

"Aisha, you might not believe me, but I understand what you're going through. Your friends are in danger, and time is quickly running out. The next time you see them, it could be too late. You don't know whether you'll be enough to save them, but you do know that you can't stand by while they're in trouble."

"You understand?"

"Because I'm going through something similar. The people I care about most are in trouble, though truth be told, I may already be too late despite that there's nothing that will stop me from reaching them. That's why I'll help you."

"You'll help me? Really?"

"Of course, you're in no shape to be walking around, let alone fight an evil dark lord. Rest and replenish your strength. You're gonna need it."

"Thank you," Aisha said with a shaky voice.

Kaneki got up from the bench and offered to a hand for Aisha to take. "We really should head back now. Ofelia must be freaking out by now."

Aisha realised just how long she's been gone and guilt pools in her stomach, she can't imagine the trouble she caused those who helped her. Aisha stood up abruptly and was instantly hit by vertigo. She starts to sway, so Kaneki helps her sit back down.

"You won't get far like that. Here." Aisha's confusion is turned into mortification when Kaneki kneels with his back to her and offers her a piggyback. She tried to assure him that she could walk, but she struggled to stay upright. "Come on, I don't mind."

"Thanks," Aisha muttered softly as she rested her head against his back and closed her eyes, enjoying his warmth. This moment, it reminds her of that day when she decided to climb that tree when she was little only to fall and sprain her ankle. Her father rushed over and scolded her harshly until she burst into tears, which she admittedly had never done before. That may have been why he stopped scolding her and instead apologised before carrying her to a healer. He held her close while murmuring sweet comforts how he'll always protect her.

"There you are!" Aisha's eyes snap open at the unfamiliar voice and see a middle-aged woman with orange hair tied into a bun rushing over to them. Are they already at the infirmary? How could she have zoned off like that? This isn't like her. "You gave everyone a real fright. I have to call the staff and tell them you're back." Ofelia quickly calls Faragonda and informs her that Kaneki brought Aisha back and that the search is over.

"Are you alright?" Aisha saw Flora and Tecna sitting on a nearby bed, each with a cup of tea in hand. Piff's sleeping dust wouldn't have worn off this quickly, so they were most likely awakened by Ofelia. 

Flora puts down her cup and walks closer to the duo, worry clear on her face. Tecna followed and added, "Yes, we were so worried when you ran off." 

Aisha felt sick to her stomach as she realised the distress she put everyone through, especially those who just wanted to help her. Her grip around Kaneki's neck tightened slightly, which he takes note of. "I'm sorry for causing trouble, I wasn't thinking straight. Kaneki convinced me to come back."

Ofelia breathed a sigh of relief before looking at Kaneki with gratitude, "Thank you for getting her back safe." 

"It's no problem," Kaneki assured. At that moment, the door to the infirmary is slammed open, and the Winx flood into the room with Faragonda following close behind, Bloom and Musa swarm to Kaneki as they bombard Aisha questions about her health.

"Slow down, let her breathe," Kaneki lightly reprimanded them before turning to Aisha and asking if she could stand on her own.

Aisha thanked him as she disembarked quickly and was left emarrassed that she stayed on his back for so long. For as long as she remembered, she's always been on her own, she had no friends, other than Anne, to count on and her parents only cared about molding her into the perfect princess so to have someone talk to her and to have someone care about her as Aisha rather than the princess. It feels kinda nice.

Faragonda takes a step forward and gives Aisha a soft smile, "How are you doing? We panicked when we found you've disappeared."

"That tends to happen when you find your friends passed out on the floor like they're dead with the perpetrator nowhere in sight."

"Stella," Musa hissed, elbowing the blonde in the stomach.

"No, she's right to be angry," Aisha intervened with a shake of her head, "you've all been so kind, and I responded by betraying you guys and knocking you out. I'm especially sorry for causing a disturbance in your school."

"Water under the bridge," Flora comforted. 

"That was honestly the best nap I've ever had," Tecna added.

"I wasn't angry, just worried," Faragonda responded. "And seeing how your victims have forgiven you, you don't need to feel guilty anymore."

"But why did you run off like that?" Bloom inquired.

"I am quite curious about that too. Aisha, I understand that you might not want to talk about what you've experienced, but I need to know where the current brought you from. You can trust me to help you."

Aisha hesitated before glancing at Kaneki, he nods showing that he trusted the headmistress so she could as well. 

Aisha began to explain everything that happened from when she discovered the pixies missing from the village and how she tracked them down to a deep underground castle guarded by shadow monsters. She went on to tell her about how she managed to free the pixies only to be intercepted by a phoenix man who steals the pixies, drains her of her magic and letting her fall off the cliff to her supposed demise.

"-and so the current carried me outside, I woke up with most of my wounds gone, so I made my way through the forest until I reached Alfea," Aisha finished her explanation.

"And do you know why the pixies have been captured?" Faragonda questioned, scanning her thoughts for anything valuable about the pixies or anything they own.

"I'm not sure, I've been wondering about that myself," Aisha tells her, "maybe he wants to blackmail them or get something out of them. I don't know much about Pixie Village. They are secretive even to me."

"Yes, that's what I am afraid of," Faragonda asserted as she continued to mull over what the pixies could have that Darkar wanted.

"Do you know about the Phoenix? Do you have any idea of who or what he is?" Aisha inquired, nails digging into her palm. Faragonda hummed and looked down, contemplating whether to answer her question. "Headmistress, please, if he is dangerous, then you have to tell me if the pixies are in trouble," Aisha beseeched.

Faragonda doesn't answer her immediately but ultimately decides not to needlessly coddle her. Aisha is still a child, but Faragonda didn't believe it to be right to lie to her considering all she's suffered through.

"Judging by what you've told me, I'm afraid I know exactly who you are talking about and, without a doubt, the pixies will perish under his custody which is why we must free them."

Aisha released the breath she didn't know she was holding. To have such a high-ranking fairy aid in her quest to rescue her friends eased the burden on her shoulders.

"And we'll help," Bloom added with the other girls agreeing.

"Absolutely not," Faragonda shuts them down firmly.

"Why not?" The girls were shocked and began to argue with her, but a dry comment from Kaneki gets them to shut up.

"Did you not hear about the evil bird deity?" 

The girls are left bewildered by Kaneki's retort. Faragonda watched how they opened their mouths to argue only to close them again as they had nothing valid to counter with. Faragonda crossed her arms and spoke up, "Leaving the Phoenix aside. The Black Caverns is precarious enough as it is, but going to the Shadowhaunt is simply out of the question."

"Have you been to the Shadowhaunt, Miss Faragonda?" The girls focus back on Faragonda with wide eyes, eager for her experience. 

"Once, and I pray that I'll never have the displeasure of going there ever again. That place will suck the life and magic until there's not even a drop left. It is a vile place that acts unpredictably."

"So what? We're the ones who defeated those snow abominations back on Domino."

"I love your confidence, Stella, but confidence won't save you from death. Your powers will leave you the longer you stay down there. It's not a matter of if rather when."

"With all due respect, no place is gonna cramp my powers, Miss Faragonda," Musa huffed, throwing her hands into the air.

"That's not up to you, Musa. Do you believe Aisha is the only one who's traversed the Black Caverns and survived? Others liked the Templar and soldiers, but not everyone was fortunate to survive."

"But we have to go! The pixies need us!"

"The pixies will be rescued just not by you. I will contact General Coryn to request a rescue. Her soldiers are highly trained and qualified to handle a mission of this severity. "

The Winx refused to accept this and begin to argue with Faragonda, irritating Kaneki, who snapped at them. "Can you stop and listen?" The girls quieten out of shock. "I don't understand why you're so insistent in going to such a place. A mission such as this is far too much for you to handle anyway. You need to leave it to the authorities."

"And how would you know what we can and can't handle?" Musa shoots back.

"Your age. You need to remember that you still students and Faragonda is responsible for your safety and wellbeing. How do you think she'll feel if she sends you out on this mission and you get killed or crippled? Look at this from her perspective."

"Kaneki is correct. I care about you girls, not just you, but all my students, and I don't want any of you to suffer anymore. It's not about your skill but about the severity of this situation. Now, the Shadowhaunt belongs to a single despicable and vile being, and if he is back, then the entire Magic Dimension will be in danger."

"Then let me go with you at least," Aisha pleaded with teary eyes. "Please, Miss Faragonda, I know where the entrance is, and I know where the pixies are being held."

"Except that they might have been moved to a different location," Kaneki pointed out.

"What?"

"You managed to break them out of their prison. Even if he believes that no one's coming, he's going to take some precautions against someone trying to free them again."

Kaneki had a point even if they didn't want to admit it, and they didn't just want to drop the matter. Musa clenched her fists and stared at the ground, growing angry at the continued revelation of her inability. "This isn't fair. We can do this."

"It can't be that bad if Aisha is walking around and knocking people out without a care."

Aisha groaned and buried her face in her hands at the mention of that awful moment, but a muffled snort captured her attention. She looks up to see Kaneki quickly avoiding her gaze while hiding a smile behind his fist. She felt heat rise in her cheeks and elbowed him response. 

"Well, continue this discussion tomorrow. I'm sure Aisha would appreciate some sleep." Faragonda's tone meant that she wanted no one to argue which none of the girls did before leaving the room. The girls and Kaneki say goodbye to Aisha before leaving the room.

Darkar's Castle - 19th September 2005

Darkar sat on his throne, his chin resting on one hand as he contemplated the loss of the One-Eyed King. Upon hearing a familiar shrill, Darkar holds out his arm for Kerborg, who has completed his reconnaissance mission.

"What have you found? The codex has been split into four pieces? What of Pixie Village? I see. You can leave."

Darkar conjured a ball of dark energy. It flickered a couple of times before he crushed it in his fist. Pathetic. The summoning took much out of him, but that was to be expected. What he did not expect, however, was for the sigil to correct itself in the middle of the summoning, which only meant one thing. Fate has decided to step in.

That sadistic woman.

If she truly intends to intervene, then the last thing he would allow is himself to become a pawn in her desire for entertainment. 

She may live in a higher plane of non-existence that not even he, with all his infinite power, can reach, but she can't evade him forever. He'll savour the day he watches the light drain from her eyes as he chokes her.

First things first, allies. While no beings could compare to the Ancestresses or Valtor, the measures that the Magic Dimension took to imprison them means it won't be easy or quick to free them. 

It'd be wise to prioritise Valtor's release, the Omega Dimension is simply an ice planet that has been sealed into a man-made pocket dimension created by the Lords of Templar and while it'd take some time to corrupt a templar, it can be done. It won't be long until his servant at Lightrock is discovered, so he must act soon.

Darkar summoned a stamp press in the shape of a king chess piece. He fiddled with it for a moment before examining the rubber bottom where the Mark of Valtor was. 

A creation of Valtor's and one of his most impressive innovations, while it's not as powerful as the original spell, it is just as useful. Plus, this versatile dark curse is also nigh indiscernible unless you are aware of its existence.

Unfortunately, it's not easy to corrupt a Templar. Their will and mental fortitude are outlandishly resilient, so he must choose his target carefully, someone with the tiniest crack in their mental defences. Once he finds that hapless fool, he'll torment him bit by bit until the cracks grow larger and Valtor's spell can successfully work its magic.

With this, not even the Templars would realise that that one of their own belongs to the darkness and the spy can be left to their own devices. Once Valtor is free, Darkar will assign him the mission to free the Ancestral Witches. It wouldn't be difficult considering his skills and powers.

If all goes well, he'll have his original army by the end of the year, but right now, he needs allies to retrieve the codex's. 

His spy initially praised a coven of witches known as the Trix who had summoned the army of decay, but they rejected the offer to serve him and had the audacity to mock him. His spy's admiration turned to rage with valid reason to be, but Darkar found them to be amusing. What else can insolent little gnats do but bite?

Perhaps he should he greet them in person. He wondered how they'll react to his existence; will they prostrate before him while begging for mercy, or will they keep their bravado? 

Either way, he won't tolerate their insolence. He cared nothing about their strength or if they'll be a benefit for his plans, they are now his property; his slaves and it will be fun to break them down into nothing just like little Boogeyman. 

Darkar chuckled, recalling the pitiful screams and begging as he stripped his servant's sanity bit by bit until he was left a husk of his former self. He asked for it, though. How dare that tulpa challenge him for his throne?

Did he believe just because he was the embodiment of nightmares, he could defeat the true essence of darkness? 

Darkar rose from his throne. It's time to take a trip to Lightrock Monastery. 

Inside Lightrock - Meadow

Inside was a beautiful, lush garden with plants and trees as far as the eye could see. The sky is a clear blue and gentle breeze brushed through peoples' hair, or at least those with hair.

Lying on her side, Darcy is left watching a sickeningly lovey-dovey couple sitting at a bench cooing and giggling to one another. Then they did something that made her sick to her stomach. They kissed. Darcy gagged before turning over so she wouldn't have to suffer through the revolting display.

Icy had her upper body swinging lazily on a hammock while Stormy was sitting underneath a tree, munching on an apple. Once finished, she chucked the core over her shoulder, only for it to be launched right at the back of her head. Growling, Stormy leapt to her feet and violently whipped her head around, searching for the culprit as she crushed the core with her bare hand. "Who did that? Come out and face me, you coward!"

"It's a shame, Stormy. I know, compared to your sisters, you're not the brightest bolt of lightning, but you still can't grasp the basics even after months of your stay. Disappointing." Since the speakers are attached are practically every tree, Mr Dixit's voice is echoed across the plain and heard by the denizens nearby who soon start to titter.

"Why, you no good!" Icy growled, smashing the speaker with her foot. The tree shook from the force, and a mixture of apples, flowers, and leaves rain down around the trio.

"That's it!" Darcy seethed. Screw good behaviour. No one messed with her sisters and gotta away with it. They are the rightful rulers of the Magic Dimension. To think these maggots would dare insult their future queens. They'll make all of them pay.

Out of nowhere, the sky turns a deep, dark red with thunder and lightning mixed in with the storm clouds then a pulse of dark fire sweeps the land devouring the life and green from whatever it could. There are screams from the citizens as well as the guards ordering them to return to their rooms over the blare of the klaxon. The masses waste no time flooding through the doors before reinforcements arrive. 

The Trix stay where they are relishing the change in weather even as the guards converged to their location. A blast of malevolent energy threw the guards into the air and smashed them into the ground, hard enough not to get back up.

The smoke cleared and in the centre of the crater stood Darkar, tall and imposing. He scanned the area until his gaze stopped upon the Trix, shivers ran down their spines, and they couldn't help the slight tremble upon realising that he's here for them. 

Darcy steps forward first demanding answers. "Who are you?" 

"Silence," Darkar commanded. Outraged, Darcy opens her mouth to yell at him, except nothing comes out. She stopped and fervently grabbed her throat, and, to her horror, she realised that her voice was gone and the perpetrator was standing right there, smirking at her. "I have no need to answer asinine questions. All you need to know is that you are now serving the forces of evil."

Stormy rushed over to Darcy, trying to help while Icy stepped in front of them with her teeth bared at Darkar. "Listen here, buster, we serve no one but ourselves."

"What did you do to Darcy, you disgusting piece of shit?!" 

Darkar cocked his head, so they chose to keep their bravado? How amusing. Maybe he should 'reward' their bravery. 

Darcy suddenly found herself being able to talk. She rubbed her neck and stared straight into his eyes. "Why should we serve you?" She shushed her sisters when they squawk to object. "He's powerful. We shouldn't discredit him just because he's an ass."

"We can handle this ourselves," Icy hissed. 

"If you prefer the alternative, then by all means, stay. I'm sure you will be able to handle the Knights and Templar with your current situation." Sarcasm practically oozes from his lips as Darkar taps his helmet with a talon gesturing to the circlets that restrict their powers.

Their rage grows with each clink. Who does this guy think he is? They're the Trix! It's them who'll reach the top with no one but each other.

"However, if you want a taste of true power, then join me." Darkar holds up his hand, and jewellery appears in his open palm - a purple circlet, a blue necklace, and a red bracelet, all composed of pure magical energy.

Gloomix belonged to the Ancestresses who willingly offered them up in exchange for serving him as his most loyal of followers.

The Trix snatched it up, and the circlets that seal their powers cracked and expode. Power courses through their veins, and they didn't waste a moment in enjoying their once lost powers when reinforcements come barrelling towards them.

Blood splatters everywhere as the Trix let loose, their shrieks of delight echoing throughout the monastery. They didn't stop with the just the guards and slaughtered the denizens as well, relishing their screams, begs, and curses.

With the fall of Lightrock, the reformed criminals now return to their selfish personas.

"Move!"

"Get the fuck out of my way!"

"Don't kill me!"

Icy sneered at how they scurry away from her, likening them to filthy little rats. Yawning, she raised her hand, and numerous icicles form above her head before she swiped her hand and the icicles rain down, impaling the people like shish kebab.

"Too easy," Icy commented as she examined her nails, noting that a manicure would be nice. 

To her surprise, a body begins to shift and wriggle. A survivor? Icy shrugged and was about to finish the woman off when a boy popped out from under the body. He tries to stand up but finds himself unable to, so he looks to his legs and lets out a wail upon realising that his left leg is almost completely severed by an icicle.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes."

His eyes widen upon recognising Icy, and he crawled with all his might, but there was no way he could escape Icy. 

"Where are you going? You shouldn't be moving with that broken leg. Why don't I help even things out?" Icy severed his other leg and his screech is music to her ears. "There we go. Even."

"Go away! It's not my fault! I didn't do anything wrong!" The boy sobbed, his face absolutely ugly with his cheeks stained with tears and a snot bubble growing out his nose. He clutched his stumps, but his hands slipped from all the blood spurting out.

Icy quirked a brow at that. "Oh, really?"

"It's all her fault! She's the one who took the flower. She should have known better."

Icy said nothing. Instead, she gets down on one knee and holds up a finger where a little snowflake stands. 

"Deep Freeze." Icy touched the boy's chest with her finger, and the snowflake disappeared. The effect was instantaneous. His breaths came out in puffs of vapour as ice began to form on his now pallid skin. He gasped and cried, writhing around in pain until he can no longer move as his blood and body slowly froze solid.

In his last moments, he looked to Icy for mercy, but only finds a demon staring down at him in glee.

Icy tapped the body with her shoe when she realised that she is still wearing the outfit given by Lightrock though her pristine white robe now stained red with blood and guts. An improvement, but it's time for an outfit change.

With a snap of her fingers, her dreary clothes swapped with her original navy blue one-piece suit. Pleased with her look, she decides to reunite with her sisters and stomps on the frozen body, causing it to shatter into a thousand fragments, her cape billowing behind her.

She eventually found her sisters along with Darkar and that disgusting orderly. 

"There you are. Thought you got lost," Stormy said.

Icy spied red and saw Stormy's gloves were saturated in blood; from her fingertips to her elbows. How she managed that Icy definitely wanted to know, but first they should deal with Darcy, who was nibbling on her thumb, brows furrowed as she muttered curses under her breath.

"What's with you? I thought you'd be happy."

Darcy yanked her thumb from her mouth and huffed, "Couldn't find that stupid brat with the needle."

"Oh, him?" Icy responded languidly while inspecting her nails. "I dealt with him already."

"Really? How'd you let him have it?" Darcy and Stormy leaned in closer for the juicy details.

"First, I severed his legs, then I froze him solid. You should have heard him cry."

"Sweet," Stormy cackled before holding her bloody hand aloft. "I can now punch holes through people. You should've seen what I done to this one bitch, shocked her till her head exploded all over the wall. What about you, Darcy?"

"Killing people is easy. Getting people to kill themselves, however..." Darcy trailed off with a sadistic grin.

"Gruesome," Icy whistled, impressed.

"These are awesome. With these Gloomix, no one will be able to defeat us," Stormy proclaimed while admiring her Gloomix with starstruck eyes. 

The sisters shared a look, the same thought going through their heads and they turn to Darkar who was engrossed in a conversation with his minion. Perfect. "And since these are ours, I guess we have no use for you." The Trix combine their magic and blast it at Darkar. Smoke engulfs him, and the Trix relish their newfound freedom but before they could celebrate, they collapsed to the ground whilst writhing in pain.

The smoke dissipated, revealing Darkar, who throws his head back and cackles like a mad man. "Pitiful children," he crooned, towering over their fallen bodies, "did you think I would not anticipate your betrayal?"

"Insolent harlots! How dare you try to betray Lord Darkar!" The minion bellowed, practically frothing at the mouth as he attempted to lunge at the fallen trio only for Darkar to interfere by holding out an arm, stopping him in his tracks. The minion promptly stepped back and knelt to the ground.

"What did you do to us?" Stormy demanded, glaring at him with pure venom.

"The gifts you received have some extra measures ensuring your loyalty."

Darcy pushed her upper body up with shaky arms, "Loyalty through threat and torture?" 

"Is that not the best form of loyalty?" Darkar hummed, tilting his head to the side. "No one dare betrays those they fear."

"Eventually, fear turns to anger, and anger turns to hatred. You never know when your followers will stab you in the back," Darcy forewarned. 

"What kind of God would I be if a simple stab would put me out of commission?" Darkar scoffed, insulted with such a ridiculous notion.

"God?" Icy lets out a humourless laugh before taunting him, she ignored the warning Darcy hissed at her and continues, "I think you're over compensating - not even the Great Dragon escaped Death's grip. You're just some hapless nobody with just a modicum of power, and even with that power, all you can do is send your little freak lackey to do your bidding. Some god."

Darkar stared at Icy for a moment before her arm was twisted unnaturally and painfully behind her back. Icy shrieked and tried to free her arm, but no matter how hard she tugged, it wouldn't budge. The pressure on her arm subsides, but she has no time to react before her right leg is snapped violently. Icy vomited.

"Icy!" Darcy and Stormy rush towards their sister, who flailed around in a pool of her vomit while clutching her broken leg. 

A sigh caught Darcy's attention, and she glanced back to see Darkar shaking his head like a parent would to their child when they misbehaved. The nerve of this guy.

"Your mistake is believing the death of a god is like that of a mortal. Simply ceasing to exist. It is an amusing misconception but also insulting." 

Darkar strode and stopped in front of the trio before stomping on Icy's head, much to the horror of her sisters who tried to save her. Before they could do anything, Darkar grabbed Stormy by the neck and squeezed while he smacked Darcy into the wall, hard enough to make it crack.

With the distractions out of the way, Darkar dug his heel into Icy's face harder. He smirked when he heard her parietal bone cracking from the pressure. "You three will provide me with such needed entertainment, so please continue with your useless hissy fits. I'm more than willing to teach you how to respect your master."

The orderly watched on in glee as its venerable master rightfully struck down those impertinent trio of witches. Their whimpers of pain and their cries for mercy are music to its ears, but as much as it'd like to enjoy the show, they must leave or face the wrath of the Templars. 

"Master, we have stayed here too long. Reinforcements may arrive soon."

"Is that so?" Darkar murmured, he didn't want to stop in his fun but he just didn't have the strength to face the Templars who always fight in large groups and so with no other choice, Darkar acquiesced his desire for entertainment and flung Stormy towards Icy who caught her just in time, the latter growled at his actions but he couldn't care less. 

With a wave of his hand, he summoned a portal and gestured for them to follow, the orderly sprung through without a second thought, but the trio of sisters stared at the portal apprehensively. Should they go through it, then they'll truly be trapped under this monster's heel.

"I don't like to be kept waiting. If you don't want to go through, then by all mean don't but keep in mind that I won't grant you death."

A wave of death overwhelmed them as Darkar stared at them with those vicious fiery amber pupils, they found themselves unknowingly holding their breaths as they clung to each other, hands and nails digging hard enough to mar their flesh with deep bruises that'll last for weeks.

Seeing that they had no other choice, the Trix stumbled their way to the portal with their pride torn to shreds. As they got closer, Icy glared at the phoenix, an act that would've been seen as threatening if not for the sick that had dried on her face, and couldn't help but mutter, "You better help us get back the Dragon Fire."

The Dragon's Fire? Darkar couldn't help but scoff at the mention of the Great Dragon's remaining magic and essence though he couldn't deny the power and beauty his brother once held nor could he blame these primitive beings from worshipping him since they were designed with that purpose in mind. 

Still, to covet the Dragon's Fire as if it were the only power to reshape the universe irritates him beyond belief, there are other greater powers to be had than the Dragon's Fire. Powers such as his Shadow Fire, the Water Stars, the Ultimate Power of Relix, a Sirenix wish. 

To limit yourself to the Dragon's Fire - is simply lazy and he lets them know.

"There is more to the universe than just the Dragon's Fire, and there exists much greater power, if not equal, outside of it as well should you know where to look."

"And you know?" Icy countered.

Darkar grinned, "Of course. I've had millenias to look after all."

They disappeared through the portal. The only evidence of their existence is the trail of carnage they left behind. 

Some hours passed, and with the danger long gone, a little purple duckling tentatively stuck his head out of the tree cavity before carefully climbing down the tree. Before the slaughter started, Pepe had been hiding in the tree, wanting to be as close to his mama as possible without her spotting him.

As much as he loved her, he didn't want to be on the receiving end of her anger again. Being screamed at, spat on, punched, kicked, stomped... Pepe began to tear up at those memories, and he wanted to find the one person who would hug and comfort him, so he searched for Shymel.

During his search, he waddled over and passed numerous fallen bodies, the blood staining his webbed feet a deep crimson. Pepe couldn't comprehend why everyone was fast asleep on the floor, but he knew it wasn't good. He had to find Shymel soon.

His prayers were soon answered as he found his friend laying on the ground, Pepe quacked happily while tottering to the brunet. Once close enough, Pepe noted his blue tunic dyed the same colour as the liquid on the floor, but he couldn't care less. He found his friend.

He patted the human's face with his wing but he didn't so much as twitch, this upset Pepe who wanted more of a reaction so he kept trying to wake his friend but nothing he did worked. Tired, Pepe gave up and snuggled into Shymel's neck, hoping that when he woke up, so would his friend.

Poor Pepe. He needs some love.

There's trouble brewing now. James is fanning the flames, the students are suspicious of Kaneki, and now the Trix have escaped.

Y'know I found it kinda weird how the Trix just followed Darkar's orders in the cartoon even though they were their own bosses in season 1. He did free them from Lightrock but he also continously degraded them whilst sending them to do his bidding. 

They should've betrayed him earlier or at least brainstormed some ideas on how to, but they follow him till the end then get pissed of that he replaced them with Dark Bloom. That's not the Trix we all know and love.

So here we have enslaved Trix who can't stand Darkar and want to escape whilst making him pay for everything he's done to them.

I also apologise if this chapter seemed a bit underwhelming at times like more dialogue than descriptions. I'm trying my best but I'm more focused on getting the chapters out. There's so much to be done and writing is hard especially with a baby who likes to climb you or take a flying leap off the bed.

Motherhood is exhausting.