Chapter 41: Day at the Beach
With the battle for Magix came to an end and victory over evil, everyone celebrated and the head teachers of the three schools decided to temporally close down for repairs after the war with the Trix and Tezzeret's army, given all the students and teachers a well earned break for all they done. While relieved for many of the fallen keyblader's demise, the witches who worked with him to take over the Magic Dimension were taken away to try and show them the errors of their ways, but it may not be an easy path.
News of the battle spread like wildfire across the Magic Dimension of the heroic deeds of the Winx and the return of the Keyblade Bearers who aided the schools to battle against the horde of Grimm. It even spread to many in the worlds such as Radiant Garden, Twilight Town, Disney Castle, and Auradon. The trio had to watch out for the flocks of reporters to ask various questions about them, especially to know about Mal.
While it was now a time of peace, things have to come to an end. With no danger in Magix, the new keybladers would be able to return to their homes and not needed, but fortunately for both dimensions the Keyblade Masters decided to remain open after many years should anything happen, and meaning the young keybladers, along with their friends in Magix can continue to visit each other. Taren's parents decided to celebrate his return on Destiny Island, and also to invite both Bloom's and Flora's families over to better know each other since their son was dating them.
And it was something he was most nervous about and hope things turn out in their favour.
Fast asleep in the bed sheets of his own bed for the first time since the day this whole thing started, made a stir as the warm ray so the sun to slowly wake up. Much as he wanted to stay in bed, but slowly sat up and found and found his bedroom had been kept clean while he was away.
It was almost as if he never left at all, that it was all a dream.
Well, not with the photos and people to confirm it was very real, and was relieved about it. Having many photos from his time in Magix to put in his album for memories and look back at them. One of them with him, Ben, Mal, and Macbeth standing together in a group photo before his return to New York, they were going to miss him, yet grateful for all that he's done for them to become capable fighters they are now and were welcome to visit him anytime.
Taren had it framed and by the window, smiling warmly and also to another that made his heart thrive. One with himself and in the company of Bloom and Flora smiling beside him towards the camera with his left arm around the blushing Flora and Bloom holding onto his right hand. It was taken the night of the celebration and taken by one of their friends since they became a couple… or throuple, or his harem.
Either way, it was going to take awhile to get use to for him. But, it was the moment of relaxation and not being thrown into a battle would take a while to adjust, maybe talk to his parents of how they handle this sort of thing.
Slowly gets up and let out a soft yawn, scratching the top of his head before getting up on his feet as he might as well get up for breakfast. Opens the draws and cupboard to get some clothes out to wear before getting into the shower, but before he would leave to be ready, takes a quick glance to the desk.
A large orange egg with blue strips resting on a blanket to keep it steady, attached to it was a cable and to the other end was a semi-tear shaped device with the white centre colour and the red grips on the sides, in the centre was a square-shaped screen.
He only had it since yesterday when he came back from his trip to Radiant Garden as it was a gift for him and his friends.
Flashback
Taren, Ben, and Mal, along with Sora, with Riku and Mickey were brought to Ansem the Wise with his hair now begun to turn grey and signs of wrinkles but now sported a cane but mainly for the fashion. Beside him were Ienzo who had the side of his hair brushed to the sides and kept the same style closely since the previous Keyblade War, and Even who now sported a trimmed mustache. Both of them had passed to become fully committed scientists to help the people of Radiant Garden and other worlds to offer their help and assistance.
Ansem was the first to speak up. "I would like to thank you all for coming, and I believe congratulations are in order for your victory against the dark forces."
"Thank you, Ansem. We couldn't have done it without our friends in Magix." Ben said and appreciated the compliment.
"Yes, and received word from master Yen Sid about their strong bond with their Titans." Even said.
"Does that mean we will be getting our own?" Taren asked them, sounded almost excited to have his own like his friends for the next adventures.
"That might be a problem, we were fortunate to find several of them that have been preserved in the archives since the ancient Keyblade Wars." Ienzo explains to them. "But, we believe there are many out there and just have to be found. However, there may be a possibility to find them with your keyblades through a potential bond, there is much research into it."
"So, all we have to do is find them? That'll be a challenge." Mal thought of something else in mind to find them just as she was able to summon the creatures from the Kaiju realm to fight alongside her against the Trix. "Couldn't we try to summon a Titan with our keyblades?"
"A possibility, but until we have done more research, there is another for why we brought you three here." Ansem stated and brought up another subject for their reason of coming. Nodding his head to Ienzo who responded and made his way to the computer.
Ienzo types away to bring up images on the screen. "A while ago, we were doing conducting research on new undiscovered worlds, one of them we discovered with potential cause for your aide. We spoke to them and exchanged information of the situation and they agreed to lend our support."
"Consider these as a gift for your hard work." Even presented them three colourful eggs with devices attached to them.
Mal stepped forward to look at the green one with darker green spots and saw the device with green, Taren's dark red and Ben's blue. "Hmm, very big… eggs."
Ben's was grey with blue crescent shaped patterns and his digivice was blue. "
"These are Digi-Eggs, and the devices are called Digivices as they are to be your new partners." Ansem explains to them as the teens looked at the eggs presented to them.
"Partners?" Riku spoke out when he heard what Ansem just said.
Ienzo decided to explain to them. "According to the data we received, these Digimon, short for Digital Monsters are creatures from the Digital World which could be somewhat similar to the Grid but different."
"These beings have the ability to grow stronger and gain new abilities as they reach the next level." Even informed them.
Hearing more about this made them very interested about them. "Hey, that sounds awesome." Looking at his and picks up his new Digivice in his hand.
"The Digivices will help you identity and detect a Digimon, their abilities and type. But also can transport your partners inside for travelling or hide them the next time you go to another world." Ansem brings up about their devices to use to avoid drawing attention or scaring any inhabitants.
"That could come in handy, if we ever go to this Digital World, we'll need to be prepared." Ben liked the idea and picked up his egg and digivice. "But will have to explain it to my parents when I get home, and make sure to avoid anyone cooking it."
End Flashback
Taren and his dad came back with it, explaining to his mom about it and she suggested he be very careful of looking after it since it be much different than a dog, a cat, or even a fish. The first time both her and Hana saw the egg, they first assumed it was laid by a chocobo. It had only been yesterday and made certain to keep it safe until it would hatch on its own. He was excited to know what this Digimon be like and what abilities it has, according to Ansem and Yen Sid, they carefully picked the suitable partners for the three to fight alongside them.
Now fully dressed with the clothes for the climate as it was usually warm in Destiny Island, making his way to the stairs to get some breakfast, he smells something cooking and finds his mom making breakfast.
"Hey mom!"
Kairi turns to find Taren in the kitchen. "Oh, morning, Taren… TAREN?!" Gave out a startled cry and what she was making with the frying pan was flung across the room and landed on the startled teen's face. Finds out it was pancakes over his face.
Taren groans and pulled it off him. Sora walked in to hear the sound of Kairi's startled cry, when he saw what happened and gave out a chuckle. "Guess, breakfast is on Taren then."
Kairi blushes out of embarrassment of what happened and apologies to Taren. "S-Sorry about that, but… it's the first time I ever seen you out of bed so early apart for school."
Decided to take a bite out of it since he got his breakfast so sudden thanks to his mother. It tasted good despite the incident. "Yeah, guess a lot has happened in the last months, and thought to be up with today."
"Well, that's good to here. Can't have you be seen in bed." She told him before she handed him a cloth to clean himself up. "Doing some breakfast, get a chair and freshen up."
As he did so, Hana came down to join them for breakfast, she was really excited to see her brother again and hear about what happened during his adventures, while surprised he got himself two girlfriends who happen to be fairies. As he figured, she had been a fan of fairies since she was a little girl and no doubt wants to make a trip to Magix for her plans.
"So, exactly how am I going to explain my disappearance to anyone who ask? Not like I can say I was on an off-world adventure with a magical weapon." Taren brought up to them as he bites down on his breakfast.
Sora thought of it and answers his question. "Don't worry, we had it covered, just told them you were doing the traditional voyage to find your path."
Kairi nods to agree with him. "Your grandmother caught on to his little secret and fortunate that they bought it since it's been a common thing for young islanders. Hence why it was perhaps called Destiny Island to some."
Hana thought it sounded right but noticed how different her brother looked, and noticed how he looked physically different by the muscles on his arms. "And looks as though you've been working out. Plus, you seem almost tall as dad."
"Seriously?" Taren almost not noticed his growth over time but the time of his training with Macbeth and in Red Fountain had improved his skills more.
"You would have been tall as Riku at your age. Even before Sora finally had his growth spurt." Kairi covered her mouth from snickering over the joke on Sora's height.
"Ha ha." Sora rolled his eyes of the joke she brought up while the rest found it funny. He was curious to see what skills Taren had developed during his time away when they have the chance.
"Guess, a lot has changed since then I didn't noticed." Taren never noticed how much he's grown since, all he was focus on was training and saving Magix.
"Must be glad to be back home now, bro?" Hana asked him.
"Oh yeah, but now I forgot how peaceful it was without you poking your nose into others' business." Taren stated while resisting the urge to grin at teasing his little sister.
Hana gave a flushed cheek and narrowed her eyes at her older brother. "I do not! Don't be mean!"
Taren gave a blank look to her. "Oh, yeah? Well how about all the questions about the egg, my friends and wanting to see Magix?" Ever since then she was asking many questions, especially about his girlfriends and how he done it.
"Nothing wrong with being curious. You've been away for months and get to see a world of fairies. And I always wanted to see a place like that." Hana gave a respond to his remark.
"Alright, that's enough you two." Sora telling both son and daughter both before it could go further. "We got a lot to do today so no fighting each other."
Taren thought to ask about what they had under the mountain when his parents found something of the island's forgotten past. "So, what about the stuff under the island? Anything you guys found in there?"
It was not yet revealed to the public since the revelation of their true origins that not only did the first settlers came here were the last remnants of a near-extinct culture, but from another world in a different dimension. Kairi was fortunate to have connections to certain people since she learned from her adopted father to keep it a secret for now until they were ready, but still wondered why no one knew anything about it.
"There'll be some work into it and Cid will send someone to study them, archaeology and history isn't his field of study so we'll just have to wait." Kairi explains to him while bringing up another on the subject to remind her children of the certain things. "But, I don't want you two going in there without someone, especially on the day we are having guests over."
"Sure." Taren would have wanted to check it out but would have to put it aside for now, needing to be ready for to greet both his girlfriends' families. Mike and Vanessa he's met, but not Flora's and remembered meeting them earlier.
Earth, Gardenia
"Bloom? You all set?" Vanessa called out to her daughter if she was ready.
"Just about, mom." Bloom was in her room to put on the summer clothes while she was getting changed for the beach, looking for a bikini to try on while taken the advice from Stella from the last time they went shopping, saying she should wear something to look sexy and surprise Taren, much to her embarrassment of the suggestions she gave to Bloom and no doubt to Flora as well.
When she told them that she and Taren were now dating, they were happy about it. The hard part was discussing of sharing him with another girl. Mike was shocked and thought it sounded crazy, but she explained the reasons why and the things that happened, and eventually convinced them to give a chance since his family and friends came to their help. Fortunately, Vanessa was willing to give this open relationship a chance and her father eventually agreed while they understood that Taren would not take advantage of Bloom's feelings. But the startling revelation that they raised an actual royal princess was a major but were supportive to her cause of finding her birth parents.
Picks up her pet bunny to put in her bag than to Decided to go with the outfit she picked while helping her parents to pack up the food to bring. "Everything ready?"
Mike put in a bag of sandwiches in the box before he sees Bloom. "Looks like it, you seem a little nervous."
"I wanted to make a good impression. Besides, they near the beach so gotta bring something for a swim."
"That's true, just hope they like the food we brought, and least things time I won't have to run into another visible wall." Mike said and still remembered the first time they arrived on Magix.
Vanessa and Bloom could not help but snicker of the how he was like a mime with his hands against the wall. Fortunately, they would be able to travel further around in other places like their first time in Radiant Garden, and be eager to see Destiny Island.
"Don't worry, dad, I'm sure they don't have one." Bloom assured him. "But, from I was told not many on the islands are aware of other worlds."
"Okay, now that we're all set. Riku would arrive to take us to their place." Vanessa said and interested to meet Taren's family while also trying to get use to the type of relationship her daughter was in, but also gained a new meaning f fear and worry for Bloom going off into dangerous situations like what happened with a band of witches she heard about, but agreed with Mike as long as she was with friends who are supportive and willing to protect her if something happens.
The family hears the sound of the door being knocked, Bloom went to answer it and found Riku.
"Hey, red, hope I wasn't too early."
Bloom shook her head and smiles at the silver haired keybearer. "No, we're all set."
Mike came over to see him and went to greet him. "Oh, hey, just got the food packed up. Hope you don't mind what we got."
"Nah, I doubt it. Heard from Kairi she be nearly ready so we be in time." Riku said. "Don't worry, I wouldn't have risk bringing the ship in the park with a lot of people."
"That's a relief, people would think it was aliens, well, in a way if you get what I mean." Vanessa mentions of the last time they were brought o Radiant Garden.
"Don't worry, I get what you mean. With some help of quicker transport we could be there safer without a ship." Riku told them. "So, let's get ready and hope this be an interesting moment."
Bloom was trying her best not to get all excited to visit Destiny Islands and no doubt thinks Taren was nervous or excited as she is.
While his parents set the table and the food out for the party before the guests would arrive, they allowed Taren to take a stroll around the beach and finds the spot his parents and Riku usually hang out for many years, he didn't need to worry about hiding the egg until it hatches, according to what he learned, the digivice can be used to absorb their data and communicate with their partners.
So far he heard from Ben will be spending time with his parents, there has not been much update on the future plans for his coronation which was delayed after his travels. There was another matter they talked about earlier, about how everyone will react to discover Mal's heritage and agreed sooner or later it will come out, but hope her heroic deeds and status as a key wielder would improve some doubts of her being anything like her late mother, Maleficent.
'Guess, things just get complicated after the other.' Thinking of perhaps get some bit of spar with his father and know a bit more of the keyblades' abilities like when he witnessed the Kingdom Key into a glider.
"So this is where you are."
Taren looks to find his father stood beside him and surprised he was here. "I thought you were with mom."
Sora went to his usual spot on the tree and crossed his arms. "She got it done, thought to come over to check up on you." Looks to the side with his son having some thoughts in mind. "Something the matter?"
"Well, it's just that… is it always going to be like this?" Taren asked him and continued. "I mean, at first I wanted to go on adventures with friends like you, but after the battle…"
"Nobody said it was going to be easy, I found it the hard way when putting myself at risk to safe my friends and your mother." Sora explains and remembers the hardest choices he made twice for her.
"Yeah, I saw them through the images, and… kinda scared me of what that old guy did." Taren brought up of the image and startled his father upon wondering how he knew. "That was Xehanort wasn't it?"
"Yes. I'm guessing it had to do with that Dragon's flame in you? Must be a lot to take in. Especially after finding out about our family's secret that I had no idea." Sora could still found it unable to believe of having this ancient magic for generations.
The young redhead nodded to agree with him. "No kiddin. Still trying to work out how to use it. Especially of how to find out about these previous users who turned out to be our ancestors." There was one person he remembered and somehow felt like he knew his face somewhere before. "Maybe something in that place you found could hold some answers."
"That might be a good idea. But, one thing I learned from my previous experience, is you will always stay on the path that lies ahead of you." Giving the advice to his son now knowing he would be facing these challenges as a wielder of the keyblade just like him at his age. "It won't be easy, but remember as long as you got us and your friends to be by your side."
Taken the thought of his father's advice and remembers when his friends gave each other's support since they first met each other. Even the Winx Club gained a strong bond after the first battle with the Trix and the Grimm, the Specialists group had a rough start, but eventually they grew close and worked together as a proper team. All three groups had formed great bonds, rivalries and love for each other to rely on another for support to defeat the forces of evil that threatened Magix.
"Yeah. You're right, no doubt they'll want in on the action as well." Taren smiles and stood up. "This time, I'll be prepared for it."
"Don't hold on to that, son. You might find something could happen unexpected." Sora told him and gets up from the tree.
Taren was about to follow him when all of a sudden, everything in sight was pitch black to him. "Hey, what the-"
"Guess who~"
Hearing a young female's voice and instantly knew who it was. "Wha… Flora?"
"Aw, you found out so sudden. Guess I'll have to try harder next time." He turned around to find Flora standing behind him and gave a cheering smile.
Taren was surprise to find her here on Destiny Island but more surprise of the clothes she wore for the beach: Flora wore an red tube crop top embroidered with light blue stitches and trimmed with light blue fabric, a red miniskirt with slits on both sides also trimmed with light blue fabric, and red and tan mule sandals.
"Wow." Finds his face turned bright red and first time seeing her in something different and not complaining.
Flora found his expression amusing and almost flushed as well. "I wanted to make a surprise visit but found you out here with your father. You like it?" Giving him a good look at her choice of outfits. "I hope it isn't too much, with being on a beach I thought to put this on."
"No! I think it looks great. I just thought… When did you get here?" Taren asked her.
"Just recently." She told him.
Sora came back to find Taren when he noticed his son was not behind him, came back to where he last saw him and found Flora beside him. "Oh, hey. Did not expect you to be here sudden."
Flora turned to greet Sora with a nod while she was a little nervous. "Hello, and yes they already got here and were eager to meet you and especially Taren."
"So they're here?" Taren asked her and was nervous of meeting Flora's family for the first time.
"Oh yeah, and they arrived at your place to meet your mom and sister."
Taren resisted the urge to groan in hopes things go well for them.
Thinking it be perfect time to get back to see them as Sora spoke out. "Well, we better get going, don't want to keep them waiting. And don't worry, we got plenty of green for your family to eat."
"Yeah, and maybe later when Bloom comes, I'll show you both the place." Taren said.
"Sounds like a good idea." Liking the idea and look forward to have some time with him. She laced her arm around Taren's to keep close, wanting to assure him that they will like him after all she told them. Flora found the islands to be a place she could come and visit often, enjoying the sound of the waves and seagulls. She can easily imagine Stella wanting to come for a sun bathe and find it a romantic place to walk the beach with Brandon.
"Sorry if we came a little later, but thought to make a surprise visit to meet you. I hope that doesn't bother you." A woman who shares some similarities to Flora but older more brunette than Flora's and styled in a bun. "My husband and I first found out she was dating this boy and thought to meet him."
Kairi smiles and gave her some tea while not minding it. Taking a seat to talk to the two people. "Guess Taren made quite the impression on Magix, after finding out where he was, I never thought it be possible."
"Well, we never expected to meet the famous Keybalders who helped save the Magic Dimension. From what our little girl told us about your son, we think she went head over heels." Next to her was her husband who has light brown hair, mustache, and beard and grey eyes while also wearing clothing fitted for the warm climate.
"That's good to here. But, um, not if you don't mind me asking a simple question." While relieved to hear of the positive things about her son, but still found it surprising how they heard about him already having more then one and seem fine with it. "You don't mind Taren dating not just Flora? I mean, me and Sora never expected anything like this to happen."
The father of the Fairy of Nature seemed to understand what she was trying to say and explains to her. "Oh, not at all. You see it's usually common on Lymphea, but not everyone has to follow it like me and Alyssa for example, since we're happy just the way things are for us."
"Well, it be interesting to know more about them, but they do seem to truly care for Taren." Kairi was willing to give this chance to know the two, she actually finds it interesting and perhaps they could a good match for him. She didn't think he be that popular with the girls, but hopes Taren doesn't let it go to his head and treat them well. She introduced them to Hana and already taken a liking to their youngest daughter and let them have fun.
Speaking of the latter, she sees him now, along with his father and Flora by the look of it. "Well, looks like we don't have to wait. Alyssa, Rhodos, this is my husband Sora."
"Nice to meet you." Sora gave a friendly smile and shook their hands before Flora makes her turn to introduce Taren.
"Mom, dad, I like you to meet Taren." Smiles and held her boyfriend's hand to stand beside her.
Gave a nervous smile and scratched the back of his head with his spare hand, it was a lot more different then meeting Bloom's parents. Taking a quick breather as it was now or never. "H-Hi there, it's really nice to met you both." Giving a nervous but warm smile as he can and reached out his hand to them.
"Well, its nice to meet you, Taren. I'm Rhodos." Approaches him and takes his handshake, finding his first impression reasonable but seems like a nice young man to them. "But what can I say about myself, if I were an apple, she be, well, my first apple." Gesturing to his daughter who smiled by his odd joke, while the confused Taren was unable to think of a reasonable way to respond but blink his eyes as did Sora, but Kairi gave a giggle of getting it while her boys were clueless.
Alyssa smiles and shook her head before he could carry on. "You and your weird jokes, you're confusing them. And it's very nice to meet you, Taren. I'm Alyssa, Flora told us all about you."
"Well, I'm just glad to hear that." And hoping the good things about him at least from what Flora told them. "Hope you are enjoying yourselves here."
"Oh, I think it's a lovely place, and your mother told us she came from another world which surprised us. I'm actually interested to visit Radiant Garden." Alyssa said with the sound of eagerness in her voice.
Kairi smiles and would not have mind giving a tour for them. "It was named by a friend of ours after it went through some… changes over the years since I remembered. But think you will like it."
Hana arrived with a little girl behind her with honey-colored hair and jade eyes pulled n a small ponytail with a flowery hairband in a green/yellow dress. "Hey, there you are. Wondering where you went."
Taren turned to Hana who asked him. "Well I thought to get some moment to myself before anyone could have shown up."
Hana rolled her eyes and thought he would have fallen asleep as usually before meeting Flora. She was interested in meeting Bloom who sounded like a great person to meet.
Bloom and her parents found themselves standing on a beach and found the waves and enjoyed the smell of the seawater. "Oh, it feels so nice here."
"This is lovely, so this is where you all live?" Vanessa took in the scenery and asked Riku.
Riku agreed with her and appreciated the compliments of his home. "Yep, lot of good memories here with my friends. They should have the place set up for your arrival and others."
"Well, we shouldn't stay too long if they're waiting for us." Mike said.
Making their way to where Taren's family would be, Bloom took the chance to admire the place and thought to spend some time with Taren. Picturing herself on the beaches, going for a swim and watch the sunset.
"Ooh, Brandon, isn't this gorgeous."
Snapped out of her romantic thoughts when she heard a familiar to her. 'Brandon? That voice.' She knew exactly who's voice is.
"What's the matter, Bloom?" Her mother asked her when she stopped.
Bloom turned to her mother of what she was thinking. "I thought I heard… no, I must be imagining things. I thought I heard Stella."
"Not as gorgeous as you, but you sure we should be here." This time they heard a young man's voice, another that was familiar to Riku and Bloom.
"Either that, or that is some imagination to think of two people we know of."
Mike looked to the source of those voices as he recognised Stella's voice. "Wait, is that Stella over there?" Pointing to the rocks and spotted a familiar blonde haired girl from the back.
Bloom had no idea how but knew it was her, wondered how she even got here. "Stella? Is that you?"
"Eep!" The startled shriek caused the princess to leap behind a rock while Brnadon turned around to see Bloom, feeling he was caught and nervously smiles at her.
"Oh, hey, Bloom. Uh, fancy running into you here."
Bloom brought her hands to her hips and narrowed her eyes. "Yeah, and you can come out, Stella."
Chuckled nervously when she was caught, peeking her head out with a nervous smile. "Eh, heya, Bloom! So… good to see you! Uhh, your probably wondering why we're here."
"I'm actually curious to how you found this place which I like to know." Riku spoke up to know when he had no idea how they arrived here.
Brandon scratched the back of his head and nervously responded. "Uh, you see. Taren's parents suggested we could come anytime for a visit, and Stella had this idea to celebrate the moment by coming here."
"And just so happens to be today?" Bloom asked them.
"Oops, my bad. But figured why not make it a surprise and thought o invite the others." Stella found it embarrassing.
She thought it didn't seem so bad to invite their friends over and visit, but could have at least mention it or make plans while wanting to spend time with her new boyfriend.
"Well, I don't see the harm if your friends want to come and visit, Bloom. It would be nice to have some around." Vanessa said and thought it would be nice to have a good time.
"I guess, but hope we got enough." Bloom said before giving a teasing smile to her best friend. "So, trying to have a romantic moment?"
Stella's face turned red as she flushed along with Brandon's. "Well, why not. After all, no doubt you would do the same with Taren."
Bloom was about to respond to her when Riku cut her off. "Sorry to but in, but think we got a party to arrive, don't want to be late."
Decided to follow his advice and able to reach the large house where they find Sora who was talking to someone when she spotted Riku to wave.
"Hey, you made it!" Waves his hand to Riku and Bloom's family.
"Yeah, but seems we brought surprise." Gesturing to Stella and Brandon who were beside them.
Taren came over to hear what was going on. "Hey, dad? What's up?" Looks to see Riku and finds Bloom who smiled to see him. "Hey, Bloom." She greeted him with a kiss on the cheek and noticed Stella and Brandon. "Wait, Stella? Brandon? What are you doing here?"
Noticing the confusion on Taren's face, Brandon responded. "H-Hey, bud. Well, you see, Stella had the idea of making a visit here after hearing some much from a… source."
'Genie. Of course.' Having this mental image of the genie giving them the hint of the place. "Well, guess it wouldn't hurt for extra guests."
"Hey, who's going to watch the egg in your room? What if it hatches?" Sora asked him which brought almost everyone's curiosity of Taren's Digi-Egg
"Egg? What egg?" Bloom asked Taren of what his father meant by it.
"Uh, well, maybe its better I show you guys."
"Okay, this I did not expect." Stella could only stare at the Digi-Egg when Taren explained to them about the new partner from another world, much like their Titans but different. The blonde takes a closer look at it and noticed how big it was. "So this is a… what did you call it? A Digi-Egg?"
Taren nodded to Stella. "Yeah, not just me, but Ben and Mal have one of their own. Haven't figured what it be, but from what Ansem said, it would match to my skills and abilities."
"Sounds cool, but don't you think it might take a while for it to grow?" Brandon asked him.
"From what I've been told, they grow fast and change. I think." Taren told him and yet to know much about it.
"Well, you just have to be careful with it then." Flora said, she was curious to what was inside it and if it would hatch sometime. Able to feel something inside it along with the device it was attached with.
"A world of digital creatures? Sounds like a lace Techna would love to visit when suddenly the Digi-Egg rolled to the floor." Bloom could imagine the excited look on her face.
"Not to mention Timmy as well." Taren said and chuckled when suddenly the egg fell to the floor, not broken but surprised it was on the floor. "What the?"
Bloom thought Kiko did it being closes to it. "Kiko! You weren't supposed to touch it."
"Bloom, Kiko wasn't near it… it rolled by itself." Flora told her after seeing it rolled.
The egg started to shake and Stella pointed out to others. "Uh, guys…. It's moving."
Taren noticed and thought it was too soon. "Wait a minute, then that means-"
"The egg is hatching!" Bloom proclaimed.
"Grab it quick!" Brandon said and threw his arms out to catch it when the egg suddenly rolled about, everyone tried to catch it but was too slippery with the digivice attached and coiled around it. Stella and Bloom tried to catch it but slipped between them, causing the two to collid their heads together.
"Got it!" Taren thought to have it, only to caught Kiko by accident. He looked up and saw the egg flung in the air, everyone gasped until it was suddenly suspended in the air. They looked to see it was Flora who had her hand out.
"Don't worry, I go it." While everyone tried to catch the egg, Flora stood to the side to get it using her magic since it was all over the place, settling it on Taren's bed and just in time to see the cracks started to form as it wobbled from side to side.
The screen on the digivice started to glow as it became active while everyone waited for what happens next. The top of the egg split open and stopped shaking, Kiko jumped on to the bed to get a closer look inside.
What he found were a pair of gold eyes opened and blinked, startling the rabbit and everyone when a black fuzzy thing jumped out of the Digi-Egg and only had the top of the shell on its head until it shook it off to reveal a slime-like black fuzz with a pair of eyes and 'ear' like growths.
"Is that… a Digimon?" Taren stared at it in surprise.
"Awww! It's so cute!" Stella could not help but squeal and picked up the newly hatched Digimon in her hands and cooed it while nuzzling her cheek against it's squishy face. "Aren't you so cute! Yes, you are~"
"Stella, don't get too attached, it belongs to Taren. Remember?" Flora reminded her but could not admit it was so adorable.
Stella pulled away and gently put it back down. "I know, but doesn't mean I can't get over how cute the little guy is."
"Look at those adorable features. So what should we call you?" Bloom found it adorable and wanted to huge it like a toy, but not wanting to scare the little thing.
Taren picked up the Digivice as it was now active and try something. "Think it might be working." Held it towards the Digimon who focused its attention towards him then the others. A small holographic disc appeared to show the image of the digimon and a synthetic voice to speak.
Botamon.
Fresh Level
Type: None, Data, Free
Special Attacks: Bubble Blow.
"Botamon, huh? So that's the name of it." Brandon said and found the device pretty handy.
"Yeah, but not sure what it will be like after it changes or sometime." Taren said and suddenly noticed Botamon bounced its way towards him. Not certain how to react to this as the Digimon came closer to him.
"I think it must like you." Bloom smiles.
"Guess it must know me as its partner, I think." Taren replied and slowly reached out his hand to hold it, watching the Botamon studied his hand and came closer to jump onto his hand as it seem to trust him.
"Taren? What's going on in here?" They hear Taren's father show up and curious to what was going on. What he realise was the the black thing in Taren's hands.
"Uh, dad, the egg hatched."
It was a surprise when he brought the digimon to everyone who was surprised to see it hatched, Flora's parents were curious of the Digimon while their youngest daughter wanted to pet it and thought it was like a plush toy, same for Hana who found it adorable and cut.
Kairi thought perhaps Taren should show his friends and the girls around the place while they prepare for pizza that was almost done in the oven while the parents get to know each other before the others show up or have fun at the beach.
Taking the time on the beach, they brought both the youngest with them, least to allow Hana and Miele to play with Botamon while kept watch by Flora to be sure it remains close.
Stella took the time to enjoy the sun to get a light tan and a pair of shades to wear. "Ahh, now this is what I deserve from all the adventures and battles."
"What about the studying? We didn't just spend most of our semester fighting against the Trix and Grimm?" Flora reminded her while she was more towards studying to improve her magic.
"That and give my brain a well earned break from that the most. But least Alfea is still in one piece… sort of." Stella said.
Bloom giggles and thought it be something Stella would say as a chance to get out of the books. "Well, least we can enjoy this moment while it last."
"So is it true you can do plants?" Hana asked her while building sand castles. "We know someone who loves flowers a lot in Radiant Garden and knows a lot."
Flora smiles and nods to the youngest Strife. "Sure can, and working on making my own magic to experiment on plants to help others."
"Could have had you with us when the monsters attacked us, one of them was a hungry looking plant from a different world." Stella remembered of the moment when that cat god came and caused some mischief. Turns on her front and pulled out a lotion. "Brandon, could you help with my back?"
Brandon blushes and looked down at her, stutters a little and turns to the others who gave amusing look on their faces. But might as well try to be gentle as he can with his new girlfriend. "Uh, sure, Stella."
Taren snickers and would give some advice but knew nothing about this sort of thing.
"Hey, Taren? Could you maybe do mine as well?" Bloom asked and had her back turned.
This caused Taren to stutter and blush with her hair pulled to the side, this time it was Brandon's turn to grin at his reaction until the two put some on their backs and carefully rubbed it on while Hana rolled her eyes of her brother's reaction.
"Oh, brother." She mumbles and thought he could least know a little.
Flora thought it was funny and would maybe have her turn to feel his hands on her back. Turns to see Miele playing with Botamon when it released a blow of bubbles, causing the girls to giggle.
Elsewhere in the island, they would find more unexpected visitors.
"So this is Destiny Island? Looks great." Musa was awed and taken a liking to it.
Riku offered a ride for all but not everyone could make it while on break, Sky had to return home to explain what happened on Magix to his parents and decided to train with his new sabers. Tecna returned home to check on her folks and Timmy decided to do some bit of work on a project but didn't say but something he thought to help improve their skills for the next semester. There's always a next time for the others to make it.
"I can't wait to hit the beach and maybe some surfing!" Musa was excited and could hardly wait.
"Yeah, should have brought my board when I heard it was an island." Riven said, he originally didn't want to come and focus on some training to get stronger and better with his new Titan. But was convinced by his friends to come along to take a break for a bit and relax.
"Ah, not to worry, think we can work some ideas while we're here." Ben joined them.
"Definitely, but uh, Ben. What is that with you?" Mirta asked him, pointing towards the orange furred fuzzball with a large horn sticking out in his arm.
Talking about Ben's new Digimon when he brought it out of his digivice. "Oh, this little guy? His name is Tsunomon."
Ben remembered when he brought the egg home and explained to his parents about it, they allowed him to keep it and promised to keep his new partner from possible dangers until it matures. The Digi-Egg hatched when he woked up the other day and was a originally a different form named Punimon, until he once fed it some of his food and changed. The Digimon named Tsunomon looks at them shyly and nodded with a soft voice. "H-hello."
"Would wanna keep an eye on that horn, don't want to have an accident." Riven pointed out and not want to have its horn poke him or anything.
Musa couldn't help find it adorable and smiles. "Hey there, nice to meet ya."
"So this is one of those digital monsters we've heard about, and Taren and Mal have one?" Riven curious to see them, especially when he was told of them ot grow stronger and what forms they take in the next level.
"Yeah, wondering what theirs' are like." Sky asked and spotted several of their friends by the beach. "Hey! Did we come a bit late."
Brandon looks over to see his friends and waves to them. "Nah, got here in time. Where the others?"
"That's great, but who's that hiding by the tree?" Taren sees a leg behind the palm tree with Mirta and Musa beside it.
"It's Mal. She won't come out and is being ridiculous." Mal. Turns around to see Mirta in a dark red and white bikini, with a black skirt around her waste, obviously sharing the same idea.
"I am not! I look stupid and it's… it's showing too much! Why did you convinced me to wear it?!" Mal sounded too nervous and tried to protest. Next to the tree, a small green little creature with a plant-like growth on the top of its head and four small feet as it had a pair of dark brown eyes. It was close to where they assumed to be Mal.
Stella stood up to speak. "Oh, come on! I got that for you and should be grateful. I figured you could use some sun after all we've been through." Little did anyone know that Stella deliberately chose the sexiest outfits for the girls to impress their boyfriends and crushes, Mirta was dragged along and was nervous.
Ben was curious and surprised that Mal was here. "Wait, Mal?"
Hears a startled soft cry until both Stella and Musa came behind and dragged her out. Everyone got a good look at Mal who was hiding, something that wasn't like her at all.
"What's with her?" Taren pondered.
"Apparently, she's nervous." Stella explained. "I thought to at least show some support."
The girls pulled the purple haired teen out and show off her swimsuit to them, her hair remained somewhat similar, but wore a pink and green bikini with a pair of purple sandals. The swimsuit showed much of her figure to reveal the growing curves and lot of the blushing witch's skin.
"Wow, you look great, Mal." Bloom thought it looked nice on her.
"I admit, you've been hiding that for sometime under those clothes?" Stella was surprised to look at her figure for her age. "What do you guys think?"
Taren seen her for the first time in a bikini and not sure what to figure out. The Specialists thought so and admit she looked good in it, then they noticed Ben who was silent and found himself glued to her.
"So, what do you think, Ben? Doesn't she look great?" Musa grins and stood beside the bashful Mal who noticed him in a pair of shorts and first time seeing him without a shirt, the girls couldn't help but find this amusing.
"Okay, enough standing around, why not just have some fun and get ready for some food?" Brandon said.
"Yeah, good idea." Stella agreed with him.
Mal picked up the small creature in her arms and followed them, became rather silent and tries to hide her flushed up face when close to Ben.
Suddenly a flash of light startled almost everyone. "What was that?" Mirta said in shock.
Hana came to them and looked shocked. "Huh, Taren… I think your digimon… changed."
"Wait? Changed? How?" Asked his little sister, who seemed so uncertain of how to answer when a pink little creature bounced towards them like a ball, had a pair of long floppy ears, bright red eyes and sharp teeth.
The Digimon gave a bright smile to everyone. "Hi! I'm Koromon! I just digivolved from Botamon. Any food to eat?"
With the food ready, everyone helped themselves to the food, the girls were familiar with it after Bloom introduced them to one of Earth's food and fortunate to share some common foods on some worlds. They were shocked to see the black slime Digimon actually 'Digivolved' when it was revealed Miele gave the recently hatched digimon some food and triggered some change.
Kairi sat down to chat with Vanessa and Alyssa of getting to know them more and seem to be going well while the others play volleyball as Sora went to talk with RIku.
"Well, it's been an interesting day so far, and looks like they're having fun." Alyssa commented watching the teens hit the ball with Bloom, Mal and Flora on one team and Ben, Sky and Brandon on the other.
Kairi nodded to agree with her and smiles to see her having a good time with his friends. "Yeah, and didn't think it would be like this but glad to enjoy the moment with my family." But couldn't help but feeling worried for him since he became a keybearer. "Just wish it was something like this to enjoy."
Vanessa noticed Kairi's tone and could perhaps know what it is. "I guess it takes a lot of getting use to, me and Mike had to adjust the fact that our daughter was something special, but never thought she run into the dangers."
"I get that, but…. I know this sounds a bit off, but… I was sort of hoping either of my kids didn't get involved in all this after what me and my friends went through at their age." Kairi sighs and continues. "After Taren was vanished I was so worried and afraid something bad happened to him and felt it be like before with so much dangers. But, I knew if he was like me and his father, Taren would make it."
Giving her a moment of comfort, and shared her opinion. "I guess we all worry for our kids and know they have their families and friends." Alyssa said.
"OW!"
They saw the suddenly knocked out Taren with his Digimon suddenly on the floor with comical swirls on their faces.
Mike came over to check on him. "Just a bruise on the face, but he'll be alright."
"How did you mistake Koromon for a ball, Stella?" Musa asked Stella who looked nervous with both Flora and Bloom giving an annoyed look on her.
"It was the adrenaline to win, I must have picked him up by accident."
Bloom sighs and decided to help carry him out while Mirta came over to pick up the Digimon in her arms. "Think he's knocked out, might need to change players."
"Riven, you up?" Brandon asked him.
"You bet." Riven flexed his arms and ready for a game.
Kairi sighs and least he wasn't too hurt. "Sometimes I think he may take more from his dad then me."
Vanessa and Alyssa could only chuckle and also share the thought of it, least to show she was supportive if her son's choices to decide what he wanted to help people in need.
Taren rubbed the sourness on his head after the accident while his Digimon had a bump on his as well. "Next time we get a ball that's a different colour."
"Yeah, I almost lost my lunch." Koromon agreed while sitting next to Tanemon and Tsunomon.
"Well, least we all enjoyed it and would love to do this sort of thing again." Musa said and took a drink to enjoy the taste.
"With the Trix locked up, I think we can enjoy some break and no more monsters to fight." Flora could imagine a time of peace as it can last and hopefully as long as it can.
Mirta smiles with the thought of no longer having to deal with the three witches anymore. But something else she wanted to share with the others. "Well, I won't have to worry of them or other witches. Got some news to share."
"Really? Like what?" Bloom asks while noticing Mal looked silent and had a small smile.
"You might as well tell them."
"I talked to my parents and they agreed that I could actually learn magic as a fairy." Mirta told them.
"Really? Wait, I thought you have to be a fairy to do that?" Taren asked her.
She decided to explain to them of the reason for her decision. "Turns out, my mom has a mixed heritage and never brought it up until later. My dad wasn't much supportive about Cloud Tower earlier, but he respected my choice until I thought to maybe learn more of my other gifts I didn't know."
"That be interesting to find out more about your magic, now that our mission is over, not sure what will happen." Mal didn't think she would have gotten so far, but yet to decide and make up while visiting her friends back home. "Still, got some friends back home and spend some time with them and catch up."
"I think it be great for you to learn from Alfea, Mirta." Flora gave Mirta the encouragement and be nice to see her around the school.
"I spoke to Lucy, she didn't mind as long as I'm okay with it, it won't be the same." She was relieved to see her friend okay after saving the students at Cloud Tower. "She and I patched things up when she saw the Trix's true self."
"Good to know." Musa relieve to hear it.
Taren saw his father with an icebox with Riku to help. "Hey, dad, Riku. What's that you got there?"
"Thought to get you guys something to have a taste of one of our favourites." Sora smiles and pulled the lid off, inside were several blue ice pops.
Taren instantly knew what they were and smiles. "Sea Salt ice cream? Cool!"
"What's that?" Riven asked them.
"Trust us, you'll like 'em." Riku said and gave them one each to take in hand. Taking a lick or a bite on them and saw each of them was enjoying the taste of it.
"Hey, that's not bad." Brandon smiles and takes another lick.
"Mmm, so good!" Bloom grins and loving the taste of it. "Is this popular around here?"
"Yeah, we had some from Twilight Town and Radiant Garden." Sora explains to them.
Taren takes a bite of it and always enjoyed them, noticing the Digimon looking at them with curiosity and interest. "Hey, wanna try one?"
Mal decided to give one for her partner to give a lick from it, Tanemon sniffs it and gave a lick. "Mmm, so good and almost like salt!"
Tsunamon munches on his own and enjoying it.
Koromon licks his lips and takes a bite out of it, only to realise it was cold. "GAH! It's cold! But really good."
Taren gave a soft chuckle and smiles at his partner but wanted to advise him from eating too much. "Yeah, you might wanna go easy on it before risk of brain freeze."
"Mmm, We should bring some of this to rest of our friends, they would love these." Stella couldn't get over the taste of it.
Taren was savouring the moment with his friends and couldn't be happier to be back home and have fun with his friends to celebrate. "Hey, even if we don't go often to Magix, doesn't mean we can't see each other and hang out."
Ben smiles and agreed with him. "Yeah, especially to help each other out and keep in touch."
"True to that. Even if we had a… rough start, but you guys sure proved to be cool." Riven admitted to them and rubbed the back of his neck, not knowing that Musa was smiling to see the soft side of him. "But next time we visit each other, we go for a spar to train and see who's the toughest."
Taren grins and chuckles. "Your on, soon as I get my bud here to be strong enough." Pats Koromon's head as the In-Training Digimon smiles.
Bloom smiles and sighs of their playful rival. "Not to mention of going on dates with us." Reached out to grasp Taren's fingers as Flora pecked him on the cheek, causing him to blush while everyone had an amused smile on their faces.
"Wonder how you will explain this to the reports at Auradon, they'll be on to you for ages." Ben chuckles and had to sneak out to pass the large number of reporters wanting a story of his adventures.
"Hey, speaking of, Faragonda had this idea of copying our memories into a DVD series!" Musa told them with the sound of excitement. "Isn't that amazing?"
"Wait, so that means the adventures we have be seen by everyone?" Ben said with interest of the idea.
"Yeah! It could be used for educational materiel for the next classes." Stella said. "And many will see how amazing we are. The adventures, the friendship, the battlers, and the romance." Sighs and clasped her hands together in a dreamy state.
Hearing about this caught their interest of the idea, but some they would want to keep for themselves.
"Uh, do we all have to do it?" Mal thought to ask and not wanting her secrets be public.
Flora spoke up to explain. "Not to worry, they agree to keep the most important things from the students for our own safety like yours. It will be run through a virtual reality by Professor Palladium"
"Well, it be interesting to know of the adventures you guys been through." Riku said.
"Yeah, especially with someone with two girlfriends." Brandon teases Taren and saw the flushed faces on his along with Bloom and Flora's of what people would think of their relationship. Bloom noticed something was up with Taren as he had a look that say's he was in a deep thought.
"Hey, what's the matter?"
"Well, something's been bugging me for awhile. Mal, Ben. You guys remember the Fates?" Taren asked them.
Mal quivered and groaned when mentioned of the three. "Ugh, how could we not."
"Yeah, but what about the prophecy they mentioned?" Taren remembered something when they were in the cab.
"What prophecy?" Sora asked him as this was the first time he heard of it.
"The Fates gave us a prophecy that they said would happen." Begins to explain what he remembered. "The first one was… uh, 'To find the Flame that lies within, the last child of Domino is whom you seek.'"
Bloom wondered what the first phrase meant until it came to her. "Wait, could that have been me? That must mean about me being the last survivor and the Dragon Flame!"
Makes sense as Mal took her turn. "Okay, that makes sense as you had the flame all the long. But then another which was 'When it's power is unleashed, so shall the darkness be freed.' Which could have been Tezzeret freeing his army from the void."
"'But with the strength of many can challenge them.' Which meant all of us came together and stopped them." Ben added.
"Starting to make sense, was there anything else?" Riku asked them and somehow have a bad feeling about it.
"Yeah, the last one didn't make sense. It was something… 'Should Tezzeret be defeated… the fallen shall… rise again.'"
Not everyone liked the sound of that and uncertain what it meant.
"Why do I feel like I'm not liking the last part." Stella sounded scared.
"Don't worry, whatever it is, you won't face it alone. Not this time." Sora assured them and whatever it meant could happen.
Bloom nodded to agree to show she was not afraid this time. "We dealt with the Trix and Tezzeret, just have to be ready this time." Everyone nodded to show their support.
"Yeah! We're ready for anything!" Koromon proclaimed.
"That's right." Tsunamon said
"Yeah!" Tanemon cheered.
Appreciating th support they gained, Ben got up on his feet. "Hey, I'm gonna go and check on my parents to see how they are doing back home." But when he turned around he saw the green Digimon when he almost stepped on her, as she ran and the others to clear the path, but caused him to loose his balance and fell.
Mal didn't see it coming when he fell on top of her and pushed to the ground. The two realised they were close as the prince was on top of her. That wasn't the awkward moment for her when she felt his broad chest onto her's and how close their faces were within inches.
"Uhh… ss-sorry I sort of." Ben blushes and stuttered.
Mal did not know what to do and felt her heart racing. "Uh… yeah… m-maybe… uh, get up." She could not think straight and somehow wanting to savour the moment when being this close to her crush.
Ben got up and pulled her up before he would leave. "Uh, I'll just… uh, you know, be right back." Making a quick run to retrieve his fun.
Mal stood with a red face and saw the girls giving a look that they knew what was going on. "What? Nothing happened!"
Taren would love to see the look on her face and was having a great time. Whatever it is that they would face, he knew he wouldn't be doing this alone. IF this was just the beginning of something, they will need to be prepared for anything.
Bloom could see him having fun and nice to relax and not to worry of anything. She suddenly remembered that fruit she received and wondered maybe to try it out with him. Fortunately, Flora used her magic to keep the paopu fruits fresh until they were ready since they just started this relationship with him.
"Hey, everyone! We're going to have some cake if you want some?"
Sora hears Kairi call out to them and responded. "Sure no problem!"
It was a moment like this everyone could savor he moment and enjoy the time with their friends and family, but who knows what the future will bring for them.
"So those are the brats that beat ol' Tezzie? Unbelievable! And seriously, what the hell happened to him?" A jovial male voice exclaimed and almost excited but shocked. "Hmm, though, gotta admit, I never expected these brats to be this powerful. And he was so near to wining the Dragon's Flame."
Giving a moment of silence before speaking again, "Oh, well! As the they say, 'the show must go on!'. It will be a beautiful day for a massacre! Let them enjoy this moment. Hmm, better make sure the autther get's my good side. Enjoy your fun kiddies!" Followed by a serious of laughter.
Hope you all enjoyed it, I didn't think it be this big, i was doing some work so took longer than I thought, rewritten it a bit and picked the characters while thought the idea of Taren meeting Bloom and Flora's families. And the idea of he digimon was a suggestion which got me interested since I was a fan since it first came out. There will be a another beach chapter in the future but not yet and include the other characters, new ones will be introduced and on to the next story arc.
The digivices that the main trio were given were based on the D-3s from the Digimon franchise, and the last one I introducd, you'll find out who the next villain will be and I think you will find it interesting.