Chapter 16: White Key

Faragonda grabbed the tea pot and tipped it, pouring its content into her cup. With a speedy but very practised movement of her hand, she added a tea spoon of sugar, before stirring. She took the cup, lightly sampling its content to check the temperature, before pouring the hot drink down her throat. She paused as a calming warmth spread in her stomach, before she asked: "DuFour, would you mind repeating yourself?"
"Ehm... No, not at all, Ms. Faragonda," the crimson-clad teacher replied. "Ehm... Well, as I said, I've done just about every test I could think off on it. And I couldn't find anything."

The headmistress rubbed her temples. "This ring managed to pull off two possessions on the same girl and has wrecked Dragon knows how much havoc. And there's nothing." She sighed. "That can only mean this is going to get more complicated."

"Indeed. If my theory is correct, the ring itself is almost entirely non-magical. It's the fact that it serves as a focus of a sort, a relay if you will, that makes it special," DuFour explained. "Which means someone, somewhere initiated those events, using the ring as a long-distance focus by focusing on the few enchantments that had been woven into the metal."

"That does make sense," added Barbatea, who had been assigned the project of researching everything the school had on the White Circle. "According to what I can find, pretty much all members wore rings like these back in the day. It would be far too energy intensive to have every single one of them enchanted with a vast array of spells."
"Right. So what we think is that there is a sort of central control for all rings, which can act through these enchanted objects," DuFour continued. "So all the powerful enchantments and meta-magical adjustments are stored in a central location. That would also ensure that the magic of the rings wouldn't fall into the wrong hands just by having one of them stolen."
"Here's where it gets really interesting though," the librarian noted, causing Faragonda to pour herself another cup of tea. "Everything indicated that the Black Circle wiped out the White Circle and took everything they had before fading into the mists of time. If the ring still works as a transmitter, well, that just raises a lot of questions."

"Right. Because if the Black Circle controls the central hub of the White Circle, the ring should be of no issue," DuFour added. "They would control the relay effect and they would have had a powerful weapon against the girls. Yet according to the info they have given us, that is not the case. The ring has been used against the Black Circle twice now and they in turn have done everything in their power to take the ring from the girls."
"Which means that this central hub of the White Circle must still exist and it must still be operated. The most logical, if still quite unbelievable, explanation is that the White Circle still exists, though in a vastly diminished capacity," the librarian elaborated. "Whatever this central hub is, it still exists and the White Circle still holds it. Most likely, they managed to seal themselves in there, preventing the Black Circle from taking the hub. Yet by the same token, it's not hard to imagine they returned the favour, ensuring that the White Circle couldn't get out again."

"Which means the only way they would have to interact with the outside world as of now is rings like these," the crimson-clad continued. "The Black Circle must have been trying to find and destroy them so their enemies couldn't utilize them. And if they had truly been sealed away, even if they made more rings, they wouldn't have any way to get those rings out into the world. Not if the Black Circle is even halfway competent at magic and it's safe to say that they are from what we have heard."

"It's not hard to imagine that this ring may be one of, if not the only one, of these white rings left in existence," Barbatea stated. "But here's another thing that was interesting. I had to piece this together from a load of obscure sources, but all in a day's work and that. I think the rings, more than just being relays, also served as keys. That if an allied wielder used it, they could open the entrance to this hub."
"Right. Another reason the Black Circle would be eager to ensure nobody gets their hands on it. This might actually be the best chance of freeing what remains of the White Circle," DuFour finished.

Faragonda downed another cup. "Right," she said. "I see. That is much more than I had initially expected. And where would one go to find this hub, if you have any idea?"
"I do. Tir Nan Og," Barbatea stated. "It's an enchanted isle. While everything indicates that the Black Circle took the island, that's the most likely place for the White Circle to have placed such a hub. Or at least the entrance to it."
"I see." Faragonda steepled her hands, eyeing the white ring laying on her desk. "That changes things considerably."

...

Bloom strode across the club floor, a soft beat thumping in the background. By the bar desk sat Andy, looking for once very much relaxed, while Jason stood and juggled various cups and bottles as he mixed drinks for the patrons.

"So, you look like somebody who's not having a nervous breakdown," the redhead greeted her ex as she sat down. "I take it that whole wedding thing went well."
"Hey Bloom. Yeah, it went really well." Andy paused. "Well, okay, I mean, it didn't go perfectly, because I did make some missteps and such, but..." He stopped talking, forcing himself to take a deep breath. "Sorry. Sorry. Anyway, yeah, made a couple of mistakes."
"Nothing too bad, Andy my man. Don't be down on yourself. You and the crew rocked the house while dropping some bomb beats, allowing the good Mr. Queen and his beloved to not just cut the rug, but slice it to ribbons," Jason said, spinning a half-empty bottle on his finger. "Give yourself some credit where it's very much due."
"Heh, none too good at that," the black-haired musician admitted a bit embarrassed.

"That's awesome," Bloom offered supportively. "So, what now? Gonna run off to Hollywood to become a big star or something?"
"Wait, what? You serious?" Andy asked.

Bloom stared at him with a deadpan expression.

"Right. Of course not. Just joking." He chuckled, rubbing his neck. "Stupid question, huh?"
"Very," the redhead replied.

"And I haven't even given him anything with a buzz to it," Jason noted, inspecting a bottle.

"Well, we're going to keep in contact with Jason. Jason Queen, of course," Andy clarified. "And we're gonna record some music, make a disc. He suggested we stayed in school and finished our education, because the music business is hard and no guarantee we'll make it big. So good thing to have something to fall back on."
"Yes. If we ever hit rock bottom, we'll always be able to rely upon our acquired mastery of graph paper to save us," Jason joked, as he began cleaning a glass.

"Still good advice," Bloom added. "I hope you manage to succeed."
"Me too. It would be awesome." Andy made a gesture with his hands, as if imagining a billboard. "Andy and crew. Musical superstars. Five star rating from Elvis Presley's ghost."
"If you seriously think you can match up to the King, I'll say I admire your balls of steel. But you've still got a way to go, Andy my man," Jason remarked with a smirk. "You're good. But you're not legendary."
"Gee. Thanks."
"I'm here to catch you if you fall, not lead you into a daze of illusions and dreams."

"Probably for the best," the redhead noted.

"Anyway, so what have you been up to lately, Bloom?" Andy inquired.

"Taking care of my job and trying not to get blown up in the street," the Dominian princess replied.

"Don't blame ya. News have been as serious as a heart attack lately," Jason added. "Seriously, we got a bunch of costumed weirdos fighting a brigade of goth punks. Mind you, I'm not criticizing their sense of dress. A man, or woman, has gotta dress so their suit is a second skin." He adjusted his white suit, as if to emphasise his point. "But the last time I heard anything 'bout a bunch of people trying to be real life Superman was with those guys back in Seattle. Can't exactly remember their names, but they were most definitely not throwing around fireballs like the Fourth of July taken up to eleven."

"It is rather crazy, I agree," Bloom admitted. "What else? Oh, yeah, Selina and Mitzi invited me over for a slumber party. So that's going to be fun. Haven't really had a slumber party in ages."

"Awesome. Selina will be so happy that you can spend more time with her again," Andy remarked. "She really missed you. And Mitzi too, of course."
"Yeah. But you know the girl. She's not so sappy as to remind people of such things," Jason remarked.

"I know," Bloom sighed. "I really wish things had gone differently. But... Well, stuff happened. I'll just leave it at that or we would be here all day." She tried to smile naturally, feeling as if she in her frustration had accidentally said too much.

"I hear ya. Life can be rough like that. No one's dishing out the blame," Jason said. "So don't you worry, Bloom. Nobody thinks you abandoned Gardenia. But life is like that sometimes, now isn't it?" He threw a flask into the air, catching it again. "But why talk about dour has beens when we can instead talk about the happy nows. You're here, Andy is doing well and my hair is as fabulous as ever."
"Heh, you're right of course," the Dominian princess agreed. "By the way, got any juice behind there?"

"Some juice for the redhead, coming right up."

...

"Coming, coming," Brandon called, as somebody knocked on the door again. He opened it with an apologetic: "Sorry, I was hands deep in dishes. Oh, hey there, Mirta. What can I do for you?"

"Hey. I just came by to see how things were going," the redhead said, as the squire let her in. "Not much going on in our apartment right now, so I decided to come by. Check things out. See how everyone is doing."
"Helia is by the table," Brandon stated, as he returned to the dirty dishes.

Mirta paused. "You know, I also came to see the how the rest of you were doing," she insisted.

"I know."

The ex-witch paused for a bit, before walking into the living room. Helia sat by the table, chewing on a pencil as he went over several sheets of paper that lay spread out. Mirta raised an eyebrow and approached him with a: "What's all that?"
"Oh, hey Mirta," Helia said as he looked up. "Well, usually when I feel emotional about something, I paint. But I tried giving poetry another shot."
"What, wasn't it dead enough after the first round?" Riven asked from his spot on the sofa, looking up from his newspaper.

"Ah, Riven. I understand that you are jealous of our comrade's skills," Nabu said, as he watched an infomercial on vacuum cleaners. "But you will never fill out that hollow in your soul if you do not set your artistic heart free and embrace the possibilities that lie within you."

"Is one of those possibilities force feeding you the remote control?" Riven inquired.

"No breaking the remote or the Nabu," Brandon hollered. "So sayeth the captain."
"You're always ruining my fun."

"Yes. Well ehm, anyway, so I've made a couple of poems. And I wondered, well, since you're here, maybe you could take a look. See if I'm getting somewhere," Helia hopefully tried.

"Sure, I'll be glad to help. Let's see." Mirta picked up a random page. "You've brought luck to love. I've been hit by a truck of love?" She blinked, as Riven broke out in loud laughter. "Ehm... Powerful imagery?"

"Very. But it works better in a negative sense, since being hit by a truck is usually connected to injury or at the very least slapstick," Nabu said loudly, to be heard over Riven. "So good image, wrong circumstances."
"And I don't even need to ask his opinion," Helia flatly stated, gesturing to Riven with his thumb.

"Okay, what about... Ehm." Mirta blushed. "Isn't this one a little... Ehm... Direct?"
"What? No it isn't," Helia said confused, as he took the page back. "It's supposed to be... I mean... I guess you could... But I didn't mean..." He buried his face in his hands. "Damn it, now I can't unsee it."

"May I?" Brandon asked, before taking the paper. He inspected the poem, whistled and commented: "Steamy stuff you got here, Helia."
"It wasn't supposed to be."

"Okay, there's probably something here." Mirta took another page. "You can make a perfect sandwich?"
"Were you hungry when you wrote that one?" Brandon asked, as Riven tipped laughing out of the sofa.

"Ehm... Maybe," the wannabe poet replied, looking rather embarrassed.

"No battle should be fought on an empty stomach. Not even one of words," Nabu insisted.

"Okay, this one then. Keeping us close together in heart. And yet so far apart in miles." Mirta paused. "A sweet idea, but isn't it a bit... Pessimistic?"

"You fill me. With your sharing." Brandon paused. "Helia, what does that even mean?"
"Hang on, I gotta try one," Riven wheezed, as he made his way to the table and picked one. "I know my way with words is slick. Wow, patting yourself a lot on the back there."
"I needed to make it rhyme," Helia groaned, having buried his head in his arms.

"Our love is like a bowling ball," Nabu read aloud, as he too took a page. "There's some interesting imagery."
"I could make a real dirty joke about that, but I feel like it would be too easy," Brandon commented.

"I get it," Helia mumbled. "I'll burn it all."
"Don't worry, you really tried your best," Mirta tried supportively.

"So would you say this was a shot to the knee, regarding how crippling it was?" Riven asked, as he leaned over to inspect the bowling poem. "I will never step beyond the foul line. And I will rent your shoes. Wow. Girls just fall all over men when they promise to rent their shoes."
"Metaphors are good, but you may have been pushing this one beyond the breaking point," Nabu offered.

Helia sighed deeply. "Alright. Enough is enough." He sat up straight and stated: "Back to painting for me. At least I'm good at that."
"Until next time you decide to gun down poetry," Riven remarked.

"Riven, no bullying your teammates."
"Right, captain."

...

The computer beeped a couple of times, before Techna clicked with her mouse. "Hey there, Granny. What's up?"
"Hello, Techna," Faragonda replied. "Could you gather the others? And I mean all of you. I have important news regarding the ring."
"Ehm, let's see. Timmy and Musa went out shopping, so they'll be gone for at least a couple more minutes. I think I can get the rest right away though."
"I can wait for you all to be assembled," the headmistress assured her.

Circa a quarter of an hour passed before everyone had gathered together.
"You got news for us I take it," Bloom started.

"Indeed. Both DuFour and Barbatea have been hard at work decoding the mysteries of this ring," Faragonda explained. "And what they have found may just change everything."
"For the better or the worse?" Musa asked.

"I honestly cannot say. But I do believe it presents an opportunity," the elderly fairy replied. "You see, the ring itself is barely enchanted. It is instead a relay for magical spells and quite possibly the last remaining key to the inner sanctum of the White Circle."
"The Black Circle's HQ?" Brandon asked.

"That's what I initially thought too. But no. From what you have told us and from what Barbatea has researched, we believe a group of White Circle magi still exists, having locked themselves inside this sanctum. And this ring is the key. Through it, they have been able to work their magic, which is how Roxy got possessed."
"Huh. Like, almost thought for a sec there that they might have been inside the ring itself," Stella noted. "So, what do we do?"
"A question I have struggled with myself," Faragonda admitted. "There can be no doubt that the White Circle through the ring has transgressed against Roxy. Yet I also do not doubt that they must be quite afraid of the Black Circle snuffing out their last chance of escape."

Bloom chewed on her lip. "If nothing else, they will probably be able to help us keep Roxy safe. It's been too close too many times for my comfort."
"Yeah. And you can bet as soon as the Black Circle is done recuperating, they'll be here to make life miserable for us again," Riven said. "Heck, might be working on it as we speak."
"So, what? We go bust the White Circle out of jail?" Sky asked. "Is that the game plan?"
"Well, it is an option. Better than Roxy having to be their proxy all the time," Timmy said. "Still, we should make it absolutely clear that we will not accept any mistreatment of Roxy on their behalf any more."
"Can we do that? Send them a message?" Bloom asked.

"No. The ring is connected one way only," Faragonda replied.

"I think deciding now would be a bit too much," Flora stated. "It is Friday tomorrow. While I do acknowledge that the Black Circle will do their best to limit our free time, I do not believe this is a decision made lightly. Furthermore, we should inform Roxy. So I suggest we all consider it over the weekend and arrange for a meeting next Monday."
"Great, then I won't have to cancel my sleepover with Mitzi and Selina. I'll make sure to call Roxy and explain it," Bloom offered.

"By the way, any idea where this sanctum of theirs might be?" Brandon asked.

"Yes. On the isle of Tir Nan Og," Faragonda stated.

...

"Ah, Bloom," Murray said as she opened the door. "How are you doing?"
"Tired, but managing," the redhead said, as she stepped inside.

"Oh? Been very busy lately?" the older woman asked.

"Yeah, you know. Work and stuff," the redhead replied non-committedly. "Why?" She turned around and paused. The look on Murray's face was inscrutable.

"Just curious," Mitzi's mother finally said and shrugged. "It's been like pulling teeth to get as much as a phone number or an address out of both you and your parents. I know Mitzi doesn't make a big deal out of it, but she really did miss you while you were away."
"Well, I know. I, ehm, I of course wish I had more time," Bloom replied, getting steadily more and more uncomfortable.

"Mom, stop grilling my friends," Mitzi said, she as came down the stairs.

"Oh. Sorry. Guess I'm nosy like always," the black-haired woman said with a friendly smile. "I'll leave the three of you to your fun." Then she wandered into the kitchen.

"I take it then that Selina has already arrived," Bloom commented, as she followed her friend upstairs.

"Yep. And she's brought her newest scrapbook project," Mitzi sighed. "I swear, if it's not one, it's the other of you who's being weird."
"Scrapbook?"
"You'll see."
They entered Mitzi's room, which was decorated with posters and knick-knacks resembling marine animal life. On the floor sat Selina, flipping through a large folder filled with newspaper clippings, photos and such."
"Hey Selina. Doing homework?" Bloom inquired, as she sat down in Mitzi's bed.

"If she did her homework with that much vigour, she'd probably be the next Steve Jobs," Mitzi mumbled.

"Hey Bloom. No, actually I'm trying to piece together what's going on with the Gardenia incidents," the blonde replied.

The Dominian princess tried to manage a neutral expression, but felt that whatever grimace she was making wouldn't be able to fool a complete stranger, let alone friends who had known her for years. "Why?"
"Why? Because all the police have to say is that they're working on it and all the news stations have grabbed whatever theory they like and run with it," Selina replied decisively. "I want the truth."
"You can't handle the truth," Mitzi quoted. "Seriously, I don't even want to imagine what finding out Sailor Moon is reality would do to you. You'd probably just collapse in a puddle with your eyes rolled back into your skull from sheer joy."

"Hey, thanks. I needed that image planted in my head," Bloom stated, scrunching her face.

"She's been criticising ever since I came up with this project. It's what she does," Selina stated dismissively. "Do tell if you come up with something productive to add. Would make for a nice change of pace."
"Yeah. How about a project that doesn't make you seem like an obsessive loon that would end up featured on an episode of CSI?" Mitzi asked.

"I'm not obsessive," Selina replied defensively. "There's something going on here. Strange incidents over several years. Mysterious disguised warriors battling in the streets. Security consultants being called in from Denmark. I'm sure it's all connected."

"Norway," Mitzi corrected.

"Same thing."

"And that whole 'It's all connected' spiel really makes you sound like a conspiracy loon. You wanna complain about the fluoride or the chem trails too?"
"We could fashion her a nice tinfoil hat," Bloom suggested. "It'd be neat." A pillow smacked into her head. The redhead paused as the fluffy clump fell off her face. "You do realise this means war, right?"
Downstairs, Murray eyed the ceiling as she heard the girls engage in an all-out battle with each other. She sighed and returned to her thoughts as she began preparing dinner.

...

"Tir Nanny what?" Mike inquired confused.

"Tir Nan Og," Flora replied.

The girls and boys had gathered at Bloom's parents' house, along with Roxy and her father, who were now being updated on the situation.
"And where is that?" the firefighter asked.

"Well, we don't know exactly. It's kinda one of those vaguely placed mythological places," Bloom said. "Like Avalon. Huh, wonder if that's real too. That would be cool if..." She paused and said: "No, wait, getting off track. Anyway, it's always been placed somewhere off the coast of Ireland."

"So we only have to get to Europe to meet the people who brainwashed me. Goody," Roxy dryly stated.

"They're locked up there or something?" Klaus inquired.

"As far as we can tell, yeah," Brandon said. "The ring is a receiver for the magic. An antenna if you will. It might also just be the key."
"Which begs the question. Should we attempt to free them?" Riven added. "I mean, if anyone can give us a hand against the Black Circle, it would be them. Then again, considering the trouble they've caused..."
"It does sound problematic," Vanessa agreed.

"But of course. But you said that was the last one, didn't you?" Klaus asked.

"We presume as much. If it isn't the last, then there's definitely not many left," Timmy added.

"Well, then they've gotta be pretty desperate. What they did to my Roxy is wrong, but desperate people do stupid things."

"Yes. We have had plenty of experience with that," Flora mused a bit sharply.

"You're never going to stop grilling us about that time?" Techna stated.

"Which one of those 'that times' are you referring to?" Flora asked.

"I don't know. Pick one."
"I rest my case."

"Well, I suppose we could get them to repay Roxy for using her by helping us keep her safe," Musa said. "I mean, apparently the Black Circle won against them centuries ago, not that I'm blaming them for that. Ogron and his goons are tough. But still, it can only help."
"Though getting let out after spending so much time holed up in some hidden sanctuary will probably be pretty shocking," Timmy said. "I can only imagine how much Earth has changed since they were last out."
"A cursory examination of their history says it's a lot," Mirta added.

"But do we help them get out?" Nabu asked. "Maybe waiting until this ordeal is over is better."
"But if we can help these people, shouldn't we do so?" Aisha asked.
"Dunno. What do you think, Roxy?" Sky asked. "You're the one who was affected the most by this white ring business. We're not going to get you extra bodyguards you wouldn't trust."
"Well, distrust more than you did us, anyway," Musa commented.

The pink-haired girl chewed on her lip.

"Look, Roxy, I understand if you're nervous," Klaus tried. "And I can understand why you feel these White Circle people have wronged you. But it sounds to me like they must be desperate and did something stupid trying to stop the Bleak Circle."
"Black Circle," Techna corrected
"Point is, it was wrong, but I'd say they still deserve a chance, especially considering what happened to them. I understand if you don't see it that way, but I'd just like to add my five cents."
Roxy sat still for a moment. "Alright. Let's get them out," she finally said. "But I'm coming along."
"Okay then. It is decided. We will try to secure the White Circle's aid," Brandon stated.

"Then I'll get Granny to send us the ring back," Techna added.

"Will you be needing me again?" Stella asked.

"Nah. Think if Granny can kick Bloom from one dimension to the other, then a ring shouldn't be a problem."
"Fair enough."
"Right, well, one thing left then," Bloom said and turned to her parents. "Do you think you could help us get some tickets to Ireland? Probably best place to start."
"You kids nowadays," Mike sighed. "I tell you, back in my day we couldn't just run off from our job to go save the world in Ireland."
"Teens these days have it so easy," Vanessa agreed.

"Yes, yes, just lay it on thick, why don't you," Bloom grumbled while pouting.