Been a little tricky working on this but the next one will come shortly, but first off like to thank all those who faved and following this fanfic which is something that I didn't expect and building ideas for the future story arcs, ideas for the characters that will diverge from the canon elements as the story progresses and also how they interact with each other. As a reminder that I do not own any of the franchises that belong to their respective owners, but the OCs are mine for sure. So enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 7: Witches' Tricks
"Alright, we'll be on our way Red Fountain and the grandmaster is waiting for us, so I will be doing the talking and you boys be on your best behaviour while in this school." Both Ben and Taren listened carefully to Macbeth's instructions as they were making their way towards the school for Specialists that are trained into becoming warriors and wizards.
"Got it. But what about Genie?" The prince asked about Genie.
Genie poofed out of the smoke and gave a salute to the group. "Present."
With the sudden arrival of Genie they Macbeth considers it a helpful to look out for them with his magic if he wasn't around. "Not to worry, considering he's a magical being genies aren't uncommon in this dimension."
"Besides, I'm an expert in keeping myself out of sight." Flashes into a blue coloured Pluto, then a royal navy admiral, and lastly a small old man before resuming his original form. "We genies are always prepared."
"Least we have more help." Taren said and believes Genie would help a lot in most situations. "Besides, wonder how Mal will be doing in Cloud Tower."
They knew Mal would have to keep a low profile in a school for witches but confident she won't reveal her secret. The group could now able to see the building and bigger then he imagined it. "Always assume to be a high tech place after seeing those… um, phantom blades?"
"Phantoblades actually." Ben corrected him and begins to share his knowledge about them. "From what Tecna explained when we were with them at the city, they can generate a blade of hard light and take on any shape and colour."
Genie gave a Obi-wan persona. "An elegant weapon for a more civilized age."
Taren seems to get the idea about them and had the same impression as Genie. "So hoping we make a good impression on this Saladin character, does he know about our-"
"Keyblades?"
Both Taren and Ben almost jumped in surprise when the group were so focus on making their way to Red Fountain and talking they didn't notice a short elderly man just snuck up behind them, plus the second time that happened to them since they came to Magix. He had bushy eyebrows and long greying hair brushed back, wearing a tunic or robe and using a staff with the head shaped of a dragon with a purple gem in its mouth, simply used as a walking stick. He gave a soft chuckle by the boys' reaction and turned to Macbeth.
"I see these must be two of your students, Master Macbeth. A little jumpy perhaps." He gave a mischievous chuckle.
"Well to be fair we aren't use to be people just pop out of nowhere." Ben answered.
Macbeth returned the chuckle and smiled. "Boys, this is Saladin, headmaster of Red Fountain. Master Saladin, these are ben and Taren who the new keyblade wielders in training."
"Uh, nice to meet you sir." Ben was the first to greet him and offered a handshake.
He happily accepts in return and turned Taren. "The pleasure is mine, your highness, and also an honour to meet the son of Keyblade Master Sora and Princess Kairi."
Taren didn't expect for anyone to know who he is and his parents, unless he was a member of the Company of Light. "Wait, you know them?"
The headmaster nodded his head. "Indeed, I met them years ago after they helped saved many lives. I am familiar with the keyblades and blessed to hear they still exist in times of need. But during your stay in Red Fountain, it is important to keep them a secret unless it is necessary should there be a crisis." Knowing that they must keep the keyblades a secret from students to avoid drawing too much attention.
"Sure, we'll try to keep it minimal as we can this time." Taren gave a nervous smile and light chuckle as did Ben.
This caused Saladin to arch an eyebrow and turned to Macbeth. "Let's just say we ran into a… minor setback of the secret part. I'll explain later."
"Ah yes, I did had to have a word with some after they brought back the troll that night." Saladin said. Both the boys looked at each other of what he meant, possibly the Specialists they met back on Earth. "Now then, why don't we head to the office and I'll get you lot settled in. No need to stand out here all day."
"Genie, better stay in your lamp for now until later." Ben said.
"Sure thing, pal." Genie flew into his lamp and Taren placed it inside his bag to carry, but keeping it slightly open for him to fly out in case of anything happens. They followed the headmaster into the school and they couldn't help but wonder how with the advance tech for a paramilitary school would have the medieval look, it wasn't their place to ask since they know nothing much about the place.
"Not to sound offensive, sir. But from seeing the latest issue of the Grimm, I would've figured you guys have something like a magical barrier or advance tech to keep them or some potential threat from attacking the place." Taren brought up as they walked past the gates.
"Nothing wrong of having an open mind, young one. Nothing can last forever, we must allow changes to take part to learn and grow. Without changes we would be unable to better ourselves to grow strong and be vulnerable should a more stronger foe emerge." Giving his wisdom to the young wielders to understand.
Macbeth wholeheartedly agreed with him on the subject and relieved to know the headmaster was not offended by Taren's curiosity. "There's an old saying back home from a great philosopher in his time. 'those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat' as it goes. And I hope we can learn from each other to overcome this threat we face."
Saladin nodded and smiled at the taller elder. "On that I look forward to, a bond between both sides would be the a great achievement. And as you have arrived, I would like to say welcome to Red Fountain." Pointing his staff to the building and see out in the open fields many students wondering about, they can see some taking sparring lessons with their phantoblades and anything use for combat and to defend themselves. Making their way through the hallways and passing by a few students and teachers who gave a quick glance at them at the group.
"Hey, look whose here!"
They turned to see someone approaching them, Taren and Ben recognised the voice and saw prince Sky and Brandon from Earth.
"Yoh, how's it going?" Taren gave a wave to them.
"Yeah, this is a surprise to see you here." Ben said, extended his hand to them as Sky shook his and Brandon gave a high five to Taren. "Oh, guys this is Macbeth our mentor. Macbeth these are two of the specialists who helped us with the ogre problem on Earth."
"Nice to meet you sir. My name Sky, prince of Eraklyon and my squire and best friend Sky." The brunette introduced himself and gave his hand to him to shake.
Macbeth nodded and accepted the handshake when he heard about them helping the keyblade wielders. "A pleasure to meet you, your highness."
"No need for the formalities, just Sky would do." Said Brandon when he gave a nervous smile to Macbeth and scratched the back of his head.
Macbeth studied the two boys and seemed to well behaved, their outfits were perhaps used for new students since they lack armour for protection. Saladin explained to him that as freshmen, first year students are given small missions and tasks like protecting people, mock battles and scouting assignments to test their skills as Specialists. He considers this a good idea before sending them out on dangerous assignments or face powerful enemies.
"Anyways, I will need to sort things with Headmaster Saladin about the arrangements for us training here, in the meantime you have the rest of the day to prepare for tonight's event."
Both Ben and Taren were excited and restrained themselves from jumping into joy.
"You're the best!" Taren praised.
"Thank you, sir." Ben said.
Macbeth gave a soft smile and made his leave. "Just don't cause any trouble here, and use the time to get ready. Plus, your dorms will be ready for you totake"
Leaving the boys alone and give the chance to think of some ideas for the dance.
"Hey why don't we show you guys around so you can get familiar with the place." Brandon suggested and the two accepted and followed them.
Sky turned to them and had some questions. "So that Macbeth fella, he's your teacher then?"
"Oh yeah, very strict in combat training." Ben replied, although can't fully reveal their secret to them for rules of not revealing their keyblades.
"And is not someone to take lightly, believe me he aint no ordinary old man." Taren warned them, causing the two specialists to wonder what sort of person is he.
"Wow that tough?" Brandon asked.
Taren and Ben nodded.
"Well, anyway, hope you guys enjoy Red Fountain heard they making some plans this year to prep the training courses. But least we got the day off anyway to get ready for the dance." Sky said with excitement.
"Yeah, heard there are a lot of cute girls there. You guys thinking of asking any of the girls for a dance?" Brandon asked them.
Neither Taren or Ben had thought about it as they just thought maybe just hang out and chat with the Winx. Taren was obviously not fond of wearing fancy suits, nor wasn't the dancing kind for that matter. Ben had worn suits during formal events for the royal ball and on his parents' anniversaries to celebrate.
The redhead shrugged his shoulders. "Eh, just have to find out then." Thinking this would be worth going to and have some fun.
The Specialist students showed them the training arenas, the cafeteria for the meals the stables where they keep animals to train. Ben was interested to find many types of creatures they have but that would only be happening during the later terms when they are prepared to tame animals. Taren was very much keen to try out the Wind Riders Brandon told them about and also used for racing which further interested in the apprentices.
"Hey you think they let us have one of those cycles?" Taren pondered as they were heading up to their new dorm.
"Doubt they just give them to any freshmen, especially after what you did to one of Cid's latest designs." Ben said, causing Taren to groan about it.
"Oh come on, it was that one time, Ben! One Time!" He defended.
"Wait, what happened?" Brandon asked out of interest to know.
Before the boys could respond a phone was ringing until it turned out to be Ben's new cell phone. "That's mine, just haven't gotten use to the new one yet."
"Listen, we better get going to be ready so see you guys later." Sky said and waved them goodbye and left the two. With just the two of them now, Ben answered the phone and revealed the image of Stella.
"Stella? What up?" Taren asked and moved closer to see.
"Hey guys, we just thought to see how you were doing in Red Fountain and coming over to the dance tonight." She smiled brightly.
"Yeah, we're doing fine, Macbeth is sorting things out with the headmaster there and giving us the day off." Ben said.
"Yeah, after what we been through since day one we deserved a party." Taren said and very excited.
"Oh totally! Least of all to invite you for the help you did. Besides we were going to ask you to come anyway."
"Don't worry, we'll be there to see you girls. We got some outfits for us to be dressed up.
"Well I'll be only go in any formal attire so long as its not a monkey suit." Taren mentioned.
"Wish we could stay and chat but some stuff to do before tonight. Tell Mal the Winx Club wish her best of luck in Cloud Tower." Giving them her support and hung up.
"Best of luck? Think we should worry about whoever crosses her path." Taren pointed out which Ben would agree with him. But then he suddenly remembered something from earlier. "But wait a minute, when did we get outfits? I don't remember that?"
"Oh, know I ask Genie to do with that, figured to save us the money." Ben mentioned as Genie popped out of his lamp wearing a tailor with measurements.
"Working on the outfits now boys, taken the measurements and taste of style you go for to look good. Arms please?" He instructed Taren to lift his arms up as he did some measurements on him. "Hmm, kept yourselves in good shape too. Yep, this will do. Oh this will be a great party, the music, the food and the decorations they have. Wanna look great for the ladies, right?" Giving a knowing grin and nudged his elbow on them.
But there was one thing that made Taren feel very nervous about, is he wasn't much of a dancer and feels like he might make a fool of himself to them.
"Well now, this is indeed a surprise to find out we have a Wielder of the keyblade in our school, especially since I received the call from Faragonda upon a request that I couldn't turn down." Sat behind the desk was the Headmistress Griffin of Cloud Tower, the school for witches. She has a pale greenish white skin, purple hair that is pulled up in a shape similar to a witch's pointy hat with lighter purple strands on either side. Wears heavy makeup around her eyes and wears an ankle length dark purple dress with a high collar. Inspecting the young wielder being who sat on the chair before her and find out if she was up to the task of wielding a legendary weapon that were considered stories for some time. With the sudden spread of the Grimm, she made it her task to protect her students and find a way to stop this horde to protect her students. She may appear harsh but has a kind heart to see the witches achieve their potentials.
"Since you'll be a exchange student to Cloud Tower, I expect you to follow our rules upon your best behaviour and most of all. Not to reveal your special 'gifts' to anyone. Do I make myself clear, young lady?" Speaking in a firm tone of a strict teacher to them.
One the opposite side of the table was Mal sitting on the chair with her arms crossed while listening to her new headmistress speaking. However, she took on a different appearance as a way to keep the witches from the alley incident from recognising her, not even her friends to play it safe. Instead of her purple hair it was blond and a little curled, wearing a black shirt and a pair of torn jeans and red heels. "I have no problem at all, considering what I heard about this place shouldn't be hard to handle some amateurs here."
Seeing the young witch speak with confidence and no signs of nervousness or hesitation which made Griffin smile a little and will see if she has what it takes in a school for witches. It would be interesting to see what she's capable of.
"We'll see and for that I assigned you a dorm with a student you will be living with for the rest of the semester." This caused Mal's smile to drop and tried to respond but she raised her hand up to silence her. "Here you are a student of Cloud Tower to everyone, and no special treatments just because you wield a keyblade."
Mal never shared a room with anyone and thinks this might not be a good idea. "A roommate? No offence, but wouldn't it be safer for me to have my own dorm without risk of exposure?"
"Well, you better not do it in public and that is the rules for all students, no exceptions." She said to Mal and rather treat her as a student then some special chosen wielder. And I am informed by your mentors of your… rebellious nature and will learn to show respect to your elders."
It was one of those things that Mal had a hard time indeed, with the exception of Yen Sid and Macbeth. She could face an army of Grimm that be scarier then her. Seeing the green skinned witch giving a look that would intimidate people to her will but Mal was strong and not going to go down easily. "If you think the look on your face is going to work on me, its not. And I ain't going to be some frightened school girl." Giving her a cocky grin on her face and feels confident that she would easily win this argument with the headmistress.
"She was just lucky I am not the murdering type of witch in the neighbourhood." Mal grumbled under her breath, walking through the school corridors, passing female students she can see many were not so nice looking and seem to go for the punk or gothic look. But she ignored that as she makes her way to her dorm, it wasn't because she didn't want a roommate, but just didn't know who it would be, possibly some arrogant freshman who thinks she could be the best witch or cocky. True she always pulls tricks and thinks of herself as a best, but there have been some limits and wanting test her limits of her powers.
Her luggage was already taken to her dorm and just found it from the directions given to her. Found her name on it and someone else on it. "Well… guess I better face the music. And this girl better watch herself if she tries anything." Sighed and knocked on the door.
The door opens to reveal a tall girl with long dark green hair that falls to her waist, Mal noticed she had an angular featured look and wore a off-white tank top with her midriff exposed and a green-and-purple mini skirt with a belt over the tights, military-styled boots and a pair of long red fingerless gloves that go up to her forearms. She gave Mal an immediately distain and glared at her and had her hands on her hips.
"Yeah, what do you want?"
'Please don't say she's my roommate.' Mal mentally grunted and didn't dare backed down by this witch. Crossed her arms and spoke up. "Well, nice to meet ya. I'm the roommate here and you must be…" She looked to the sign of who she was sharing with. "Mirta?"
The green haired girl snorted and looked over her shoulder. "Her Mirta Guess your roommate finally showed up."
"Oh really? Great, let her in Lucy." This was unexpected and almost hought this one named Lucy was her roommate, possibly a big relief from the way she looked at her like someone was moving in on her turf. The voice from inside sounded calmer and nicer, but best play it cool for now.
The girl now named Lucy walked out of the room, not bothered to say anything as she walked right past her. Mal glared at her and remained standing by the door.
"You must be my roommate, sorry about Lucy she can be a little stubborn at times. My name is Mirta, its nice to meet you." Mal turned to see the girl who was actually her roommate; she was about her height, with natural pale skin and freckles on her face, short burgundy colored hair with a long blue streak on the side. Has a punk goth look by the way she was dressed with a white shirt that had a pumpkin in the middle and a black vest over it, wearing a black skirt with a gray layer on it held by two belts, white and red, dark red leggings underneath the skirt and a pair of boots with grey leggings up to her knees. She gave a warm smile to the blonde haired witch and invited her in.
"Thanks, I had the idea how I wouldn't be so welcomed lightly in this school." Mal said, she was slightly surprised to sense nothing but good vibes from her.
"Yeah, you probably get that, come on in. I left your half untouched so you can fill it how you like." Mirta smiled and walked into their dorm as her half was filled with her stuff.
"Thanks, didn't matter which side I take, you probably figured I'm a sort of special transfer from my school for the semester." Giving a fake story about being a transfer student to cover her secret.
"Oh, the headmistress told me about it and I hope you like it here and hope we get along." Mirta had shown to be somewhat shy and nervous, possibly trying to make a good impression on her new roommate from her perspective.
Mal shook her head softly and waved her hand. "Don't worry about it, besides I was trying to make a statement in case I end up with someone being the least pleasant." Not wanting to go into details but or admitting that Griffin was very intimidating.
Mirta gave a surprise look on her face to Mal when she said that she tried to argue with the headmistress, everyone in school knows of her reputation and not wanting to be on her bad side. One thing she understood the reason if she were in her shoes… but doubted if she had the courage to do it. "Seriously? Anyone who did that would probably end up being a toad for the week or in serious detention for defiling her."
"Well she's not the only one who could pull a face that could scare you. So, I'll get my things unpacked and set things up here." Thinking of what to do for her part of the dorm and set up.
"Want some help? I mean, we got spare time this morning until the headmistress calls for assembly with all the freshmen students." Offered to help as a way to getting to know her new roommate. The blonde girl took thought about it, she didn't expect to have help from another witch. Mal was always told to try to open up to at least a few since she started to warm up a little with the boys during the training.
"I guess a hand would be nice. Thanks." Mal accepted as she grabbed her luggage and carried it to her bed.
"No problem." Mirta smiled and finds this witch pleasant unlike others, maybe a little different but too soon to tell. While grabbing her other bag and help she realised that she forgot her name and smacked her forehead with her hand. "Oh, I'm sorry I forgot your name they hadn't put it on yet when you came a bit late."
"Oh, probably explains it then." Mal had to be careful in case of the witches that are here would recognise her by her name if its not common. Had spoken with her master on a name that she is suited for. "Besides, you can call me Lilith."
Once she was fully settled in Mal-going by the name Lilith walked beside Mirta to join the students who gathered in the hall, taken their seats and remained quite as the announcer spoke.
"Attention please. Here comes head witch mistress Griffin!"
Mal/Lilith had to remain quite and find out what the announcement was, possibly about tonight's event. She sees the head mistress approach and stood by her fancy throne-like chair.
"My young witches, I summoned you here because I have a sad piece of news to share. The Fairies are hosting a party tonight and once again the Witches of Cloud Tower have not been invited!"
All the witches in training gave mixed boos and taunts to the fairies, Mal remained quiet and didn't want to get into the immature acts. "Seems everyone seems to take it personal."
"Maybe its part of tradition or something?" Mirta thought which might sound possible, or some personal grudges between witches and fairies. The wielder of the Shadow's Redemption will have to look into the history about it sometime.
Griffin continued her speech. "Yes, my friends I agree with you. But this is an opportunity for you to test your cursing skills, it is the duty of every witch in this school to crash the party and wipe the smiles of their faces! They snuffed us, we'll make them pay, and so I urge you to come up a way to ruin the fiesta. Submit your proposals and I'll select one, may the worst witch wins."
Many students were eager to come up with an idea to ruin the party to prove themselves, but something caught Mal's attention from the corner of her eye, the three witches from the other night: Icey, Stormy and Darcy, least that were the names she heard them. No doubt they would take this opportunity to go after the ring, luckily she would come up with an excuse to say she be representing her 'school' and maybe give the others a heads up.
"A festival you say?" Tezzerat asked through the communicator to speak with the allied witches while checking on the progress they were making, he was disappointed that they failed to retrieve the sceptre and their alliance is known to the children and the wielders, taking whatever means to cover their tracks from anyone else knowing their plans. His face was barely shown in order to make the covering up the transmission and make it difficult to track the signal, only his red cybernetic eye glowed through the blurred hologram. The witches were speaking with him in their dorm room as the only place in the building to communicate.
"Yes, its an event where the goody toe-shoes fairies celebrate the school year with the Red Fountain boys but never invite us." Icy explained to him.
"And seeing as you were not invited, you play a role to sabotage or crash the party?" He asked and seemed interested in the tradition they have. "Interesting. This could work in our favour, using this for a distraction so you three steal the ring from the princess."
"Oh we have the perfect plan and those losers in Alfea won't know what hit them." Darcy said with a devious grin on her face.
"Even those dweebs and the stupid key users." Stormy added.
They heard him make a frowning noise, obviously not convinced by their overconfidence. "And yet, you failed more then twice to accomplish a simple task." He retorted.
Icy grunted and crossed her arms in frustration when being reminded of the battle. "They just got lucky since they had those loser trio helping them, not even those Grimm couldn't do it."
"Never underestimate your foe, you've just witnessed how a keyblade wielder fights with their weapons and should be cautious on your next battle." Lecturing the witches to never judge their opponents.
"We need to keep them distracted, why use the Grimm to do that?" Stormy suggested to the group.
Darcy looked at her and shook her head. "And risk running into the keybladers who could ruin all we worked for? No, too risky, can't use them all the time to do the work."
"She's right, we'll do this our way and take care of those weakling fairies without a hitch. As for those three, if they interfere again, we'll make them as an example for others who get in our way." Icy proclaimed and formed three ice crystal in hands and crushed them, causing the two to grin and laugh. Tezzerate gave a chuckle through the transmission and disconnected before wishing them good luck, and not to fail again this time.
Well, hope you like it as you might have guessed as where Mal will be staying and keep a low profile from the Trix and the name Lilith was from Once Upon A Time if you are familiar with the series. Thought to make her the roommate of Mirta as a change and some ideas I have in mind. Hope you enjoyed the chapter, another is almost done already and working on the others shortly such as the GrimmFall series and Children of the Ancients to get that up again since being so busy.
Any questions or ideas you wish to request let me know!
Tunak23: yes indeed Macbeth is in the story for a reason but not saying too much, you'll find out eventually. However, he is considered a mentor and will give the students of Magix what combat will be form a thousand year old king (those poor sou-uhhh-students know idea what they'll get into, yeah! ^^!).
For the Trix, well considering I've looked into the information about them being long time villains, I'm cutting their time down for an arc villain type for others who are badder and deadlier I have in mind. Possible some redemption into anti-villains maybe.
Raximus: Well you have lots of questions but will answer them. *clears his throat* there is only one Genie we know! And will be using some bits from the series. The characters from winx will be different from the main canon and don't consider them airheads, they're teens after all and will learn from others what it takes to be true heroes. Maybe throw in Phil in someday. There will be war of course, factions will form and alliances made against the enemy, it will begin but not saying how, that's for you lot to imagine. And finally... well, yeah they will visit other worlds and bring their new friends along.