Chapter 4: School of Fairies
Every since the day Taren was swept away from Destiny Islands, it was the hardest moment Sora and Kairi ever experience since the day he was born, fearing that their enemies would come after him. Kairi was in tears the moment she learnt of his disappearance, used her husband for support while in an emotional breakdown worrying nonstop of what could happen to him, fear that something terrible had happened to him.
It was then they learnt that not only was Taren being the target, so was Ben, Belle and Adam's son when their world was attacked by the creatures known as the Grimm. However, all is not lost as they learnt about Yen Sid gone, but was told he was with the new keyblade wielders to train when they recently been chosen as the new wielders. Sora was both proud and worried that his son was given a keyblade just like him, but at the same time fear for his concern. The princess of Radiant Garden was slowly recovering, but still clinging to hope for his safety and bring him home no matter how far he is, they will find Taren.
But one day, something changed when they heard the news.
"YOU FOUND HIM!?" Kairi and Sora both raised their voices so loud, anyone in the building could hear them shouting from the top of their lungs.
"GAH!" Cid, now much older with greying hair and a beared fell from his chair when they shouted after giving the news. Feeling the ringing from his ears and narrowed his eyes at the parents who almost made him deaf. "Jeez! Will you turn down your voices?! I could loose my hearing if you keep at it."
Both of them calmed down until they respond, Sora held his hand on Kairi's shoulder who was blushing with embarrassment for startling Cid. "We're sorry, it's just that for the past several months we heard nothing from them and hoped he's ok at least."
Kairi nodded and agreed with him. "And especially with these Grimm about, we feared he might be in danger. But, is it true… you found him and Ben?" least hoping to give some good news to Ben's parents, Belle must be so worried as she was.
"Well, at first we didn't, but it was just then we finally received word from the old man himself."
"Yen Sid?" Sora thought, knowing it had to be him.
"You got it. Seems the bastard who let those Grimm loose on our worlds didn't found him, yet. Told me to tell you that the kid's fine." Cid reassured the parents, seeing them so relieved about it.
Kairi smiled and hugged Sora, crying in joy while struggling to fight off the tears. "Thank you. You no idea how much this means to us."
Sora smiled and stroked her hair. "So where is he now?" Hoping they could find him and see him again, if what they found out is true that he's got a keyblade, it could worth seeing how much his skills have improved.
Cid however, stroked the back of his head and chuckled nervously. "Ehh, see the thing is… he was on a planet called Earth, someplace named Gardenia."
Kairi smiled brightly. "Great! Then let's go there and… wait a minute, 'was'?" Not understanding what he meant, and she might not like the answer.
Gulped nervously and feeling her staring at him, afraid of giving the wrong answer. "Well, not sure you're not gonna like it, but you better stay calm and not scream."
Outside his office, Tifa walked up to Riku after learning that they were here, possibly for update on Taren and the other two teens' whereabouts. "Hey, Riku. Heard the great news." She smiles at the silver haired male who stood by the door.
Riku looked at the busty brunette and returned the greeting. He was glad to know Taren was ok as everyone. "Yeah, I'm certain Ben's folks will be very happy about it."
"Yeah, and best of all, they've got keyblades! That must be awesome!" She clapped her hands together.
"Well, if it weren't for the Grimm and new threat about, would've been a little different. But found out where he is, something his parents may not like."
Tifa smiled and "Oh come on, we waited seven months for this day. And besides its not like something like this never happened before when you were their age and went on crazy adventures, How bad could it be?"
"He's WHERE?!" Both were startled by Kairi's raised voice, possibly been told where Taren is. "What the hell are they doing in the Magic Dimension?!"
"For crying out loud, woman! Inside voices!" Now they could hear Cid complaining about his ears from Kairi's outburst. This was new to Riku and was familiar with the place, but from the thing is they sealed the veil between their realms for safety measures.
"Ok… I'm guessing its bad?" Tifa asked him.
Riku turned to her and sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, guessing it must be serious if the kids are there. But, I'm certain they'll be fine, like you said. Taren takes after his old man, going on adventures, saving worlds. Ben's with him, so least they'll help each other out."
"And saving damsels and distress no doubt." Tifa smirked and figured
"ACHOO!" Taren strangely felt a draft from his nose and sneezed, unsure why but just did.
"Gesundheit." Ben said to him after he sneezed.
Taren rubbed and feeling better now. "Thanks, wierd, almost like someone far away just said my name."
Mal rolled her eyes and lightly shook her head when thinking he must be loosing it or just trying to mess with them. She could now see the castle as the school for fairies. "So this is Alfea." Mal had to admit, it seems impressive and can feel the flow of magic stronger in the dimension then she was use to.
"Guess we finally arrived." She turned to see Ben behind her and seeing the school for fairies close by and find Bloom looked pretty excited to learn magic as a fairy, even her parents were amazed by the sight of it. "Now we just have think of a way to-"
Suddenly they heard Mike grunted as he just stopped from his approach to Alfea, like he bumped into something.
Taren watched him held his hands out and didn't know what was going on. "Hey, something the matter?"
"I dunno. It's like an invisible wall." They watched as Mike was pushing his hands out, almost like he was doing a mime trick. But they were confused as Taren decided to walk passed him to try it out and felt nothing. Whatever it is, something was not letting Mike through.
"Don't feeling anything."
Bloom followed and felt nothing as well. "Really?" Walked past her dad and felt nothing either, wondering if he was fooling around. "Are you guys pulling on our legs?"
"No, honey, honest." Mike said defensively while Mal was curious of about it. Stepping through and almost feels something was there but can't see it.
"He's right, there is something here." Mal brought their attention to her. Casting a spell to tap against where the invisible wall should, a portion of an entire dome appeared for a few seconds before disappearing. "The reason you two can't go through is because you don't have magic."
Stella did remembered about the rules and seemingly forgot about the protective barrier. Turned to Bloom's parents to break it to them and apologies. "I'm afraid Mal is correct, you can't go any further from here. Sorry about that."
Vanessa was saddened to leave her daughter behind. "I guess its time to say goodbye, Bloom." Both her and her husband feel they should least give some encouraging words to support her new goals.
The wielders of the keyblade felt bad for her to see them off so soon, the reason they can pass was because they use magic and wield the keyblades despite being human. The teenagers watch Bloom leave the barrier to say goodbye to them, Ben smiled and remembered the last time he gave his goodbyes to his parents before leaving home, seeing his mom keeping a brave face and promising his dad that he'll make them proud. But for Taren, he never got the chance with his family, only to have been whisked away from the islands to a far off world after being attacked by the Grimm. Mal was very quiet when she watched them hug each other and give some encouraging advice before they leave. She looked to the ground with a downcast expression. Her arms crossed and frowned softly, no one noticed but Ben who kept quiet it.
Kiko runs up to his owner to stick close to her since he can pass through it. "Taren, Ben, Mal." The three turned to Mike who called out to them. "Listen, all I ask is if you can keep my daughter safe, make certain nothing happens to her." He had a feeling he can trust them after helping Bloom last night against the Ogre and his ghouls.
"We'll make sure she's safe here." Taren assured her parents and not wanting to see her hurt.
"And don't worry, she's in good hands." Stella knew they had not much time and needed to get a move on. Whispering to Bloom's ear. "Come on we gotta go!"
Bloom promises them that she'll come back to see them on her break and keep in contact, once that was all done, Stella summoned her sceptre and sent them safely back to Earth. "Ready to take the plunge? Once you cross the barrier, there's no going back."
"My mind's made up, Stella I'm going with you." Bloom said and turned to the keybalde bearers. "What about you guys? Aren't you coming?"
Mal shook her head softly. "Sorry, but we gotta split and meet up with our mentor."
Taren sighed and almost forgot about that. "Yeah, Macbeth is probably here now and waiting for us. If we don't show up soon, he'll get mad."
Bloom looked a little sad to see them go so sudden, wishing they could stay a little. She was very grateful of them saving her life and especially for Taren while they only just met. "You sure?"
"We're sure, Bloom, also best not to say anything about us or our keyblades to keep it a secret." Ben said. "Just to keep a low profile for the time being." Can't actually reveal the whole truth and risk getting the girls involved since they promised her parents to watch over her during their mission.
"Oh, I see, to avoid the fans." Stella seems to have bought it. "No worries, I'm good at keeping secrets." Smiling brightly at them.
"Yeah, maybe when we're not busy we could come around to visit and hang out." Taren offered and thought it wouldn't be so bad.
This brightened up Bloom's crestfallen look and smiled at him. "Really? Y-Yeah that would be great!" Brushing the locks of her hair, suddenly feeling shy for a moment. Unaware of the blonde next to her was fighting the urge to smile.
"OK, you two can have fun later. But we gotta go before Macbeth gets impatient!" Mal grabbed him by the arm and yanked him from his feet as they made their leave before the fairies could say their farewells.
Stella watched them leave and turned to Bloom. "Well that's a pity, I would've liked to ask them more about their keyblades. But that Mal seriously needs to lighten up as if they were in trouble or something."
"You're not gonna keep asking them about wanting your own, are you?" Bloom looked at her, remembering what they told her about a bond with their blades.
The Solarian princess took a thought about what she said. "Hmm, that's not a bad idea. And if I do, it'll be beautiful and stylish like me!" She proclaimed, causing the red head to giggle over such an idea. But, having to admit it interesting of having one herself, if possible. Maybe next time she could ask Taren about how he got his in the first place.
"You know, you could've been a little easy back there." Taren had dusted his coat before sliding his hands in his pockets, narrowed his eyes at the witch with suspicion.
Mal looked over her shoulder at him. "Look, you heard what Yen Sid said, we need to keep a low profile while in Magix to find the Dragon Flame before Tezzeret does." Reminding him of what they were told by Yen Sid, surprise that they hear this coming from a witch that detest rules. She noticed the two looking at her and put her hands on her hips. "Hey, when it comes to either the keyblade master and sorcerer, along with a master who trained us through 7 months of torture, would you want to make them mad?"
Both the boys stiffened upon the mention of it, the training they received was tough to become strong enough to face bigger foes then just the Grimm. But they didn't get off so easily if failed on practice runs or something like getting into trouble.
"Uh… good point. So long as he doesn't know what happened on Earth, we should be safe." Taren was positive things will turn out ok. "Gotta wait until they finish welcoming the students and we'll go in and meet the principal."
Ben agreed with him. "Besides, we should have more chances of contacting him here now. And if we got the chance Taren can have time for his date." Doing what he can from snickering on the last part.
"Yeah, we should-wait what?" Taren looked at the brunette with a baffled look. Unsure what he meant by that.
"Uh, nothing." Acting all innocent and pretending he never said anything. Mal heard him and kept quiet since she knew what the prince was on about. "Anyway, he's right, best to approach the headmistress after the students have gone, she knows him well and perhaps Macbeth be here."
Mal looks at him and thinking it over what he said, would perhaps be a good idea to inform her of their arrival in Magix as she is one of the three to contact with. "Well, when you put it like that, I guess it could work. Can use my magic to sneak in and check to make sure no students are present."
"Or perhaps you three can explain the reasons for snooping around outside the school grounds."
The keyblade wielders were startled to see a tall middle-aged woman who appeared out of nowhere and giving a stern look on her face with arms folded over her chest. She has straight brunette hair in a short sharp hairstyle and brown eyes, wearing a pair of sharp glasses to match her style and wearing a navy blue dress.
"Who are you?" Mal asked her, tempting to bring out her keyblade if the woman was up to no good after sneaking up on them. But waited for her answer.
"I, young lady, am Griselda, assistant of the Headmistress and head of discipline of this school. Now, I would like to whom the three of you are and what you are doing here?" Griselda inspected them with her glasses and uncertain if they were up to no good or not.
Taren gulped nervously with that look of hers some reminded him a little of Yen Sid. "Uh, h-hey, we came here to meet the headmistress of Alfea."
"Yeah, we're apprentices of Master Yen Sid and were brought here to meet her." Mal added, feeling somewhat at ease but not sure if she believed them.
"Yen Sid?" Cupped her chin to think, hearing that name sounded familiar to her.
"Yeah, has long grey bear, wears a blue robe and a wizard's hat." Taren gave her the description.
Mal nodded. "And always has that serious look on his face." No matter how much she tries, those piercing eyes were hard to ignore.
By now Griselda remembers the name well and who they were talking about. "Ah, yes, Master Yen Sid, I remember him now. We were expecting you to be here yesterday." She responded.
"Yeah, we ran into some trouble." Ben said, knowing that they ran into a pair of Grimm on Earth.
"Well, you can explain everything to Headmistress Faragonda. But I expect you to be on your behaviour while on school grounds. Is that clear?" Narrowed her eyes at the teenagers, mostly towards the two boys since Alfea is a school for girls learning to use magic as fairies. The purple haired girl however, looks like a troublemaker with the way she's dressed and attitude she displayed just earlier.
Leading them into the school with all the students now in their dorms to settle in for their first semester. They all nodded to her in response, being used by those who speak with authority but has her reasons.
The trio took a quick glance of the school as they walk through and admit it was really nice up close, following the Head of Discipline to the headmistress' office but she stopped and turned to the three. "I will let her know you are here, so wait out here for a moment."
They nodded their heads and watch her enter first before they would. Moments later they walk into the office that had so many books, a large window and a desk where an elderly woman with short curly grey hair stood behind the desk, wearing a blue top with white sleeves and a pink skirt down to her ankles and black shoes. Giving a warm smile to the three as she stepped forward. "I'm relieved to see that you managed to come safely, I had hoped to see our old friend again after many years."
"Well, he was needed back home to make sure the other Keyblade masters and allies are all ok. Said that once things are settled and the bridge between our worlds are fully open, he'll show up." Ben told her about the master sorcerer.
She understood his reasons to remain behind for the time being but a little concern for the three students. Faragonda sighs and begins to explain to them of what is happening. "As you are no doubt aware, the Magic Dimension is facing a growing peril as these creatures… the Grimm, are slowly becoming a danger to everyone in the realm of magic. Macbeth came to us the other day and explained that they were under the control of Tezzeret, which isn't good at all with his return."
Mal folded her arms over her chest and mentally agreed with her. "Yeah, which seems like he has others to work with him before we even got here."
This news was surprising to the two fairies. "You mean, someone else can summon them?" Faragonda asked her, fearing that Stella might have been hurt since she was assigned to go to Earth to bring the keyblade wielders to Magix.
"A ogre by the name Knut. Had this thing, some kind of gem or something to command them but we took care of it. And Stella is fine with some help on the way." Ben assured her.
Griselda may be hard at times to discipline any student breaking the rules, but she does have a caring moment, relieved to hear about Stella's safety. "But, we still have problems with them but fortunately we have the barrier for that to keep intruders out for the students' safety."
"But at the time, we should be careful and find out what he's planning. Macbeth is already at Red Fountain with the headmaster, so until then you are guests in Alfea." Offering them the invitation and can find some spare rooms until further notice.
"What about Stella? She sort of found out about our keyblades." Taren pointed it out to her, including Bloom as well but didn't mention her in case.
"I'll have a word with her shortly, the less anyone knows the better." Faragonda said but more to say to them. "And that goes for you as well considering this is an important mission."
They understood perfectly, but hope that Macbeth wouldn't be mad for such reason. They've been given credit for public transport and free to explore the city of Magix. Watching them leave, Griselda turned to her old friend. "Do you suppose its right to let them be part of this? They are only children."
The headmistress sighed and would agree with her on the subject. "I understand how you feel, but after what Yen Sid told me about what happened to them was dreadful to be taken away from their families by Tezzeret and his Grimm. However, since they are the new chosen wielders of the keyblades we should give them a chance."
"I hope you're right." Griselda said, but had something else on her mind. "But something has been bothering me this morning, about hat student princess Stella was with, Varanda? Something about her seems odd."
Faraganda raised an eyebrow and was curious about it. "Varanda? The princess of Callisto? How odd, I could've sworn they sent a letter about her unable to attend to the school."
This was something the Head of Discipline did not know. But had a feeling that the Solarian Fairy is part of this, but wondered if those three know something about her since they met Stella on Earth.
"So, seeing as Macbeth is out and granted us the day to relax, might as well have some time explore." Ben suggested to his friends as they walk around the halls.
"I'm all for that. Man, I could go for something like a hot dog, maybe pizza… or some burritos." Taren grins while eager for food, all the cleaning up at Bloom's home had made him hungry.
Mal shrugged her shoulders, could get the chance to find books about magic in this dimension. "Guess we might as well enjoy the spare time and know more about Magix." Going along with it, but also maybe get some souvenirs and spell books to learn.
"So you gotta take Stella's advice for fashion?" Taren resisted the urge to snicker.
Mal gave him a deadpanned look. "Funny. Like I take word from someone who gives advice on what I should wear after seeing her in that glitter outfit. Least she be in school and I'm not."
The boys were about to respond to her statement until they notice two familiar faces at the end of the hallway. "Uh, wouldn't be so sure." Taren said. Before Mal could ask what she saw both Bloom and Stella coming out, but with three girls they don't recognise.
Bloom noticed them and was happy to see them. "Hey guys!" Waves her hand to them, the others but Stella didn't knew them and curious to find out. She didn't expect to meet them so soon but was glad about it anyway, runs up to catch with the three. "Did you manage to meet Ms. Faragonda?"
"Hey, didn't expect to run into you here." Mal greeted her. "But yeah, seems our mentor is having some talk with the headmaster at Red Fountain."
"Well, fancy seeing you guys here." Stella greeted them before turning to Mal. "And Mal of course." Purposely pretending not noticing her for a moment, receiving a twitch from the purple haired teen.
"Remember, we promised to behave." Taren whispered to Mal, reminding her of what Griselda told them to avoid causing trouble in Alfea.
Mal let out a sigh. "Fine." Crossed her arms over her chest. Considering the princess was lucky, for now.
Bloom didn't want her friends to start having an argument in front of her new roommates. "Stella."
"Oh, chill, was only teasing to lighten the mood." Stella replied with a wave of her.
"You know them?" A girl with tanned skin with emerald eyes, long soft brown hair with blonde highlights within her bangs. Her choice of attire consisted of a green midriff, a off-shoulder top, pink skirt with strawberry decoration, yellow bracelets on each arm and fushia platform pink sandals.
"Of course, me and Varanda met them on the way here. Isn't that right?" Stella told the brunette and then to Bloom-Varanda as she was now being called.
'Varanda?' The trio had the same thought in their mind, what was going on here and why did Stella called Bloom.
Bloom nervously smiled and went along with her. "Oh, yeah, we just met them and kindly offered their assistance."
"Hope you are settling in… Varanda?" Raised her eyebrow and sounding a little suspicious, turned to Stella who seems to be behind the scheme.
The blonde haired teen secretly smiled sheepishly. "W-Well, she did say she usually likes to be called Bloom as a nickname, remember?"
"So what brings you to Alfea?" They noticed two more girls show up, one had short magenta hair in a asymmetical hairstyle and brushed to the side, teal coloured eyes and fair skin. She wore a purple and green sleeveless vest and pants, exposing her stomach and showed her hourglass figure. She didn't know why, but something about them seemed off. "Shouldn't you two boys be in Red Fountain?"
The last one had blue shade of dark hair in pigtails with her bangs in a straight cut and blue eyes. Wore a red one-strap top, a purple armband on her right arm top and a pair of baggy jeans. Like the other two, she didn't know them and wondered who they were.
"Guys, these are our roommates, Flora, Tecna and Musa." Stella introduced the girls to the keyblade wielders.
"Funny how their names have some odd theme." Mal whispered to Ben who nodded.
"Well its nice to meet you, so what are you names?" The one named Flora asked them.
"Sure, my name is Ben." The Auradon prince introduced himself.
"Names Mal." But she had a feeling they already guessed when Stella mentioned her name.
"And I'm Taren, nice to meet ya." Taren was the last to introduce himself to the rest of the girls. "We just went to meet the headmistress as being… exchange students to Magix."
"Really? Where from?" Tecna asked, crossing her arms.
Ben and Mal were puzzled by what Taren just said, but immediately caught on to his idea. Ben took the chance to answer her question. "From a remote world that decided to open up to others, Auradon Academy."
"Well, I'm certain they would do great in Red Fountain, especially for their amazing- keyblmmph!" A hand shot clasped over Stella's mouth, looking over to find it belonged to Mal, narrowing a glare at the blonde for almost revealing their secret.
Mal was mentally relieved to stop her from finishing the last part they were not suppose to hear. "Sorry, academy secrets that we can't risk exposing to others. Like to keep things safe, you know."
Bloom watched Mal brought her hand over Stella's mouth and realised that she almost spilled their secret, playing along with their cover to hide the suspicion, but hates having to keep things from her new friends. "Guess she has a point, we just met after all. But hey, we were just heading to head out for a bite to get to know each other. Maybe you guys wanna come along since you wanted to see much of Magix."
Stella pulled Mal's hand off, slightly annoyed but got over it. "That would be a great idea. So whaddya say, be a blast to see the capital of the Magix Dimension?"
The wielders were having a think of it, would be a good idea to see the place easier. Before anyone could say a word, a strange gurgling noise caught everyone by surprise and wondered where it came from. Until they saw Mal's face turning bright red and tried to hide the embarressement on her face and hands over her stomach. They tried not to laugh but couldn't help by her reaction.
"Guess that answers the question." Flora giggled and tried to hide it.
"Its not funny!" Mal defended her reason, having only a light breakfast when they spent the morning fixing Bloom's house after last night. Yet still had the blush on her face. Turned to the boys who tried as they might to hide the amused looks on their faces until she gave in by the second rumble of her stomach. "Alright, maybe a bite to eat would be a good idea." She thinks it wouldn't be so bad anyway to try out what they serve in this dimension.
"Great, I'm sure you'll love the place." Stella proclaimed and happy for them to come along, and perhaps find out more about their keyblades while she's at it.
"So, the new wielders of the Keyblades have finally made their move after all this time." Several images showing the keyblade wielders fighting Knut, his ghouls and the Grimm they fought with their new abilities. Another thing he noticed was the fairy the ogre fought to retrieve the sceptre but failed upon Taren's interference. Frowns upon learning about Knut's failure to retrieve it, but something else caught his eye upon the later events of a red/orange haired girl who suddenly used magic against them. "So it's true, an actual Earth Fairy. I could've sworn they were extinct since the Great War." He mused, tapping a metallic finger against the armchair, stroking his bearded chin with his human hand and studied the young girl.
For the past several months, Tezzeret had been searching for the three wielders with his Grimm and machines of his creations to search through many worlds that they might have been hiding. However it was proved futile with a powerful sorcerer like Yen Sid shielding them from his eyes and ears, but didn't mean he gave up on his plans, knowing they had to travel to the Magic Dimension to learn to control their new powers.
Patience was the key strategy, biding his time to let them make the move to reveal themselves. But he didn't expect to find an Earth Fairy of all things, freezing the image of her using magic and yet, something about her was off and couldn't quite put it.
"How interesting, I wonder how this will turn out." Mused by how one fairy, who just recently discovered her magical heritage would fair against powerful foes.
"But no matter. Soon, they will all perish, that I swear."
Hope you enjoyed this chapter and appreciate the number of reviews, follows and faves I got since starting this fanfic. Was thinking of wether adding Sora and Kairi to know how they must be going through. Wanting to add more interactions between the characters and sometimes be skipping some episodes over to give a heads up or change them.
Jebest4748: well, I got someone in mind to be in the team, can't say but will make an appearance in a few chapters.
Mark21800: got that fixed up on the spell, it sometimes hard to find out what type of elemental spells keyblade wielder a use. but thanks for the heads up about it.
Did a few fixing up since I wanted the story updated and out of the way, might need of a beta to help out with spare time if they can. Now comes Christmas and plans to make, my how time flies.