Chapter 17: Connections
Upon their return it didn't go so well for others to hear about Riven leaving the squad for another after the incident, Macbeth even tried to reason with him to share his side of the story but so far no luck. They returned to Red Fountain and invited Mal over of her report.
"I know he's an idiot but literally taking sides of someone who just attacked us last time and sided with Tezzeret?" Mal tried to understand the situation and asked her mentor. "So it was really Darcy out there?"
Macebth sighed as he sat down on a couch and nods his head to her in response. "Yes, so I've been told and if I can guess it cannot be good. It's clear our enemies are trying to divide us. And he was right there before me and could do nothing."
"You have nothing to feel sorry for, he would've unleashed the Grimm onto the city." Saladin assured him and surprised to hear about it. Made some tea and offered to them. "I would've suspected Headmistress Griffin would've been suspicious of their activities."
"Unfortunately she never received a letter from Alfea, which she was not aware of either." Mal answered and can imagine the headmistress would not like someone like the Trix to cause too much trouble, but didn't mean she be trusted so far despite having a history with the head teachers.
"Then it's obvious that Tezzeret might be the culprit to prevent the Trix from being found out, least to throw off any suspicions." Macbeth turned to Mal. "You best return to Cloud Tower and get some sleep, if you find anything going on call us."
She nods and leaves the office for the two to think of what else could happen. "Any word from Master Yen Sid?" Macbeth thought to ask and hope some good news at least for them.
"As a matter of fact, I have." Saladin smiled and pulls out a case. "This was delivered by him this morning, we should now open up from your world with Griffin and Faragonda's assistance. Explained to him of what happened and has suggested to give the students a little help with." Very much relieved to know they will receive contact from the other Keyblade wielders and Radiant Garden. Opening the lid to show the curious Macbeth of what was inside the case, what he saw surprised him. "So he's brought them here? I never thought to see this many."
Saladin nodded. "I couldn't believe it when I first saw them, but perhaps come in handy against the Grimm should the young wielders not be around."
Taren's eyes flickered and finds himself someplace else, sort of reminded him of the visions he had with an army of Grimm but all he can see was a mist and unable to see further out to know where he was.
"Great, just what I needed some strange dream in a strange place." He said to himself, not like anyone would hear him and walked through the mist but suddenly stopped and saw a figure passing through like a ghost.
"Huh? Hey wait!" Taren called out to the person, thinking there was someone here. He ran to the direction the stranger he thought he saw went to. Began to here voices, whispers nearby but couldn't tell what they were saying. "Whose out here? Come on out!"
Reached out to summon his keyblade but nothing happened, tried again but no luck, probably this was some dream he as having or a vision that had some twisted ideas to do that. However the mist began to slowly clear up and dim lights came through to show him where he was. Some sort of hallway with stained glasses on the walls, what caught his attention about them had a person on each one of them.
One had a young woman in a red coloured theme outfit with light armor, a pair of goggles on her forehead with short red hair, one hand with flames dancing in the palm of her right hand.
A second was a strong built male, much older with a long brown beard and a scar run down his right eye and wielded two hammers, looked almost like a blacksmith. He recognised the man from his last vision the other day.
Another male but seems to a few years older then Taren had short spikey dark maroon hair wearing a light jacket, wearing strapped boots and a red and white scarf with a dragon-like emblem on it, giving a leaping position while clinging to his weapon and looked directly at him, almost like he was being observed.
Finds a forth glass window had a woman in a blue rope and a hood over face, only able to see a portion of her face but can tell she looked beautiful with leaves and wind swirling around her. Holding to a spear or something in her hands in a dance position.
There was something about them he couldn't help but his finger in it.
"So this boy is the latest one." A voice of an old man spoke out from nowhere, causing Taren to spun around around.
"Seems a little young for the journey ahead." Another questioned.
"Weren't we all? even the Keepers started out as children like us." A female voice spoke out.
Taren did not understand who they were and what they were talking about, soon he began seeing ghostly figures, all humanoid by appearance and each one had a pair of bright glowing eyes staring at him. But what did a woman mean by 'Keepers'? Who are they?
"Hey? What is going on here? Just who are you people?" Taren felt annoyed how they were chatting away as if he wasn't there, wanting answers from them and to know what's going on.
"Don't worry." A gentle voice spoke out among the group, one stood out, he could clearly make out the spiked hair and the string built frame for a male but still to foggy to see his face. "You'll know in time, and we'll be here if you need guidance."
"Hold on. Do you know anything about the Dragon's Flame? I need to know."
He gasped and sat up straight and finds himself back in the Red Fountain dorm. Taren sighed and fell back to his bed after what just happened but looking at his clock to show it was early morning. Ben, his roommate was not in his bed so must've been out training. These visions and bizarre dreams were really getting too much to ignore, maybe he can ask his friends to help find out what they mean. When he was about to back to sleep, Taren suddenly realised he had summoned his keyblade while in his sleep. Now it was stranger then the average since coming to Magix, he seriously needed to talk to the others about this.
Around breakfast as it was now their weekend break, Taren gathered the others to talk about things going on, minus the Winx and especially the Riven since he left their squad.
"So you've been having this weird dreams for sometime?" Brandon asked him after hearing the story.
Taren yawned, still groggy after barely getting some sleep. "Yeah, it was weird, like being in some room and full of what can be described as ghosts gathered around. Creepy glowing eyes all looking at you."
Timmy shivered and finds it a little creepy when it comes to ghosts. "I wouldn't want to meet them."
"But you said these visions have been happening for some time now, why didn't you say anything?" Ben asked his friend and wanted to help him, maybe some clue to the keyblades as it was known that they provide hidden clues for the wielders at times.
"I didn't know, they barely happen. Just come out of random but I don't think they could be a dream or vision." Taren didn't think to take seriously. "But managed to draw some and thought they were just from my imagination.
Macbeth being quiet to listen upon his story raised some interesting questions and possible answers. "Perhaps they could be something more then just a dream. Do you have these sketches with you?"
The red haired teen nodded. "Yeah, it's in the dorm. Unless Genie knows how to get answers out of my head."
Without a heads up, he was suddenly strapped to a chair and a helmet or some kind was on the top of his head with a machine beside him. Genie popped up with a professor's coat and a wild hair and beard. "Now zit back and relax until za machine iz done." Speaking in a German accent.
"Uh, can't we do this the old fashion way?" Not somewhat comfortable if Genie be the one to operate this stuff.
"Yeah, maybe Tecna could help she told me she was doing some scans on dreams." Timmy suggested.
"Getting real friendly with her, Tim?" The prince gave a tease to Timmy who chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his head.
"Hey! Focus here!" Taren exclaimed and turned to Genie. "Is this safe?"
"Of course. I did it before on Abu one time, but a human I'm not sure." Before Taren could respond to his statement, the machine started humming and started printing out what he dreamed.
Macbeth thought of something and turned to Timmy about Tecna doing some dream scanning. "Did you say Tecna was studying dreams? From who?"
"Uh, well, it was not suppose to be mentioned sorry. I must've let it slip. Not sure who but I found some notes she's written from someone having some trouble." Timmy said.
"Hmm, interesting. Don't worry I'll not mention how as it be in her fields." Macbeth told him, giving the glasses wearing specialist a sigh in relief while Genie pulled out the notes and magically brought Taren's sketchbook in his hand. He looked through them and found some being Grimm and strange spectres wielding odd weapons. Another caught his eye was a dragon in the next page.
"Hey, they look cool, you got the action poses right from the fights." Brandon said after taking a peak.
Taren shrugged and didn't mind it. "I thought maybe make some notes of the ones we fought and maybe like a journal or something."
Macbeth thought it be a good idea and learn from their previous events, the boy has shown some talent and also sketches of the keyblades. Comparing Heartless and Grimm to be very different. There was a sketch of a male, uncertain who but a young female by the light drawing. But the next page was the latest showing a young woman in a dress and mask. "Taren, was this in your dreams?"
"No, I just saw her the other day with Bloom, almost couldn't make out what it was. But… feels like I met her before somewhere." Taren couldn't give any more answers to what he knew.
"Hmm, I'll take these to headmaster and perhaps something in Alfea. Take some time off and perhaps talk with the Winx." Much as he wanted to give some news to them, perhaps wouldn't be a good time until they were much better. Leaving the group to share the information.
"Good, now that's over like to get out of this please." Taren asked.
"That's a pity, we would've liked to know what other dreams you might have, dreaming of a girl." Sky said with a teasing grin.
Taren was startled and looked at them. "W-What are you talking about?"
"Oh come on, by now you must've been dreaming of a certain girl with beautiful fiery hair and ocean blue eyes to fall for." The prince continued on as the others started to snicker.
Now he was thinking of Bloom and blushed. "What? Come on guys seriously! My dreams are private!" Certain things he'd rather not share with the group at the moment. "Now get me out of this thing!"
Genie saw another paper printed out and snatched it without others knowing, looked at it and smiled. "Oh, this just got very interesting." Decided to let him off and flicked his fingers to make the device disappear, maybe some advice to give them like he did for Aladdin.
Getting himself out of the machine before anything else happens and maybe get a call with the Winx. Leaves the room to take a walk about, decide to ring Bloom's for ideas but so far answer. "That's odd, maybe she's busy."
"Something the matter?" He turned to find see Ben catching up to him.
"Thought maybe take Tim's advice and call them. Bloom's not answering so maybe try Flora."
This peaked Ben's interest upon hearing about it. "When did you get her number?"
Taren didn't turned to see him and shrugged his shoulders. "Just after the party as she thought we should keep in touch." But when he looked up to see Ben crossed his arms and grins. "What? It's a good idea to keep in touch in case something happens! like if the Grimm or Trix, or maybe Tezzeret. I have more contacts then just the two!"
"Or maybe something else, never knew you be that popular." Ben gave a soft chuckle which caused Taren to give a raised eyebrow But the ohone was answered before he could respond
"Hello?" Hearing Flora on the other end.
"Hey, it's Taren sorry if we're butting in on something." Taren spoke through the phone.
"Taren? Oh, it-it's no problem! Well... may not be the best time." Not catching how surprised and nervous she sounded.
"Something the matter?"
"You could say that, Bloom was having trouble sleeping by these strange dreams so when we offered to help, Stella went a little too far in her jokes and ran off."
This caught their attention and curiosity to find out what. "You said she had dreams?
"No way can that be a coincidence. Where about is she now-WHOOAAHH!" Before he could get to finish his sentence, Taren failed to see the steps and slipped, fortunately nothing broken after several steps, but so far he would be seeing stars floating around.
"Taren! Are you OK? What was that sound?" Flora cried out in worry after hearing him fall, Ben caught his phone and sighed.
"Don't worry, he's fine. Just didn't watch where he was going." Ben said, earning a sigh of relief from the nature fairy. "Listen we'll head over to Alfea once he's back on his feet. Later." Came down to check on Taren who was slowly getting his head back together, but in the subject he couldn't help but wonder about two people having dreams/visions at the same night. Maybe there something more then just a coincidence, maybe ask Taren more about them when he's better but best take him to a medic.
Hopefully nothing serious is going on with the Winx after what she told them. The last thing they need is having fights between friends and cause problems.
Mal had been doing some training using her magic and decided to take it out in the forest. Practicing using her magic to control the plants by her will and create familiars. Mirta came along to watch and know about the keyblade while she has time before heading out to Magix with Lucy. "So you can control plants like Flora?"
"Yeah, but mine is somewhat different, never tried creating something but always… something out of a horror movie or bent on attacking depend on my emotions." Mal explained, along with everything that's been going on and the reason for coming to Magix. With Macbeth's permission to her relief and also Mirta offered to give some help, in return to build her confidence to stand up for what she believes in. "But least be useful against the Trix and the Grimm, with so many trees here be an advantage.
To Mal it felt something like it was part of her or maybe inherited. "My aunts told me to be careful and also said it's one of the greatest gifts since it's also been watching over me. Not sure what they meant."
Decided to give a go after some experimenting, controlling her emotions, both good and bad and focus on summoning a magical being and shape it to her idea of design. She could feel the magic in this world was immense and could feel her body adapting to the place. Channelling the energy from her body to the earthly ground beneath her, summoning her keyblade and create a large anthropomorphic creature crawling out with a spear in it's hand. The girls backed up and startled, Mal didn't think it was possible but actually did it as she watched it stood about 8ft tall, looking directly at them with the creepy face that somewhat look like a skull with barked horn-like branches sticking out of it's body.
"Sure it's on our side?" Mirta asked her and somewhat nervous, thinking it was going to attack them.
Mal had the same idea and was ready for anything it would throw at them.
But something threw them by surprise when the forest creature took a step forward before Mal and… bowed before her with one knee up and head down. Caughting them unaware of what happened and looked at each other.
"Uh, is… it bowing to me?" Mal pondered and uncertain what's going on with it, almost like it was bowing to Mal like she was some royalty or something.
"I think so, isn't that what you wanted it?"
"Well, wasn't expecting a bow. Uh… stand?" With a simple command it did so and stood to attention like a soldier. "Ok, um, swing your spear." Again it obeyed her command and swung it across. "Again?"
Swung it again.
"Now do it three times and fast." Swings it's spear across picking up the pace, impressing the two witches. "I think I just found some ideas, um, alright. Now how about you… spar with me without trying to kill me. Can you do that?"
To her surprise it nodded it's head in response to her request, taking a pose suitable for when ready for combat.
"Uh, you sure this is a good idea?" Mirta asked and a little concerned.
"Well… can't be as bad as taking a cab ride from some old hags." Mal took her stance with her Shadow of Redemption, clashing her keyblade with it's spear in combat. Ducking, turning and thrust, it mirrored her at first until the tree warrior started gain a development of it's own attacks and learning by blocking the keyblade coming from above to catch her by surprise.
Mal quickly backed off as it started following her, but catches the end of the spear until it hoisted her from the ground and thrown to the side at full strength. Knowing she gave command to not hold back, she quickly used her magic to slow down her body and landed softly. "Ok, that's more like it." Smiles and ran towards it, but instead of going straight towards the torso with it's guard up she ducked and slide in between the legs as an opening for her. The warrior quickly reacted and turned around and threw a 180% turn for the strike when she was beneath it.
Seeing the sharp end of the spear coming she blocked it with the side of her keyblade, but giving it's strength she was pinned down to the ground and didn't expected it to respond like that. Clearly there was more to understanding the limit of her powers then she thought.
"That's enough!"
Both Mal and Mirta didn't expect to find the headmistress Griffin showing up in the woods, uncertain how long she had been standing there for that matter.
"Headmistress?" Mirta asked nervously and surprised.
Mal's familiar stopped what it was doing in the middle of a spar, stepping away and offering it's hand to her. She accepted it and pulled up to see her. "Uh, how… didn't expect to find you out here."
"And I see you've been training. Giving that your roommate is present despite being told to remain low?" Narrowing her eyes towards the shaking Mirta by her stern gaze.
"It wasn't her fault, we were-"
"I've spoken with Macbeth after what happened and will speak to Mirta later." Griffin said and turned her gaze upon the timid student. "If you don't mind, I would like a private talk with Mal. And I hope you keep this between us?"
"Yes, ma'am. I promise not to say anything." Mirta replied and nodded, reluctant to leave but did so as she was told. "Listen, I'll see ya later gotta catch up to Lucy."
Mal nodded. "Later." Once the two were alone she spoke to Mal. "So, I'm in trouble for spilling my secret for saving her?"
"Trouble? No, I followed you and watch you train your magic." She gave a small grin on her face. "And I can tell you have such potential as a witch with the aid of the keyblade. Such a thing is not all that common."
Mal didn't want to let it get to her and surprised being given praises from the headmistress. "Well, rather not rely too much of it and focus on my powers. And even tried creating familiars, almost like it was natural."
"Maybe, or perhaps something else then that." Griffin said as she studied the warrior. "I was told by headmistress Faragonda about the night the Trix snuck in I was most displeased by their behaviour, not just for the stunt they pulled but for getting caught."
"And you thought they could've dine better?" Mal questioned with a raised voice and narrowed her eyes at the witch. "I was there, they had Grimm and people could've been hurt!"
Griffin turned to face her, not affected by the tone of her voice. "Don't think that I'm taking sides, young lady. I wanted witches ti seek their potential. But there are limits of which we must follow. And the oath the Trix are taken has concerned me, especially when you mentioned about them controlling the Grimm."
"So if you knew, then why not stop them?" she asked her.
"I would've gladly punish them for getting involved with dangerous people, but without proof I can do nothing and certainly can't simply walk in blindsided." Griffin stated, seeing the confused Mal caught her attention as she continued. "The Winx pulled a foolish stunt when they snuck and were punished, which I'm sure you know. What I'm saying is wait fir the opportunity and strike."
Listening to the witch made sense to Mal, she can't take them down without proof and the only thing they have is their word which is not enough. "So all we needed was evidence, that should be easy. But why tell me about this?"
"Because, someone posed as me when I was aware trying to gain access to the school's archive for reasons I don't know of." she can tell by the tone of her voice and the facial expression, she was pissed. "I have a feeling who it was and they will regret it." Calming herself down and turned to Mal. "Now, perhaps another time and maybe try learning on focus your magic. Now I believe Macbeth has something ti share with you and your friends."
Nodding her head and called the warrior to return to it's natural state and walks away. Griffin watched her leave and taken a moment to think of what she saw, so far the girl has proven to be capable of strong magic then she even realises. But despite exceeding well as a student, she feels perhaps the girl was holding back, uncertain what it is. But she knows that perhaps something to push those boundaries she may be greater then her in the future.
"Perhaps I should have a word with Yen Sid next time we speak."
"I don't understand, I didn't say anything wrong. I just made an innocent remark, that's all." Stella tried to understand what she did to make her best friend upset.
"Right, define innocent." Flora questioned her friend after going too far with her jokes with Bloom and upset her, having no clue as to where she is at the moment. Bloom has been having these odd dreams for a couple of days now and was worried for her, Stella's attempt to 'lighten' up the mood wasn't much helpful when she tried to explain about this mysterious woman she's been seeing. But now finding out about Taren having something like that made her wonder if there was something big going on.
Stella didn't take her tone well and said. "Follow your plants' example and be quiet, all right?"
"My plants know better than to speak before thinking." Flora replied back to her. Both turned to Musa who was busy studying with a pen in her mouth.
Being too much in a mood, Stella stood up with her hands on her hips to face Musa. "Don't you start Musa or else I'll-"
"Or else what?" Musa dares her to finish her sentence.
"Or else I'll start talking about something else. Like boys, for instance." Stella said with a smile on her expression.
"Boring! Now if you'll excuse me, I've got stuff to read for tomorrow and this is my room." The fairy of music didn't want to be bothered by Stella and wanting to focus.
But so far Stella wasn't going to leave. "Oh, come on, Musa, close that book and spill the beans. Like, we all know that whenever she sees Timmy, our friend Tecna blushes from head to toe."
Tecna who had been quiet for the longest time brushing her hair until the blonde haired princess mentioned her and Timmy. "What?! That is not true!"
Stella sat on the desk and continued on. "And it's obvious Bloom has a soft spot for Taren. Can't say about Mal, but seems Ben might like her. As for me, I admit I do find Sky kind of cute, but that's it. Now let's talk about Riven. Riven, mmmm."
"I've got to study!" Musa started to get annoyed and brought the book up to look at.
"That guy doesn't even look at you-"
"Stella! Stop it!" Flora told her before she would go any further of upsetting Musa.
Stella waved her left hand to calm her. "Chill Flora, and while on the subject did you ever found a boy you like?" Raised an eyebrow when questioning Flora.
The Lymphean wasn't sure where she was going with this, crossed her arms over her chest to make a point. "No I haven't, been focused in my studies like Musa is doing and you should too."
But Stella didn't buy it and tried another approach. "Oh really? Let's see if I can jog your memory, hmm? Someone whose not a specialist, but brave and very heroic to battle monsters. Uses a weapon in a shape of a... oh what did it look like?"
Bringing up the description of a person Flora knows, not sure how but hoped no one had noticed and tries to change the subject. "Stella, I'm not going to fall for your childish games so-"
"And what else... oh yes, has bright eyes you could gaze in." Stella finished off in a dreamy tone but failed to realise she pushed Flora too far and causing her to snap.
"Stella I said enough! And I don't ant to hear about Taren!" Flora gasped and clasped her mouth when she let the name slipped. Unfortunately for her attempt to make up a cover story, Tecna and Musa heard her loud and clear.
"Taren? What's he got to do with..." Then Musa caught on to what they're saying nad see the growing flush on Flora's face and Stella's smile that she caught on. "Hold on, you like him?"
"W-well... yes-no! I mean..." Stuttered and messing up her words in an attempt to explain.
"First time I saw her talking to him on the gala night and the way she was gazing at him when Bloom wasn't looking." Stella spills it out for them to hear after she witnessed what happened.
Flora felt embarrassed and covered her face with her hands to hide the shame but tried to make her point to Stella. "Even if it were, you said it yourself: Taren likes Bloom and obviously she likes him!" Much as it felt painful to deny these feelings she has for him but was doing it for the sake of her friendship with them and not ruin it.
"Well if you say so, hate to think what abloom would've thought if she found out." Stella stated. "But least he's not Riven for that matter."
"What did I just say?! I don't care about stupid boys!" Musa snapped at the startled Princess who slipped and fell to the floor.
Laughing nervously and held her hands up in defence. "It was just a joke, and anyway, since the Day of the Rose, the only one Riven cares about is Darcy. Of course you didn't know that, you weren't with us."
Musa starts to get upset upon finding out about Riven and Darcy, much as she didn't like to say anything but had developed an interest in him, until she was told about what happened. Fighting off the tears
"Yeah, well, what does it matter to me, huh?! It doesn't matter one bit!" Runs out of the dorm in tears, leaving the baffled princess with Tecna and Flora glaring at her for the course of the mess.
"Why are you all looking at me like that? What did I say?"
"STELLA!"
Hope you enjoyed it, wanted ti cause some bit if tension like in the episode and give some hints of what's going on. Even thought of adding a scene between Mal and Griffin of her thoughts of the natural balance and show even she was not liking where it goes, how she believes Mal has potential and also why she hasn't expelled the Trix, yet without endangering the students or provide evidence of their involvement with a certain group she doesn't approve.
Now for those curious fi what Yen Sid brought to help them? Wait and fund out. But also where and when that mischievous bird will pop up next?