Chapter 28: The Trap
"Drocarhen? Is that what the kid said?" Sora scratched his heard to understand what Riku and Tifa explained after their trip to Earth. Sat in Cid's lab where the old man and Ienzo offering to lend a hand to find something about the recent updates since he heard about the vault buried under one of the islands. They've been working hard to decipher the language to compare with any other known but yet to find anything. Assisting Cid was Ienzo, much older now with his hair a little different, but still serve as one of the head researchers of Radiant Garden. Merlin came to join them when he heard about the recent discovery and felt excited to learn about this new culture.
Riku nodded his head to confirm it. "That's what Taren said it was, the first time he heard about it was when he fought a dragon that called him that. Merlin, you familiar with them?"
The wizard pondered, tapping his finger on his chin to think. "Hmm, I believe the description of these creatures the children describe could be from a world I know of but been many years." Merlin said. "But very fascinating that the Magic Dimension has some connections to these worlds, meaning there be more questions than answers. But the name the dear boy mention is an anomaly to me, I'm afraid."
Kairi somehow found out and was beyond mad to discover that some chaos god came looking for the new keybearers and her son, but hearing he was ok was a relief. But that didn't mean she would not stop reach Magix to see him again. It was the first time hearing about this word and sounded unfamiliar to her. "But what does it mean? A person? A place? Or some magic maybe?"
"Dunno, he just heard it and thought if it means anything." Tifa gave her reason. "Maybe it must be related to what's going on for the past year."
"Well, whatever it is. We're still trying to make heads or tails from this language written by whoever built the place." Cid stated and looked at the screen. Scratching his chin and turned to the group. "It could be anything that maybe we can use against Tezzeret. Safe to say, doubt even Xehanort was aware of this place."
That was one of the good things to hear but surprising since he was once from the islands long ago before starting his journey as a Keyblade Wielder.
"THE HELL?!"
Everyone was suddenly started by Cid's sudden outburst, wondering what came over his behavior.
"Cid! What is it?" Leon asked him.
"And perhaps limit the choice of words, my dear fellow." Merlin stated, as he sometimes did not approve of the foul language.
"Well, I was checking on the scans Riku and Tifa got from the kids without them knowing and not sure how just look at the scale on this girl's magic." Displaying on-screen was the readouts of Bloom's aura, but what surprised them was how strong it was. "Whatever magic this kid's packing. Is not anything I ever seen, well other than the keyblades."
"Wait, you're telling us, this girl is that powerful?" Leon didn't know if he was certain or not.
"Maybe, but need more data on her. But that's not the only thing I just found and not sure if I believe it myself." Cid scratched his head and turned to Sora and Kairi. "Not to be odd or anything, but did anything from either one of you had any unique traits not known to us?"
The two looked at each other and back at the group with confusion on their faces over the question.
"Not really." Kairi shook her head.
"Don't think so." Sora answered. "Why?"
"Well, while getting a scan on this Bloom girl, we were getting something off from Taren. Not certain what it is, but so far he seems fine." Tifa didn't want to make them nervous or scared to think something was wrong with their son. Apart from a simple thing all kids go through that's too embarrassing to admit.
"Well, I just hope they be alright, least knowing we be getting ready to go soon." Kairi thought as soon as they see their son again.
"The two of you shouldn't need to worry, from what Yen Sid has told us back in Magix, the three of them are in good health. If they found anything they'll let us know if it's something important." Ienzo assured them both. "In the meantime I should check on my research. Something I think will help the trio like the Titans Master Yen Sid brought for their friends."
The couple decided to leave the room and pick up their daughter on the way before they head home. Thinking of what they just learned and try to understand what was going on. Sora looked to his wife and tries to make her feel better to take her mind from it, brings his hand to her shoulder.
"Don't worry, Kair, it'll be alright." Sora assured her.
"It's not that, Sora. Just… something feels off, and I know you can feel it too." Kairi looked at her husband. "You felt it too since that day happened."
He sighs and knew she was right about it. "I dunno why, but… that power I felt was… strangely familiar." Folded his arms and pondered. "Something is weird and now it seems to move on to Taren since the day he was born and just waited for something."
She would have thought he'd be crazy saying that but from all the years they've known each other she knew Sora wouldn't be the type of person to make up a story like this. But she saw some visions that she saw, something terrible will happen and couldn't tell what would happen. Still, the image of that girl reminded her of an old face she hadn't seen in a long time. Who is this Bloom and if she wasn't an Earth Fairy. Where did she come from?
"Taren? Are you listening?"
Taren snapped out of his thoughts and looked to Macbeth while they were discussing something. "Uh, sorry. I… was just…"
"I was saying that we should put forward our plan to find Tezzeret." Macbeth said, with the teachers and the Specialists present. "According to one of the scouts, they found large numbers of Grimm in these ruins far from Magix city."
"They've been abandoned for years, a perfect place to hide I suppose." Saladin stroked his chin. "But I feel something is not right.
"But if this is where he's been hiding, this could be a chance to take out one of his plans before it sets in motion." Ben said.
"Indeed, but we must take careful steps to capture him." Yen Sid advised the prince. "I suggest we send a trained group to monitor the area to be certain.
Codatorta nodded to approve of the idea. "Good idea, but best to send some probes or scouts to know how big of a horde we're dealing with."
"I'll contact Mal of our latest mission. Get yourselves ready within a few hours." Macbeth told the keybladers but reached out to catch Taren by the shoulder. "Not you, Taren. We like to have a little talk."
Not even sure what it was but nodded as he was alone alongside the two masters. "Look if it's about not being focused, I'm sorry about that won't happen again."
"It's not that, but you seem to be lost in thought of something." Macbeth stated. "It doesn't seem to have something to do with Tezzeret but clearly something else."
Not sure if it is a good idea to talk about his little situation but maybe someway to gain some advice from the elders of their past experience. "Uh, well, just some… things that came up and was… just had a talk with someone who shared something he wasn't who we thought he was in a friendly manner."
"So you found out Prince Sky and Brandon switching their identities." Macbeth implied.
"No tha-wait, you knew?" Taren was surprised to find out. "How did you know-oh, please say I just said it."
"Not to worry, young one. We learned of their identities from his father, King Erendor and Queen Samara informed us after a near assassination attempt on their son." Yen Sid explained. "When they received word of our arrival, the king requested we keep his son safe until the time being."
Surprised to hear about this and sort of reminded him of when the Grimm were let loose by Tezzeret and Ben. "That part I didn't know but starting to get the picture of the whole switching name thing."
"But something else on your mind." Macbeth told him.
"Well, there are things I just have been having… a little problem with. I can't say for details just having a hard time through it." Taren couldn't be able to bring himself to explain to the two masters.
"Hmm, perhaps take your mind at ease and focus on the matter. Whatever it is, the choices you make can lead to uncertain paths." Yen Sid gave him an advise to the apprentice. "Follow whatever your heart tells you and never hesitate."
Thinking maybe that could be what he should do, not expected to hear a response like that but feels like he could take it. "Alright, sure, I was just having to go through stuff like any other teen and nervous about what could happen."
"Not to worry, lad, lot of us went through these things and had to make the choices we sometimes accept." Macbeth shared his wisdom with the boy. "A lot of things I had no choice in my youth but always reminded of why I did to help others. Do not let your fear and hesitation cloud your judgment, move forward, and face it with the support of your friends and loved ones."
Taren nodded and slowly smiled. "Thanks, guess I needed that."
"Not to worry, now go and get yourself ready." Taking the Keyblade Master's advice and heads off to his dorm to be ready.
"I wonder how he'll manage with two girls falling for him." Macbeth gave out a soft chuckle.
Nodding his head. "Let us hope to see how this will turn out. All of them, the keybladers, the Winx, and the students of Red Fountain must face these challenges for the coming battles ahead of them." Not certain how, but believes this may be the beginning of something more to come. Perhaps we shall have a talk with young Bloom about her true self."
Macbeth wasn't sure how to respond to his statement. "Are you certain of that? What about Saladin and Faragonda?"
"I will have a talk with them. Bloom must know who she is and should have the right to know of her." Yen Sid replied. "But another reason is because of this prophecy told by the Fates that worries me the most."
Remembering about what the apprentices told him made Macbeth frowned. "Yes, I understand. And I hope we make the right choice on this matter."
"Alright, so all I gotta do is maybe have a talk with the girls, maybe someplace like the park or anywhere less crowed to not cause a scene. Say how much I care for them both and maybe see how it goes." Taren paced around in the dorm with his friends to help out alongside Genie in their spare time before getting ready for the mission. "So. What do you guy think?"
Ben was trying to think of a good and reasonable response without hurting him. "Uh... well, I think... no."
"Doubt that would happen." Brandon shook his head. "If this were some show you might have a bit of a chance."
Taren groaned. "Your right! UGh! Why did this have to happen of all things? If only I talked about this with my dad or Riku, but never even came to mind!"
"Plus, your mom would find out the day after the talk." Genie stated.
"That might be it." Taren thought that it sounded right and also be embarrassing for him. "If any of you guys were in my place, wouldn't you try to talk to two girls you crushing on?"
"Guess you make a good point. Not sure how I would've handled it." The prince of Eraklyon shared his opinion.
"Yeah, having two girls fighting over a guy be the last thing to have." Brandon told him.
Timmy remained silent until now to speak up. "I'm still trying to wrap my head around to find out you guys switched names."
"I know, we're sorry to keep this from you and others, but had to follow orders by his father after the incident." Brandon explained. "The month after we left, there was a report of the Grimm by the description."
This surprised the others to find out. "Really?" Taren asked.
Sky nodded. "Least that's what they believe when the creatures evaporated after being slain, some sort of giant hornet or something. But it wasn't just that, a couple of assassins were in my bedroom and my father confirmed someone was out to get me."
"Which means, either Tezzeret is gathering allies or has his own army we know nothing about." Timmy theorized and didn't sit well for the others.
"As if we had enough problems." Brandon sighs and slumps to a chair next to him. "When Stella finds out, she'll think I'm a fraud for using her."
"Hey, cheer up, buddy." Genie put his arm around the squire. "Take it from someone who's been through stuff like this, sure she'll be mad at first but when you explain your reason and how much she means to you, she'll swoop in your arms."
"Thanks, maybe your right."
"Guess we all have problems to deal with." Ben said and knowing they all had the same idea.
Timmy nodded and brought up the images of the gadgets and armory from the device in his hand. "I'm curious to see what these things you sent to your friends, this Cid knows what he's doing?"
"Don't worry, Tim, he's not the only one who knows how to make good equipment. We have data from Ansem the Wise that can give us a chance to defend ourselves and improve our fighting skills." Taren assured him to keep the confidence high. "Plus, he can be a little sensitive at times on being questioned by his skills."
"Right, after the way you describe him, I'll keep that in mind if I ever meet him." Timmy said.
"Uh, Taren, didn't you earlier made plans to help Bloom with something when you last talked to her?" Ben asked him when he felt something else came to his head.
Taren didn't know what until his eyes widened and suddenly freaked out. "Crap! I was supposed to help her into the library! I'll have to tell her we should hold it until later."
"Hold on, why not ask Mal to help by asking for the headmistress' permission?" Sky suggested. "Besides I got nothing to do at the time so maybe I could help her out if something happens."
Taren wasn't sure and much as he did wanted to find out about something related to the visions he's been having. But, maybe could let his friend help out. "You sure? I mean, if that's fine and trust you that's all-"
Sky shook his head and smiled. "Don't worry, least I could do since I owe you a favor and also if the Trix try anything on her."
"Right, maybe she'll help you out on the other subject I was told about." Taren brought up which Sky caught on.
"Yeah, I'm gonna need all the help I can get." the prince chuckled nervously and walks to the door. "Just remember you owe me for helping you."
Ben and Timmy looked at each other and then to Taren. "What other subject?" Ben asked him.
"I'll explain later. But now need to get ready for this, maybe a simple Grimm hunt will take my mind off things." Making his exit out of the dorm room.
"I dunno whether to feel bad or how lucky Taren is." Brandon said.
"Think maybe both." Ben added as Timmy and Genie nodded.
"They're taking the bait. They'll be leaving now and your target will be arriving at Cloud Tower."
"Excellent work. Now its time to begin our plans. You've done well." Hangs up and the grinning Riven chuckled.
Mal arrived at the Red Fountain to join them, finding the jet ready and prepped when she sees Taren and Ben arrive.
Ben sees her and smiles. "Glad to see you make it, did you called Headmistress Griffin?"
"Wasn't easy but snuck into her office using my keyblade and convinced her to let Bloom in to research anything about her past." Mal explained when trying to avoid the Trix catching her. "Least not to let the place up in smoke like last time."
"But least you came to help her." Taren nodded.
"Not to worry, least I can do for your girlfriend." Giving a funny grin with her hands on her hips.
Taren rolled his eyes and groaned in frustration. "I give up. Let's just get this over with." Stomps onto the hatch before the two.
The two followed him, Mal had found out about the recent update about what happened. "Flora, what you see in him I'll never know." Muttering under breath and easily found out during her time with Flora on their weekly break. "Anyway, let's hope this be enough to bust the Trix. Mirta is afraid that her friend Lucy wants to join them."
"Did she know what happened back in the alley?" Ben asked.
"Mirta saw what happened but unfortunately Lucy had her memory wiped by the Cyber viruses." Mal sighs. "Both of them have been friends of years and after what I heard, I can't understand what Lucy sees in them."
Ben could see she cares for Mirta as a friend and happy to hear it but also shared the same thought. "I dunno, but hope we stop their plans before its too late." Walking inside and suddenly find their trainer, Codatorta. "Codatorta? What are you doing here?" Ben asked him out of surprise.
The Head Teacher approached the ship and stopped before the two. "Can't let you go on your own without clearance, and unfortunately Macbeth was held up by some meeting with the royals including Yen Sid. Headmaster Saladin suggested I come to help."
The trio looked at each other and figured it would be a good idea for someone who knows the place. "Ok, so guess we can't argue against a Head Teacher and the Specialists are busy with their finals." Ben thought it sounded logical.
"Yeah, last thing we need is for a bunch of his metal tendrils and Grimm to jump on us. This time we got him by the rope." Taren said and takes his seat, but couldn't help but feel something was off. It didn't escape Mal's suspicions on the mentor. For all she knew about Macbeth, he'd never let this pass.
"No way, after what happened at the Miss Magix contest, I refuse to show my face in public. You go, Mirta, I just want to be left alone, alright?" Lucy exclaimed and remembered that day when Lucy was suddenly made into a beautiful girl by Trix as a gesture of 'kindness for the chance to be Miss Magix. She heard about the accidents by Flora and Mal when their friend Stella entered and she was the only one to have been
"You're being too hard on yourself. After all, it wasn't your fault. The Trix played a cruel trick on you." Mirta tried to reason with her friend, with her growing support and idolize the Trix worried her more for what she learned about them from Mal. Fearing her best friend could turn to the dark path. "You should avoid them. You've changed, Lucy, I hardly recognize you anymore."
"You don't understand, Mirta. I want to be like them. I want to be part of the gang." Lucy glares at Mirta with a lack of care. "I don't want to be considered a loser, like you! Your weak, you only hang out with your new best friend cause she's stronger than you. But she's nothing like the Trix."
Mirta couldn't believe what she was hearing as this wasn't the same Lucy she knew. "I'm sick and tired of being a nobody like you, Mirta! I want to be one of the Trix. Do me a favor, stop telling me what to do, alright?!
Heartbroken to hear the harsh words from Lucy, she couldn't fight off the tears from the emotional pain. "Why are you acting like this?! You can't trust the Trix! They're working with someone who's really bad and very dangerous! I know cause I saw some of the monsters they have that could kill people!"
Lucy glared at her, not believing a word she said. "You're just saying that cause your scared. You don't have what it takes!" Lucy said without care and looked straight up to Mirta. "I'll give it to you straight, Mirta, I think you're pathetic, and I don't want to be like you!"
Without saying a word she left the room and decided after all the torment she put through by the Trix and other witches for looking down at her, Mirta had reached the limit and show them she was not the weak witch she was, taking in the inspiration from Mal for all she's done and being the only one to ever shown kindness and support, she wanted to do something in return for all her friends have done. Stepping outside the castle to perform a spell that could help find something about the Trix and what they could plot. "Eugh! Those stupid Trix! Since she's been hanging out with them, Lucy's like totally mean! I've had it with those harpies!"
"I've waited long enough. I've got to turn things around. Lucy and I have been friends forever, I won't let those crazy girls lead her down the wrong path." Raised her hands high up and began the enchantment "Soaria vacon volant in perijumala!"
Nothing happened and made Mirta frustrated but didn't stop her.
"Eugh! Come on, Mirta! Focus on the Trix! If Mal can stand up to them, so will I! Soaria vacon volant in perijumala!" Repeating the words once more and saw images appear, showing her the Trix in the middle of a discussion.
"Now that we have the Keybladers out of the way, we'll begin the next phase." Icy spoke to someone who appeared, an older male in a brown coat but his head was hidden.
"Very good. Remember, she must remain alive until we extracted the power from her. Seneschal and I will join you shortly with the Grimm to be certain."
Icy grins and nods her head. "Understood, she should be outside the school by now. By the time those keyblade brats find out it was a setup, it will be too late for them to save her."
She gasped when she found out and what they planned for her friends. "This is terrible! I gotta find Bloom before they do." Needed a way to call the Keyblade Wielders to warn them. "The Trix may have turned Lucy against me, but I'll repay them in kind and expose them for who they are!"
Brandon and Timmy were making their way down to the training arena for more practice with Sky making his leave to help Bloom. "You think they might have some answers for her?"
"Hopefully, I'm still trying to find a way to tell Stella the truth, kinda starting to see how Taren feels right now." Brandon replied.
"Yeah." Timmy nodded.
"So, how about you with Tecna?" Brandon grins at his friend and teammate who started flushing.
"Uh, well I-" Suddenly stopped when they see a badly injured person. "Hey, are you alright?"
Brandon rushed to help him and offered a hand. "Hold on, let's get you to-Mr. Codatorta?" To their surprise and shock was the Head Teacher. He was bruised and had a scar on his forehead.
"Thanks, lads." Groans as he slowly got up to his feet. "Where's the keybearers?"
The two were confused about what was going on until Macbeth and Saladin rushed over to them. "What happened, Codatorta?"
Hearing the headmaster's question while holding his head up. "I was on my way to the arena when I was suddenly attacked."
"Uh, sir, not to sound odd... but we just saw... you went with the keybladers. Said something about Macbeth held up in a meeting." Timmy said and felt uneasy about it.
Hearing this caused Macbeth to raise his eyebrow "What? But I was on my way to join them."
"I didn't get to see whoever attacked me. Sounded like some... machines." Trying to know who or what but didn't sit well for the others.
"If you were here... then who was it that." Timmy suddenly got a possible theory and became pale. "You don't think-"
"Get him to the infirmary. I need to get there before it's too late!" Macbeth immediately sprinted off while the two Specialists to carry their teacher.
"Rest easy, Codatorta. Brandon, try to call Prince Sky and Alfea of the situations." Saladin had to alert their allies to warn them of the situation.
Steering the vessel to their destination was easy with the coordinates, Mal remained silent and unable to deny something wasn't right. To think Tezzeret would have a base somewhere by these abandoned ruins and just far from the city feels not right about it.
"Anything to know about the place?" Taren asked the 'Head teacher' who was on the pilot seat.
"Obviously he'd be aware of something like this if not just the Grimm then certainly set up a trap for anyone."
It would make some sense and needed to be careful, suddenly Taren's phone started to vibrate and answered it. "Huh, just got a text from Stella to be careful. Isn't that sweet?"
Mal gave an odd look at the redhead. "Wait? Stellar why would-" Sees the screen Taren shown her and looked at him. "OH! Well, that's nice of her to care for us."
"Good to know your friends are supportive and all. The Winx certainly have improved themselves over the months." 'Codatorta' replied.
Ben smiles and gets up. "Yeah, and you know what we have in common?" The three of them summoned their keyblades and pointed straight at the somewhat surprised 'teacher'.
"We don't like liars." Taren added and held up his phone that showed the image of the real teacher and the time it was sent. "Either he had a twin we knew nothing about or he was replaced."
"Plus, you don't have the same aura we learned from." Mal glared at him. "We got enough evidence on you and your friends on your plans. Now drop the charade and raise your tendrils, Seneschal."
'Codatorta' smiles and chuckles. "Well, I must admit I would have expected this to happen when we landed. But you might have made one little mistake."
Before any of the three could ask what, they noticed a large number of large hornet-like creatures surrounding them. "Grimm." Ben muttered.
Chuckles and stood up before them, his body shimmers and discards the form of Codatorta. Standing before the startled keyblade apprentices was none other than Tezzeret himself. "Now then, perhaps we can discuss this like civilized people or the hard way?" He spoke in a calm manner, holding his hands behind his back without being bothered by the flying Grimm.
Had to change the name of it since I might have had trouble pronouncing it as the name drocarhen would sound like "Dro-car-ren".