Chapter 30: Shadows of the Past
Macbeth was furious, ashamed and baffled. Since the day he heard the name of Tezzeret from Yen Sid after appraoching him in his manor, the elder never thought to see him alive after a long time and presumed to have perished in the great war. To take this quest to assist the keyblade master to train a new generation of wielders and use his knowledge of the old foe was needed, and he accepted without second thoughts to stop him.
But it was new to learn about his abiliity to control the dark creatures since he was a man of science and technology, but obviously needed to use the Grimm as part of his army since it was possible his own were defeated or perhaps gaining strength for the coming battle ahead. The day he met him once again threw him off guard, to see him with most of his body replaced with metal and magic to sustain himself, presumebly from the battle he lost against Taren's father and the other keybearers.
Then the moment he learned of the apprentices' battle which he had hoped never came and fell into a trap set up for them all, if he had been there with them, none of this would have happened and felt responsible for this. Thankfully, they should be recovering from their wounds with the help of Yen Sid after his timely return but the battle had scarred them with the sudden realization of his true power.
Perhaps now, it was time to tell them the whole story about Tezzeret and his connection. "Master Yen Sid?"
The Keyblade Master turned to see Macbeth when called his name. "Yes?"
Stared at him with the face of determination and a decision he has made his choice. "I wish to gather all the students, the Company of Light and their friends of what I have remembered from my past."
"So your memories have returned of that moment?" He inquired.
Macbeth nodded, holds up the Cyber Virus in a jar. "With some help of certain allies, this may shed light of his plans while we may have some time."
Taren groaned in his sleep, he felt his body aching with pain but not so much after he was in that battle with Tezzeret and slowly lifted his left arm with limited use. His eyes fluttered when seeing blurs and faint lights, but the first thing he sees was a large eye.
"Yoh, T-man! Your alright!"
Turned out to be Genie, dressed as a doctor who was most relieved. "Phew! I was so relieved. Here, how many fingers am I showing?" BRought up his blue right hand before the teen to check his vision.
"Uh... seven?" Taren guessed and thought he was seeing things.
Genie blinked and lifted his hand and chuckled. "Oopsie, well seems you appear to be recovering but that battle you kids took was a lot more than I thought."
Taren groaned and slowly lifts himself to sit up right. "What happened?"
"That's what we were thinking." He turned to see Ben by the door, he had some bruises himself. "Good to see you up, they were lucky enough to heal your bruises but need to rest up after what we went through." The prince explained.
"Yeah, but I can't understand what just happened to me." Reached for his head to recall what happened to him, all Taren remembered were the Grimm coming to attack them and then he was giving a brutal beat down by Tezzeret who showed a rare display of anger he never seen before. Looked down at his hands and confused, worried and afraid of something he had. "Just what was that power I used? What happened to Mal? Is she okay?"
"Mal took a beat but she's good, but still asleep." Ben sounded relieved with a sigh. "But that power, it was just like... when that snake Grimm got petrified and now those bugs. That power is unlike anything I ever seen."
"I know. And it... feels like I've had this inside me since I was born." For a brief moment, Taren saw a flicker of orange flare from his hand.
Genie changed into Spock and scanned him. "Fascinating, the energy signatures is off the scale." Suddenly his scanner exploded in his hand. "Literally. It's like whatever you got in there is BIG!"
"Think maybe we should wait until tomorrow to hear from Macbeth and Yen Sid to hear what we found out." Ben told him. "I think what we found out about Tezzeret is more than we knew."
"And that keyblade. I don't know why... but that thing he had did not feel right." Taren tried to explain to them.
"So he had a keyblade? Wow, did not expect that! But now you guys mention about it, I knew I picked up some bad mojo from him." Reached into his pocket to a detector. "But to have an evil keyblade? That's new to me."
"None of us never expected this." Ben shook his head to agree with him. "I read about keybladers falling to the darkness during the Keyblade wars, but this the first time we ever seen one in our lifetime."
"I was hoping to avoid meeting one anytime soon, they were not something my parents were very fond off from their history. Genie, did you ever seen anything like this before?" Taren asked him.
Genie shook his head. "'fraid not, T, but what I felt from him last time was not natural. And not talking about his appearance."
Both agreed that the way he used the keyblade weapon was skilled as a master over it, strong and agile to use such a weapon.
"We better get rested up, our friends will no doubt be worried for us and want to know what happened." Ben said to him.
Taren took his advise, but realised the Winx will be too, especially thinking of how Bloom and Flora will see him in such a state. Too nervous to show his face to them for falling into a trap and almost got themselves killed. But another factor was what she trying to hide that they didn't know about or trying to hide, right now if they need to trust each other she has to tell them if its important.
"Hey, you guys doing alright?" They find Sky, Brandon and TImmy enter the room to see them. "How you feeling?"
"Sore, but hopefully we get better. That fight with Tezzeret really gave us a serious case of ass kicking." Taren groaned and remained sitting up to speak with them. "Anything happened while we were... occupied?"
Brandon sighed. "Yeah, we heard the Winx had trouble with the Trix after they set up a plot to attack Bloom."
"The Winx came in time to save her and Mirta." Sky told them.
The wielders and Genie were surprised to hear that Mirta was with them on that day. "Mirta? What was she doing with them?" Ben asked.
"She found Bloom in the forest and used her magic to find out what they were plotting." Timmy told them.
"Wait, what was she doing out in the forest? Wasn't she with Sky that night?" Taren asked the Specialists when he remembered Sky was suppose to help her. "Sky, what happened?"
Feeling uneasy and gave a shameful expression on his face that made them wonder what happened until he spoke. "Well... you see, we went into Cloud Tower's library to find some answers about Bloom, only later when we found out the Trix used their scheme to trick her."
Flashback
Bloom and Sky stood before a large pair of doors that lead into the library. "This is it, the archives are right behind that door." Bloom led Sky into the library when she remembered the last time she came here with her friends and almost got burned alive by the headmistress thinking they were intruders.
"Bloom, think about it, are you sure you want to do this?" The prince wanted to be certain she was ready for what she might find.
Bloom could tell he was concerned for her but made up her mind before they came. "I need to know the truth, Sky. And maybe we could find answers about the keyblades or anything to stop the Grimm."
Thinking she had a valid point and they could find information of how to stop him and the Trix before they find this power of the Dragon's Flame. Sky sighed and gave in to go with her. "Okay, but if there's danger we're out of here."
This made Bloom smile and accepted his offer before she stepped forward and opened the doors to reveal a large empty archive full of scrolls, gothic architectures, skulls and statures that give her the creeps. "Things have changed since I was here. I'm not sure where to look."
"Should have brought Mal, she's been here long enough and possibly know the whole place." Sky said and helped the redhead look for something until he found a book that caught his attention that stood out different among the other books. "Hey, come and check this out. It's one of the legendary Lost Books, which are said to contain an answer to every question."
Bloom came over to see some pages and was famliiar with them from her studies. "The Lost Books? I didn't think they really existed."
"This could be what we've been looking for. Go ahead. Ask your question." Sky stepped aside to let her find the answers from the book.
Taken a moment of thought carefully to ask the book what she wanted. "I want to know who I really am."
Felt herself being drawn into a vision displayed by the book, finding herself seeing a frozen and dead landscape, no sign of any life that could survive it. Bloom as a baby appears with fire erupting from around her and the vision ends and with Bloom as a baby with the three Ancestral Witches.
Bloom gasped in horror, unable to believe what she saw and felt tears from her cheeks.
"What is it? What did you see?"
She looks to Sky and tried to hold back the tears. "I-I'm the incarnation of the three Primeval witches. As soon as I become a true fairy they'll take possession of me.
"No! You? The-the evil ancestors? It can't be." Sky couldn't believe what he was told, she was too kind and gentle to be one of the witches. Tries to reach out to comfort her, thinking she was mistaken. But the overwhelming news of her being the incarnation of the most terrifying witches in the Magic Dimension became... wary, as if afraid of her all of a sudden.
"Please, Sky. Don't just stand there, you've got to help me. Sky?" Bloom choked, to see her friend not give a respond and almost afraid of her. Could Taren also feel the same way if he found out about this as well? But s"Sky, what can I say? I didn't want this, it's just- it's my fate. That's the way things are. It's not my fault.
Feeling guilty and tried to say something until she spoke again.
"Please, take me back to Alfea."
End Flashback
"After that... we suddenly got seperated somehow and she round up in the forest-GAH!" What SKy or anyone expected was the prince to be pinned against the wall by Taren who was far from happy to hear what happened. They saw him pinned the blonde with his left arm and surprisingly not slow or forgetting that he was injured. SKy coughed and saw the look on his eyes and gritted teeth.
"YOU LEFT HER OUT THERE?!" Taren exclaimed in anger, the moment he heard about Bloom in tears and cried made him loose his edge. "How could you left her like that in such a state?! This is how you treat your friends?!"
Sky tried to break free but no use, Taren had a good grip on his shirt and swore he saw some orange flare flickering around the wielder. "No! I would never! I was too overwhelmed by what she just... I didn't know what I was thinking!"
Taren didn't care and was made, thinking of giving the prince a good beat for leaving her alone and a target for the Trix. "If I knew something was gonna happen, I would've gone with her! The hell if she's an incarnation or not!" Without warning he was yanked back by a pair of chains and taied to the bed.
Genie stood in between in a coach's uniform and blew a whistle. "Alright boys, break it up! Kid, you should learn to calm down."
"I'll be calm when I give him a kick in the ass! I don't care if he's royalty or not!" Struggled to break free and felt the growing power building up, almost heating the chains that caught everyone's notice. "And them Trix... and to find out they tricked her like it was game to them!" Breathing heavily with hate in his voice, the floor beneath his feet started to burn, even the floor around his feet was burning. "I am going to make them regret ever meeting us!"
"Uh, Ben... I think we need to get the kid to calm quick before he goes into a meltdown!" Genie advised and looked nervous.
"Yeah, I'm with him." Timmy agreed and backed away.
"Sleep!" Ben called out his magic and blasted Taren before Genie gave him a good doze of water to cool down, struggled at first until the spell worked and knocked him back on his feet. Broke free and relieved no one gotten hurt, he turned to Sky if he was not too injured. "You alright?"
Sky nodded and was grateful for their help. However, he couldn't help but accept the fault since he did left her that night and would not have blamed him for it. Especially if that someone was in love with Bloom, that was an obvious sign of it. "Yeah, remind me never to make him mad again."
"I'll say, I never seen him this mad before. But where did that energy come from?" Brandon didn't know what they just saw and checked the now sleeping Taren who seemed to calm himself back to normal.
"It was just like earlier when he went up against Tezzeret." Ben brought up and now certain there was a strong power inside him. "But also when he petrified the Grimm with that power."
"We better talk to Yen Sid and Macbeth, they ought to know about this." Timmy suggested and all agreed. "But if he was like this after what happened to Bloom, hate to see Mal react to what became of Mirta."
"Oh yeah, she's not gonna be happy about it." Sky shook his head.
"Wait, what happened to Mirta?" Ben asked them to know what happened to her.
"She got turned into a... pumpkin." Timmy answered in hesitation.
Genie gasped when hearing about this. "Not Mirta! She was such a sweet girl! Why her!" Sheds tears and pulled a napkin to blow.
"Don't worry, she's in good hands with the Winx, they're taking good care of her." Brandon assured them, but still the girls will no doubt want to see them. "You guys rest up before we get you. And maybe keep an eye on Taren to be sure he's okay, don't want him to go supernova on us."
The boys agreed and let him rest up some more until Taren was fully well enough to walk on his feet again.
"What happened? Where am I?"
Taren could not recall what happened to him, the moment he was listening to what happened the night and suddenly his mind wasn't his own. Sure he was mad, but didn't have any control over his emotions the moment he heard what happened to Bloom. Now probably feeling guilty for trying to punch the prince, but will consider giving on one for each of the Trix.
But where he was is uncertain, everything was just like before, foggy and dark. Which means he must be back to where he was having some visions again. "Great, now what is going to happen?"
Begins exploring his surroundings until the sound made by metal, voices. Taren couldn't make it out but he was starting to images of people running and fighting. The surroundings changed into some sort of a luxurious palace. He spun around to see the fighting everywhere when a cloaked figure wielding a crooked blade leapt high over the debris and came down at him, Taren thought he was in a battle but the thing just passed right through him. Almost like a ghost and relieved.
He turned to see it fight off against a younger version of Riku who used his keyblade to block the strike and struck the creature down, watching it vaporise into a black mist like the Grimm.
"Damn, somehow I keep thinking them closer to the Nobodies." Riku muttered to himself after watching the fallen foe vanish, caught Taren's eye was another of those things sneaking up on him from behind and called out to him.
"Riku, look out!"
Riku turned, much to Taren's surprise if he heard him but only to see it paused and suddenly slashed and fell to the floor.
"Getting slobby, Riku."
Riku shook his head and grinned. "Yeah, well don't think this will get you off the hook for that Awakening stunt you pulled. But you just got lucky."
And stood before Taren was someone he never expected to see in his vision. Stood right before him and almost looking in a mirror. "Dad?"
Taren was surprised by how young he looked and a little shorter than he was, maybe in his late teens but used the kingdom Key he used in his adventures. Unable to study his appearance and noticed the differences between them, especially the height and eyes.
"Wow, now I know where mom said I gotten the looks from. But thought you'd be… taller." Must have gotten a late growth spurt and how he almost reached past his head.
Sora from the vision only laughed it off and grinned. "Yeah, I know, I keep getting it from Kairi but least I know she still cares."
This got Taren confused from their conversation, what was this 'Awakening' that his father used? He never brought much of how he actually ended the Keyblade War many years ago or anyone never said a word about it. His parents always tried to change the subject or say when he was ready for it.
But the images around him changed and blurred. "No! Wait! I want to know!" Unable to reach the vision of his father in time before more flashes of images appeared before him.
Sora, stood beside what appeared to be a knight facing Tezzeret, but without his artificial arm or eye. He charged into them with his keyblade.
Another with Sora emerged from a struggle and then… had bright glowing eyes.
Taren gasped and while still in this strange state of consciousness, he couldn't understand what was happening and saw something that happened to his dad… just like… him.
"What.. what is going on. Why am I, what was that power?" So frustrated with no answers and took a deep breather to inhale.
"ANSWER ME!"
Shouted so loud that his voice could be echoed. And yet, nothing, not a response or anything, he slumbs to his knees and folded.
"Why me? I just want… just wanted to know." Taren couldn't take much more of it, sits on the floor, wraps his arms around his knees with his. "Things were better off being normal, I didn't ask for this."
"Then you wouldn't be where you are now."
Lifted his head to see a man standing before him, looked like an ordinary man with light tanned skin, short light brown scruffy hair with a stubble chin a white shirt, a dark brown long coat with a pair of jeans and boots. There was something about this guy who seems strangely familiar to him but can't find out where. The man gave a sincere and warm expression to the redhead. "Who are you?"
The man gazed down upon him. "Someone to offer an advice; never look back and move forward to shape your own path. Just because you have a keyblade doesn't mean you have to be the only one to carry the burden of your shoulders."
"But… what if I'm not as good of a keyblade wielder as I am?" Taren asked the older brunette with a sense of doubt. "Whatever this power I have… after what happened fighting Tezzeret, I might not be strong enough for this role."
He shook his head but smiles at him. "We all went thought tough times, both good and bad. You didn't back down when you were first attacked by the monsters, or didn't hesitate to save your friends." Folds his arms over his chest. "The power you have is something far greater then you can imagine, not just a keyblade but you'll find out on your own. But remember, kid, when you find that connection to us we will be there for you, just like your father."
And there he sees many figures manifest, several he recognised from his visions and all staring at him with confidence. They slowly faded away with his vision blurring once more, but one that caught a glimpse of the young redhead with the goggles smiling at him with a thumbs up, another that caught sight of another he instantly recognised.
"Dad?" He only caught a glimpse of him before they vanished.
Wakes up from his sleep and almost jumped out of the bed he was sleeping in, looked around to find himself back in the hospital room and sighs when brings his left hand up to his face. "Man, I have got to find out about these visions. Unless I see that woman with the mask, maybe she would know all this." But when he got up, he suddenly remembered what happened. "Wait... aw, crap! I went berzerk on Sky! Grr, well can't have been myfault if he left Bloom alone. But, I should apologise for snapping out on him like that."
Gets up on his feet and finds himself somewhat better and recovered, but still bruised in some places but not serious now. "Now to find the others and get some answers, and maybe talk to Bloom and Floraabout something important." Thinking it would be better than later, to build up the courage to confess when he was about to reach for the door knob to open-
WHACK!
"Rise and shine Taren! You should be bright as day by now!" Genie burst in when slamming the door open. "We're just about being called to a meeting from the master himself so up and... about?" He looked around the room to find no sign of Taren anywhere. "I swear he was just here."
But when he opens the door and found the boy, only for Taren to have been slammed into the wall by the door thanks to Genie. Once pulled away he fell to the floor. "Oh, good you're out of bed. No time to lay about, kiddo, we got more important thing to do and one thing that I think will solve your problems!"
Picks the recently knocked out wielder up and vanishes with his magic, oblivious to knowing it was him who was the cause of it.
With news of what happened the day, Yen Sid sat in a chair in the headmistress' office to discuss their plans and was growing more concern with what other news he's received from Macbeth and Saladin. "Tezzeret and the Trix are getting bolder to capture the magic and now it is obvious they know of Bloom's true power. But after the attack orchestrated by Tezzeret and his associates, I believe its time we told Bloom the truth of who she really is, Faraganda." Yen Sid told her and believed to the best thing to tell her before it is too late.
Faragonda along with her assistant listened to the grave news and sighed, unable to deny that his reason was logic and how the Trix deceived the poor girl. "I was hoping to wait a little longer until she discovered it on her own time. But after what happened to that poor girl who discovered their scheme and the kyeblade wielders, it be now or never."
"And what of the young Mirta?" Yen Sid inquired to know when taking his tea.
Griselda spoke to answer his question. "Miss Flora decided to take care of her and find a way to break the spell the Trix cast on her. We informed Headmistress Griffin and with the information we gathered from Bloom, this could expose the Trix' alliance with Tezzeret to apprehend them."
Believing to be a good course but had to be very careful to confront them with powerful allies beside them.
"We must not proceed right away, too soon and all we have worked for be for nothing." Yen Sid shares his advice with the headmistress.
Faragonda nodded to agree with him before they hear the sound of knocking on the door. "Come in." Watches the door open before Bloom stepped in to enter. "Ah, Bloom, it is good to see you well. How are you feeling, dear?"
Bloom approached them and followed the headmistress' gesture to take a seat before her desk next to the elder sorcerer. "I'm feeling fine, thank you. Just still worried about my friends, any news from them?"
It was obvious that she was most concern for the wielders when she heard about the three being beaten and taken to the hospital wing. Faroganda shared her sympathy with her and tries to lighten her worry for them. "You should be pleased to hear that they've recovered with help, but will take some time to fully heal from their battle."
To hear about it made Bloom feel relieved and happy about it. "That's great, we were thinking of seeing them sometime."
Yen Sid stepped forward to speak. "Before you do, there is something very important that you must know, Ms Peters."
"Like what?" Bloom asked and wondered if it had something to do with her past.
"When you looked for information about a certain nymph named Daphne, we had to close the library of any knowledge related to it and the Keyblades." Faragonda explained. "Given the troubling times we are in, it was vital they were protected at all cost."
"But they could hold the answers to who I am. Do you know who Daphne the Nymph?" Bloom asked them in hopes of finding out about her past and origins.
Yen Sid reached out for her shoulder and nodded. "Yes, child. We do. The power you possess is far greater than we even realised, one of the most powerful and ancient magic alongside Kingdom Hearts itself."
There was no turning back and spoke what she needed to hear this. Faragonda sighed and looked directly at the girl. "Bloom, you are the fair of the Dragon's Flame"
"W-What?" Bloom stuttered, almost thought she misheard her. "The Dragon's Flame? You mean the power that the Trix and Tezzeret have been after?"
This almost came to a surprise to the three to find out she's aware of what they were after.
"Taren explained it to me and Sk-Brandon the other day." Almost gave away Sky's real name but continued. "He feared something could happen to us if they weren't around, but I didn't tell the others yet as it was meant to be a big secret from anyone finding out about it."
"Hmm, I see." Yen Sid stroked his beard and responded. "Giving the bond you have made and the battles you have fought, it showed the bond between you has grown strong enough to share this secret. For that he will not be in trouble for it."
Bloom was happy to hear this and didn't want to get him into trouble for revealing this to her and they were understandable to let it slide.
"You have to understand, it was needed to remain a secret to hide from anyone who could be a risk or serve Tezzeret as a spy." Faradonda explained her reason for not telling Bloom about this.
"I… guess, you bring up a good point." Bloom says to them. "But why did I have it? What's my connection to Daphne?"
"The Dragon's Flame has been in the protection by the keepers of the flame, passed down through generations since they used it to bring peace to the Magic Dimension. The one you saw in your visions, she was the princess of fallen kingdom of Domino… and your sister."
Completely in shock and eyes widen in shock. "M-My… sister? I have a sister? But then… that means…"
"Yes, child." Faragonda confirmed. "You are the princess of Domino, daughter of King Orital and Queen Marion. The Ancestral Witches somehow invaded the castle to take the flame from you as the latest vessel, but your sister fought them to protect you and sent to a place where they would never find you."
"Earth." Bloom whispered. "She must have been trying to call to me since I came here!"
"So Princess Daphne is still alive? Which means she must still have a presence to communicate with you." The Headmistress was astonished to hear this from Bloom, which means they could perhaps find a way to contact her and possibly bring her back to their world.
"I need to find away to contact her, find out anything about my parents and what happened to them." Bloom told them in hopes they had more answers for her.
"There will be time for that, but right now, Macbeth has something he wishes to share with all of us present about the recent battle. The students will join us soon, take the time to adjust what you have learned and we promise to do everything our power to help you understand the power within you." Yen Sid assured her and willing to offer their help if she needed it.
Bloom took a moment and perhaps they were right, if she wanted to be strong she had to learn about this power she has to defend herself and protect her friends and family. "Yes, I think your right. But no matter how long it takes, I will know what happened to them and stop the Trix from getting the Dragon's Flame, they've crossed the line too many."
Griselda approved of her choice and not to cause trouble for herself and her friends like the previous time, even she didn't want them to get hurt. "Just don't do anything like sneaking into Cloud Tower again."
Smiled sheepishly when brought up her first time breaking the rules. "No, ma'am. I swear."
"Good, now perhaps you can rest up and focus on your studies, we'll inform you of their arrival soon." Faragonda instructed and guided her to the door.
"Thanks, for telling me about this. I can imagine all my friends will be shocked to find out I'm a princess this whole time." Takes her leave from the officer when given permission. With being such a rush while excited after finally finding out who she is, Bloom accidently bumped into someone and almsot fell backwards.
"Whoa there, kiddo. Some fire going around?" She looked up to see a tall man with firery red hair spiking backwards and green eyes.
Blushes when feeling embarressed and stood straight up. "I'm sorry, sir! I just gotten a little excited from some news I got and... was-"
He chuckled and waved his hand before her. "No need, least you not hurt yourself, red. But next time, try to be careful, or the fun killer known as Griselda will put you behind bars."
Unable to hold in her laughter and covered her mouth with her hands, but couldn't help but agree with him. "You right there, I should get going Mr.-
"Just call me Lea. That's L-E-A. Got it memorized?" Lea asked tapping his finger to his forehead. "By the way, is the headmistress around?"
Bloom nodded and smiled as he seems like a nice guy. "Yeah, she should be free but has someone with her."
"Oh, not to worry, you just head off now." Allowing her to head off on where she was going and strolled off. But just when she was about to make the corner, Bloom stopped and looked back at him and remembered him saying that phrase, not sure where she heard it before but maybe she was just thinking it. Thinking of waiting for the moment when everyone is on their feet and will give the big news, but will be a big surprise for Taren to find out.
"Those Trix are so dead when I get my hands on them!" In a fit of rage, Mal kicked a chair with her boot after what she heard what they did to Mirta after she tried to help the Winx and found out the truth of their plan to capture Bloom. Mal had known her since their first day and grew to see her as one of the few friends she had, trusted her to keep her secret and helped her to stand up to her tormentors. But feels she was partly at fault for this.
"Mal, it wasn't your fault, the Trix cast the spell on her and Flora is doing everything she can to turn her back." Tecna explained to her as they entered the Winx's dorm, they find the girls with a pumpkin that was in fact Mirta. Mal gave a downcasted look on her face upon seeing the pumkin.
Flora was focus on Mirta to try her best breaking the spell, noticing Mel present and stops what she was doing. "You don't have to worry about her, Mal. There's still part of her in there, if only we could communicate with her somehow."
"Your magic is similar to Flora's can't you do something to help?" Musa believed she could something to help.
With her magic she could perhaps turn Mirta back to her original state, but there were limits of knowing the type of spell to reverse it. "Until I fully recover and know the spell to use it without risk of hurting Mirta, she's stuck as a pumpkin for the time being. And with the situation we're in, Yen Sid might have his hands full unless he can knows a spell to do it."
"Don't worry, I'll be here to take care of her so don't push yourself too hard." Flora thought after hearing about her battle and taken serious damage, she needed to take care of herself first. It was a miracle she was able to stand on her feet after a few days.
Kiko hopped towards the pumpkin to give a sniff of the vines until Tecna and Mal caught on to what he was up to. "And you better stay out of the way." Tecna narrowed her eyes at the little rabbit before he tried anything.
Mal gave the same look with her arms folded when becoming a little protective of her friend. The looks they gave Kiko made him change his mind before he was suddenly snared by the pumpkin's vins, wrapping them around his ears.
"Oh don't worry, you two, Mirta can take care of herself." Flora assured them which made Mal smile to see how she was able to defend herself despite being a vegatable.
"I'll have to call Griffin about this, and until I can tap into her memories to find what she saw we'll have those witches redhanded." Mal made certain to make them pay for it. "Listen, Macbeth wanted to speak to us all about something he found from his past, least that's what I heard." Not sure what it means but maybe some clues about Tezzeret and that weapon that looked almost like a keyblade.
"How are Taren and Ben doing?" Stella asked, knowing they were concerned for the two and she knew two certain girls worry for their mutual crush most of all.
"Ben is doing okay, he's only got some bandages but still able to walk. Taren should wake up from his nap and be up in no time." Yet when she felt that power he used against the Grimm it was so powerful and yet sense of warmth, almost like she felt it somewhere before but couldn't put her finger in it.
"Thank goodness." Stella couldn't be happier to hear the good news.
Musa nodded and smiled. "Least nothing serious to hear."
"That should be a relief, I heard something happened when you were taken by surprise by Tezzeret, he must have been a step ahead of you to plot a scheme." Tecna shared her theory with her friends. "And it can't be a coincidence when just so happens to be the same moment when the Trix decided to trick Bloom on the same day."
Musa huffed and crossed her arms. "I so hate the Trix more and more everytime I hear their name. The day they get their ass kicked will be something to look forward to."
The news of their recovery made Flora relieved to hear and agreed with Musa with how the Trix have been nothing but trouble to them since day 1. Right now she needed to take her mind off of things and take a short break. "If you girls don't mind, I better get some fresh air for the moment. I'll meet you all in miss Faragonda's office. And don't let anything happen to Mirta." Strolls out of the dorm to leave the girls to their thoughts.
"Guess she's taken the news well." Mel said.
"Yeah, she was worried for you guys after what we've been told. Heck, we thought you be stuck in bed for ages." Musa responded and tried to hide the fact of Flora's crush on Taren.
"Most definintely, Bloom was worried sick and thought we get you three some flowers. She's was so upset and afraid something terrible might have happened." Tena said.
The purple haired witch nodded. "Yeah, Taren is strong and hard to keep down from a fight. But guess that's why they like him so much." She said, only to realise what she let slipped and tried to change it. "Uh, I mean, sure they like him as a friend-not some crush I mean!"
"Wait a sec, you know about their crush on him?" Musa quickly caught on to her from the look on her surprised expression.
"Uhh, I overheard Flora talking to Stella but was plainly obvious... wait, you all know?" She asked and confirmed when they nodded.
"Saw them chatted from the dance before Bloom came down." Musa said.
Tecna nodded. "Flora shared a mutual eagerness with Bloom upon seeing him back in the swamp and her heartbeat increased upon observing his fight with the Nevermore."
Stella smiled sheepishly when came her turn to confess. "And... same from the dance but made her spill, so I tried to... help the situation for all three of them."
Mal arched an eye brow with suspicion towards Stella. "And what way did you mean by 'help', princess?"
Bloom was making her way back to the dorm to see her friends, she couldn't wait to tell them what she found out about her past. No doubt her parents will be amazed that they've adopted and raised a princess this whole time, even if they had adopted her but have never been nothing but kind and loving towards her as their own, she still loves them and will still see them as family.
However, despite some good news she was worried for the keybearers from the battle against Tezzeret, and especially Taren, she wanted to straight over to see them but they were given some treatment and had been worried for them in her sleep. Had not focused much and just afraid something might happen to them. Stella always tried to cheer her up to see the brightside and was right that they were recovering well but needed to take time until further notice. Same from Musa and Tecna, she spoke to Sky and was not mad at him for what happened, even if he was decieved by the Trix's scheme.
Flora was probably worried, earlier she heard her sniffling in bed one night after what happened and can't blame her. They were close to him and cannot afford to go through the pain again, she had to think of the choice to make before anything else might happen. She knew it was obvious but could not blame her.
Coming up to her dorm to check on her friends and see how they were doing.
"And what way did you mean by 'help', princess?"
She suddenly heard Mal's voice and curious of what they were talking about. "Help with what?"
Her sudden arrival caused the girls to almost jump and looked at her with startled looks as if she caught them plotting something. "What's going on?"
Mal almost spun around and shocked to see Bloom right up before them and looked almost nervous. "Bloom! This... is a surprise. You almost gave me a scare."
"Uh, S-Stella was... thinking of..." Musa tried to come up with some idea.
"Help the moral of the group and ideas." Tecna added.
"I was?" But caught to their act as Stella went along with it." I-I-I mean, we should do something for the key wielders for what happened. We thought to give a little surprise to cheer them up."
"Right, where's Flora?" Noticed her dormmate was not with them and thought she be trying to help turn Mirta back to normal.
"Had to take a little break, she tried everything but so far nothing." Musa answered for her. "But nothing will stop her though, I'm sure we'll help Mirta."
Bloom nodded and understand. "I know we'll help her, but maybe this could be a great idea to get our minds off it and see them. I'm happy you recovered, Mal." Noticing her brusises and the bandages on her left arm and face, the battle must have been brutal for her. "How are the others?"
"They're taking it slow, but shouldnt be a problem with some help but were told to stay out of the fights until we give our bodies a good rest. Taren would probably be up by now." Mal told her.
None of them brought up the subject, afraid they could bring back some unpleasent memories of that experience. "Hey, I just spoke to the headmistress and Master Yen Sid wanted a meeting with us all, thougth to give the heads up."
"I wonder what it is?" Musa pondered.
"Must be someting important if Yen Sid is involved." Mal said.
Bloom thought so and needed to sort something out first. "Hey, I'm gonna head to the library for a bit. I'll see you guys later, and take care of yourself Mel!" Waves to them before leaving. With Bloom gone, the girls sighed and thought they were in the clear.
"Phew! That was close." Musa sighed. "I thought she almost caught on to what we were saying."
"And for once, Stella didn't spill any secrets." Mal teased and grins at the blonde.
"Hey! I would never do such a thing to risk ruinign their friendship." Stella defended. "So far, they havent shown any signs of hating each other, so that means it's a good sign."
"Either that, or maybe just acting and maybe hiding something." Tecna believed as it be common for some to be jealous over a common interest to get.
"You think?" Mal asked until a moment later she waved her hand to dismiss it. "Nah, we would have seen it, but what ever it is, I'm sure Bloom doesn't know it. right?" However, there was another subject she needed to confess herself, no doubt Ben and Taren were suspsicious about her heritage. If they knew for certain they might not see her as a friend anymore, especially how she began to grow close to them. Will they accept her still for who she is or be rejected as an outcast? There was some demons she needed to face and maybe it was time to confess like she should have done a long time ago.
While having a break outside in the schoolyard before the sparring match between the keyblade wielder said to come up, Flora was by the tree to spend some time to herself and couldn't help but feel concerned for Taren if something like that could happen again. She knew full well that both Bloom and Taren obviously have feelings for each other, and even if she began to fall for him as well for his kind and supporting personality, it would not feel right to get in the way since they are her close friends since they were almost trying to get his attraction awhile ago. Flora tried to push those feelings aside for the sake of their friendship.
But... could there, possibly be some way to work this out? Sharing the same boy they both have a crush on? There had been some cultures such as Lymphea where its common as living with nature. It could work perhaps, but she was afraid that Bloom would take it the wrong way and maybe too uncomfortable with the idea. But they will need to talk to him soon before something happens.
"Flora?"
Leaving her train of thought when she heard Bloom call out to her, wondering what she wanted or maybe some news to share. Bloom looked a little exhausted from that run she did, trying to catch her breath as she pressed her hand to her chest. "Bloom? What's the matter?"
"Just gimme... A sec..." Bloom said as she took a breather. "Sorry, been running around... looking for you..." She slowly rose up, now somewhat calmer and looked into her eyes. "I need to ask you something and want to be honest, but no matter what we're still friends, right?"
Flora blinked her eyes and nodded. "Of course, what is it?" Asking her innocently, but somehow she has this feeling in her chest about the very subject she wanted to avoid.
Bloom took a moment and let out a breather before asking her. "Do... do you have... Feelings for... Taren?"
Startled by her question, Flora almost stuttered. "W-what?
I hope you all enjoyed it. Wantined to try to build the drama and mysteries going on, especially the issues everyone was facing with their own. Like Taren questioning his role as a keyblader, Mal in worry of her heritage exposed and possibility of what was going on between Bloom and Flora without giving too much spoilers in the end, if you have something in mind, it will be interesting to find out.
One I thought of a of Taren's visions of what could possibly reveal answers to Sora's past which will reveal more in time. And working on the connections of how Macbeth knew Tezzeret in the past for next chapter. The character Taren was talking to was inspired by a fanart I found. Next chapter will reveal the secret of the past and all will find out what Bloom has found about her past.
I know you probably hear this alot but a big applause for those fighting the CONVID-19 and wish everyone a good health to stay strong!
Reviews are most welcome, critics included but no drama!