(I like to think I am creative with titles, but other times, I am not. Regardless, Idia's book is a lot of fun for me personally. I love puzzles, mini-bosses, and final bosses! This book was for me! I tried to incorporate that into this story. We also have 2 more chapters left! Enjoy!)

            Brain, Ortho, and Malleus exited the lounge first and made sure no one could see them. The cameras were shut down as Idia was in the lounge and commanding everything in the center of the room with multiple, blue screens around him and everyone who were in awe at his skills. Lea was staying with him along with Isa, Jack, Najma, Epel, Sebek, and Lilia. Ephemer, Skuld, Yuu, Grim, Ace, Deuce, Trey, Cater, and Chenya departed as they searched for Pina.

"Is everyone ready?" Idia asked through Ortho's communication device and Cater's phone.

"We are go, go!" Cater answered excitedly as Trey shook his head with Ortho replying, "We have our objectives, big brother!"

"Kay. Remember, we don't have reruns nor respawns. We've got one shoot for a victory" Idia reminded, "I'll make sure to watch over all of you as best as I can. I can only control the cameras for a certain amount of time. Don't be slow!"

They yelled in agreement before making their way to their destinations.

"The absolute nerve of him!" Miss Ver exclaimed as she was in her grand room with Pina facing a dressing table.

The room held a vast, soft, green bed with the softest of sheets. It was also covered in plant life, but it held only flowers and tulips in neat arrangements. There was a brown, oak desk and chair in one side while the brown, dressing table was on the other side. Pina sat on the brown chair as Mentha was gently brushing her hair with a green comb.

"But nothing happened" Pina tried to reassure her mother as she stared at the mirror, "It was stopped thanks to everyone's help"

She didn't want to go against her mother, but she didn't want to tarnish Idia's help either. She held a saddened expression that Mentha caught. She glanced to her shoulder to see Miss Ver laying on her bed with a sigh.

"You're correct, my daughter" she said before sitting up and making her way to them.

Mentha bowed her head before taking a few steps back. Miss Ver wrapped her arms around Pina to embrace her only daughter. Pina hugged her mother's arms and leaned into her embrace.

"Nothing happened, but the thought of you being near him without me is so frightening. I wouldn't want to lose you too soon" she murmured to her daughter who sighed in sadness, "Ah, I should make sure the stage is prepared. Please come when you're ready. Mentha will be with you"

Pina only nodded as her mother gave her cheeks a kiss and pinch before gracefully exiting the room. Pina sighed as she looked at her joined hands. She didn't have much time, but she hoped she could see Idia and the others again. She wanted to make sure he was safe and well along with his friends. She was also curious about two people with him. If she was right, they resembled two characters from the video game she enjoys playing with Idia, but that can't be, right?

Mentha noticed her distraction and took her chance to speak, "Well, that was certainly bold of those students. I knew Night Raven College wasn't too strict with their rules, but they should change that, shouldn't they? Ah, no, it should be those scoundrel pair of brothers who need to a proper lesson"

Mentha noticed Pina's hands formed a tight fist. She stood right behind Pina and chuckled.

"Ah, but it wasn't Idia, right? No, it was his little brother, Ortho. I suppose Ortho does have an excuse. Idia was rather quick to intervene and make sure everything was stopped" Mentha continued as Pina's heart was beating loudly with her cheeks red, "In fact, he was the only one who stood with you. Why is that, Proserpina?"

Pina wiped her head to see Mentha holding a pleasant expression to mask her true intentions. Mentha leaned in and held a dark yet delighted expression before her.

"Tell me, Proserpina" she whispered before her eyes narrowed, "Do you have an interest in him?"

Pina's eyes were wide with fear and worry. She didn't want to put Idia in anymore danger nor upset her mother. She couldn't let them be hurt.

"Please don't say anything, Mentha" she begged with worry, "I don't want them to be hurt. They mean so much to me. I fell for him, but he doesn't have any feelings for me. He views me as a friend and nothing more! Mother doesn't have to know I fell in love with him either since he won't return my feelings"

Mentha could only hold a sad expression to appear as if she cared for Proserpina. Internally, she held a delighted expression at her situation. She knew she had Proserpina in her hands perfectly.

"Oh, I won't reveal anything to your delightful mother" Mentha spoke gently as she held Proserpina close, "I will make sure you never have to fall for him. I'll help you"

"You will? How?" Pina asked surprised.

Mentha giggled before answering in a too sweet tone, "By making him fall for me"

Pina's eyes were wide as she stuttered for a response.

"Don't worry!" Mentha said in a soothing tone as she tried to reassure Proserpina, "He'll be in my company. You trust me, so you have nothing to worry about. He'll be safe with someone like me"

She held herself high as Pina couldn't argue with her. Compared herself to Mentha, Mentha is elegant, beautiful, smart, and capable. Idia would need a partner like that to help him run S.T.Y.X. in the future. As for herself, she's already intimidated by the idea of running her mother's company and living up to the expectations of it. She's not as smart as Idia and Mentha when it comes to running a company and handling the business. This would make him happy, right?

"Thank you, Mentha" Pina whispered sadly as she tried to smile brightly, "You're a good friend. Trying to look after me and supporting me too. Please look after Idia too. He's really special and deserves someone as talented and amazing as you"

Mentha had her and was pleased to finally have Idia as well. She gave Proserpina another embrace and held her close for comfort. She released Proserpina and held a grin before holding her hand out.

"Come along. We should prepare you for the ceremony" Mentha said in a comforting voice as Pina took Mentha's hand and walked into a huge, walk in closet to prepare her for it.

Ortho hovered in front of Brain and Malleus as they made their way to Pina's room. Ortho still had a map of the building, so he knew where to go. They arrived at the door and found it lock. It wasn't problem as Brain summoned his keyblade to unlock it. He pushed the door and sighed at the damages he, his friends, and the freshmen had done. Malleus chuckled at it with his right hand glowing a hypnotizing, green light. Ortho closed the doors as Malleus waved his hand to restore the room to normal!

Brain whistled before replying in relief, "Nice one, prince! Gotta say, it is nice to have someone with Maleficient's powers on our side for once! Now, let's pull the books, scrolls, and papers to us!"

He waved the Master Defender to cast a Zero Gravity spell to pull the books and scrolls Pina was reading. A small, yet powerful dark, purple sphere appeared before him as it carefully and calculating pulled everything to him. He hummed when he saw the burned papers and scrolls floating before him along with a few damaged books.

"I believe this is where I come in" Malleus said in a chuckle as his eyes glowed a green light with his right hand again.

The burnt and damages books and scrolls glowed a green light as Malleus grinned. In another simple wave, he restored it to its original form! Brain whistled as Ortho cheered at the sight before Malleus placed the books and scrolls on her desk and bed.

"Now, shall we get to work?" he asked with a grin before picking up one scroll.

"Yep!" Brain agreed as he popped the "p" and turned to Ortho, "You're gonna have to handle the books. I wouldn't mind reading, but we are pressed for time. Think you can do?"

Ortho's golden eyes shined with determination before nodding his head to the books and began his research. Brain picked up a few scrolls and cast another Zero Gravity spell to hover a few scrolls and began to read it. He noticed her notes and marks on some of the scrolls. He had to admit it. She was very good at taking notes and trying to find what she needs. She drew up some conclusions here and there, but she didn't find anything a solution.

"She was trying" Brain commented in a thoughtful tone.

Malleus hummed in agreement as he moved another scroll with Ortho speed reading the book and trying to find a relationship between her notes and the many spells she took. She was diligent in her work.

"She was trying so hard for my big brother" Ortho said softly and in a warmed manner, "She really cares for him!"

Malleus gazed at Ortho and held a little sad expression. Snow began to fall around them as Brain felt a chill. He looked up and noticed Malleus's gaze.

"You ok there, Mal?" Brain asked as he sat up and moved a few scrolls away from his face.

Malleus was surprised to see the snow and quickly changed his mood to warm up the room. He shook his head before snapping his fingers to move a few scrolls he read and crossed his arms over his chest.

"Excuse me, but I do feel blame what I had done to the Shrouds and do feel an envy for his relationship with Ver" Malleus answered in disappointment in himself, "I caused an eternal sleep and harmed those close to me and those students. I harmed my Child of Man as well. I haven't forgiven myself for it fully"

Brain hummed as he recalled the events that Idia had summarized to him. Idia didn't go into fully details about what happened to Malleus with him, but he did want to know. Ortho shook his head before putting one book down.

"No! Stop blaming yourself for that!" Ortho said strongly as he pouted before him, "Although you terrified my big brother and are delighted that he wishes to help big sister as she is trying in turn. However, he doesn't blame you! He understood your situation and knew what he had to do! More or less. So, please don't blame yourself for this. As for Yuu, she wouldn't be upset with you for this. She knows you and wants to help you. She doesn't regret it either! Please don't blame yourself anymore, Prince Malleus"

Malleus was surprised by Ortho's outburst with Brain chuckling at them. Malleus sighed in relief as Brain stood up from his bed and patted Malleus' back.

"Yeah, we don't hold grudges. That's what friends do after all. We plan, cause chaos, and do everything we can to support each other" Brain said with a grin before leaning against him and picking up another scroll, "But, I also know others who would hold grudges and want to make up for it. So, help him with saving Pina and restoring order to this interesting Olympus!"

Malleus only held a surprised expression as Ortho joined in warmly as he went to pick up another book. Brain walked away as he went to reading with Malleus humming in relief before reading another scroll.

"You know, she did all this work, but she couldn't find anything..." Brain said surprised, "She's not dumb either. She knows what she is doing too. I wonder what she was missing"

Malleus' eyes were slowly wide as he realized something. He picked up another scroll and compared it with her notes and another one.

"Brain please say that sentence again for me" he said as Brain tipped his hat up and nodded.

He repeated his sentence slowly and tried to understand what Malleus was concluding. Ortho was curious as well as he scanned another book and a few other books and scrolls to understand his conclusion.

"She is missing something. What is she missing?" Malleus reasoned as he summoned a book from Ortho's stack and read it, "She's spring and will look over the land and life... What is she missing?"

Brain pondered on Malleus' words and hummed as he waved a few scrolls away to then picking up one of the scrolls with her writings present on it. He read the scroll and her notes and let out a surprised gasp.

"Got it, dragon prince" Brain said as Ortho hovered between them.

"What conclusion did you two conclude?" he asked with his head tilting to the right side.

Brain held the scroll to Ortho who took and scanned it. Ortho knew it was another spell that the First Shroud and Ver had tried to use to help with the lock in S.T.Y.X. He wasn't sure what both were concluding, but Brain picked up another scroll and read it with his head nodding.

"Yeah, should've thought of that. Dragon prince caught on it" Brain said as he revealed another scroll, "There's a balance between it"

"Balance?" Ortho asked curiously.

"Little Shroud, both worked on the spell" Malleus spoke seriously, "It took both to make the spells and test it. If she were to use it herself, it would be disastrous. The First Shroud and Ver were together and made this spell"

Ortho gasped as he realized their conclusion.

"If she plans to change it, then she would be in danger!" he exclaimed.

"And we don't know what the consequences would be" Brain added as he looked a few other scrolls, "She's going to change the spell to ensure Idia has more freedom, but she doesn't the effect it will have on her. If she does this, she may not survive the spell's countereffects"

Ortho was ready to find her and inform his big brother, but it was Malleus who patted his head and prevented him from departing. Malleus and Brain shook their heads as they held up another scroll.

"If she learned her part, then we should find a way to either counter it or find the part that your big brother will play" Brain informed him, "We've got to find the effects and your brother's part. Then, we can rush out of here and find them"

Ortho nodded his head in agreement as he went to read another book with Malleus and Brain working together. Though, Brain noticed Malleus' working even harder on his researcher, but Brain knew it was more than that.

"I will do everything to help my friend" Malleus answered as he turned his back to the Keyblade Wielder, "I owe Shroud that much. He saw the worst in me and didn't stop fighting. He could've left and given that task to someone else higher and stronger than us. He didn't. Now, I wish to repay him. I know how much he cares for Ver, and I intend to support him with everything I have. He is a friend. I am sure you understand, correct?"

Brain nodded his head before picking up another scroll as he chuckled at the friendship he has with Ephemer and Lauriam. He worked in silence but with a grin as Ortho hummed in delight at his big brother's friend willing to help him.

"Thank you, Malleus" Idia whispered as he watched from the screen and glanced at another to focus on.

Idia was sitting in a chair and facing the many screens with Najma, Epel, Sebek, and Silver were glancing through the entrance to make sure no one was coming. Lea, Isa, and Lilia stood behind the Shroud heir and looked at the screens. Lilia couldn't keep his eyes off Malleus and the scrolls in her room while Lea and Isa shared an expression.

"I know you want to ask me a question about it" Idia said as he sighed in his hand, "It isn't exactly a pleasant story"

Isa crossed his arms over his chest with Lea placing his hands in his pockets. Lilia turned to his video game buddy with a shake of his head.

"Regardless of status and power" Lilia spoke wisely, "That doesn't give anyone a right to treat others like that. I had half a mind to scold her myself, but I cannot do that in this form. I am sure I am not the only one who shares the same feelings as well"

He glanced to the keyblade wielder and claymore user who shared a nod of agreement.

"Hey!" Epel shouted as he turned to them with a determined expression, "We agree too! No one deserve tat if ya ask me!"

"Yeah, I agree too" Najma said as she backed up her friend, "Kalim never treated Jamil and I like this, so what gives her the reason to treat Ortho's big brother like that. I am sure if anyone did that to Jamil, I would give them a piece of my mind"

"I must concur!" Sebek shouted as he stood at attention, "You never treated us like that and neither did Lord Malleus! There is no reason for this!"

"Father" Silver said with a grin, "You never raised your hand against me. Lord Malleus also never treated us lower either. I know you taught me to respect those above us in manner of knowledge and history, but this I do not agree with"

Before Lea and Isa could chime in with their inputs, Idia leaned back with his hair changing into a deeper blue shade and stood up.

"I know that too, but for this character, you'll have to let this one go" Idia said sadly and in a serious manner as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

Lea shook his head before stepping up to the heir, "Yeah, no. I don't agree with this either. You don't deserve to be treated like that! No one does!"

Idia shook his head again with a shrug to reply, "I don't think you understand this. I understand and accept her opinions of me"

"But why?" Isa asked as he faced him, "Please explain to us why you are fine with this"

Idia glanced to everyone before shrugging again and sitting back in his chair. He pulled his legs up and held it close to him.

"Well, I know Epel and Lilia know about my past with Ortho, but something else happened that day" Idia said in defeat, "I am the reason her husband is dead"

Everyone stared at him in utter disbelief and horror as Idia held a sadden expression. He put his legs down and shook his head. He stood up and waved his hand to tap on file. The file displayed a report and a few photos of the incident.

"You know our tragic backstory, so I will spare that story. However, you don't know the rest of it. When I hacked into the security system, I had a hand in releasing the creature. It was also the day when the Vers were visiting. Pina was still young, so Miss Ver remained at the World Tree to watch her. Her husband came to S.T.Y.X. to discuss important business details" Idia explained, "When the experiment was released and knocked me out... well, you can watch the rest on the screen"

He flicked his hand to move a screen before them. He turned away to face the other two screens to keep an eye out for them. Lea gazed at Idia and wanted to reach out, but Isa pulled him to face the screen. Isa only stared at his boyfriend who understood and focused on it.

The video footage was old and static. There was the blot experiment ripping through robots and guards with an unconscious young Idia on the floor and Ortho gone. There was a person who ran forward to help a few guards and employees escape. He saw the young Idia and rushed to grab him just as the experiment charged at him. He didn't even hesitate to protect the young Shroud as the experiment charged at him. The video cut off as everyone watched in horror and slowly turned to him.

"I have moved on, but I know she hasn't" Idia explained as he waved his hand to turn off the screen, "She has every right to ridicule, despise, and curse me. I agree with that. What I don't agree with what Pina is doing. I don't want her to do something so reckless when she's got more in store for life. I want her to realize this before anything else. I want her to live her life to the fullest"

He held a determined expression as he glanced at the next group. The freshmen and Silver weren't sure what to say, but Lea, Isa, and Lilia were standing behind him.

"Don't think you're not doing this alone" Lea spoke first as he placed a hand on Idia's shoulder, "You're not the only one who's angered their boss to ensure that those you care about are safe and alive"

Isa looked away at that comment with Lilia holding a concerned expression to them. He sadly knew that both had suffered too much in their lives. Idia sniffled a little as some tears fell. He can't deny that Miss Ver's hatred of him didn't sting, but he did understand. He would accept it, but it would hurt.

"Thanks" Idia whispered before wiping away his tears, "But please focus on Pina. She's important"

"We will, but don't forget to take a stand yourself" Lea whispered as Idia only nodded his head in understanding.

They stared at the screen to see the Heartslayul students, Chenya, Yuu, Grim, and the two keyblade wielders were running through the corridors. They were following Cater and Trey as Cater held the phone.

"Are you sure this is the right way?" Ace asked as he glanced at the two juniors in front of him.

Although they were tasked with finding Proserpina, they were also searching for the stage where she would perform. The World Tree is massive and has many branches to other locations. The stage could be anywhere.

"Hey! Trust your juniors!" Cater said with a grin, "I am sure we will find it in no time!"

He giggled as he looked at the map until Trey pulled his arm out to stop Cater from running. Cater glanced at Trey who pointed at Ephemer and Chenya. Chenya's ears flickered as Ephemer looked around. Both sensed something amiss.

"Foosteps!" Chenya hissed as Grim groaned.

"We don't have many places to hide!" Deuce said as he gestured to their situation.

"We don't have to hide. We just have to be high and quiet" Ephemer answered as he summoned his keyblades.

Chenya completely disappeared as Cater and Trey grabbed one keyblade. Ace and Deuce grabbed another. Yuu held one and used her other hand to cover Grim's mouth. Skuld stood by Ephemer who nodded. He raised his hand to make their keyblades hover in the air above them. He summoned one more before she and him grabbed it and flew above them. He motioned everyone to be quiet. They shared a nod before looking at the floor to see Miss Ver walking with a few personal employees and guards.

"Are we prepared for the ceremony?" she asked seriously.

"Yes ma'am" one answered simply before turning to his tablet, "It will be prepared and will ensure the lock is resealed on the Underworld"

That relieved her as she took a moment to stop and breath calmly. She had a hand over her heart as she looked around to see her plants swaying in the clear, green hallways. She noticed her green pendant shining, much to the concern of the employees. She shook her head and waved her hand to stop the plants from growing.

"I apologize for this" she said as she placed a hand on her head, "It is nothing but stress. That scoundrel Shroud threw me off along with the schedule. Everything was going according to plan until he showed up. Night Raven College isn't as great as an institute as it claims. Thank goodness for Royal Sword, but I wish that scoundrel learned his lesson"

Ace and Grim growled with Chenya's eyes narrowing at them. Everyone was staring at Miss Ver who wasn't aware they were near her and weren't too pleased to hear her words against Idia. She shook her head before walking forward with the employees and guards behind her.

"He is out of the picture, my daughter is safe, and Mentha's help is greatly appreciated" Miss Ver said seriously, "We cannot let anything else happen before the ceremony is to take place. Ensure that the scoundrel Shroud, his classmates, and those other children do not cause anymore trouble!"

The vines and plant life were bending to her emotions and will. One vine wrapped itself around Ace's leg. He looked over his shoulder to see it with Deuce staring at him. Deuce reacted first and placed his hand over Ace's mouth to stop him from screaming. Deuce gazed forward to hopefully see if anyone was looking at them, but they were focused on Miss Ver and her tangent to her employees! Deuce noticed Grim's tail and quickly smacked it to get his and Yuu's attention. Yuu quickly covered Grim's mouth and looked over her shoulder to see the vines! Yuu extended her arm for Grim to climb on and reach Ephemer and Skuld.

The two keyblade wielders were listening and staring at Miss Ver with Skuld pointing out, "Her magic is strong. It reacts to her emotions. Reminds me of Riddle's"

"Yes, but there's something not right about it" Ephemer whispered in reply, "Riddle's magic was in his control at least. Hers isn't. She's unaware of it"

Skuld grimaced a little as they looked at Miss Ver. She seemed to be exhausted ever since they arrived here. The wielders couldn't put their finger on it, but they knew Brain might know something about it.

"Watcha thinking, Ephskul?" Cater whispered with a grin as Ephemer's cheeks were red and Skuld shaking her head at him.

"Her magic isn't right and is causing to act without her knowing" Skuld informed him, "We can't exactly tell, but we know something isn't right with it"

"Really?" Trey asked as he stared at Miss Ver.

Trey and Cater shared a worried look that didn't go unnoticed by the couple. Trey nodded his head.

"Well, when you fought with Riddle, he had that new form. It was thanks to Kairi that we were able to save him and that we weren't in our world" Trey whispered, "Outside of our world, magic doesn't work in a similar fashion to how we use it. Riddle was in control. However, the form he took is an Overblot. Brain and Idia had an interest in studying it since it had different effects. As for what it does here, if someone were to use their unique magic too many times, that form would appear. This form would then appear, but the user would lose their minds and attack recklessly. Normally, a phantom would've appeared and try to consume the user"

Ephemer and Skuld shared a concerned expression before gazing at her. Could this be happening to her?!

"That wouldn't be good" Ephemer whispered to her as she gripped his hand tightly.

"She's basically a goddess too. Her powers are going to be much higher than Riddle's" Skuld whispered back as she looked a little worried, "We should inform Idia about this"

Grim jumped from Yuu's arm and landed on Ephemer's back. He grunted and turned to see the monster cat gestured to the Adeuce duo's situation.

"You two have got to be kidding me" Skuld said in an annoyed manner as Ephemer slowly crawled over to help them.

"Keep listening and I'll help them" Ephemer whispered as he extended his hand to summon another keyblade, "Please be quiet and calm. Ace, you'll be fine"

Ephemer slowly raised the keyblade and used it to carefully cut the vines in a calm and slow manner. Ace was trembling at the sight of Ephemer cutting the vine while Skuld and Trey gazed at Miss Ver.

"Once this is over, everything will be fine. My daughter will be back at Royal Sword and away from that scoundrel Shroud" Miss Ver reassured them, "But I cannot believe that Keyblade Wielders are siding with those from Night Raven. I don't understand this"

She lowered her hands to release the vines clinging onto anything. However, she noticed one of her vines was gripping onto someone.

"Hold on" she said as she stopped and wondered where this person was.

Ace whimpered in fear as he looked at the vine tightening on his ankle. Ephemer sighed as he took off his scarf and gave it to Deuce. Deuce was confused until Ephemer motioned for him to put it in Ace's mouth.

"Sorry about this" Ephemer whispered before grabbing the vine and casting fire magic!

Deuce quickly shoved the scarf into Ace's mouth to muffle his scream of pain! The vine was burnt off as Miss Ver felt the burn. She looked around for the caster as Ephemer pulled Ace, Deuce, and Yuu with the rest of their group.

"Chenya! Duo with me!" Ephemer whispered as the beastman appeared above him and grabbed his hand.

Ephemer used his magic to power up and spread Chenya's. Chenya closed his eyes and let his magic cover him and his friends. They disappeared from anyone's sight as Miss Ver gazed up and only saw a burnt vine. She wasn't pleased to see it as she motioned her hands to bring the vine to her.

She carefully examined it before concluding, "It must've been that scoundrel of a Shroud. Please give me my tablet. I want to inform Mentha that she will be checking on him"

She took one and quickly typed away before returning it as they walked.

"I will find my daughter after looking at a few files. Everyone else should carry on with their respective tasks" she ordered as they departed.

Once they left the hallway, Ephemer lowered themselves to the floor. He helped Ace sit down and then made his keyblades disappear with Chenya making them reappear.

"That was close" Grim said with a sigh as he jumped to sit on Yuu's shoulder.

"Too close and troubling. She's onto us. We don't have much time to waste. We must move now" Yuu urged them as she turned to Cater.

Cater held his phone, snapped his fingers, and pointed forward, "Yep! Onward!"

The group followed him until they reached the golden doors. Ephemer summoned one Starlight Keybalde to unlock the doors. They entered the room and found it to be a balcony! Trey was confused as the rest examined it.

It was a grand balcony where a few, light green chairs with comfy cushions. There is a grand, brown table between the chairs that could hold food and drinks.

"Uh, are you sure you read that right?" Skuld asked unsure as she felt one of the cushions.

"I am pretty sure? I think?" Cater answered as Trey looked over his shoulder to read the map Idia sent them.

Ephemer looked around with Yuu as Grim rested on her head. Both turned around and gasped as they held onto the white marble railings.

"What's up?" Ace asked curiously as he glanced to them with his hands behind his head, "Oh..."

Everyone slowly turned their attentions to them before staring outside of the balcony to see the stage.

The stage was grand and circular. Half of the circle was a grand, green color. There were vines latching onto it as well. Life seemed to flourish at that right side of the circle. A vine fence was around it. The pattern on the side of life had a beautiful pomegranate with the seeds spilling into the side. The seeds were bursting with life and had a unique shine to it.

"That's Pina's side" Skuld said in awe as she glanced to Cater, "Hey! Take a pic of this please"

He nodded as he took a of her side as the others gazed at the other side.

Instead of green, flowing life, it was a deep, dark blue color on the left side. Thorns were the fence and surrounding it. The pattern was the shell of the pomegranate. The shell was a single, dark blue color with no seeds growing on its side.

"That's Idia's side...." Trey said nervously as he glanced at the left and right side while adjusting his glasses, "Wait, do you see symbols?"

"I knew it wasn't just me. Cater, hang on" Ephemer said as he grabbed Cater's hand and jumped off the balcony with him yelling!

Ephemer summoned his keyblade to catch himself and have Cater hang onto him. Ephemer then guided the keyblade to above the stage and gasped with wide eyes with Cater's jaw dropping in disbelief.

"No way" Cater said as he held his phone to take a picture of the whole stage.

"Can you read it?" Ephemer asked as the symbols appeared to be runes.

"Uh, not me. But I know for sure Malleus, Lilia, and Idia might know" Cater answered as he took a photo.

"Brain might have an idea too. Send it to them" Ephemer said as he heard a yell.

Both turned around to see their friends surrounded by guards! Skuld summoned her Starlight keyblade as she stood in front of the students with Chenya, Ace, Deuce, Yuu, and Grim were ready for a fight with Trey unsure.

"Cater, hang on!" Ephemer said as he slammed his foot on the keyblade to turn it around and dive back to their friends.

"Oh, I do not think so, young man! Spring Forth!" Miss Ver's voice echoed strongly as she raised her hands to have vines spring from the World Tree to wrap around them!

Ace, Deuce, and Grim tried to cast their fire magic to burn the incoming vines, but their magic wasn't enough as the vines wrapped around them! Yuu tried to grab Grim before pulling herself away from one vine. Another wrapped around her waist from behind as Chenya and Trey were standing with Skuld. Chenya jumped and disappeared to avoid one vine, but another vine wrapped itself around him! Trey tried to reach for his friend only to have a vine grab him! Skuld jumped and struck her keyblade against one and another. She cut down any vine in her way as she wasn't going down without a fight.

"Undiscipline children!" Miss Ver said in a frustrated manner as her green pendant shined violently.

Ephemer noticed the pendant before a vine wrapped itself around Cater! Cater let out a scream before Ephemer landed behind Skuld with two keyblades behind him. Both keyblade wielders were ready for a fight, but Miss Ver's eyes narrowed.

"Do you really think you can take me as I hold your friends?" Miss Ver asked seriously, "Keyblade wielders.... At first, I thought it was a simple story later turned video game that my daughter enjoys so much. That fire spell was much stronger than the students, so that could only have been yours. You know the rules. You are not allowed to interfere with the outside world"

"And yet it wasn't us who broke those rules" Ephemer answered seriously, "We were invited, so we didn't break the rules"

"And we will not let you go through with this either!" Skuld declared, "Did you ask your daughter and Idia if they wanted to do this?! This isn't right!"

Miss Ver's expression grew angrier as the vines tightened on the students! They whimpered and struggled in pain as the keyblade wielders turned their attention to them. Miss Ver quickly controlled her vines to have it wrap around Ephemer first. Skuld quickly pushed Ephemer away as the vine grabbed her!

"Hey! Let me go!" she shouted as she struggled in the vine's hold.

"Skuld!" Ephemer shouted as he held his hand out to her only to have a vine grab him, "Hey! Stop this!"

Miss Ver shook her head before using her index finger to gesture to pull Cater to her. Cater laugh nervously as she rolled her eyes at him. She then pulled out his phone as he whimpered.

"Children should pay attention to adults" Miss Ver said seriously as Chenya growled at her.

Miss Ver took Cater's phone and checked it to see the photos he had taken of the stage. She sighed before giving the phone to her vines which crushed it into pieces!

"No!" Ephemer shouted in dismay as the phone was broken in half.

"Such a shame, but children must be punished if they are going to understand and learn" Miss Ver said seriously before clapping her hands, "Guards take them to my office. I will personally deal with them. Have Mentha find the scoundrel Shrouds and bring them to me. I have tolerated this for too long"

Her pendant's light vanished suddenly as she seemed weakened. Some of the guards caught her as she roughly shoved them away.

"Don't you dare worry about me when we have a ceremony we must perform! Carry out your orders!" she ordered as she picked herself up and marched away.

The guards went to work securing the keyblade wielders and students as they were worried. They didn't resist the guards and let themselves be taken. Ephemer was standing beside Cater as the guards were marching in front of them. Skuld, Trey, and Chenya were walking between them and the guards with Ace, Deuce, Yuu, and Grim walking behind them.

"Did you do it?" Ephemer whispered as Cater only grinned and winked.

"Yep! IYKWIM! I sent ASAP!" Cater replied with Ephemer grinning.

Their part of the plan was finished. Now, it was up to the rest of them.

Mentha just checked her phone to see that Miss Ver had sent her a message. Pina glanced to her friend as she felt the golden wreath over her head.

"What is it?" Pina asked curiously.

"Your mother is coming here to help finish with the rest of the outfit" Mentha answered before turning off her phone, "I've been reassigned to handle another part of the ceremony. Do not worry. Everything is alright"

Mentha turned to leave as Pina said, "Thank you again, Mentha. Please don't push yourself too hard"

Mentha rolled eyes before turning to give Proserpina a grin and departing. Mentha took out her phone to check the maps and grinned to herself as she reread the message to find the Shroud brothers and bring them to Miss Ver.

"Well, this day is going to be a wonder" Mentha said with a grin before walking down the hall to return to the lounge area.

"Woah, woah, woah! Time out! What?!" Idia exclaimed as he and the rest witnessed Yuu's group detained along with Mentha approaching them.

"What's the plan here?" Lea asked as Idia quickly closed the screens and saw the message from Cater.

Idia quickly forward Cater's message to Ortho while he turned his attention to the door. Mentha was coming and they have no idea how to deal with her. The doors opened as Mentha's shoes clapped against it. She sighed in annoyance as she saw everyone on guard.

"Really? Most of you are beneath me in terms of magic, grade, and status" Mentha commented as her magic badge shined against the light, "Let's just make this easy on ourselves and not fight"

She crossed her arms over her chest as she made her way over to Idia. She leaned in with her head a little lower as he leaned back with a nervous expression.

Lea raised a brow at her behavior as she raised her head to whisper in his ear, "Come now, Idia. You are smart enough to realize when a situation is bad and not in your favor. So, do everyone a favor and stop this fighting. I'll even sweeten the deal if you choose me!"

Idia's eyes were wide as he pushed Mentha away with Lea rushing to stand between the Shroud heir and her.

"Personal space is important if you wanna be friends with us" Lea said as he held his hand out to summon his keyblade, "And I don't think you want us near him, don't you?"

Mentha sigh as she flipped her hair and laughed with Idia's eyes widening when he smelled something minty in the air!

"Cover your mouths and noses! Don't breathe the mint scent in!" Idia shouted as he pulled up his jacket to cover his mouth and nose.

The rest followed his command except for Jack and Najma who began to cough! Najma reached for her throat as she coughed with Lilia assisting her.

"What is this?" Isa asked as he pulled up his jacket's collar to protect his mouth and nose.

Idia stared at Mentha as he explained, "That is Mentha's unique magic, Sweet Scent. If the user breathes in her minty scent, your throat can be parched at best. At worst, you'll be dehydrated!"

Everyone turned to her and Idia who stared her down.

"Ha!" Epel declared as he faced Mentha without covering his mouth and nose, "That all!? I grew up in the frozen mountains! Yer cold minty fresh breath got nothing on me! Sebek! Let's go!"

Epel drew his magic pen before charging at her with fire magic! Sebek was caught off guard before charging to help his fellow freshmen while Silver and Lilia were watching over Jack and Najma. Mentha conjured up a light blue barrier to reflect Epel's fire while avoiding Sebek's lightning. Isa summoned his claymore as he nodded at Lea.

"Right-o! Thanks partner!" Lea said before turning to grab Idia's wrist, "Come on, heartbreaker! We've got to get you to your player 2!"

Idia squeaked before turning to everyone, "But what about them? I don't want to leave my friend, your boyfriend, and Ortho's friends"

Lea only grinned as Lilia waved his hand, "Don't worry, my dear gaming buddy. We shall be fine. We will deal with Miss Hedyosmos and ensure everyone here is cared for! Do carry on and save your dear Proserpina!"

Mentha's eyes narrowed at that name as Idia sighed before stating, "F-fine! But you better not lose to a mini boss like her! Especially if I can handle her!"

Lea grinned before he led the way for himself and Idia by summoning his keyblade to unlock the doors. Idia giggled before running after Lea, determined to help his player 2.

"No!" Mentha snarled as she reached her hand out to Idia, "Why her?! Why that meek, idiotic, little nature girl?!"

Her spell grew stronger as Jack and Najma were struggling to breath almost! Isa noticed this and shrugged as he looked at the floor and his claymore.

"Lilia, your magic can cover everyone, right?" Isa asked as he gripped the handle on his claymore.

"Yes..." Lilia answered as he soon realized what the claymore wielder was inferring and grabbed Jack and Najma, "Hang onto me, children. Sebek! Silver! Watch over Epel!"

Sebek and Silver shared a look before grabbing Epel who cast another fire spell. Mentha was caught off guard as Isa raised his claymore above his head before delivering a powerful strike to the floor to break it! Epel screamed in complete fear as the floor was destroyed in one hit! They fell through the floor and crashed into the second floor. Sebek and Silver held Epel as they landed on the floor below with Isa landing before them with his claymore in hand. Lilia gently placed Jack and Najma on the floor with Lilia landing before them. Mentha fell on her side and grunted in pain. She groaned as she felt her hip and glared at them.

"That was insane" Epel confessed as Sebek was in awe at Isa's strength.

"We can breathe!" Najma said in relief as she removed her hands from her throat with Jack growling in agreement.

"But it won't be enough" Mentha whispered as guards soon arrived and surrounded them.

They were surprised as they looked prepared for a fight. Lilia shook his head as Isa held his claymore out before making it disappear completely! Epel let out a confused yell when Isa raised his hands up.

"They win this round. We've already caused enough damage and did our part" Isa reminded them.

The rest slowly surrendered as Mentha was helped by a guard.

"Bring them to Miss Ver and let her know we are still missing the Shroud brothers" Mentha ordered with a glare, "Do whatever you must to bring them in"

With that, they were taken away by the guards and overseen by Mentha who wasn't going to give up so easily. She did wonder where Idia would go since everyone in the tree would be searching for him now. She simply grinned as she turned with the group to prepare for the ceremony.