I remember when I first watched W.I..T.C.H oh so many years ago that I wondered why Nerissa didn't just use Shagon to spy on the girls and I've always had the idea in my of head of 'what if'
Recently I got a full idea of how the story could have possibly happened. and it kind of was in my every thought till I wrote it down. This story has been written up in less than a week, so people who are familiar with my other stories and therefore my crappy updating times can breath a sigh of relief. I'm planning on updating this story once a week and I should, as I only need to edit each chapter now.
Anyway I hope you enjoy Added Glamour.
The electric bars of his prison were brought down with a crackle. Cautiously Matt stepped out of what had once been the former guardian's cage. The old witch, for that was what she had become over the years watched him silently, Huggles... no Kor by her side. Matt briefly glanced at his dormouse before looking away, the sight truly terrifying.
After all, if she could do that to his pet, an innocent rodent who wouldn't hurt a fly, just by manipulating his anger then what could she do to him?
The thought was truly terrifying as he realised he may never see his family and family again. Or Will. Unless, she turned into some sort of horrifying creature, then he might see them again, he just might try to kill them. Oddly the line of thought wasn't too comforting for the young guitarist.
"My knights of Vengeance were a disappointment. I think you'd make an ideal replacement." Nerissa said softly.
Matt couldn't believe what he was hearing. Did this old hag really expect him to betray his friends? Betray the girl he loved? And after all the trouble she had been causing them over the last few months. Her stint in the cave, locked up in solitude had obviously done some more mental damage than anyone had previously thought.
"Yeah well I have a problem with authority. Oh and pure evil," Matt snapped as he stepped further into the cave, trying his best not to let the fear he was feeling show through. He doubted it had much effect.
"Then I have no use for you. Kor," In a split second, Matt was pushed on the floor, his former pet ready to kill him. Again he tried his best to stay calm, after years of working in his grandfather's pet shop, Matt knew showing fear around potentially dangerous animals was the worst thing you could do.
Sure enough, Kor stopped his growling, seemingly recognised his master's scent and got off him. Matt got off the ground and started scratching Huggles behind his ear. Obviously the dormouse's loyalty wasn't affected by Nerissa's spell, but at least it meant they had another ally to fight against Nerissa. Matt was pretty sure that even if Huggles couldn't revert back to his original form there would be a place on Meridian for him. However that plan was short lived as Nerissa fired a bolt of lightening at the pair.
Huggles pushed Matt out of the way and took the full brunt of the attack. As Matt watched him writhe on the cave floor in agony he felt pure hatred and rage run through his veins at the corrupted woman.
"Stop, you're hurting him!" Matt cried out, not knowing what effect, if any his words would have, after all he doubted Nerissa had any sort of a conscience. She had killed one of her best friend's and fellow guardian in cold blood, just so she could get power. He doubted that a bit of animal cruelty would pull at her heartstrings and make her stop.
"And your hate me for it, don't you," And Matt did. His hatred was becoming more prominent over the other emotions. Another bolt of lightening left the heart of Meridian, but instead of hitting Huggles, its target was Matt.
It was that moment that he realised what Nerissa's game plan had been, but by that point it was too late. The hatred he was feeling was simply too strong. He thought he heard the old sorceress say something about said emotion, but to be honest he was concentrating on the pain racking through his whole body.
The hate was becoming stronger, but it felt different than before. It seemed to be soothing the pain, numbing the cracking of bones, as everything seemed to realign in his body.
He started to feel stronger, why was he even fighting this new influx of power? He couldn't remember. What was happening? The pain was still there, but everything seemed to slow down, he felt something emerge out of his back, tearing his clothes to shreds, as he body became larger, the muscle increasing ten fold.
"You are Shagon, my angel of malice," in that moment the transformation was complete. Matthew Olson was locked up in the darkest and deepest corner of his mind, not even aware of what was going on.
Everything made sense now, Shagon knew who he was, knew who he used to be and everything that used to be important to his counter part, but he didn't care. All he cared about was the hatred he so desperately desired... no needed. He knew he served Nerissa, after all she created him, brought him to life, she'd care for him, make sure he never went hungry.
"Yes Mistress," he said, stretching his wings.
W.I.T.C.H
Nerissa had just brought the remaining two Knights of Destruction into existence, using the very ice and lava from Mt Thanos itself. She then ordered they attack the guardians, let them know of their creation. She opened a fold for the four, just as Shagon was about to enter she called out to him, making him pause.
"I believe it would be the best, if the guardians didn't find out everything that has happened to dear Matthew in the last 48 hours, wouldn't you agree Shagon?"
The angel of malice gave an affirmative. "How much would you like them to know Mistress?" he enquired, knowing that she must have something planned.
"Let them know he's been taken, it will fuel their emotions nicely for yourself and the other knights, but don't let them suspect for even a second that he's dead or that he actually resides in you. I want them to have hope that they can rescue him. Mention Mt Thanos and they will come running, desperate to save him. After all, I can imagine their all getting quite worried, the leader of their little group especially."
"As you wish Mistress," Shagon bowed, before entering the fold.
W.I.T.C.H
The battle had been delightfully easily to mould for their unique purpose, without making it seem like an outright victory, Shagon recalled. It had been easy enough to find the girls once school had let out, Matt having all the information that the Knights needed and more.
They had revealed themselves and luckily the Guardians personal dramas seemed to contain enough emotion to keep the KofD fed and somewhat sated. Shagon knew he had to let the girls know that Nerissa was responsible for the disappearance of one Matthew Olson, otherwise they'd never get anywhere. Although it was easy enough to do so, whilst still taunting the Guardians.
Will's hatred for them had really come to it's own when Shagon mentioned her precious boyfriend. It more than doubled his power, and Shagon knew he would never pass up an opportunity to taunt her, not if he got that sort of boost every-time.
However dropping the hint about Mt Thanos had been a tricky one, after all he wanted to plant the idea in the guardians head without making it seem like he was helping them. The girls had to believe they had thought up the idea themselves, otherwise they'd never come running.
He had decided that it was best to let something slip during their second meeting, and it had worked a treat. The others had all been to wound up in their own private battles, giving Shagon the perfect chance to start aggravating Will.
"He could be anywhere," Shagon taunted as Will's temper and hatred continued to rise. "And you'd never know,"
"Arghhh," Will cried, releasing a shot of electricity which was easily dodged.
"You could look forever and never even come close to finding him. After all there are so many different worlds, you could never even begin to start imagining. He might be in one of the never ending caves at the north of Meridian, or in the depths of the Zamballan jungle, just roaming with only the trees as company." He flew past Will, making her turn sharply. He kept moving, annoying her further, as she failed to get a decent shot. "Or maybe he's closer to home than you think. But you'll never find him, everyone knows the last generation were the best, with Nerissa as the keeper it was inevitable. You'll just be a disappointment, to everyone, and you'll never get your boyfriend back. Locked away for all of eternity, how does that feel?"
At this point Cornelia had forced Will to swap 'dance partners', Shagon hoped he had done enough, although he suspected the guardians would tell Yan Lin everything they had learnt, and she would probably work it out if the others failed to.
Nerissa had agreed that he couldn't have done much more without making them suspicious, hopefully this would give them enough information to work with, although if they didn't figure it out she said, ultimately it wouldn't change her plans, possibly just slow them down. What her plans were though, well Shagon had no clue, although he trusted Nerissa to reveal all when the time was right. After all, he was her most trusted knight, none of the others knew what Nerissa had told him to do, and if they hadn't been told by her, then Shagon was definitely not going to give out unnecessary details.
The only thing they could do, to see if their plan worked was to wait. After all patience is a virtue.
W.I.T.C.H
It hadn't taken the girls too long to repair the damage the Knights of Destruction had caused on Heatherfield, a few things, like broken windows in offices would have to stay smashed and although they would cause annoyance for people the next day, no-one would believe magic to be the cause. Hopefully anyway.
Once the clean up had been completed, they powered down and made their way back to the Silver Dragon. It had been Taranee's idea, in the hope that Yan Lin would have an idea about how to defeat the knights. Will was also hoping that they would figure out where Matt was being kept, and how to rescue him.
"Girls, I thought you had all gone home," Yan Lin cried, taking in their battered forms.
"Well that was the plan," Will sighed as she made her way to the basement, the others following.
"Grandma have you ever heard of the Knights of Destruction? They feed on negative emotions like anger, hate, fear and pain."
"The Knights of what? Sorry kiddo, never came across them or anything like that before,"
"It's okay Yan- Lin," Taranee sat on the old camp bed. "I didn't think she would have, they said they were serving Nerissa earlier on. I bet they're the Knights of Vengeance's replacement."
"Yeah but this lot seem a lot more deadly," Will said. "I mean for one they all have powers, and they definitely aren't any of Meridian's criminals, pretty sure we've met all of those for the time being. They also got... Matt. Who knows what that old hag has done to him by now,"
At this Yan Lin looked alarmed. "I was wondering how long it was going to take Nerissa to start taking personal blows. I don't believe Matt will have been too badly injured however, Nerissa will probably end up using him as a bargaining chip when things don't go her way. Do you have any idea where Matt could be?"
Will recalled all that Shagon had said to her during the battle. "He's just seems to be talking in riddles though, nothing he's said is helpful, which is probably what he was hoping for,"
"Unless... You told me that Shagon said Matt was closer to home. I expect that means earth, maybe even Heatherfield, after all you're not likely to go looking here if he's already hinted that Matt could be on other worlds. He also said-" Yan Lin was interrupted by a loud and sudden gasping from Hay Lin. She fell back on to the bed, her eyes shut tightly.
"Oh my God," The girls all ran to their fallen friend. Irma clutching her hand, calling out for her.
Yan Lin, unlike the others didn't seem to be too worried. "Relax girls, it seems Hay Lin is experiencing a vision of some sort,"
"I thought she could only get those when she was asleep, like dreams," Cornelia said, frowning slightly.
"That was before the veil was lifted though. Since then her powers have slowly been growing, no doubt all this talk about the whereabouts of Matt has triggered something. I remember it to be quite draining at the beginning, which is why she'd normally get it whilst asleep. However in time she'll be able to trigger the visions purposefully and they won't take so much out of her," As Yan Lin finished her explanation, her granddaughter started coming around.
"Oh my head. I feel like it's the end of finals week all over again," Hay Lin groaned.
"Hay Hay, what did you see? Did you see Matt? Is he ok?" Will asked her rapidly.
"Give her space to breath Will," Irma said, squeezing the red-head's shoulder. "We all want to know where Matt is and try and save him, but we have to let Hay Lin recover first."
Hay Lin stretched before turning to Will. "I saw Matt. He's in this cell in a giant cave. Nerissa was there, but he couldn't get out. The bars were made from pure energy, looked like electricity. The cell was tiny, just a bed and a-"
"small mirror on a bedside table?" Yan Lin enquired.
"Yeah, but how did you know Grandma?"
"Sounds to me like Nerissa's old cell on Mt Thanos. She must be using that as some sort of base, after all, no-one would expect her to go back to her old prison."
"So what are we waiting for? Guardians unite!"
W.I.T.C.H
"I knew planting a vision in the air guardian's mind would be easy, but I didn't expect it would be that simple. I was convinced Yan Lin would have at least taught her some basic tricks to stop intruders entering her head, after all she has experienced that first hand," Nerissa crowed delightfully to her loyal knights. "The guardians will no doubt be here shortly, so we must be prepared. Shagon you know what you must do?"
Shagon nodded before changing into Matt. "Good, when the guardians arrive we must fight them, don't make it too easy, but they must leave here with Matt. Shagon I want you to then report to me, get as much inside knowledge as you can. The girls all trust you, the dear keeper especially. You will be there at all meetings, when you have information come back here using this." Nerissa held out a ring, passing it to Shagon.
"This is the Mage's ring is it not?"
"I... acquired it a while ago. It can create folds, meaning there will be no excuse for not to come here at least four times a week minimum. Go to Meridian first and then you fold here, the whole process should take seconds. When I call for you, I expect you to get here as quickly as possible. Go to school, spend time with Matt's family, his friends but only spend a minimum time in Heatherfield if you can help it. I need you here, to fight the guardians."
"Yes Mistress," Shagon bowed, before placing the Mage's ring in his trouser pocket. A loud explosion alerted the others to the guardians arrival.
"Right on time. Tridart, Ember and Kor, fight the guardians, but make sure that they make it here eventually." The three nodded, before running out of the cave. Shagon turned in the opposite direction, entering what had once been his Mistresses prison. She placed the bars up again, before walking out to join the battle.
The knights were doing their jobs perfectly, the water and fire guardian were down, but the other three seemed to be going strong.
"Nerissa!" Will cried out. Striking out a bolt of lightening at her, she yelled at her. "What have you done to Matt?"
"Wouldn't you like to know?" Nerissa snarled, a deranged grin taking over her wrinkled face. She felt vines wrapping there way around her legs, and whilst she was distracted she felt Will fly past her. Everything's going perfectly.
Whilst Will had flown past the others, the two remaining guardians were still fighting. The earth guardian had wrapped vines around Kor and Ember as well, whilst the air guardian had swept Tridart into a mini tornado. The water and fire guardians were also coming round, ready to rejoin the fight.
W.I.T.C.H
"Matt! Matt, where are you?" Will cried desperately as she entered the cave.
"Will is that you?" Turning around Will spotted her boyfriend in a small cell. The electric bars were keeping him in, but even from a distance away Yan Lin had been right. There were a couple of bruises and his clothes seemed to be ruined, but apart from that he looked to be physically fine.
"What are you even doing here?" Matt's question broke through her thoughts.
"Rescuing you,"
A look of fear passed over her boyfriend's face. "But what about the Knights? And Nerissa? They'll kill you."
"The girls are keeping them distracted. Now stand back," Within seconds Will had gotten rid of the bars. Running into Matt's arms, she hugged him tightly. "I was so scared that they had done something to you. We came to rescue as soon as we found out where you were."
"Shhh it's ok. I'm fine, lets go and get the others out of here."
The young couple ran out of the cave, not having expected the sight in front of them. The knights had all been defeated, all lying on the snowy plane. The four guardians now seemed to have set their sights on Nerissa. She saw Matt and Will first, and after giving a frustrated howl, teletransported herself and the knights away.
The girls turned and ran to Matt, each giving him a brief hug, expressing how glad they were to see he was all right. Afterwards Will opened a fold, each of them desperate to get home and rest.
They believed they had won, when in actual fact they had done anything but.
