Chapter 2.
Confusion has stolen my heart
from making the right decisions.
I am hoping this is one that could
Make all the difference in the world.
"YOU'RE ASKING US to go back to Meridian?" shrieked Cornelia in disbelief which caused the elders in the congregation to stir.
"As a matter of fact, I'm asking you guardians to deliver an amulet. It's very important that you do," said the Oracle.
The W.I.T.C.H. gang found themselves in Kandrakar after stepping into the Portal, away from time and space itself – a place where the end was the beginning and the last was the first – an endless loop, a sequence of forever.
This was Kandrakar – a place where the infinite reign, a place where the guardians' powers are derived from. Rulers of the parallel universe assemble themselves here to discuss, plan, predict, and vanquish evil. The guardians themselves were the keeper of the veil – the protector of parallel universes, guarding the high worlds, the low world and worlds in between.
It is governed by the Oracle – a mighty being once was a humble person himself. His modest stature contradicts greatly to his knowledge. Elders within the congregation marvel at his intellect and modesty. To oppose his words of wisdom was lunacy among his partisans.
The halls were white and something about them made the guardians mystified with every visit. It was a sacred place, even to acknowledge the place would send the listeners in awe. History was made here, friendships and alliances as well. This was a place of politics and democracy, and more importantly, a place of learning.
"What amulet are you talking about?" asked Taranee.
The Oracle held up a hand and swirled it in the air. In the midst of the space between his hand and the air, a golden amulet with a brilliant sapphire blue-looking gem appeared in the middle. It was pleasant little thing to look at as it captivated everyone's eyes and the hall had most of the elders looking at the Oracle's direction.
With another swirl of his hand, it vanquished and at the same time, Will's Heart of Kandrakar emitted a glow. In it, the amulet stored safely within the Heart's powers.
"Safely guard it as you make your way to Meridian," advised the Oracle.
"Wait, wait, wait, hang on a minute – we haven't been to Meridian for months, and out of the blue you're asking us to return?" asked Will.
"Which means," Hay Lin followed in after Will, "Something bad – but more hopefully – good happened back in Meridian."
"Which means," Irma followed Hay Lin, "Elyon might need that what's-this-amulet-thing? To either fend off enemies or you could call it a gift…"
"And that means," Cornelia followed after; "Elyon might be in danger, or we could all just be wasting our time!"
The Oracle chuckled in delight, "Wonderful, guardians! I see more and more improvements with your joint collaboration thinking skills."
The elders in the congregation gave off a few laughs.
"Nevertheless, I have to tell you, it is not as much as a reunion for Meridian, but a little business trip."
"Yeah, right," Cornelia snorted.
"An unknown force has attacked Meridian the night before," continued the Oracle.
"What?" yelped the guardians in unison.
"And I want you girls to deliver this amulet to Elyon. It will give her safety and confidence she needs while you leave Meridian upon return. I'm sure you can't be with Elyon all the time – you have your lives on Earth too."
"Back it up, back it up," Will said, "I thought we put Phobos and his ugly minions in the Underground Cells a long time ago! And now he's back up and attacking? And probably seeking revenge?"
The girls trembled at the thought.
"Well, we're ready for him this time. Time for round two, girls," cheered Irma.
"Glad to see you're catching up," said the Oracle, "however, it may not necessarily be Phobos who is attacking this time. He is apparently, still locked up."
"Oh, then that settles my thoughts," said a bummed Irma.
"Do you want us to track down this new enemy?" asked Taranee.
"I'm sure the Queen can handle it herself with the help of the Rebellion leader, Caleb. I want you to be there to deliver the amulet, and make sure the Queen is safe."
"Uh, no can do, Oracle," said Cornelia, "I'm sure my friends will be able to do without me. I'm sure you've noticed – my leg?"
"Cornelia, your injuries had never stopped you from doing what your heart desires. Are you sure that your leg isn't the only reason for being so reluctant to return to Meridian?"
Cornelia blushed, then did the best she could to hide her face within her long strands of blonde hair as she felt a vast number of pairs of eyes gaping at her. He had been right; he was always right. Her ankle wasn't the only reason for her not wanting to return to Meridian, even for a fore night. It was the memories with Caleb, she left behind in Meridian, and it took her happiness with her that kept her from coming. She had been hopeful to never have to return to Meridian…
Just my luck.
Cornelia had to suffer those painful nights alone. No one could understand her for days… weeks… months… She had been confined to her thoughts, and her best friend was in Meridian – the only one she could talk to. No one was there; she felt alone. All alone, that is, until Peter showed up, and restored the colors back to her face. Since then, she never really thought of Caleb or Meridian, or even brought up the topic, let alone with her friends. But the Oracle bringing it up for her was uncomfortable.
"Earth guardian, we have to talk," announced the Oracle so suddenly that it made Cornelia look up at him and then the others.
The Oracle stepped down from the middle of the hall and walked towards a chamber relatively smaller than the congregation hall. Cornelia made her way towards him. He had always been gentle to Cornelia despite her temper and her reactions. Was he about to ask her to resign her post as the Earth Guardian? Has he had enough of her stubbornness?
Once inside the chamber, the Oracle made way to shut the door and turned to face Cornelia with a look on his face.
***
"I can't believe I'm stepping foot on Meridian – after all this time," thought Cornelia. She and the Guardians had left Kandrakar to Meridian through a portal guided by Will's Heart of Kandrakar. They were standing in front of the gates of the Meridian Castle, awaiting the approval of the castle guards to open the gates.
"It had been weeks… no, months since I was here, celebrating the coronation of Elyon," came in the thoughts of Cornelia as the images flashed through her mind, "Caleb had chosen to remain behind, choosing Elyon over… me."
She remembered bursting to tears after she was privately alone from everyone else. Elyon couldn't say anything; she didn't want to hear a word from Elyon or Caleb. It could only hurt her more, her best friend, yet… this was happening to her. She didn't want a friendship ruined.
"Maybe it had always been about me," Cornelia remembered herself thinking on that day, "Maybe, it just wasn't meant to be."
With those words, she remembered making up her mind and moving on with her life, leaving Caleb, Elyon and her memories all behind her. It was her past.
Cornelia, a heart is never healed when the heart still remains embedded with sorrow and regret of the past, the Oracle said in that small chamber back in Kandrakar.
I know, Oracle, it's just that – it's hard to let go of the past, and someone you love so dearly… It feels like a memory. It was all just a memory, she heard herself saying.
Here, Cornelia, and the Oracle stepped forward and healed her ankle with one small touch on her foot. A warming feeling remained in Cornelia's bosom. She embraced it and let her tears flow down to her cheeks.
Dear, Earth Guardian, it is hard, yet rewarding in the end. You are making a very difficult choice, one of letting go of the person you love, said the Oracle.
How would you know?
Everyone has had a broken heart. Name me a person without a broken heart, replied the Oracle with a smile.
Err… Will? No, she had cried over Matt once… Oh, Irma… Nah, she is a lovely person with a heart… Babies? No, they don't count! Oh, Oracle, everyone has had their hearts broken for once!
Then, why should you be any different, Cornelia?
Cornelia smiled at the Oracle. She stared ahead at the palace gates and noticed two figures walking towards them; a short and small in stature with long blonde hair, almost like Cornelia's, a figure not too hard to miss.
"Elyon!" cried Cornelia as she recognized her, "It's been too long!"
"It's Queen Elyon, to you, Guardian," snapped a guard at the gates as he opened the gates to let the guardians in.
"Don't worry, guard," said Elyon as she reached to the girls, embracing them with warm hugs, "Between me and my friends, it's just Elyon. Oh, Will, Hay Lin, Taranee, Irma; my friends!"
"Ha, ha, ha, the castle's looking great, Elyon!" said Will
"Thanks, we've been refurnishing the whole place, and wow, it is taking a while," said Elyon and she reached Cornelia for a hug.
"Hey, best friend," said Elyon as she gave Cornelia a hug.
"Hey, yourself, best friend," replied Cornelia.
"Hello, Guardians," said a voice behind her that sounded just too familiar to Cornelia.
She didn't want to look. She didn't have to. She could remember his face all too clearly. His details, his eyes, his lips, his nose, his hair… It was too much for her that she had to look away from Elyon and the rest of the gang. She tried her best to keep her eyes away from Caleb's.
"Hey, Caleb! Nice suit!," replied Hay Lin.
"Thanks, Hay. Been waiting for you all. Step inside the castle, we have to talk about the dealings in Meridian."
"Oh, shush, Caleb," said Elyon and turned to the girls, "he's just been too much of a busybody since he became my personal advisor."
Personal advisor?
"Let them rest the night, wouldn't you like that guys?"
"Yeah!" said the girl, Cornelia was the exception.
"Erm, Elyon, I have to be excused, I've got the Nationals coming up, and I really have to train by tomorrow."
Her ankle had fully healed, thanks to the Oracle, she can now resume back to skating.
"Aw, come on, Cornelia, don't do that!" said Elyon, "It's just one night, and you'll be safe in your rooms by tomorrow morning!"
Cornelia looked at the others; after all, they were having a slumber party, before this expedition came along.
"Alright," she said, and everyone made their way into the castle.
"We'll have a welcoming feast first, and then, we'll send you guys to bed! I've got rooms for all of you and you're all going to love it!
Cornelia looked around and saw Caleb leading the way towards the castle. She didn't know if he even had the guts to look at her, let alone talk to her. Yet, he didn't even say a single hello. Everyone followed Caleb towards the castle. It was obvious that Elyon was having a good time; she couldn't stop talking or laughing. This made Cornelia feel happy for Elyon.
They made their way to the castle dining room, where they were to wait for the cuisine and serve them. They were probably going to have to discuss their tactics about the new enemy in the dining room too.
After the great greetings, they were happily seated in the dining room with their forks and knives in their hands, happily digging into their food. It was just Elyon, the guardians and Caleb.
Vathek had chosen to watch, since he had no interest in human food, whatsoever. This suited him fine as he happily watched the teenagers eat to their heart's delight.
After Elyon recounted the unfortunate story, questions sprouted into the guardians' minds.
"Elyon," Taranee said suddenly, "What have you thought about this new stranger within the lands?"
It was Caleb who answered.
"Well, it was said that whoever it was had something in his or her possession that was powerful; that could turn the flames into silver powder. There was only one thing that could do that to a thing."
"And that is?" said Cornelia, looking up at Caleb for the first time.
"The Fire Trinket," said Caleb, he too looked at Cornelia. This was the first eye contact they had made; somehow it made Caleb comfortable as he said these words to her, almost like telling a hidden truth only for Cornelia.
"It's nice to see you again, Cornelia," he added. The talking suddenly stopped between the diners. Cornelia didn't say anything back to Caleb, looked away and said to Elyon, "So, how could this enemy have possession on something so powerful?"
Caleb was the one who yet answered, "It was founded years ago, but people had the greed to possess it to obtain the element of fire, which was secondary to the Fire Guardian."
"Humph! I am the keeper of the Fire Guardian around, and no one's gonna take my place!" said Taranee.
"Wait, so what you're saying that people wanted it so badly that they would do what it takes to possess it, which could mean…"
"Stealing, bribery… a duel between the owners," counted Cornelia.
"Well, whatever it was, we should try to have guards posted around villages to watch over the innocents before he strikes again," said Will.
"Or 'she'," said Hay Lin, "The Oracle said, anything was possible with the new enemy."
"Right, Hay Lin," said Caleb, "Vathek had already done that, and we have sent reinforcements to the village already."
"I sure do hope everyone had what they needed," said a worried Elyon.
"Don't worry, Elyon, I'm sure you handled it well," said Cornelia.
"Oh, before I forget," said Will as she took out the amulet meant for Elyon given by the Oracle, "Here, something to keep you safe."
"Thanks," said Elyon as she put it on and the amulet emitted a small glow, "a memoir from the Oracle, perhaps."
"Perhaps," said Irma.
"Is there any reason why someone would harm the people in Meridian?" asked Vathek.
"That would seem foolish," said Caleb, "Meridian is flourishing under Elyon's reign!"
"Stop it, Caleb," said Elyon and she blushed, "I am trying my best here, you know."
"And everyone of Meridian can see that! I can see it," said Caleb with a smile.
"Ain't that cute? The Queen and the Warrior," whispered Hay Lin to Irma and chuckled then looked at Cornelia to make sure she hasn't heard her.
Most unfortunately, Cornelia did.
***
After dinner, Caleb made his way to Cornelia just as everyone was standing up and heading out of the dining room doors.
"Cornelia, hear me, please," he said, "It is nice to see you again."
Cornelia with her back turned from him determined not to look at him.
"Yes, it is nice to be back, to see Elyon," Cornelia emphisized the last three words and she catched up to join the others leaving Caleb behind standing.
That evening, as the Guardians were sent to their rooms which pleased each one of them, Elyon left to her chamber to rest her weary head.
Like every other days in Meridian, she had enjoyed it, but today, she was even more happier to have her friends with her. On her balcony, as she stared at the starry night with her night gown, she thought of those dearest to her.
Cornelia, Irma, Will, Taranee, Hay Lin… and a thought wandered off to… Caleb!
She had always thought of him so loyal, majestic and humble… Could she be in love?
A firm knock sounded behind her closed door, she turned and traversed her bedroom to open the door.
"Caleb!"
"Your highness, I anticipate that you would want some company," he said.
"I'm fine, Caleb, oh, just leave the door open, maybe we could let some air into the castle," said Elyon and made her way back to the balcony. Caleb followed after her and stood by her.
"Isn't this wonderful, Caleb? To have old friends back?"
"It most certainly is."
"I hope Cornelia isn't giving you a hard time. You know how she is."
"I enjoyed my time, your majesty."
"Oh, Caleb, there is more to you than loyalty. There is friendship, trust and a heart in you… a mighty heart. I'm so glad I have a friend like you, Caleb."
"I am more than a friend to you, your majesty… Elyon."
Elyon looked down at her hands upon hearing those words as they rested on the balcony, she also saw Caleb's hands next to hers. Her hands look so small against his. His were tough, big and strong, fit for a battle, fit as a warrior's hand can be.
What was she to him?
More than a friend, he had said…
Silence overpowered them. No one said a word, for fear of ruining the moment. A moment such as this was glorious to Elyon, just her and her dear friend… more than a dear friend.
Caleb felt that it was too quiet, she was too quiet. Nothing prepared him for what he did next as he reached for one hand and his other hand around Elyon's waist. He pulled her closer to him, and heard an audible 'oh!' from Elyon.
This small creature he had been protecting ever since, and now he had her in his arms. He gazed down at her and she looked intently at him.
With lips relaxed and ready to take their places, he leaned in towards her and planted a soft, warm kiss on her lips.
With lips moving in rhythm underneath the moonlight and the stars, Elyon finally realized that her love for Caleb had always been there, hidden underneath. She anticipated this moment, as she tiptoed and grasped harder around Caleb's neck and his soft hair.
Elyon felt a triumphant sentiment ready to burst in her heart. Had she ever wanted this, and not knowing it? She was certainly savoring this moment, and it would rest some place somewhere in her heart.
A scene to see, a scene to recall for time after time…
***
A shadow stood behind Elyon's large doors to her bedroom watching the two figures intently at the balcony as they made their way towards each other, reached each other and held each other steadfastly.
The figure wanted to have a nice conversation with Elyon, after not having to see her for weeks, when she stumbled upon the scene, which looked like a pretty painting on a canvas.
The form stood immobilized in the darkness, unable to decide whether to move or not. Willing to move since the scene caused her heart to ache with misery and pain, unwilling to move since she wanted to see Elyon. Now she was unsure whether to burst the bubble between these two lovers. She wanted to stop the scene, she wanted to do something.
The silhouette stood there too lost for words, with her mind settled on a decision, just as what the oracle had told her she would have to make, left the scene in a rush. She couldn't do anything... She hasn't got the heart to.
At the corner of Caleb's eyes, he saw someone with blonde hair which was not hard to miss pass through the door, with a very audible sob that reached to his ears, and he hoped Elyon had not heard it.
He parted his lips from Elyon and looked towards the doors. He finally realized who it was as terror, a feeling he thought he shouldn't be having, crept into his heart.
Cornelia…
thePointingCompass