Happy weekend! So in this chapter, noting much happens except for at the end. The way I ended up writing this story (and yes, I'm almost finished, I'm on Chapter 10 currently) is that this chapter and the next (which possibly may combine) are not that exciting, the the action builds in Chapter 9, 10 is a cliffhanger, and most of the action is packed into Chapter 11. That's were we're going with this, folks.

In other words, for my possible 5th and final Radiance book (depending on if I have a sad or happy ending), I need help with a title. Right now, I'm thinking of Ashes of a New Horizon, Shining Horizon, Rising from the Ashes, Rising Dawn, and many others I'v long forgotten; I'll add them in if I remember. Please tell me what you think in the reviews, and feel free to suggest a different title. The theme of the book will be rising up from the sadness of the past to a new, brighter future.

Random quote:
"Something is fishy..." *man with a fish stand appears* "Ugh, does everything have to be taken so literally around here!?"
–WordGirl "Villain School"

Disclaimer: A girl can dream!

So much for rejecting emotion, Becky thought to herself as she suited up for battle, seeing her adopted planet hurtling toward her as she fidgeted in her seat, her battle instincts kicking in. She was nervous about the war with Zenith but more importantly Tobey. What unimaginable tortures were been inflicted upon him? Becky felt queasy just thinking about it. Were they questioning him for information about the intricacies of Lexicon? About her? Would Tobey betray her one last time and spill all those secrets without any hesitation? Becky knew he wouldn't, if not for her then for Adelina. Glancing to the side at her comrade, she saw Adelina was bowing her head in silence, waiting for the verbal abuse to commence. Her long glossy hair was shielding her face, which meant she was fighting to hold back tears.

"I know I shouldn't done it," she began timidly, pulling herself together.

"I understand," Becky replied in the utmost sincerity. "I'm glad you did. You showed that Tobey and I didn't belong together, and you finally healed the pain in your heart."

Adelina nodded, tucking back her hair to reveal her eyes that while glistening with tears, were shinning with a radiance Becky had missed for so long, a radiance that Becky now sorely lacked. But now wasn't a time for lamentation and self-pity. Now was a time to stand tall and console others, even if it hurt. Billions of people were relying on her, and Becky couldn't afford to let them down.

"I'm just so scared, Alexandria," said Adelina. "I don't even know how it happened! One minute, he's with me, and ten minutes later he's nowhere to be found with only a letter of ransom in his place. Who knows what they could want with him! Will he be all right?"

"He has to be," she replied with a burning determination. The moment she had discovered Tobey's kidnapping – so much for the most secure building on Lexicon – Becky realized that she truly did love Tobey, even if he didn't love her back. Love wasn't something that just went away. Love didn't turn on and off like a light bulb. That was only when the couple was too blind to see it. Love was anger, love was misunderstanding, love was sacrifice, love was sorrow, and love was even hate. But most of all, love was staying together in spite of all of that or anything the universe threw at them. Love was being devoted to someone for all eternity, no matter what the cost. Maybe Tobey hadn't felt that way, but she sure did. Ironically, this is what Tobey must've been going through all those times when Becky harshly rejected him. How she regretted it now. Becky still couldn't shake the inexplicable feeling that all of this was her fault, and she was willing to do anything to make it right.

Becky gazed thoughtfully at Adelina. They really did love each other. Maybe… maybe if Becky truly loved Tobey, she would let him go. It would only hurt him to keep him selfishly to herself, not when he loved someone else.

"Thank you for understanding," Adelina whispered, united through friendship and strengthened through pain.

"Of course." Becky let her friend cry on her shoulder, comforting her not with words but with the fact that someone understood her sorrow.

"You're wrong, you know," Adelina whispered softly, with a hint of sadness, and it didn't take a genius to know what she meant.

Becky saw Planet Earth, her home, her real home, coming closer and closer. Whatever dangers lay ahead, she used to take comfort in the naïve belief that love could steer her through it all unscathed. Without that assurance of love, did she have what it was necessary to prevail?

"I hope so, Adelina."

Honestly, it was quite hilarious to see the noblest and most proper lords and ladies of Lexicon going completely berserk over commonplace things like a lamppost. Some were amazed, and some were disgusted, but all were spellbound by Planet Earth's novelties. Losing their uptight formalities, they ran amok with a child-like curiosity, with Lord Alaric practically dragging Becky over to explain a parking meter and with Lady Esmeralda complaining about the rain throughout their entire trek through Fair City, attracting more than a few wary glances from the citizens. Becky was amused by the Lexiconian's questions and wondered if she had behaved in this manner when she first arrived on Lexicon.

"With all of Lexicon's knowledge, wouldn't you have broader access to Earth's culture?" she inquired.

"Well, Earth is a rare case in our dimension," said Lord Alaric. "It's a special, unique planet. It's the only place that is not only completely disconnected to the rest of the dimension, but is also the only known realm to not inherit any of our special abilities. No one knows for sure, although many philosophers have come up with plausible explanations for this paradox, but in order to keep Earth in equilibrium, no planet is allowed to have direct contact with it unless in emergencies such as this. I wish the rules were more lenient, however. I can't believe you never told me how fascinating Earth is, Alexandria. It's one thing to study a planet but quite another to actually experience it firsthand. Say, what in the name of Asteria is that man doing, slipping strange pieces of paper into strangers' homes?"

Becky cut off his inquiry about the postal service, saying that they had arrived at City Hall. Quickly, she took inventory of their massive assembly. Once all 63 High Council members, 94 guards, and 1 queen had been accounted for (7 had to be dragged away from a map of the subway), Becky led the Lexiconians inside, unsurprised when they encountered no security of any kind. She threw open the double doors of the mayor's office dramatically.

"Mr. Mayor? I'm WordGirl, and I have something very urgent to discuss with you."

The mayor nearly jumped out of his skin at the sudden intrusion upon his busy Thursday schedule. (Bonus points if you know where I got the busy Thursday schedule!)

"WordGirl?" he repeated dubiously. "You're not WordGirl! She has that red outfit and cape."

Becky sighed and facepalmed at the mayor's incompetence. Shouting her catch phrase, she transformed into her signature superhero attire.

"WordGirl!" he declared happily upon recognition.

Yup, this was the right mayor.

"He hasn't changed a bit," Miss Power muttered with distaste as Becky changed back into her Lexiconian dress.

The mayor's smile faltered when he noticed Becky's vast entourage.

Noticing his concern, Becky continued. "Mr. Mayor, this is the High Council of Planet Lexicon and my mother, Queen Islanzadi."

"Um, okay," he replied, not appearing to understand anything Becky just said. "So why are you here? Is it about not having enough keys to the city, because I can–"

"Actually, it's much bigger than that," Becky interrupted. "You might want to sit down."

"So let me get this straight," he began carefully, once Becky had explained her story. "You're saying another planet is going to attack Earth in order to get revenge on you?"

"Yes, Mr. Mayor, and I would greatly appreciate it if you got the word around to all major officials in the United States, who then, I'm sure, will take it on an international scale. My mother and the council are willing to journey to disbelieving officials to verify your claims."

The mayor nodded and reached for his telephone.

"Wait," began Becky, who was expecting more disbelief for heralding an alien invasion, was amazed that the mayor actually believed her. "You really think I'm not making this up? I don't have to show you any holograms of the ships or anything? You do realize if this is a hoax, you could lose your job?"

"What's a hoax?"

"A hoax is an act intended to trick or deceive," replied all 159 Lexiconians in unison.

"Oh, well in that case, I don't think it's a hoax," he said matter-of-factly, without a hint of doubt. "You're WordGirl, and I trust you."

Becky was stunned yet touched by the mayor's blind faith in her. While the mayor conversed with the mayor of New York City, Becky turned to her council.

"Princess Alexandria, we beg you to re-consider," said Lord Alaric. "What if this is really just a hoax to leave our entire planet defenseless while we run off on a wild goose chase to save this planet that is, while fascinating, inferior?

Becky was appalled. "Of course I have considered that possibility. However, it's too much of a risk to leave Planet Earth without adequate protection."

"It's an even greater risk to not protect your own planet, princess!" interjected Lady Esmeralda, spatting out Becky's title as if she couldn't stand the taste of it upon her tongue. "What kind of an heiress are you if you don't attempt to save the planet you rule, the planet who has faith in you, the planet where you're really from? You may have been raised on Earth, but you are by no means human."

"I may not have been born on this planet, but this is my home now," retorted Becky. "And just because I've discovered my second world doesn't mean I'm giving up on my old one."

"But that's just it!" she cried. "You were never part of this planet. You owe humanity no allegiance, no repayment. Why do you insist on defending them?"

"Because I grew up here. Everyone I've ever loved is here. These are the people who've made me the person I am today; letting them die would be like killing a part of myself. I can't let them go. Don't you understand?"

"No, I don't! In the name of Asteria, why can't you ever think rationally for once? Why do you always let emotions control you?"

"They're a part of who I am."

"Gah! I refuse to be led by a future queen who is so utterly incompetent for the task! Lexicon needs a ruler who can guide our planet with strength and bravery, not an insipid, softhearted little girl!" This remark was greeting by mumblings of affirmation by other matters of the council.

"Lady Esmeralda, I won't permit you to speak to my daughter in that manner!" declared Queen Islanzadi. "The throne of Planet Lexicon is hers by birthright, and nothing you can do will change that."

"Mother, let me deal with this," said Becky with a bitterness and rage.

"You're not Becky Botsford or WordGirl anymore," continued the spiteful noble. "You're the princess of Lexicon, so you better start acting like it. If you wish to keep your title, you have to leave all of this behind you and save your home. Your real home." When Becky remained silent, she pressed on. "Everyone's lives are depending on you. Whether you like it or not, you have to make a choice. What are going to choose? The planet where you were always an outcast, unable to reveal your true self to the world out of fear? The planet where you never belonged, no matter how hard you tried? Or will you choose the planet of your birth, the planet that reveres and honors you? The planet where you never have to hide, finally free? For sixteen years, you've been trapped between two worlds, unable to let go, yet unable to fully belong to either. Now it's time to delve completely into one world for the sake of both. The only question is which one. Are you Becky 'WordGirl' Botsford of Planet Earth or Princess Alexandria Theia of Planet Lexicon?"

The choice was amazingly easy, made in a heartbeat without any doubt or uncertainty. Renouncing her royalty and Lexiconian heritage, Becky threw her diadem to the ground, shocking everyone in the room as the fragile headpiece shattered. Becky felt the strands of energy tying her to Lexicon's people fading into wisps of smoke as if they'd never existed. Then she firmly turned her back on her family and her destiny, taking to the sky in a streak of gold.

Well... nothing much to say about that. I think you all got the message.

I can't even tell you how much your reviews mean to me. Whenever I go on my email, there's always a tiny squeal of delight from seeing a message from FanFiction saying 'new review'. So keep them coming, please!

Love to all,

Bella