Chapter VII:
Moments earlier...
"Well now is the time to defeat Tarnas and reclaim your kingdom.", Elder Yerra said. "What say you, Warrior King!?"
"I guess it's time to take my kingdom back.", Angelo said.
"You can count on your fellow Mystic, Battle Warriors!", Micheal said as the other Battle Warriors nodded I agreement.
"Thanks, guys.", Angelo said.
What none of them, but W.I.T.C.H., Matt, and Caleb, knew was that Rubis was floating around them listening to all that was said.
"This is your chance to gain their favor.", Rubis said to W.I.T.C.H., Matt, and Caleb. "Offer your help in taking back the Drakken Kingdom."
"Don't forget about us!", Will said smiling. "The Guardians of Kandrakar are at your service!"
"Same goes for me!", Matt said.
"No.", Elder Yerra said.
"No!?", Taranee questioned.
"No.", Elder Forren said. "The Guardians and Regent will not be needed."
"And why not!?", Taranee asked.
"Because Angelo has more than enough to help him.", Elder Pran said.
"Oh yeah!? Well what if Angelo were to ask for our help!?", Irma asked. "What then!?"
"He will not need your help.", Elder Zorram said. "Will you King Angelo?"
"He's right, guys.", Angelo said. "I won't."
"What!?", W.I.T.C.H. questioned.
"Seriously, dude?", Matt questioned.
"I'm sorry, but he's right.", Angelo said. "I can call on so many Battle Warriors to aid me that it isn't even funny. Heck! If anything, I'll be doing them a favor by calling on them to help me."
"He makes a good point.", Alchemy said. "Things are pretty slow right now on Earth. Not to mention a few other worlds where there are other Battle Warriors."
"It would be something to see so many Battle Warriors in one place.", Selece said.
"What are we!? Chopped Liver!?", Irma questioned.
"No. All I'm saying is that it may be best to call on other Battle Warriors to aid me in this.", Angelo said.
"Okay. If this is about me accusing the Elders of making all of this up, then I'm sorry.", Cornelia said. "It was wrong of me to do that. Now as your friends, please let us help you take your kingdom back. Please."
"Okay. First, I accept your apology.", Angelo said. "Second, my decision has nothing to do with any of that."
"Then why?", Taranee asked. "Why won't you let us help you?"
"Because most of the Battle Warrior teams out there don't have that major battle experience.", Angelo said. "Small battles, yes. Some major baddies, sure. But no big time fights against an army. This may be their chance to get some of that under their belt."
"That does make sense.", John said.
"Then call them here to help.", Caleb said. "You can still have us there to help as well."
"Actually, lad, Angelo can not have any help from the other kingdoms.", Elder Forren said.
"And why not?", Caleb questioned.
"Because it will give the Drakken Kingdom the right to strike against us.", Mia said.
"We've seen it on Earth plenty of times.", Nigel said. "If a country aids another in a war, they will be attacked by the enemy in the future."
"Which is why we can't help.", Elyon said.
"It's cool. I got this.", Angelo said.
"So you're not going to let us help you?", Irma questioned.
"Nope.", Angelo said.
"But, Angelo..."
"Sorry, Will, but I don't need your help.", Angelo said. "And that is a good thing."
"But..."
"He is right.", Yan Lin said cutting Will off. "The Oracle sends the Guardians to places where they are needed to fight the good fight."
"But, Grandma...", Hay Lin began to say before Yan Lin shook her head with a kind smile.
"Unless Angelo ask for your aid, you are not to get involved. Unless the situation requires you to get involved.", Yan Lin said. "That is the Guardian way."
"Well I'm not a Guardian.", Matt said as he stepped forward. "I'm a Regent of Earth."
"And I'm asking you to not get involved.", Angelo said. "Besides. I have to do it like this.", Angelo said.
"Why?", Matt questioned.
"Because I want the people to see that the Guardians are not needed for everything.", Angelo said. "I have the power and resources to handle this without having to call on you. I'm sorry, but this is what I'm going to do."
"If that's what you want to do.", Will said as she and the girls along with Matt and Caleb walked off not to happy.
"That could of went better.", Angelo said.
"Can we talk, dude?", Nigel said as he, Martin, Eric, and Alchemy stood there.
"Can it wait until tomorrow?", Angelo said. "I would like to spend the evening with my girlfriend."
"So would I, but this is important.", Eric said.
"Is this about what just happened?", Angelo asked.
"Yes.", Eric said. "Can't you let them help?"
"Is it that important to you?", Angelo asked.
"Three of them are our girlfriends, man.", Martin said.
"And one of them is one of my best friends.", Alchemy said.
"Just like one of them is our good friend.", Selece said.
"And I understand that.", Angelo said as he held Elyon's hand. "More than you know. I really do, guys. But we're Mystic Battle Warriors. How's it going to look for us to call on the Guardians for help when we have plenty of fellow Battle Warriors to call on for help. It'll be an insult to them. You guys know that I'm right."
"He's right.", Halinor said. "The Guardians go where they are needed. And they are not needed for this. They may not like it, but they will get over it.", she said. "This is your battle, Angelo. And you are doing the right thing. You must show your kingdom that you are capable of handling this without aid from Kandrakar."
"Thanks, Mrs. Halinor.", Angelo said. "As for you all that have a Guardian girlfriend or best friend, I'm sorry. But it has to be this way. Besides. If my plan works, there'll be no need to fight a major war. For Tarnas will simply give up the throne.", he said to which his friends looked at him confused. "I'll explain everything tomorrow. Right now, I just want to spend some time with my girlfriend."
"I think that can be arranged.", Elyon said as they walked off together.
"What is he up to?", Kadma questioned.
"No idea.", Joe said. "But I have a feeling that we'll find out soon enough.", he said as he and Kadma walked off.
"So what do we do now?", Nigel questions asked.
"I say that we go and find our girlfriends and try to enjoy the evening.", Martin said as he, Nigel, and Eric went to look for their girlfriends.
Speaking of which, the girls along with Matt and Caleb are of course complaining about not being involved in helping Angelo.
"Unbelievable!", Cornelia said. "We offer our help to him and he turns it away!"
"Well when he needs our help, I'll be happy to tell him to get bent!", Irma said.
"That or make him beg for our help.", Matt said.
"Oh! I like that!", Cornelia said with a smirk. "To have the great King Angelo on his knees begging us for help!"
"Well that's disturbing.", Will said. "I know that you guys are mad but it's like Yan Lin said. We go to where we are needed."
"And you know that if we were needed, the Oracle will let us know.", Hay Lin said.
"It would still be nice if we could fight along side our boyfriends and friends.", Taranee said.
"Then why don't you?", Caleb questioned.
"Because the great Warrior King Angelo doesn't need our help.", Cornelia said.
"But he hasn't claimed the kingdom yet.", Caleb said with a cocky smirk. "You can go to the Drakken Kingdom before he does and take down Tarnas. Making you all the heroes to the kingdom!"
"Or better yet, we could claim the kingdom for ourselves!", Irma said. "I can see it now! The Guardian Queens!"
"I like the sound of that!", Cornelia said.
"I would advise against that, my friends."
Everyone looked to see Rubis floating among them.
"And why is that?", Taranee asked.
"If you try to claim the Drakken Kingdom for yourselves, then you will have to face the boy and his forces.", Rubis said. "And before some of you say that your beloveds or friends will not fight you, Angelo can call on others to fight by his side."
"And why would Angelo want the Drakken Kingdom so badly?", Matt asked.
"For one, it is his birthright.", Rubis said. "Second, as a king, he can marry Queen Elyon. Which is something worth fighting for. And he will win."
"So we stay out of it.", Will said.
"A wise choice.", Rubis said. "Besides. Once he claims his kingdom, Angelo will be busy rebuilding his kingdom. Which will give Caleb and his soon-to-be Battle Warriors time to train with their powers."
"Hmmmmm... Good point.", Caleb said.
"Then we stay with our original plan.", Will said getting nods from the others. "And you three can keep your boyfriends busy while Caleb and his team train.", she said to Irma, Taranee, and Hay Lin who nodded in agreement.
"Speaking of which.", Cornelia sad as she saw Martin, Nigel, and Eric.
"Hey.", Nigel said to Taranee with a smile.
"Hey!", Taranee said returning the smile.
As for Eric and Hay Lin, no words were needed as they smiled at each other smiling while holding hands. Martin and Irma on the other hand...
"And what do you want?", Irma asked as she turned away from Martin.
"You really going to do this?", Martin asked to which Irma ignored him.
"Well your leader did turn our help away.", Cornelia said. "Now you see how it feels."
"Okay. First off, we just tried to talk Angelo into letting you all help.", Martin said. "But then he explained why he was going with other Battle Warrior teams."
"And why is that?", Matt asked. "Does he think they're better than us?"
"It's not that, dude.", Nigel said as he sat down with Taranee.
"Then what is it?", Will asked. "I mean, we're all friends! What's the deal!?"
"That he can call on other Battle Warriors to help him.", Martin said. "That's all there is to it.", he said before turning to Irma who still had her back turned to him. "Now can we please enjoy the celebration together?", he asked Irma who said nothing. "You know what, fine. If this is how you want to be, Irma, you can be this way while I go and enjoy myself with my other friends.", he said as he turned and walked off.
As for Irma, she turned around thinking that Martin was still there only to find that he was gone.
"Where'd he go?", Irma asked.
"He left to hang with the others.", Eric said.
"Oh.", Irma said as she sat alone with her friends and their boyfriends surprised that Martin had left.
"Did you really think that he was going to just stand there and wait for you to talk to him?", Nigel asked. "A guy can only take so much."
"And as to what Martin said about Angelo having plenty Battle Warriors to call on. He's right.", Eric said.
"Explain.", Taranee said.
"How would it look for us to call on you guys for help when we have plenty of fellow Battle Warriors to call on. It'll be an insult to them.", Martin explained. "Plus, there's one more thing you all have to think about as well."
"And what's that?", Hay Lin asked.
"That you won't be Guardians all your life.", Eric said.
"He's right.", Taranee said. "From what Mrs. Halinor said, most Guardians are Guardians until they hit their early to mid 20's."
"Which is why Angelo wants to do this without you all.", Nigel said. "He wants the people to see that the Guardians are not the only ones to be depended on."
"Why need us when you have the mighty Mystic Battle Warriors?", Irma question sarcastically.
"Sort of.", Nigel said ignoring Irma's sarcasm. "Of course there will be Battle Warriors to help. But he also wants the people to learn to fend for themselves. I mean look at all the worlds out there. There are plenty that you haven't been to. And do you want to know why?"
"Because there hasn't been any problems big enough for us to be called to them.", Will said.
"That and/or they can solve their own problems.", Taranee figured.
"Bingo.", Nigel said. "Most of those worlds have their own heroes that are powerful enough to fight the evils they have. That or they can settle things peacefully."
"Okay. We get it. Angelo doesn't need our help.", Cornelia said. "You don't have to rub it in."
"Wasn't doing that.", Nigel said. "I'm just telling it like it is. Now if you will excuse me, I'd like to spend some time with my girlfriend alone.", he said as he stood up with a smiling Taranee and walked off with her.
"You know what? Let's go have some fun!", Eric said to Hay Lin who smiled at him as they got up and went to go have some fun.
"And then there was us.", Matt said. "You going to be okay, Irma?"
"Yeah.", Irma said. "I'll just go talk to Martin later."
"If you ask me, he should come talk to you.", Cornelia said.
"I agree.", Caleb said. "And to be honest, he should of stayed instead of leaving."
"Got that right!", Cornelia agreed. "He should be lucky to have you for a girlfriend. Heck! He should be lucky to have a girlfriend period! What you need to do is make him apologize to you for walking off."
"As fun as that would be, I need to keep him busy while Caleb and his team trains.", Irma said. "Remember?"
"Yeah. Yeah.", Cornelia said. "But you know that they'll be helping Angelo with his kingdom and all."
"Maybe. But they won't be doing that all the time.", Will said. "They'll have to go to school when Summer is over."
"True.", Matt said. "I still can't believe his luck."
"Who?", Will asked.
"Angelo.", Matt said. "I mean, with the fear of how the people will react to him and Elyon being together, he suddenly learns that his a king of his own kingdom. Talk about your dumb lucky break."
"Well it's a shame that we'll have to take his kingdom as well.", Cornelia said as she checked her fingernails.
"Come again?", Will questioned.
"She's right.", Caleb said. "If things go as planned, Angelo will just attack and try to rescue Elyon. And he'll have an army behind him."
"Then we will have to change our plans a little.", Rubis said as he floated above them.
"All we have to do is have him give up the kingdom in exchange for Elyon, the Heart of this world.", Cornelia said as if it were nothing. "Boom! Two kingdoms."
"Wow! Glad you're not one of the bad guys.", Matt said. "Or else we'd be in trouble.", he said as they continued to relax while others were enjoying themselves.
As for Angelo and Elyon, they were dancing to the slow music together among the other people who were there dancing as well and enjoying themselves.
"Are you enjoying the party, Your Majesty?", Angelo asked Elyon.
"Indeed I am, Your Majesty.", Elyon said with a smirk.
"It's going to take me a while to get use to that.", Angelo said.
"Welcome to the club.", Elyon said. "But now we can be together without no one being against it."
"That is a plus.", Angelo said. "Now I just have to take my kingdom from this Taranas guy. I just hope my plan works."
"I know it will.", Elyon said. "Whatever it is that you have planned. What is your plan any way?"
"I'll tell you later.", Angelo said. "Right now, I want you to enjoy this evening."
"That will not be a problem.", Elyon said as she and Angelo shared a loving kiss before they went back to enjoying the party.
Days passed and things were going well in the Meridian Kingdom. Farmers, were working the fields while the fishermen were catching their fish and other sea creatures that were edible. And everybody else was doing what they did best. Everything was fine in the kingdom of Meridian. Now in the Drakken Kingdom, word of the Warrior King returning was spreading far and wide hoping it was true. Now in the capital of Yaga, word of the Warrior King's return reached Tarnas and he was beyond pissed.
"Is my army ready, General Kalas?", the tyrant king asked his general.
"Yes and no, Your Majesty.", Kalas said.
"What do you mean?", Tarnas asked with narrowed eyes.
"Well when they heard about the Warrior King being found, some of the soldiers began to rebel.", Kalas explained.
"Is that so?", Tarnas questioned with a sneer. "Then lock those traitors up!"
"It's already been done, Sir. Thankfully, it was only 10% of the troops. They were easy to handle.", Kalas said. "Those loyal to you are ready to fight at a moments notice."
"Good. We need to be ready for sooner or later, that boy will be here to try and take this kingdom back for his family.", Tarnas sad.
"Sooner than you think.", came a voice from the balcony of Taranas' chambers.
Tarnas and Kalas both ran out onto the balcony to see a dark-skinned teenage boy floating in the air with a yellow energy aura around him with a sword strapped to his side and one strapped to his back.
"So which of you is Tarnas?", the boy asked.
"I am King Tarnas of the Drakken Kingdom!", Taranas said as he stepped forward. "And who are you boy?"
"Ah! Hello Taranas. I am Angelo Vanders. The Warrior King of the Drakken Kingdom.", Angelo introduced himself. "And you are in my palace.", he said with his arms folded across his chest.
"So you are the Warrior King?", Tarnas asked with a laugh. "I'm actually a bit impressed."
"I didn't come here to impress you.", Angelo said. "I'm here to reclaim my birthright."
"Is that so?", Tarnas questioned with a smirk. "You and what army boy?"
"That army.", Angelo said as he floated a bit to the right letting Tarnas and Kalas look out towards the outskirts of the city.
And what they saw got their attention. For on the outskirts of Yaga stood an army of Mystic Battle Warriors each separated in their colors! All the Powers were together while all the Flights were together just like the Strengths and Rushes were in their own groups. The same was said for the Phases, Barriers, Masses, and Gravitates. All ready to fight and help Angelo reclaim his kingdom.
"So that is your army?", Kalas asked.
"Yes.", Angelo said. "All are willing to help me take my kingdom. But I'm willing to settle this peacefully. Surrender now and avoid a pointless battle."
"Foolish boy! We have warriors at the ready to fight as well!", Kalas proclaimed. "You do not scare us!"
"But can any of them do this?", Angelo asked as he shot a beam of energy up into the sky.
Once he did this, all the Masses began to grow three stories tall surprising Tarnas and Kalas.
"You have giants!?", Kalas questioned.
"I have giants.", Angelo said. "And believe me when I say that they can fight. Now will you surrender?"
"Never!", Tarnas snapped. "It'll take more than that to scare me!"
"I figured that you would say that.", Angelo said. "So how about this? I, Angelo Vanders, challenge you, King Taranas, to a duel for the throne!"
"Are you insane, boy!?", Tarnas said. "I would crush you! You wouldn't last long against me!", he declared when Kalas walked up to Tarnas and...
"A word, Your Majesty.", Kalas said to Tarnas.
"Make it quick, Kalas.", Tarnas said as they stepped away from the balcony.
"Accept his challenge.", Kalas said low enough so only Tarnas could hear him.
"Have you lost it, Kalas!?", Tarnas questioned. "I can not risk it all in a duel."
"But if you win you can get an even more powerful army.", Kalas explained. "One that has giants. And who knows what else his other warriors can do.", he said with a smirk.
"Hmmmmmm... interesting.", Tarnas said as he rubbed his chin in thought.
"And with your sword skills that boy does not stand a chance against you.", Kalas said. "You can win this!"
"Very well!", Tarnas said with a smirk as he turned to face Angelo. "If it is a duel that you want, boy, then it is a duel you shall have. But let us make this a little more interesting."
"I'm listening.", Angelo said with a raised eyebrow.
"Let us make this a duel to remember!", Tarnas demanded. "Your Dragon's Fang against my Shadow Storm!"
"Our strongest weapons, huh?", Angelo questioned.
"Yes.", Kalas said. "If you win, then you shall have your birthright returned to you. But if King Tarnas wins, then all of your forces will belong to him. No questions asked."
"What say you, Warrior King?", Tarnas asked.
'You get all that?', Angelo asked Eric and Mandy through their telepathic link.
'Yeah.', Mandy said. 'And not just us. You're connected to all of the Battle Warriors here.'
'And all of us are behind you.', Eric said which got cheers from all the Battle Warriors there. 'You got this, man!'
'Then I know what I have to do.', Angelo said ready to give Tarnas his answer.
"You've got yourself a duel Tarnas!", Angelo said. "I'll see you out on the battlefield!", he said as he flew off to join his fellow Battle Warriors.
"Looks like we're about to have a bigger army.", Tarnas said as he went to prepare for his duel with Angelo.
"Indeed.", Kalas said following Taranas. "With those extra warriors and their powers, we just may have enough to finally take over all of Metamoor."
"The same thought crossed my mind, Kalas.", Tarnas said as they left his chambers and headed to his private armory. "Once I beat this whelp, we shall go after the other kingdoms one at a time leaving Meridian for last. How pleasing it will be to have that brat of a queen kneeling at my feet along with Phobos and that snake, Cedric!", he said with a sneer.
Once in his armory, Tarnas had two of his men help him with his armor while another two were doing the same with Kalas. Once he had his armor on, Kalas handed him his sword. The Shadow Storm. A blade that was just as powerful as the Dragon's fang and Blue Destiny. Tarnas smirked as he felt the power from his sword flow through him with each pulse of power.
"Let us end this.", he said as he marched out from the palace.
Soon Tarnas and Kalas were on their horses and riding out onto the battlefield with all of their troops where Angelo was waiting with his forces. Once close enough, Tarnas had his forces stop while he rode his horse down to where Angelo was waiting for him.
"I see that you have your troops at a distance.", Tarnas said as he looked behind Angelo to see that his forces were at a good distance from them.
"As do you, Tarnas.", Angelo said.
"That's King Taranas to you, boy.", Tarnas said as he got off his horse.
"Not for long.", Angelo said.
"Do not count your chickens before they hatch, boy.", Tarnas said as he stood before Angelo. "My Shadow Storm has taken down plenty of fools who believed they could defeat me. Can you say the same seeing as you just got the Dragon's Fang?"
"No. But I have faced plenty of villain that believed they couldn't be defeated.", Angelo said. "Plus, I've been practicing with my new sword."
"Then let us see if it has paid off.", Tarnas said as he unsheathed the Shadow Storm which was a black blade with runes carved into the blade that pulsed with power.
"As you wish.", Angelo said as he unsheathed the Dragon's Fang which had the pattern of a dragon on the blade that went from the tip to the hilt of the blade.
The hilt was made of a golden metal with diamonds in it. The whole sword shined with a beautiful light. Seeing this, Tarnas knew that without the shadow of a doubt, that the young man before him was the decedent of the Warrior King of the Drakken Kingdom. But he was not going to just give up his throne. No. Tarnas was not going to do that anytime soon. Not without a fight!
"Are you ready, boy?", Tarnas asked with a smirk.
"Ready as I'll every be.", Angelo said.
"Then let us settle this!", Tarnas snapped as they charged at each other.
Both warriors then swung their blades at each other with a powerful swing. Once the blades collided, a shock wave of power was released through out the battlefield surprising all that were there. But that didn't stop Angelo and Tarnas from going at it with all they had. As the two warriors were dueling, both sides were watching the duel routing for their leader to win. Now as this was going on, Orbis, Martin's AI, was transmitting the duel back to a monitor that sat in the throne room of Elyon's palace where she along with her sister, parents, royal court, W.I.T.C.H., Matt, Cassidy, Miranda, Yan Lin, and Kadma were watching the duel go down.
"So how did Angelo get Tarnas to agree to a duel.", Irma asked.
"He played to Tarnas' want for power.", Raythor said. "When he saw the 'giants' Angelo had with him, he wanted them. Hence the duel."
"Clever.", Will said.
"Let's just hope that Angelo can pull off a win.", Irma said.
"He has been training well.", Kama said. "He is ready.", she said as she and the others watched the duel unfold.
The battle between the two raged on as the two warriors' weapons clashed with each other. But then the clashing suddenly stopped when Angelo tried to hit Tarnas with a sweep kick that the man saw coming as he back flipped away from Angelo and then came at him with a sliding kick that Angelo jumped away from. Tarnas then leaped at Angelo with a flying kick knocking the Battle Warrior down only for him to flip to his feet and charge at Tarnas with a roundhouse kick that he was able to duck and counter with a strong body check knocking Angelo down to his side which gave Tarnas an opening to come down with his blade. Seeing this, Angelo quickly rolled to the side avoiding the incoming Shadow Storm as it struck the ground.
"I guess you're as tough as they say you are.", Angelo said as he readied himself for another round.
"You're not so bad yourself, boy.", Tarnas said as they charged at each other and continued fighting with their weapons as the sound of metal hitting metal rang in the air. "But I shall win this and your army shall be mine!"
"We'll see about tha!", Angelo said as he gave Tarnas a mighty push which sent him flying backwards only for him to stumble on his feet a bit.
Soon both were silent as they continued their duel. The sound of metal clashing against metal echoed through the battlefield. Both then gave a powerful swing in which their weapons clashed letting off another shock wave that sent them flying away from each other only Tarnas was ready as he unleashed a powerful wave of dark purple energy from the Shadow Storm. But at the same time, Angelo unleashed a powerful wave of white energy from his Dragon's Fang. Both waves of energy hit each other resulting in a powerful explosion.
"It seems that you are more powerful than I expected.", Tarnas said. "But it is time to end this!", he said as he held his Shadow Storm in a stance as he began to charge more energy into it.
"Couldn't agree more!", Angelo said as he did the same thing.
Everyone watched as the Shadow Storm began to glow with a dark purple aura while the Dragon's Fang glowed with a white one.
"This will settle it all.", Kalas said thinking that Tarnas would win.
"This is it.", John said as he stood with his fellow Battle Warriors.
Once they charged enough power in their blades, both warriors looked at each other as they dashed at each other. Once close enough, they swung their blades at each other with all the might in them. When the Dragon's Fang and Shadow Storm collided, they unleashed a powerful wave of energy along with a bright light that caused all those there to cover their eyes from it's brightness. Back at the palace everyone there waited for the light to fade just as those that were at the battlefield were doing.
"What the heck was that!?", Irma questioned.
"Two weapons of power clashing.", Julian said.
"Any idea who won?", Taranee asked.
"No idea.", Raythor said. "But I have a feeling that the duel is over."
"You think so, huh?", Matt questioned getting a nod from Raythor.
"Only question is, who won.", Caleb said.
"We'll soon find out.", Yan Lin said as the light slowly faded.
'Please be okay, Angelo.', Elyon prayed to herself.
'I so hope Vanders got his butt kicked!', Cornelia thought to herself. 'Then it'll be us who saves his butt to which the Guardians will once again prove that we are the best and Angelo and his Battle Warrior will have to admit it.', she thought as she hid her smirk.
Back on the battlefield, as the light slowly faded, everyone looked to see that both Tarnas and Angelo were both on the ground far from each other. The impact of their weapons sent them both flying away from each other.
"My word!", Kalas said in surprised by what he was looking at. "I've never seen His Majesty fall to anyone! And yet this boy was able to do so!"
Back at the palace, Elyon was beginning to worry as Angelo laid there on the ground. Seeing this, Mia placed a comforting hand on her sister's shoulder.
"He will be okay, Elyon.", Mia said. "After all he has been through, I doubt something like this will beat him.", she said with a smile that Elyon returned.
'Yes! Yes! Yes!', Cornelia cheered mentally while faking a look of concern. 'This is one of my best days ever!'
'Hope the dirt taste good, Vanders!', Caleb thought as he hid his smirk.
"They're getting up!", Aldarn said getting everyone's attention.
"What!?", Caleb questioned as he looked at the monitor.
'Are you kidding me?!', Cornelia questioned mentally.
Back on the battlefield, everyone watched as Angelo and Tarnas were slowly getting to their feet.
"This was one of the best fights I have had in a long time, boy.", Tarnas said with a smirk.
"Same here.", Angelo said with a smirk of his own.
"But now it is time that I finished this.", Tarnas said as he took a step towards Angelo who had his blade at the ready.
But once he took that step, Tarnas felt it. His body began to shake a little and try as he might, felt his strength slowly leave him. It was at that moment that Tarnas, the tyrant king of the Drakken Kingdom, knew he was defeated by the Warrior King, Angelo Vanders.
"Hmph! Looks like you've gained a kingdom, boy.", Tarnas said with a smirk. "Have fun with it.", he said as he dropped to his knees and to his side.
"Your Majesty!", Kalas shouted as he and some troops rode their horses to their fallen king.
Seeing Tarnas' troops riding towards Tarnas and Angelo, the other Battle Warriors charged towards them as well.
"Wait!", Angelo called out stopping his forces.
As for Kalas and the troops that came with him, they gathered around their king ready to fight.
"You shall have to defeat us if you want our king!", Kalas declared as he and his troops had their weapons at the ready.
"Do you really think you can defeat us?", Angelo asked. "I just defeated your king. Who is very powerful. My fellow Battle Warriors are more than powerful enough to defeat your troops. Do the right thing and give up."
"Never!", Kalas said.
"It's over, Kalas.", Tarnas said as he slowly got to his feet.
"Your Majesty?", Kalas questioned.
"He has defeated me, in a fair fight.", Tarnas said.
"But he is a Mystic Battle Warrior!", Kalas said as he pointed his sword at Angelo. "We know of the power he has! This fight was not fair!"
"But he wasn't using his powers.", Tarnas said. "Were you, boy?", he asked with a smirk.
"Not at all.", Angelo said. "When I flew back here from the palace, I slipped this on.", he said as he pulled up his left sleeve showing a leather band that had a gem on it that looked a lot like the one that was on Miranda's choker. "The gem keeps my powers at bay. The only ones who can unlock it are Queen Elyon and her sister, Princess Mia. For it is their energy that keeps it locked."
"So as you can see, Angelo was fighting Tarnas with his own natural skills.", John said.
"And he won the duel.", Tarnas said with a grin. "But who would believe that a mere boy defeated me, the mighty Tarnas!?", he asked with a smirk.
"Everyone in the Drakken Kingdom.", Martin said as he walked up to them with Orbis floating next to him. "Let me introduce you to Orbis. In each city, village, and town there is one like him. Everything that has happened here today Orbis has seen and sent to the other orbs around the kingdom that have been showing what just happened to everyone."
"So in other words, everyone knows that you have lost, Tarnas.", Angelo said. "It's over."
"Clever boy.", Tarnas said. "It seems that all you have to do is claim my Shadow Storm.", he said as he took the sheath to the weapon and tossed it next to his sword.
"Nice try. But I'm not falling for that.", Angelo said. "If you would please, Alchemy."
"With pleasure.", Alchemy said as she used her powers to form a form fitting barrier around the Shadow Storm and it's sheath and sheathed the weapon.
"Thank you.", Angelo said. "I did my homework on you, Tarnas. I know that, like my Dragon's Fang, only you and anyone you trust can hold the Shadow Storm. Now here's what's going to happen. You and all of your followers are going to be locked up for a long time. Uncle John, can you make sure they're locked in a cell that doesn't have a secret way out?"
"No problem.", John said.
"Alchemy, I want you to put that sword somewhere safe.", Angelo said. "Also, I want you and Martin to take Taranas' armor and put it with the Shadow Storm."
"Gotcha.", Martin said.
"You okay, man?", Eric asked Angelo as he noticed how his friend looked.
"Y-Y-Yeah.", Angelo said as he began to feel dizzy. "Just a bit wiped from the duel.", he said before fainting.
"Angelo!", John yelled as he caught his nephew under his arms.
"Is he okay?", Nigel asked.
"Yeah.", John said. "He's just weakened from using the Dragon's Fang the way he did. Marcus. Malcom. I need you two to take Angelo back to Elyon's palace. Ten to one Elyon will meet you in Angelo's chambers."
"Yes, sir.", they said as hoisted Angelo's arms over their shoulders and teleported away.
"As for the rest of us, we have work to do.", John said.
Now back at Elyon's palace, the Meridian queen and her sister wasted no time teleporting to Angelo's chambers where Malcom and Marcus had just laid Angelo onto the bed.
"Is he okay?", Elyon asked as she and Mia watched Angelo's cousins lay him on the bed.
"He's okay.", Malcom said. "He's just tired from his duel with Tarnas."
"Once he is rested up, he'll be good to go.", Marcus said. "But maybe you and Mia should remove that band from his wrist."
"Don't have to tell me twice.", Elyon said as she and Mia walked up to Angelo and touched the gem on the band absorbing the energy they put in it.
Once they did this, the gem's glow faded allowing Elyon to remove the band and hand it to Malcom.
"Who of thought that we'd have a king for a cousin?", Marcus questioned with a grin.
"Weirder things have happened.", Malcom said with a grin of his own. "Come on, Bro. We have to get back to the others. See yo two later.", he said to Elyon and Mia before teleporting away.
"Later!", Marcus said before he teleported way.
"Interesting family Angelo has.", Mia sais with a small smile.
"Yeah.", Elyon said with a smile as she sat on the bed and held Angelo's hand.
Knowing that Elyon wasn't going to leave Angelo's side, Mia left the two of them alone and headed for the throne room. Now in the throne...
"So let me get this straight.", Irma said still letting what happened sink in. "Angelo was transformed yet couldn't use his powers."
"Yes.", Kadma said.
"But how?", Caleb asked.
"You know how the choker blocks Miranda's shape-shifting powers?", Yan Lin asked getting a nod from everyone but Kadma. "Well, the band Angelo had on blocked all of his powers. He was just in his Battle Warrior form fighting with his natural powers."
"Why take such a risk?", Will asked. "Tarnas could of beaten him."
'If only.', Irma thought to herself.
"It was something he had to do.", Julian said. "The people needed to see that he was strong without his powers."
"Kind of like how Elyon had to go through the Trials.", Alborn said. "Only this was an all out duel between two powerful weapons."
"But he could of just attacked with all of those Battle Warriors.", Matt said.
"Well if you ask me, Angelo was just showing.", Cornelia said with a scoff.
"Is that so?", Kadma asked not liking the tone in Cornelia's voice.
"Yes it is.", Cornelia said.
"And I agree with her.", Caleb said.
"Same here.", Irma said.
"Me too.", Taranee said. "I'm sorry, Kadma, but Angelo could of just charged the palace and been done with it all."
"But instead he goes with this duel which was way to risky.", Will said. "That was not wise of him."
"If he had lost, all of those Battle Warriors would be a part of Tarnas' army.", Hay Lin said. "Including Eric, Martin, and Nigel!"
"And what of the people in the palace? Let alone the city it was in.", Yan Lin said. "Angelo wanted to avoid getting innocent people hurt."
"Had Angelo decided to attack the city, many innocents would of been wounded or worse.", Aldarn said. "The duel was a wiser choice."
"Plus, the people will see that Angelo cares for the people.", Drake added.
"Which in turn will show him to be a good king.", Caleb said knowing that what Angelo did was a smart thing with all the resources he had.
"Indeed he did.", Mia said as she was walking up to the group. "The people of the Drakken Kingdom need to see that the Warrior King is a good king that cares for his people. Angelo has a hard road ahead of him. He will need any and all advantages he can get."
"No one said being a ruler was going to be easy.", Kadma said with a grin. "Besides. Had Tarnas won the duel, Angelo had a Plan B."
"And that was?", Irma asked with a raised eyebrow.
"All those Battle Warriors would of waited until nightfall and pulled off a major take over from the inside.", Cassidy explained.
"Taranas would not of seen that coming.", Miranda replied.
"Clever.", Raythor said with a grin.
"So what happens now?", Hay Lin asked.
"Now the rebuilding of the Drakken Kingdom begins.", Raythor said. "The lad will have his work cut out for him."
"And that's where all those Battle Warriors come in.", Yan Lin said. "They'll weed out those that are loyal to Taranas and round them up. It will be up to Angelo to decide on what to do with them."
"He'll then have to form a new royal court.", Alborn said. "Which may consist of his fellow Battle Warriors along with the leaders of the rebellion that Tarnas defeated."
"Why his team?", Will questioned. "They have lives of their own to live."
"True.", Miriadel said. "But ask yourself this. If you were to become a ruler of a kingdom, wouldn't you want for your fellow Guardians to be part of your royal court."
"She makes a good point.", Matt said.
"I guess so.", Will said. "It's just that what if they don't want to be part of Angelo's royal court?"
"Then they won't be.", Kadma said. "Angelo told me that he will ask them about it and go from there. He will not force it on them."
'And that gives me an idea.', Cornelia thought to herself just as Elyon entered the throne room.
"How is he?", Kadma asked the young queen.
"Still resting.", Elyon said as she sat on her throne. "He hasn't woke up yet, but he is okay."
"Give him time. He will wake up soon.", Miriadel said with a kind smile that Elyon returned.
"As much as I didn't want Angelo to go through with the duel, part of me is glad he did.", Elyon said. "A lot of harm and damage was avoided today."
"Indeed it was.", Yan Lin said.
"Here's a question.", Irma said. "Now that he is a king, will Angelo still be a Battle Warrior?"
"That is a good question.", Cornelia said hiding a smirk.
"He'll still be a Battle Warrior.", Elyon said.
"Now how's he going to pull that off?", Matt questioned.
"There are some Battle Warriors that are leaders of some sort on their home worlds.", Kadma explained. "They have found a balance between their Battle Warrior duties and their duties on their home world. There were some tough times, but they managed to pull it off."
"Well here's hoping that he can pull it off.", Will said.
'I so hope it all blows up in his face!', Irma thought to herself. 'That'll be a good laugh!'
An hour later, Angelo was still sleeping with guards at the outside of his room when Cornelia and Irma teleported into the room with Caleb in tow. Cornelia then used her powers to make a telekinetic shield along the walls of the room making it sound-proof.
"Look at him.", Cornelia said as she glared at Angelo's sleeping form. "Sleeping without a care in the world.."
"I could end all of this right now.", Caleb said as he looked down at Angelo. "One thrust from my sword and it'll be over.", he said as he gripped the handle of his sheathed dagger.
"Easy there, Rebel-Boy.", Irma said with a grin. "We don't want to kill the guy, just get him and Elyon to break-up."
"Something that will not happen.", Cornelia said with a scowl. "For they 'love' each other.", she said sarcastically while rolling her eyes.
"It's a shame that I can't use my mind control on him.", Irma said with a smirk.
"It is, isn't it?", Cornelia questioned. "But I do have an idea about you, Taranee, and Hay Lin's boyfriends when it comes to them being part of Angelo's royal guard."
"What kind of idea?", Irma questioned with a raised eyebrow.
"I'll tell you all later.", Cornelia said as she dropped the shield. "Right now we need to split before someone comes in here.", she whispered before she and Irma teleported away with Caleb in tow.
An hour later, Angelo woke up and asked for not only Elyon but also his Uncle John, Jum Lin, his fellow Battle Warriors, and his grandparents.
"Glad to see you doing better.", John said as Elyon sat on the bed with Angelo.
"You and me both.", Angelo said with a grin. "So how's the gathering of Taranas' loyal followers coming along?"
"Very well.", Martin said. "When the people saw Taranas' defeat, they began to help round up any and all of Tarnas' follows."
"Every town has captured those loyal to Taranas and locked them up for us to come and take away.", Eric said. "We told them to keep them locked up for us to come and take away. We also told them to treat them fairly and to let no harm come to them."
"Good.", Angelo said. "I want to go to each town and see these people before I decide on what to do ith them. But right now, I have something I want to talk to you all about."
"Can't it wait until you get some rest?", Kadma asked.
"It can, but I want to get this over with now seeing as this is important.", Angelo said.
"What's on your mind my boy?", Joe asked his grandson.
"Well seeing as it's Summer, I can do a lot of work here. And with the Battle Warrior Elders knowing about all of this, we won't be called away for any missions for a while.", Angelo began to explain. "But when school starts up in September, I like Elyon won't be running my kingdom while I'm in school. Which brings me to my grandparents. I know it's a lot to ask, but do you two think you can run things in Drakken when I'm in school?", he asked Joe and Kadma.
"Of course.", Joe and Kadma said smiling.
"Thank you.", Angelo said. "Uncle John. Ms. Jun. There are going to be a lot of towns, villages, and cities that are going to need rebuilding. Think we can get the Battle Warrior Construction Crew to help with that?"
"Don't see why not.", Jun Lin said.
"We'll just see what needs to be done and go from there.", John said.
"Good.", Angelo said before turning to his fellow Battle Warriors. "As for you guys. We've been a pretty strong team for a good while now. Now what I'm about to ask of you is major."
"What do you mean?", Selece asked.
"Well, I'm going to need a royal court to help me run things.", Angelo explained. "I plan on asking those that led the rebellion in the Drakken Kingdom to join it, as well as those that the people look up to. But I know that I'm going to need those that know me pretty well. Which is where you guys come in. So Martin Tubbs, Nigel Ashcroft, Eric Lyndon, Alchemy Ethel, Mandy Anderson, Micheal and Selece Robertson. If you are willing, can you also become part of the royal court of the Drakken Kingdom."
A/N: Looks like Angelo is going to have his work cut out for him! Now the question is will his friends become part of his royal court? And what does Cornelia have planned? And will she be able to pull it off? Read on to find out.
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