Chapter X: Something Unexpected
Flashback
"Now offence, Mia, but this place gives me the creeps.", Cassidy said as she along with Mia, Miranda, Matt, and Caleb were walking down their path in search of Phobos and Cedric.
"None taken.", Mia said. "I was pretty scared when I first came here. It takes some getting use to."
"You can say the again.", Matt said. "The sooner we find and capture Phobos and Cedric the better."
"So how does it feel to be hunter for your former lover?", Caleb asked Miranda. "Or maybe you still have some feelings for him."
"I only feel pity for Cedric.", Miranda said. "He has possibly ruined any and all chances of him being free legally."
"That was never going to happen anyway.", Caleb said. "Once we capture him, he'll go back to serving his life sentence."
"You don't know much about Shape-shifters do you, Caleb?", Miranda questioned. "We age a lot slower than Humans. And I mean A LOT slower."
"She's right.", Mia said. "They can live for a good three to four hundred years."
"Indeed they can.", came a familiar voice.
Everyone looked forward to see Phobos standing before them alone.
"Phobos!", Mia snapped. "Surrender now, brother and no one has to get hurt!"
"Wait a minute!", Matt said. "Where's Cedric?"
It was then that Miranda had a feeling in the back of her neck telling her that danger was coming. It was then that it came to her.
"Everyone move!", she shouted as she pushed Caleb and Mia out of the way.
Suddenly, Cedric came bursting out from the ground in his snake-man form under Miranda knocking her up into the air.
"Miranda!", Cassidy cried as Cedric grabbed Miranda with his tail and slithered over to Phobos with a smirk on his face.
"Matt! Single for the others!", Mia said.
"Gotcha!", the regent said as he fired a beam of energy into the air knowing the others would see it.
Moments later, the Guardians and Battle Warriors arrived.
"What the heck!?", Alchemy questioned. "What happened here!?"
"One minute we're walking down the path searching for those two jokers when suddenly, Cedric pops up from the ground and grabs Miranda.", Cassidy explained.
"And since she can't shape-shift, she's stuck.", Martin said.
"Back off, heroes! Or the traitor gets what's coking to her!", Cedric demanded as he held Miranda with his tail.
"Cedric, no!", Phobos said surprising everyone there. "This isn't what I had planned."
"Say what now?", Irma questioned being as confused as everyone else.
End Flashback
"Let her go, Cedric.", Phobos said to Cedric.
"What!?", Cedric questioned. "Have you gone mad!? We have a hostage! We can use this little traitor to escape! Not to mention go after your sister and take her power!"
"And then what, Cedric?", Phobos questioned. "Get into a battle we lose in time? No my friend. I only wish to be free and live my life."
"Okay. That's new.", Eric said.
"If you want freedom so badly, then this is the way to achieve it!", Cedric snapped before turning his attention to the young heroes. "If you value Miranda's life, then you shall let us pass!", he said as he began to squeeze Miranda with his tail getting a scream of pain out of her.
"Like you'd put your Ex in any danger!", Cornelia said as she made some rocks float in the air in front of Cedric. "Take this!", she shouted as she sent the rocks flying at the Shape-shifter.
With a smirk on his face, Cedric held Miranda in front of him using her as a Human shield.
"Cornelia stop!", Mia cried out.
But the Earth Guardian didn't listen as she kept the rocks flying. Seeing this, Miranda closed her eyes waiting for the impact. Thankfully, Alchemy was fast enough to put up a barrier wall up blocking the attack.
"What's the matter with you!?", Cornelia questioned as she glared at Alchemy.
"You could have hit Miranda!", Alchemy said.
"Your point?", Irma questioned.
"Wow! Now that's messed up.", Cassidy said.
"We need to capture those two by any means necessary!", Matt said as he got ready to fire his eyebeams at Cedric.
Suddenly, much to everyone's surprise, Phobos attacked Cedric with an energy beam knocking the Shape-shifter down which in turn loosened his hold of Miranda.
"Whoa!", Taranee said.
"What gives?", Mandy questioned. "I thought you all said he was one of the bad guys."
"He is.", Cassidy said.
"So why attack his escape buddy?", Alchemy questioned.
"No idea.", Martin said as Angelo went to get Miranda.
"You okay, Miranda?", Angelo asked as he helped her to her feet.
"Yeah.", Miranda said as she rubbed her head. "Did Phobos just save me?"
"Yeah.", Angelo said as he turned to look at the fallen prince. "What gives, Phobos?"
"It is like I said, Battle Warrior.", Phobos said. "All I want is to be free and live a normal life. Even if it is on another world."
Suddenly, Cedric got up with a mighty roar of rage surprising everyone! It was then he looked down at Phobos with a glare of anger.
"Your chance at a normal life has just ended!", Cedric snapped as he whipped at Phobos with his tail sending him flying at a tree crashing against it hard.
Seeing his chance, Cedric dug into the ground and made his way towards the entrance of the forest in hopes of getting away.
"He's getting away!", Matt said.
"No he won't! We Battle Warriors will go after him, while the rest of you take Phobos back to the prison!", Angelo said. "Let's move, team!", he said as they went after Cedric.
"We'll go with you!", Mia said as she, Cassidy, and Miranda followed with Alchemy carrying Miranda and Mia with her in her force-field.
"And now to take you back to your cell, Phobos.", Caleb said as Cornelia tied the fallen prince up in vines as he regained consciousness. "But I have to ask. Why attack Cedric?"
"Because I only escaped to be free and hopefully live a normal life.", Phobos said.
"Yeah right!", Irma said.
"It is the truth.", Phobos said.
"He speaks the truth.", came a voice that surprised all but Phobos.
"What the heck...!?", Will questioned. "Who's there!?"
"A friend, if you'd like.", the voice said when a small ball of purple and red light appeared before them.
"Whoa!", Hay Lin shouted as she jumped back.
"What is that!?", Taranee questioned.
"And where did it come from!?", Cornelia questioned.
"Greetings heroes of Meridian. I am Rubis.", Rubis said introducing himself. "I one of Phobos, Mia, and Elyon's ancestors. Or at least I was. Now I am a wandering spirit who watches over the kingdom. And I must say that the past actions of Phobos are nothing to be proud of."
"You can say that again.", Irma said. "Which is why he's going back to prison."
"I can understand why you want to put him back in prison.", Rubis said. "But what if I told you that Phobos is willing to make a change?"
"Him? Change?", Will questioned. "I don't think so."
"Ah! But he is.", Rubis said. "Just like Miranda, all he need is a chance."
"Sorry, but we don't trust her either.", Cornelia said. "So why should we trust Phobos?"
"Because he just may be the only hope for this kingdom.", Rubis said. "Perhaps for all of Metamoor."
"Are you insane!?", Caleb questioned. "How can Phobos, of all people, be the only hope for Metamoor after all he has done?"
"Since I've become a spirit, I have been around this world many times.", Rubis said. "I've soared the skies, roamed the many mountains, wandered through the kingdoms of this world, and journeyed the Infinite City. I have seen the damage Phobos has done to this world. I know of the harm he is capable of. But I also know of the good he can do for Meridian and all of Metamoor if given the chance."
"Sorry but I'm not buying it.", Will said.
"Besides. Elyon is doing enough for Meridian.", Taranee said.
"Is she now?", Rubis questioned. "You all said it yourselves. The one known as Angelo is something of a distraction to her. Is he not?"
"Well...", Hay Lin said. "Elyon says that he's a good thing for her."
"She is young. She thinks she is in love.", Rubis said. "And to be honest, she is to young to be ruling a kingdom. And there is the fact that she spent most of her life on another world."
"Well there is Mia.", Irma said.
"Yes. Mia has done well.", Rubis said. "But there are those that fear she may go berserk and terrorize the kingdom."
"She had shown no sign of such things.", Caleb said.
"Maybe not, but what is to stop her if she does?", Rubis questioned.
"There's Elyon.", Will said. "And she stronger than she looks...
"Thanks to the Battle Warriors.", Rubis said finishing what Will was about to say. "Speaking of which, why are there no Battle Warriors for Metamoor?"
"Well we thought that Caleb could be one but he doesn't have the so-called spark they talk about.", Cornelia said in a bitter tone.
"Ah yes! The Spark.", Rubis said. "The one thing that can make a Battle Warrior who they are. What if I were to tell you there was a way for one that doesn't have the Spark to become a Battle Warrior?"
"I knew it!", Caleb said.
"But first, you have to hear me out about Phobos.", Rubis said.
"I don't know about this, guys.", Will said.
"I'm with Will.", Hay Lin said.
"I know you have your doubts, young ones.", Rubis said. "But for the sake of Metamoor, I ask that you at least hear me out before it is to late."
"What could be the harm of hearing him out while we take Phobos back to prison?", Taranee asked.
"Besides. He was once a ruler of Meridian.", Cornelia said. "He may know something we don't."
"I say we hear him out.", Caleb said. "What could the harm be in that?"
"Okay fine.", Will said being a bit curious. "We'll hear him out while taking Phobos back to prison.", she said as they took to the air with Matt carrying Phobos and Cornelia and Irma carrying Caleb. "Start talking. And it better be good."
"Very well.", Rubis said. "What I have to say is important, so pay attention. All of you."
And so Rubis told them what he had to tell them. Meanwhile, the others had captured Cedric and were just delivering him back to the prison where Elyon was waiting.
"Well, that was easy.", Nigel said as Elyon closed Cedric's cell with energy bars.
"So where are the others?", Elyon asked.
"They should be on their way here with Phobos.", Eric said.
"But they should have been here by now.", Mia said.
"They could be taking their time seeing as they're in the Dark Forest.", Martin said.
"Maybe.", Cassidy said. "Maybe we should go look for them."
"There'll be no need for that.", Came Irma's voice getting the attention of the others.
Everyone looked to see the Guardians, Matt, and Caleb walking towards them with Phobos wrapped in vines floating in the air thanks to Cornelia's powers.
"We were beginning to worry about you all.", Cassidy said as Cornelia used her powers to put Phobos in his cell while unwrapping the vines from him.
"We had to take our time in the Dark forest.", Will explained. "That place can really drain you.", she said as Elyon closed Phobos' cell with energy bars.
"Isn't there something you can do about the effect it has on people, Mia?", Taranee asked.
"Sorry.", Mia said with a smile. "But the Dark Forest is the Dark Forest. No one knows how it works and why it does what it does."
"Well that's helpful.", Irma said sarcastically as they all exited the prison.
"Sorry. That is how it is.", Mia said.
"I'm just glad that Phobos and Cedric are back in their cells.", Elyon said. "Now I can continue my training in peace.", she said as she grabbed onto Angelo's arm with a smile.
Seeing them together brought a frown on Cornelia's face. How she wanted Elyon to break up with Angelo, but she knew that it wasn't going to happen anytime soon. Now as they all were out of the prison, Phobos sat in his cell with a smirk on his face.
"So are things going as planned?", Avis asked.
"Indeed they are.", Phobos said. "Rubis has played his part well. The Guardians along with the Regent and Caleb are with us."
"Are you sure?", Avis questioned.
"Yes.", Phobos said. "Now all we have to do is wait."
"What are you talking about, you fool!?", Cedric questioned.
"I believe it is time to let Cedric in on our little plan, Rubis.", Phobos said.
"Rubis?", Cedric questioned. "Who do you speak of?"
"He speaks of me.", Rubis said as he made himself visible to Cedric.
"What are you?", Cedric questioned.
"A friend.", Rubis said. "If you are willing to listen to what I have to say, Cedric."
"And why should I listen to you?", Cedric asked.
"Because if you do, you shall rule one of the kingdoms of Metamoor.", Phobos said. "As one of my general kings, of course.", he said with a smirk.
"Hmmmmm...", Cedric said thinking about it. "Interesting. Very well. I shall hear you out, Rubis."
"Then listen and listen well.", Rubis said. "Afterwards, you can think about what we have to offer."
Days later, it was time for the Honor Guard to have their weekly meeting which also included Miranda's parole meeting. Which went well, of course. Now everything was going well with the meeting when...
"What of Avis?", Vathek asked. "Will he still be staying in our prison?"
"I had received a letter from the king of the Skyan Kingdom.", Mia said. "And he says that seeing as Avis did his crime against us, that we can decided his fate."
"Then I say we put him on trial and go from there.", Aldern suggested.
"I agree.", Drake said.
"Are we all in agreement on this?", Elyon asked getting nods from everyone there. "Very well.", she said. "Well if there are no other matters to talk about, I'd like to call this meeting to an end.", Elyon said as he was about to get up.
"There is one thing, Your Majesty.", Caleb said.
"What is it, Caleb?", Elyon asked.
"It is the matter of what happened between Phobos and Cedric in the Dark Forest.", Caleb said.
"What do you mean?", Elyon asked.
"I believe he's talking about how our brother actually did a good act in saving Miranda from Cedric.", Mia said.
"I am.", Caleb said.
"Okay then.", Elyon said. "What do you have to say?"
"Well... I as well as everyone there was quite surprised by Phobos' actions when he did what he did. He didn't even try to escape when we captured him.", Caleb said.
"What are you getting at, son?", Julian asked.
Looking around at everyone there, Caleb knew that he would be questioned by what he was about to say. So after taking a deep breath, Caleb stood up and...
"Maybe we could use Phobos to help make Meridian a better place.", he said surprising everyone in the room.
"What did you just say?", Vathek asked Caleb. "What do you mean 'use Phobos'?"
"I mean with his knowledge of things, we can make our kingdom a better place.", Caleb said.
"Please tell me that you do not want to put Phobos on parole.", Drake said to his good friend.
"In a way, yes.", Caleb said earning gasp of surprise from everyone.
"Have you lost your mind!?", Mia questioned. "Do you know how dangerous he is!?"
"I do.", Caleb said. "Which is why I really thought about this for a while before I decided to bring this to you all."
"So let me get this straight.", Elyon said. "You, who were so against putting Miranda on parole, now want to take a chance with putting Phobos on parole?"
"Yes.", Caleb said.
"Are you sure he is not under some kind of mind-control?", Miranda questioned.
"If he was, I would know.", Elyon said with a raised eyebrow.
"I am under no mind-control, Your Majesty.", Caleb said. "It is just after what happened with you and Angelo, I realise that there are still threats out there to our kingdom and possible to all of Metamoor."
"And you believe that with Phobos we can defend against those threats?", Raythor questioned.
"I do.", Caleb said. "He knows how our possible enemies think. And that can be a great advantage for us."
"A good theory.", Tynar said. "But what's to stop him from pulling something of his own to steal the queen's power?"
"We can put the same kind of chocker Miranda has on him.", Caleb suggested.
"This is to much of a risk, Caleb.", Alborn said. "Even with the chocker, Phobos is a cunning man. You of all people know this."
"I know what he is capable of.", Caleb said. "We all do."
"Then why even suggest this when you know that we'll be against it?", Drake questioned.
"Because he's not the only one for this.", Elyon said. "Are you, Caleb?"
"He isn't?", Miriadel questioned. "Who else would be for this!?"
"The Guardians along with the Regent of Earth.", Caleb said surprising everyone but Elyon.
"You're joking!", Raythor said.
"No. I am not.", Caleb said.
"This is madness!", Vathek said. "With all due respect to the Guardians and Earth Regent, why should we even think about giving Phobos parole just after he pulled off an escape days ago?"
"Because it's not just because os what he did in the Dark Forest.", Caleb said. "It's what he said there as well.", he said. "Princess Mia and Miranda know this as well."
"What did he say?", Miriadel asked.
Taking a deep breath, Mia recalled the events that took place that night.
Flashback
"Back off, heroes! Or the traitor gets what's coking to her!", Cedric demanded as he held Miranda with his tail.
"Cedric, no!", Phobos said surprising everyone there. "This isn't what I had planned."
"Say what now?", Irma questioned being as confused as everyone else.
"Let her go, Cedric.", Phobos said to Cedric.
"What!?", Cedric questioned. "Have you gone mad!? We have a hostage! We can use this little traitor to escape! Not to mention go after your sister and take her power!"
"And then what, Cedric?", Phobos questioned. "Get into a battle we lose in time? No my friend. I only wish to be free and live my life."
End Flashback
"It was then that Phobos attacked Cedric freeing Miranda.", Mia said. "Cedric then attacked Phobos and got away. Thankfully, the Battle Warrior along with Miranda and Cassidy were able to capture him."
"I see.", Tynar said. "And you think that because of his actions that night, Phobos deserves a second chance?", he questioned Caleb.
"Were you and the soldiers given a second chance?", Caleb asked. "Was not Raythor, Sandpit, and Gargoyle? And now Miranda is given a second chance."
"One that you are still against.", Miranda said.
"May I ask if the Battle Warriors, and the Ice Guardian known as Cassidy are with you in giving Phobos Parole?", Alborn asked.
"We didn't go to them about it.", Caleb said.
"And why not?", Elyon asked.
"With all due respect, Your Majesty, two of the Battle Warriors are close to you.", Caleb explained. "Their judgement would be affected by those feelings."
"Would not the same be said when it comes to the Earth Guardian?", Aldern questioned. "Actually, last I checked, all five Guardians and Queen Elyon are close."
"Which begs the question why are they for this at all?", Miriadel asked.
"What Aldern says is true.", Caleb said. "But they also know that sometimes you must put personal feelings aside for the greater good."
"Even if it may be a mistake to do so?", Raythor questioned.
"Some once said the same about you, my friend.", Caleb said.
"And he proved his loyalty.", Elyon said. "Just as Miranda."
"Then shouldn't we at least do the same with Phobos?", Caleb questioned. "I know I'm the last person to say this with all I and most of us here have been through when ti comes to Phobos, but think about this. If the Guardians and Earth Regent are also willing to give him a chance, then shouldn't the rest of us?"
"There's one problem with that train of thought, Caleb.", Julian said. "The Guardians and Regent haven't been through what we've been through with Phobos. They haven't had to leave their homes to join a rebellion not knowing what's going to happen. They weren't separated from their families and forced to work for the one they were fighting. They didn't go day by day watching their homeland wither away because of Phobos draining it of it's life force. They've seen our pain but haven't lived through it. They may have done much for us, but in the long run, it is us who will have to live with anything we decide to do from now on."
"Sir Julian is right.", Aldern said. "I know the Guardians mean well, but I think it's to risky to allow Phobos a parole. He may be honest about wanting to change, but what's to stop him from going back to his old ways and try to take over? I'm sorry, my friend, but I can not support this."
"I'm sorry, Caleb, but I'm in agreement with Aldern.", Drake said. "There's just to much risk."
"I feel the same way.", Vathek said. "The risk is just to high."
"Do you all feel this way?", Elyon asked.
One by one the rest of the Honor Guard nodded. Even Julian who looked at his son knowing that he was counting on him to side with him.
"I'm sorry my son.", Julian said.
"Then it is settled.", Elyon said. "Phobos shall remain imprison and serve out his sentence."
"I see.", Caleb said. "You all are willing to allow Miranda a chance because of the Battle Warriors adventure to another reality in which she is good, yet you won't hear me out about giving Phobos a chance."
"We did hear you out, Caleb.", Alborn said. "It is just to risky to allow Phobos any kind of freedom. Think of how the people would react."
"They'd be scared to even come near the palace.", Miriadel said. "Even if we were to put one of those chockers on him and have him guarded 24-7."
"Am I the only one here that sees the good he could possibly do for our kingdom!", Caleb snapped as he stood up. "You all are letting your past with him cloud your judgement! I was the same way, but I'm willing to look past what Phobos has done to give him a chance to do some good! Why can't any of you!"
"You forget your place, my son!", Julian said as he got up and walk towards his son. "We have already voted on this. You can bring this up again at the next meeting. But for now the matter is closed."
"Why bring it up again, when I know what will happen!?", Caleb shouted. "You all say that we need to think of the kingdom, yet you all are afraid to do something that will keep our kingdom and queen safe."
"Be warned, Sir Caleb.", Mia said. "Remember that you are talking to your queen along with the rest of us."
"And she as well as the rest of you are putting personal feelings of Phobos before what's good for the people!", Caleb snapped.
"Enough!", Elyon said standing up. "Tread lightly, Sir Caleb. You are still on thin ice due to your actions of last week.", she said to which Caleb turned to leave. "And where do you think you are going?"
"To Earth.", Caleb said. "I plan on seeing Cornelia this evening."
"Do you think you can just up and leave after your little outburst?", Elyon questioned. "I don't think so. You are to remain in Meridian until further notice."
"What?", Caleb questioned.
"Do I really have to repeat myself?", Elyon questioned. "I know that you haven't gone hard of hearing."
"Very well, Your Majesty.", Caleb said with a bow. "I will stay in Meridian until further notice."
"Good.", Elyon said. "Take this time to think about how you acted today as well as your request to give my brother parole. Hopefully you'll understand why the rest of us feel the way we feel about it. This meeting is over."
Caleb said nothing as he left the room and headed for his chambers.
"Should we keep an eye on him?", Mia asked Elyon as the rest of the Honor Guard left the room leaving them and Miranda alone in the room.
"Maybe.", Elyon said. "I'm not sure. Hopefully he'll cool down in a few days."
"May I suggest that you give him something to do to help him cool off a bit.", Mia suggested.
"I think I can think of a few things.", Elyon said as they left the meeting room. "But for now, I need some time to myself.", she said as she headed for her chambers.
"Take all the time you need.", Miranda said. "After that meeting, I need some quite time.", she said with a grin.
"I think we all do.", Mia said as she headed for her chambers. "I shall see you all at dinner."
"See ya.", Elyon and Miranda said as they to headed for their chambers.
Once in her chambers, Elyon slipped off her shoes and laid on her bed. She then took a deep breath and exhaled while looking up at the ceiling.
"What a day.", she said to herself.
A/N: Talk about something unexpected! First, Phobos does something good, and then Caleb of all people wants to give him a second chance! What was it that Rubis told him, the Guardians, and Matt? Whatever it was it was enough for them to want parole for Phobos. But Elyon and the other Honor Guard members won't have it. Now Elyon just has to worry about being ready for the Trials. And let's not forget about the Guardians' rematch with Elyon. That should be fun! The last chapter is up next! And it's going to be a dosey!
Please review.