Chp 10. Encounter.

"Are you sure this is going to work?" Cornelia and Will stood in a dark alley, their clothes slowly clinging to their bodies as they dampened.

"No, but its not like we have a lot of options." Will's breath floated in the cool air. She closed her eyes and crossed both palms over her chest, inhaling deeply.

As she exhaled she opened her hands, pulling liquid warmth out of her chest. She couldn't help but smile whenever she touched her power, perhaps she truly was holding her essence within her palms. The presence of the heart lit her face with its soft glow, her skin tingling as the air around her charged with energy. 'Here it comes.' Will thought to herself. In an instant, her body shivered in a jolt of energy that encased her body in her armor. Although she hasn't told Cornelia yet, Will's heart and soul both knew, this is what she was meant to be. Ever since the night she discovered this new power, Will knew she would never be the same again, she had rediscovered her place in the world.

"You know, I just can't get over how bad-ass you look." Cornelia grinned at her. "Wish I had a cool new look."

"Ah don't worry Corny, you always look great, and if you are using that to cover your fear, no need. I will protect you." Will winked at her best friend. Noticing that the crystal was now embedded within her armor, Will brought her arm up and traced her fingers in the air, making sure to keep her destination in mind. On their own will, her fingers traced a mysterious symbol in the air, which then dissipated into a small dimensional rift. "Ha! It worked."

"Well I guess we have no excuses left." Cornelia walked over to the portal, and turned to Will. "If I die, I will haunt you."

"I wouldn't expect anything less." Will grinned back.

"Good. Now that we have an understanding...Hold my hand?" Will grasped the waiting hand as they took the first step. The longest stride taking them back into the life of secrecy, danger, and uncertainty.

When they entered the portal it felt like they were trying to walk up a river of magic that tugged and pulled, trying to tare them in different directions. The whirlpool both burned and soothed the skin, the magic trying to dragged them away from their destination. 'Breath.' Will's voice echoed in both their heads. When she inhaled, it felt and tasted like warm honey, and the current began to slow. Still clutching tightly onto Cornelia's hand, Will opened her eyes and began walking through the maelstrom with renewed strength. As she walked she saw a small white creature running ahead of her, and she knew that she would reach her destination. Next thing the girls new they were in the cold embraced of water. 'Now let it out.' The strange echo of her mind's voice cooed. Will pulled herself out of the canal. Fear filled Will at the thought of breathing in the cold oxygen. 'I can't. I don't remember how.' The voice continued to urge desperation she took a deep breath, the air felt like frost in her lungs.

Cornelia copied Will's example, followed by a coughing fit.

"That was...incredible." Cornelia sprawled on the floor.

"Yeah, I don't remember the portals feeling that..intense."

"Or this wet. You should worked on your aim." Cornelia groaned.

"Funny, I seem to recall you ending up sopping wet every time you traveled through portals. I think you just happened to drag me into your bad luck this time. However, this time I think you were rescued by someone much better looking." Will smiled.

"Who?"

"Me, you jerk. I'm much better looking then Caleb. More charming too."

"Caleb.." The name felt strange on her lips.

"Anyways, we made it inside the infinite city, I don't think you could do better then that. "Will praised herself. When she sat up she saw the white creature in her peripheral. "Corny." Will placed a hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

Cornelia sat up to get a better look.

Two large blue eyes watched them from its perch. It was the size of a large house cat, but looked like a dragon. It tilted its head, blinked, and jumped down to run through a long hallway. When they didn't follow, it looked at them and gave a small chirp before continuing. The girls followed it silently as it ran down the halls like a dog. After a few minutes it slowed to a prowl.

Cornelia stifled a small giggle.

"What?"

"I feel like it's our magic white rabbit, and we follow just like Alice."

"And we just keep diving down the hole."

"Yep. I wonder where it will lead us this time."

The little dragon gave a gleeful chirp as it bounded around a corner to a misty room. Galataya stood tall with the dragon on her shoulder, affectionately rubbing its face against hers.

"Cornelia, Will, its good to see you again." She smiled warmly.

"I'm glad to see you made it out."

"I just wish it was under better circumstances." Will added.

"We shall see to it that we have the opportunity again. Follow me and we shall get you two dry while we discuss the matters at hand." She lead them to a side room that homed books, a cot, fire, and the scent of stew. "Please have some, the journey through dimensions can be rough on the stomach. She handed them each a warm bowl as they took a seat next to the fire.

"You knew we were coming?" Cornelia questioned.

"Yes, Kilach sensed your presence in the dimensional rift. His species exist within it. Unfortunately there is a good chance that the queen has felt your presence as well."

"Will she be able to find us?"

"I don't think so, but I cannot promise."

"Then we better leave!" Cornelia stood up quickly.

"But Cornelia what about our questions?"

"We can't risk Elyon finding Galataya. It would be-"

"Cornelia your friend is right. You must not worry about me, and focus on your mission." Her gaze told Cornelia that she would not back down. Cornelia sighed as she took her seat once again. Galataya clasped her hands on Cornelia's. "Your eyes are filled with so much fear. I can see you are lost, but I don't know where you have gone."

"Can you help me?" Cornelia's voice quivered.

"I will do my best, but I fear there is little I can do to return what you have lost. I do not doubt that you will be able to recover. However, it will not be from me that you will be healed. It will be your dear friend here." She gestured to Will.

"Me?" Will pointed to herself. "How? I managed to get us here today, and I call that a big win."

"I am a shaman, a magic woman of my people. I can speak to the spirits of our ancestors to seek guidance and therefore guide the lost. I can see that your spirit has changed. The seed of your true magic has finally begun to grow, and soon you will blossom into a true protector of humanity."

"What?" Will gasped at her choice of words. "How did you know?"

Galataya urged her to continue.

"I..before I became this." She waved her hand to indicate her armor. "I don't remember much of it, but I remembered a voice saying she was humanity."

"That confirms one of my suspicions. Will, do you know of the ancient world of Arandea?" Will shook her head. "Arandea was once a beautiful world, full of diverse cultures. However it was most well known for being home to the temples of the Runic Order. Most people of Arandea followed the beliefs of the Order, however those who would become known as Rune Warriors, lived by those beliefs. Not much else is known about their magic, or their training."

"YanLin mentioned that these Rune Warriors may be behind Phobos' escape, but why tell us this?"

"I believe Yanlin also explained to you why you still retain magical power? But she didn't mention that it would be so different did she."

"No..She just told us that we had been so well connected that it would never leave us."

"It is because the power that you had as guardians was given to you by Kandrakar. You drew it from the Aurameers, they were the true power, you were only a conductor, a tool for Kandrakar. It is true that you retain a connection, but the power that you are using is your own. Long ago humans began loosing the ability to connect with magic, but you were born with a strong magic within your body. Now you have begun to use it in its true form. Will you posses the true elemental power of energy, and the potential to use runic magic."

"Are you saying, I'm a Rune Warrior."

"Only that I believe you have the potential to become one."

"Whoa."

"I am not finished. For you to truly be a Rune Warrior you would have to undergo years of training, and follow their beliefs. One of which is the belief of the six aspects: Justice, Compassion, Valor, Wisdom, and Humanity. I suspect that your soul has merged with another...though that is not quite correct, I do not have words to describe it. I believe that you may poses the aspect of Humanity."

"Wow. That's a lot to take in.." Cornelia broke the silence.

"So how can I help Cornelia?" Will gave Galataya a determined stare, which was returned with a smile.

"It is good to see that your priorities remain in the face of such information."

"I can sort through that later, but right now I want to know what I can do to help Cornelia. What Elyon has planned, and anything else you might think is important." Will was in her leader mode.

"While I was still working in the castle, I had seen and heard many things. Elyon has been constructing ancient war towers. These towers use the suffering of the soul, and eventually the soul to create magic El'Terion crystals. This process grants her immense magical power, while taking the bodies of the sacrificed, and turning them into soulless demons called Branded Soldiers. Her branded soldiers have already invaded the Kahedrin home world, to increase her army while Kandrakar has its eyes elsewhere. I do not know much about what is happening on Kandrakar's end, or the search for Phobos, though Elyon appeared to be concerned over his escape."

Galataya placed some herbs into a pot over the fire, filling the room with the scent of cinnamon and pine.

"How can they be so blind?" Cornelia clenched her teeth. "Aren't they supposed to stop stuff like this from happening?"

"They are fools who do not understand their own weaknesses. She waved her hand to dismiss the topic. "Enough of that for now, I too have seen the scrolls of prophecy, and gazed into the tapestries of fate. The spirits of my ancestors shared their knowledge with me, and in their wisdom I have seen you Will. You are standing on the precipice of change. I have searched through the different forks in the prophecy, and for some reason they all converge onto you. All the threads of fate from different time lines and realities have connected themselves to you. I do not know what your role is, but you will play an incredible part in shaping the future."


"Can we make this quick? This place gives me the creeps." Alex stood with his bare arms crossed, and amber eyes scanning the library. A red head band attempted to hold his dark dreads away from his face. Black tattoos covered his entire bare torso and arms, a thick belt rested on his waist, with black pants and leather boots.

"I forgot you've never picked up a book before. Don't worry I'm sure there are many picture books for new readers like yourself." Jordan joked. He too was dressed in his armor.

"Hey Jordan why don't you come closer so my boot can hear you?" Alex lifted his foot to point at it for emphasis.

"Now now children, let's make haste with the task at hand." Brandon stood with books hovering open around him. A silver cowl draped over his shoulder. Dark steel plates covered his torso over top a long mid blue tunic, which was longer in the front with white runes on it. Black and gray feathers crept out from the left side of the short cloak. Thick black leather gloves reached out from under the long sleeves of the tunic, and black pants covered his leaver boots, with silver strips running up them like gusts of wind. Both sides of his face had two white lines zig-zaging down too his neck, highlighting is silver eyes from under the cowl's shadow.

"Alright fine." Alex snatched a book from the air and began flipping through pages.

"Besides we don't want to draw any unnecessary attention." Brandon added.

"I don't think you have to worry about that down here, this place is well, infinite. Not a soul to be seen."

"Remember, our refugee told us that the rebels used to use this as their head quarters I wouldn't be surprised to find smugglers sheltering down here. It is an excellent place to hide from Queen Elyon's influence."

"Yeah but we can handle a few smugglers easily."

"Brandon is correct, we should be weary. We have many enemies, best not to under estimate them." Shawn added from atop a rock pillar. He sat with one arm propped up on a leg, while his other leg hung off the edge, and held a book in his other hand. His messy auburn hair now had a small braid reaching out, almost touching his right shoulder. A long dark brown jacket sat open over a brown and forest green tunic. A few straps of leather crossed over his chest, holding the jacket close to his body, a right shoulder guard, and a slot of a broad sword on his back. His clothing was mostly comprised of earth toned ragged cloth and leather.

"You would know all about that wouldn't you?" Alex challenged. Shawn leaped from his perched, his blue and emerald eyes glaring into Alex's embers.

Before things could get heated again, Jordan cleared his throat.

"Does anyone know anything about the Towers of Heaven?"

"I believe I read about it once. Shawn you have studied Kahedrin magic, isn't that an ancient ritual of sorts?" Brandon turned to Shawn.

"Yes, it is a ritual that rips magic from organic life to create El'terion crystals, or to be consumed by the ruler of the towers. The rulers of Meridean use the Black Spring to increase their magical power, but I guess that is not enough for the army that Elyon is creating."

"The Branded Soldiers.." Alex whispered. "Taking living creatures and turning them into, that! All just to rule over the nine realms." He seethed.

"Surely she can't expect Kandrakar to be blind forever?" Brandon joined in.

"We all know they are fools who will perish before they know what is happening." Shawn countered while snatching the book from Jordan.

"So its us against her army. All we have to do is destroy the towers, and get close enough to take her power before the night of the Phobos Moon..."

Shawn's face paled. "By the spirits.." The book fell from his trembling hands.

"What?" They moved to his side.

"The towers have another purpose..When the Phobos Moon is engulfed by darkness.."

Alex picked up the book, his face twisting into rage and fear as his eyes roamed the page. "No! Is she insane?! She can't control that!" He roared and threw the book.

"I feared this would happen but, I didn't think she would be that far gone..." Brandon whispered.

"There is no question, we MUST destroy them." Alex's fingers dug into his hands.

"Many lives are going to be lost, but it will be a mercy compared to that."

"The ab- wait." Shawn snapped from his spellbind, drawing everyone's attention back to him. His eyes narrowed. "This feeling..."

A tremble ran through the ground.

"Whoa, what was that?" Alex turned to the main entrance of the library.

"I think there's more then just smugglers down here." Jordan stepped forward. "Shall we introduce ourselves?"

"Follow me." Shawn ran off. "It is the same as before, but stronger now. 'Who are you..'"


The girls sat silently for a minute, staring deep into their bowls as they often do.

"But why me? How did this happen?"

"I do not have an answer yet."

"Maybe you just got the golden ticket of destiny."

"Gee thanks. So what about Cornelia?"

"I searched for her essence. It was destiny that your generation of guardians would bring light back to our world, then fall to darkness. You were meant to make your own path and fight your friends Will, but an unknown fork has been taken. Will you are supposed to be alone, yet here you are Cornelia. You did not betray Will as the others did, nor do the forks show you fighting along side her."

"I would never do that!"

"You were destined too, I searched and searched in every destiny. Each one showed the four elements fighting as the hands of light for Elyon. I wish I could tell you more, but prophecies take centuries to study and understand, they do not just tell you each step. If it were not for the gift of my ancestors I wouldn't even have this much to tell. The threads of fate do not touch you, you are an anomaly."

"So, where does that leave us?" Cornelia paled. "I would never be like them."

"Same place we were." Will smiled. "We are gonna fix you."

"But aren't you concerned about this? I'm destined to be your enemy with the others.."

"And since when did you follow anything you were told?" Will placed both her hands on Cornelia's shoulders grinning broadly. "The Cornelia I know would just give destiny the good old finger and do your own thing. Remember, no one decides our fates but us."

"So you aren't worried at all I might turn against you?"

"Not even a bit. I trust you more then anyone." 'Even after all the betrayals, I still can trust one person.' As the girls shared their moment Will could smell the forest and sunshine, the scent she always associated with her friend.

"Aspects of your true magic are similar to my own. You can touch the flow of magical energy, and perhaps spirits."

"I think I know what you mean..." Will's hands remained on Cornelia's shoulders, it felt warm. "I can always tell that it's her when she is nearby, I can pick her magic out." The smells in the room made her head feel foggy.

"Good Will, your magic is leading you, listen to it, it knows what's in your heart. Her magic will have its own feeling, sound, and scent. Something to identify it as unique to her, her raw identity. Try to join it with yours, so that you can give it the extra strength needed for her to grasp it."

Galataya's voice faded into a dull drone, and the world washed away. Will found herself standing in a bright forest, the wind dancing through the leaves. This was defiantly the essence of Cornelia's magic, but where is her heart.

"Lost in the woods..Didn't Cornelia say she had a similar experience once.." Will pondered to herself. "Where Corny, where are you? Can you hear me?"

"Yeah I hear you." Cornelia emerged from a tree dressed in her guardian clothes, her long blonde hair draped over her shoulder. "You are really here aren't you? I have dreamed of this forest many times, and even found my power here once before, when Kandrakar allowed us access to our new power. And here you are walking through my spirit...incredible."

"Yeah, this is defiantly you, but there's more isn't there?" Cornelia nodded before fading away, her last word barely a whisper. "Fear." Every once in a while she would see imgages from Cornelia's past. Many good memories that threatened to pull Will off of her path.

As Will walked down the path, the forest litter slowly began to reveal a cobble stone path, and the trees became more sparse. The trees that were still present twisted, like witches hands. She walked for what felt like years, with eyes watching her and cold hands trying to reach her. Stone pillars and statues covered in moss began appearing between the trees, until the last traces of green faded into stone. The area held no sign of life, just stone, mist , and a spirit wondering through the strange familiar statues. She danced in the dim light, whispering a haunting tune. Watching her made Will feel lonely and sad.

"Feel no sorrow feel no pain, there's nothing gained." The spirit's hollow voice crept along her skin.

"Hello?" Will walked over to it, the spirit made no indication of noticing of her presence.

"Once a world of glittering hope, this world is not the one we knew." She walked over to Will, placing he hand on her cheek. The touch seemed to pull the warmth from Will, along with her happiness and joy. Her hand slipped away, to glide over the statues, which Will now recognized as images of her and her friends, though there were thousands reaching to the gray horizon. "Did you know I had once believed in angels? But I have died a thousand times, watching them fall. Again and again I see them fall. Their wings turn black, their hearts twisted, and their souls torn apart. They were once so beautiful..."

"Who are you.."

"But they were betrayed, their futures stolen by those they trusted. They betrayed all of us, and turned us into monsters...I tried to change it, but I was only able to save one.. Now the only light, left to shine is in you." She disappeared into dust, leaving a cold emptiness behind. "Beware the Revenant.." A final whisper floated on a breeze.

Through the ruins, Will found a desert with golden sand and floating rocks. In the sand a little girl sat in the center of a rock circle. Above her, a silver spear swung like a pendulum; time was a guillotine that could come rushing down on her at any moment.

"Hi Cornelia.." Will spoke in a soft voice. "What are you doing in there?" The little girl looked up at her with bright blue eyes.

"You can see me?"

"Of course, we are friends, and I came to find you." She crouched down. "So why are you in here?"

"Hiding."

"From what?"

"From her." The world became dark, and the little girl pulled Will into her circle. When Will recovered from the surprise she saw the strange luminescent creature of Cornelia's nightmares. Cornelia had tried to describe the creature to her but there were no words that could have prepared her.

"That's her, she's always trying to get me."

"Cornelia we are going to leave." Fear crept into her like a thief in the night.

"But I can't, she will get me."

"Only if you allow it. I don't know what she is, but right now I know that it is up to you to fight again. I know you can do it, I came here to help you find your magic." Though she held little certainty as the words slipped from her lips.

"I can't. I can't touch the Earth, if I do it will get me. Someone else controls it. I'm scared."

"But Corny, you are a strong girl, you have done so many incredible things."

"I can't control it, it will eat me."

"Cornelia, you don't control Earth, you never have. You used to say that it was a relationship, that the Earth's will was your will. You aren't just a girl, you are a queen."

"A queen?"

"Yes A strong servant and protector of the Earth, while commanding it with courage."

"Its too much."

"Cornelia you know that its okay to be afraid, it tells you what your weakness is, but you can become strong from that. I don't know if we can beat this thing yet, but if you want to even get a chance to find out, you need to be that stubborn girl who's always following me into danger. Even though you are usually the one that got us there." Holding Cornelia's hand she stepped backwards, pulling the girl out of the circle.

"There is hope at the rim of the abyss." She tried to give her most confident smile. As they stepped backwards she could feel herself pulling back into the real world, until she was pulled back, the door to reality slamming shut. Before they knew what was happening, Will was spun violently by ghostly claws to meet the luminescent face of the banshee.

"Leave Keeper!" The shrill burst from a cavern of long razor teeth.

"I-" It raised its hand and struck for her heart.

"No!" Cornelia pulled Will out of the way while thrusting her other palm towards the creature. She stood tall, her golden hair like sunshine in the darkness.

"Corney.."

"Go back. I'm not sure what it is, but I can feel it. That other presence. Whoever is causing it is nearby."

"But."

"Don't worry I will be right behind you. Now go!" The banshee lunged towards Will but hit a stone wall instead. Cornelia stood with both arms spread, the rock spreading from behind her like wings. She smirked. "My turn."

Vines burst from the ground as the creature tried to claw her. It hissed and wailed as it tore through the vines with ease. A stone wing blocked the assault and pushed the creature away turning into dust. It swam and hit her other wing shield, breaking a few feathers while trying to bite at her face.

"What do you want."

"To eat it! Where! Where is the Keeper!" Cornelia held her arms out defensively as it tried to claw her. She lost her footing and floated in the strange darkness. She continued to struggle as it thrashed, its touched sapping her strength. Something glinted in her peripheral.

"RAA!" She shoved away and reached for the pendulum.


When Will opened her eyes she was sitting in Galataya's home.

"Good you are back." Galataya ran back into the room holding a wooden quarter staff. "There are intruders in the libraries."

Will turned to Cornelia who stood clutching her necklace.

"Okay." Will ran out the door after her.

"Did you succeed."

"I don't know, but Cornelia is tough, if we didn't completely figure it out, she will manage to do at least something. She's to stubborn to let me go in a fight alone."

"Hey! Wait for me, jerks!"

"See."

Cornelia ran up beside them. Silver vines wound up her legs over a dark green boot that reached her knee. A silver torn skirt hung on the left side of her hip covering half of her dark green shorts. Around her waist was a thick leather belt with a second strap of leather that looped down above the skirt. Her dark green tunic was patterned with silver vines that crept up to reveal real silver leaves that formed a chest piece over her breast. A silver leaf shoulder guard crowned the top of a complete armored arm, which also adorned a gauntlet similar to her boots. Her left arm was covered in green tattoos of mysterious symbols, except for the familiar symbol of Earth on her hand and the strange hourglass over her heart, next to the broken one on her necklace. Her long golden hair was pulled into a tall pony tail, except for a strand that bordered her face.

"Looks like you dressed for the occasion."

"Of course, I'm just classy like that."

"Did you defeat that, thing?"

Sigh "I'm afraid not, but it should think twice before bugging me for the next while."

"Well its got two of us to worry about." They shared a grin.

"Ready to not die?"

"Always."


A thick fog filled the cavernous halls of the infinite city; the sound of foot steps faded.

"Hold up, I'm going to try to deal with this fog." Brandon stopped, raised his hands with his palms together and one leg up then brought them all down swiftly while leaning forward causing a gust of warm wind to surge outward. When it cleared he was alone.

"So much for waiting." He sighed. "Hmm this fog feels magical.." Behind him, the distinct sound of metal pieces clinking against each other could be heard. The rhythm did not match any of his comrades. He turned around to see a woman approaching through the creeping fog. She wore tall steel plated grieves, cut in a jagged fashion with matching gauntlets. They armor glistened in the dim light, well maintained. The dark steel also hung from her hips covering the sides of her thighswith crimson silk covered in golden flames and the emblem of fire draping down, wrapped in a way to reveal a touch of her dark thigh. Her stomach was protected by dark chain mail, while her chest was encased in a crimson chest plate with golden marks matching the cloth, and covered her neck. Both shoulders had jagged plates matching the dark dragon like talons of her gauntlets. Finally short black hair framed her glowing red eyes.

As she got closer the air became hot and dry, sizzling around her. "There is no fear, there is no hope. There is only the Light. I cast away my weakness, and give myself to the Light, I am the Crimson Hand, for I am stained with the blood of those who oppose the Light's embrace."

"I see. I apologize, but I have no intention on dieing today." He inhaled slowly, taking his element deep into his core.

"There are only two outcomes for you." She ignored his comment. "Hand Phobos over to us, and be judged by the council of Kandrakar, or burn."

"Where do your loyalties lay?"

"Do not waste my time."

Brandon inhaled even deeper. He began to mumble words of an unknown language, then he struck a gust of wind at her, knocking her to the ground.

"Your decision is made. No quarter shall be granted." She sent numerous fireballs at him while running. Crossing his arms and releasing he pushed the fire apart creating a tunnel of fire. "Wrong move." Fire surrounded her fist as she punched him. "The difference between our magic, is that I have complete control. You have to manipulate that wind, I can predict your moves, while my fire moves with me." Her whole body burned.

She continued punching, kicking and sending fire everywhere as he used wind to block or dodge. He sent a blade of wind at her legs, which she jumped over and punched downward with her burning right hand. He managed to hover out of the way resulting in her fist smashing a whole where he previously stood. Using the momentum from the strike, she curled her head into her torso and brought her now burning left leg over and smashing his body into the ground. Now standing, she pressed her red hot steel boot onto his chest.

"GAHH!" The searing pain burned through his body. He couldn't think past the pain it was so intense.

"Now tell me where you are hiding that scum."

' The air is buzzing with life. Feel it, lean into it and leave your burdens behind. You are the wind, ever changing and flowing. Feel the joy that spurs creativity and frees a narrow mind. Within inner peace and joy is where wisdom is found.' His fingers struggled to draw a swirly rune in the dust. He screamed again as his chest plate began to melt despite its magical properties.

"Decorflue." He breathed, his body dissolving into a mist. As he reappeared he sent a blade of wind which caught her left shoulder guard and sliced another pillar. His chest continued to burn.

Barely dodging another attack, a pillar burst beside him.

"Careful we don't want this thing coming down on us." Swirling his hands in front of him he captured the debris in a cyclone around him, creating a barrier. 'I can't let her get too close.' "You must admit, fire is weak against the wind." He cringed, it took a lot of energy to keep the wind going at the speed required to lift the rocks and make a barrier. Not to mention the hideous burn on his chest.

Ignoring him she sent more fire into the storm. "I will not lose." Suddenly his storm turned into a cyclone of fire. "Got you." She panted.


"I think we lost them." Alex panted.

"I wouldn't worry, Shawn and Brandon are both good at finding people. They will find us easily."

"Yeah but-"

"Shh!" Jordan stopped with his arm out close-hanging Alex.

"Oww. Hey asshole what was that for?"

"SH!"

"...Where is this fog coming from?" A girl's voice crept through the fog.

"I dunno but finding the library is going to be tough."

"Well look's like Elyon's lapdogs are here." Alex whispered.

"The feeling is getting stronger, maybe we are getting closer."

Jordan reached both hands out in front of him, fingers spread wide, and spun in one circle, tiny blue runes appeared in its wake and hundreds of water drops collecting. Motioning his fingers into each other he whispered and lines of soft light traced his hands. The pellets of water merged together and froze into long hovering spikes.

"Something's off." The girls switched to a soft walk. "Watch out!" Seconds before the spikes soared down Will lunged at Cornelia, shoving her to the ground. "Fire!" Will yelled and rolled to the side, once again barely dodging the attack. Quickly regaining her footing, Will searched the fog. She could feel magic gathering ahead of her, like a light weight being placed in a sheet of silk. Silently, Will crouched and began walking to the side, hoping to get closer.

The warm glow of fire flickered to Will's right. 'This magic, I have felt it. Could this be them?' Will's heart thumped so loudly she paused, the fear that they could hear was petrifying. She felt like a mouse trying to get the cheese from the cat's paw.

Cornelia moved to the other side. 'This isn't the source...but who are they?'

The air hummed with tension waiting to burst into a hurricane of magic. Will made another step forward and as if choreographed, Jordan burst into his fluid dance, pulling moisture from the air to wash her from her feet. Just like that the storm rampaged with the girls tangled in its chaos. With her composure regained, Will managed to dodge every attack, swiftly making her way to her opponent.

Will continued to jolt around until she landed directly behind the water user. Without hesitation, she sent a jolt of power into his back, which he quickly recovered from after a short cry, but she kept attacking. He managed to bring a whip of water to push her back briefly.

"You are fast, but your movements lack subtly, power, and precision." He critiqued her as she continued to strike, barely phasing him. Another series of fluid movements and she was caught in a serpent of water, sending her around in a circle before spitting her out viciously.

When the serpent came for her again, responding to his dance, Will ran straight for him, lightning in her hands. The room lit up for a brief moment, blinding Jordan and giving her the opportunity to pin him down with a dagger in one hand.

"How's that for power?" She smirked as vision returned, she held his face into the ground.

"Better." With little effort he threw her off his back, whispered a few words, and drew blue runes over his chest. As she flew back she threw the dagger hoping to strike him as he stood up. Instead it ran straight through his body with a small splash, the runes on his chest glowing ever so slightly. Still crouched, Will stared in shock. "Now what kitten?"

They continued to fight, but even with her speed her punches and kicks moved right through him, while his blades of water threatened to slice through vulnerable crevices of her armor.

Meanwhile, Alex sent a flurry of fire towards Cornelia, who jumped and rolled out of the way. Coughing from the dust, Cornelia scrambled to her feet, fire still bombarding her. Desperately she tried to will a rock towards her opponent, but she couldn't make her eyes focus. 'Since when was this so tough?'

"Come on, at least fight back." Alex shouted. "I heard you guardians were tough." Rock exploded into flame beside her, burning her arm and sending her into another pillar.

"Damn.." As the dust settled, she quickly tore a piece of her skirt and wrapped it around her burned arm, but she paused, staring at the strange marks on her arm. Before she could think, she felt a pulse in the ground, like a thread of spider's silk being plucked. She picked up her foot and stomped it into the ground, a pillar of stone bursting from the ground in that spot.

"Shit!" Alex yelled as he was sent into the air.

"Oh Yeah!" Cornelia returned to her feet with a confident smile and laugh. Instead of tying the cloth around her arm, she wrapped it around her eyes. Taking in a breath she let her consciousness spread, like her nerves were entwining with the roots within the stone. She could feel everyone on her web, their movements, their breathing, and their magic. "This is my place.." Her words faded into an unknown language. "To the right." She felt the thread, she turned fire barely singing her arm, but she already had a sphere of rocks floating around her. "Two more, then rush towards me." She mused half to herself, pulling a wall to block the fire then sending the rocks towards her opponent and he ran at her. "Surge." A bright light burst into the room, causing Alex to stumble, allowing her to thrust her arm up and knock his head down with her elbow. With her other hand she sent a rock towards Jordan, which ran through him.

This gave Will a moment to get back close, but once again her strikes did nothing. The water serpent coiled around both of them, moving fast to prevent her from escaping.

"Now what kitten? You can't hit me, and you can't escape, what will you do?" He calmly stood, studying her. He was giving her the opportunity to think, and it was irritating the hell out of her. "Well at least we have the chance to talk." He stepped closer. "I'm curious, why does Kandrakar support Elyon? Are you aware of the calamity she intends to create?"

"Why did you free a monster?" Will spat back. She then closed her eyes trying to pull an idea together. When she looked back up she noticed threads of blue floating through the air and around him, just like the day she first saw him. He looked like a cool alpine spring, and the magic like rivers tumbling through the mountains. 'That's it!' Before he could say anymore her hand was on his chest and she sent all the lightning she could muster into him.

"AHH!" She could feel his body solidify as he collapsed. "A dispeller?" He coughed.

"Precision and power." She smirked, looked up to see Cornelia still dancing around with Alex in a now even fight. The water whip slashed at her legs, yanking her down.

"Never assume your opponent finished." He staggered back to his feet, favoring his right side. Holding his hand to his side, he summoned water and whispered some strange words. The wound glowed and the water seeped into it until he stood strong once again. Did the water actually go inside or was she still seeing things? Ice grew around her, but she leaped out of the way and into fire.

"WILL!" Cornelia ran to her friend, but fire clawed at her back.

Will dodged the next fire attack and summoned her other dagger to strike Alex but it clashed with another blade with a loud ring. Alex pushed her back, and summoned grabbed Cornelia as she tried to attack from behind. He twisted her bloody arm behind her back and held his sword to her neck, which already had a trail of blood from her face.

As Will stumbled backwards, a tendril of water wrapped around her body, trapping her arms and turning into a chain in a splash.

"Now you will answer some questions for me." Jordan pulled Will so their bodies barely touched. "Oh, it's you."

Well there it is! I had most of this chapter sitting on my computer for a couple months...maybe a few... but i'm officially back!

PS: I couldn't come up with a good chapter title... any suggestions?