The Collision
Upon arriving in Zamabala, the group almost immediately split into pairs. Cornelia and Caleb had shot off as soon as they arrived, both interested in finding the stupid bat and pummeling information of Julian out of him. Will had growled and glanced at the seven, eight if you counted the bird and sighed.
"Alright, Quinn, you go with the Regent of Earth, T, you're with me, and uh . . . the raven?" Will blushed. "Sorry, I forgot your name." Information overload could be blamed for that.
"Aesop. And don't worry about it, Red, my own sister forgot it recently."
"She didn't forget it, she was ignoring you." Quinn sighed. "You had just called her a handbag."
"Oh. I didn't mean it personally . . ." He flapped over to Taranee's shoulder.
"That just leaves you four . . ."
"You'd like them to item up with one of the remaining guardians- what did I say?" The three Sentinels had ducked their heads as Hay Lin and Irma stared at the bird.
"It is 'pair off' or 'partner up', in earth's terms. If you item up, you're uh- trying to court a female." Quinn tried to explain
"Oh . . ." Aesop nodded to himself. "I get it . . . I think."
"Maybe he should stick with one of us."
"Nah, it'll be fine." Will shook it off. Then noticed Mace was staring at Hay Lin, rather intently. "Hey, Mace, she has a boyfriend."
"I know . . ." He absently reached up and removed his visor. "Hey You, is this why you could fly?"
There was no possible way. Yes, Eric had floated in the air with her, but there was no way he was also a guardian . . . that would make it too perfect . . . right? And yes, he looked like the ninja she'd briefly seen in her dream, and yes Mace looked like an older, even more dreamy Eric, but that was just impossible. So it just couldn't be . . .
"E-Eric?" Hay Lin squeaked. He nodded, while everyone else gaped. "Wha- Eric, Mace . . ." Hay Lin was speechless.
"So . . . if that's really Hay Lin, I'm going to say you're really Will Vandom, Irma Lair . . .The blonde is defiantly Cornelia Hale . . ." Quinn glanced at Taranee. "Which leaves you . . . Taranee." He removed his visor as well. "Since Eric's revealed himself, and I hope Alectra isn't upset, but there's no point pretending . . . That's Martin and I'm-"
"Nigel!" Taranee figured it out.
"Wait, you're Martin?"
"You're Irma?" The water guardian and light sentinel looked at each other. "I thought you looked like an angelic version of her, but I didn't . . ." Martin blinked. He kept his visor on.
"This explains why you've been asking me strange questions lately . . . and your sudden growth spurt . . ."
"Growth spurt?" Martin blinked.
"You've gained at least two inches Martin, or have you not noticed your pants getting shorter?"
"Okay, before we get all carried away, Cornelia and Caleb went off on their own." Matt reminded them, though he didn't bother telling them who he was. He was a little self conscious of himself at that moment, all the others looked like grown up versions of themselves, even if the girls did have wings (they were easy to forget, and if they stood just right you couldn't see them). Him? He looked like the Sphinx's cousin with dreads, and his wings weren't so easy to ignore . . . Not to mention he just found out his best friend got sucked onto the superhero bandwagon.
"Right." Will nodded, but gave him a questioning look. He twitched his wings, then dipped his head. She was right, might as well get it over with.
"I'll give you a clue to who I am . . . Will's my girl." He watched as Nigel gave a double take.
" . . . Matt?"
"Yeah, welcome to saving the world one-oh-one Nigel."
"How come you get to look more ripped than us?"
"I've been working at this longer?" Matt held up his hands. "Dunno. But we can swap stories later, we've got to get moving."
"He's right, okay, pick a partner everyone, ladies- choice?" Irma had put a hand on Martin's shoulder. Hay Lin and Eric had taken off, Nigel and Taranee were just vanishing out of sight, and Matt had his arms crossed, head tilted slightly in what was clearly (to Will) amusement.
"C'mon Martin, I'll bet we'll be the ones to get the most work done. Since we're just friends and not dating."
"Aye, Aye, captain of my heart- relax, I'm joking." He noted her look. He wasn't sure if it was because of the magic or what, but he wasn't as . . . desperate as he use to be. "But even friends tease each other." He added as they flew off. If this was over an ocean it would be perfect . . . though funnily enough, I really just want her as a friend right now, more than a girlfriend. I think I can wait and hold back . . . until that dream comes true.
"Well, that was . . ." Will fumbled for a word (or even several).
"Different? Enlightening?"
"Unexpected . . . though with all the stuff we've done, I really shouldn't be complaining." Will shrugged, then took her Dark Angel's hand. "Though Irma might be right."
"Oh?" He pulled her a little closer and her free hand went to his mask.
"Why would she be right?" Aesop completely ruined the moment. "What?" He didn't understand the looks.
" . . ." The two looked at each other. "Well, maybe not a hundred percent but still . . ." Will muttered. "Let's go." The three then took to the sky.
Oizys and Moros, however, had ceased their attack for the time being.
Why? You may ask. Well, a 'shadow' had dashed into the portal before them, and now that shadow had gained their attention . . . for the moment.
"A squeaky little girl like you wants to join our creator's side?" Oizys studied the black haired girl with freckles.
"Yes . . . I hate the guardians, and I wish to aid any who will destroy them!" Miranda tightened her hands into fists. "They have the man I love still in a cell . . . I had to bribe a passling smuggler and one fool of a guard to escape . . . when your attack came, I had my chance!"
"I see . . . and what if they're destruction is not in our creator's plans?"
"Then I will settle for harming them in any way that will eventually break them!" Miranda declared. "I will swear loyalty to any to get some revenge!" Oizys studied her a moment longer, then nodded.
"Very well . . . but you'll join under our terms." It was an imperceptible nod, and Moros brought the club down on the unsuspecting Miranda's head. "Fool." He sneered, and a portal opened up to Eclipse. He rather carelessly tossed her in, uninterested in what would happen to her.
" . . ." Oizys crossed his arms. He had a sudden thought of what he wanted to do if he could separate from Nyx, but as soon as the thought had came it quickly vanished, forgotten and replaced with the urgent need to get back to destroying Zambala. "Let's go, I want to try killing one of the trees before it can save itself." The two took off, to hunt, to kill and to destroy.
In Meridian, Elyon arrived to hear of Miranda's escape.
"I want Jeek the smuggler captured, alive and unharmed, use only nessecary force! I also wish to have a meeting with those listed here." She passed a scroll to a servant. "What's the report from the battle?"
"No fatalities, and the guardians and the mystery men saved many lives." Aldarn spoke, coming to her side. "But Gargoyle . . . Gargoyle is still between this life and the next one. The healers are stumped as to why . . ."
"I know." Raythor closed his eyes. "Gargoyle's lived a very long time . . . he's well, age is finally catching up to him." Elyon's eyes widened. "He'll recover from this battle . . .but he's only got a few more battles left in him, I'm afraid."
"When were you going to tell me?"
"Your majesty- Gargoyle has already lived past many men's lifetimes, he could have outlived all of us, but with your brother's drain on Meridian's magic and the recent battles, he's just . . . tired." Raythor bowed his head. "He didn't want anyone to know."
"Your Majesty, Gargoyle's a Nymlem, his kind . . . they're very close to Meridian's raw magic. I know that when Phobos drained Meridians power, several nymlem died." Aldarn crossed his arms. "It's nothing short of a miracle that he was able to survive your brother's rule with so much of his strength intact."
"So . . . why did he serve Phobos?"
"He didn't. He followed me." Raythor lifted his head. "Nerissa found him, gave him that club arm, and while we were the Knights of Vengence, Gargoyle and Sandpit took a liking to me, I suppose it was because the other blokes weren't much for mingling with those who couldn't talk back. Those two looked to me, and probably would have kept following me no matter what I decided."
"I see." Elyon went silent. "I'll visit him after the meeting, since he wished for me to not find out." Somedays she cursed being queen. "Also, this makes what the meeting is for even more important." Aldarn and Raythor followed her into the small dinning room. (The same place where Julian, Caleb and her parents had discussed the shock and realization that Trill was not who she said.) Drake was there, as well as Elias, the royal painter. "Thank you . . . where is Vathek and Tynar?"
"On their way- in the door as we speak." Drake smiled. Vathek and Tynar entered.
"Your Majesty, what is it?"
"All of you are strong warriors. You have all done your best to protect and serve the crown of Meridian, and I feel you are all worthy of my trust." She noted Drake's eyes shifting to Raythor. "Yes Drake, even Raythor. With Recent events, and the potential for another war on the horizon, I have come to the conclusion that it is not . . . safe to keep all of Meridian's power, even though I am the queen and therefore the Heart of Meridian. I have discussed this matter with the Oracle, and he has given his blessing on my choosen course of action. Vathek, Drake, Tynar, Aldarn, Elias, and Raythor, I have chosen the seven of you to act in the somewhat similar fashion as the guardians, as Knights of Meridian."
"Seven, your majesty? I count six." Drake glanced around.
"Caleb. He is currently with the guardians hunting down the two that attacked. However, Meridian is still a prime target for these new attackers and it is an urgent need now to safeguard the magic of Meridian. You are all unlikely to gain any powers other than strong enhancements to your already considerable skills." The six lined up in front of her, in silent synchronization. "Will you accept this charge, and this gift of power?"
"I would be deeply honored, your majesty." Elias bowed. The others agreed. Elyon held out her hands, and six more bright orbs of power formed, and found their way to each man's chest.
"I thank you, my loyal knights." With that important piece of business out of the way, Elyon began the rather boring but nessecary series of meetings to deal with the fallout of the battle.
Why, oh why do fairytales gloss over the life of the princess after the princess becomes Queen? I was totally unprepared for all this . . .
Back in Zambala:
"Nothing. No one knows where those two disappeared to, Caleb." Cornelia opened her eyes. "We need to check the quarry, and then I'm out of places to look."
"Right, Let's go." As they began to walk, he glanced over at her. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be better once we find your father and make sure Nerissa isn't coming back. Why do you ask?"
"No reason." Cornelia continued to check in with the plant life as they continued on. It was clear the news hadn't changed, but he was grateful that she still checked in . . . and he was grateful for her being there with him. "Thanks."
"Huh?" Cornelia glanced up at him. He helped her up and hugged her. "Caleb?"
"Don't know what I'd do without you."
"Hopefully, you'll never have to find out." Cornelia smiled, and kissed him. As they broke apart, she kept her smile. "Now, let's go find the creeps that took Julian and beat some information out of them, shall we?" Caleb smiled back and the two continued on, this time holding hands.
"I can't believe you're a guardian! Why didn't you tell me?" Taranee, now over her intial shock, was a little miffed Nigel had kept his powers a secret from her.
"Uh, may I point out that you never told me about this side of you either?" Nigel held up his hands. "So I think we're even on that score." Taranee sighed.
"Yeah, you got me there . . . So . . . what powers do you have?" Nigel smiled and grabbed her hand.
"Well, I'm the holder of the heart, and telepathic . . ."
"We finally beat Phobos, Nerissa and Cedric, but we stay guardians for any threat that might come, which leads to now." Hay Lin finished telling Eric as the two flew over the jungle. He smiled at her enthusiasm, though he had gotten a little lost near the end of her story. "We are so perfect together!" Hay Lin gushed, extremely happy. "And now I don't have to worry about people coming after you again!"
"Ah, again?"
"Oh, you don't remember . . . heh, well, I'd better explain." So Hay Lin sheepishly explained that a glamoured Nerissa had suckered all the guys in Shetfield with a love/lust spell, and that included him, Nigel and Martin. "I was still in shock over the fact she had captured my grandmother, and really self conscious over my braces, so even though I tried to keep telling myself you were under a spell, it really hurt me when Nerissa had you and my grandmother taunt me about it. Then when we were battling it out in the mall, Nerissa, ah, had you kinda strapped to a giant light ball and was about to turn you into charcoal. You were unconscious, and that helped me snap out of the catatonia I'd been in . . . I rescued you and me and the girls beat the heck out of Nerissa's cronies." Hay Lin glanced at the ground, embarrassed.
"Oh, Hay Lin, I'm sorry." He reached out and pulled her into a hug. "You know I love you . . . and that won't happen again, I promise."
"At least not without a fight on your part, right?"
"Right."
"Well, Nigel, Eric and Martin are now G- er, Sentinels of a long lost heart and their bad has decided to start wrecking havoc across all the worlds. Who else is going to get powers, Uriah and his idiots?" Will landed in a clearing. "And to top it off, I can't find Ironwood to discuss anything." Matt and Aesop landed right behind her.
"Take it easy, Will. At least we have more on our side now." Matt put a hand on her shoulder. "It could be a lot worse . . . it could actually be Uriah."
"I know . . . but this whole thing is making me uneasy. Like there's something I should be seeing."
"Well, if you can ever get Shield into a deep trance, you could ask him questions about the future." Aesop offered. "Or maybe even Mace, he's supposed to be able to see the past."
"Really?"
"Yep. Quinn's suppose to see the present, and his telepathy helps with that." Aesop hopped from branch to branch. "But he's not very good at finding things. That's always been the Light and the Dark's ability. Light even more so than Dark."
"So, Their elements are light, dark, and-"
"Psyche. Well, more like metal-organic psyche, I suppose. They've all developed their secondary powers a little quicker than their main ones, for some strange reason. Alectra stayed behind with the Oracle to ask about that."
"Wonder if I have an element . . ." Matt flexed his wings.
"You probably do, but it might not even be a main one. Might be a secondary element."
"Secondary Element?"
"Yeah, like, how water and wind can combine to make ice? Well, that makes Ice a secondary element."
"Tridart and Ember were both capable of secondary elements then, they were both made from a combination of two." Matt nodded to himself.
"Er, yeah . . . anyway, secondary elements are a bit more rare. There are also . . . er . . . I've mentioned that your earthling vocabulary is difficult, yes?"
"Yeah, frequently."
"Good. Alright . . . Light and Dark are elements that are considered opposites of each other, yes?" Both nodded. "Alright, then there are also opposites of the elements. Fire is the opposite of water, air is opposite of earth, and quintessence, or rather, the life element, is the opposite of death."
"Wait, death is considered an element?"
"Well, yes. An opposite element, created to oppose life. Order and chaos are also considered the ancient elements- and I've completely lost you once more, haven't I?"
"I was following until you brought up order and chaos." Will sighed, feeling a headache coming on.
"Sorry, my sister's a better speaker than I am, I tend to ramble." Aesop tilted his head. "Chaos and Order are the two oldest elements, according to you humans. Order created everything else, in particular the five main elements; Fire, Air, Earth, Water and Quintessence. Metal, Light and Dark also began to exist at the same time, but are considered side elements to those five. Then the secondary elements were created, and lastly, the final element, Death."
"So, you're saying I could have pretty much anything." Matt crossed his arms.
"Of course." Aesop blinked. "Oh, flowers!" The comment made Will and Matt look at each other.
"Uh, Aesop, are you alright?" Will walked over to the bird.
"Hm? Oh, yeah, why?"
"You abruptly changed the topic . . ."
"Oh, did I? Sorry. I do that occasionally, it's due to the damage I received when I was forcibly turned into my final form."
"Well, with that done, let's resume searching for Ironwood." Will frowned at the sky. "The sun's going to start setting soon."
Martin and Irma were resting. They had covered a lot of ground, but had yet to find any sign of Oizys and Moros. "So, what is your power?" It was as good of an ice breaker as any, and the two had felt entirely awkward towards each other since they had started searching.
"Hm? Oh, I'm apparently the Sentinel of Light. But we've just recently started so . . ." Martin shrugged. "All I can really do right now is form shield and barriers and heal . . ."
"That's not so bad. And healing is an excellent power to have." Irma offered.
"Y'think so?"
"Hey, if we had someone who could patch us up, we would've been able to do more for any civilians that we met." She smiled. "But this does explain a lot. You've been less annoying . . ."
"Sorry about that . . . trying to pretend that everything was normal was kinda hard . . ."
"Uh, that was actually a good thing, Martin." But Irma let it go. "Now, If I was an evil baddie, where would I be? –Ahh!" Martin tackled her out of the way of a lightning blast.
"Try right behind us!" Martin threw up a shield to protect them as more red lightning was flung down.
"What do you know, I was right . . . we did find them first." Irma winced as she sat up. "Nice tackle, going to go out for the football team?"
"Yeah, right after I try out for Track." Martin winced as the lighting was joined by Moros' club. "I can't hold this for much longer."
"Oh, Right." Irma quickly caused a geyser to send Moros flying. Martin released the shield and dodged out of the way. The two sides quickly got on opposite sides of the clearing. "Now what?"
"Now, we destroy you."
"Somehow, I knew he was going to say that." Martin sighed. "Do all villains sound like they do in the movies?"
"Some. The real egotistical ones. The others just growl and try to kill you." Irma shrugged. "Like that." She pointed as Moros began charging. She blasted him back with water again. "Shall we dance?"
"Take the lead, fair lady. I'm right behind you." Irma created a water spout, and Martin fell in behind her, using his shield to slam Moros away. For a moment, it looked like the troll and his batty companion were going to retreat, they had blended into the foliage around them. Then Oizys showed another ability.
He was a lot faster than them.
"Martin!" Irma yelled a warning, as Moros grabbed her from behind. Martin tried to turn and get a shield up, but as Oizys lunged at him, he saw the blade of a knife. This is just like one of my dreams . . . "Martin!" He tried to dodge out of the way, and partially succeeded, the blade only hit his right shoulder. His left hand glowed, a beam of light shot from it and sent Oizys flying into a tree. The knife was also ripped out and he had to bite his lip to keep from yelling. Then he hit the ground, the wind knocked out of him. "You creeps are going to pay for that!" Martin's vision grayed for a moment, when it cleared Irma was kneeling over him, blue eyes wide with concern. "Martin! Talk to me, stay with me!"
"What about?" He really wanted to sleep. A Tree behind Irma moved. "That an Ent?" He blinked, trying to focus. His shoulder hurt.
"I can get you to help, Guardian . . ." The Ent's and Irma's conversation was so far away . . .
"Martin, you are not allowed to fall asleep right now! Talk to me about anything- what's your favorite memory?" They were moving now. "Martin?" Why was it so hard to focus?
Oh, right, blood loss, maybe he should try healing himself? He grunted and gripped his shoulder with his left hand. But he couldn't tell if it was doing anything.
"Martin, can you hear me? Please, answer!" Apparently, it was. He could focus better, and his vision wasn't trying to gray out.
"I'm here, blossom . . . I won't go anywhere."
"Good, Boughbreaker's taking us to Ironwood, she's got the heart. She should be able to heal you." Irma bit her lip and glanced ahead. 'Should' being the key word in that sentence. And Taranee was too far away to take calls, apparently. Taranee! Martin's hurt!
I've been working on this chapter for a while, and I've kept rewriting the beginning over and over . . . I rather like this version, but if you have any issues, please let me know and I'll keep it in mind for future chapters. Sorry for the cliffhanger . . . but this chapter was getting kinda long . . .
Next up, Apate's round up is going fine . . . except for a couple of glitches that pop up.