Chapter XIV:
Later that day, the girls found Irma at their favorite diner, sitting at their favorite table, eating some curly fries and drinking a strawberry milkshake still sulking about what happened yesterday.
"Of course she'd be here.", Cornelia said as they walked up to the table.
"Let's go talk to her.", Will said with a grin knowing that they had their work cut out for them.
As for Irma, she had just ate a fry when she noticed the girls walking towards her. Not wanting to talk with them, she simply drank her milkshake slowly as she ignored them as they sat at the table with her.
"Okay. So you don't want to talk.", Will said as Irma didn't even look at them. "Fine. Then listen. I get that you're mad about us agreeing with Caleb's plan, but it has to be done this way and you know this, Irma.", she said to which Irma scowled while still drinking her milkshake.
"Oh! Knock it off, Irma!", Cornelia said getting fed up with how she was acting. "You think that you're the only one upset with what's going on?! Well I got news for you! You're not! I want to be by Caleb's side when he goes after those flunkies of Phobos, but we all know that if he were to include us in the operation, Elyon would say no unless we weren't a part of it. So he just basically cut to the chase. His plan is a good one and you know it, so quite acting like a big baby!"
Hearing that made Irma mad as she glared at Cornelia who simply looked at Irma not being phased by her.
"The more you're like this, the more time you're taking from us helping in the Drakken Kingdom.", Cornelia said.
"Oh! So now you want to mix some cement.", Irma said.
"Not only that, but help the Alchemy pick an outfit to wear when she's in the Drakken Kingdom.", Cornelia said. "Just like you want to do for Martin."
"Yeah. So?", Irma asked acting as if she didn't care yet did.
"So how about getting over this and get back to what we were doing.", Taranee said. "Trying to turn those we can to our side. Remember?"
"I haven't forgotten!", Irma said.
"Then quit being a child throwing a tantrum and get back to what we were doing.", Will said earning a glare from Irma. "Cause the more any of us pull this crap, the more our friends will think of us as being childish.", she said ignoring Irma's glare.
Irma did nothing but pouted knowing that Will was right and that she needed to get her stuff together. So after she finished her fries and milkshake, she paid her bill and left with the others. Now back on Metamoor, in the Drakken Kingdom, we have Micheal, Nesson, Renna, Aldarn, Drake, and Tynar sitting at a round table in the royal meeting room of Angelo's palace working out more of the plans of the operation they were working on.
"Sooner or later, those involved will get news of the king wanting some 'special' servants to the leaders of this organization.", Nesson said. "Which they, in turn, will send someone to speak to the king about what kind of women he likes."
"And that is when the king will turn them away.", Drake said. "And not to kindly I might add."
"And that's when I will follow them and tell them that it was I who really want a woman for my future home here.", Micheal said. "I'll show them my home and tell them what kind of girl that I like. A girl who is in the Meridian Kingdom."
"Question.", Renna said. "Who do we ask to be the bait for all of this?"
"I have a good idea of who to ask.", Aldarn said. "But we have to head back to Queen Elyon's palace and get who we need.", he said to Micheal.
"Okay. Let's get going.", Micheal said.
Moments later, in the Meridian Kingdom Prison in the Infinite City, Miranda had just finished doing her rounds and was standing her post when Vathek came up to her and...
"Miranda. Her Majesty wishes to have a word with you.", Vathek said.
"I wonder what's wrong.", Miranda said.
"Only one way to find out.", Vathek said.
Nodding to Vathek, Miranda headed out of the prison and up to the palace. Soon she was at the throne room doors where there were two guards.
"I am here at Her Majesty's request.", Miranda said to the guards who nodded to her before they opened the doors for her allowing her to enter the throne room.
Once in the throne room, she saw that along with Elyon were Julian, Raythor, Aldarn, and Micheal.
"You summoned me, Your Majesty.", Miranda said with a bow.
"Yes. I did. Thank you for coming, Miranda.", Elyon said. "Now as you know, our kingdom is working with the Drakken Kingdom in a joint operation that Aldarn amd Micheal are leading along with four others."
"Indeed I do, Your Majesty.", Miranda said.
"Well it seems that they have need of your services.", Elyon said.
"You do?!", Miranda asked Micheal and Aldarn surprised.
"Yes. We do.", Micheal said as he walked up to Miranda. "If you agree to help, you will play a key role in the operation. But I must let you know that you will be put in danger."
"Can I ask what you need me to do?", Miranda asked.
"Of course.", Aldarn said. "That is why we are here."
"We came to ask Queen Elyon if we could bring you to the Drakken Kingdom for the rest of the day to talk with you about what we need you for.", Micheal explained.
"And I agreed to it.", Elyon said with a kind smile.
"Okay then.", Miranda said. "Let's head back to the Drakken Kingdom."
Micheal then teleported back to the Drakken Kingdom with Aldarn and Miranda in tow.
"Well things just got more interesting.", Julian said. "I believe I shall go inform Vathek of what is going on. I have a feeling that he is wondering what is gong on."
"I believe that you are right, mate.", Raythor said. "He has taking a real shine to Miranda. If you didn't know any better, you'd think he was her father."
"I believe that you're right, my friend.", Julian said with a grin as he headed out of the throne room.
"I'm happy for Miranda.", Elyon said. "She's come a long way since she was put on her parole."
"Indeed she has, Your Highness.", Raythor said. "I only hope that those that have their doubts about her see what we see."
"Well they haven't been talking about it in a while.", Elyon said. "But then again, they just may be waiting until she is done with her parole and start keeping a REAL close eye on her."
"Let us hope that they see the good in her before they do something foolish.", Raythor said.
"I truly hope so, Raythor.", Elyon said. "I truly do."
Now back in the Drakken Kingdom, Micheal had arrived in the palace meeting room with Aldarn and Miranda.
"Welcome to the Drakken Kingdom, Miranda.", Micheal said. "Meet Generals Renna and Nesson."
"Greetings, Miranda.", Renna said and she and Nesson bowed to her.
"Thank you.", Miranda said as she bowed to them.
"We hope that you will be able to help us in our operation.", Nesson said.
"About that.", Miranda said. "What do you need me to do?"
"Here's the deal, Miranda.", Micheal said as he began to explain things. "Renna and Nesson have brought to our attention the acts of young men and women getting kidnapped and being sold as special servants to those in power all around Metamoor."
"Acts that we want to put an end to.", Tynar said.
"Oh we will.", Micheal said. "But to pull this off, we need to find their main base of operation."
"And I'm guessing that is where I come in.", Miranda figured.
"Yes. It is.", Drake said. "Right now, we have rumors of King Angelo wanting some 'special' maids."
"Which in turn will bring someone to the palace to find out what the king wants.", Renna said. "But the king will turn them away."
"Okay. Now you lost me.", Miranda said. "How does the king turning them away help you find their base of operations?"
"That's where I come in.", Micheal said. "I'll follow them as they are leaving the palace. I'll then confront them and tell them that I wish for a 'special' maid for my new home that I have here. I'll then tell them of what kind of woman that I fancy. One who refused my advances in the past."
"And that is where I come in.", Miranda figured.
"Bingo.", Micheal said. "Now you must know that if you do this, you will have to wear the very same choker that you are wearing now.", he said to which Miranda gentle touched. "But only when the time comes for you to play your part. The reason you'll have to wear it is to keep which ever form you take just in case if they have a way to reveal any of the people they kidnap as Shape-sifters."
"That does make sense.", Miranda said. "So what do you want me to look like?"
"We can cross that bridge when we get to it.", Micheal said. "So are you in?"
"Of course!", Miranda said. "I remember when Phobos had formed his harem. He had many girls taken from their homes and brought to the palace. When I spoke against it, I was punished. I couldn't do much back then, but now I can. So I'm in!"
"Very well. Welcome to the team.", Micheal said. "Now you know that you can't talk to anyone about this except for those that know about all of this."
"Of course. I will tell no one about this.", Miranda said. "No matter how much they beg or threaten me."
"Good to hear.", Micheal said. "Now let's go over the key parts of everything as well as who we need to keep an eye out for."
Later that day, the Guardians had showed up to the palace to speak with either friends or boyfriends and see if they could help them with picking the outfits they would be wearing there. Of course they were surprised to see Miranda talking with Nara, Selece, Mandy, and Alchemy.
"What the heck?! What is SHE doing here?!", Irma questioned as she pointed at Miranda.
"Miranda was brought here by Micheal to talk about helping with the joint operation.", Nara said.
"I'm sorry. What?! Now she's in on this operation?!", Cornelia asked.
"Is that a problem.", Selece asked in a tone daring Cornelia to say something.
"No.", Will said before any of the girls could say anything. "It's just a bit of a surprise."
"That's understandable.", Selece said. "So what brings you girls here?"
"Well Irma, Taranee, and Hay Lin came to see their boyfriends while I came to hang with you.", Will said.
"Cool.", Selece said. "What about you, Cornelia?"
"I came to speak with Alchemy.", Cornelia said. "Can we talk?"
"I don't know.", Alchemy said with her back turned to Cornelia. "Depends on what you have to say."
"Please, Al.", Cornelia said.
"Fine.", Alchemy said with a sigh. "Come with me.", she said as she led the way.
"Did I miss something?", Miranda asked as she watched Alchemy and Cornelia walk off.
"You have no idea.", Mandy said.
"And it's none of your concern.", Irma said in a tone that said butt out.
"Don't you have a boyfriend to find?", Selece asked getting annoyed with Irma.
"Well I know when I'm not wanted.", Irma said as she walked off.
"You didn't have to be that way with Irma, you know.", Hay Lin said to Selece.
"And she didn't have to talk to Miranda the way she did.", Mandy said.
"Mandy is right.", Nara said. "The Water Guardian spoke wrong to Miranda. She could of spoke nicer to her."
"Nara does have a point.", Taranee said when she spotted Nigel walking with some soldiers talking about something. "Excuse me, girls. I just spotted my guy.", she said as she waked off.
"Well I'm off to find Eric.", Hay Lin said. "Any idea where he might be?"
"Last I saw him he was at the archery range.", Mandy said as she pointed the way. "Said something about learning to use the crossbow."
"Thanks!", Hay Lin said as she ran off in said direction.
"Well I am off to go do a bit of meditating.", Nara said as she headed for her chambers.
"So what do you want to do?", Selece asked Will.
"Well have you picked any outfits to where here yet?", Will asked.
"Not yet. Mandy and I plan on doing that today.", Selece said.
"Mind if I tag along?", Will asked. "It's good to have an extra opinion."
"It's fine with me.", Selece said.
"Same here.", Mandy said. "You coming Miranda?"
"Sure. I may even find an outfit or two for myself.", Miranda said as they headed off to go find some outfits.
As for Alchemy she had led Cornelia to her chambers which was looking a whole lot better now that she had time to do what she wanted with it. As she looked around the room, Cornelia saw that it looked a lot better than the last time she was in there. She also remembered the argument she had with Alchemy there as well and knew that she had to make things right if she was to even have a chance of turning her to their side when the time came.
"So you wanted to talk.", Alchemy said as she sat in a chair she had there. "So talk."
Letting out a sigh Cornelia sat on the couch that was there and swallowed her pride knowing what she had to say. For she still felt that she was justified in what she said to Alchemy about joining Angelo's royal court even though she wasn't going to be in it with her. But right now, she had to do what she had to do. So after taking a deep breath, Cornelia looked at Alchemy and...
"I'm sorry about what happened the last time we were in here.", Cornelia said. "It was wrong of me to get angry and try to make you feel bad about joining Angelo's royal court when I couldn't. I should of had your back instead of being the way I was. I'm sorry, Alchemy."
Alchemy looked at Cornelia and couldn't tell if she was being sincere or not. With all that she has been through with Cornelia, it was hard to tell if she was being honest or not sometimes. But with all that was going on, she didn't have time to deal with Cornelia and her attitude. So she decided to do what was best and forgive her and move forward.
"Apology accepted, Cornelia.", Alchemy said with a smile that Cornelia returned as the two friends got up and shared a hug.
"Thanks, Al!", Cornelia said as they hugged. "So if you don't mind me asking, did you pick any outfits to wear around here yet?"
"I picked one casual outfit to wear.", Alchemy said. "As for formal and more casual clothes to wear along with something to fight in, still working on it. I ask the palace tailors to bring some clothes here for me to try on. I only had enough time to pick one outfit."
"Well how about we go and go through those clothes and make some outfits.", Cornelia said. "It'll be fun. Heck! I may find an outfit to wear."
"Sure. Why not.", Alchemy said as they left her chambers and headed to where the clothes were.
'I can't believe she forgave me so easily!', Cornelia thought to herself as they headed down the halls of the palace. 'Talking her into joining up with us may be easier than I thought.'
'I so hope that she was being sincere about that apology.', Alchemy thought to herself. 'Who am I kidding. The only reason she apologized was because the other girls told her to. If she had her way, she would wait until I gave in and apologized for not talking to her about joining the royal court. Well as nice as it is that we're talking again, that wouldn't of done that anyway. No way, no how!', she thought as she led the way to the clothes she had brought to the palace.
In another part of the palace, we have Taranee who had caught up with Nigel who was pretty surprised to see her.
"When did you get here?", Nigel asked.
"A few minutes ago.", Taranee said. "So what are you doing?"
"Nothing really.", Nigel said. "I go where I'm needed and right now, I'm not needed for anything."
"Well how about we take the time to pick out some outfits for you to wear around here.", Taranee suggested.
"Works for me.", Nigel said. "I've been meaning to get around to that anyway. I know where there are some good clothing shops."
"Lead the way.", Taranee said as they headed out of the palace.
As for Hay Lin, it didn't take her long to find Eric on the target range of the training grounds with a crossbow firing some bolts at a some targets. Some were just standing there while others were swinging on some ropes. Hay Lin was pretty impressed with how well he was with the crossbow. She waited until Eric was finished before she went up to him.
"Hey Eric!", Hay Lin said happy to see her boyfriend.
"Oh hey, Hay Lin!", Eric said happy to see her. "What brings you here?"
"Weeeeeell! I was wondering if you had picked any outfits to wear around here yet.", she asked.
"Honestly, not yet.", Eric said. "Well I did pick one outfit to fit in around here, but that's about it."
"Well mind if I help you out?", Hay Lin asked. "It'll be fun!"
"Let's do it.", Eric said. "The sooner I get this done, the better.", he said putting a smile on Hay Lin's face as they left the training grounds together.
Now as for Irma, she did find Martin in the royal library sorting out some books.
"Figures you'd be here.", Irma said as she walked up to him.
"Hey Irma. What's up?", Martin asked.
"Nothing much. Just hoping to spend some time with you.", Irma said. "Maybe even help you pick an outfit or two for you to wear around here."
"Haven't gotten around to doing that yet.", Martin said. "Been a bit busy here in the library."
"I can see that.", Irma said. "So how about you take a much needed break from all of this so we can spend some time together."
"Hmmmmm... Okay then.", Martin said as he closed a book. "I do need to blend in more around here. Let's go find me some outfits."
"Great!", Irma said as she grabbed onto her boyfriend's arm. "I have some great ideas for some outfits! You're going to love them!", she said as she pulled him along.
"This should be interesting.", Martin said wondering what Irma had in mind for him.
Now outside the Fortress of Infinity, on Kandrakar, we have Matt who is about to begin his first lesson with Tibor. If he had his way, he'd be with Will right now, but he doesn't have much of a choice in the matter. So he decided to come a day early to begin his training. So he had Will open a fold to Kandrakar for him. Once at the fortress he found Halinor and told her that he was there to begin his training early. He was then taken to an area outside the fortress that looked like it's seen a few fights.
'Time to see what Tibor can do.', Matt thought to himself as he waited for Tibor to show up.
Which didn't take long as Tibor and Alfor showed up onto the feild both dressed in a white training gi with black belts and black kung-fu shoes. Seeing Tibor was one thing, yet Matt was surprised to see Alfor there as well.
"Welcome, Matthew.", Tibor said. "I am a bit surprised to see you a day early."
"Well I figured that I'd start this training as soon as possibly.", Matt said as he transformed back to normal showing that he was wearing a pair of black sweatpants and a gray tank-top with black and white sneakers. "So let's get started."
"Very well.", Tibor said. "Let's us begin with seeing how well you can fight. If you will, Alfor."
"Of course.", Alfor said as he stepped forward. "Come at me Regent.", he said as Tibor went and stood away from Alfor.
"I'm sorry. Say what now?", Matt asked.
"I said come at me.", Alfor said to which Matt snickered a bit. "Is there something wrong?"
"I'm sorry, but you're joking right?!", Matt asked holding back his laughter. "I mean you don't look like much in a fight, Alfor."
"I assure you that Alfor is one of our best warriors, Matthew.", Tibor said. "Do not judge a book by it's cover."
"I am ready when you are, Regent.", Alfor said ready to go.
Matt took a fighting stance ready to go when...
"Oh and one more thing, Matthew.", Alfor said.
"What's that?", Matt asked.
"Change into your Regent form, if you don't mind.", Alfor said. "I wish for this to be as close to fair as possible.", he said with a kind smile.
'Is he... Is he calling me weak?!', Matt thought to himself getting mad. 'So that's how he wants to play it, huh?!'
"If you say so. But remember.", Matt said as he transformed into his Regent form ready to go. "You asked for this.", he said before flying towards Alfor who was just standing there.
'To easy!', Matt thought as he spun around and hit Alfor with his tail.
But when Matt looked to see a knocked down Alfor, he saw that he wasn't even there.
"What the...?! Where did he...?!", he asked when he noticed dark spot appear on the ground, in front of him, that began to grow bigger with each second. "Huh?!"
It was then that Matt realized that it was a shadow of something coming down and looked up to see that it was Alfor coming down at him. He was about to move but was to late as Alfor came down on his head, with both feet, slamming his face to the ground followed by the rest of him. Alfor them jumped off of him and landed forty feet behind him. As for Matt, he slowly got to his feet surprised by what just happened and lucky that he had his gold mask to protect his face when he got it slammed into the ground.
'How did he do that?!', he thought to himself as he turned around to see Alfor looking at him.
"I hope that wasn't all, Regent of Earth.", Alfor said with a smile that looked a bit mischievous. "For I am just getting started."
"Getting started, huh?", Matt said as he clinched his fist. "Well I'm about to finish this!", he said as he flew at Alfor getting serious.
Now for a short round fellow, Alfor was pretty quick as he dodged all of Matt's attacks. Try as he might, Matt just couldn't touch him! And believe me when I say that he was giving it his all. Soon Alfor decided to fight back giving Matt quite the beating with his amazing speed and power.
'How is he this fast?!', Matt thought to himself as he tried to hit Alfor only to miss and get hit by him with just his right palm which sent him flying back a few feet. 'How is he this powerful?!'
Soon Matt was getting tired and Alfor knew this as he jumped back from Matt ready to stop their one-sided sparring match.
"I do believe we are done here.", Alfor said.
"No!", Matt said while panting. "I'm not done yet!"
"I'm sorry, but yes you are.", Alfor said.
"No I'm not!", Matt said as he fired an energy blast from his eyes at Alfor who just stood there as the blast hit him causing a small explosion. "Told you I wasn't done.", he said as the dust began to settle showing that Alfor was still standing. "What the heck?!"
And that wasn't all! In Alfor's right hand was the energy from Matt's attack formed into a small ball.
"I believe that this is yours.", Alfor said as he sent the ball of energy back at Matt who was able to dodge it, only for Alfor to make it turn around and hit Matt in the back sending him falling to the ground.
"I do believe that is it for your first lesson, Matthew.", Tibor said as he and Alfor walked up to Matt as he slowly transformed back to normal battered, bruised, and tired.
"And what was that?", Matt asked as he slowly turned over to be laying on his back. "How to take a beating?!"
"No. Not to underestimate your opponent.", Tibor said. "You saw Alfor and thought that he wasn't much in a fight. That is why you lost to him. In truth, Alfor is one of our best warriors.", he said before he used his powers to heal Matt up. "Take this time to get some rest. Your next lesson will begin in the hour.", he said as he and Alfor left Matt to so he could get some rest.
"What did I get myself into?", Matt asked himself as he sat up and watched Tibor and Alfor walk off.
Back in the Drakken Kingdom, on Metamoor, we have Hay Lin helping Eric pick some outfits to wear in the Drakken Kingdom. And let's just say that it's been pretty interesting.
"I'm not a ninja, Hay Lin.", Eric said as he looked in the mirror at the outfit Hay Lin had him try on which was a gray ninja outfit with a red long scarf minus the hood.
"But you look so cool!", Hay Lin said. "And with your speed you're like a ninja."
"Sorry but no.", Eric said as he took the scarf off. "I want to blend in not stand out.", he said when a young woman suddenly walked into the room.
"My apologies. I did not know that someone was in here.", she said as she turned to leave.
"Linne?!", Eric called out getting the girl's attention. "Hey! It is you!"
"Oh! Sir Eric! And Guardian Hay Lin!", Linne said surprised to see them. "It is good to see you both again. May I ask what you are wearing, Sir Eric?"
"It's just Eric. I'm not a knight yet.", Eric said.
"And you can just call me Hay Lin.", Hay Lin said with a smile.
"As for what I'm wearing, I'm trying to find the right outfits to wear whenever I'm here.", Eric said. "I found one to wear for casual use. Now I just need something to wear for fighting in. It'll also be what I wear when I transform. This outfit was something Hay Lin picked for me, but I'm not feeling it."
"It can grow on you in time.", Hay Lin said as she took the scarf and began to put it back on. "You like it, right Linne?"
"Well, the Ferala and Florina Kingdoms do have warriors of stealth that dress this way.", Linne said.
"See! This can work for you!", Hay Lin said as she put a headband on Eric's head. "You're a warrior of stealth."
"No. Mandy is a warrior of stealth. I'm just fast.", Eric said.
"Hmmm... You are one of speed yes?", Linne asked getting a nod from Eric. "I'll be right back!", she said as she left the room.
A few minutes later, Linne came back with the same outfit she showed Eric the first time they met. It was a bit big for him so she searched through the clothes they had to make the same outfit that was Eric's size.
"Not bad.", Eric said as he looked at himself in the mirror. "Not bad at all!", he said impressed with how he looked.
He was dressed in a pair of black pants with brown leather belt and boots with a gray shirt, black leather vest and brown gloves with a smoke gray hooded cloak.
"Now this I can work with.", Eric said liking the outfit.
"It is the outfit that my father wore as a scout for the rebels.", Linne explained. "He was proud of his duty and did it well."
"Is he a scout for our army now?", Eric asked.
"No.", Linne said as she shook her head. "He went back to being a carpenter. It is something he loves. I'm happy that he can do what he likes.", she said with a smile.
"I'm happy for him.", Eric said. "And thank you for the outfit."
"You are welcome.", Linne said with a bow.
"But what about the outfit I picked?", Hay Lin asked getting a bit upset.
"How about this, Hay Lin. When I go to the Florina and Ferala Kingdoms, I'll wear that outfit.", Eric said. "Okay?", he asked hoping that she'd be okay with that.
"Okay.", Hay Lin said with a bit of disappointment yet did her best to hide it.
"Thanks.", Eric said as he gave her a kiss on the cheek which made her smile a bit. "Now let's try to find some more outfits.", he said as he began to look through the clothes Linne was already looking through.
As for Hay Lin, she wanted it to be just her and Eric doing this, but she didn't want to send Linne away and sound like a jealous girlfriend. So she just let it go and went to helping Eric pick some more outfits telling herself that she had nothing to worry about. Now in the capital city of Yaga, we have Selece and Mandy in one of the few clothing shops with Will and Miranda along to help them look for some outfits to wear when there. When they first arrived, the ones running the store brought out their best outfits and clothes for them to go through. Which didn't make picking an outfit any easier.
"This so doesn't work for me.", Selece said as she looked at the outfit she was wearing in the mirror after stepping out from the changing screen.
"What do you mean?", Will asked. "You can run in it. Fight in it. And seeing as you're wearing pants, you don't have to worry about any guys looking up your skirt when you go giant."
"I know but, I want something that looks good on me.", Selece said.
"You and me both.", Mandy said as she didn't like what she was wearing either as she looked at herself in the mirror. "This so doesn't work for me."
"Not you too!", Will said. "Help me out here, Miranda!"
"Actually, I agree with them.", Miranda said. "I remember Elyon telling me one time that when you are picking out something to wear, it should be something that you are comfortable in."
"Gee, thanks.", Will said in a deadpan tone.
"What is going on here?", came the voice of a certain blonde.
Everyone turned to see Cornelia and Alchemy standing at the door of the store.
"Let me guess, you two are looking for the right outfits to wear.", Alchemy said as they walked up to the girls.
"And not doing so well.", Mandy said.
"Not one bit.", Selece said getting fed up.
"That's because you don't have me here to help you.", Cornelia said proudly. "I'll have you two and Alchemy looking good in no time."
"Might as well give it a shot.", Mandy said.
"Sure. Why not? It can't get any worse.", Selece said ready to give Cornelia a chance.
"Trust me, ladies! When I'm done, you two will be looking great!", Cornelia said as she began to look through the clothes.
Now in another store, we have Nigel trying to pick some outfits with aid from Taranee. And it was going pretty well.
"Okay! Now this is cool!", Nigel said as he looked at himself in the mirror.
Nigel was dressed in a pair of black pants with a black leather belt and brown leather boots with a black short sleeved shirt and a brown leather battle harness with brown leather fingerless gloves and a brown headband.
"It does look good on you.", Taranee said. "It definitely shows that you are a warrior of strength."
"Thanks.", Nigel said. "Now I just have to pick something formal to wear."
"How about this?", Taranee asked as she showed him something she had picked out while he was looking for the outfit he was wearing.
"Really?!", Nigel asked with a grin. "Where did you find this?!"
"A piece at a time.", Taranee said. "What do you think?"
"Never thought I'd see something like this in real life.", Nigel said. "Let's see how I look in it.", he said making Taranee smile.
In another part of the palace we have Martin with Irma who was helping him pick out some outfits to wear. Which brings us to now.
"No.", Martin said as he looked at himself in the mirror. "No way!"
"But Martin, this can work!", Irma said.
"No, Irma!", Martin said. "I am not walking around the palace, let alone, the kingdom in this!"
"But you look great, babe!", Irma said. "When they see you in this, they'll be calling you Martin the Great!"
"I'm not a wizard, Irma.", Martin said as he looked at the outfit Irma had picked out for him.
Simply put, Martin was dressed in a wizard's robe and hat with matching slippers. All he was missing was a wand or staff. Needless to say that Martin wasn't happy about the outfit.
"I look like an extra in a Harry Potter movie.", Martin said as he took the hat off. "No way am I wearing this!"
"But I like it!", Irma said as she grabbed the hat. "We'll look great together. The wizard and the fairy. It's almost like a fairy tail.", she said with a smile as she placed the hat back on Martin's head. "At least try it out for a few days. Please.", she said with a pleading look.
"If I were a wizard, then I'd give it a try.", Martin said. "But I'm not. So the answer is no."
"But...", Irma began to say when Micheal suddenly walked entered the room.
"Whoa, dude!", Micheal said as he looked at Martin. "Where did you find that?!", he asked with a grin.
"Don't ask.", Martin said in a deadpan tone.
"Can you tell him that he looks great in this, Micheal.", Irma said hoping that he would side with her.
"You look like you're going to a Lord of the Rings convention.", Micheal said.
"Which is why I'm not wearing this!", Martin said as he removed the hat.
"Thanks for nothing!", Irma said to Micheal.
"Well I not going to lie to one of my friends.", Micheal said.
"What are you doing here anyway?", Irma asked.
"I left one of my shields in here the other day when I was going through some clothes trying to make a few outfits for myself.", Michel explained when he spotted his shield. "Ah! There it is!", he said as he walked up to his small round shield.
"Well now that you found it, you can leave us alone.", Irma said with her back turned to Micheal.
"Fine. I know when I'm not wanted.", Micheal said when he spotted a sleeveless long coat. "Why don't you wear this over a shirt?"
"Yeah right.", Irma said with a scoff. "Like that'll look good on him."
"I'm serious.", Micheal said. "Add a hood to it for rainy days and you got something."
"I like it.", Martin said as took the wizard robe off and put the long coat on over the white shirt he had on with brown pants and black boots. "Now this I like!"
"Seriously?!", Irma asked not believing what she was seeing. "You pick this over what I just found for you?!"
"Sorry, Irma but this is better for me to wear in battle.", Martin said. "How am I going to look flying in the air dressed like a wizard?"
"Well you liked the other outfits that I helped you pick.", Irma said.
"That's because they're more practical.", Martin said. "That last one isn't for me."
"So you're not going to wear it?", Irma asked. "Not even for me?"
"If I had picked an outfit for you that you didn't like, would you wear it?", Martin asked knowing that Irma wouldn't.
"Fine! Be that way! I'm out of here!", Irma said as she began to leave the room. "And I'm taking the other outfits with me! You can have Micheal help you pick your outfits", she said as she grabbed the other outfits she helped Martin pick and stuffed them in a cloth sack and left Martin and Micheal alone.
"Well that was something.", Micheal said before turning to Martin. "You remember what those outfits, she took, look like?"
"Every one of them.", Martin said.
"Good. Let's head to my chambers.", Micheal said. "I still have some clothes left from when I picked out my outfits. Let's see if we can find the same outfits between them and the clothes we got here.", he said as he teleported them to his chambers.
Once in Micheal's chambers, Martin saw a wooden dummy that was had some clothes on it. It was wearing a pair of black pants with brown leather boots with a brown leather belt and a black long sleeved shirt and a green jacket wih a red scarf and a brown traveler's hat.
"I take it that's the outfit you picked to transform in.", Martin said.
"Yep.", Micheal said. "I like the jacket the most."
"It works for you.", Martin said.
"Thanks.", Micheal said as he walked over to the extra clothes he had. "Well here are the clothes."
"Then let's get started.", Martin said as they began to go through the clothes.
Back at the clothing store, things weren't going so well for Selece, Mandy, and Alchemy as they weren't to happy with the dress Cornelia had them try on. Or should I say what the dresses showed off.
"Okay. I am not wearing this.", Mandy said as she looked at herself in one of the mirror. "Not going to happen!"
"Come now!", Cornelia said. "You want to blend in here! Right? Well this is what a proper lady wears in public around here."
"Plus, you three are a part of the royal court.", Will said. "You have to show that you can dress the part."
"Exactly!", Cornelia said.
"Yeah well this dress shows off to much cleavage!", Selece said.
"Way to much.", Alchemy said as she looked at herself in the mirror.
"And who says that's a bad thing, girl?", Cornelia said with a smirk. "When Drake sees yuo in this, he won't be able to keep his eyes off you."
"Drake likes me for me while I like him for him.", Alchemy said. "That's all that matters."
"Of course he does, Al.", Cornelia said. "And when he sees you in this, he'll like you even more. Trust me on this. Heck! I may even get one to wear around Caleb."
"Well you can get all the dresses like this that you want, Cornelia.", Mandy said. "I, on the other hand, am so not into this! You can't breath right in this thing with it being tight around the stomach!"
"And forget about running and fighting in it.", Selece said.
"Well you only have to wear this during balls and important dinners.", Cornelia said. "Come on, ladies! Work with me here!"
"Sorry, Cornelia, but this just isn't us.", Mandy said.
"I offer to help you and this is how you do me?!", Cornelia asked getting upset. "Last time I do you a favor!"
"That's enough, Cornelia!", Alchemy said. "I know that you're trying to help, but in the end it's what we want that matters."
"We know, Alchemy.", Will said. "Cornelia just wants you to look good.", she said when one of the store owner came walking up to them.
"Hello, ladies. I am Ballos.", he said getting their attention. "If you wish, we can alter your dresses so that they are more comfortable for you and doesn't show much cleavage."
"Thank you, sir. I'd like that.", Selece said.
"Me too.", Alchemy said.
"Same here.", Mandy said.
"Very good.", Ballos said. "I'll have my assistant, Marron, take your measurements and we'll have your dresses altered as soon as we can.", he said as he went to go get Marron, when Angelo walked into the store with his grandmother, Kadma.
"Hello, girls.", Kadma said to the girls.
"Hey, ladies!", Angelo said.
"Your Highness.", Selece said as she, Mandy, Alchemy, Will, and Miranda bowed to Angelo.
'Can't believe that I have to bow to him.', Cornelia thought to herself as she bowed as well. 'I so look forward to the day he'll be bowing to me!'
"Your Majesty!", Ballos said as he bowed to Angelo. "It is an honor to have you in our store!"
"Thank you, my good man.", Angelo said to the owner of the store. "I take it that you're Ballos?"
"Y-Yes I am, Your Majesty.", Ballos said. "You've heard of me?"
"Well when I asked about who to go to when it comes to formal clothes, your name came up.", Angelo said. "So can you help me out?"
"It would be an honor, Your Majesty!", Ballos said. "I shall go get our best formal attire!", he said as he went to the back of the store."
"I take it that you are looking for dresses to wear.", Kadma said to the girls as she looked at the what Mandy, Selece, and Alchemy had on.
"More or less.", Mandy said.
"I still don't see why you need to have any changes made.", Cornelia said. "Okay. I get that you want to be comfortable and everything, but what's wrong with showing off a bit of cleavage?"
"You call this a bit of cleavage?!", Selece asked before turning to Angelo. "When you see me in this, what do you focus on, Your Highness?"
"And please be honest.", Alchemy said.
"First off, I have to do this when talking to any of you while you're in those dresses.", Angelo said as he held his hands up so that he was only seeing Selece and Alchemy's faces and not their cleavage. "It looks like your about to pop out of those dresses!"
"Thank you!", Alchemy said.
"And they do look quite uncomfortable.", Miranda said.
"It can't be all that bad.", Will said. "Can it?"
"Of course it isn't.", Cornelia said. "They're just not use to wearing clothes like that."
"Oh really?!", Mandy asked. "Then let's see you two put on dresses like this!"
"Yeah!", Alchemy said. "Let's see how you do in these kind of dresses."
"Okay then! We will!", Cornelia said as she grabbed Will's hand and pulled her to the other dresses. "Come on, Will! Let's go get a dress!"
"Oh brother.", Will said as she was being pulled along.
"By the way, have you three picked a new look for your Battle Warrior form?", Angelo asked.
"No such luck.", Alchemy said as she, Mandy, and Selece went behind the changing screens to change clothes. "I know that it may sound a bit vain, but I want to wear something that looks okay on me while I fight."
"There's nothing wrong with that, young lady.", Kadma said. "I don't mean to brag, but me and my fellow Guardians looked pretty good in our outfits. You can tell by what Cassidy has on now."
"You know something, you're right, Mrs. Vanders.", Selece said when an idea came to her. "I just came up with something for us to wear, girls!"
"You did?", Alchemy asked. "What?"
"You'll see.", Selece said with a smile as she came out from behind the changing screen dressed in what she was already wearing before she came into the store. "I could use your help, Mrs. Vanders. As well as Cassidy, Mrs. Halinor, and Ms. Yan Lin."
"Of course.", Kadma said. "And I'm sure Cassidy, Halinor, and Yan Lin will be happy to help.", she said as Alchemy and Mandy came out dressed in their normal clothes.
"Help with what?", Will asked as she and Cornelia came up to them each with a dress like the other girls had on.
"Nothing important.", Selece said. "Now let's see you in those dresses.", she said as Will changed her and Cornelia back to their normal selves.
"Yes. This should be interesting.", Miranda said.
"Are right then.", Cornelia said as she and Will went behind the changing screens.
"This should be good.", Angelo said as he waited with the others for Will and Cornelia to put their dresses on.
A few minutes later, with Alchemy helping Cornelia put her dress on and Selece doing the same for Will, both Guardians came out in the dresses they picked. And just like Selece, Alchemy, and Mandy, they were not looking to happy in them as the dresses were squeezing on their waist and pushing up their cleavage a bit much. Well Will didn't look comfortable. Cornelia, on the other hand, was doing her best to hide it.
"So, how do you two feel?", Miranda asked knowing that they weren't comfortable.
"How can anyone move around right in this?!", Will asked not liking how the dress felt. "I feel like my chest is about to pop out."
"That's how we felt in them.", Selece said.
"And it wasn't comfortable.", Mandy said.
"Speak for yourselves.", Cornelia said as she walked around a bit trying to hide her discomfort. "I feel like a true lady in this dress. It just takes some getting use to."
"Can you even breath right in that dress?", Alchemy asked.
"I can breath just fine thank you.", Cornelia said.
"Well I'm getting out of this dress!", Will said as she went behind the changing screens where her normal clothes were.
"I guess I should do the same.", Cornelia said as she did the same.
"Well as entertaining as this was, I have to get my new wardrobe done.", Angelo said.
"You know, you could always ask Hay Lin to do your wardrobe.", Cornelia suggested as she was getting out of her dress with some help from Alchemy.
"Yeah! She'd love to do that for you.", Will said as she, with some help from Selece, was now out of her dress and putting her normal clothes on.
"I'm sure she would.", Angelo said. "But, I'm going with one of the tailors here."
"Oh come on now.", Cornelia said as she to was putting her normal clothes on. "You know that she loves to make clothes. And you know that she'd say yes if you ask her."
"You're right. She would.", Angelo said.
"And this is where the 'but' comes in.", Cornelia said knowing what was coming.
"But, I wish to connect more with the people.", Angelo said. "And this is one way of doing that."
"Queen Elyon and Princess Mia are doing the same thing.", Alchemy said.
"And how do you know this?", Cornelia asked as she and Will stepped out from their changing screens dressed in their normal clothes.
"Drake told me.", Alchemy said. "One day, about a month ago, a family of local tailors came to the palace and presented Elyon and Mia a few dresses and gowns to wear. They loved them so much that they asked them to make some more clothes for them."
"A family of tailors, huh?", Will asked. "Did they have them checked out?"
"Indeed they did.", Kadma said. "The sisters came to me about the matter for some advice and I told them to simply ask around about them while having them checked out. They did this and learned that they were good people."
"And now they're making their clothes.", Cornelia said.
"Is that a problem, Cornelia?", Kadma asked.
"No. It's just that I figured that they along with King Angelo would of at least asked Hay Lin to work on something for them.", Cornelia said as she turned to Angelo. "I mean you both know that this is right up her alley."
"And one day, in the future, I will ask her to make me something.", Angelo said. "But right now, I'm going with one of the locals. Is that a problem, Ms. Hale?", he said in a way that told Cornelia to drop the subject."
"No it isn't, Your Majesty.", Cornelia said in a way that Angelo knew she wasn't ready to back down.
"Good. Cause I wouldn't want one of us to say something stupid that would get us in trouble.", Angelo said with a look that told Cornelia he wasn't going to back down either just as Ballos came out from the back.
"The clothes are ready for you to examine, Your Highness.", he said with a bow.
"Thank you, Ballos.", Angelo said as he kept eye contact with Cornelia. "I'll be right there.", he said as he began to head to the back. "Grandmother. Why don't you go with Selece, Mandy, and Alchemy and help them with their problem."
"Of course.", Kadma said.
"I'll see you later.", Angelo said as he went into the back with Ballos.
"What problem do you need help with?", Will asked as she transformed herself and Cornelia into their Guardian forms. "Maybe we can help too."
"Sorry, but in this case, we just need the help from Mrs. Vanders and her friends.", Selece said.
"Well, okay.", Will said as a woman with long russet colored hair with green eyes dressed in a plain dress and shoes came up to the girls.
"Please to meet you, I an Marron.", the woman said with a curtsy. "I shall be taking your measurements."
"Measure away.", Mandy said with a smile that Marron returned.
"Actually we'll have to go into one of our back rooms to take your measurements.", Marron said. "There you'll have to strip down to your undergarments so I can take more accurate measurements."
"That makes sense.", Selece said. "Okay. Let's go then.", she said as Marron led the way leaving Miranda, Will, and Cornelia to wait for them.
"So, you're apart of this joint operation, huh?", Cornelia asked Miranda. "How did that happen? If you don't mind me asking."
"I do not mind.", Miranda said. "Micheal and Aldarn came to Meridian and asked Queen Elyon if they could use my help in the operation.", she explained.
"And of course you said yes to helping them.", Will figured.
"Yes. For it is important that they complete this operation.", Miranda said.
"Well if that's the case, how about you fill us in on this joint operation.", Cornelia said.
"Sorry but I can not.", Miranda said. "I made a promise not to tell anyone about the operation. And I intend on keeping that promise."
"We only want to be of help, Miranda.", Will said. "And you said it yourself that it's important that the operation is completed."
"Yes. But..."
"That's enough girls.", Kadma said as she stood by Miranda. "If you were needed for this operation, then you would of been asked to help by the ones running it."
"We just want to make sure that everything works out right.", Will said.
"So in other words, you don't believe that they can't do this without the help of the Guardians.", Kadma said. "Or maybe you miss being the big heroes around here."
"It's not that.", Will said. "We just... We just miss being involved on things around here."
"Yeah! It's like who needs the Guardians when you have the mighty Mystic Battle Warriors here?!", Cornelia said.
"Girls, girls, girls.", Kadma said with a smile as she shook her head slowly. "As Guardians, it's your job to help a world when they are in need of your help. When you are no longer needed for the important things, you have done your job."
"Yan Lin told us this.", Will said.
"Good. Then be proud and leave it at that.", Kadma said. "I do not wish to hear of you doing something foolish which would ruin any friendships you have here.", she said just as Selece, Mandy, and Alchemy came out with Marron.
"Thank you for your time.", Marron said to the girls with a bow. "We shall have your dresses finished as soon as possible."
"There's no rush.", Alchemy said.
"Yeah! Take your time. We're in no hurry.", Selece said.
"So long as they're done and done right, we'll be happy.", Mandy said.
"Thank you.", Marron said. "Have a good day.", she said before walking off to attend to other matters.
"She seems nice.", Will said as they exited the shop and saw that there were a group of soldiers standing watch outside of the shop. "What the heck!"
"Where'd all these guys come from?", Cornelia asked.
"The king's royal guard.", Kadma said. "They were assigned to him a few days ago. They go with him whenever he leaves the palace."
"Like he needs the bodyguards.", Will said with a grin.
"Neither does Elyon, but she has the same thing for her when she leaves the palace.", Alchemy said.
"That's true.", Will said. "Guess they just wish to play it safe."
"Pretty much.", Selece said. "I hear Nesson wants to do the same with the rest of us as well seeing as we're in the Royal Court.", she said when the city's clock tower's bells rang two times letting the people know that it was now two o'clock.
"It's 2:00 already?!", Mandyy questioned surprised by how much time has passed. "If we're going to do this, we better what we need to do now, Selece!"
"Right.", Selece said in agreement.
"Did we miss something?", Cornelia asked.
"I have plans for tonight and wish to be ready on time.", Mandy said.
"Later!", Alchemy said as the three Battle Warriors teleported away with Kadma and Miranda in tow.
"Okay. What was that all about and what plans does Mandy have tonight?", Cornelia asked as they were walking away from the clothing shop.
"I think I know.", Will said with a small smile. "Let's go find the others and head back to Earth. We have somethings to do."
"Okay.", Cornelia said wondering what Will was talking about. "Besides. I want to fill Hay Lin on what Elyon and Angelo are doing when it comes to their wardrobe."
"You just want to get something started.", Will said.
"Well duh!", Cornelia said as they teleported away.
Now in another part of the city, we have one Irma Lair standing in front of the palace blacksmith's forge where the soldiers' weapons are made with the sack of clothes she took from Martin. With a smirk on her face she walks up to the forge and tosses the clothes into the fire one piece of clothes at a time.
"That'll teach him!", Irma said when she tossed the last article of clothing into the fire. "I could use a snack.", she said when suddenly...
'Hey Irma!', Taranee said as she contacted her through their telepathic link. 'Meet us at Elyon's palace!'
'What's wrong?!', Irma asked. 'Is there an attack?! I can so use the action!'
'No! But we need to talk to Elyon about something!', Taranee said.
'On my way!', Irma said before teleporting to Elyon's palace.
Once at the palace, Irma found the girls waiting for her at the doors of the palace where there was a slightly upset Hay Lin.
"Did I miss something?", Irma asked.
"We'll tell you once we're inside.", Taranee said as Will stepped up to the four guards that stood at the doors of the palace.
"We, the Guardians of Kandrakar, wish to speak with Her Majesty, Queen Elyon.", Will said.
The guards nodded to her and open the door for the Guardians to enter the palace. Once inside, the girls made their way to the throne room to talk to Elyon. Yet Irma was still curious about why Hay Lin was upset.
"So what's wrong, Hay-Hay?", Irma asked her best friend.
"I'll show you.", Taranee said as she used their link to show Irma what Will and Cornelia showed her when they met up with her back in the Drakken Kingdom.
"Oh! Okay! Now it all makes sense.", Irma said understanding what was going on with Hay Lin. "I know that you're upset, Hay Lin, but it's not like we can demand that Elyon and Angelo let you make their clothes."
"True, but we can still voice our opinion on it.", Cornelia said. "I mean I get that they want to connect more with their people, but that doesn't mean that they couldn't ask Hay Lin to make a few outfits for them. And the same goes for those in their royal courts that know us. Especially one Eric Lyndon!"
"Well, that's why we're here.", Taranee said as they had arrived at the throne room doors. "So let's be calm about this. Okay?"
"We wish to have an audience with Queen Elyon.", Will said to the four guards that stood at the doors of the throne room.
"Neither Queen Elyon or Princess Mia are in the throne room at the moment.", one of the guards said.
"Can you tell us where they are?", Cornelia asked.
"They are inspecting some clothes that were made for them by a family of tailors.", the other guard said.
"Is that so?", Irma asked. "And where is that? If you don't mind me asking."
"I shall take you there.", another of the guards said as he led the way to whee Elyon and Mia were.
It didn't take long for the guard to lead the girls to where the royal sisters were. But also there were Caleb and Aldarn who were standing guard.
"Hey you.", Caleb said happy to see Cornelia as they shared a kiss.
"Greetings, friends.", Aldarn said. "What brings you here today?"
"Well we heard that Queen Elyon and Princess Mia were having clothes made for them and decided to talk to them about it.", Irma said.
"Is there a problem?", Aldarn asked.
"Is there something that we should know about the tailors?", Caleb asked.
"No. It's just that there are others who would like to make some outfits for Elyon and Mia as well.", Will said as she gestured towards a somewhat upset Hay Lin.
"Oh.", Caleb said knowing where Will was going.
"Am I missing something?", Aldarn asked.
"Nothing we have to worry about.", Caleb said as he allowed the girls to enter the room. "And girls.", he said getting their attention. "No arguments. Please."
"I can't promise that.", Hay Lin said as they entered the room.
"Okay. What was that about?", Aldarn asked as he notice the look on Hay Lin's face. "Out of all of them, Hay Lin is the nicest one."
"Hay Lin is a tailor as well as an artist.", Caleb explained.
"And she's upset that Her Majesty didn't ask her to make some clothes for her.", Aldarn said figuring things out.
"Yeah.", Caleb said knowing that they were going to hear some arguing sooner or later.
"Oh boy.", Aldarn said not liking where this was going. "So much for a calm and quite day.", he said with a sigh.
A/N: From Miranda becoming apart of the joint operation to Irma taking her anger out on some clothes, things have gotten pretty interesting. How will things turn out when the girls talk to Elyon and Mia? And what kind of outfits will Selece, Alchemy, and Mandy make with the help of Kadma, Halinor, Yan Lin, and Cassidy? Find out these and a few more things in the next chapter.
Please review.