A W.I.T.C.H Story

W.I.T.C.H Wedding 2 The Unlocked Memory

Chapter 34

An Unexpected Visit

~Last Time~

Memories are clouded by the darkness that surrounds them. The light that once shined upon what one holds dearest in their mind and heart are a faded memory. There's nothing left but darkness. That vast wasteland of emptiness that takes hold on the weak and traps them. Traps them in a cold embrace. For Will, she was in the same situation. In her case it wasn't just her memories that were shadowed but the hold Phobos had on her. A marionette on string; and yet, the string that hold her are stripping away. Slowly coming loose, breaking. Will didn't want to be a puppet anymore. She wanted to be free of Phobos hold. No longer being a puppet on string. Free at last to be her own person but did she truly want that? Sure she's been having second doubts, questioning where her loyalty lied, and trying to balance out everything both parties told her. (Phobos and her friends) Now with an offer to reclaim her true memories handed out on a silver platter she must choose what she wants to do and who to trust.

~And Now~

After a long debated talk about what was the best way to enter the castle; everyone decided a break was in order. They went into the kitchen to grab a snack before continuing with their discussion on how to sneak back into the castle. If only Will would agree to offer her assistance. With her help the team could sneak in and catch Phobos by surprise. If that was possible and it might be, but only if Will agreed to help. It was perfect to have an inside man on the job, or woman in this case. The only problem being where Will's loyalty laid. The scale was tipping on both sides. Neither of them heavier than the other. Least not yet. Depending on her final decision would one side go down while the other hung high. It was only a matter of time. There was likely a way Will could make her final decision. She would have to hear from both sides. She already heard from her former friends, now she would have to hear from Phobos. Unfortunately, she did not want to return to the castle after having nearly escaped. Going back there would be a return trip to Hell. Perhaps it was for the best. Thinking over all she went through and that gut feeling that told her to run; Will realized she didn't need to think over her decision. She had her decision. There was no mistaking it.

Looking at the others who were busy eating away some of the cooked Chinese food that was being passed around to serve. They didn't eat the actual food that was for the customers but rather picked out whatever was being put on the side. Call it a mini feast fit for kings. Ridiculous as it sounds, but in a good way. Some good food was just what the group needed to keep their brains functioning. Perhaps then would a plan formulate. One that everyone could agree on. No one would have to wait for long. Will came up to them, coughing to gain their attention. Once all attention turned to Will, she motioned them to follow her in the back. Privacy was of the valid importance. She ushered everyone in the group to follow her. She could have told them her news there and now but she didn't like the idea of speaking a loud in front of strangers. That was understandable. She felt a slight discomfort toward unfamiliar people. Privacy was key. She lead them to the back room or she tried to. She was unfamiliar with her surroundings. Yan Lin soon took the lead. She brought everyone to the back of the restaurant where Will could speak freely.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts. A few deep breathes to calm herself. Looking everyone straight in the eye(s), she began to speak. She told them of her decision. There was no mistaking her choice of words. Having thought things through, Will knew exactly what she had to do. It came a bit as a surprise to the group when they heard Will's decision but there was also a hint of joy. With Will's help there was no doubt they couldn't get back in the castle. Though it wasn't enough to have Will's full support. The real trouble was sneaking inside.

"Phobos will have guards surrounding the castle. He'll be on full alert searching for Will until she's back. He might be expecting us coming with her if she returns. We need to think carefully about how we approach this." Caleb explained. He wanted to get inside but not without a plan. Matt on the other hand had other things in mind.

"Why are we even talking about this? Its obvious we go in and fight for Will's memories." Matt was about action not sitting around talking strategy.

"Oh yeah, and while we're at it we could sit down with Phobos for a cup of tea and scones." Irma said in a sarcastic tone of voice. "You don't just go waltzing into Phobos' house like you own the place."

"Yeah well you don't just stand around while a friend's in need." He told her. "I say we take

"Uh unless you want to give yourself over to Phobos your not going anywhere until we come up with a plan." Cornelia was going on. "You are going to sit your ass down and pay attention. Open your goddamn ears and listen. Do you understand?"

Now hearing this got Matt annoyed. He didn't need to be told what to do. He wasn't a child. He just wanted to help someone he cared deeply about. Nothing wrong with that is there? Cornelia didn't understand. She could never understand unless she was put in a situation similar to the one Will was in. Yes, the gang had a point when they said they should form a plan. Without a plan, no one would have any idea what to do or where to go. The whole point to forming a plan was so no one got confused or lost when out in the field. All Matt wanted to do was rush into things without discussing the basics.

It was understandable that he wanted to help bring the old Will back. Everyone wanted to help Will. Its just they had to be careful because this time around things will only grow to be more of challenge. This was Phobos they were talking about. He's a force not to be reckoned with; and though the guardians had defeated him numerous times, this time was different. They would have to write down the steps to this new plan and discuss each one of them so everyone had a clear understanding. Which was the best way to sneak into the castle once more. Will's part was crucial, she had to play a convincing role in making Phobos believe that she had returned. Coming back to be in his warm embrace where she was supposedly safe from harm. If she could convince Phobos that she had come back willingly and distract him, the others could sneak inside to find where the Heart of Kandragath was hidden.

After what felt like hours of explaining the plan step-by-step, Caleb felt everyone was ready. All they needed now was Blunk's nose to find a portal leading to Meridian. Once there the group would make their way to the castle where the plan would take action. From there they would sneak inside, search around, find the Heart, and escape. Hay Lin did throw out a suggestion to wear disguises. Preferably something that could camouflage themselves with their surroundings. Didn't want to end up in a prison cell again.

Trapped behind steel bars that were cold to the touch. Surrounded by a dark empty space where all light is cut off from the outside world. Never again will the warmth of the sun's rays touch human skin. The sound of bird's chirping a soft melody is cut off by a solid brick wall. Only friends to keep one company are the rats. Everything one touches is cold to the touch. Not just a regular cold, an icy chill that would send shivers down one's spine. Shivering in the dark in isolation with the rats trying to naw at one's toes.

That was a position no one wanted to be in. Probably wouldn't hurt to bring some clothes to use as disguises. They could probably sneak inside if they looked like servants. Actually, they could sneak some outfits from the servants once they arrived in Meridian. Easier then trying to sort through clothes from the closet or a dresser. The only thing left was Blunk's nose. Time to get to work.

~This Time Skip was brought to you by W.I.T.C.H ^^~

After taking the time to review the plan, gather the clothes, and locating the portal, everyone was on their way. Thanks to the map Yan Lin had given them to help locate the portals they found the portal behind the local library. Before entering through everyone got in their disguises while going over the plan one last time. Taranee threw out that if one continues to absorb too much information without taking a break the person will draw a blank on what they learned. Caleb replied by saying he wanted to be sure everyone understood their part. In order for this plan to work everyone had to know their part, especially Will. Her part was the most crucial of all. She had to be convincing and cheerful when returning to Phobos. As nervous as she was, Will knew it was important to the group, to herself, that they get inside the castle.

"Are you ready Will?" Caleb began speaking to her. "I won't lie to you, this isn't going to be easy. If Phobos discovers what's going on we'll be spending a lifetime in the dungeon."

"*nods* That's why I have to act natural around Phobos. Can't let him see me act weird or like an oddball or whatever you want to call it." Will said shaking her head when trying to figure out how to describe or put her words together. "Sorry, guess I'm a little nervous."

"I know but now's not the time to be nervous." Caleb puts both hands on Will's shoulders. "You've got to be strong. You have to trust us too help you regain your lost memories."

"Sort of like relocating a lost item that's precious to you." Taranee added in.

"Yeah if that item was something easier to locate like a shoe." Irma said adding in her own thing to the conversation.

"Point is we're here to help you; the fact that you agreed to help us is a step in the right direction." Taranee pointed out.

"I guess you can say something in my head just clicked." Will was saying. "Can't explain what's been going on but there is one thing I'm sure about, Phobos is keeping something from me. I don't know what but I've been having this odd feeling in my stomach that he's not only hiding something but lying to me." "These memories, these visions, whatever you want to call them. They feel too familiar. Like I've lived through them before but I can't recall anything."

"Yeah because Phobos messed with your head." Cornelia pointed to her head when she said that. Can't argue with that. "Can we just go now? The sooner we get this over with the sooner I can get some well deserved rest and relaxation."

Everyone could use that right now but it wasn't going to happen until the job was done. Though things were picking up it wasn't that simple. If all went according to plan there would be no problem. They'd be in and out, mission accomplished; however, should anything go wrong they best make like a tree and leave before shit hit the fan.

"Alright, we know our jobs, we've got our disguises on, time to storm the castle." Caleb said.

One-by-one the group entered through the portal. Finding themselves in a secluded area not far from the castle. They were about 4 miles (6437.38 meters) from the castle. They would have to go the rest of the way by foot, or maybe not. As they began making their way to the castle an unexpected welcome committee came up in front of them. Apparently, Phobos had been expecting them though it was no surprise to Caleb. He had been expecting this to happen.

"Don't bother trying to run." Caleb said in a loud whisper. "Remember, we need to get inside."

Against everyone's better judgement, they did what they were told. Allowing Phobos guards to bring them to the castle. Within the hour they arrived at the throne room. Phobos was sitting on his throne looking down at the group.

"Well, well, well this is a pleasant surprise. I was about to send a battalion to Earth to retrieve my bride. *motions to Will* Instead, you lot bring her to me on a silver platter. I must say I'm deeply pleased with this." Phobos told them. "I suppose I should thank you. *walking down the steps of his throne to the ground floor. Walking up to Will, gently stroking her cheek.* Will...*soft smile, embraces her in his arms*"

Caleb had to do everything to keep Matt from charging at Phobos. The girl's had to stand ready in case Matt became a little too much for Caleb to handle alone. It wasn't Matt's fault, not completely. He couldn't stand watching Phobos show actual compassion towards Will. It was enough to make Matt sick. No matter how much he wanted to punch Phobos square in the jaw he had to control his anger and remain calm. If he let himself get out of control the plan would fall apart. Matt would have to get back at Phobos later. For now he'd let this slide. Least Phobos didn't embrace Will for long. He released Will from his hold to talk have a face-to-face conversation.

"Why did you run away from home Will? Do you have any idea how worried I was? You basically ran to the enemy. What the hell were you thinking?" Phobos had many questions for Will but would get few answers from her.

"I uh...W-well I uh..." She was stumped. She knew she had to follow through with the plan but was drawing a blank on what she was suppose to say. Not wanting to cause suspicion, Will made something up. Taking a deep breathe she told Phobos her reason for running away. "The truth is my headaches were growing worse. So worse that I couldn't think straight and acted out in a foolish manner. I started to hallucinate things that weren't there. I was terrified. I know I should have stayed and talked to you but I didn't think you would understand. I-I thought...I thought you would think I was insane. So I saw an opening and ran away. Only to end up in another hot mess. In fact I feel...I-I feel...*puts a hand to her head, closes her eyes* I'm feeling weak." Without warning she falls backwards into Matt's arms.

The group wasn't expecting this from Will. When they saw the struggle she was having from Phobos' questions, there was a slight hint of doubt and fear from the group. Had Will not acted quickly there was a strong chance they would be in big trouble. Right now, they had no idea if she was faking being unconsciousness or not. It looked rather convincing. Whether she was faking it of not this bought them some extra time for later. Phobos seemed more concerned for Will then he did for choosing a punishment for the heroes. He took Will out of Matt's arms. Holding her like a princess in his arms.

"Guards, take the prisoners to the dungeon until I decide what's to become of them. Make sure there's extra guards on duty. I won't tolerate another escape. If that should happen again I'll see to it the whole lot of you is sentence to 20 years in the mines." Phobos was talking in a threatening tone to the guards. His threat did get through to the lot because they looked terrified when they heard Phobos threaten them. Not wanting to upset their prince any further the guards did as they were told.

Phobos didn't stay to watch them off. His main priority was taking care of Will. Hurrying back to his room to tend to Will, he quickly past the guards and the young heroes on his way upstairs. Though it was a quick pass, the group saw Will open one of her eyes before closing it again. She didn't want to give away her position. It appeared that all was going according to plan. With Will keeping Phobos on his feet, the others would act swiftly in plotting their escape; seeking the Heart of Kandragath.

Hope this was worth the wait

I made sure this chapter was good enough to submit

I want everyone to enjoy this chapter and tell me what yo think of it

The next chapter will be a surprise worth waiting on

Enjoy