Elemental Outpour
Summary: They thought they could handle anything, including facing mortal peril, and come out unscathed. They thought their powers were enough to overcome anything. They thought nothing could be worse than the Never Realm. They thought wrong.
Disclaimer: I don't own the show. I own the Elementals, Master Extorio, Caledon the Cunning, Angel, and Corban. The other OCs belong to Deth, especially Nana and Tanya.
A/N: Let's pull in our intuitive people and give them a chance to speak. 😊 Plus, this is a minor break from the villains before the big stuff happens in a few chapters. Enjoy!
Chapter 2: A Change in the Wind
"I have never seen anything like this," Angel whispered in awe as he stood near Calista at the top of the steps, both of their gazes turned toward the sky.
Near them also stood Cedric, Sofia, Tanya, and Nana, all peering at the strange discoloration of the atmosphere. They'd noticed through the windows in the castle that the sun seemed to have been muddled by a thick overhang of dense dark clouds, grazing the muted multitude of colors in the sky. Every now and then, a few streaks of light would emerge from the heavy clouds, almost like lightning but not quite… It was strange to witness and even harder to explain.
The Native boy shook his head before turning to look at the others. "I do not like this. The wind has changed. The air is thick with something…indiscernible…" He frowned. "I sense something sinister approaching, and soon."
"I must agree with Angel," Tanya told them, her more serious nature taking over as a calm expression crossed her features. "I can feel the evil lurking nearby, as if waiting for a chance to strike."
"The Elementals," Cedric surmised. "There's no doubt in my mind that they're coming…"
Sofia, who was holding onto Nana, sighed and looked away.
"Hey…" Cedric reached out to her, placing one hand on her arm while he extended his free hand toward her, gently catching her chin with his fingers and turning her face toward him. "I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Sofia. I promise."
She frowned uncertainly. "Cedric, that Zarova woman already found a way to weaken me over time without me even knowing, and she nearly killed me… And all my counterparts too." Her concern was still strong, though she did feel a bit better as he placed his hand against her cheek instead, allowing her to rest against the familiar warmth of his fingers. "I guess I'm just concerned what all of them combined might do… I don't want them hurting anyone I love… How do we even handle this?"
"We'll fight back, Sofia," Calista insisted, smiling confidently as her friend glanced at her. "The Elementals may be a formidable bunch, but so are we. And we're much stronger together. They won't stand a chance."
The princess laughed softly as Cedric moved to stand next to her, his arm wrapping around her and drawing her closer. Truly, she was more than pleased with his actions. She'd needed to feel those warm and reassuring arms, just to know that everything would be all right. Sometimes, his gestures spoke louder than his words ever could. And if it meant getting to be near him and feel that comfort he often brought, she'd take actions over words almost every time. "I know, Calista," she finally said, smiling toward the other girl. A look of determination crossed her features, a fire burning within her once more. Her desire to bring down the Elementals was clearly renewed. "I just have to remind myself… We've defeated some pretty terrible villains in the past. These are no different…" She giggled as Nana shifted in her arms, clambering up her shoulder to sit on her head instead.
"Just answer me honestly," Cedric insisted, turning to face her and taking both of her hands as he gazed at her imploringly. "Are you feeling strong enough to handle whatever the Elementals may throw at us? After your experience only recently…" Never mind the fact that they'd danced together (several times) at a ball a few days ago. She had been more than capable of maneuvering well then, but dancing was different from fighting off evil forces.
She nodded. "I'll fight for this realm and for my loved ones as long as it takes for us to have even a little bit of peace, Cedric…" She squeezed his hands emphatically before reminding him, "It's not just because I'm a Protector. It's because this is my home, and all the people I love and care about are here. Besides, I can't let anything happen to you, Cedric…" She smiled, reaching up and tugging his head toward hers, whispering in his ear, "We still have unfinished business…"
Hearing this made him blush a bit, but there wasn't much he could do or say as the Mystic Isles Protectors soon landed near them all.
"We're here to help," Vega announced as she gazed at the Enchancian crew. "We're aware that the Elementals are powering up. It's impossible not to feel."
Chrysta sighed. "And it's because of us—me—that you all were pulled into this Elemental chaos in the first place, so it's only fair that we be here to help you defeat them."
"Don't blame yourself, Chrysta," Sofia muttered as she reached up and took Nana into her arms, passing her over to Cedric. She smiled as the little girl curled into the sorcerer's arms, resting her head against his chest. "Saving the world? It's kind of what we do. It's what I do…" She turned back to the other Protectors, proudly demonstrating her Enchantlet as she smirked. "And I'll live up to my title and keep this realm safe, no matter what these Elementals throw at us."
"That's good to hear," Orion acknowledged with a nod. "Because I have a feeling they're going to unleash quite the attack, given that they have Cedric's Dimension Door."
"Wait, what?" Cedric seemed rather shocked to hear this information. "The… The Dimension Door? I had it sealed away…"
"Where?" Calista wondered.
"In my tower, in a section of the wall…" He frowned. "It can't be…"
Minutes later, the group had made it to the workshop and there, where the wall had normally been sealed up with its secret stored securely away, was a sharply cut section removed to reveal an empty stone cavity.
"Uncle Ceddy…" Calista seemed worried as Cedric turned to her. She noted the look of desperation on his face, and she asked hesitantly, "What…can they do if they use your Dimension Door?"
Now was not the time for discretion. They all needed to know the severity of messing with such a powerful magical item. He sighed. "They could destroy…everything…" He held Nana more securely and explained, "It's not only a transportation method. It opens any realm up to vulnerability. If it's accessible, it's destructible."
"Then we must plan to protect ourselves," Angel surmised. "Perhaps we need to tell King Roland."
"Angel is correct," Orion responded. "This is not a time for secrecy. Everyone must know what we are up against, and we must stand to protect not only this kingdom, but this entire realm as well."
Sofia nodded. "Let's go talk to Dad then…"
To be continued…
Next Chapter: Every Heartbeat