MYSTIK: The Festival

by PredaPrime

This is a story set within the next generation series created by myself and Arlostrike7. Erebus and Isabelle meet up and try to enjoy themselves in the town square with all the festivities. However, things do go a little wrong and it turns out that the pair are being spied upon by Isabelle's sister, Sonia. Cover art created by ArloStrike7.

Disclaimer: This is a story set within the next generation series created by myself and my good friend, Arlostrike7. We do own the rights to M.Y.S.T.I.K and the characters created for it, but we do not own the rights to W.I.T.C.H nor the characters associated with them. All rights go to the respective owners.

Now, on with the show!

M.Y.S.T.I.K: The Festival

In the Raurel resistance, Isabelle sat in front of her large vanity mirror and brushed her long, chestnut brown hair over and over again. She was determined to make herself as beautiful as possible, since she was going out for the day and was planning to meet someone. Someone very special.

Once the Earth guardian was done brushing her hair until it was nice, smooth and tangle free as how she liked it to be, she waltzed over to her large white built-in wardrobe and plucked out the outfit she had decided to go in. However, it was very different from most of the clothes there. Instead of a fancy flowing dress befitting a popular and graceful teenage girl such as herself, Isabelle took out a dress that looked more at home on a common village girl at a Renaissance fair. Which was exactly the point. She had saved this dress from when Sheffield Institute had its annual Medieval carnival. Her mother tried to convince her daughter to go as a lady in waiting or the like, but Isabelle insisted on being a commoner. Her reasoning was, "How else could I enjoy the festivities when nobles couldn't even interact with the peasants?"

The fair maiden spun in the centre of her room holding the dress, her mind fantasising about what she'd do there that day with the one she was so desperate to see.

Once she'd put on her wench wear, Isabelle came down the large staircase and towards the front door, but stopped to come in and speak to her mother.

"Why are you dressed in that of all things?" She asked her daughter, raising a blonde eyebrow to her unusual type of dress.

"Well mother..." Isabelle began, her sharp mind already crafting a good excuse, "I'm heading down to Georgia's house."

"In that renaissance outfit?"

"Yes! We are trying to practice for an upcoming play that the drama club is rehearsing. I, of course, want to score the lead role and I must look the part!"

Cornelia kept her eyebrow raised.

"You're going all the way to her house dressed in it already? Why not just pack it up and I could drive you!"

"Thank you mother... But I'll pass. I mean, this is a bit hard to walk in, so I might as well get used to it before the real show!"

"Fair enough. You have fun at Georgia's, honey! And not too late back!" Cornelia shouted to her daughter.

"I will! I love you mother!" Came the reply before the front door was heard closing. It was the cue that someone had been waiting for.

Sonia had grown suspicious of her sister always going out to see people in recent times. Sure, it made sense, since she had a lot of friends. But Isabelle always came back alone. No one to wish her off and the like. So, she was gonna get to the bottom of it! And that meant, it was time for Operation: Sisterhood to begin.

"Pick up... Come on! Pick up!" Sonia muttered as she sat in her room, holding her phone anxiously. On the other end, she was contacting her confidant. There came a distorted ringtone from the inside of a junked 1980's van in the local landfill site. A green skinned and slightly furry creature picked up the other end.
"Hello! BJ here! Top of line inventor!" Came the slobbery sounding voice. The passling held up his self made mobile phone, made from parts of an old landline phone, an alarm clock, a few bits of string and a rather smelly shoe.
"Hey BJ. Sonia here." The blonde haired girl said to him over the phone, "Operation Sisterhood is a-go."
There was silence for a brief moment until Sonia broke it with an annoyed groan.
"You know… That operation where we're staking out Isabelle to wherever the hell she's off to this time! We agreed on it last week!"
Another period of silence followed.
"Oh! BJ remember! Blondy girl stalk sister wherever she go, so she can find secret!" The passling finally replied.
"And the penny drops…" Sonia muttered under her breath, "Anyways BJ… Meet me at the schoolgates. We'll follow her once she passes."
With that, Sonia snagged her bike helmet off her bed and rushed down stairs towards the backdoor, hopped on her BMX and raced off as fast as her legs would take her. Caleb watched his daughter speed by their house from the window.
"Our girls. Always off somewhere these days." He commented. Cornelia just rolled her eyes playfully.
"They're teenage girls, dear husband. It's what they tend to do at that age."
Caleb just nodded. His wife knew these things better than he ever could in all honesty.

Across the veil in Meridian and deep under the Silver Quill library, someone else was eagerly awaiting to go out. However, it was not as easy for them as it was for Isabelle.

Erebus just stared at himself in the mirror. Inhaling and exhaling slowly with his gaze fixed on his reflections eyes.
"OK… You've got this." He confided in himself, "You can do it! You can tell Isabelle how much you really like her! You can confess your love like in all those novels you've read! You can-!"
His smile quickly faded as the white haired lad turned away from his reflection.
"No… No I can't. I know Isabelle can't see the real me to begin with. If she found out who I really am…"
Suddenly, Erebus was brought out of his negative thoughts by the sound of the door opening. He quickly stood to attention, knowing who was coming in.
"I'm sorry I've been here too long, father." He began, "I've been busy with-"

"Relax kid. It's only me."
Instead of his father, standing in the doorway was Snow. A master huntress and another member of the Clan of Phobos like Erebus was. The slim yet strongly built blonde half Brute, half Orc just looked at him with a sly smirk on her fanged lips.
"Heh. Still trying to convince yourself to finally confess to that girl you like?"
Erebus's face showed a look of both embarrassment and confusion.
"How'd you know?" He retorted.

"I know a lot of things, Young Prince!" Was her answer. The young boy sank down a bit upon hearing the last two words, but Snow put a gauntleted but comforting hand on his shoulder.
"I prefer my name and not my title. You should know this by now, Snow…"
The huntress just chuckled wickedly.
"Yeah. But I like to tease you. Besides, I knew what you were doing because I heard you yammering away to yourself as I passed by from giving Scarlet her midday hog leg snack. You know how she gets if she's not fed."

Erebus made an embarrassed groan and looked down. Snow chuckled again, but this time with a bit more care.
"Hey, it's nothing to be ashamed about, kid. You'll get it at some point!" The huntress soothed.

"I know… But… I really wanna get it. Especially today."
Snow's eyebrow raised cautiously.

"Because well… There's somewhere I really wanna go today! N-Not because I… I… Want to mess around! I want to… Study! Yes! Study their customs so I can-"
"You're talking about going to the harvest festival, aren't you?" She blatantly interrupted. Erebus held his tongue and she gave out a long and heavy sigh.
"And that means…" She concluded and looking pretty irritated at the implications, "You were gonna ask me to make some stupid excuse to go to that dumb festival, making our dads forcing me to have to babysit you, while you go and galavant around stupid stalls and the like!"
The poor lad just stood there. Looking sheepish and rather afraid.
"Yes…" He whimpered softly once he finally spoke up.
Snow sighed heavily as she put her hands on her face. Erebus didn't get out much, if at all. His father, the once mighty Prince Phobos wanted to keep him as sheltered as possible. The man despised what Meridian had become and didn't want his son being too mixed up in it. But at the same time, Erebus was desperate to explore the world around him and would go out any chance he got. Snow was fond of Erebus, but she couldn't vouch for him forever.

"Listen Erebus…" She stated firmly, "It's not gonna be easy convincing them. You know they'll get smart at some point and then you'll be locked in a cage or something."

Her last comment made the poor boy shake like a leaf.
"Theoretically speaking." She added to make him feel better, upon seeing his reaction.
"So… Does that mean I can't go?"
"I dunno kid. We'd need some rock solid excuse to…"
"ARRRGHHH! HELP ME!"

Their conversation was rudely interrupted by the pained cries and terrified screaming of another of Phobos followers, Johnathan Ludmoore along with the sound of roaring and snarling. With that, an idea flew into Snow's mind and a devious smirk on her lips.
"Looks like my girl Scarlet just gave us an opening."

Back on Earth meanwhile, Isabelle made her way down the street in her renaissance dress. People gave her a lot of strange looks, but she didn't care. She was on a mission and no amount of staring was going to stop her from getting where she needed to go. Upon arriving at the crossing where the school was, she ran down an alleyway. But from afar, someone watched her every move.
"Where is Sister going?" BJ asked Sonia, as they watched from their trash can hiding spot.
"I don't know…" She answered and looked very determined, "But we're gonna find out."

The dynamic duo dashed across the thankfully empty road and into the alleyway before ducking behind a dumpster. Poking their heads out, BJ and Sonia saw a bright blue light glowing from inside a small cranny between the buildings that made up the alley. It could only be one thing.

"A portal." Sonia confirmed. Why would Isabelle go to Meridian without telling her or at least one of the other Guardians like Yan Wei or Tessa.
"Sister go to Meridian to see Queenie?" BJ suggested.
"No… Not dressed like that. Would be much more grandiose. Come on! We're going in!"
Grabbing BJ by the scruff of the neck, Sonia dashed forward and went into the portal.

Back at the Silver Quill, Snow had requested an audience with Phobos and her father to discuss a matter she wanted to bring to her all powerful leader's attention. She bowed to Phobos as he sat in his custom built throne, which resembled the one he used to sit in during his time ruling Meridian.
"Speak." The former prince said, raising his hand.

"My lord," Snow began, still on her knees, "It appears that my wyvern Scarlet grows tired of being cooped up in these catacombs all day long for days on end. And as today shows… She's starting to become aggressive."

She looked over at Johnathan. His arm still healing from the attack. If it wasn't for Phobos's knowledge of magic, his arm would probably have to be amputated. Jonathan just gave a furious scowl back. Phobos just frowned, looking uninterested.

"And what concern is it of mine that your beast doesn't like hiding?" Phobos asked her, not really phased by what she was telling him.
The huntress just smirked.
"I suppose your highness could just sit around and wait for her to finally see us less as masters…"

She paused for effect.

"And more as her next meal." Finishing her sentence ominously. This got Phobos to raise an eyebrow in concern.
"How do you suggest you quell this problem? She is your beast. Not mine."

"I would suggest we take her out towards Hugong Gorge. Hugongs are easy enough prey for her and would keep her active and amused. A far better alternative than to be devoured by a wyvern. Wouldn't you agree, oh mighty prince?" The Huntress suggested, adding the last three words to the end to try and sweeten the deal.

Phobos's expression didn't change, but Snow could tell he was processing what she'd just told him.
"Very well." Phobos decided, "You may take your disgusting beast out to the gorge and let it do what it needs to do."

"Of course, my prince." Snow said, rising up, "However, there is another matter I must attend you with. In regards to your son."
Phobos shot Erebus an angered look. Erebus just looked like a deer in headlights.

"Pray tell… What has my son done this time?" The former prince questioned, his displeasure easily felt by everyone in the room. Especially his son.
"I noticed that he's lacking in his sword skills." Snow told him.
"Is that so?"
"Correct my prince. He is trying, I will give him that. But he's far more capable swinging a butter knife than a sword. And how can a soon to be ruler of Meridian defend himself if he can't swing a sword? Magic can only take you so far!"

Phobos would have objected. But Snow presented a fair enough point.
"And what do you propose to redeem his failings?"
The last word spoken was full of contempt, making Erebus shrink inside.

"I say that he needs to practise. A lot more."
"He can do it in the-"
"Forgive me my prince, but are you stupid?" Snow told him upfront. Her father Frost the Hunter, Jonathan and Erebus were all shocked she'd say such a thing to Phobos! The Prince stood up from his throne, a ball of energy now sparking in his hand.
"You dare speak to me that way?!" The enraged monarch boomed.
"Let me finish." Snow butted in.
Phobos kept glaring at her.
"I was going to say… That we can't have your dim witted son swing a sharp sword around! Do you want to lose your arm or head?!"
Phobos's magic energy ball slowly dispersed from his hand as he lowered him back onto his expression had changed from one of pure rage to one of annoyance.
"What do you suggest we do to prevent such a circumstance from happening then?" Phobos asked Snow, still very irritated at her comment.
"I can take him with me out to Hugong Gorge. The eggs there will make… decent… Practice dummies.
"No. He might be-"
"And he'll be safe from view, don't worry my lord." Snow objected again, "No one goes out to the gorge at this time of year. You know how the mothers can be when defending their eggs. And Scarlet will make sure they'll not touch Erebus, as they're easy prey. And as a bonus, she'll get a good feeding."
Erebus was both frightened and confused. How was all this stuff about sword fighting supposed to get him out to the harvest festival?

Phobos conceded. "Be back by sundown. And if anyone sees you, deal with them."

Snow bowed once again and they were dismissed. Once she and Erebus were out of earshot, she put a hand on his shoulder to reassure him.
"Y-You didn't mean that? Did you?" Erebus asked meekly.
"No. For the most part." Snow answered, chuckling a bit. It didn't make Erebus feel any less confused. The huntress quickly grabbed Scarlet's saddle, "Come on. Let's get you out and away before they get smart."

Isabelle stepped through the blue portal and onto the soft grass of a hillside, inhaling and exhaling with a deep, happy sigh. She was back in Meridian and just felt so at home when she was there. The girl couldn't explain why, but deep down in her soul knew it was true. Her blue orbs looked down over the crest of the hill and towards the bustling town below. From boys chasing each other in the streets, people bustling to and from shops to get their goods on the stalls for the festival and well dressed ladies chattering away about all the upcoming events that day.

As Isabelle walked through the lively town, people couldn't help but turn their heads at this long haired beauty coming down the path. She heard calls of a few young men, vying for her attention.

"Flowers for you ma'am?" Offered a florist, holding up a small bouquet to her as she passed his stall. Isabelle gave him a friendly smile, but kindly declined.

"Hey beautiful! Need someone to enjoy the festival with?" Called a window cleaner from atop his ladder, "I'll be right down!"
"No you certainly won't!" His boss on the ground called up sternly, glaring at him. "You ain't taking any girls out til them windows are so spotless, I can pratically eat off those panes!"
The window cleaner grumbled and splashed his sponge back in the bucket. Isabelle giggled at the interaction.
"Bread for the girl with hair as brown as a freshly baked loaf?" Asked a baker boy as he ran his rounds.
"Oh no." She kindly declined, "I have no money."
He put a bread roll in her hand.
"Then consider it a gift from me to you, on this day of celebration! Can't stop to talk though! Hungry festival goers aren't going to feed themselves!"
And with that, he ran off again. Tray still in hand. Isabelle was touched by his kindness. It goes to show how good the people of Meridian can be! However, she was so enthralled by her surroundings, Isabelle bumped straight into the back of a pot bellied man waiting in a long line for the hot roasts.
"Oi! Watch it!" The man snarled at her.
"Oh my! I'm so sorry!" Isabelle quickly apologised. But it didn't help her.
"No one likes a line skipper!" Yelled a man from further behind.
"You want a roast? Back of the line!" Added another. The man she'd bumped into now saw red.
"Trying to steal my roast, eh?!" The big brute of a man accused.
"I really am sorry… It was an accident…" Isabelle apologised meekly, but the man clearly wasn't having it.
"I'll show you how we deal with people like you!" He bellowed, snatching her arm.
Isabelle shut her eyes and waited to be struck by his hand, but found he just let go. The pot bellied man's face had now had a derpy expression. His eyes rolled up and his tongue hanging out like a dim witted dog.

"Erm… E-Excuse me…" Erebus said from behind her, dressed in his tattered cloak disguise. "I-Is that you, I-Isabelle?"
Her confused expression suddenly turned into one of pure delight, quickly grabbing the boy in a tight hug.
"Ezekiel! I'm so happy to see you!" She beamed.

Erebus was delighted to see Isabelle here. It made his day out at the festival that more special. She only knew him as Ezekiel. Since, in truth, she knew that the one called Erebus was part of the Clan of Phobos. The sworn enemies of the Guardians of the Veil and Queen Elyon.

"I am too! I hope that man wasn't giving you any trouble."
"I just bumped into him and he accused me of trying to steal a roast. He was about to hit me till he just… Stopped dead in his tracks."

Erebus had seen the whole thing unfold and quickly used a confusion spell on the belligerent man. No one would hurt Isabelle and live. But in this case, he had to keep it subtle.

"Well, I'm glad it was resolved quickly." The secret prince replied innocently.

Isabelle held onto his arm as the pair walked down the cobbled streets of Meridian. Erebus loved this feeling. He wished it would go on until the end of time, as did Isabelle. She was crushing on this boy, but neither she or Erebus could confess their feelings towards each other. Being teenagers made it hard enough, but having as big secrets as being the son of the reviled Prince Phobos and being one of the legendary Guardians of the Veil? Complicated wouldn't begin to describe the relationship.

"The town looks so nice today." Isabelle stated, looking around at all the decorations that dressed the streets.

From lamp posts tied together with streamers, wreaths on door fronts and flags of Meridian flying high, it was clear the festivities were in full swing. Ezekiel smiled as he watched her look around her with wonder.

"It's like yourself," He said shyly. "Because… You look nice today…"
Isabelle giggled happily at his comment and did a twirl for him, causing the boy to go as red as the tomatoes from a nearby stall.

"Aw… Thank you. You look very nice today in your cloak."

The thing was pretty tattered and discoloured. Either still, he took the compliment well.

"Your dress…" He enquired, "Looks more Meridian than from Earth. N-Not that I mind! I just do like the way people from Earth dress."
Isabelle giggled in delight. He noticed her clothes! A great sign that she picked just the right look.

"I just wanted to fit in and enjoy things as the Meridians do without any special treatment for being an Earth girl."

While she did fit in, it didn't mean Isabelle wasn't unnoticed. Many boys found themselves turning their heads as she walked through the streets and many were just as jealous she was with a boy already.

"There's a lot of eyes on us…" He softly muttered to her.

"Let 'em look." Isabelle reassured, "They'll get distracted eventually."

There were two sets of eyes on them that kept moving. It was Sonia and BJ, now sneaking from hiding place to hiding place as they followed the pair. Sonia had so many questions running through her mind.

"Who is that boy she's with? I've seen her with him before when we and the other girls come to Meridan on Guardian duty, but she's never mentioned him to me, the girls or even Mom! And she tells Mom everything!"

BJ followed along as quickly as his small passling legs could carry him.

"Huff puff… Slow down…" BJ panted, "BJ not… Fast on feet… Like Bikey Girl…"

Sonia hid herself behind stalls selling all kinds of produce and trinkets. From small plump tomatoes and large and lumpy pumpkins to simply made dream catchers and intricate designed pieces of jewellery. Still watching the two like a hawk circling its prey.

Ezekiel and Isabelle had made their way to the town square still completely unaware that they were being followed. Their attention was drawn to the dozen or so couples in the square dancing gracefully as traditional folk music was played by four musicians on a stage. One human, two Meridianites and a Passling. The Meridianites played a harp and bodhrán, the Passling played the fiddle while the human sang the melody.

"It's a dancing session!" Isabelle said excitedly, "Traditional Meridian folk dance! Oh! I've always wanted to try!"
Erebus looked away…
"I… I… Really don't dance…" He confessed. The poor boy was very embarrassed, but if she knew what life was like for him, she'd know that his father frowned on dancing.

Isabelle just smiled and grabbed his hands, pulling him into the crowds.
"Then I will teach you."

Nearby, Sonia's blue eyes were peeking over a box full of ripe red apples, spying to see if she could catch sight of the boy her sister was with.

"So many people in square…" Came BJ as he hopped up on a small crate of turnips to get a better view, "Does Bikey Girl see sister?"
"Not yet… But I will. Just give me a moment."

Sonia finally locked eyes on Isabelle. What was she doing with him in Meridian of all places? And with that strange boy no less.
"What are you up to, sis?" Sonia muttered to herself, "Why have you decided to go galavanting all the way out here?"

Isabelle observed the other dancers closely. Analyzing every little moment and motion of the group. It seemed like a straightforward dance, so Ezekiel should be more than able to pick it up easily. She brought him into the middle of the square and began to show him.
"Now, just echo my movements." The brunette lass told him. But still, he looked extremely nervous.
"I told you… I don't dance." Ezekiel repeated, "And I don't want to make a fool out of you…"

Erebus looked down at his feet, but Isabelle gently pushed his chin up so he could look into her blue eyes, which he wished he could just stare into them forever… But quickly shook himself out of it as Isabelle began to teach the dance to him.
"Now, watch me." She said, pressing his hand against hers. A soft blush appeared on both of their cheeks, "Hop slightly in a circle clockwise… And then hold onto each other's forearms and pull back."
Erebus did so. But accidently pulled forward, sending Isabelle into his chest. The girl could practically hear his heartbeat rising.

"Oh my!" The boy gasped, quickly pulling up and away from Isabelle, "I am so sorry about that! See! This is why I don't dance…"
Isabelle just smiled and took his hands again.
"Then we'll just have to practice, won't we?"

"I… I… I guess."
The pair tried over and over with the dance. Ezekiel struggled at the beginning, either falling over his own feet and pulling Isabelle down to the cobbled ground. But slowly and surely, he seemed to get the jist of it, enjoying himself more and more as he kept going! Much to Isabelle's delight. Unbeknownst to the pair, a small crowd had formed around them. Their eyes averted from the stall selling and trading to see this duo of dancers trying and failing to perfect their dance. It even attracted the attention of the fiddler of the musicians, who'd asked his fellow musicians if he could break from playing to go and speak to them.
"Excuse me young sir and ma'am." The Passling addressed as he approached. He spoke with a refined English accent, which was unusual for most of his kind. He was dressed in a custom tailored blue suit with a single gold earring in his left ear. The hand crafted mahogany fiddle and bow were clenched tightly in his hands.

"Oh! Hello there!" Isabelle greeted, "How can we help you Mr…"
"Amadeus. My name is Amadeus." The Passling puffed with pride.
"Well, Mr. Amadeus… What can we do for you?"
"I see you've drawn quite a crowd with your little practice session." The musician shared, pointing to the over dozen people looking on, "So, I decided to give you a little music for your trouble. Free of charge due to the festivities. Now… Any requests?"
Ezekiel and Isabelle just looked at each other in uncertainty. They didn't know any Meridian songs by heart.
"Erm… Could I suggest…" Ezekiel piped up, "You give us some music that is lively? Something to really help me practice with."
"Very well young sir." Amadeus agreed as he put his bow up to the strings of his fiddle. Ezekiel put his hands against Isabelle's and looked at her with a nervous but happy smile.
"Shall we dance my lady?"

The blush on Isabelle's face was a clear indicator that she was smitten with his nervous, but still endearing charm. With that, the two began to dance around as Amadeus played on, alongside many of the gathered crowd who had joined in.

Sonia stood at her post, watching this all unfold and making her more and more suspicious. Who was this boy? Why were they dancing and furthermore, why in the heck has Isabelle just decided to go to Meridian of all things without either notifying the other Guardians or flashing an invite from Queen Elyon? It was crucial that Sonia found out why.
"Why Bikey Girl look so mad?" BJ whispered, noticing his friend's lowered brow.
"I'm not mad…" She whispered back, "I'm observing. Scouting out. Surveying… Yaknow! That kinda thing!"
But In truth, Sonia was a little mad. Mad at her younger sister.
"Why didn't she tell me she was going here?!" *Sonia's inner voice yelled, sounding quite hurt, "We tell each other everything! So, why all of a sudden is she going off to Meridian on her own and dancing with strange boys without telling me about it?!"
The blonde haired guardian glared over at the strange boy in question. She squinted as he turned around and she got a good look at his face. Sonia couldn't explain it in all honesty, but she'd felt like… She'd seen him somewhere before.

"Hey… BJ!" She whispered again. But BJ was too busy eating a turnip to listen. A quick but not too hard elbow to the side got his attention.
"Ah! BJ still on guard!" The Passling said, dropping the turnip mid bite and quickly glanced back at the dancing crowd.
"See that boy that Izzy is dancing with?" Sonia said, pointing Ezekiel out to BJ, "He looks familiar to me. What about you? You may have seen him when you were out selling your inventions or something."
BJ quickly dove his hand into his bag, pulling out a strange looking pair of binoculars, with beer bottles serving as the viewing lenses. He peered through them and got a good look at the boy's face. His expression was one of pure concentration which turned into one of complete confusion.
"Hmm… He not look familiar to me." BJ replied, "Inventors see lots of people. Faces in crowd tend to blend together."
BJ looked again to confirm, but this time, his view was blocked by a white mustached man with sunglasses. Both looked up to see the owner of the stall they used to hide from sight with. He didn't look happy to see them invading his property.
"You nosey kids, get away from my Stan's Sell All stall!" He said, sounding very annoyed with them both. Sonia and BJ bolted. The man grumbled and went behind the stall again, only to stand in half a dozen turnips that were covered in bite marks.

The music in the square kept playing loud and long as the couples kept dancing. Amadeus played his heart out, showing not only his skill, but his dedication to giving a grand performance.
Erebus sighed happily. For once in his very strict and controlled life… He felt free. Free as the birds that danced in the blue clear sky above. But then came a quiet sigh as he looked down at Isabelle, with her head currently resting on his chest, as the pair performed a gentle waltz.
"If she knew…" He thought downheartedly, "If she knew the truth about who I am… Isabelle would want to see me destroyed, just like the Guardians do…"
The brown haired lass now raised her head off his chest and looked up at him. Her smile always made his heart dance. Erebus smiled back, despite it being a nervous one.
"But.. I know what I'd do when I gain the Meridian throne.."
Erebus began to fantasize, painting a picture in his head. A picture of himself as the rightful ruler of Meridian, (According to his father…) sitting on a throne and next to him, was Isabelle. She would rule alongside him, as his Queen.
"Ezekiel…" Came her dreamy voice… "Ezekiel… Ezekiel!"
He was suddenly snapped out of his daydreams by Isabelle yelling at him.
"Have you come back down to Meridian yet?" She said, giggling a bit, "I was going to ask if you wanted a little break. We've been dancing for quite some time!"
"Oh… Have we?" Ezekiell replied, sounding a bit sheepish.

Isabelle just giggled again at his reaction. The boy was a bit clueless, but it was very endearing to her.
"For someone who tells me that they don't dance, you sure love doing it for a good long while!"
The pair laughed together at the moment, while from nearby… They were still being watched by three pairs of eyes. Snow was watching Erebus from inside an alleyway with Scarlett snarling behind her while Sonia and BJ watched on from inside two empty barrels.

"Heh. You're doing something right kid." Snow said to herself, watching her prince woo his lady. Or at least trying to.

"Grrraaaggghh…" A low rumbling growl came from behind her. Scarlet, now cloaked in the shadows of the alley to keep away from the view of festival goers, let out an audible sigh like groan. A strong puff of the wyvern's hot tempered breath blew on Snow's cheek.

"Yeah yeah, I know…" Snow whispered in an irritated voice, "I know you're testy. But we're keeping an eye on Erebus. Besides, you surely have killed enough Hugongs in that gorge to keep you enthralled for a century!"

The beast replied back with a mild snarl, showing she did not appreciate her handler's smart ass comment.

Snow looked away from the wyvern and back onto Erebus. This time, she was the one to let out a sigh like groan. Sure, she was happy for the kid, but it really hurt that she could never join him with the festivities. It was all due to her allegiances and heritage. Snow was the daughter of the reviled Frost the Hunter. One of very few still loyal to Phobos. That along with her job as a mercenary for hire and her snarling, monstrous mount… It didn't exactly paint her in the best light.

If someone here saw her skulking around, Snow would immediately be carted off to the Infinite City Prison and knew all too well that her 'glorious prince' Phobos wouldn't come to the rescue. Some great ruler he was.

"Why is my dad such an idiot for still following that wacko?" Snow muttered to herself as she thought about these things, all the while Scarlet got more and more restless.

"That boy is planning something… I know it!" Sonia said to BJ, their eyes barely visible from under the lids of the barrels.
"Planning? Planning what?" BJ asked, as he licked the inside of the barrel. "Mmm… Gooseberry."
"I dunno… But it's not good!" Sonia snapped back, convinced the boy was simply up to no good, "Like he wants to kidnap her and hold Izzy up for ransom! Mom would shell out all her money if one of us was held up!"

"Yeah! Bikey Girl's Mama is rich. Plenty of fancy garbage I find in your trash!"
"Just be glad she never finds you, BJ," Sonia cautioned her Passling friend. "She'd send Dad to deal with you, like when she finds a rat poking around."

"Erm… What does Bikey Girl's Papa do?" BJ asked, gulping a bit.
From inside the barrel, Sonia smirked. She was going to freak him out a bit.

"Oh, just gets a shovel and whacks the critter." She told him simply and nonchalantly. Of course it was a lie. Her dad just picked it up by the tail and gently tossed the furry intruder into the edge of wood behind the house. But BJ believed it.
"BJ go next door to find fancy trash then."

Sonia snickered and then went back to watching her sister and more importantly, the mysterious boy. Her blonde brows furled into a determined but quite angry fashion
"What are you hiding, Mister Mysterious?"

Isabelle and Ezekeil stood near one of the many stalls, now with drinks in hand. The crafty young prince had managed to pilfer some money from his uncle, much to his shame. But he at least wanted to buy something at the festival. He took another sip from the cup. His face in pure adoration of the drink he'd purchased, filled with fruits, berries and other assorted sweet goods. Isabelle sipped hers slowly, watching Ezekiel in pure bliss with this beverage.
"So… How does it taste?" She asked sweetly, knowing his answer already from his expression alone.

"It's so good!" Came the joyful reply, "I mean, I've never tasted anyone so good in all my life! It's flavour is phenomenal, the texture sublime and it's just-"
He stopped upon seeing Isabelle giggling quietly.
"What's so funny? DId I say something?"
"Tee hee! I've never seen someone so enthralled by a drink you can buy from a regular stall. But I do love your enthusiasm! It's so good to see someone who enjoys every festival day like it's their last!"
Ezekiel's smile shrank. Isabelle now grew concerned.

"Ezekiel… Did I say something? Is there something wrong?"
"N-No…" The boy stuttered, confirming that something was wrong.
"Please… You can tell me. I won't judge."

She gently put her hand on his arm, making both of them blush slightly.
"It's just that… I don't get out to see the festival often." The young lad confessed to her.

Isabelle was dismayed by this little fact. "Why ever not?" The girl questioned, "It's a day that brings everyone together, not to be cooped up somewhere."
"My father is just…"
Erebus hesitated. He had to choose his next words extremely carefully. Any suspicion could lead to the boy being exposed as the child of Phobos. His freedom was already subjugated enough. Being locked in a cell in the Infinite City would not help matters. After a deep breath… Erebus began again.
"My father is just…" Very overprotective of me. Ever since we lost my mother." Ezekiel fabricated, hoping Isabelle would buy it. Suddenly, Isabelle grabbed him in a strong but gentle hug, leaving Ezekiel both shocked and surprised at the sudden gesture.

The brown haired lass looked up at him once she pulled away and took his quite rough hands in her perfectly pedicured own.

"I'm so sorry…" She consoled. A gentle smile then came on to her soft lips.
"We're going to make this the best festival day ever. You deserve to have at least one day to fully embrace it.
Ezekiel could feel himself tearing up at that. He was very much in love with the girl before, but now he was absolutely infatuated with her.
"Thank you…" The secret prince said in a quiet, but grateful voice. Something shiny glimmered and caught his eye. From the stall over, there sat a beautiful amulet. The chain was a fine silver with a matching trim, with small clear stones around the middle gemstone, which was a large teardrop shaped sky blue topaz gem.
"Hang on a second, Isabelle. Close your eyes really quick!"
The girl looked a bit confused by the sudden strange request, but did it anyway. With that, Ezekiel purchased the amulet, got a small cloth to cover it with and placed the precious item in her hand. When she unfolded the cloth, her blue eyes sparkled like the gemstone once she saw what it was.
"E-Ezekiel…" Isabelle stuttered, still in surprise about what he'd just done, "You shouldn't be spending your money on me… I have too many amulets already in my jewelry box at home."
The boy just gave a slight smile, taking the amulet and putting it around her neck.
"You said it's to be the best festival day ever," Was his reasoning, "And I think it makes you stand out. As… Someone like you should."
The blushes on both their faces grew redder.
"And…" He added, trying his hardest not to mess up, "I think it matches your eyes."

Isabelle put her hand on the amulet, feeling both it and the rapidly beating heart beneath her chest.
Their eyes met again and this time, they would not break from their gaze, as they got closer to each other. Their feelings for each other were welling up and the bank was about to burst. From the inside of a barrel and the darkness of an alleyway, the pairs of eyes watching them were reacting very differently…

"If that slimy, no good creep tries to pull a move on my sister…" Growled Sonia, who by this point was like an attack dog. Ready to pounce at any sign of too much intimacy for her liking.
"Come on kid… You got this. Go on. Kiss the girl." Snow urged, her fists clenched and pumping. She so desperately wanted to see Erebus finally get some happiness after all the hardship and pressure his father had put on the poor lad.
Erebus's and Isabelle's faces drew even closer… Their lips were so close to each other. It was like time was standing still for them both. Snow and Sonia watched with excitement and fear respectively as they spectated… So close…
Then… Without warning…
"GRRRRRRAAAAAGGGHHHH!"
The peaceful serenity was suddenly broken by the terrible screech of a Wyvern. Scarlet had finally had enough and was letting out her pent up bestial wrath upon the festival.
"WYVERN!" Screamed a woman as she pointed up to the dark red, winged terror now let loose in the sky. Purple smoke billowing from its nostrils.

Panic quickly ensued as people ran for their lives! Stalls knocked over, decorations trashed and guards sent scrambling into duty to protect the civilians from the talons from this uninvited monster.

Isabelle and Ezekiel gazed up quickly upon hearing the creature. Isabelle holding onto him tightly.
"Ezekial! We need to get out of here, now!" The girl pleaded, "I know there's a portal to Earth at the top of a hill nearby! We can be safe there!"
The petrified boy didn't respond for a moment. He knew exactly who that monster belonged to.
"Oh no…" He whispered softly under his breath, before his attention went back to Isabelle. Her safety was the most important thing right now.
"Right. Lead the way!" He confirmed, taking her hand and running with her out of town and towards the hill.

Snow could only look up in panic. She was helpless to stop her steed from this height. Rapidly looking about, she saw a shall on the ground. Snagging it and putting it on to keep her identity hidden from any guards that rushed by, the mercenary began to form a plan to reign in her wayward mount. The guards rapidly took a defensive position by forming a shield wall to protect the archers behind them.

"Ready! Aim! FIRE!" Called Aldarn, Captain of the Queen's Royal Guard. Arrows whistled as they sped upwards towards Scarlet. Some arrows did hit, while others just bounced off her scaly hide. Her yellow slit eyes quickly honed in on them and the fearsome wyvern swooped down towards them, unleashing a cloud of noxious purple smoke upon the troop of guards. Sounds of spluttering filled the now poisonous air as the guards fell back.
They were too busy to notice Snow sneak past them in her disguise. Her golden eyes looked on at the flood of frightened locals.
"He's got to be in the crowds…" She muttered with determination, going through the purple smog unphased. "I gotta find Erebus before the Royal Guard does."

The chaos kept unfolding as more civilians made a beeline towards the palace, knowing they'd be safe behind the walls of the royal palace, as well as the building's magical and impenetrable force field. One of these civilians was Amadeus, clutching his mahogany fiddle and running like life depended on it. Which in this case, it did.
"Get out of my way, peasants!" The musician passling shrieked, shoving his way past everyone in front of him. Many of which were people he was playing for not long ago!

As if fate wanted to punish Amadeus for his rudeness, a loose keystone tripped him up. He landed with a bump on the cobbled streets as the crowd rushed by him and left him exposed.

"Hey! Wait for-"
A growl when heard from above him. Scarlet was now looking down upon him, spying not a musician… But a tasty treat. Wyverns love Passling meat.
"Oh… Crumbs…" The now corned Amadeus squeaked, before screaming at the top of his lungs as Scarlet dived down, ready to gobble him up in one big bite. If it wasn't for a well placed shot from a catapult, Amadeus would have surely been devoured.
"Keep firing!" Ordered the soldier leading the assault, "Once everyone is inside the walls, we can bring in heavier fire. Just keep this thing under control til then!"
Scarlet staggered up from the shot before she let out another burst of venomous smoke from her gaping maw.

As the soldiers battled and the people rushed towards the castle, Erebus and Isabelle, still hand in hand, kept hotfooting it towards the hill and to the safety of the portal.
"We're almost there!" Isabelle panted.

Their hopes to get to the portal quickly were dashed as the flood of people around them grew. Isabelle had unknowingly taken the route that passed by the grand palace and now the pair were stuck in the middle of the crowd. She clutched onto Ezekeil's hand and she could feel his palm sweating up a storm.
"No no no! Why here?!" Erebus cried inside. This was the last place he wanted to be! Outside of the royal palace, which was crawling with guards, on top of being helplessly stuck in a sea of people who could easily identify him for who he really was and could bring to light to Isabelle who 'Ezekiel' really was.

The pair were now holding each other in their arms, standing together in the middle of the never ending human flood.

"We can still get to the portal." Isabelle reassured, "Just hold onto each other for now, til we can find an opening."
Erebus nodded, holding the girl close.
"Isabelle…" The secret prince piped up softly, "I'm scared…"
"I know… I am too." She confessed, doing her best to smile for him, "But as long as we have each other, we'll be OK."

That settled him a bit, but the calm was soon broken by the sounds of Scarlet screeching, splintering wood and the screaming of soldiers mixed with heavy coughing.

"EVERYONE! MOVE QUICKLY INSIDE THE WALLS!" Bellowed Aldarin, using a megaphone to project his commanding voice to the crowd.

The crowd suddenly surged forward, jostling the couple about. The frantic festival goers were desperate to get inside and away from certain death, so they began to push and shove.
But in the midst of the madness, Isabelle and Erebus found themselves ripped away from each other!

"Ezekiel!" Isabelle cried, holding her hand out helplessly through the rip tide of people towards her beloved.
"Isabelle!" He called back desperately. Using all his strength, the brave lad struggled against the torrent of frightened Meridianites, not wanting to lose Isabelle. But sadly, it was all in vain. Their voices got quieter as the distance grew.
"The Wildflower Field!" She hollered. The place where they first met and a signal of where to find her again.

Erebus looked on helplessly. There was only one last chance to say what he wanted to tell her before all this broke out. He breathed in and with all his power and will, yelled to her…
"Isabelle! I LOVE YOU!"
No reply came… She was too far away to hear him now. He looked on with a distraught expression.
"No…" Was all he could utter after that. Suddenly, he felt someone clutch his arm. Quickly he turned, fearing that a guard had spotted him in the crowd!

"Festival is over, kid…" Snow declared from under her disguise, "Now go!"
The pair ushered themselves past the many people and towards the alleyways and more importantly, away from the castle and from view. Snow quickly pulled out a small bone made whistle and blew into it hard. The sound couldn't be heard by anyone… But it wasn't intended for Meridianites to hear.

Scarlet continued her rampage against the soldiers. Spewing clouds of toxic gas at them as they retaliated with arrows, spears and projectiles from catapults. But all of a sudden, the Wyvern looked up attentively and began to fly away. The soldiers were baffled by the creatures sudden change in heart, but they were just glad to see it had finally decided to abandon its path of mindless destruction and terror.
Isabelle meanwhile, was trying to find Ezekiel in the crowd. She looked all over for him, desperately calling his name over and over til it felt like her throat would be sore.
"Ezekiel! Ezekiel! Ezekiel, where are you?!"

Without warning, the maiden felt someone grab her arm. She gasped to see who it was and it came as a surprise to her who it was.
"Sonia?!" She shrieked.

Her sister held tightly to her arm. Sonia and BJ bolted from the barrels once they heard the wyvern on the attack and rushed to find Isabelle.
"Shoot first, ask questions later. NOW GO!" Sonia commanded and the trio scampered towards the hill where the portal was and more importantly, safety back on Earth.

The sisters and passling jumped through, back into the alleyway near the school. A brief moment passed for them all to catch their breath and for Sonia to put her fallen hat back on. Isabelle then turned to her sister.

"Sonia… What were you doing in Meridian?!" The brunette sister questioned. Sonia only replied with a mild snigger at first.
"Oh… What was I doing in Meridian?!" The blonde sister quickly snapped back, taking Isabelle by surprise with her sudden reaction, "I'd like to ask YOU the same thing!"

Isabelle then caught on.
"Wait… You two followed me?!"
BJ just looked uneasy.
"Not my idea Princess Girl!" The inventor blurted out, "It Bikey Girl's idea."
"Yeah! It was my idea!" Sonia went on, looking quite angry and upset, "You've been galavanting off to Meridian for weeks without even bothering to tell me, Yan Wei, Tessa, Maddy or even Kaylee! We're Guardians of the Veil! We go on missions TOGETHER!"
Isabelle just stood there and stammered… Not sure what to say.
"On top of that," Sonia continued with her tirade, "You didn't tell Mom or Dad! And you tell Mom everything! So, what gives?!"
Her sister finally found her voice.
"S-S-Sonia… Li-Listen… I can… I can explain ever-"
"Save it!" Sonia interrupted, "Let's go home. You tell me later."
And so, the Raruel Sisters made a quiet and awkward journey back to the large manor house they called home. BJ would have gone with them, but didn't want to be squished by their father with a shovel, so went back to the landfill and the safety of his van turned abode. They knocked on the large oak door and their mother opened it.
"Oh thank God!" Cornelia exclaimed, grabbing her daughters in a hug, "I was about to call the police! You've been gone for hours and you weren't at Georgia's when I called to see how you were getting on Isabelle!"
Their father came rushing into the hallway, his big brown coat on him. The man breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his daughters back home and safe in the arms of his wife.
"Your father was about to start a search party!"

"But we're just glad you're home safe." Caleb said.
Cornelia inhaled and exhaled quickly and her expression changed to a more serious one.
"With that being said, I want some answers. Where were you two all this time?!"

The two sisters just looked at each other. What were they to say? They couldn't just tell their mother that they went through a magic blue portal to another world filled with fantasy creatures! She'd think her own children were making a fool out of her! But, Isabelle knew her mom was far from stupid. So, she decided to come clean.

"Mom… I… I was away in a place called-"
"It was my idea." Sonia interjected suddenly. Isabelle was caught off guard by this sudden move. What the hell was her sister doing?
"Your idea?" Cornelia questioned her eldest daughter.

"Yeah. My idea…" Sonia answered, looking down at her feet, "There was this new area I'd found near the disused rail yard and I wanted to show Izzy. Could be the perfect location for me and the Thrash Crashers next stunt video!"
Isabelle stayed quiet, unsure of what to say given this new development. Cornelia raised a well plucked blonde eyebrow.
"So, that explains why you raced after her."
"Yes Mom… I'm sorry we made you worry. I didn't realize how late we'd be coming back."
Cornelia nodded and thought.
"While I do appreciate the honesty you've given me," She began, "I don't appreciate being left to worry about your safety and I'm not too pleased of you roping your sister into one of your escapades when she was set to go somewhere else."
She then turned to Isabelle.
"I'm sorry you missed your acting session, honey…"
"It's OK Mom." Isabelle replied, "I think I'd prefer to go for a dancing role, now thinking about it."
Cornelia returned her attention to Sonia. The elder child knew what was coming next.
"Until you can prove you can stick to curfew Sonia, I'm afraid you're going to have to tell your Crush Thump friends you won't be out this weekend. You'll be staying here, helping your father clean the gutters and clearing out the shed." The mother said sternly.
"Yes Mom…" She sighed, accepting her punishment.
Isabelle was still confused over what her big sister just did…

Back in Meridian, something similar was happening. However, it was not as sweet as it was with the sisters.

Snow and Erebus knelt in front of the throne where Phobos sat tall and foreboding. The former power mad prince's fists clenched in unbridled anger.
"I cannot believe the extent of your incompetence and deception!" Phobos yelled at his huntress and son, who were bowing their heads in shame. His brown eyes glared sharp daggers at Snow.
"You let your… Abominable steed loose! And during that accursed festival no less! I'm still surprised that Elyon's guards aren't doing a sweep of the town looking for any culprits who could have summoned it!"
He growled menacingly. Frost and Johnathan looked at the two young people with similar looks of disdain. Phobos then turned his attention towards his 'no good' son.
"And you… My Son… Just why were you in the town partaking in that disgusting display of revelry?! You of all people should know those abhorrent festivals are a defiance of what Meridian truly is, given you are to one day take your place from the usurping Queen Elyon!"
Erebus's lip quivered as he slowly rose to his feet. His father's word was law and he should have obeyed. The festival wasn't the Meridian his father so desperately wanted to rebuild, so being the future prince, Erebus should have known better. The young lad was about to speak when…
"I made him go." Snow confirmed, now standing tall and defiant. Her father's mouth dropped in utter shock upon hearing her say that to Phobos.
"What?!" The Prince stood up, his brow now furled down and seething with fury, "You let MY SON, YOUR PRINCE into the world alone and during a day FILLED WITH GUARDS?!"
His shout echoed through the chambers of the underground halls and his hands buzzed with energy.
"Yes! I did!" Snow snapped back at him, showing no fear on the outside, but inside was dreading what he could do to her.
"I'm so sick of being cooped up here like a battery hen!" The huntress ranted to him, not giving any regards for what the man thought or his fury, "So, I wanted to go out and embrace that festival! You know, havin' some fun! Not constantly completing menial tasks and skulking around down here like mudslugs!"
Phobos snarled at her defiance, but Snow went on regardless.
So, I convinced Erebus to come with me! I'll show him what fun is! Isn't that what you want a soon to be ruler to have?! A sense of FUN?! What's the matter?! Oh great Prince Phobos?! You never have any fun when you were rul-"
A stray lighting bolt shot right next to Snow. Only off by bare inches. Phobos' hand smoked as he pulled it back.
"That's enough from your wicked tongue, wench! Be grateful I have use for you and your wretched pet or else I would have decimated you where you stand! But do not take this as a sign of mercy. You won't get it from me."
Snow just knelt back down, knowing that Phobos would do good on his word. The prince lowered him back down onto this throne.
"As your hideous beast is currently licking its wounds, your mercenary duties have been substituted for assisting Johnathan with his experiments while he is incapacitated." Her leader stated, still glaring at her, "No thanks in part to said hideous beast."
Jonathan gave the blonde half breed an indignant look. His arm was cradled in a cast, which gave Snow a clear indication of what she would be doing for the next while. The injured alchemist led the mercenary to his laboratory so she could begin her service at once. Erebus watched sadly his friend go, but she gave a smile and a wink back. A subtle sign that she was gonna be OK.
"And as for you… My son…"
Phobos's soft yet infuriated voice quickly snapped Erebus back to reality.
"I will be speaking to you later about what you've done today. For now, go to your quarters and stay there."
"Yes father." Came the obeisant reply, before he walked away. But Phobos wasn't finished with giving out disapproval yet. He turned to Frost, who instantly bowed.
"My Prince…" The great hunter expressed, "I apologize on my daughter's behalf. She's growing more and more restless as she matures. But I assure you, I will find ways to bring her under control."
"I hope so, Frost…" Phobos said ominously. His glare even making the loyal Frost uneasy, "Or else I will be taking matters into my own hands."
All Frost could do was gulp…

Back on Earth in the Raurel resistance, it was now bedtime for the girls. Sonia lay on her bed in her paint splatter style pyjamas, tossing her teddy bear Bus-Tedd up and down. Her face expressionless as lounged there. The sound of her bedroom creaking slowly open.
"H-Hey… Sis?" Isabelle said softly as she entered the room. She'd changed from her simple wench outfit and into her expensive lavender silk sleepwear, "Are you still awake?"
"Yeah. I am." Came her blunt reply as she cast Bus-Tedd onto a nearby chair. Isabelle sighed as Sonia sat up on her bed.
"I know you're still mad at me for what I did. Running off without telling you or the others and… I know I shouldn't have done it to begin with…"
"I'm not mad Izzy…" Sonia explained, "I was… I was scared."
Isabelle giggled a bit at her sister's statement. "Scared? You? I kinda doubt that!"
"Yes." Was Sonia's earnest answer. "I was scared. For you."
Sonia looked down and sighed.
"Look… Izzy… I know Meridian feels like home to you. I can feel it too, but like Earth… It has its own dangers. And I'd never forgive myself if anything bad were to happen to you there. Same goes for the others. It's why I was so… Scared for you."
Isabelle's heart sank. She didn't mean to hurt anybody by hiding it, but could see it was clearly affecting her sister. Her blue eyes quickly filled with tears.

"Oh Sonia… I'm so sorry…" Isabelle sniffled before embracing her in a strong hug that only siblings share. Sonia just chuckled, holding on to her little sister gently.
"Hey… No tears Sis." The elder sibling said.
"I know… I'm just a bit overcome right now." The younger one answered, wiping her eyes with a silk sleeve.
"Just promise me one thing, OK?"
"Of course! Anything!"
"Promise me… If you want to go to Meridian, let me or the girls know. We'll have your back."
Izzy nodded, agreeing to the terms. As she did, Sonia finally caught a glimpse of the beautiful festival amulet around her sister's neck.
"So… That's what he got you. Heh! I'll admit! He's got good taste!"
Isabelle went bright red.
"You… You saw us?" She stammered. Sonia just laughed.
"Every. Single. Bit, little sister."
There was a bit of silence in the bedroom for a moment…
"So… This boy…" Sonia probed, curious to know more about him and to confirm he's not a minion of evil, "What's his name? What's he like? What's his favorite colour? What's his-"
Isabelle burst out laughing.
"Okay! Okay! I'll tell you! His name is Ezekiel and he's just the sweetest guy ever… Kind, gentle, considerate… And quite a good dancer."
"That last point I can at least solidify." Sonia beamed.

Isabelle blushed again, clutching onto the amulet.
"I'm in love with him, Sonia. I just… Wish I could have told him."

"Don't worry. You'll get your chance soon enough." She reassured her.
"Thanks sis."

At that moment, Isabelle yawned.
"We should go to bed now. Especially before Mom gets steamed."
"Yeah… You're right Sis… I am getting sleepy after all that dancing…"
The two sisters gave each other one last goodnight embrace and Isabelle walked over to the bedroom door. But before she went out towards her own bedroom, the brunette turned around.
"I forgot to say… Thanks for vouching for me."
"Hey. I'm your big sister! It's what we older siblings do. And besides, you can vouch for me sometime when I end up doing another crazy stunt!"
"I'll keep it in mind! Goodnight Sis! I love you!"

As Sonia's door shut on Earth, Erebus's door shut too after Phobos closed it behind him. The lad had gone through a very long lecture about how embarrassed his father was at him for sneaking off and why the festivals in Meridian were nothing short of terrible events while the people were brainwashed into worshipping a false idol in Queen Elyon. Erebus was now left alone in his bedroom. He did wish he could go and see Snow, but if he tried to sneak out after what all had transpired, it would just end up making things worse for both of them and the last thing he wanted for his friend was to increase her already heavy workload.

"I'm sorry Snow…" He muttered softly, "It's all my fault cus I wanted to go to a dumb festival… But… I don't regret it. I felt… So… Free!"
Erebus flopped backwards onto his bed and let out a deep sigh. Sure, his father didn't like them, but Erebus couldn't want to go and make a festival of his own once he was on Meridian's throne. After a short while… The clutches of sleep soon enveloped him and he began to dream a most pleasant dream.

The sound of fanfare could be heard blaring, declaring an important arrival.
"Behold! King Erebus of Meridian!"
A much older, more powerful looking Erebus, dressed in a fine red tailored regal outfit, matched with a crown of gold upon his head entered the grand ballroom through its majestic stained glass doors. Applause greeted him as he stepped forward, with his subjects clapping loud and long as the rightful ruler of Meridian descended the stairs to the dance floor below. He caught sight of Snow, now garbed in a sleek gown clapping along with a warm smile. Next to her was his aging father who for once, looked very proud of his son and what he'd accomplished.
But Erebus only had eyes for someone in the middle of the room. He paced across the golden and shining floor until he saw what he was after.
There she was. A beautiful woman with silky brunette hair flowing down her back, her eyes as blue and as endless as the sky above and her smile which could light even the darkest of days, dressed in the most elegant and dazzling silver ball gown, with a silver crown placed atop her head and an amulet with small clear stones around a teardrop shaped sky blue topaz central gem placed around her neck. Her blue eyes practically lit up once she saw Erebus. The pair interlocked their hands once they got close.
"Isabelle… My Queen." Erebus greeted, his eyes fixated on hers.
"Oh, Erebus… My love, my husband, my king." Isabelle responded back, the pure love in her voice clear as day for him to hear.

The royal couple then shared a passionate kiss. Once they broke for air, Erebus said to his beloved wife…

"Now, shall we dance?"
She only needed to nod gently and with a click of the king's fingers, the orchestra played as Erebus and Isabelle waltzed around the room for what seemed like an elysian eternity.
It may have only been a dream in the mind of young Erebus, but it was a dream of pure bliss. A dream of dancing. A dream he hoped someday would become a reality.

THE END.