Heres chapter 8 and a rather nasty surprise for cedric read on to find out:

Chapter 8: Reward and punishment.

Metamoor.

Cedric slithered unevenly down the Corridors towards prince Phobos's private dining room if snakes could limp then that would be what Cedric was doing has he used the rear of his tail to kindof roll himself forward and continued in this fashion until he eventually reached his destination. He was quite beaten up from his battle with Guardians. His forearms were itching like crazy after the earth Guardian had rapped thorns around his arms. And he was sure he still had water lodged in unmentionable places thanks to the annoying water Guardian.

Finally he entered the tall double doors to report to his prince. Phobos was seated at the opposite end of an extravagant dining table which was almost fifteen feet long and filled with equally extravagant foods some were salads made from local Metamoorian vegetation has well different meats presumably from the local wildlife or possibly an unwilling donator. It was quite common in meridian for paslings to sneak into kitchens to steal food if caught the chef would often add the unfortunate creature to their latest culinary creation. Further along the table was a series of metamoorian 'desserts including something which look like a banana split. Suffice to say there was enough food to feed a small village.

"My lord I have returned," Cedric announced has he 'went into a bowing position his fist across his chest.

"Well I take it you have destroyed the Guardians?" Phobos assumed has he swirled the contents of his golden goblet about disinterestedly. Cedric swallowed hard at the assumption.

"No sire. The Guardians have once again eluded my efforts, Perhaps with more warriors-" Phobos held up his hand silencing Cedric.

"Then once again you have failed me?" Phobos stated flatly.

"I grow weary of your increasing incompetence. You have led my armies to some of my most glorious victories in recent years. But when you allow yourself to be defeated by five little girls and a boy rebel you insult me personally!" Phobos explained. Cedric was growing worried now. He had sat by watching Phobos giving similar speeches to soon to be doomed warriors and generals loving every minute of it. But now he was on the platter himself.

"It is time you learned the price of failure." Phobos announced coldly his eyes sparking with dark energy.

Cedric convulsed in a familiar pain. His body was changing back to his human form. Which was strange since he hadn't triggered the change himself. His skin reverted to its pink pigmentation. But instead of growing smaller his body grew larger! His stomach bloated like a balloon so much such his skin split like a balloon would if you tried to stretch it over a football. He felt his left eye swell to the size of a tennis ball and his tongue seemed to double in size. His left arm was huge and misshapen the flesh and raw muscle seemed intermixed. While his right arm was little more than skin and bone. After the transformation had ended Cedric was devoid of his former glory an abomination of flesh that really had no sane right to be alive.

"You will remain this way until I see fit to change you back. Luckily for you I still need capable warriors. Phobos explained to the malformed Cedric.

"Guards! remove "that" from my presence its putting me off my meal." Phobos grinned gesturing towards the mass of flesh that was now lord Cedric.

Heatherfield.

The Guardians and Caleb finally returned to earth. "After their mission to the infinite city. The blade of infinity was stored at the "lin's home since it could be easily hidden in their large basement.

Caleb having returned to earth had discovered the Oracles time altering trick had brought him back to a point before he had got his new apartment so he was again staying with the "lin's of course from their point of view was yet to leave at all. He decided against leaving again after all they did seem upset the last time he left and the endless papers was a nightmare especially considering he was still learning the English written language.

He settled down in his familiar foldout bed in the basement he had to admit he had missed the place. He noticed Blunk had fallen asleep inside a box packed with clothes. Normally he could barely stand the pasling creature but tonight it was like returning home and seeing a childhood pet dog. After the exhausting day he simply changed into his night, clothes and soon fell asleep waiting to be awoken by the morning hustle and bustle.

Will sat on her bed toying with the heart of Candracar. The way she felt when she held that sword was the strangest sensation she had had. Even has a guardian. She felt more powerful more confident being away from it was like having a limb severed.

Caleb had insisted on training her starting tomorrow. Since she hadn't had much experience using swords it seemed sensible. Thankfully it was the weekend tomorrow so there was no school and she should hopefully get a little R&R in.

Then there was that dream during the fight with Cedric. Although she now understood what had happened the memories were vague and foggy to recall. All she knew was if what she had witnessed had really happened she couldn't let it happen again.

"Will are you going to bed yet?" Her mother called up.

"Its gone eleven!"

"Yeah mom!" She called back. With that she crawled into bed and turned off her light and closed her eyes waiting to fall into a dreamless slumber.

Next chapter coming soon.