ARC. 2

"NOBLE HUNT"

"There comes a time when even the heavy crown can no longer protect the evil. The arrows of the peasants spill even the blue blood, and when those who took power in their hands to abuse it are caught, their punishment can only be lifted by the fruit of sin …"


Chapter 13: Fire and Ice

"The purest of hearts are prone to love truly... Fire and Ice, beautiful isn't it?


"My pain and despair were healed long ago. I survived the trauma, even though I could never be sure that it will be alright. I don't need negative emotions to serve me in order to be victorious any longer. But if this is so important to you, then I suppose that we could help Ember and Tridart make sense of their lives."

"You did promise to make good use of the Heart of Nimbus. You can keep your word by following Halinor's idea."

Nerissa rolled her eyes but didn't object. She could concede a good idea when she heard it. As Will leaned back in her big armchair, Nerissa rolled the sleeves of her diaphanous burgundy polo up.

She, the redhead and Cornelia had arrived in Fadden Hills to pay Halinor and Kadma a visit and realize the older blonde's idea.

Kadma's grand lobby, resembling a large greenhouse full of thousands of plants and expensive furniture, offered them the perfect business space where they could complete the act which the ex-fire guardian had thought of. Nerissa tossed her hair back lazily, as she watched the two Knights of Destruction lining up and looking daggers at her. How very lovely, she thought with a sneer. Near them, Cornelia and Kadma, both dressed in pink hues for the day, were also ready for action.

"Everything created in the universe carries its universal code forever, even after an eventual death."- Halinor narrated. Her plan was quite complicated and laborious, and the others had to listen to every word. "Quintessence, as the energy of life, works quite well with the creation of sentient beings of all kinds and materials- such are Ember and Traidart. By interjecting her emotions in the entire deal, however, turning them into energy vampires of their own sort, Nerissa not only animated but ensouled them. The soul is indestructible under normal conditions, which is why the essence of the two knights remains in Weira's jewel. That same essence used to fuel our elemental powers during the time in which we were Nerissa's thralls, and therefore a connection was established between us and the knights' souls. Thanks to that, Kadma managed to reincarnate the knights, the only two created from pure nature forces- unlike the transmuted Matt and Huggles, who later became regents. Kadma bound Ember and Tridart's natural substance to the Heart of Zamballa with her powers of Earth; Ember's seismic entity and Tridart's glacier body are both born from Earth... Anyhow, Kadma's connection to their souls and the essence of their powers gave her access to their universal codes. Ember and Tridart exist, but they were unable to live properly. Up until now. Nerissa, you now possess the Heart of Nimbus, a mystic jewel that can channel the ultimate powers of your element and make them stronger. We don't have to keep the two of them in the Heart of Zamballa any longer!"- Halinor's voice grew with enthusiasm to the point where she was out of breath. Her speech had indeed been long and hard to deliver. "With your new Heart, you can - "

"I can polarize their universal codes and thereby bound them to mortal plain."- the black-haired woman finished her sentence for her. "Very well, Halinor. I understand your idea and I'm willing to carry it out."- Nerissa summoned her Heart, ready for action.

"Splendid!"- the ex-guardian had taken a sip of water to help her dry throat and was ready to continue: "But in order for the metamorphose to be complete, we have to eliminate their negative emotion dependence. For this I'll ask you, Will, to come behind the knights and use the Heart of Kandrakar to open up their outer shells. The Heart of Kandrakar is a universal skeleton key and it can open much more than folds and portals, as you know."

Will nodded with understanding and did as the blonde said. The pink energy of the Heart bathed Ember and Tridart in its lights.

"Cornelia, you are needed close to Tridart. Now that Will has opened his outer shell, you'll need to concentrate all your confidence at his core. That will fill up his hunger for fear and desperation. Kadma's healing powers will do the same with Ember. She'll heal the pain which Ember needs to feel from the others in order to function. I will stand between the two of them with the Heart of Zamballa which they're bound to."- the former and the current Earth guardians did as Halinor instructed.

"Nerissa will aim her polarizing Quintessence at it, and it will reflect it to their souls. By doing all this, we will be able to eliminate their negative emotion functioning, undo their thrall to the Heart of Zamballa and bound them to the mortal plain at the same time!"

"Wait a minute."- Ember yelped focusing her eyes on her former mistress. "We're supposed to rely on her to help us? Ha! I doubt that she will! She's egotistical and vile!"

"That's right."- Tridart joined in. "She already destroyed us once, to achieve her own goals. Who says that she won't do the same now?"

And they glared hatefully at the former Heart keeper, remembering each and every moment of their pain during the time she had disfigured them in order to use their essence and magic, to equip her team of guardians. But Nerissa replied to their glares with an unimpressed glance. They were the last thing to weigh on her conscience.

"I say it, Tridart!"- Halinor looked at the iceman strictly. "I guarantee it, actually! Ember, I promised to help you and your love. I said that I'd help you get a chance, as everyone deserves that, and I'm keeping my word, even if it took me some time."

"Nerissa won't turn you back into natural forces this time. She'll give you human identities."- Kadma announced from behind. "Besides, you don't have the word. You're still obliged by my power and I say that this ritual will be carried out."

The knights went silent but Nerissa had a thing to say before beginning the said ritual:

"Well, the two of you were never meant to exist as anything more than my servants, really, but I guess that if the situation calls for it... You will receive a change of faith. I'd have never guessed that one day I'd be doing this, but you know what they say...the life of a good, noble, non-villain woman is full of surprises-"

Will rolled her eyes at the cheesiness, but the brunette had already started her spell. Everyone stood in their positions- the polarization emerged from the Heart of Nimbus and reflected into that of Zamballa, just like Halinor had said it would. In the behind, the Heart of Kandrakar was doing its service of a skeleton key and Kadma and Cornelia's powers were remedying the knight's cores.

The powerful energy connection between them all, at one point, seemed too overwhelming, and then everything went black. After a minute which felt like eternity, all five women found themselves on the ground. The ritual was over -

"One of you wasn't concentrated enough and I'm ready to bet that it was you, Will."- Nerissa growled, standing up from the tiled floor. "You're just too absent-minded, you can't do a single thing right!"

"Hey, it wasn't me, OK! I was doing what I was supposed to! Why must you always criticize me? - "

"Oh please, we all felt that the loss of balance coming from your side of the pentagram!"

"Do not quarrel, look up! The collaboration spell was successful!"- Halinor cried happily. "And it's all that matters."

"That's right, it's the final result that is important."- Kadma agreed with a smile as she and the others observed the fruits of their efforts.

"Hey...but it actually worked. From the first time."- Cornelia noted. "Wow, I'm impressed with us."- she stated, as Halinor placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Tridart! I-I can finally touch you without melting your skin!"- the brand-new human version of Ember exclaimed, running her hand over Tridart's freshly created fair skin.

"And I can kiss you without hurting you to steam, my love!"- the man chuckled, running his fingers through his lover's red hair. "We...we're human beings, Ember. We can start a new life! Thank you, mistress! Thanks to all of you. You all helped an injustice be fixed!"

"It's what guardians do."- Will smiled as the two former knights leaped into each other's arms in front of them.

"And don't forget that the merit us yours too."- Halinor was holding Nerissa under the arm as she was voicing these thoughts: "Positive and negative emotions always fight to out-balance each other, but love is the one and only main emotion, strongest of them all. Nothing can prevail over true love, and that is not just a cliché. Not even pain and fear hold a candle to that... Your love is a true proof of that- today it gifted you with human existence. Love truly is the ultimate key to everything."- the blonde finished as she looked at her black-haired friend's green eyes and smile with endearment.

"Oh, old friend. Your wits are as dry as ever."- Nerissa chuckled in response. "But, in reality, they fit the bill for me, quite well. Look at them. Fire and ice...beautiful, isn't it?"


Meridian...

"So, your feelings for me...they were a farce too."- Elyon looked down at her feet. She was fighting to hide the tears that were stinging, willing to roll down her face. "Our marriage will be a political manner and that is that. I was a fool to believe that we could fall in love. We're strangers."

Upon finally gathering to talk about things with their real names, all her illusionary dreams had been crushed. Andan was honest with her just now, not back when he had been expressing his desire to meet her again... He and his people simply needed her to unite them and rule over them, while her people needed his riches. That was the truth and it hurt; it was so blunt and harsh, but Elyon was slowly losing hope that it'd ever change, anyway.

"No, Elyon, you're wrong."- Andan seemed to have finally found the words he had been looking for. Ever since they had met up in the Meridian Palace, he had been primarily silent. But now he was desperate to save the young woman's good opinion of him. He didn't want her to make such pessimistic conclusions...
"We, we're strangers that are in a need of this union between our kingdoms, but- "

"No, Andan, I'm not wrong."- Elyon interrupted him with annoyance. "All my life I've accepted life as a fairytale, but it isn't! Even after I discovered that I was the heir to the throne of a totally new world, I never got to experience the princessy things, I never got a castle on a cloud or a prince Charming, because these things are ridiculous, and I'm just stupid to even hope for them! I...I'm just slowly starting to accept that my life is meant to be nothing but a deprived of happiness experience, devoted to the better good of my people- "

"I can be your prince if you'd give me a chance."- the Coronian man reached and placed his hand on top of hers timidly. "I don't know if I'm charming, but I...; I believe that I can be caring."

Elyon looked up at him with a sob. She must have been some miserable sight since he dared approach her without asking first. But she kind of liked it. That was what a normal boy would do, but how was she to ask for a normal boy, since she was not a normal girl?

"But you were forced into this union by your mother."- she shook her head. "Just like me in the beginning. These displays of affection and interest on such short notice, you mean to tell me that they weren't staged? Come on, Andan, I'm no genius, but I'm not a fool either."

The prince sighed and looked down in his turn.

"Elyon, I knew that the truth about my people and my sister terrorizing us will bring up many problems and misunderstandings. My mother was also aware, hence we tried to keep Leonida's truth veiled...But after all, that happened, after Leonida took mother away from me, I don't want her to take away my chance with you too. Yes, our marriage is of political interest, but I, just like you, share your deeper ideas about it. I didn't lie to you about my intentions-"

"But we're not in love."- Elyon pointed out. "Do you actually believe that time will help us with that? Have love? Will that be true love, Andan?"

"Love has many different manifestations."- Andan pondered out loud meeting the woman's eyes. "Our ancestors were also introduced to their partner in life and they needed time to start loving them, didn't they?"

I'm not sure about that anymore, Elyon thought bitterly, but he went on:

"I'm ashamed to confess this, but even though I'm to enter the 23rd year of my life, you're the first woman I've encountered more closely, Elyon."

"What?"- the Queen exclaimed. "But...you were all so romantic and stuff! You captured the essence of a true courtier!"

Andan chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head:

"You think so, really? I've acquired all my knowledge of love from the love and adventure books. But I have no experience of my own. Look, Elyon, it appears that I and you want the same thing. We both want to turn this political alliance into something more and I believe that is possible with the course of time. If there is even a little chemistry between us."

Elyon observed the man's self-consciousness and face as he spoke and couldn't help feel a little spark inside of herself. She blushed:

"I guess. I think you're quite debonair and your personality is also nice. If you find me pretty..."- the young woman added hopefully.

"Of course, Elyon. Why underestimate yourself, you're a beautiful young woman which any man would be delighted to marry."- the prince exclaimed sincerely. "I'm merely honored to have the chance to be that man. "

"You're not only saying that because I'm the Queen around here, are you."-she joked, even though her insecurity deprived her words of any comical tinge.

"Absolutely not. The future of our relationship depends on many things, but don't underestimate your appearance. That has nothing to do with it. You're truly beautiful."

Elyon blushed even more. Whether it was this man's charm or incredibly well-taught manners, his words sank into her mind and she believed him. She chose to believe him.

Before Meridian, she had been pretty confident, even if being Cornelia Hale's best-friend meant being second in everything. Especially appearance. Nevertheless, Elyon had had a fair amount of confidence. She knew she was cute, but Cornelia had always been the 'hot' one. The one which most of the boys noticed. That didn't mean that Elyon didn't have her own crushes and boys that were into her, even if she had obviously never had a chance with Caleb, who she had once secretly liked.

But all the events in the young Queen's life ever since she had discovered her true identity, had diminished most of her self-love and high self-opinion. Andan's heartfelt compliment definitely made her feel good.

"Now that your brother and my sister have joined hands against us, and possibly the Universe, we have more than one reason to stay stronger and work on our own relationship, correct?"- the prince took her hand in his own. "I do not want to affright you, tell me if I am taking too big steps on the way to that. If you'd like for us to starts as friends, we could do just that. Your wish will be what we will do-

"No, Andan, I don't want to waste time on us being friends."- Elyon said with a confident smile. She had a sudden rush of confidence and riskiness overflow in her body, and she felt like she had to do something. She had to make a statement. "We're engaged. We're soon going to be husband and wife, and I want to get to know my husband the fastest and warmest way there is."

Andan's eyes widened at first, when the straw-blonde sealed her lips on top of his, sinking into his embrace, but he quickly overmastered his racing heartbeat and wrapped his arms around her petite body frame.

The royal saloon was to witness the premature rapprochement of two royal figures. Two future spouses, influenced by each other's words in the heat of the moment. Their bodies, temples of their own insecurities and life difficulties, would take a new path, merging into one.


Two days later

Trying out dresses for her big day was more exhausting than Elyon had ever imagined it.
At this rate, I might as well just let Hay Lin design my gown just to get this over with, the young Queen thought tiredly as she took yet another dress off. Nevertheless, she had decided that she should get that done as soon as possible. After all, she was getting married very soon.

The young woman was tired, but her mother, Captain Miriadel, did not give up easily. She seemed to be able to browse new and new models all day long; her daughter had never before seen this typically feminine side of hers. And the Meridian bridal gowns were all odd... Even after ten years, Meridian's fashion was not Elyon's favorite. And how could it be, when Cornelia was constantly spoiling her with different duds from Earth. As teenagers, they had been crazy about clothes and fashions, and now that Elyon was living on Meridian, her rare touch to these stylish pieces that she remembered from the Earth stores, was through such gestures.

"I'm not too sure about this one."- the Queen commented under her nose, checking herself out in the big mirror. "It's too... Maria Antoinette-ish."

"I think it's wonderful, Elyon. It suits you."- Miriadel cooed with needless sentiment as she clasped hеr hands close to her face, looking at her daughter in her large, yellow, and white dress. She was a bride to0be already...Time was just so fast to go by...

"I don't know, mom."- Elyon took another look at herself from the back. "More or less, it's not so much about the dress."

"Then what is it, my Princess? Is it your brother? -"

"Never mind, Phobos. He won't be able to defeat all of us. We have worthy allies. It's not this dress either. I just wish Galg..."

"Oh, quite contrary, I think it's exactly that rag that you should lose. I got married in a better dress and that was 28 years ago." -Elyon and her mother turned around to observe the owner of the sultry, but mocking voice enter the fitting room.

"Kind and humble as always. What do you want now, Nerissa?"- Miriadel folded her arms coldly.

"Well, can't I help Queen chose a better dress for her wedding? After all, I seem to be the only one with fashion sense around here."- and Nerissa flaunted her newest set of robes- a pale gray sequined suit with long bell sleeves, the usual neckline, strapped with black leather, and black leather leggings to match. The trail of her top reached to the ground, like that of a royal dress, and her legs looked even longer in the high heel boots.
Her ample, yet fit chest, she had also adorned with a heavy platinum pendant inlaid with black gems. "Medival Meridian fashions, Mage-worthy attire, yet keeping it classy. You like, Miriadel?" the sorceress met the other woman's glance with a playful tinge. "I could get you some new clothes too. After all, yours have always been a tad too masculine, haven't they? Perhaps you're not exactly the right person to choose Elyon's wedding gown-"

"Nerissa, sometimes I think that you only come here to annoy us."- Elyon said in an unimpressed fashion. "Get this over with, stay true to the routine, blame me for Phobos's escape, and get on your way. I'm sure you have much more interesting things to do than choose me a wedding dress."

Nerissa smiled and circled the young monarch on her way to pour herself a glass of water from the big jug on the table nearby.

"Acknowledging your guilt is a commendable achievement, yet it will hardly help bring your dear brother down. Same applies for attending your wedding looking like Miriadel."- The Mage didn't miss the chance to taunt them again as she casually leaned against the table. "Ahh, I can still remember her wedding. It has been quite some time now, hasn't it, Miriadel? Even though I still remember that you looked like a powdered pumpkin with a veil on top."- and she burst out laughing in a bell, ladylike laughter, beautiful and almost innocent.

"You can go now, Nerissa, really."- Elyon said for the third time. "We will manage on our own. Go giggle over something else!"

"Let her be, your Highness."- Miriadel shook her head as she put one of the many dresses scattered around back on a hanger. "If the Mage would like to sit here and act immature, let her be."

"I act immature? And you -"

"Mom, actually, you're right. We shouldn't pay attention to the Mage's stage performances. She's so used to being an actress in this Palace that she must miss the sensation playing roles used to bring her. That's why she makes up for it with such currish etudes. However, I'd like to have a word with her in private. Do you mind?"- Elyon's words had both Nerissa and Miriadel surprised.

Miriadel seemed more perplexed, but she didn't hesitate. She smiled at her daughter and headed for the exit:

"Of course, my princess. I'll go out to meet your father then. He's traveling back from Touris Filney."

The captain exited the fitting room without saying anything more. Nerissa narrowed her eyes at the girl in a poorly designed wedding dress. She had tried to insult her with her lame words, implying about her days as Trill and the Mage, but it was as pointless, as reasoning with Elyon was always like:

"Well, I did want to tell you something, therefore I suppose that you did well by sending her away. We don't need her, even bigger than yours, ignorance to stand in the way- "

"Let me ask you, Nerissa."- Elyon interrupted the ex-guardian harshly. "If you despise my adoptive parents so much, why choose them to adopt me in the first place? You were Mage at the time, you could have chosen another couple to take me to Heatherfield."

"See, I know you're not the sharpest tool in the box, but I still thought you'd know that back when your brother was about to kill you for the first time, the rebellion and our allies didn't have the luxury of choice."

The Queen crossed her arms on her chest and groaned quietly.

"Besides, I do not despise your mother, it's not her fault that she is as narrow-minded as a-"

"Listen, I didn't ask to be left alone with you to listen to your insults."- the straw-blonde cut her off. "I wanted to make a few things clear to you. I spent time with Andan over the last days. We're already closer than you assume."

Nerissa raised her eyebrows at that bold statement, but Elyon went on, completely determined to make the statement complete:

"I learned of what you've done behind my back. Not only did you go to Coronia and create more problems than needed, but you also dared blackmail Andan and his mother that if they don't obey you, you're going to cancel the marriage between me and him-"

"Well, of course, after all, I was striving to uncover the truth, which I did-"

"No."- Elyon stopped her again, her voice ice-cold. "That was not the right way to seek the truth. You violated each and every right which Caleb fought for you to have. You can't take decisions on my behalf, Nerissa, especially not regarding my marriage! If that repeats itself again, you'll face severe sanctions."

The ex-guardian's face flushed with anger and outrage. How dare she? How dare she even think of blaming anything on her! Nerissa clenched her teeth, glaring hatefully at the young woman, but Elyon didn't leave her an opportunity to snap:

"No. Don't say anything! The question is closed."

Nerissa swallowed her words down, not only because of the Escanor woman's statement but because she got immersed in her own thoughts. A particular conversation, she and her friends had had in Fadden Hills two days ago, irritated her memories:

*FLASHBACK*

"I was thinking. I was thinking really hard, lately, Elyon and her sorrow have been haunting my dreams."- Halinor began, wrapping her pale orange shawl around her shoulders. She pretended she didn't see her friend and former leader roll her eyes to the back of her head and vice versa at that statement. "She needs help and maybe we can help her."

Kadma came back with three cups of green tea just on time. She met Nerissa's eyes and her tongue-in-cheek expression aimed at the blonde's speech. The queen shrugged barely noticeably before taking her place in the sitting area.

"...I know that both of you have a bad opinion of Elyon, but this is what we, as former guardians and fully mature adults, should do. When we think that we might be able to help someone, we should be giving it a try. Just like we helped Tridart and Ember earlier today- "

"Halinor."- Nerissa interrupted the ex-fire guardian softly. "You don't need to prevaricate, old friend. You can just say what's on your mind, your ideas seem to be quite efficient lately. We're all ears."

Halinor smiled amiably before going on:

"You see, Elyon's main concerns and turmoil come from her nanny's condition. She feels responsible for so many events that took place over the last two months, but Galgheita's near-death experience prevails for sure. Before you get angry, Nerissa, I was there. I was there when Phobos struck her and I saw Elyon's inner breakdown at that sight. The nanny is a very important person to her and I just know that in order for the young queen to be able to take part in overcoming Phobos and his allies, she needs to be healed. Phobos' spell on Galgheita has to be undone. See, I thought about that. I studied ways for that to be achieved, but it was quite challenging because of two main reasons. First, the exact spell which Phobos used remains unknown, and second, the effect which Elyon achieved by altering it with her powers, is also impossible to ascertain. A 'permanent sleep-like state' can be caused by so many curses and spells, but the spell laid on Galgheita is much more complicated than any of them. Because it was created by the dark and light magic of two Meridian Crown representatives!"

"The might of something which has a part of Meridian's light and Meridian's darkness in itself can be challenging, indeed."- Kadma agreed, deep in thoughts. "But I don't understand how did the nanny survive long enough for Elyon's magic to grab a hold of her if Phobos wanted to kill her. Fatal spells are usually lightning-like. Is Elyon's power truly grown to be so spirituous?"

"Please!"- Nerissa crossed her arms in a mistrustful manner. "The Whelp hardly even knows her own powers! Much like the guardians, she hasn't been practicing enough over the last ten years. If they've been lagging behind, then she has failed miserably in mastering her own power! If you ask me, she uses but a tenth of the entire might of the Heart of Meridian which is unfortunately stored in her feeble body!"

"If one's mastering of powers could be done by just meditating, then Oracle's methods would've been commendable."- Kadma didn't miss the chance to spit poison at Himerish's name. When it got to holding grudges against him, she and Nerissa had always been unanimous.

"That's what I'm saying."- her striking green eyes narrowed barely noticeably as she brought the tea to her lips. "I think that it was a miracle she even managed to do something to save the old kangaroo."

"No."- Halinor shook her head. She had ghosted her friends for a few minutes, going through her own thoughts another time. "I have high hopes that what I'm to suggest will remedy the situation! I totally forgot, Phobos didn't aim at Galgheita, he aimed at the coat of arms on the wall, she just got in the way of his spell. Therefore, the spell was no deadly curse at all- "

"It was most probably a mere destructive spell."- Kadma interrupted her. "Which explains what Elyon did, she- "

"She channeled the destruction before it could unfold entirely, without even realizing. These spells react differently with a living body than they do with inanimate objects. The whelp's own magic locked that of Phobos inside Galgheita."- Nerissa finished as her and her friends' eyes met.

Their knowledge of magic sure was astonishing. But after so many years it was only logical. Each of them could add something to help build the puzzle and the others would know what it meant. That was why they were the original guardians, as Nerissa often told herself in moments of anger over the new generation and their countless mistakes...

"That's what the Oracle meant by "a sleep-like state."- Halinor's enthusiasm was growing with every next word. The entire puzzle was put together. She knew the answer to Elyon's questions and the solution to her problems! "Why he said that she isn't dead 'for good'. A locked-in destruction in any body is what all these sleeping curses from all over the Universe are based on! Elyon and Phobos's magic collided and unwittingly created something which I can think of only one way to salve..."

"Well that is going to be an interesting search"- Kadma exclaimed and crossed her arms on her chest. "Has Galgheita ever taken a lover at all? You both understand why I ask! Elyon will need to find someone who can wake her from - "

"Galgheita needs a True Love kiss to wake up. How very fabled."- Nerissa murmured mockingly and shook her head. "I have no idea, Kadma, but regardless, one's true love is not just any lover they've had. She's doomed. True love is something which is rare, something which not everyone finds in a lifetime. Something that can only exist between soulmates like my son and Cornelia. Something which can only be born between people from different worlds, whose ways of fate have crossed. People who've shared a passion and an idea that has unleashed the lust between them. Mere lust that has grown into something much bigger - "

"Like you and your husband."- Kadma rubbed her chin thoughtfully. Her thoughts had been provoked by the new topic that lay before them. "Yes, I also think that not just any love is true love. Sometimes true love can be a friendship which has led to intimate feelings; even if platonic for the most of it- "

"True love is also the love which we have for our kids. Regardless if they're our flesh and blood or not."- Halinor was ready to end the philosophical debate with her statement. Her eyes glistening with hope and excitement. "Am I wrong? Your love for your son helped redeem yourself, Nerissa. That is another incarnation of true love! And the love which Elyon's adoptive family has for her is another similar form of that. You're both right, yet think too straightforwardly. I don't believe that true love is as rare as everyone believes, because the sincerity of one's love depends on the capabilities and choices of that one's heart. The connection which we establish between ourselves and those who play an important part in our life can also turn into pure love. Galgheita's Elyon wet nanny, but after all that they've been through, I think that she feels her much closer. And so does Elyon. Don't you see? That's why the Oracle said that only Elyon will be able to wake Galgheita up. Love has many forms and true love is in the purest of them. Such as the relationships formed between an infant child and its savior-"

"You're saying that Elyon carries the true love which Galgheita needs. I must say, Halinor. It's quite possible. "- Nerissa said after estimating what she had just heard. "I know for sure that when Miriadel, Alborn and Galgheita stepped into her Bratness's life to substitute Weira and Zanden, they did it with pure hearts and earnest intentions. And pure hearts are prone to developing the ability to love truly."

"As are those of orphans who've found the right people to love them unconditionally."- Kadma looked up.

"So, you do agree. We've solved it. Oh, I'm so happy, Galgheita will be able to attend the girl's wedding!"- Halinor got excited and up from her seat. "We must tell Elyon immediately! Or should we tell Will and the guardians first? No, no, I have a better idea! I'm calling Yan-Yan and Cass-"

"Hal, wait a minute, please."- it pained her to do it, but she had to. Kadma looked over to Nerissa who just nodded firmly. They didn't even need telepathy to coordinate their opinions.

The former fire guardian looked at her friends with a quenching smile. Their faces were joyless and she didn't like it.

The large, flower-filled room they were in, let in the last rays of the setting sun through its large windows. The young guardians had left and the three of them were alone in Kadma's family manor. The sitting area, where she and her friends had settled down, grew dimmer when a cloud outside covered the sun and inside, Halinor dared to ask:

"What is it, Kads? Why wait? We should share our discovery now and-"

"I'm the last person to care for Himerish and his opinion, but we can't deny that it is often important to do that... He always punishes those who disobey him, even if he'll never admit to it, so if we have to be collegial and respect his darn words this time...we can't just tell Elyon the answer to her test. If we take this as a test meant for her, interfering would be wrong."- Kadma sighed. "If you recall he said that only she'd know what to do and how to wake her nanny, once the time comes. Maybe...that time hasn't come yet."

"It's silly not to admit it when Himerish has a right."- Nerissa went on calmly as she and her friend observed Halinor becoming glum. "In spite of what his thinking did to us back in the day, sometimes his decisions can be useful. Like now, for example, if we just tell Elyon how to handle the situation, she'll never learn to think of solutions on her own."

Halinor watched her friends express their opinions and then slumped back in her chair with a sigh. She had seen that coming, and even though she had mixed feelings about it, she couldn't deny the sense which it made."

"You're right I...I just wanted to help, that's all. So, our final decision is what? We decide to wait for Elyon to discover what we've already discovered, on her own?"

"Oh, that's a brave idea, Halinor, no." - Nerissa looked at Kadma again, before saying: "We'll tell W.I.T.C.H and from then on, the solution shall become their responsibility. After all, they are the guardians."

*END OF FLASHBACK*

"It is closed."- Nerissa smiled smugly and got ready to leave. "But thank you, though. You gave an eloquent answer to my dilemma on time. Time is what you'll have to spend in order to see the bigger picture."- she added with a wicked smirk.

Oh, Will, your faith in Elyon is just another reminder of your lack of wisdom, she thought recalling a certain talk she and the keeper had had just before she had gotten here. I knew that Andan would try to ensure his marriage once I was told that he has been here. I also knew that he'll choose to do it by using Elyon to get me off his back. But that poor fool can't see further from his nose since he feels that his silly little marriage is threatened by me! Anyways, all that helped me tremendously. My plan to take Phobos down will not be thwarted. It's good that Galgheita will remain in the Cosmos of Abeyance up until that happens. I'm sorry, Halinor...

"Wait, you were going to tell me something?"- Elyon exclaimed, but the brunette had already turned her back on her. "Nerissa!"- she yelled after her. "Oh, whatever! Do as you please, I'm sick and tired of your attitude! Just remember what I told you. Acting behind my back will not do you good! And if you do something like what you've done in Coronia, again, even my gratitude for Caleb won't be able to save you."

Oh, you silly girl, the sorceress thought with a smirk, just before exiting the fitting room. Your choice of words amuses me because you will be the one to save this realm from your damned brother. Even if unwittingly.


The new arc of the Dark Descendant has begun. Keep track of the events, because things are about to escalate! So far so good: Phobos is free and is composing a major return to ultimate power with his newest alley and lover, the mysterious princess Leonida, an old acquaintance of W.I.T.C.H. Leonida is with child! Cedric has an agenda of his own, (just like most of the characters, lol) but where will that take him to? With hatred that burns the old wounds, Nerissa has a new cunning plan to strike down her enemies, a plan that includes Elyon and her fiancé, but who is pulling the strings this time? What major changes are to come around, and which guardian's life will face a mortifying twist like never before? Stay tuned to find out!

~ stay blessed and safe ~ xoxo, jimelization