Chapter 26: Breach of Faith


She loved him. She loved all his imperfections dearly, but when she saw that he could not take care of their child, she did not hesitate to push him. It was a breach of faith. Her faith. She pushed him and he kept falling and falling ... falling to the abyss with their names on his lips …"


It was morning in Meridian, and Miranda looked around herself one last time before timidly daring to enter the Palace, where she had once been feared and venerated. During Phobos, all the staff here had treated her like royalty; they used to satisfy all her whims and were genuinely afraid of her anger. Things now stood differently. Even though she still had the power to sweep the guards and soldiers away, unsupported by anyone, she didn't even dare consider it. If she showed the tiniest sign of evil intentions, she could forget about achieving her goal.

The stakes were totally different. Designed as a poor oil saleswoman, Miranda managed to persuade the security guard to let her inside the palace. The little veiled girl walking beside her also helped. With her ragged headscarf and the patchwork on her cloak, she was definitely a pathetic enough sight.

But the shapeshifter wasn't in a hurry to feel relief. She knew that making it in the palace was by the powers of every other peasant. Queen Elyon's democratic rule and her closeness to the people had made the once feared, restricted, and exquisite castle, a second town square... Nevertheless, it would've been no problem if she were here to interact with the staff and or seek food. No, Miranda knew that getting an audience with her Majesty was still quite difficult. She had to go through her personal sentry first and when they recognized her, they'd surely try to tackle her down and take her to the odious dungeons, she had barely managed to escape all these years ago. And while luring most of the guards wouldn't have been as hard, the fact that Raythor was an integral part of that formation made matters a whole lot more difficult.

"Hey, who are you? State your business here!"- Miranda stopped dead in her tracks and hissed under her nose. But she had expected it- she had not yet made it to the doors of the throne room and his voice had caught up with her. Was that man living on his guard day and night?

Raythor approached them from behind with a strict expression. The blade of his sword pulsed at the light hung on the belt around his rock-hard torso. Curse the Mage for supplying the entire ex-rebel community and the royal sentries with these bewitched weapons that can destroy any shifter and object of dark magic in a matter of seconds! Miranda dared to turn towards the man, keeping her face behind the tattered scarf.

"We're poor people, master Raythor. My mother, she is mute... We're here to offer our oils to her Majesty. She had open audiences each Thursday and..."

Miranda almost jumped in her place when the little girl next to her spoke. But she was so very convincing, it could've worked...If only the Captain hadn't insisted:

"Your papers first, girl. The Queen only holds audiences for legal subjects of the kingdom and the districts. And you will have to uncover your faces."

"Sir, please, we don't have our papers with us, but we're locals."- Mancy's voice shivered. "How could we not be, with the veil around Meridian and-"

"Don't give me those empty, bosh words and reveal your identities!"- Raythor barked, taking his sword out.

"Raythor!"

It was Miriadel who had overheard the noise on her way down the main stairs. Seeing her, the man moved the weapon away with reluctance.

He was in no mood for the redhead's haggling. Their views were so very different lately. Miriadel believed in people's poverty and needs. Rayhtor believed that a big part of these people was only using that as an excuse to live without working. 11 years had passed since Phobos was down, for Pete's sake! The crisis which he had caused, regardless of how grand it was, was by now surpassed. Those who were most poor on Meridian were those who refused to evolve and change their old ways...

"Excuse me, sweetie. We're all on our way to help people like you and your mom."- Miriadel said warmly while firing a strict look at the other captain. "Soon, Meridian will provide for all of its subjects in disadvantaged situations. I assure you. Now, give me a minute and I'll get the Queen ready for hearing you out."

Miranda was pleased. Her lips twisted into a catty smile under her scarf as she looked down. Thanks to her daughter and Miriadel's misunderstood humanism, she didn't even have to say a word. She was going to preserve her forces for in front of the Queen...

A few minutes later, Miriadel opened the doors of the Throne Room and made them a sign to enter.

Great, Miranda thought victoriously. Now all that is left is to win the dilettante Queen's compassion. Then my worries will be reduced by one.

"Do you have any idea how many people like them come here every week, seeking money for making no efforts, Miriadel?"- Raythor shook his head with disapproval once the mother-daughter duo was behind the closed doors. "The least we could do is check their backgrounds and the authenticity of their so-called 'disadvantaged' situations-"

"Raythor, I'm not doing what I do for the sake of my own opinion and calculations. I'm following my daughter's orders."- the redhead explained calmly, yet coldly. "The Queen cares for her people; she'll continue to help them no matter how hard or peculiar it seems to you and the Mage! Once Coronia and Meridian become one, it will become even more radical. Better get used to it."

Raythor's face tightened, but he didn't twitch in his boiling anger. What was this woman even talking about? When had he said that people shouldn't be helped? All he had said was that there needs to be at least some sort of control over who enters the palace and Throne Room...

"For the love of Metamoor, Miriadel, they could've been armed! They could have ill intentions. It's our job to make sure that no such people are to come near the Queen- "

"The Queen can take care of herself. Better than any of us."- the woman interrupted him again. "Besides, ill intentions are born in those who have been mistreated. Elyon doesn't want any resident of this kingdom to ever be mistreated again. I stand with my daughter in this. There must be fairness and justice for everyone."

Vexed, Raythor shook his head and decided to walk away. What was the point of arguing with someone who lived with the false perception that everyone can be made happy at the same time? Miriadel and her husband were fools, and Queen Elyon was setting way too high, impossible goals for herself.


Miranda hadn't made it to the Throne Room to lose time. She took one last look at the child that stood beside her and reminded her of herself so very much. She had to swallow back many things and she had gotten to know baseness for over two decades now, but for Mancy... For Mancy she had to go even beyond all her past sins. Miranda wasn't someone with a conscience, to begin with. She was carrying her ''evil'' label with pride and a head raised high. Be as it may, times for being prideful had never managed to come for her, and now, now she was ready to sink even lower.

"Good morning."- the Queen's voice announced the arrival of her Majesty. She had just come into the Throne Room, dressed in pale green traditional royal robes, adorned with gold. Her hair was still wet- apparently, she was coming from the royal lavatory.

"My mother said that you guys are here to talk about your oil sales and the lack of customers lately? Here's what I'll do, I'll buy all your goods. The gold will help you live normally for a few more weeks until Meridian can afford new funds for the needy. How does that sound?"

Miranda gifted the young woman with a contemptuous look. Once the dunce had been utterly clueless, even when it came to who worked for her, and now she was acting like she owned the world. Which she did, in fact. The shifter made a face behind her shall. But then again, ten years had sure helped change the naïve girl from Earth at least to an extent where she could manage the simplest of functions that a Queen had. Ten years changed so very much, including her own perceptions and stance...

"Excuse me, Mrs...What was your name again? You never told me."- Elyon repeated and then aimed her attention at the little girl, who had unveiled her head. "Your daughter...she seems familiar. You worked here, didn't you? But you were orphaned...Mancy. You're that spy!"- she suddenly shot, but before she could continue, Miranda interrupted her by clapping her hands in a slow, mocking fashion.

"Bravo, Elyon. Her Majesty really does take great care of her subjects and pays attention to each and every one of them. I'm almost impressed."

Elyon stared at the woman in perplexity. That voice, that voice was so familiar...

"You..."- she began in shock. "You're alive...Miranda!"

At that point the criminal took the shall off. Her awry smile made the other woman's blood boil. So, Miranda had fooled them into believing she had died! It had all been a deceit to escape prison! She was going to pay for that, now that she had had the foolery to come to the Palace...

"You evil creature, you made a big mistake by bringing your pathetic self in front of eyes! This time I won't spare you!"- Elyon raised her hand, ready to blast the shifter, who just calmly retorted:

"Really, Elyon? We were friends once and now you threaten to kill me? But don't you want to hear me out first? I'm pretty sure that the information which I have for you is worth hearing?"

"We were never friends, liar!"- Elyon growled and glared daggers at the shifter. Time hadn't changed her one bit. Not her looks, which were now those of a woman in her early twenties, nor the cunning impudence that all her features just exuded. "What information could you possibly have for me? And why would you want to share anything with me, to begin with? You must want something. What's your connection to the spy girl, anyway?"

"Woah, Elyon, slow down. So many questions and so much anger. And here I was, thinking that your engagement will have made you less neurotic and strained."- Miranda mused and flashed her another glib half-smile. Elyon barely managed to stop herself from blasting her like a fly against the wall." I'll tell you everything, but you have to keep it down. If someone else finds out that I'm here, I'm going back to the dungeons and so is the vital information that I know. If I get back behind the bars of that dump, I won't confide even a word to you and that's not good for Meridian, trust me."

"Trust you?!"- the Queen snapped. "Are you listening to yourself? I'd much rather trust a lion not to claw me and a cobra not to bite me, than trust you! You're the biggest, most disgusting liar I've ever known!"

An unpleasant smile spilled over Miranda's face as she looked down at her daughter and then back at the Queen, only to realize that she was doing the same thing. She was moving those big, gray-blue eyes of hers, looking between them, obviously impatient to know the truth.

I'll tell you the truth, Miranda thought. But it won't be for free. When I'm done here, I'll have at least a part of what I've wanted over the last decade. Once you grant me my wish, I'll be free to move on.

"Elyon, you're right. I am a cheat and a bad person."- she said simply. "And I'm not here because I want to help you and your forlorn kingdom. Naturally, I want to help myself and more importantly, my offspring. Or rather, my daughter. Mancy is my daughter."- the dark-haired woman said, to Elyon's shock.

"Your daughter?!"- she gasped and looked at the child, that returned the glance coldly. "She's your daughter?! But how? When did- "

"Ten years ago, when I ''died'', I was pregnant. "- Miranda started explaining. "That was why I could effortlessly appear dead. You see, when people of my kind are expecting, they gain the ability to shut all their vital indicators off. The breathing, the heartbeat- everything. That's how we've managed to preserve ourselves over the centuries. I simply had to play dead and your soldiers took me out of the dungeons on their own. They threw my body out, in a ravine a little more than 30 minutes away from the Palace. I spent the next ten years mainly living in the wild, like my ancestors. I gave birth to Mancy and started raising her in different lairs- I was doing good for myself, and we had a normal life. Once she became mature enough, I had her sent to the Palace, as an orphan, where I knew that your kind heart would instantly take her into the staff. Everything was fine for a long while...all until Cedric broke out of prison too, a couple of months ago."

"Cedric..."- Elyon murmured with disgust. "Is he..."

"Cedric is Mancy's father, yes."- Miranda confirmed and went on, ignoring Elyon's repulsed expression. "When Leonida and Phobos broke him out of his cell, I hoped that he'll eventually overthrow them and manage to think of us first. I foolishly hoped that he'll use your stupid brother to gain power and make our lives better, but that never happened. Cedric's loyalty to Phobos disgusts me, he made it clear that he'll never be anything but a pawn in the prince's hands! He didn't care about me or our daughter, he even made Mancy a pivotal part of Phobos's initial plan by making her spy for him and that crazy princess! He risked our daughter's life for Phobos's sake! I closed my eyes many times and pretended that it was all-natural and fine, I pretended to agree that we weren't meant for greater deeds, that we were creatures and not royals...I agreed with all of Cedric's deranged opinions because I still felt something for him. I felt something for him, but not anymore. When Nerissa threatened Mancy's life and Cedric still couldn't put us before Phobos, I made up my mind."

"That was you...The person who surprised Nerissa and made it off with the spy."- Elyon realized, remembering the events from the day of her fake wedding. Will and Raythor had told her about a mysterious figure that interfered and helped the shapeshifters escape the setting where they had been expected to be jailed again. It all made sense now. But still, what was Miranda saying?! Was she betraying her daughter's father?

"Yes."- the woman repeated and looked down at her daughter again." That event was the turning point of our relationship. I realized that he's not capable of supporting a family. That's why I tricked him into surrendering."- she admitted darkly.

"You made him surrender?!'- Elyon was shocked. "He did that for you and yet you're here to betray him again? Wow, Miranda, you don't fail to amaze me with how low you can sink, each time!"

"Hey, listen up here, Ms. Perfect."- Miranda snapped back. "Back when you were a marionette of your brother's, you weren't exactly flying in the skies of loyalty and grace either! Remember how you betrayed and tormented your friends?"

"It's not the same!"- Elyon insisted angrily.

"Still! Weren't you listening? Even when Cedric agreed to surrender for me and Mancy, he was doing it to help his precious prince! He wants to be with him and display his loyalty, and that's why he instantly agreed to my suggestion! He wants to work for your brother, because of their childhood, but I don't have anything to bind me to that egoistical brat! Neither does my daughter. I only have her and I want the best for her! That's why I'm here. I have information that you need, and you can do me a favor which I need. It's just a deal, Elyon."- Miranda lowered her voice angrily. "You decide whether you want it or not."

Elyon crossed her arms on her chest. That was a twist that no one had expected for sure. But Miranda looked sincere for the first time in her life. A deal with someone like her was usually a terrible idea, but then again...hearing her out wasn't deprived of worth...

"How do I know that you're not just bluffing?"- the Queen finally asked and looked down at her foe as if she was a piece of shit. "Can you assure me that the information which you have will be beneficial to me at all? And what is it that you want so badly, that made you desperate enough to ever come here? I can imprison both you and your daughter in a second if I wanted to!"

"You can certainly do that."- Miranda smiled darkly. "But think wisely, Elyon. We both know that the ''home arrest'' thing that Phobos and Leonida are currently under, is not a permanent solution. Regardless of the authorities supervising them, they're not going to be blocked there forever. They're still plotting against you and the guardians. One day, Leonida will give birth to that baby, and then what? I think that you should know more about the consequences of that. But in the end, it's your decision. You may send me to prison or even kill me, for you can't stand me, and choose to be more vigilant. You may think that you have your enemies under your thumb and move on with your life, but that little piece of philosopher stone that can help you deal with the inevitable turn of things, won't be with you. If you chose to be arrogant and presuming, you might as well lose from your brother. And when the Light of Meridian gets extinguished, no good shall follow."- the woman finished her eerie warning and just shrugged innocently. "Your choice, oh, my Queen."

Elyon took a seat on her throne and faced the two shifters again. She was thinking feverishly as she observed them. They looked almost believable, but also, quite desperate and she couldn't deny it. Pure desperation had brought the cunning Miranda to her Palace and now she had to decide what to do with her. Miranda had sure caused a lot of trouble and pain over the years, but then again, Phobos was a much bigger morsel...

"Name your price, Miranda."- Elyon said in the end. "I won't be buying your oils, but I might buy that vital information which you claim to have. What do you want? Gold? Jewels? Freedom?"

"Freedom, I already have, Elyon. I'll be grateful if you simply let me keep what I have."- the other woman retorted brazenly.

The blonde knitted her brows in irritation:

"Fine, but don't expect not to be thrown in prison if you get caught breaking the law. I'll let you live in the wild and I won't look for you, but you won't torment my people, steal from them, or cause any other form of trouble, got that?"

"As you order, your Majesty."- Miranda said in a voice that even she herself didn't find believable. "But forget about me. I want a different kind of favor from you."

Elyon, who was already regretting her decision to negotiate with the villain, raised a brow:

"And what would that be?"

"First, I want all of today to remain between us. You won't tell anyone that I've been here. I want people to keep thinking of me as deceased. Secondly, I want you to send Mancy across the veil. I want her to have a new, ordinary life. In Heatherfield."


Heatherfield, Galgheita Rudolph's house, 2:15 PM

"Orube, I'm so sorry that we horn in on you like that, but Mrs. Rudolph's old home is the best place to hold this meeting right now. With all the drama and things that we're going through."- Taranee said in an apologetic tone as she walked through the threshold. "The restaurant is packed and there are extra people at all of our houses."

"Taranee, why are you even apologizing. This is you guys' house. Besides, it used to be your headquarters."- the Basidillian stood by the stairs graciously holding her hands in the pockets of her jeans. "Also, I'd love to attend another guardian meeting with you after so much time."

The Fire guardian smiled at her friend before getting busy in the kitchen, where the table was already set. She wasn't planning on preparing another big dinner like the one she had cooked the night when Will's admission to the hospital had thwarted everything, but she still had soft drinks, wine, and some snacks ready.
Apart from everything which they needed to discuss their latest discoveries on Coronia and the whole situation in the Metaworld, Taranee and her friends were planning on enlightening Will on her father's case. The topic was delicate and they weren't sure how their leader would take it- she had recovered surprisingly fast after her miscarriage, but her mental state wasn't yet quite in check.

Will was gloomier and distant; however, she had somehow brought it to acceptable levels. Whether it was because she hadn't known she had been pregnant, or just because she was exceptionally strong, Will was gradually returning to her normal self. Taranee just hoped that breaking the news about Tony to her wouldn't reset all that progress.

The dark-skinned woman was just putting more sweets on a plate (for some reason she was acting more and more like the mother of the group; maybe because she had always liked good organization) when the main entrance door was slammed open. Hearing the carping greeting that the new arrival fired at Orube, Taranee knew that Irma had arrived.

When would she stop teasing their warrior friend, was beyond her. Even at 24, Irma was still referring to her as "Grumpy Puss". Taranee rolled her eyes and prayed for patience. By some miracle, this time the Latina was first to show up for the meeting.

Good, the fire guardian thought and pushed her glasses back. I've been meaning to talk to her ever since we went to silence the riot on Coronia.

"My name's Ralph, and I'm the bad guy."- Irma announced and slammed her bag on the kitchen table before collapsing on one of the chairs.

"Huh?"

"Just did a segment called ''45 ways to say Hello" on the radio this morning. Guess I just found out who doesn't listen to her friend's station at all."- Irma remarked sourly, as she absently tapped her cheek with her long nails. "Fake friend poppin' cookies over here."

"You know I give my dancing lessons for preteens at "Jensen's" on Wednesdays."- Taranee defended herself. She proceeded to pour Irma a glass of lemonade.

"On Wednesdays we wear pink."- the water witch mocked the other woman and her pink pullover. "Get lost with that lemonade, give me some of the good stuff! I spy chardonnay next to the sink."

Taranee looked at her a little distrustfully but fulfilled the request.

"So, Irma."- she began casually. "What's been going on with you lately? Anything interesting? You seem a little off these last days."

"Who, me? I don't know what you're talking about, Tara. I'm doing just fine."

Taranee stopped for a second, pinning the other woman, who tried to escape her eyes, with a critical glance. She was trying to see through her words:

"Stephen?"- she then gasped. "Is this about who I think it is?"

"I hate when you do that!"- Irma growled. She hadn't raised the mental wall around her thoughts on time and the other guardian has sensed them with her telepathic powers. This time it had been just a word, but unfortunately, enough for Taranee to put two and two together.

"I can't believe you, Irma! Tell me everything right now!"- she demanded and gave her shoulder a shove of disapproval. "How can you be upset over that guy again; you were 17 when he shamelessly put you on the shelf!"

"I'm not upset!"- Irma spat and crossed her arms on her chest. "Okay, maybe a little. But it's not what you think- "

"Irma, please."- Taranee placed her hand on her friend's knee and looked at her seriously. "You can't still be thinking about him. I know that you liked him a lot, but we were kids back then. You have Martin now. Martin is a great guy who loves you more than any of your previous men! You're making great for yourself- you work like a pro and you have love. Please, don't ruin your life because of that...that scapegrace!"

"Oh, pah-lease, Tara, can you not give me a lecture on how to appreciate the guys in our life, who really love us! You of all people, the babe who needed months to stop resenting her dead-ass perfect boyfriend for being genuinely interested in what many would run away like mad from!"

Irma's outburst seemed to have made Taranee feel bad. Having realized she had been too harsh, the Latina put her hand on top of hers:

"Babe, sorry, I didn't mean it- "

"No, you're right. I was such a bitch to him and it was uncalled-for."- Taranee sighed. "Maybe, I really shouldn't be giving you advice...I just want the best for you, Irma. You're one of my best girlfriends..."

"No, it wasn't uncalled for, it was your way of coping with the changes. Nigel knows it and so does everyone else, your reaction was pure human."- Irma interrupted her. "I also want the best for you. Look, I know that Stephen doesn't deserve me to be upset because of him and I'm really not. I'm not upset because I still have feelings for him or because I can't get over the fact that he dumped me."

"Then?"

Irma made a pause as she thought of the best way to formulate her next sentence:

"Bumping into him as one of the potential sponsors for my radio had me reflect on many things. He was totally friendly and acted normal, by now he has long forgotten what we had...He's married and has a kid."

"Really?"-Taranee raised her eyebrows in wonderment. "I've never expected of him to settle down that young. Good for him."

"Yes, that's what I said. But remembering my time with Stephen made me think of all my past relationships and how I treated Martin like crap for so much time."- the water witch admitted ruefully. "The guy has been into me ever since...I don't even know anymore. Fifth grade, sixth grade? He has liked me forever. And even though I started accepting that and even started liking him back by the summer of our first year as guardians, I never gave him a chance up until I had no other options... Why did I do that, Tara? Deep in my heart, I knew that he's special, but I always went for all these...these jerks! Andrew Hornby, Joel, Stephen, Drake- "

"Excuse me?!"- the Fire guardian interrupted her in shock. "Drake?! As in Drake, Caleb's friend?! When the heck did that happen?"

Irma bit her lip and made a guilty face:

"Ooops."- she laughed nervously. "I forgot, only Corny knew about my fling with him...Anyway, that's not the point! What I'm trying to say is, that talking to Stephen made me realize what a ruthless, shallow bitch I've been for years! I knew that Martin pretty much loves me, but I chose to take him for granted instead of responding to his feelings like a normal girl! I always thought that I could do better and that I could always go to him if that "better" opportunity didn't work out. And in the end, I did just that... I'm a terrible person."

"Don't be so hard on yourself."- Taranee said with concern. "Look, I'm not trying to put salt in the fresh wound or anything, but...you've been okay with that ever since now. And it's fine, there's nothing wrong in having numerous relationships over the years of your maturing. What exactly in your conversation with Stephen made you reflect on everything from this angle?"

Irma exhaled and closed her eyes.

"Because I remembered. I remembered that Stephen, who I pretty much had the biggest plans for the future with, couldn't make amends with my secret. My guardian identity was what made him leave me, I'm sure of it. And then there was Martin, who accepted the news so very positively and open-mindedly, once again proving that he's the man for me. And yet, it took me years to admit that to him and myself. I'm terrible, all I've ever done is burden, hurt, and use him, and he still accepts me. I must have done great deeds in a past life, Tara, I'm telling you. Because in this life I've been nothing but a bitch when it comes to love."

Taranee felt torn. She wanted to comfort her friend and laugh at the same time. A part of her still thought that this was just another of the Latina's jokes, maybe because seeing her in such a situation was so unlike her. Irma, on the verge of tears because of a moral dilemma, was so surreal. But then again, Taranee was mature and considerate enough to understand that in the moment, the water guardian could really use some words of comfort and reassurance. After all, even the most cheerful people had bad days. Irma did too, just typically never about something like this. Taranee hugged her and tenderly patted her back:

"You've been doing great deeds in this life too, silly. You're a guardian. You save people and help entire worlds all the time. Don't bring yourself down like that. You deserve to be loved and appreciated because you're a giver."

"No, I'm not! I'm a selfish cunt!"- Irma sobbed on her shoulder. "I'm not talking about the guardian stuff and still...even then, I'm lazy and I often thwart the group. Corny has a right to criticize me because I act flippantly up until the moment the situation becomes really bad-"

"That's just your nature, you're a fun, light-hearted person, but that doesn't stop you from being a terrific guardian, nor does it make you a "selfish cunt". Calm down, Irma. Martin knows how much you appreciate him and what matters is what you're doing now, not before. Besides, you've never really hurt him, you just needed some time to comprehend and accept his feelings for you. That's absolutely normal-"

"Yeah right, I haven't hurt him! What about when I got jealous of his French pen pal Michele and broke them up, even though I was dating Joel? Or when I slept with Drake, even though I had already agreed to be Martin's prom date?"

Oh, brother, Taranee thought. Her friend had obviously fallen into an emotional hole of some sort. And while the fire guardian sincerely sympathized with her feelings, she secretly wished that Irma had chosen another time to unlock her sensitive side. Right now, they had enough problems as it was, and many of them were urgent.

"I'll man up, don't worry."- Irma said as if having read her mind. She pulled back and wiped her eyes. "I know what's wrong with me. I'm on my period, that's all!"

"Irma if you need to talk about your inner turmoil, I'll always be there for you."- Taranee said seriously. "It's OK to be vulnerable at times, it's just that- "

"I know, I know. Forget about it, Tara, nobody died, right? I'll be just fine. But speaking of the UNdead... I know that what we have to tell Will requires a lot of zeal and patience, and I'm still tense about it. I hope that hearing her dad has only pretended to be dead won't crush her. She's been through so much already..."

Taranee nodded earnestly. One of Irma's traits that were to be admired was the ability to drop her own problems in the name of a friend's welfare. She was so much more valiant than she gave herself credit for. Taranee smiled at her friend, but she also knew- that which was to come was going to be neither pleasant nor easy to carry out.

Fifteen minutes later, the rest of the guardians had already arrived and had taken their places around the table in the old house's kitchen. Each and every one of them had different reasons to turn down housing their meeting, but they were relieved to have access to their former math teacher's house, where the guardian cases could be discussed without the disturbance of family, guests, and third parties.

Cornelia was feeding her son while Hay Lin was trying to lighten up the setting with her usual cheerful utterances. It wasn't really doing much, ever since they had returned from Coronia, things were more than tense.

Will was just nodding at her friend's words without even hearing. Hay Lin was talking about the school and the very next charity she and Eric had decided to be a part of. Or something like that, Will wasn't exactly paying attention. She was more open than the previous days, but she was still unready to act like her usual self again.

Taranee stole a glimpse of her. With all that she was going through and the rather disturbing analysis that Nerissa had made, her concern for the redhead grew at a break-neck velocity. The fire guardian could still hear the ex-guardian's words from a few nights ago, ringing in her ears:

"The Heart's not your friend when your soul and mind are obstructed by hurt, grief, and anger. On a personal basis, especially. You must look after her. A minute of inattention on your part as her girlfriends, and poor little Will will be labeled Kandrakar's very next corrupted by power, traitress."

Nerissa, herself, was in the basement. She was just finishing with fortifying the protection spells around the portal to Meridian. The fact that a new personality was now living in the house, asked for it. The sorceress hadn't been thrilled when she had been told that a person from Kandrakar and an old ally of the guardians, was to now live in Galgheita's house. She had been the one to find this place back in the day! What if the old kangaroo had paid the mortgage with her teacher salary, a job that she had helped her find?! Many seemed to forget or pretend not to remember her merits.

Now the house's deed was on the name of W.I.T.C.H, but still. The least they could have done was ask her whether she was OK with their so-called friend residing here.

Inconsiderate little clods, Nerissa thought as she fixed the edges of her white leather jacket. But then again, who cared about that kind of heed nowadays. Especially with all that was going on.

Nerissa turned around on her heel. She could swear that someone was watching her. A pair of inquiring eyes somewhere from up the staircase. Someone had been watching her, aright, but the minute she had turned to face the ajar door, the spy had momentarily and silently vanished. Just like that. It couldn't be any of the guardians as it didn't make sense- none of them cared about what she was doing with the portal, up until now that kind of trust, at least, had been built between them.

Moreover, she wasn't really up to anything that was worth inquiring about right now. She was fortifying the portal against foreign interference and...

Of course, the ex-guardian realized in her thoughts. That Kandrakar apprentice...Of course, she's sent here with an agenda. Kandrakar's prowling manners have never been ingenious nor delicate. But if they feel the need to keep an eye on me from up-close, they'll have to do better than that.

She teletransported right in front of the basement door and threw a victorious look at the corner where she had expected to find Orube. To her disappointment, there was no one there. The hallway was empty and silent. The only sounds were coming from the kitchen, where there was suddenly another riot going on!

Nerissa frowned and headed for the place where the noise was coming from. Her white, reaching to the shin boots, rapped on the floor as she walked. Before going into the kitchen, she stopped once more and looked behind her back.

You may have escaped confrontation this time, you little kitten, but I know that you take an interest in what I do. Be careful. Next time, the door may catch your tail.

"Will, please calm down!"- Taranee cried inside the kitchen. She had stood up from her chair and was desperately trying to get the redhead to return to hers. Hay Lin and Irma had stopped her at the backdoor.

"What the devil is- "- but one look from Cornelia made her shut up. She already knew what had happened. Nerissa closed her mouth and estimated her next words for a short second:

"I know that the situation is aggravating, Will, but look at it from the bright side. At least your father isn't dead. You were so very sad back in the summer, do not follow that state with anger. Because it's pointless."

Taranee glared at the ex-guardian, who had spoken bluntly. How darn inconsiderate could she get? But Will had turned around to face her:

"Anger? I'm not angry, I'm absolutely incensed!"- she yelled. "I mourned and cried for a man who faked his death! I suffered a miscarriage because of my father's bulshit and his crimes! What do I care that he's alive after what I went through because of him? I should've known better! He has always been like that! Mom was right about him all along. I'd rather he was dead!"

"Will, you don't mean that."- Hay Lin said quietly. "Please, calm down, this is unhealthy for your current state- "

"I do mean it, Hay Lin!"- the keeper shook her head bitterly. "If he had really died, at least I wouldn't hate him now! I would have cherished our good memories. And now that I know the truth, I can't think of Tony Vandom without cursing him in my mind! You have no idea what it's like to hate your own father!"

"Will, you know a part of the truth."- Cornelia interjected as she gave her baby to Nerissa and walked over to her friend. "Don't forget what we told you. Serena might as well have a lot to do with this. That sketchy officer Alexis too. All that is happening now has been triggered by someone, and I bet my head that it's them!"

"Yeah, Will! I know how hard it is to be rational in a time when all your feelings and senses scream inside you.'"- Taranee shared. "But we don't know the entire story behind what your dad did. What if he did all that to protect you and your mom?"

The idea of that possibility seemed to soothe the redhead at least a little bit. Finally, she wiped her eyes dry and heavily slumped into her chair again.

"For fair, the only way you can truly be sure of what to think and feel is by seeking answers from first person."- Nerissa's advice came sounding indifferent, yet tempting. "Use your powers. Use them to track your father down and demand the truth. You can do that now that you've been the keeper of the Heart for so long."

"We're not supposed to use our powers for personal reasons."- Will murmured.

Nerissa rolled her eyes:

"Hasn't that ship sailed?"

"Never mind. I'll think about it. Back to the urgent questions. Guys, please."- she added when she saw Cornelia who was about to try talking more sense into her.

"I'm grateful for all your concern and even the advice, but I'd really rather take my mind away from all this bs right now. Let's talk guardian business. Just...please."

Her friends looked at each other and nodded. Nerissa fixed her grandson's pacifier and gently flickered her eyelids in agreement. She demonstrated reticence, yet she carefully observed the stages of emotional catharsis and the changes her replacement was going through. Will seemed to be doing better, tangibly better than on the night of the riot. But still...it was rather too early to conclude whether she had resisted darkness for good.

"Right. Back to the Coronian royal family whose lies get fatter and juicer every other day."- Irma got ahead with the topic. "What do we decide about the skeleton?"

"That was honestly so scary. A side of Coronia we've never seen before."- Hay Lin shivered. "Even with all the monsters, evil princesses and everything...The golden film that everything there has, had never before disappeared in front of our eyes like that."

"Tell me about it. They're so fake."- Cornelia crossed her arms on her chest. "Each time some new atrocity about them re-surfaces, I get more and more annoyed. Honesty is definitely something they do not know."

"Gee, does that make you feel sorry that you pushed us so hard and accused us of trying to ruin Elyon's relationship, a few months ago?"- Irma didn't miss the chance to tease her.

"That's different."- Cornelia declared. "Elyon and Andan have had sparks flying between them from the very beginning. I did it for her happiness. That has nothing to do with his crazy family and all their drama-"

"In the world of royals, Corny, the crazy family drama and the groom come in a package, so go figure."

"We can't blame them for being dishonest anymore though. Andan is proven clueless and both of his parents are not available..."- Taranee stated. "Magana has been a black rose for months now. That's how things turned out to be then ... everything was too fast and secret, and she didn't have time to trust us. I am sure that if she were among us now, she would help us deal with all the problems coming from her kingdom."

"Does a woman who keeps a skeleton in a creepy secret room look like someone who trusts people, Taranee?"- Cornelia was skeptical. "Magana and her daughter are both deranged and even their people know it. I'm hoping that once Coronia falls under Elyon's reign, we will no longer have to worry about the realm. Because I'm sick of them!"

"Then there's Phobos and Leonida and the baby that they're expecting."- Hay Lin mused. "What's going to happen with them? They're criminals, but that child is innocent."

"They're locked for now and that's all that matters. I too don't think that they'll ever stop trying to conquer realms and tyrannize them, but I'm more concerned about that room in the Coronian palace."- Will said. "I don't know, I just think that we should get to the bottom of it before Elyon actually takes the management of the kingdom in her hands. I get that the people are desperate for a Queen, because they fear that their lives will wither otherwise, but that whole entire room and everything about it makes me restless. It almost looks like some cult ritual- "

The others stared at her. At that point, the young woman was sure that they were considering whether her mental state was making her think of such things. But come on! Will was getting angry. Her friends should've been able to sense what she had sensed back then. That immense oppression and the dark feeling when they entered...And that moving portrait that still brought chills down her spine...

"Well, we already tried to deduct what the point of everything in there is, and why only Dua can open it, but we ended up deadlocked."- Taranee murmured as she loaded the picture she had taken of the phantom door on her phone. "This writing remains unknown; nobody could translate it. Not even the Council, which discourages me."

Nerissa snorted at that, but it remained undetected. Everyone knew her opinion on the sages of Kandrakar. But she didn't allow herself to belittle them this time, because she too failed to understand the writings. Despite the long hours, she spent in the Mage tower with all the ancient books...

"Plus, Will, the Oracle was pretty clear when he said that if Elyon doesn't take things in her hands soon, Coronia will face mayhem."- Hay Lin said with concern.

Will didn't answer to that. Himerish had provoked her back during their short audience in the fortress after returning from the golden realm. He had undoubtedly sensed her inner turmoil, but she had chosen not to answer to anything. His prognosis and words on their situation, were as usual, vague.

"He also said that everything is in our hands."- she reminded them.

"He always says that, because we're the gUardians and he's just supervising, blah-blah, fate can't be altered by anyone, but actions can, blah!"- Irma lounged back in the uncomfortable wooden chair and put her hands behind her head. "He's never going to give us clear instructions, no matter how hard and dire our mission is."

"No, I do agree with Will."- Nerissa said and that was a paradox by itself. All five sets of eyes turned to her.

"Here's something we don't hear every day."- Irma rested her elbows against the surface of the table.

"That room does have a dark aura."- the ex-guardian went on, ignoring the water witch. "But for us to determine its true purpose and meaning, we'll need the guidance of someone older and more experienced."

"Older than you? Who the heck would that be? Moses?"

"We haven't said that we don't agree with Will."- Taranee called in, but Nerissa finished her utterance, pretending not to hear or notice both of them:

"It's been many years since then, but I still remember from the time spent with the ancient Mage. Before she...before she expired."- Nerissa coughed and turned to Taranee. Her accusatory glare bothered her: "You may "agree" with her, but evidently the four of you don't see the big need for the truth behind a particular room to be uncovered. You're more concerned about the more global consequences and their prevention, but that's absolutely normal because the four elements always strive to do just that. The four elements are more or less supporting columns, as were the ancient dragons. The fifth guardian is the one who sees that chink that can lead to mass disaster if neglected. And in this case, the chink in Coronia's outer shell is that room."

"Alright already, oh wise one, what were you saying about someone even wiser who can help with that "chink". You really like that word, don't you."- Irma smirked. "The ancient Mage? But you killed her, she can't help, of what help is that- "

"I did not... Anyways."- Nerissa hissed and narrowed her eyes. That girl and her gigantic mouth were too much for her at times. "Rease was omnipotent and truly clever. She was one of the most brilliant magic users that have existed over the last couple of centuries. Yet each time she was in a need of a second opinion or advice, she went to Aram."

"And Aram is?"

Nerissa gently fondled her sleeping grandson's little cheek before replying:

"Rease's elder brother. The one who designed the Infinite City."

"Wait, what?!"- Cornelia exclaimed. "The original Mage had a brother?"

"How's that possible, I thought that she was the last vestige of the ancient empire."- Will added.

Seeing the mass confusion that her statement had created, the dark-haired guardian was quick to nod her head and explain:

"She was. The ancient empire has been ancient history for decades. Therefore, Aram is long not among us. He's a ghost. Rease sought the advice of her brother's ghost. And he never disappointed. How is he going to be of assistance to us, you'll ask? Well. For the fifth guardian, there's always more than one way to bend the laws of living."

As she watched her future mother-in-law smile in a winsome fashion, Cornelia contemplated the idea, slightly irked by all the big words spoken in praise for the "fifth" guardian. As the guardian of Earth, that almost offended her on a personal level. They were all equally important and her element was definitely not to be underestimated! Then she turned to the others. Taranee nodded tentatively. However, it was Will's statement that was decisive enough to close the topic:

"We'll do it. We'll do whatever we need to contact that Aram and shed light on that room."


Meridian, Gray Woods, morning time

Aldarn was thrilled with his position as guard in the village near Gray Wood Mines. The village was especially isolated for the purpose of keeping Phobos under control in one of the rest houses. Many came and went through the days, traveling around Meridian to do their job and returning for their shifts, but the young galhot and his father were living in the village for a month now.

They were the Evil Prince's permanent superintendents, together with all the spells and Kandrakar's watch that made sure that Phobos and his two snide allies will not manage to escape. It had been a month living here, but honestly, Aldarn didn't mind at all.

After all, he and his people, his family, and all his friends(and fellow rebels) had gone through because of him, after all they had suffered, being able to feel superior to the tyrant was more than delightful. Being able to humiliate and spit in his face was also uplifting. No matter how many years passed, the young man would never forget the fear, the pain, and grid. His lost childhood and his mother, who had disappeared during one of Phobos's merciless actions.

I grew up in wartime and without a mother because of you, royal rod, Aldarn thought as he walked on his way to the house where the villains were held. Now that you're in my hands, I'll make every day you spend in this joke of a jail, insufferable.

Phobos was sitting on the front porch, collecting the winter sun, most unperturbed. Despite it all, he was still refusing to show humility and why would he? Aldarn clenched his teeth as he stood before him. This place was more of a resort than a prison. And why? Just because he was going to be a father?

Big deal, the galhot thought angrily. So many expecting parents lived much more miserably during his reign. Why should he get luxury after all his gruesome deeds?

"Why are you casting your ugly shadow over me, if I may know?"- Phobos said rudely, shooting the young man a semi-bored, semi-annoyed glance. "Can you not see that I'm trying to soak in some vitamin D? Is this supposed to be my breakfast?"- the prince added, having spied the bowl in the rebel's hands. "It was high time. You may leave it here and walk the tracks!"

"Yes, this is the breakfast prepared for you. If you eat Leonida's again instead, I will hang you upside down and beat you with a stick. Queen's orders."- Aldarn retorted gruffly and plonked the bowl in Phobos's hands.

Phobos made a face:

"Well, I'm awfully sorry that you only serve me garbage. I had but a fruit or two from her tray, maybe if you didn't bring me this ghastly horse porridge every day, I wouldn't have done that. "

"She's pregnant, prince Phobdump. With your child. Maybe you can think of that instead of your selfish arse, for once. That's why she gets more nutritious things. If that wasn't so, she would've been eating the same as you and your reptile friend."- Aldarn looked down and his unruffled face with hatred. "Besides, you had humbled quite a lot during your ten years in prison and ate much worse than this. Why act all so fastidious now, you think that you'll get something better? You won't. In fact, I suggest you enjoy your stay here as much as you can. Because after that baby is born, you'll sure be sentenced much severely. The way you deserve it. Even the Underwater Mines will look like heaven to you when the day of the Last Judgement knocks on your door. Then you'll be dreaming of a bowl of porridge, but there isn't going to be anyone to give you even a glass of water!"

You're so very wrong, my green buster. I just have to endure you until my stupid sister ties the knot. Then the Day of the Last Judgment will soar upon all of you.

Phobos watched him leave with a wrinkle of odium that formed between his brows. All these wretches appeared to be overconfident now, belittling him and daring to insult him with everything they could, but soon a day would come when they'd all pay for their insolence.

"What the dickens?!"- Phobos spat and started coughing violently. The bowl fell to the floor, splashing its contents all over the porch. He felt like his entire gullet was on fire. It was a disgusting feeling.

"Oh, I almost forgot."- Aldarn turned around with a smug grin, holding the metal water mug that Phobos was desperately reaching for. He couldn't grab a hold of it, however, for the other man was standing behind the invisible enchanted line that the prisoners couldn't cross. "I mashed some special herbs into your breakfast this morning so that you could relax. You're awfully noisy, you know... I might have overdosed a little."

"You...you poisoned me!"- the prince wheezed between the coughs. His knees buckled.

"How I wish."- the galhot laughed. "You may have loose stools after this, but that's about it."

Watching the villain suffer made him feel elation. Suppressing the urge to kick him in the guts, the young galhot just lowered his gaze to the water which Phobos yenned for:

"Sorry, Your Highness."- Aldarn splashed the contents of the mug in his face. Phobos was finally down. Blackness was beginning to float in front of his eyes, and the cough attacks did not subside. "Told you. No one will be there to bring you a glass of water. Better get used to it from now."

With that, the former rebel walked away, leaving the former ruler in pangs. The day was cold and bright. There was barely any snow left around the Forests of Gray Mines, even though the winter was in its acme. Phobos was coughing his life out:

"My Liege! My Liege what's the matter?!"- Cedric came running through the front door, having heard his master's stridors. Having rationalized the situation, he quickly went back to the inside of the rest house and returned with a glass full of water.

"Did these low-lives put something in your food?"- Cedric dipped his finger in the spilled porridge, once Phobos put out his coughs with the water.

"Tarnal ginger!"- the shifter concluded after sniffing the food. "Its smell is faint, but for a stronger nose, it's there. When in big portions, it causes coughing and confusion...I bet it was Nerissa's idea! Curse that bitch."- Cedric hissed and smeared the porridge on the wooden platform. "Once over a hundred soldiers that were to go and support the rest of our army on the battlefield, during one of the bigger revolts organized by the darn rebels, came down with this. It took days for them to recover and we never found out how the tarnal ginger had ended up in their supper! Now that I think of it, it must have been her that did it! She managed to do quite a lot of damage while posing as a darn maid- "

"Spare me all the drivel, Cedric!"- Phobos, who had finally recovered his ability to talk, growled. His throat felt like it had been clawed, but at least he could breathe again. The cold fresh air filled his lungs, but nothing except revenge could calm his hatred down. A darn peasant had just assaulted him and caused him great inconvenience, which only fueled his thirst for blood and annihilation.

Just let me sit on the throne again. Then you'll all see!

"I'm tired of enduring all this, Cedric. I'm tired of waiting!"- the man crabbed as his friend helped him back to his feet. "How much more will I have to wait for my dunderheaded sister to make something as simple as taking the damn plunge!"

"Sire, keep it down. You know that we're being watched!"- Cedric whispered fearfully as he looked around himself.

Phobos kept his lips sealed, but the look which he gave him, made Cedric feel terribly understated and insignificant. It was as if he was telling him: 'Even you lost all valor and potential, which you once carried. You who I once considered a valuable addition to my future legacy. You're now completely devoid of worth.'

"Prince Phobos."- Cedric spoke, unable to endure the cold disappointment anymore. It was time. It was time to prove that he hadn't given up just yet. "I have been meaning to tell you something."

It was now or never. He was going to fulfill his duties equally well. He was going to remain loyal, yet keep the word he had given Miranda too...At least Mancy deserved it. He had to.

"What?"- Phobos asked a little sharply. He had stopped at the door, on his way back inside.

Cedric gathered all his courage and dedication, and managed to utter:

"Over the years, I've been nothing but loyal to you. Except for that weak moment I had during the giga battle on Kandrakar, I've never double-crossed or betrayed you. I've always venerated you, my Liege and in spite of everything, I've barely ever asked for anything in return- "

"What exactly are you trying to say with that boring speech of yours?"- Phobos interrupted him.

"I'm saying that I've devoted my entire life to you, my prince and that I've always been grateful for your generosity, but I've never overstayed my welcome-"

"As far as I can remember, your life was more than tragic before meeting me, you owe everything to me."- Phobos stated haughtily. "Withal, the last time you wanted something, you played me, Cedric. I shouldn't forget that while you may not be as mutinous as others, you still are capable of being treacherous."

Cedric looked down and said nothing. Just when he was getting ready for the prince to walk away and for himself to drop the topic, Phobos gave him a push. "What is it that you want? May it be worthwhile."

That gave the shifter hope. Their friendship could after all turn out to be strong enough to endure a lot. The fact that the prince was willing to fulfill a wish of his was evidence of that.

"I've known about this for a while now, sire, but I didn't know how to tell you up until now. During the time we were in the dungeons, I had a daughter."

"What?!"

"Now I want to do something for her."- the Lord went on, ignoring Phobos's natural reaction. "That's only possible with the help of your Highness. So, my Liege. What do you say? Will you help yet another young shifter have a future?"