Chapter 41: A Curse is Born Two

"Meridian had to wait 13 years to be saved the last time, but this time we will be much quicker. We have much more now. We have to take a step back in order to get ahead of our enemies."


Heatherfield, one day before the wedding

Cornelia Hale was someone who had always got it all her way. She had always had a lot, and she had always wanted a lot, but that didn't mean that she wasn't giving or generous. Beauty, money, opinions...she had them in plenty and throughout her entire life, she had been their embodiment. Why did that seem to make her a bad person in some people's eyes? Moreover, was she a good person, after all? She had never let go of anything she wanted. Was that to be deemed a positive or a negative trait?

The blonde sighed and rocked her sleeping son in her arms. It was a quiet evening in Heatherfield. Dressed in a mint-green halter dress and a black leather jacket, she had arrived to have dinner with her parents at their spacious home in Garden Plaza. Caleb and Julian were on Meridian, leading packs of rebels and soldiers that were still trying to locate the escaped prisoners. Her friends were also there as much as they all could. After all, they all hoped to recapture Leonida and Phobos before they could get stronger, but it was starting to look more and more like a losing battle.

The two of them had planned their escape. Leonida had had magic for who knows how long, despite the insulating bracelet... Nerissa had also gone to the greenwood, pissed, yet silent. Perhaps she had schemes of her own to use against the two rejected rulers, and this time, hardly anyone was going to try to talk her out of them. Moral or no moral, Phobos and Leonida's story had gotten old for everyone and there was not a single person who didn't want to see the two of them finally taken care of for real. For real and for good. Especially because there were yet other things to worry about...

Leonida and Phobos, however, as atrocious as they were, were the last thing on Cornelia's mind. As she let Killian back in his playset on the carpet, the young mother kept thinking about the same thing she had been assimilating ever since the last evening. Namely, Miriadel's words. They echoed in Cornelia's ears, and even though she would never deem them right, she could not not think about them.

They had insulted her. Triggered her...Most of all, it was the fact that Elyon hadn't said anything about it. Well, she hadn't said anything at all, but hearing her mother's insane accusations, she could've at least said something to show that she doesn't think in the same way. But then again, the possibility which triggered Cornelia most was quite likely in the situation. Maybe Elyon actually did agree with what her mother had to say about Caleb. Maybe she had secretly always hated her for being the love of Caleb's life.

Yes, Cornelia knew that in the beginning, Elyon had had a crush on the rebel leader, but so had over 80% of the girls that met him. They had been mere teenagers. Hormones, love, and attractions hadn't been something unusual. Keeping that in mind, she had never even thought that her best friend could've envied or despised her for being the one to catch Caleb's interest.

"Cornelia? What's the matter, sweetheart? You appear to be deep in thought all evening."

Cornelia blinked, returning to reality for a short while. It was her mother, who had just come back from the kitchen with some fancy eggnogs that she had placed on the coffee table.

Elizabeth smiled at her reassuringly. She looked beautiful with her shoulder-length blonde locks in a professional blow, magenta lipstick, and magenta frames of her glasses (she had a ton of different shapes and forms for her eyewear), matching the color of her sweater. Whatever she was doing for herself these days was working, her daughter had to give her that:

"I'm...I'm just thinking about something. It's not that important really. Or at least I thought so."- Cornelia sighed and decided she'd actually tell her mother this time.

Her reaction would be interesting. She had reached a point where she just had to have someone else comment on the situation before it all resulted in burnout for her. "-but apparently, to Elyon it isn't as insignificant. Mom, it turned out that Elyon has had a crush on Caleb. Actually, I knew that, because she wasn't the only one...but all these years ago he felt something for me, right? Even though many girls were crazy about him. So, it's not my fault that we have simply had more chemistry between us. I thought that Elyon understands that, but yesterday she and her mother showed me that I've been wrong. So naturally, now I feel shitty."

"Wait a minute, Cornelia."- Elizabeth stopped her. "Elyon and her mother? Are they not in like...Minnesota or wherever they moved to all these years ago?"

"Yeah. It was a FaceTime call."- Cornelia lied. How else would she explain to her mother that she commuted to Meridian and what Meridian was in general? "But you know, since she is one of my best friends, we keep in touch-"

"I get that, but how did this topic come to discussion. I mean, isn't it a little silly to talk about something from your early teens now, when you and Caleb are parents together?"- Elizabeth shook her head in a caustic fashion. "I'm curious. Is Elyon still child-like? Doesn't she have a boyfriend or some love interest?"

Cornelia sighed. Of course, how could she expect her mother to comment on the situation when she didn't know anything. Careful as to what exactly she was saying, she quickly summarized the events of the previous day for her. She did it almost hastily, but she wanted to hear what Elizabeth would have to say about her and Caleb. Cornelia needed someone to tell her that she wasn't in the wrong, even though she wouldn't admit it.

"There are two types of parents in this world, Cornelia."- the older woman said at the end of her daughter's story. "There are those who start to learn from their children with time and those who halt their children's maturing with constant and inappropriate interferences. Eleanor appears to be the second type. And with her daughter being naturally timider and baby-like, it's a bad combination. But you should never question or blame yourself for doing your thing, Cornelia. Even if it's inconvenient for one of your friends. Never. You did nothing wrong."

"Are you sure."- Cornelia sighed again and met the blue eyes behind the glasses. Then she looked down at her eggnog. "You're not only saying it because I'm your daughter - "

"Of course not, I'm absolutely sure in what I'm saying."- Elizabeth exclaimed and stood up from her seat as to sit next to the younger woman. "Look at me, sweetheart. Even if you had stood back to let Elyon have a chance with Caleb all these years ago, nothing would've followed. And I know that you think that because Elyon has had it all so hard in her life you owe her special care and efforts, but that's not true, sweetheart. Love can never be born from pity, and pity is never a cohesive force in a friendship. Friends do help each other in good and bad, but true friends are equals, remember that. You can't constantly be made the one who must look after the other. That's more like tendance than it is friendship."

"Thanks, mom. I know all that, but I needed to hear it. I've been feeling down and almost guilty for no real reason."

Cornelia smiled and nodded. Her mother was right and as much as it saddened her, Elyon was in a need of urgent mental growth and emotional stabilization. It was for her own good at this point.

"You shouldn't feel guilty because your beauty and brains have attracted male attention. Especially that of the father of your child."- Elizabeth said seriously and then smiled in response. "And if someone tries to bring you down for it, then they have a serious problem. Eleanor is not helping her daughter this way, trust me. She's putting her down even more, involuntarily, of course, but still; that's what she does by making her daughter believe that she's always the screwed one. She's not doing her a favor."


Meridian, the day of the wedding

"That's not good. That's not good at all."- Emery concluded in a dolorous voice before turning to the royals once again.

Although it was already springtime, it was a sunless day in Meridian. The royal palace was overtaken by double agitation. Firstly, because it was the Queen's wedding day, and secondly, because the escaped prisoners were still on the loose. Despite doing all in their power to track Phobos and Leonida down and recapture them, everyone from the royal guard was already certain that that wouldn't happen. Not any time soon at least. Being captured a second time was hardly something the dethroned rulers were planning on.

Emery, prince Andan's bodyguard, and his father Visser, were at the Meridian Palace, discussing the latest events with the prince and the Queen herself. Emery looked tense and worried, but his father remained calm:

"Queen Elyon, I wish not badger you, but this unforeseen situation clashes with the moods in our kingdom. People are fearful, your Majesty, they fear that Leonida is coming for them and their lives, and you won't keep your promise- "

"Our people have no right to question Queen Elyon's actions."- Visser interjected from his seat. "In a moment like this one, surely the last thing she's looking forward to is a wedding ceremony. It's understandable, Emery. The Coronians will have to understand."

Elyon, who stood by the big windows with her back turned to the three men in the room, didn't budge. She didn't even bat an eye. She was deep in thought, looking through the glass, yet she still listened to the dialogue behind herself:

"Yes, father, but the two weeks which she announced are over and- "

"And nothing."- Visser cut him off. "The global consequences are far more important than Coronia's inner turmoil. We can't have Queen Elyon get sick of these people before she has even sat on the throne. She is the Queen and the decision she'll make has to be primarily to her comfort. We owe her so much already, that's the least we can admit. "

Emery looked down but nodded either way. Andan remained silent, for he didn't even know where to begin. He knew that Coronia was in danger ever since his mother had been hacked off, but with his sister's escape, so were many others. He didn't know what to do anymore, but thankfully, his fiancé seemed to have an idea:

"Don't worry, Emery. Visser;"- Elyon said in the end, drawing their attention. "Coronia will not have to wait. I said that the wedding ceremony will be held today and therefore the wedding ceremony will be held today. Undoubtedly. All our problems are already shared, but I still have to do what is expected of me in order to begin to deal with them properly."

Father and son looked at each other silently. A smile for the woman's decisiveness crawled on Emery's face, but Visser looked as though he was worried that she could be making a hasty decision.

"I admire your firmness, Queen Elyon, but with your brother and the ex-princess in the shadows around us, uncaptured and dangerous, are you not afraid that something bad might happen-"

"I want that to happen."- Elyon declared further shocking the three men. Then she finally faced them and sighed: "I for one know that my wedding day is of vital importance to them. My dreams, all that has been happening over the last months; all that made it clear to me that my twisted brother and Andan's sister want to take my powers away and take over Meridian and Coronia. Don't you understand? I don't have to search for them, because they will come to me on their own. At my wedding. Just like they did the last time when Nerissa and I staged the ceremony. I guess that they need me to fully obtain the powers of both worlds in order to snatch them away, that's why they're looking forward to my wedding ceremony. That is why I'll have the wedding today. And I will be waiting for them."- lifting her chin up high, the Queen met Andan's eyes and watched him nod.

Emery and Visser also nodded their heads.

"Elyon."- Andan then came closer to her as to whisper in her ear. "It's too dangerous."

"I know."- Elyon admitted and closed her eyes. "But we have no other choice. Soon, they will begin to sow destruction and create greater problems for many people. I'm bound to try to stop them for good before it's too late. It's what our mothers would've wanted, Andan. It's what a real Queen must do."


His cell was tiny but dry. Away from the always-dank dungeons in the Infinite City and those of Phobos, that had been even worse. His cell was in a narrow corridor on the ground floor. Away from the entire Palace, in one small, abandoned wing that no one ever entered anymore.

The bars were ordinary steel bars like those of any other normal cell. They weren't of pure energy like those which were usually used for magic-users and other supernatural criminals, but they were still enchanted. He could never break out from the inside, no matter what.

But Cedric had already somehow embraced his destiny. Or rather, he had made amends with it. Ever since he had been escorted away from Phobos's side and no one seemed to take interest in him. They had just thrown him here, in this cell in an abandoned wing where no one ever came. There were no other prisoners nearby, no other living creatures at all. Not even guards; Elyon had left him one enchanted pot that was always full of water and another which was always full of some sort of mashed-up food. It was still better than what they had used to give their prisoners during Phobos's reign, but Cedric didn't care.

He didn't care about anything anymore. Apathy had him in its claws and held tight. He wasn't even sure how much time he had spent here, all alone. He wasn't sure what day it was or what was happening in the outside world. In the beginning, the shapeshifter had been unable to sit or calm down from anger and worries. He had longed to be by the prince's side and help him in his goals; he had been furious that he had been separated from him like that. Could it be Leonida's doing? She had never wanted him around...but then again, what could she tell Elyon, anyway? As long as she was a prisoner herself, she was just as powerless as him. Yes, many things had gone through Cedric's head, but fate had wanted him in another place. Forgotten. Thrown away and isolated from all events. It was not the first time he was imprisoned, not at all, but it was the first time that he was completely alone. After so many days, Cedric seemed to have forgotten everything.

"Well... Don't you look lost. Are you ready to get out of here, my love?"

In the first moment, the man could swear that it was yet another dream. He had to be dreaming. Hearing her voice after months seemed so surreal, but then when he turned around, he actually saw her.

Miranda took the hood of her old cloak down and smiled at the man's priceless expression. He was completely floored.

"Miranda, you?"- Cedric rasped as he got closer to the bars. "What are you doing here?! How..."

"I'm here to get you out, of course."- the young woman smirked. "I want to take you away from here forever. I have big plans for us. I just hope that you won't thwart them, my love..."

"What?!"- Cedric's expression suddenly changed. He went from being flabbergasted and caught off guard to antsy. Excited, by the looks of it. Miranda made a face. She knew what he'd ask even before he actually uttered it:

"Has something happened in the kingdom? Prince Phobos, is he- "

"Your prince and his loving princess are parents now."- the woman interrupted him. "Leonida gave birth to a baby girl. Then she and Phobos vamoosed."

The former Lord was taken aback again:

"What?! But...but...it is not too early, nine months have not yet passed- "

"Yes, Leonida charmed her pregnancy to make it all faster. Or something like that."-Miranda rolled her eyes and crossed her arms on her chest. Sincerely, she couldn't care less about this topic, but she knew that for Cedric it was of major importance to have all the details discussed.

"It was their plan. They escaped together with the baby, but everyone knows that they're not going to vanish forever just like that. You know it too. They'll soon get to executing their initial plan with the help of that newborn, which means that your service is no longer needed, my Lord. That's why I've come here to take you away."

"They need to wait for Elyon to wed the Coronian prince!"- Cedric hissed as if he hadn't even heard the last part of the other shapeshifter's words.

Miranda frowned, but didn't voice her dissatisfaction with his reactions:

"Elyon's wedding is today."- she said instead, ignoring the man's gawking eyes. "Even she knows that there's a battle coming. Everyone knows that Phobos will attack her sooner or later. You know it too. If whatever they plan for Meridian is successful, nothing will be the same after today. That's why you must leave with me at once. I've already thought of everything. Mancy is waiting for us in Heatherfield, Cedric. We will go there and start our new life; we have everything we need! You just have to promise me to leave all that's past behind and we will open up a new page in our lives!"

"That's quite impossible and you're perfectly aware of it."- Cedric shook his head angrily. "I've sworn to be loyal to the prince and you know it! I cannot betray him again! Leaving this realm behind his back will be yet another transgression and I'm not doing that, Miranda. I thought that I've already made it crystal clear many times."

"What if I tell you that you're no longer under oath?"- the woman replied with a bitter, dangerous spark in her eye.

Cedric just stared at her.

"And how would that be- "

"I've thought it all through."- Miranda declared passionately. "I had to. For us. For our family."- she kept going on. "Remember what you said to Phobos the night he made you swear an unbreakable oath, my love. I purposely made you quote your words verbatim! Your exact words have been: 'I swear, my liege. I swear in loyalty to you, in the name of my mother. May I be devoted to you as long as you please'. Those words you uttered that night were a golden opportunity! Because thanks to that 'as long as you please' part, I've successfully tricked Phobos into liberating you of your vow. You're no longer a subject of his will! The moment he filled that vial with his blood, he made it official. And he doesn't even suspect it!"

Miranda couldn't help but laugh triumphantly as Cedric reflected on what she had just said. Suddenly, it made sense to him. That was why she had wanted him to surrender. (chapter 21) That was why she had made him ask the prince for a vial of his blood under the pretext that it would be used for a potion that will help their daughter. He even recalled the exact day he had voiced this request in front of Phobos, as instructed by Miranda...

"Some obstacles are masked opportunities...this time you'll ask for something in return!"

"I had a daughter...I want to do something for her, but that's only possible with the help of your Highness..."- Cedric's own words echoed in his ears. "So, my Liege. What do you say? Will you help yet another shifter have a future?"

She had tricked him. She had tricked him into tricking and betraying his master again. Beyond enraged, Cedric reached through the bars and grabbed the woman's throat.

"What have you done, you bitch! You've schemed all this! You made a fool out of me and Phobos! Shameless little traitor!"

Now it was Miranda's turn to be floored. Figuratively and literally; when she finally managed to pull herself away from his grip, she lost balance and landed down on her back...She had expected anything, but not such a harsh reaction.

She lifted her pale blue eyes as she met Cedric's purple orbs:

"I did it for us! Yes, I tricked you, but there was no other way!"- she shouted. "Had I not put that hidden message in that vial, making Phobos liberate you of your vow by signing it with his blood, you would've never been able to join me and our daughter! I am sick and tired of living like this, Cedric, try to understand! It was a one stone-two birds situation, now we have the vial of royal blood and you're free of the vow! Nothing stops you anymore, don't you see? We can finally think about ourselves!"

"Shut up!"- the man hissed at her. His eyes were full of vengeance as he connected more dots. "He filled the vial with his blood to help our daughter yet you betrayed him like that. Betrayed me by making me an accessory! I was shocked when a few hours later the blood from the vial disappeared, but now I get it. It was you! You-"

"Oh, please, your dear prince has done much worse things I didn't betray anyone, I outsmarted you."- Miranda snorted. "Yes, I gave you one of two enchanted twin vials. I gave you the one which teleports whatever is put in it to its sister. That's why I now have Phobos's blood."

"But that was also your signal, wasn't it?"- Cedric went on furiously. "After you got your precious blood you've divulged my truth to Elyon. That's why she separated me from the prince! You didn't even think twice before going to that brat...Thiss is your doing, Miranda! You really are base-"

"Base?! I did all that for us and our future! For our daughter Mancy, who you've used for Phobos! All our life we've given him so much and received nothing in return!"- Miranda narrated. "I was sick of living this way, Cedric. That is why I had to ensure a new beginning for us. After over ten years of living this pitiful reflection of a life! Now that it's all done, why discuss it anymore? I'm here to take you to Heatherfield where we'll start over and forget about all this once and for all."

"Shut up, moron! Just shut up!"- Cedric hissed and pulled back in his cell. His eyes pinned Miranda down angrily, almost as if he couldn't believe her doings. Yet again, both he and she had truly done much viler and worse in life. This was not that great of a deal, yet it enraged him so much. The audacity she had to do this to him and put him in this situation...

"How dare you."- he hissed. "How dare you toy with me like that?! I surrendered for you and Mancy, I wanted to make things right, yet you-"

"No, you surrendered for your prince!"- Miranda cut him off angrily. "But it doesn't matter anymore. Your ways have parted once again, and this time nothing will bring them together again!"

"Fool."- Cedric laughed bitterly. "Vow or no vow, I'm loyal to Phobos and you can't change that. Who are you to stand between us?! You're just a selfish little piece of scum! What did you call your existence? A pitiful reflection of a life, huh? Think about that, Miranda, that's how all shifters had to live for thousands of years! Phobos is the only one who wants to give our kind a chance, he's the only ruler who cares about us and helps us, and you?! You just betrayed him with an easy hand, after he took you under his wing like many others, all these years ago!"- as he kept going with his ardent speech, Miranda's disbelief, hurt, and rage kept growing. She stared at the man with mad eyes and a jaw that kept hanging lower and lower...

"That is why I will never choose you over him, Miranda."- Cedric concluded. "Because you're a narrow-minded, egoist. Prince Phobos, on the other hand, has an ideal. He has goals! He is my King and he will always be, and you can do nothing about that! Got that? Nothing at all!"

Hurt, but also beside herself, Miranda spoke:

"So, is that your final decision? You choose Phobos over me and our daughter?"

Cedric didn't reply to that. He just turned his back on her. The woman snickered bitterly:

"I get it. When you point your finger at me, might as well look at the other four that are pointing at you. At least your mother died. You're alive yet you choose to abandon your daughter."

Cedric blenched, but Miranda finished it off with a last poisonous remark:

"How many of the shifters you care about so much would kill anyone in their way to have a chance to be with their offspring? Think about that as you remain in your cell, you stupid arse. You're not better than me. I might be an egoist, but at least I've chosen to love my child and do whatever it takes for her. One would think that being an orphan, you would do the same, but alas. Have a grand time waiting for your prince on a white horse to come and recuse you."

She threw the key on the ground and put her hood back on. Yes, Miranda had left Cedric speechless. He didn't even call after her as she made her way down the corridor. Deep inside, she was raging due to her pain...But when she got closer to the end of the corridor, she realized that they weren't alone anymore.

The figure of a smug woman, dressed in a royal blue satin gown stood in her way, smiling at her without hesitation.

"Fascinating..."- the woman commented softly.

For a moment, Miranda was numb with terror. Then she was relieved to realize that it wasn't Nerissa standing in her way, after all. Or somewhat relieved, at least...Still, that would've been the end...

The blue-eyed shifter still took a step back. She was ready to fight if she had to, but she found it better to say:

"If you want him so much, you can have him for your Prince Phobos. I do not care anymore."- she said coldly. "Just let me go. I want to leave this realm for good, I have already made arrangements. It would be better for everyone like that- "

"Miranda, was it? Oh, no, don't worry. I don't want to stop you at all. In fact, you actually helped me a lot. That is why I thought that I would fain help you as well."

"I helped you?"- the black-haired shifter repeated. "And how exactly did I do that? "

"Let's just say that it was unexpected, but beyond welcome."- the other woman retorted, continuing to smile. Her smile was so soft yet sinister at the same time... "Now there's just one last thing that both you and I want. I just want to help you with it, so that we're both happy, dear."

Miranda studied her features carefully. She figured that she could blast her down with her webs and make a run for it...if she was fast enough...No, no. It was too big of a risk. Too big of a risk when Mancy was waiting for her on Earth...Besides, the last time she had tried to attack a potent magic-user, the Mage, she had neutralized her and imprisoned her...

"And what is it that you want, princess Leonida?"

Leonida smiled even more as if flattered by the proper title that had just been used to address her.

"I told you, the same as you do. I want you to take Cedric away with yourself. I want you to take him to Earth. Therefore, I think that it's safe to say, that after I help you with that, we'll both be satisfied."

"But he doesn't want to join me. He wishes to stay here with his dear Phobos."- the shifter crossed her arms on her chest crossly. "What can you do about that?"

Leonida just threw her head back and laughed softly:

"Everything. I will help him have a little change of mind, so to say. After that, you will take him away from here and you won't look back."

"No, never. I am done with Meridian."- Miranda shook her head much to the princess's content.

"So?"- she chirped. "What say, dear? Do we have a deal?"

Miranda smiled conspiratorially.

"We do, Your Highness."


A few hours later, Elyon entered the ballroom that was going to house her wedding ceremony, dressed in a traditional royal wedding gown. After months, she had chosen that as most convenient and suitable for the occasion. What was supposed to be the happiest day of her life wasn't going to be that, anyway.

The ballroom which she had chosen for the wedding was empty, except for the priest, a few Coronian and Meridian representatives, and Andan. Miriadel and Alborn walked her to the altar-like scene. Elyon smiled at them. They actually looked genuinely happy; when she reached her husband-to-be, he also struggled to give her a smile, but he, just like herself, was looking more and more tormented when he 'smiled'.

"Your Majesties. We're ready when you are."

It was now when Elyon noticed another old man, who was completely naked except for a sash around his waist that was obviously meant to hide his private parts. His entire toned body was covered in runes and symbols.

Elyon raised her eyebrows at the odd sighting, but before she could ask:

"This is the Spiritual Master. He attends every royal wedding of the Coronians."- Visser and his son came from the other entrance of the room, explaining the presence of the strange man to Elyon and her parents. "He will bless your marriage."

"Alright then."- the straw-blonde said and looked around herself. "If we're all ready, let's get this ceremony started."

And over with, she finished in her head.

Thankfully, the procedure did promise to be quick. Most of the paperwork had already been done at their engagement ceremony. All that was left now was for them to give their wedding vows, exchange rings and for her to be given the Coronian royal crown and symbols of power. After all, from today onward she'd hold both Meridian and Coronia's mystic powers and responsibilities.

Elyon held her wedding bouquet as she gazed into Andan's eyes. He was obviously trying to give her reassuring smiles the entire time, and she appreciated it. Bearing in mind that due to the circumstances, their wedding was attended by almost no guest, it could get even more awkward than it already was.

The Queen knew that this was a political marriage from the start. It had started off as such and it would always be, even if some sparks had flown between her and the prince. Andan was a charming guy, he really was. He was smart, good-looking, and calm-tempered, and yet, something was always in their way when Elyon felt like they could go to the next level in their relationship. And no, that wasn't being intimate with each other. That they had already been on a few occasions. She guessed that since they both longed for human interactions and sexual relations, having been deprived of that in the past, it was only natural. Going to the next level for Elyon meant being able to completely trust and love the man she was getting married to, and unfortunately, that was yet to happen. She had wanted for it to be a fact before the wedding, but alas.

When they were finally pronounced husband and wife, blessed, congratulated, and all set to wrap the ceremony up, Andan leaned and kissed her. It was a good kiss, but she didn't feel much of it. She looked around herself again and waited for something to follow. She expected to have her brother and Leonida barge into the room any minute now, but that never happened.

Elyon blinked a few times. Here she was, married to the prince of Coronia. Queen of two worlds. The covenanted wedding was over just like that, but her expectations regarding their enemies were just left hanging.

"Maybe they gave up on it."- Miriadel suggested, having sensed what everyone was thinking. "Elyon, you are more powerful than ever now and they have no Hearts, no army...Maybe they're too scared to attack now."

"They didn't come right away."- Elyon murmured. "But that doesn't mean that it's time for us to lower our guard. Besides, I'm not that powerful yet. I'm new to controlling these powers and they know it. Phobos and Leonida are waiting for a felicitous moment to attack us, I'm sure of it."

"They didn't repeat their actions from the staged wedding."- Andan murmured under his nose.

"They would've been fools had they done that."- Raythor interjected. He had just entered the ballroom with a decisive frown painted on his face as he walked his eyes over everyone present. "Our people are all around the capital and the neighbor provinces, but our defense is still mainly centered around you, your Majesty, therefore you must remain in the Palace.

Elyon nodded in agreement.

"If our enemies are to attacks us today, we have to be fully prepared."

"Yes, but how will they attack us?"- Alborn asked. Raythor shot him a deadly glare. "They don't have a real army nor powers. Miriadel makes a point. Perhaps we're exaggerating the matter-"

"Perhaps you should keep your opinions to yourselves."- Raythor barked coldly.

The tension between him and the couple had gotten even more intense in recent times. Wanting to avoid yet another fight, Elyon waved her hand and made the man a sign that she had understood and was concordant:

"Wrangling now would be of no use. It's true that we have to remain alert. Something will happen today and I don't need to bet to know that."


"So now what?! They got married. Where are the bad guys already?"- Irma crossed her arms on her chest with a frown.

She and the other guardians were hovering around the palace. They had been doing that for hours now. They were observing and guarding the areas around the castle, despite the tension between all of them and the Queen. After all, they were the guardians and their job stood above their personal conflicts.

"They're not idiots, Irma."- Taranee reasoned. Elyon had just contacted her and updated her on the latest events inside the castle. Still nothing. The marriage ceremony was over. The sun was going down for the day. Their enemies were still prowling somewhere in the shadows...

"We should check inside the castle. What if they're already inside?"- Hay Lin suggested. "No one can tell for sure, not even Elyon. The Palace is big and full of so many people, that detecting hostile presence is impossible, even for the Heart-"

"I guess."- Will muttered. The Heart actually had many powers. It often helped her detect dangers, but it rarely functioned like a tracking device without some sort of clue to activate that.

"Well, Elyon wants us outside, but we could split up and try to trek some of the inside too."- Taranee suggested.

They landed on one open tower space and exchanged glances. All five girls and Nerissa, who was the last to reluctantly land on her stilettos nearby.

"We could try another locators spell."- Hay Lin began, but the former guardian was quick to reject the idea:

"It's an easy spell to block. It will never work."- she said. Her green eyes met those of Will who just raised her eyebrows.

"So, you have anything better in mind or- "

"Not really."- Nerissa admitted. "Until this wait is over, nothing will get any clearer or surer. However, if the Queen is right about one thing it is that they will attack today. Today, when her new powers and authorities have not yet adjusted to her own magical aura, which is immense due to her birthrights. Hearts and powers cannot be taken away by force, but there are many other ways to do that. Unfortunately, for the royals, they're even more in number."


Soon, night fell over Meridian. The hours were going by fast, but still, uneventful. Nothing was really happening. And while the soldiers and rebels were still marching through the city, the guardians and the castle staff had called it a night, even if ready to get into action at any moment.

With increased armed and enchanted security on each floor, everyone had retired to the respected rooms provided for them. Will hadn't been too sure about the idea, but Elyon had insisted, and they were all tired. The last days had been even more stressful, and some rest wouldn't hurt. After all, they were all close, together, and ready to react immediately if something was to come into being.

At around 1 AM, Cornelia wasn't sleeping. She couldn't, even if she tried to. Something was bothering her and it was not just the situation with Elyon and their suffering friendship.

The blonde just sat on the bed in the big room and looked over at the empty side. Caleb was still out. He would probably march around the city borders till dawn, and she didn't like that. She needed him. She wanted him to hold her and make all her worries go away. Meridian... the majority of their troubles and worries stemmed from this wretched realm. It was always about Meridian. Cornelia sighed. She knew that if he heard her say that out loud, Caleb would be more than pissed, but it was true; sometimes, she wished that Meridian would just go away and leave them alone. She had been a guardian for over 11 years and had visited many, many worlds. No other place had her life directed and oppressed the way Meridian's constant disasters did. First Phobos's reign had almost got them killed numerous times as teens. Meridian had also taken Elyon away from her; her best friend...then, because of Meridian, the Earth guardian had broken up with Caleb for a while...Every time something bad happened in this realm, she suffered together with it, and she hated that.

"Oh, my God! Why the hell are you barging in like that, can't you use the stupid telepathic channels or something?!"

The door of the bedroom had opened so abruptly, that Cornelia had almost fallen from the bed in her alarm.

"No time."- Will shook her head. She looked tired and wired in her PJs. Her red hair a mess, and the circles under her eyes more distinct due to the lack of makeup.

Cornelia stood up in her chiffon low-cut nightgown and put her robe on before going to face the redhead, her eyes demanding more information. In the same moment, Hay Lin, Irma, and Taranee entered her bedroom and closed the door behind themselves.

"Hay Lin had a dream."- the leader returned her gaze on Cornelia. "One of her vision dreams."

"And?"

"And it's bad."- Irma muttered. She gathered her long curls in a messy bun before nodding at Hay Lin. She had been in a room with her; she had been the one who had fought to stop the Asian woman from shivering and shaking in terror in her sleep. Rarely had she ever seen her friend like that.

"Spit it out already!"- Cornelia demanded, feeling the oppression hanging in the air. "What did you see?"

"We will lose today."- Hay Lin finally said in a dismal tone. "No matter what we do. Leonida will obtain the mystic powers of Meridian and Coronia. We cannot prevent it. It's meant to happen."

"What?!"

"In my dream, I was someone else. I was someone who observed everything from a distance."- the Air guardian went on. "I saw us fighting, we will not give up, but our powers will...The elements gave up in front of Leonida and Phobos, then their baby...T-they attempted to hurt it, Elyon took it and...she fell down...The baby will steal everything from her the moment she touches it because it's next in line for her throne, either way. Her parents tampered with that in order to use it to their advantage-"

"Oh, my God! The baby...of course they'll use their baby!"- Cornelia shot. "That's probably the only reason they had it, anyway! Caleb was right when he said that they'll use it, he said it months ago, but neither the Oracle nor anyone else really considered his words!"

"Cornelia, calm down."- Will pleaded. They weren't even done telling her about Hay Lin's dream and here she was, losing it. What would she do when she would hear that they had to lose... "We expected something like that, didn't we? But what could've we done, nothing. Kill the baby as Icona wanted?"

"Maybe not the baby, but her parents, on the other hand- "- Irma murmured under her nose, but Cornelia wasn't having it. She put her hands on Will's shoulders and shook her up as if trying to wake her up:

"Will! Whatever, what are we waiting for? We still have time to take Elyon away from here. To a place where that cursed baby won't be able to reach her-"

"The baby isn't cursed, Corny. Listen, there's something else to Hay Lin's dream. That will sort of explain it to you."- Taranee sighed and exchanged looks with the redhead. "I hope..."

"You know the books which we have on Coronia."- Hay Lin went on, seeing Cornelia furrow her brows. "You also know that there's a first volume which we don't have on us, right?" (chapter 38)

"I guess...what do the lame books have to do with everything, anyway? Did they actually say something informative for a change?"

"Yes."

"Ahh...if you say so."- Irma rolled her eyes a little. "I'd say they said something for a change-"

"I saw a paragraph in my dream. "- Hay Lin explained. "Cornelia, in order to stop the Dark Descendant once and for all, we have to lose. It's required that Phobos and Leonida come to power. It's required that the "descendant" begins their journey for it to actually be brought to an end this time. We shouldn't be looking for loopholes or ways to escape what's about to happen tonight. Fate has already determined the right way to go. And this way requires us to take a step back so that we can finally get out of this process of looping and stagnation, and begin to defeat the evil."

"You do know how bizarre this idea sounds, don't you-"

"It does sound bizarre, but think about it. What have we understood or achieved during the last months?"- Taranee pushed her glasses back. "We know that there's a threat, a bigger threat than Phobos and Leonida alone. We don't know how to stop the cult, because we weren't able to find them. There are still too many unknowns and time is running short. When you think logically, sometimes, you have to take a risk and let something go its way in order to figure out how to deal with it."

"Otherwise we'll just do what Magana did. Prolong the threat, not terminate it."- Will shook her head. "See, we were wrong. We thought that we could stop the Dark Descendant while in its infancy, but in reality, we have to let it mature. Even if that means that the threats and problems will mature with it. That's the only way to reach the root of this evil and pull it out forever."

All the girls nodded in agreement. Even Cornelia sighed and shook her head reluctantly. As always, she was most forthright and logical in her way of thinking, and that was why she needed more time to accept such, at first sight, ambivalent solutions. But in the end, she agreed. If Hay Lin's dream pointed towards that decision, then they had to listen.

"So, you decided to lose."

The guardians turned just in time to see Nerissa walk into the room. Unlike them, she wasn't dressed in sleepwear clothes. Not that that meant any less glamour for her look, anyway. She walked in the room in her dark red velvet pelisse-looking dress and a strange smirk on her face.

"We didn't. We were genned up on this solution."- Will corrected her. "Why? You have other plans?"- she could already tell by the sorceress's expression. She despised the idea of losing, especially purposely. But that was only Nerissa. Will had expected her to have objections.

"If you doubt that it makes sense, it does. This thing has been going on for years, and now that Meridian and Coronia are connected to each other, we need to demolish the problem thoroughly, not just protract it-"

"Oh, I certainly don't question the validity of your little plan."- Nerissa declared. "The paragraph which Hay Lin was able to read came together from the three books interacting with each other due to Halinor's spell. It didn't appear in just one of the books, it appeared in a dream, but it's a valid one. I already spoke to her about it. Halinor is with Hay Lin on this one. The three volumes are connected, and whoever holds the first one doesn't really know how to cast a good protection on it. With this spell in the working, soon we'll have other such grand ideas to use."

"Well, that's good."- Irma pointed out. "Why do you hate it?"

"As good as anything, really. I know what you think."- Nerissa averred again and met Will's eyes. "My ego is not that enormous. I can take a loss, it's just that losing to Phobos means condemning Meridian once again. And that makes me unable to keep the word which I gave to my son."

"I'm sure Caleb will understand. We have a backup strategy that will give Meridian time-"- Will argued, but Nerissa interrupted her:

"Time, sure. But will you be able to "terminate the bigger problems" in the meantime? I think not."- she snorted.

"Look, Nerissa, you came to terms with one such situation years ago, you should do the same now."- Taranee interjected. "Meridian had to wait 13 years to be saved the last time, but this time we will be much quicker. We have much more now. We have to take a step back in order to get ahead of our enemies."

Nerissa crossed her arms on her chest but said nothing. She would clash with a united determination whatever she said. But she also knew that right and wrong are variable concepts. Yes, giving their enemies precedence was a strategic move, but it was also dangerous. Perhaps more dangerous than they estimated.

"I will join your plan."- the ex-guardian said in the end, to Tarabee's relief. "Moving Elyon is the only other option, anyway. Without her, the kingdom is even more vulnerable. If their attack really is as good, then we might as well at least execute our secret strategy. That will at least give Caleb and the others time to start a..."- she made a bitter pause. It was evident that she hated what the future had in store for them. "...a new rebellion."

"This time they'll have the guardians from day one. They'll have all of us. Meridian won't be alone again. Nor will anyone for that matter."- Will assured her. She was talking to a friend at that moment. Nerissa snorted meaningfully but nodded. "Evil rises sometimes, but it never prevails when the good guys are on to it. And we're not going to give up, no matter what."

"Speaking of Caleb. I wonder when will he be back."- Cornelia stirred in her place, nervously, and threw a glance at the clock. It was already 2 AM. "After the attack, we'll have to be quick. Someone needs to prepare the staff and-"

"Raythor's already doing that."- Nerissa interrupted her. "The castle is already almost empty. As for Caleb, we don't need him to return here. After the "loss", we will meet him outside. This Palace- "- she went on, looking around the walls and the ceiling. "-will be veiled zone after tonight."

Everyone nodded. But before Hay Lin could call in a group hug to lighten up the moods, the horn alarm sounded above their heads.

"Well. It looks like it's time to go there and lose."- Irma fake-cheered: "Hooray!"

"Ready when you are. Unless you want to return to bed again. We are losing either way, after all."- Nerissa shrugged at the sight of their appearance.

Will rolled her eyes and pulled the Heart of Kandrakar out:

"Guardians unite!"


"Your Majesty, Phobos wanted to attack the Palace with his heinous plants! He was laying a trap when we caught him. He is out cold right now, but we need you to block his powers with one of your bracelets."- one of the four guards that had entered the throne room announced.

Elyon looked down at the sight from her throne. Her brother in the hands of four of her guards and the midwife that carried a basket with...the baby inside of it? This was too much. Frowning, Elyon came down the tall throne and walked to Phobos. She ignored the midwife that was trying to tell her something about the baby. Her entire attention was on the unconscious man who she then proceeded to slap.

"You brat!"- he gasped when the slashing slap made his left cheek burn with pain.

"You must really think that I'm an idiot."- Elyon just spoke to him, unabashed. "You tried to attack the palace with your, quote on quote, heinous plants? Really? Is that all you could make up as a diversion plan?"

"Excuse me, you ugly whelp, but I was unable to gather an army in two days."- her brother hissed in retort as he quivered in the guards' arms. "Did you perhaps except a grand-firework show for your Majesty?"

"You just happened to be caught with your daughter, two days after your sleek escape?"- Elyon raised her eyebrows mockingly.

Oh, she had changed alright... She was a totally different person.

"Where is she? Why was she not with you and your daughter, whose birth you purposely sped up with magic?"

"She managed to escape."- Phobos averred, undisturbed, even though he could tell that his sister wasn't buying it. "Do not expect that everyone will be brought to you on a platter, oh, Queen Elyon-"

"Yet you did. Phobos, I'm not a silly child anymore. To your regret."- the young Queen narrated with an angry stare at her brother's face. "You've made it known; you two were looking forward to the day of my wedding, and I know that's it's because you wanted me to obtain more power before snatching. So, enough fooling-around. Let's just get to the point.

For a moment, Phobos seemed taken aback. Almost as if he couldn't believe that she had managed to put all this together. But then he smiled. An evil, twisted smile:

"Oh, sister. Snatch your power? No...that's what you did to me when you were born and on a few other occasions. You snatched everything from me...My daughter will not be doing the same. After all, she is a rightful heir to the throne."

But before Elyon could reply, the doors of the throne room opened abruptly.

"And finally, the guardians."- Phobos smirked not at all intimidated by the fast-approaching women.

"Your majesty- "-the midwife started again. "The baby- "

"Shut up!"- Elyon screamed in her face, flabbergasting her. "Just shut up!"

"Elyon, don't touch the-"- Irma was just about to say when Cornelia elbowed her in the ribs:

- Hello, we're trying to lose, remember? Don't guide her around!

- Oh. - the water-witch came to realize what she had just almost done and made a face. - That's right. Hey, I can't be the only one having second thoughts about this, right?!

- We're not allowed to have second thoughts. - Will insisted. Their telepathic channels were pretty clear. That meant that their harmony wasn't that bad, so she knew that her friends weren't really being torn apart by the dilemma. They had already decided what the best thing to do is. It was just that watching it all play out was a little different...

"Well? What are you staring at, did your brain have a malfunction?"- Phobos spoke spitefully, following his sister's eyes with his own. She was looking right at the baby.

"You want to have your daughter take all my power away, don't you."- Elyon fired, taking a step back. She had been getting mentally ready for this confrontation with days, but it all seemed as though it wasn't enough. She was still shaken. Right now, she was being put in a position similar to her mother's. Many times, she had imagined how she'd reason with Phobos as his elder, how she'd prevent him from turning to the darkness, but now when she was given a chance to do it with his daughter, he was standing in her way. He and Leonida. At that moment, Elyon decided that they had to be removed. For good.

But when she fired her surprise attack, Phobos had already sucked out a generous amount of life force from the four guards who fell to the ground like leaves. His sister's spell blasted him on the floor as well, but he recovered instantly, firing two spells as he rose like a lightning. One snake-like made of dark energy towards Elyon, and the other an expanding dark vortex that slammed the guardians in the wall behind them.

Elyon fell to the ground, like everyone else, and the black snake began to tighten its noose around her neck, leaving her gasping for air ...

But Phobos couldn't even laugh out gloatingly. His pale green eyes shone dangerously. Nerissa, who had managed to repel the dark winds with her seal, attacked him back.

Fast and experienced, her strokes were giving him a hard time, but he repelled them. And if the Throne Room was a battlefield, apparently everything around them was to be considered a weapon...

"Same old tricks, Nerissa. Same old tricks!"- the prince hissed maliciously when she bewitched the swords and shields from the walls, making them attack him. "Are you not tired of creating such magnificent weapons like that seal you hold only to lose them without time?!"

He petrified the quintessence-d arsenal, just when Nerissa disappeared and appeared behind him again. The prince turned around, but she had used an illusion spell. Now there were at least eight Nerissas, circling him tightly.

"Excuse me, you brat. You're in no position to count my losses when your complete victories are equal to none."- her reverberant voice declared when he attacked one of her copies. It was always the wrong one with these illusion spells...

Frustrated, Phobos turned around to face the real Mage, who sent a bolt his way. He escaped it and returned her the gesture; he appeared behind her and conjured a ball of flaming dark green, harrowing magic. But again, Nerissa was too fast. Too strong. The Evil Prince gritted his teeth when she stopped his ball midway in the air.

No, just let me get to my throne and my powers...then I will show you what real might means! I'll also have that new seal of yours-

Meanwhile, the girls were finally able to free Elyon of the suffocating snake-cruse that had almost killed her. As Hay Lin and Cornelia helped her regain her ability to breathe normally with their healing power, and naturally, power over air, the others shifted their attention to Phobos:

"Fuck him up, Nerissa!"- Irma yelled feistily, but Will frowned.

The ex-guardian was getting off hand again. As usual, as if intoxicated by the greater power, she seemed to forget what decision they had taken. With every next blow that Phobos repelled with more and more effort, her moves and spells got more and more vicious. In a matter of seconds, she managed to hit him, setting him to fly and slam against the throne with dizzying power and velocity...

- That's enough, Nerissa. - the redhead sent her a mental message. - You're forgetting our final goal. You're way more power-loaded than him right now. I know it's an easy win, but we have to stick to our plan-

- Do not presume to test my word. - Nerissa snapped back. - I know full well what I'm doing, unlike you who doesn't even attempt to make our loss less suspicious.

In the next minute, she purposely allowed herself to be hit by one of Phobos's attack spells. She rolled on the ground a few times, before stopping in the girls' feet.

Taranee helped her back up, as Hay Lin and Cornelia lined up with them. Now they were all at the same place and Elyon was breathing normally again. Nerissa exchanged glances with Will, who nodded silently and ushered the girls, who quickly knew what to do.

Phobos looked smug with himself.

"Fire!"

"Ah, guardians. You do not expect of me to fight all five of you plus the Mage and the Queen, all alone, do you?"- the man grinned as he escaped Taranee's fireball.

"Try us, boo. Water!"

But before Irma's wave could reach him, some sort of liquid fell on them. All of them. Straight from the ceiling. And it reeked.

"What the-"

"I can't move!"- none of them could. They were suddenly completely immobilized and Will didn't have to bet to know that it was because of that substance that had just drenched them.

"What's this shit?! It smells like...well, shit!"

"Squid ink..."- Nerissa hissed. "Squid ink from a very rare type of squid which lives in the Bottomless Ocean...it's nearly impossible to get this, it disables magic users-."

"Nothing is impossible for the King of the United Dimensions."- Phobos rocked a big malicious smile as he faced them again. "That will, of course, be after I become regent of my daughter's power. And my daughter will have her power now. It's quite simple, isn't it?"

- When we said that we wouldn't do much as to lose, I didn't expect it to be this literal, you know what I'm saying?

- In my dream, the paragraph did say that our elements would give up in front of Leonida and Phobos. - Hay Lin pondered. - Maybe that's what it meant.

- Speaking of Leonida.- Cornelia interfered. They all watched the midwife that held the baby undo her glamour and turn into the princess in front of their eyes. - She was here the entire time. She must have enchanted this gunk above us as to drench us in it and immobilize us while Phobos distracted.

"Elyon, I'm sorry that we have to speed up things like that, but one day, sooner or later, you will have to give the crowns and powers you hold to our daughter."- the honey-haired woman spoke in a calm friendly tone, almost as if she was chatting about the weather or something. "Our daughter is the first-born girl of the new generation, which automatically makes her first in line for the throne, Elyon. I'm sorry, I guess that you could have been Queen for a couple more decades, but let's face it, you're not doing a great job as a ruler, anyway."

The Queen blenched at that line as she watched Leonida smile at her like a predator in front of its prey.

"Yes, dear sister. This is all, really. We would also like to apologize that we couldn't do a grander ceremony for you and your niece. We had things planned, but you threw us off with the fake wedding, months ago. Then all the other unwanted events happened...It is what it is."- Phobos smiled, but there was nothing cheerful about his smile. "It is time. It is time that you returned what you stole from me. To my daughter; it's legal now. You said it yourself."

Leonida was about to add something, but she stopped herself. Elyon had begun clapping towards them. Her harsh, dramatic claps and the face which she made as they echoed in the walls of the Throne Room, seemed to unease the dethroned rulers.

"Your audacity is immaculate."- the straw-blonde commented. "You think that you have it in the bag, just because you resort to tricks and cheats to achieve something that sounds right? Not this time. This time I have a trick for you."

- Uh-oh. This can't be good. - Irma noted grimly, through telepathy, just before the Throne Room got completely dark.

When the lights went on again, Elyon was nowhere to be seen.

"Where did she go?!"- Leonida hissed as she frantically turned to look around herself. It was evident that this wasn't according to their plan, and it pissed them greatly.

"This will do you no better, sister. Enough games!"- Phobos yelled. "Come here and show us your worth!"

"If I were to defend my kingdom from you properly."- Elyon's echoing voice sounded somewhere above them but she was not visible, no matter how much her brother and the enchantress stretched their necks or looked around themselves. "- the two of you wouldn't stand where you stand now. You deserve destruction! But because of that baby of yours, because I've given a word to give her a chance to live normally, without darkness and evil, you happen to benefit from my inactions. Do not think that this means you can do whatever you want and cross all lines!"

The girls looked at each other. They were well aware that they've decided on their actions behind Elyon's back, but she had actually surprised them too. She seemed to have some sort of plan of her own. Maybe losing to Phobos and Leonida wasn't going to go the way they had expected after all. But then again, nothing was final just yet.

Nerissa reflected on what was happening silently, not engaging herself in the guardians' telepathic conversations. If Phobos and Leonida were to be defeated by Elyon, that meant that she wouldn't even have to proceed with her solo plan after Will's flopped, which it would, did the Queen actually defeat her enemies on her own. Then again, Nerissa knew that some things still had to be done. Now that their baby was already birthed, their execution was something that could as well take place for the better good of Meridian...

Leonida screamed when an invisible force snatched her daughter from her arms and set her to levitate across the room. She and Phobos instantly ran after the flying infant, but some sort of spell pushed them back.

The baby ended up landing in Andan's hands, who seemed to have appeared in the Throne Room out of the blue...

"Spiritual Master, determine whatever magic they've used to make this child steal Elyon's powers."- the Coronian prince ordered and glared daggers at his sister's side. Then the invisibility glamour revealed the presence of four other people in the room.

Leonida's eyes widened in disbelief. So, her bratty brother, Emery, the Queen's parents, and the Spiritual Master had been in the room with them all along... Curse you, Elyon, the princess thought, but Phobos' rage was voiced:

"You worthless people will not fail me again!"- his spells flew against them, unwavering, but Miriadel and Alborn repelled them with their swords.

"No, you will not hurt Elyon again, monster!"- with those words, Miriadel did something quite impressive. But then again, Will figured that being an Army Captain for so many years, she had to have a sharp eye.

Her sword flew across the room and caught Phobos by surprise, piercing him in the shoulder. He fell on the ground in moans as Leonida stared at the people against her in terror:

"Andan, give me back my daughter! Do not place her in the hands of that filthy geezer!"- she screamed, but her brother had already put the baby in the Spiritual Master's arms.

"I know you'd rather have her in Elyon's arms so that you can steal all powers and become your daughter's regent, but that will never happen, you hex! Our kingdoms will never be yours!"- he growled and then gave orders again: "Spiritual Master, work faster! Emery, release the guardians and the Mage! I'm sure that some water will wash away the effects of this ink."

Emery nodded and proceeded to fulfill the order of his prince.

- Now what. As nasty as this stuff smells, it gave us the perfect cover for why we're doing nothing. - Cornelia pointed out.

- Should we reconsider our plan? - Irma added.

- No.- Hay Lin and Will said simultaneously. - We will pitch in, but we won't do enough to help our side of the war, as bad as that sounds-

- That's stupid. - Nerissa objected. - If you want to carry out this plan, we have to sabotage our side of the war-

But before Emery could reach them, Leonida blasted him away and he fell down unconscious, meters from his previous standpoint. She then moved her angry eyes to the Spiritual Master that was holding her baby like a sacrificial lamb, mumbling something under his nose. How she hated that man...he was responsible for her being cursed to date. He was going to die today...

"The guardians will remain exactly as they are. All of you are fools if you think that you can stop us!"- the enchantress shouted and her voice was suddenly cold and hostile. "My baby will receive her birthrights today and she will benefit from them. It's her destiny and no one will halt it! And if your Queen Elyon doesn't just do as I say, all of you will die for the sake of her stubbornness! You're yet to find out what I'm capable of!"

"Shut up, Leonida!"- Andan roared in response and took a little vial out of his pocket. All he had to do now was splash it in his sister's face...But before he could move, her magic took precedence. A giant golden cobra made out of pure energy appeared and started to wrap itself around Alborn, Miriadel, and Andan, burning them with its hot scales...The best which they could do as they fought with it was trying to push it away with their swords, but not move even an inch further towards Leonida and Phobos.

- Oh, my God, I hate her. - Irma commented. - I hate how we have to lose to her crazy ass.

- We all do, but we have no other choice. - Will shook her head. It really was sickening how they were literal spectators to what was going on, but they had to suck it up. Even though they didn't really get along with Elyon and her parents lately, seeing them in this situation and not being able to help was unnerving.

- Supposedly.- Nerissa pursed her lips. She hoped that Elyon would actually win this time.

What Leonida found especially enraging, however, was the fact that the old guru was able to keep a distance from her spell and continued mumbling above her baby. She had to stop him...

"My squeeze, watch your back!"- but it was too late; even though Phobos had shouted out, when she turned around, the only thing Leonida could do before getting paralyzed, was gasp.

Galgheita, who had quietly snuck in the Throne Room and collected a little glass of the residue squid ink from the floor around the guardians, had just splashed it in the enchantress's face. The golden cobra instantly disappeared and so did Leonida's ability to move.

"Wow."- Irma commented out loud. "That was good."

"Way to go, Galgheita!"- Hay Lin cheered her and then shrugged as she felt Taranee eyeing her.

- Hey, what. We have to put up a good cover, right.

Phobos yelled angrily as he stood up, furious, despite the immense pain and the lack of life force. He sent a scalding wave, pushing Elyon's adoptive parents and husband back again, and then focused his wraith on Galgheita, who took a step back.

"You!"- he hissed hatefully. "You are still alive?! After all you've done to transgress me?! This time I will end your pathetic, traitorous life!"

"DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH HER!"

Phobos laughed evilly:

"Ah, sister, I knew that this would make you come out!"- Elyon had indeed appeared, but before she could attack, a big dark root, coming straight out of Phobos's sleeve, wrapped around her neck and started to such out her life force...

"Elyon!"

- Poor Elyon.- Hay Lin sighed. - Phobos never fails to target her weaknesses, even after all these years...

- Oh, that's right poor Elyon. All that power which she fails to use properly. It's not her fault, really. - Nerissa snorted depreciatingly. - She lacks leader skills and ardent, that's something that cannot be learned. She will lose, after all. Get ready to execute the secret plan.

- Yeah, but before that, how are we going to get rid of this ink? - Irma mused. - If we can't use or powers, or move, how are we going to veil the-

- It wears off on its own, we're just covered in a lot of it. Standing it in, actually. - Nerissa replied. - Soon, our control over our powers will start to return. Once you feel it and the battle here has come to an end, focus and create some rain to wash off the rest that halts our movements.

Meanwhile, Elyon was unable to free herself. Phobos laughed maniacally as he pushed Galgheita away like a piece of cardboard. His ominous root kept draining her up until a sword flashed and dispatched it. Phobos's eyes fulgurated angrily. Andan held the sword which he had just used to destroy the energy-sucking root, high, aiming at the villain. It was yet another enchanted sword that cut through dark magics, Phobos knew, yet that wasn't going to stop him.

Thanks to the life force which he had just stolen from the now-enfeebled Elyon, the prince easily escaped all of the younger man's sword swings.

"You will not win, monster!"- Andan exclaimed as he continued to struggle with his attempts to pierce Phobos. "I will not see you usurp this Coronia and Meridian in one day, especially not with Leonida by your side!"

"I'm afraid that it is not up to you, brother-in-law!"- Phobos laughed resentfully and then stroke him down with a quick spell.

Phobos was so striving and determined to win this battle that it almost seemed as though he was more inspired than any of the last times in which they had fought him, Will realized with a frown on her face.

And you will win, Phobos, she thought. You will win, but you'll be the winner in a battle. The war is yet to come.

The Spiritual Master was still mumbling above the baby that had somehow managed to fall asleep, despite all the commotion. He opened his old, wrinkled eyelids; his ancient eyes focused on the baby's hands. The mittens...these little mittens which the princess was wearing. He tugged on them slightly, but before he could take them off, another hand clutched his wrist. The Spiritual Master came face to face with a livid looking Phobos:

"Get your bony, wizen dirty hands off my daughter, third-rate shaman!"

"No, be careful with him!"- Leonida, who had just gotten free of the small dose of squid ink, shrieked. Then she walked over to the Evil Prince, whose eyes were locked with those of the old guru. He wasn't relenting nor moving. He was still holding their daughter in his arms.

"Be careful with that man."- Leonida repeated, not letting the guru escape her sight. "He's more dangerous than he looks like and he possesses powers that no other person in this room can comprehend. He's an ancient sage. He's the one who cursed me- "

"You have too much fear for this old man."- Phobos snorted. "I've dealt with sages and gurus like him before. He's worthless and powerless to stop me, just like all these people here!"

Nerissa nodded venomously from behind. Arrogance. It would continue to serve as this man's undoing. And as the Spiritual Master pushed Phobos away like a rag doll, and Leonida screamed, Miriadel, Galgheita, and Alborn gathered around the immobilized guardians.

"We still have time. We have a big chance to win."- the older redhead spoke in a fervent tone much to the turns of Will's stomach.

"But why are no soldiers and rebels coming to help out?!"- Galgheita shook her head. "The entire Palace is empty."

"What!?"

"I ordered so."- Elyon interjected. She and Andan had just joined them. She still looked weak, but she was up on her feet, unlike Emery, who Andan had carried on his back. He was still unconscious due to his sister's hit. "I ordered everyone to vacate the Palace. I planned on that either way, but when Will came to me a few hours ago and suggested the same, I knew that it had to be done. It's the right decision, mom. The two of them are alone and we're perfectly capable of handling them on our own, despite all this. Our people have suffered enough under Phobos."

"But Elyon"- but Miriadel's protests were cut short by her daughter's open palm.

- We're lying to their faces. - Hay Lin sighed in telepathy. - I don't like this, girls, trust me, but my dream-

- Yeah, we know, Hay Lin.- Cornelia interrupted her. - We also know that Will had to convince Elyon to have the Palace emptied in order for us to be able to execute our secret strategy if a need for that arises. Well, it did arise. We have bigger problems now.

And as if to confirm her words, Elyon's magic evaporated all the squid ink around them. Feeling free and able to move, and use their powers again, the six women exchanged glances.

"Now, let's take Leonida down."- Andan spoke. "Phobos is still stunned and their child is with the Spiritual Master. All odds are against them. Let's get this hell over with."

I wish it was that easy, Will thought grimly and flew a few feet above the others, followed by her friends.

Nerissa eyed them pointedly but said nothing.

When Elyon attacked Leonida first, the enchantress somehow managed to fire back, even though she had turned around at the last minute. Her indigo eyes were throwing angry sparks everywhere.

Yes, she had expected a strong opposition, and she was aware that they were entering this battle practically unprepared, but she had had everything calculated. Why was the Spiritual Master up on his feet still?! That was severely clashing with her plans.

If he doesn't get affected soon, everything will have been in vain, the ex-princess realized angrily as she tried to repel Elyon's attack. Then the darned Mage joined in from the Queen's side and she was sent flying back with a scream.

"Girls, what is wrong with you?!"- Miriadel yelled angrily as she dodged Phobos's spells, but the guardians seemed to fail. "You have to defeat him now, we have this in the bag, focus!"

Irma purposely allowed herself to be hit and then fell over with Cornelia, while Taranee pretended that her firewall has contra-reacted with the black magic and made it blow her and Hay Lin away. It was starting to look suspicious, but they had no other choice. They had to lose...

- If she doesn't shut up, I'm gonna hit her. - Irma raged as Cornelia pushed her off herself. - I mean, since when does she order us around. Manic woman-

- That's actually not a bad idea. - Taranee retorted before conjuring an oxygen-burning dome above Miriadel and Alborn.

Will nodded at her. It was risky, but now they could continue to battle the lurden-like creatures that Phobos created as an improvised army without being watched closely. If they wanted to, at that moment, they could take him down. Both him and Leonida. The creatures that Phobos summoned with his dark powers weren't stark either. And it tempted the guardians, the idea of ending this once and for all, but they knew they had to resist the temptation and play their cards as according to plan...

At the other end of the room, Nerissa squinted her eyes. Why was it that the Spiritual Master looked uneasy under his shield? Andan was standing right in front of it, ready to take the baby, but the old guru wasn't reacting. Then she noticed that Leonida is constantly looking at him too while trying to escape Elyon's attacks.

Fine then, Nerissa thought as she stood behind Elyon and estimated the situation. It is Will's decision, isn't it? These fools will never win without a little sabotage for her Majesty's side...After that happens, I'll take matters into my hands. I'm sorry, little Elyon, I actually was rooting for you this time.

Then she did a little sneezing curse on her from behind and that gave Leonida time to act. When Elyon's uncontrollable sneezing threw her to the ground, the other woman ran to the shield and when she exited it, after a few seconds, her victorious scream made everyone look at her:

"Stop at once! Stop everything that you're doing! My daughter is with me again. Your future queen!"

Fool, Nerissa pursed her lips. Enjoy your fake victory. When I get to you, nothing will save you. Not your cult, not your Descendant, not anyone.

"This is madness, Leonida!"- Andan yelled. "You coming here like that was madness! What is backing you up? You'll never achieve your goals, I promise you!"

Once again, the guardians and their allies stood behind Andan and Elyon, who he had just helped off the ground. Finally, she was over the terrible sneezing fit that had left her breathless...

Phobos walked over to Leonida and smiled contentedly. The Spiritual Master lay on the floor nearby, suddenly overwhelmed by something unknown...Leonida just smiled at her brother and sister in-law's livid expressions.

"Andan, it doesn't matter, dear brother. What matters is that tonight, our fate will be fulfilled. My daughter will inherit all the powers which Elyon now has- "

"That will never happen!"

"Oh, we will see about that- "

Elyon frowned. Their audacity sure was testing. But then again, they were mad people. Utterly and entirely bonkers...And yet, what was her brother doing? Taking the child from Leonida's arms, he lifted her. He lifted her even higher, the baby woke up and started to cry...And then... Elyon's heart skipped a beat; Phobos just tossed his daughter like a ball, across the room. Directly towards her. She didn't think at that moment. That moment truly was horrific.

"NO!"- Elyon caught her niece just before she could hit her head on the hard floor and die a terrible death. For a moment, she could feel her breathing getting lighter again. Then she realized what had just happened and just looked at the two people incredulously:

"You..."- Elyon shook her head, at a loss for words. "You're sick and disgusting...You were ready to risk your newborn's life just like that...Just to get to power?! You're...you're perversions of nature!"

"Elyon, the baby! It...It absorbed your powers!"- Andan cried.

"But of course, they are, after all, a part of her birthrights! How does it feel, Elyon? How does it feel to be on the other side? My side!? When an infant came and snatched everything from me, over 20 years ago, I swore to avenge this injustice. And look; I finally did it, and did it perfectly!"

Phobos and Leonida laughing in unison infuriated Will even more, but she sucked it up as she glared at them. Thrilled, they approached as to take the baby from the bedazzled Elyon's arms. After all, the conquest was successful.

"No!"- Miriadel exclaimed furiously, standing between Elyon and her brother like a shield. Phobos and Leonida actually stopped, surprised. Everyone was surprised. Miriadel seemed to have changed a lot over the last years. Braver, but also blunter than ever...

"Your daughter's birthrights have nothing to do with you."- she told Phobos in a voice that exuded all her hatred for him. "You're a nit. An evil, repulsing man who has no value for anyone!"

"How DARE-"

"Do not let them have the baby, Elyon! Andan, listen to me!"- Miriadel continued. "If we keep the baby with us, they won't be able to take advantage of the powers which it absorbed from Elyon!"

Nerissa raised her brows in a mixture of impression and sarcasm.

Well, what do you know, that's actually not a worthless idea...

"Brave of you to assume that we'll allow that"- Leonida hissed dangerously, but Andan was already onto it.

"Shut up, whore!"

He finally did it. He did what he had meant to from the beginning, he splashed the contents of the little vial in his pocket at Leonida, instantly turning her into the golden cuckoo. Then he grabbed the baby from Elyon while Miriadel and Alborn pointed their swords at Phobos.

"Oh, boy."- Irma murmured from behind.

"What are you waiting for?!"- Miriadel yelled at them once again. "Only Phobos must be stopped now. Attack him!"

Taranee bit her lip. They had already flopped at not showing that they're purposely trying to lose, but it was too late to bump their heads over it. She lifted her hand and summoned her powers, looking directly at a calm-looking Phobos. She thought that it was odd, even though the odds really were against him. After all, Leonida was a bird and he was outnumbered...

"I...I can't."- Taranee suddenly stammered, flabbergasting everyone.

"What!?"

- Taranee!- Cornelia scolded her. - What gives? You're blowing up our fucking cover!

- No, Cornelia, you don't understand! My powers don't work!

The girls looked at each other. Each of them tried to summon her element, only to find out that Taranee was indeed right. Nerissa frowned; even she was unable to use magic.

"Our elements will give up."- Hay Lin muttered, remembering her dream.

"But how is that possible?!"- Miriadel raged.

That was when Phobos started laughing. He laughed and laughed while Leonida flew around his head. It was a mind-boggling sighting and experience. Andan shook his head in denial and Elyon blenched when it appeared around the baby's neck. The invisible glamour was off to reveal it. In it's full, glowing green glory...

"The Star of Threbe."- Nerissa noted and then looked at Phobos coldly. "How did you get your hands on it?"

"Again."- Will added grimly.

Phobos just laughed again:

"This star-stone, created by the real Mage, was used by my grandparents who once needed to locate my wandering mother. She was lost, you see, and- "

"We know the story, you've already used it against us, you-"- Irma interrupted him, but the man pointed at Andan.

"Please, water guardian, we have outsiders. Guests... Mustn't they hear this wonderful tale? Where was I? Ah yes, the star renders anyone who may try to prevent the heir to the throne from returning home powerless. And you're all trying to prevent my daughter from returning to where she belongs. By her parents' side. In her Palace."- he finished deviously, casting a spiteful glance at his sister, who looked completely wretched.

"And what makes you think that we will give up?"- Andan asked, but his voice trembled. He knew that without magic they were doomed against his sister and her sinister lover.

Phobos looked sincerely amused by that:

"And what makes you think that you'll, otherwise, leave here alive? This Palace is mine again, brother-in-law. And you can't change that by making moronic choices. Isn't that right, Will?!"

He might have thought it to be a good provocation. She just stepped forward with a stone-like expression and nodded:

"Yes."- Will said looking Phobos straight in the eye.

"But-"

"The fact that we're now going to retreat from here doesn't mean that we will lose."- she turned to everyone again confidently.

She could recognize many emotions facing her. Elyon's pain, Andan's gloominess, Miriadel's refusal, her friends' guilt-mixed relief... But it was true. If they wanted to indeed win, they had to accept this loss.

"Give him the baby, Andan. And let's go."- she said in a low, yet firm voice.

Andan was extremely torn, but in the end, despite Miriadel's shaking head, he did it. Alborn had tried to snatch the star away, but it pushed him back. It was of no use. They had lost. Phobos smugly held his daughter close and laughed again. And again. His loud voice echoed in the walls of the throne room.

"Oh, great. Of course, he'll have yet another guffaw seizure."- Irma rolled her eyes.

"Freaking psycho."- Cornelia hissed in addition.

"Let's leave already. I still smell like a squid."

"Laugh while you still can, Phobos."- Will got ready to say her final words. The prince, elated by his victory, gifted her with but a little mocking grin once he calmed down. "Only time will tell who will be the last to laugh. And when good and evil fight, evil never triumphs. Do not forget that. Moreover, I'm afraid that we cannot allow you to fully enjoy your victory just yet."

"Yeah, you only win this palace today. The rest of your kingdoms will have to wait. Congrats."- Irma added unabashedly, delighted to watch the smile on Phobos's face quench.

"What are you attempting to say, witches-"

"This Palace is veiled from now on. And only these six rings can cut through the veil."- Hay Lin showed off the ring on her hand. It didn't take Phobos long to realize that they all had them. The guardians and the Mage...

"You thought that you've taken care of Kandrakar, didn't you? Well, the Oracle had one last gift for us, which you knew nothing of."- Taranee added. "When we went to take Galgheita after Kandor's plagues started to attack the fortress, he gave us these. To use them in a need of dire emergency. These rings are created from all the previous veils, they have the power to create an impeccable wall around every smaller area. Such as this castle!"

"You really wanted your castle back, didn't you? We've made sure you won't leave for quite a while. This way you'll enjoy it more, don't you think?"- Cornelia's cold mockery was the last drop in his glass.

Setting the baby to levitate aside, he roared and tried to attack them again, but Nerissa raised a force shield between them, throwing him back...Leonida croaked above their heads...

Cornelia's telekinesis pulled the fallen Spiritual Master, the four guards, and Emery closer. She tried it on the baby too, just in case, but it didn't work. Phobos had somehow already placed a protection spell on it. She sighed and when Will looked at everyone one last time and nodded, the six of them, who had the rings, joined hands in a circle around the others and teletransported away, leaving the three royals locked in the Palace they had just usurped.


A/N: Happy New Year! May 2021 truly be our year, and may it bring us happiness, GOOD HEALTH, and many moments to smile through!

(btw, yes, I did steal the squid ink from OUAT, lol. If you know, you know.)

Let me in on your thoughts & stay tuned for more soon ;) Lots of love

xoxo,

jimel