Note: Not the happiest about this chapter, I will admit. Trying to start the end section of the story so I had to move up a later event to now. Also, cleaned up chapter one a bit. Thanks for sticking around!


Chapter Thirty

It Was a Shame, For He Was Almost Changed

It was an odd sight, seeing those two again.

Just a few weeks ago, the sight of them would have enraged him.

Now, though, he just felt a calm emptiness spread inside his chest.

Seeing Cedric doting on his daughter, and Miranda tending to one of her crying twin boys, gave a sense of finality to his old life. That time passed. Just bitter memories that served no proper use anymore.

The fact the three of them, the prince and his two closest advisors, weren't rotting in a cell was a sore spot of many. As Cornelia had voiced when she yelled as much during their first healing session when the keeper was missing. Phobos never really thought about what became of them. He had heard rumors; from them living in poverty in some forgotten countryside to plotting their revenge from the endless halls of the Infinite City.

Seeing how they were well dressed in simple, but respectable, fabrics and styles, and still carried themselves with their heads high, he doubted their situation in life was that far beneath them. Even with the judging looks they received from the castle's occupants as they passed. No matter how well they landed after the end of Phobos' reign, the people would twist it into something lower, as the idea that they finished with a good end to their story was not something the populace could stomach.

"You should go say hi," Wilhelmina kindly encouraged, arms wrapped around his waist, honey brown eyes watching his face.

They were making their way through the castle to meet with Elyon after the library. When Phobos spied the family walking up the castle's cobblestone entrance through a high up window, making him pause mid-sentence. It was peculiar, the compulsion to watch the family as they approached, unable to look away from the man he once called friend and ally, and later called traitor.

Leaning on the cool stone by the open terrace, Wilhelmina was nestled against him, head on his chest, and told him of the couple's new life and the names of the children. Not that it mattered.

Did… anything technically matter?

Phobos looked at the red-head pressed against him, a content smile on her lips as she waited patiently for the prince to end his internal reprieve, and he knew the answer as his chest filled with warmth.

Looking back below, he was met with a sharp, snake-like gaze. Cedric held his eyes for a moment, frown lines ageing him beyond his years, before his daughter looked up and waved at the High Witch.

Wilhelmina happily waved back, a smile wide on her face.

The little girl cupped her hands around her mouth and took a breath so deep her chest puffed out. "You shall be at dinner!?"

While one would see the little girl's outburst as crude, with passing stewards and nobles giving her offended glances, Wilhelmina beamed, excited, and called back with equal gusto, "I will, Cecilia! See you there!"

The girl nodded. While she didn't smile, she had a look of self-satisfaction as she turned to her father, who only shook his head, struggling to contain a smile of his own as his lips twitched.

Now back on track, the Keeper's mood dropped they arrived at the temporary holding cells. Very few were in use, as most prisoners weren't enough of a threat to warrant confinement directly by the queen's magic.

The cooks and guards caught tampering with his food found themselves in the city's common prison. As they held no magic, they now had the choice of either imprisonment for years for their crimes, or receive a lesser sentence if they did what Elyon implemented as 'community service' to help maintain the infrastructure of the city. Most chose the latter. Leading to the public debating the punishment as possibly too short to deter future offenders. As it had only been a few years since Elyon brought on the new system, it was still too soon to say either way.

The magic cells in the Infinite City below the castle were retired, as they were inhuman in the queen's opinion. She cited Earth based studies about the need for a certain amount of space and privacy to keep people sane. Having spent time in those himself, Phobos, for once, agreed with Elyon there, as it was a major factor in his willingness to tie himself to a magic vow with the Keeper years ago.

When Phobos ruled, he didn't use those cells, only from the fact they required a massive amount of magic that he wasn't privy to, like Elyon and Weira. And, while he remembered people being sent to those small, exposed cells to be forgotten about with his mother's reign, Elyon always seemed to remember every face that ended up behind those magical bars.

Now, she repurposed the section of dungeon Phobos had commissioned. Removing the pits, cages, and chains, and making a series of sectioned off rooms she could power as needed to not waste any magic.

They met Elyon at the entrance, with only the other guardians with her. It was a round stone chamber, with crates and supplies near an empty metal desk. From the scattering of papers and bits of crumbs, they must have just dismissed the guards normally stationed there for privacy's sake. As even his own guards were told to wait out in the adjoining hall beyond a heavy metal door.

The group stood near the first door in the row, with a rune carved in the door representing 'power', a conduit showing the section was receiving magic from the Heart of Meridian.

"Will," Queen Elyon greeted, nodding her head politely, then added, slightly strained. "Phobos."

They had yet to have a conversation about the previous day's events. If Phobos didn't know how much she loved to talk his ear off about his potential to change and be a better person, and saving her was the first sign that actually might be true, he would think she was avoiding him.

"So, what's the game plan?" Wilhelmina asked, pulling away from Phobos to take a more serious stance, with her hands on her hips, expression sober.

"Seeing Achilles' involvement, I thought it best that only those who know of his origin are present," explained the young queen as she looked at the two newcomers. Bright blue eyes alert and ready for any push back from the sometimes equally stubborn pair. "Caleb and Raythor weren't thrilled about that." Elyon looked to the side, clear guilt at leaving out her two closest advisors on a matter so important. "It just can't be helped."

"Oh, one thing right quick," Irma interrupted, looking around the chamber as if to make sure they were truly alone in the stone room. "I need to make sure that it's a coincidence. The biggest fucking coincidence in all the goddamn realms that Phobos has an electric frog kid for his freaking familiar." The brunette pointed a loaded finger at the red-head. "Like Will, that ain't your magic baby, right!?"

"Irma! I told you to drop it!" Cornelia quickly hissed, hitting the water guardian's arm.

"Oh, come on!" Irma defended, throwing her hands in the air. "There is a frog kid with almost identical powers to both Will and Phobos, and I'm the only person here who thinks that! Bullshit!" And, unexpectedly, Irma pulled the little frog off Elyon, who hid in the crook of her hair. "Tell me this isn't your frog child, Will!" she demanded, holding Achilles similarly as the keeper did to Phobos during the picnic.

Wilhelmina, surprised by her companion's antics, paled, looking around at the others for support as she managed out, "What…? No- no! I'm not… he's not…!" She looked at Phobos, eyes wide in both panic and embarrassment, and she flushed deeply, enchanting gaze darting away from him as the implication of what Irma was demanding sunk in. Phobos ignored the spike of want that flared in him, seeing her reaction.

Hay-Lin giggled, reaching out and taking the frog from Irma. "It's okay, Achilles," she said soothingly as she cuddled the deadly moon opal frog to her chest. "No one's mad at you, sweetie. Irma's just teasing Will." She gently pet the frog, who was looking frantically around, worried he had done something offensive.

"Irma, you scared him," Taranee said, shaking her head. "Remember, he's impressionable right now. Don't make him feel like he's in the wrong here." The fire guardian was straight to the point, as Achilles wasn't use to their banter.

Irma sheepishly laughed, rubbing the back of her head as she faced Achilles. "Sorry, little frog buddy. Your Auntie Irma just gets feisty sometimes."

"Crazy," Cornelia clarified. "She means crazy, kid. You gotta just block it out."

Achilles croaked, looking between them, still nervous, and Phobos reached out a hand. He quickly hopped over; little rapid croaks of relief as he settled on the prince's shoulder.

Phobos ignored the 'aww' from Irma and Hay-Lin as he inquired, "Why is Achilles here? While I find an interrogation to be a great learning opportunity, I believe you all might not feel the same."

Their 'aww's turned to 'oh's as Hay-Lin looked worried and Irma shook her head in disappointment.

"No one's peeling skin back or whatever the hell you did during your 'interrogations'," Cornelia said, hotly, ready to argue. "We can just talk, like civilized folk, and get our answers."

Phobos chuckled. "Of course. Pray tell, does civilized mean Taranee invading their minds and Irma compelling them to talk? Force magic comes with a price. Do not fool yourself that just because you cannot see the aftermath, you do not leave scars behind."

"Please, don't start," Elyon called, polite but firm. Cornelia huffed, turning away as she folded her arms and Phobos just stepped back, trying to ignore the impulse to push the tall blond's temper. As much as he hated to admit it, she not only did him a service reattaching his arm, but healing all the old damage. There was something about starting with a clean slate that appealed to him, given the new events in his life.

Seeing that the two quieted down, the group promptly got back to the matter at hand.

"Achilles is here because he knows who the assassin is, but was reluctant to say without you present," his sister explained. "The guardians are here to make sure everything said by everyone is honest," Elyon ended, making her threat clear. Either he's honest on his own, or with his bonds.

"Understood," Phobos answered, not seeing why he would lie about anything Achilles would say about the mage. They had almost cost him his arm and made him prey to the mercy of the guardian's magic. As much as he was fond of Wilhelmina and tolerant of the others, his fate in the hands of others was always something that led to nothing but suffering.

"Achilles," Phobos called. "Tell us what you know."

Achilles jumped from his shoulder and took his childlike form. He grabbed Phobos' tunic and tugged on it, wanting Phobos to kneel. Finding his familiar's overly clingy behavior odd and slightly worrying, Phobos did so.

Achilles cupped his hands around Phobos' ear and whispered, as quietly as he could, "It is the lady from… that night. Who was mad your hair was cut."

Phobos pulled away and, surprised, laughed. Of course, there was another assassin in the castle undetected for that long. And of course it was that bothersome maid. Thanks to the very presence of the High Witch, all of his torment by the staff had ended. And after the revelation of his food being tainted, he was eating from the same tested food served to the queen.

Still, that was only temporary. Elyon had a lack of control over her people, and he would always be hated. Once the guardians returned home, and Elyon grew complacent, a new set of people who felt he needed to suffer for his past would cycle into the castle, starting everything up again.

"What did he say?" Wilhelmina asked, leaning down with her hands on her knees. Bright brown eyes looked over them with worry, and Phobos knew she would not handle this well. He had neglected to detail that night to her, as it still left a sour taste in his mouth. It was doubtful Elyon told them the full truth of it. As she had taken the news he was almost assaulted in that manner hard.

Phobos stood, picking Achilles up, who buried his face into his shoulder as he wrapped his arms around the prince's neck.

"I say this with no disrespect, but it might be best if you do not take part in this interrogation. You take transgressions against me… to heart," Phobos suggested to the Keeper, who grew confused and worried.

"What? I mean, yeah, I'm pissed about your arm and you almost dying," she acknowledged, glancing at the others. "Like we all are."

The others all nodded, even Cornelia.

Phobos gave a dry chuckle. "While I am glad none of you want me dead. This matter is… ugly in a different way." He looked at his sister. "Do you remember what I told you came to pass the night before Wilhelmina was spirited away?"

Slowly, Elyon nodded, blond hair and crown catching in the torchlight, not liking the reminder of her heated fight with a fellow Light.

"And do you recall the problem I had with that one pesky maid?"

The color drained from her, eyes wide in distress she didn't even bother to try and mask.

"That is her?"

"Yes," Phobos said simply, feeling the small hands on his chest ball into fist.

"Something we need to know?" Taranee inquired, able to see something important exchanged between siblings but not wanting to overstep.

Elyon looked away, deeply troubled. Phobos wondered was she embarrassed at the reminder of her failures with keeping one person under her direct care safe when her entire reign was based on peace and kindness?

"Is it, Elyon?" Phobos pressed, darkly amused by the events.

He still held a hatred for her, even with knowing he had failed her as a child. Maybe that would never leave? Years of watching each fail in ways that mattered to the other had fostered a deep disappointment in the siblings. He had watched her fail as a queen to control her people and lead. She was the focal point of all their will. It was her job to stand strong and make sure their will wasn't a hindrance to themselves. That while all of them wanted riches, land, and magic, that was something only a few held. And then the ones that possessed it had to be kept on short leashes, less their greed makes them overstep.

And to Elyon, he had failed to show his humanity. To show the same kindness he now gave to Wilhelmina and Achilles. It had to sting, seeing that he was capable of what she sought for years, only just not to her.

Maybe never to her.

"Will," Elyon called, voice low and nervous. "Phobos is right. Please, sit this one out. We will inform you of everything after."

"What?" Wilhelmina called, perplexed, as she looked between the queen and prince. "You guys can't be serious?"

"Yeah, what's going on?" Irma demanded, looking between them as well for the answer. "Since when do you two have inside secrets? Wanna catch us all up?"

Hay-Lin was frowning, watching Elyon with calculating eyes, showing the queen's emotions were not in control and the empath could feel everything that turned in her.

"We're here to do a job," Cornelia sternly reminded them, concerned at her closest friend's mood change. "And Will is kinda our boss here. If we go in there, we all go together, including her."

The High Witch flashed a grateful smile at her friend's support before turning to Phobos, her expression demanding a straightforward answer.

"Very well," he conceded. "Just know I wish Achilles' involvement to end here. That night still weighs on him and I do not wish for it to solidify into an anchor that drags him down."

The red-head slowly nodded, glancing at the frog-child still clinging to him.

"You are aware of how my new lesser status creates an interesting sport among those in the castle. Mostly pointless attempts on my life and disruption to my comfort," he explained, talking solely to the Keeper, watching her reaction. This would greatly upset her and they had just gotten peace between them. It was cruel. How even talking about his life could tear at one he had grown to hold dear. He hated knowing he would always cause her distress.

Yet, she wanted the truth of it all. So this was that truth.

"One sport was to try and bed me. It was why I doubted your intentions we you first approached me," he admitted, her mouth falling open in shock. "That maid was bold in her aim. With or without my willingness was not her concern. It is interesting she was an assassin this whole time. One meant for Elyon. It showed she had no fear her harassment of I would hinder her mission," he added with an air a casualness. "The guards grew enraged at her true objective, not wanting to share their wenches. Seeing that the guards did not want the same 'fun' as her, she left with another maid. After which, Achilles killed the guards as they resorted to primitive tactics to remove my manhood."

The look that overcame the High Witch was new.

He had thought he knew what her anger and fury looked like, but seeing the calm emptiness settle on her face, he knew now what that really was.

"I see," she said simply, shoulders relaxing, eyes blinking slowly. He never saw her so successfully close herself off before, and it worried him. Now, though, was not the time for him to pry into her inner thoughts as the others around them reacted to his bleak tale.

Hay-Lin could not mask her horror at his revelation, looking sickly as she placed a hand on the nearest guardian, Taranee, for support. The fire guardian's face was twisted into the fury he expected from their leader, hands clenched, fire in her dark eyes.

Irma looked lost, not able to think of anyway to deflect from her comrade's distress, sea deep eyes looking at them all in worry. Cornelia, to her credit, nodded, understanding what he told them was personal, and he was not one to seek pity from others.

"Phobos," Cornelia called, shoulders squared. "Do you want to be present for the interrogation?"

No one objected to her offer.

Phobos shook his head. "I do not care about her fate. The one thing I would do, as I would to all those that have bothered me in this lesser life, is to end hers. As that is not something any of you shall do, I do not see the point of rehashing this… particular wound."

As much as Phobos grew numb to his treatment, he still could remember that maid's hand running across his arm, taunting him. Could still hear her cries of displeasure as his hair was cut, as that made him less appealing to her. It was more moments that reminded him that not only was his agency in life temporary, but there was still more for him to lose.

"Phobos," Wilhelmina called, eyes distant. "Can you take Achilles to the castle gardens and wait there until we're finished here?"

Phobos wanted to question breaking their rule about being present for when he was with his familiar, but he knew even Elyon wasn't foolish enough to push the Keeper.

"Very well," Phobos agreed, shifting to carry the frog a bit more comfortably as he looked over the women that had all tried in their own way to be a part of his life.

It was still peculiar.

Why would they care when he had nothing now worth caring for? At least, with Cedric, it was a simple choice to befriend the crown prince. Yet, given how the snake risked his life for such minor acts of kindness, like playing cards and bringing sweets during Phobos' recovery from death, it was hard to say that was all that was there. Maybe Phobos wasn't as skilled as he thought, understanding the motives of those around him.

Returning to the outer halls to his waiting guards, they tried to hide their surprise at seeing him exit with a child, as the frog was refusing to change form, face still buried in Phobos' tunic.

Phobos wasn't one for much comfort, as his rather poor attempts with Wilhelmina over their time together showed. So, he just let the frog stay quiet, hands still balled so tightly his knuckles turned white.

It was a good lesson, Phobos bitterly thought, that the frog was aware of the more perverse dangers in the worlds. The form he took was of a child, small and innocent, often prey to those more wicked. Still, Phobos frowned, feeling the wet warmth at his neck. Seeing the little hands shake at his chest.

Hearing a small sob.

Would it be so wrong if Achilles could stay an innocent for a time longer?

As much as Phobos protested Wilhelmina's assessment of the frog at their outing that day, he thought he understood what she was trying too hard to convey to him.

Just because Phobos never had a childhood, that didn't mean anyone else should lack one as well. And while he still craved his freedom, his agency, it mattered how he came to obtain it, because of the people now a part of his life.


The last time Prince Phobos was in this garden, he was endlessly annoyed at Wilhelmina's terrible and poorly masked attempts to woo him. It was painfully clear that her last relationship was established in her youth, as she did not know how to go about conveying her more adult wants to a new partner.

But, as the Keeper always did, she succeeded and got her prize.

Looking back, Phobos knew he was hesitant for good reason, and was more tightly bound by his chains at that moment in time. Yet, he wondered how it all would have gone, if things had started sooner between the two. She may have even started visiting his chambers on Farshore, never giving his previous guards a chance at planting the injured moon opal frog. Never entered with that maid. And the day after would have never happened, from the argument and the Keeper being stolen away.

Phobos doubted he would have forced himself to admit what she meant to him, if that wasn't the only way to embrace her with a simple kiss.

It was all by chance. And given it involved the Light of Infinity, maybe it was fate that they fell for each other.

As much as he worried his life was too troubling for her to handle, she was happy with him. Smiling and laughing.

The sight of her before him, wings wide, fairies fluttering around her, teasing smirk on her lips, made him ache for her in a new way. So confident of her choices. Of her life. And she had chosen him.

Leaving her to deal with the mage, Phobos tried to focus on the distraught familiar in his lap.

"Achilles," Phobos called, reminding himself to be gentle. "You need to release me now."

"I am sorry, master," he mumbled, voice barely audible. "Today was so fun and now it is… not."

Achilles pulled away, eyes rimmed red. "I don't understand why I am so sad. I knew what happened and I understand better why that was bad… what they all tried to do. Shouldn't I be happy they caught her? That she cannot hurt you or Queen Elyon. But I just want to cry."

He angrily rubbed at his eyes, making his face redder with each pass. "Cecilia will call me a crybaby again. And you must think I am weak." He kept rubbing, skin flaking. "But I'm not. I'm not."

Phobos grabbed his little hands and eased them down to his lap.

"You are not weak, Achilles," Phobos assured, looking over the frog-child. "Without you, Elyon would be dead. And, as much as we disagree on things… I prefer she lives."

As much as he hated how things turned out between him and his sister, she held more value to not only him, but Metamoor, alive.

"I was once… like you," he admitted, remembering Cedric's teasing assessment of him decades ago. "And I killed that part of me, because of more reasons than I can ever name in a day. Because I was failed in so many ways and grew bitter, even when I could finally shape my own life."

He wiped away the frog's tears, far more gently than his own attempts.

"Just know, you don't have to hide these tears. Even if I do not… completely understand. You have others that do. Even if I cannot show you the right way, I am not your only guide. Wilhelmina, Elyon, the guardians, will embrace you when you need them."

Achilles sniffled, nodding. "I think I understand."

Then, like always, the moment shattered.

Of course, word would spread about Phobos with a random noble child. Maybe he had been seen with Elyon earlier that day, maybe not. But it was enough to force a return of Raythor and Vathek, who approached his two guards, questioning them. When they admitted he emerged from the cells with the lad, alone, the pair grew concerned.

Raythor and Vathek hovered to the side, sending his guards to retrieve more familiar and confused faces. A mix of near a dozen castle guards and people that earned a spot at the queen's table from their time in the rebellion. They were arguing, loud enough to draw a crowd, with them debating interrupting Elyon to find out why the dark hair child none of them recognized was with Phobos.

"Um, master?" Achilles whispered, nervous. "Why are they so mad?"

"They are concerned for your safety with me," Phobos admitted with a dismissive shrug. While he wasn't sure what Elyon would say to calm them, he knew it was easy enough to clear up.

At the rim of the courtyard, Phobos spotted Cedric with his daughter. She saw Achilles and made a move to come to them. Only Cedric scooped her up, eyes turning to those of a serpent, looking to the side.

Phobos followed his gaze and saw that, while the Earth Regent had arrived to argue to retrieve the Keeper before jumping to the worse, Raythor wasn't happy with that answer. Still not trusting of the woman who repeatedly used him, and ordered Vathek and his men to just take Achilles to a waiting room away from Phobos.

Achilles was not a fan of that, to say the least.

"Not a word from you," Raythor barked at Phobos, seeing him open his mouth to speak. It had been a while since his bonds forced him into silence, and the rage that filled him was almost mind numbing.

As much work as the prince put in over the weeks, learning to quiet the anger in him and listen to those around him, he realized he would never have a place there. Never.

The prince was never welcomed on Metamoor. Not even as a child. Why would that ever change?

He was only treated well over the past few weeks because of the people's love of their High Witch. Even when the guards tormented him on Farshore, they spoke her name with adoration and respect.

Metamoor would never have a place for him, no matter how badly Elyon worked to carve one out.

"Are you lost, child?" Raythor said, far kinder, to Achilles. "Come with us and we will get you home."

Achilles, already upset, looked around in fear. He was told not to reveal his connection as a familiar by both Phobos and Elyon. And now, with Phobos forced into silence, the frog was alone.

Seeing Prince Phobos place a hand, meant to comfort the child, on his back, Raythor barked, "Release him and stay still. We do not know what bizarre sport you have taken. Maybe to fool the queen into thinking you have a kinder nature now? But we will deal with that later, oh grand Prince Phobos."

Caleb was absent, making Raythor the one to make the call. So the Earth Regent's argument went on deaf ears as Matt approached.

"Hey, maybe chill a little? You're gonna scare that kid. I mean, it looks like he's just lost-"

"This is none of your concern, Matt," Vathek called, annoyed.

There was a growing displeasure at the continual 'help' of those from Earth with Metamoor matters. While they welcomed it near ten years ago during a rebellion, at some point the people of the planet wanted their kingdom's involvement to lessen and end.

At some point, Metamoor would be self-sustaining again.

And to the castle guards, seen as the protectors of the queen, being questioned by a guest was just insulting. Matt frowned, lingering on the side, now silently watching things unfold. It already upset Achilles, seeing Phobos forced into silence, so when Vathek, a towering, armoured Galhot reached for him, even being mindful to be gentle with the small boy, Achilles hit his hand away.

"No!" Achilles yelled, agitated, still too new to life to calmly handle the escalating situation. "Leave me alone!"

"Calm yourself, little one," a fresh voice called, as the older man from the meeting approached. Jillian held up a hand to show he meant no harm. "We are here to help. Your family must be beside themselves with worry. I know I would be, if my son was missing at your age."

"I know you would," Caleb jokingly called, now joining the unnecessary large group of guards for one lost child.

Did they really still see Phobos that much of a danger?

"What is the matter here?" Caleb called, confused at the sight but not as alarmed as those who arrived before him. He knew he had control, and he knew how to handle a panicked crowd. So if Caleb had happened upon them first, then things would have gone smoother. And Vathek wouldn't have been emboldened enough to reach out, seeing Achilles distracted by the peaceful newcomers, and pick up the frog-child from Phobos' lap.

Achilles panicked, his toxins causing paralysis in the massive Galhot, making him fall rigid to his back with a shake of the ground. Achilles struggled in the man's hold, having locked tight while holding him.

Some guards drew their swords, looking around, thinking there had to be another cause for the massive man falling like a leaf. Only Achilles' eyes widened, seeing the swords in the hands of the guards dressed the same as the one at Farshore.

Phobos could only watch as more tears rimmed his enormous eyes, as he shook his head and finally, terrified and trapped, transformed.

In a flash of electricity, he was his war beast form.

There was another sound, of Cedric transforming as well, to pull Cecilia to the far end of the courtyard. Seeing the gigantic snake, the frog naturally shrunk away in fear, static jumping from spike to spike. He moved protectively in front of Phobos' frozen form, head low with deep a growl shaking their bones.

Faced with the monstrous toad, glowing with magic, one of their own already fallen at their feet, the guards all drew their swords and charged before Raythor or Caleb could voice an order.

Achilles responded, shaking, scared, and roared at them, mouth opening wide as the spikes on his back glowed brighter with a building charge, and released an electric cannon-like blast, tearing through the group with ease.

Achilles turned, facing Caleb, Raythor, and the other's, and released another blast, body quivering all the while.