Secrets, Secrets, Secrets

by Lexvan

Secrets. They're everywhere. People have them. Families have them. Organizations have them. Towns, cities, Nations, and kingdoms. They all have them. Some secrets are kept to keep people safe while other secrets are kept to hide a sinister plan of betrayal. In the end, a secret is kept for a reason. What you have to ask yourself is why.

3. Chapter III

Chapter III:

A few days later, the Guardians managed to somehow, someway talk Uriah Dunn and Danny Ashcroft into meeting them in the cave, on Shell Beach. If you got a good look at Danny, you'd think he was an older version of Nigel.

"So why bring us here, Lair?", Uriah questioned. "I figured you'd be spending time with your geek of a boyfriend."

"Clam it, Dunn!", Irma snapped. "Before I regret bringing you here!"

"Whatever.", Uriah said.

"Why did you bring us here, Cook?", Danny asked Taranee. "I only came here because you said it had something to do with my little brother."

"It does.", Taranee said. "Just listen to what we have to say."

"Make it quick.", Danny said. "I have things to do."

"All yours, Will.", Cornelia said.

Will took a deep breath and...

"Guardians, Unite!", she said as she pulled out the Heart of Kandrakar and transformed herself and the girls.

In a flash of light, the girls stood before Uriah and Danny in their Guardian forms.

"I knew it!", Uriah said. "I knew that you weren't wearing costumes that Halloween!"

"Well this just got interesting?", Danny said. with a smirk.

"Okay you two are taking this way to easy.", Irma said. "What's the deal?"

"Are you kidding?", Danny questioned with a smirk. "With that whole alien invasion a year ago in New York not to mention what happened to S.H.I.E.L.D. a few months ago along with all this Meta-Human crap that's been going on, not much surprises me anymore."

"Same here.", Uriah said. "So are you five aliens or what?"

"We're not aliens., Hay Lin said. "We're Guardians."

"Okay. So why tell us this?", Danny asked.

"Because we have an offer for you two.", Cornelia said. "One that will change your lives forever if you say yes."

"I'm listening.", Danny said.

"What about you?", Irma asked Uriah.

"Sure. Why not? Got nothing better to do.", Uriah said.

"Good.", Will said. "Now here's the skinny.", she said as she and the other girls began to tell Danny and Uriah what they needed to know for the moment.

Now at the same time, on Metamoor, Caleb stood before the doors of the throne room of the Meridian palace dressed in his normal clothes he wore in Meridian. He knew why he was summoned, and knew he had to make his apology good. He then nodded to the guards at the doors who opened the doors letting him in. Caleb walked up to the throne where Elyon was sitting with Mia standing by her right side and Raythor standing on her left.

"Your Majesty.", Caleb said as he bowed before Elyon who was dressed in one of her regular gowns with matching slippers. "You sent for me."

"Yes, Caleb, I have.", Elyon said in a serious tone. "You are here today because of your actions as of late."

"I know that I disobeyed your orders when I left Metamoor and brought the Guardians and their other friends here.", Caleb said. "I just felt that the Guardians had a right to know about what was going on. I had no intension of putting their lives in danger."

"And yet you did all those things.", Elyon said. "You could not wait a few more days before I gave you the word to go and bring them here. You decided that you had the right to tell them and brought them here and to the ship. So the question is this. Where do your loyalties lie? With your home world or with the Guardians?"

"How can you even question that, Your Majesty!?", Caleb asked in surprise. "My loyalty, my heart, has always been with Meridian and all of Metamoor!"

"Oh really?", Elyon questioned.

"Of course!", Caleb said.

"Then let's look back at your actions as of late.", Elyon said. "First, there was when you along with the Guardians and the Regent of Earth decided that it was not only okay to reveal everything about yourselves along with myself, Mia, and the Mystic Battle Warriors to Joel Wright and Peter Cook, but you also brought them here to Meridian without my permission."

"But I..."

"I am not finished.", Elyon said cutting Caleb off as he did nothing but stood there. "Next there was what you along with Peter Cook and Joel Wright did that one weekend in Heatherfield Forest when the three of you tried to use the mystic rings of Battle Warriors Power, Flight, and Rush which could of been a disaster for the forest and Heatherfield along with any nearby cities had it not been for the Battle Warriors who's rings the Air Guardian stole and gave to you."

Caleb said nothing knowing that his queen was right. But he somehow knew that she wasn't done.

"And finally, we have what you did a few days ago when you went behind my back and brought not only the Guardians here but also one of the Regents of Earth, Peter Cook, and Joel Wright.", Elyon said. "Could you imagine what may of happened had they gotten aboard that ship and it had captured all of them to be mutated?"

"I couldn't imagine that because the Battle Warriors there would have been able to save them.", Caleb said.

"And what if they couldn't save them all in time?", Raythor questioned. "What then? Would you be the one to tell their families, on Earth, about what happened to them?"

"I..."

"Let me answer that for you.", Mia said. "You wouldn't be the one to do that! It would be Her Majesty who would have to do that. For you are one of her warriors. And all that you do reflects on her. Both good and bad. Did you not think about this when you did any of these things, Sir Caleb? You say that your loyalties lie with Meridian and all of Metamoor. But if you ask me, I say that they lie more with the Guardians. Namely the Earth Guardian, Cornelia Hale."

"Is she right, Lad?", Raythor questioned. "I want to believe your loyalties lie here than with the Guardians. They may have done much for Meridian, but you done a whole lot more. You led the rebellion after your father was captured and led it well. You even accepted me as a member of the Honor Guard with Her Majesty after all I've done. I would hate to think that after all that has happened, that you have more loyalty to the Guardians."

"Let me ask you this, Caleb.", Elyon said getting Caleb's attention. "Let's say that Kandrakar wants to use my powers to somehow make the Guardians stronger. And that they send the Guardians for me. Will you stand with me, or with them?"

"Please don't ask me that, Your Majesty.", Caleb pleaded.

"I am asking you, Sir Caleb.", Elyon said. "What is your answer?"

"I... I can not answer that question for I do not think I could stand by either side.", Caleb said. "I could not go against my queen yet I could not go against the Guardians after all they have done for us."

"So in other words, you would leave us to protect Her Majesty on our own against the Guardians and anything else Kandrakar sends at us?", Raythor questioned.

"I wonder if you wouldn't have any trouble fighting the Mystic Battle Warriors if you had to.", Elyon said to which Caleb flinched a bit.

"I was wondering the same thing.", Mia said.

"Sir Caleb of Meridian. You have served this kingdom well during the rebellion and as one of it's knights.", Elyon said. "But I can not just let your actions as of late go because of our friendship. Many of the soldiers have been talking saying that I am to nice to you after all that you have done. I can not allow this to go on. Something must be done. So, with a heavy heart, I strip you of your title of Knight and demote you down to Captain. You will still have your quarters here in the palace, but you are no longer part of the Honor Guard. And you are to remain here on Metamoor until further notice. Do I make myself clear?"

"What!?", Caleb questioned in shock. "But... I... You can't do this to me!"

"Actually, I can and I have.", Elyon said. "You will have to earn the title of Knight back, Captain Caleb. You are dismissed."

"But..."

"I said you are dismissed!", Elyon said in a stern voice. "Do not make me demote you further."

Caleb said nothing as he turned and left the throne room. Once he was gone, Elyon let out a tiring yet sad sigh.

"You did the right thing, sister.", Mia said.

"You had to show him and the soldiers that you don't play favorites.", Raythor said. "He may be mad now, but in time Caleb will see that you had to do this."

"I hope so.", Elyon said. "Now I just have to deal with the girls."

As for Caleb, he was in his quarters packing what he could when suddenly a knock came at his door.

"Come in!", Caleb said in a gruff voice.

The door opened to which Julian, Aldern, and Drake entered the room.

"I take it you met with Her Majesty.", Julian said.

"I have.", Caleb said.

"Sorry about what happened, my friend.", Aldern said when he noticed that Caleb was stuffing some clothes in a bag. "What are you doing?"

"Packing my things.", Caleb said. "I'm leaving the palace."

"What!?", Drake questioned. "Are you serious!?"

"Yes.", Caleb said. "I need sometime to myself. Away from here."

"I know that you are angry, son, but there's no need for you to leave.", Julian said to his son.

"Actually, there is.", Caleb said. "I need time away from here to sort things out. Her Majesty was right to question my loyalties. I need to find out where they lie. And to do that, I need to be away from here."

"But Caleb...", Aldern began to saw when Julian placed a hand on his shoulder stopping him.

"I understand, Caleb.", Julian said with a kind smile. "Take all the time you need. I shall tell Queen Elyon what you are doing. I'm sure she'll understand."

"Thank you for understanding, Father.", Caleb said returning the smile.

"Just be careful out there.", Julian said. "You may be grown, but you're still my son."

"I will.", Caleb said as he grabbed his bag and headed for the door.

"Safe journey, Caleb.", Drake said as they shook hands. "Return to us soon."

"I will.", Caleb said before turning to Aldern.

"Good luck, my friend.", Aldern said to Caleb as they shook hands.

"Thank you.", Caleb said before turning to his father and shook his hand before leaving his quarters.

"Think he'll come back?", Aldern questioned.

"He'll be back.", Julian said. "He just needs some time to himself."

"I hope you are right.", Drake said. "I truly hope you are right."

As for Caleb, he took a horse and left the palace grounds and headed towards the Great Forest where he knew he would have the privacy he needed.

'Where do my loyalties lie?', he thought to himself as he rode his horse. 'Meridian? Or the Guardians?'

That thought ran through his mind as he rode to where he wanted to be. A few days later, W.I.T.C.H. had arrived in Meridian to see Elyon only to find out that about what happened to Caleb.

And one of them was not to happy about it.

Guess which one!

"She did what!?", Cornelia questioned Julian after he told her and the other Guardians about what happened. "Why would she do that!? How could she do that!?"

"Well she is the queen.", Julian said. "And as much as I love my son, his actions as of late have others questioning his loyalties."

"So Elyon just goes and demotes Caleb and has him stay here until she says so?", Irma questioned. "That's just wrong."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but what's done is done.", Julian said.

"Where is Caleb now?", Will asked.

"I do not know.", Julian said. "He said he needs time to sort things out alone. And I respect that. You can go find him if you wish. But if he wants to be left alone, please grant him that wish. There are times when one needs to be alone to find out who he is and what he wants to do."

"We will, Sir Julian.", Taranee said as Julian walked off to attend to his other duties.

"So when do we go look for Caleb?", Hay Lin asked.

"Now.", Will said. "The sooner we find him the better."

"But first, I'd like to have a talk with Her Royal Highness.", Cornelia said as she marched inside the palace.

"This should be good.", Irma said as they followed behind the angry blonde.

It didn't take Cornelia long to get to the throne room. Of course there were guards standing at doors to the throne room. But Cornelia wasn't going to let them stand in her way as she marched up to them. Once she was close enough to the doors, the Earth Guardian used her telekinesis to force the doors open and walked past the guards who were surprised by her actions. Inside the throne room were Elyon who was dressed in her royal gown and Mia who was dressed in what she normally wore, were surprised to see the doors fly open and Cornelia march in with a look of angry on her face.

"Oh boy.", Elyon said to herself.

"How dare you do what you did to Caleb?!", Cornelia snapped. "After all he's done for you and this kingdom, you go and demote him and make him stay here and away from me! How could you!?"

"Because what Caleb did a few days ago was the final straw.", Elyon said.

"The final straw?", Taranee questioned.

"Yes.", Elyon said. "Before what he did a few days ago, there was what happened up at the cabin last year. And before that there was when he brought Peter and Joel here with out bringing it past me first."

"You still on that crap!?", Irma questioned. "Let it go, Elyon!"

"I can not just let it go!", Elyon said in a tone that said she meant business.. "The soldiers have been talking and they're think that I play favorites when it comes to Caleb."

"Then they need to mind their own business!", Cornelia snapped. "What do those nobodies know?"

"Those nobodies are loyal soldiers to Meridian!", Mia said.

"The same soldiers that aided you in defending Kandrakar when you needed their help.", Elyon said. "Or have you forgotten?"

"We haven't forgotten, Elyon.", Will said. "We just feel that Caleb shouldn't be punished so harshly."

"Well I feel that it was a just punishment.", Elyon said. "Caleb needs to learn that he can't just go and do what he wants when he feels like it. And further more, I would like it if you all would request an audience with me or Princess Mia instead of barging in here when you feel like it. We may be friends, but Mia and I are rulers here"

"Her Majesty has a point.", Mia said. "If it were some other kingdom, on any world you would show them the proper respects. Would you not?"

"Yes. We would.", Will said knowing that Mia was right and they have done as such with other kingdoms on other worlds.

"The same must be done here with Elyon so others can see that she is well respected.", Mia said.

"Well respected, huh?", Cornelia questioned in a soft tone before letting out a low laugh.

"Cornelia?", Hay Lin questioned before Cornelia looked at Elyon with an icy glare.

"You sit there on that throne like you're someone important, when it was only a few years ago that you didn't even know about who you really were.", Cornelia said. "And now after all we've been through, you go and start acting all high and mighty!? Give me a break! If it weren't for us and Caleb, you wouldn't even be here right now, Your Majesty! You may have the title and the power, but if you ask me, if anyone deserves to be the ruler here, it's Cal-"

Before Cornelia could finish her sentence, Mia, who wasn't even transformed, teleported from Elyon's side and in front of her surprising Cornelia and the girls. Mia then grabbed the Earth Guardian by her top with one hand and lifted her up off her feet with a glare.

"Be careful with your next words, Earth Guardian.", Mia warned with a look that said she wasn't playing around. "For they may cost you dearly."

"Look at you standing up for your little sister.", Cornelia said with a smirk as Mia still held her up in the air. "Do you really think you can take me?"

"Would you like to find out?", Mia asked as she transformed into her Guardian form while still holding Cornelia. "I'm ready when you are.", she said with a smirk.

"Enough!", Elyonj shouted. "There will be no fighting! Mia. Please put her down."

"As you wish, Sister.", Mia said as she let Cornelia go who almost fell before catching her balance.

"As for you five, please leave.", Elyon said to the girls.

"The sooner we're out of here the better!", Cornelia snapped as she turned to leave.

"And next time request an audience with me when you come here.", Elyon said.

"Yeah, whatever.", Irma said before she and the other Guardians teleported out of the palace.

"They have a lot of nerve barging in here like they did.", Mia said as Elyon walked up to her. "And the Earth and Water Guardian need to learn more about respect."

"They were just angry.", Elyon said. "When they cool off, they'll see how wrong they were and want to make up."

"I hope you're right, Sister.", Mia said.

"So do I, Mia.", Elyon said. "So do I."

As for the girls, they were now flying in through the Great Forest in search of Caleb.

"And how do you know Rebel-Boy is here?", Irma asked.

"Because he has a cabin here.", Cornelia said. "He showed it to me once."

"Then lead the way.", Will said as they flew through the forest.

It didn't take them long to reach the cabin in question. It was a nice size cabin with a chimney that had smoke coming out of it letting them know somebody was staying there.

"Nice cabin.", Irma said. "Didn't know Caleb had one here."

"He had it built here for any rebels that couldn't get to the Infinite City and had to retreat to the Great Forest to hide.", Cornelia explained. "Now it's just a cozy little cabin we sometimes come to to be alone together.", she said with a happy smile.

"Dare I ask what you two do here?", Will asked with a playful smirk while the others giggled.

"Better yet, how do you get here to be with Caleb?", Irma questioned with a smirk.

"Caleb has Blunk come get me.", Cornelia answered. "And as for what we do here, get you minds out of the gutter. We just spend time here together.", she said as they walked up to the door of the cabin.

Cornelia knocked on the door to the cabin hoping Caleb would answer it. And to her joy he did.

"Cornelia?", Caleb questioned. "What are you doing here?"

Cornelia said nothing as she gave Caleb a loving kiss that he returned as they held onto each other.

"I missed you, too.", Caleb said as they looked each other in the eye.

"We heard about what Elyon did to you.", Taranee said as Caleb let them all inside.

"I still can't believe she demoted you like that!", Cornelia said as she sat on one of the couches in the cabin.

"Nice place you got here.", Irma said.

"Yeah! It's kind of cozy.", Hay Lin said as she sat with Irma on another couch.

"Thanks.", Caleb said as he sat next to Cornelia. "And as for what Her Majesty did, I'm kind of glad she did it."

"What!?", Cornelia questioned. "But why? You deserve you knighthood after all that you have done for her and all of Meridian."

"Perhaps.", Caleb said. "But being out here for the last few days has given me time to think about what Her Majesty has said."

"What do you mean?", Will asked.

"About where my loyalties lie.", Caleb said. "With Meridian or with you five."

"That's crazy!", Hay Lin said. "Of course your loyalties lie with Meridian."

"They always have.", Taranee said.

"Do they?", Caleb questioned. "If my loyalties truly lied with Meridian, then I would have asked Her Majesty if we could tell Joel and Peter about her and Meridian last year. And I wouldn't have tried to use Angelo's Battle Warrior ring when we went up to that cabin which put all of us in danger. Including Her Majesty. And if my loyalties truly lied with Meridian, then I wouldn't have snuck off to Earth a few days ago and brought you five along with Matt, Peter, and Joel to that ship not knowing if it was safe for you to go on it. Perhaps my loyalties no longer lie with Meridian."

"Oh Caleb.", Cornelia said as she hugged Caleb.

"It's okay, Cornelia.", Caleb said. "I may not be loyal to Meridian right now, but I want them to again. And to do that, we have to do what we agreed to do with Rubis. Elyon may be a good queen, but Meridian needs someone who will be there for the kingdom 24/7. Maybe then I'll feel more loyal to Meridian again. Cause right now, I fear for my homeland."

"Then we know what we have to do.", Will said. "And with that we bring good news. Danny and Uriah are in."

"Good.", Caleb said. "Now we just have to wait for Rubis to return and go from there."

"And while we wait, we go and collect some Mystic Battle Warrior energy.", Irma said.

"Then let's get to work.", Cornelia said. "The sooner we do this the better."

"I would go with you, but..."

"We know, Baby. We know.", Cornelia said before kissing Caleb. "We'll be back and with the energy we need.", she said as Will opened a fold to Earth.

"Good luck.", Caleb said as the girls headed through the fold.

Once through the fold, Will closed it and the five of them headed to the Silver Dragon to get something to eat.

"You know something?", Taranee questioned. "Part of me is wondering why Kandrakar hasn't acted against us in all of this."

"You have a point there.", Irma said.

"Maybe they see that what we're doing is a good thing.", Hay Lin said with a smile.

"Of course we're doing a good thing.", Cornelia said. "If we pull this off, everyone wins. Meridian get a better ruler. Elyon gets to live something of a normal life with Angelo. And we get to take credit for it."

"What if Elyon feels like we betrayed her?", Will questioned.

"It'll be a while, but she'll see that we did what we did for her.", Cornelia said. "Trust me on this, Will. We're doing the right thing."

"Let's hope so.", Will said. "Cause if not, all of this will blow up in our faces, big time.", she said as they made their way to the Silver Dragon.

Now back on Metamoor, in the Meridian Kingdom, we have Miranda who has been helping Vathek with his duties in the Infinite City Prison. She had been doing her job well and learned much from Vathek. As for Vathek, he's been happy to have someone who's been okay with being down there to help.

"I have to admit it, Miranda.", Vathek said. "You have been a very good assistant here."

"Thanks.", Miranda said with a small smile. "After all I've done, I figured that I needed to do something to make amends."

"Don't talk like that, child.", Vathek said as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "I'll admit that I had my doubts at first, but I am glad that I was wrong about you. You, Miranda, have more than made up for your past crimes. We all trust you and see you as one of us. A loyal citizen of the Meridian Kingdom.", he said making Miranda smile as her eyes began to water. "Never forget that."

"Thank you.", Miradna said bringing a smile to Vathek's face as well.

"You're welcome, Miranda..", Vathek said as his stomach began to growl a bit. "Looks like I could use something to eat. Mind keeping watch over our prisoners while I go get us something to eat?"

"You can count on me!", Miranda said with a salute getting a grin out of Vathek as he left to go get him and her something to eat.

Once Vathek was gone, Cedric let out a small laugh which got Miranda's attention.

"And what's so funny?", Miranda asked.

"You are.", Cedric said with a smirk. "You go and pretend to be a good little girl when deep down we both know that you're just playing the game."

"Game?", Miranda questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"He means tha game of being loyal to the ones in power.", Phobos said. "A very wise choice indeed."

"But sooner or later, you will be exposed for the fraud you are.", Nerissa said from her cell. "So enjoy your freedom while you can, child. For it won't last long."

"You're wrong, witch! You all are!", Miranda snapped. "I have changed! I've seen the error of my ways and have become a better person. I have true friends that trust me. And I will not betray that trust. Never!"

"You say that now.", Avis said. "But I'm willing to bet that if we were to escape and if you were pushed into a corner, you'd join us in a heartbeat."

"You'd be wrong, Avis!", Miranda said. "I'd stick by my friend and fight you all!"

"So brave now that you're on the other side of these bars.", Nerissa said. "I would be too if I were you. You were even bold enough to take something close to your true form."

"But I only liked two of your forms.", Cedric said with a smirk. "Your child-like form because it shows your true personality of being a weak little girl. And your spider-like form you take to mask your fear and weakness.", he said as his smirk grew. "This teenage girl form only mask who you truly are, Miranda. In time you will see that."

"You're wrong.", Miranda said. "I took this, form because I have become stronger as a person on the inside, Cedric. I'm no longer your little puppet you can turn to for your sick pleasures. You never loved me. You just saw me as someone you could have your way with. But not anymore. Not ever."

"Tough talk, little girl.", Phobos said. "I wonder if you would talk like that if we were to escape."

"Ignore them, Miranda.", came the voice of someone she never thought would come to her defence. "They're just trying to get under your skin."

"Frost?", Miranda questioned.

"Silence, you fool!", Cedric snapped. "Who's side are you on!?"

"Not yours.", Frost said. "You should have learned that when I didn't escape with you last time."

"Traitor!", Phobos yelled. "You shall pay for your betrayal!"

"Tough talk from your cell, oh Fallen Prince.", Frost said with a smirk. "By I intend on serving my sentence so I can walk out of here a free man one day. And when that happens, I plan on returning to my home village to start over."

"I wish you luck on that, Frost.", Miranda said with a smile.

Frost simply nodded to Miranda as he sat in his cell. As for Miranda she stood her post keeping watch of the other prisoners. But what she and the prisoners didn't know was that someone overheard everything. And he was a proud Galhot knowing how Miranda stood up to her former allies. And was quite impress with what Frost said as well.

'Good for you, Miranda.', Vathek said in his mind with a smile as he went to get himself and Miranda something to eat. 'You have truly come a long way. And there may be hope for you yet, Frost.', he thought with a smile as he made his way to the palace.

Four days.

In four days the trials of Queen Elyon Escanor of the Meridian Kingdom will begin. Trials in which Angelo Vanders, Martin Tubbs, Nigel Ashcroft, Eric Lydon, and Cassidy Chacon will be working with Vathek, Raythor, and Drake of the Honor Guard in testing the young queen to see if she is truly ready to be queen of the Meridian Kingdom. Each of them knows what they have planned for Elyon and will not drive away from their plan. But right now, three of our testers have something to deal with right now.

Their girlfriends.

"What's going on, Irma?", Martin asked his girlfriend.

"I just wanted to talk to you.", Irma said in an innocent tone.

"We all do.", Taranee said to Nigel as she stood with Irma and Hay Lin.

"Is that so wrong?", Hay Lin asked her boyfriend.

"No.", Eric said. "But we were going over our plans for the trials."

"Which is kind of important.", Nigel said to Taranee.

"We know.", Taranee said. "Which is why we wanted to talk to you guys."

"About the trials?", Martin questioned. "You know that we can't tell you about what we have planned."

"We know, Sweetie.", Irma said as she drew a circle on Martin's chest. "But we figured that if you were to let us help you, it would make it easier on you."

"Sorry, Irma, but with what we have planned, we won't be needing your help.", Martin said.

"But we can be a big help!", Taranee said.

"Not in this, Taranee.", Nigel said. "We already got it all planned out."

"But..."

"Do you trust me, Taranee?", Nigel asked Taranee as he held her hands.

"Nigel...", Taranee began to say.

"Do you trust me?", Nigel asked again as he looked her in the eyes.

The Fire Guardian couldn't help but smile at him as she saw the look in his eyes.

"Yes.", Taranee said as she and Nigel held hands.

"What about you, Hay Lin?", Eric asked his girlfriend.

"But I want to help!", Hay Lin whined. "I really do! Please let me help, Eric.", she said with pleading eyes.

"I'm sorry, Hay Lin, but I have it all under control.", Eric said. "I just wish you would see that."

"I do.", Hay Lin said. "It's just that I was hoping that this could be something we could do together."

"I know, Hay Lin. I know.", Eric said.

"So why won't you let me help you!?", Hay Lin questioned getting upset with Eric.

"Because this is something I have to do myself.", Eric said. "Try to understand that, Hay Lin. Please."

"I just want to help.", Hay Lin said in a sad tone as she turned away from Eric.

"I wish you would understand.", Eric said. "Maybe when you see what happens, you'll understand."

"What about you?", Irma asked Martin. "Do you not want my help as well?"

"Sorry, Irma.", Martin said. "But I got all the help I need."

"Wait! You have other people helping you and I'm not one of them!?", Irma questioned. "What's up with that, oh boyfriend of mine!?"

"You'll see during the trials.", Martin said.

"Can you at least tell me who you have helping you?", Irma asked.

"Sorry, but no.", Martin said.

"And why not?", Irma asked.

"Because I know you, Irma Lair.", Martin said with a smirk. "I tell you who's helping me and you'll go and try talking them into getting me to let you help somehow.", he said to which Irma let out a fake gasp. "Tell me I'm wrong."

Irma was about to say something but didn't for she knew that he was right. She would try to find a way to get involved. So she said nothing. It was then that Will and Cornelia came up to them.

"Girls! We have a mission!", Will said.

"What kind of mission?", Taranee asked.

"Some peace talks among some worlds.", Cornelia said. "At least that's what Kadma tells us."

"Right now?", Taranee questioned.

"No.", Will said. "In four days. The Oracle wants us to go with Kadma and Grandpa Joe to provide protection for them."

"Why us and not Angelo and the guys?", Irma questioned.

"I asked the same thing.", Cornelia said. "The Oracle said that it would be best if we went. Something about who we are will help things go along more smoothly."

"Looks like you got lucky.", Irma said to Martin.

"I don't see it that way.", Martin said. "It wasn't meant for you to help with the trials for you are needed elsewhere."

"I guess you have a point there.", Irma said before giving Martin a kiss that he returned. "Good luck with the trials. Even though you won't have me and my skills to help.", she said with a wink and smile.

"I'm sure I'll manage.", Martin said with a grin.

"Good luck.", Taranee said to Nigel with a smile.

"Thanks. You too.", Nigel said before they shared a kiss.

"Hay Lin?", Eric questioned hoping that she would be understanding.

Hay Lin said nothing as she turned to face Eric with a smile that Eric returned before they shared a kiss.

"I'm sorry.", Hay Lin said softly.

"I know.", Eric said as they held each other close. "You just want to help."

"But you don't need it.", Hay Lin said. "I understand that now."

"Thanks.", Eric said as they pressed foreheads together.

"Did we miss something?", Cornelia asked Will.

"I have no idea.", Will said as they watched the three couples make up. "No idea at all."

But what Martin, Nigel, and Eric didn't notice was the rings their girlfriends had on. The same rings that Caleb got from Mage's home. And once the girls touched their boyfriends with said rings, they got the Mystic Battle Warrior energy they needed. Things were going the way they were planning. All that was left was to get Mystic Battle Warrior energy from the other Mystic Battle Warriors.

Three down. Five to go.

A/N: Talk about drama. Caleb gets demoted. Cornelia snaps at Elyon and almost feels the wrath of Mia. Miranda becomes stronger on the inside and earns more of Vatheks respect. Frost is beginning to make a changed that Vathek notices. And after a brief argument, with their boyfriends, Irma, Taranee, and Hay Lin get the Battle Warrior energy they needed from them. Talk about sneaky. Who knows how the girls and Matt will get the other Battle Warrior energy. But somehow they'll get it. See ya next chapter!

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