Disclaimer: I do not own W.I.T.C.H. This is a work of fan fiction.

Season Three Episode Twenty: "Enemy of my Enemy" Chapter Three

Cole and Anthony stood facing the Guardians in a cave on Shell Beach. Irma, trying to think fast, stepped forward and waved her arms. "Ooo… You're dreaming…." She said.

"Cut the crap Lair." Cole said. "I want answers. And frankly, so does Judas' father." He said as he motioned toward Anthony.

"You're Judas' dad?" Hay Lin said. 'Sir, I'm so sorry for what's happened, I can't imagine how you feel."

"Listen girls, I don't know what this is about. But I don't think you're to blame. In fact, I kind of think you really want to help." Cole looked at Will. "Guardians. That's what you said right? It sounds like a good thing. If I'm right about that, then help me out here."

Anthony said "Yes, please… I want my son back."

Into the telepathic link, Cornelia thought "Okay girls, I'm going to be very calm here… WHAT DO WE DO?"

Will answered "We do this: Miranda, give Irma as much of a boost as you can without a noticeable blue glow. Irma, mind-game times. Let them remember meeting 'the Guardians' and what we'll tell them about Varthan and the Dominators, but not who we are or any details that could lead them to figuring us out."

"I'll try," Irma answered, "but I wish Cass was here to copy me and help out."

"Hang on, are we sure it's wise to even let them remember about us as Guardians?"

"I think we have to." Will said. "For one thing, it's like Xan Jing told me in that vision: people are gonna find out sooner or later. And for another thing… Look at Judas' dad. This is tearing him apart, not knowing what's happened to his son…"

Cornelia sighed. "Alright. Irma, make double sure you don't miss anything." Turning their attention back to the two adults, the Guardians gave a condensed version of the truth, editing out any details that could be used to identify them.

When they were finished, Cole said "That's quite a story. And I think maybe I buy it. Maybe. So if what you say is true, what do we need to do? How do we save these kids and get rid of this Prince Garix?"

"And why Judas?" Anthony asked. "Why did they choose my son, out of all the kids in the world they could have gone for instead?"

"I don't think there's much you can do." Taranee said. "In the end, this is kinda our job."

"And as for why Queen Neera chose the kids she did… I'm sorry sir, but we honestly don't know. Maybe it was random."

"Random." Anthony mused. "No. No, I can't lie to myself. I know why my boy was chosen. He's been falling for a long time, getting angrier, more withdrawn, more full of hate. I lost him a long time ago."

Hay Lin stepped forward, put a hand on the Captain's shoulder. "He's not lost for good."

"Can you be sure? I can't. It started when his mother died. He was too young at the time to understand that she didn't have a choice. He felt like she abandoned him, and he was angry at her. Then, as he got older, he never let go of that rage. He just spread it out to the rest of the world. And now I fear he's gone forever."

Miranda said "Sir, let me tell you a story. I'm not from here, not from earth." Cole and Anthony stared at her when she revealed that. "Where I'm from, my people have enemies that are very prejudiced towards us. When I was four years old, some of them attacked my family's village. I was the only survivor. My mother… well, I won't tell you how she saved me, it'd be too much for you to take in on top of everything else. She died in the act of saving me, though."

"Anyway," Miranda continued, "After that, I grew up angry, hateful, sad. Just like Judas, but worse. I was lost like he is, until I found friends who helped me see the good in the world, in other people… in me. If I could go from what I was to what I am, if I could be saved, anyone can. Don't give up."

Anthony stood up straighter, composed himself. "Thank you young lady."

Cole asked "Are you certain there's nothing the police or military can do to help?"

"The biggest help you can give us," Taranee said, "Is to pass on the word that we're on your side, so hopefully no one starts shooting at us."

"Also, in addition to us, there's a big guy with black wings and a pair that look kind of like werewolves. The Regents of Earth. They're on our side too." Will said.

Cole glanced over at Anthony. "I can't speak for the army, but I will pass on the word to my superiors, along with my opinion that you're on the level."

"I'll do the same," Anthony said, "though like Detective Cole I can't make any promises."

Cole and Anthony started to leave, then Cole turned back. "One more thing girls. I know it doesn't really matter anymore, but I hate not knowing. Back when my partner and I were investigating Elyon's disappearance, and then she showed back up out of nowhere… What was really going on?"

"I'm from the same world as Miranda." Elyon explained. "My adoptive parents bought me to earth as a baby to keep me safe from my older brother who wanted to kill me. When I disappeared for a while, it was because I was back in Meridian, dealing with him."

"Why would your own brother want to kill you?" Anthony asked.

"Because he wanted the throne for himself and couldn't get it without eliminating the rightful heir." Irma said.

Cole was finally dumbfounded. "Throne?" he repeated. "Then Elyon is…" he started laughing. "Ah, why the heck not? It's no worse than the rest of it."

Watching the men leave, the girls hoped they had made the right choice. Then Alchemy said "Miranda? Forgive me, and don't answer, if it's too personal, but how did your mother save you?" Everyone looked at her. Clearly Alchemy had simply expressed the question they all had on their minds.

"It's okay Al. I only didn't tell them because bringing shape shifting in on top of everything else seemed like piling too much on them." Miranda said. "As for what happened… She knew they were coming. There were too many to fight and no time to run. So, she turned into a creature called a Marid. It's basically Meridian's equivalent of an elephant. She turned into one, with me inside, too far inside for the Hillbourne's swords to reach me. They wounded her, mortally wounded, and moved on. Then after they were gone, she used the last of her strength to turn back and release me."

"Wow." Irma said.

"Yeah." Cornelia agreed. "Okay let's do what we came here to do, then maybe we can head to the Dragon for a snack. I'm starved."