Here's episode three.

Episode Three - Folding Trouble

Takeda sat in his office. His desk had been returned to its original place. He was writing quickly on a sheet of paper. The machine had been destroyed. He had teams of scientists and engineers work tirelessly around the clock.

The phone on his desk rang. Takeda reached for it and lifted the receiver. "This is Takeda, he stated." He stated blatantly.

"Mr Takeda. It's Raphael Sylla. You told me to call you if there were any developements." Sylla said. "Well I have some information you may want to know."

Takeda straightened up a little. "I'm listening, Sylla."

"Well I'm here at Sheffield. The meter showed a fifty percent rise in energy levels since yesterday." Sylla said.

Takeda was now deeply intrigued. "Do you have any idea what could have caused the sudden rise?"

"Actually, Sir. I think It has something to do with the sudden return of an old student. The spike came as soon as she arrived." Sylla said.

"Keep me posted." Takeda said.

"Will do sir." Sylla was about to hang up when he heard Takeda's voice come again.

"Oh and Sylla...Thank You." No sooner than he had finished speaking, Takeda hung up.

The snow had began to thaw as February approached. Students, were still dressed for what little snow was left. Elyon and Irma were sitting in the courtyard.

"So, How does it feel to be back...Again?" Irma asked Elyon.

"It feels great. I mean, being royalty isn't everythig it's made out to be." Elyon sighed.

"Yeah. The Royals in England don't actually have any power. The monarchy their had its power removed over four hundred years ago. Basically the royal family there is a tourist attraction. The Queen can't even declare laws there." Irma stated.

Elyon was staring at her. Suprised that Irma knew so much about the topic. "Where did you hear all that from."

"Stephen told me." Irma told her.

"Who?"

"Oh that's right you haven't been here. Stephen's my boyfriend. He's like the hottest nerd ever." Irma said dreamily.

"Wow. He sounds great." Elyon said sounding slightly jealous.

"What's up babe?" Irma asked noting her tone.

"It's just that you guys all have someone. And I'm still single." Elyon told her.

"Oh, sorry." Irma scratched the back of her jead feeling a bit tactless.

"No it's not your fault. Ruling a kingdom and being trapped in a crystal kinda limits dating oppourtunities." Elyon joked.

"Well we're gonna fix that. Irma said. "Gimme a sec." Irma said before tapping into the psychic link. 'Girls, we got a task at hand.'

The other girls responded to the call. All at the same time.

'Yeah, I'm a bit busy right now...IN DETENTION.' Cornelia responded.

'I'm tring to work on a painting Irma, make this quick.' Hay Lin said.

'Irma, I'm studying for the history test next week.' Taranee sounded nervous.

'OKAY STOP ALL TALKING AT ONCE!' Irma thought to her friends. 'Taranee you're ready for the test and you'll pass so stop worrying, Hay Lin the painting can wait for a day or two and Cornelia, it's your own fault you got detention. Anyone who spends an hour trying to pick out a scarf that matches every item of clothing they have on should start buying more stuff that matches.'

Irma could her Cornelia mentally grumbling.

'Okay, Irma. So what's the emergency.' Will's voice came across the link. She was the only one who didn't sound stressed out.

'Okay. So I'm with Elyon and she seems a bit...lonely.'

'Lonely how?' Will asked.

'Lovesick Lonely.'

'I see where this is going.' Will said sounding slightly worried.

'Elyon's missed out a lot of dating oppourtunities, so we're going to help find her a boy.' Hay Lin said. The could hear the smile in her voice

'Great, I just bought this new outfit and...' Cornelia's thought were cut off by Irma.

'Cornelia, not every occasion requires a new outfit.' Irma could hear Cornelia grumbling again.

'Okay so we all try to help.' Taranee said.

'I'm out.' Will stated.

'What do you mean "You're out", Will?' Cornelia yelled at her mentally.

'Sorry I have a policy of not interfering with anyone's love life anymore. I tried to stop my mom dating Dean , even though he makes her really happy. And I accused him of being a monster from Meridian. I accused my Dad's fiancé of being Nerissa. And to top it all off I accused Matt of cheating on me with with Mandy. So I'm out." Will stated.

'Yeah, okay. So everyone who isn't a totally lousy judge of character is helping." Irma joked.

'Hey!" Will yelled.

'She's joking Will. We understand.' Taranee said.

The psychic link went down. Irma looked towards Elyon who now looked a little annooyed "Problem?" Irma asked.

"I hate it when you all go psychic. I feel left out." Elyon laughed a little.

"Sorry babe. I'll try to get the Oracle to patch us through. Then you'll be on mental speed dial."

Takeda was back in the lab where the scientists were recronstructing the Machine that they were using to try and make folds. Many smaller models were around the room as well as computer screens showing designs schematics, and predicted outcomes of the machines use.

Robinson entered the room. He came to the stoood with Takeda overlooking the construction. "We are making some progress." Robinson stated trying to sound optimistic. Takeda merely nodded in response. "For what it's worth...I'm sorry for what happened last time.

Takeda turned to Robinson. "I should have seen it coming..." Takeda grunted "...Its a good thing though that no one was hurt." He sounded genuinely sincere.

"Yes, that would have been very damaging to the company." Robinson stated.

Takeda didn't reply to that comment. A blonde woman walked beside the pair. "Excuse me, Mr Takeda. You may want to examine the figures." She said holding a clipboard towards him. Takeda took the clipboard and flip over the page. "As you can see sir. The machine is nearly one hundred percent mechanically sound, It is now only has a one in one thousand chance of falling apart...in worst case scenario...exploding."

Takeda handed the clipboard back to her. "When will we be able to conduct the next test?"

"With a bit of luck...Tonight." The woman answered.

"Thank You Mrs Carlin." Takeda said. "That will be all."

In Downtown Heatherfield. The girls, minus Will we're at the Mall with Elyon. They had each different ways for Elyon to try and meet a new boy.

"Okay Elyon, You're no strager to the fact that a great way to get a boy to notice you is with a new outfit."

"Cornelia that is your solution to everything." Irma quipped sarcastically.

"You make that sound like a bad thing." Cornelia scolded Irma.

"Well, it has been a while since I've been shopping. I guess it couldn't hurt." Elyon said, making her way over to one of the racks, and started flicking through items of clothing.

Will was at home sitting in the living room, with a book open on her lap. The front door opened and her mother walked into the room followed, by Dean. the two were laughing. Susan caught sight of Will and attempted to compose herself. "Will. I didn't think you'd be home."

Will glanced up from her book. "Huh...Oh Hi, Mom...Dean. Yeah the girls are out trying to help Elyon to find a boyfriend..."

"Are you...Studying?" Susan asked sounding totally shocked.

"Yeah there's a History test next week." Will replied not looking away from the book.

"Good to see your taking it seriously." Dean stated jokingly. Will didn't respond.

Dean and Susan looked at each other. "Will why aren't you out with your friends?"

Wil got up from her spot and made her way down the hall to her room. "Let me know when dinner is ready." Will disappeared into her room. The door could be heard closing behind her.

"Well that was...odd." Dean said to Susan.

"It sure was. Something must be wrong." Susan replied. "There's only one thing to do when she's like this." Susan walked over and picked up the phone and dialled a number. "Hi Mr Olsen...I'm fine. Is Matt there by any chance.

Back at the mall, The girls just walked out of the cloting boutique. "Okay Elyon. You got the outfit, and we got a place where you can meet some guys." Cornelia said.

"Yeah. We're going to a dance hall tonight. Some local bands are playing. And there's gonna be lots of boys around our age." Taranee told her.

"We'll be right there with you to make sure everything goes off without a hitch." Hay Lin said.

"And we're coming alone. The beaus are haninging out together." Irma pitched in. "Let's just hope Matt taught Caleb enough about football."

"Thanks you guys." Elyon said. She was glad that her friends were trying so hard to help. But she was worried that it may be all for nothing. "Hey where's Will."

"Oh...Uh...Will couldn't make it." Cornelia began to lie. "She...Umm..."

"She said she didn't want to help." Hay Lin blurted out.

"What? Why?" Elyon sounded almost offended.

"Don't take it personally. Will just doesn't like getting involved in other people's private lives." Taranee said.

"Yep. Led to quite a few misunderstandings." Irma said.

"Oh...I didn't know Should've invite her to come out with us."

"I think she wants to be alone for a while. She's shut dow the psychic link on her end and isn't answering calls or texts." Taranee said.

"I hope she's all right." Elyon said.

"Thanks for coming over Matt." Susan said leading him into the living room.

"Hey, No problem. Mrs Vandom." Matt replied.

"Matt, you're making me feel so old. Call me Susan." Will's mother replied.

"Uh...Okay, Susan." Matt smiled a little awkwardly. "So what's the problem?"

"It's Will. She's been in her room since I got home. She came out for to get dinner but never said a word."

"Wow. I guess I should go talk to her." Matt said.

"Thanks. You can get her to talk about anything." Susan told him. I know she's hiding things from me but. I also know she'll tell me when she's ready to."

"Okay. I'll do what I can " Matt Made his way down the hall to Will's door. He knocked on the door. "Will? Can I come in?"

The faint sound of Will's voice came from the other side of the door. "It's open."

Matt turned the handle and pushed the door open and found Will lying on her bed. Curled up in a fetal position, Clutching one of her many stuffed frogs. "You okay?"

"Just Dandy." Will blatantly lied.

"I can tell that's not true. So what's up." Matt said. He Sat on the bed beside her and rubbed her arm. Will felt goosebumps where Matt touched her arm. She rolled over to face Matt. Matt noticed that here eyes were puffy and bloodshot. An obvious sign that she had been crying.

Will leaned up and threw her arms around Matt. She began to cry again. Matt just cradled her in his arms. He looked towards the door and saw Susan standing there. She merely nodded at Matt, she closed the door to let them be alone.

The Machine was being powered up for another test. Takeda stood watch. Robinson, stood by his side holding a device that was monitoring the machine. "We'll commence the test on your command Takeda." Robinson said.

Takeda nodded again. "Let's hope that there isn't a repeat of last time. We can't afford any more mistakes. "

Robinson nodded. "I understand."

Takeda looked at the machine. "Everyone, Get to a safe distance." Before activating the machine. Everyone in the office headed to the safe zones throughout the room. "Begin the test."

The Machine began to whir as once again it powered up. The farmiliar look of electricity surged throught the circular arch. It became more and more intense until the bolts of electricity all connected in the centre.

Everyone's eye's grew wide as the Electricity began to rip the air open. And there in plain sight was a forest. everyone left the safe zones and walked towards the machine. They had succeeded in opening a fold.

Takeda was astounded. Months of hardwork had finally achieved the goal. He walked towards the machine. He was astounded when something emerged from the other side.

A large blue humanoid creature emerged from the fold. "Where is this? Who has summoned me." It said in a deep man's voice.

Takeda approached the creature, "Greetings. I am Takeda. You are on Earth." Takeda said being as civil as he could despite his shock.

"I am said Earth? Are you allies of the Guardians?" Vathek asked However before Takeda could answer him Robinson yelled.

"Detain the creature." Robinson called out. Several men charged towards the creature with Stun Batons charged at him. They began to attack Vathek who cried out in pain as they hit him but he fought back knock several of the men flying.

"Robinson, What are you doing?" Takeda yelled.

"We need to know where he is from. We need to know what he does...Particularly on the Guardians."

Vathek struck back and knock the last guard onto his back. He charged for the door that led to the stairs.

"CUT OFF HIS ESCAPE!" Robinson yelled.

From the other side of the portal Blunk watched what was going on. "Blunk must warn girls." He whipped out his tonga tooth and opened another fold. To the silver dragon to ask Yan Lin for help.

The girls were in the small venue that the gig was playing. They all sat at a table. The bands were fairly good, but none of them were original and seemed fairly unexperienced. And most of the boys that we're their weren't Elyon's type.

"Elyon we're really sorry." Cornelia said. "We were told this was a hot spot for teenagers."

"Yeah, I was here with Eric before. It was good that time." Hay Lin said.

"Don't worry about it you guys." Elyon said.

"Maybe we should just go and get someting to eat." Taranee said.

"I'm buying. This whole crummy night was my idea." Irma said as they made their way to the door.

They left the building and made their way to the Silver Dragon. They cut through the alleyway to cut some time off their Journey. The back door opened and Yan Lin stood waiting. "Girls! We have a problem. Vathek is on Earth and he's being hunted."

Blunk appeared at her heals. "Vathek came through a fold. Thought he was being summoned. Big man try to be nice. But Baldy was mean. They attacked with Lightning."

"Vathek?" Elyon panicked.

"Fold?" Taranee said.

"Big Man?" Hay Lin Yelled

"Lightning?" Cornelia repeated.

"Baldy?" Irma yelled. The slightest hint of humour in her voice.

"We gotta get help. Elyon you go get Will. " Yan Lin said. Elyon nodded and dissappeared in a flash of light. "Cornelia call Caleb."

"I'm on it." Cornelia said whipping her phone out of her jacket pocket.

Will finally calmed down. Though she still clung to Matt. Matt didn't mind. He was glad he could be there for her. "Ready to talk?" He asked. he could feel her nodding. She pushed herself back from him so she could look her in the eyes. "So what's up?"

Will took a deep breath before speaking. "Irma said earlier that I was a terrible judge of character. And she's right."

"What. No your not." Matt said trying to be reassuring.

"I am. I accused both of my parents of dating monsters, literally. I accused you of cheating on me...And...and...I don't think I'm able to be leader of the guardians."Will said.

"Will. You're not a terrible judge of character. Anyone can be wrong. And the fact that you can admit that make you a better person.I mean, If I can survive being Shagon, You can survive this. And I'm pretty sure Irma was only joking."

Will rubbed her eyes as she took in his words. "You're right." She said.

"I know." Matt said. "That's why I said it."

Will smiled as she wrapped her arms around him again and held him tight.

The door was knocked very quickly. Susan opened the door to reveal Elyon. "Hi, Elyon. It's nice to see you again."

"Hi Mrs Vandom. I need to speak with Will, It's urgent...Is she here." Elyon asked.

"Yeah. But she's been pretty quiet." Susan Replied. "Matt's been in there with her for about half an hour. Maybe he's got her talking. Go ahead in."

"Thanks." Elyon said rushing past her. She found Will's door and knocked quickly.

Will opened the door. "Elyon? What're you doing here?"

"We got a problem. Someone opened a fold and know Vathek is being chased by someone." Elyon said as fast as she could.

Will nodded. She pulled on a pair of shoes. The trio made their way out the door in a hurry. leaving Susan confused at their sudden departure. Once outside the door they teletransported back to the alley way behind the Silver Dragon.

The rest of the Guardians were there with Caleb and Blunk. Will pulled out the Heart of Kandrkar. "GUARDIANS UNITE!" She yelled. The Energy of the Aurameres surrounded them transforming them.

Matt's body glowed as an electrical aura surounded his body. He transformed into his regent form of Shagon.

"Elyon, take Blunk and Caleb. and search the alleys. Cornelia, feel vibrations in the Earth and tray to figure out which ones are likely to be Vatheks footsteps. We'll search from above." Will said taking flight and leaving. Irma, Taranee, Hay Lin and Matt followed her.

"Right. Blunk sniff him out." Elyon said.

"Blunk Smell blue man. This way." Blunk took off on all fours, Elyon and Blunk Followed him.

In the air the girls paused for a minute. Will turned to the group. "Hay Lin listen for the sound of Vathek's voice."

"Roger." Hay Lin said listening intently as the sound was carried through the air to his ears. "I can't hear his voice. But I can here breathing that's either his or Grandma's."

Cornelia's voice came over the psychic link. 'Guy's he's near downtown. He's being chased by about 20 people.'

"Let's go." Will said before taking off towards Downtown.

Vathek was running as fast as he could. He knew he couldn't keep running. But He also knew he couldn't stop. He turned a corner and continued running. He saw a wall. I was too tall for him to climb. He was trapped. He turned around and saw the men advance on him. He prepared himself to fight back.

As they approached him they're stun batons charged up...And Suddenly overloaded. The men all looked confused as the batons all short circuited.

"Sorry boys but 20 against one isn't fair." Will said "Let's even the odds." She sent a large bolt of electricity towards one of the men. It was easily capable of both stunning him and knocking him back several feet.

The Guards turned their attention to the girls who had just arrvived. They charged at them. Hay Lin spun around causing a small tornado. The Guards close enough were knocked into the walls and knocked out.

The guards panicked as they had halved in number. They attempted another charge. Irma laughed at their efforts. "Sorry boys that's not gonna cut it." She snapped her fingers and a manhole cover flew out of place a jet of water sending it flying into the air. The water hit the remaining guards like a brick wall, washing them to the other side of the Alleyway.

Matt flew down and grabbed Vathek. "Time to go pal." He rose up into the air and flew away. Vathek in tow. He tore open a fold and flew through it to Meridian.

The girls stopped as the guards had all been knocked out. Several of them attmpted to get up. However they soon found themselves wrapped in vines unable to move. Cornelia floated down to the ground. "Sorry I'm late."

"Well at least you showed up."Irma said. "You care too much about being fashionably late."

"More importantly..." Taranee said. "Isn't it a problem that the guards have seen our faces."

"No sweat." Will said. " I cast a glamour before we got here. They're gonna be looking for some very interesting looking people."

Everybody began to laugh. However a voice cut through the laughter.

'Well done girls.' The voice came.

They all hurredly looked around. "Who's there?" Will called out.

'There isn't exacly accurate Miss Vandom.' Will gasped at the mention of her name. 'As for who. You'll all find out soon enough.'

"Will, whoever it is is psychic. He's communicating through our thoughts." Taranee told her.

'Very astute observation skills. Miss Cook.'

'What do you wan't?' Will asked him.

'That isn't yet any of your concern. What you need to know is, I know everything about you. And your little illusions can't hide you from me. I saw you fight the snake-man and I saw what you did tonight. I'm watching you girls.'

'Who are you?' Irma mentally bellowed at the unknown person.

He remained silent for several moments. 'For now you may call me "Riddle."' He then went silent.

They girls looked at eachother. They had found the threat the Oracle was talking about. However they still had no idea wo he was. But he could open folds, and had an Army at his disposal. One thing was for sure. He was dangerous.

Takeda was fuming at Robinson. Had he not provoked the creature Vathek, they may have learned more. This was a major setback for his plans. Robinson entered the room. Takeda stormed towards him. "You lost a asset. He could have helped." Takeda fumed. He was severely tempted to hit Robinson.

"Takeda. Calm down." Robinson said. Immidiately Takeda began to ease up.

"You lost the creature. And we have no Idea where it was from."

"Takeda, think positive. We now know the machine works." Robinson stated.

"That is true...We can always try again." Takeda said examining the machine. "We'll have to be prepared for such creatures."

"The fowl beast is gone now. We lost him." He's no longer on this planet I presume." Robinson said sounding disappointed.

"I do not understand where you get fowl from. He seemed civillised...Even intelligent. You musnt judge based on outward appearance." Takeda said running his hand along the shiny surface of the steel frame of the machine which had brought Vathek to Earth.

"You are right. As always." Robinson said. "We will need to wait before attempting this again. To prepare."

Takeda nodded and made is way to the exit. "We better be prepared soon. We have a lot of worlds to visit."

Matt landed near the Palace. He placed Vathek on solid ground.

"Thank you, Matt." Vathek said.

Matt transformed back into his normal form before he replied. "No problem big guy. Part of the job description." Matt laughed.

"I thought I was being summoned. Perhaps Elyon needed me. I was a fool."He hung his head in shame."

"Hey, it's not your fault." Matt said. "Anyone can be wrong."

Vathek smiled. "You are wise. Perhaps smarter than the Guardians."

"Well I don't know about that." Matt chuckled. "Hey, who made the fold anyway."

Vathek thought for a moment. "I do not know. I cannot remember his name. But whoever it was, wasn't the one that sent them after me. I remeber hearing him yell. Then I was attack. I ran after that. I'm sorry I can't be of more help to you."

"Don't worry about it." Matt tore a fold open and began to walk through it.

"Wait Matt." Vathek called. Matt turned to listen to him. "One thing I can tell you is that I seen a device like the one he used before. It was identical to the giant ring Phobos used to transport the castle to Kandrakar."

Matt was now very worried. Whoever they were dealing with had seen the other worlds before. That made this person, completely unpredictable.

The next day at Sheffield the girls were standing by their lockers. "So someone knows." Irma said trying no to sound morbid.

"So what do we do now?" Hay Lin asked.

"Nothing yet." Will said. "Whoever he is he's smart. He knows who we are, about the otherworlds, folds. and He knows who we are. "

"Will's got a point. He's trying to blackmail us...I think." Cornelia said.

"Well not blackmail but...something" Taranee replied.

"And all we have to go on is Riddle. Seriously somene has watched way too much Batman." Irma said sarcastically.

"So for know let's just wait." Will told them closing her locker. "Anyway, Elyon I'm sorry I didn't help with the boy hunt last night."

"Don't worry about it." Elyon smiled." It was a total failure anyway. I better get to class." She turned around and headed for the corner. She failed to see someone rounding the corner at the same time. They bumped into each other causing both of them to fall back. "Sorry. I didn't see you the..." Elyon stopped mid scentence.

"Don't worry about it." The other person was a boy with longish dark brown hair, fair skin and eyes that were a cross of blue, grey and green. He Picked up her books and extended a hand to help her off the ground.

"Thanks. I'm Elyon." Elyon said blushing slightly. She took his hand and he helped her up.

"Nice to meet you. Name's Ryan." He smiled at her. He also seed to be blushing.

"Well. looks like we didn't need to bother after all." Irma said.

"I was looking to going out again." Cornelia moaned.

"But on the brightside. We can go on a double-triple date now." Hay Lin grinned.

"So looks like Elyon's not gonna be lovesick for a while." Taranee stated.

The girls looked on at the scene. Will laughed. "I guess if you leave some things alone they work themselves out."

Thanks for reading. Reviews are Appreciated.