[BACK AT THE SILVER DRAGON] Tired but alive the six of you quietly sneak in through the back door of the Hay Lin's parents restaurant. Being as late as it is the restaurant is closed and the lower floor is quiet. Not even bothering to make the trip down the stairs to the basement where you have set up your headquarters you attempt to sit down in the closest chair. However your dress; which you are still wearing after transforming back; is much too puffy to properly sit down in. Throwing your hands up in frustration you simply just plop down to the floor below, today had been a long day and you were seriously tired and just needed to sit down. "Well that happened," says Irma attempting to lighten the mood.

"I still can't believe we all made it out of there," exclaims Hay Lin taking a seat in on the bench behind the nearby table.

"Well now what?" asks Cornelia, slumping down in the chair you couldn't fit in.

"What do you mean 'now what'?" you harshly respond. "I just got back from having to deal with Phobos for basically two whole days, I'm staying here and taking some time to recover, and get out of this stupid dress!"

"Right about that dress. When where you going to tell me that you were a princess!" irritably questions Cornelia.

"Ughhhhhhhhhh." That's about all you can say on the matter however now that they know they; well really Cornelia; won't stop pestering you until you give them a straight answer. Looking up you see all the girls have crowed around the table waiting for your actual response. With a sigh you start to explain. "Look long story short, where I come from my parents were Queen and King, thus making me a 'princess.' I didn't tell you guys because I hate the title, along with the stereotypical assumptions people make about it. Besides what would I gain by telling you I'm a princess? It's not like you live in a monarchy anymore where releasing information like that would prove beneficial to me."

"You're a princess big deal," states Caleb unamused by the current topic. "What information where you able to get while you were in the castle."

"So far he doesn't know that we know what he has planned for Elyon, so there is no new information on that front, but I was able to get some info on future convoy routes and guard shifts, remind me to write them down for you later," you answer pleasing Caleb. The group continues to ramble on about plans and events from the evening but you were no longer listening, this new Deimos character was still troubling you. He was everything Phobos was, yet even more dangerous. Unlike Phobos who chose to enforce his power over a large span for control everywhere, Demios centralized his to benefit himself so he could have whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted, with the power he knew he had. Without a doubt the idea of the two of them working together was frightening but it was nothing you weren't sure you couldn't handle. Their personalities may have been the ultimate alliance when they were kids, but as adults they defiantly clashed, as if that wasn't already shown when Deimos basically told Phobos to shut up when he asked how the two of you meet, in the end driving a wedge between them shouldn't be too hard.

"Hey Amy…. Amy… hello… you awake down there?" Irma calls out. Lazily you raised your head to face the table even though you still weren't really paying attention. "Hey welcome back to the group, Caleb has a question for you."

"Who was that Deimos guy? I have never seen or heard of him before," asks Caleb. All the girls sighed at the mention of his name. A normal reaction since they had all fallen for his charms earlier that evening.

"Did you see his eyes, is it even possible to have such gorgeous purple eyes," swoons Cornelia, resting her head on her hand.

"Violet," you mumble to yourself.

"I'm sorry did you say something," distantly says Cornelia.

"His eyes, they aren't purple they're violet, and that's what makes him so dangerous. Violet eyes in humans are rare enough and are generally a form of incomplete albinism, and even then their eyes are not really 'violet'" you start to explain, "he however is what is called a true Violete or Violette in feminine pronoun. Violete's are extremely rare, so rare I have only encountered a handful of them in my lifetime, and you all know I am basically as old as your universe… I think… I should really figure out my actual age someday…."

"You getting off topic," impatiently interrupts Caleb.

"Right sorry," you apologize before continuing. "Violete's are extremely dangerous, as they are known for possessing various unknown powers and abilities. Deimos has already demonstrated a few such as enhanced agility, speed, eyesight, and of course looks." You look up at the girls who are all defiantly in 'Deimos' Land, only validating your statement. Caleb is the only one really paying attention and has noticed you've taken a moment to stop. Looking to his side he sees the girls are zoned out and slams his hand on the table snapping them all back to reality.

"How are we supposed to fight this guy if all you girls can do is think about how he looks," exclaims Caleb. Although he is referring to actually fighting this guy you detect some jealousy in his manner, probably because of Cornelia's romantic interest in Deimos opposed to himself.

"Caleb is right," you agree, standing up and moving closer to the table. "His abilities don't just stop at enhancements, he will have magical abilities, dangerous abilities. When he was with Phobos and I he defied Phobos and got away with it, all five of you girls instantly fell prey to his charms, and when he attacked me I stopped fighting."

"I don't follow," interjects Will, the other girls nod their heads in agreement. All except Taranee.

"Hypnosis!" she exclaims, "He is showing the ability to, on a sub-conscious level, place the person or persons in question in a submissive state giving him control over them and the situation!" By her sudden realization it was safe to say she was no longer under the charm spell. Sometimes a realization moment is all one needed to snap out of a weak spell.

"Exactly, so whatever you do don't look deep into his eyes, because once you go in you might not come out. I barely did" you explain, looking down at your bloody bandaged arm.

"Is that why you stabbed yourself?" asks Hay Lin with wide eyes.

"Yes, and I strongly suggest that none of you attempt it. You guys don't have a fast healing factor like I do," you warn, pulling off the bandage to reveal nothing more than a large scar where only a half hour ago a gaping wound was. By morning the scar should be completely gone. As if it had never happened.

"Wait, something is troubling me," starts Taranee shaking her head, "You told us that you can't bleed, yet you were gushing blood earlier. How is that possible?" A reasonable question. When you first met the girls you had told them this, but it wasn't completely true.

"As you know during my lifetime I've been in many battles, and over time I was able learn and cast protection spells on myself so that wounds and bleeding would never be an issue in the heat of battle. These spells however only work against foreign attacks, so anything self-inflicted will penetrate my skin like any other person," you explain, but it seems all for not. Taranee and Caleb are the only ones interested in your explanation as the other girls have started to doze off; namely Irma who has completely passed out and is now snoring. "Well I guess it's time to call it a night. Come on Caleb you can bunk at my place"

"Blunk come too!" Out of nowhere the little passling popped out of the garbage can startling the sleepy girls awake. To be honest you had completely forgotten about Blunk, usually he tags along with Caleb going wherever he goes but this time he was left back on earth.

"Yes Blunk, you can come too," you say heading towards the door. Following your lead everyone rises and says goodnight to Hay Lin before you all leave the restaurant for some much needed sleep.

[BACK IN MERIDIAN]

"ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH" Phobos's roars of frustration and anger echoed across the walls of the gloomy throne room and Deimos was stuck listening to them. It had been a little over a hour since the unfortunate ending of events in the ballroom; which was now thoroughly trashed; and by now all the guests were gone after being 'asked' to leave. Taking a bite out of an apple he found amongst the ruins of the ballroom Deimos started to stroll around the throne room analyzing its layout for tactical flaws and advantages… just in case something where to happen, it was always good to be prepared. Since his return events had been well eventful. These guardians had caught his attention and dueling them in the future seemed like it would be amusing. He also was looking forward to seeing that enchanting young maiden again, Amy was it? So far she was the only girl to resist his charms, so far that is… His thoughts were interrupted as another roar of frustration arose from Phobos. Looking back at the middle of the room Deimos could see Cedric down on one knee before his prince who had now directed his anger at Cedric.

"You and your incompetence has failed me again Cedric…" bellowed Phobos before continuing on a rant about her being in his grasp yet still she managed to escape. Deimos didn't really care to listen to all the details. Not like any of it was his fault.

"I am sorry my prince, but you were there. You saw the guardians…" started Cedric in an attempt to defend himself however he was swiftly cut off by Phobos.

"I am aware that the guardians where present, but even in the heart of my castle you and your men were useless in destroying them!" yelled Phobos.

"Dramatic as always," thought Deimos. Didn't seem much had changed since they were kids. Slowly he started to make his way back to the center of the room.

Phobos's voice rang through the hall again. "And you Deimos!" Deimos stopped in his tracks. F***, now what.

"Don't bring me into this…" calmly requested Deimos before taking another bite. There was one last thing in the room he wanted to check out. Ascending the stairs he made his way up to the centerpiece of the room.

"You! She was right there in front of you and you let her go!" blamed Phobos with rising anger.

"Did I see you get off your ass and help? No. So don't even think about trying to pin this whole thing on me," quickly countered Deimos. Turning his attention back to the item before him Deimos ran his hand across the throne. Now this was a nice chair. Without hesitation he plopped himself down, making himself right at home. "Besides your plan was terribly thought out."

"Your respect to your superiors is lacking boy, perhaps some lessons are in order," boldly commented Cedric standing up.

"Can it lizard face, we both know I'm right," snapped Deimos. Man he could get used to a seat like this. It was as if it was meant to be.

"Out of the throne…," ordered Phobos through clenched teeth. Looked like he was finally attempting to control his anger, for the moment anyhow.

"I'm just saying," started Deimos reluctantly rising up. "If you are going to use leverage as a means of control, then you've got to have the leverage ready to use right then and there. Otherwise you give them the chance to come up with a counter plan. As we saw tonight…" The room was silent as Phobos took in his words. Casually Deimos strolled down the stairs towards Phobso. This serene calm coming from his old friend opposed to his exploding temper that filled the room only moments ago would have worried him; as it was Cedric; if he didn't already know exactly how this was going to end.

"You always were the better strategist," sighed Phobos with a hint of amusement in his voice. See nothing to worry about, over the years of dealing with him as kids, Deimos knew that Phobos could never be mad at him for long. Not that it was his choice anyways. Unexpectedly there was a knock at the doors.

"Phobos can I talk with you?" came a girl's voice. Immediately at the first utterance of the words Phobos's hand shot up into the air and the room turned from its dark, damp look, into a room filled with light and life, completing its change just as the door opened. There standing in the doorway was the young princess Elyon still dawning her now tattered and torn ball gown.

"Of course my dear sister," answered Phobos playing the brotherly role. Elyon quietly entered the room closing the door behind her before making her way towards the men.

"Hello your highness" greeted Deimos sweetly, slightly bowing as she drew closer. Her response wasn't quite what he was hoping for; without even acknowledging his existence she continued to walk straight past him towards her brother. To be fair Deimos had not made the best first impression so he shouldn't have expected much, but even this was a little cold. Although it had been a rough night for her. Passing it off he turned around to watch the next chain of events unfold, it was always entertaining watching Phobos play his little 'nice' act. After Elyon had passed Deimos she ran up to Phobos embracing him in a big hug before breaking down in a series of muffled tears. The look on Phobos's face was absolutely priceless, a wonderful mix of total shock and 'shit what do I do.' Deimos only wished the look lasted longer.

"Don't be upset my dear sister." After regaining his composure Phobos returned the embrace in an attempt to comfort her.

"But Phobos she betrayed us! They planned to kill me!" sobbed Elyon into Phobos's robes. Again a look of loathing was present on Phobos's face as a new batch of sobs and wails came from Elyon. As she continued to cry and mumble words that none of them could understand Phobos looked over to Cedric and Cedric understood that was his cue.

"If I may princess," interjected Cedric stepping closer to the siblings, "It has come to our attention that Amy had nothing to do with the attempted assassination, nor had any knowledge that the guardians and rebels were using her to get so close to you." At Cedrics words Elyon had left the comfort of Phobos's robes and was standing freely by his side hanging onto every word. The news that her newest idol was not responsible for the attempted assassination was a huge relief to the young princess.

"She didn't know! That must have been what she was trying to say to me befo—"Elyon couldn't even finish the sentence. Deimos couldn't help but cringe, even though he knew it was all a lie the indescribable look on the young heirs face once she realized that she had blasted her innocent friend with a massive energy attack. Actually Deimos was pretty sure the princess might be having a panic attack.

"Calm down Elyon," sweetly calmed Phobos stroking her head, "I am sure that she will understand once we get her back here safely and explain the situation. Not to mention break the spell placed over her."

"A spell? I didn't know that was even possible," said Elyon trying to wrap her head around all this new information.

"Yes it is, I didn't realize it at first but it has become clear to me that the only way Amy could be so passionate about the guardians is if they placed some sort of spell on her that keeps her in the dark about their actions," explained Phobos. So far Deimos had kept his distance from this conversation letting Phobos and Cedric handle this the way they usually do, to avoid saying anything that might contradict anything they had told the young girl before, but this was getting a little farfetched. He wasn't sure what powers the Guardians had but casting spells did not appear to be one of them. They're powers were of the manipulation sorts, taking the elements and adapting them to their will, they were nowhere near the casting class like his. Usually it was a one or the other kind of deal anyways. Either way Deimos was overly surprised at the amount of trust Elyon had for her brother, at least Deimos hoped it was trust and not plain stupidity.

"Then we need to get her back right away!" exclaimed Elyon, with a small speckle of hope returning to her.

"If we are to get her back, then I will need you to help me Elyon," Phobos requested, kneeling down to her level and placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Of course! I'll do whatever it is you need to help get my friend back!" agreed Elyon with excitement in her voice. Once again she embraced her brother in a hug. In response Phobos raised one of his hands and discretely conjured a small swirl of sand and directed it at his sister. The sand encircled Elyons head and soon enough she let out a large yawn. "I should probably get to bed." With a smile and a wave Elyon said goodnight to Cedric and Phobos before taking her leave. As she passed by Deimos he wished her sweet dreams but the only response he received was a turn of the head in his direction as she walked by. At least it was an improvement from before.

"An affectionate one she is," commented Deimos after Elyon was clear from the room.

"She's not called the Light of Meridian for nothing," responded Phobos returning to his throne.

"So you got a plan on how to get back this girl of yours?" asked Deimos walking closer to the two men.

"I was hoping you could tell me." Looking over in Cedrics direction Deimos could see that the right hand man was not pleased with his prince's response.

"Oh I've got a few," replied Deimos taking the last bite out of his apple. Now what was he supposed to do with the core…