Chapter 20:
There everyone was staring at one Irma Lair, who Knickerbocker allowed to return to the K-SHIP radio show. Even thought there might be some who didn't want her back.
"I hope this isn't to much of a problem.", Knickerbocker said.
"What do you say?", Angelo asked the other members of K-SHIP. "Is it okay with you guys?"
"Well... I guess we can give her a second chance.", Martin said making Irma smile a bit thinking she had Martin in her pocket for her plan to work.
"What about the rest of you?", Taranee asked the Grumper Sisters and Uriah.
"It depends.", Bess said. "As long as she doesn't try to be all bossy like before, and listen to the ideas of others, then I'm okay with it."
"Same here.", Courtney said.
"I'm okay with that idea.", Uriah said. "I may not look it all the time, but I do like covering sports."
"Well, Irma is back on a probation period of three months.", Knickerbocker said. "Mr. Vanders is still in charge of both K-SHIP and the Newspaper Club. After three months, it'll be up to you all if you'd like Irma to stay.", she said getting a nod from everyone there. "Very well. I wish you luck, Ms. Lair.", Knickerbocker said before leaving the room.
"Now where were we?", Hay Lin said as Irma sat next in between her and Martin.
"We were talking about what we were going to put in the paper.", Drake said.
"Okay then. Let's start with you, Grumper Sisters", Angelo said. "What do you got for Hollywood gossip?"
"Well, we got news about that "Kick-Ass 2" movie.", Bess said.
"What kind of news?", Selece asked.
"Well, it seems that Jim Carey regrets staring in it.", Courtney said. "He said that now that he got a good look at it, it's a role he doesn't want his kids to see him play."
"I did not know that.", Cassidy said.
"And that's why it's going in the paper. Good job, ladies.", Angelo said making both girls smile. "Got anything else."
"We saw the trailer to the next Hobbit movie.", Bess replied.
"It had this pretty good scene with a dragon lurking around to see the min character.", Courtney said. "I got it on my iphone."
"We can play it on the radio show.", Martin said. "You'd be surprised at how many Hobbit fans there are in school."
"We'll play it tomorrow during Lunch.", Angelo said. "Hay Lin. Cornelia. What do you got for fashion and sales in clothing stores?"
"We have a few new fashions for that new clothing line Vance Micheal Justin is starting.", Hay Lin said. "Any chance we can get the paper in color so people can get a better look at the clothing?"
"Taranee. Martin. Can it be done.", Micheal asked.
"I think so.", Martin said getting a nod from Taranee.
"Cool.", Angelo said. "What about you, Cornelia?"
"Well, I went to some stores and found out that the mall's top clothing store is having a sale starting next Monday while Game Stop is having one starting on Monday as well.", Cornelia explained as she showed everyone the sales flyers."
"And there's our clothing and sales section.", Angelo said. "Nicely done, ladies.", he said making both girls smile.
"Ummm... Any chance we can do a comic strip for the paper?", Elyon asked.
"A comic strip?", Uriah questioned.
"Yeah!", Elyon said as she pulled out one of her sketching pads and opened it up to show what she had drawn. "I figured that we could use some funny for the paper."
"So what's it about?", Taranee asked as Elyon let her work be passed around.
"It's basically about teenage life for some friends.", Elyon explained. "From high school, to after school jobs and anything else I can think of."
"I like the idea.", Selece said. "And seeing as the paper will be in color, when it comes to the pictures, we can make the comic really come out."
"This is really good, Elyon!", Alchemy said as she got a good look at the comic.
"Yeah!", Cornelia said. "Your drawings are great!"
"I say we put the comic in the paper.", Cassidy said.
"Same here.", Micheal agreed.
"Everyone else agree?", Angelo asked getting nods from everyone else. "Then it's settled. We have a comic for the paper.", he said making Elyon smile. "Now are you sure you can do one for every week, Elyon?"
"Sure!", Elyon said still smiling. "I have a few ideas already."
"Then work your magic.", Angelo said. "Now what else do we have?"
And so for the rest of Study Hall the gang went over what they were going to put in the Friday's school paper and what they were going to do for the radios show the next day. Soon Study Hall was over and everyone left for their next classes. As they were doing this, Irma caught up with Martin to 'talk'.
"Thanks for taking up for me back there, Martin.", Irma said with a kind smile. "For a minute there, I thought the others were going to say no."
"Don't mention it.", Martin said returning the smile. "Everyone deserves a second chance. Just don't blow it this time.", he said with a grin.
"Don't worry. I won't.", Irma said. "But you know. I wish we had K-SHIP back. And by we, I mean you, me, the Grumpers, and even Uriah."
"Well, Angelo is doing a great job with it.", Martin said. "I mean with more people helping out, we can get a lot done. Even Uirah is being nicer than normal."
"I noticed that during the meeting.", Irma said. "Never thought I'd see that happening."
"Look, Irma. I know you would like to be in charge, but it's like Knickerbocker said. You're on three months probation.", Martin said. "Maybe after three months, you can ask Angelo about being put in charge of K-SHIP. But until then..."
"I play it cool and do what I'm told.", Irma said getting a nod from Martin. "Fair enough. Well here's my class. Later, Martin."
"Later.", Martin said as he continued his way to class.
'Crap!', Irma thought to herself as she sat at her desk. 'That didn't go o well. There has to be a way for me to get K-SHIP back! But how!?', she thought. 'I'll find a way! And when I do, K-SHIP will be mine again! And maybe even the Newspaper Club', she thought with a smirk as the bell rang starting class.
Soon school had ended and everyone was leaving school as fast as they could to do whatever they had planned. As for Caleb, he was looking for Will to try and make up with her. It didn't take him long to find her with that red hair of hers. But when he got closer to her, he saw that she was standing with the other Guardians. Including Cornelia. He was ready to say something but remembered what happened during Lunch and decided to keep his cool.
"Caleb! You're finally here.", Cassidy said as the others turned to see him.
"Why?", Caleb asked.
"We have to go to Kandrakar.", Will said as they all left the school grounds.
"Kandrakar?", Caleb questioned.
"Yeah.", Angelo said. "Grandma called me a few minutes ago on my cell and told me that we were needed there."
"What about Elyon, Aldern, Drake, Matt, and Micheal?", Caleb questioned.
"It's just us Guardians that are needed.", Will said as they all headed for Shell Beach.
It took them a while, but once at Shell Beach, they headed into the cave they normally went into to go to Kandrakar.
"When was the last time we've been in here?", Taranee asked looking around the cave.
"It has been a while.", Hay Lin said. "We should come here more often."
"We can talk about that later.", Will said as she and Cassidy pulled out their Hearts. "But for now..."
"Guardians, Unite!", Will and Cassidy said transforming themselves and their fellow Guardians.
"Water!", Cassidy and Irma said as they transformed into their Guardian forms.
"Fire!", Taranee and Alchemy said as they transformed into their Guardian forms.
"Earth!", Cornelia and Caleb said as they transformed into their Guardian forms.
"Air!", Hay Lin and Selece said as they transformed into their Guardian forms.
"Quintessence!", Will and Angelo said as they transformed into their Guardian forms.
Once transformed, Will opened a fold to Kandrakar and they all went through it to find themselves standing in the great hall where the Oracle was standing with Halinor.
"Greeting Guardians.", the Oralce said to them. "Once again, your services are needed on the world of Florana."
"Florana?", Angelo questioned.
"You've been there?", Selece asked.
"Yep.", Angelo said. "I've been there a few times with my grandparents. It's something of a paradise planet. Think of it as a resort planet, with some really cool rulers."
"Cool!", Hay Lin said.
"So what's up, with that world?", Cassidy asked.
"The king and queen of the kingdom of Yollen is in need of our services.", Halinor said. "Their daughter, Xolley, who is also the wielder of the Heart of Florana, is in need of some protective escort as she is being taken to a school where she can be taught to use her powers wisely."
"She would be about nine or ten by now.", Angelo said.
"You know her?", Cornelia questioned.
"Yeah.", Angelo said. "Cute kid. Very nice once you get to know her."
"Sounds like you've had your share of adventures.", Taranee said with a grin.
"Which is why, for this mission, I would like for you to lead.", the Oracle said to Angelo surprising the young Guardians.
"Say what?", Angelo questioned.
"You know the planet as well as the royal family of Yollen.", the Oracle said.
"That's not the only reason is it?", Angelo asked. "It's what I did there also.", getting a smile out of the Oracle and Halinor.
"If you already know, then why ask?", the Oracle asked. "Is Angelo leading this mission okay with the rest of you?"
"Well, if you think so, then I'm okay with it.", Cassidy said.
"Same here.", Taranee said.
"I'm sorry but, I'm not okay with it.", Caleb said.
"Me neither.", Irma said.
"Surprise, surprise.", Selece whispered to Hay Lin who giggled a bit.
"And why is that?", Halinor asked Caleb and Irma.
"Why!? He hasn't been a Guardian for a whole month yet!", Irma said. "He's a rookie!"
"And who can say he can lead a mission like this?", Caleb said. "Just because he's been to Florana, doesn't make him suited to lead a mission like this."
"I say we let Will and Cassidy lead the mission seeing as it was decided that they lead together.", Irma said.
"If that's what you want, I'm okay with it.", Angelo said.
"Well, it IS what we want.", Caleb said while Irma nodded in agreement.
"I say we go along with it and go to Florana.", Alchemy said. "The less arguing the better it is for us."
"Fine.", Will said. "You two want me and Cassidy to lead. Right?", she said while winking to Cassidy who smiled knowing where Will was going with this.
"Yes.", Irma said.
"And whatever we say, you'll do?", Will asked. "No questions asked?"
"None what-so-ever.", Caleb said.
"Okay then.", Will said. "Then I say we let Angelo lead the mission.", she said with a smile.
"I second that motion.", Cassidy said with a smile as well.
"Oh, that's sneaky.", Angelo said.
"Wait a minute!", Caleb said.
"Now, now, now.", Will said. "You said that you'd do whatever we say."
"But...", Irma began to say.
"And no questions asked.", Cassidy said.
"That is what you said.", Cornelia said.
"No questions asked.", Selece and Hay Lin said together before giggling.
"That is what you agreed to.", Halinor said.
"Fine!", Caleb and Irma said together getting a laugh out of the others while the Oracle opened a fold to Florana.
"This fold will take you to the capital city of the country of Yollen.", the Oracle said. "From there you will make your way to the royal palace of the Yollen Kingdom. Good luck to you all, Guardians."
"Ollen City, here we come!", Angelo said going through the fold first followed by the others.
"Do you think they will be able to work together?", Halinor asked the Oracle as the fold closed behind the Guardians.
"I believe they shall be fine, Halinor. This will be a test of their teamwork.", the Oracle said. "As long as they all can work together, everything will work out fine."
"I truly hope you are right, Oracle.", Halinor said. "I truly do."
Once on Florana, the Guardians saw that they were in a large and beautiful city with many tall buildings.
"So is this, Ollen City?", Will asked loking around the place.
"Yep.", Angelo said. "This is Ollen City. The capital of the Yollen Kingdom. Come on! The palace is this way.", he said as he took to the air with the others flyng behind him.
"So what did you do here anyway?", Hay Lin asked.
"Yeah!", Selece said. "That's what I've been wondering."
"Well...", Angelo said pointing down.
Everyone looked down to see a statue of what looked like great warriors from the armour they had on. But what surprised them was that there were statues of Angelo's Grandpa Joe, Uncle John, his parents Jacob & Tanya, and finally one of Angelo himself.
"Okay. Explain.", Will said as they flew past the statues..
"Well, a few years ago, I came here with Grandpa Joe to meet some friends of his.", Angelo began to explain. "Turns out the friend was the father of the Yollen Kingdom's King."
"And that's where you met Xolley.", Cassidy figured.
"Yeah. And it was also during that visit that I stopped an attempt on her life.", Angelo said surprising the others. "Dudes didn't expect that I could fight so good. Or that Xolley could trap them in an energy bubble when they tried to escape."
"So you expect us to believe that you took down two assassins that came to kill the princess of the Yollen Kingdom?", Caleb questioned in a tone that said he didn't buy it.
"Yeah right.", Irma said to herself as she rolled her eyes.
"Believe me or not, it happened.", Angelo said. "Now when we get to the palace, be sure to show the proper respect to the royal family. They're probably a bit stressed about their daughter's going to some school let alone the danger she'll be in during the trip there. So the last thing they need is for us to tick them off by not showing proper respect."
"Got it.", Will said with a nod.
"And here we are.", Angelo said. "The royal palace."
Everyone looked to see a tall white palace with four towers, each with a blue flag on top with a golden five point star on it. Leading up to the palace was a tall row of stairs with four guards in silver armor standing guard at the palace doors. Each guard had a long sword strapped at their sides while they had a spear in one hand and a shield in the other. Once the Guardians landed in front of them, the guards pointed their spears at them not knowing who they were.
"Halt! Who goes there!?", one of the guards said before he got a good look at Angelo. "It can't be! Sir Angelo! It is an honor to see you again!", he said as he and the other guards gave Angelo a respectful bow.
"Sir Angelo!?", the other Guardians questioned.
"How's it going, guys?", Angelo asked.
"The king and queen are a bit nervous for the princess' safety.", the guard explained. "That is why when he asked your uncle for help, Sir John suggested we ask Kandrakar for assistance."
"Who would have thought that you would be one of the Guardians.", another guard said.
"I'm still new at this.", Angelo said. "Are the king and queen expecting us?"
"Indeed they are.", another guard said as two of the other guards opened the large double doors. "And I believe they will feel a lot better knowing you are here to help as well."
"Thanks.", Angelo said as he and the other Guardians headed inside the palace. "Nice meeting you."
"The honor was ours!", the guard said as the door began to close.
"I could have asked him to sign my shield!", one of the guards said as the doors closed.
"Sir Angelo?", Selece questioned.
"Save a princess, you get knighted.", Angelo said while shrugging his shoulders.
"That'll do it.", Cornelia said as they began to fly down the halls of the palace.
"So what are the king and queen like?", Will asked.
"They're pretty cool.", Angelo said. "They stern yet kind rulers who know when to get serious when the time comes. The people love them. And they know how to have a good time.", he explained as they landed at a set of large wooden double doors with golden handles that had a guard standing at it. "And here we are. The Throne Room. We are the Guardians of Kandrakar. We are here at the request of King Terren and Queen Kalla."
"They are expecting you.", the guard said. "Pardon me but are you Sir Angelo?"
"Yes.", Angelo said. "I may not look it, but I am. I just became a Guardian about a week ago."
"Of course. I am Wallen.", the guard said. "It is an honor to finally meet you. The tale of your great deed is told by many."
"Ummmm... Thanks.", Angelo said with a kind smile.
"Okay! That's it!", Irma said as she pushed past Angelo and stepped up to the guard. "Angelo takes down two assassins and he's suddenly hot stuff? Big deal!"
"It is a big deal seeing as one of the assassins was the prince of the Tealen Kingdom!", Wallen said.
"So what.", Caleb said with a scoff.
"The Tealen Kingdom is a kingdom of great warriors, like our kingdom is.", Wallen said. "But the royal family has the ability to use powerful energy-based attacks. Attacks that would have spelled the doom for Princess Xolley had it not been for Sir Angelo here.", he said. "He was able to defeat the prince and his fellow warrior. Once defeated the princess trapped them both in an energy bubble. King Terren and Queen Kalla returned the prince and his friend back to the Tealen Kingdom to avoid a war."
"Any idea who would want to harm the princess this time?", Angelo asked.
"No idea.", Wallen said. "All we got was a letter saying that the princess will be mine."
"Well, that doesn't help.", Cassidy said.
"No, it doesn't.", Wallen said. "Which is why the king and queen has asked Kandrakar for help due to your uncle's suggestion.", he said to Angelo. "But we had no Idea we would be having you to help as well. The princess will be happy to see you."
"I bet she will.", Angelo said with a grin. "Is it okay to see the king and queen?"
"I believe so.", Wallen said with a smile as he opened the doors to the Throne Room. "Good luck, my friend.", he said.
"Thanks.", Angelo said as he and the other Guardians headed inside the Throne Room.
Once in the Throne Room, the Guardians marveled at the Throne Room as the walked further into the room. The windows were large and tall with the top being stained blue with a yellow star. There were some blue banners with a large gold star. The floor was covered in white marble tile with a long wide blue carpet with gold trim on the sides. The carpet led up to a small set of steps that led up to three thrones in which one was empty. Sitting in the center throne was a man who was well built with blue eyes and black hair that went down past his shoulders. He was dressed in a pair of blue pants with black boots and a golden-yellow shirt with frills that went down the center and a blue cape with a gold star in it's center. On his head gold headband with a blue sapphire, shaped like a star in, the front. Leaning against his throne was a long sword and small shield. Sitting in the throne to the right of the man was a woman of slender build with green eyes and blonde hair that went down to center of her back. She was dressed in a yellow gown that went down to her ankles with matching slippers. Around her neck was a gold necklace holding a blue sapphire that was shaped like a star. She was wearing a gold tiara with a blue sapphire that was also shaped like a star. Leaning against her throne was a bow and a quiver of arrows. They were King Terren and Queen Kalla of the Yollen Kingdom who were more than surprised to see Angelo looking the way he did.
"Sir Angelo!?", Queen Kalla questioned. "Is that you!?"
"Hello, King Terren. Queen Kalla.", Angelo said with a bow followed by the other Guardians. "It's been a while.", he said with a smile.
A/N: Well, it seems that there's more to Angelo than meets the eye! A knight on another planet! Who'd of thunk it!? Now the question is, will Caleb and Irma follow Angelo's orders? Or will they try to show him up which may do more harm than good? Only time will tell.
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