Chapter 31:
As they searched the factory, Hay Lin and Selece couldn't find any sign of there being anyone there. So they figured it was okay to contact the others and give the then okay to come in so they all could shut the place down. So they flew back to the area they entered, flew up to the security cameras that were in the room, disconnected the wires shutting them off and...
'Okay, Taranee!', Hay Lin called out to the Fire Guardian through their telepathic link. 'It's safe to come in through the front door."
'We're on our way.', Taranee said before cutting the link.
"It's safe to go in guys.", Taranee said to the others as they made their way to the front door of the factory.
Once inside, they all saw how big the factory was and how the robots were being made. Needless to say that they were somewhat impressed by everything. But they had one questioned about it all.
"So where are the ones in charge?", Alchemy asked.
"No idea.", Selece said.
"Yeah!", Hay Lin said. "We looked everywhere but found no one here."
"Or maybe you didn't look hard enough.", Micheal said.
"Hey!", Selece and Hay Lin shouted.
"I'm not saying you weren't doing it right.", Micheal said. "I'm saying that maybe they have a hidden area just in case if they need to hide."
"Hmmmmmmm... Good point.", Selece said.
"But if that's the case, then where are they?", Hay Lin asked.
"Good question.", Drake said as he looked around the place. "It's amazing how all of this is used to create those different machines."
"And now we're going to shut it down.", Caleb said as he unsheathed his sword and slashed at one of the robotic arms on the assembly line followed by ripping another one from its fondation.
Next was Irma who blasted an arm with some water causing it to short-circuit. Seeing this, some of the others just shook their heads knowing there was a better and faster way to do things. So, Hay Lin went up to Irma while Taranee went up to Caleb and tapped them on their shoulders getting their attention.
"What?", they both asked only for Hay Lin and Taranee to point up to the ceiling.
They looked up to see Will and Angelo forming a large ball of electricity and unleashing it into the building which caused everything to shut down. Including the lights.
"A little overboard there, you two.", Elyon said.
"Sorry.", Will and Angelo said as Elyon and Matt formed a thing of energy around their left hands giving some light in the area.
Angelo and Will did the same thing as they landed with the others.
"So what do we do now?", Irma asked.
"I think we should check any of the rooms for any info that can help us find out who's running this place.", Alchemy suggested.
"Sounds like a plan to me.", Cassidy said.
"But first...", Angelo said as he fired a thing os electricity up at the ceiling causing the lights to turn back on. "A little light so we can split up."
"I'm not complaining.", Cornelia said as Will, Angelo, Elyon, and Matt recalled their energy, splitted up into groups, and began to search the building hoping to find any info on who was in charge of the place.
"So do you plan on asking Angelo out or not?", Cassidy whispered to Selece as they walked down the halls.
"Yes.", Selece said with a small smile. "I just don't know what to say."
"Just listen to your heart.", Cassidy said. "It'll come to you."
"Thanks.", Selece said with a smile.
"No problem.", Cassidy said returning the smile as they continued their way down the hall with their Guardian team.
In one of the offices was W.I.T.C.H. who were going through the file cabinets and the desk there.
"Nothing!", Will said as there wasn't any papers anywhere. "Even the computer is wiped clean!"
"It's like they took off and left nothing behind!", Irma snapped.
"Maybe they did.", Cornelia said.
"What do you mean?", Hay Lin asked.
"Okay. We know that they can open folds to Metamoor. Right?", Cornelia asked.
"Duh!", Irma said. "We already know that!"
"Well, let's to say that they keep the fold open when they send the robots to Meridian.", Cornelia said.
"That way they can monitor their robots!", Taranee figured getting a nod from Cornelia. "And while doing that, they saw that the Honor Guard took the robot head with them."
"And with that, they figured that we would find their factory and come looking for them.", Will said.
"So they took what they needed and bolted.", Hay Lin said.
"Which means that as we speak, they're setting up a new factory making more robots as we speak.", Taranee said.
"Well that's just great!", Irma said getting annoyed. "We came out here for nothing!"
"Not really.", Will said. "We at least shut down one of these places. They may have been able to avoid us now, but they won't be able to avoid us forever."
"We'll just have to move quicker when we find their next base of operation.", Taranee said getting a nod from the girls.
"So I guess we head back to town.", Cornelia said.
"Yeah.", Will said as they left the office.
Once out in the hallway, W.I.T.C.H. saw that the others were just leaving other rooms as well.
"Find anything?", Will asked.
"Heck no!", Micheal said. "No files in the file cabinets, or on the computers. I think they knew we were coming and cleared out fast."
"Angelo and Selece think the same thing.", Cassidy said.
"Cornelia, too.", Will said.
"The robot head?", Angelo asked getting a nod from Cornelia and Micheal. "Same here. So the next time we find their factory..."
"We hit them hard and fast.", Cassidy said. "But for now, we head back and get some sleep."
"No argument there.", Elyon said.
"Wait a minute!", Irma said as she spotted a vending machine around the corner. "I'm going to get a snack for the flight home."
"Flight nothing!", Elyon said. "I'm teleporting us back."
"Works for me.", Matt said ready to go.
"Just give me a minute.", Irma said as she walked around the corner.
"Get back here, Irma!", Will said to her fellow Guardian.
"I'll get her.", Caleb said with a roll of her eyes as he went after her.
"Somebody is trying to impress.", Selece said to Will.
"If he wants to do that, then he needs to start being nice to you all.", Will said.
"Fat chance of the happening.", Micheal said as Caleb and Irma returned.
"Get what you wanted?", Cassidy asked Irma.
"Yep!", Irma said holding a thing of chips and candy.
"Oh brother.", Alchemy said while rolling her eyes. "Can we go back now?"
"Yes we can.", Elyon said as she teleported everybody back to the basement of the Vanders' home, in Heatherfield.
Once there, Will and Cassidy transformed themselves and their fellow Guardians back to normal while Matt changed back to normal. The girls then headed up to the second floor of the house to get changed for some sleep, while the guys did the same in the basement which of course was set up for them to get some sleep. But they headed up to the Living Room to watch some TV first. Of course the girls came down from the second floor to do the same. Which made for some interesting TV to watch. After a couple of hours of watching TV and eating junk food, the teens got tired and decided it was time to hit the sack. So after saying their goodnights, the guys headed for the basement leaving the girls to go to sleep in the sleeping bags they had set up in the Living Room while the guys did the same in the basement. But as they slept, Irma was still awake looking over the sleeping girls while Caleb was awake looking over the sleeping guys. This was because of whom was controlling them at the moment while seeing through their eyes vis telepathic link. These people were far from them sitting in a penthouse apartment with their partner, Raphael Sylla. It was none other that Hollens and Riddle who were more than pleased with how things were going.
"I take it that your plan is working, Hollens.", Riddle said.
"Yes it is, Sylla.", Hollens said with a smirk. "Thanks to our telepathic abilities, Riddle and I were able to take control of the minds of two of the Guardians and use them as our eyes and ears to spy on those brats!"
"And the best part is, we don't have to be in control of them all the time to see through their eyes.", Riddle said. "We can let them go along with their lives and still see and hear what they're doing. So for now, I'll let the girl sleep.", he said as he let Irma go to sleep.
"Same with the boy for me.", Hollens said as he let Caleb go to sleep. "I must admit, making the girl go after the vending machines telepathiclly was a good idea, Riddle."
"Thank you, Hollens.", Riddle said. "But who would have thought that the boy would follow?"
"Well it worked out to our advantage seeing as we now have two sets of eyes and ears.", Sylla said.
"Very true.", Hollens said. "Now all three of us will be able to keep an eyes on them while they're in school."
"And if they do learn of where our new factory is, we'll be able to transfer to a new location.", Sylla said.
"Indeed, my friend.", Riddle said. "They think they have the advantage when in truth it is we who have the best advantage of all."
"And we'll use this advantage to the fullest.", Hollens said. "If we plan this right, we'll have that world under our control.", Hollens said. "And then we'll be able to go and find other worlds to take over."
"Thus making Earth a force to be reckoned with.", Sylla said.
"Yes.", Riddle said with a smirk. "Yes we will."
The next morning, after getting cleaned up and having a good breakfast, our young heroes decided to go and have a bit of fun after what happened last night. And, of course, most of them had their own way of having fun. Which meant that they split up and went their own way. Well, most of them. Elyon along with Drake, Aldern and Micheal had to return to Metamoor and inform the other members of the Honor Guard about what happened. So once they were on Metamoor, Drake and Aldern went to go find the rest of the Honor Guard, while Elyon went to go get changed into her royal garb which in this case was her teal gown and slippers. Which left Micheal alone in the Throne Room waiting for the others to show up. Which didn't take long.
"As you all know, the Guardians along with one of Earth's Regents, Drake, Aldern, Micheal, and myself raided the facility where the robots, that attacked our kingdom, came from.", Elyon said to the members of the Honor Guard while sitting on her throne.
"Yes. Drake and Aldern told us what happened, Your Majesty.", Raythor said sounding disappointed. "I only wish things worked out better for you all."
"Same here.", Elyon said. "But we let this get to us. We just have to be ready for the next attack. Whether it be day or night, rain or shine. For we have no idea how these people think."
"I agree.", Tynar said. "Those last machines look as if they could travel in the rain or snow."
"Not to mention rough terrain.", Vathek added. "Any future ones can be sent to anywhere in the kingdom."
"So we must be prepared.", Elyon said. "Maybe I should drop out of school and stay here full-time."
"No, Elyon.", Miriadel said. "The more you learn on Earth the better it'll help Meridian in the long run."
"And not just Meridian.", Alborn said. "All of Metamoor can benefit from what you learn. And not just you. What Drake, Aldern, and Caleb learn will be of use to us."
"Miriadel and Alborn are right, Your Majesty.", Raythor said. "Knowledge is power. Even now, we're using what Miriadel and Alborn have learned from their time on Earth to make some of the changes, you suggested."
"So in other words, stay in school.", Alborn said to his adopted daughter with a smile that she returned.
"Very well. I shall stay in school.", Elyon said. "But if I'm needed..."
"We will send for you.", Miriadal said with a smile that Elyon returned.
"Good. But for now, let's prepare for any future robot attacks.", Elyon said. "I'm open to any and all ideas."
"Well, seeing as they're trying to make a stronghold here, how about we set up a communications network.", Micheal suggested.
"I'm listening.", Elyon said.
"Well, I figure that seeing as there isn't anything to interrupt radio frequencies here, we could get some powerful walkie-talkies for soldiers to use.", Micheal explained. "Then you can have some of the soldiers stationed in all the cities, towns, and villages."
"The soldiers will be able to keep in contact with each other a lot better.", Alborn replied. "And they're fast learners."
"And it will help us in the long run.", Raythor said.
"Then it's settled.", Elyon said. "Now we just have to get enough walkie-talkies for not just the soldiers but all of you as well."
"I'll find out how many soldiers we have.", Raythor said. "It shouldn't take long."
"Question.", Micheal said. "How are we going to get them? I don't think we have enough money."
"We can take some gems from the treasury and pawn them for cash on Earth.", Elyon said.
"That works.", Micheal said.
"Are there any problems that need taken care of?", Elyon asked.
"Well, there is a problem with the blacksmiths.", Tynar said.
"What is it?", Elyon asked.
"Well when it comes to making weapons for the soldiers, they can't mine enough iron ore to make the weapons, shields, and armor we need.", Tynar explained. "So far the blacksmiths have been melting down the broken weapons and armor and making newer ones. But they need more time to mine iron ore to make things not just for the soldiers but for the people of the kingdom."
"What about the robots we've beaten?", Aldern suggested.
"Come again?", Vathek asked.
"Well they are made of metal.", Aldern said. "All we have to do is melt them down and let the blacksmiths make what they need out of them."
"Actually that can work.", Micheal said. "We'll have to take the wires and circuit boards out of them and they can be melted down and used for whatever the blacksmiths need."
"And I'm sure that the Fire Guardians will be happy to help melt them down if we ask them.", Drake said.
"Sounds like a plan to me.", Elyon said as the doors to the Throne Room opened to have Julian walk in. "Julian! You're back!"
"Indeed.", Julian said with a friendly smile. "And with good news. The other kingdoms are willing to do trade with us."
"Excellent!", Elyon said. "We shall set up trade as soon as we can."
"Who's that guy?", Micheal asked Aldern.
"He is Julian.", Aldern said. "Caleb's father and a member of the Honor Guard."
"Caleb's father?", Micheal questioned when Julian noticed him.
"And who is this?", Julian asked as he walked up to Micheal.
"Julian, meet Micheal Robertson. He's from Earth and the newest member of the Honor Guard.", Elyon said introducing Micheal to Julian. "Micheal, meet Julian."
"Hi.", Micheal said as he and Julian shook hands.
"Greetings.", Julian said. "It's nice to see a young warrior with us."
"Thanks.", Micheal said. "I'm happy to be of help here."
"Good to hear.", Julian said as the Throne Room doors opened to show one of Elyon's advisors walking in.
"Your Majesty, it is time for your meetings with the people.", the advisor said.
"Of course.", Elyon said. "Send in the first person."
"As you wish.", the advisor said with a blow before letting the first person on.
"And so it begins.", Elyon said as Raythor stood on her right and Drake stood on her left.
"Come, my friend.", Aldern said to Micheal as they along with the rest of the Honor Guard left the Throne Room. "Let me introduce you to my father. He's a blacksmith and I haven't seen him all week."
"I would like that, but I have to get back to Earth.", Micheal said as he checked his watch. "I need to meet up with my sister and head over to Matt's for some band rehearsal. From what Matt tells us, we have a gig in a week and we need to work on some songs."
"Not a problem.", Aldern said. "We can have Blunk open a fold for you. We just have to find him first."
"Last I saw him, he was in the middle of the city trying to sell some things he got from Earth.", Tynar said.
"Then let's be off then.", Aldern said as he and Micheal left the palace to find the little Passling.
Once they found Blunk, Micheal asked him to open a fold to Earth with his Tonga Tooth, which he did. Once that was done, Aldern went to visit his father, Aketon. Now back on Earth, Micheal met up with his sister and they headed to Matt's. Once there, they along with Matt, Nigel, and Eric were ready to work on some songs for their gig.
"So what kind of gig is this?", Nigel asked as he was tuning his bass guitar.
"A wedding.", Matt said surprising the others.
"Really!?", Selece questioned.
"Really!", Matt said as he handed out a sheet of paper to each of the others. "Three days after Taranee put of that website for our band, she called me and told me that we got a request to play at a wedding."
"Awesome!", Eric said as he looked at the list of songs. "So are these the songs the bride and groom want us to play?"
"Yeah. They each picked a song they liked during their relationship.", Matt said. "The wedding is in two weeks. So we have enough time to get these songs down right. I figure that we listen to a song and then play it our way with our instruments."
"And if we work on them enough, we'll be ready in two weeks.", Eric said.
"Not to sound all focused on pay, but how much does this gig pay?", Nigel asked. "I only ask because I'd like to have a little extra cash to take Taranee somewhere nice. My other job, at the music store, pays well and all. But after I'm trying to save up for a car now so I can get one when I get my licence."
"I see where you're coming from, man.", Matt said. "And as for how much the gig pays, they agreed to pay us seven hundred bucks. Plus, we get to eat there."
"Works for me.", Micheal said. "I mean we each will get at least a hundred and sixteen bucks."
"And we can take the other hundred and sixteen bucks and start an account to go towards a van to move our gear around.", Matt said.
"Good idea.", Eric said. "And may I add that we can add to that account when we can with our own money along with any extra cash we make from gigs."
"I'm all for that.", Selece said.
"Same here.", Nigel agreed to which Micheal nodded. "We can even have Taranee film us playing at the wedding and put it on the website!"
"I like that idea!", Micheal said. "That way, people will see how good we are."
"Well now that we have a plan, let's work on these songs.", Matt said as he looked at the list of songs. "Genie In A Bottle."
"This'll be fun!", Selece said as she brought the song up on her laptop and began to play it.
'If this goes well, who knows how many gigs we may get.', Matt thought to himself as the music began to pay with hope of their gig going well.
As that was going on, Cornelia and Alchemy went to do some shopping for presents for Elyon's birthday. It may have been a few weeks away, but it was the best time seeing as she was on Metamoor and not spying on them to find out what they were getting her.
"Think she'll like this?", Alchemy asked as she picked up a purple fedora hat.
"That and the right outfit will be totally awesome!", Cornelia said.
"Maybe a purple skirt and vest with a white blouse." Alchemy figured.
"And matching shoes and jewelery.", Cornelia said before she and Alchemy let out a squeal of delight.
"I love shopping!", Alchemy said as she looked through some other clothes. "It give me a chance to unwind after all we've been through so far."
"Hey, Al?", Cornelia said getting her friend's attention. "Are you okay with me being back with Will and the other girls? I mean I know you were glad that we were on the same team and all."
"I'm okay with it.", Alchemy said with a small smile. "I mean you were apart of the original group. It's only right that you're a part of it again. Besides. It was Will who wanted you back. That shows that things are getting a lot better between you two. And that's a good thing."
"Thanks, Alchemy.", Cornelia said as the two friends shared a hug.
"That's what friends are for.", Alchemy said with a smile. "Besides. We're all Guardians. We may be two teams, but we all fight together."
"I wish Irma and Caleb would see that.", Cornelia said.
"You and me both.", Alchemy said. "Maybe he'll see that after working with us 'wannabes'.", Alchemy said getting a laugh out of Cornelia as they continued with their shopping.
In another part of Heatherfield, Taranee and Hay Lin were with Angelo at a fabric shop looking for things to use with some of the costumes they had in mind.
"So what will we need?", Taranee asked as they were looking through all the fabrics.
"A lot of pink for at least two of Cornelia's costumes.", Angelo said. "Green and white for Drake's and as for Aldern black. Actually we're going to need a lot of black for other outfits."
"But what about the leather that's needed for one of Aldern's outfits?", Hay Lin questioned.
"I thought about that.", Taranee said. "I figure that we could get some of the tailors in Meridian to help out with some of the outfits."
"That can work.", Angelo said. "We can get a lot done with their help. And as for at least one of Cassidy's costumes, I was thinking of asking Aldern's father for some help."
"You mean Aketon?", Taranee questioned getting a nod from Taranee. "But he's a blacksmith. What do you need from him?"
"You'll see.", Hay Lin said smiling.
"You know, we could have you and the other girls buy white swimsuits for the group costumes.", Angelo said. "It'll save time when it comes to making all the costumes."
"Good idea.", Hay Lin said. "So have you decided which Street Fighter you're going as?"
"Dee Jay.", Angelo said.
"Well, you do have the hair style for it.", Taranee said with a grin.
"I knew these dreads would be good for something.", Angelo joked getting a laugh out f Taranee and Hay Lin.
"What about you, Taranee?", Hay Lin asked. "Have you decided on who you want to go as for the carnival? Not to mention Halloween."
"Well, I've went through a lot of the comics me and my brother have and I came up with a few ideas.", Taranee said.
"Let me guess one.", Angelo said. "I'm going with Vixen from DC Comics."
"That would be for Halloween.", Taranee said with a smile. "I figure that the orange would go great with the holiday."
"Cool!", Hay Lin said. "I'm still trying to figure out who I should go as for Halloween."
"How about Dr. Light.", Taranee suggested.
"Who's that?", Hay Lin asked.
"A female superhero in DC Comics.", Angelo explained. "And a good choice. And if you can get some of the other girls to go a DC heroes, that would be awesome."
"We can have Aldern dress as Martian Manhunter!", Taranee said. "And Cornelia can dress as either Black Canary or Super Girl!"
"Micheal can be Green Lantern!", Hay Lin said. "Oh! This is going to be so much fun!"
"And what about you?", Taranee asked Angelo. "Got anything in mind?"
"I have a idea or two.", Angelo said as a thought or two came to mind as they continued to shop for more fabrics to use for their costumes for Halloween and the carnival.
Meanwhile, at the local pool, Cassidy and Will, who was let back on the school's swim team, were in their school swimsuits, swimming laps to work on their time.
"So it must feel good to be back on the swim team.", Cassidy said as she and Will were sitting on the edge of the pool.
"You have no idea.", Will said with a smile. "I mean not being on the team for so long, made me realise how bad I messed up things not only for me but for the team. Not to mention what I helped Irma do to Cornelia was wrong. I, of all people, know what it's like to have mean pranks done one's self. It never should have happened."
"Well, what's done is done.", Cassidy said. "And from what I see, you've become a better person from all that has happened between you and Cornelia. And I think the same could be said about Cornelia.", she said making Will smile.
"If only the same could be said about Irma and Caleb.", Will said as her smile turned into a frown.
"If only.", Cassidy said. "But hey. It's was their own actions that put them where they are now. So don't sweat it. If you and Caleb are meant to get back together, then it'll happen. If not, well there are plenty of guys out there. Like Angelo.", she said with a sly smile causing Will to blush a bit. "Don't tell me that you don't think you two could have something."
"Well... Maybe.", Will said. "But Selece likes him, too. So, I'm not going to try and go after him."
"Fair enough.", Cassidy said. "But what if he ask you out?"
"That's different.", Will said. "It'll be him coming to me."
"Good girl.", Cassidy said. "But if anything, I think that Selece is going to ask him out soon. I think."
"It would be better if Angelo ask her out.", Will said.
"Maybe we should talk to him and find out if he likes Selece.", Cassidy suggested. "But then again, that would be snooping."
"Not if we're helping a friend.", Will said.
"Very true.", Cassidy said. "So we go and talk to Angelo."
"Right.", Will said. "But for now, let's do a few more laps before open swim starts."
"No problem there.", Cassidy said as they stood up and got into position to do a few laps.
Now at Heatherfield Park, Irma and Caleb were there working on their little plan to get back with Matt and Will.
"So how are we going to do this?", Caleb asked Irma as they were walking through the park together.
"We're doing it now.", Irma said. "By walking through the park together, someone from school is bound to see us together and that's when the rumors of us seeing each other will start."
"Really?", Caleb questioned getting a nod from Irma. "Well, this is easy."
"But we can't stop with this.", Irma said. "In a week or two, we start going on small dates at places where people from school will see us and tell others in school."
"And let me guess.", Caleb said figuring things out. "the others will begin to question us about the rumors they've been hearing and we'll say that we're just hanging out."
"Bingo!", Irma said. "And then at the night of the Homecoming Dance we reveal that we've been dating for a while and decided to go the dance and see how things work out. Will and Matt will see what they've been missing and want to get back with us."
"Here's hoping it works.", Caleb said as they continued to walk through the park together hoping that a student would see them.
Later that evening, after eating dinner, Angelo went to sit outside on the porch for some fresh air when Cassidy came out and sat with him to talk about Selece and Will to see if he had any feelings for either of them.
"What up, Angel-Boy?", Cassidy asked as she sat in one of the chairs on the porch.
"Nothing much.", Angelo said. "Just chilling. What's up?"
"Well, I'm just going to get straight to the point.", Cassidy said. "Do you like Selece or Will?"
"Wait. What?", Angelo questioned.
"Do you, Angelo Vanders, like Selece or Will?", Cassidy asked.
"Okay. That was out of the blue.", Angelo said. "Why bring something like that up?"
"No reason.", Cassidy said. "I just notice how you act around them sometimes."
"Well, both of them are good friends that I've grown up with.", Angelo said. "Both are attractive. And yes, I have thought about going out with them. But between school, the Newspaper Club, K-SHIP, the carnival, and Guardian duties, I don't have much time for dates. Plus, there are two girls involved in all of this. How do I decide between them?"
"Simple.", Cassidy said. "Date them both."
"Say what now?", Angelo questioned.
"Date them both.", Cassidy said. "Go on a date with one of them and then go on a date with the other one. Keep doing this until you know who you want to be with."
"Of course one of them will be hurt.", Angelo said.
"True. But after some time, they'll get over it.", Cassidy said. "Now the question is who will you ask out first?"
"Hmmmm...", Angelo said as he thought about it. "Well, if I were to go alphabetically by either their first or last name, Selece comes out first."
"Then Selece it is.", Cassidy said.
"Selece it is.", Angelo said. "Well, this should be fun."
"Trust me, Angelo.", Cassidy said. "It'll work out fine."
But what they didn't know was that Caleb was listening in on them from inside the house next to a window.
"Why that... Trying to get with Will, huh?", Caleb questioned to himself. "That's what you think! Will is mine! And I won't let anyone take her from me!", he said to himself as he headed up to his room still mad about what Angelo was going to do.
A/N: Well, they may of shut down one factory but Hollens and Riddle now have Caleb and Irma as their eyes and ears to spy on our heroes. That's not good. And Irma and Caleb are putting their plan to get back with Matt and Will in motion. But will it work, or backfire on them? Only time will tell. And t seems that there's something of a love triangle growing between Angelo, Will, and Selece. One that a jealous Caleb plans on breaking. Looks like things will be interesting for a while folks. The next chapter looks promising. Don't you think?
Please review.