Will resurfaced in the natural hot spring with a loud splash, naked as the day she was born and half-submerged in the deep pool of water. Steam danced on the surface, making it hard to see where she was. Underneath the mist, birds chirped, and a nearby waterfall gurgled happily through the rocks. The tranquil sounds and atmosphere around her made it feel like a hidden paradise. Will closed her eyes, enjoying clear nature sounds and fresh air filling her lungs. She might have noticed something dangerous lurking beyond the beauty if not for distractions.
'When I decided to take a soothing soak outside, this was not what I had in mind.' Whispered a familiar voice out of the mist, and the tall figure emerged from the dense vapor. Will screamed, but the hand on her mouth muffled the sound, pulling her close.
'Silence! Or would you like the guards to come here running?' A male growled into her ear, gripping her tightly from behind, with one hand suppressing any sounds and the other on her waist. Will could feel his hot breath on her neck and his firm muscles tensing with every inhale as water droplets ran down their naked bodies. Soon, her entire body blushed to the tips of her hair after imagining a solid male body behind her back. The steam thickened, hiding everything from sight, increasing her awareness of every minuscule point their skin touched. With every breath they took, tension simmered in the air. The silence between them was heavy and filled with unspoken desire. Will wanted to get away, but he held her in place with a gentle yet firm grip. Her heartbeat pounded against her chest, and she wondered if he could hear it. Seconds ticked by, forbidden temptation pooled in her belly, and Will squirmed again, trying to run from the overwhelming sensations. Feeling too much, or maybe too little, she finally tried to get free. His immediate answer was an almost crushing grip on her waist. Phobos' hands confined her in a cage, pressing against his body and halting any movements.
'Nod once and promise not to scream, or I will kill you without exception this time.' He murmured in a low, tense voice. It was dripping with darkness and concealed promises, which sent chills down her spine. Will was both intrigued and frightened by his words, unsure of the hidden implications in his tone. Trying to decipher his intentions, she nodded, not having a choice and wanting to take as much distance from him as possible. Being this close to a familiar male made her feel reckless, compromising her mind. Phobos released her slowly, taking measured steps back to the pool's edge as if afraid she would lash out. Will kept a close eye on him, sensing something powerful swirling beneath his gaze.
'Cover-up! You are indecent!' A purple piece of fabric landed on her head. Will hugged the object to her chest, suddenly realizing she was still naked. It was a purple satin robe half-soaked in the water, where its edge was submerged. Relieved that she would not have to continue their conversation exposed, Will dressed up, feeling less embarrassed. The robe was far too large, wrapping around her like an oversize dress. She tied the edges of the robe with a soft ribbon, making it more form-fitting and unconsciously exposing her slender figure when it moved.
The mist cleared. Only a few wisps of vapor swirled above the hot water surface. Will turned around to see Phobos relaxing on the hot spring's edge, with a slight smile on his face. His body was half-submerged in the water, concealing sensitive areas from her wandering eyes. She could not tell if he was dressed properly beneath the surface, but his pale, firm, and lean chest, combined with the damp hair gently draped over his shoulders, made her mouth dry. Despite her presence, Phobos looked quite comfortable, unbothered by the uninvited visitor or ashamed by his improper appearance. Noticing she was staring, Will blushed and averted her gaze. Will began giggling and then laughing, suddenly realizing the absurd situation - it was beyond her imagination. She was seriously insane, fraternizing with the enemy. The girls would be shocked beyond belief, and they might even examine her for spell damage. Will knew the man was dangerous. She did not underestimate him. He could eliminate her if desired, but somehow there was no malicious intent present, which was confusing. She could feel him observing her, his gaze intent but strangely gentle, following her movements. He held all the power in the situation, yet he chose to laze around like a big, predatory cat. Maybe Phobos was plotting something or simply enjoying the moment—either way, a captivating being watched her. Kandrakar's Heart innocently blinked and heated on her chest, and Will focused on examining the culprit of all her troubles, suddenly feeling very irritated.
'This is all your fault, you little pink menace!' She muttered angrily, removing the pendant and vigorously shaking it. A deep, amused chuckle shifted her attention away from the one-sided argument.
'Based on your actions, once again, you are not here of your own volition?' Phobos raised his eyebrows with an impassive face, but his eyes still glowed with a smoldering green sheen. 'Do you even realize what you are holding in your hands?' He asked in a low voice, fixing his gaze on the object.
'Stupid little pendant!' Will responded childishly, dipping into the water and hiding in embarrassment at her recklessness. A few water drops splashed in his direction, and Phobos glanced at her in mild disapproval.
'You most likely know more than I do. Still, I will not say anything, or you will use my knowledge against me!' She clenched her fist, trying to remain calm because this whole situation was frustrating. Why was she even here?
'If I had desired your death, you would have drowned in this pool or met your demise the first time we met. It seems even the pain I deliver does not frighten you.' Phobos inspected his nails absent-mindedly as if avoiding looking at her. 'I wonder what else I can do to make you fear me,' he continued with a hint of amusement, meeting her eyes. 'Perhaps I have to be more creative…'
'Why? Why am I still alive? What do you want from me? Why did you let me go?' Will raised her voice, shuddering at the thought of what he could do but trying to hide her fear. Any wrong move could lead to dire consequences. Yet she wanted answers to the questions that had driven her crazy all this time.
'Would you believe me if I said nothing? I want nothing from you…' Phobos offered a quiet reply.
'Allow me to remind you, Guardian, that you were the one who appeared before me, carrying the key to unlocking the greatest power in the universe, acting like a naive girl!'' Phobos's eyes spoke volumes as he turned away - only a tap of his finger on the rock edge revealed his emotional turmoil. There was a hidden current of power simmering in the thick silence between them.
'Liar! You are my enemy! I shouldn't speak with you or even be here!' Will snapped, hearing unbelievable words. She was perplexed by her contradictory emotions, not wanting to be here but intrigued by his company. Something inside her relished the thrill of danger, but being here was irresponsible, putting everything in danger. She tried to shake off her conflicting thoughts, but her mind wandered back to the man in front of her. It was idiotic to vent her frustrations at him, but she could not help herself. Will had no idea how to get home.
'Do not presume things!' Phobos growled out. The fierce heat in his tone startled Will out of her thoughts. She noticed his tightly clenched fists, but as quickly as his temper flared, it was gone the next second. Phobos took a deep breath, and the evident tension bled out of his figure.
'Tell her to stop.' Phobos motioned to the pendant, spreading his hands on the rocky surface to make himself more comfortable.
'Her? Who?' Will questioned, bewildered by the abrupt change in conversation. She had trouble deciphering him almost from the start, wondering if he was deliberately cryptic or did not want to share anything with her because she was his enemy.
'You genuinely have no idea?' Phobos stared at her expressionlessly, concealing his thoughts. After seeing her adorable puzzled expression, he silently sighed, praying for his sanity. The Guardian had no idea how alluring she looked in his silky robe, with a flushed, rosy face and slightly damp red hair. Phobos could not help but feel a surge of desire as he watched her, but he maintained his composure, keeping his distance. Such innocence could be easily corrupted. He would never sink so low, even if he could portray a tainted image so effortlessly. It was fascinating to watch her reaction to him. She was like a fresh spark in his otherwise monotonously dull existence. He could not help but feel drawn to her energy and zest for life, which made him question whether he was living or just existing for the sake of his duty. It seemed Kandrakar stopped treating their Guardians as human beings and started identifying them as common soldiers, not divulging the required information. Just point at them, and they go. Phobos wondered just how deep the corruption went. While locked in this prison, he could not know, but at the same time, it did not matter—the enemy was apparent. He was already treading the path of no return. The unavoidable duty will require him to sacrifice everything, possibly even his life. However, the young Keeper of the Heart stirred in him something long forgotten—hope. Ages ago, he was like her—a bright and sincere fellow Guardian. Now, those fond memories were like sands of fleeting time. Everything that remained was misery, darkness, and the cold—sins to repent of and repay. He did not deserve happiness because of his mistakes. Yet sharing some information had no cost, so Phobos tried once more. It was a small gesture, but it was better than doing nothing at all.
'If I ask you questions, would you answer?' There was a slight hesitation in this inquiry as if he believed it was worth asking because the answer would be negative.
The Guardian frowned, clearly untrusting, but her curiosity won, and she nodded reluctantly. Phobos did not blame her. He symbolized everything she disagreed with, and they stood on opposite sides—as enemies.
Will looked surprised by his question and wondered what would happen next. Would he try to deceive her or tell her something new? She could not read his expression, but his eyes appeared solemn and sad. Will wanted to take a chance but could not trust him entirely. Despite his previous threats, Phobos seemed to have no intention of hurting her, despite her outburst and disrespect. She wanted to trust her instincts and give him a chance, even though it might be a bad idea.
'What exactly are you holding in your hands?' Phobos repeated the previously asked question, pointing at the glowing pendant.
'The Heart of Kandrakar.' Will shrugged her shoulders and gave the obvious response. It was a pendant that granted them powers, channeling them from the place of magic in the universe. She never gave it much thought, concerned with the situation in the Meridian, for which Phobos was responsible. Will frowned, her mind conflicted, looking at the prince.
'No, Guardian, you are holding the Heart of a Nymph—the soul and power of a divine individual. It seems likely that the Heart possesses some magic from all its previous keepers. In addition, it contains fundamental forces of nature, absorbed from the Great Dragons the Nymph protected. Essentially, the pendant you are holding is a sentient magical object imbued with so much power that it has its own thoughts and emotions. Kandrakar linked it with its realm magic, containing it in simpler forms, dividing the power, and granting it to chosen warriors. After all, one person should not have this much power…' Phobos grinned, and Will felt the magic in the air increase as a reminder of their different levels. 'After that, the chosen Guardians were able to summon, unite, and magnify their powers without consuming their life essence.' He continued, looking quite bored but willing to share his superior knowledge.
Will was stunned and struggling to make sense of the unexpected information. It surpassed all of her expectations. Such a small object contained such enormous power. She could not believe how something so seemingly innocent could hold such incredible potential. Will looked at the pendant in her hand. It blinked again and filled her with joy and genuine anticipation. It floated above her palm, shining brightly and slowly merging into her. Will painfully gasped, clutching her chest, sensing a heavy foreign presence settling close to her heart. It filled her with such warmth and longing that she felt as if the light had ignited inside her. As the emotions overwhelmed her, silent tears streamed down her rosy cheeks, and her skin gleamed. Will felt a sudden rush of energy coursing through her veins as her body lifted from the ground. The glow enveloped her completely, and for a moment, it felt like she was floating in a sea of pure bliss. Then, everything exploded in pink light.
Phobos stared in disbelief as the girl merged with the artifact, glowing like a ray of sunshine. He had not seen anything like it since the Heart of Meridian merged with Weira, except that was less spectacular. He remembered how the power of Meridian's Heart felt, and his heart prickled with an empty sadness. The Guardian floated above the water with pure power erupting from her body—old and overwhelming. Her red hair and borrowed purple robe fluttered around with the invisible wind while her eyes emitted a pale white light. What he saw right now was not a Guardian, but a Nymph's power emerging from within. Phobos stood there in awe, taken aback by her power so strong that it made the air shimmer with a faint glow. He could not help but feel a sense of reverence as she approached him, with her clothes slowly morphing into a fluttering, ancient-looking gown. He knelt on one knee in the shallow water, bowing his head and placing his hand on the heart - showing proper respect for the powerful being.
'Guardian, you are following a very perilous path... It will ruin you...' she said solemnly, her melodic voice echoing in various unique tones. 'But I trust that you will find your way back to the light, as you always have.' she added, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. 'Remember that you are not alone in this journey…'
'There is no choice, wise one. I am prepared to die.' Phobos answered, firm and resolute. 'If it helps save my planet, I will do whatever it takes, even if it means becoming the villain everyone despises. The bright path I once threaded is no longer for me. I made my decision.' Phobos lowered his gaze, long resigned to the fact that there was no turning back, hoping that his privacy spell on the pool would hold and that no unfriendly eyes would witness this interaction.
'Oran, after all this time, your heart is still holding pure…' The transparent form of the Nymph overlain the Guardian's frame. The entity hovered in front of him, gently lifting his chin and looking into his shocked eyes.
'I have not heard that name in centuries… That is no longer who I am. Once upon a time, there was a nameless Guardian. Now, I am the boy who died untimely. My name is Phobos, and I will live and die in this body—the seamless combination of the two souls.' A lone tear rolled down his pale cheek.
'You do not have to do this alone…' The Nymph earnestly advised, gently wiping off the teardrop. Phobos looked at her, appreciating the kindness but knowing it was a burden he had to bear alone. The pleasant warmth spread through her simple touch.
'This girl…' the woman said, motioning at the body she was inhabiting, 'would help given the chance. That is why I guided her to you after witnessing how you healed her after the fall. Once you earn her trust, Will is kind, stubborn, and loyal.'
'There is no hope. She would not accept my sincerity or agree with my methods. I am her enemy.' Phobos hissed through the teeth, somewhat ashamed of himself.
'Then guide her and reveal the hidden details. Once Will learns of the situation, she will undoubtedly help.' The Nymph suggested smiling indulgently. 'You can remain stubborn if you want, but I see your heart. I will not stop sending Will to you. With my ability and her will - she can travel anywhere - nothing can stop us. It is up to your discretion what you do with this opportunity.' With these words, the light went out, and the girl fell into the water with a splash. Phobos dove in after her, dragging her limp body to safety. He gently placed her on the ground, wiping her wet hair away from her face. She groaned and slowly sat up, swaying slightly but trying to stay upright.
Will opened her eyes, feeling dizzy and disoriented. She moved up, slowly settling on the grass near the pool.
'What happened?' she asked the only person with a possible answer. Only now focusing on the half-naked Phobos sitting next to her, dripping water all over the place - white pants clung to his skin and left little to the imagination. It was unnoticeable while he was in the water.
'You suffered a heatstroke, soaking for too long in warm water. I retrieved you from the spring.' He shrugged nonchalantly. Will was grateful but could not help but wonder why he went through the trouble of saving her when it was in his best interests if she died.
'Sorry…' Will apologized for her own sake, her heartbeat pounding with anxiety. 'Also, thank you. I would have drowned…' She gave a light nod, thanking him for the unexpected help. Once more, he did something unpredictable that went above her expectations.
'If I wanted a floating corpse in my pool, I would place you there myself!' Phobos stood up, irritated, and pushed his damp hair out of the way. With another touch, it was dry once again and flowed around him like a silk curtain. Will envied the casual use of magic while shivering in wet clothes. The Heart of Kandrakar was once again hanging on her chest. She looked at Phobos in genuine shock. 'Why did you not take it?' The question slipped through her lips.
'Have no fear, Guardian. I cannot, despite my desire to. It would likely increase my abilities, but the Heart is not easily corruptible. The only way I can take it is if it is given voluntarily. This is why the Oracle is reluctant to discuss the origins of your abilities. He is afraid of you and your abilities. Especially after what happened with the other Keeper before you. Ask him if you are curious, but do not expect the Oracle to give you an explanation.'
'How do you know so much?' Will inquired, not expecting to receive an answer.
'I am older than you think, Guardian… I know many things.' Phobos chuckled as if telling a joke only he understood. In a gentlemanly manner, he extended his hand to her. Will hesitated, but when another wave of dizziness hit her, she took it, and he helped her stand up. Sparks struck when their fingers touched as their magic flared around. It lasted only a second, yet Will's palm numbed with a sudden electrical charge. When he looked her in the eyes, their magic resonated.
'Will, my name is Wilhelmina. I prefer Will, so stop calling me Guardian, ok?' She quickly squeezed his hand and let it go. Phobos looked at her in puzzlement. 'Well, Will….' He stopped mid-sentence as the strange urgency filled the garden.
The roses moved slowly, swaying in the invisible wind. They whispered, murmured, and muttered one word with different voices: 'intruder… intruder… intruder…' The words repeated themselves all around them. It seemed like the flowers were alive. Phobos sprang into action, dragging her to the water and urging her to get in.
'Quickly, return home! You cannot be discovered here! Wish upon the Heart of Kandrakar would send you home. I apologize for this…' He said it in a rush, forcibly plunging her head underwater. Her lungs burned with too little air, attempting to concentrate in the unexpected situation. Pulling out the Heart of Kandrakar Will put her hands in prayer, cupping the pendant between her palms. The last thing she saw was a distorted figure above the water and a distant greeting in the name of 'Hello, Cedric…'.
Will exhaled a sigh of relief as her head broke the surface. She coughed and looked around, recognizing her bathroom. The Heart of Kandrakar safely brought her back. The water was cold, and the candles had burned out - she had been on Meridian for several hours. Will quickly got out of the bath and noticed a purple robe clinging to their body. It was a simple but elegant garment, yet the fabric was unfamiliar, with tiny silver threads embroidered throughout. She had not noticed it before and was worried about what to do with it. Wringing the excess water out of the fabric, Will hung the robe on the door, deciding to wash it in the morning. Redressing in her warm, dry fluffy robe, she felt glad that everything that happened was not a lucid dream. The silky male clothing was proof of that. Will tidied up the bathroom, feeling drowsy and drained of energy. After dry-blowing the hair and falling into bed, she fell asleep without another thought.