Where did it go wrong?

by Aria Morid

Going Zenith left its marks. It influences their lives and their missions. Their perception of what's right and wrong are skewed, but is it because of who they are or because of who they work for? The Guardians learn not every evil is wrong, or every good is right.

15. Chapter 15 Mixed Interlude - Talks

Chapter 15 Mixed Interlude – Talks (multiple pov)

Irma

It was Friday. The last Friday before the girls would return from Redstone. Not that I was counting or anything. Hanging with Will had been fun. Especially when she and Matt got all lovey-dovey in front of me during lunch. Ridiculous if you considered they'd been angry with each other before. And even though they'd gotten together, Will's irritation with Matt's overprotectiveness was clear, at least to me. Or I might be reading too much into it. Besides, while Hay Lin had Eric, Taranee had Nigel and Cornelia had Caleb, it never bothered me as much to see a couple. Just now that the only friend who provided both comfort and distraction was not in my class and had a boyfriend who tried to hog all of her spare time, made me realize how awful it was to be single.

I kept up a façade, of course. Why should I care if everyone ditches me to watch a movie with their significant other? At least we still kicked butt together!

Who was I kidding. When it came to getting a boyfriend, I was awfully bad at it. I mean, how could I not land a boyfriend, but both Will and Taranee could? Those two were the prime example of being socially awkward. Yet they found one. Granted, Will's relationship with Matt only took off when he learnt of her being a Guardian. I remember Will telling us how afraid she was that Matt would stop seeing her because he grew annoyed with the flimsy excuses she gave him whenever Guardian business called. So perhaps, this technique could work for me as well.

So okay, Andrew Hornby was a year older than Matt, thus three years my senior. And he was already in college. And I shouldn't be aiming so high for a boy who has only complimented me four times. But he was cute. And probably a caring, loving boyfriend. At least he was still single. That much I had gathered when I spoke to him at Will's birthday party. Problem was that I couldn't go visit him at college. I rarely felt out of place, but there it was just more than the stares and whispers that bothered me. It was the awful foreboding that I might never manage to get there. The tests for Redstone were a decent indication. Besides, I didn't want to give Andrew's buddies the impression he was a pedophile or something. So I had tried to catch him outside of college during the past week, while Will was with Matt. I managed to see him thrice, where he bought me a coffee on one occasion. That had to mean something. I only had to figure out how to tell him what I could do.

But should I? He was older and we barely spoke. Should I really give up this secret to someone I barely knew just because I thought they were cute? Cornelia would have a field day if he ended up ditching me for someone his own age. Powers or no powers, I could not force him. Wasn't this a way of forcing him to be with me? But if he weren't interested, why did he come to Will's birthday when I'd invited him? Surely he must have had some reason. I couldn't really see any other reason for him to come. He and Will never shared a word aside from a polite greeting. But he barely spoke to me then. Maybe he came to see the guys outside of college?

"Hi Irma."

I blinked. My thoughts evaporated as I finally remembered where I was. I'd been sitting on the steps of the rec centre, where the swimming pool was. I was picking up Will. We would go to a movie after her swimming practice. Will looked at me, amused apparently to see me startled. I hadn't noticed her coming out. Her hair was still dripping and a damp towel lay over her shoulders. Her coat was open and I frowned at her.

"You realize it's not even Spring yet, do you?"

She rolled her eyes, but still zipped up. Her cheeks were red from the warmth from the rec centre. I got up and pocketed my hands. It might be getting warmer, my hands were still freezing.

"You were deep in thought, mind back on Jewel?"

I shook my head. The two of us started walking. I hadn't thought of Jewel for a while now. He was save and free and that was what mattered. And his predictions? Well, they were all slowly coming true. All I could do was hope that whatever friend would give me an ass-kicking, didn't do it out of malice. Even so, it was not my prime concern.

"No…Just, Hay Lin told me she was telling Eric and I…Well.. You know," I said with a shrug.

Will nodded sagely. I might complain about her extremely sappy behaviour with Matt, but I was grateful she understood me with so little explanation.

"You said you wanted to do that too. You have someone in mind, don't you?"

I nodded slowly. I didn't think it was a secret who I wanted to tell. So now I just needed to prepare for a lecture how I first need to get to know the guy. I balled my hands and waited for Will to continue.

"You'll have your chance next week. The others will be back as well. You might get some tips from Hay Lin and Taranee how to do it. Just be careful, okay?"

I blinked perplexed and halted. I turned to her. She smiled tiredly at me. I wasn't mistaken. There was no lecture. Not even a warning about not revealing the others. Just a general encouragement and even a tip. This had to be a trap.

"You sure? No long lecture on how I should behave? Or what I need to do before telling him?"

Will shrugged, absentmindedly trying to dry her hair a little more before putting her towel in het bag. Once she slung it around her arm again, she gave me a sideways look.

"Irma, I am not your babysitter. I trust you are making the right decision. You're my friend and I will support your decision. I already agreed, what more do you want from me?"

Okay. Will was agreeing to me telling Andrew. This was…This was certainly a surprise, but a welcome surprise. I smiled broadly at her. I slung my arm around her shoulders, discreetly pulling the moisture from her shoulders and hair and dropping it behind us as we continued our walk.

"Will, sometimes you are too good to be true," I said.

A shy smile formed on Will's lips. Sometimes she was so easy to embarrass. I guess that no matter how long I knew Will, she always managed to surprise me one way or the other. As we walked on, I couldn't help but wonder how Hay Lin and Taranee were doing. And I prayed Taranee was doing better than the prophecy said.

…

Hay-Lin

Oh, I was so nervous. I mean, I know what the prophecy said. Eric should be taking this well. But still. I knew Eric for only half a year. Would he really accept all of me? Matt did for Will though and they were barely dating! So maybe Eric would do to.

"Hay Lin?"

A shiver ran down my spine. I let out a breath I hadn't realised I was holding in. I turned, my hair whipping behind me to see Eric standing in the opening of the balcony. I hadn't expected him to be here this early. I knew I'd asked him if he wanted to meet me here, but I needed a little more time to think. This balcony was away from the dorms, near the kitchens of the building. It had a nice view on the ocean and it had helped me a couple of times to calm my mind. To calm myself. I've been here ever since I texted Irma and Will I would do this. And now Eric was standing there. I had no way out.

Eric stood there, in his pyjamas and bathrobe. His hair was still wet and I could smell his body lotion. He always used a little too much for my taste, but now it made me feel a little at ease. He'd come here immediately after I texted him.

"I told you, you didn't need to rush," I said.

Eric, whose eyes had been shining with concern, now smiled sheepishly. He was again getting a tan, though not as dark as when Nerissa had kidnapped him. Oh my god. What if he would remember when I told him this? Would he hate me? He hadn't seem to bothered by his tan back then. But what if it was just a way to keep me from worrying?

"You said you wanted to talk. Besides, you rarely text. It's usually a voice message. So I figured it was urgent."

What did I do to deserve him? He could read all of that out of one simple text. I had even taken care of not using a dot. I had added a smiley to make it seem like nothing was wrong. Yet he saw through it all. My heart started beating at an irregular pace. Slower and faster, faster and slower. He approached me and slowly took my hands into his. I only became aware of my fidgeting with my hair when he untangled it from my fingers. His deep blue eyes looked me over. Was he searching for something? I wasn't doing magic now was I?

I gently squeezed his hands and gave him a peck on his lips. It didn't make him smile. If anything, I made him more concerned. I swallowed and slowly let go of his hands. The concern of before was once again written all over his face. I took a deep breath and a small step back. I had practiced this in my mind for a while now. I could do this.

"Eric, there is something I want to tell you," I said. "It's an explanation to what I've been doing in times you couldn't reach me or I had to go on a sudden notice."

For a moment he seemed concerned. His mouth opened but closed quickly after. Instead he nodded. Did he know I wouldn't continue if he interrupted me? My stomach turned. I kinda wish he had.

"I… Well you see there is this big….No…."

The words jumbled up in my head. This wasn't what I wanted to say. How had I planned it? I had something leading up to the grand reveal. But what was it? An apology for his tan? No, I didn't want to tell him he got it because of me.

"Hay Lin?"

His hands held mine once again. I looked at him just before he pulled me closer. My head rested on his shoulder as his arms wrapped around me.

"Breathe. In. And out."

It took me a moment to realize I had started hyperventilating. He was calming me down. Would he still do it when he knew? Even with the new fright that was slowly taking root in my mind, I couldn't help but calm down. His voice was calm and slow. It reverberated through the night air. It steadied me. Once I was breathing normally again, we separated.

"Look, I can see this is troubling you. I don't mind sitting here all night with you until you can tell me. The stars are beautiful to look at, this time of the night."

I pushed my tears down. Eric didn't want to postpone it. Heck, I might want to break up with him for all he knew. And yet he still wanted to hear it and wait it out until I was comfortable with it. He tried to divert my attention. I gave him a peck on the cheek.

"I love you, you know that?"

He smiled sheepishly at me. "I do."

I took a deep breath, I could do this.

"Eric, the reason why I sometimes blow you off isn't because I don't want to spend time with you or that I prefer spending time with my friends over you. I know you never said it, but I wanted to be clear about it. I blow you off because the world…or worlds are in danger."

For a moment he looked amused. His expression slowly changed to thoughtful as he looked me over.

"Meaning?" he finally said.

I held up my hand in front of him.

"I can do magic."

With that I created a small tornado in my hand. Eric took a step back surprised. He looked from me to the tornado and back again. He probably would have repeated the action if I hadn't dispelled it. I took a step forward, hoping I hadn't scared him senseless.

"I was chosen, along with four others to protect the known worlds with our magic. I've been doing this for two years now and we're doing so much good and we saved Heatherfield just last Christmas from a giant snake and we stopped a crazy prince and …."

I realized I was rambling. Eric just stood there, watching me like I was someone or something he'd never seen before. I couldn't read his expression. Was he scared? Or disgusted? Maybe both? Or did he think this was a dream? Oh I hoped he would think that.

"So…you're a superhero?"

There was a tinge of excitement in his voice. His eyes were shining, just like when they would when he watched something awe-inspiring. I felt my cheeks redden.

"Well, we are called Guardians. But I think we are considered superheroes on some planets."

"You've met aliens?"

I blinked. I remembered being excited when we arrived in Meridian for the first time. Excited to meet aliens. But I can't say I've been regarding them like that at all. Some were monsters, some were people with great hearts. I couldn't say they were aliens when I was the alien on their planet. Still I grinned.

"Yes. It kinda depends on the planet. I've been to three so far and one has talking trees, one had these green or blue, horned people and one has real banshees!"

I held my head askew, some of my excitement waning.

"Does…Does this mean….you don't care?"

Eric's eyes widened. He then gave me his warmest smile yet as he grabbed a hold of my arms.

"Hay Lin, you're telling me you're a superhero and even shown it. Of course I care! But I know you can handle yourself or I would have noticed something a long time ago. Besides, you've got to tell me about your powers! Can you only make tornadoes? Does that make you Tornado Girl? Or can you do more? Do you even have a superhero name? Do you need one? And are the other Guardians also capable of doing what you can do?"

I let out a squeal and tackled him into a hug and kiss. I definitely picked out the right guy.

…

Nigel

Okay, she wanted to talk. That's alright. Taranee likes to talk to me. Maybe she's had yet another argument with her mom. Or maybe Cornelia's opinion about something had been too strong and she needed to vent. It would explain her behaviour of the past few days. She had been testy a couple of days before and given off clear vibes that she didn't need to talk with someone about it. However it had simmered down. So she most likely was going to apologize about it. Nothing strange, it has happened before.

It's just that Eric received a text from Hay Lin around the same time I got one from Taranee that made me a little worried. While it wasn't rare for our girlfriends to text us at the same time, it was that both wanted to see us. Was it about something they had decided on? Eric had been concerned. Hay Lin rarely texted, he said. With that he just left me. I didn't know what to make of it. Sure, Hay Lin tended to send voice texts, but a normal one wasn't that strange.

Anyway, it was most likely Eric's concern that was getting to me. I tried to shrug it off on my way to the beach. The school did ask us to stay in the building during the night, but they didn't make it mandatory. And Taranee wanted to talk somewhere private. Maybe she didn't want to talk but something else? I smiled at the idea. Perhaps Taranee was once again in a rule breaking mood, like the time she dyed her hair. Every time I thought I understood her, she showed a new side of her. Just when I was comfortable with knowing how she probably reacts to a situation, Taranee proves to be unpredictable. I think that's the thing I love most about her. The way she manages to surprise me every single time we meet. Whether it is by opening up, flipping her personality around to annoy her mother or simply by understanding me more than I ever could.

The moon illuminated the beach, which was deserted except for one silhouette. That silhouette was darkened by the small camp fire in front of it. Recognizing her, I slowly approached. She was sitting in the sand, her eyes focussed on the dancing flames before her. I loved the way they reflected in her glasses. I don't think I've ever seen anything else be reflected in them.

"Hey."

Taranee startled. A gasp came around the same time the fire rose up. It died down when she turned around. Her eyes were wide. I grinned as I gave her a peck on the lips. A ghost of a smile formed on her own lips as I sat next to her.

"Broke your train of thoughts?"

She shook her head for a moment before deciding that nodding was the more appropriate reaction. I smiled at her as a blush formed on her cheeks. From all the crazy stuff in my life, I was glad I had Taranee to escape it all. I didn't have to meet demands, like I had to do with my parents. I didn't feel like my brother's shadow was looming over me. With her, I was just myself. Thanks to her I never really joined Uriah's gang. If I'd done that, I doubted I would have joined Matt in his band.

"I was just…Mulling over something."

She didn't really look at me. Her eyes were on my face, but never making eye contact. A small blush crept over her cheeks. What had she been thinking?

"Nothing bad I hope?"

Taranee shrugged. This made my concerns from before resurface. What was going on?

"Got into a fight with your mother? Or did something happen back home?"

She placed her hand on mine. She shook her head and took a deep breath.

"No. No. Nothing's wrong. I just. I wanted to talk to you about something."

Was this the moment where she was going to dump me? Would she? No, she wouldn't do it like this? I hadn't done anything wrong! Heck, if anything I should be the one doing the dumping for all the times she ditched me or favoured her friends over me. But I wouldn't dump her over that! She's my girlfriend and not an object I possess. If she likes hanging with her friends, why should I interfere? And she always made up for it. So please, this couldn't be a break up.

"Oh yeah?" I asked, my voice stammering while I tried to stay calm.

"I…I know you don't like it when I cancel our plans because something comes up. I-I hate that too,"

Oh no, so it was about that. She wasn't going to dump me because whatever it was that required her to do so was making our relationship impossible? I wouldn't allow that.

"Taranee, you're right. I don't like it, but it doesn't mean anything! How many relationships aren't filled with things the significant others don't enjoy? My mom hates it when my dad drinks too much and my dad dreads every shopping spree my mom undertakes, but they still love each other very much."

Taranee was looking at me, her eyes watering a little. I took her hands and held them close, hoping I was convincing her.

"Nigel…I wanted to tell you why I do that."

Her voice wasn't more than a whisper. The fire nearby crackled as it slowly started to douse. It caused a shadow to fall over Taranee's face. I stayed silent. Truth be told, I was always curious. She rarely gave me an explanation and when she did, it was always vague. For her to tell me this out of the blue, it must have been urgent.

"I…." Taranee took a deep breath. "I and four others protect the universe."

I stared at her. She looked back at me. And I took a long moment to let the meaning of the words sink in. Still…This was a joke. She was being all broody and serious for a lame joke like this? I tried to snicker, if only to let some of my emotions out. I was worried about nothing? However, Taranee wasn't smiling. She kept looking at me.

"Taranee, come on. This wasn't one of your best jokes, but really?"

I tried to sound relieved, but the way she stared at me made me uncertain. But come on. Taranee, who was so shy she always tried to melt away when someone praised her, was protecting the universe? There weren't even any superheroes out there. I mean, I am a fan of superheroes as much as the next guy, but this was ridiculous. Superheroes with secret identities belonged in fiction.

She pulled her hands away from me, shaking her head as she did so.

"I'm not joking. I…can control fire."

I wouldn't have believed her, but her pendant started to shine as she spoke. I only realized now that the fire next to us was blazing again and as she moved away from me, the light from her pendant flew out of it. Flames from the fire next to us engulfed it, until a basketball sized dragon formed from it. I couldn't control myself and stumbled back, screaming as I did so.

I could see Taranee wincing as I did. She tried to shush me, whispering to me to calm down. I didn't see how anyone could calm down from this. She just created a dragon! One from flames! And it just draped itself lazily around her shoulders! She wasn't even reacting to it! What the actual hell? How long was she able to do this? Did she know before we started dating? What did this mean for me? What the hell! Did she use me? What other unnatural stuff could she do?

I scrambled back more, but my screaming slowly faded out. All I could do was stare at her in horror. Her hands petted the fire dragon before she moved them almost theatrically. The fire dragon followed her movements and grew smaller before once again returning to her pendant. The pendant that always felt warm. Because it held a small fire in it. She was wearing fire.

"I use it to protect others… Remember when we got mugged in the sushi shop? I sprang the sprinklers."

Okay. Good news. She didn't necessarily burn people to a crisp when she didn't like them. Bad news, she definitely had those powers before we started dating. Was it bad news? I never noticed them before. And she wasn't bad at controlling them or people would have had a lot more burns on them. Uriah would have been sent to a hospital if she'd used them on him. But she didn't. Good. She kept the fight fair. I think that's good. I don't know. How does this even count as normal? How could she even stand me?

"I cancel plans because evil rears its head on a planet and I and the rest have to stop it."

And she travels to different planets. So far for having a normal girlfriend. You'd think you hit the jackpot with a shy, sweet, beautiful and smart girl who is already way out of your league, when she goes and adds superpowers to the formula. And she still acts like it's normal! How was this normal?

"Nigel? Please, say something. I..I can explain everything you want. Just please…"

Why the hell was she begging? She could make me obey her. I didn't fancy being burnt to a crisp. And she definitely had the advantage with the premade fire. Oh my god, did she make the fire as well? I shook my head. I…I needed some space. Think this out.

"I… I need some time to….process this," I said.

She reached out for me. With the same hands that just so casually petted a flame dragon. With the hands that could burn me within seconds. I recoiled. I could see the hurt on her face. And I honestly didn't know what to do. Instead she nodded. She got up and left. I heard a sniffle as she walked away. The campfire started dying down once again. When the darkness of the night overtook me, all I could do was listen to my beating heart. How the hell did I survive this? And what will I do now?

…

Irma

I looked perplexed at Will. She must have been joking. Oh, but she was scowling. Definitely no joke. Shit, I was not prepared for this. And honestly I didn't want to either.

"Sorry?"

Will clacked her tongue annoyed. She slung her bag over her shoulder as she stopped. She turned to me, clearly not happy with my obvious disapproval of her new plan.

"I want to talk to Cedric and Phobos," she repeated.

I stared at her for a moment. Now I knew she was taking this way too serious. I mean, yeah Kandrakar did ask us to find evidence and sure, we should obey them. But we didn't have to go above and beyond. We had Miranda's and Frost's accounts of what happened. Added to that were ours and Elyon's. Seriously, why go to the culprits themselves? They would definitely lie to save their skins.

"And I want VMJ, but we can't have everything we want Will."

Will rolled her eyes at me. I was the one who should be doing that. What was she trying to prove anyway? Cedric and Phobos were evil. End of story. Unredeemable and I was glad they were stuck in Kandrakar. Good riddance if you asked me.

"Will, we got what they asked us to do. Why go so far?"

Will's shoulders shot up. I raised an eyebrow at the antic. What was she hiding?

"I… I'm just curious. Aside from checking Miranda's and Frost's story, I want to see how they plead. You know, before they can spite the entire Council."

I grinned. There was no doubt in my mind that the two of them would sneer and jeer at the Council. And it would definitely not do them any good either.

"Even so, it won't help them. You know both of them are getting a one way ticket to a life time in prison, right?"

Will twisted her lips. She didn't like it when I was right. I don't think I know anyone who likes it when I'm right. And somehow I still surprise people when I am. You'd think they were trying to insult me.

"That's true."

I smiled. What's better than being right is someone admitting so. However, my smile quickly faded when I saw Will still looking at me.

"But you remember what both Yan Lin and Halinor said, don't you? Lay low and obey Kandrakar's wishes. And going the extra mile will definitely get us in their good graces."

Bah. Note to self, never try to out argue Will when it came to Guardian business. Anything else was doable, but somehow she always managed to get her way when it came to decisions concerning us being Guardians. I sighed in defeat. There was no way to win this.

"When do you want to go?"

Will gave me a sympathetic smile, almost as if she was trying to cheer me up about the fact I had lost. She shrugged and continued her walk, prompting me to follow her.

"I was thinking of tonight. I want to have one visit in before the others return."

I didn't need to be a genius to figure out why Will wanted to go tonight. Tomorrow the girls would be back. Probably sleep deprived due to the time zone difference. And it was likely they would argue against it. Will could beat me, but four against one was out of her league and she knew it. I sighed. My night of relaxing on the couch was ruined now. I could still say no. Problem was, Will would still go. With or without me. And with her just recovering from her poisoning it wouldn't be a great idea to let her go alone. This was unfair, she was using her weakness against me. Was this punishment for us watching her? Really, she should be grateful.

I looked up when I heard a shriek and a splash. Will and I shared a short glance before sprinting to the bridge just up ahead. A woman was leaning over the railing and crying out. As we arrived we heard her call a name, calling for help.

I looked over the railing and saw a boy splashing in the river. I gritted my teeth. Getting the kid out was easy for me. I just had to snap my fingers and the river would put him on the bank. But it would be a major breach in our secret and with now more people stopping to see what was going on, I couldn't just go ahead. If it had only been the mother I could have tried to erase her and her son's mind. But now…

"Help discretely," Will said.

With that she pushed her bag into my arms and took a leap off the bridge. I yelled after her. Cornelia would kill me now. I was just extremely happy the river was deep enough here. Will's head resurfaced and for once I was glad she was a strong swimmer. Still I made the current slow down around both her and the boy. The woman besides me was on the phone with I assumed to be the police and was narrating what she was seeing. I gave her an encouraging smile before focussing on the task at hand. By now Will had reached the kid. It clawed desperately to get a grip on her. By the time Will was nearing the shore, two policemen were there to help her and the boy up. I gave both of them a short boost before hurrying after the mother.

It took a while. The police insisted we stayed for an ambulance to arrive and check up on both the boy and Will. The mother kept thanking Will over and over, while she stood there shyly. Will really didn't handle praise well. This was proven when she kept refusing any reward the mother offered. The boy had nothing worse for wear except a fright. And perhaps a phobia of water. Once we were finally cleared by both the ambulance personnel as well as the cops, did we go on our way.

"You realize we will miss the movie due to your hero antics, right?"

Will gave me a sideways glance. I grinned with a shrug. I hadn't been particularly in the mood to go to said movie anyway. I mean, I enjoyed a movie as much as the next teenager. But, I did not have a fancy part time job like Will that could sustain my many teenage needs. Meaning that the money that would have gone to a movie ticket and snacks could now go to that new VMJ album I've been waiting for. I know, I know. I could easily download it online. I did, for most of the music I listened anyway. But I would never dream of downloading VMJ's music without buying his album later. How else was I going to support him?

"Well, seeing that a movie is out…"

I looked back at Will. My mood soured incredibly when I saw her reach for her necklace. I take it back. I want to go to the movies. If only to postpone what she was implying.

"If we run we might only miss the commercials."

Will's deadpan look told me otherwise. I sighed deeply and trudged after her. I followed her to her dad's apartment. Neither he nor Serena were home, which made it a perfect place to do Guardian business. Will dropped her bag carelessly in the living room. She quickly wrote a note to her dad. I glanced over her shoulder, seeing she told him not to worry as she was with me. It was clear Mr. Vandom didn't know me well enough. If he did, he wouldn't be reassured with the knowledge that his only daughter was with me. Leaving the note on the table, she looked at me. This was one of those times that the determined look did not reassure me. I sighed deeply when the Heart flashed.

Transformed we arrived in Kandrakar. The folding chambers were as empty as ever. There were multiple platforms where people could fold themselves to. Yet I still had to see others arrive here. Maybe the Council members who still lived on their home worlds used them? If so, then I doubt they'd use it in times when the fortress was safe. Perhaps we could meet Lyonak here if he returned to Meridian or appeared here.

"Welcome Guardians."

I jumped at the voice. Standing in the door opening wasn't Halinor, whom I'd come to expect whenever we appeared here. Today a man was standing there. I would say he was well in his fifties. Well, I only guessed that due to his grey hair colour. His hair was long and braided, with a few strands in between his eyes. His silver eyes watched us patiently. One of his eyes had a scar of three stripes running over it. His moustache was something I would account to old Eastern martial arts masters from the movies, but he lacked the ridiculous long beard. Instead he sprouted a goatee. He had his arms crossed in his Kandrakarian dress – I mean robe.

I stole a glance at Will. While not jumping, her face betrayed her surprise. And her disdain. It all quickly hid behind a mask of indifference. The same I've seen her form since our first meeting with the Council. She bowed her head. I refused. I didn't know who this man was and I didn't feel like I should be bowing to him. He had probably been one of the many disdainful eyes in the crowd.

"Lord Endarno, you were expecting us?"

I stared at Will. How did she know who this man was? No way that she went out of her way to know every old man here in Kandrakar! If she did, it definitely explained her grades. I looked at the Elder, who raised an eyebrow in amused surprise. Apparently he hadn't expected us to know him. He restored himself quickly and gave us a friendly smile. I grimaced in return. This day was already weirder than I thought it would be when I woke up this morning.

"The Oracle has alerted me that you might wish to speak to the prisoners in preparation of their trial. May I say that it is heart-warming to see our Guardians putting so much effort in the tasks placed upon them? Most would overlook questioning the criminals. After all, they will be getting what they deserve."

He said it all with a pleasant smile. Honestly, it sounded like he was praising us. How was it that it didn't feel that way? Did he know I'd tried to dissuade Will? Or was it all just some stupid coincidence? Or was this some enigmatic warning for us to stop digging? I glanced at Will, hoping she'd have an answer. When she remained stoic, I decided to alleviate the tension.

"Yeah, well you know us. Doing all we can to please Kandrakar."

A very faint smile formed on Will's lips. Endarno regarded me shortly. His lips pursed for a moment, before the same friendly smile returned. This man scared me and I definitely didn't like it. I've seen police dogs smile friendlier than he did.

"Yes. Well, I am the Keeper of the Tower of Mists and I will guide you to the prisoners. If you follow me, please."

He turned around and started walking. I shared a glance with Will. She had dropped her mask the moment Endarno had turned and frowned at his back. I only repressed a shiver as I started to follow. I didn't like how Kandrakar was so up to date on what we wanted to do and when. I mean, I was glad we didn't have to face the whole Council with a request, but to be anticipated felt oddly intruding. Didn't the Oracle have anything better to do other than stalking us?

We followed silently. We walked through different hallways than I was used to. Looking into several rooms I saw elders chatting away. One room had multiple meditating. So apparently they didn't just sit in the Congregation Room all day long. Colour me surprised. We passed an archway leading to gardens. I raised an eyebrow. Cornelia should have known about this back when we were fighting Nerissa here. She would have been able to use the vegetation here. Yet another surprise Kandrakar had in store for us. I wondered when the moment would come when I was no longer surprised by their secrecy.

Finally we were lead outside. In the distance I could see a large white tower standing. Every floor had multiple small windows. A blanket of clouds spread out from the edge of the fortress to the tower and beyond. Endarno continued walking and for a short moment I expected him to drop through the clouds. Yet he didn't. I gave Will a look, who looked as surprised as I felt.

I took a tentative step after Endarno. Will's wings fluttered shortly, as if she was already preparing to fall through it. I should have thought of that. Instead I placed my foot on the clouds. My heart thundered as I expected to plummet forward, but found the ground to be soft but stable. Another step onto the clouds gave me the strange sensation as if I was walking on a cushioned floor. It was awkward walking. I didn't understand how Endarno could move so elegantly over it. I decided to fly rather than struggle through this. Will stubbornly continued to walk a few more steps before finally giving in. She never was a big fan of flying. Even Corny took more to it.

Once we came to the Tower, I noticed a distinct lack of a door. Endarno held up his arm, showing off an intricate bracelet. The wall glowed golden before a door shaped hole appeared. He graciously gestured us to enter. I grimaced. Somehow this prison seemed worse than Cavigor and that had been a hole in the ground with man-eating beetles at the bottom. We entered, finding a pristine white hall upon our entry. A large staircase opened up the moment Endarno entered, leading up to the upper floors. Without a word did he pass us and walked up the stairs. The walk was another few minutes before arriving at what seemed the umpteenth hallway this tower had. It was definitely bigger on the inside than the outside would suggest. This hallway, as the ones we passed before, was empty. There were no doors or windows. I decided this was the worst prison I ever entered. At least doors gave a glimmer of hope to escape. Here you had nothing.

Endarno walked into a hallway, with us following him closely. Suddenly Will halted, making me almost walk into her. She was looking at a part of the wall.

"Cedric is here."

I looked around wildly. I didn't fancy meeting the snake here. Yet the corridor remained empty except for us. Endarno had halted when he heard Will speak. He turned around and saw her looking at the wall. I studied the wall as well, seeing nothing but impeccable white stone.

"How'd you know?" I whispered.

"I sense him. Faintly."

Will's eyes were glazed over, the Heart shone lightly in her chest. I nudged her to get her out of it. I didn't know what was happening, or how Will even knew how to detect Cedric, but it was freaking me out. I believed I had enough surprises the past three weeks. I didn't need another one.

"Your sensing abilities are keen, Guardian." Endarno walked towards us. "I wanted to bring you to the prince first, but perhaps you wish to interrogate his general first?"

I snorted. Cedric had pretty much forfeited any title Phobos had given him the moment he swallowed him. But I guess Kandrakar liked to work with titles. After all, I doubt I heard them call us by our names ever since we saved them from certain destruction.

My mouth went dry when a door appeared the moment Endarno waved his hand. It was simple, much like the doors the fortress had. No grant design. No name tag.

"I will stand at the entrance to give you some privacy."

I huffed. The Oracle was probably listening in anyway. I was beginning to think that privacy was an illusion. Nevertheless, Will thanked the man and entered. I was filing my feelings away for later to complain to Will and followed after her.

The inside of the cell was large. Blocks were cut-out to function as a bed or a table or simple seats. Light seeped in from a tiny window at the end of the room. It didn't look comfortable. There were no blankets or cushions. It wasn't as chilly as the prison in Meridian, but somehow that small cell felt a lot more comfortable than the big empty space they had here. I really never thought I would think this, but I honestly believed Cedric and thus Phobos were better treated on Meridian. My eyes fell upon a strange sight. Long drapes ran from the ceiling to a figure laying on one of the blocks. Long blond hair spilled out around him and he was wearing a similar white robe to the ones the elders wore around here. However, even at this distance I could notice the shoddier fabric.

Cedric moved when he heard us entering. He sat up and turned around. I noticed how the drapes were tight around his arms and legs. It reminded me of the fabric that had captured the Banshee back at Ari's palace. It was eerily similar. The drapes were white, but turned a slight pink when Cedric tried to stand. The moment they did, he sat back down on the blocks. Will gasped but when I looked, she was once again wearing her stoic mask. It didn't matter. I didn't need her confirmation of what I was seeing. These drapes depleted Cedric of his energy. A chill went down my spine. This place was nasty.

"Ssso the Guardiansss have finally decided to grace me with their presence."

For someone who looked as white as a ghost, he still had an attitude. For a man who no longer had anything, I guess his pride was the final thing he could own up to. It was a very strange experience. Cedric had been a part of my nightmares for quite a few nights. I would still admit that if I ever were to face him alone, I'd be scared. Yet here he sat, weak and pale with no power left. I was certain he'd even slimmed down.

"You've looked better," I said.

A sneer formed on his lips. "Well, we can't all live in the sssun. Especially not after you so graccciousssly placcced me under your master'sss care."

I glared at him. If anything irked me it was the mentioning of Kandrakar being in control of us. I mean, I knew they were. I knew that if they called on us, we had to obey. Will pointed it out often enough. Hay Lin too. It didn't mean I liked it. I preferred the situation of how it was before we learned Kandrakar was more than a magical brand name. Now it just felt like we were lapdogs. Mindless soldiers who couldn't think on their own.

"Yeah well…"

"We came to ask you some questions."

Will cut me short. I will admit that if I'd continued this argument, I might worsen the situation. Or just get dragged away. Cedric knew he was powerless so pointing that out to him would hurt a lot. It would shut him up for any questioning we – Will – wanted to do. Still I glared at him as he lazily turned his attention to Will.

"I know why you're here, little girl. And I do not wisssh to play. I know a mock trial when I ssssee one. Leave. You're taking more of my precccioussss energy than I am willing to admit."

He turned his back to us. Everything in me was itching to blast him with a good torrent of water. The sparks in Will's hair spoke volumes of her own frustration. I never figured that man would be more irritating now that he was a prisoner. Why I really ought to…

Will stalked off. I watched her go before giving Cedric one final glare. The door closed behind Will and the room darkened. Cedric hadn't moved and I felt my frustration wane again. The way he lay on the block…He looked pitiful. I'd thought I would enjoy seeing nightmare food reduced to this. I never imagined the uncomfortable feeling of pity to accompany my glee.

"How the mighty have fallen."

He didn't react to what I said. I turned away. He had gotten what he'd deserved. And somehow it felt unfair.

Once I walked out, Endarno took us to Phobos' cell. His was at the end of the hallway and looked exactly like Cedric's. The only difference was that he wasn't moping on one of the blocks like a rejected Disney princess. Instead he sat near the window, looking out of it. He might actually be deep in thought. We startled him out of his thoughts. He looked up and I swear I could see a pleased smile form on his lips when he saw Will entering first. That smile lessened when I came into view.

"Guardians. A pleasure as usual."

What was it with prisoners and always wanting the first word? And the sarcasm? No wonder villains got so irritated by me. It was pretty tiring when you knew your enemy couldn't go anywhere and they still put on a brave front. I stopped, thinking it over. Cedric put up a brave face because he believed his trial would be nothing but a show. Did Phobos think the same? I wondered if it was some kind of defeat they'd acknowledged but rather than accept it was their own mistake, they blamed it on the unfairness of Kandrakar. I mean, Kandrakar hadn't been really fair with Ari, but it's not like it's a trend of them.

"Phobos, we came to ask you a few questions."

Phobos didn't really move from his spot. He did wave his hand in mock courtesy.

"By all means, sit down. I am sorry I cannot provide you with more comfort. As you can see, I am rather tied up."

Huh. Never thought he was this clever. I shared a new glance with Will. She'd raised her eyebrows. I returned the look. What was she expecting of me?

"He's awfully calm, don't you think?" she said.

I shrugged. "Maybe this is his version of accepting defeat? Cedric blames Kandrakar for faking his trial and purposefully locking him away. Phobos decides to act honourable. Or pretends to anyway. It's not like he can harm us now anyway."

Will nodded before taking a seat on one of the blocks. I copied her, sitting next to her and leaning a bit backward. The stone was uncomfortably warm. Perhaps nice when you tried to sleep, but definitely not when you were just sitting.

An uncomfortable silence followed, in which no one really spoke. I wondered if Will was playing a war of attrition with him, or if neither really wanted to start talking. Phobos watched Will with a lazy smirk, while Will returned his look with a hard gaze. The silence was getting on my nerves. I definitely had better things to do than watch those two stare at each other.

"So Phobos, enjoying the view?"

His smirk dropped and lo and behold, I managed to grab his attention. He turned his eyes to me. I recognized his usual glowering glare. It almost made me nostalgic. At least it was a whole lot better than the interest he was showing Will. I mean, I get you're impressed with a teenager who outsmarted you but come on. A little spite would be nice.

"Oh yes, I would choose this view over watching the kingdom that is rightfully mine every day, Guardian," he sneered.

"Your sister is the rightful ruler by …"

"She is not," Phobos hissed, interrupting me. I raised an eyebrow as he seemed to catch himself. He took a few breaths and looked away, as if trying to regain control. Will only raised an eyebrow.

"Trust me Guardian. If my mother didn't have such insufferable faith in Kandrakar, we wouldn't be having this discussion here."

"What does that mean?" I said.

Phobos regarded me for a short moment. If he was wondering whether or not he should answer, he better decide quickly. I was in no mood to play games with him.

"Perhaps you might find the answer you seek in our history books, rather than asking me, Guardian."

I turned to Will. I really wanted to either give this guy a piece of my mind or just leave him here sulking. It took a few seconds to get Will's attention though. She was terribly focussed on Phobos and honestly, I couldn't say why. She'd been like this with Frost and Miranda. Almost as if she saw more than I. And unless she suddenly developed the mindreading Taranee could do, I sincerely doubted she saw more.

"We will. For now I have only one more question for you."

Oh god, was Phobos really looking pleased with himself? Why would he even? Why would Will even indulge him by telling him we would be reading up on Meridian's history? She better not think that I will add Meridian history atop of the homework Collins gives us. If she has spare time, she can do it. She might get Taranee crazy enough to help her.

I looked at her as she de-transformed. It took me another few seconds to realize I hadn't. I gave her a look which she totally missed as she started rummaging through her bag. From it she took a book. I recognized it to be the book Elyon had given her for her birthday. The one she'd been practising with without our permission or knowledge. I huffed and glanced at Phobos. If he'd been surprised that she'd transformed back, he didn't show it. He looked mildly interested in what she was doing. When she showed him the book, an eyebrow raised.

"Have you studied from this book?"

My eyes widened even more. Really? We go all the way to Kandrakar and endure his silly games for her to ask this question? A small smile played on his lips.

"You should have said that you were interested in my education. I wouldn't have chided away from teaching you."

A shiver ran down my spine. The threat was so subtle that it made me uncomfortable. Will remained stoic, still holding the book.

"Have you?"

Phobos' smirk dropped. He rolled his eyes and dismissed the book.

"Yes, yes. When I was but a boy. With no sister to steal my throne, I was expected to have a decent knowledge about magic. Though this book only speaks about the very basics any magic user should be capable of. Have you tried any of the spells yet?"

His smirk had returned and he regarded Will again with interest. Oh, I wish she would show him a trick from it. Or at least a shock to shut him up. He was asking for it. But Will simply smiled back and put the book back. She transformed and got up.

"Thanks. I might return later."

Phobos inclined his head. He shortly regarded me before turning his attention back to his window. I blinked a few times before following Will. Now it was my turn to ask questions. However I had to opt for the telepathic version as Endarno waited for us as we exited.

"Will, what the hell? Why does it matter he studied magic?"

Will shrugged in response. She eyed Endarno, who had started listing of all the crimes Phobos and Cedric would be accused of. Not that we didn't know them already, but it was a good way to continue our conversation without being noticed.

"Phobos won't talk as easily as Miranda or Frost."

"So you decide to break him down through small talk?" I said.

She gave me a small smile. "That. And you. You were a great help. I've been wondering why Meridian had a matriarchy. Judging from Phobos' behaviour when you told him Elyon was the rightful ruler, there is something more about the rules of succession. Besides, why would someone who was never meant to become king be groomed with the knowledge to use magic like this?"

She emphasized the last part by patting her side, where I knew her bag was there in her human form. I huffed.

"If you say so. Just so you know, I'm not going to study Meridian history."

A soft laugh escaped her. She had to repress it immediately when Endarno turned to her. I turned away from them to hide my own smirk, as Will was lectured by Endarno why endorsing rape and plunder was no laughing matter. He was right of course, but Will could have chosen a better time to laugh.

"Oh one last thing!"

Will shot me a glare over Endarno's shoulder. She clearly wasn't in the mood to answer me. Endarno noticed her distraction and fired into another lecture. I only gave her an apologetic look in return, hoping she noticed it.

An hour later we finally returned to Earth. Endarno could really go on and on once he got going. I hadn't expected it from him. Though his strictness on the rules and regulations of Kandrakar was to be expected I guess.

"Okay, so I have two more questions."

Will sighed loudly. I grinned. She shouldn't be complaining. I too had been subjected to Endarno's reprimanding lectures. It wasn't like she was the only one who suffered. Besides, she made me miss the movie. I was allowed at least this much.

"So, how did you know Endarno?"

Will stiffened. Her shoulders shot up. It took her a moment to look at me, guilt swimming in her eyes.

"I…Remembered him. From Orube's memories."

Awkward. I'd forgotten Will had taken memories of both the woman who'd attacked her as well as a banshee's. It was a…sensitive subject. Will felt uncomfortable talking about it. We all did. It was another thing of Will's powers we didn't understand. What's more, we couldn't go and ask. Yan Lin didn't seem to be keen on sharing any information, if she even had some. And Will didn't want Kandrakar to start comparing her to Nerissa. Which was fair. Those old coots would stamp her the next danger to Kandrakar the moment they knew this.

"Oh," I said.

I cleared my throat. Best to switch subjects.

"So….How did you only transform yourself back to human form? I didn't know you could?"

The uneasy tension dropped. Will looked at me with a grin and I actually felt kind of proud of her. I didn't know why yet, but something was telling me I would be informed about it.

"I just kinda tried it out. I transformed myself once without you guys. You weren't near, but still. I figured I could try it the other way around. And it did."

She grinned and I grinned along. Count on Will to figure something out just because she wanted to try it. I placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Just promise me to surprise Cornelia with this when she gets back. Can't wait to see her face when we're all transformed and she isn't."

Will frowned at me, a smile forming on her lips.

"Just hope I won't do it to you," she said.

I groaned, begging her not to. Will only laughed as we walked back home. As we did, I realized this was my final day with just Will. And somehow I felt that while I've learned a lot about her, a lot more still makes me wonder. Especially her conversation with Phobos was something I didn't particularly like. Perhaps something to discuss with the others. But that had to wait. First thing I would do when those three returned was ask for a detailed report. Because Hay Lin sucked at summarizing over phone.

[A/N] Sorry for the long wait! But I'm glad I managed to finish this one! Stay tuned you lovely people and don't forget. Stay inside, wear a face mask and love yourself and others!