A/N: Thank you DJ Scales, Heart of Earth and Heart of Demons for the reviews.
Special thanks to Pirate King Ray for sharing his suggestions with me and helping me better my story. Keep them coming!
Chapter X: Escape From Cavigor
Elyon wandered through the vast corridors of the castle, her curiosity driving her to explore every nook and cranny. Her aim was clear: to familiarize herself with the castle layout so that, if the need ever arose, she would know the way to escape.
Approaching a door that piqued her interest, Elyon swung it open, eager to discover what lay on the other side. To her surprise and dismay, a horde of monsters greeted her sight. Towering figures with brown skin, reminiscent of the guards, yet their monstrous faces set them apart. Engaged in a peculiar task, the monsters were loading grains into a machine that squashed them, transforming the grains into flour.
Startled by her sudden intrusion, the monsters turned as one and charged menacingly at Elyon. Their movements betrayed a lack of sentience, an animalistic quality that set them apart from the guards.
Undaunted by the oncoming threat, Elyon instinctively raised her hand, generating a shockwave that sent the monsters sprawling. She turned to find Phobos standing right behind her. In her initial fright, Elyon screamed before realizing the true identity of the figure.
Elyon realized that maybe what she saw was something that she wasn't supposed to see. "Phobos, what are those?!" she asked, pretending to be scared.
"Lurdens," Phobos responded, snapping his fingers. In an instant, a humming, electric sound filled the air, and the lurdens began to fold into themselves, and with a green flash, disappearing completely.
"What was that?" Elyon questioned.
"I teletransported them away," Phobos explained.
Intrigued, Elyon inquired, "Can you teach me?"
"I can," Phobos responded, "but it will take you a decade of practice to master it. Otherwise, you'll end up materializing inside solid rock."
Determined to maintain her facade, Elyon continued her act. "What were those things doing here?"
"They were working for the rebels, trying to steal our grains," Phobos asserted.
Appalled, Elyon responded, pretending to believe him, "That's horrible."
"Fortunately, you took care of them," Phobos praised her.
"I can't take all of the credit," Elyon humbly replied, "you got them away."
"You should go rest now. Those lurdens must have given you quite a scare."
Retreating to her room, Elyon activated her walkie-talkie, allowing her to eavesdrop on Phobos' conversation.
"I ordered all of those doors sealed!" Phobos yelled. If she suspects the creatures work for us, she'll lose the trust we need to put my plan into place."
"I'll have the appropriate guards punished," Cedric assured him.
Elyon felt guilty. The guards were being punished because of her desire to analyze the castle for escape routes. Determined to avoid such repercussions in the future, she decided to act the part of the oblivious princess until Phobos' powers were fully drained. No more sneaking around or pretending to be tired; she would become the perfect, clueless princess.
The W.I.T.C.H. girls gathered in the bustling school cafeteria, their minds preoccupied with the looming threat of Phobos' plans for Elyon. Less than two weeks remained until the coronation, and Elyon, against their wishes, had forbidden them from venturing into Meridian, convinced that she could confront Phobos alone.
Irma, trying to break the heavy silence, said, "You know, with all of this noise, I think I'm gonna go deaf."
"Maybe Elyon knows what she's doing," suggested Taranee, attempting to offer a perspective.
"What?" Cornelia inquired, her thoughts still on the imminent danger.
"I mean, think about it," Taranee continued. "She tried to warn Caleb about his father. That means that she knew of Phobos' plans and is skilled enough to sneak a note into Caleb's pocket without him noticing. Maybe she knows Phobos' plans for her."
Will, skeptical, interjected, "Maybe. But what guarantee do we have that Phobos doesn't know she knows and is just playing dumb until the big day?"
"Or, maybe, Elyon knows Phobos knows that she knows," Hay Lin began. "Or, maybe, Phobos knows she knows he knows that... never mind."
Cornelia, determined, stated, "Look, I don't care what Elyon knows. I am not leaving her to face the Prince of Evil alone."
"Neither are we," asserted Will. "By the way, I ran into Caleb this morning. He said to tell you guys that he has a new plan, and we're supposed to meet him at the Silver Dragon after school."
After the final bell rang, the W.I.T.C.H. girls gathered in the Silver Dragon basement. Caleb and Yan Lin were already waiting for them.
"So, what's this about?" inquired Will.
"It's about something I've wanted to do ever since I became Rebel Leader," declared Caleb. "Break out the rebels held at Cavigor Prison."
"Why wait until now?" questioned Taranee.
"Because the prison is impenetrable. It's completely underground," explained Caleb. "Cavigor was built by Phobos to be a prison for the rebels. It's designed around one principle: Easy to get in, impossible to get out. A 30-meter drop to the first floor. Even the guards can't leave. They bring a rope ladder for shift changes."
"Can't we dig up into it from the Infinite City?" suggested Cornelia. "I mean, if it's infinite, it's under everything, right?"
"The bottom floor is filled with scuttlers," Caleb warned. "They're bug-like creatures, very big and resistant. They'll eat anything that they can sink their mandibles into. They can also live underground and can move through extreme heat, extreme cold, even lightning. Fortunately, they haven't reached the Infinite City, but we certainly wouldn't want any of them there. I've spent months trying to figure out a way to break in. But now that the Heart of Kandrakar has the Seal's power to open portals, we may have a chance.
"So, what's the plan?" Will asked eagerly.
"We're going to use a portal to get in and get the rebels out of there," revealed Caleb.
"But if someone sees a portal opening and then us coming through it, they might figure out that we can open portals, and we lose a strategical advantage," warned Taranee.
"Exactly," confirmed Caleb. "Which is why the rest of you will attack the guards at the entrance. They'll think you plan to brute force your way into the prison, and they'll call in reinforcements, leaving the prison unguarded. Then, Will and I will enter the prison through a portal, release the prisoners, and get them out through the portal. We leave it open, and everyone will think that's how we got in."
"There's only one problem," pointed out Will. "I don't know the prison. I can't open a portal to a place I don't know. If only we could get in without the guards seeing us."
"You can," assured Yan Lin. "By casting an invisibility spell."
"And how do I do that?" inquired Will.
"Take out the Heart and say 'Velo Surucsbo,'" Yan Lin instructed.
Will followed the instructions. "Velo Surucsbo." The gasps from her friends indicated that the spell had worked.
"As soon as you cast that spell," Yan Lin began, "anything or anyone you touch will turn invisible. To turn back, you say the incantation again."
Will said the incantation once more, returning to visibility. "Wow. What else can the heart to do?"
"Oh, lots of things," Yan Lin said. "Healing, glamour, folding, tracing, anything you can think of. All you have to do is ask it."
"So," Caleb continued, "you guys start the attack, we sneak inside, release the prisoners, open a portal, and after everything is done, we retreat."
"Wait," questioned Irma. "Won't the guards get suspicious that Will isn't with us?"
"We could put an astral drop in her place," suggested Hay Lin.
"Astral drops can't fight, they don't even have powers," countered Cornelia.
"Maybe it doesn't need to fight," proposed Will. "Say, being a leader has gotten to my head. So, I believe myself so important that fighting alongside you is beneath me. All the astral drop needs to do is stand there while you occasionally throw in a remark about how high and mighty I think I am."
"That could work," agreed Cornelia.
The W.I.T.C.H. girls, along with Caleb and Blunk, hovered right above Cavigor Prison. From their aerial vantage point, the prison resembled a golden ice cream tub, nestled inside a hand crafted from rock, situated in the middle of a desolate landscape. In the heart of this unusual structure was the entrance—a hole that served as their gateway. The girls descended gracefully beside it.
"Hay Lin," said Will, "gather some rocks from the ground beyond the prison." Hay Lin swiftly complied. Will extracted the Heart of Kandrakar. "Spord Lartsa," she uttered. An astral drop materialized before her. "Alright," Will addressed the clone. "Until I say... 'bananas,' you will watch me closely. After that, you will ignore any further commands I give you and replicate what I did during the time you were observing."
The girls began tossing rocks through the hole into the prison, immediately catching the attention of the guards.
"If you don't want this mission to fail, you better get moving, Irma," warned Will. "Don't think I don't see you."
"This would go a lot faster if we had a certain lightning user helping us," remarked Irma. "Or are you too important for that kind of stuff, Will?"
"You're just jealous that I have the Heart of Kandrakar and you don't," Will retorted. "Now, get to work."
"You know, Will, I'm getting tired of that attitude of yours," complained Cornelia.
"Be as tired as you want, I don't care," snapped Will. "You think you're so special? Well, wake up, beauty queen, you're not. I can replace you anytime I want, so watch your tone with me. Bananas."
Upon Will uttering the magical word, the astral drop began repeating Will's lines precisely.
Will turned to Caleb. "Ready?" she asked.
"Ready," affirmed Caleb.
Will lightly touched Caleb's shoulder. "Velo Surucsbo."
"Did it work?" inquired Caleb. Will looked down and realized that neither she nor Caleb cast shadows.
"It worked," Will confirmed, a triumphant smile on her face.
With determination, Will firmly gripped Caleb's arms, leading him on a swift descent down the hole. The first floor didn't contain any cells. In fact, it didn't contain much of anything. There was one hole, which aligned perfectly with the one above. The only difference was that this one provided stairs.
Descending through the second hole, the duo finally found themselves within the confines of the prison. The entire building had a cylindrical shape, stretching across 20 floors interconnected by staircases resembling delicate spiderwebs.
Each level held approximately 40 prison cells which, Will had to admit, looked nothing like prison cells. The doors could have easily been mistaken for large pillars. In fact, the entire building looked like how an architect would imagine the inside of a column. Maybe that was the point. To make it as unlike a prison as possible, so anyone who got passed the first floor wouldn't know what to do next.
As they navigated the prison's winding structure, the bottom floor revealed yet another hole, however, it was sealed shut. Will got to the feeling that that was the last floor, where the scuttlers were. Will landed Caleb on the bottom level and became visible again. "Alright," she said. "Let's get to work."
Amidst the tense chaos above Cavigor Prison, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin unleashed their elemental powers upon the guards, each attack precisely aimed through the hole entrance. Fiery bursts, gusts of wind, and other spectacular displays of magical prowess filled the air, diverting the attention of the guards and keeping them on the defensive.
As the girls engaged in their fierce offensive, Will's astral drop continued to mimic the Guardian's superior act, standing by and offering snarky remarks.
"Really, Cornelia, you call that an attack? I've seen better from a toddler with a water gun," the astral drop sneered, the superiority oozing from every word.
Cornelia rolled her eyes, sending a barrage of rocks at the guards. "Coming from the girl who just stands there like a mannequin."
Taranee chimed in, creating a dazzling display of fiery sparks. "Maybe she's just too important to engage in the real action. I mean, who are we to question the leader's grand plan?"
Irma shot an annoyed look at the astral drop. "This act is really getting old, Will. We all know you're not the real deal. Why don't you join in the fight and prove yourself for once?"
The astral drop merely scoffed, "Please, I don't need to dirty my hands with these trivialities. I have more important matters to attend to."
Hay Lin shot a blast of wind, sending a couple of guards flying. "If she's so important, why isn't she helping us?"
Irma shrugged, delivering another attack. "Maybe she's too important to be bothered by actual fighting. Leadership must be tough."
Will's astral drop continued its act of superiority, standing aloof from the battle as if her powers were too important to be wasted on mere guards.
Irma, darting a glance toward the astral drop, muttered, "For someone who can't fight, she sure does have a lot to say."
Taranee rolled her eyes, replying, "It's just part of the plan. Keep the guards distracted while Will and Caleb work on releasing the prisoners."
Cornelia, striking a guard with a boulder, added, "I get it, but it's hard not to get irritated."
Hay Lin chimed in, "Well, it's not her fault. Will trained her to act like this. She's just doing what she was told."
As the W.I.T.C.H. girls continued their elemental onslaught on the guards outside Cavigor Prison, a sudden realization gripped them as they spotted the colossal form of Lord Cedric, accompanied by a horde of guards, approaching with malicious intent.
"It's Cedric," Hay Lin exclaimed, her eyes widening with concern.
Taranee surveyed the approaching threat. "There's too many to fight off. We've got to warn Will."
"But going down the stairway will lead them right to the prisoners. We're supposed to be luring them up here as a distraction," Hay Lin pointed out, anxiety etched on her face.
"I know, but lizard boy's gonna be here any second," Taranee added, urgency in her voice.
Irma, ever quick-witted, interjected, "Hey, you guys ever been on a water slide?"
"Sure," Taranee and Hay Lin responded simultaneously.
"How about a really steep, scary one?" Irma teased, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
Utilizing her water powers, Irma conjured a mesmerizing water tunnel that spiraled down into the prison, offering a potential escape route.
"Go ahead," Irma declared, determination in her tone. "Me and Corny will hold them off and join you later."
Taranee hesitated, torn between their mission and the impending danger. "Are you sure about this, Irma?"
Irma shot her friends a confident grin. "Trust me, this is going to be more fun than a rollercoaster. Now go!"
The girls didn't need further encouragement. Without a moment's hesitation, they slid down the water tunnel, propelled by the force of Irma's powers. As they descended into the prison, the echoing sounds of Irma engaging the guards reverberated in the tunnel.
Hay Lin and Taranee, having slid down Irma's ingenious water tunnel, landed gracefully in the prison's lower levels, where they discovered Will and Caleb working frantically to locate a release mechanism for the cells.
"Will, Caleb!" Hay Lin called out, a mix of relief and urgency in her voice.
Startled, Will and Caleb turned toward the entrance, their expressions shifting from focus to a brief moment of surprise.
"Hay Lin, Taranee! What are you doing here?" Will questioned, her eyes scanning the prison for any signs of danger.
Taranee caught her breath before responding, "Cedric and a bunch of guards are headed this way. We had to warn you."
"We need to find a way to open these cells," Caleb said. "The rebels won't stand a chance if we can't get them out."
"Maybe there's a hidden switch or lever," Hay Lin suggested. "We should split up and search the area."
Taranee nodded in agreement. "Agreed. The sooner we find a release mechanism, the better."
As the group dispersed within the prison's dimly lit confines, their eyes scanned every nook and cranny for a solution. The air was tense with the urgency of their mission, amplified by the distant sounds of Irma and Cornelia battling the guards above.
Will, her mind racing, spoke up, "Caleb, any ideas? We can't afford to waste time."
Caleb, running his hands along the cold, metallic surface of the cells, replied, "I'm trying to think. There must be a mechanism somewhere. Keep an eye out for anything unusual, symbols, buttons, or anything out of the ordinary."
As Hay Lin and Taranee explored the last floor of the prison, they noticed two distinct doorways leading to separate rooms. The air was thick with anticipation as Hay Lin cautiously approached the one on the left. Pushing the heavy door open, she entered a room that immediately captured her attention.
The control room unfolded before her, a marvel of intricate mechanisms and analog systems that seemed to defy the modern era. The ambiance was almost steampunk in nature, with gears, levers, and pulleys interwoven in a symphony of machinery. For someone accustomed to the advanced technology of Earth, this was like stepping into a forgotten age, but here in Meridian, it represented a pinnacle of innovation.
Hay Lin's wide-eyed fascination was palpable as she observed the control panels adorned with symbols and switches. The flickering glow of dim lights illuminated the room, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. This was no ordinary control room; it was a relic from a bygone era, preserved with an almost sacred reverence.
Searching the room meticulously, Hay Lin marveled at the craftsmanship of these intricate systems. It was a stark contrast to the sleek, digital world she was accustomed to. The Meridian people, or perhaps its rulers, had mastered a form of technology that felt both ancient and advanced simultaneously.
As she moved deeper into the room, Hay Lin noticed a peculiar panel tucked away in a corner. It seemed like a hidden compartment, adorned with symbols that hinted at its importance. With a delicate touch, she traced her fingers over the engravings, sensing a connection between the symbols and the complex machinery around her.
Intuition guiding her, Hay Lin gently pressed on a seemingly innocuous symbol. A soft hum resonated through the room, and slowly, the mechanical systems began to shift. Cogs turned, levers slid into place, and a low, rhythmic noise echoed as the release mechanism initiated.
The distant clanking of cell doors unlocking reached her ears, confirming the success of her discovery. As the mechanisms whirred with newfound life, Hay Lin couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The analog beauty of Meridian's technology had yielded to her gentle touch, and the rebels held captive in the prison were now one step closer to freedom.
As the once-captive rebels dispersed, Caleb took charge, guiding them through the now-opened cells. The atmosphere buzzed with a mix of relief and urgency.
"Everybody, this way! We don't have much time," Caleb's voice echoed through the prison corridors.
A skeptical voice rose from the crowd. "There's no way out."
"Yes, there is, hurry!" Caleb insisted, determination etched on his face.
Will joined in, her leadership cutting through the uncertainty. "Everybody, there's a portal to safety just one floor up. After you cross to Earth you will see another portal. That one will lead you directly into the Infinite City. Please, help anyone who needs it."
Rebels, now liberated, rushed forward, following Caleb and Will towards the promised escape. The urgency escalated as they hurried through the prison's intricate structure.
"Hurry! C'mon, go! Go! Faster!" Hay Lin urged, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any stragglers.
However, as the rebels made their escape, Hay Lin's gaze caught a less hopeful sight. From the bottom floor emerged the scuttlers—giant bug-like creatures, their carapaces shimmering in shades of green and blue. These formidable insects, each the size of a dog, skittered forward with an unsettling determination.
"Watch out! Scuttlers incoming!" Hay Lin shouted, warning the rebels as the creatures approached. The air filled with a sense of impending danger.
The scuttlers moved with an otherworldly grace, their large mandibles clicking together as they closed in. The rebels, still disoriented from their newfound freedom, looked around in panic.
Hay Lin, her heart pounding, quickly assessed the situation. "Stay together! Move towards the portal, and we can avoid them!" she called out, trying to guide the rebels away from the advancing threat.
Hay Lin extended her arms, summoning a forceful gust of wind with her air powers to create a barrier against the advancing scuttlers. The breeze rippled through the prison, momentarily slowing the creatures, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't repel them entirely.
"What are they doing here?" Hay Lin exclaimed, frustration coloring her voice, as she continued to channel her air powers to hold back the relentless insects.
Taranee swiftly joined her, summoning her fire abilities in an attempt to create a barrier of heat. "The door holding them in place probably got opened with the rest," Taranee theorized, eyes focused on the approaching scuttlers.
Despite their combined efforts, the scuttlers persisted, undeterred by the elemental onslaught.
"We can't hold them off forever," Hay Lin remarked, beads of sweat forming on her forehead as she maintained the gusts of air.
Taranee nodded in agreement. "We need to get out of here. Let's make a run for it."
With a shared understanding, the two Guardians abandoned their defensive stance and, without looking back, began a swift escape from the advancing scuttlers.
The portal's ethereal glow framed the exit from the prison. As the rebels were going through the portal, Will, Taranee, Caleb, Hay Lin saw Irma and Cornelia flying towards them, both looking exhausted.
"We... we couldn't keep them back any longer," Irma panted, collapsing to the cold, metallic floor alongside Cornelia. Their clothes were damp, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads.
Hay Lin rushed to their side, concern etched across her face. "What happened out there?"
The urgency of the situation spurred the Guardians into action. Will's eyes narrowed with determination. "Get ready, everyone. We won't let Cedric and his goons harm anyone else."
As if on cue, a thunderous roar echoed through the cylindrical prison, signaling the arrival of Lord Cedric in his giant lizard form. The ground trembled beneath his massive weight, and his eyes burned with rage.
"Guardians," he hissed, "you won't escape this time!"
Will swiftly took charge. "Hay Lin, Taranee, we need you to keep the scuttlers at bay. The rest of us will deal with Cedric and the guards. Protect the prisoners at all costs!"
As Cedric advanced, the air crackled with elemental energy. Irma and Cornelia, recovered from their momentary weakness, conjured their elements, specifically, sending the guards stumbling backward. Caleb focused on using his sword to deflect the attacks of the guards.
Cornelia unleashed her earth powers, creating barriers to shield the rebels from harm. "Stay close and don't wander off," she instructed them. "We're here to get you out of this mess."
Irma joined forces with Taranee and Hay Lin, creating a formidable wall of water and fire. The scuttlers skittered towards them. The combined elemental assault was enough to keep the scuttlers in check, their attention diverted from the guards.
Amidst the chaos, Caleb's strategic mind started working. "Wait a second," he shouted over the din. "Why are we fighting Cedric and the guards when the scuttlers are right there?"
The Guardians paused, exchanging puzzled glances. Caleb grinned. "Let the scuttlers handle the guards. We deal with Cedric."
Taranee, Irma and Hay Lin adjusted their tactics, allowing the scuttlers to swarm the guards, but making sure that the scuttlers don't actually get with biting range. Panic ensued among the guards as they realized the formidable creatures they'd been attempting to control were now turning against them.
The scuttlers, with their green and blue exoskeletons, clawed at the guards, driving them to flee for their lives. The cylindrical prison echoed with the chaotic symphony of battle.
Meanwhile, Lord Cedric, furious at the rebellion, focused his wrath on the Guardians. His enormous tail lashed out, creating shockwaves through the air. The Guardians dodged and weaved, coordinating their attacks to find a weakness in Cedric's defenses.
The battle raged on, the Guardians and Caleb working in harmony to wear down Cedric's formidable defenses. Despite his sheer size and power, the relentless assault eventually took its toll on the lizard lord. He roared in frustration as he stumbled backward, defeated.
As the chaotic battleground settled, the cylindrical prison bore the scars of the intense conflict, but the rebels were now free.
"You did it," one of the rebels exclaimed, gratitude in their eyes.
Will smiled, weary but triumphant. "We're not done yet. Let's get out of here. There's a portal to safety just one floor up." The rebels, guided by the Guardians, headed towards the portal, leaving the aftermath of the battle behind.
The Guardians, their victory hard-earned, exchanged glances filled with a mix of relief and accomplishment. Cavigor Prison, once a symbol of oppression, now stood witness to the resilience of those who dared to defy Phobos and fight for freedom. But there was only one problem left. There was man and a woman—well, they weren't human, they had green skin and pointed ears, but close enough—who didn't move at all.
"Are you delivering the fresh cream?" inquired the woman, her voice echoing an unsettling sense of contentment.
"We have to go right now!" Will urged, a note of urgency coloring her words.
"Go? But, my dear, it's so beautiful here. This is our home," the woman responded with an unnaturally serene expression.
Caleb intervened, recognizing the hypnotic influence that seemed to hold the couple captive. "Phobos put something in their food. Wait, those are Elyon's parents. I mean, her earth parents. Phobos must have given them hypno potions to make them believe they're in a beautiful place, so to convince a skeptical Elyon if there was ever a need."
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Will asked, "How long were they exposed to it?"
Caleb's gaze lingered on the enchanted couple. "If I had to guess, I'd say since they got here."
Caleb, observing Elyon's parents lost in the illusion, shook his head in dismay. "Their minds are too far gone," he muttered, a hint of regret in his voice.
With a determined glint in her eyes, Will clutched the Heart of Kandrakar, remembering Yan Lin's words about the Heart's abilities. "Heart, I know you have the power to heal. Please, help them," she implored, addressing the ancient artifact as if it were a sentient being.
A soft, radiant glow emanated from the Heart as it responded to Will's plea. The light cascaded gently over Elyon's parents, and as it touched them, a subtle transformation unfolded. The enchantment that held their minds captive began to unravel.
The woman blinked, her gaze clearing as she looked around, the spell that had bound her lifting. "Where are we? What's happening?" she asked, her voice laced with confusion.
Her husband shared the same bewildered expression. "I... I feel like I've just woken up from a strange dream."
Will smiled, a mix of relief and joy. "You're safe now. We're here to help you."
Elyon's parents, grateful for their newfound clarity, expressed their gratitude. "Thank you for freeing us from that illusion. We don't know what we would've done without your help."
With a nod, they approached the portal, ready to join the others who had already escaped the confines of Cavigor Prison.
In the quiet confines of her royal chamber, Elyon stood near her desk, her keen ears tuned to the hushed conversations carried by her concealed walkie-talkie.
As Phobos' voice echoed through the airwaves, a mixture of urgency and frustration emanated from the device. "What are the chances of a portal opening in the middle of my most secure prison?!"
Cedric, responded with a measured tone, "I don't know."
"Now we're going to have to find out another way to make Elyon feel better," Phobos declared, his words carrying an ominous weight.
"She worries," Cedric said. "Worry keeps her weak."
Phobos, driven by his insidious motives, remarked with a tinge of annoyance. "First the Underwater Mines and now Cavigor Prison. The rebels have really started to become a problem. We have to find them and take them down."
"It won't be that easy." Cedric added.
"Why is it so hard for your men to find the rebel hideout?" Phobos demanded, his impatience apparent.
Cedric, ever the strategist, explained, "We've searched everywhere for the Infinite City. It doesn't seem to exist."
"I don't care whether it exists or not," Phobos dismissed Cedric's explanation with a dismissive wave. "The rebels have a hideout. Now, why hasn't my leading warrior, with all of my soldiers at his disposal, found it?"
"The only path we haven't tried is underground," Cedric finally suggested, his tone laced with uncertainty.
"That isn't of any use to us if we don't know the exact location," Phobos retorted, his impatience resurfacing.
"I have an idea," Cedric said.
However, just as Cedric poised to reveal his plan, a sudden intrusion disrupted the covert operation. The chamber door creaked open, and Miranda stepped into the room, unwittingly forcing Elyon to hastily conceal the walkie-talkie, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Elyon, I heard about the lurdens. Are you alright?" Miranda's voice resonated with an apparent sincerity that Elyon knew to be a carefully crafted performance.
"Oh, Miranda," Elyon replied, her tone delicate, "those creatures gave me quite a scare. I never expected something like that to happen in our castle."
Miranda nodded sympathetically, but Elyon couldn't help but see through the feigned compassion. She understood the delicate dance of deceit that surrounded her, with Miranda playing the role of a concerned friend while secretly serving the dark side. Despite this awareness, Elyon knew she had to maintain the illusion, playing the role of the naive princess.
"I appreciate your concern," Elyon continued, her gaze shifting toward the intricate patterns on the carpet. "I can't believe such horrible creatures can exist is a beautiful place like this."
Miranda, seizing the opportunity, changed the subject with a seemingly innocent inquiry. "I was thinking about the Guardians. Do you know them well?"
Elyon, still maintaining her act, nodded thoughtfully. "Oh, yes. Will, Irma, Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin. They're my friends. Well, at least they were before all these strange events began."
"Friends, huh?" Miranda raised an eyebrow, masking her skepticism with a faux smile. "Do you know anything about their weaknesses? You know, just in case?"
Elyon, suppressing a smile of her own, decided to weave a tale for Miranda. "Of course, Miranda. They're not invincible. For instance, Will, the leader, is very insecure, but she tries to hide it with confidence. See what she's confident about and attack it. She'll lose it. Taranee, the fire-wielder, has a very short temper. And Cornelia, the Earth guardian, well, she has a soft spot for compliments. A little flattery can go a long way. Hay Lin, she's very much with her head in the clouds. She'll see a kitten and forget immediately what she was doing before."
Miranda absorbed this information with keen interest, her mind undoubtedly calculating the potential uses of such vulnerabilities. Elyon, however, reveled in the knowledge that every detail she provided was a carefully crafted fabrication. With a little truth here and there, but enough lies to be effective.
As Miranda excused herself from the princess's chambers, Elyon took a moment to reflect. She reached for the walkie-talkie concealed among the folds of her royal attire. A twinge of guilt crept into her thoughts as she realised that she missed the opportunity to uncover Cedric's plan. However, she realised that if she was to maintain this charade until Phobos's powers were drained perhaps it was time to step back from spying. After all, Miranda almost caught her red-handed.
With a determined sigh, she stowed the walkie-talkie away, accepting the necessity of patience and deception in the face of looming peril. "Just a little longer," she told herself. "It will all be over soon."
Happy New Years, everybody! 2023 has certainly been a year full of surprises and learning opportunities. I hope 2024 will be the same.
Next is Chapter XI: The Battle of Meridian Plains