'Will!' Hay Lin's yell rang out in the room. All she saw was a blinding flash and a scream, and then everything fell silent. People looked around, confused about what happened, and Taranne just stood frozen, panting and staring at her hands. She walked over to her friend and grabbed her shoulders. 'What did you do?'

Taranee's face was pale, her breathing shallow, as the room fell into an uneasy silence filled with uncertainty. Her gaze was unfocused and drifting, as if she didn't notice her. The girl's barely audible voice finally broke the silence.

'I... What have I done?' The Fire Guardian looked at her trembling fingers in disbelief, as if they belonged to someone else. Her words hung heavy in the air, and the room remained tense, with everyone sifting uncomfortably and waiting for an explanation that seemed impossible to give.

After a few uneasy minutes, a nervous guard stepped forward. 'We don't want you here!' His voice was a bit trembling, but resolute. Some people nodded, and soon an angry murmur grew louder in agreement. The girls looked around, seeing stern faces, their hearts sinking with each passing moment. It was clear that they were not welcome here, and tension ran high.

'Maybe we should leave...' Hay Lin whispered to herself, almost too silent for anyone to hear. Her mind churned with uncertainty about what had happened before. Will had just jumped in front of an enemy and vanished in a flash of light with Cedric behind her back. She was alarmed about Will's health and the escalation of violence Taranee caused. Hay Lin glanced at her friends, noticing the worry etched on their faces, mirroring her own.

'We should think about Will...' Irma said, her voice filled with concern. There was a feeling that something terrible had happened to their friend, and the longer they stayed, the more dangerous it would be for them. Maybe it was time to regroup and get out of there as soon as possible.

Cornelia shifted on her legs, unsure what to do. On one hand, she was a bit concerned about Will, but on the other, Taranee looked ready to barf, and her emotions were like a loose cannon. She could not believe the quiet girl had done something so outrageous. Cornelia looked at Taranee, her brow furrowed in confusion. She had always known her to be reserved and cautious, so seeing her act so recklessly was a shock. Deciding not to escalate the situation any further, she clenched her fists and straightened her back, assuming authority.

'Girls, let's leave.' She nodded to the guard. 'Miss Rudolph, your guide should soon join you, and we don't want to cause any more commotion in this already tense situation.' Cornelia's voice was firm yet calm as she led them towards the exit. As the girls walked away, the blonde wondered what they were going to do next. She turned back one last time, hoping to catch a glimpse of Miss Rudolph's arrival, but all she saw were people trying to salvage what was left of the chaotic scene.

Their walk was silent, as each girl was lost in her thoughts. After a few moments, they exited the museum through the same door as before and found themselves back in the backstreet alley. The night was frosty, and Cornelia could see her breath forming in the crisp air. She shivered slightly, but she didn't feel truly cold with magic coursing through her veins, even if her uniform appeared to be unsuitable for the winter weather. She had always wondered why Hay Lin never complained about the weather, especially since her outfit was the most revealing and flowing of all of them, but perhaps being connected to the air was her protection against the elements. They all had unique abilities that helped them endure the harsh conditions. Irma's control over water kept her temperature regulated, while Taranee's fire powers provided comforting warmth. She had a stronger body that was resistant to extreme temperatures, allowing her to withstand the cold without discomfort and Will... Well, she had a battery running in her body, as the Heart of Kandrakar was the source of her strength and energy. For the time being, she was perplexed as to why their powers remained. Will was gone, but their transformation was intact. Despite the absence of their leader, the bond between the girls and their elemental powers remained unbroken. It was proof that Will was still alive, but it didn't make their situation any less complicated.

'What happened, Taranee?' Irma was the first to speak up.

The dark haired girl took a deep breath before responding, her voice filled with uncertainty. 'I'm not sure... One moment we were fighting, and the next... I was just so angry...' The girls exchanged worried glances, realizing that their friend's actions had left them with more questions than answers.

'What are we going to do? Will could be in danger!' Hay Lin exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

'I don't know... It's not like we know where she is.' Cornelia shrugged her shoulders, feeling a bit apprehensive.

'Are we simply abandoning her?' Irma inquired, her voice tinged with disbelief. The Guardians looked at each other, their expressions reflecting the weight of the decision they were about to make. The girls knew they couldn't simply leave their friend behind, but they also had no clue how to find her.

'Will jumped in front of the weapon to save Cedric. Nobody asked her to do it...' Taranee scoffed, feeling the anger creeping back in. Her temper had been raging for a few days. Sometimes she thought a voice in the back of her head said things she didn't like, making her doubt her own sanity. The lack of judgment and rash decision-making led her to this situation, but at the same time she felt no regret, and that worried her more than her missing friend. Taranee couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, as if a hidden force was influencing her actions. The uncertainty gnawed at her, but there was nothing she could do to silence the nagging thoughts.

'We came to rescue you when you were captured, but now you are asking to leave Will to the enemy's mercy? I can't believe you, Taranee!' Hay Lin shouted in disbelief. Taranee saw the hurt in her friend's eyes, but she couldn't explain the strange grip of the unknown force. It was as if her instincts were betraying her, and it terrified her to think that she might be losing control.

'I don't understand this...' Irma shook her head. 'Since when do we have to argue about helping our friend? I know these past few months have been hard on us, but Will is our leader, and I can't just leave her behind. We need to find a way to rescue her and bring her back safely. We've faced countless challenges together, and this is no different. We'll figure out a plan and stand by Will, no matter what.'

'Well, since you're offering, what's the plan then?' Cornelia asked, raising an eyebrow. 'We can't just rush in blindly. I don't even know where in Metamoor she landed or if she's still there. The most we can do is reach out to our contacts and see if they have any leads or insights, but that's out of the question since I do not know where the closest open portal is. So offer us your wisdom, Guardian of the Water?'

'Why are you always so high and mighty with your remarks?' Irma raised her voice in annoyance, crossing her arms.

'Girls, we are all in this together, and we need to find a solution. So instead of belittling each other, let's focus on brainstorming a plan that maximizes our chances of locating Will and bringing her back safely.' Hay Lin tried to diffuse the potential argument. 'Time is of the essence.'

'Do we have to do this now? I'm feeling beat...' Taranee suddenly interjected, 'Will can wait. She is a big girl, and in my opinion, she did this to herself, so I am going home.' The fire girl turned around and waved at them without even looking back. Her abrupt dismissal of the situation shocked the group.

'What? Taranee, wait! We can't afford to delay any longer. Will's safety is at stake, and we need all hands on deck to bring her back.' Hay Lin shouted, trying to catch the girl's attention, but her figure faded away, leaving them speechless at the whole debacle. They stood there in disbelief, feeling bewildered and concerned. Taranee had always been known for her level-headedness and commitment to the group. The girls wondered what could have caused her sudden change in behavior and what it meant.

'I can't believe Taranee would just abandon us like this.' Irma finally broke the silence. 'It's like she's a completely different person...'

'This is wrong,' Hay Lin interjected. 'It's not like her to just leave without a word. We should at least try to find out what's going on.' The others nodded in agreement, realizing that they couldn't simply dismiss the girl's sudden change in behavior without trying to understand the reasons behind it.

'Hmmm...' Cornelia unexpectedly yawned. 'Maybe, but for once, I agree with her. Will can take care of herself, and there's nothing we could do to help her anyway.'

'What are you saying?' Hay Lin looked at her friend in surprise. 'We can't just forget Will when she might be going through something difficult. We need her, and if our transformation fades, then what?'

'I don't know...' Cornelia sighed. 'But I still feel we need fresh heads to tackle this challenge, so I guess this is it. We agree to disagree.'

'Irma, tell me your thoughts on this. What do you think we should do?' Hay Lin turned to Irma, hoping for some guidance. 'Well,' the water guardian began. 'I understand where Cornelia is coming from, but I also agree with you. We can't just leave Will behind when she might need us the most. Maybe we can find a way to balance both our needs and help Will at the same time. Like meeting tomorrow and searching for potential portals.' She tapped her chin, for once feeling like a voice of reason. It seemed this failed mission was testing their dedication and unity as a team.

'What is wrong with you girls? Why am I the only one concerned about our friend's health?' Hay Lin felt her determination crumble seeing the division between her friends. Also, her heart sank after realizing that the other girls were not prioritizing Will's well-being. However, she refused to give up on finding a solution. With a determined look in her eyes, Hay Lin said, 'Alright, do what you want.' She nodded to the girls and called upon her magic. Listening to the air currents, the girl asked for the wind to come and take her away.

'Wait!' Cornelia shouted, rubbing her head in exasperation. 'Fine, I go with you. You are correct; if our transformation fails, Will will be left on Metamoor alone, and she may require medical attention.' It was difficult to admit being wrong, and she knew deep down that Hay Lin's plan was the best chance they had of helping Will. The tension of the evening grew between her eyes, and a heavy feeling settled in her stomach. She didn't know why, but her instincts were telling her that something was wrong; she couldn't pinpoint what, but it put her on the edge.

'Girls, I think I'll stay here.' Irma whispered, 'Someone has to keep an eye on Taranee, and I think, if by chance, Will would come home, she would need help from one of us.'

'Okay.' The girls nodded in agreement, realizing that they needed to be prepared for any unexpected events.

'Go to Miss Rudolph and tell her what happened. I will search for the portal and tell Cornelia when I find it.' Hay Lin said, nodding to her friends, relieved that she wouldn't have to travel to Meridian alone.

Soon, she was up in the breeze, soaring through the sky with a sense of freedom and purpose. As Hay Lin flew higher, the weight of the situation slowly lifted off her shoulders. The wind whispered encouraging words into her ear, reminding her that she could help her friend, even if it meant going it alone. Hovering above the highest building in Heatherfield, Hay Lin listened to what the currents were saying, asking for aid in her mission. She closed her eyes, allowing the air to guide her in the direction of a potential portal. With each gust, Hay Lin felt a surge of determination fuel her resolve. She knew that she had to trust in the air's wisdom, even if it meant staying up all night. She wanted to find a way to Metamoor. As the night grew darker, with unwavering faith in her element, Hay Lin searched for hints of magic. The wind whispered secrets to her, urging her to keep going despite the exhaustion creeping into her bones. When the first sunrays touched the sky, she finally found a gap in the veil, sending a message to Cornelia with a whisp of air. She waited for the girl to respond, and soon, when a tired-looking blonde rushed over, they vanished into the beyond.

Phobos had been feeling unsettled and tense all day. Even though nothing was happening and he had been working on paperwork, there was something in the air that made him nervous for no apparent reason. It aggravated his temper, and his retainers walked on eggshells around him, trying to appear calm and composed. Their movements, however, concealed fear, as if he was the predator in the room, so he hid away in his office, tackling the never-ending pile of documents. However, the uneasiness in his gut grew stronger with each passing moment, as if a storm was brewing just beyond the horizon. Despite his efforts to shake off the feeling, a sense of impending doom lingered, casting a shadow over his every thought. Phobos massaged his temples in a futile attempt to ease the tension building up inside him. The throbbing in his head only seemed to intensify, mirroring the mounting unease. He stood, abandoning the work he had been engrossed in, unable to focus any longer, even if piles of paper accumulated on his desk. The prince walked to the window and gazed out at the darkening sky, searching for any signs of wrongness but finding none. Just the sun painting the landscape in a red color, as if the world was on fire. As he watched fiery hues dance across the horizon, there was a knock on the door, momentarily distracting him from his inner turmoil. Sighing, Phobos straightened his posture, trying to regain control of his emotions before allowing anyone to witness him not looking his best. The knock grew louder, echoing through the room, and he took a deep breath, steeling himself for whatever awaited on the other side of the door.

'Come in.' The prince called out, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of apprehension. The door creaked open slowly, revealing a figure standing in the doorway, their face painted red by the fading light of the setting sun.

'Good evening, Your Highness.' The tall, stern woman stepped into the study, bowed, and closed the door behind her. Her sharp gaze swept over the room, taking in every detail before settling on the prince. She wore a long, stiff dark blue dress that covered her entire body with a wide, white collar and a broad belt with a chain hanging from her waist with a bundle of various keys. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun. The woman's posture was straight and unwavering, showing her discipline and authority over the house and servants. The housekeeper had a rigid but polite expression on her face as she approached, and her footsteps echoed through the room. With a resolute tone, she addressed him, 'My Prince, there are urgent matters that require your immediate attention. 'Her voice was professional, with no room for distractions or delays. Phobos looked up from the scenery outside, his eyes meeting the housekeeper with a hint of resignation. He knew that when she spoke in such a manner, she meant business. Taking a deep breath, he nodded and motioned for her to continue.

'Lady Elyon is once again throwing a temper tantrum over her wardrobe selections. She insists that none of her dresses are suitable for her because of their outdated styles, and she demands immediate action to resolve the issue.' The woman paused for a moment, her eyes filled with frustration.

'And this is my problem, why?' Phobos asked, his tone laced with annoyance. He had grown tired of Elyon's constant demands and complaints. He had tried to accommodate her, but it seemed like there was always something new for her to whine about. Phobos couldn't help but feel that her problems were trivial compared to the larger issues they were facing.

The housekeeper sighed and explained, 'Well, Lady Elyon believes you have the authority and resources to handle these matters and that it is above my station to do so.'

Phobos clenched his fists, feeling a surge of frustration. He did not understand why she could not do it herself, considering her high status. It was clear to him that once again, his sister needed a reality check and a lesson in personal responsibility.

'Just deal with her. Hire a new seamstress if needed, and don't let Elyon's expectations burden you. Additionally, consider discussing with her the importance of taking ownership of her affairs and not relying solely on others to handle them for her.' He grumbled under his breath. 'Also, I would like to see my tailor as soon as possible. There are several items I want to acquire.'

'As you wish, my liege.' The housekeeper nodded. 'Can I speak without curtesy, my prince?'

'Of course, you may speak freely,' Phobos replied, tilting his head in curiosity, his tone indicating a willingness to listen. 'I always valued your honesty.'

'Our late Queen would roll in her grave seeing how your sister is acting. She is immature, spoiled, and entitled, and I fear for the kingdom if she ever ascends to the throne...'

Phobos flinched when he heard her assessment of their blood kinship. It was kept secret for a reason. As soon as Elyon crossed over, he hid her, using magic to extract a promise that her identity would be kept hidden until she was ready to face the Court and be less vulnerable to outside influences. They presented her as his uncle's illegitimate child, which was hidden away, removing the possibility of her claim to the throne as his cousin but giving the girl enough clout to stay in the palace and learn their way of life. Phobos knew that revealing her true identity too soon would attract unwanted attention and put everything in danger. So, under the guise of being his cousin, the girl was able to observe and gain valuable knowledge about the kingdom. This allowed her to prepare herself for the day when she would finally step forward and assert her rightful place as a future queen. He stated this in order to keep Elyon motivated and focused, but knew it would not be fulfilled because of his plans for her. Still, his sister needed to learn and get used to the responsibilities and expectations that came with being a member of the royal family.

'Enough!' His voice was silent but full of authority. 'I am well aware of her shortcomings and flaws. You have been sworn to secrecy regarding her true identity, so you must keep your mouth shut.' His stern gaze pierced through her, leaving no room for argument.

'I apologize, Your Majesty. I overstepped my position.' The woman bowed low in a display of deference and respect.

'I am sorry.' Phobos sighed, feeling the headache return. 'You are a valuable servant of this household and the trusted matron of my late mother. I know you are more than trustworthy. You are one of the few individuals on whom I can rely. I am simply tired.' The weight of his responsibilities seemed to weigh heavily on Phobos, and exhaustion etched lines on his face. He longed for a moment of respite, away from the burdens of ruling and the constant need for vigilance. The woman's eyes softened as she replied, 'I understand, my Prince. Allow me to take some of the load off your shoulders, I will take care of the princess.'

'Thank you, Magdala.' He nodded, and the mask was back on. It was such a rare opportunity to see Phobos without his regal facade, and she cherished these moments. The woman knew that behind the stoic expression was a man who carried the weight of an entire kingdom on his shoulders, and she was determined to support him in any way she could. She saw him grow up in a hostile environment where everyone wanted to stab each other in the back, and she was one of the few servants of the late queen he let near enough to notice anything other than the reputation he gained, and that was a gift she treasured. The prince was not everything people said, but at the same time, he had a cruel side that emerged more than once. Despite witnessing this darkness, the old woman believed in his capacity for compassion and understood the immense pressure he faced. Magdala suspected that beneath his stoic exterior lay a man longing for understanding and acceptance but too stubborn and closed off to ask for it.

An insistent knock on the door cut off their conversation just as she was about to leave.

'Your Highness? Are you present? A messenger has just arrived. He indicates that the matter needs your immediate attention.' The guard behind the door called out, his voice filled with urgency. Magdala exchanged a concerned glance with the prince she had been speaking to, sensing that something grave must have occurred. With a heavy sigh, Phobos motioned for her to open the door and let the visitor in.

'Your Majesty.' The young, dirty-looking soldier got down on one knee and bowed, with his hand on his heart. 'I have an urgent message from the party that accompanied the general to the other side.' He continued, keeping his voice steady and his eyes on the ground. 'Due to an unfortunate occurrence, I was sent to report that Lord Cedric is presumed missing and injured. Following an altercation with the Guardians, he and one of them mysteriously vanished to an unknown location.'

The soldier's words hung heavy in the air as the gravity of the situation sank in. Phobos's face grew tense, and his mind raced with thoughts of what could have happened. He motioned for the soldier to rise and asked. 'Do you know which Guardian was involved? We need to gather as much information as possible to locate Cedric and ensure his safety.' The soldier hesitated for a moment before responding, 'I apologize, sir, but I was not present during the incident and do not have that specific information. However, I was informed that the Fire Guardian started the assault that ended in the vanishing of the general together with the Guardian of the Heart.' The messenger's voice trembled slightly as he continued, 'I overheard some whispers among the other soldiers that the Fire girl had a personal vendetta against Cedric for his past actions. They said that the Guardian of the Heart was simply caught in the crossfire.'

Phobos blinked but managed to maintain his composure as he processed the information. He allowed himself to be concerned about Will for a brief moment before brushing it aside and carrying out his duty.

'Guards!' His voice rang out, attracting attention. Without a moment's hesitation, the doors opened, and armed officers rushed in. 'I want Frost and Vathek here immediately!' The Prince commanded, his voice filled with urgency. The soldiers acknowledged his order and hurried out, then Phobos turned to his housekeeper and silently spoke, just for her to hear. 'Get this man to the kitchen and make sure he is given food and water. He did his duty.' Magdala nodded, quickly guiding the man outside.

When everyone had left, Phobos took a deep breath, his mind racing from the weight of the situation. He knew time was of the essence, and he needed to find Will before everyone else, or she would be in danger. There was no time for more procrastination because as soon as he sat behind his table, Captain Vathek and Frost arrived at his study. They both kneeled in a show of courtesy and stood up, waiting for orders. Phobos acknowledged their presence with a nod. 'Captains. Cedric is lost somewhere in the kingdom due to unforeseen complications during his mission. We must locate him immediately,' he declared, his voice filled with determination. 'His safety is paramount, and it is rumored that one of the Guardians is with him. If that's true, I want her captured alive and unspoiled. Vathek, I want your best raiders to deliver the message to all outposts in the kingdom, ensuring that they are on high alert and ready to search for Cedric. Additionally, inform them to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or signs of the Guardians' presence. We cannot afford any delays or mistakes in this task.' Phobos spoke, his gaze unwavering, as he instructed Vathek. 'Frost, summon our best trackers and prepare a search party immediately. Search under every stone in the kingdom if you have to! Dismissed!' He barked his order, his voice sounding icy but focused. Frost nodded, swiftly saluted and rushed off to assemble the search party. As Vathek watched Frost leave, he couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency wash over him. General Cedric was his friend, and his safety depended on their swift action. He would stop at nothing to bring him back unharmed. Vathek bowed and quickly left the room, his mind racing with plans and strategies.

Phobos laid his head on his hands when they left. He couldn't shake off the worry that gnawed at him. Something happened to Will. He was certain of it, and Cedric was determined to get his hands on the Heart. It sounded like a recipe for disaster. He requested her assistance, which has now backfired on him. He had to find her before something worse happened. With a sense of urgency, Phobos took a few items from the hidden drawer and headed out the door, deciding to do one thing that could help him in his search, even if it meant spending a lot of magic. He knew that casting a powerful spell to find her would deplete his magical reserves, but he was willing to take the risk. The thought of never seeing her again was unbearable, and he was ready to do whatever it took to find her sooner rather than later.

The prince went outside into his garden and raised a shield above it to ensure no one disturbed him. He walked to the clearing in the center, kneeled, and took a small dagger studded with red jewels that glistened even in the twilight. He focused his magic, closing his eyes and channeling it into a spell that would connect him to her essence. The roses swayed in the invisible wind, reaching for him as he gritted his teeth and slit his wrists, allowing his blood to drip onto the ground. The pain was sharp and intense, but he knew it was necessary to establish a strong connection. As his blood mingled with the earth, a faint glow enveloped the garden, signaling that his spell was taking effect. When the incantation left his lips, a surge of energy pulsed through him, leaving him feeling both exhilarated and drained. With each passing moment, he could feel the spell growing stronger, connecting him with the world he was created in and guiding him toward her location. Phobos knew that time was of the essence, and he braced himself, his eyes glowing brilliant green, unseeing but searching deeply. He could sense her presence—a flicker of his essence within the girl calling out to him from the depths. Phobos felt himself tiring as the energy drained from him, but he still pushed. His magic surged and stretched to its limits, reaching out like tendrils in every direction. The ground beneath him trembled, responding to him, and the Guardian could feel the weight of the world on his shoulders. With an exhale, he opened his eyes, silently whispering, 'I found you...'

Then spell then broke, and he swayed as exhaustion overtook him, his body shaking from the strain. The immense power he had summoned had taken its toll, leaving him weak and vulnerable. In recent times, it has been harder and harder for him to tap into his true powers, and the reason for that is his own mistakes. Yet a triumphant grin graced his lips as he realized that his relentlessness had paid off. He had a hazy idea where the Guardian was. With trembling fingers, the prince wiped the blood away with a corner of his robe, revealing only a few faint lines on his healed skin. Phobos took a deep breath and tried to stand, but his legs gave way beneath him. He sank to the ground, drained of all the energy he had. 'I miscalculated...' he chuckled to himself. With a smile on his face, he closed his eyes and allowed himself a rest. The roses gathered in a circle around him, their vibrant colors contrasting against the dark backdrop of the night. Their sweet fragrance filled the air, offering comfort and solace. The garden plants crawled all over his body, his clothes, and his hair, entwining everything with petals and leaves and blending in with the natural surroundings. The gentle rustling of the plants against his skin provided a soothing sensation, as if nature itself was wrapping him in its loving embrace and shielding him from harm. As he lay there, Phobos could feel the gentle tickle of petals brushing against his skin, and the symphony of chirping crickets and rustling leaves lulled him into a peaceful slumber while the flowers continued to bloom and dance in the moonlight, protecting their creator.