A/N: Thank you, Heart of Demons for the review. Fun fact, Keravnos in greek means thunderbolt. There's a specific reason why the Mage needs Keravnos... think about the Castle's anti-glamour spells.

Special thanks to Pirate King Ray for sharing his suggestions with me and helping me better my story. Keep them coming!

Chapter XII: The Rebel Rescue

Tynar descended the narrow, winding staircase into the heart of Phobos' dungeons, his footsteps echoing ominously against the cold stone walls. The dim light from the flickering torches barely pierced the darkness, casting long, dancing shadows that made the place feel alive with unseen terrors. The smell of mildew and decay hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the years of neglect and suffering that had taken place within these walls.

As Tynar stepped into the main corridor, he could hear the faint, pitiful moans of the prisoners. The sound was interspersed with the occasional dripping of water, creating a haunting melody that amplified the oppressive atmosphere. The ground was uneven, strewn with debris and small streams of stagnant water that trickled through cracks in the floor. The cells were fortified with heavy, rusted iron bars, their massive locks and chains a testament to the fortress-like security designed to keep the prisoners from escaping.

Tynar's heart sank as he approached one of the cells and saw Morak, the warden of the dungeons, standing before a group of imprisoned rebels. Morak held a sack of food just out of their reach, a cruel smile playing on his lips as the prisoners, weakened by hunger, stretched their arms through the bars in a desperate attempt to grasp it.

"Have you got no shame?" Tynar scolded, his voice echoing down the corridor. "There may be traitors, but they're still people. No one should be subjected to such humiliations."

Morak turned, his smile widening into a mocking grin. "Ah, Tynar, whatever will we do without your moral compass?"

Tynar stepped forward, his gaze unyielding. "If you were in their place, would you like to be treated like this?"

"Calm yourself," Morak said, "I was just having a little fun."

"Careful," Tynar said, his voice steady. "If they're too weak to talk, I'll make sure Phobos knows who's to blame."

Morak's eyes narrowed, but after a moment of tense silence, he begrudgingly kicked the bag of food closer to the cell. The prisoners scrambled to grab it, their hands shaking with hunger as they tore into the meager provisions. Tynar's gaze softened as he watched them, his heart aching for their plight.

"Thank you," a voice croaked from the darkness. It was Vathek, one of the key figures of the Rebellion.

"Don't thank me," Tynar replied, his tone bitter. "You have nothing to be thankful for." Tynar paused. "Why do you persist? You can't win, you must be able to see it. It's pointless to keep fighting."

"We won't give up," a small voice said, clear and defiant despite its weakness.

"Miriam, don't," Vathek warned, his voice filled with concern.

"No," the girl protested, her eyes shining with fierce determination. "There is still hope and Earth is the proof."

Tynar looked at the little girl, his eyes betraying a hint of sadness. "Hope—the greatest delusion. Sooner or later you're going to realize, just as I did, that there is no hope. You have lost, long before you began fighting. The question is how many will suffer before you stop?"

A heavy silence fell over the group as Tynar's words echoed through the dungeons. The rebels exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a mixture of defiance and despair.

Tynar emerged from the oppressive gloom of the dungeons, his thoughts still lingering on the rebels. He looked down at his right hand where his anti-glamour ring was, a formatable tool which the high ranks of the army had. It was emerald green, meaning there was glamour present, the glamour that changed the Castle's appearance to match Princess Elyon's perception of what a castle looked like. He noticed, however, a commotion among the castle guards, their hurried movements catching his attention.

"What's going on?" Tynar demanded, approaching a cluster of guards who were hastily strapping on their weapons.

One of them turned to him, eyes wide with urgency. "Caleb and that passling have been spotted just outside the Castle walls. We're mobilizing to capture them."

Tynar's expression hardened. "Then let us not waste time."

Will and Cornelia strolled through the chilly streets of Heatherfield, their breath visible in the crisp early February air. Despite the cold, the town was bustling, with people hurrying to and fro, wrapped in layers to fend off the chill. Will adjusted her warm jacket and pulled her scarf tighter around her neck, glancing over at Cornelia, who seemed lost in thought.

"How'd you do on the science test?" Will asked, breaking the silence.

Cornelia sighed, her brows furrowed in worry. "Like I can think about the universe expanding or shrinking, or whatever, when Caleb might be in trouble."

Will gave her a reassuring smile. "Cornelia, he's not in trouble, it's just a recon mission. He's done this lots of times."

Cornelia bit her lip but nodded, though her eyes still held a hint of anxiety. "I know, I just... can't help but worry."

As they turned a corner, Will's eyes lit up. "It's Matt!" she exclaimed, spotting him approaching them with a box in one hand and a full bag in the other. She quickly turned to Cornelia. "How do I look?"

"Boystruck," Cornelia replied, giving her a look that clearly said, 'Are you serious right now?'

"I don't want to look boystruck," Will protested. "I want to look casual!"

"Oh well, good luck with that," Cornelia teased, stepping aside to give them some space.

"Hey, Will. Long time no see," Matt greeted, his smile warm and genuine.

"Oh, hi Matt," Will replied, trying her best to seem casual despite the fluttering in her stomach.

"I got you something," Matt said, holding out the box. "I hope you don't mind. It sort of reminded me of you."

Will's eyes widened in surprise as she took the box. She carefully opened it, revealing a cute little dormouse with white fur and black eyes nestled inside. "His name is Mr Huggles," Matt said.

"Oh! It's so cute!" Will exclaimed, her face lighting up. She glanced up at Matt with a playful glint in her eye. "Wait! Are you saying I'm cute, or that I have a facial hair issue?"

Matt chuckled, his laughter warm and infectious. "Definitely cute," he said with a grin.

Will's heart skipped a beat, but before she could respond, Matt spoke again. "I have something else for you, too. Close your eyes, okay?"

Will did as she was told, her heart pounding with anticipation. She half-expected a kiss on the cheek, but was instead met with a sudden weight added to her right arm. She opened her eyes and saw a bag filled to the brim with...

"Rodent Chow," Will said, a little disappointed. "Thanks."

Matt scratched the back of his head, looking slightly embarrassed. "I thought it might come in handy... You know, for the dormouse."

Will couldn't help but smile at his earnestness. "You're right, it's perfect. Thank you, Matt."

Will walked home, the box containing Mr. Huggles in one hand and the bag of rodent chow in the other. The dormouse, with its soft white fur and tiny black eyes, peeked out from the box, making Will smile despite the cold wind biting at her cheeks. As she reached her apartment, she wondered what her mom would think of the dormouse.

"Mom! Guess what Matt..." she began as she pushed the door open, only to freeze mid-sentence. Her mother and Taranee were sitting at in the living room, both looking at her with disapproving expressions.

"Ooh... science tutorial, 4 o'clock... I'm such a total cheese brain!" Will groaned, realizing her mistake.

"Can't argue with that one," Taranee replied angrily. "Sorry, Will. I've got my own homework." Her mood shifted when she noticed the dormouse. "Oh, he's so adorable! We just learned about rodents in science class. I believe this one is called Muscardinus avellanarius."

"Muscardinus avellanarius?" Will repeated, looking down at the dormouse.

"Yeah," Taranee confirmed. "A hazel dormouse. Though this one seems to be of the whiter variety."

"His name is Mr. Huggles," Will said, gently stroking the dormouse's head.

"Don't you think you have enough distractions as it is?" Will's mom interjected, her tone stern.

"Mom, I can handle it," Will replied, her voice pleading. "Look, I promise!"

"Okay, I think it's time for me to go," Taranee said. "Goodbye."

"Bye, Taranee," Will said. And with that Taranee left.

Will's mom sighed, crossing her arms. "It's not about whether or not you can handle it. Your grades have been slipping. You were late today, and it's not the first time. You're not having any pets until you prove that you are capable of taking care of them."

Will felt her heart sink. "Alright," she said softly. She knew her mom was right. With Elyon's coronation only five days away, W.I.T.C.H. responsibilities were taking up most of her time. But giving Mr. Huggles back to Matt would hurt his feelings. Maybe Irma could take care of him for a while.

Will took out her phone and called Irma. After a brief conversation, Irma agreed to help out.

Later, Will met up with Irma in Heatherfield Park. Taranee, Cornelia, and Hay Lin were with her, their faces lighting up when they saw Will approaching.

"Thanks for helping out, Irma," Will said, handing over the box with Mr. Huggles. "If I gave him back, it would hurt Matt's feelings."

"He'll be a lot more fun to babysit than my little brother," Irma replied, giving the dormouse a little kiss. "Cleaner, too."

"Shouldn't Caleb be back by now?" Cornelia asked nervously, her eyes scanning the park as if expecting him to appear.

"Caleb, Matt... Can you two talk about anything besides your boyfriends?" Hay Lin asked, a little annoyed.

Will's phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out excitedly. "Matt's texting me!" she said. "'Need to C U.' Aww, how cute." She quickly typed back, 'I'll see you in front of the school.'

Joining the ranks, Tynar fell into step with the guards as they streamed out of the Castle gates. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation and a hint of fear; Caleb had eluded capture too many times, and his cunning was well-known among Phobos' forces.

As they marched, a group of lurdens fell in beside them, their heavy, lumbering footsteps shaking the ground. Each lurden carried a set of wheels equipped with spikes, a cruel invention designed to maim and capture.

"We'll catch him this time," one of the guards muttered, his voice a mix of hope and determination.

Tynar said nothing, his focus entirely on the mission ahead. They moved swiftly through the outer grounds, the landscape barren and harsh under Phobos' rule. Soon, they spotted movement up ahead—a flash of green and brown darting through the rocky terrain.

"There!" someone shouted. "It's Caleb and the passling!"

The chase was on. Caleb, with Blunk clinging to his back, was sprinting toward a cluster of boulders. The guards and lurdens surged forward, determined to cut off any possible escape routes. The lurdens, with their spiked wheels at the ready, were waiting for the signal.

As they closed in, Caleb glanced back, his eyes widening as he saw the lurdens preparing to throw the wheels. "Blunk, hold on tight!" he shouted.

The first wheel was launched, spinning through the air with terrifying speed. It landed just behind Caleb, the spikes embedding into the ground and sending a shower of debris into the air. Caleb zigzagged, trying to evade the incoming projectiles, but the lurdens were relentless, their aim improving with each throw.

One wheel landed too close for comfort, and Blunk yelped as a spike grazed his arm. Tynar, in the thick of the chase, saw Caleb stumble and knew they had to act fast.

"Close in on them!" Tynar ordered, pushing himself to run faster. But in the chaos, another wheel was launched, this time coming dangerously close to the guards themselves. Tynar tried to dodge, but a spike caught him in the shoulder, the sharp pain radiating through his body and causing him to fall to his knees.

The guards around him hesitated, momentarily thrown off by the unexpected injury. Tynar gritted his teeth, his vision blurring slightly from the pain. He saw the others continue the chase, leaving him behind. It was a small mercy, knowing Phobos' treatment of wounded soldiers was often a fate worse than the injury itself.

From his position on the ground, Tynar watched as the pursuit continued, the figures of Caleb and Blunk becoming smaller in the distance. It was unclear if they managed to escape; the rocky landscape provided ample hiding spots, but the relentless guards and lurdens were not ones to give up easily.

Tynar pressed his hand to his shoulder, feeling the warm blood seep through his fingers. He leaned back against a boulder, the world around him spinning slightly as he fought to stay conscious. Maybe I can hide, he thought, until the wound heals. Then I can return and be as good as new. But Tynar knew that was just wishful thinking. He laughed. Hope... it really is the greatest delusion.

Tynar dragged himself forward, his vision blurred from the blood loss. He clutched his injured shoulder, trying to stem the bleeding, but every step sent a jolt of pain through his body. He followed the path Caleb and Blunk had taken, hoping there might be a safe house where he could hide.

He knew he was being delusional. There was no way out of this. Either he returned to Phobos and faced whatever monstrosity awaited him, or he hid until his injury healed. By then, he would be easily replaced, and he would have to start rising through the ranks all over again. That is, assuming Phobos would take him back. There were guards who believed he was unfit for his rank. Who knew what rumours they might spread in his absence? If Phobos believed them, he could end up at the bottom of the Abyss of Shadows, just like Raythor.

As he moved forward, he saw a portal in the distance. Maybe he could cross to the other side. And then what? It would be even worse. He would stand no chance against the Sentinels, the faithful servants of Lord Deimos. They would find him and take him to the tyrant himself. He didn't even want to consider what would happen if he fell into the hands of the unyielding tyrant of Earth.

His best bet was to stay in Meridian. At least there, he knew what to expect.

However, in the distance, he saw six silhouettes emerge from the portal. It was Caleb, alongside the Guardians. They seemed to be searching for someone. Unfortunately, Caleb spotted him and made a beeline directly towards him. As Caleb reached him, he grabbed him by the straps of his shoulder pads.

"Where is Blunk?" Caleb angrily asked.

"He's right here!" a voice yelled. Tynar turned his head. It was Pipsqueak, the kid who took down the entire Gargoyle army with that enchanted spear. The passling was right beside him.

"James, what are you doing here?" Caleb asked.

"You'll see," James replied. "I just need a little more time, then I can show you."

Just then, tiny creatures began to emerge from the swamp. They were scorpion-like, their bodies reddish-brown, with a curved tail ending in a deadly stinger. Their legs were long and spindly, adapted for swift movement.

"Morpions!" James shouted.

"Woo-hoo! Y'all get ready for a down-home crawdad roast!" Taranee confidently declared. She took off, taking out every Morpion with fire.

"Fire Guardian," Tynar warned. "There's a Morpion on your leg." But before Taranee could react, its stinger had already pierced her skin. She fell to the ground, spasming. The other Guardians rushed to her side, but when they got to her, she was unconscious.

"Taranee? Taranee! What's wrong with her?" Will asked, alarmed.

"Calm yourself, Keeper of the Heart," Tynar said. "Morpion venom is only deadly to small creatures. Given her size, she will be fine. But she will sleep for the next 24 hours."

"24 hours?!" Will exclaimed. "We need her to rescue the rebels!"

"What are we gonna do about him?" Hay Lin asked, pointing at Tynar.

"Simple," Caleb replied. "We're going to leave him here."

"Caleb, he's injured!" Cornelia protested.

"He's a Castle Guard," Caleb said. "Who do you think we're fighting?"

"Wait," James said. "What's your name?"

"Tynar," he replied.

"Caleb, we have to take him," James said.

Caleb was taken aback. "What? One of his kind killed your parents, and you're defending him?"

"He's not like the others," James replied. "The rebels from Cavigor spoke of a warden named Tynar, who made sure they weren't treated too harshly. With him, there might be a chance."

No, there isn't, Tynar wanted to say, but he kept his mouth shut. It was clear that they thought they could convert him to be their ally. Truth be told, there wasn't much converting that could be done. Phobos, Deimos, they were all the same. For Tynar, it was about making sure the innocent didn't suffer too much. And that he could do, whether he served Phobos or Deimos.

"Fine," Caleb finally said. "But if he tries anything, he's done."

Tynar's eyes slowly fluttered open. The first thing he noticed was the surface beneath him. It was a strange mix between a bed and a long chair, soft and comfortable, unlike anything he had ever rested on before. His vision swam for a moment, then sharpened, revealing the peculiar surroundings of the room. He could only assume he had been brought to Earth.

The light in the room immediately caught his attention. It was bright but steady, emanating from a glowing sphere hanging from the ceiling. There was no flame, no flicker—just a constant, warm glow. This intrigued and puzzled him. How could something shine so brightly without fire?

The walls were smooth, painted in vibrant, even colors that seemed almost unnatural. He noticed various pieces of furniture, soft and inviting, upholstered in rich fabrics that suggested comfort and luxury. The furnishings were akin to those he had seen only in the castle of Meridian, yet these seemed more refined, more personal.

In the middle of the room, a low structure held numerous books and curious items. Tynar recognized the books but was struck by their abundance and colorful covers, so different from the tomes in Meridian.

Shifting slightly, he winced from the pain in his shoulder and looked down. The floor was covered with carpets—another strange yet pleasant luxury. To his right, a large window revealed a world outside. Tall, straight structures reached towards the sky, illuminated by countless lights. It was night, but the city outside was alive, pulsating with energy. The lights blinked and moved, creating a dazzling display. Phobos had described Earth as a desolate wasteland of sand and rocks. This must be some elaborate glamour.

Tynar's contemplation was interrupted by the realization that he was not alone. Will, Irma, Cornelia, and Hay Lin were standing nearby, watching him with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Mom said no pets," Will began. "She didn't say anything about seven-foot-tall humanoids from Meridian."

"How badly injured is he?" Irma pondered, eyeing him carefully.

"I have First Aid training in case of cheerleading accidents," Cornelia offered.

"Okay, Corny," Irma replied, rolling her eyes. "He was hit by a spike, not a pom-pom."

"Well, Taranee's zonked out in your room," Hay Lin added, looking at Tynar with interest. "So, is being a guard like a family thing?"

"Hay Lin," Irma scolded. "Let him rest."

"No, it's alright," Tynar replied, his voice raspy but steady. "We do not have families. At least, not in the same sense of the word. When we die, our bodies become the earth, and from that earth, new beings emerge. We used to be by the millions. Now we are 2000 in total."

"Why? What happened?" Cornelia asked, her tone softening.

"Phobos," Tynar replied grimly. "He began draining the planet's life force for power. The more energy drained, the fewer of us are born."

"How old are you?" Irma asked, her curiosity piqued.

"I am eight years old," Tynar replied. "We grow in the earth and emerge as adults."

"So, you were never a kid?" Hay Lin asked, a hint of sadness in her voice. "That's sad."

"I suppose it is," Tynar said. "There are scouts who are entrusted to search and bring any fara they find to Phobos."

"Fara?" Will asked, her brow furrowing.

"It's the name of our kind," Tynar explained. "Farus—it means earth... Thank you for bringing me here and for keeping the Sentinels away."

"The what?" Hay Lin asked, confused.

"The Sentinels," Tynar replied, puzzled by their ignorance. "The servants of Lord Deimos? Aren't you keeping them outside? They are supposed to see and report everything to their master."

The girls exchanged baffled glances. "Lord who?" Irma asked.

"Lord Deim—" Tynar began, then stopped. Realization dawned on him, and he scowled. They were trying to trick him into believing their lies. He struggled to his feet, ignoring the pain in his shoulder, and made his way to the window. He would prove to them that there was no need for such illusions. He raised his hand, intending to use his glamour ring to reveal the truth, but nothing happened. Looking down, he noticed his usually emerald green ring was now golden. There was no glamour. What he saw before him was... the truth.

Tynar's eyes, wide and unseeing, stared out the window at the alien cityscape. The lights, so unlike anything he had ever known, seemed to mock him with their brightness. Each flickering light was a symbol of the stark contrast between this world and the desolate reality of Meridian. He felt a profound sense of loss and confusion. How could he reconcile the truth of what he saw, the lies he had been told his entire life?

The pain in his shoulder flared again, sharper this time, and he winced. He looked down at the golden ring on his finger, its color a stark reminder of the truth he had uncovered. There was no glamour here, no illusion. This world was real and the real world was a lie.

Seeing his distress, Will stepped forward, the Heart of Kandrakar glowing. She touched his shoulder, and a warm, soothing light enveloped him. The pain subsided, his wound healing almost instantly.

"Thank you," Tynar murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You need rest," Will said gently. "You can stay in the laundry room for now. It's the only hidden room that's free."

Numbly, Tynar allowed himself to be led away. The laundry room was small but cozy, a stark contrast to the vast, oppressive spaces he was used to. He sank onto a makeshift bed, made out of clothes, exhaustion washing over him. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but for now, he needed rest. He closed his eyes, trying to find some semblance of peace in this strange new world.

Hay Lin woke up with a start, her breath coming in short gasps. She had that dream again. It felt so real—the golden throne, the starry room, the menacing thorny vines, and that bone chilling voice that still rang through her ears: Everything that has a beginning has an end.

She glanced around, disoriented, trying to shake off the remnants of her nightmare. Will, Irma, and Cornelia were asleep on the floor in their sleeping bags, while Taranee rested on Will's bed. The soft, rhythmic sounds of their breathing filled the room, a comforting contrast to the terror she had just experienced.

Hay Lin slipped out of her sleeping bag, the cool air of the room causing her to shiver slightly. She felt a strange pull, an instinct she couldn't ignore, drawing her towards the laundry room. Somehow, she knew that Tynar couldn't sleep. Quietly, she tiptoed across the room and opened the door, slipping into the darkened hallway.

As she entered the laundry room, her intuition proved correct. Tynar lay on his makeshift bed of clothes, his eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. He looked lost, his face a mask of despair and confusion.

"Are you okay?" Hay Lin asked softly, moving closer to him.

Tynar turned his head slowly to look at her, his expression weary. "I thought I was doing good," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I thought I was helping people."

"You were," Hay Lin replied, sitting down beside him. "You made sure the people didn't suffer."

"The people I imprisoned," Tynar said bitterly. "All this time, I could have been a rebel. Instead, I helped him... Phobos actually made me believe that helping him was the right thing to do."

"Listen, I can't make the ground shake or shoot lightning," Hay Lin began, trying to find the right words. "But that doesn't mean I am useless. I control the air. You think you didn't help anyone, but that's not true. Do you think the rebels from Cavigor could have fought if you weren't there to make sure they weren't malnourished? You think Pipsqueak would have taken down an army of Gargoyles if you weren't there to spare him when he tried to fight a guard?"

Tynar's eyes widened slightly. "How did you know about that?" he asked, surprise evident in his voice.

Hay Lin paused, realizing she had spoken from a place deep within her, words she hadn't consciously known. "I just... knew," she said softly. "You don't have to be a rebel fighter in order to help people. Dare I say, we wouldn't be here without you."

Tynar was silent for a moment, his eyes searching hers. Then he nodded, a small smile touching his lips. "Thank you," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "Good night."

"Good night," Hay Lin replied, standing up. She watched him for a moment longer, then quietly left the room, feeling a strange sense of peace. As she returned to her sleeping bag, she quickly fell asleep, the dream already fading from her mind.

She woke up the next morning along with the rest of the W.I.T.C.H. girls.

"What happened?" Taranee asked. "... Oh... yeah..."

"You're okay," Hay Lin said. "But man, you hit that water hard... wham!"

"Did my parents call?" Taranee asked, alarmed.

"Only five times," Will replied.

"What did you tell them?"

Will made a phone with her hand. "It's okay, Mrs. Cook, Morpion venom is only temporary. Kidding! I said you were sleeping over. Boy, were you sleeping over!"

The W.I.T.C.H. girls immediately went to the laundry room to check on Tynar before Will's mom woke up. As they entered, Will locked the door.

"So, how did you sleep?" Hay Lin asked.

"I eventually fell asleep," Tynar replied. "Listen, I've been doing some thinking... and I've come to the conclusion that—" But just as he was about to tell the girls what his conclusion was the door knob began to turn. It was Will's mom.

"Will?" she asked.

"Mom? Just a sec!"

Taranee quickly grabbed a bunch of clothes and threw then on Tynar. "Sorry," she said. As soon as Tynar was disguised, Will unlocked the door.

"You locked the laundry room door," Susan said, bewildered.

"Um... I, wanted, to, practice locking it in case we ever, you know, get a dog, and, and he tries to come in with muddy feet while I'm doing laundry, and everything gets dirty, and hey, it worked..."

Susan looked at her, bewildered. "A dog?" She smiled. "Apparently, you didn't get rid of the dormouse." She held up the now empty bag of rodent chow.

"Mom, I swear, Mr Huggles is at Irma's house!" Will exclaimed.

"It's true, Mrs Vandom," Taranee said.

"Okay," Susan said. "But that tiny animal didn't eat ten pounds of rodent chow." Suddenly, Tynar burped.

Everybody looked around and saw Taranee holding her hand to her mouth. "I... I ate it!" she replied.

"I told you to buy potato chips," Will replied. Susan rolled her eyes and left.

"Tynar! That wasn't people food!" Will scolded.

"I don't understand your world," Tynar replied. "But I see that it's not as it's been described to us." He turned towards Hay Lin. "You said that I don't have to be a rebel fighter in order to help people, but that's not enough for me. Not when I know what I know. I want to join your cause. I'll show you how to get inside the castle."

Caleb's eyes blazed with distrust as he looked at Tynar. "What's he doing here?"

"He offered to lead us through the underground mazes to the dungeons," Will explained.

"Oh, I bet he has," Caleb replied, skepticism dripping from his words.

"You must believe me," Tynar pleaded, his voice earnest. "You have no idea of the misery to which even Phobos' workers are subjected."

Caleb gave him an unimpressed look but reluctantly agreed. "Fine. Lead the way."

Hay Lin and Taranee picked up Tynar, flying him to the beginning of the tunnels hidden beneath the castle. The air was thick with anticipation as they landed, the entrance to the labyrinthine tunnels yawning before them like the mouth of some great beast.

Will, Irma, Cornelia, and Hay Lin separated from the rest, their mission to distract the guards. As they darted away, Taranee, Caleb, and Blunk prepared to delve into the darkness, guided by Tynar.

"How long can the other Guardians maintain the distraction?" Tynar asked, his voice echoing softly off the stone walls.

"Nothing personal, but how about we don't tell you the whole plan, okay?" Caleb shot back. "As far as I'm concerned, there's every chance that you're a spy."

Taranee, trying to ease the tension, asked, "So... are the lurdens also part of your kind?"

Tynar sighed. "Yes. We fara are very connected to the earth. When Phobos began draining the planet's life force, we became weak and we perished. From our dust, a new generation was born, one more resilient, but fewer in numbers. Thus, Phobos tried multiplying our numbers by accelerating our development in the earth using magic. It worked, but the resulting beings ended up broken."

Their footsteps echoed in the dim, narrow passageways. The air was musty, the scent of damp earth filling their lungs. Eventually, they arrived at the tunnel below the dungeon. Tynar led them up to the dungeon itself, a hidden door in the floor granting them access.

Inside, they moved swiftly but quietly. Tynar immediately began tying up a sleeping guard. The guard stirred, his eyes fluttering open in alarm. "What are you doing? Get off of me. Get off of me!"

"Morak, it's Tynar. I've been to the other side. They fed me; they treated my wounds. Everything we've been told about Earth is a lie! You must tell the others!"

"After we're gone," Caleb said, as he unlocked the cells, freeing the prisoners.

With the cells empty, they ran out of the dungeon and into the Castle, navigating through its dark, winding corridors. Finally, they reached the outside, only to be confronted with a sheer 50-meter drop.

"No way down!" Blunk yelled, his voice tinged with panic.

"I can't fly them all down in time! We have to jump!" Taranee declared.

"What? Blunk think Blunk stay here. Maybe Phobos need mascot..." Blunk hesitated.

"We've got to trust Will," Taranee said. "She'll get here! Go!" Tynar was the first to jump, setting an example for the others. The rest soon followed, one by one.

"Come on, Will!" Taranee urged. Just as she spoke, a portal opened above the swamp, and the rebels fell straight through it. The remaining Guardians joined Taranee, flying directly through the portal.

They landed on Earth, on the sandy expanse of Shell Beach. The air was filled with the scent of saltwater, and the sound of waves crashing nearby provided a stark contrast to the chaos they had just escaped.

"Not bad, hero," a voice said. It was James, appearing as if from nowhere.

"James, where did you come from?" Caleb asked, bewildered.

"I was outside the Castle when I saw the Guardians attack," James explained. "Then I saw the rebels jumping off the wall and the portal opening, and I thought, 'I haven't seen Earth in a while, maybe I should drop by.' And here I am." He pulled a piece of parchment from his pocket. "Also, I've been spending these last few days spying on you all from outside the Castle, trying to figure out your schedules. I figured Phobos might have changed them since the rebels attacked. Can you look through them to make sure they're correct?"

"Um, sure," Tynar said, taking the parchment. "The guards from the second half of the day aren't in the same order as the first. Other than that, it's pretty accurate. I'm impressed."

"Yeah, that was more of a wild guess," James confessed. "It's really hard to tell you guys apart."

"So, that's what you've been doing," Caleb said, impressed.

"Told you I was going to help," James replied. "Looks like I'm gonna have to do it again, though. Phobos will most likely change the schedule again after today's attack."

"I could probably give you an estimate," Tynar offered. "I spent so much time serving Phobos that I kind of know how he thinks."

Caleb's father, Julian, stepped forward, taking in the view. "Caleb, Earth's even more beautiful than you described it."

"You should taste the food," Tynar joked, lightening the mood.

"Maybe we should send you to the Infinite City after we give you all a good meal," Hay Lin suggested, her face brightening with a smile.

Everyone cheered, the sense of camaraderie and victory washing over them like a soothing wave. For now, they were safe. For now, they had hope.

The morning sun bathed the streets of Heatherfield in a golden light. Will walked through the bustling town, her thoughts drifting back to the chaotic events of the previous day. She smiled slightly as she remembered their victory, but the weight of her responsibilities was never far from her mind.

As she turned a corner, she nearly collided with someone. "Oh! Sorry!" she exclaimed, stepping back.

"Will!" The familiar voice made her heart skip a beat. It was Matt. His warm smile and kind eyes always had a way of making her feel at ease. "Hey."

"Hey," she greeted, trying to keep her voice steady. "What are you doing here?"

"Just running some errands," Matt said, holding up a small bag. "How about you?"

"Just... thinking," Will replied, a bit flustered. "About everything that's happened."

"Yeah, it's been a wild ride," Matt agreed, then hesitated. "So, how's Mr. Huggles?"

Will winced slightly. "Well, he's... he's kind of... I have no idea how he is. I gave him away."

"Oh," Matt said, looking surprised. "What happened?"

"My mom wouldn't let me keep him," Will explained, fidgeting with her hands. "So Irma watched him and got attached, but I couldn't tell you 'cause, well..."

"Because you like me?" Matt finished for her, his eyes searching hers. "I mean, I like you and, and I didn't want to be cliche but, I'm... sorry, I didn't know Mr. Huggles would be such a hassle, and I caused you to needlessly worry, and—"

"Matt," Will interrupted softly, stepping closer. "Shut up."

Before he could respond, she leaned in and kissed him. It was a gentle, tentative kiss, but it spoke volumes. All the unspoken words, the fears, and the hopes were conveyed in that single moment.

Matt's eyes widened in surprise, but then he relaxed, his arms wrapping around her waist. For that brief moment, it was just the two of them.

Next is Chapter XIII: The Stolen Heart