A/N: Thank you Heart of the Demons and W.I.T.C.H.aholic for the review. So, the reason why Elyon didn't listen to her friends was due to the circumstances. She had just had her world turned upside down when Cedric revealed her parents' true form. Cedric told her who she was and the fact that the throne had many enemies (which included her parents—who were monsters—and Caleb—who really scared Elyon in the Cedric-Caleb fight.
When her friends freaked out about Cedric, in the bookstore, Elyon knew that they were also involved in the conspiracy against the throne. And there was also the Ceremony of the Amalgamation. When I wrote how Elyon felt Cedric to be like a part of her it wasn't metaphorical. She literally felt the part of her encased in Cedric's ring. And don't worry, Elyon will not be as dumb as she is in the show, but you'll have to wait and see.
Chapter IV: Ghosts of Elyon
Elyon stood in the center of her room, clutching The Book of Spells in her hands. She had been studying its pages diligently, searching for a way to enhance her magical abilities. Among the countless incantations and enchantments, she stumbled upon a section about astral drops—a magical technique that intrigued her.
With curiosity burning within her, Elyon decided to try summoning an astral drop for the first time. She carefully followed the instructions written in the book, her voice trembling with a mix of excitement and uncertainty.
"Spord Lartsa," Elyon uttered, the words flowing from her lips in a hushed tone. As she spoke, a soft, ethereal light began to envelop her form, gradually growing brighter and more radiant with each passing second.
The room seemed to hold its breath as the light shimmered and swirled, taking on a shape in front of Elyon. It formed a silhouette, and then, with a gentle glow, the astral drop took on the appearance of Elyon herself.
Elyon's heart swelled with a mixture of awe and joy as she gazed upon her perfect double. The astral drop mirrored her every movement, from the tilt of her head to the flutter of her eyelashes. However, Elyon knew that this magical duplicate possessed none of her memories or personality, and had the intelligence of a four-year-old child.
"Hello," Elyon said softly, extending a hand toward her astral drop. The replica smiled in response, its eyes sparkling with innocence and wonder. Elyon couldn't help but feel a sense of connection to her astral drop, as if it were a part of her own essence temporarily given form.
As they stood face to face, Elyon and her astral drop began to explore their newfound connection. Elyon taught her duplicate simple gestures and actions, mimicking her own movements as they danced and twirled in unison. It was a surreal experience, witnessing her own reflection come to life in such a magical and extraordinary way.
But as all things must, the time came for the astral drop to dissipate. Elyon knew that she had to end the enchantment, bidding farewell to her astral companion. She took a deep breath, gathering her resolve.
"Astral drop," Elyon said, her voice tinged with a hint of sadness.
The astral drop's expression turned pensive, as if it understood the bittersweet nature of their parting. Slowly, it nodded, its eyes filled with a mix of understanding and gratitude.
Elyon watched as the astral drop faded away, its form dissipating into the same radiant light that had brought it into existence. The room returned to its usual stillness, the magical energy fading, leaving Elyon alone once more.
She stood there, contemplating the experience she had just had. Though brief, it had shown her the possibilities of her own magic and the strength that lay within her.
As Elyon continued her exploration of The Book of Spells, her eyes widened with intrigue as she stumbled upon another spell in the same section. This time, it was a method to create an intangible astral drop—a manifestation with even lower intelligence than the previous version. The concept fascinated her, and she was eager to put it to the test.
With a newfound determination, Elyon memorized the incantation written in the book, committing it to heart. "Spord Elbignatni," she whispered, her voice resonating with an air of mysticism. As the words slipped from her lips, a subtle shift occurred in the room, almost imperceptible to the naked eye.
Suddenly, there it was—an intangible astral drop stood before her. Its form appeared more ethereal than the previous astral drop, as if it were made of mist and moonlight. Elyon marveled at its existence, knowing that this creation possessed even less intelligence than its tangible counterpart.
Curiosity tugged at Elyon's mind as she wondered how this intangible astral drop would react to physical contact. She devised a plan to put it to the test, determined to uncover the truth behind Prince Phobos' claims about the Rebellion's intentions.
Elyon concealed herself, observing from a hidden vantage point as Caleb emerged through her window. She watched as he approached the intangible astral drop, reaching out to touch it. In an instant, the astral drop dissipated into thin air, leaving Caleb bewildered and perplexed.
A smirk played on Elyon's lips as she realized the effectiveness of her illusion. Prince Phobos' words echoed in her mind, reminding her of the Rebellion's alleged plot to kidnap her. Elyon knew that she needed to take immediate action to ensure her safety.
Without hesitation, she called for the guards, alerting them to Caleb's unauthorized presence. The castle guards swiftly responded to Elyon's call, their footsteps echoing through the corridors as they closed in on the intruder.
As the guards entered Elyon's room, Caleb's eyes darted around it, desperately seeking an escape route. In a daring move, he leaped through the very window he had entered, disappearing into the night sky. The guards looked at each other, dumbfounded.
"What is the meaning of this?" Elyon watched as the guards' expressions turned from annoyance to fear, as Lord Cedric entered the room. "How could you let him escape?!"
"We're sorry, my lord," one of the guards said, "he was too fast."
"I don't want to hear excuses," Cedric sternly said.
"But—"
"Quiet!" Cedric yelled. "If you wish to keep being castle guards you will be more useful!" Elyon was a little frightened. She had seen Cedric be this ruthless.
"Come now, Cedric," Phobos' voice echoed. "Yelling at the guards won't solve anything."
Cedric turned towards Phobos and bowed. "You're right, my prince. I apologize."
"Apology accepted," Phobos said. "You may go back to your posts," he said towards the guards. The guards looked happy, maybe a little to happy. Elyon was about to ask Phobos and Cedric what had just happened but changed her mind. It was probably due the stress and she didn't want them to stress even more.
"You were right," Elyon finally said. "You were both right, they'll never stop coming for me. What can I do?"
"Follow me," Phobos said.
"Where are we going?" Elyon asked.
"To the Throne Room," Phobos replied.
Elyon had never been to the Throne Room, so she didn't know what to expect. As she entered the room, however, she was greeted by the most beautiful sight in the world.
Everything was covered in a yellow glow, giving it a majestic quality. The air smelled of roses, courtesy of the rose bushes scattered aimlessly across the room. There were stained glass windows everywhere, depicting various scenes from what Elyon figured was Meridian's history. Right in the center of the room was the throne, elevated by combination of stairs and tree roots.
"We'll need an army," Phobos said, breaking Elyon from her trance.
"Don't you already have an army?" asked Elyon.
"Not of guards," said Phobos. "Of you."
The W.I.T.C.H. girls were at the Silver Dragon where they met Caleb to talk about the outcome of his latest mission—showing Elyon a different perspective on the whole Meridian situation.
"Elyon just disappeared?" asked Cornelia, bewildered.
"Into thin air!" Caleb exclaimed. "I didn't even get a chance to explain anything."
"Maybe you saw a hologram," Will offered.
"In Meridian?" Hay Lin asked, skeptically. "They don't even have HDTV."
"Or TV TV," Irma added.
"Could be like our Astral Drops," Taranee said. "If we can clone ourselves, couldn't she project a self-image?"
"Maybe," Will said. "But why?"
"It could be a safety measure," Taranee offered. "I mean, Phobos probably figured that we would try something."
The W.I.T.C.H. girls, along with Caleb, stepped outside the Silver Dragon restaurant.
Suddenly, Cornelia's eyes widened with hope as she spotted Elyon in the distance. Without a second thought, she sprinted toward the silhouette, her heart pounding with anticipation. However, as soon as Cornelia reached out to touch the figure, it vanished into thin air, leaving her empty-handed and bewildered.
Hay Lin noticed another Elyon clone nearby. She summoned a gust of wind with her elemental powers. The clone remained unaffected by the powerful breeze, its hair and clothes perfectly still. The perplexing nature of the situation deepened, fueling their determination to solve the mystery.
Caleb, always quick to analyze and deduce, observed another clone standing at a distance. Thinking on his feet, he noticed a discarded frisbee lying on the ground nearby. With a swift motion, he grabbed the frisbee and hurled it toward the clone. As the frisbee made contact with the illusion, it instantly dissipated.
"The clones must have originated from Elyon herself," Caleb said. "And since Elyon is currently in Meridian, there must be a portal through which the clones are crossing to Earth."
His words hung in the air, sparking a surge of realization among the W.I.T.C.H. girls. Will reached into her bag and pulled out the ancient Map of Portals. Placing the Heart of Kandrakar atop the map, Will activated its latent magic.
As the Heart pulsed with energy, the map illuminated, revealing the network of roads stretching across Heatherfield. A blue x formed on the map, the indicator of an open portal.
"There!" Will exclaimed, her finger pointing to the x. "Elyon's house."
Without wasting another moment, the W.I.T.C.H. girls, joined by Caleb, made their way toward Elyon's house, hoping to unveiled the mystery behind the ghosts of Elyon.
They cautiously entered Elyon's house, their hearts pounding with a mixture of anticipation and concern. The air inside was heavy with an eerie stillness, as if the very walls held their breath in anticipation of what was to come.
As they made their way through the familiar rooms, their eyes darting anxiously from corner to corner.
"Finally." The familiar voice sent a jolt of surprise through their veins. Standing before them was the real Elyon, her presence both familiar and foreign at the same time. She was wearing greenish blue robes with white accents, her hair was longer and braided differently and she had two rings attached to the end of her braids. In her Meridian attire, Caleb could easily see the resemblance she beared to Prince Phobos.
Elyon held her sketchbook tightly against her chest, her expression a mixture of weariness and determination. She gazed at the group, her eyes filled with a complex mix of emotions, as if she had been battling her own internal conflicts.
"I came back to get my sketchbook," Elyon stated, her voice tinged with a touch of exhaustion. "I'm tired of running away from all of you."
The W.I.T.C.H. girls exchanged glances, their confusion evident. They had come to rescue Elyon, to bring her back to the safety of their world. But Elyon's words hinted at a deeper narrative, one they had yet to uncover.
"You placed those ghosts to lead us here?" Irma questioned, her voice wavering with a mix of curiosity and concern.
Elyon nodded, her gaze focused on the floor. "Yes. I wanted to gather all of you in one place, away from prying eyes. I needed to talk to you, to make you understand."
The girls felt a flicker of hope ignite within them, the possibility of reconnecting with their long-lost friend. They stepped forward, reaching out to Elyon, their voices filled with earnestness.
"Elyon, we've missed you," Cornelia said, her voice laced with sincerity. "We've been worried about you. We want to help you. Phobos has been lying to you. He took the throne by force. The Veil was raised to keep him from conquering the universe. I don't know what his plans are but they're not good. Elyon, please, you have to believe me."
But Elyon's eyes hardened, her expression transforming into one of skepticism and suspicion. She pulled away from their outstretched hands, taking a step back.
"You're brainwashed," she stated firmly, her voice carrying a tone of conviction. "All of you. Caleb and the Rebellion have filled your heads with lies and manipulation. My parents... my real parents died right after I was born. Phobos had no choice but to take the throne. But all the rebels saw was the perfect opportunity to take the throne. They terrorized Meridian, and even got allies from Earth. My brother had no choice. He had to raise a Veil to protect the universe from the rebels."
The W.I.T.C.H. girls exchanged glances, their hearts sinking with a mix of sadness and disbelief. They had hoped for a moment of understanding, a chance to bridge the divide that had grown between them. But Elyon's resolute stance shattered those hopes, leaving them with a profound sense of loss.
Before they could respond, the room erupted in a flurry of motion and greenery. Vines and tendrils sprouted from the floor, rapidly entwining around the girls, restraining them with a grip that grew tighter with every passing second. Cornelia tried to fight back against them but Elyon's grip was too strong.
Elyon stood at the center of the chaos, her eyes glowing with a mixture of determination and sorrow. She raised her hand, commanding the vines to hold their captive friends firmly in place.
"I should take all of you to my brother to face the punishment for your crimes," Elyon declared, her voice laced with an undercurrent of regret. "But because you are my friends, I will let you off with a warning: Leave Meridian alone."
Elyon's gaze shifted, her attention falling solely on Caleb. Her expression hardened, a flicker of resolve crossing her features.
"You, on the other hand," she said to Caleb, her voice dripping with a sense of finality, "are coming with me."
Before any of the girls could react, Elyon opened a portal behind her, its swirling energies pulsating with an otherworldly power. She gestured toward Caleb, and with a wave of her hand, the restrained boy was pulled towards her, unable to resist.
As Caleb disappeared into the depths of the portal, Elyon cast a final glance at her captive friends, her eyes filled with a mix of determination and a lingering sorrow. With a swift motion, she closed the portal behind her, leaving the girls alone and trapped within the confines of her home.
The room fell into a tense silence as Elyon disappeared through the portal, leaving the W.I.T.C.H. girls restrained by the vines. Panic and frustration surged through their veins, but their determination to save their friend burned brighter than ever.
With a resolute expression on her face, Will mustered her inner strength and focused her energy. With a determined voice, she uttered the familiar words that had united them countless times before.
"Guardians Unite!"
In an instant, a surge of magical energy enveloped the girls, surrounding them in a brilliant light. Their ordinary forms were transformed, replaced by their Guardian forms. Wings sprouted from their backs, their outfits shimmered with ethereal beauty, and their eyes gleamed with a newfound determination.
As the magical transformation took hold, the vines that had held them captive began to wither and shrink away, losing their grip on the girls. They were free once more, their powers fully awakened and ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
Will's attention was drawn to the Map of Portals lying on the ground nearby. She reached down and picked it up, the intricate markings glowing with a soft light under her touch. With the Heart of Kandrakar pulsing with power, she activated the map, hoping to find a portal that would lead them back to their world.
To their disappointment, the map showed no new portals and Blunk was in Meridian. The girls exchanged concerned glances, realizing that they would need to wait for a portal to open. The room fell into a solemn silence, each girl lost in her own thoughts and reflections.
"It's like she's a completely different person," Irma said, breaking the silence. "She wiped the floor with us and took Caleb. I never thought Elyon was capable of being so... ruthless."
"I can't believe Phobos twisted everything around like that," Cornelia said, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and disbelief. "He made us out to be the bad guys, manipulating Elyon into believing that the Veil was raised by him, not Kandrakar."
"I know," Irma chimed in, her voice tinged with anger. "And he painted the Rebels as power-hungry villains. We're the ones trying to protect the universe, not Phobos."
Will tightened her grip on the Heart of Kandrakar, her resolve strengthening. "We have to find a way to reach her, to break the spell that Phobos put on—" A burst of energy caught her attention.
A portal, shimmering with iridescent light, materialized before them. It was a perfect coincidence, as if the universe itself had heard their pleas. The girls exchanged surprised glances, their hearts filled with a renewed sense of hope.
Without hesitation, they rose to their feet and stepped through the portal, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them on their quest to save Caleb.
As they emerged on the other side, the world of Meridian came before them.
The Guardians navigated through the city with grace and precision, their senses honed to detect any sign of Elyon. They flew above the crowded streets, their eyes scanning the faces below, searching for any familiar features.
"There she is," Will said.
"Elyo—!" Cornelia began, before she was stopped by Taranee.
"First, let's find out if it is," she said. Taranee summoned a fireball and launched it in the sky. The fireball exploded, creating a magnificent show of light which resembled fireworks. Everyone turned to see the spectacle, including Elyon. "See?" Taranee began. "No shadow."
Cornelia watched in both amazement and horror. "Kinda dracula-ish," she said.
"Check it," Hay Lin exclaimed, pointing to another Elyon, "this one's all mine!" She created a gust of wind which she directed towards the potential hologram. The field of flowers to Elyon's side reacted to the wind. Elyon's hair however did not.
"There's another one," Irma pointed.
"Anyone notice these virtual Elyons keep drawing us further away from the Castle?" Will inquired. "I bet that's where the real Elyon is."
Elyon paced back and forth in the throne room, her eyes fixed on the restrained Caleb. Her once-trusted friend stood defiant, refusing to reveal the location of the Rebellion's headquarters. His unwavering loyalty to the cause that opposed her newfound beliefs only fueled her frustration.
"Tell me, Caleb," she demanded, her voice laced with authority, "where is the headquarters of the Rebellion?"
Caleb looked up at her, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I won't betray the Rebellion," he said firmly. "We fight for justice, for the freedom of the people of Meridian. We can't let Phobos continue his reign of tyranny."
Elyon's eyes narrowed, her patience wearing thin. "You speak of justice and freedom, but all I see is chaos and rebellion. Phobos may have his flaws, but he does his best."
"You're wrong, Elyon," Caleb countered. "Phobos drains the planet's life force to power himself, causing the destruction of the planet's ecosystem. The Veil itself is proof of his malevolence."
"The Veil was raised to protect the rest of the worlds from the Rebellion's brainwashing tactics," Elyon retorted. "Phobos had to take desperate measures to defend Meridian."
Caleb shook his head, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "You're being deceived, Elyon. Phobos is using you to maintain his grip on power."
"I can't believe I once thought you were cool," Elyon snapped, her voice dripping with disdain. "You are the lowest scum there is!"
Caleb's jaw tensed, his resolve strengthening. "If maintaining the Veil was so important, why didn't Phobos assign you to close the holes in it?"
Elyon faltered, caught off guard by the question. She had no answer, her mind racing to come up with a retort. But her newfound loyalty to Phobos was clouding her judgment, and she struggled to find the words.
"I didn't think so," Caleb said, a hint of triumph in his voice. "Phobos has used you, Elyon."
Elyon's frustration turned to anger, and she turned on her heel, storming out of the throne room. She needed answers, clarity. She made her way to the viewing chamber, where the viewing stone and the Map of Meridian were kept.
There, she found Phobos. She took a deep breath, trying to push away the doubts that gnawed at her mind.
"Phobos," she began, her voice uncertain, "Caleb asked me something. About the Veil and the portals. How do I close them?"
Phobos regarded her with a sense of superiority, as if he had anticipated her question. "I didn't want to burden you with my responsibilities," he said smoothly. "But since you ask, I can show you."
He approached the Map of Meridian, activating it with a wave of his hand. Three red "x's" appeared on the map.
"These are the portals," Phobos explained. "To close them, you must touch the 'x's.'"
Elyon hesitated, unsure of her next move. Her heart was torn between the loyalty she felt towards Phobos and the nagging doubts that Caleb had planted in her mind.
As she reached out to touch the "x's," a rush of emotions washed over her. Doubt, fear, and a sense of betrayal consumed her, but she forced them aside. She had made her choice, and she had to see it through.
The "x's" disappeared from the map, and Phobos smiled, a look of pride in his eyes. "See, my dear sister," he said, his voice laced with satisfaction. "With you by my side, Meridian will flourish."
Just as Elyon was about to respond, a guard burst into the room, panting from exertion. "My prince, my princess," he gasped, "the Guardians of the Veil are attacking the castle!"
Elyon's heart skipped a beat. The Guardians had come for her, and she knew she couldn't escape their determination. The conflict within her raged on, torn between her loyalty to Phobos and the friendship she once shared with the Guardians.
Phobos' eyes blazed with a mix of anger and determination. "Prepare the defenses," he commanded the guard. "We will not let them take her!"
Elyon's mind raced, torn between her loyalties and the desire for the truth. She knew she had to make a choice, one that would shape the future of Meridian and her own destiny.
As she stood in the viewing chamber, the weight of her decision was bearing down on her. The sounds of battle echoed through the castle walls as the Guardians unleashed their elemental powers upon the guards outside. The clash of energy and metal created a chaotic symphony that resonated with Elyon's inner turmoil.
Phobos stood beside her, his eyes locked on the scene outside. "They're here for you," he said, a hint of anger in his voice. "They won't stop until they have taken you away from me."
Elyon's heart wavered, torn between her loyalty to her brother and the friendship she once shared with the Guardians. She couldn't bear the thought of fighting them, but she also couldn't let them take her away from the life she had chosen for herself.
As the battle outside intensified, Elyon's resolve solidified. She knew what she had to do to protect her newfound home and the life she had come to cherish.
With a deep breath, Elyon extended her hand, her palm glowing with a brilliant light. Energy crackled around her fingertips as she focused her power, preparing for the mega-blast that would send her friends flying.
Without hesitation, she released the blast, a torrent of energy that surged towards the Guardians. The blast hit them with incredible force, propelling them back into the sky at an alarming speed. The girls cried out in surprise, their elemental powers unable to shield them from the sheer force of Elyon's attack.
As the Guardians soared through the air, their expressions a mix of shock and bewilderment, Elyon felt a pang of guilt in her heart. She hadn't wanted to hurt them, but she had to protect what was hers.
Phobos watched the scene unfold, a twisted smile forming on his lips. "Well done, Elyon," he said, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "You have shown them the consequences of challenging our rule."
As the W.I.T.C.H. girls soared uncontrollably through the vast sky, their hearts pounded in their chests with a mixture of fear and adrenaline. The powerful mega-blast from Elyon had sent them hurtling into the air at an incredible speed, leaving them at the mercy of the unpredictable currents.
Their elemental powers were useless in this chaotic torrent of wind and energy, and the Guardians struggled to find their bearings amidst the whirlwind. Panic gripped them as they realized they were hurtling straight towards the towering peak of a massive mountain.
"Brace yourselves!" Cornelia called out, her voice tinged with urgency, as she tried to steady herself in the mid-air tumult. The mountain loomed closer, its jagged edges appearing razor-sharp against the horizon.
"We can't let this be the end!" Taranee shouted, her mind racing for a solution as she tried to focus on controlling her flight.
Will, the leader of the Guardians, knew that they needed a miracle to avoid a catastrophic impact. Desperation filled her heart as she clasped the Heart of Kandrakar tightly in her hand. She summoned its power, calling out with all her will for guidance and protection.
"Heart of Kandrakar, we need your help!" Will beseeched, her voice carrying over the howling winds.
In response, the Heart emitted a radiant pink glow, its energy enveloping the girls. A brilliant force field materialized around them, forming a protective bubble that shielded them from the impending collision with the mountain.
The force field shimmered and hummed with power, absorbing the impact with the mountain. As they came to a stop the bubble disintegrated.
"Is everyone alright?" Irma asked, her voice trembling with relief.
"We're okay, thanks to the Heart," Will replied, her voice filled with gratitude.
The girls looked around at each other, their expressions a mix of awe and astonishment. From that height, the entire continent of Valtorin was visible. Cornelia took a step and immediately felt a surge of electricity going through her body.
Suddenly, the world seemed to twist and contort, like a canvas caught in the throes of an artist's whimsy. Reality itself appeared to be folding and shifting, warping the very fabric of their surroundings. Within a matter of seconds, the once-familiar landscape dissolved, replaced by an ethereal and surreal scene.
The girls found themselves standing within a seemingly endless labyrinth formed by towering bookshelves.
"Not this again!" Taranee yelled in frustration.
There was a red thread on the ground which Cornelia immediately recognized as their ariadne's string. "Look," she pointed out. "The string's still here! We can follow it!"
The girls cautiously followed the red string, their footsteps echoing softly in the vast library-like labyrinth. Each towering bookshelf seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance, filled with ancient tomes and mysterious scrolls. The soft glow of magical orbs illuminated the path, casting dancing shadows on the pages of forgotten knowledge.
After what felt like an eternity of winding through the maze, they reached the end of the string. However, their hopes of finding an exit were dashed when they were met with yet another dead-end. The bookshelves formed an impenetrable wall, leaving them trapped with no clear way forward. "What now?" asked Irma, frustrated.
"Well, when I came after you," Will began, "the Heart pulled me towards one of the books. And since this is supposed to be an inbetween world of Earth and Meridian that means..."
"That the books are the exits." Taranee completed. "But how do we know which book will lead us to the Castle?" Her train of thought was interrupted however when she noticed that she was stepping on a piece of paper. She took a closer look at it. "The human psyche," she read. "How does that help?"
She looked back at the bookshelf in front of her and saw a book with the same title. The connections immediately formed in her mind. There was someone who documented the exits, and accidentally left one of his notes behind. It didn't say where it would lead but if the note belonged to who she thought it belonged than the book should lead them straight to the Castle.
As she touched it, she immediately felt a surge of electricity going through her body. Reality shifted once more, this time into a big room with a throne in the middle. "Took you long enough," said a voice. The girls jumped and turned around. It was Caleb.
"How did you break free?" asked Cornelia, bewildered.
"I always keep a spare dagger in my belt," Caleb responded.
Suddenly, Lord Cedric emerged from the throne room doors taking on the form of a towering human with a sinister aura surrounding him. His eyes glowed with malevolence as he sneered at the intruders before him.
"So, the little pests have come back for more," Cedric hissed, his voice echoing throughout the room. "I will enjoy crushing you once and for all."
Without warning, the sinister lord underwent a terrifying transformation. His limbs elongated, his body contorting into a gigantic snake-like form with arms. The girls were momentarily stunned by the sight, but they quickly regained their composure and summoned their elemental powers.
Irma commanded the element of water. She created a powerful water whip that lashed out at Cedric's serpentine form, attempting to entangle him and slow his movements. Taranee used her control over fire to unleash a torrent of flames, trying to weaken Cedric's defenses and disrupt his attacks.
Hay Lin, with her mastery over air, swirled gusts of wind around Cedric, attempting to hinder his movements and create an opening for her friends to strike. Caleb fought alongside the girls, using his agility and combat skills to dodge Cedric's attacks and deliver powerful blows.
The battle raged on, the room filling with the sound of clashing elements and the echoing roars of the gigantic snake. The girls fought with all their might, their determination unwavering, but Cedric proved to be a formidable opponent. His serpentine form allowed him to swiftly evade their attacks, and his strength was unparalleled.
But the Guardians weren't pushovers either. Hay Lin's gusts of wind intensified, buffeting Cedric from all directions, further disorienting him. Caleb saw his opening and landed a decisive strike, using his spare dagger to pierce through Cedric's scaled armor.
The serpent form of Lord Cedric let out a spine-chilling roar of pain and rage, reverting to his human form. Though wounded, Cedric was not defeated yet. He glared at the determined girls, his eyes filled with malevolence and malice.
"You will regret this!" he spat, before turning and slithering away, escaping through a hidden passage in the throne room.
"We did it," Will said, breathing heavily. "But we need to leave, now. Who knows when he'll come back with reinforcements."
Lord Cedric stood before Prince Phobos in the grand chamber of the castle, his serpentine eyes still smoldering with traces of the recent battle. Phobos regarded him with an intense gaze, clearly expecting an explanation for the unexpected intrusion of the Guardians.
"How did the Guardians sneak past the guards?" Phobos demanded, his voice laced with irritation.
Cedric quickly gathered his thoughts before responding, "After the battle, I found one of my notes on the floor, detailing the book that leads to the throne room through the inversion point. It appears the Guardians must have stumbled upon it in the inversion point and used it to gain access."
Phobos narrowed his eyes, clearly dissatisfied with the explanation. "Make sure to be more cautious. We cannot risk security breaches because of your incompetence," he admonished.
Cedric bowed his head, feeling a sting of shame at his oversight. "Yes, my prince. It won't happen again."
As the conversation continued, Cedric seized the opportunity to address another pressing matter. "My lord, it's about the Rebel Leader," he began cautiously. "He managed to put an idea in Elyon's head—to close any open portals. This is complicating matters. We could have had the Guardians as prisoners if you had taken my advice earlier, telling Elyon that her friends were evil."
Phobos leaned back on his throne, his eyes contemplative. "It amazes me that after 13 years of serving me, you still don't understand that there are a few things which surprise me," he retorted. "I charmed the map so that every time Elyon touches it, it hides the real portals, replacing them with decoys. To her, it will seem as if she is closing portals every day when, in fact, the portals remain open."
Cedric was taken aback by the revelation, but he quickly composed himself. "But, my lord, why didn't you tell her the Guardians were evil?" he inquired.
Phobos smirked, his lips curling into a cold grin. "Because she was too attached to them," he explained. "If I had told her they were evil, she would have searched for evidence to prove me wrong, and she would have found it. However, with the current situation, we could certainly use a more offensive attitude from Elyon towards the Guardians. Go and find five Mogriffs!"
Sorry that it took this long, I had a busy schedule plus I had to redo this chapter. Why? Because I reread a portion of Act 1 in the comics and got a whole bunch of new ideas, so I essentially had to redo the chapter. (3 moments from issue 2 to issue 5 regarding Elyon. I challenge everyone who reads this chapter to write in the reviews what you think those moments are and how I've adapted them into my story. I'll post what they are in the author's notes of the next chapter.)
Next is Chapter V: The Mogriffs