A/N: Thank you Heart of the Demons and DJ Scales for the review. I don't know about being a talented writer, I just have ideas... lots and lots of ideas :) Anyway, the 3 moments from the comics that I adapted into the previous chapter are:
1. The ghosts of Elyon appearing in Heatherfield (from issue 2)
2. Elyon taking Caleb hostage (from issue 3 where she took Taranee hostage)
3. Elyon going to Earth to confront the girls and trapping them (from issue 5)
Bonus: Will asking the Heart of Kandrakar for help, which is something she exclusively does in the comics.
Chapter V: The Mogriffs
In the dim, murky swamp surrounding the ominous Castle of Meridian, Caleb and Aldarn crouched behind the gnarled roots that connected to the Royal Castle, hidden from the watchful eyes of the guards. Aldarn peered anxiously through the thick foliage, while Caleb held a captoryx in his hands.
A captoryx is a special type of bird, native to the planet Meridian with the ability to mimic any voice it hears. It is similar to an Earth parrot except it can partially understand the words it's mimicking. The people of Meridian had been using it for hundreds of years to send messages to one another. In this case, however, the birds natural ability to mimic voices was perfect for gathering information.
Caleb's keen eyes scanned the area, ensuring that they were far enough from the Castle to avoid detection. He showed the bird a few crackers, whispering softly, "Over the wall, then crackers. Now go observe!"
With a flutter of its wings, the captoryx soared into the night sky, vanishing from sight as it embarked on its mission.
Caleb and Aldarn waited in tense silence, their anticipation growing with each passing moment. The swamp seemed to grow eerily quiet as they strained their ears, waiting for the telltale sounds of the returning bird.
"Where did you get this bird anyway?" Aldarn whispered, breaking the silence.
Caleb grinned slightly. "Traded Blunk a flashlight for it," he replied, glancing at Aldarn.
As they continued to wait, the minutes stretched into what felt like hours. However, there was no sign of the messenger bird's return.
"Caleb, are you sure the captoryx will come back?" Aldarn asked, his concern evident. "It doesn't seem very well trained."
Caleb's brows furrowed with worry as he strained his senses, hoping to hear the familiar cawing of the bird returning with valuable intel. But the swamp remained shrouded in silence.
"I'm not sure," Caleb admitted, frustration tingeing his voice. "It's never taken this long before."
Just as uncertainty began to creep into his mind, a faint sound reached his ears. It was the familiar cawing of the captoryx. Relief washed over Caleb as he saw the bird soaring towards them, its wings beating gracefully through the night air.
As the bird landed, Caleb fed it some crackers. "Repeat," he said.
The bird cawed and then said in a very low and powerful voice, "I'm hungry, when are we off?" Then it changed its voice to a slightly higher pitched low voice. "No breaks today. Phobos' orders."
"Perimeter guards," Aldarn responded, his voice full of annoyance. "They don't know anything. Try again."
Caleb gave the bird a few more crackers. "Observe!" he ordered. The captoryx flew over the curtain wall once more, disappearing into the fog. "We've got to find Phobos' plan for Elyon. If I can just get a timetable, a location, anything!"
For what felt like an eternity, Caleb and Aldarn crouched in the shadows, hidden among the dense foliage of the swamp. Time seemed to crawl by as they waited with bated breath for the messenger bird to return. Every rustle of the leaves or distant sound sent a jolt of anticipation through their bodies, but there was no sign of the bird.
As minutes turned into half an hour, frustration and concern gnawed at Caleb. "Where is that bird?" he muttered, glancing at Aldarn with a mixture of impatience and worry.
Aldarn shook his head, his brows furrowing. "I don't know, Caleb," he replied softly. "It should have been back by now."
Reluctantly, they decided to proceed without the bird's intel. With caution in their every step, they managed to slip past the vigilant entrance guard and venture into the Garden of the Black Roses.
As they entered the eerie garden, a sense of foreboding washed over them. The moon's pale light illuminated the twisted, thorny vines that enveloped the area, creating an otherworldly spectacle. Black roses with their enchanting fragrance dotted the landscape, their petals glistening in the moonlight like obsidian.
However, their enchanting beauty was soon overshadowed by something more sinister. As Caleb and Aldarn stepped further into the garden, miniature female creatures emerged from the petals of the black roses. These creatures were made from black flower petals and had ethereal appearances. They whispered in eerie unison, their voices a haunting chorus that seemed to fill the air, "Intruder... Intruder..."
Caleb's eyes widened in realization, and he cursed under his breath, "Darn it, I forgot about the Whisperers."
The Whisperers were known to be the guardians of the Garden of the Black Roses, responding to any unauthorized presence with their chilling refrain of "Intruder." Their duty was to alert the Castle guards of any trespassers, making it nearly impossible for intruders to infiltrate the area undetected.
Guards closed in from every direction. Panic surged through Caleb and Aldarn's veins as they realized the severity of their situation.
Archers positioned atop the towering castle curtain wall began to rain down a hail of arrows, the deadly projectiles whistling through the air with deadly accuracy.
With hearts pounding, they climbed the narrow stone stairs leading to the top of the curtain wall. However, to their dismay, a guard awaited, his battle axe glinted menacingly in the moonlight as he swung it with brute force towards Aldarn.
Aldarn's reflexes proved to be his savior as he skillfully dodged the deadly blow, the axe blade narrowly missing him. In the process, the axe lodged itself into the stone beneath, momentarily trapping the guard's weapon. Seeing an opening, Caleb struck with precision, delivering a swift blow that rendered the guard unconscious.
To their dismay, as they moved further along the curtain wall, they realized that they were trapped, surrounded by the relentless guards. It seemed as though there was no escape from the clutches of the castle's forces.
Without any options left, they took a deep breath and leaped from the curtain wall, plummeting through the air like graceful swans in flight. The ground rushed up to meet them as they landed with a splash in the murky swamp below. The impact stung their legs, but they ignored the pain, knowing they had to keep moving.
Without a moment's hesitation, Caleb and Aldarn propelled themselves forward, wading through the murky waters of the swamp.
As they moved further away from the castle, a sense of relief washed over them. The distance provided them with a fleeting sense of safety, yet they knew they couldn't afford to lower their guard. The night was still fraught with danger, and they had to remain vigilant if they were to survive.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the dim glow of the portal came into view. Relief washed over them, but they didn't slow down. With a burst of adrenaline, Caleb and Aldarn sprinted toward the swirling vortex.
"I'll get supplies," Caleb said to Aldarn, his voice determined. "I need more crackers for the Captoryx. Let's hope it has some valuable information."
Aldarn nodded, understanding the importance of their mission. "I'll keep watch," he replied.
With that, Caleb stepped into the portal, feeling the familiar sensation of being pulled between worlds. In a matter of seconds, he emerged on Earth, landing in a back alley just a short distance away from Mr. Olsen's Pet Shop.
With a determined expression, Caleb made his way to the shop, the small bell above the entrance tinkling softly as he stepped inside. Mr. Olsen, a kind-looking elderly man, greeted him with a warm smile.
"Good evening, young man. How can I help you today?" Mr. Olsen inquired.
Caleb glanced around the shop, spotting the crackers he needed. "I need some crackers for my parrot," he said.
"Of course, right this way," Mr. Olsen said, leading Caleb to the appropriate section.
As Caleb selected the crackers, he noticed a familiar face out of the corner of his eye. Will, one of the W.I.T.C.H. girls, was browsing nearby.
"Hey," he greeted casually.
Will looked up, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. "Oh, hey Caleb. What are you doing here?"
"Just getting some supplies for my parrot," he replied, holding up the crackers.
"Well, I hope your parrot enjoys them," said Will, a knowing smile on her face.
Caleb paid for the crackers, and as he exited the shop, Will followed him. "So, did you find everything you needed?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm all set," Caleb replied with a smile. "How about you? Did you find what you were looking for?"
Will's cheeks turned slightly pink as she shook her head. "No, not exactly. I was hoping to see Matt here, but I guess he's not around."
Caleb couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, maybe next time. Anyway, I better get going. My parrot is waiting."
Will pulled Caleb aside. "Did you learn anything about Phobos' plans for Elyon?"
"Not yet," he replied. "We're still waiting on the Captoryx to return. In the meantime, I came here to get supplies."
"Okay," Will said. "We'll be at the Dragon if something important comes up."
Caleb wandered through the bustling streets of Heatherfield, thoughts still lingering on the information he sought from the Captoryx. As he turned a corner, he spotted a familiar face up ahead—Cornelia, standing by a small flower shop.
"Cornelia, great to see you," Caleb called out as he approached her. "Do you know where I can find more trash can lids? They make great shields."
Cornelia turned to face him, a curious expression on her face. "And you are? Wait, wait, wait." She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small card, studying it for a moment.
Caleb couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. "It's me, Caleb," he replied, taking the card from her and reading its contents. "Caleb—Real cute boy that you like, but he doesn't know, so don't say anything."
His heart skipped a beat at the realization that Cornelia might have a crush on him. He tried to suppress a smile, not wanting to make things awkward between them. However, after a few seconds, a question arose in his mind. Why did Cornelia need cards to remind her of who she was?
Suddenly, it dawned on him. This person standing before him was not Cornelia at all but her Astral Drop. "Come with me," Caleb declared, his voice firm as he took hold of her hand.
Cornelia didn't resist or seem to mind being dragged. In a haste, Caleb led her through the streets, navigating the familiar city until he reached the Silver Dragon restaurant's basement where the other W.I.T.C.H. girls were gathered.
"Cornelia's gone to Meridian to confront Elyon," he said to the girls. "This isn't her!"
"That's her Astral Drop?" asked Hay Lin. As soon as she said that, Cornelia instantly vaporized. "Sorry," Hay Lin apologized. "I forgot they go away when you say that."
"If Cornelia's in Meridian, you must go there immediately," Yan Lin said.
"But not as the Guardians," Will added.
"Why not?" asked Taranee.
"She took the Heart of Kandrakar," Will replied. "Better find Blunk, we need a portal."
Elyon found herself wandering through the vast corridors of the Castle, her curiosity leading her to explore places she hadn't ventured before. As she entered the dimly lit library, she marveled at the shelves upon shelves of ancient tomes and magical texts. Dust particles danced in the air, giving the room an aura of mystery and enchantment.
Intrigued by the secrets the library might hold, Elyon wandered deeper into the heart of the room. As she reached the center, her eyes fell upon a peculiar book resting on a pedestal. The book had a gold cover, adorned with an intricate pattern consisting of two four-pointed stars, a six-pointed star, and an eight-pointed star, all elegantly aligned on top of each other. Its surface emitted a faint, ethereal glow, beckoning her to take a closer look.
Elyon's heart quickened with anticipation as she reached out to touch the book, but she noticed that it was locked. Surprisingly, there was no visible lock or keyhole anywhere on the cover, leaving her puzzled. She tried to open it by pulling gently on the edges, but the book remained firmly shut.
Frustration mingled with curiosity as Elyon couldn't resist the allure of the mysterious book. Determined to uncover its secrets, she decided to take it to her room, where she could focus without any interruptions. As she carried the book, its glow seemed to grow stronger, as if responding to her touch.
In her room, Elyon set the book on her desk and examined it more closely. The intricate patterns on the cover seemed to shimmer, almost as if they were alive with magic. She tried various spells and incantations, but the book remained resolutely locked. Eventually she gave up. As hard as it was to open, the book was very beautiful.
The book's cover, adorned with its mesmerizing pattern of two four-pointed stars, a six-pointed star, and an eight-pointed star, seemed to glimmer under the soft glow of the Castle's enchanted lights. Elyon couldn't help but be captivated by its beauty. Its golden surface emitted an alluring radiance that hinted at the powerful secrets held within.
"Cornelia would love this," she murmured wistfully, a hint of nostalgia tugging at her heartstrings. "Gold's her favorite..." Her voice trailed off, the homesickness washing over her unexpectedly. Shaking her head to dispel the memories, she turned her attention back to the book, determined to uncover its mysteries.
Yet, the memory of her dear friend lingered. With a sigh, Elyon set the book aside for a moment and reached for her sketchbook, a cherished possession that held memories of happier times. Flipping it open, she was greeted by a vivid drawing of Cornelia that she had created during a carefree summer.
For a moment, Elyon's heart swelled with fondness as she gazed at the image. She could almost hear Cornelia's laughter and feel the warmth of their friendship. But the reality of her situation and the burden of her choices quickly intruded upon her reverie.
"Elyon," Phobos' voice echoed through the room, snapping her back to the present. "What do you have there?"
Elyon showed him the sketchbook, the page bearing Cornelia's portrait still visible before her eyes. "Just a picture I drew a long time ago," she replied, her voice tinged with a mix of sadness and longing. "Or it seems like it was."
Phobos narrowed his eyes, studying the drawing with a cold and calculating gaze. "Do you really want this reminder of one who worked with the Rebels to betray you?" he asked. Before Elyon could respond, he raised his hand, and to her horror, the page instantly burst into flames.
Shock washed over her as she instinctively dropped the sketchbook, expecting the whole book to catch fire. However, to her surprise, the flames only affected the drawing of Cornelia. In an instant, the page was consumed by the fire, leaving behind no trace of the once beautiful drawing.
Before she could vocally express her confusion, a girl entered her room, dressed in a yellow dress with green attachments. She looked asian, with short dark hair, green eyes and some freckles. She was average height and looked to be about Elyon's age.
"Meet, Miranda," Phobos said. "I thought you two could get to know each other."
"It's an honor to meet you, your highness," Miranda said, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness.
"You can call me Elyon," she replied. "I hate when people feel like they walk on eggshells around me. I might be your princess but I'm still a human being. How old are you?"
"I'm 13," Miranda responded, a little more relaxed. "Just like you, I believe."
"Why don't you go and walk around your land with Miranda?" Phobos proposed. "See what we're fighting for."
As Elyon walked with Miranda through the bustling streets of Meridian, she couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and responsibility. The people's adoration and admiration for her were palpable, and the weight of being their beloved princess settled on her shoulders. Yet, alongside the excitement, a lingering sense of doubt gnawed at her. She wondered if they truly understood the complexities of her role or if they merely saw her as a figurehead to rally behind.
"Thank you for coming with me, Miranda," Elyon said warmly, trying to put aside her internal musings. "It means a lot to me."
Miranda smiled back, her initial nervousness gradually fading away. "I'm honored to be here, Elyon. I never thought I'd have the chance to walk with the princess herself."
"Well, you're not just walking with the princess," Elyon chuckled. "You're walking with a friend. So, tell me more about yourself, Miranda. What do you like to do in your free time?"
As the two continued their stroll through the vibrant city, Miranda opened up about her interests, her love for art, and her dreams of becoming a skilled mage. Elyon listened intently, genuinely interested in getting to know this girl who shared a connection with her. The more they talked, the more Elyon realized how much they had in common.
The people of Meridian cheered and waved as they passed, offering tokens of affection to their princess. Elyon graciously acknowledged each gesture, but her mind kept wandering back to the mysterious locked book she had discovered in the castle library. She wondered if Miranda, as a fellow mage, might have any insights into its secrets.
"Miranda, can I ask you something?" Elyon inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her.
"Of course, your highness," Miranda replied, her eyes sparkling with curiosity as well.
"I found a book in the castle library, but it's locked, and I can't seem to open it," Elyon explained, hoping for a glimmer of recognition in Miranda's eyes.
"A locked book, you say?" Miranda pondered for a moment. "I remember reading about ancient tomes with protective enchantments. Perhaps it's one of those."
"Do you know how to open it?" Elyon asked eagerly.
Miranda shook her head. "I'm afraid not, but I could look into it for you. Maybe I can find a clue or a spell that could help."
"Thank you, Miranda. I appreciate any help you can offer," Elyon said gratefully, feeling a sense of relief at the possibility of unraveling the book's mysteries.
Elyon strolled through the vibrant marketplace, mingling with her people and reveling in their adoration. However, a flicker of suspicion crossed her mind when she noticed the W.I.T.C.H. girls flying gracefully in the distance.
"What are they doing here?" she said, her voice tinged with dread.
She decided to follow them discreetly. Hiding behind a stack of wooden crates, she listened intently as the girls gathered nearby, unaware of her presence. Their voices reached her ears in hushed whispers.
"Nobody saw us," Cornelia said confidently.
"Perfect," Hay Lin chimed in with a mischievous grin.
"The more miserable they get, the quicker they'll abandon their prince and princess," Taranee added with a hint of ruthlessness.
"And then the rebels can come in and overthrow little Miss Rightful Heir," Will said, her voice laced with disdain.
Elyon felt a mix of anger and betrayal surging within her. Up until this point, she thought that the girls were brainwashed by the rebels. But now, seeing what they were plotting, it was evident that they weren't just pawns—they were just as deluded and evil as the rebels. They claim that Phobos is evil yet they resort to manipulating and hurting the people of Meridian, just to turn them against her and her brother.
Emerging from behind the crates, she confronted the girls. "How could you?" Her voice wavered with a mix of disbelief and hurt.
There was a subtle change in the Guardians' appearances. Their eyes resembled those of a reptile, and their voices carried a faint growl that unsettled her.
"You look horrible," Elyon said. "What happened to you?"
Cornelia smirked. "Oh, Elyon, didn't your prince tell you? We've undergone a makeover to reflect our true selves."
Taranee added with a sneer, "Let's just say, we've embraced the darker side of our personalities."
Elyon's hands trembled, her anger rising. "How could you do this? I thought we were friends!"
Will laughed coldly. "Friends? No, you were meant to be a figurehead—someone we could use to gain the people's trust. But now that you've chosen Phobos over us, you've become our enemy."
Their words stung, but before Elyon could respond, the girls took to the air, their wings carrying them away. She stood there, watching them fly off into the distance, her heart heavy with confusion and sorrow.
As Elyon tried to make sense of the situation, she noticed a sudden commotion in the city. Smoke billowed into the sky, and panic spread among the people as they pointed toward a building engulfed in flames.
Without hesitation, Elyon channeled her magic and focused on the fire, summoning all her strength to put it out. As she concentrated, her hands glowed with a bright, white light, and she directed the energy toward the raging flames.
The fire slowly subsided under her powerful magic, and a sense of accomplishment washed over Elyon. Despite the turmoil within her heart, she couldn't stand by and watch her people suffer.
However, as the last embers faded, Elyon couldn't shake off the haunting realization that the fire had been started by the very friends she once trusted. Betrayal echoed in her mind, and she knew that her world had changed forever.
As Elyon walked back to the Castle, the events of the night weighed heavily on her heart. She couldn't shake off the sense of betrayal from the encounter with the W.I.T.C.H. girls. Miranda walked quietly by her side, sensing that something was troubling her friend.
"Elyon, is everything alright?" Miranda finally mustered the courage to ask.
Elyon looked at her, seeing genuine concern in her eyes. She took a deep breath. "I thought they were my friends, Miranda. We used to be so close, but tonight... they were planning something terrible behind my back."
Miranda frowned, "What do you mean?"
Elyon hesitated for a moment, unsure if she should reveal the whole truth, but she felt a connection with Miranda, one that she didn't feel with anyone else in the Castle. "They were plotting to make the people miserable, so they would turn against me and Phobos. Then the rebels would seize the throne."
Miranda's eyes widened in shock, "I can't believe they would do something like that."
"Neither could I," Elyon sighed. "It's like they've become completely different people. And to think, I used to trust them so much."
"You must be feeling hurt and betrayed," Miranda said sympathetically. "But you're not alone, Elyon. You have me, and I promise to stand by your side no matter what."
Elyon smiled gratefully, touched by Miranda's support. "Thank you, Miranda. It means a lot to me."
As they continued walking, Elyon found herself opening up more to Miranda, sharing her worries about the responsibilities of being a princess and her doubts about her role in the grand scheme of things. Miranda listened attentively, offering a listening ear and kind words of encouragement.
"I know being a princess is overwhelming," Miranda said softly, "but don't forget that you have a good heart. You genuinely care about your people, and that's what matters most."
Elyon nodded, grateful for Miranda's insight. "You're right. I don't want to let the actions of others change who I am. I want to be a ruler that my people can believe in, even if it means making difficult choices."
Miranda smiled warmly, "You have the strength and compassion to be a great ruler, Elyon. Just remember to trust your instincts and always follow your heart."
Elyon walked through the dimly lit corridors of the Castle, her mind still reeling from the encounter with the W.I.T.C.H. girls. As she turned a corner, she overheard hushed voices ahead. Curiosity piqued, she approached quietly and peeked around the corner to see two guards conversing.
"I can't believe Phobos ordered us to work without breaks again," one guard grumbled, his face etched with exhaustion and frustration. "It's like he doesn't care about our well-being at all."
His companion nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "And did you hear about Tymor? The guard who dared to confront Phobos about our working conditions? He disappeared without a trace. No one has seen him since."
Elyon's heart sank at the mention of Tymor's name. She had never heard of him before, but the guards' words hinted at something darker lurking beneath the surface of her brother's rule. Determined to defend Phobos, she stepped forward, intending to assure the guards that Phobos would never harm them.
"Excuse me," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "I overheard your conversation. Please believe me when I say that Phobos would never hurt any of you. He cares deeply for the people of Meridian, including his guards."
Both guards turned to face her, their expressions shifting from weariness to surprise at the sight of the princess. Elyon took a step closer, hoping to convince them of Phobos' benevolence.
To Elyon's surprise, the guards' demeanor seemed to change almost instantly. Their eyes softened, and they nodded in agreement with her. "You're right, Princess Elyon. We should have more faith in our prince," one guard said, his voice now tinged with loyalty and admiration.
"Yes, we apologize for our words, Your Highness," the other guard added, his previous grievances seemingly forgotten.
Elyon couldn't help but feel perplexed by the sudden shift in their behavior. It was as if their doubts had been wiped away with a single word from her. She offered them a small smile, though her mind was still swirling with questions and suspicions.
"It's alright," she replied, trying to collect her thoughts. "I just want everyone in Meridian to live in harmony and peace."
The guards nodded earnestly, their loyalty to Phobos seemingly reaffirmed. As they bid her farewell and continued on their duties, Elyon couldn't shake off the strange feeling that something wasn't right. The guards' sudden change in demeanor raised red flags in her mind, and she couldn't help but wonder if there was more to Tymor's disappearance than she had been led to believe.
Elyon paced back and forth in her room, her mind clouded with conflicting emotions. As she turned her thoughts inward, trying to find clarity amidst the confusion, she heard a soft knock on her door.
"Come in," she said, not bothering to look up.
The door creaked open, and Elyon's eyes widened in surprise as she saw Cornelia standing there, dressed as a kitchen worker. Her appearance seemed completely normal, devoid of the monstrous qualities that she saw in the village.
Elyon felt an overwhelming rush of anger surging through her. "How dare you!" Elyon shouted, her voice filled with fury. "You and your friends, you betrayed me! I can't believe I was stupid enough to think that you didn't know what you were doing. You knew exactly what you are doing! You're just like the rebels! You claim that Phobos is evil yet you resort to manipulating and hurting the people of Meridian!"
Cornelia's eyes widened in shock, clearly taken aback by Elyon's outburst. "Elyon, what are you talking about?"
"What am I talking about?!" Elyon retorted. "Oh, I don't know. How about when you set fire to a building!"
Cornelia looked stunded. "I would never do something like that!"
But Elyon was too consumed by her anger to listen. She raised her hand, summoning her magical powers, and a translucent bubble formed around Cornelia, trapping her inside.
"I can't believe I ever thought you were my friend," Elyon spat, her voice trembling with emotion. "Enjoy your new home. You're going to be here forever. Cedric!"
Within moments, Lord Cedric appeared at her side. "You called, Your Highness?" Cedric asked, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Take her away," Elyon commanded, her voice resolute. "I don't want to see her ever again."
Cedric nodded, his sinister grin widening. He approached the magical bubble, and with a wave of his hand, the bubble began to float in the air, carrying Cornelia away.
"Wait, Elyon, please listen to me!" Cornelia pleaded, her voice filled with desperation.
But Elyon turned away, unwilling to hear anything more from the friend she now saw as a traitor. As the bubble carried Cornelia out of the room, Elyon's heart wrenched with conflicting emotions. She wanted to trust her friend, to believe that she was wrong about the W.I.T.C.H. girls, but the evidence didn't agree.
Alone in her room, Elyon sank to the floor, tears streaming down her cheeks. She felt more isolated and confused than ever before, unsure of who to trust and where to turn.
In her inner turmoil, Elyon found herself questioning the very foundation of her beliefs. The guards' reactions to her defense of Phobos struck a chord of unease within her. Their immediate agreement and compliance with her words sent an underlying message that they were told to hide the truth from her.
Lost in her inner conflict, Elyon couldn't help but question her own decisions and the true intentions of those around her. She began to wonder if she had been too trusting of Phobos, allowing herself to be swayed by his charm and power. The realization that she may have been manipulated shook her to her core.
Perhaps she had been too hasty in condemning her friends, letting her anger overshadow any possibility of truth in their words. But the sight of the burning village, the fear and pain of its inhabitants, was too vivid in her memory to ignore.
Finally, Elyon snapped. "I want the truth!"
Cornelia found herself being led through the darkened corridors of the Castle by Cedric. Her heart pounded in her chest, her mind filled with worry over the events that had unfolded. As they reached a heavy wooden door, Cedric pushed it open, revealing a majestic room adorned with intricate tapestries and shimmering crystal chandeliers. In the center of the room stood a magnificent stone pedestal.
Cornelia's eyes widened as she saw the strange creatures standing in the room, their appearance sending shivers down her spine. They looked like thin gargoyles with leathery wings, long snouts adorned with rows of sharp teeth, and talons. Their skin bore swampy greens, dirty browns, and dark yellow hues. She had never encountered anything like them before, and their eerie presence only added to her sense of dread.
Cedric led Cornelia to a spot near the pedestal and watched helplessly as he manipulated the viewing stone, revealing an image of her friends, the W.I.T.C.H. girls, getting closer to the Castle of Meridian in their earthly forms. Panic swelled within her, knowing that her friends were walking straight into danger because of her. Because she took the Heart of Kandrakar, they were now powerless. Cornelia's heart filled with guilt as she felt the Heart in her pocket.
"The princess would not want to see the demise of her erstwhile friends," Cedric said, his voice dripping with malice.
The image in the viewing stone shifted, showing Elyon in her room. Cedric cast a spell, and she began to drift off into a deep sleep. Cornelia's heart ached at the sight, feeling a mix of sorrow and anger at the way things had turned out. She desperately wanted to warn Elyon, to tell her the truth, but the bubble prevented her from doing anything.
"Mogriffs! Transform!" Cedric shouted.
Cornelia watched in horror as the gargoyle-like creatures began to transform, their snake-like eyes sending a chill down her spine. They now looked exactly like her and her friends.
Cedric grinned triumphantly at the creatures and then turned to leave the room. "Do not disappoint Phobos. Carry out the plan as discussed."
Cornelia's heart pounded as she watched the Mogriffs follow Cedric out of the viewing chamber.
Cornelia's heart raced with a mix of fear and determination. She knew she had to act quickly to warn her friends and protect Elyon from the deception she had witnessed. Suddenly, the Heart of Kandrakar began emitting a strange and urgent noise. The Heart seemed to sense the danger she was in, and she clutched it tightly in her hands.
To her surprise, the Heart shot out a powerful beam of light, directed at the magical bubble that had trapped her. The beam collided with the bubble, shattering it into countless shimmering fragments. Cornelia wasted no time, rushing through the castle corridors, navigating her way towards Elyon's room.
Her mind was filled with images of the strange creatures, the Mogriffs, and the revelation that they had posed as her friends in the past. That was what Elyon was talking about. Phobos really has reached a new low if he's using shapeshifting monsters to slander the Guardians' reputation.
Finally reaching Elyon's room, Cornelia rushed inside. She tried to wake Elyon, shaking her, but to no avail. Panic washed over her, unsure of what to do. Just then, she heard footsteps approaching the room.
In walked Caleb and Blunk, both looking concerned and determined. Blunk's curious eyes spotted a large golden book on the nearby table. Caleb wasted no time and took it. "Any information from the Castle is valuable," he remarked, glancing at Cornelia.
"Elyon, you have to follow me!" Cornelia urged. But Elyon remained unmoved, a testament to Cedric's power.
As the door of Elyon's room burst open, it revealed the sinister figure of Lord Cedric in his humanoid lizard form, flanked by three guards clad in dark armor. Panic gripped Cornelia, Caleb, and Blunk as they realized they were now cornered. In a desperate bid to escape, they quickly grabbed the sheets from Elyon's bed and improvised a makeshift rope to climb down the Castle's towering window.
Once they reached the ground outside, the scene was no less chaotic. The Mogriffs had the upper hand, overpowering the rest of the W.I.T.C.H. girls with their cunning tactics and relentless attacks. Fortunately, they didn't seem to have the elemental powers of the Guardians.
Determined to turn the tide, Cornelia reached into her pocket and pulled out the Heart of Kandrakar. She tossed it to Will, who caught it with a determined look in her eyes.
"Guardians Unite!" Will's voice rang out with authority, and the Heart responded to her call. In a spectacular display of magical energy, the W.I.T.C.H. girls transformed into their powerful guardian forms, donning their respective elemental powers.
The burst of magic from the transformation revealed the Mogriffs' true forms, much to the surprise of the creatures. No longer able to conceal their grotesque features, they hissed and snarled, their leathery wings unfurling in an attempt to intimidate the Guardians.
Will took control of the situation, summoning her elemental power into a concentrated lightning blast, aimed directly at the Mogriffs. The electric energy crackled in the air, lighting up the darkened courtyard with its brilliance.
The powerful lightning blast struck the Mogriffs, causing them to stagger under the intense force. Their malevolent intentions were no match for the unity and strength of the Guardians.
"What you did was totally reckless and stupid," Will berated Cornelia. The W.I.T.C.H. girls, alongside Caleb, were now regrouped at the Silver Dragon.
"I had to explain her what happened," Cornelia replied, defending herself. "She's still her old self, it's just that... she's too far gone in Phobos' mind game. I mean, who would have thought he would use shapeshifting monsters to frame us? And Elyon believes it. She truly believes that I was using her this whole time."
"Well, one good thing came out of it," Caleb said, placing the book he stole on the table. Its golden glow illuminated the dimly lit basement. "I found this. I can't open it."
"Just give me five minutes," Hay Lin offered, taking out a hair pin. "... There's no lock."
"Maybe it's one of those fake books," Taranee speculated. "Like it's a piggy bank or something."
Yan Lin face was full of astonishment. "Could this be The Book of Secrets?"
"What's that?" Will asked.
"Well, it's like a book," Caleb began, "kind of a magical diary, that absorbs and stores all the secrets of whoever owns it. It was created by Phobos himself, earning him the title of Master in the Mystic Arts."
"If this is that book," Yan Lin said, "and if it belongs to Phobos, every plan he has for Elyon, every evil thought... is locked inside."
Another chapter done! The ultimate goal with this and the previous chapter was to make Elyon a person, not a plot device. That's why there's extra stuff with her. In the show she remains oblivious to Phobos' true nature because the plot demands it. It isn't Elyon's story rather the Guardians'. "How will the Guardians convince Elyon of her brother's evil intentions?" not "How will this affect Elyon?" Even though season 1 is about the Rightful Heir, Elyon (the Rightful Heir) is not the main character.
And, like I said, my aim is to fix that here. And, as it just so happens, the next chapter is all about Elyon.
Next is Chapter VI: Secrets