A/N: Thank you Heart of the Demons, W.I.T.C.H.aholic, DJ Scales and Pirate King Ray for the reviews. I actually thought about cutting the Captoryx part but I decided to keep it in because as much as this is Elyon's story it's also the Guardians'. I want there to be a balance between the two stories, to let them compliment eachother instead of fighting for screen (page) time.
Special thanks to Pirate King Ray for sharing his suggestions with me and helping me better my story. Keep them coming!
(This is an updated version of the chapter. Any reviews that don't match the content in the chapter were made before the update.)
Chapter VI: Secrets
Elyon stood in the solitude of her opulent room, its grandeur a stark contrast to the storm of emotions raging within her. The past few days had been a relentless whirlwind, tearing apart the trust she had placed in those around her. She paced back and forth, her steps echoing in the dimly lit chamber.
She sank to her knees, the cold marble floor sending a shiver through her body. She clasped her hands together, knuckles white, as she fought to contain the turmoil within her heart.
Images of Cornelia being dragged away by Lord Cedric replayed in her mind like a haunting melody. The confusion and desperation etched on her friend's face were seared into her memory. How did it come to this? Elyon's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she thought of the friendship that now hung by a thread.
The events had unfolded in a whirlwind, leaving Elyon grappling to comprehend the chaos that had enveloped her life. She had once been so certain of her place in Meridian, confident in her role as the princess and her allegiance to Phobos. But now, the foundations of her world had crumbled, replaced by uncertainty and a sense of being ensnared in a sinister web.
Her fingers trembled as she brushed away the tears that escaped her eyes. Tymor, the guard who dared to confront Phobos about the harsh working conditions, surfaced in her thoughts. The notion that Phobos could be capable of cruelty struck her like a blow. She wanted to deny it, but the evidence mounted before her was forcing her to except the unsettling truth.
On the other hand, the rebels, her supposed allies and friends, weren't the heroes she had hoped for either. The Guardians had conspired to manipulate and sow misery among the people of Meridian. The very people they claimed to protect. The realization pierced Elyon's heart, leaving her feeling betrayed and adrift.
Suddenly, a subtle noise filled the air, like the hushed rustle of fabric. Her head snapped towards the source of the sound, and there stood Miranda, her face bearing the unmistakable trace of guilt.
"What are you doing here, Miranda?" Elyon asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Miranda shifted uneasily, her gaze momentarily avoiding Elyon's. "I was looking for that enchanted book you mentioned, the one that's magically locked," she admitted, her words carrying a hint of hesitation.
"That book? It's no longer here," she replied, a note of sadness in her voice. "It was stolen by the rebels."
Seeing Elyon's tear-filled eyes, Miranda's concern was evident. She took a tentative step forward, compassion emanating from her. "Elyon, is everything okay?" Miranda asked, her voice gentle.
"I just... I need some time alone, Miranda," she finally admitted, her voice quivering with raw emotion.
Miranda nodded understandingly, giving Elyon a soft, reassuring smile. "Of course, I'll leave you be," she said gently.
As Miranda left the room, closing the door behind her, Elyon found herself in the stillness once more. She sank into a chair, allowing her thoughts to wander.
Amid her emotional chaos, a strange calm settled over Elyon. It was as if a veil had lifted, exposing the stark truth beneath the cherished illusions. She was a pawn in the fierce battle between Phobos and the rebels, used for their own gains.
Miranda's actions added to the puzzle. Why was she sneaking around? Was Miranda also part of this? These thoughts swirled in Elyon's mind.
Phobos had introduced her after burning Cornelia's photo—clearly an attempt to make Elyon forget her friend. The realization saddened her. Every person seemed tied to this political turmoil, leaving Elyon feeling alone.
The idea of escaping crossed her mind, fleeing this chaotic world for solace far from Meridian. But reality struck. She had no place to go; her life on Earth was gone. Even her parents were part of the Rebellion.
Starting anew was an option, but it required abandoning her identity and living in fear of pursuit. Running wasn't ideal. Instead, she needed to confront the truth and challenges head-on.
With resolve, Elyon made a daring choice. To understand Phobos and the rebels' true intentions, she needed to see them when she wasn't around. This insight could guide her path.
As her fingers brushed her Book of Spells, Elyon felt a connection to her heritage and power. She found what she needed—a spell of invisibility. It demanded precision and control. Elyon channeled her magic into the spell, feeling energy surge within her.
"Velo Surucsbo."
With the spell's words uttered, a subtle shimmer wrapped around Elyon, rendering her transparent—melding her with the surroundings. Invisible, she moved through the Castle, a hidden observer. The sensation was both exhilarating and eerie, as if she'd become a ghost, a concealed part of Meridian's fabric.
Elyon's target was the throne room, Phobos' core domain. Here, she aimed to glimpse his concealed self, to discern his intentions beyond her presence.
Lord Cedric and Miranda soon entered, a captive rebel in tow. The boy, around 13, had short black hair and dark brown eyes full of hatred. He appeared malnourished, wearing and oversized coat. Elyon listened closely, seeking insight into Phobos' true nature.
"I found this rebel in the kitchens," Lord Cedric spoke, his voice firm. "What should I do with him?"
This was it. The moment of truth. "Give him something to eat," Phobos ordered, his voice commanding but surprisingly devoid of cruelty. "He's obviously starving, otherwise he wouldn't have been in the kitchens. What is your name?" Silence. "I asked you a question. If you didn't hear it I will repeat it, what is your name?"
"James," the boy finally replied. "I am grateful for the mercy you showed me." His face didn't seem to agree, however. He looked like he wanted to punch Phobos.
"It is almost dinner time," Phobos spoke. "Would you like to stay and have dinner with us?"
"I would be honored," James replied, though it was very clear he had other, not so nice, things in mind to tell Phobos.
"Very well then. After dinner you are free to leave the castle. Miranda! Why don't you show him around?"
Elyon trailed behind James and Miranda, her steps cautious and quiet as she pondered the complexities of the situation. Could it be possible that Phobos wasn't that bad? Her thoughts were a whirlwind of doubts and questions. As Miranda showed James the Castle, her enthusiasm and energetic personality shined through.
The two paused by the window. Elyon positioned herself nearby, hidden in the shadows, her invisible presence allowing her to observe their interaction without interference.
As James began asking the very questions that had been plaguing her mind, Elyon's interest deepened. It was as though he was a mirror, reflecting her own uncertainties back at her. She strained to catch every word, every nuance of their exchange.
"What do you do in the castle? And why are you the only girl here?" James inquired.
Miranda chuckled softly, her voice carrying a hint of playfulness. "Whoa! Question time!" she replied with a grin, her words a mix of surprise and amusement.
James seemed taken aback, his apology quickly interrupted by Miranda's reassurance. "No, that's okay," she continued, her expression warm. "I help around here with various tasks. I've known Phobos a long time. He took care of me when my parents were... When they..." Her voice faltered briefly, the painful memories momentarily clouding her eyes.
James' voice was gentle as he spoke, his empathy evident. "I'm sorry, I didn't know."
Miranda's smile was small but genuine. "It's not your fault. You had no way of knowing." Her words held a kind of resignation, as if she had come to terms with the tragedy that had shaped her life.
James' reply carried a hint of vulnerability. "I lost my parents too, so, I guess we have that in common. I also had a mentor, who partially filled the void left."
"Listen, I have to go somewhere," Miranda said, her tone regretful. "Stay here, and wait for me, okay?"
Elyon's invisible presence allowed her to catch the faintest blush on James' cheeks as he stammered out a reply. "Y-yeah, sure, I'll wait."
Miranda's departure left James standing alone by the window, his thoughts perhaps a mix of confusion and newfound connection. Elyon couldn't help but smile softly at the sight.
As James stood there, lost in thought, Elyon thought about the whole situation. Maybe Phobos wasn't as bad as she thought. Miranda's words and her genuine feelings made Elyon consider another side of the story—one where Phobos might be kinder than she imagined.
Elyon watched as James unexpectedly turned toward her, his expression a mix of surprise and irritation.
"What?" he asked, clearly irritated.
"You can see me?!" Elyon asked, her tone a mixture of disbelief and confusion.
"Well no, I just like, from time to time, to turn to a random direction and angrily say: 'What?'" James retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yes, I can see you."
"But I cast an invisibility spell. I should have been invisible," Elyon said.
"Well, from what I've heard, the Castle has special enchantments that cancel invisibility and glamour spells." He paused for a moment, curiosity evident in his eyes. "By the way, what is glamour? I've heard it mentioned several times."
Elyon's lips curved into a small smile. "Well, it's kind of like magic dust, except you make it from air, by using a special spell. When casting that spell, you think of where the glamour will be and what you want others to see in that place. And bam, you have a glamour zone."
"Interesting," James replied, his gaze contemplative as he absorbed the information.
"So... what do you think of Miranda?" Elyon asked, her voice casual.
James's response was almost too simple. "Oh, she's nice."
Elyon's brows furrowed playfully. "That's it?"
A faint blush crept onto James's cheeks as he shifted slightly. "What is there to say?"
Elyon's curiosity got the best of her, and she found herself blurting out the next sentence without much thought. "I thought you liked her."
"Well, yeah. I like how energetic she is, and how she always has a smile on her face. It's cute."
"I could arrange a date if you'd like," she offered with a playful glint in her eyes.
James' response was kind but cautious. "Thanks, but I'm not really looking for a relationship right now. Besides, how do I know if Miranda is who she appears to be?"
"What do you mean?"
"Let's not beat around the bush, I'm a rebel, and you know that."
Elyon's breath caught slightly, her gaze locked onto his as she awaited his explanation. "Yes. And?"
"And you know that I don't trust this castle, or anyone in it," James said, a coldness in his voice.
The weight of James' words hung in the air as he addressed Elyon directly, a sense of hurt blossoming within her. "Then why are you talking to me?" she asked.
"Are you joking? The entire Rebellion knows about you, and how Phobos is playing you. You're the only one I trust here."
"Phobos isn't playing me," she countered, her tone firm. "Look, just because the Rebellion says that Phobos is evil doesn't mean that there isn't good inside him. He spared you, didn't he?"
James's response was sharp, his frustration evident. "Then why not give him a trophy? The 'not as much of a swine as you could have been' award!"
"Do you really mean that, or are you just repeating what you heard in the Rebellion?"
James look like he was about to explode with anger. Still, he kept his voice low. "He took everything from me, Elyon! Do you understand? My parents, my life, my home. Everything!"
"What?"
With a sigh that seemed to come from the depths of his soul, James began to reveal his story. "Let me start at the beginning. When Phobos came to power, our village fell the hardest. There were people who didn't know whether they would have anything to eat for the next day. Fortunately, we were so rich that the crisis barely hit us. How? Well, my parents were tailors. But not just any ordinary tailors, they were the best. People from all across the globe were buying from us. However, my parents couldn't stand to see how the people in the village were suffering.
So, they figured out a way to equally distribute our wealth to the village, so that no one would have to suffer the horror of poverty. Every coin my parents earned was equally distributed amongst everyone. We even helped neighboring villages. It's interesting if you think about it. Countless lives were saved all because of two extremely talented and generous people."
Elyon's eyes widened in awe. "Wow! Your parents were extraordinary people."
James' voice held a mix of pride and sadness. "Yes, they were. One day, I hope to be just like them." His tone shifted, the weight of sorrow evident. "But, unfortunately, everything that has a beginning has an end."
With a sense of anticipation, Elyon leaned in, eager to hear more of James' story.
"Two years ago, my parents received a commission from Phobos," James began, the bitterness seeping into his voice. "He offered a generous sum, and they were overjoyed. Just two days after they received the offer, they left... and they never came back.
Shortly after their disappearance, the village was constantly raided by Phobos' guards. I confronted one of the guards and asked about my parents. The answer was a lie. According to the guard, my parents had been imprisoned due to Phobos' disapproval of their designs."
The rage in James' voice was palpable as he continued. "But I saw right through it. The truth was clear: Phobos didn't like that our village was prospering, because that meant he was losing the power he had over us. So, he had to get rid of the source of the wealth—my parents."
A deep sadness settled over Elyon as she absorbed James' painful memories.
"And so, in a matter of hours, my home—the place I had known all my life—was destroyed," James' voice quivered with a mix of grief and anger. "I spent the following two months wandering the streets, exposed to the horrors of poverty that my parents had tirelessly fought against. It was during those months that I truly understood the extent of my parents' generosity and kindness.
But I was one of the fortunate cases. After those two months, a rebel named Vathek found me. He gave me a home in the Infinite City."
Elyon nodded, her attention unwavering as she followed James' narrative.
"Vathek was a double agent for the Rebellion, operating within these very walls," James continued. "Unfortunately, his cover was blown. He lived, but he obviously can no longer spy in here.
Under Vathek's care, I was welcomed into the Infinite City. The rebels took me in, teaching me how to defend myself." His voice caught slightly. "My goal became freeing my parents from the dungeons where Phobos had locked them. But that dream was shattered." James' voice grew heavy with regret. "Vathek informed me that my parents had been accidentally killed by a careless guard."
The raw grief in James' voice touched Elyon's heart, eliciting a sense of compassion for the burdens he had carried.
"After that, I became increasingly antisocial," James' voice was tinged with bitterness. "Anger and resentment consumed me, and my only objective was to make Phobos pay for all he had taken from me. I was like this for almost a year.
But then something changed. I realized how much of a mess I had become, and how no one wanted to be around me." James's voice softened. "So, I began working on myself. It's been a process, and I still have a long way to go, but at least I'm happier now."
Elyon's heart swelled with respect for James' resilience and determination.
"So, yeah, that's my story," James said. "What's yours?"
And so, Elyon told him everything—how she first learned about Meridian, how her friends tried to stop her and how she came to be sceptical of Phobos. "So, yeah," she said. "Here I am, having no idea who to trust."
"I can tell you this," he replied, his tone measured and thoughtful. "I've never once felt like the other rebels, or Caleb, was hiding something. Transparency seemed to be their guiding principle." A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Of course, it could be because I happened to know the majority of their plans." He chuckled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Having Vathek as my caretaker did have its perks in terms of information."
"So, you were basically in the loop," Elyon said.
James chuckled. "Yeah, you could say that."
Elyon's brow furrowed slightly as she wrestled with her thoughts. "I appreciate your honesty, James, but what if even transparency can be manipulated?"
James' gaze remained steady as he considered her question. "That's a valid concern. But I guess the only thing I can say is don't let your emotions get in the way. Lies are, by nature, unstable, no matter how stable they may appear. They have a way of unraveling when confronted with the truth. So, don't be afraid to dig deeper, to go beyond the surface."
Elyon's expression softened as she absorbed his advice. "Thank you, James. For someone who claims to be antisocial, you're surprisingly good at this."
James's eyes twinkled with amusement. "Well, I was social for eleven years before that. That's one thing I see with people, the only focus on one half. Like, if there's a 60% chance that you will be right, you would think you are closer to being right, and you'd be partially correct. But, there's a 40% chance that you will be wrong. 40% is not negligible."
"I see your point," Elyon responded.
Suddenly, the unmistakable sound of ruffling feathers filled the air. Both Elyon and James turned their heads in unison, to see what it was about. They watched as a captoryx gracefully glided through the air, its ebony feathers shimmering like polished obsidian in the fading light.
James' eyes lit up as the bird landed gracefully on his outstretched arm. "A captoryx," he stated.
Elyon's curiosity was instantly piqued. "What's that?"
"Well, when given the proper command, it will retain anything it hears," he said. "Watch this. Observe! I will now speak the message."
"Well, what is it?" she prompted, her curiosity growing.
James cleared his throat and issued a command to the captoryx. "Repeat!"
The captoryx, its black feathers ruffling with anticipation, promptly responded by echoing the dialogue that had transpired between James and Elyon moments ago. "I will now speak the message," it said in James' voice. "Well, what is it?" it asked in Elyon's voice.
"Wow," she exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder. "It's just like a parrot."
James's brow furrowed in confusion. "A what?"
"A parrot," she began. "It's like this bird, but a lot more colorful. People keep them as pets on Earth."
"Ah, I see. Caleb had a captoryx once. He wanted to use it to gather information, but it got lost. This must be it. I'll just put it in my pocket."
Elyon's brows shot up in disbelief. "I'm sorry, you'll do what?"
Unfazed, James carefully and gently placed the captoryx into the inner pocket of his coat. Elyon watched in astonishment as the bird vanished into thin air, its presence somehow preserved within the enchanted confines of James' pocket.
"It has enchanted pockets," James explained. "I have all sorts of stuff in there. It was my father's coat, that's why it's so big."
"So, what were you doing in the kitchens?" Elyon asked, her curiosity evident.
James' expression shifted to one of slight guilt mixed with a touch of defiance. "I was stealing supplies for the rebels."
"Was that like a rebel mission?"
James shook his head. "No, it was just me, acting on my own accord. If Phobos doesn't kill me, Caleb definitely will."
"How did you manage to get past the guards unnoticed?" she asked.
A glimmer of pride danced in James' eyes. "I happen to be a master in the ancient and powerful art of sneaking around."
Elyon's laughter tinkled through the air, a light-hearted sound that filled the hallway. "Well, not a total master, I mean, you did get caught."
James feigned a look of mock offense. "Ah, you got me there. But let's call it a minor hiccup in an otherwise impeccable track record."
A playful smirk curved Elyon's lips. "Did you have a backup plan for this impeccable track record?"
"Honestly, I didn't bother making one," James said, a hint of guilt in his voice. "I was so sure that I wouldn't be discovered. Overconfidence, they say, is the downfall of many."
Elyon's eyes danced with amusement. "That doesn't sound very analytical of you."
James' chuckle held a hint of self-deprecation. "Yeah well, you see, Elyon, impatience is one of my many charming traits."
Elyon grinned. "Well, that's honest."
James' gaze softened, his lips curving into a more genuine smile. "Yeah, well, I'm working on it. Patience doesn't come naturally to me, but I've come to realize its value."
James' eyes widened, a shadow of concern darkening his features. "Oh no."
"What? What's wrong?" Elyon asked.
"I think I know why Phobos spared me when he caught me. If I could see you, that means he could too. He had to maintain his facade. But what if he plans to subtly take me down. Like, for instance, poisoning the food."
Elyon's expression shifted from confusion to skepticism. "James, that sounds a little paranoid, don't you think?"
James's gaze held a mixture of urgency and conviction. "Elyon, your brother is one of the most dangerous minds in the universe. With Phobos, there's no such thing as being paranoid... That's it!"
Elyon leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"
A spark of determination ignited in James's eyes. "I might not be able to do anything if the food is poisoned, but you can. Think about it—there must be a food purifying spell. You could cast it discreetly before we eat, and just like that, the problem is solved."
A thoughtful expression crossed Elyon's features as she considered his words. "You know, that's not a bad idea. It's worth a shot."
With a gleam of excitement in her eyes, Miranda rushed back to the scene, her steps quick and eager. She grabbed James' arm so enthusiastically that it almost seemed like she might lift him off the ground. Elyon observed them, curious about what Miranda was so eager to show.
As they walked away, Elyon's focus shifted. She knew Miranda's act of not seeing her was just pretend. Their eyes had met, even though Elyon was supposed to be hidden.
Sighing, Elyon decided it was time to return to her room. She found the food purifying spell in her Book of Spells without much trouble. The words flowed across the pages, and her fingers traced the symbols. Now she had a solution for one issue, but it raised more questions.
She leaned back, processing all she had learned. James seemed to be telling the truth, but there was still the possibility of him lying. How could she uncover the truth? One at a time. Now she will focus on unveiling Phobos' true self. But how? He was obviously skilled at hiding it. He had ensured she remained ignorant.
The idea of using the captoryx as a spy was tempting. It could mimic like a recorder. But it wasn't foolproof. If only it could act more like a machine, following commands without fail, it would be the perfect tool for finding the truth.
Elyon considered her options and had a sudden idea. Could technology be her solution alongside the magical realm of Meridian?
A smile crossed her face as she imagined surprising Phobos with an unexpected approach. While he might be prepared for magical spying, technology could catch him off guard.
With her plan in mind, Elyon created a portal to Heatherfield's hardware store. Stepping through into the night, she picked out two walkie talkies and adhesive tape. Back in her room, she activated the devices, attaching tape to one's talk button for sound transmission. A proud smile appeared as her voice resonated through the second walkie talkie.
The plan was coming together, but the work wasn't done. There was still a matter of where to hide the tampered walkie talkie. The grand throne room seemed perfect—a spot for capturing secrets discreetly.
"Hey, Elyon," came a familiar voice from seemingly out of nowhere.
Elyon jumped, her heart racing, and spun around to find James standing there. "James?! How did you get in here?" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with surprise.
A grin tugged at James's lips. "Through the front door," he quipped casually.
"But how did you close it without me hearing?"
James' smile immediately faded. "Sorry about that," he said sheepishly. "I'm so used to sneaking around that it's become a habit."
Elyon couldn't help but be both impressed and amused. "You must be pretty good at it then."
James chuckled softly. "Yeah, I guess you could say that. But speaking of sneaking around, what's the status on that food purifying spell?"
"I learned it," she replied. "All I have to do is cast it before we eat. But wait, that's it!"
"What's it?" James' curiosity was piqued.
Elyon's eyes gleamed with a newfound excitement as she handed James the taped walkie talkie. James took the device, examining it curiously. "What's this?"
"It's called a walkie talkie," Elyon explained quickly. "It's a gadget from Earth. I don't have time to explain how it works right now, but let's just say it will allow me to listen in on Phobos' private discussions. And since you're pretty good at the whole sneaking stuff, I thought you could hide it in the Throne Room while we're eating."
James's eyes widened with intrigue. "You want me to plant this in the Throne Room? Without anyone noticing?"
Elyon nodded eagerly. "Exactly. It will be like high- distance eavesdropping."
A smile played on James' lips. "Well, I guess I owe it to you. After all, you've saved my life twice."
Elyon's cheeks warmed slightly, and she looked away, a hint of bashfulness in her expression. "I... guess I did. So, are you up for it?"
James's grin widened. "Definitely. See you at dinner, then."
"Bye, James," Elyon called as he disappeared from the room.
As the evening sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow across the Castle, the royal dining room was prepared for dinner. The table was elegantly set, and the air was filled with a sense of formality. Seated at the table were Phobos, Lord Cedric, Miranda, Elyon, and James. The arrangement had James positioned between Miranda and Elyon.
As the dishes were served, the aroma of delicious food wafted through the room. Elyon waited for the right moment, her heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. She discreetly cast the food purifying spell, her voice as quiet as possible. If everything went as planned, this spell would ensure that their meal remained untainted.
Elyon observed the dynamics at the table. Miranda's behavior struck her as odd—suddenly flirty with James, who seemed visibly uncomfortable. Every now and then, James would shoot Elyon a glance that screamed "help me." Elyon couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at Miranda's actions. There was something more to this flirtatious demeanor, something that didn't sit right with her.
About halfway through the meal, James excused himself, his voice tinged with urgency. "Um, excuse me. I really need to use the bathroom."
Miranda's gaze immediately fixed on James. "Oh, I can show you the way," she offered, a flirtatious smile tugging at her lips.
As they left the dining room, Elyon exchanged a concerned glance at James. But James merely gave her smile as if to say, "Don't worry, I can handle it."
After a few minutes, Miranda returned to the table alone, her demeanor still oddly cheery. The time ticked on, and after about ten minutes, James reappeared, his expression remarkably composed. Elyon's heart leaped with hope as she caught his subtle thumbs-up gesture, the sign that their plan had been executed successfully.
As the meal drew to a close, conversation flowed freely. Elyon engaged in polite discussion with Phobos and Cedric, but her thoughts were preoccupied with the mission at hand. When the final course was finished, the time for goodbyes arrived.
Miranda leaned in towards James, her voice soft and inviting. "It was lovely meeting you, James. We should do this again sometime," she said, offering him a lingering hug.
James' discomfort was evident as he exchanged an awkward glance with Elyon. "Yeah, maybe," he replied, his tone uncertain.
Elyon extended her hand to James with a warm smile. "Take care, James."
James shook her hand, his eyes conveying gratitude. " Here," he said, handing her a small object that he produced from his pocket. Elyon looked down to see a hammer in her hand, her eyebrows raising in surprise.
"A hammer?"
James chuckled. "You never know. It might come in handy."
With a final wave, James turned and left the dining room, leaving Elyon with a sense of anticipation and determination. The evening's events had set their plan in motion, and Elyon couldn't wait to uncover the truth behind Phobos' facade.
Elyon quietly retreated to her room, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts and revelations. With careful precision, she retrieved the walkie talkie from her pocket, a hint of excitement dancing in her eyes. She turned the device on, adjusting the volume to ensure that she could hear every word.
The voices from the walkie talkie drifted into the room, revealing the conversation taking place beyond her sight. The voices were distinct, each carrying its own weight and intention.
Cedric's voice emerged, dripping with a sinister satisfaction. "Excellent plan, my lord. The child will lead us straight to The Infinite City."
Phobos' voice, smooth and calculated, responded. "Yes, but once he gets there, if the guards lose him, they'll never find him again. If the Legends are true, then the Infinite City has secret passageways. We'll need to know the exact location of the rebel base before we attack. Miranda! Were you able to extract any information from him?"
Miranda's voice, laced with a blend of allure and frustration, chimed in. "No. I can see the desire in his eyes for me but there's something stopping him from going all out."
"He most likely suspected your true intentions," Phobos replied. "His reluctance comes from fear. Either way, he is our key to finally destroying the Rebellion. Send out the Tracker!"
"Yes, my prince," Cedric acknowledged with a bow in his voice. He exited the scene, his presence fading as he departed.
Miranda's tone shifted, revealing her own ambitions. "Looks like things are finally shaping up for the better. You have the Rightful Heir, the rebellion will soon fall, and the Veil is crumbling—your imprisonment will soon be over."
Phobos' response was a mix of caution and calculation. "Yes, but we must not celebrate before the victory. My plans could still fall short at any moment."
Elyon's mind raced as the pieces fell into place. The truth emerged like a hidden gem in the midst of the conversation. Miranda's overly flirtatious behavior with James hadn't been genuine attraction—it was an attempt to extract information. Caleb's words about Phobos had been confirmed. He had lied about the Veil, attempting to hide his true motives. This meant that the Guardians were right all along—the Veil was a safeguard against Phobos' malevolent intentions.
However, that didn't automatically make her former friends in the Rebellion purely good. They had orchestrated actions that were morally gray, like burning the village to turn the people against Phobos. Elyon realized that the journey to uncover the complete truth was far from over. More investigation was needed to untangle the web of deceit and lies.
Elyon's thoughts snapped back to the present as the walkie talkie's voices resumed their discussion.
Cedric's voice returned, crisp and focused. "I have sent the Tracker. If he does his job properly, we will know the location of the Rebel Hideout."
Elyon's determined mind sprang into action. With a practiced precision that only magical expertise could provide, she conjured a portal to Earth, her heart a blend of anticipation and worry. Concentrating on James, her fingers traced a complex pattern, weaving a tracking spell onto his hammer. The spell's mystical energy illuminated her connection to the enchanted tool, forming a guiding link.
As the tracking spell settled, she closed the portal, already focusing on her next step. A new portal emerged before her, her attention now fixed on the hammer's distinct energy signature. In one fluid motion, she cast an invisibility spell on herself, cloaking her form in unseen magic. The portal transported her back to Meridian.
On the other side, a dense forest surrounded her, but James was not immediately in sight. The portal blinked closed behind her, and she completed its closure with a swift motion, her senses heightened. Suddenly, like lightning, James dashed past her, a blur of motion.
Her gaze shifted, catching the Tracker's arrival. The impossibly tall figure emerged, his presence as menacing as ever. An aura of potent energy surrounded him, sending shivers down Elyon's spine.
Without hesitation, Elyon pursued James, her determination and magical powers propelling her with supernatural speed. James maneuvered skillfully, his agility carrying him through the trees and sharp turns, trying to outmaneuver the relentless Tracker.
"How is he moving so fast?" Elyon thought.
At one moment, James slipped from Elyon's sight. But the Tracker's pursuit remained unyielding, his focus unwavering. A glint of green light caught Elyon's attention, signaling James' confrontation with the Tracker.
With a swing of his glowing mace, the Tracker attacked. James, however, was prepared. Summoning a metal rod from his enchanted pockets, he held it forward, the mace's chain wrapping around it. With a swift tug, he wrested the mace from the Tracker's grip, stashing it in one of his magical pockets. Yet, the Tracker's command over the weapon persisted, and the mace returned to his hand with a rapid summons. The outcome was swift—James was pulled toward the Tracker, who delivered a powerful punch to the boy's stomach.
Gasping for breath, James fought to regain his footing. "How are you going to find the Rebel Hideout if I'm dead? You need me."
The Tracker's reply was chilling in its confidence. "I already know where it is."
"What?"
The Tracker's revelation held a sinister amusement. "I love hunting rebels. What would be the fun in catching them all at once? I love seeing them work their minds in trying to get away from me and the ingenious tactics that they come up with. It gives me a challenge. And I love challenges."
James's hopes for escape flickered. "So... you will let me go?"
The Tracker's laughter echoed through the forest. "Only if you would have made it to the entrance. But, since I've caught you, you're mine."
Panic tinged James's voice. "W... What about Phobos?"
The Tracker's response was chillingly simple. "I'll just tell him you were too fast. Give you some glory postmortem."
Elyon's heart clenched with a determination that drowned out the consequences. Her magic surged within her, building into a crescendo of power that could not be contained. She unleashed a mega blast, a surge of energy that sent the Tracker and his snarling dog hurtling through the air, their forms disappearing into the distance.
James seized the opportunity, his form a blur as he sprinted away. Elyon remained close at his heels, her resolve unbroken. The pursuit led them through the landscape, the urgency of the moment propelling them forward. Finally, they reached a barren landfill, and James came to a halt before a seemingly ordinary barrel.
With a sense of anticipation, he opened the barrel, revealing a passage that led to the Infinite City—a place of secrets, intrigue, and the heart of their rebellion. "You can come in if you want," he offered.
Elyon was dumbfounded. "Don't tell me you can see me."
James's chuckle held a touch of amusement. "This time, actually, I can't. But I had a feeling it was you. That makes three times where you saved my life. I owe you, Elyon," he acknowledged.
"You don't owe me anything. You deserve to live. We all deserve to live," she affirmed.
"Thank you, for everything you've done for me. Are you sure you don't want to come in?" he inquired.
Elyon's reality pulled her back. "I kinda have to get back to my room before anyone notices I'm gone," she admitted.
"Right, right. Well, I hope we'll see more of each other in the future."
"James, wait! Don't tell anyone that I'm having doubts about Phobos. There might be rats among the rebels," she cautioned.
"The chances of that happening are 20%," he calculated.
"Well, 20% is not negligible," she said, with a smile on her face.
His laughter rang out. "I guess you're right. Well, see you later."
"Goodbye. And make sure to be more patient!" she called.
"I will!" he responded.
With James's footsteps retreating, Elyon breathed a sigh of relief, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. She wielded her magical prowess to conjure a double portal, a pair of gateways that swiftly transported her back to her room within the castle. The walkie talkie lay before her, its significance palpable.
As the device crackled to life, Elyon's heart raced, wondering what else she will find out.
"I wasn't able to find any more Mogriffs. They must have gone into hibernation," Cedric's voice carried.
"They've fulfilled their purpose," Phobos responded. "They fooled my sister into thinking that her friends were evil. It was enough to keep her from having second thoughts."
It was getting increasingly difficult for Elyon to believe in the malevolence of the Guardians when Phobos had to orchestrate the burning of a village so she would think the Guardians did it. Why did he need to lie? Couldn't he have just let the truth speak for itself.
And the way he said it—that the Mogriffs where to fool her into thinking at her friends were evil. Phobos essentially just admited that her friends were good and he needed to taint their image in order to make Elyon believe his story. On top of this there was James' story and the disappearance of Tymor.
"... Why didn't I listen to Cornelia? If I had just listened!"
Suddenly, the walkie-talkie came back to life. "Our passling slaves have found something very interesting," Cedric said.
Phobos' reaction was a mix of disbelief and realization. "The Horn of Hypnos. Impossible!" he exclaimed.
"With it, we will finally obtain victory against the rebels," he proclaimed.
Elyon's next steps crystallized in her mind. Find out everything there is to know about this Horn of Hypnos. As her feet carried her through the castle's corridors, her thoughts danced with the events that had unfolded.
Amidst it all, James' image shone bright in her mind. He represented an unexpected light in the midst of darkness. It was like he was the essence of all those who had cared for her, loved her and accepted her for who she was, unconditionally—Cornelia, Alchemy, the W.I.T.C.H. girls, her parents—individuals who had shaped her understanding of friendship, loyalty, and the fight for what was right. Those were the people worth fighting for. And those were the people Elyon will fight for, untill her last breath.
This is my first fully original chapter. It represents the peak of what I was trying to do with the last chapters, Elyon finally learning the truth. Now, chapter-wise, because of this drastic change in the story, the episode "Caleb's Challenge" will not be adapted. That episode's entire plot relied on the fact that Elyon had no idea of Phobos' true nature.
And, in case anyone was wandering, James and Elyon will not be a couple. Sorry if their interactions were misleading, but no. I just want them to be really good friends. And if you want to know what James looks like, just look at my profile picture. It's him when he was brought before Phobos.
Next is Chapter VII: Walk This Way