A/N: Thank you Heart of the Demons, DJ Scales and Heart of Earth for the reviews. I do plan to go further than season 2. In fact, if I don't change my mind, it will be called W.I.T.C.H: The Prince of Arkhanta. As for Will and Matt's relationship, it will be almost as it is in the show with a bit of changes to give them more in common.
Special thanks to Pirate King Ray for sharing his suggestions with me and helping me better my story. Keep them coming!
Chapter VIII: The Underwater Mines
In the majestic throne room of Meridian, Elyon stood before a full-length mirror, her eyes lighting up with delight as she gently placed the newly crafted crown upon her head. The golden metal seemed to come alive as it settled comfortably, a perfect fit for the future queen.
"Perfect! I can't believe something metal could be this comfortable!" Elyon exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine astonishment. "How did you adjust it to my head?" she inquired, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"Trade secret, my lady," the metalsmith replied.
"What is your name?" Phobos inquired, his voice carrying a sense of authority.
"Aketon, my prince," the metalsmith replied, his hands slightly trembling.
"Aketon, you have honored me and your future queen with your craftsmanship," Phobos responded.
Elyon, still wearing the crown, turned to Aketon with a warm smile. "It's really beautiful, thank you again," she said sincerely. "I'll be in my room. I have to put this in my diary." With that, she gracefully exited the throne room, her steps light and regal.
Once in her private chamber, Elyon carefully placed the crown on her vanity, admiring its intricate details. Aketon seemed nice enough, even though he was of a different species. His green skin and rows of diamond-shaped scales were hard not to notice, but Elyon tried to look past it. After all, the guards, her protectors, had gray skin. Meridian had certainly taught her not to judge a book by its cover.
What she had come to learn the hard way, however, was that the saying applied to good guys as well. Just because someone seems good that doesn't mean that they are. Aketon could have very well been acting—playing the part of the shy, but talented metalsmith.
There was only one way to know for sure. Hidden among her belongings was a walkie talkie—the device she used to keep a watchful eye on Phobos, the prince whose motives remained shrouded in mystery. She discreetly took it out and activated it.
Phobos' voice immediately came to life. "I agreed to return you to your shop after you constructed the crown," he said, his voice low and commanding. "I am a man of my word. Return this man to his shop. After he's used his great skill to repair all the tools in the underwater mines."
"No! No! Not the mines!"
Elyon felt a deep sympathy for Aketon, the skilled metalsmith facing Phobos' unfair punishment. The injustice bothered her, making her wish she could help. But if she revealed her true intentions, everything would be at risk, so she had to pretend.
Elyon opened her ornate closet. She whispered the password, and a hidden trap door appeared. This was her way out, her safe place away from Phobos' watchful eyes.
Elyon went down the trap door into her secret room. In the middle, there was a sturdy wooden table covered in old books and scrolls. Beside it, a cauldron softly bubbled, smelling of herbs and magic.
The past few weeks had been a nightmare for Elyon. Sleep, once peaceful, was now filled with terrifying dreams. To cope, she made a potion to help her sleep, but even that couldn't stop her nightmares.
In her secret room, Elyon read ancient texts and spell books, desperately searching for a solution. She was getting desperate. She still hadn't figured out a plan to defeat Phobos. There wasn't any spell or potion that could fully stop him. There was one way—killing him. No. She wasn't going to do that. But what if there wasn't any other way? No. In spite of the man he was, Elyon couldn't bring herself to kill him. It was just not in her power.
Just then, the walkie-talkie crackled to life, its static filling the room.
"Thought Jeek should tell great Prince Phobos right away," said a man. He had a high-pitched, gravely voice.
"Listen to me, spy," warned Lord Cedric, his tone stern and commanding. "If this information is not important, you'll quickly go from being a pretend prisoner to a real one."
Jeek gulped nervously, his anxiety palpable even through the crackling transmission.
"So, Passling, you don't know the name of the prisoner the metalsmith recognized?" Phobos inquired, his voice laced with impatience.
"All names lost in mines. Prisoner broke tool on purpose!" Jeek explained hastily.
"He risked a lifetime of imprisonment to leave only temporarily? He's warning someone," Lord Cedric mused, the unmistakable sound of shifting sand audible in the background.
"Tell me when you see his face," Phobos demanded, his tone cold and calculating.
After a tense pause, Jeek finally spoke up. "There! There!" he exclaimed.
Lord Cedric's response was nothing short of flabbergasted. "The rebel leader's father. How?! I took him down with my own hands!"
"Calm, Cedric. After the battle I went to inspect him, to see if he carried anything that would aid us in stopping the Rebellion," Phobos explained. "I was most surprised when he woke up."
"He was dead," Cedric spoke. "I swear it."
"I know," Phobos responded. "It was powerful magic at play. I imprisoned him, hoping in vain to break his silence. But now, it seems that I've found a new use for him."
"When the boy finds out his father is still alive, he will surely try to free him. You must open a portal nearby to tempt him," Lord Cedric suggested.
"I have no power to do such a thing. But my sister does," Phobos declared ominously.
"Crud," muttered Elyon to herself. She quickly climbed up the ladder from her secret chamber to her room. As she heard Phobos' footsteps approaching, she marveled at how calm she was. Not that she minded it. Elyon put on her best I'm just a naive little girl face and watched as the doors to her room opened, revealing Phobos.
"Elyon," he said, "follow me."
Elyon followed close behind him. They made their way to the map room, the chamber where the kingdom's grand map was displayed in all its intricate detail.
Phobos gestured towards the expansive map, his eyes alight with anticipation. "The great map of your kingdom. Let me show you something. Touch the map. Here."
Elyon touched the map. "What did I just do?" she asked, playing the part of an innocent girl caught in the midst of something she couldn't comprehend.
"A storm was gathering on the lake. It would have rained on tomorrow's pre-coronation parade. But you've stopped it from forming," Phobos explained, his voice seemingly filled with a mix of fascination and pride.
Elyon's eyes widened in apparent surprise, even though she knew the truth behind her actions. "I have the power to do that?" she questioned, continuing her act of innocence.
Prince Phobos nodded, a knowing smile playing on his lips. "And so much more," he said cryptically, his gaze fixed on her, aware that he held secrets she could only begin to fathom.
Elyon knew the real reason she had touched the map—to open a portal, a portal that will lead to the downfall of the Rebellion. But for now, she had to bide her time, keep up her act, and play the part of the clueless, naive princess.
"I definitely have to put this in my diary," said Elyon. And with that she returned to her room. She opened a drawer and took out the hammer that James gave her. Using the double portal technique plus James' magical essence from the hammer she ended up in the middle of a forest.
Elyon's voice echoed through the dense forest as she called out, "James!"
James turned, a bright smile illuminating his face as he responded, "Hi, Elyon! So, what brings you around this part of the forest?"
"I have a mission for you."
Intrigued, James leaned in, eager to know more. "Nice. What do I have to do?"
With a solemn tone, Elyon began to unfold the tale. "I just found out from Phobos that Caleb's father, Julian, is alive."
James' eyes widened in surprise. "Julian? He died at the Battle of Gray Woods."
Elyon nodded, her gaze distant. "He apparently used powerful magic to come back to life. Phobos found him, and imprisoned him in the Underwater Mines, hoping to get him to talk about how he did it."
"Okay, so, what's the mission?" asked James.
"A miner broke his own tool on purpose to temporarily leave the mines. Phobos suspects he went to warn Caleb. He plans to lure and capture him. He made me open a portal."
"And you did it?"
Elyon sighed softly, her voice tinged with regret. "I had no choice. It was either that or blow my cover. So, I need you to find Caleb and tell him what I've just shared with you."
"I think you mean what the mysterious lady in a black cloak told me," joked James.
Elyon chuckled. "You catch on quick. Alright, be careful out there. See you later."
"Wait," James said, his voice laced with curiosity, "Before you go, can I ask you something?"
Elyon turned towards him, a faint smile playing on her lips. "What is it?"
"Why do you need me to tell Caleb all of this? Can't you just tell him yourself?"
A conflicted expression flickered across Elyon's face as she replied, "I... I can't... I... I'll tell you later, now I need to go."
"If you don't tell me, then I won't warn Caleb," James pressed on, his tone firm.
"What? You'll let him get captured?"
"Answer the question. Why can't you tell him yourself?"
A heavy silence hung in the air before Elyon's voice trembled with raw emotion. "Because I can't bear it! If I would have listened to Cornelia, I probably wouldn't be in this mess in the first place. This is my fault, not theirs. I'm going to be the one to take care of Phobos. But I know they won't give up. They'll just keep endangering themselves for me, no matter what I tell them. I can't just let them fall, so I give them a subtle nudge in the right direction, through you."
James' eyes softened with sympathy. "Elyon, I know you want to prove yourself to them, but you're going to fail."
Elyon's shoulders slumped, her voice carrying a tinge of sadness. "Thanks for the encouragement."
"I'm serious, Elyon. You can't defeat Phobos on your own. You think you're the only one who's tried? They all ended up either killed or imprisoned."
"But no one was as close to him as me. He may have expected betrayal from the others, but from me? The naive little girl who can't tell evil if she looked at it in the face? I don't think so."
James tilted his head, concern etched on his face. "And how are you planning on defeating him?"
Elyon hesitated for a moment before admitting, "I... don't know yet. But I'm very close. I'm his sister, after all; I must have at least some of his intelligence."
James sighed, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm sorry, Elyon, but if you want to defeat him, you're going to have to swallow your pride and unite forces with the Guardians."
The mention of "swallow your pride" sparked a fire within Elyon. Pride? After all the shame she felt, to be accused of pride?! "Pride?!" she exclaimed, her voice sharp with indignation. "How dare you speak to me like that!? I am your princess; you will treat me with respect!"
James' demeanor immediately changed, guilt evident on his face as he stammered, "I... I'm sorry... I... I... I... Please forgive me, I didn't mean to..."
Elyon studied him, intrigued by the transformation. It was clear to her: James had a strong sense of right and wrong, but above that was fear—the fear of conflict with the people he cared about. The way he acted now proved that he was willing to give up being right in order to keep the peace.
"If you want my forgiveness," Elyon said, her voice softening, "go and warn Caleb."
Elyon stared at James, her eyes searching his for a glimmer of understanding. "I... I can't. I made it my life's mission to help bring down Phobos. This isn't the way. I'm sorry, I can't," James' voice wavered with conviction.
Elyon's frustration bubbled up, and she tried one last attempt. "Come on. I'll give you one last chance."
James hesitated. "I... wait... Give me one last chance?"
Elyon realized she had gone too far, crossing a line she shouldn't have.
"So you're giving me your forgiveness in exchange for my services... You're not actually mad at me, are you? You don't feel anything. This is just a bargain. If that's the case then the answer is no. I don't want your forgiveness. Especially since I've done nothing wrong. How was I supposed to know that in spite of everything you say about still being our equal, you're only that when it's convenient for you? You really are his sister."
Elyon felt a pang of guilt, a sharp pain in her chest. James was right; she had tried to manipulate him. How could she have stooped so low?
"James, I'm sorry... I... I... I'll make it up to you. Anything you want, just tell me and I'll make it happen," Elyon pleaded.
James shook his head, his expression determined. "No, no, that's not how you solve this. If you want to make it up to me, fight every day to be a better version of yourself. Don't pretend like the darkness doesn't exist. Learn how to control it. Promise you'll do this?"
"I promise," Elyon replied, her sincerity evident. She reached out her hand tentatively. "Friends?"
James hesitated for a moment before taking out his hand and shaking Elyon's. "Friends."
Caleb was deeply engrossed in studying the intricate plans of the Castle in the Silver Dragon basement, his brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to devise a way to enter unnoticed. The room was dimly lit, with the soft glow of a desk lamp illuminating the maps sprawled before him.
Caleb's thoughts were a whirlwind of plans and possibilities, his determination fueling his focus. He studied the layouts of the Castle's corridors and rooms, trying to anticipate the guards' movements and find the perfect moment to slip past them unnoticed. The details on the maps came to life in his mind, transforming into a vivid mental image of the Castle's intricate architecture.
The silence in the basement was broken only by the occasional sigh of frustration or the scratch of Caleb's quill as he made notes on the maps. Time seemed to stretch, the minutes ticking away as he meticulously analyzed every inch of the Castle's blueprints.
Suddenly, the creaking sound of the door echoed through the basement, and in walked Cornelia.
"Hey," she greeted, her voice soft yet lively, "Yan Lin offered to make us a snack, on the house."
Caleb looked up, a small smile playing on his lips. "Oh, hi! Ah, not right now. I've got some things to do," he replied, gesturing towards the plans spread out before him.
"Yan Lin said you've been here all day. It's 5 PM. That's not right, you need to eat. What you got there?"
Caleb sighed, his eyes flickering with determination. "Plans of the Castle," he explained, his voice tinged with urgency.
"You're planning on going there?" Cornelia asked.
Caleb nodded, his expression serious. "We cannot hope we will succeed in opening the Book of Secrets. And since we don't have a spy, all we have is kitchen gossip. We need to find a way to sneak into the Castle to search for information—"
"About Phobos' plans for Elyon."
"Yeah," Caleb affirmed, his voice resolute.
Suddenly, Cornelia grabbed Caleb's hand firmly, surprising him with her determination. "I understand. But right now you're going to eat," she declared, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Caleb blinked in astonishment, taken aback by Cornelia's sudden assertiveness. "Wow, alright-alright. What's going on?" he asked.
"I'm worried about you! I–I mean we. The girls are too. It's just that..." Cornelia's voice trailed off, her concern etched across her features.
Caleb found himself captivated by Cornelia's eyes, the perfect shade of blue that reminded him of the vast ocean on a clear day. Her golden hair cascaded around her shoulders, shimmering in the soft light of the room. The subtle scent of lilies enveloped him, bringing a sense of calmness. Her grip on his hand felt strangely comforting, reminiscent of the rare moments when his mother held his hand.
Lost in his thoughts, Caleb almost didn't hear Hay Lin's voice. "So, guys, what will it be?" she chimed in, entering the room. "Noodles or...?"
Caleb and Cornelia immediately pulled away from each other, their cheeks tinged with embarrassment. "Noodles!" they blurted out in unison, their voices a mix of surprise and haste.
Hay Lin simply smiled knowingly at their awkward yet endearing interaction before turning away, leaving them in the basement.
Taranee leaned in, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "So, Will, how was your date with Matt?" she asked.
Will blushed slightly, her cheeks turning a shade of pink. "Well, it wasn't really a date. He just invited me to one of his band rehearsals. After the others left, he let me try out his guitar. He said he never heard anyone play and sing more beautifully."
Hay Lin chimed in, her grin mischievous. "He totally likes you."
Taranee raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Wait, you play the guitar?"
Will nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I've been taking lessons since I was 8. I kinda quit after moving to Heatherfield. I think I still have my old guitar packed somewhere."
Irma looked surprised. "Why didn't you tell us?"
Will shrugged. "It never came up in conversation."
Hay Lin's eyes widened with excitement. "And, what else?"
Will hesitated for a moment before continuing. "Well, he asked me if I wanted to join his band."
"And what did you say?"
Will sighed, her tone regretful. "That I would love to, but my schedule was too full."
Hay Lin's jaw dropped in disbelief. "What?! You threw away the chance of being with him twice a week?"
Will shook her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Hay Lin, I can barely do my homework on time. I would have just disappointed Matt. Trust me, it's better this way."
Suddenly, Blunk, the mischievous little creature, appeared out of nowhere, his eyes wide with urgency.
Blunk exclaimed, "Blunk got message for Caleb."
Caleb turned toward him, concern etched on his face. "What is it?"
Blunk fidgeted with excitement. "Caleb's green friend told Blunk. Big news."
Caleb's eyes widened with anticipation. "Aldarn? What did he say?"
Blunk nodded fervently. "Caleb's father alive and kept in Underwater Mines along with green friend's father."
Caleb's voice caught in his throat. "What?! How?! I saw him die!"
Blunk shrugged. "Blunk don't know. Blunk just tells what heard."
Caleb's mind raced with a whirlwind of emotions, a mix of disbelief and determination bubbling within him. "My father's alive?! I can't believe it. We have to go to the Underwater Mines," he exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency.
Will stepped forward, her expression serious. "You understand there's no guarantee we can free him."
Caleb shot Will a determined look, his eyes ablaze with unwavering determination.
"Guardians Unite!" Will declared, her voice ringing with authority.
The girls transformed, their magical energies intertwining with the elements around them. Will swiftly took out the Map Of Portals, its surface glowing with ethereal light as she activated it. The map immediately came to life.
Hay Lin furrowed her brow in concentration. "There is a new portal. But... you're not going to like this. It's about 100 yards out and about 50 feet down. It's in the Mayday Bay."
Taranee nodded, her mind already formulating a plan. "Well, we'll have to swim it."
Cornelia looked horrified. "Swim?"
"You know. Body in water, legs kicking," said Irma.
Cornelia's eyes widened in panic. "No, I... I... I just washed my hair. If it gets wet it'll get all frizz-icky! All right, I can't swim!"
Irma waved her hand dismissively. "No problem. If my idea works, you won't have to."
With a confident smile, Irma concentrated her magical abilities, drawing a massive amount of water from the bay. She expertly shaped it into a sizable, transparent balloon that shimmered with enchanting hues under the sunlight.
Caleb watched with fascination as Irma worked her magic. "Alright, Irma, what have you got?"
Irma grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hay Lin, could you give our ride some air?"
Hay Lin nodded enthusiastically, her lips forming a small O as she blew into the balloon, filling it with air and giving it shape.
Irma turned towards the group, her tone playful yet confident. "Alright, everybody, please keep your hands and wings at all times inside the ride."
Cornelia couldn't help but admire Irma's ingenuity. "Irma, you're a genius."
Irma shrugged modestly. "I know."
With everyone aboard the magical water balloon, Irma began her descent, controlling the watercraft with precision and finesse. The balloon gently submerged into the depths of the Mayday Bay, its transparent surface rippling with the play of sunlight and water.
On the other side of the portal, the surroundings were submerged underwater. Caleb's eyes scanned the surroundings, taking in the sight of a massive metal tube jutting out of the water, resembling a vertical tunnel leading into the mysterious depths of the Underwater Mines. His heart pounded with a mix of excitement and trepidation, knowing that their mission to rescue his father was about to reach a critical point.
"Slowly. Come up," Will instructed, her voice steady as Irma skillfully maneuvered the magical water balloon towards the surface. The balloon ascended gracefully, breaking the water's surface with a gentle splash.
"There's only one way into the mines, down the tube mouth," Caleb stated, his voice firm with conviction. He moved to exit the balloon, eager to proceed, but Hay Lin's keen senses detected something amiss.
"Wait! I hear lots of men talking," she exclaimed, her eyes widening with concern.
Taranee's brows furrowed with suspicion. "An ambush?"
"Or a Star Trek convention," said Irma.
Caleb frowned, puzzled by the unexpected turn of events. "How did they know we'd be here? The tear in the Veil is underwater. Phobos can't create portals."
"Elyon can," said Corneila. "When she trapped us at her house, she opened a portal."
With a swift movement, Irma used her powers to release the magical water balloon, allowing it to disintegrate into droplets that merged seamlessly with the surrounding water.
The rest of the girls took flight, their wings slicing through the air.
"Okay. Taranee?" Will turned to her, her eyes focused and determined.
Taranee nodded, her fiery gaze fixated on the metal tube before them. She summoned her fire abilities, using them to cut a hole in the tube large enough for all of them to fit through. Hay Lin harnessed her mastery over air, suspending the piece that Taranee had just cut in mid-air, allowing them to slip inside while ensuring they remained undetected.
After everyone entered, Taranee expertly wielded her powers once more, skillfully welding the cut piece back together.
The girls glided down the tube with practiced ease, their movements synchronized as they descended into the heart of the Underwater Mines. As they touched solid ground, the vastness of the Mines stretched before them, a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels and chambers filled with an air of mystery and danger.
Behind them, luck favored the girls once again, as they discovered a storage closet brimming with miner uniforms, neatly hung on hooks. Each girl carefully selected a disguise, the rough fabric feeling foreign against their skin. With precision, they dressed, transforming into convincing miners ready to infiltrate the depths of the Mines.
Their disguises in place, they moved stealthily, their footsteps barely audible as they navigated the narrow passages of the Mine. The ambient glow of lanterns flickered on the walls, casting eerie shadows that danced with every movement.
Deeper inside the Mines, Caleb's sharp eyes spotted a familiar figure amidst a group of guards. It was his father, Julian, shackled and surrounded. The sight filled Caleb with a mix of hope and desperation. He had to free his father, no matter the cost.
"I need a distraction," Caleb whispered urgently to his companions.
In an instant, Cornelia sprang into action, her powers at play. With a focused gaze, she manipulated the earth, causing a mini rockfall that echoed through the tunnel. The guards, drawn to the noise, hurried to inspect the disturbance, leaving Julian momentarily unguarded.
Seizing the opportunity, Caleb grabbed a pickaxe, his hands trembling with determination. He approached his father, his voice laced with emotion. "Father!"
Julian's eyes widened in disbelief. "Caleb."
"I'm here to save you," Caleb declared.
Julian's expression darkened, a mixture of despair and frustration. "It's hopeless. I'm sorry, Caleb. Get away from me! Isn't it enough I'm shackled? Must I be disturbed by other miners?"
A nearby guard intervened, eager to remove Caleb from the scene. Unexpectedly, the guard yanked off Caleb's disguise, exposing his true identity.
"The Rebel Leader!" the guard exclaimed, his voice ringing with alarm.
Before the situation could escalate, Hay Lin leaped into action, her air powers at her command. With a swift gesture, she conjured a powerful gust of wind that swept through the tunnel, flinging the guards aside like ragdolls. The force of her powers created a momentary chaos, giving the girls and Caleb a precious window of opportunity.
Caleb's hands gripped the guard's axe with determination, its weight a familiar comfort in his palms. With swift, practiced movements, he brought the blade down, severing the chains that bound his father's shackles. The clinking sound of freedom resonated in the tunnel, echoing with hope.
Amidst the relief, an unexpected danger emerged. Water rushed in through the tunnel, a relentless force that threatened to engulf them. Irma, ever resourceful, used her powers to halt the initial surge, but the pressure persisted, pushing against their defenses.
"Where's it coming from?" Cornelia's voice was tinged with concern as she surveyed the tunnel, her eyes searching for the source of the flooding.
Julian's eyes widened with alarm. "They're flooding the mine. We've got to get back down to the main shaft. It's the only exit."
Their urgency heightened, they retraced their steps, backtracking to the main shaft. Panic ensued as both guards and prisoners alike scrambled to escape the rising waters, their cries of distress filling the air. To their dismay, even the entrance of the tube, their initial escape route, was now flooded, rendering it impassable.
"We can't get out that way, it's coming in too fast," Caleb exclaimed, his voice laced with desperation.
Cornelia, her mind racing, assessed their dire situation. "I can make a hole straight up through the rock but... the lake water would just come in faster."
Caleb's eyes flickered with determination. "Irma! Hay Lin! What if you made an air balloon? Like the one before, except bigger, so all the prisoners can fit."
Will nodded, her mind quickly piecing together the plan. "It could work."
Irma and Hay Lin, their powers combining in a harmonious blend of air and water manipulation, conjured a colossal air bubble that expanded before their eyes. The prisoners, their faces etched with both fear and hope, hurried inside the protective sphere, finding temporary safety within its confines.
Just as they were about to depart, a surprising sight met their eyes. The guards, once their captors, were now pleading for mercy, their expressions a mix of desperation and regret.
"They're people too. Or weird creature people, anyway," Hay Lin remarked, her heart touched by their desperation.
Responding to the plea for mercy, Irma and Hay Lin expanded the air bubble even further, accommodating the guards within its protective embrace. Julian, his authority resurfacing in this critical moment, commanded, "All of your weapons, outside!"
Reluctantly, the guards complied, tossing their axes out of the bubble, their once-threatening weapons now rendered powerless.
Cornelia, her powers surging with determination, created a hole in the ceiling. Water rushed in, faster than ever, creating a sense of urgency among the group.
With the expansive air bubble enveloping them, the Guardians, along with Caleb, Julian, the other prisoners, and even the guards, floated to the surface.
As the Guardians and their newfound allies reached the shore, Irma skillfully dissipated the protective bubble, allowing them to regain solid ground beneath their feet. Their moment of relief, however, was short-lived, for an unexpected sight greeted them. Lord Cedric, in all his imposing lizard-like form, stood before them, his eyes ablaze with malice and determination.
With lightning reflexes, Cedric charged at the Guardians, his fangs slashing through the air. The Guardians, well-versed in facing such adversaries, dodged his attack. Unfortunately for him, the momentum he built up plunged him directly into the river.
To the girls' surprise, a second threat emerged from above. A rain of arrows descended from the sky, expertly aimed and launched by the guards accompanying Cedric. The sharp projectiles cut through the air, aiming for the vulnerable targets below.
In the face of danger, Cornelia sprang into action, her mastery over earth responding to her command. Vines erupted from the ground, entwining around the guards.
"Are lizards reptiles or amphibians?" asked Will.
"Reptiles," Taranee responded, her voice steady with knowledge.
A spark of realization flickered in Will's eyes. "That means he has to come up again."
With unwavering determination, Will channeled her energy, charging a lightning bolt with raw power. As Cedric resurfaced from the river, gasping for air, he found himself met with a formidable force. Will unleashed the lightning bolt, sending electric tendrils crackling through the water, enveloping Cedric in a surge of electricity.
The river churned with energy as Cedric roared in pain, his scales crackling with residual electricity. The Guardians stood firm, their combined efforts and quick thinking turning the tide of battle in their favor.
Julian, his eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and amazement, spoke with a voice that resonated with newfound hope. "Somehow, Caleb, I knew you'd come for me."
Caleb's heart swelled with emotion "Welcome back to the rebellion, Dad. I can't believe that all of this time you were actually alive. I saw you die."
A mysterious glimmer caught Caleb's eye as Julian reached to his chest, his fingers wrapping around something seemingly invisible. With a swift motion, Julian revealed a golden amulet, its intricate design gleaming in the subdued light of the surroundings.
"Your mother gave me this, right before the battle. It's called 'The Amulet of Hades'," Julian explained.
"Hades? The god of the underworld? You guys have Greek gods too?" asked Taranee.
Julian shook his head. "No. It's an artifact from Earth. Once you are killed, it slowly heals you, giving you life. But only if you were killed while wearing it. It can only be taken off by the wearer. Here. I want you to have it, my son."
Caleb hesitated, his fingers brushing the surface of the ancient amulet. "No. I can't accept this."
His father's eyes softened with earnest sincerity. "Please, Caleb. While I was in the mines, I was plagued by the thoughts that you had shared my fate. If you have this, I won't have to worry about that ever again."
Touched by his father's plea, Caleb nodded, accepting the amulet with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty. "Thank you, Dad."
A sudden rustle in his pocket drew Caleb's attention. He retrieved a note, its paper worn and weathered. His eyes scanned the hurriedly scrawled words:
It's a trap. They're planning an ambush, knowing that you will come for your father. Please, don't go.
Cornelia's voice, laced with urgency, echoed through the tense atmosphere. "That's Elyon's handwriting! She knows the truth!"
"Calm down, Cornelia," Will said. "What if this is Phobos playing mind games?"
Cornelia's determination remained unshaken. "It is her handwriting, I know it."
"I'm not saying that it isn't," Will replied. I'm just saying that we need more proof before we can draw that conclusion."
Cornelia looked at the note. "Hold on, Elyon," she whispered, her voice filled with determination. "Just a little longer."
Alright, I'm back. Sorry for the unannounced hiatus, but school turned out to be more brutal than I anticipated. If nothing else happens I should be back to my regular schedule.
Shout out to Instagram user @riya.crane for giving me permission to use and adapt the little moment between Caleb and Cornelia at the beginning. You should really check out her work, her drawings are amazing.
Next is Chapter IX: The Seal of Phobos