Hello, and welcome to Arc 2! This is a direct continuation of Arc 1, so if you haven't read it, check it out. This arc will cover the episodes after The Princess Revealed, and it will end with the finale of season 1.
Enjoy!
Chapter I: The Hermaneutibeast
Will, Irma, Taranee, Hay Lin and Cornelia found themselves at school, their usual gathering place before start of first period. The ten precious minutes that lay before them seemed to stretch infinitely, fraught with an air of unease and tension. A sense of foreboding hung heavily in the atmosphere as they grappled with the weighty knowledge that had recently come to light – Elyon, their dear friend, was Phobos' sister.
The revelation had been shocking, to say the least. Elyon, the unsuspecting girl they had come to cherish as a member of their tight-knit group, was, in fact, the long-lost sister of Phobos, the treacherous ruler of Meridian.
Cornelia broke the silence. "If Elyon's in danger, how can we know that and not tell her?"
"I'm with Cornelia," Irma said.
"If we tell her she's the princess of Evil City, she'll think we're crazy," Taranee replied. "What does that get us?"
"Oh, I'm with Taranee," said Irma.
"We can't tell her," Will said. "We don't know how she'll react. It's best we just keep her in the dark and take care of anyone that might threaten her safety."
"Like we did with Brian?" Cornelia retorted. "We ruined their date. I tried calling Elyon but she wouldn't pick up. We can't isolate her, in fear that she might find out the truth. We should tell her the truth and let her decide which side she is on."
"We can't risk the safety of the universe on Elyon," Will retorted. "We don't know what she already knows. Maybe the beast already told her about us trying to tell her the truth. If we tell her, it will only confirm the things he said about us. Cedric might anticipate our moves. We must keep Elyon in the dark."
Just then Elyon appeared. Silence fell upon the group as they waited to see her next move. "Is our school paper totally lame?" she asked. The W.I.T.C.H. girls let out a sigh of relief. Elyon seemed to be back to normal.
"What's more than totally?" asked Irma.
"Teacher parks too close to fire hydrant... Almost," Will read, unenthusiastically.
"Wheat rolls in cafeteria: The untold story," said Hay Lin.
"And the photos," Taranee added. "Look at this picture of a wheat roll."
"Um, I think that's a teacher," Hay Lin pointed out. "Mr Collins, maybe?"
"Irma," Taranee said, "Why don't we see if we can help them out on the paper."
"Thanks, but I think I'd rather be stung by bees," Irma said.
"Speaking of pictures," Cornelia spoke, "how about the ones of me?"
"There aren't any," said Elyon.
"Exactly," Cornelia responded. "They call this a paper?" Elyon went to her locker.
"Guys, someone broke into my locker," she said, pointing at the hole where the combination lock would have been.
"Who would do such a thing?" asked Hay Lin.
"I don't know," Elyon responded. "But everything seems in place, except for my hair brush and a math test that I got an A on."
Cornelia leaned closer to Will. "It's gotta be Phobos. We have to warn her."
"We're not even sure this has anything to do with him," Will responded.
"Is everything okay, ladies?" asked professor Collins. Will and Cornelia jumped.
"Professor Collins, yes!" Will exclaimed. "Someone broke into Elyon's locker." Collins went to examine the situation.
"I will inform the principal," said Mr Collins. "Don't worry, Elyon. We'll get to the botton of this."
"Thank you, professor," said Elyon.
"No problem," Collins replied. He noticed that she was holding a newspaper. "What did you think of the newspaper?"
"Oh... it's great," said Elyon, trying to appear enthusiastic.
"You really think so?" he excitedly asked. "I'm the staff supervisor, you know."
"Oh, we love it at the restaurant for wrapping fish guts," said Hay Lin, trying to give a compliment. The others' cringe faces were enough to make her realize that she failed. Collins sighed.
"I only had six students on it," he began, "and the editor quit so we're down to five. I don't suppose any of you..." The girls were all gone except for Taranee, who volunteered excitedly, and Irma, who didn't have enough time to get out of there. "Great! Taranee and Irma, consider yourself the paper's new editors!"
"Sweet!" Taranee exclaimed.
"Evenings and weekends at school," said Irma. "Okay, could it get any worse?"
"Come on, let's go to our office," Taranee said.
With a sense of anticipation bubbling within her, Taranee couldn't help but beam with excitement as she nudged Irma gently, urging her towards their designated sanctuary. The duo, entrusted with the responsibilities of being editors for the school paper, navigated the bustling corridors of the educational institution, seeking solace within the confines of their makeshift office.
Taranee's eyes sparkled with a fervor that matched her passion for journalism. The opportunity to be at the helm of the school paper, to shape narratives and uncover the truth, filled her with an infectious energy. The thought of the countless stories waiting to be unearthed, the voices waiting to be heard, fueled her enthusiasm as they traversed the familiar path towards their creative haven.
On the other hand, Irma's face bore a stark contrast to Taranee's. Every step towards the office felt like a burden to her. The mere thought of spending her precious time in the confines of this designated space gnawed at her core. Irma had always found solace in her independence and the freedom to express herself in her own unique way. The structured environment of the school paper stifled her spirit, robbing her of the spontaneity and unfiltered creativity that she held dear.
As they reached the door, Taranee's hand trembled with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was her chance to make a difference, to leave an indelible mark on the school community through her writing. She couldn't help but imagine the possibilities that awaited them within those four walls—a realm of stories waiting to be explored, an avenue to shed light on the unspoken and overlooked facets of student life.
In stark contrast, Irma's steps became increasingly reluctant, as if her very being resisted entering the office space. The neatly organized desks and stacks of papers seemed to mock her rebellious spirit, threatening to confine her within the rigid boundaries of journalistic conventions. Every inch of her longed to break free from the shackles of the school paper, to embark on her own creative journey unencumbered by rules and expectations.
As the door swung open, Taranee's eyes lit up with an eagerness to dive headfirst into the world of reporting. The room, though modest in size, held the promise of countless stories waiting to be brought to life. She imagined the walls adorned with inspiring quotes from revered journalists, photographs capturing impactful moments frozen in time, and a whiteboard displaying a web of ideas and potential headlines.
However, for Irma, the room seemed to close in around her, its walls squeezing out the oxygen of her artistic freedom. The stifling air bore witness to her disdain for the regimented routine and structure that the school paper imposed upon her. Each step she took deeper into the office felt like a step away from her true self, a betrayal of her fiercely independent nature.
And so, with conflicting emotions swirling within them, Taranee and Irma stepped into the office—a space that held the promise of fulfillment for one and the chains of conformity for the other. In the office they were met with four other students: Uriah Dunn, the bully; the Grumper sisters—Bess and Courtney—Amelia Smith and Martin Tubbs. The ladder had a film camera around his neck.
"Matrin," Irma said, perplexed, "you're a photographer?"
"Sure thing," Martin replied, fixing his glasses. "I am dedicated to capture the truth in its purest form."
"I like your spirit!" Taranee exclaimed. "Journalism's more than just what happened. It's why. Isn't getting to the truth why we joined the paper?"
"We wanted to write about clothes," said Bess.
"I got detention," Uriah said. "It was this or clean toilets."
"Is that job still open?" asked Irma.
"We need to put out a paper that matters," Taranee said. "No more silly stuff about wheat rolls. Real stories that really matter.
"Yes!" Martin exclaimed.
"Research, fact checking," Taranee continued.
"I hear you, sister," said Martin. "Let's get to the truth!" And with that he left to find something worth taking a picture of.
"Newsflash: I hate my life," said Irma.
Will, Hay Lin and Cornelia were gathered at Hay Lin's place to discuss Elyon's situation.
"I see," said Yan Lin. "And what was stolen?"
"Her hairbrush and a perfect math test," said Cornelia. "She spent an entire week studying for that one. She wanted to have a math test with no mistakes whatsoever."
"It is beginning," said Yan Lin. "Phobos is preparing for the Ceremony of the Amalgamation."
"What's that?" asked Will.
"The Ceremony of the Amalgamation is an ancient magical practice that enables an individual to appear more harmless towards a specific person," Yan Lin explained. "It revolves around three essential elements: the mind, the body, and the spirit. These components can be acquired by obtaining corresponding physical objects. Hair for the body, perfect test for the mind. Spirit is the hardest. He must capture her breath."
"If one of his creatures thinks he's getting close to her, just let him try!" Caleb exclaimed. "Hi-yah!" he did a roundhouse kick which accidentally destroyed a lamp that was standing on a shelf. Caleb gave a nervous laugh. "That five lamps I owe you."
"Caleb, they were all worthy foes," said Yan Lin. "Through a special ritual, the essence of the objects is extracted and infused into a chosen item. As a result, when the wearer adorns this object, the target will sense a part of themselves within them, causing their defenses to gradually weaken."
"That's why Elyon needs to know," Cornelia pressed.
"Cornelia, if we tell her, she either won't believe us, she'll believe us and totally freak or she'll believe the lies that Cedric told her," Will countered. "How does that help her?"
"Then someone needs to keep an eye on her," said Hay Lin. Someone who doesn't go to school or work or have anything important to do." They all stared at Blunk, who was watching TV. After a few seconds Blunk realized the eyes that were now on him.
"Blunk do stakeout, tail suspect, report HQ. All for low, low fee." Hay Lin gave him a small bagel. Blunk immediately ate it. "Fee deposited. Blunk on case."
"Oh, yeah, you wouldn't let me warn her, but you let the wonder-frog watch her?" Cornelia inquired.
"Ah, ah, ah, Cornelia, you must respect Will's instincts," Yan Lin said.
"Oh, I'm sorry I disagree with you, Ms Sealer-of-the-portals," Cornelia retorted. Will sighed.
"We don't have time for this," she said. She took out the Map of Portals and activated it. A red x formed.
"Another one in the school," Hay Lin said.
"Phobos is shaping the Veil so all the holes in it are near his sister," said Yan Lin.
"Taranee and Irma are at the school right now!" Will exclaimed. "We have to go there!"
As the sun began its descent on the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the city, the Will, Hay Lin, Cornelia, and Caleb embarked on a purposeful journey towards their beloved school. Their footsteps echoed rhythmically on the pavement, a cadence of determination and curiosity guiding their way.
Will, the natural leader of the group, led the way with a determined stride. Her fiery red hair danced in the gentle breeze as her mind raced with thoughts of the imminent encounter with the mysterious portal lurking within the school grounds. She couldn't shake off the weight of responsibility that pressed upon her shoulders, knowing that the fate of Elyon, their dear friend, hung in the balance.
Walking alongside Will, Hay Lin exuded an air of boundless optimism and unwavering faith. Her 2 pony tails shimmered, and her eyes sparkled with an infectious enthusiasm that seemed to defy any obstacle that stood in their path. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of friendship and the resilience of their group, drawing strength from the unity that they shared.
Cornelia, on the other hand, walked with a touch of grace and elegance, her movements exuding a quiet determination. As she navigated the streets, her thoughts were a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The theft of Elyon's belongings had struck a chord deep within her, igniting a fierce sense of protection and loyalty. Every step she took towards the school was driven by an unwavering resolve to uncover the truth and shield her friend from any harm that might befall her.
Caleb, the steadfast and ever-loyal ally, strode alongside the girls, his presence a comforting reminder of their shared purpose. While not officially a member of W.I.T.C.H., his unwavering dedication to the cause made him an integral part of their team. His rugged charm and protective nature provided an additional layer of strength as they ventured into the unknown.
With cautious steps, the girls ventured into the familiar halls of their school, their footsteps echoing softly against the polished floors. They navigated through the labyrinthine corridors, the air thick with a sense of anticipation. As they descended into the depths of the building, their path led them to the unassuming entrance of the basement.
The musty scent of old books and forgotten memories greeted their senses as they reached the dimly lit basement. Shadows danced along the walls, casting an eerie ambiance that sent a shiver down their spines. Heartbeats quickened, but their resolve remained unyielding.
In the corner of the room, partially obscured by stacks of dusty boxes, they discovered a peculiar sight—a portal, its enigmatic presence both mesmerizing and daunting. The portal stood as a gateway to the unknown, a threshold between realms where secrets and possibilities intertwined.
Soft hues of blue emanated from its core, casting a gentle glow that hinted at the magic within. The air around it hummed with a subtle energy, an invitation to explore realms beyond their own.
Will took out the Heart of Kandrakar. She was about to close the portal when Caleb stopped her. He looked around and noticed a puddle of purple slime. He examined it. "Purple slime," he said. "That could only come from one thing—a hermaneutibeast."
"... I'm afraid to ask," said Hay Lin.
"Maybe it went back in," Caleb suggested. Just then the sound of clanging metal filled the air. Objects began flying around, as if someone was bumping into them. "Maybe not," said Caleb.
Suddenly, he felt a force hitting his calves. It sent him flying about 3 ft in the air, before falling to the ground with a loud thud.
"What's going on?" asked Will, alarmed. "I don't see anything."
"When it's upset it becomes invisible," Caleb explained. "You can only see it when it's calm. Don't move!" The girls remained still.
After 10 seconds a figure materialized before them. It was a brown, boar-like creature with eight small tusks coming out of its mouth. Its eyes were held up by two tentacle-like tendrils, allowing for a larger range of sight. It was about the size of an adult pig, with purple saliva constantly pouring out of the its mouth.
"That's what did all this?" asked Cornelia, perplexed.
"It's a juvenile," said Caleb.
"Can we keep it?" asked Hay Lin.
"Oh, sure," said Cornelia in a mocking tone. "Let's be Guardians of the Veil, and raise a wild, slimy, invisible pig!"
Cornelia's voice reverberated through the air, charged with a potent mixture of anger and frustration, sending shivers down the spine of the hermaneutibeast. Startled by the sheer intensity of her emotions, the creature instinctively sought refuge in its innate ability to turn invisible, its form dissolving into the surrounding environment.
Invisible yet formidable, the hermaneutibeast swiftly maneuvered through the shadows, seeking to exploit any vulnerabilities presented by the W.I.T.C.H. guardians. With calculated precision, it launched a surprise attack, targeting Hay Lin, who found herself abruptly knocked off the ground, her breath stolen by the unexpected impact.
Will took out the Heart of Kandrakar. "Guardians Unite!" And with that, Will, Hay Lin and Cornelia transformed into their guardian forms.
In a split second, as the hermaneutibeast lunged forward with predatory fervor, Cornelia's eyes narrowed in determination. With a wave of her hand, her connection to the element of Earth surged to life, imbuing her with the power to manipulate the very fabric of the world around her.
The bricks forming the wall quivered under her command, responding to her innate abilities. They shifted and trembled, the mortar between them loosening, as if the very earth whispered its compliance. With careful precision, Cornelia guided the bricks, molding them into a protective barrier that materialized in front of Caleb, shielding him from the imminent danger.
But the hermaneutibeast, relentless in its pursuit, possessed strength that exceeded the fortitude of a mere wall. With a primal force, it crashed through the makeshift barricade, shattering bricks in its path. Its primal instincts honed in on Caleb, its grip like a vice as it seized his leg, its claws sinking deep into his flesh.
Caleb's instinctive cry of pain tore through the air, his face contorted in a mixture of agony and fear. The creature's relentless hold tightened, its determination to claim its prize unyielding. Despite their desperate attempts, Will and Cornelia strained against the overwhelming strength of the hermaneutibeast, their combined efforts unable to pry Caleb free from its grasp.
Hay Lin, who was overlooking the situation through her elevated position in the air, had an idea. She used her powers to create a mini tornado, in hopes that the hermaneutibeast will let go, which it did. Unfortunately, it escaped through the basement door into the school.
Filled with concern and urgency, Will, Hay Lin, and Cornelia hurried to Caleb's side, their hearts heavy with the sight of his injured leg. The grisly wound bore testament to the ferocity of the hermaneutibeast's attack, a chilling reminder of the peril they faced.
"Are you okay, Caleb?" Will's voice trembled with a mix of worry and relief as she knelt down beside him, her eyes scanning the extent of his injury.
Caleb winced, gritting his teeth against the searing pain that radiated through his leg. "I've had better days," he grumbled through clenched jaws, his voice laced with a mixture of discomfort and resilience.
Hay Lin, her eyes wide with concern, reached out to gently touch Caleb's shoulder. "Hang in there, Caleb. We'll take care of you," she reassured him, her voice filled with determination and unwavering support.
Cornelia, her expression a mix of empathy and determination, brought her hand to her chin, contemplating the best course of action. "We can't just leave him like this," she stated firmly, her voice resolute. "We need to do something."
Will's gaze shifted to the Heart of Kandrakar, glimmering with an ethereal light in the palm of her hand. An idea sparked within her, a glimmer of hope. "I have an idea," she said, her voice filled with a newfound determination.
Placing the Heart gently on Caleb's mangled foot, Will channeled its mystical power, a surge of healing energy radiating from the ancient artifact. The brilliance of its light engulfed the wound, the transformative energies of the Heart weaving their magic.
A warmth spread through Caleb's leg. The pain began to subside, replaced by a soothing sensation that permeated his being. The wound, once raw and jagged, started to mend before their eyes, the torn tissue knitting itself back together in a mesmerizing dance of restoration.
Caleb let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding, his features relaxing as the healing process took effect. "It's working," he murmured, his voice filled with awe and gratitude.
As the Heart's healing power completed its work, all that remained of the once-devastating wound was a faint, delicate scar—a testament to the resilience of Caleb's body and the magical aid they had invoked.
"The Heart of Kandrakar can do that?" asked Cornelia, amazed.
"Looks like it," Will said. "Now let's get that slime ball."
Will, Hay Lin, Cornelia and Caleb got out of the basement. The entire hallway was covered in purple slime. Will sighed. "Get the mops."
"Ghosts to the left of me, ghosts to the right! I fought, but I was outnumbered," Martin said. It was the next day. Taranee and Hay Lin were listening to Martin's story. He was telling the class about how he encountered ghosts in the cafeteria, the previous night. "Then one lifted a desk—"
"Uh, last time you said a chair," a girl said, skeptically.
"Uhm, it was one of those desk-chair thingies a lot of schools are using now, okay?" Martin responded. "Please, hold your questions until the end!"
"Let's get back to studying geography," the teacher said. "Not ghosts."
"Caleb watched the school all night," Hay Lin said to Taranee. "Nothing. I guess even a crazy, destructo pig has to sleep."
Suddenly, loud noises filled the air. The entire class got out of the classroom to see what was happening. They were met with a surprise. The entire hallway was covered with purple slime. Martin was ecstatic.
"Wow! Ectoplasm!" he exclaimed, taking a picture. "Sorry, teach. Geography takes a back seat to the people's right to know the truth."
Martin spent the entire second period break gathering evidence. Irma periodically checked up on him to see what he found. "So far Martin has nothing," Irma said to the rest of the group. "And what he says, no one believes."
"Good thing he's unpopular," Hay Lin said.
"We gotta get that thing back home but we can't let anyone see us do it as W.I.T.C.H.," Will said. Just then she saw Martin holding a sleeping bag. "Martin, what's with the sleeping bag?"
"Oh I'm staking out this joint," he responded. "Day and night."
Taranee went to her algebra class, her mind swirling with frustration. She wanted to write a story on the hermaneutibeast so badly. However, as a responsible student, she had to put on a façade of normalcy, even if it meant keeping the truth locked away.
As her classmates chatted about their weekend plans and upcoming assignments, Taranee struggled to focus on the lesson. Her gaze wandered to the window, where dark clouds gathered, mirroring the storm brewing within her thoughts. She longed to uncover the truth, to expose the paranormal activities that had plagued their school, but the weight of secrecy bore heavily upon her shoulders.
"I can't believe we're studying algebra while all this craziness is happening," Taranee muttered under her breath, her frustration evident in her voice. She glanced around the classroom, searching for any signs of the inexplicable events that had unfolded. The room seemed calm and ordinary, completely unaware of the underlying chaos that lurked just beyond the surface.
She scribbled notes in her notebook, her pen moving absentmindedly across the page. Algebraic equations blurred together as her mind wandered to the previous night's encounter with the hermaneutibeast. Its snarling visage and relentless attack replayed in her mind like a haunting nightmare. How could she focus on mundane equations when there was a mysterious creature roaming the school halls?
Taranee's frustration intensified with each passing minute. She yearned to write an exposé, to uncover the truth and let the world know about the dangers they were facing. But she knew that revealing the truth could jeopardize everything—their identities as the Guardians of the Veil, the delicate balance between the magical and human realms.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the classroom door creaking open. Their teacher, Mrs Rudolph, entered with a stack of papers in her hands, her expression worn and fatigued. "Good morning, class," she greeted with a tired smile. "I hope you're all ready for today's lesson."
Taranee forced a smile, her mind still preoccupied with the secrets she harbored. She watched as Mrs. Rudolph placed the papers on her desk, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil that swirled within her students.
During lunch break, Taranee found solace in the school library, seeking refuge among the rows of books that lined the shelves.
Lost in her thoughts, Taranee barely noticed as her friend Hay Lin approached, a concerned expression on her face. "Hey, Taranee," Hay Lin said softly, breaking through the haze of contemplation. "I can see that something's bothering you. Is everything okay?"
Taranee let out a sigh, her shoulders slumping under the weight of her hidden knowledge. "Hay Lin, it's hard, you know? Knowing the truth and not being able to do anything about it," she confessed, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness. "I signed up as editor to give people the truth. But because what's happening now involves our double lives I have to stay silent. It's frustrating."
Hay Lin nodded, understanding the inner turmoil that Taranee grappled with. "I know it's tough, but we have to remember our duty as the Guardians. Our powers come with great responsibility, and sometimes that means sacrificing our own desires for the greater good," she offered reassuringly.
"I guess you're right," said Taranee. "What are we going to do with Martin? We can't do anything with him around."
"Don't worry," Hay Lin said. "I have an idea."
"No! I won't do it! Forget it," Irma said, frustrated. It was night time and the W.I.T.C.H. girls were at the school. Irma was wearing a red tank top, a dark green skirt, knee-high boots and fishnet stockings—an outfit which contrasted with her usual, tomboyish attire.
"Come on, Irma," Taranee pressed. "We have to keep Martin away and you're the only one who can make him leave."
Irma sighed. "Fine. I'll do it. But you owe me big time."
"Remember you have to keep Martin away the whole evening," said Taranee. "He can't see us as W.I.T.C.H."
"I know. I don't need lecturing," Irma retorted. She took a deep breath and entered the makeshift office of the school newspaper staff. There she saw Martin, putting a fresh roll of film into his camera. She couldn't believe she was about to do this.
"My, my, my, don't we look lovely," said Martin. "And by 'we,' I mean you. What's up?"
"Martin, would you like to... Uh...to... well... would you like to... go... out?"
"You mean a date?" Martin asked.
"No, no, no, definitely not a date," Irma responded.
"Oh, if it's not a date, I've got to stay here and catch this ghost."
Irma gritted her teeth. "All right, it's a stupid date."
"Let's get going then," said Martin, excited. "I've heard there's a poetry contest tonight at Ye Olde Bookshop. Wanna go there?"
"Sure," Irma responded. She didn't have any better idea.
Irma hesitated for a moment, unsure about the decision she had just made. She found herself walking side by side with Martin, heading towards the enchanting Ye Olde Bookshop. As they entered the cozy, dimly lit bookstore, the scent of aged paper and ink filled the air, casting a nostalgic spell over the surroundings.
Martin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he led the way, his extensive knowledge of the shop evident. Irma couldn't help but be impressed by his passion for books and his seemingly boundless intellect. Despite her initial reluctance, she couldn't deny that there was something intriguing about him.
As they perused the shelves, Martin would occasionally share snippets of information about different authors and their works, his words painting vivid pictures of literary worlds. Irma couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his vast knowledge. How could someone so young possess such wisdom beyond his years? It made her wonder if there was more to Martin than met the eye.
However, amidst their conversation, a nagging thought emerged in Irma's mind. Did she actually have a crush on Martin? She quickly dismissed the idea, shaking her head slightly. "Of course not," she muttered under her breath, trying to convince herself. She didn't want to confuse her appreciation for his intellect with romantic feelings. After all, she had always seen herself as the tomboyish type, not one to be swayed by silly crushes.
Irma and Martin found themselves among the audience at Ye Olde Bookshop, eagerly anticipating the poetry contest that was about to unfold. The cozy atmosphere was filled with anticipation and whispers of excitement as people settled into their seats, awaiting the creative expressions that would soon grace the stage.
The contest was organized by Rick Hoffman, a charismatic figure known for his love of poetry and anything relating to books. He welcomed the participants with a warm smile, setting the tone for an evening of artistic exploration.
One by one, individuals poured their hearts out in the form of poetic verses. Some spoke of love and longing, while others delved into themes of self-discovery and resilience. The diverse range of emotions and experiences captivated the audience, drawing them into a world of lyrical beauty.
After almost the entire room participants shared their heartfelt poems, someone from the audience called out, "Rick, why don't you grace us with your own poem?"
Rick chuckled, his gaze sweeping across the audience before he took a step forward. A hush fell over the crowd as they eagerly awaited his words. Irma's curiosity piqued as she noticed a subtle shift in Rick's demeanor. There was a rawness in his eyes, almost animal-like.
With a deep breath, Rick began to recite his poem, his voice resonating:
"Beneath this calm facade, a monster hides,
A creature born of shadows, fears, and tides.
I smile and laugh, a master of disguise,
But my soul's secrets, they haunt and chastise.
For within me dwells a storm, wild and fierce,
A tempest of emotions, longing to pierce.
In the depths of darkness, I find my solace,
Unveiling truths hidden beneath this polished surface."
Martin's eyes shone with a mix of awe and understanding. He turned to Irma, a knowing smile on his face. "Isn't it amazing how poetry can reveal the hidden parts of ourselves?" he whispered.
Irma nodded, her gaze fixed on Rick. "It truly is," she replied softly.
"So," Martin began, "did you like the date?"
"It really wasn't that bad," said Irma, surprised.
"Then I'll get going," said Martin. "I hope the ghost is still around."
Irma panicked a little. "Wanna go together?" She cringed.
"I'd love to," Martin replied.
"Great, but before that, can you excuse me for a second? I need to make a phone call."
"Sure thing," Martin said. Irma went to a more secluded place in the bookshop and called Taranee.
"Please tell me you got rid of that pig," Irma began. "The date is over."
"We've just managed to get it through the portal," Taranee explained. "It made a real mess, especially after its mother came." Irma breathed a sigh of relief. Then she heard police sirens.
"You better get out of there. I hear police sirens," Irma warned.
"We won't have enough time to clean the mess," Taranee said.
"It's better than getting arrested."
As the morning sun cast its warm glow upon the school, Elyon arrived, feeling a sense of anticipation for the day ahead. However, as she approached the entrance, her steps slowed, her eyes widening in surprise and confusion. The sight that greeted her was nothing short of extraordinary.
Purple slime covered the hallways, snaking its way through the corridors like a mysterious, otherworldly creature. Lockers stood broken and dented. The entire scene resembled a surreal nightmare, and Elyon found herself joining the rest of the school in stunned silence.
"Martin, in here! Quick! A purple ghost!" Uriah's voice echoed through the hallway. Everyone came to check it out, with Martin and the geography teacher in the front. It however proved to be a prank. As soon as Martin opened the door and went inside the classroom a bucket filled with purple colored water hit him and the geography teacher.
To say that Martin was furious was an understatement. "You set this whole thing up you... you jackass!" He paused. "Pardon my language, professor."
"Don't worry about it," the geography teacher said.
"I didn't!" Uriah protested. "I mean, not the other stuff. Just... just this."
"Uriah, since you like playing with liquids so much, you get a month's worth of detention—cleaning toilets," said the professor.
"Yeah, we should have known that Uriah was behind this," said a student. Everyone, Elyon included, went back to doing their regular stuff.
After school, Elyon went to Ye Olde Bookshop, through the rain. After a few hours it stopped. Elyon looked outside the window. "I'm always kinda sad after it rains," Elyon said.
"I know what you mean," Cedric replied.
"I don't know how anyone can believe in this stuff," said Elyon, looking at a book entitled Shadows of the Enchanted Realm. "Magic. Monsters. Evil creatures."
"People are such a strange species," Cedric responded.
"Yeah," Elyon said. "Like Cornelia's supposed to be my best friend. But last night when I called, her mom said she went out with the other girls. I mean, she didn't even invite me."
"One day, there will be those who really understand you," said Cedric.
"Well, I think you do," said Elyon.
"I'm so pleased you feel that way," Cedric said.
He held up a balloon. "Balloons would be a nice touch for the window display. Do you mind?" Elyon took the balloon and inflated it.
"Why are you smiling?" asked Elyon. Cedric pointed to the sun.
"There's always a nice sunset after the rain."
This chapter was more character driven rather than plot driven. I was originally going to scrap Irma's "date" with Martin to help with the pacing of the hermaneutibeast fight. But then I realized that I could do the opposite, have Irma's date be at the forefront. Cutting action scenes wasn't something that I've done before so I could give it a shot.
Also, I absolutely love the dramatic irony in the bookstore scene. Rick (Lord Cedric) was essentially telling Irma that he was the beast in disguise and Irma had no clue.
Because this arc will have more major changes than the last one, it took some planning ahead. And I've also fallen ill about two weeks ago. Luckily, I've recovered since then but it was one of the toughest illnesses that I've had in recent years. All that slowed down the production of this chapter.
Luckily, now that I essentially have everything planned out, I should be able to finish the chapters more quickly.
Next is Chapter II: Parents Night