#i am worried the other books wont have the same charm though..... im gonna miss gideons love for skimpy clothes and shithead comments

[technicolorxsn]

finished gideon the ninth this morning then was busy all day so it hasn't rly Hit Me yet....

[tccomicarchive]

This is The Rest of The Plot I Wrote

*in stars means thoughts apparently*

Zoe "Oh please. Spare me the lies. You know who i am-my face is plastered all over the universe 'Oh, the new princess just got her title, blah blah blah!'. You were only trying to get rid of me because your a pampered princess turned glorified Captain."

this is under a cut it IS LONG. LIKE HOLY FUCK THIS IS ALOT OF PREPLANNING I DID WOW.

Kait "I'd like to see you in battle, with ACTUAL weapons, instead of cheap mind tricks. Maybe then we'd see who's better."

Zoe "Alright lets cut the small talk, shall we? I was sent here by the council on Ziirav to investigate the 'Great Evil' that may or may not have fled to Earth. You're here for that reason to."

Kait "And?"

Zoe "AND, i think it would prove useful to work together."

Kait pauses, she's let out of Zoes control, and she stands up. She thinks on it, then looks over at zoe. "Isn't the Elven Council corrupt?"

Zoe "Big time. But i'm doing this more so to get away from them, then to do their bidding."

Kait "Well....maybe we can help you with that problem once this 'Great Evil' issue's been dealt with."

Zoe looks up "We?"

Kait "yeah. I already found someone who's on the same mission."

Zoe "Was it that red-haired guy, Petro?"

Kait "Huh? Oh him.....no. And if it was i'd kill myself."

Zoe "Why? He seems nice....if not a bit of a delinquent..."

Kait "He's annoying, and cares too much about people he barely knows." She heads for the door to the hallway. "Coming?"

Floor 2.

Kait knocks on the door marked '26'. A tall lanky girl opens the door, and greats them with a smile, letting them inside.

KP "so.....i take it this is a new addition to our team?"

Kait "How'd ya know?"

KP "Well, she doesnt seem the type to be hanging around you naturally..."

Zoe "And you are?"

Kait "Oh, ya, don't probe her mind." she rolls her eyes.

Zoe "She isn't randomly attacking me. Formalities can thus be used."

Kait slumps down on KP's bed "Whatever."

KP "Katiryna of Klynora," she shakes Zoe's hand "My Earth name is Kirsten."

Zoe "Elziim of Ziirav. Zoe for me." they look at Kait.

Kp "I know NOTHING about you."

Kait "Zineb. Mandorum, Earth is Kait."

KP "So....wait....we're all royal figures in our realms.....thats kind of an odd coincidence dont cha think?"

Zoe "I doubt this was by accident."

KP "What do you mean?"

Zoe "Think about it. We're all sent on the same mission, to the exact same school at the same time, and randomly 'happen' to meet?"

Kait "Actually.....We're still missing someone-if what your saying is true."

KP "Right. Fairy princess.....what was her name again?"

Zoe "Kahna. High strung, high maintenance, high demand for like, every guy EVERWHERE. Mortal enemies with vampire over there." She points to Kait "It wont be easy to get her to believe anything we say."

Kait "Well thats understandable. Fairies have really tiny brains-its all that inbreeding."

KP laughs "That is SO mean!!"

Kait "But its true!" she smiles slightly, stifling a laugh.

Zoe "How are we going to find her?"

a loud shriek is heard just down the hallway. Zoe and Kp look out towards the racket.

Kait ".....You have GOT to be kidding me."

They go down towards the end of the hall, and turn into a giant mess of bags and cheerleaders. There are a few large guys standing there too-holding cheerleader luggage.

Melissa "EW!! These rooms are like, sooooo SMALL!!!"

Court "They aren't THAT bad....I've seen smaller."

Melissa "Ugh, My room back home is like, 3 TIMES bigger than this!"

Court *3 times? Thats it? mines like, at least 6 times larger...* "Well maybe you can have something arranged with the principle?"

KP "OK.....the screechy one is SO her."

Kait "Try the calm, shy one in the corner."

Zoe "What?"

Kait points to court "THAT'S Kahna." Kahna suddenly looks over at the three, seeing Kait pointing to her. Her expressions immediately change from calm and humble, to haughty and angry.

Court "Hold on Melissa, i have to take care of something."

Melissa "Whatever." she continues complaining to the guys nearby.

Court marches towards the three, grabbing Zineb by the arm and draggin her off to the other side of the dorm. Zoe and KP follow close behind.

Court "you.....what are you DOING here?!?!?" she sees Zoe and KP, and realization flashes across her face. "This was supposed to be MY mission!!!" she stomps her heeled boot down in frustration.

KP and Zoe giggle slightly and Kait rolls her eyes. "Well, it looks like your part of a team now."

Chapter 3: Delinquent Dilemma

The four are walking around the school looking for all their classes. Each has run into at least one person from their small Cliques except for Kait.

Court "That was SOOOO embarrassing!"

KP "How was it embarrassing? She seemed nice!"

Kait "That's what Zoe said about Petro."

Court "Who's Petro? OOOO!!! Is he your boyfriend?!"

Kait colours slightly, masking it with embarrassed anger "NO!!!!! We arent even friends! He just likes to show up unannounced and creep me out."

Petro walks up behind her and leans in between the shoulders of her and Court "Miss me?"

They both freak out and move to the sides. Kahna stares at him in horror. "Whats wrong with your HEAD?!?(shes talking about his hair colour) and your FACE-those metal tags!!!"

Petro looks at her, raising an eyebrow, completely unphased by the unintentional insults. "ew, Prep.....AND a cheerleader....."He turns to Kait "You'll hang out with the enemy, and not me?"

Kait "You have NO idea how true that statement is."

They continue walking and Petro reaches around Kait and grabs her schedule.

Court "Why are you so tall?!" she looks up at him, terror and horror worsening on her face.

Petro "Hey, we have the same History class....which is weird-why are you all in a 12 grade course?"

KP "Uh-we all took advanced lessons back home!"

Petro "Riiiiiight....."

Kait snatches her schedule back "We're trying to find the class, if you dont mind?"

Petro "We have Mr. Quan." He takes the front and turns a corner "My third year in a class with him! It's right downt he hall."

Zoe turns back to Kait "See? told you he seemed nice!"

Petro looks around quickly and wiggles the doorknob, opening the door slightly and peering in.

KP "Uhh....shouldnt we wait-"

Petro "SHHHH!!!! I gotta get somethin'" he goes inside, leaving the door open. KP makes a frustrated face and follows him. KAit looks at Zoe with a "really?" expression.

Zoe "Hey. I said delinquent too!"

Kait goes in, following KP, Zoe and Court come to, looking around the large room. Petro's over by Quan's desk, sitting down in the chair and opening drawers, shuffling through them.

KP "OK. This has gone far enough-if your some kind of thief, leave us out of it!"

Petro "Shudap!! I'm just looking for something, gawd. And if your THAT uncomfortable with this, 'Miss Priss', then LEAVE." He yanks at a drawer and it doesnt open.

Zoe blinks, Kait smiles at her evily "OK.....i take back my 'nice' statement...."

Petro digs into his pockets, finally pulling out a small keym pushing it into the lock and turning.

KP "Where did you even GET that?"

Petro smiles deviously "I picked it from Quan this morning when he was setting up the room. He probably doesn't even realize it's gone."

Court "You ARE a thief?"

Petro pulls the drawer open and smiles widely, taking out a small leather book, with odd symbols covering it, and multiple sticky notes protruding from the top and side of countless pages.

Mr. Quan "Oh he realizes." They all spin around, shock on all their faces.

End.

Chapter 4: Mr. Quan

Petro "Heh....sup?"

Quan "Honestly, Mr. Moyaz. you could have waited untill i'd actually gotten back to my room before taking your book back"

Petro "W-well-"

Quan "I took it from you for a reason."

Petro "Ya, I know. But then you forgot to give it back last year, and-"

Quan "And you've been without it all summer, yes i know...."

Petro "What are you trying to protect me from?"

Quan looks up, eyes wide "Excuse me?"

Petro "You heard me. Sir, you keep interfering in anything i do that revolves around magic."

Quan "I-i-"

Petro "Well, just dont bother! Magic isnt real..no matter how much we want to think otherwise.....so seriously. There's nothing to worry about." He gets up and leaves, pushing through the girls and heading back out towards the dorms.

The door closes and the girls turn back to Quan, "Hello, welcome! It's so nice to have historic experts in one of my classes."

Zoe "What do you mean by that?"

Quan "Why dont you tell me?" He taps his right temple with his index and middle finger. When they give him odd expression, he smiles. "It's obvious that todays youths don't get taught in magical histories." He bows deeply "I am High Wizard Quardreer, of Cahll. It's a pleasure to meet you my ladies."

Court "Cahll?! As in the Wizard Realm!?"

The three stare at her in surprise. Kait "Wow....she ACTUALLY knows something..."

Court "Well duh-Cahll is where all the most elegant, charming and handsome boys come from!!" she stares off dreamily. Everyone rolls their eyes.

Zoe "What are you doing here anyway?"

Quan "I was sent by the Wizard Council, Demongus himself, to make sure you four were taken care of. Can't have the next rulers showing up dead now can we?"

(in the background)Court "Who's Demongus?"

Zoe "But your also here for Petro, right?"

Quan leans back against his desk. "I've been here for 12 years. Teaching history, in teh hopes that everything would go as planned and Mr. Moyaz would be brought here for his last three years of school."

KP "Why?"

Quan "I'm to look after him, keep him safe.....make sure that he doesnt loose whatever control he he's got left.....his temper has gotten wrose though....Dire sign of things to come..."

Court "what are you talking about?"

Quan looks up abruptly "Nothing you should be concerned with.....at least not yet....For the moment i need to know that you all realize whats coming, more likely if you fail."

Kait "We dont even know what we're up against here!"

Quan "Im bound to not release such information....that blasted Code...."

KP "So how are we gonna find anything out?!"

Quan "Well....you could always try Shamiroth of Mandorum, Cameela of Ziirav, or Shaal Cantsley of Klynora. A possibility could be Aurelle as well.....but of course she's busy being a Flamean goddess and all." he smiles at Kahna. "Seeing them all would be best, Oh and.....if you can, theres a man in Yarshov(The large jail realm in teh form of a Prison Complex!!), who might be of use." He looks over at Kait "As i remember, your brother may be very useful for getting inside."

Kait "Uh....yeah, we'll.....we'll do that."

end.

Chapter 5: Mandorum

Kait walks out into the grounds, heading for the trio already waiting for her.

Zoe "How'd you get away from Petro?"

Kait "What's that supposed to mean?"

Zoe "I just mean that hes always following you around."

KP "Yeah, he's like a really big,  scruffy, creepy puppy."

Court "a LOVE-STRUCK puppy!!" Kp and Court laugh uncontrollably.

Kait "UGH! You guys, seriously. He doesnt 'love' me!! He just wants to force me to an early, annoyance-induced grave!"

Court "hehe, he wants to force SOMETHING alright!" more laughter from KP and Court, Zoe smiles, trying to keep herself from doing the same. Kait death stares both of them, and they slowly work it down to stifled giggles.

Kait walks past them and spreads her arms out to her sides, closing her eyes. "ZERACONTREL!" a large purple portal opens up, shooting out electrical currents and loud thunder.

KP "Um...are we supposed to trust that? 'Cause honestly, it looks like a spinning vortex of death."

Court "i have to agree..."

Kait "Oh grow up and stop being such Squeebs." she walks towards the portal, when Kahna breaks in.

Court "Why Mandorum first!?"

Kait "Because IM the only one in the group with Captain status-"

Zoe "Uh, technically 'princess' overpowers 'captain'."

Kait "SHH-TSSSSHHHH-SHHEH!" she waits for more giggles to subside. "Either way, im the only one with leadership skills-end of story. We're going to my realm first. Besides.....it's closest."(ya i had realms set up like planets its weird)

They enter and come out into a long grand hallway.

Kait looks around feverishly "DAMN!!! I overshot it-maybe theres still time to-"

BOOM! Kait and Court are encased in a thick glow and then a reverberating sound emmits from their bodies, They collapse to the floor.

Court "You ruined one of my favourite Earth outfits!!!" Kp helps her up.

Kait "well YOU just ended the fucking WAR!!!!"

Zoe "Isn't that a good thing?"

Kait snaps at her "NO! We have no legitimate reason to fight now! And, now we have to go through the peace celebration with all the ugly dresses, dancing and losers in suits." She stomps down the hallways towards the throne room, tearing off the Glamour as she goes.

The others follow close behind, removing their glamours as well. They enter a large room with huge tapestries hangin on the walls. There are guards lining the walls, spears at their sides, ready to be used. A tall, thin guard in a flowing purple cape stands next to the Queen. He stares at them as they enter, his helmet hiding his face in shadows, but a snarl errupts on his face. The royal insignia is embroidered on the cape and he's holding a large scythe, and looks ready to take heads off.

Queen "Daughter! Back so soon?"

The Queen looks young and spry, a pleasant, caring smile pulled tight across her face. A large crown glistens on her head, and an assortment of heavy fabrics and armour make up her dress. The man sitting next to her wears a silver ringlet across his forehead. He's clothed in Dark Gray armour, rose-detailing etched into it. He looks to be at least twice as old as the Queen, and makes no effort at emotion.

Kait kneals, head down low, knowing full well whats coming

Queen "So dearest, how has the mission been so far. I see the other princesses of the great realms are with you-always a good sign!" the Guard rolls his eyes, sighing loudly. The queen slaps his stomach with the back of her hand. "Shush dear." She looks at the others, studying them acutely, and smiles again "Welcome, i'm hopefull that the absense of a sun will not unnerve you?"

Zoe "Shouldn't be a problem your Majesty."

Kait looks over at her father, not wanting to stand up. *Say something father.* a voice enters her head. "How dare you continue to the throne room! You disgrace us by bringing a fairy here, then have the nerve to come see us?"

She blinks quickly glancing at the guard standing beside the throne. Her eyes narrow, and her eyebrows lower. His eyes widen, and his mouth falls open. he turns away for a second and touches his head.

Kait stands up, still staring at him. "Mother, if you'll excuse me,"

Queen "of course deary!"

Kait "AND Damean?"

The queen looks surprised, as do KP, Court and Zoe. Then she looks back at the guard behind her, back to the group. "Alright." She waves over a small, thin man in a fine outfit. "Would you go fetch Nathan for me? He needs to cover for Damean." the man bows and rushes off through a large set of doors to the right.

Damean slowly walks down the stairs from the throne, along the purple fabric, Scythe still in hand. Instead of coming to attention, waiting to receive orders like a well trained guard, he walks right past Kait, and continues up a set of stairs. Kait follows, a stern look on her face. The others tag along.

The get to a long hallway, and walk down it at a fast pace, turning corners and going down a bunch of stairs finally coming to a circular room. Kait moves in behind some boxes and dissapears. The others look at each other questioningly and go behind the boxes too. A metal hatch lies open and Kait is climibng down a long ladder into a huge room. They follow and stop when they reach the bottom.

It's lit with torches and they have to cross a bridge to get to an area with seats and a fireplace. The bridge crosses a large and deep looking canal filled with bright blue water. A thick, white fog comes from it. They cross and see the guard taking off his helmet, Kait's taken a set at a table with a skull and some bones placed on it.

Damean rips his hair free of the helmet, and stares over at the intruders. Kahna blushes a deep red, her mouth falling open for a second. Damean places the helmet on the table and closes his eyes, bracing for impact.

Kait twitches slightly, and then explodes "YOUR A TELEPATH?!?!?! WHEN THE HELL WHERE YOU GONNA LET ME IN ON THIS, HUH?!?! IM YOUR SISTER I NEED TO KNOW THESE THINGS!!!!"

he sighs, and opens his eyes, staring at her "I didn't tell you, because i knew you'd react like that. And excuse me, but when were you going to let me know that Nathan's courting you?"

Kait's eye widen, and she goes silent.

Damean "I heard some Privates talking about it......do you REALLY want to lead him on? Or is it because mum will never approve?"

Kait "What does it matter if she approves? and who says im doing that?"

Damean "It matters because she's still going to be around when you take the throne. And last i checked, Leading people on is what you do when you make them think they have a chance. You DO realize it can never work right?"

Kait "What are you talking about?"

Damean "You know full well what the King's position is in the royal family. The one upstairs is our biological father sure, but Mother ruled with others before him. She's made the mistake your going to make.....She fell in love, and made him King. Now when he dies she'll fall into a state of despair. you'll need to take the throne early, and find a suitable man to be your king, to foster the next generation of royalty. And of course, you being you, you'll choose your precious Nathan! When he dies, you'll die-inside."

She stares angrily at him, tears welling up in her eyes. His anger fades and he gives her a sympathetic look. "Im just worried about you. Tell him your not interested next time you two speak.....just tell him that....Captains can't have affectionate relationships with a member of their squad, er something....k?"

Kait stays silent, turning away from him. He sighs and sits down noticing the other three. "So....why did you freaks even come here?"

KP "WE'RE the freaks? at least our realms all have Sun's to keep our Moon's company!"

Damean "BLAH, blah blah." he puts his feet up on the table, and holds his arms behind his head, closing his eyes.

Zoe comes over and pushes Dameans feet off the table, snapping his eyes open. "We need your help."

Damean looks at her for a second "Why should i help you? I dont even help my SISTER most of the time!"

Zoe "Right, sure you dont-we need to talk to a 'Shamiroth'? Any ideas?"

Damean looks at her and over at Kait "So Zee, more things your hiding from me huh?"

Kait "This is MY mission, not yours, i dont need to give you ANY information!"

Damean breathes out heavily, looking back at the others-they've all come over and are sitting down at the table. "The Shamiroth is a kingly figure, leader of a bunch of Shadow Spirits in the Un-Temphs."

KP "Un-Temphs?"

Damean "Undergrounds temples shrowded in complete and utter darkness. Unless you want to be found and killed, having night vision is a must."

Zoe "But Zineb's royalty, if we go in there with her in our midst wouldnt they keep their distance?"

Damean laughs "Yeah, right! They were the original inhabitants of Mandorum, we came here and made buildings and life on top of their rocks. It was supposed ot work otu well-us living above ground, them living under it, they werent using the space anyway. But of course, the pompous morons decided they didnt want us ANYWHERE NEAR them. They've been waiting for a chance to start a war for a while. Killing off the princess heir would be a nice way of starting it."

KP "So then how are we gonna get in to talk to him?"

Damean "you ARENT. Shamiroth is the worst of the bunch. You're all gonna stay away from him and his little minions. I don't care WHAT your looking for, if all of you die a huge war will break out between all of our realms. Everyone will be eradicated EVERYWHERE." He gets up and puts his helmet back on, marching up toward the ladder. "I have to get back to duty, Nathan cant stand still, so he must be dieing up there right now." He climbs the ladder, and Kahna watches every second, eyes glazed over, still blushing.

They all sit in awkward silence for awhile, KP looks over at Kait, and puts a hand on her shoulder. Kaits head snaps up at her and she jerks free "What?"

KP "Nothing-just.....nothing."

Another silence. Kait "Well.....coming here was a complete waste."

Zoe "Not necessarily....." they all look up at her. "We could always disregard what Damean's told us....go anyway. We are descendants of the original Protectors afterall; being rebellious is what we do!" she smiles, hoping to lift their spirits. It ultimately works as a large and evily devious smile slowly forms on Kaits face. KP and Court smile too.

end.

Chapter 6: Vera's Blessing.

The four are standing outside a large Cave entrance, pillars and columns line the walkway. Kait walks forward, pushing the heavy metal gate open and walks inside. The others follow, and KP lights the passage with her staff. They all look back at her.

KP "If they come for us, they come for us. We'll worry about it if it happens."

they all smile and keep going. The trip is long and countless times they stop to look around, thinking they've heard something.

Finally they come to a set of hallways and rooms. They stop and lookc around. Kait chews her lip, staring down each hallway.

Court "where now, oh glorious leader?"

Kait "i.....I dont know, ok? I've never been down here before....."

Cronin "Zee?"

Kait looks to her right, and a small shadowy figure floats towards her, he's smiling goofily, and hugs her. "What are you doing here? Vampires aren't aloud in the caverns!"

Kait "We're looking for Shamiroth. do you know where he is?"

Cronin "Father? Why?"

Kait "Cronin, just trust me, we need to talk to him."

Cronin "I dont think that's possible....I'll go find him, go down that passage, you'll come ino his throne room. Guards can't attack you in there-too many valuables could get caught in the crossfire!" he floats off at a fast pace down the hallway he came from and they go down the hall he pointed out.

Zoe "Who was that?"

Kait "Cronin. I saved him from some of our guards when he came to the surface to explore. It was a few years ago..."

KP "And he's the kid of the 'Great and Fearsome' Shamiroth? Seriously, this guys credit is just dwindling away!"

"GET THEM!!!" a loud voice comes from behind them, and they spin around, seeing a group of shadow guards rushing down the hallway towards them.

Kait "RUN!!" they bolt down the hallway, the large doors coming closer. They get inside and come face to face with more guards. Kait pulls her sword out and puts in a ready position, but before she can do anything a booming voice shouts "STOP!"

The guards all vanish and the four look up at a large shadowy demonic figure. Cronin is floating next to him, smiling with relief.

Kait smiles gratefully and puts her sword back in its sheath.

Shamiroth "My son demanded that i let you all live. Why are you here, Princess?"

Kait walks forward, "We were told by a High wizard to talk to you about the 'Great Evil'....."

Shamiroth "Ahhh that...." he gives Kait a peculiar look and floats back towards a large curtain "Come."

They all exchange glances and follow him.

Shamiroth "Your people think i would kill you if you came anywhere near here....so i take it they dont know you've come?"

Kait "Of course not."

Shamiroth "Good, good. You not like the past queens.....too much like the first one."

He opens the curtains and they arrive in a large room full of weapon replicas, armour, suits, dresses, and countless antique items. A huge statue looms over everything in the middle of the room. The statue features a built woman roaring up at the sky, giant leathery wings spread out over her head, a giant sword in one hand and a huge shield in the other.

Their mouths drop open and Kait drops to the floor, kneeling in respect.

Shamiroth "The great Vera was one of the original forces used to lock him away. We're hoping that since you are a direct descendant of Vera, that you will take in the responsability of taking care of both sides of Mandorum. Your mother and queens before her have neglected us. Bring honour back to your people."

Kait stands up "I swear to you i will. I'll never follow in their footsteps."

Shamiroth "good." He grabs her wrist and it sizzles for second. She rips free and stares down at a blood red symbol on the bottom of her wrist.

Kait "Vera's Blessing..."

Shamiroth "You are now bound by your word, and are given free passage in the Caverns."

Kait ".....wow....."

KP "We still need information."

Shamiroth turns his gaze on her, and reaches his hand upward to a high shelf near the ceiling. An old scroll comes down to him and he hands it to them. "Go back to the castle, get some rest, and leave in the morning. Don't let anyone know you have this."

KP "what...is it?"

Shamiroth "A bit of help. You'll need a necromancer to translate it for you though. Keep it safe."

He fades and a boulder moves, moonlight streaming into the room.

End.

Chapter 7: Ziirav

Court, KP and Zoe are outside a door, standing in a long hallway. Court's knocking furiously, "C'mon Zee!!! We don't have all day!!!!" They wait another while and Court stomps her foot down again.

Damean comes around the corner and sees them, a look of surprise on his face. He comes over to them, holding his helmet in his arms "You're still here?"

Zoe "We're waiting for Zineb."

Damean "But she's not in there...."

Court "Then where is she!?"

Damean "In the courtyard. She broke it off with Nathan, and their fighting with sharp, pointy weapons to ease the pain." He marches off down the hallway, turning the corner.

The three are about to go down and see Zee, when she walks up and sees them "'Bout time. I've been training all morning, waiting for you guys!"

Court "Well we've been waiting for YOU all morning!"

Kait stares at her. "You suck at making sense. ANYWAY." She looks over at Zoe "Well?"

Zoe "OH, right...." <input portal word here>

The portal opens, its small and circular, glowing a bright blue with a circuit board design floating through it. She walks through and teh others follow, they come out on a sidewalk in a large city.

They look around in awe, mystified by the tall buildings and advanced technology. Zoe takes the lead heading down a street towards a tree filled area in the distance.

Zoe "Hurry up-maybe we can get into the woods before they know im back!"

Kait "Before WHO knows you're back?"

Zoe turns around looking up into teh sky, the others follow her gaze and their mouths drop open.

KP "What is that thing?" a large circular opject is floating above them, its very large and gusts of air protrude from underneath it. One very tall sir, in a tall hat is standing on it, with four other men, all clad in skin tight armour. They rush off the hovercraft and grab onto the four, brining them aboard.

They all struggle but Zoe breaks into ther minds. *Don't struggle, it just makes things worse.* They go still, letting the guards take them wherever their going.

<-- All in Head

Zoe "I guess you guys wanna ask about this huh?"

Kait "When were you gonna tell us that you're a wanted criminal!?"

Zoe "Who said I was that?"

Kait "Start explaining."

Zoe "No time, not right now."

---->

"We're here." They all look down at the large Dome of a building below them. The hovercraft is still heading forward, but it's sinking towards the earth as well.

It gets to a small platform and they're escorted off by the guards. They go inside, following the elven man in the tall hat down a long hallway. They come out in a large circular room, there are seven men sitting at a long rounded podium, elevated above everything else. The man in the middle stares down at them, there's a hint of disgust on his face.

Valfross "Princess, back so soon? You've barely been gone 2 weeks!"

A young boy-about their age-with straight, golden blonde hair and bright turqoise eyes suddenly looks up, seeing Zoe. His back straightens and a small blush enters his cheeks. Kahna smiles over at Zoe in an odd way, and Zoe rolls her eyes, stepping forward.

Valfross "Your mission is incomplete-AND compromised, it appears."

Zoe "High Chancellor Valfross, excuse my unannounced return. My mission is going well, but we were grouped together and sent back to our realms to-"

Valfross puts his hand up, a gesture of silence, and smiles like a Raptor "Princess," He drags the words out, as if trying to seduce her with them "No need for explanations." the blonde boy looks next to him, staring up at Valfross intently. He doesn't look happy. "You ARE the heir to the throne after all, excuses and words aren't really your forté."

The blonde boy says something under his breathe("Disrespectful Prick"). The council leader slaps him in the back of the head, hard.

Valfross "What was that m'boy?" The boy mumbles "I didn't here that." The boy looks up at him, his brows lower and come together.

Lucien "I said nothing. nothing at all, council head."

Valfross "Of course you didn't. Now princess, i'll let you go....do whatever it is princess types do, but keep those mongrels of yours under control." He smiles and ushers them out without even waitign for a response. They stand on the platform, all look uneasy and stare at Zoe.

Kait sits down on a nearby bench, Kahna sits next to her. "So. Do we have time for talk now?"

Kahna "Why were they so mean to you?"

KP "Not 'They'. Just that Valfross guy."

Zoe looks out over the platform, her lips are pressed tightly together, and she closes her eyes. "Not everything is sunshines and rainbows guys. And in politics, the people you want to lead the world, the people who can do so much good, rarely get in. If they do, it's always in low positions."

Kait "That doesn't explain the lack of respect for you. On Mandorum-"

Zoe "This isn't Mandorum....Or Klynora, or Flamea.....this is different. We have a council that decides everything-a government, instead of a court of Royals. The Royal Family is more for show than anything else. I'm a trophy, not a person."

They all go silent. The doors to the court house open and the blondey walks out. He looks like he's going to wrap Zoe in his arms, but she turns and leaves. His sympathetic smile dies almost immediately, and a look of worry sprints across his face. He rushes after her. "Ellie!"

KP "'Ellie'?" Kahna temps a smile and Kait shrugs.

Zoe stops, sitting down and swinging her legs out over a tall building that rests underneath the Council's Dome. She stares out over Ziirav and takes a long breathe. Lucien slows to a walk and sits down next to her. He doesn't touch her, but sits straight, eyes closed, breathing steadily.

Zoe looks up at him from her slump. The wind ruffles his hair, and the worry makes him look peacefully morbid. Zoe smiles slightly. *You're the embodiment of perfection for all my friends. But you just don't do it for me.*

Lucien *I know...*

Zoe *Then why do you keep trying?*

Lucien pauses, he opens his eyes and looks over at her. *I don't know.* He smiles and stands up. He sees the others coming and bows to them perfectly, walking back to the Domed Council Chambers.

Court "So.....Who's Cutey McModel over there?"

Zoe "That's Lucien. If the Royals were still in charge, there would have been an arranged marriage between us."

KP "That's not so bad-he seems to really care about you."

Zoe "He's just like his father. That's whats wrong with him."

KP "Who's his father?"

Zoe looks up. "High Chanceloor Valfross isnt the head of the Council. He's a runt, second in command, handles all the lesser problems." She points to a long screen situated on the side of a sky scraper. There's a tall man with turqoise eyes and a menacing stare. His white hair is combed perfectly to the side. "THAT's the council head. Luciens father, Supreme Chancellor Malthez."

KP "Scary guy..."

zoe "No kidding. Lucien's had a crush on me for years, he cares and he acts real sweet and innocent, but he isn't. I've seen the murderous traits of his father in him."

KP "Murderous?"

Kait "Literally, or-"

Zoe "Literally. You can see the thoughts running through his eyes-like when Valfross acted rude to me." She gets up and looks over at the four. "We should get going. The forest is dangerous at night."

end.

Chapter 8: The Bog-Shack

They set off into the woods, walking along a cobbled path. Many archers smile and bow as they pass.

KP "So you guys have a mix of technology and nature.....cool."

Zoe "It's not a mix. It's a war, and technology is winning."

KP "Well....uh...th-that sux..."

Zoe leads them into knee deep bogwater. It's brown and mushy. court stops and doesnt come anywhere near the bog. She stands on the edge, her arms folded across her chest and a pout across her face.

They stop and stare at her. KP "What's wrong?"

Court "I'm NOT going in there."

Zoe "Why not?"

Court "Its wet, and icky and it'll totally ruin my outfit!"

Kait "Oh thats it. your comin'!" she grabs Court around the waist and pulls her into the mush. They both topple into it, head first, it splatters all over KP and Zoe.

Kait gets up, laughing spaztically. KP and Zoe join in and Court stands up, the mud is all over her and Kait. She screams and they all cover their ears. It stops and she loocks down at her clothes.

Court "They're ruined!"

Kait "Oh lighten up."

Court "Me? You, miss Queen of Darkness, is telling ME to 'lighten up'?!"

Kait "Yeah, pretty much." She throws a fist full of mudd at courts face, then turns around and starts to walk in the direction Zoe was going. A bunch of mudd hits Kait in the back of the head. She turns around and looks at Court, who's got a huge smile on her face.

Court "If anyone knows balls, it's ME!" she stops and a huge shock of deep red comes across her face "No wait-that came out wrong!!" the others laugh at her and a mudd battle breaks out.

Zoe blocks some shots thrown her way, everyones laughing. She trips on a root and falls back into the bog water, covering herself more in mudd. She looks up and sees a shack hidden by the gunk she fell through.

Zoe "Uhh......guys?"

They all come over, peering into the small space. It's a cavern.

KP "Way to go Ellie!"

Kait "Yeah, you pulled a Kahna!"

Court "Hey! i havent tripped and found anything yet!" She marches forward into the cave, tripping over another stray root. "Ptoo! Scratch that..."

Zoe "Yeah, there are roots all over the place, try to be careful."

Court "You could've warned me beforehand!"

Zoe helps her up "sorry!"

KP slides some much over the way they came in.

Kait "What are you doing-thats just gonna block our exit!"

KP "It'd also keep the hermit who doesnt wanna be found happy, and in a mood other than KILL."

Kait "Right....good idea." They continue towards the shack.

Court "Why are we even going here?"

Zoe "Because Cameela is a swamp witch. It would make sense to stay by yourself in a bog-yknow, away from people can report you?"

Court "Ugh....this is so dumb."

KP and Zoe giggle and Kait rushes up to the house, knocking on the door.

Zoe " you're in a rush."

Kait "It's gettign dark, you said this place was dangerous when that happens."

Court "Chicken."

Kait "Idiot. Im being smart. I dont wanna get into any more fights-"

the door opens and a crack rings through the air, a flash sends Kait flying back into the mud.

court "What the heck was that?!"

KP "Magic." she rushes forward and into teh house. The door closes as Court comes in behind her. "Oh this is bad"

Kait gets up "What just happened?"

Zoe "Kahna and Kat went inside the shack."

Kait "And left us out here to fend for ourselves."

Zoe "Im more worried about them. Cameela is powerful."

inside the house, Kahna and Kat are standing in complete and horific silence. They look around.

KP "What should we do?"

Court "uuuuuhhhhhh-" She sees a hatch on the floor down the hallway "Floor Hatch! It must lead to a basement!" She runs over to it.

KP "Why should we go down there?"

Court "Have you never watched a horror movie?" KP stares at her "Well, the bad guy is always in the basement." She tugs at the hatch but it wont budge.

KP "It's blocked by a magic Barrier. I could disable it given some tim-"

Court "I got yer 'Magic Barrier' right HERE!" she blasts off a large fire ball. It hits the hatch and blows it to smithereens. KP looks at the charred remains "good job!" She goes down through the hatch, Court follows. They come across a woman leaning over a spellbook with a large cauldron on the floor. Theres steamy orange mush bubbling out of it.

She quickly looks up and shuts the book.

KP "Oh, no no. It's ok....we just ummm-"

Court "Your shack is eating our friends!"

Cameela "Oh goodness!" She slaps a wall near her "Dont eat people!" The shack gurgles and Kait and Zoe drop in on them. They get up, Kaits sword is still drawn and they both look horrified.

Cameela "Oh you poor dears! Jeffrey does that sometimes....im gonna have to get him fixed..."

Zoe "You wouldnt happen to be Cameela, would you?"

Cam "Yes-you've heard of me?"

Zoe "Well of course. Your the elven sorceress who went missing 12 years ago."

Cam "12 huh? It has been a long time, hasnt it?"

Zoe "Everyone thinks your dead."

Cam "Well good. I dont want those pompus snobs bothering me!" She laughs and sits down, four chairs materialize behind the girls. "Have a seat, girlies! I figure a wizard sent you for something.....important?" She smiles

zoe "Quardreer sent us. We need to know about the supposed 'Great Evil' thats recently broke out."

The smile fades. "He's an elf. His name is Cazath, he's the only one of his kind left."

KP "You guys are elves though..."

Cam "Cazath is a Karez,"

Zoe "An Ancient? But thats not possible. they were all wiped out by an army of Dragon Creatures."

Cam "By their own. One elf, with unimaginable power. You four are the new Protectors, yes?"

Kait "Well who else would we be?"

Cam "May Aeliive's barriers keep you safe. You won't survive....not against Him."

end.

Chapter 9: Klynora

Kait sits up, lookign over at Zoe. court is fast asleep but KP nudges her awake. They sit on the beds, and start getting ready to leave.

Kait "I find it strange that we havent seen your parents yet."

Zoe "you probably wont, considering the fact that we're leaving for Klynora now."

Court "Why do we have to leave so EARLY?!"

KP "It's 11 o'clock, how is that early?"

Court "Mreh..."She falls back on her bed.

KP "I have to warn you guys. My grandfather is WAY into parties and celebratory feasts. So when we get there, and he sees us all together, he'll probably call for one or both."

Kait "Yum. I'm liking your grandfather already."

KP "Yeah, he's great." <insert portal word here>

The portal opens up, its an oval with a sandy brown colour. Festive music is flooding in through it and everyone smiles and cheers up. They walk through only to stand in the middle of a torn down area. Everything is dead. The smiles fall from their faces.

Kait "Not what i expected." She puts her hands over her head and her skin starts to burn "DAMNIT!!!!"

KP "Shit!" She hits the pink orb at her side and magic floods out of her hands towards Kait. She's now incassed in a purple glow. "There. That should protect you from the suns rays."

Court "how come Zee didnt burn up in Ziirav?"

Zoe "Kahna, it was overcast the entire time we were there...."

Court ".....oh....."

They continue on "What did this, Kat?" zoe looks worried.

KP "I think i know...but its not possible, he's locked up."

A thin man with long black hair rushes up to KP, they hug. "Kat, your back! Your Grandfather will be so happy!"

KP smiles and then it fades "Alec, what happened here?"

Alec's eyes dim "The Metal-Eater got free, started spewing the stuff everywhere, ate through all our gear. It took the council to shut him down."

<----in the BG

Kait "does EVERY realm but Mandorum have a council?!"

Court "Pretty Much!"

------>

KP "Is he locked up again? will he get out again?"

Alec "Yes. he's been secured in a new location. We decided that keeping something like him here was a bad idea."

Kait "So then where IS this 'Metal-Eater' guy?"

Alec "A place where he can do no one anymore harm." They all exchange glances. "Now come! Shaal Cantsley(KP's grand dad) will be glad to see his new Protectors have arrived. Especialy, in the presence of his Granddaughter!" Alec leads the way out of the ruins and into a tropical, populated place. Numerous morphers are walking and greet them with a smile and bows.

Zoe "good to know Royalty is actually trusted here."

KP "It's a relief isn't it?"

They keep going untill they reach a large building made of the sand itself. Stone pillars line the walkway. They get inside, massive and detailed mozaics line the walls and floors. A river be runs through either side of the hallway.

Shaal "Granddaughter!" An old man is standing at the top of the staircase infront of them. He's wide set, with a long beard thats tucked into his belt. His hair poofs out from under a hood. He's with two other men of similar styles, one is tall and lanky, he looks humble and thoughtful. The other is pointy, with a strict face and straight back.

Kat runs up the stairs and embraces Shaal in a big hug. The two old guys leave and Shaal shows the girls to a large, black room. The only light comes from floating candles scattered throughout the room.

They sit down in the middle of the room, surrounding a small pit. Shaal stand at the Head of the group.

Zoe "You know why we're here"

KP "So who is he.....Cazath i mean."

Kait "What exactly did he do?"

court "And how do we fit into all this?"

end.

Chapter 10: The Protectors

Shaal "Cazath. The name sends shivers, yes?" They nod, and smile uneasily-all except Kait. He points to her. "You. You need to loosen your emotions."

Kait "I doubt that'll happen."

Shaal "you all must work together, any small emotional contact will help improve your abilities. If you are linked, fending off Cazath will be that much easier." He looks down at the pit. "Now, you should see the face behind the evil." He places his hands at shoulder height, stretched out over the pit, the room rumbles and a huge blast of yellow energy explodes from the pit. It engulfs everything in an unavoidable light. Shaal controls it with his hands, forming images of Dragons and undead creatres, theres an elf in the middle of the room.

He's tall and thin, with muscled arms. his face is long and pointed, and his fingers have an extra joint. His eyes are similar to the dragon's.

Shaal looks at teh girls, they stare on with glazed eyes.

Zoe "He IS an Ancient."

Shaal "Not as impossible as it seems, is it?"

Court "What about us?"

Shaal "You all play a more important role than you think."

Kait "Oh great, so we're like....'Chosen Ones' er somethin'?"

KP "No. We're descendants, right grandpa?"

Shaal "Precisely. Descendants of the original Protectors."

Kait "Why didnt they succeed? Why is Cazath still alive, they should've done away with him!"

Shaal "It is not our way to kill those with such power. At least it wasnt." He looks regretful, and the mist clears. "The past protectors locked him up so as to find a cure for his madness."

Zoe "But no cure came."

Kait "You can't cure stupid, or evil, or different. What were they thinking."

Shaal "What makes you tihnk they were acting of their own minds? They were messangers of the people, they worked for what their rulers wanted."

Kait "So basically, this is all the fault of the Councils!" she smiles, and the others stare.

Shaal smiles "The councils weren't installed untill later. The 5 Protectors-"

Zoe "4." Everyone pauses. "The texts say 4, so do all the elders and ancient writings."

Shaal "My dear, The Milky Way, that entire universe of space that Earth resides in is a realm in itself. One of 5 protectors from the most powerful realms of existance. The texts lie."

As he says this he motions with his hands, and five figures appear before him. "Aeliive, Aurelle, Vera, Habibah....and Damien."(I DONT KNOW WHY THATS HIS NAME. ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING THERE IS ALREADY A DAMEAN IN THIS SERIES WTF YOUNGER ME.)

Court "Why does that guy look so familiar?

Kait(under breathe) "He looks like Petro..."

KP "So....why would the texts lie? Why have you kept this from me!"

Shaal "...We felt that telling you before he escaped would result badly."

KP "You knew he'd escape?"

Shaal "Our Se'ers did, yes."

Zoe "So why are you telling us this now?"

Shaal pauses "You will be going back to Earth soon, yes?"

Court "AFTER we go to Flamea!"

Shaal "Then you must find out everything. At least everything we can offer you. I can't discuss it at length, but you must travel to Yarshov and seek out Cazath's cell. Try to locate any clues as to how he escaped-and dont be found out."

KP "but-"

Shaal "Leave in the morning."

end.

Chapter 11: Break In

They're in their room-sections divided for them-getting ready for their next day.

Court "Is it just me or is everyone we talk to scared of Cazath?"

Kait "No shit Kahna. He brutally killed off his own people."

Zoe "im more disturbed that no one is giving us complete answers. It's like they dont trust us."

KP "Maybe they dont."

Everyone goes silent.

KP "I mean, look at us! We're kids, we cant even get along with eachother most of the time. how are we supposed to fend off a great and powerful evil like Cazath? Can anyone?"

They stare at their feet, still silent. They look over at Kait, she has her thinking face on and chews her bottom lip.

Zoe "Whats wrong?"

Kait "That redhead...The 5th Protector...Damien....he....he reminds me of Petro."

No one says anything "I know.....it sounsd stupid, but they look so similar...."

Court "Maybe its just a coincidence?"

Kait "Its not. Quan didnt tell us about him and theres a reason why."

KP "We'll worry about that when we get back to Earth. For now we have to find a way into Yarshov."

Zoe "Quan said something about your brother, Zee?"

court "Cant we do this on Flamea?"

Kait "No. I dont even wana go there, Damean definately wont show."

Court "Well hes gonna have to. hes part of the Royal Family, and the Princess Ball is in a few months!"

Kait "bleck."

KP "So how are we gonna get ahold of ihm?"

Kait "already have. He'll be waiting for us there."

They sit down-two to a bed-and clasp hands.

Court "What are we doing?"

Zoe "Opening the portal to Yarshov. We cant get there unless we work together though.

They all close their eyes and focus, then they opent eh portal. Its dark, rusty red, and screams are heard from the other side. They stand up and file through the portal.

They come out the other side to see Rusty red grit below them. They look up to see a huge metal gate, a large black, grey and red building and a lone man in a purple, hooded cloak. The sky crackles with thunder.

Damean turns around and comes toward them, "Where have you been? I've stood here for 30 minutes, WAITING! Do you honestly think i have this time to waste?"

Kait "Oh please-You'd probably just use your breaks to hit on chicks who don't know better-Like Kahna!" Court's face turns red immediately, and she gets really shy.

Damean "UGH-it doesnt matter!" He throws them each a cloak similar to his own "Put these on and follow me." He walks up to the gates and slides something from a pant pocket swiping it through a detector. The heavy doors creak open and the five-sum walk through and up the path towards the Prison Complex.

Guards in spikey, closed off armor let them through without a glance. They go down a long hallway and down flights of stairs. They finally go to an area called "Block 11-D" underneath is a sign saying "Danger, Do Not Pass". They go into 11-D and head to the end of the hallway each cell is blocked by lazorgrids and a thick metal door.

They get to the end of the hallway and turn to the cell on the right. The lazors are off and the door is bent and scorched, placed at an odd angle. KP stops them from moving.

KP "Don't go in, not yet." She takes off a ring and holds it in her fisted palm, touching the pink orb at her hip. The ring grows into a staff and she holds it out infront of her, scanning the room. "You can go now, just try not to move anything." They go in, KP is still processing.

As soon as Zoe crosses the threshold, her hands fly to her head, and she closes her eyes. Court and Kait spin around.

Court "OMG!"

Zoe "Guh-" She backs out of the room, Damean helps her, and gets her focus back. "Magic. Definately magic-not Cazaths, this feels like.....like I dunno, but its not wizardry."

KP opens her eyes "Blac Magic. Its Shamans work, not clan either. Earthling."(oooooh boy me. yikes)

They all stare at eachother, feeling the tension wash over them. Kait stares around the room, everything is charred and melted, things are half stuck in walls and portions of the cell are gone. "A human did this?"

end.

Chapter 12: Flamea

Court reaches her hands out and speaks the portal word(TRAHOOLAMUNGAH!), it opens up just as Damean's Mandorum portal does. Thei still inside the complex. He goes through and it shuts behind him. Then the four walk into Flamea-after putting another protection around Kait of course.

The portal is a fiery red, and gusts of warm air pour out of it. Flamea is very warm, grounds of orange grass and cobblestone roads. Carriages help fairies get to and fro. There are volcanoes in the distance and forests of orange and red trees spread throughout.

They hail a carriage and get in.

Kait "Why do you have wagons carrying you everywhere? Your a fairy, you people can fly!"

Court "Flying is like running, it gets hard and stupid after awhile!"

Kait "Uh huh.....how the HELL did you people resist our forces for so many years?!"

They get out and walk up towards a giant marble castle, it looms over everything and has vast gardens lined up infront of it. They go inside, walking up the stairs and heading to the back of the building. They descend a humongous pair of stairs into the back gardens, white fowers are everywhere.

Kait whispers to Zoe and KP "Did someone die?" they giggle and court runs out towards a man and woman. She huges them enthusiastically. They're both in white. "Mom, Dad, I'm back! It's just for a night, but im BACK!"

Kait whispers again "why are we even here? Quan said that Aurelle wouldnt help us!"

KP "The night before we left, she got a lettre from her parents."

Court "So, whats going on?"

Zoe "Everythings decorated in white and faded pinks-this must mean something good."

The kind and queen glance at eachother, smiling happily. "Your brothers getting married!"

Court stares blankly for a second. "T-to who?"

They look over towards a young, beautiful man with sandy brown hair, He's in a white suit, standing next to a shapely, gorgeous woman with a cheerful smile. They're holding hands.

Court "I-i.....think....thats......GREAT..!!! I....I have to go show them to they're rooms...." she runs up towards them and drags them up the stairs and inside. She rushes into a humongous room the size of Cameela's shack and flops down on a huge bed near some windows.

KP "Kahna, is something wrong?"

Court "EVERYTHING IS!!! I get a lettre from my parents talking about good, happy news, and then i find out my brother is going to wed the girl i hate!"

Zoe "She seems ni-"

Court "STOP! Everytime someone says that, that person ends up being NOT NICE! So shuttup. nothing is going to make this better."

KP "Well....if you arent happy here, we could always go see if we can contact Aurelle!"

court "I guess.....At least it would get me away from my brother and his stupid bride-to-be."

end.

Chapter 13: Aurelle's Altar

They're standing outside a small temple, made of marble as well. They walk inside and head for the large altar in the center of the room. Court goes towards it and claspses her hands together, closing her eyes. The others stand back.

Kait "Do either of you know the Flamean prayers?"

Zoe "Nope."

KP "uh-uh."

Kait "I dont know them in english, and i wouldnt be able to speak the fairy language, but ive heard it in war."

They both look at her. Theres no anger on her face, almost regret. There's a huge silence and nothing happens. Court opens her eyes.

Zoe "Well?"

court ".....Nothing. aurelle isnt answering, she must be busy with something..."

Kait "Or someONE."

KP "That sux....we'll have to come back later, its getting dark and we have to get back to Earth in the morning."

end.

(wait that was a chapter? me. thats nothing. cmon now)

Chapter 14: Ambush

Their back in the garden, with joint hands

KP "OK, dont think about anything but Earth, the portal should take us back to the place we left." They all close their eyes and open the portal. Its a misty blue with green and white shocks. They smile and walk through, only to end up in a cave.

Right before them is a metallic, two-headed snake - its blasting an acidic, green-yellow liquid at a metal door. A man in a dark cloak is standing behind it, a smile on his face.

Cazath "Just a bit more. We'll have the amulet once your through." He looks over at them "ahhh....the new protectors, so young and breakable." He lifts a hand towards them and they all go flying back.

They hit the wall hard, and Cazath points his opened hand at the portal, clenching hard. It closes abruptly, and he smiles, holding his arms behind his back. He comes towards them at a slow, gentle pace, Elegantly drifting over the rocks and rubble in his path.

Cazath "I've been expecting you."

They sit up, looking at him with fear. Kait puts on an angry face and draws out her sword, barelling towards him, yelling.

He steps aside, gripping her left arm and lifting her up into the air. At the same time, his other arm comes toward her, fast. Energy pushes her back into the wall, small cracks are heard. She falls and lies limp on the floor. The others go over to help her.

Cazath laughs "Really, I was hoping for something more impressive."

Zoe turns her head to look at him, her eyes glowing. His eyes light up and the background fades, as well as everyone else. Zoe stands up slowly "You're a telepath."

Cazath "All the Ancients are. We have immense power, you and I."

Zoe "But I'm not-"

Her eyes widen and roll back in her head, she crashes to the ground. Court is about to attack, but KP stops her.

Cazath "Smart girl. You all need more practice." He walks back over towards the metal door, which has been melted, motioning with his hand. A small pouch comes out and lands in his hand, fabrics and clothing, other trinkets(Talismens, rings, etc.) Float out and file onto his arms and into a pouch at his side. "I'll let you go this time, and possibly next time to."

KP "Next time?"

Cazath smirks "Hm. Of course. It'll be much too soon for any of you to reach my levels of power." He turns, the snake following him. Then he opens up a huge portal, to a grey, destroyed world. "But after that. Well....I won't be holding back." He gracefully walks through the portal. It closes behind him.

They sit in the dark cave, staring blankly out infront of them. The four exchange worried glances.

end.

Chapter 15: The Amulet

Kait is sitting in History, sketching in her notebooks; swords, warriors in-fight, Cazath. Someone behind her pokes her back with a pencil, she turns slightly, seeing Petro giving her a look.

<-- Whispers

Kait "What?"

Petro "you OK? You look horrible."

Kait "Gee thanks. And again, why do you care?"

Petro "W-why does that matter? And honestly, I think i have the right to know if one of my goths been beat up." He motions to the bruises and cuts on her skin, then looks over at Zoe, KP and Court, who are similarly messed up. "What exactly were you guys doing last week?"

Kait blanks, eyes wide *Gotta lie...but what do I say?*

Someone taps abruptly on Kaits desk with a ruler. Petro whitens, quickly going back to scribbling down notes. Kait spins around, staring directly at Mr. Quan. He looks angry "If your going to talk in my class, at least do it discreetly." He marches back up to the front of the room, continuing his lecture on Queen Elizabeth.

Kait turns back to Petro "Now look what you-" she stops, staring at a large amulet strung around Petros neck. "When did you-"

the bell rings and they all file out.

Whispers -->

Petro gets up and heads out of the class, seemingly not having heard Kait. She gets up and runs after him, passing by a confused Zoe, KP and Court. They follow her and catch up in mid-conversation.

Petro "It was in a package on my bed. I woke up and it was just there!" He's still wearing it, sliding his fingers over the surface, and the odd purple crystal in the centre.

KP "You should take that off. You dont know who it belongs to-" He spins to looks at her.

Petro "It's mine. My name was on the box, no return address."

KP "Still, it's just weird that-"

Petro "It's just a trinket. Leave it be." He shuffles the papers under his arm, throwing his backpack over his shoulder. He spins on his heel and walks down the hallway.

Zoe "huh, that went well."

Court "No it didnt." Zoe gives her a look.

Kait "What was that all about?" she looks over at KP suspisciously.

KP "I've seen that thing before, its-"

Quan "Girls. I need to speak with you."

They look at eachother and walk back into the history class.

Court "Whats up?"

Quan "I'm leaving for a bit....a bit before Halloween....Some business back home. I'll be gone for a month, be on your toes."

They stare at him oddly. "Oh.....and might i suggest keeping an eye on Petro? He's been acting strange lately, and my senses are.....well somethings going to happen. Keep your eyes open."

Court salutes "Will do."

end.

Chapter 16: Halloween

court wakes up to knocks at her door. She sleepily gets up and heads for the door, opening it to three masked figures who yell "Boo!". She screams, slamming the door. A few seconds pass, and another knock comes.

KP "Court? It's just us!"

Court "Thats what the monsters always say!"

Kait "Open up flame-butt, or i'll kick your door down."

She opens it, the three are holding the masks in there hands, smiles on their faces-except for Kait.

Court "Why are you all dressed up funny?"

Kait "A famous human tradition-popular on Mandorum and Klynora."

Zoe "It's just starting on Ziirav."

KP "HALLOWEEN!!!" She throws her arms in the air enthusiastically.

Court "Hallo-what?"

Kait "We'll explain on the way."

Court "The way where?"

KP "To the Pizza Place! So Dress up!"

~~~~~~~~~~~

They walk down the street, closing in on the small Pizza place.

Zoe "If you dress up for Halloween, you get free meals. Apparantly they do this every year."

Court "Cool. Wheres the creeper? This seems like his kind of holiday."

Kait "He's gone for the week. He'll be back on friday."

Court "Awww, poor muffin!"

Kait "Shuttap! I dont even care." she looks away from them, crossing her arms. They all go inside, sitting down at a booth in the corner.

Kait looks over at KP "You never finished talking about that amulet."

KP "Right.....that. I've seen it before in an old history book back home. There was something important about it....something dark...."

Zoe "Isnt it dangerous for mortals to be around dark magic too long?"

Court "Very. Sometimes they explode." They stare at her "...what? Its totally a fact!"

Kait "Whatever. Fact is, it needs looking into-especially with how it just randomly showed up."

Zoe "I'm more interested in what Cazath picked up in that cave-the thing in the pouch. And when our next meeting will be."

Kait "Well, one things for sure. Cazath knows much more than we do, and he's in complete control."

end.

Chapter 17: Disaster

Their sitting in math, last period. The announcements sound "Dont forget-the halloween dance is tonight from 7 to 11:30, best costume wins the grand prize!"

The bell rings and they leave, grouping up.

KP "You guys going to the dance? Sounds like fun."

Kait "I dunno." Everyone else is going. KP stops and turns around

KP "Why not?"

Kait "There wouldnt be anything to do. Besides, i dont dance."

They walks down the hallway and hear a student talking on a cell phone. He's standing at the office and they almost walk right past him. Kait stops abruptly and stares at him. His eyes glaze over her, and then come to attention.

Petro "Kait! Hey!"

Kait blushes slightly and waves back, the others turn around "Hi...."

He picks up his backpack and suitcase, heading for the dorms.

Kait "Where were you?"

Petro "Uhh....." He spots a poster for the dance "Hey! You going? It's usually pretty corny, but no teachers guard the hallways, so you can pretty much do whatever you want!"

Court "Oooo, Secrets. Never a good sign in a relationship."

Zoe rolls her eyes "We need to talk about that amulet of yours." She puts an arm on his shoulder and automatically pulls back, holding her head. She grabs KP's arm and they both stare at him.

Kait "you should probably go unpack-"

Petro "Annnnd?"

Kait "...and....ill go. But im gonna beat you up if nothing interesting happens."

He laughs "Well, alright then!" and heads down the hallway, around the corner.

Zoe "Ok, who saw it?"

Court "Saw what?"

Kait "Ya, what just happened?"

KP "His aura is black-its already being tainted by that amulet."

Later.

They enter a side entrance, passing by the gym with its pounding music. Court and KP run off to dance, and Zoe and Kait keep walking.

Zoe "So. Whats up with you and Moyaz?"

Kait "Whattya mean?"

Zoe "He seems pretty into you."

Kait "Whats your point?"

Zoe "Why dont you at least give him a chance? Ive heard earthlings have low morals-could be fun."

Kait "Thats the thing....He's a lowly human. Do you realize what might happen if anything starts up between us?"

Zoe "Kinda what i wanted to talk to you about....I dont think hes human."

Kait "What?"

zoe "I heard multiple voices in his head-one sounds like a demon."

Kait "But that makes no-"

People scream, running down the hallway and out the front doors.

Kait "What the...?" A white barrier of magic forms over the front doors, engulfing every possible escape route. A long, big two-headed snake slides around the corner.

Kait "thats Cazaths snake!"

Zoe "Its looking for something."

Kait "Cazath mustve blocked the exits-"

Zoe "Go find Petro, make sure hes alright."

Kait "Why? He can fend for himsel-"

Zoe "Remember what Quan said? We have to keep an eye on him. I'll go get Kat and Kahna-GO!"

Kait runs off down the hallway, and focus shifts to Court and KP. The white barrier melds over the doors to the outside and people are screaming, running around in the hallways. Zoe comes in just as KP runs off.

Zoe "Where is she going?!"

Court "To go check on the goth-"

Zoe "But-oh nevermind! One of them will find him. C'mon, lets make sure no ones hurt!"

Switch to KP. Shes running down a hallway, opening doors and listening for him. She feels his presence and sneaks into a room, looking around. Hes dressed in all black, with a long cloak draped over everything, fiddling with something on the desk infront of him. She closes the door, and quietly walks over to him, placing a hand on his shoulder. He spins around.

KP "What are you doing?"

Petro "Oh, its you." He turns around again, and puts down a screwdriver, picking up a small black box and shaking it. "You ever wonder what the principal keeps in here?"

KP "NO! Now lets go, there are...weird things in the hallways attacking the school-we have to get outside!"

Petro "'Weird things'? You have got to be-" Something makes a noise outside the door "Oh Shit!" he grabs her and they duck under the desk. A hissing noise gets louder, and soon something slithers into the room. They hear a mans voice.

Cazath "Not in here, my pet? Well keep looking. If you find any of the girls, kill them, but leave the boy for me." Footsteps.

The slithering comes closer and a drop of acidic liquid drops from the snakes mouth, hitting the desk and melting through it. It hits the floor in between KP and Petro and they make a surprised sound, the snake fixes on them, strikign the table. They bolt from under it and run out the door, keeping pace perfectly.

KP *how is he keeping up!?*

They run around the corner and stop.

Petro "What the hell was that thing-whats going on!?"

KP "Nothing-I dunno, i....."

She looks past Petro, the snake is right behind him. It moves its head from side to side, staring down at his hooded head. KP's mouth drops open, she backs up and Petro catches on, turning around slowly. The snake lowers its head and breathes steam through its nostrils.

Petro "Uh.....hiya...hows it goin'?" It knocks into him, gently pushing him to the groun. "Hey-WATCH IT!"

The snake stabs Petro in the shoulder with the end of its tail. Then it sprays acid at KP, she bolts away down the hallway. It follows, leaving Petro, struggling with a large spike of poison on the floor. He pulls it out, slowly rolling over onto his stomach. He clutches at his shoulder, his head spins.

Petro "Gah-aaahhh.....Jesus!"

KP runs into Kait, who has Zoe and Court with her. The snake comes around the corner, its rushing towards them. Kait grips at her side, a sword hilt is hanging there, when she grabs it and pulls it free, the purple metal generates and she runs towards the snake.

She swings that sword and brings it up through the snakes head. It hisses and explodes into light. The light travels back down through the hallway.

Kait "What the hell is going on here?"

KP "Cazath is here. He's looking for someone-a guy."

Court "Wheres Moyaz? Arent you guys supposed to find him!?"

KP "Hes back down the hallway. I had to lead the snake-thing away from him. It hit him with something-c'mon!" They run back down the hallway, Kait lands on her knees next to Petro, rolling him over and placing his head on her lap. She strokes his hair, moving it from his face, then touches the circular gash in his shoulder. The skin is black in the immediate area, and fades to a sickly green. "Its poison....."

Cazath "Right you are." They all go flying back. Petros head hits the floor and he wakes up "Ahh. So this is the boy ive been hearing so much about." he stares down at Petro, he looks quite pleased. Cazath walks over to him, motioning with his hand, telekenetically pulling Petro up off the ground "Funny. You look just like him. It's quite fascinating."

Kait "Let him go!"

Cazath "Im afraid i cant do that."

Petro grips Cazaths arms, kicking him in the face. He falls to the floor and Cazath clutches his face. Petro moves his leg at Cazaths ankles, sending him falling to his side.

Kait rushes forward and grabs Petro, they head off down the hall. They get far enough away and stop. Petro slides to the floor, Kait crouches next ot him "You ok?"

Petro "Ahh.....I feel like ive been run over with a freight train.....ah-twice...."

Kait "Just give it time. It should fade from your system in a few hours."

Petro "Im gonna puke"

Court "Ew-Please dont!"

He tilts his head back, closing his eyes. "How do you all know that guy?"

Kait "Uhhh...-"She looks to the others for help.

Suddenly the girls are sent hurling down the hallway and Cazath comes up next to Petro. He opens a portal and grabs Petro by the arm, thrusting him through it. He smiles at the four and leaves.

Kait "NOOO!" She runs towards the portal but it closes. She haults to a stop and leans against the wall, punching it and sliding down onto her knees.

end.

Chapter 18: Quan Returns

Their in kaits room. Shes lying on her back on the bed, hugging a pillow to her chest. KP is sitting on the edge, everyone is silent, not knowing exactly how to comfort her.